How Dogs Contribute to Our Health and Happiness
There’s a science behind why being with your dog brings so much joy. Here’s how and why your pup makes life so much better.
Topics: Health and Wellness
The Wanderer
Why Does My Dog Sigh So Much?
Dogs communicate pleasure, happiness, excitement, and connection through different vocalizations, including sighs. Here’s why your dog is likely sighing.
Topics: Health and Wellness
GoPetFriendly Blogs
We're excited to share blog selections from our friends at GoPetFriendly with our Wanderer subscribers each month.
Check out the articles hand-picked for our Link family below!
Topics: Health and Wellness, Training, On the Go, Dog Fun, Technology
5 Summer Treats for Your Pup
Pet parents want to share all the good times with their pooch. That includes summer treats that make him comfortable on hot days and help prevent heatstroke, which can cause damage to his internal organs. Most vets agree, though, that you should avoid giving goodies like ice cream, frozen yogurt, and popsicles to your dog. The good news is, there’s an abundance of DIY treats you can prepare for your pet to help him manage the summer heat.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Why Is My Dog Barking at Nothing?
You're in the other room, trying to watch TV when suddenly, your dog starts going crazy. He's barking so loudly, there must be something wrong. But when you rush to his side, you find... nothing. There's nothing in the room, nothing outside... Not a single thing out of the ordinary.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Why Is My Dog So Attached to Me?
Ask three friends, “Why is my dog so attached to me?” and you’ll likely get three different answers. Some people swear the pup is angling for treats. Others say it’s anxiety or behavior you encourage. Who’s right? Depending on your dog, it could be one or a combination of these reasons.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Why Does My Dog Lick Me?
You've just come home after a long day. Your furry friend is there waiting for you. So what does he do to greet you? He licks you! You love getting kisses from your dog, but have you ever wondered why he does it? Here are some of the reasons why your dog might lick you.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Stimulate Your Dog’s Mind With These Challenging Puzzle Games
When Stay at Home orders were first issued, it was like your dog's dream come true. You and him were home together, all day, every day, to play, cuddle, and spend quality time with each other. Unfortunately, as the weeks drag on, you're both finding it's not as great as advertised.
Topics: Health and Wellness, Dog Fun
How to Help Reduce Your Dog’s Stress
Just like humans, dogs have a happier, healthier life when they reduce the amount of stress in it. Separation anxiety, a change in routine, or physical discomfort are just some of the things that can cause your dog to be stressed. And just like you, he could benefit from coping mechanisms by doing routine things, getting some exercise, or hanging out with friendly faces.
Topics: Health and Wellness
How to Clean the Most Common Dog Messes
Your pooch might be the most adorable pet on the block, but there’s nothing appealing about the potty accidents or other messes he leaves behind. Cleaning muddy paw prints, dog hair-covered furniture, slobber, and inside urine and poop stains are likely your least favorite pup-related chores.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Updated: Can Dogs Get Coronavirus?
One of the things that makes COVID-19 particularly scary is that it's brand new. The coronavirus has been around for years, but this particular strain has never been seen before in the medical community. As such, there are a lot of unanswered questions, and things doctors are still learning about how it functions.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Don’t Use These Cleaning Products Around Your Dog!
Accidental ingestion, inhalation, or skin exposure to common household cleaning products can occur when your pet uses his natural curiosity to explore. Symptoms of exposure to a poisonous substance range from mild vomiting to serious abdominal pain and excess salivation. Since these agents work rapidly, it’s critical to get immediate veterinary care for a positive outcome.
Topics: Health and Wellness
When is it a Veterinary Emergency?
It’s 10 p.m. and you notice your dog has a bad limp. Or maybe he has suddenly developed a severe rash. Are these signs of an emergency that need an immediate trip to the vet?
