An unattended coffee mug is an invitation to your dog to give coffee—and potentially deadly caffeine!—a try.
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Many of us can’t imagine starting our day without our coffee. However, you should take some extra steps to ensure your furry friend does not drink your coffee, as it can cause serious complications in our dogs.
Dogs are opportunistic creatures who will often take advantage of spills, unattended beverages, or open garbage cans. Often this behavior is harmless, however, it can pose a threat, as many of the foods we enjoy can pose health risks if ingested by a dog, including coffee (regular and decaf) and coffee drinks like cold brews and blended drinks. Espresso, of course, can be an even bigger risk due to its concentrated caffeine content.
The primary concern when it comes to dogs consuming coffee, or coffee grounds, is the caffeine content. Dogs are more sensitive to caffeine than humans, and small quantities can make them very sick. For this reason, even decaffeinated coffee has risks associated with it because the process does not remove all the caffeine. And, of course, coffee drinks like lattes contain caffeine, too, and are just as inviting to your dog as they are to you because of all that added sugar and dairy.
Decaf Coffee Is Not Safe for Dogs
Through decaffeination, most but not all the caffeine is removed. The small quantity of caffeine that remains can impact small or sensitive dogs. While a few licks from a spilled mug may not be enough to pose a risk to a large dog, small dogs should be closely monitored for signs of caffeine toxicity.
Caffeine poisoning symptoms, or signs of caffeine toxicity, typically present within 30 to 60 minutes of consumption. They include:
Abnormal heart rhythms
Agitation
Elevated heart rate
High body temperature
Panting
Restlessness
Vomiting
Coffee Grounds Are Dangerous to Dogs
More concerning than the beverage itself are the coffee beans and grounds. Caffeine can cause death in dogs, but the lethal dose depends on your dog’s size. If your dog consumes the grounds or beans, call your veterinarian or emergency vet clinic and tell them you are on your way with the dog. Beans and grounds contain a higher concentration of caffeine and pose a serious risk for caffeine poisoning.
If your dog has consumed coffee recently, your vet may induce vomiting to remove it from your dog’s system before the caffeine has had a chance to be absorbed. Your vet may also give your dog fluids, medications to help manage some of the symptoms of caffeine toxicity, and activated charcoal, which uses the process of adsorption to allow the caffeine to pass through your dog’s digestive tract without being absorbed by their body.
Keep Your Dog Away From Coffee
As with all toxic substances, the best practice is prevention. Keep all caffeinated products like coffee beans, coffee grounds, chocolate-covered coffee beans, caffeinated teas, caffeine pills, etc. in a secure location out of reach of your pups. Keep your freshly brewed beverages in a safe location where they cannot be knocked over or sampled by your pet, especially if they are hot! When you dispose of your used grounds, make sure they are disposed of in a secure receptacle, and if they are composted, make sure your dog cannot access the compost pile.
While coffee may be a part of our everyday lives, it can be dangerous if consumed by our pets due to its caffeine content. Even small amounts can be risky for small dogs and products like coffee grounds and beans constitute an emergency if ingested due to their high caffeine concentration. If your dog ever consumes a product with caffeine in it, it is best to contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (there may be a charge).
While robot vacuums can’t totally replace more conventional models, the best options can be a big help when it comes to keeping dog hair under control around the house. Credit: Jae Thomas
Shedding season means a whole lot of hair on your clothes, furniture, and floors. If you have a Husky, German Shepherd, Collie, or other double-coated breed, you know how much hair ends up on your floors and under your furniture.
Outsourcing the vacuuming to a robot vacuum may mean less time for you cleaning up after your pups, and more time playing, training, and snuggling with them.
I’m self-proclaimed anti-robot-vacuum, but a few of these options have shown me that they can be a helpful tool in your cleaning arsenal when you have multiple dogs. I don’t think that a robot vacuum should be considered 1:1 substitutes for a good cordless stick vacuum, but they can help manage large quantities of dog hair and make it so that you don’t have to clean quite as often.
Traits We Want in a Robot Vacuum for Dog Hair
Suction power: Suction power is the name of the game when it comes to robot vacuums for pet hair. Generally, the more pets you have, the more suction power you need. Also, the higher pile your carpets and rugs, the more suction power you’ll need, too. While not all robot vacuum brands offer specific suction power measurements, some do. Homes with only wood or tile floors will be able to get away with less suction than homes with lots of high-pile carpet.
Brushroll design: Look for an anti-wrap brushroll design, especially if you have long-haired dogs. Anti-wrap brushrolls usually have angled V-shaped patterns, alternating rubber fins and bristles, and may have split-brush designs to prevent hair from wrapping around the brushroll.
Bonus features: Extras like mopping, stain detection, dedicated spot cleaning, sanitizing or cleaning mopping pads, pet waste avoidance, and self-emptying will make your robot vacuum more independent, so it’s not just another chore for you to manage.
Read on for the best robot vacuums for dog hair tested for Whole Dog Journal:
If you have multiple pets, dogs who frequently track mud and dirt in, or dogs who may have accidents in the house, this 2-in-1 vacuum and mop features UV stain detection, strong suction, and multi-type navigation that can easily avoid pet toys, leashes, and other dog items strewn about the house.
15,000Pa of suction power is plenty for most multi-dog homes and enough to clean higher pile carpets and heavy shedding. The eufy omni c28 is a mid-range robot vac and mop combo that has great suction and has an easy time getting over rugs. However, the navigation isn’t as smart or efficient as our top pick and it got stuck more frequently.
A budget-friendly robot vacuum that’s best suited for single-dog homes or homes with mostly hard floors. It doesn’t have small obstacle avoidance and the suction generally isn’t strong enough for homes with multiple shedding pets.
A budget-friendly iRobot model that lacks suction power but has decent LiDAR mapping skills and carpet detection. It’s best for small spaces and single-dog homes that don’t have a lot of shedding going on.
Best Robot Vacuum for Dog Hair: Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-In-1 Vacuum & Mop
With good suction power, stain detection, and self-emptying functions, the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 Vacuum & Mop was our favorite robot vacuum for dog hair. Credit: Jae Thomas
The Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-In-1 Vacuum & Mop is a powerhouse of a robot vacuum for pet hair (with a high price to match). This option features UV-powered stain detection and targeted stain removal that does a great job mopping up muddy paw prints, dog food spills, potty accidents, and stuck-on pet hair. The robot vacuum also sanitizes its own mopping pads, self-empties into the dock, fills/empties its own water tanks, and can be sent to “spot clean” messes.
