Sally Jones
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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.
Hi Rach, They’re both fantastic breeds and are similar in some ways in their happy, easy-to-please temperament. First off (not surprising), English Cocker Spaniels aren’t nearly as popular in the U.S. as American Cocker Spaniels. But the preference comes down to each breed’s characteristics. In terms of activity, generally English Cocker Spaniels are more active and need more exercise than their American counterparts. They’re also larger than the American breed. See our comparison of American vs. English Cocker Spaniels to learn more differences and similarities.
Hi Rach, purebred Dachshunds have a lot of potential hereditary health problems. While some typically don’t occur until later in their lives (such as intervertebral disc disease, arthritis, and cataracts), many can happen earlier in their lives, e.g., ear infections, hypothyroidism, bladder stones, gum disease, and more. So it’s wise to consider getting pet insurance before any health problems start b/c pet insurance doesn’t cover pre-existing conditions. See our recommendations for the best pet insurance for Dachshunds to learn more.
Hi Rach, A little bit of white or yellow-tinged mucus is can be normal in dogs. But if the mucus has increased and your pup is straining more than usual, she could be somewhat constipated. Plain, canned pumpkin or another home remedy for constipation may do the trick. Still, it’s a good idea to contact your vet in case it’s a sign of another health problem — especially if she continues to have mucus and is straining to poop.
Our family dog in Richmond, Va., was a Scottish Terrier. Even though he had a thick double coat, he would get quite cold in the winter. A dog coat was a must. Given your new climate, you may want to consider a different breed. See our article on the 26 best cold weather dog breeds for some other to consider (although it does include the lesser-known Tibetan Terrier!).
Hi GoHawks! For temperatures below 20F, it’s a good idea to keep walk time to a minimum. Dogs can develop hypothermia and/or frostbite when outside for extended periods of time. Your pup’s thinner coat is also a good reason to protect her from frigid weather. Investing in a doggy coat and boots can help a lot — and even extend your walks if your pup loves them. See our reviews of the best dog boots and coats for winter for some top products to consider. Stay warm!!
Hi Frankie Flowers, my dog often twitches when he’s sleeping. He also whimpers at the same time — and it’s the only time he howls. Never when he’s awake. But I was concerned too, which is why I researched and wrote an article about why dogs twitch in their sleep. In all likelihood, it means your dog is having a dream and exhibiting physical responses to the dream. If your pup seems fine during the day, it’s likely not a problem. But please check out my article to know when this behavior could indicate a problem.