Topics: Health and Wellness
How to Handle Vet Visits During the Coronavirus Pandemic
As more people are ordered to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic, they’ve embraced one bright spot in the crisis. They’re getting to spend a lot of extra quality time with their pups. But what do you do if your pet needs to go the vet during the lockdown? Here’s some good advice from experts in the field.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Dog Worms 101
They might be one of the most common canine problems, but worms are still nasty little critters that can cause a lot of damage to your dog’s health.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Put Together an Emergency COVID-19 Kit for Your Dog
The COVID-19 pandemic has taken most of us by surprise. It has spread much more quickly than most of us anticipated, and has completely changed our daily lives. Even when taking proper precautions, a lot of people are still at risk, and the number of cases is expected to continue rising for the foreseeable future.
Topics: Health and Wellness
How Do I Know if My Dog is in Pain?
From facial grimacing to whimpering and outright wailing, humans show pain in a multitude of ways. Dogs do too. And just like some people often hide their pain, dogs are hardwired to do the same.
Fortunately, humans can put into words the what and where of their pain. Dogs cannot, so it’s a pet parent’s job to watch for subtle and not so subtle signs that might indicate your dog is in pain. Especially if he is the “walk it off” type of pup.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Working From Home With Your Dog
The coronavirus currently has the whole world on high alert. Most states now have stay at home orders in place for the foreseeable future, which means there's a good chance you're now doing your job remotely. Isolation can be difficult to cope with, but there's one bright spot: you now get to spend more time with your dog!
Of course, it's not all fun and games. As much as you'd like to, you can't just sit at home and do nothing but cuddle and play with your pup all day. It's important to set boundaries, both for your wellbeing and his. Let's look at how to work at home with your dog.
Topics: Health and Wellness
How Do I Know if My Dog is Happy?
Is it in his eyes? Maybe it’s the way he wags his tail. Or how about that room zooming he does whenever you open the front door? If you’re like most pet parents, you probably know by now when your dog is happy, but how do you know?
Topics: Health and Wellness
How Many Calories Does Your Dog Need?
Feeding your dog is one of the most important responsibilities of being a pet parent. But how much should you feed him? Are you giving him too much, or too little? Let's take a look at how many calories your dog should eat in an average day.
Topics: Health and Wellness
How Often Should You Give Treats to Your Dog?
What pet parent doesn’t like rewarding their pup with dog treats? The good news for pet parents and dogs alike is that most experts agree a dog can safely receive up to 10% of his daily caloric intake from treats. Dog biscuits, though, should be given sparingly—no more than one or two per day.
Topics: Health and Wellness
What Dog Poop Has to Do With the Earth’s Magnetic Field
You probably don't think much about how your dog poops, unless you're cleaning it up. But there are some fascinating things about his behavior when he does his business. For instance, did you know that, when your dog poops, he aligns himself with the Earth's magnetic field?
Topics: Health and Wellness
Can Dogs Get Coronavirus?
For the most up to date information about COVID-19 and pets, please check the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Fact Sheet.
****UPDATED 5/14: Click here to read most recent article with new information.****
Coronavirus has been all over the news in recent weeks. The CDC warns you to protect yourself against COVID-19. Wash your hands, don't touch your face, cough into your elbow. But recent reports have mentioned finding the disease in canines too. Do you need to protect your dog too?
Topics: Health and Wellness
Can You Give Your Dog Benadryl?
It’s tempting to reach into the medicine cabinet and use one of your own medications to treat your pet, but is it safe? Some over-the-counter medications, including Benadryl, can be given to dogs, BUT—and that’s a big but—none of these meds should be given to a dog without first consulting your vet. That’s because different breeds and sized dogs react differently and require particular doses. And if your pet is already taking other medications, he could have adverse reactions after adding Benadryl to the mix.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Do Your Dog’s Feet Smell Like Fritos?
Some people insist it smells more like popcorn, but the majority argue the snack-like smell coming from their pup’s paws is distinctly Fritos-like. Long a mystery for pet parents everywhere, there’s a reason for this decidedly corny smell, and it has nothing to do with feeding your four-legged friend corn-based meals. Before you start accusing your pooch of getting into your Fritos stash, read these facts about this quite common phenomenon.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Can Dogs Get the Flu?
