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Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy vs. Panosteitis in Dogs

By
Dr. Debra M. Eldredge, DVM
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Hypertrophic osteodystrophy in dogs can cause lameness in dogs, but resolves when a dog is fully grown.
The beautiful Weimaraner dog can be severely affected by hypertrophic osteodystrophy. Credit: Dado Daniela | Getty Images

Hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD) and panosteitis (pano) are classic developmental lamenesses of young dogs and puppies. Both problems tend to occur in large- to giant-breed puppies.

German Shepherd Dogs have a high risk for pano. Often, the biggest pup in a litter will be affected, especially if a male. Strangely, there is a higher incidence in the fall and in the northeastern United States.

Weimaraners are the poster breed for HOD, with puppies of this breed often more severely affected than the average case. Great Danes are also at high risk.

While these developmental bone diseases are both very painful, most puppies can outgrow them, with appropriate care and support. These conditions usually resolve when the growth plates close, generally between 14 and 16 months of age for large-breed dogs. Giant-breed dogs may continue to grow up to 24 months of age. The only way to know for certain that the growth plates have closed is through an X-ray.

What Do HOD and Pano Look Like?

In both HOD and pano, puppies tend to be quite painful. Dogs with panosteitis often drive owners slightly crazy as the lameness tends to shift from leg to leg. For example, on Monday, your pup hurts his right front leg. On Wednesday, his left front leg is clearly sore while the right front is better. Most dogs with panosteitis recover and grow to be normal. A few will suffer recurrences but eventually clear the problem.

Dogs with hypertrophic osteodystrophy are often even more painful and may be ill as well. Affected dogs often lose their appetite, have a fever, and are lethargic, basically not bright-eyed on top of hurting and not wanting to move. This condition is generally bilateral. While most dogs with HOD recover and lead normal lives, some end up with growth deformities. Very severe cases can be fatal due to the associated illness.

Diagnosing HOD and Pano

With pano, palpation of the long bones is usually painful. Front legs are affected more often than rear. Treatment generally consists of pain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and exercise restriction.

Dogs with HOD have intense pain and often swelling around the metaphysis of their long bones (near the joints). The front legs are affected more commonly than the rear ones.

A definitive diagnosis of both conditions requires X-rays. It is important to recognize the radiologic signs take a while to show up. If you just notice lameness on Monday and take your dog in for X-rays and an exam on Tuesday, the X-rays may be normal. Your veterinarian will generally be able to make a suggestive diagnosis based on physical exam and history if you bring your pup in early on.

X-rays can be important to rule out two much less common, but extremely serious, young dog orthopedic problems: osteosarcoma and osteomyelitis. The prognosis for those conditions is much worse than for pano or HOD.

Can You Prevent Pano or HOD?

Since both pano and HOD are likely due to genetic factors, prevention is unlikely. However, you can lower your individual dog’s risk. Feed a puppy food designed for large- to giant-breed dogs if your puppy fits those categories (look for the American Association of Feed Control Officials, or AAFCO, label stating that the food meets the requirements for the growth of large-breed dogs). Overfeeding, particularly of protein, has been associated with pano, but it is not clearly causative. There are undoubtedly genetic factors involved as well.

When choosing a large-breed puppy, considering passing by the biggest boy. Ask about any history of pano or HOD in parents and other relatives. A responsible breeder will know the answer. By 12 to 18 months of age, the dog should be past the risk of these two conditions.

Can You Use Dog Poop as Fertilizer?

By
Dan Muse
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1
Although it seems like it should be useful, dog poop can't be used as fertilizer.
If you want a healthy, beautiful garden, keep dog poop out of it. It contains organisms harmful to vegetation. Credit: Ross Helen | Getty Images

Many of us have had the thought: After you’ve scooped up your pup’s latest poop, you eye your lawn or vegetable garden, which look like they need a little help.

It’s a natural thought. Poop is organic, you think. Wouldn’t it be the same as cow and chicken manure? And it’s free!

Nope. Adding dog feces into your garden is a hazardous problem waiting to sprout. In short, your dog’s poop should never go near edible crops and won’t help your lawn flourish.

“Even though dog feces do have nutrients, it contains harmful bacteria, parasites, and pathogens that pose risks to people and other pets,” according to Gene Caballero, co-founder of GreenPal, with over 25 years of experience in general landscaping maintenance. “Dog waste does not break down into a safe balanced fertilizer for lawns. It, in fact, does the opposite and can burn grass and create dead spots due to its excess in nitrogen.”

To understand why dog waste is a fertilizer failure, you first must look at what goes into the animal producing the fertilizer. Traditional fertilizers come from herbivores, such as cows, horses, and sheep. Their digestive systems process cellulose, producing manure rich in organic matter, moderate in nitrogen, and highly beneficial for soil structure.

“Since dogs are carnivores, their diet is high in protein, making their poop high in nitrogen and salts,” says Angelika Zaber, a lawn-care specialist.

