Whole Dog Journal reviews dog food, dog toys, and dog health and care products, and also teaches positive dog training methods.

Dogs have a knack for rolling in disgusting, decaying, and dreaded guck. It usually happens when the pet supply shops and the groomer are closed and that bottle of dog shampoo you had in your cabinet is nearly empty. You scratch your head and think, "What can I wash my dog with that isn't dog shampoo?"

Temperament is a common term used to describe the behavioral characteristics of dogs. It is one of the main things people consider when acquiring a pet dog or training a working dog and is a large contributing factor to the surrender of dogs to animal shelters.

If a dog cannot retract his erect penis into the sheath, it is called paraphimosis. You may hear this colloquially referred as to “red rocket out,” or “lipstick showing,” or “red rocket dog.” No matter what you call it, it is not a normal state.

The word furunculosis sounds ugly and gross, which perfectly describes this skin condition, which grows under your dog’s fur.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.