In terms of vacuuming, it does a good job of sucking up dust bunnies and big piles of hair and cleans hard floors easily. It needed two passes on my “admittedly-not-vacuumed-in-two-weeks” flatweave rugs to pick up my Border Collie/Amstaff mix’s short hair (as it tends to get embedded in my rugs). It had an easier time picking up my Collie’s shedded out, fluffy undercoat. I generally needed to use the “max suction” mode on my rugs for the best performance, and it performed better in larger, more open spaces. It’s a good pick for large single-level homes, but smaller apartments or homes with lots of furniture and other things on the ground may want a smaller option.
Setup of this vacuum was a bit of a pain, and it took multiple tries to connect it to my home’s wi-fi network. However, once it connected, it created a very accurate map of my home and did a good job of detecting carpets. I have a lot of washable Ruggable rugs in my home that are fairly lightweight and this vacuum did lift up a few rug edges while working, but it generally does a good job of lifting itself over obstacles and finding its way out of sticky situations.
Best Budget Robot Vacuum and Mop for Dog Hair: eufy omni c28
The eufy omni c28 was the best navigator of the models we tested and did well cleaning tight corners and under furniture. Credit: Jae Thomas
The eufy omni c28 is a great budget pick as a robot vacuum for pet hair if you can find it on sale for $500, which we’ve seen at multiple retailers.
It’s not as smart or efficient as the Shark PowerDetect and it tended to run into obstacles more frequently and took longer to get itself out of cramped situations. However, it had a slightly easier time navigating the rugs in my home and did a similar job vacuuming as the Shark, needing about two passes on my flatweave rugs to clean them when they were very hairy. The Shark PowerDetect’s mopping features, however, came out on top.
The eufy omni c28 features multiple suction levels (max suction, turbo, and quiet), and offers multiple cleaning modes, too (vacuum only, vac and mop, deep cleaning, or fast cleaning). The square shape made it better at cleaning edges and up against furniture than the shark, and it fit better under my bookcases and other furniture.
This robot vacuum was easy to set up and has an easy-to-use companion app. During setup, it seemed like the first mapping session didn’t save and needed to be done again. However, the finished map was slightly more detailed than the Shark map and divided itself into multiple rooms.
Frequently on sale for $330 or less, the Shark Matrix is a fine option for single pet homes on a budget. It features auto-emptying, decent home mapping, and fair suction for the price. The Matrix mode does a good job of going over spots multiple times to pick up loose hair and debris, though the suction isn’t nearly as strong as our two top picks. The Matrix and its base are both pretty small, so is a good pick for apartments and other small spaces. However, it doesn’t have small obstacle avoidance, got stuck on rugs and under furniture more often than other options we tested, and generally isn’t powerful enough for multi-pet homes with lots of shedding.
This budget-friendly Roomba featured slightly better carpet detection than the Shark Matrix, but seemed to have weaker suction, and similar navigation (it doesn’t have small obstacle avoidance and sometimes has a hard time getting over rugs). The Matrix also came out on top when it came to picking up more hair, since the Matrix mode went over multiple areas until clean.
The Roomba 105, however, is often priced at $250, so it’s more budget friendly than the Shark. If you’re looking for a true budget robot vacuum for pet hair, this isn’t a bad option but note that it doesn’t have the suction performance of other options on this list. It’s best suited for single pet homes and small spaces.
Dogs can lick their paws for many reasons, including anxiety and injury, and but a persistent effort is also suspicious for allergies. Credit: Geckophotos | Getty Images
Temaril-P for dogs is a tablet that combines an antihistamine and a steroid, which is perfect to combat itchiness and coughing. If your dog has allergies, your veterinarian may prescribe Temaril-P (the brand name) or a generic equivalent to help provide relief from symptoms.
What Is Temaril-P for Dogs?
Temaril-P contains two medications: trimeprazine and prednisolone. Trimeprazine is an antihistamine and prednisolone is a corticosteroid. Each component tackles inflammation in a different way, providing multi-modal therapy for itchy or coughing dogs.
Temaril-P is FDA-approved for use in dogs and is available by prescription from your veterinarian. It is not a cure, but it helps control symptoms.
What Is Temaril-P Used for in Dogs?
Since it contains an antihistamine and a steroid, Temaril-P is great to relieve itch, curb inflammation, and reduce coughing. Common uses in dogs include:
Veterinarians often prescribe Temaril-P to help get a flare-up of allergies or bronchitis under control, but it can also be used long term to manage allergy symptoms. Your dog will start off at the full dose for his weight for about four days, then your veterinarian will give instructions to gradually taper the dose. Your goal is to find the lowest dose that is effective to keep your dog feeling his best.
Immunosuppression and being more susceptible to infections
Low body temperature
Low blood pressure
Tremors
Weakness
Weight loss
Increased drinking, urination, and appetite are all quite common when giving steroids. These effects will go away as you taper the dose and discontinue the medication. Give Temaril-P with food to minimize GI side effects.
Thankfully, the combination of trimeprazine with prednisolone means that the two drugs work together, providing relief for your dog at lower doses than if he was getting one drug by itself. This lowers the risk of side effects.
If your dog needs to take Temaril-P long term, you may see signs of Cushing’s disease such as a thinning coat, fragile skin, muscle loss, potbellied appearance, delayed wound healing, and abnormal heart rate. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, contact your veterinarian.
An overdose of Temaril-P can be dangerous. Signs that your dog has consumed too much Temaril-P include lethargy, seizures, incoordination, and extremely low blood pressure. If your dog gets into a bottle of Temaril-P, contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Hotline immediately.
Is this dog happy? The relaxed ears, soft eyes, and smiling mouth suggest so. Credit: Olga Pankova| Getty Images
While your pooch can’t talk and tell you how much they love their life—their squeaky toys, walks in the park, and pup cups—they’re actually speaking to you.
“A lot of the time, dogs are so clear about what they’re trying to communicate, their body language, their movement; it all conveys a tremendous amount of information,” says veterinarian Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society, and author of several books about animal behavior.
Experts say body language is a universal language of sorts—dogs and humans each have their own form of nonverbal communication.
