Link Story: Meredith & Smashy
Star of the Story: Smashy
Pet Parent: Meredith
Home State: Ohio
Topics: Link Story
The Wanderer
How to Keep Your Dog's Teeth Clean
Did you know that four out of five dogs over the age of three years have some type of periodontal disease? While dental disease in dogs is quite common, there are steps that you as a pet parent can take to preserve your dog’s overall oral health. Keeping your pup’s teeth clean can help prevent tooth loss, oral pain, bad breath, and even organ damage, so here’s how to keep his mouth as healthy as possible.
Topics: Health and Wellness
How Do I Know if My Dog Is in Shape?
You take good care of your dog, feeding him well and making sure he gets proper exercise. But lately, he seems to be gaining weight. Is he still healthy? Is he overweight? Here are some signs that your dog is out of shape, and what you can do about it.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Important Milestones in Your Puppy's Life
One of the great joys of having a dog is watching him grow up. It happens so fast. One day, he's a tiny puppy, but before you know it, he's a full-grown dog. If you're not careful, you can miss some of the most important milestones in his life, which are an essential part of the pet parent experience. Here are a few of the biggest milestones for your dog, and when to expect them.
Topics: Health and Wellness
Link Story: Bianca & Tyke
Star of the Story: Tyke
Pet Parent: Bianca
Home State: California
Topics: Link Story
Why Does My Dog Destroy Toys?
Have you ever wondered why your dog destroys his toys? He's merely doing what dogs were born to do, but you can help him overcome this behavior.
Topics: Health and Wellness, Training
Link Story: Jeff & Cadence
Star of the Story: Cadence
Pet Parent: Jeff
Home State: California
Topics: Link Story
DIY Dog Halloween Costumes
Bring your favorite four-legged family member into the Howl-o-ween fun by dressing them up and letting them strut their stuff around the neighborhood!
Link Story: Mark & Bowen
Star of the Story: Bowen
Pet Parent: Mark
Home State: Washington
Topics: Link Story
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
Link Story: Jennifer & Brutus
Star of the Story: Brutus
Pet Parent: Jennifer
Home State: Illinois
Topics: Link Story
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
Link Story: Christopher & Gracie
Star of the Story: Gracie
Pet Parent: Christopher
Home State: Rhode Island
Topics: Link Story
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, Lifestyle, 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
Link Story: Sarah & Albus
Star of the Story: Albus
Pet Parent: Sarah
Home State: Connecticut
Topics: Link Story
Link Story: Jill & Jerry Springer
Star of the Story: Jerry Springer
Pet Parent: Jill
Home State: Georgia
Topics: Link Story
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
Link Story: Guinness & Foster
Star of the Story: Guinness
Pet Parent: Foster
Home State: Tennessee
Hi, I’m Guinness! And yep, that’s me! Nothing makes me happier than meeting new friends and making people smile. But you might be wondering how I got this cool job...
Topics: Link Story
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
Link Story: Bones & Michelle
Star of the Story: Indiana Bones
Pet Parent: Michelle
Home State: Indiana
Topics: Link Story
7 Things We Are Into Right Now at Link
While we feel like the world is somehow on pause, it hasn't stopped us from shopping online. So we thought we would share some things we are into right now. Dog related and dog unrelated. For the coffee drinking people or the plant lady in your life. For the game enthusiast to your virtual workout buddy. We enjoy all of these things very much and hope you do, too!
Topics: Lifestyle
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, Lifestyle
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
Top 10 Mother’s Day Gifts for Dog Moms
Of course, dog moms should be spoiled every day, but Mother’s Day is a special time to show them just how much they’re loved and appreciated. If you want to give a dog-related gift that’s perfect for her and her pup, here are 10 of our favorite suggestions.
Topics: Lifestyle
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
Can You Take Your Dog Into the Store With You?
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, going shopping has become a nightmare of stress and anxiety. The simple act of buying necessities now often involves waiting in lines for hours just to get in, then contending with nearly empty shelves, a lack of basic necessities, and crowds of people who could get you sick. It sure would be nice if you could bring your dog along to help you get through it all.
Topics: On the Go
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
Why More People Are Adopting Pets During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Humane societies across the country are urging people to give pets a new home during the COVID-19 outbreak. Animal shelters everywhere are being deeply affected, cutting hours, discontinuing some services, and coping with taking in new animals while trying to adopt others out.
The good news is that for the most part, shelters are considered essential services. They intend to keep saving animals for as long as they’re able.
Topics: Lifestyle
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 to Enjoy the Extra Time With Your Dog
While there might be those rare pups out there who actually enjoy alone time, most pets are thrilled to have their humans around as often as possible. At a time when many people across the country are on lockdown or self-isolating due to COVID-19, dogs everywhere are enjoying the extra hours their pet parents are spending with them.
Topics: Lifestyle
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
Why Does My Dog Dig in His Bed?
