The Wanderer

Winter can be an extremely difficult season for your dog's paws. Not only are there environmental irritants, but also certain toxic chemicals that are more prevalent such as snow and ice treatments. Don't worry though, we have you covered with these tips to keep your pup's paws pampered and protected this Winter.

When you put on a few pounds, you feel it in your favorite jeans. But it's harder to know if your dog is overweight. Is your pooch pleasantly plump or unhealthily porky? Here are four ways to find out how to make the call. 

Celebrity Trainer, Latreal Mitchell, shared her tips with us to help you get on track and treat your pup to a new workout or two in the new year. Getting up and out has never been easier and soon you'll be racing your best friend to the door in a step-for-step challenge.

As 2018 approaches, many people are starting to think about making changes. A fresh page on the calendar inspires fresh starts; it's a great time to make the best of your career and home life. This includes relationships with your pet care service providers.

As pumpkin-flavored treats fill local coffee shops and grocery stores, your dog doesn't have to and shouldn't be left out of the seasonal delights. There are great reasons to add pumpkin to your dog's diet that have nothing to do with being on trend and even better, pumpkin dog treats are easy to make at home. Be sure to always purchase plain canned pumpkin, nothing "pie-ready".

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell; it's been common knowledge for centuries our canine pals can pick up on scents like no other domesticated animal. But how exactly do they do this? While scientists haven't completely figured it out, we do have many intriguing insights that explain a great deal about our dogs' sniffing super powers.

You know that inner clock pushing your hunger and sleep buttons? Scientists attribute that to circadian rhythms, which are pretty much a 24-hour inner clock that runs in the background of our brain. It cycles between sleepiness and being alert at regular intervals. Circadian rhythms are also known as our sleep/wake cycle. But humans can't claim exclusivity. Plants, fungi and even certain strains of bacteria also display evidence of circadian rhythms. It stands to reason your canine buddy does as well.

Dogs are lovable whether thin or pudgy, but even a few extra pounds can do damage to your pup's long-term health. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention's 2016 survey, 53.9% of dogs were either classified as overweight or obese by their vet. That means roughly 42 million dogs are carrying excess weight, increasing their risk of health issues for joint injuries or cancer. But don't panic and think crash diet. You'll want to move your furry friend from chunky to hunky slowly. One of the wellness features in the LINK AKC app can get you started with a daily goal for activity, which comes as a custom recommendation for your dog. Next step - create a diet plan for your pup with these steps:

Fall is a great time to get out of the house and exercise with your dog. The cool weather is ideal for long walks, leaf-peeping hikes, and epic games of fetch. As you venture out into the wild outdoors (or you know, your own backyard) keep these common Fall hazards in mind in order to keep your pup safe and happy all season long.

It's fall and that means it's time to enjoy the sweet smells and flavor of pumpkin everything! The best part? Your pup can join in on the fun!

To insure, or not to insure? That is no longer the question. Whether Roscoe has you on edge after almost catching that car he's been chasing for years, or you're looking for a way to keep routine vet bills manageable, affordable and effective, pet insurance is like poetry to a dog owner's ears.

As a dog pawrent, it can be challenging to know when to call pet poison control experts, especially when each incident can cost $59 and up. Luckily, the LINK AKC Smart Collar provides you with the support you need, whenever you need it. Our service plan not only provides you with GPS tracking capabilities through our app, but also complimentary 24/7/365 direct access to the Pet Poison Helpline.

Many household hazards are dangerous or even deadly for your dog. Is your home safe for your pooch? Would you recognize dog poisoning symptoms? Dr. Ahna Brutlag, board-certified veterinary toxicologist, offers these helpful tips to keep your pup safe.

We've all seen how excited dogs can get when it's time to go for a ride. Most canines love to feel the breeze in their fur, but it's crucial no dog is left in a car - even for a moment.

Did you know that more dogs run away on the Fourth of July than any other day? Dogs can easily be scared by fireworks even if you're not the one setting them off. Here's a complete guide (with products!) to help you keep your dog safe and calm this Fourth of July.

Does your dog dread getting a bath or going to the groomer? Upscale dog spas and indulgent natural dog grooming products are a trend dog owners are soaking up to the delight of their pups. Transform grooming into pampering with a trip to one of these relaxing retreats around the country. After all, a day at the spa is always the remedy for a "ruff" day and treatments include help with health concerns, including paw pad therapy and skin conditioning treatments.