“It’s like being dropped into a foreign country, and you don’t speak the language, but you would understand somebody’s body language if they were motioning, ‘Come over here,’ you would get that right away,” says Robin Terrell, a certified professional dog trainer in the Dallas, Texas area.
The key is accurately interpreting what a dog is communicating. Though that can look different from dog to dog, researchers have identified typical happy dog body language and behaviors.
What a Happy Dog Looks Like
Sudowoodo | Getty Images
You’ve probably seen dog body language charts like the one above that help translate basic canine behavior, emotions, and feelings.
The charts usually show some of the most common signs of a happy dog, like a wagging tail, playful dog behavior, and a relaxed body. However, becoming fluent in dog body lingo means being aware that context matters when reading a dog’s mood.
For example, a typically happy dog may act differently in a shelter, at an animal hospital, or even within their own home.
“When the environment changes, it may change how your dog is going to look, and what signals they’re going to give you,” Terrell says. “If a guest comes and is standing up and reaching over my dog—that’s a very different environment versus if someone comes in, sits down, and then leans a bit to pet the dog; now you’re more approachable.”
A dog may demonstrate nervous body language like lip licking, yawning, and cowering. “You should take that into consideration, or you could be reading the signals wrong,” Terrell says.
What are the signs of a happy dog? While relaxed dog body language and playful dog behavior top the charts, we asked experts for their favorite characteristics.
10 Signs of a Happy Dog
All dogs have different personalities, energy levels, and needs, so this list isn’t a checklist; it’s a starting point, as only you know your dog best.
1. Relaxed Body and Face
Relaxed dog body language is key to figuring out if your dog is at ease.
“We look for that whole loose posture; that’s really the first tip off that a dog is comfortable and happy,” Dr. Weitzman says. “The facial muscles are relaxed, the mouth is relaxed, it may even be open, like a grin.”
2. Ears at Ease
The position and movement of a dog’s ears can indicate how they’re feeling, but this can be challenging to read since canine ears come in many shapes and sizes.
“Ear positions may not look the same in a German Shepherd or a Doberman as they do in a Labrador,” Dr. Weitzman says. “We like to see ears looking relaxed, but not too tense, and not pointing backward or forward.”
3. Soft Eyes
While we’re talking about relaxed pooches, that also includes a dog’s eyes.
“If a dog is comfortable with us, their eyes won’t have a hard stare,” Dr. Weitzman says. “We definitely don’t want to see that ‘whale eye’ (also called wide eye and half- moon eye) where the whites of the eyes are being shown. We want soft, relaxed eyes.”
4. Loose, Wagging Tail
A dog wagging their tail is one of the most popular clues a dog is happy, but even a dog’s tail wag can have different meanings.
“I’m looking for a tail that’s relaxed, high, and waggy,” Terrell says. “Waggy butt, waggy tail.”
If a dog’s tail is upright and moving in a fast motion, the pup could be nervous. If their tail is tucked behind their legs, that’s a sign of fear.
5. Playful Behaviors
Look for dogs expressing joy, like zoomies, squeaking toys, and giving play bows.
“The Academy Award of happiness would be a play bow,” Dr. Weitzman says. “I live for the moment that my dogs will do play bows. It’s definitely worth an Oscar if they’ll do that.”
6. Enjoying Attention and Interaction
A happy dog is excited to interact with you.
“I’m looking for a dog that wants to engage with me and wants to come into my space,” Terrell says. “When I call them, they come to me.”
7. Physical Contact
A dog that seeks you out for physical contact is often showing they’re content. A pooch may rub against your legs, lean into you, bop you for a pet or a hug, or sit on your lap.
8. Healthy Appetite
A healthy, hearty, and consistent appetite is another sign of a happy dog. If a dog is stressed, uncomfortable, or nervous, they may not eat well.
9. Blissful Barks
Dogs may let you know they’re happy by being yappy. Fast, high-pitched barks, yips, or yaps, while they’re playing, are common in dogs trying to show their bliss.
A happy bark is different from the “Who is at my door?” concerned bark or deep growl.
10. Sleeping Dogs Lie
A happy dog likes to sleep near you, next to you, perhaps even on top of you. Sleep is important to dogs, and if they’re stressed, like humans, they may not sleep as well. An adult dog can need up to 16 hours of sleep a day.
When “Happy” Behavior May Mean Something Else
Wide, staring eyes, ears angled backwards, and a tight mouth indicate that this dog is likely feeling unhappy or concerned. Credit: Wirestock | Getty Images
Experts say it’s important to look for many indicators of a dog’s mood before assessing that a dog is happy.
“It’s not just the individual signs, it’s everything put together,” Dr. Weitzman says. “Like a wagging tail with a soft face, an open mouth, the ears being normal, the eyes focusing on you, but not really in an alarmed way. All of that together means that the dog is happy, but individually they may not.”
What may seem like happy behavior might mean something else. A dog who looks like they’re smiling could really be panting because they’re stressed, overheated, overwhelmed, or uncomfortable.
Look at the big picture before you come to any conclusions.
How To Support Your Dog’s Happiness
If you’re wondering how to make a dog happy, there are some simple ways to keep canines cheerful.
Reliable Routine
Dogs love routines. They like predictability each day, as you’ve likely noticed when it’s dinnertime and you are one minute late.
Exercise
Dogs need enough exercise, especially active breeds like Huskies, Labradors, and Border Collies. If they can’t burn off their energy, they may develop destructive behaviors like digging, chewing, and barking. If your dog likes playing with other dogs, safely socializing is also great.
Nose Work
While exercise is important for dogs while you’re out and about, let them sniff. Using their nose means using their brain, which makes them tired—even if we get tired of watching them sniff the same spot for what seems like an eternity.
“Don’t pull them away from sniffing something in the bushes, because they’re getting so much information from that bush,” Dr. Weitzman says. “It’s a completely normal, natural behavior and they’re getting so much enrichment from doing that. Even though it seems like it’s taking 11 hours, let them finish the conversation that’s going on in their heads.”
Mental Stimulation
Besides allowing your dog to go on sniffing safaris during walks, you can also use enrichment games to support their mental stimulation, such as dog puzzles, but there are free games you can play at home.