It's cold and flu season, which means it's important to protect yourself against viruses and bacteria. But what about your furry friend? Can dogs get the flu? And what can you do to help if they do?
Topics: Health and Wellness
Why is My Dog Sneezing?
A dog’s sneeze is a pretty common occurrence, but it’s rarely a result of something like the common cold, which causes humans to sniffle and sneeze. So, what does it mean? It could be something non-serious like a reaction to dust or something more serious like a nasal infection. In most cases it’s nothing to worry about, but here’s what to look for in case a trip to the vet is needed.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Why Does My Dog Chew His Nails?
Biting your nails is virtually a universal sign of nervousness. You do it when you feel stressed or anxious. But what does it mean if your dog is a chronic nail-biter? Is he anxious too, or is there another cause? What can you do to stop him?
Topics: Health and Wellness
Dog Nail Grinding Vs. Clipping
One of a pet parent’s biggest responsibilities is making sure their dog is well-groomed. Things like keeping his coat trimmed, removing excess ear wax, and nail clipping are all important parts of maintaining his physical health and appearance.
Topics: Health and Wellness
When Do Puppies Lose Their Baby Teeth?
Puppies teethe the same way human babies do and grow new teeth just like children do during their development. Here’s a timeline to follow so you know exactly what to expect as your furry friend ages and what to do if his permanent teeth don’t appear as they should.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Why Does My Dog Poop So Much?
You love your dog dearly, but how does one animal produce so much poop? Maybe he’s asking to go out over and over throughout the day, or maybe he’s started simply going on the carpet. Either way, it's a pain to clean up. You're also worried about his health. Why is your dog pooping so much? How do you get their poop schedule back to normal?
Topics: Health and Wellness
7 Reasons Your Dog Drools Excessively
All dogs slobber to some extent. It’s a normal, healthy canine trait that helps them eat and digest their food. But is too much drooling a sign of something more serious? Here’s how to tell the difference between regular and excessive drooling and when to seek help from your vet.
Topics: Health and Wellness, Training
Why Dogs Shed More in Winter & What to Do About it
If you’re a pet parent, hair will eventually end up on your carpet, your furniture, and much of what you own. All dogs shed. It can happen at different times, but it's particularly prevalent in winter. Why is that, and what can you do about excessive shedding?
Topics: Health and Wellness
How to Keep Your Dog's New Year's Resolution to Stay Fit
Happy 2020! The new year is usually marked by making resolutions, and for most of us, that means getting fit. It's a positive change for us and our pets because vets estimate 50% of our four-footed friends are obese. Getting your pooch to start out strong is one thing, but how can you keep your dog's New Year's resolution to get fit? We've got five steps to success.
Topics: Health and Wellness
How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth
You know how important it is to take care of your dog's health. That's why you ensure he has the right food and visits the vet regularly. But how well do you take care of his dental health? Gum disease is the most frequently diagnosed ailment in canines, and many dogs will have some sort of dental issue by three years old.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Why Dogs Eat Poop and What to Do About it
We’ve talked here before about some pretty weird behaviors your dog might exhibit. Eating grass, hitting you when you pet them, and scooting their bottom across the floor, to name a few. But is there anything weirder than a dog eating poop? And more importantly, is it unhealthy?
Topics: Health and Wellness
Which Thanksgiving Foods are Dog Friendly?
Thanksgiving is meant to be shared with the ones you love. That includes your furry friend as well. But be careful because you can't share all your leftovers with him, no matter how much he might want you to. A lot of traditional Thanksgiving fare can be harmful to dogs. Here's a rundown of what is and isn't safe for them to eat.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Understanding your Dog's Senses
Dogs are known for having great hearing, great senses of smell, and mediocre eyesight. Is that really true? What kinds of things can they sense that we can't? And what about their other senses? Let's break down dogs' senses and what they can do.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?
