Sally Jones
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I hear you—vet visits for non-emergencies can add up fast! Online vet consultation services can be a great option for minor concerns, general advice, or even getting a second opinion without the hefty in-person exam fee. If your pet has a specific issue, like skin problems or mild GI troubles, an online vet can give guidance on treatment options or what to watch for before heading to the clinic. They won’t replace hands-on care, but they can help you decide if a clinic visit is really necessary.
See our reviews of the best online veterinarian services for some of our top recommendations. Many offer chat, text, and video sessions with variable prices and availability. But they are more affordable than an in-person vet visit. I hope this helps!
Hi Rach,
The whole “alpha dog” idea actually comes from outdated research on captive wolves back in the 1940s. Those studies, which looked at unrelated wolves forced to live together, showed a lot of dominance struggles. But later research on wild wolves—like David Mech’s 1999 study—found that real wolf packs are more like families, with parents guiding their young instead of fighting for dominance. Even more importantly, dogs aren’t wolves. Studies show they don’t form strict pack hierarchies at all (Bradshaw et al., 2009). So trying to be the “alpha” doesn’t really make sense for training a pet dog.
Modern research backs positive reinforcement training over dominance-based methods. Studies show that harsh corrections, like leash jerks or alpha rolls, can actually make dogs more fearful or aggressive (Herron et al., 2009). On the flip side, reward-based training builds trust and results in better long-term behavior (Hiby et al., 2004). So next time your relatives tell you to “assert dominance,” you can hit them with the science: treating dogs with patience and positive reinforcement isn’t being soft—it’s actually the best way to train them.
Here are some links to back it up:
Hi Rach,
That’s awesome that your daughter is starting a dog walking business! Yes, professional dog walkers should absolutely have liability insurance—it helps protect them if anything unexpected happens while caring for a client’s dog. Most policies cover injuries to the dogs in their care, injuries caused by the dog (like if they bite someone while on a walk), and property damage claims against them.You’ll also want to look into bonding, which is a type of insurance that protects your customers against any losses caused by the contractor (the walker). Also called employee dishonesty insurance, bonding protects clients from financial losses due to theft or fraud by the pet walker or their employees. Purchasing a pet-sitting bond is an excellent business practice. It helps assure potential clients that you’re trustworthy and you won’t abuse your access to their home or the well-being of a family member.
I recommend Pet Care Insurance, but there are several options out there. If she plans to use an app like Rover or Wag, they provide some coverage, but it’s usually limited, so having her own policy is a smart move. It might also be worth checking if local laws require insurance and bonding for dog walkers in your area.
Check out my guide on dog walking insurance and bonding to learn more. Best of luck with her new business!
Hi Fire Dan, Finding safe and tasty treats for a diabetic dog can be tricky! Since keeping blood sugar stable is the main goal, I’d recommend sticking with low-carb, high-protein options. Some great choices include:
- Lean meats (boiled chicken, turkey, or even freeze-dried meat treats)
- Low-glycemic veggies like green beans, cucumber slices, or zucchini
- Small amounts of berries (like blueberries or raspberries) if your vet says fruit is okay
- Homemade treats using ingredients like pumpkin (plain, not pie filling) or coconut flour
If you prefer store-bought options, look for treats high in lean protein, low in fat and calories, and avoid ones with fillers like corn, wheat, or sugary additives. I’ve heard some diabetic dog owners swear by single-ingredient treats like freeze-dried chicken or salmon. See my reviews of the best treats for diabetic dogs for some specific product recommendations and other tips about giving your diabetic dog treats.
Also, it’s always a good idea to check with your vet before introducing anything new, just to make sure it fits your pup’s specific needs. Hope this helps!
Hi Batdad, First, it’s important to know that these companies only test for intolerances or sensitivities rather than IgE (Immunoglobulin E) allergic reactions. Most at-home dog allergy tests use hair strand analysis to determine food or environmental items that could be causing your pup’s symptoms. There’s no scientific evidence that this method is accurate. However, some of these tests (5 Strands and My Pet Health Store) get many positive reviews from customers.
Nutriscan uses saliva analysis that measures antibodies to 24 primary foods, and their testing method showed promising results in two clinical trials. The drawback with Nutriscan is that it’s limited to few foods and no environmental factors and it’s very expensive. I encourage you to read my article on the best at-home dog allergy tests to learn more. I hope this helps!
That’s so exciting – German Shepherds are incredible dogs! Their grooming needs depend a bit on their coat length, but whether they have a short or long coat, all have a thick undercoat. And they shed a lot. A good de-shedding tool and slicker brush are must-haves to manage their double coat, especially during shedding season. If your pup ends up with a longer coat, a metal comb will help prevent tangles and mats, particularly around the ears and hind legs.
German Shepherds need brushing at least three times every week (and daily during your dog’s twice-yearly shedding periods that occur in the spring and fall) to keep their coat healthy and reduce fur tumbleweeds around your home. You’ll also need to bathe your pup every 2-3 months with a mild dog shampoo. I recommend an anti-shedding shampoo for GSDs.