“On top of this,” she adds, “dog poop can be loaded with harmful bacteria and parasites, such as E. coli, salmonella, roundworms, hookworms, and more. These can survive in the soil for months after the waste breaks down. To make matters worse, heavy rain can wash these into rivers or lakes, potentially contaminating water sources. “

Veterinary research compiled by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) concurs, its research indicating that dog feces are loaded with Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. A dog’s acidic digestive tract can handle these types of bacteria without showing symptoms of illness, according to NIH.

More Dangers with the Dog Poop Parasite Pipeline

When you use animal waste on edible crops, anything on or in the soil can potentially contaminate your food, especially low-growing or root vegetables like lettuce, radishes, and strawberries. With dog feces, the list of potential contaminants is particularly dangerous.

Perhaps the biggest deterrent to dog-waste composting is the canine roundworm. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Toxocara canis eggs can survive in soil for months or even years.  If you ingest these microscopic eggs —for example, through unwashed garden vegetables or dirt under your fingernails—it can cause toxocariasis, a condition where the larvae migrate through human tissue, potentially causing organ damage and, in severe cases, permanent blindness.

Dog’s Poop’s Environmental Impact

If health concerns aren’t enough to persuade you to not attempt to use dog poop as fertilizer, legal consequences might. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies dog waste as a “nonpoint source pollutant,” which is the same technical category as motor oil, chemical runoff, and acid drainage from abandoned mines.

According to EPA-backed watershed studies, two to three days of waste from 100 dogs can introduce enough fecal coliform bacteria into a local water ecosystem to temporarily shut it down.

Can You Compost Away Concerns?

You may wonder if you can compost the risk away given that a compost pile naturally heats up as organic matter breaks down.

Unfortunately, according to studies at the University of Florida UF/IFAS Extension  and the University of Connecticut Soil Nutrient Analysis Laboratory, backyard compost piles rarely reach or sustain the high temperatures required to neutralize heavy pathogens.

A compost pile must maintain a consistent temperature of 140°F (60°C) to eliminate most parasites and bacteria. The typical home compost bin simply doesn’t get that hot, according to the Florida and UConn studies. The university extensions are skeptical that even a hot pile can completely kill heat-resistant Toxocara canis maintain a ban on using any pet waste in compost destined for food crops.

The Bottom Line on Dog Poop

When it comes to the health of your soil and your family, some things are better left out of the loop. Keep the commercial steer manure or backyard vegetable compost for your food crops and leave your dog’s daily deposits where they belong: bagged and placed in the trash. Your tomatoes —and your family — will thank you.

Picking the Best Flea and Tick Pill for Your Dog

By
Dr. Jennifer Bailey, DVM
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6
The best dog flea pills can help your dog avoid the itching and scratching associated with fleas.
The best flea pill for your dog will depend on their health, size, age, and where you live. Credit: Kypros | Getty Images

Scritch, scritch, scritch. Your dog is scratching at himself—again. You thought you found and killed all those fleas and ticks that were biting him. But his scratching tells you otherwise.

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Yummy Three-Ingredient Dog Treats

By
Dr. Mary Cope, PhD
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5
3 ingredient dog treats provide a quick and yummy homemade treat for dogs.
The recipe for Pumpkin & Peanut Butter Three-Ingredient Dog treats are Collie-approved, according to our nutritionist, Dr. Mary Cope. Photo courtesy of Dr. Mary Cope

Dog treats play an important role in the lives of pets and pet parents. Treats are used for training, rewarding good behavior, providing enrichment, and strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners.

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Can You Use Human Eye Drops on Dogs?

By
Debby McMullen, CDBC
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0
You cannot use human eyedrops on dogs. As many contain ingredients that might harm dogs.
The only eye drops you should use on your dogs are the ones prescribed by your veterinarian. Otherwise, stick with saline solution to simply flush out his eyes. Credit: Pavel Rodimov | Getty Images

Human eye drops contain ingredients that may harm dogs. For example, Visine can cause life-threatening cardiovascular and neurologic issues. The only type of “eye drops” you can safely use on your dog without a prescription are saline drops, artificial tears, and warm tap water. The wrong choice can worsen your dog’s problem or harm him.

It’s not difficult to flush out your dog’s eyes. Grab clean cotton balls or a clean washcloth and soak it with warm water to dribble into your dog’s eyes. Warm tap water can do a great job flushing out a crusty discharge in the corner of your dog’s eye.

But, even then, it’s extremely important that you know why your dog’s eye is irritated. If you flush out your dog’s eye and it’s no better—or worse!—make a veterinary visit immediately.

Of course, there are some brands of eye flushes for dogs you can use if you prefer them over saline solution. These include:

Just remember that a wrong move “treating” a dog’s eye could result in a far worse condition. Only an exam by a qualified veterinarian can get to the root cause of your dog’s eye issues, and your dog’s vision may depend on this.

If your dog has a swollen eye, call your veterinarian.

Common Eye Issues in Dogs

Some of the most common eye concerns on dogs include:

Conjunctivitis (“pink eye”): The form called dry eye or serous conjunctivitis is the most frequent type of pink eye seen in dogs. It can cause puffy and wet-appearing eyes, which causes the dog suffering from such to squint and paw at the eye, along with potentially seeing yellow or green discharge.

