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When our grandparents (or perhaps great-grandparents) were children, it was not uncommon for people to have big families – say, eight or 10 or more kids – but to have only a few survive due to childhood diseases, a lack of modern medical care, and, sometimes, poor nutrition. This is a story of Dusty, a dog with just such a background; he is the sole survivor from a litter of 11 puppies. But despite being born in modern times, superior medical care and technology failed to save Dusty’s siblings.

Ten years ago, a new dog training tool hit the market. Known generically as the head halter (or head collar), it is a device similar to the halter commonly used on horses. It provides a greatly increased degree of control over the dog who is dedicated to pulling on the collar and leash, without the punishment or pain factors associated with choke chains and prong collars. The head halter has a strap that goes around the dog’s nose, and another that clasps around his neck, just behind the ears. The leash attaches to a ring below the dog’s chin. Just like with halters on horses, bulls and other large animals, it works on the principle that where the nose goes, the body must follow.

When Deanna Cuchiaro of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey, set out to adopt an Irish Setter, she had no idea the rescue would change her entire perspective on animal health care. Cuchiaro already had one Irish Setter, Brandy, who had recently turned 10, and she wanted to get another so that Brandy could help pass his positive influence around the house to the newcomer. She considered getting a puppy, but decided to adopt a rescue dog from the Irish Setter Club of Central Connecticut rescue program. She met representatives of the rescue group at a local Irish Setter show who told her there was a large two-year-old male Setter available for adoption.

Some dogs have a rough start in life. Consider BP, the 50-pound black-and-tan Shepherd-mix owned by Lucia Colbert of Cordova, Tennessee. BP was dumped in a neighborhood and left to fend for herself until rescued by Colbert in 1988. Colbert took the thin and sickly dog to the vet: BP had a host of internal parasites, including heartworms; part of her tongue was missing; and she had a chest full of buckshot (discovered later on a chest x-ray). “I knew she’s hadn’t had a piece of cake for puppyhood,” says Colbert. Once adopted, BP thrived. She enjoyed a good life with Colbert, a professional tennis player and triathlete. BP jogged daily with Colbert and sat by the tennis court while she taught.

Grooming experts almost always advise against shaving double-coated dogs – but it can really help some overheated senior dogs cool down and feel better in the summer.

Syncope (or fainting spells) can look a lot like seizure activity. Learn how to tell the difference between seizures and syncope and what can cause syncope in dogs.

Intestinal blockages in dogs are a surgical emergency – but the dog’s prognosis is good if veterinary attention, diagnosis, and surgery are promptly provided.

The benefits of salmon oil for dogs include improved cognitive function, joint mobility, and immune function, including minor skin allergies.

Ideally, diets for dogs who weigh 20 pounds or less are calorically dense, high in digestible protein, and contain added L-carnitine and vitamins C and E.

Is pet health insurance worth it? Absolutely. The cost of insuring your dog’s medical care and what it will cover vary based on your choices; here is help for making smart choices.

Eating any product containing THC can be dangerous for your dog. While the amount and type of marijuana product consumed determines how serious the situation is, dogs who have eaten cannabis need to get to a vet.