“I like to play a hunt game,” Terrell says. “I put my dog behind a baby gate, I take their food and put it around the baseboards in a room or underneath a chair, and then I release them. They go and sniff out their meal, and they’re using their nose to find their food and activating their brain, which gives them satisfaction.”
Signs of a Happy Dog
No one knows a dog better than their family, and learning to read your dog’s distinctive body language, signs and signals is the best way to spot happiness.
“We can generalize some things like ear posture, tail posture, things like that,” Terrell says. “But really a dog is an individual, and we need to look for that individual personality.”
Rex Specs, shown here, are designed with a single lens to give active dogs a wide field of view without sacrificing eye protection. Credit: Emily Buerger
Dog goggles are available for everything from safety to style. Military dogs in harsh environments, water-loving dogs, and dogs with eye injuries are just a few of those who benefit from wearing dog eye protection.
Why Consider Dog Goggles?
This strap-on eyewear is designed to fit canine faces and offers UV protection and impact-resistant lenses for dogs who enjoy active lives and activities such as:
Cockapoo Paisley likes to go for rides on her person’s electric bike. Goggles protect her eyes from dirt, debris, and wind. Credit: Courtesy of Kim Campbell Thornton
Hiking
Riding in motorcycle sidecars or bike baskets
Running alongside bicycles
Catching balls or flying discs
Playing on the beach or in the water
Boating, paddleboarding, or surfing
Participating in search and rescue efforts
When Protective Eyewear for Dogs Can Help
Those are just a few of the activities where goggles for dogs can come in handy. Others include eye protection during laser treatments or lolling in a wading pool on a hot day. Dogs diagnosed with pannus (aka chronic superficial keratitis), a UV-light-induced disease most commonly seen in German Shepherds, may benefit from tinted eyewear that reduces UV light exposure. It might help prevent the disease from worsening, especially in dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors.
Protective eyewear is also useful for dogs recovering from surgery or an eye injury, such as a scratched or ulcerated cornea. I wish I’d thought to get a pair for Sparkles a few months ago for just that reason. She hates wearing an e-collar and she was always running into furniture and walls with it. Goggles might have been less troublesome for her, as well as preventing her from scratching at or rubbing her eyes while they healed.
While dogs with normal, healthy dog eyes don’t run too much risk of damage from bright sunlight, protective eyewear reduces glare, adding to canine comfort. It can prevent injury from foxtails, protruding brush, plants with thorns, and blowing debris, dirt, and sand.
Pets can also benefit from dog glasses if they have large, protruding eyes that may be easily injured. Think Boston Terriers, Cavaliers, English Toy Spaniels, French Bulldogs, and Pugs. Dog trainer Mikkel Becker put protective eyewear on her flat-faced dogs Indiana Bones and Otis when introducing them to foster cat Mylo, who was prone to scratching when afraid. The eyewear protected their eyes from the risk of cat claw damage.
Specs For Senior Dogs
Timmy, a Tibetan Spaniel, wears protective goggles when he gets laser treatments to help improve mobility. That’s a common reason for dogs to wear spectacles, but it’s not the only one. Credit: Courtesy of Kim Campbell Thornton
It’s not only aging humans who may need to get glasses. While canine corrective lenses aren’t a thing, dogs who are getting on in years can have more difficulty regulating the amount of bright light entering their eyes.
“Dogs with conditions that cause persistently dilated pupils, such as iris atrophy due to aging, can be light-sensitive. These dogs can benefit from tinted goggles that block out some of the light from entering the eye, especially when out in bright light,” says veterinary ophthalmologist Cindy Mar.
That’s because the iris, the colored part of the eye that surrounds the pupil, is a muscle. Like any muscle, it can weaken over time, becoming less able to control dilation and constriction of the pupil to manage light filtration. If you notice your senior dog squinting on a sunny day, tinted eyewear might help.
Other Uses for Canine Eyewear
Sometimes, when a dog is easily frightened by crowds or visual stimuli, tinted eyewear may help them to remain calm and reduce anxiety caused by bright or flashing lights, in much the same way as blinders do for horses. With positive conditioning, certain types of protective eyewear can potentially help reduce reactivity to things that might frighten dogs.
Finally, canine eyewear can just be a fun fashion statement for dogs and their people. After all who doesn’t look better in a chic pair of sunnies? For dogs who enjoy strutting their stuff and interacting with people, wearing cool shades can bring them the attention they crave.
Popular Brands for Dog Goggles
Probably the best-known brand of canine eyewear is Doggles, the name, of course, being a mashup of “dog” and “goggles.” It’s closely followed by Rex Specs but there are quite a few other brands, many of which get good reviews. Here’s where to find out more:
Cavaliers Bart and Harley sporting Doggles in the backseat of their family’s 1992 Jeep Wrangler. Credit: Kim and Steve Chouinard
When picking goggles for your dog, the key point is making sure they fit well. No matter who makes them, they come in a variety of styles and sizes and different dogs have different needs when it comes to fit for canine eyewear. It’s always a good idea to check with the company for advice on fitting them to your dog’s size and head shape.
At a store, ask if your dog can try on the goggles before you buy them. If purchasing online, Dr. Mar recommends looking at the photo gallery to find a dog with a similar head size and shape to help determine the size to purchase.
Look for such features as comfortable padding, complete UV protection, a flexible frame for ease of adjusting fit, shatterproof lenses, vents for good airflow and water drainage, and adjustable straps.
You’ll also want to pay attention to the depth of the eye cup. Dogs with protuberant eyes need a deeper eye cup for best protection and fit. Antifog lenses can be important for dogs working in inclement weather. Choose goggles with clear lenses for dogs who like to swim, especially if they go underwater to fetch sunken toys. Some goggles may not stay on well if dogs have long hair or a lot of facial hair. Before buying, ask about the return, repair, or replacement policy if the goggles don’t fit or the lenses get scratched.
How Dogs See
How dogs see depends on a number of factors, including visual field, acuity, depth perception, and color perception (yes, dogs can see some color—just not to the same extent as humans). In general, the visual acuity of dogs averages 20/75, but some breeds, such as Labradors, have closer to 20/20 vision.
Differences in canine eyesight are related to the shape of the head and position of the eyes, which affect visual field and depth perception. For instance, dogs with smushed, or brachycephalic, faces have eyes that are placed more to the side of the head, increasing what they can see with each eye, but decreasing their depth perception.