Eye Infections: These can be caused by many things including irritation from long hair near the eyes that needs trimmed, environmental allergies that have gone unchecked, health conditions such as immune responses as well as eye injuries such as a scratch.

Allergies: Allergies cause the same type of irritation in a dog’s eye as we humans often must deal with such as inflammation, reddening and watery discharge. Most eye irritations from allergies are environmental although a food allergy causing such is not out of the question. Learn more about dog eye allergies vs eye infections.

If your veterinarian determines your dog needs treatment for an eye problem, the choice of a medication will be based on his or her diagnosis.

Note: Since using eye drops will seem like an intrusive procedure to most dogs, ideally you will train for this with cooperative care or low stress handling.

The Best Dog Nail Grinders

By
Jae Thomas, CPDT-KA
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5
The best dog nail grinders offer a combination of ease of use and quiet to make trimming your dog's nails easy.
When testing dog nail grinders, we preferred options that were cordless, rechargeable, and effective without being too loud or difficult to hold. Credit: Jae Thomas

When shopping for a nail trimmer for dogs, you may want to consider whether a traditional nail clipper or a dog nail grinder is a better fit. Dog nail grinders often get closer to the quick (the blood vessels and nerves at the core of your dog’s nail) than clippers without as much risk of making them bleed. This makes grinders a great option for regular nail maintenance if you want to keep your dog’s nails short.

Alternatives to Dog Nail Grinders

Nail grinders and nail clippers don’t work for every dog. While any nail-trimming method requires training, the noise and vibration can be too much for some dogs to ever get used to. If your dog isn’t a good candidate for a nail grinder, consider one of the best dog scratch pads for fear free nail trims. A scratch pad is a great alternative to grinding down your dog’s nails manually and helps them have agency in their care which can help build confidence.

Here’s everything you need to know about shopping for one of the best dog nail grinders:

Traits We Want in the Best Dog Nail Grinders

Cordless: The best dog nail grinders should be cordless, so you’re not tethered to a wall outlet. Having more flexibility to move around while you do your dog’s nails is more comfortable for you and your dog.

Rechargeable: Batteries are expensive, so we prioritized options that have rechargeable batteries. Now, when your grinder dies, you won’t have to run to the store if you’ve run out of batteries.

Performance: We tested each of the dog nail trimmers on this list with a variety of different dogs, including dogs with thick, strong nails, and dogs who are still building their confidence around nail grinders. We noted how effective each grinder was at trimming the nails down quickly and how often it needed to be recharged. We also noted options that were comfortable to hold in hand and that had easy-to-adjust settings.

Sound level: Some dog nail grinders are louder than others and the sound level that’s best for you will depend on your dog’s comfort level. Sensitive dogs who find loud noises aversive or who are still learning to tolerate the grinder may do better with a quieter option. However, the more powerful picks that are better for strong nails are often on the louder side.

The Best Dog Nail Grinders

Whole Dog Journal RatingProduct and MakerPriceNotes
Dremel PawControl 7760-PET Dog Nail Grinder and Trimmer$64The Dremel PawControl 7760 is a great dog nail grinder for both newbies and experienced groomers. It’s powerful enough for most dogs while not being overly loud or cumbersome to handle. It also features a wide variety of different sanding tool options that are easy to swap out.
Ryobi USB Lithium Rotary Tool$60Though it’s not technically made for dogs, this Ryobi rotary tool is seriously heavy-duty and a good pick for large dogs with strong nails. It’s rechargeable, and though not the quietest, gets the job done ridiculously quickly.
Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder$20If your dog is sensitive to noise, this 2-speed Casufy Dog Nail Grinder is the quietest option on this list, though it lacks the power of the other two picks. It’s a great choice for puppies and dogs who still need to build positive associations with their nail grinder.

Best Dog Nail Grinder: Dremel PawControl 7760-PET Dog Nail Grinder and Trimmer

The Dremel PawControl 7760 was our pick for best dog nail grinder.
With good power, four speeds, and a safety guard that helps get the right angle, the Dremel PawControl 7760 was our favorite dog nail grinder. Credit: Jae Thomas

The Dremel PawControl 7760-PET Dog Nail Grinder and Trimmer has it all: it’s powerful, has multiple speed settings, isn’t too loud, and has a safety guard for those who aren’t comfortable using a dog nail grinder without one. The safety guard on this grinder is unique in that it guides pet parents to trim their dogs’ nails at a 45-degree angle using a sanding disc and collects the dust, too. It’s a little easier to manage for first-time nail grinder users than traditional options.

If you’re a more experienced groomer, it’s also simple to swap between the sanding disk and safety guard for the other tip options. You’ll get 9 different sanding options in this kit including sandpaper bands, smoothing tips, and more.

The Dremel PawControl 7760 also has four speed settings and is strong enough to grind down most dogs nails in a reasonable amount of time while still being easy to hold.

