[Tara Maurer]

We’ve got an article for that!

[Tara Maurer]

We’ve got an article for that! Check out this detailed comparison of the Japanese vs American Akita.

[Tara Maurer]

We’ve got an article for that! Our writer Sally Jones put The Farm’s Dog up against Ollie. Check out the article to get her verdict!

[Tara Maurer]

My dog loves his snuffle mat! His was handmade by his “grandma” but the Canine Journal team has tested various options available commercially. Check out our article on the seven best snuffle mats for mental stimulation, which includes personal reviews.

[Tara Maurer]

Hey Gus Gus,

As you likely expected, the answer of to-supplement or not-to-supplement is never black and white.

When looking at multivitamins, it really depends on the product itself. Some multivitamins will simply have the basic lab-derived vitamins and minerals already found in dog food recipes. In this case, adding an additional multivitamin will likely provide minimal support. That said, not all multivitamins are created equal.

For example, take Dr. Harvey’s Multi-Vitamin & Mineral Powder supplement. This supplement contains various whole foods and herbs as a source of vitamins and minerals, avoiding any synthetic nutrients. Food-based vitamins are nutritionally superior to synthetic ones as they are easier for the body to absorb and utilize. Further, they contain extra phytonutrients that your dog may not get through their standard kibble diet.

Again, looking at Dr. Harvey’s as an example, this formula contains ingredients that provide additional antioxidant and immune system support, including:

-alfalfa: a nutrient-packed plant with various health benefits, including blood sugar control
-ginger: a root vegetable with anti-inflammatory properties
-oatstraw: a mineral-dense cereal grass associated with improved brain health and reduced stress

So, it’s really about reading labels and finding a multivitamin that suits your pet’s needs.

As for supplements, I’m a big proponent of probiotics, which are more difficult for dogs to get through their diet. I give my dog a capsule each morning to help with digestion, weight management, and immunity. You can read more about probiotics here and get our complete list of recommendations.

[Tara Maurer]

I don’t have any personal experience traveling via train with my dog; however our website has a wealth of resources for traveling with your furry friend. This article on Dog Travel Anxiety might be a good place to start.

[Tara Maurer]

I purchased some inexpensive silicone molds to make frozen treats for my dog, and the treat possibilities are endless. (Depending on where you’re located, it could be challenging to keep them frozen at the dog park.)

If you want to try frozen treats:
Base ingredients – yogurt, coconut water, bone broth, pumpkin puree, or peanut butter
Add-ins – flaxseed meal, fruit (blueberries or mashed banana are my go-to), bee pollen

For Valentine’s Day, maybe add some beet juice or beetroot powder to make the treats red or pink?!

[Tara Maurer]

How exciting! Congrats to your sister for the new family member! Despite their name, Goldendoodles are bred in a variety of coat colors. Though, solid black coats in Goldendoodles are very rare, so it makes sense that you haven’t seen one before. You can learn more via our 13 Common & Rare Goldendoodle Colors article.

[Tara Maurer]

We’ve got an article for that! Dr. Amber LaRock, DVM explains why dogs pee when they’re excited and shares how to stop the behavior.

[Tara Maurer]

Sorry to hear about your dog’s teeth! While Benebones haven’t directly been linked to teeth discoloration, if your dog chews them too aggressively, the friction may cause damage to your pup’s pearly whites. Yellow or brown discoloration typically suggests plaque and tartar buildup. If you’re already diligent with your pup’s brushing routine, it might be time for a trip to the dentist for a thorough teeth cleaning and checkup. You can also replace the Benebone with a dental chew. My dog loves Whimzees by Wellness; we also have a whole article dedicated to best dental chews for dogs.

[Tara Maurer]

It’s totally a thing! Waterless dog shampoos work by absorbing excess oil and grease to keep your dog looking, smelling, and feeling cleaner. I use a dry shampoo on my Golden Retriever, Rio, weekly to keep him smelling fresh. Keep in mind that these products don’t take the place of a full bath, just like human dry shampoo doesn’t take the place of a shower. Still, it’s a great way to break up oil and refresh your pup’s coat in between washes. View our top picks for dog dry shampoo.

[Tara Maurer]

Sounds like it’s time to visit the vet. While the lump may be benign, a wellness visit will ensure your dog is diagnosed correctly and, if needed, treated.

[Tara Maurer]

Ugh, what a little rascal! I use a motion-sensor spray pet deterrent to keep my cats from climbing the Christmas tree. Maybe something similar could work to keep your pup away from the Christmas ornaments as well?

[Tara Maurer]

According to our article on dogs and avocado, yes, pups can have avocado oil in moderation.

[Tara Maurer]

@Narwal dogs can absolutely eat chia seeds in moderation! They are a superfood powerhouse. Chia seeds are packed with nutrients, including protein, fiber, healthy fats, calcium, magnesium, selenium, and copper. They contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support the brain, heart, eyes, joints, skin, and coat. Chia seeds contain other phytonutrients, too:

• Quercetin, which functions as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihistamine
• Kaempferol, a flavonoid studied for its anticancer, antimicrobial, and antioxidant capabilities
• Caffeic acid, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects

When soaked, chia seeds retain up to 10 times their weight in water, so they can help keep your pup hydrated. They are also a good alternative to fish oil for those who want to boost their pup’s omega-3 intake.

Side note: I fell in love with chia seeds after reading Christopher McDougall’s “Born To Run.” In it, McDougall reports that Mexico’s Indigenous Tarahumara people, known for their excellent long-distance running, make a water-based chia drink called “iskiate”, or chia fresca. According to the book, this drink provides the drinkers vast amounts of energy and endurance. So, let us know if your pup is bouncing off the walls after snacking on pumpkin chia seed muffins! 😉

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