It might seem strange for a happy, healthy pup to stop his playtime or pottytime outside to gnaw on some grass, but it’s extremely common. It’s so common, in fact, it’s one of the most frequently asked questions to veterinarians.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Can Being a Pet Parent Extend Your Life?
In what will come as no surprise to pet parents everywhere, a recent study carried out by professors at Uppsala University found that a dog in the home can be particularly beneficial to heart and stroke survivors, especially those who live alone. The research also shows people with dogs can benefit from improved cardiovascular health in general.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Should Your Dog Eat Pumpkin?
When you think of favorite fall foods, pumpkin is probably one of the first to come to mind. If you’re like most of the population, you love pumpkin everything when the weather cools down. And, of course, you don’t want to leave your favorite pup out of the enjoyment, but you also don’t want to give him food he can’t eat. That’s where we come in! Read on to learn everything you need to know about puppies and pumpkin:
Topics: Health and Wellness
Everything You Need to Know About Heartworms
Unfortunately, your dog is a natural host for the foot-long heartworms who, once inside your pet, mature into adults, mate, and produce offspring. Left untreated, the number of heartworms increase which can cause lasting damage to your dog’s heart, arteries, and lungs.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Is a Plant-Based Diet Safe for Dogs?
There are plenty of studies out there that show plant-based diets can be beneficial for humans. Reducing meat can help lower the risk for heart disease and help you maintain a healthy weight. But do dogs get the same benefits from going green or is it just another fido food fad? Let’s take a look at the risks and benefits of a plant-based diet for dogs:
Topics: Health and Wellness
What's Up With the Reverse Sneeze?
You're minding your own business, when suddenly your dog makes a disturbing snorting noise. Where did it come from? Are they ill? Are they possessed? Relax. It's probably just a reverse sneeze. Here's how to recognize them in your dog, along with some facts about what causes them, and what to do about the condition.
Topics: Health and Wellness
How to Store Your Dog Food
Your dog depends on you to feed him healthy, fresh meals each day. This means that you must learn to store your dog food properly, because if it’s exposed to air or light, it can oxidize and degrade quickly. Meaning your dog’s food can become rancid and could cause your dog to become ill. This guide offers basic tips for storing dog food as well as ideas for storing each type of food.
Topics: Health and Wellness
6 Common Dog Behaviors That Seem Weird
#1- Spinning Around in Circles
Most pet parents are familiar with their dog spinning around in circles. Whether it’s during playtime when they give a little twirl, before they lie down on a soft blanket, or even when you come home from work, dogs seem to love spinning around.
Topics: Health and Wellness
How Long is Too Long for Your Dog to Be Left Alone?
It will come as no surprise to pet lovers everywhere that, just like people, the amount of time a dog needs to spend with humans varies depending on each individual pet. Most dogs enjoy more time than not with their humans but leaving them home alone doesn’t mean you’re a bad person!
Topics: Health and Wellness
Why Does My Dog Scoot His Bottom Across the Floor?
Most pet parents have seen it before – your dog looking all cute and sweet when suddenly he gets that look in his eye and starts scooting his bottom across the floor. It’s awkward, and also a little cute and a little gross, but is it a sign of a problem? Let’s take a look at dog scooting behavior and find out what’s really behind it (pun intended).
Topics: Health and Wellness
Can Your Dog's Kisses be Dangerous?
Few things in this world are as pure and satisfying as kisses from your dog. When they lick your legs, your arms, and your face, it's their way of telling you they love you. However, you might have heard reports of people contracting terrible illnesses from dog kisses as well. Some have even needed their limbs amputated. So, what is this disease, and what are your chances of contracting it from your dog? Here's everything you need to know.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Can Your Dog Get Sick From Swimming and Drinking Water?