Despite the power, it’s not overly loud, so it’s a solid choice for most dogs unless they’re very noise sensitive. It’s also rechargeable, so you won’t have to worry about buying and replacing batteries when it dies.

Best Dog Nail Grinder for Large Dogs: Ryobi USB Lithium Rotary Tool

The Ryobi was the e best dog nail grinder for dogs with thick strong nails.
If you have a big do with strong nails, the Ryobi USB Lithium Rotary Tool is a powerful option for nail trims. Credit: Jae Thomas

The Ryobi USB Lithium Rotary Tool isn’t technically for dog nails, but it’s worth using as a dog nail grinder if you need something powerful and heavy-duty. It’s not the quietest option on this list, but it is the strongest. For dogs with strong, thick nails, this option makes nail trims quicker. The sandpaper bands it comes with work well, but adding a diamond bit to it increases the grinding speed by a significant amount.

It features a rechargeable lithium battery that charges via a USB-C port and the battery usually lasts a few months of weekly nail trims.

Note that this option doesn’t have a safety guard, so you should be comfortable using a grinder to trim your dog’s nails to use this one. Instead of set speeds, it has a dial to go faster or slower, so you can find your perfect speed.

For long-haired dogs, it’s possible to get their coat stuck in the grinder, but it does have an auto-safety shutoff if that happens.

Best Budget Dog Nail Grinder: Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder

The Casfuy was the best budget dog nail grinder, and the quietest of those tested.
While the Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder lacks the power of the other grinders we tested, its quiet operation makes it a good choice for noise sensitive dogs or dogs unfamiliar with nail grinders. Credit: Jae Thomas

Whether you have a young puppy, a dog who is noise sensitive, or a dog who’s never had their nails ground down before, a quiet option may help ease them into it. The Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder is easily the quietest option on this list and comes with two speed settings.

However, the quiet sound also pairs with less power. It’s strong enough for puppies and small dogs with nails that aren’t super thick and strong, but for large breeds, you’ll likely want a grinder with more power and additional speed settings.

This option is also rechargeable and lasts about 2 hours on a single charge. It has three different “ports” for different sized nails in a built-in safety guard. The grinder tip is a diamond bit, which is better quality and needs to be replaced far less often than sandpaper tips.

 

Symptoms of Dog Poisoning

By
Dr. Debra M. Eldredge, DVM
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0
A dog eyeing a tasty plate of chocolate chip cookies which can lead to a poisoning.
Leaving something tempting within your dog’s reach—like yummy chocolate chip cookies—can result in an accidental poisoning.

For an obvious possible poisoning, such as you know your dog scarfed up a chocolate bar or a got into a bottle of prescription medicine, immediately call a pet-poison help line. These animal poison-control centers do charge a fee (around $90 to $100), but if you think your dog ate something poisonous, there is no time to waste. Call:

If you know what the dog consumed, have all the information handy you can quickly gather:

  • Name of the medication or product
  • How much of the item you think the dog may have consumed (ounces, number of pills, what type of chocolate)
  • When you think the dog ingested the poison
  • Dog’s approximate weight
  • Any health problems, like kidney disease, the dog may have

Critical note on rat poison: If you think your dog ate rat poison, there is no time to waste. Grab the container, if you can. There are a few different types of rat poison, and it’s critical to know which kind your dog ate and, hopefully, approximately how much. Your veterinarians will use this information to formulate the best plan for saving your dog.

If you are encouraged to make your dog vomit (NOT every poisoning means you should make the dog vomit), follow directions exactly. Hydrogen peroxide is a standby for inducing vomiting, but it is not benign. In my experience, it helps to move your dog around after you dose it to stimulate throwing up. Your job is not done then either. You need to go through the vomited material and count pills if medication is involved.

Common Canine Toxins

According to Cornell DogWatch, the most common toxins ingested by dogs include:

  • Albuterol inhalers
  • Antifreeze
  • Batteries
  • Cannabis
  • Chocolate
  • Disposable hand warmers
  • Electronic cigarettes (vapes)
  • FireStarter logs
  • Food oxidizer packs
  • Garlic
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Household cleaners
  • Human medications
  • Insect bait
  • Liquid fuels
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Mushrooms
  • Onions
  • Pennies
  • Rat poison
  • Silica gel packs
  • Snakes
  • Toads
  • Xylitol

Signs of Poisoning in Dogs

Obvious cases, as scary as they are, are easier than when you notice your dog is simply acting odd and it crosses your mind that he might have been exposed to a toxic substance. But, poisoning is not something to ignore or to take a “wait and see” stand on.

Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine lists these signs of poisoning in dogs:

  • Lethargy
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting (with or without blood)
  • Jaundice
  • Bloody stools

Many of the symptoms of poisoning in dogs—like lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea—can fit many health conditions as well as poisoning. While your dog may or may not have ingested a poison, these signs warrant attention no matter what.

Heavy drool or foaming at the mouth: Your dog may have eaten something that irritated his mouth. Licking a poisonous toad can create waterfalls of saliva! While one family member dials the vet, another member should be rinsing out your dog’s mouth.