Other factors can also play a role. Sighthounds have long heads and the position of their eyes is ideal for chasing prey. Some studies show that they may also have higher levels of specialized retinal cells that provide them with improved ability to detect motion.
Although canine eyewear has a lot of benefits, don’t count on it to improve a dog’s sight, which may decrease with age or injury. While it would be great if a pair of specs could help, dogs who are experiencing vision loss don’t usually benefit from corrective eyewear. It might help dogs who have been left farsighted after certain types of cataract surgery, but most dogs adjust well without artificial aids. They might have reduced focus when they’re chasing a ball or angling for a treat, but overall there’s no reason to seek out prescription lenses.
Dog Eyewear Styles
Goggles for dogs can have separate eye cups, like the goggles you may wear in the swimming pool, or they can be wraparound, or spherical, styles like those you might have seen on Olympic athletes. Spherical goggles can offer better peripheral vision, while dual-lens styles may fit more snugly around the eyes. Because of their wider field of view, the one-piece or single lens type of goggles may be more appropriate for some activities.
“The style and fit of the goggles are important,” Dr. Mar says. “Select those that can truly protect the eyes—the ones that look like goggles for swimming or those for snowboarding—versus the ones made for fashion that look like glasses or are made for people. Special care is needed when selecting goggles for brachycephalic dogs because their ‘buggy’ eyes and short noses make them more difficult to find the perfect fit.”
Lens color affects the amount of light that reaches your dog’s eyes. Lighter colored lenses such as yellow or amber are good if you and your dog live in an area where you experience lots of cloudy days. Darker tints such as black or red are best for frequent sunny days. Choose smoke lenses if you and your dog spend a lot of time on the water on fiercely sunny days. For dogs with a multisport lifestyle, look for goggles with interchangeable lenses that are easy to swap out.
“You don’t want the lenses to be too dark or block out too much light for indoor activities or activities at night,” Dr. Mar says. “I also worry about the lenses that look like mirrors because they prevent you from seeing inside the goggles so you can’t tell if the goggles are fitting well and the lenses are not touching the eyes.”
Tips for Helping Your Dog Adjust to Wearing Goggles
There’s one potential drawback to canine eyewear: getting dogs to wear it. Some dogs take to it right away. Paisley, a cockapoo, wears goggles when she rides in her basket on Keith Comer’s e-bike.
“She needed zero training,” says Daleen Comer. “I just put them on her, and she wore them like a champ.”
Other dogs may be more reluctant. For them, go slowly and associate the goggles with good things. Positive conditioning is important. The company that makes Rex Specs has an excellent series of videos on its website showing how to introduce the dog to wearing them.
Ketoconazole is a prescription medication, so seeing your veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis of your dog’s skin problem is wise—and necessary to get the drug. Credit: Bluecinema | Getty Images
Ketoconazole is a prescription antifungal medication available in a variety of formulations. This makes it a versatile treatment option for dogs plagued by fungal infections of all sizes.
Most dogs will either never need ketoconazole or might receive a medicated ear ointment or shampoo for a localized yeast infection. But if your dog contracts a serious fungal infection such as Valley Fever or Blastomycosis, ketoconazole may save your dog’s life.
What Does Ketoconazole Treat?
Ketoconazole has many uses in dogs to treat fungal and yeast infections. Some of the fungal organisms that it may be used for are:
For localized infections, your veterinarian will likely prescribe a topical formulation of ketoconazole that can be applied directly to the infection site. This might be an ointment to go in yeasty ears or a spray to apply to affected skin on the belly.
Oral tablets are generally reserved for systemic infections that impact the lungs, bones, or deep tissues such as the nail beds. Oral ketoconazole may also be prescribed if your dog has a severe or stubborn local infection that has resisted topical treatment.
How Does Ketoconazole Work?
Ketoconazole for dogs works by damaging the fungi’s cell walls and stopping it from multiplying. Over time, this kills the fungal organism and clears the infection. For minor infections you may notice improvement within days. For more severe infections it may take two weeks to see improvement.
As well as battling fungi, ketoconazole has two other less common uses in dogs. It is sometimes used to help treat Cushing’s syndrome because it hinders the production of steroids in the body. It also may be given to dogs taking the immunosuppressant cyclosporine because it slows the metabolism of this drug, enabling the dog to take lower doses.
How Long Will My Dog Need Ketoconazole?
The length of treatment depends on the type and location of your dog’s infection. Minor ear and skin infections are often treated for a week or two. More robust infections may require several weeks of treatment.
Severe systemic infections such as Valley Fever and blastomycosis often require a month or more of treatment, and some dogs may need to take ketoconazole for the rest of their lives.
Ketoconazole Shampoo for Dogs
Ketoconazole shampoo is a great option for dogs with fungal skin infections, although what you can purchase over the counter is not prescription strength. Follow all instructions on the label closely, as most medicated shampoos work best when allowed to soak on the dog for several minutes before being rinsed off.
Expect to bathe your dog multiple times a week for two to four weeks. For localized infections you may only need to bathe the affected area.
Ketoconazole Side Effects
Veterinarians like to use topical formulations of ketoconazole when possible to minimize the risk of side effects. By applying the drug directly to the affected skin, other parts of the body are not exposed and lower doses are needed. Do not allow your dog to lick ketoconazole sprays, ointments, or shampoos.
Oral ketoconazole should be given with food to minimize the risk of stomach upset.
Potential side effects from ketoconazole include:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Poor appetite
Weight loss
Elevated liver values
Lethargy
Liver damage
Incoordination
Transient changes in hair color
Side effects are more likely if your dog takes high doses of ketoconazole or if she needs to take it for a prolonged period.
If your dog must be on ketoconazole long-term, your veterinarian will recommend bloodwork every three to six months to monitor her liver values. If your dog shows any signs of illness, contact your veterinarian to ask for next steps. In some cases, your dog’s dosage may be adjusted, or she might be switched to a different treatment option.
The inner gel of the aloe vera plant can be used on many kinds of canine skin irritations and injuries. Credit: HooSv | Getty Images
Thanks to its popularity as a soothing, healing herb—aloe vera’s annual sales are estimated at over $1 billion per year—it’s easy to recognize this succulent plant by its thick, fleshy, spikey leaves. You may have already used it to treat a sunburn or rash, and you might even have some plants of your own. Did you know that aloe vera can help your dog as well as you and your family?
