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The best in health, wellness, and positive training from America’s leading dog experts

Jack Russell dog licking lips on sofa.

Why Does My Dog Lick the Couch?

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I have often been asked by clients, “Why does my dog lick everything?” Sometimes the reasons are medical and sometimes they’re behavioral. In general, licking everything is normal puppy behavior resulting from exploration and learning about one’s environment. Of course, that does not make it desirable. Redirection rather than correction can prevent licking from becoming obsessive.
Can natural tick repellents prevent ticks like this one from latching onto a dog.

Natural Tick Repellents for Dogs

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. Disease-carrying ticks are on the move, expanding their habitat thanks to warmer and milder winters, which allow them to survive longer and increase their ability to transmit pathogens to pets and people.
Small dog chewing on a large chew bone. Veterinarian-recommended chew bones often start with those listed on VOHC.com

Vet-Recommended Dog Chews

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Dog chews have real benefits. They can help with dental health, help alleviate anxiety, and provide mental stimulation. And, most dogs just love to chew.
Furunculosis in dogs is a skin infection that can stubbornly resist efforts to cure it.

Furunculosis in Dogs

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The word furunculosis sounds ugly and gross, which perfectly describes this skin condition, which grows under your dog’s fur.
Dog backpacks offer options for carrying dog treats, water, and conditioning.

The 5 Best Dog Packs for Hiking

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Hiking with your dog is a fabulous way to spend time together and enjoy nature. It’s even more fun if you don’t have to carry a bunch of extra dog gear every time you head out on an adventure with your furry friend.
Gross slobbery dog toys can be washed and dried with care meaning your dog can spend more time with an old favorite.

How to Wash Dog Toys

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Washing your dog’s toys might seem like a minor task, but it plays a vital role in maintaining your pet’s health and hygiene. Dog toys are exposed to dirt, saliva, bacteria, and even fecal matter over time and can harbor harmful germs and allergens. Knowing how to properly clean dog toys, when to clean them, and when to discard them is key to keeping your pup safe, especially in multi-pet homes.
The best no-pull dog leashes can help with dog's pulling and trying to drag their owners around.

Best Affordable No-Pull Dog Harness

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Everyone wants to walk their dog without being pulled down the street. Not only is it unpleasant for you, but a dog who constantly pulls on his collar—and therefore his throat—can injure himself. A good no-pull harness is a training aid that encourages the dog not to pull without causing them harm, pain, or making the walk more punishing.
Dog toothpaste should be formulated with the right ingredients, and flavors dogs enjoy.

Best Toothpastes for Dogs

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We’ve all smelled doggy breath. But that stinky odor coming from your dog’s mouth isn’t just “how dogs are” — it’s often a sign of bad oral hygiene or periodontal disease. Just like humans, dogs’ teeth get plaque and tartar up from food if you don’t brush often enough. Brushing your dog’s teeth with a dog toothpaste and toothbrush regularly can help control build up on your pup’s teeth and keep it from getting worse.
Dog cobbing, or nibbling with their front teeth can soothe anxiety or express affection depending on the dog and the context.

Cobbing in Dogs

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Nibbling, or “cobbing,” refers to a dog gently chewing with his front teeth. The term cobbing may have been coined because the dog’s nibbling resembles a human nibbling on a corn cob. Dogs have been known to do this to their owners, other humans, other animals, themselves, and toys. Let’s explore the many reasons for cobbing in dogs. I asked this question of both fellow trainers and just plain dog parents and received a lot of input on why dogs cob.
Dogs can taste spicy foods, but their response is usually distress and fear not enjoyment.

Can Dogs Taste Spicy Foods?

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Two common questions among pet owners is whether their dogs can taste spicy food and, more importantly, whether they should have it. The short answer is no to both questions. Dogs can’t “taste” spicy food and, no, they should not have it. It may even lead to diarrhea, vomiting, gas, and stomach pain.
A snake bite of a dog can indicate the need for immediate medical attention.

Is That a Snake Bite on My Dog?

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The dog snake bite timeline usually starts like this: You’re walking through the woods, and your dog is off exploring. Suddenly, he yelps, and you see a snake slithering away (possibly causing you to also yelp!). Venomous snakes can be found everywhere in North America. Was THAT snake poisonous?
The best dog raincoat will protect your dog in rainy conditions without being too hot during periods of intermittent sun.

Best Dog Raincoats

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It was pouring down rain in Paris late last September and the coat we had brought for Sparkles, while warm, wasn’t waterproof. So we put her in her stroller, zipped up the cover, and trudged off to Michette, a pet supply store about half a mile away. It carried dozens of dog raincoats in all styles and colors. Sparkles waited patiently as we tried them on her, looking for one that fit and wasn’t too difficult to put on.
How often should you take your dog to the vet? Once or twice a year for routine checkups is the minimum for a healthy dog.

How Often Should I Take My Dog to the Vet?

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Even if your dog appears healthy, routine vet visits are essential for early detection of health issues, disease prevention, and maintaining a high quality of life.
A young woman brushing a long haired golden retriever with a slicker brush.

Best Slicker Brushes for Dogs

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If you have a medium- or long-coated dog with silky to floofy fur or a curly-coated dog like a Poodle or a Doodle, a slicker brush should be part of your grooming box. We reviewed five of the best, and here's what we found out.
A dog allergy shot using one or two common medications can offer long term itch relief.

Do Allergy Shots Offer Lasting Relief for Dogs?

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The sight of your dog constantly scratching, licking, or chewing is a familiar and distressing one. Dog allergy shots can offer a dog some needed long term relief.
A dog exercise routine provides your dog with mental stimulation as well as physical health.

Developing a Dog Exercise Routine

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Keeping your dog well-exercised has a variety of benefits. Not only will you keep them at a healthy weight and their muscles limber, you can also use exercise as a way to bond with your dog and provide them with mental enrichment.

Before you begin an exercise routine with your dog, there’s a lot to know. We chatted with canine physical therapist Dr. Courtney Wheeler, PT, CCRT, from Walking Paws Rehab in Boulder, Colorado, and canine conditioning coach, Kirsten Belinsky, CPDT-KA, CSCC, from Canine Athletics Training Center in Longmont, Colorado about all things dog exercise.

Dog whistles whether they're audible or not can play an important role in teaching your dog training cues.

How to Train Your Dog to a Dog Whistle

Dogs can learn to respond to all sorts of sounds and cues, but among the most effective for a solid recall, or “come,” is...
Catnip doesn't do much for most dogs. Rarely, a few dogs may experience a mild sedative effect.

What Does Catnip Do to Dogs?

Catnip seems to have a mild sedative effect on a few dogs, but I wouldn’t recommend it to calm a dog on the 4th of July! If you decide to expose your dog to catnip, try a small amount of dried crushed plant or fresh crushed leaves.