Elevated temperature: If you take your dog’s temperature and it is unusually high or low, poisoning is a possibility. High temperatures can result from muscle tremors or seizures or may cause seizures. Any temperature extreme justifies a vet visit.

Difficulty breathing: Problems with respiration can come from many causes. If your dog is struggling to breathe, breathing rapidly, and has bright red, pale or gray/blue gums, he is in trouble and needs immediate emergency care.

Swollen muzzle: You look at your dog and realize his muzzle is swollen to double normal size. Odds are this is an allergic reaction, but it could be from bee venom as well. Snake-bite reactions tend to be lower limbs, but facial swelling can occur with these too, especially if your dog was trying to grab the snake.

If you think your do was bit by a snake, grab a picture of the snake, if you can. Antivenom works for dogs, just like people.

In the case of a bee sting, most dogs will get some swelling and pain but nothing more serious. Other dogs may have an anaphylactic reaction just like some people, including respiratory trouble. That means a rush to the nearest veterinary clinic. If your dog falls in that group, you should discuss getting an EpiPen from your veterinarian along with instructions on how to use it.

How to Get Dog Poop Out of a Carpet

By
Dr. Mary Cope, PhD
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1
Getting dog poop out of a carpet needs quick action.
The more quickly you address a carpet stained by dog poop, the successful you will be in removing it. Credit: Yaraslau Saulevich | Getty Images

Every dog owner experiences accidents at some point. Whether you are house-training a puppy, caring for a senior dog, or dealing with an upset stomach, finding dog poop on your carpet is never a pleasant surprise.

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The Best Dog Dental Chews

By
Jae Thomas, CPDT-KA
-
5
The best dog dental chews provide oral hygiene and a treat at the same time.
Dog dental chews can be a great way to supplement your dog’s oral hygiene routine. Look for VOHC-approved dental chews that taste good and are properly sized for your dog. Credit: Jae Thomas

Dog dental work is expensive, so it’s best to stay on top of your dog’s oral hygiene from the get-go to save yourself costly vet bills later. Along with regular brushing, the best dog dental chews are a great way to help keep your pup’s teeth healthy.

Dog dental chews are not a one-to-one replacement for dog toothbrushes, dog toothpastes, or other dog teeth cleaning products, but should instead be thought of as a complement to your pup’s dental routine.

Traits We Want in the Best Dog Dental Chews

VOHC-recommended: The Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) is a governing body that tests and certifies the effectiveness of dog dental products. Though not all products on this list are VOHC-recommended, this is a good place to start with your research for the best dog dental chews. VOHC dog dental chews have been tested and approved for use in plaque and/or tartar in dogs.

Size options: The best dog dental chew for your dog will also depend on their size. Dental chews should be appropriate for your dog’s size so as not to become a choking hazard. Look for options that are the right size for your dog. Remember, even if you choose a dental chew appropriate for your dog’s size, always monitor them while they’re chewing.

Palatability: A dental chew can’t help clean your dog’s teeth if they don’t chew on it, so palatability is of the utmost importance. We tested each of the dental chews on this list with a variety of dogs (including picky ones) to see which ones will be the most well-received by your canine pals.

Whole Dog Journal RatingProduct and MakerPriceNotes
WHIMZEES by Wellness Brushzees Dental ChewsPrice varies by size, from $0.25 to $2.56 per chewWhimzees Brushzees feature natural ingredients, are VOHC-approved for both tartar and plaque, and took the longest for our super chewer tester dog to eat.
GreeniesPrice varies by size and flavor, from $0.29 to $1.10 per chewAvailable at most pet and grocery stores, Greenies are well-loved by most dogs and come in a wide variety of flavors and sizes. They’re also VOHC-approved for both plaque and tartar, though our tester dogs ate them significantly faster than the Whimzees of similar size.
OraVet Dental Hygiene ChewsPrice varies by size from $1.03 to $1.93 per chewOraVet chews are fantastic for bad breath, as they contain a compound called Delmopinal HCI, which is commonly used to treat plaque and gingivitis in humans, and helps prevent plaque from sticking to your dog’s teeth long term and turning into tartar.
Purina Pro Plan Ora Chews$1.14-$1.67 per chew based on amount purchasedThis vet-backed dental chew is ideal for dogs with sensitive stomachs or for pups who are watching their weight. They’re low fat and low calorie, so they’re unlikely to upset your pup’s tummy. However, they only come in one size.
Woof Bite n' Brush Dog Toothbrush Toy$20If you want to make dental chew time more enriching (and more effective) the Woof Bite n’ Brush toy holds a dog dental chew and gently rubs your dog’s teeth with rubber bristles while they work to eat the chew inside. It’s like letting your dog brush their own teeth.
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dental Chewz$11.49 per boxThe only rawhide VOHC-approved option, the Pro Plan Dental Chewz offer long-lasting chewing and enrichment for your dog, but they feature an artificial color in the ingredient list.