What is Aloe Vera?
There are several hundred species of aloe, but the most widely used is Aloe barbadensis, which is commonly known as aloe vera.
Native to the Arabian Peninsula, this aloe species is grown around the world. Its leaves contain a clear gel encased in a yellow latex film, both of which have medicinal properties. Aloe’s active ingredients include enzymes, amino acids, polysaccharides, vitamins, and minerals. Its inner gel has medicinal and cosmetic applications, while the outer latex layer contains aloin, a bitter compound with laxative effects.
Is Aloe Vera Safe for Dogs?
Some parts of the aloe vera plant are considered safe for dogs and some are not.
As mentioned above, the yellow latex layer that grows between the aloe plant’s leaves and internal gel contains aloin, which irritates the colon lining and triggers intestinal cramping. Those parts are not safe for dogs. If your dog consumes part of a whole leaf, symptoms to watch for include:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Drooling
Significant gastrointestinal upset
Luckily, dogs are not usually attracted to aloe. However, curious puppies might chew on or swallow part of a leaf and adult dogs might lick freshly cut aloe vera containing the yellow latex layer that causes problems. If your dog does consume aloe leaves, call your veterinarian or contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 for veterinary advice. A consultation fee may apply to the ASPCA call and a fee of $89 applies to the Pet Poison Hotline.
In contrast, the clear inner gel of the aloe vera plant is generally considered safe for use on dogs. Very few medicinal herbs have been clinically tested on dogs, but aloe vera is one that has. For example, studies published in Veterinary World,Microbial Pathogenesis, and Research in Veterinary Science have documented aloe vera’s effects on canine pyoderma (a bacterial skin infection), leishmaniasis (a parasitic disease that causes skin ulcers and other tissue damage), and skin wounds. The Veterinary World study concluded, “Aloe vera 40% ointment may be a suitable alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of staphylococcal pyoderma in dogs,” and the Research in Veterinary Science study concluded “Aloe vera was more effective than silver sulfadiazine in accelerating wound shrinkage, reducing healing time and decreasing the severity of the associated injuries.”
How Does Aloe Vera Work?
Enzymes in aloe vera gel have an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing inflammation in rashes, hot spots, and other skin irritations. Bradykinase, a key enzyme in aloe, helps break down inflammatory swelling or redness and itching, such as from insect bites.
Its amino acids are the building blocks of proteins that maintain skin and coat health. Aloe vera’s saponins, which have cleansing and antiseptic properties, help speed wound healing. Minerals such as calcium and potassium are important to muscle contractions and nerve signaling.
Aloe vera can treat or speed the healing of:
Scrapes and abrasions
Insect bites
Poison ivy exposure
Minor burns
Rashes
Hot spots
Mild allergic skin reactions
Skin irritation from sutures after surgery
Dry, itchy, or flaky skin
What Is the Best Way to Apply Aloe Vera?
If you have an aloe vera plant, simply cut or break off a leaf and slice it open. Avoid the yellow latex film that’s just inside the leaf’s skin and use a spoon to remove the clear gel in the leaf’s center. Hold it securely (it’s slippery) and gently glide the gel over your dog’s skin. Apply enough aloe vera gel or juice to cover the affected area and let it dry, repeating as needed.
Aloe Vera Products for Pets
Several aloe vera gel products are labeled specifically for pets including:
If you are considering aloe vera gels intended for human use, make sure they don’t contain any additional ingredients that might be toxic to dogs.
Can Aloe Vera Be Used Internally?
Aloe vera’s clear gel or juice contains polysaccharides that soothe and coat mucous membranes, which is why aloe vera is said to improve gut health, the immune system, and nutrient absorption. Human studies support claims that aloe vera juice helps metabolize sugars, fats, and starches while reducing inflammation, promoting a healthy gut microbiome, and improving muscle and joint function. It is associated in humans with a reduction of acid reflux and more balanced pH levels that reduce heartburn symptoms. In dogs, small amounts of aloe vera juice added to food may help improve overall digestion, enhance skin health, act as a prebiotic that improves the gut microbiome, boost immunity, and support joint health.
Some whole-leaf aloe supplements are labeled “aloin-free,” “decolorized,” “decolorized whole leaf,” or “purified,” indicating that any traces of the plant’s yellow latex have been removed by charcoal filtering or a similar process. Inner leaf or inner fillet aloe juice contains very little aloin because the plant’s latex layer is removed before processing. Whole leaf aloe juice should state that it has been decolorized or purified.
Aloe Vera Juice for Pets
Aloe vera juice that is labeled for human consumption without the addition of other ingredients such as sweeteners and flavoring agents can be added in small amounts to your dog’s food or treats. One safe option is Lily of the Valley’s Preservative-free Aloe Vera Inner Fillet Juice, a mild tasting, organically grown, IASC-certified aloe beverage that supports digestive wellness. (The International Aloe Science Council, or IASC, audits manufacturers and certifies aloe vera products for quality.)
Aloe vera has a distinctive flavor and it isn’t one that tends to attract dogs, which is why adding small amounts to food rather than drinking water is recommended. Start with small amounts and increase them gradually for best results, beginning with 1/4 teaspoon per 20 pounds of your dog’s weight per day. After two or three weeks, with your dog responding well, continue that amount or slowly increase and eventually double the dose.
When Not to Use Aloe Vera for Dogs
Aloe vera is versatile, but it isn’t a magical cure for all problems. Contact your veterinarian or choose another remedy to treat:
Deep cuts
Puncture wounds
Seriously infected skin
Surgical incisions unless recommended by your veterinarian
Large burns
Skin with heavy drainage
Alternatives to Aloe Vera for Dog Skin Care
If you aren’t able to use aloe vera or would like an effective substitute for its topical or oral applications, click on these links to consider:
Coconut oil, which can soothe dry, irritated skin and, when added to food, help improve the skin and coat.
Calendula, a versatile, skin-friendly flower that is easy to brew as a tea rinse.
Chamomile, another skin-calming herb with easy pet applications.
The adorable, lively West Highland White Terrier is one of the breeds responsible for the term “little white shaker syndrome” in dogs, but in reality any dog can have idiopathic tremors. Credit: Kelly Lambright | Getty Images
If your young Labrador Retriever is standing in front of you, staring at the tennis ball in your hand and tremoring, that is normal. If your short hair dog is out in wet snow for 15 minutes and is whole-body tremoring, which is shivering, that’s normal. But bring him into the house!
