Tara Maurer
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Been there! This guide has a lot of tips.
We’ve got an article for that!
Our top choice is IProven-Pet. You can view all 6 top picks in our article reviewing best dog thermometers.
I have not personally given it to my dog, but I’ve heard lots of great feedback while working with pet parents at a supplement shop. Our best arthritis supplements for dogs article reviews a product with green lipped mussel in it. There’s some other great options there too!
Check out our guide on poisonous plants for dogs. It includes tips on dog-proofing your yard for spring, as well as dog-safe plant options!
You are 100% correct—tulip and daffodil bulbs are toxic to dogs. In our article on poisonous plants for dogs, we cover ways to keep your dog away from your spring bulbs, as well as dog-friendly flower options for the garden.
Totally feel you—spring is beautiful but messy when you’ve got a dog! I’ll switch up a few things this time of year to help manage the chaos.
For allergies: I wipe my dog’s paws and belly with unscented pet wipes after walks to get rid of pollen and other irritants. If the sneezing gets bad, I’d check in with your vet to rule out anything more serious or to ask about antihistamines.
Bug bites: I stay on top of flea/tick prevention and use a natural bug spray on hikes.
For the mud situation: Towels live by the door now. I also trim my dog’s leg and paw fur to cut down on the mud clumps. If your dog tolerates it, you could also look into a paw washer cup.
And yes—I definitely brush more often and bathe my pup slightly more during spring to stay ahead of it all. The grooming effort goes up, but so does the trail time, so it’s worth it. 😊
We have a few articles that can help you out! Check out these to start:
–A complete guide to brushing your dog’s teeth
–10 best dog toothbrushes (the right tools makes the process a whole lot easier)
–10 ways to clean your dog’s teeth without a toothbrushWe’ve got an article for that! This article is a deep dive on why dogs wag their tails; check it out!
There are so many great recipes online for juice-pulp dog treats! I’ve been using this vegan dog treat recipe via Goodnature, and my pup loves them!
So long as you are using human foods that are safe for dogs, you should be good to go.
It’s great that your friend is open to adopting a dog and that you’re helping her find the right fit! While Bulldogs and Pitbulls can be amazing companions, it’s understandable that she wants to start with a breed she feels comfortable with. Since she’s considering a French Bulldog, but you’re concerned about health issues, there are other beginner-friendly breeds that might be a good fit.
-Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Super affectionate, low exercise needs, and easygoing. They’re great for first-time owners who want a cuddly companion.
-Golden Retriever: Friendly, eager to please, and easy to train. They do need exercise, but they’re incredibly forgiving for new owners.
-Labrador Retriever: Similar to Goldens, Labs are loving, intelligent, and adaptable. They need exercise and training but are wonderful for beginners.
-Bichon Frise: Small, hypoallergenic, and very social. They love people and are easy to train.
-Pug: If she likes the look of a Frenchie but wants fewer health concerns, Pugs are a great option. They’re playful, affectionate, and don’t require intense training.
-Mixed Breeds (From a Rescue!): A medium-sized, mixed-breed dog with a friendly temperament can be a fantastic choice. Many shelters can help match her with a dog that suits her lifestyle.It sounds like she already likes your dogs, so that’s a great start! If she’s open to it, spending more time with well-trained Bulldogs, Pitties, or mixes might help her see their gentle side firsthand. She could also look into Boxers—they have a similar build but don’t carry the same stigma and are known for being playful and loving.
At the end of the day, the best breed is one that matches her lifestyle, comfort level, and willingness to train and care for a dog. If she’s unsure, she could even consider fostering to get a feel for different breeds before committing. What kind of energy level and lifestyle does she have? That might help narrow it down even more!
Both desensitization and counter-conditioning are effective for leash reactivity, and in most cases, they work best together rather than separately. You’re spot on with their definitions—desensitization gradually exposes your dog to triggers at a low intensity, while counter-conditioning helps change their emotional response by pairing triggers with something positive (like treats or play).
I found that starting with desensitization at a distance where my dog noticed the trigger but didn’t react was key. If I went too close too soon, it overwhelmed him, and I lost the chance to reinforce calm behavior. Once I figured out his threshold, I layered in counter-conditioning by rewarding him before he had a chance to react. Over time, he started looking at me expecting good things instead of fixating on the trigger.
Tips to Avoid Overwhelming Your Dog:
-Find their threshold: If they react, you’re too close. Increase the distance until they can observe calmly.
-Mark and reward: As soon as they notice the trigger without reacting, reward immediately.
-Use high-value treats: I saw a huge difference when I switched from standard training treats to freeze-dried (I like NutriBites Freeze Dried Salmon Dog Treats)
-Keep sessions short: A few successful reps are better than pushing too far and causing frustration.
-Manage the environment: If possible, work in low-distraction areas before practicing in busier places.I’d definitely recommend combining both methods—desensitization helps prevent flooding (overwhelming your dog), while counter-conditioning shifts their emotional response. If you’re consistent and patient, you’ll start seeing progress!
I love it! Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:
Etsy
–Lucky Clover Shamrock Hat for cats, dogs, and small pets. Check out the review photos … sooo good.
–Mr. Lucky t-shirt
–Lucky Dog bandana
–Crochet Shamrock Dog Hat
–Shamrock Turtleneck Sweater (for small dogs but possibly for cats as well)Amazon
–2 Pack Lucky bandanas
–St. Patrick’s Day dog costume
–2 Pack St. Patrick’s Day bow tie cat collarsI also saw that The Foggy Dog has lots of great options!
We’ve got an article for that! Our writer Emma Braby recommends various tools, including deshedding rakes, slicker brushes, and coat-conditioning brushes.
That’s definitely something a lot of dog owners notice! There are a few possible reasons why your dog suddenly goes all-in on the water bowl in the evening.
Some dogs just aren’t great at staying hydrated throughout the day, especially if they’re distracted by playing, napping, or watching squirrels. When the evening rolls around, their body finally registers that they’re thirsty, so they go into full-on hydration mode.
Diet could also be a factor. If your dog eats dry kibble, he’ll naturally need more water than a dog eating wet or raw food. Salty treats or chews—like certain dental chews, bully sticks, or even some processed treats—can also increase thirst.
Activity and environment might play a role too. If he’s more active in the evening or if your home gets warmer at night, he might be drinking more to regulate his body temperature. Some dogs instinctively drink more before sleeping, almost like they’re prepping for a long period of rest.
Excessive thirst can sometimes be linked to underlying health conditions like diabetes, kidney issues, or Cushing’s disease, but that usually comes with other symptoms (increased urination, weight changes, lethargy, etc.). If you’re seeing any other unusual signs, it’s worth mentioning to your vet.
To help balance his water intake, try encouraging small water breaks during the day by refreshing the bowl more often or adding a little water to meals. If you’re worried about midnight potty breaks, give him his last big drink about an hour before bedtime and offer one last potty trip before lights out. If you do cut back water in the evening, don’t restrict it too much—just enough to prevent over-drinking right before bed.
If he seems otherwise happy and healthy, it’s probably just a quirk of his drinking habits. Plenty of dogs do this!