Best Dog Dental Chew for Plaque and Tartar: WHIMZEES by Wellness Brushzees Dental Chews

Whimzees are our pick for the best dog dental chews.
Long-lasting, palatable, and VOHC-approved, Whimzees Brushzees are our top choice for dog dental chews. Credit: Jae Thomas

The WHIMZEES by Wellness Brushzees Dental Chews are VOHC-approved for both tartar and plaque. This treat also has a shorter, friendlier ingredient list than some of the other options we tested, making it a good choice for pet parents who prefer simple, natural ingredients. They’re also vegetarian, so they’re safe for dogs with specific protein allergies or sensitivities.

The shape and texture of the Whimzees Brushzees seemed to encourage the longest chewing sessions for our tester dogs—even the super chewers. Where some dog dental chews encourage biting off and swallowing pieces, Whimzees genuinely get them to gnaw and chew. My super chewer Border Collie/American Staffordshire Terrier Mix took about 10 minutes to eat this chew, which was the longest of any chew on this list. The longer the chewing session, the more manual plaque removal happens on your dog’s teeth, so these are a great choice for pet parents looking to keep their pup’s teeth free of gunk.

Note that Whimzees come in a few different shapes (and come in a variety pack value box), but not all of the recipes are VOHC-approved, though the ingredient list is nearly identical across the different shapes.

Runner-up Best Dog Dental Chew: Greenies

Greenies: They’ve been beloved by dogs for ages. They’re approved for plaque and tartar buildup by the VOHC, are widely available, are reasonably priced, and come in a variety of sizes and flavor formulas—so you’re sure to find one your dog likes.

The classic Greenies (chicken flavor) are one of the most palatable options on this list: many dogs find them to be extremely high value. They also come in blueberry, sweet potato, and weight management formulas, alongside size options for dogs from 5 to 100 pounds.

Best Low-Calorie Dog Dental Chew: Purina Pro Plan OraChews

OraChews by Purina are a good dog dental chew for dogs with a sensitive stomach.
If your dog has a sensitive stomach or needs a low-calorie dental chew, Purina Pro Plan OraChews are a good option. Credit: Jae Thomas

If your dog has a specific diet, a sensitive stomach, a history of pancreatitis, or simply can’t tolerate treats high in calories or fat, the Purina Pro Plan OraChews are your best bet. These vet-backed chews are ideal for supporting your dog’s dental health without giving them too many calories or potentially upsetting their stomach.

These chews only come in one size, which may make them difficult to count calories for very small dogs. For dogs under 40 pounds, it’s recommended to break these chews in half, and give one whole chew over two days.

Best Dog Dental Chew for Bad Breath: OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews

OraVet Dental Hygiene Chews have an ingredient most other dog dental chews don’t: Delmopinal HCI. This compound is commonly used in human mouthwashes and is used to treat plaque and gingivitis. At a basic level, it keeps plaque from sticking to your dog’s teeth. Plaque turns into hardened tartar when left on your dog’s teeth, so these chews may help prevent tartar formation.

My vet regularly recommends OraVet Chews, and I use them for my dogs frequently. I notice that they leave my pup’s breath smelling fresher than other options, especially when used daily. The only downside of these dog dental chews is that they may turn some dogs’ poop a bluish/greenish color, and they seem to be less tasty to dogs than other options on this list.

Best Dog Dental Chew Toy: Woof Bite n’ Brush Dog Toothbrush Toy

The Woof Bite n' Brush is both a dental chew and a dog toy.
The Woof Bite n’ Brush offers both enrichment and dental hygiene. Credit: Jae Thomas

If you’d like to add some mechanical cleaning to your dog’s dental hygiene plan that doesn’t include brushing with a toothbrush, the Woof Bite n’ Brush Dog Toothbrush Toy is a good option. This handy toy features spaces to insert Woof’s matching dog dental chews, and bristles that will manually scrub your dog’s teeth as they enjoy their chew. As an added bonus, it makes chew time last longer, making it ideal for pups who tend to inhale or swallow large chunks of their dental chews instead of chewing them into smaller pieces.

Other Dog Dental Chews We Tested:

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dental Chewz

The only rawhide chew that’s been VOHC-approved for cleaning your dog’s teeth, the Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dental Chewz are a long-lasting dental chew option. Where other softer chews will be gone in a few minutes, the Pro Plan Dental Chewz offer your dog more enrichment and chewing time, which in turn will remove more tartar from their teeth mechanically. The main downside of these chews, however, is the ingredient list. It includes artificial color Yellow 5, which kept these chews from a spot on our best-of list.

DIY Dog Toys

By
Kate Basedow, LVT
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0
DIY dog toys can be a fun and safe alternative to expensive dog toys.
Old socks stuffed with cloth can make great DIY soft toys for dogs. Credit: smrm1977 | Getty Images

With prices rising, homemade dog toys can be a fun way to spoil your dog on a budget. From cardboard rolls to elaborate snuffle mats, there are DIY dog enrichment toys for every play style and every dog lover, crafty or not.

Safety Tips for DIY Dog Toys

First, it’s important to remember that all toys, homemade or storebought, should be monitored for damage. Discard any toys that have been ripped or chewed if there is potential for your dog to cut his mouth on a sharp edge or swallow small pieces.