It sometimes seems to go on forever. Your dog circles, scratches, and digs his bed before finally, finally, settling in. What’s that about? Just like humans, dogs have pre-sleep rituals. The circling, scratching, and digging behavior, sometimes called nesting or denning, are instinctive behaviors that date back to when dogs spent their time in the wild, not the comfort of human homes.
Topics: Training
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 Shake?
Dogs have many ways to communicate to humans what they’re thinking or experiencing, but we’re not always able to interpret what they’re saying. Shaking is one of those potentially confusing behaviors all pet parents have seen their dogs do. From the joy of seeing you to a bad ingestion reaction, here’s how to decide if it’s a normal behavior or if treatment is necessary.
Topics: Training
Decoding Dog Yawns
Humans yawn somewhere between five to 15 times per day. And though we often yawn when we’re tired or see someone else do it, science still doesn’t really understand the behavior. Other animals yawn, too, including birds, cats, monkey, and yes, your four-legged member of the family. But why do dogs yawn?
A Dog’s Yawn: More Complicated Than You Think
Dogs also yawn when they’re tired, but there’s much more behind this particular form of canine communication.
Topics: Training
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
Wolf Puppies Play Fetch Too!
One of your dog's favorite games to play is probably fetch. Whether you're throwing a ball, a stick, or a toy, he'll chase after it and drop it at your feet, again and again. It's great fun and great exercise too. If you love playing fetch with your dog, then you might be interested to know that dogs aren't the only animals that bring things back when they're thrown. It turns out, some wolf puppies love it too!
Topics: Training
How Do Dogs Know Their Name?
If you’ve ever adopted a new puppy, you quickly learn he won’t respond to his new name no matter how perfectly it fits! But as time goes on, you notice he does seem to respond to his name all the time. Has he actually learned his name or is he simply responding to the tone of your voice?
Topics: Training
Could Your Dog Be in the Westminster Dog Show?
Every pet parent believes their dog is show-worthy, but does your beauty have what it takes to be in the Westminster Dog Show? This year’s show takes place on February 10th and 11th and only 3,200 dogs will be included. Competition is intense, and if you’ve ever dreamed of wrangling an invite for your pup or want him to compete in one of the non-invited events, here’s what you need to know.
Topics: Lifestyle
Can Dogs Sniff Out Cancer in Humans?
Is there such a thing as cancer sniffing dogs? The medical world says yes. Along with other superior canine nose skills like guiding search-and-rescue teams or helping law enforcement track scents, dogs can now be trained to detect cancerous fumes arising from diseased cells.
Topics: Training
Why Does My Dog Whine in the Car?
Like most natural instincts your dog exhibits, there’s a variety of reason for why he whines, including when you load him up in the car. Yep, whining in the car isn’t just for kids! It’s a natural habit for dogs, too.
Topics: Training
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 Does My Dog Cry in His Sleep?
Pet parents often admit that their furbabies act like the rest of their family. Talking while they sleep is just another trait dogs share with humans. If you hear your dog barking or whining in his sleep, he’s probably dreaming about events that occurred earlier that day, and it’s nothing to worry about. Dogs go through similar sleep cycles that we do, so if they’re in a deep sleep cycle, it’s unsafe to wake them.
Topics: 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
4 Reasons Your Dog is Peeing in the House
Most dogs avoid urinating where they sleep and eat. But what does it mean when a pet you thought was perfectly housetrained starts urinating indoors? Depending on the dog’s age, health, and other issues, it could be any number of things.
Topics: Training
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
How Do GPS Pet Trackers Work?
As a pet parent, the idea of losing your pet is probably one of the worst things imaginable. If your dog is an escape artist who has gotten out of where he’s supposed to be, or you’ve had a dog find a way out of your backyard or even off his leash, then you know how terrifying it can be.
Topics: Lifestyle, Technology
Why Does My Dog Follow Me Everywhere?
You couldn't ask for a more loyal dog. Wherever you go, your canine companion is sure to follow close behind. It's endearing - but it can also be concerning. It might be indicative of an underlying problem, such as separation anxiety. Not to mention the fact that your pup can inadvertently get in the way if you're not careful. So why does your dog follow you everywhere? Here are some reasons, and what you can do if it gets to be too much.
Topics: Training
Last Minute Holiday Gift Guide
The holidays are here, and there are probably still a few people you need to buy gifts for. Fighting crowds in stores and figuring out what to get that person who already has everything – it can be a headache.
Topics: Lifestyle
What's Your Dog's Real Age?
The end of a year and a decade is a great time to throw out the old and bring in the new. It’s a popular belief, but the idea that you can calculate a dog’s age in human years simply by multiplying their age by seven is a myth. Scientists have known this to be true for quite a while but now have better science to back it up.
Topics: Lifestyle
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
What to Do if Your Pup Rolls Around in Stinky Stuff
Virtually every pet parent has watched their dog roll around in some pretty disgusting stuff. But here’s the thing - what humans think is gross, smelly, or downright nasty behavior can be a pet’s nirvana.