You might have heard a lot in the news lately about dogs getting sick and dying from what’s known as toxic blue-green algae. Many people think it’s the same as the bacteria leptospirosis but though it’s just as dangerous, the two conditions are hugely different.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Understanding Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Dogs
If you read our recent article on the potential link between certain brands of grain-free dog food and canine heart failure, it hopefully gave you a better understanding of dog nutrition and the role it plays in your pet’s overall health.
Topics: Health and Wellness
The Effects of Dog Obesity
An extra treat here and a table scrap there won’t do much harm, right? Actually, those daily “little” rewards you give your dog can cause serious weight gain which, in turn, can cause lasting damage to her or his bones, joints, and internal organs.
Topics: Health and Wellness
How to Choose the Right Dog Food
Recently, the FDA released a report on the effects of certain brands of grain-free dog food and their potential link to a heightened risk of heart failure. This can be really scary for pet parents, so we want to do our part to help.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Deliciously Decadent & Pawsome Treats for Your Dog
Summertime and we're feeling fine! Share the good vibes with your best friend with these deliciously decadent treats that are 100% safe for the dog (or dogs!) in your life.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Keep Your Dog Healthy at the Beach
When it comes to summer fun, a day at the beach definitely tops the list. And who better to spend a fun summer day with than your pup? But when you’re gathering together your sunscreen, towels, snacks, and beachwear, what should you include for your dog? And when you’re at the beach, what measures do you need to take to make sure your dog stays safe? We’ve got you covered here in our list of the top safety tips for a day at the beach with your dog.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Water Safety Tips for Dogs
There’s not much cuter than a puppy excitedly splashing around in the water, cooling off from the hot, summer heat. But before you take your dog swimming or boating, there’s a few safety tips to keep in mind:
Topics: Health and Wellness
Understanding Dog Eye Discharge
Your dog’s eyes can build up gunk and produce tears for many reasons, and though it might be unsightly, it’s usually perfectly benign. But sometimes, it calls for a quick visit to the vet. Either way, here’s what that gross stuff is all about and how you should handle it.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Walking the Dog? 4 Fido Approved Tips
Your furry friend is down for leash time at any moment. Dog walking experts Heather Curatolo and Sarah Schmidt weigh in with four things to consider before walking your dog, whether you're hitting the trails or sashaying down 5th Avenue.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Simple Home Remedies To Cure Dog Anxiety
Dogs can have a heightened amount of anxiety in the Summer. With fireworks, thunderstorms, people coming in and out of the house and more motorcycles driving by, many dogs experience fear that they might not normally have.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Tips for Finding Your Lost Dog
It's a gut-wrenching moment in life when you discover you have lost your dog.
Topics: Health and Wellness
The Dos and Don'ts for Missing Dog Posters
Tips to keep in mind when creating posters and fliers for a missing dog.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Fleas, Ticks and Other Pests: How to Keep Your Dog Safe
The weather is warming up and you don't want to let pests take down your pup! These tips will help you prevent fleas and ticks from slowing down your springtime fun and help you understand what to do if your dog ends up picking up one (or more) along the way.
Topics: Health and Wellness
How to Care for Your Dog During Mud Season
For most dog owners, Spring is better known as canine mud season. For whatever reason, tons of dogs love the muck! And unless you plan on keeping them indoors this time of year, you're going to need some clever strategies for managing the dirty paws that come with warmer months.
Topics: Health and Wellness
3 Simple Ways to Boost Your Dog's Health
Trying to keep your dog as healthy as possible is something all dog owners can agree is an important, but tough responsibility. While keeping our dog happy is a straightforward task, ensuring that they are at their optimal health is sometimes not so simple. It certainly doesn’t help that we’re given an overwhelming amount of advice about how to maintain our dog’s health. With this person advising one thing, and that person advising another, it can be confusing to know which tips to follow. That's why, with the help of Monica Mizzi from Pet Life Today, we’ve narrowed down 3 simple things that we can all agree will effectively boost a dog’s health. Follow them, and your dog will be on their way to living a long and prosperous life.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Pet Obesity on the Rise
Understanding the right level of activity your pet needs and what their healthy weight range is, according to experts, is the first hurdle to tackle in dealing with pet obesity. Long-term obesity can lead to a shortened lifespan for your furry companion and many healthy problems down the road.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Should You Let Your Dog Sleep in Your Bed?