If your neighbor is not into the fourth hour of nonstop fireworks and your sensitive dog is shaking, that is fear and anxiety. It is normal, but you need to take steps to get your dog to a quiet place. Dogs who are in pain may also have tremors, and you need to get veterinary help to ease the pain.
Tremors or shakes when your dog is asleep and dreaming, however, is normal. Many dogs even “twitch” their legs as if they are chasing a bunny.
In a 2025 study of 198 dogs published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, researchers found the most frequent causes of tremors in dogs were intoxication (47%) and idiopathic generalized tremor syndrome, or IGTS, (24.7%). Intoxication included cases where the dog ingested a toxin of some type. Idiopathic means of unknown cause.
In a 2024 study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science, researchers studied 33 dogs and concluded that IGTS appears to be an immune-mediated disorder of the central nervous system. “There are still large gaps in the current understanding of the etiopathogenesis of this disease, and research on this topic is relatively sparse, probably due to the good prognosis and straight-forward treatment possibilities,” they said.
What Are Body Tremors in a Dog?
Tremors involve two body systems: nerves and muscles. True tremors are involuntary. They occur without conscious thought by your dog. While they may resemble seizures, tremors are not due to short circuiting in your dog’s brain.
Two classic tremor conditions of unknown underlying cause are:
Idiopathic tremor syndrome
Idiopathic head tremor
Idiopathic Tremor Syndrome in Dogs
Idiopathic tremor syndrome is also sometimes called “little white shaker syndrome.” This is an immune-mediated condition where the immune system interacts with the nervous system.
Commonly affected dogs include Maltese, West Highland White Terriers, and small Poodles, which are also often white. These predilections explain the nickname of the syndrome, but any breed or mix could be affected. Symptoms usually start in dogs under 2 years of age.
These dogs may have no tremors noted while they sleep or rest, but once they get active, tremors start up. Fortunately, these tremors do not seem to be painful, and they don’t affect your dog’s consciousness.
Treatment with corticosteroids can usually alleviate the condition. While dogs may need to start out on a fairly high dose of steroids, this can usually be tapered down eventually to a minimal dose. Prognosis is great, and these dogs tend to live normal lives. Relapses can occur though, especially if the steroid dose is weaned off totally.
Idiopathic Head Tremors in Dogs
Usually found in young dogs, idiopathic head tremors affect only the dog’s head. The rest of the body stays normal. Unlike the whole-body tremor syndrome, these tremors are more evident when the dog is resting.
The head tends to bob up sideways in horizontal or vertical movements (like saying yes or no with just a gesture and no words). While any young dog may show this tremor, the most common breeds include Doberman Pinschers, Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Boxers, and Labrador Retrievers.
This head tremor is a relatively benign syndrome. You can often get the head tremor to stop by distracting the dog. Also, while these tremors don’t seem to respond to any treatment, they generally fade away with age.
Known Causes of Tremors in Dogs
Hypoglycemia: Some less benign causes of tremors may be related to medical problems. Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia may cause tremors. In diabetic dogs, this could be from a mismatch of calories going in and insulin dosage. Putting some Karo syrup or honey on your dog’s gums is a quick fix, but you need to get to your veterinarian.
Toxins: The ingestion of toxins can cause tremors. Common poisons include:
Strychnine, though those tremors often progress to full-blown seizures
Ethylene glycol (antifreeze) may also cause tremors as part of its toxic profile
Certain poisonous mushrooms may cause tremors and some will lead to seizures
Snail baits containing metaldehyde are quite toxic, often causing tremors leading to seizures
If you suspect, or know, your dog has gotten into something toxic, contact one of the animal poison control helplines, and head to your veterinary clinic. Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661 or ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 888-426-4435.
Canine Distemper: Sadly, cases of canine distemper are on the rise as some dogs are not being appropriately vaccinated for this deadly disease. Dogs who survive are frequently left with tremors or seizure disorders. There is no specific treatment for distemper. Supportive care is provided while, hopefully, your dog’s own immune system battles the virus. Vaccination is very effective. Distemper is a core vaccine, which means it is recommended for all dogs.
Muscle Fatigue: Cramps, or spasms can occur from muscle fatigue. In these cases, your dog might have tremors in just one leg. Rest and recovery are needed. Senior dogs who overdo it with a busy day or weekend can be prone to muscle cramps.
Low Blood Calcium: A serous cause of tremors is hypocalcemia or low blood calcium. This is most commonly seen in bitches post partum and is called eclampsia. Basically, the drain of whelping and nursing puppies causes low calcium. This condition can be deadly, and your bitch needs prompt veterinary intervention. Some cerebellar disorders can cause various tremors or head bobs.
Diagnosing the Cause of Dog Tremors
Diagnosing tremors can involve a variety of tests. Perhaps the most important is a complete history. This relies on your observations. When did the tremors start? What was your dog doing when you first noticed them? Any possible exposures to toxins? Any other signs of a health problem?
Bloodwork can be important, especially if your veterinarian suspects hypoglycemia or hypocalcemia. A thorough physical exam may point out painful areas or weaknesses. If a neurologic cause is suspected, your veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary neurologist. A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) tap an MRI might be done.
The Treatment for Dog Tremors
Treatment, if any is needed, will be customized to the likely cause. Muscle relaxants can be helpful as well as nerve-oriented pain medications such as gabapentin. Intravenous (IV) glucose or calcium can reverse low blood levels of those components. Anti-anxiety medications may settle a nervous dog.
Corticosteroids are important for cases of idiopathic tremor syndrome and may be required for life. Luckily, they are relatively inexpensive.
While tremors may be scary and frustrating for you, most dogs adapt to benign tremors and aren’t bothered at all. Having a benign head tremor myself, I can say that I don’t even notice it!
As is the case with a dog who barks at a fence line and experiences passersby usually not coming into ‘his’ yard, it is easy to accidentally create situations where a dog is rewarded for territorial behavior. Credit: Timbicus | Getty Images
Your dog sees someone walking their dog past your property through the front window. He immediately launches off the couch towards the window, barking intensely and ignoring your pleas for him to come back to you. By the time you reach him he’s fixated on the passers-by, hackles raised, pupils dilated, over threshold.
