Posts in Category: For The Dogs
An Unwelcome Arrival: The Canine Flu Outbreak and What it Means for Your Pet
Just when you thought you were prepared for the summer and had all your pet safety needs covered, here comes the dog flu. And not just any flu – this one is referred to using the unsettling terms “epidemic” and “outbreak.” So what exactly is canine flu and how can you be better prepared for its arrival?
All About Mange in Pets
You may know the term “mangy mutt”, but do you really know what mange is? There are many reasons for itchy skin, hair loss, and other dermatological problems in our animal friends. Learn all about mange in pets and how to know when this diagnosis is the culprit.
What Is Mange in Pets
Mange is a term for a broader skin condition caused by mites on the skin. There are several different types of mange, and each of these crawly critters can colonize the skin and cause problems.
The Superb Snout: Understanding Canine Sense of Smell
Dogs have a lot going for them. They’re fun to be around, smart, amusing, and make great companions. However, perhaps their most distinguishing attribute is that wet, sometimes in-your-face feature: the nose. Not only is it terrific for waking you up each morning, that canine sense of smell has its own special powers as well.
Genius Pup? A Glance at Canine IQ
A lot of good work has been done on the subject of canine intelligence. This is welcome news for consummate dog lovers, following decades of speculation that consistently placed Fido on the top of the heap. However, while testing has revealed the most (and least) intelligent breeds, environmental and social learning analytics are individually specific. If you’ve ever wondered what’s at the root of canine IQ and how to test your own pup’s intelligence, look no further! Continue…
Basic Commands Every Well-Behaved Dog Should Know
In a perfect world, our clever canines would innately understand what we want them to do and respond accordingly. However, training and socialization are crucial tasks to be undertaken during puppyhood and reinforced throughout your dog’s life.
Having an understanding of basic commands and the rules of the home (and the world) can keep your dog safe and makes him or her more enjoyable. Teaching your dog basic commands can also help prevent an accident or tragedy from befalling your fur friend. Continue…
Commonly Diagnosed Pet Ear Problems
Persistent scratching of the ears is one of the most commonly observed symptoms of pet ear problems. From seasonal allergies to the increased presence of parasites, springtime seems to inspire itching. Unfortunately, ear problems can inflict more serious damage if left untreated. Continue…
Why Scoop the Poop? More Than a Matter of Cleanliness
It seems dog parks, community parks, and sidewalks can be dangerously rife with dog poo. We have to shake our heads and wonder why some owners just can’t seem to scoop the poop. Aside from the disgusting experience of stepping in a fresh pile, there are numerous health reasons for cleaning up after our pets.
Health Reasons for Cleaning Up Pet Waste
Although the task is a stinky one, cleaning up after a pet is a necessary part of being a responsible pet owner. It also helps minimize the spread of illnesses and parasites, some of which can be transmitted to humans as well (i.e., zoonotic). Continue…
The Pros and Cons of Common Dog Toys
It’s safe to say that most dogs love a good toy. Whether they’re playing with you or keeping themselves occupied, dogs love to tug, squeak, chew, fetch, and cuddle their favorite play things. Not only do good dog toys serve to keep your pet active, but they can serve as a wonderful alternative to treats when it comes to rewards for good behavior and devoted companionship.
Safety, however, should be a special consideration when selecting dog toys for your furry friend. After all, the last thing we would want to do is give our BFF (Best Furry Friend) something that would make them sick or worse.
So how do you know if you’re barking up the wrong (or right) tree when it comes to dog toys? …Let’s find out! Continue…
Dog Quirks – Why Does My Dog Do That?
The in-laws are visiting, maybe your boss is over for dinner, or maybe you’re hosting a football party and, without warning, your dog chooses that specific moment to emerge from behind a wall as though stepping onto stage. Looking around the room, almost building the suspense, he drops his rear-end with a loud pronounced “thud” then proceeds to drag it across your living room floor with the tenacity only your dog has.
These kind of dog quirks may be what give your dog its personality, whether they are leftover instincts from a wilder time or an indicator of various conditions may just depend on the acts themselves. Read more below for specifics on these sometimes humorous or embarrassing activities or quirks. Continue…
Canine Leptospirosis: Understanding This Bacterial Infection and its Risks
Even though this illness can be found worldwide, very few dog owners know about it. Canine leptospirosis, or lepto, is a bacterial infection caused by one or more of the bacterial strains, Leptospira.
Although lepto has been around for thousands of years, we are seeing more cases emerge as our contact with wildlife in both rural and urban areas increases. Continue…