Nearly half of all dog owners let their canine companions sleep in bed with them. But is it healthy? Here's a list of the potential problems and potential benefits that might come from sharing a bed with your dog.
Topics: Health and Wellness
New Puppy Planning Checklist for a Perfect Start
Are you introducing a new puppy into your life? This is such an exciting time for everyone, pup included. And it needn't be a difficult introduction if you follow our new puppy planning checklist before bringing your furry friend home.
Topics: Health and Wellness
When Puppy Breath Becomes a Problem
We love our dogs so much that we may ignore the stench that comes along with their big wet kisses. Unfortunately, bad breath from your dog could be the sign of an underlying issue.
Topics: Health and Wellness
How To Keep Fido Clean This Spring
There’s no time like the present to prep your pup for the weather, temperature and other environmental changes that come with Spring. Regular maintenance like taking care of ears, nails, coat and paws need the right grooming supplies. We’ve put together a list of everything you need to keep up with your dog’s grooming needs as the season changes.
Topics: Health and Wellness
How Much Food Does My Puppy Need?
You probably know how many calories are in one of those chocolate cupcakes brought in by your coworker, but do you know your dog's ideal caloric intake each day? Follow these four tips to determine what to feed a puppy or adult dog to keep them healthy.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Safety Rules for Nighttime Adventures
When it's time to venture forth on an evening stroll with your canine bestie, don't go gentle into that good night. Go prepared. Follow these four tips for staying safe while walking your dog after the sun goes down.
Topics: Health and Wellness
My Dog Ate My Valentine's Chocolates
Valentine's Day may be over, but the sweet reminders of this holiday still linger on. Whether you received a delicately wrapped box of chocolates from your significant other or took full advantage of the 70% off sale at your local grocery store on February 15th, you may be in truffle heaven for the foreseeable future. But what happens if that delight turns into truffle trouble when your dog gets into your stash? Chocolate is extremely toxic to dogs, so if your dog happens to get their paws on any of it, you should be prepared to take action.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Is a Raw Diet Right For My Dog?
Whether you're adding a new dog to your family, or considering switching up your current dog's food regiment, it can be challenging to decide what type of food to try feeding them with the numerous options available. One of these options is a raw diet, which has been growing popularity and adoption over the past few years. A quick Google Search will yield results touting the success of raw food diets for working dogs and household pets alike. There is no one consensus on whether or not a raw food diet is the way to go but some veterinarians believe it is the key to a healthier, and longer, life for your pup. How do you know if you should start your dog down that road? There are of course some things to consider before going all in on a completely raw diet.
Topics: Health and Wellness
No Stress Steps to Brushing Your Dog's Teeth
February is National Pet Dental Health Month so now is the perfect time to make sure you're keeping up on your K9's canine health! Keeping your dog healthy is a full-time job! Exercise, vet check-ups, flea and tick medication, and at-home maintenance are all part of being a responsible dog owner. We get it and know you wouldn't have it any other way. Brushing your pup's teeth is an example of something we know should be done but don't always include the task in their weekly or monthly maintenance routine. Most groomers will do a light teeth cleaning and, as your dog ages, your veterinarian handles the deeper cleanings. It's important however to do a little upkeep on your own between sessions and we've got four easy-to-follow steps to help you get it done.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Tips To Keep Your Dog's Smile Bright
If you're like us, keeping your dog healthy is one of your main concerns. From feeding them the proper quality food, taking them for routine checkups, to exercise and grooming, you pride yourself on being a responsible pet owner. However, if your pup's dental health is sometimes overlooked, there can be both short and long-term consequences. The American Veterinary Dental College states that many dogs show signs of dental issues and periodontal disease by three years old.