Other essentials: nail clippers or a grinder and ear-cleaning wipes to prevent infections. And don’t forget to brush your GSD’s teeth regularly to avoid dental disease. See our grooming tips for more information. I hope you enjoy your new furry family member!
As long as Bentley isn’t showing any signs of aggression, you have absolutely nothing to worry about. Your friend’s beliefs are a common misconception about dogs and tug-of-war. In fact, studies have shown that this game doesn’t contribute to aggression or dominance issues in dogs. Tug-of-war has a lot of benefits for dogs, including providing mental and physical stimulation, encouraging a closer bond between you and your pup, easing anxiety, and building confidence. For times when you can’t fully engage with Bentley, you may want to consider these interactive dogs toys. It sounds like Bentley would love some of these!
Raw diets are a hot topic in the pet world. Some people swear by them for better coat health, digestion, and energy levels, while others warn about bacterial risks and nutrient imbalances. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) discourages feeding any raw or undercooked animal-sourced protein (e.g., meat, poultry, fish, egg, milk) to dogs and cats because of their risk to human and animal health. And while there haven’t been any cases in dogs thus far, several cats have died in the U.S. after contracting bird flu from eating raw cat food products.
Read our reviews of the best raw dog food delivery services to learn more about frozen raw or freeze-dried raw dog food and see our recommendations for some trusted brands. If you decide to go raw, it’s a good idea to first discuss this with your veterinarian to determine if it’s a safe, healthy diet for your pup’s medical concerns. If you’re unsure, a high-quality kibble or fresh dog food could be a safer middle ground.
Hi Jessica! I have the same problem with my dog. Every time it snows or rains, my backyard is like a mud pit. I do a couple of things. First, I use a dog paw washer cup (see some of our best recommendations) to remove most of the mud. Just dip your pup’s paws in the cup and wipe them off with an old towel. That doesn’t always remove all of the mud, so sometimes I also follow up with some dog paw wipes. It is time consuming but better than having your house caked in mud. Good luck!!
Hi Rach, Dogs can act “off” for many reasons, including boredom, stress, or subtle health issues. It could be that your pup isn’t getting enough physical exercise and mental stimulation. Signs of insufficient exercise include restlessness, destructive behavior, or excessive barking. Most dogs need at least 30–60 minutes of exercise daily, but high-energy breeds may require more.
Also, does your pup have a variety of engaging toys and plenty of positive time with you? Changes in behavior, appetite, or sleep could indicate a deeper issue, so if it persists, a vet visit might help rule out medical concerns.
You’re right, they’re pretty low-maintenance, but there are a few key things to keep up with. Their adorable face wrinkles need regular wiping to prevent irritation, and their big ears can collect dirt, so a quick clean weekly helps. See my article on the best wipes for dogs to find fast pet-safe cleaning solutions. They really only need a monthly bath, and brushing them once or twice a week helps with shedding. Keep your puppy’s nails trim, and brushing their teeth every day is important because Frenchies are prone to early-onset dental disease. With a little routine, your pup will stay happy and healthy!
Fun idea!! There are a few products out there that are made specifically for pets and 100% non-toxic. A trusted brand, OPAWZ has a Semi-Permanent Dog Hair Dye made with food-grade pigment. However, it washes away in 6-12 washes. If you don’t want your pup to be red or pink for that long, another option is Critter Color, which you can remove in 2-3 washes. However, Critter Color isn’t as vibrant and rubs off on stuff in your home.
Hi Gus Gus, Based on my extensive research into dog supplements and vitamins, most dogs don’t need a multi-vitamin supplement as long as they’re eating a dog food that meets AAFCO guidelines. However, there are a many other supplements available. I give my pup, who’s 13 years old and has minor signs of arthritis, a daily joint supplement, and I’ve noticed that it helps his mobility. I also give him CBD treats before fireworks and a looming thunderstorm. They help calm him down a bit.
Hi Frankie, Was your dog leash trained? If so, there could be several reasons he’s all of a sudden stopping in front of you — it could be fear or anxiety about something that may have disturbed him on a previous walk. Another reason could be that he’s anticipating the walk being over (especially if it happens around the same place every time). On the other hand, he could be tired and wanting to take breaks. Even if you had previously leash trained him, you may want to take another stab at it to remind him what you expect of him. If you still can’t get to the bottom of it, it’s a good idea to consult your vet to make sure there isn’t an underlying medical reason for this change in behavior. Good luck!
Hi MichaelJ – I’ve been following the grim situation in Los Angeles for weeks now. I think the best use of your support is to donate money to the local rescue organizations in LA. The Pasadena Humane Society has taken in at least 610 animals since the fires broke out on January 7 and has been going into affected neighorhoods to feed pets still there. Here’s another source for you about other reputable organizations helping pets in this diffucult situation.