Topics: Training
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
How to Help Pets and Pet Parents in the Holiday Season
The holidays are here - not just for people, but for pets too. There's no reason why dogs and cats shouldn't have a happy Thanksgiving. Even the ones in shelters deserve to be happy during the holidays. Here are a few ways you can spread good cheer this holiday season by helping out some furry friends other than your own.
Topics: Lifestyle
Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Your Dog
Thanksgiving is a time to spend with the ones you love, including your favorite pup. It's great to make your furry friend part of the festivities but be careful. There are a few safety issues you need to be aware of to keep your dog healthy and happy this Thanksgiving. Here are a few tips:
Topics: Training
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
Look Who’s Talking About Link!
It looks like daytime television hosts have heard the word that Link is pawesome! The three queens of talk shows have given Link their stamp of approval. If you’re looking for the perfect pet parent present this holiday, look no further than the Link Plus featured:
Topics: Lifestyle
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 You Get a Breakaway Collar?
Your dog's collar is important to his safety and wellbeing. It might contain his name and contact information, in case he ever runs off or gets lost, or even a GPS tracker. But, under certain circumstances, that collar can also be detrimental to his safety. Some experts suggest a breakaway collar instead. What is a breakaway collar, and what are its advantages and disadvantages? Let's take a look:
Topics: Lifestyle
Pawranormal Pup: A Dog Ghost Story
Sharon’s Halloween was as perfect as a Halloween night could be.
She and her husband Tod, alongside their Husky, Luna, walked through the neighborhood dawning Toy Story costumes she worked hard to put together for months. Luna’s Buzz Lightyear costume was a hit and got so many compliments, and she felt clever as a gender-swapping Woody. Tod was a little hesitant to walk around as Little Bo-Peep, but when their neighbor, Jake, choked on a Jolly Rancher from laughing so hard, Tod gained some confidence.
Topics: Lifestyle
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
How to Take the Perfect Pet Photo
What better time than Halloween to learn how to take frighteningly good photos of your dog. Whichever side of the pet costume debate you fall on, there’s no denying that autumn lends itself to gorgeous shots filled with brilliantly-colored foliage, pumpkins, and fall flowers.
Topics: Lifestyle
Fun Dog Halloween Costume Ideas
Halloween is almost here! There's nothing more fun than dressing up in a cool costume - except maybe dressing your dog up in one too! You can buy pet costumes ready-made, or, with a little ingenuity, you can make one yourself. Here are a few ideas for what your dog can be this Halloween.
Topics: Lifestyle
Why Does My Dog Hit Me When I Pet Him?
If your dog is hitting you with his paw or bumping you with his nose, it’s a common and natural way for him to communicate his needs and wants. These body signals can sometimes mean different things depending on your dog’s breed, but many times they’re learned behaviors from everyday interactions between you and your pooch.
Topics: Training
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
How to Get Free Stuff for Your Dog!
Who doesn’t love free stuff? Why not take advantage of these freebies for your pup. They make great doggie stocking stuffers, birthday presents, and even gifts for your pet parent friends!
Topics: Lifestyle
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
10 Best Dog Movies of All Time
There are few things better than curling up on the couch with your dog and watching a good movie. And what better movie to watch than one about dogs? Here are 10 of our favorites:
Topics: Lifestyle
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
Unlikely Friendships: When Dogs Make Peculiar Friends
Everyone knows a dog is human’s best friend. But who is a dog's best friend? Well, almost anyone, really. Dogs have been known to run in all sorts of different crowds, that can be both unusual and adorable. Here are a few unlikely friendships that dogs have formed with other animals:
Topics: Lifestyle
Confidence Tricks for Your Dog
Does your dog become passive-aggressive around strangers? Do they seem fearful in new environments or situations? If so, your dog might benefit from learning some confidence-building tricks. You can use game play and interactive exercises to give your dog something else to focus on and something new to learn. Here are some good confidence tricks and games to start with:
Topics: Training
UPDATE: What You Need to Know About the Salmonella Outbreak in Dog Treats
**** Update 9/11/19 ****
On September 3rd the FDA announced an expanded voluntary recall for potentially contaminated pigs ears.
The expanded recall now includes "Berkley & Jensen" brand pigs ears sold at BJ's Wholesale Club stores, the treats were sold between September 2018 through August 2019 and were distributed to stores nation wide.
7 Things to Do With Your Dog This Labor Day
Labor Day is coming up, and many people get a long weekend off to spend time with their family, including their pets. It’s summer’s last big weekend, so take the time to include your dog in your special plans. Here are 7 fun ideas of activities to do with your dog over the Labor Day weekend.
Topics: Lifestyle
Can Dogs Have Jobs?
This Labor Day, we celebrate those who work, and the jobs they do. That doesn't just include humans, either. There are all sorts of dogs who perform important jobs, either full-time or part-time. Here are a few examples of jobs that dogs can do:
Topics: On the Go
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