Topics: Health and Wellness
The Dos and Don'ts of Doggie CPR
Pets are part of the family and just like with our human family it’s important to know how to assist them in case of an emergency.
Topics: Health and Wellness
The Ultimate Winter Hazard Checklist for Dogs
As the temperatures continue to drop this winter, there are hazards that you need to protect your pup from. We’ve put together a short checklist to help prevent any disasters from happening to your dog.
Topics: Health and Wellness
The Truth About Doggie DNA Testing
We’ve all heard the hype around DNA testing for dogs, but what are the real benefits from purchasing one of these kits? Some people decide to test their dog out of pure curiosity. When adopting a dog, there is usually some level of guesswork that goes into identifying what breed mix they are. Unless the rescue group knows the mother and father of your dog, there is no way they can accurately tell what breeds she is made up of. Actually, even if the group does have an idea about the mother and father, the puppies in a litter can have different fathers from each other!
Topics: Health and Wellness
Healthy Habits For Lower Vet Bills
Most pawrents keep their canines under control, but taming their dog's vet bills can be a challenge. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Americans spend, on average, $500 a year on vet bills for their dogs, and yours may be more. It's not easy to balance your responsibilities to your pet and your budget. With the help of retired Arcata, California veterinarian Jeri Lou Oliphant, we've put together five tips for ways to keep your vet bills reasonable.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Fur-ternity Leave: The Work Benefit Dog Lovers Need
There’s a new employee work benefit started recently by a company in Minneapolis designed specially to cater for new dog owners, they’re calling it ‘fur-ternity leave’. Nina Hale, a marketing company in the city introduced the benefit to allow employees with new pets to work from home.
Topics: Health and Wellness
9 Nifty Ways to Cheer up a Dog with the Winter Blues
Winter days are shorter, and the weather can be ruff. But don't let winter woes dampen the fun you can have with your dog. Here are 9 easy ways to cheer up a pup who may be missing his summertime scene.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Tips for a Calm and Happy Holiday
Here are our tried and true tips for a calm and happy holiday season for you, your guests and, most of all, your canine pal.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Dog Proof Your Christmas Tree
'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, Roscoe was dragging around pieces of a Christmas tree he had just torn to bits. Wait, that's not how it goes! Dogs and Christmas trees don't have to be a bone of contention in your house. We've got five tips for pup-proofing your yuletide evergreen and to keep him from sabotaging your holiday cheer.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Make Your Dog’s Christmas Dinner a Winner
Your dog is an important member of your family, and this means she deserves a special holiday meal of her own. Christmas dinner for your dog needs to be healthy in addition to including yuletide elements. Here are five ideas for serving your pup a Christmas feast.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Wellness Tips I Learned from my Dog
Taking care of a pet can teach you a lot about taking good care of yourself. Here are a few things that we can learn from our dogs:
Topics: Health and Wellness
What To Do If Your Dog Goes Missing
A dog going missing is absolutely heart wrenching, but if you do ever find yourself in this situation try to remain calm. Here's a plan to help you effectively recover your lost dog.
Topics: Health and Wellness
4 Must Have Winter Dog Products
Winter comfort for your pup is all about staying warm, eating well and being protected from the weather. Keep them cozy and happy during the cold months ahead with these 4 must-have products.
