Can Dogs Taste Spicy Foods?
Two common questions among pet owners is whether their dogs can taste spicy food and, more importantly, whether they should have it. The short answer is no to both questions. Dogs can’t “taste” spicy food and, no, they should not have it. It may even lead to diarrhea, vomiting, gas, and stomach pain.
Is That a Snake Bite on My Dog?
The dog snake bite timeline usually starts like this: You’re walking through the woods, and your dog is off exploring. Suddenly, he yelps, and you see a snake slithering away (possibly causing you to also yelp!). Venomous snakes can be found everywhere in North America. Was THAT snake poisonous?
Best Dog Raincoats
It was pouring down rain in Paris late last September and the coat we had brought for Sparkles, while warm, wasn’t waterproof. So we put her in her stroller, zipped up the cover, and trudged off to Michette, a pet supply store about half a mile away. It carried dozens of dog raincoats in all styles and colors. Sparkles waited patiently as we tried them on her, looking for one that fit and wasn’t too difficult to put on.
How to Train Your Dog to a Dog Whistle
Dogs can learn to respond to all sorts of sounds and cues, but among the most effective for a solid recall, or “come,” is...
What Does Catnip Do to Dogs?
Catnip seems to have a mild sedative effect on a few dogs, but I wouldn’t recommend it to calm a dog on the 4th of July! If you decide to expose your dog to catnip, try a small amount of dried crushed plant or fresh crushed leaves.
Knuckling in Dogs
Knuckling in dogs is a condition where a dog walks or stands on the top of their paws instead of placing their pads on the ground. Knuckling results in the paw folding under when the dog walks.
Best Peanut Butter for Dogs
Peanut butter is a popular treat among dog owners, used to fill puzzle toys, hide medications, or as a reward for good behavior. Most...
How to Get Dog Hair Out of the Car
I have floofy dogs, so I learned to remove dog hair from my car. I also became a fan of preventatives. For example, if...
Sileo for Dogs
Sileo gel for dogs may help dogs who seem to instinctively fear noise, or at a minimum, dislike certain noises. Those sounds can include...
What To Know About In-Home Euthanasia
Wherever Harley went, commotion followed. I had a hunch that even in death, his knack for turmoil would live on, and I wasn't wrong.
The...
What To Expect When Adopting a Long-Stay Shelter Dog
Adopting a dog who has been a long-term resident at a shelter can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Long stints in an animal shelter...
The 5 Best Reflective Dog Collars
Whether you’re camping with your dog, or just want to keep them visible on late-night potty walks, a reflective dog collar is a must-have for your dog’s safety.
Reflective collars keep your dog visible to you, cars, bikes, other people, and other dogs. Dogs who wear reflective collars are easier to see both on leash and off leash, thereby reducing accidents.
Did My Dog Sprain His Leg?
If my dog sprains his leg, or is otherwise lame or sore, my immediate go-to is to run a cold hose over the area (or the whole leg) for 5 minutes two to three times a day. You need to time the 5 minutes because it will feel like an hour after just 30 seconds.
How to Tell If Your Dog Is in Pain
Dogs communicate their discomfort with subtle changes in their behavior, posture, and habits. Recognizing these signs helps you maintain your dog’s health.
Can Dogs Get Norovirus?
Just like people, dogs are susceptible to gastrointestinal illnesses including norovirus.
Essentials for Your Dog
What comes to mind when you think of things you need for your dog? (Not necessarily things you want: much as I might like a diamond-encrusted collar or a $1,000 plush dog bed for Frankie, they’re not really necessities. Not in my world, anyway.) When it comes right down to it, pretty much everyone has a different idea of what items are considered essential for a dog.
What To Do When Your Dog Is Sprayed by a Skunk
When I think back to the night my dog was sprayed by a skunk, the disaster replays in my mind like a video in fast-forward.
Something furry dashed across the front porch of the Cape Cod, Massachusetts, beach house where we were staying.
"What the heck was that creature?" I thought, wondering what animal paid us a visit. But my dog didn't want to ponder nature; he raced after the fluffy critter.
Horner’s Syndrome in Dogs
The cause of Horner’s is normally an injury or irritation to the nerves around the eye, but often the exact insult is not determined. It is a neurologic condition that affects your dog’s eye and face, usually on just one side.