Signs of Heart Failure in Dogs
The first symptoms of congestive heart failure in dogs are subtle. Your dog may seem less active and not eating well. He may be coughing a bit. Don’t dismiss these signs as the dog is just getting old. These changes could indicate congestive heart failure, and the earlier it’s diagnosed the better the prognosis.
Barn Hunt for Dogs
Want a fun sport that is physically and mentally exhausting for your dog, uses your dog’s instincts, and is filled with great camaraderie? Then...
Leaving Your New Puppy
I have a sign hanging near my back door that says, “If I can’t bring my dog I’m not going.” Of course, it is meant to be humorous, but it is truer than I care to admit. I am lucky in that, as a trainer, I have been able to bring my dogs almost everywhere I go. Not everyone is as fortunate. Let’s see if I can help you make plans for your puppy, should you be forced to leave him home alone.
How To Bond With Your Dog
Building a relationship with your dog takes time and effort. Although it’s plenty of fun to bond with a new dog, your four-legged friend might not adore you instantly.
Does Your Dog Need Dental Insurance?
By the time they’re three years old, most American dogs have an active dental disease, and its treatment can be expensive. Dog dental insurance might save thousands of dollars in dental care.
How to Choose Flea Treatment for a Puppy
While all dogs are susceptible to flea infestations, puppies less than 8 weeks old are particularly vulnerable to fleas, which can cause intense itching, skin irritation, and even more serious health problems such as anemia due to blood loss.
How to Choose the Best Medicated Shampoo for Your Dog
If you can successfully treat your dog’s skin problem with a medicated shampoo, it’s better for the dog, antibiotic resistance protocols, and for your wallet. The first step is to know what condition you’re dealing with.
How to Treat Bloodshot Eyes in Dogs
A dog’s eyes can appear red or bloodshot for many reasons—some of which are minor and will quickly resolve, and others which are much more serious.
Positive Reinforcement Dog Training: 6 Tips for Training With Treats
Training with treats is cornerstone of positive reinforcement dog training. It’s dog-friendly, it’s fun and the basics are easy for trainers of all ages and skill levels. At its core, the concept is simple: feed behaviors you want to see happen more often.
Why are Doodle Dogs so Popular?
The first popularized Doodle was a Labrador Retriever and Poodle mix, bred in 1989 by Wally Conron as a guide dog prospect. He aimed to create a dog with the temperament of a Lab, but the non-shedding coat of a Standard Poodle for a woman who needed a guide dog, but whose husband had dog allergies. In a 2014 interview with Psychology Today, Conron said that he regrets popularizing Doodle breeding. "I opened a Pandora's box, that's what I did,” he said.
Sucralfate May Help with GI Problems in Dogs
Sucralfate is a human medication used off-label in dogs for ulcers, vomiting, and irritations along the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the small...
Famotidine for Dogs
Famotidine is a stomach-acid reducer that is sometimes used “off label” in dogs. “Off label” means the medication is not approved by the FDA for use in dogs, but veterinarians may prescribe it. Famotidine is available as an injectable that can be administered at a veterinary hospital and an oral form that is available over the counter (OTC).
Adopting a Dog from a Shelter
On average, it takes three to six months for a shelter dog to fully settle into their new home and to see their true personality. Some dogs may blossom quickly. Others may take longer to adjust. This is normal, and it can take longer if a dog has experienced a lot of turmoil and change throughout their life before adoption.
Acid Reflux in Dogs
Symptoms of GERD in dogs include regurgitation, decreased appetite, difficulty swallowing, and acting uncomfortable. Some dogs with GERD may have a chronic cough. You may also notice that your dog’s bark sounds different than it used to. One of the classic symptoms experienced by dogs with GERD is that they are more likely to regurgitate than vomit (see sidebar). However, conditions that cause chronic vomiting may lead to the development of GERD.