Sound familiar? For many dog owners, territorial behavior is one of the most frustrating and misunderstood parts of living with a dog. Is my dog being protective? Is it a problem? Can the behavior be changed?
What Is Territorial Behavior in Dogs?
Territorial behavior in dogs is the instinct to patrol and protect a defined space against perceived intruders or warn others of their presence. It’s a very normal behavior for many animals living in the wild who rely on their home territory for their very survival. Wild-living animals must protect their shelter, hunting or foraging grounds, mates, and social group as losing them could put them at grave risk.
Why Do Dogs Become Territorial?
Even though dogs are domesticated and don’t need to reply on their territory for their survival, they still retain the instinct to perform territorial behavior. While some alert barking is normal and often appreciated by the owner, when the dog’s response becomes disproportionate to the actual threat, then the issue should be addressed.
It’s also worth noting that a dog’s territory often isn’t limited to the home or yard. Some dogs may extend their territory out to the car, their favorite park, or even a regular route you walk them.
Signs of a Territorial Dog
Territorial behavior in dogs occurs on a spectrum, ranging from non-existent or quite mild through to extremely intense and potentially dangerous. Recognizing where your dog sits on that spectrum is the first step toward managing the behavior effectively.
At the more mild end, you might see alert barking, the body stiffening, and movement towards the perceived threat. However, the dog will typically remain responsive to their owner. In the middle of the spectrum, the behavior escalates to sustained barking, fence running, and lunging. It’s usually more difficult to get your dog’s attention at this point. At the severe end, the dog becomes fixated on the target. The barking and lunging intensify to include growling, snapping, and biting. The dog may attempt to jump the fence to get to the trigger and the risk of a bite injury significantly increases.
Common body language signs in territorial dogs include:
Carrying weight forward
Holding the tail high and ridged
A hard and direct stare
Raised hackles along the back
Trigger stacking is another useful concept to understand here. A trigger threshold is the point at which a dog tips from noticing a stimulus into a full reactive response. Often, territorial dogs will remain calm and tolerant to the presence of a trigger a certain distance away, but escalate suddenly once the trigger is close enough to cross that threshold boundary. This distance differs for every dog and knowing your own dog’s threshold allows you to work around it.
What Causes Territorial Aggression in Dogs?
Territorial aggression can be influenced by several contributing factors. These include genetics, early socialization, prior learning history, and the environment.
Breed Predisposition
Breeds that were developed for certain roles such as guarding, herding, or protection have been selectively bred to be wary of, and to alert to, the presence of unfamiliar people or dogs near their territory. These breeds include German Shepherds, Rottweilers, and Dobermans. This doesn’t mean that all dogs from these breeds will have issues with territorial aggression, just that some individuals may have a stronger drive to engage in the behavior.
Socialization History
The critical period for socialization for dog occurs between three and 12 weeks of age. It is vital that puppies are exposed to a wide variety of people, environments, and other dogs in a neutral or positive way for their behavioral well-being. Dogs who miss out on such positive exposure to the world around them during this time are more likely to perceive unfamiliar people or dogs as threats.
Reinforcement History
Whenever a territorial dog barks at a passerby and the passerby walks away, the dog has just learned that barking works. The behavior was reinforced—albeit unintentionally. When we consider this scenario may have been repeated dozens, if not hundreds, of times it can produce a dog who is convinced this is the correct response given the circumstances.
Hormonal Influences
Intact males are more likely than neutered males to exhibit territorial aggression and research supports desexing as a way to reduce hormonally-driven territorial behavior, although it rarely addresses the issue on its own.
The Role of Fear and Anxiety
Anxiety and chronic stress can also contribute to territorial behavior. An anxious dog may guard their safe space more intensely as a way of managing their insecurity. In these cases, it’s important to address the underlying stress/anxiety to effectively work to reduce the problem behavior.
Which Dogs are Most at Risk of Becoming Territorial?
Territorial behavior can emerge or even intensify when dogs reach social maturity at around 18 months to three years of age. A puppy or adolescent who seemed quite manageable often surprises their owners when that switch flips.
In addition to the risk factors discussed above, spending a significant amount of time at the front door or window, especially when people frequently approach or walk past, can also play a role in the development of territorial behavior in dogs. Research suggests that dogs with repeated, uninterrupted exposure to passing people, dogs, or vehicles often develop stronger territorial responses over time, reinforced through repetition (Beaver, 2009).
A lack of adequate physical exercise and mental stimulation can also contribute to the problem. When barking at people passing by is the most interesting, reinforcing behavior in their day, most dogs will choose it. Try to ensure you’re meeting your dog’s needs for physical activity and mental engagement.
Preventing Territorial Behavior in Dogs
Prevention, as they say, is easier than cure and most of it comes down to early socialization with passers-by and good management practices:
Prioritize optimal socialization early—Puppies who have regular positive experiences with a variety of different visitors (delivery drivers, tradespeople, people in hats and uniforms, etc.) are less likely to perceive them as a threat later on.
Teach a default behavior when visitors arrive—Teaching an “on your bed/mat” cue is a highly effective way to teach your dog calm and relaxed behavior when people approach or visit the home.
Manage rehearsal—Avoid allowing your dog to practice the unwanted territorial behavior. Instead, interrupt and redirect the behavior. Use baby gates or close doors to prevent access to the trigger and use positive reinforcement to reward incompatible behaviors.
Managing Territorial Behavior and When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re working with a dog who already has established territorial behavior, you need to implement good management and behavior modification practices. These should include desensitization and counter-conditioning to the triggers, environmental management to prevent access to triggers outside of training sessions, structured greeting protocols, and provision of adequate exercise and enrichment. This should all be done in consultation with a trained professional to ensure effectiveness and safety for all.
Territorial behavior is very common and normal canine behavior. However, when it poses a risk to people or other animals, it must be addressed. With the right support most dogs will improve considerably.
Making your own dog treats brings many advantages, not to mention your sense of pride when your dog devours your healthy creation.
Credit: Courtesy of Dr. Mary Cope
As pet owners become increasingly focused on the quality of the foods they give to their dogs, homemade dog treats have experienced a surge in popularity. While commercial treats offer convenience, many owners are seeking greater control over the ingredients used and like the opportunity to customize trats to meet their dog’s unique needs.
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