When making dog toys at home, there are two things to keep in mind:

  1. Is this item safe for my dog?
  2. How will my dog engage with this item and will he enjoy it?

To ensure safety, consider the materials you are planning to use, what the materials’ previous use was, and how your dog will interact with the toy. Many items, such as fabrics, cardboard, and plastic food containers, are safe for your dog to carry and lightly chew but should not be swallowed—heavy chewers will need to be watched particularly closely or given something else. Also, be sure to avoid materials that are brittle and likely to shatter.

Clean containers thoroughly before using them to make toys. Avoid containers that housed toxic substances such as antifreeze or cleaning products. Remove labels, tape, and any adhesive residue so that your dog does not consume them.

How To Make DIY Dog Toys Fun for Your Dog

When it comes to making toys your dog will enjoy, think about your dog’s play style: does he like to shred and destroy, or is he more into chasing and pouncing? Is he a tugger or a swimmer? Does he live for food?

For our destructo dogs, a simple DIY dog toy that he is allowed to rip to pieces can bring maximum joy—just pick up the pieces when he is done. Toys to chase and retrieve can also be pretty simple. For dogs who love to tug, make toys that will hold up to pressure, and for water toys, buoyancy is a must.

Food hounds can enjoy a variety of toys. A homemade snuffle mat allows your dog to sniff and forage for his treats, or you can make a roller ball that dispenses food as your dog moves it around.

Household Items as DIY Dog Toys

A variety of household items can be fun for dogs to play with and require minimal effort:

  • Cardboard rolls from inside toilet paper, paper towels, or wrapping paper—perfect to toss, roll, chase, and destroy. Pick up the pieces when Fido is done shredding it.
  • Crumpled paper ball—this is best for puppies and small dogs. Crumpled paper bounces unpredictably, plus your dog gets the fun crinkle sound when he grabs it!
  • Empty water bottle—fun to toss, chase, and crunch. Discard when your dog punctures the bottle or starts to chew on the cap. Extend life by knotting the water bottle inside an old knee sock.
  • Empty milk jug—fun to toss, chase, and crunch. Some dogs prefer them as is, while others like them crushed for easier grabbing. Discard when your dog punctures the jog or starts to chew on it.

DIY Dog Tug Toys

Tug toys can be made from many different things. Choose the materials, length, thickness, and sturdiness to fit your dog’s preferences. Discard tug toys as soon as they start fraying.

Here are some ideas for making tug toys:

  • Braided fleece
  • Braided strips of old clothing or towels
  • Braided rope or paracord
  • One or more tennis balls or lacrosse balls strung onto a rope
  • Stuff a section of fire hose material with old socks and sew the ends closed—can use a strip of nylon webbing as a handle

DIY Dog Food Dispensing Toys

Orange and gray handmade felt snuffle mat unfolded on white background, pet dog enrichment toy product flatlay concept
If you have access to a sewing machine, you can sew together strips of fleece to make a snuffle mat for your dog. Credit: Ирина Мещерякова| Getty Images

Snuffle mats are a popular option to make at home. One easy, completely washable option is to sew strips of fleece onto a flat piece of fleece. This creates pockets and folds where treats can be hidden. If you are a skilled sewer, you can sew more intricate shapes, pockets, and folds into your mat for added challenge. Scatter treats across the mat and tuck them into folds for your dog to sniff and find.

A no-sew method to make a snuffle mat is to start with a flexible sink mat that has holes. Thread strips of fleece through the holes and knot them to create loops of fabric. Fill the entire mat to create a dense, shaggy surface. Scatter treats across the mat for your dog to find.

Rolling treat dispensers can be made out of any sturdy plastic jug or bottle. Drill or cut a few holes in the side of a clean, empty jug, then place treats inside the jug and replace the cap. Treats should be slightly smaller than the holes so that they will fall out as your dog rolls the jug around.

Another option is to place treats inside the empty bottle and leave the cap off. As your dog knocks the jug around, treats will fall out the opening. This is more challenging for your dog, as he will have to tip the jug to get the treats to fall out the opening.

Supervise your dog while playing, and remove the treat roller once all the treats are gone. Discourage chewing on the jug.

Make a heavy duty treat roller using thick PVC piping. You will need a section of PVC pipe, caps for the ends, and a drill to put holes in the sides. Drill holes large enough for treats or kibble to fall through, fill with goodies, then cap the ends. Supervise your dog while playing and pick up the toy when all of the food is gone. PVC is too hard for chewing and could fracture your dog’s teeth.

Homemade Stuffies and Squeaky Toys for Dogs

You can sew your own soft toys using all or partly recycled parts. Use old clothing for the outer part of the toy—choose denim or cotton duck for extra durability. Cut out the shape you want and then use that piece to trace a second identical shape. Sew around the edges most of the way and turn it inside out to hide the seams. Then stuff the toy with old socks and gloves and sew the opening closed! Add in a squeaker if desired.

Not much of a seamstress? Stuff an old tube sock with bits of fabric and clothing, add a squeaker if desired, then knot the sock closed. You can do the same thing with a pillowcase if your dog prefers giant toys!