Ever wonder if it's okay to give your dog a sip of beer, a handful of popcorn or scrambled eggs? It's hard to resist Rover when he is drooling at your feet, intently watching you munch a bag of chips. We asked nationally acclaimed pet wellness advocate Tracie Hotchner, aka Radio Pet Lady and author of The Dog Bible: Everything Your Dog Wants to Know, which foods for dogs are forbidden and which are pooch-approved.

No matter the breed, size or age, dogs need to chew. Puppies use their mouths to explore the world around them. Young dogs with incoming chompers bite to relieve pain. Older dogs gnaw to keep their teeth clean. So what chew toy will work best for your dog? While it ultimately depends on your pet's habits, there are basic guidelines to help you select the right chew toy to help relieve your pooch and keep a picture-perfect smile.

A great poet once said, "It's not easy being green." Ok, it was Kermit the Frog, but he had a point. With chemicals you can't pronounce in almost everything, how do you know your four-legged friend is living his best doggone life? Mary Wolff, founder of Honest Dog Products, is helping us spread the green gospel with four tips for being eco friendly. 

Your dog is an important part of the family, so keeping him healthy is paramount. While exercise and regular vet visits are essential for overall health and wellbeing, Lyme disease in dogs may also be a concern, especially if you live in or travel to a high-risk region of the country. We asked Dr. Kelly Grisham, Medical Director of the Greenville Humane Society in Greenville, SC, how to identify symptoms and the best way to prevent Lyme disease in dogs. 

This would be easy, they said. Kayaking with your dog is a walk in the park if you've got the right gear, they said. Now here you are, furry friend in tow, navigating unknown waters and wondering if you are up for the challenge. Hope you did your homework. Even if you and your dog aren't seasoned explorers, these tips for kayaking with your dog will make you a regular Lewis and Bark...get it?

Fostering or adopting rescue dogs can be a rewarding experience. It provides a bonding opportunity for the family and gives an animal a loving home. While hiccups are inevitable, there are things a family can do to ensure things go as smoothly as possible. 

We've never met a dog that doesn't love treats. But when it comes to what to buy, you'll find pet store shelves are lined with a dizzying array of options. The simplest solution? Show your dog extra love by baking homemade dog treats.

After you bring home and then cuddle and play with your new pup, you need to learn the ins and outs of how to potty train your puppy. We spoke with professional dog trainer Krystal Nierman and posed 10 questions new dog owners have about how to potty train a puppy.

Each stage of a dog's life prompts questions because we want the absolute best for our canine companions. When we realize our best friend is showing signs of aging, there are suddenly new questions, such as: When is my dog considered a senior canine? As dogs age, do nutritional demands change as well? Can diet help to manage physical issues like arthritis as well as behavioral changes? How do I sort through a bewildering number of choices to find the best dog food for our older dogs?

Q: If the family has a dog before kids, what are the best steps they can take to prepare for the new addition?

We spoke with Krystal Nierman, owner and director of Dog Psychology and Training Center in Greenville, SC, on what to consider when choosing the best dog for your family. Here are the first two pieces of advice she offered.

And hiking and running and generally anything else your pooch likes to do with you. You don't go jogging, hiking or playing in the snow without foot protection, and your dog needs the same consideration against the elements and injury. Just as you make sure that your best friend wears his LINK AKC Smart Collar, you should ensure he's got the appropriate dog boots on as well.

Games are a wonderful way to build a strong and loving bond between you and your dog. The keys to successful dog games are developing a shared vocabulary, gaining control of when the game starts and stops and using a consistent reward system. Recent studies suggest high praise is a more effective reward than treats. Your approval is the best motivator.

If you love your pup, you'll want to avoid her contracting heartworm, a parasite spread by mosquitoes that could end her life. Yes, heartworm in dogs is serious, but it's also easily preventable.

Let’s face it - there are few things more enjoyable on a cold winter’s day than to curl up inside and stay warm. Don’t give in to the couch temptation though, at least until after you’ve spent some quality exercise time with your best friend. Finding ways to stay active in winter is tough, for you and your pup. Here are some fun ways to survive the winter cold and keep you both in shape.

Watching your dog suffer through a thunderstorm is almost as terrible for you as it is for them. You want to tell them that everything is ok and that there’s nothing to be afraid of…but how? Understanding our dogs’ fear of thunderstorms is the first step toward comforting them in their time of need.

When your dog starts dreaming, does he make soft sounds and wag his tail? Or does he sometimes snarl and growl in his sleep? Given that dogs dream, have you ever wondered if yours has nightmares as well?