Topics: Health and Wellness
The Ultimate Guide to Safe & Unsafe Produce for Dogs
Cooking for your family can be a lot of work! You have to pick out your recipes, check your ingredients list and make sure you have all the necessary tools to perfect your meal. Meanwhile, you want to prepare something that is both tasty as well as nutritious. Adding fruits and vegetables is the best way to support a healthy family. As you stroll through the produce aisle in the grocery store, you also may be tempted tograb some of your produce as a snack for your four-legged family member, your dog. Before you do, make sure to check our list of fruits and vegetables to see if they are pup-approved or human only.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Getting Scrappy: Do’s and Don’ts for Feeding People Food to Dogs
It's tempting to feed your dog table scraps, but not every nibble is worth sharing with him, no matter how pleading the puppy dog eyes. With the help of nationally acclaimed pet wellness advocate, Tracie Hotchner, we've put together a list of seven do's and don'ts about foods that dogs can and can't eat.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Believe It Or Not: Crazy Things Dogs Have Eaten
Ask dog pawrents what's the most unbelievable thing their pup ate, and you'll be regaled with stories about devoured turkeys on Thanksgiving and missing Valentine's Day chocolate, both frustrating and dangerous as both can be quite harmful to dogs. Curious about their world, these pups have their families telling unbelievable tales about what their dogs ate.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Fall Back: How do Winter Hours Affect Dogs?
Winter is approaching, and with it, shorter days and the end of Daylight Saving Time. Clocks fall back one hour, which means an earlier sunrise and sunset. But what do these changes mean for your pup?
Topics: Health and Wellness
5 Ways To Remove Your Dog's Stress When Moving
Moving is always stressful, and not just for us...it’s tough on our dogs too. The initial house hunt, the packing, cleaning and actually removing yourself from somewhere you once lived...it’s a challenging process.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Can My Dog Get Poison Ivy?
If you’re like us and love to spend summer days on long hikes exploring wooded trails with your best friend, you already know to bring plenty of water and check for pesky ticks afterward.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Can My Dog Eat Watermelon?
It’s good to be choosey about what you feed your dog. Many fruits we consume every day such as grapes, avocados, and figs can be toxic to our pets. Watermelon, on the other hand, is safe and nutritious when fed responsibly. Technically both a fruit and a vegetable, watermelon is from the botanical family Curcurbitaceae and is closely related to pumpkin, cucumber, and squash—all healthy, low calorie treats for our canine companions.
Topics: Health and Wellness
How to Keep Dogs Cool During the Dog Days of Summer
When warm weather hits, outdoor adventures beckon. You dress light, pack sunscreen and carry icy water for yourself, but remember that your dog heats up quickly in hot temps too. Follow these four tips on how to keep your dog cool this summer.
Topics: Health and Wellness
5 Fascinating Facts About Fido's Eyes
Does my dog see what I see, does he have good eyesight, is it true that he only sees the world in black and white? These are some of the questions we’ve all pondered when we see our dog peering off into the distance. Just what does he see with those eyes?
Topics: Health and Wellness
Erasing Owner Guilt
While we all wish we could take our dogs everywhere we go, that is not always possible. We have jobs and other responsibilities that require us to leave our dogs at home alone. Owner guilt tends to set in and we worry that we are not being the best pet parents that we could be. However, there are ways that you can get rid of this guilt and set your pup up for success when your schedule is not conducive to bringing your little buddy along.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Is Hydrotherapy the Answer to Dog Obesity?
Memorial Day signals the start of summer for us all and best of all, it’s the time of year when our public outdoor pools open for the season. That got us thinking about all the benefits that swimming gives for humans and dogs alike.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Can Your Dog’s Germs Help Improve Your Baby’s Health?
Can the bacteria that dog’s carry actually make your baby healthier in the long run? This correlation may seem far-fetched, however, some studies have shown that owning a dog might help better prepare your child’s immune system.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Can You Motivate a Lazy Dog?
You don't have a lazy dog just a poorly trained one. As surprising as that sounds, the takeaway from our interview with Dr. Steve Neuenschwander of Brentwood Animal Hospital in Raleigh, NC, is dogs will do whatever it takes to make you happy, but they can't do something they have never been taught to do. With 36 years experience as a vet, Neuenschwander says one of the most common problems he sees is obesity in dogs from lack of exercise. But how do you motivate your dog to exercise? This time-tested vet says a lot of dog's motivation comes from her owner. Let's see what else he has to say on the topic of movtivating your "lazy dog" to exercise.
Topics: Health and Wellness