Your Guide to Fibrosarcomas in Dogs

By
Dr. Debra M. Eldredge, DVM
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1
Sarcomas in dogs are local cancers that can be removed without much issue.
Checking your dog for a fibrosarcoma can be as simple as petting your dog over his entire body and feeling for a lump. Credit: Bread and Butter Productions | Getty Images

Sarcomas in dogs are nasty tumors. The word “sarcoma” even sounds nasty to me. Osteosarcoma (cancer in the bone) and hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the blood vessels) have very poor prognoses in dogs.

The less-known fibrosarcoma, or soft-tissue sarcoma in dogs, falls under the broad term “spindle-cell” tumor or sarcoma. A fibrosarcoma forms in the cell lines that form connective tissue, blood, fat, and muscle. Fortunately, a fibrosarcoma is typically local in nature, meaning it’s less likely to metastasize to other places in the dog’s body.

Sarcomas tend to be solid masses, although they may contain cysts. Sarcomas are often palpable in or beneath the dog’s skin. Rarely they will ulcerate to the outside. Some of the masses are slow growing while others have spurts of rapid growth.

Where Are Fibrosarcomas on Dogs?

Most fibrosarcomas are on the extremities or on your dog’s body, including head and neck. They can grow in the mouth or nasal cavity or, rarely, in bones, but most are in or just below the surface of the skin. If the cancerous growth involves nerve sheaths, your dog may be painful or have an abnormal gait.

Sarcomas tend to be associated with chronic inflammation. Causes for chronic inflammation include foreign bodies and radiation therapy. While soft-tissue sarcomas have been associated with vaccine sites in cats, that association has not been established at this time in dogs.

Middle-age and senior dogs are at greatest risk, especially large and giant breeds such as Irish Wolfhounds, Doberman Pinschers, and Golden Retrievers. Puppies rarely get fibrosarcomas, but if they do, they are VERY aggressive tumors.

Nose and oral tumors have a slightly higher incidence in male dogs. Anecdotally, this is related to more sniffing.

Typical Symptoms of Fibrosarcomas in Dogs

Fibrosarcomas often start off like any lump. Smooth, not painful, might or be movable in the skin. While tending to be slow growing, they do grow and may eventually ulcerate as they outstrip their vascular supply. This type of cancer is more likely to be locally invasive than to have distant metastases.

Fibrosarcomas can be difficult to notice right away, unless you’re a dog owner who routinely does a body check for lumps and masses (and we all should!). Depending on where the fibrosarcoma is located, you may observe oral problems with eating, drooling, or bad breath. If it’s nasal, you may notice difficulty breathing, snorting, or sneezing. If it’s on the dog’s body, you will likely feel an odd lump. Don’t forget to do regular full body scans with your hands, including between the toes, down the legs, and under the belly.

What to Tell Your Vet about Your Dog’s Lump

If you bring your dog into the vet for a lump, having this information with you may be help with deciding the next step:

  1. When did you first notice the lump?
  2. Has it been growing?
  3. Does the lump seem painful?
  4. Has your dog acted abnormally (pain, not eating, no energy)?

Diagnosing Sarcomas in Dogs

Diagnosis is generally by a fine-needle aspirate. Your veterinarian will look at stained slides and likely send the slides to a veterinary pathologist. An alternative is a biopsy, which can be surgical slice of the mass or an excisional biopsy, where the plan is to remove the entire growth.

You may be surprised when you pick your dog up after a biopsy or surgical removal of a sarcoma. While the growth might have felt like a grape-sized mass, the incision will often be much bigger. That is due to the propensity of these cancers to be locally invasive. Your veterinarian wants “clean margins,” which means no sign of cancerous cells when tissue samples are examined by a pathologist.

Treatment for Sarcomas in Dogs

Depending on how aggressive the dog’s sarcoma is, radiation therapy may be recommended as a follow-up treatment. Chemotherapy has not been as successful but may work for some cancers. Many of these masses will recur so periodic rechecks are important.

Be sure to ask your veterinarian when you should return for checkups, how long the recovery will be from surgery, what symptoms might indicate an emergency, and if there are any activity changes required.

The existence of these soft-tissue sarcomas serves to remind dog owners of the need to do a hands-on evaluation of their dogs, ideally once a month. If you identify any lumps, rack their growth and appearance (take pictures and measurements!). If there is any question in your mind, have your veterinarian do a fine-needle aspirate.

The Best Car Seats for Dogs

By
CJ Puotinen
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3
A cheerful dog strapped into a specialized car seat for dogs looks happily at the camera from the back an SUV through an open rear door.
The safest dog car seats, like the Tavo Maeve shown here, are suitably-sized, crash-tested, and keep the dog contained in the vehicle. Credit: Courtesy of Tavo

Some dogs like to snooze on the back seat, others prefer to sit where they can see everything, and all dogs like to be comfortable riding in the car. Dog car seats are dedicated restraints that position dogs in soft, structured seats attached to the vehicle’s seat belt system or anchor points.

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