This content was reviewed by veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth Racine, DVM.
Panting is a normal dog behavior, most often associated with helping a dog regulate body temperature. However, what if you notice your dog panting and pacing non-stop around the house or yard, unable to settle down? Is this also normal behavior, or is something wrong with your dog?
Do you love dogs, but your allergies don’t? Lots of people are allergic to pets. According to Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research (AAIR), 10% to 20% of the worldwide population are allergic to cats and dogs, and that rate is increasing. If you suffer from being allergic to dogs, that doesn’t mean you have to live life without a furry friend. You may have success with allergy-friendly dogs or some “hypoallergenic” breeds.
You’re hiking along with your dog when suddenly she trips over a rock and starts limping. What do you do? When hiking and camping, you probably bring a first aid kit for humans, but don’t forget to be equally prepared for your furry friend. Learn some of the most common injuries for dogs and what to include in your dog emergency kit, so you are prepared to help.
Has your dog been diagnosed with cataracts? If so, are you worried about the cumbersome cost of canine cataract surgery? It can be expensive. And if left untreated, this progressive condition can lead to total blindness, so it’s a necessity for your pup’s quality of life. But how much does dog cataract surgery cost? And how can you reduce your financial burden for unexpected illnesses like this? Here, we’ll give you the info you need to know about dog cataract surgery, the associated costs, and how you may proactively reduce your financial risk for pet vet procedures.
Allergies can be as frustrating for dogs as they are for humans. However, there are a lot of excellent options for treatment, including allergy shots for dogs. This effective treatment can help give your pup some relief and, in some cases, even cure him. We give you all the information you need to work with your vet to make the right allergy treatment decision for your furry friend.
Friends, dog lovers, it’s time we had the talk about a…sensitive topic. It may be a bit uncomfortable, but let’s try to be mature about it, shall we? Let’s talk about humping and why our furry friends do the bump n’ grind on other dogs, our legs, their beds and the occasional throw pillow…
Dogs chew on wood because they like chewing on things. That’s why you see dogs play with chew toys, and why chew bones and treats are so popular with dogs. While it’s fairly common for a dog to chew on wood (especially if you use sticks or small logs to throw to them when you’re playing fetch) your dog will thank you if you help them lay off the wood. Why?…
Larger animals tend to live longer than smaller ones (most of the time). Think about it. Humans live longer than cats, which live longer than a rat, which lives longer than a fly. But why isn’t this true when it comes to animals within their species? A person who weighs 150 pounds will most likely live longer than a person who weighs 300 pounds. They live longer because of increased health risks for the person who weighs 300 pounds. When it comes to dogs’ life expectancy, how can you compare a Great Dane to a Chihuahua? Their anatomic builds are completely different, and their lifespans reflect this. Beyond size, is there an average age of a dog based on breed or other factors? Yes. Let us explore this subject further.
It’s tempting to slip Fido a piece of Thanksgiving turkey or lunch meat, but could turkey harm your dog? Learn the answers and some alternatives. Also, enjoy a yummy turkey treat recipe to make with your Thanksgiving leftovers.
Our family dog, Tiny, is a fanatic runner when he’s off-leash. He loves to bolt at full speed, but his aging body isn’t keeping up with his youthful energy (sound familiar?!). Often the next day, he’s sluggish and is so sore he won’t even jump up on the couch with me. We all hate to see our dogs in pain and want to give them relief. Fortunately, there are some very effective pain medications for dogs available. Before you pop them a pill, however, it’s crucial to know what’s safe and what’s not — and what pain med side effects to watch for.
Has your vet recommended a prescription medication called gabapentin for your pup? Many people have never heard of gabapentin, which is primarily a human medication, and wonder what it’s used to treat and if it’s safe for dogs. We’ll give you the lowdown on this drug to answer many of the questions you might have.
Is your dog having trouble urinating, or have you spotted blood in his urine? While many conditions can cause urinary problems in dogs, one cause could be a chronic hereditary disease called hyperuricosuria (HUU). How do you know if your dog is at risk of developing this inherited disease? What are the symptoms and treatment? Learn more about hyperuricosuria in dogs to see if it could be a health concern for your pup.
