Why Do Chihuahuas Burrow? Facts & Explanation
Click to Skip Ahead From their unmistakable look to their endearing personalities, Chihuahuas are a breed that most owners will tell you are in a class of their own. They’re perky, loyal, and pleasantly trainable, with an oversized confidence that makes their habits all the more delightful. Adding to the fun are their tendencies toward off-beat behaviors, including their strange desire to burrow. While burrowing isn’t unique to Chihuahuas, the breed is more likely to dig into bedding and other materials when the mood strikes. If...
What Can Shih Tzus Eat? Vet-Approved Feeding Guidelines
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Anyone who’s lived with a Shih Tzu can attest to the fact that it’s really hard to resist feeding them when they’re giving you the sad, puppy dog eyes. These toy breed dogs have big personalities, and they’re exceptionally talented at getting their own way. In addition to their regular dog food, Shih Tzus are able to eat a variety of foods that humans eat, particularly...
Can Dogs Have Stevia? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info
Click to Skip Ahead Most of us know that sugar is only allowable for dogs in small quantities, but the diverse sugar substitutes available today can leave many unsure about which sweet additives are safe. Since they’re low- or no-calorie alternatives that don’t affect blood sugar to the same degree, they undoubtedly seem like a better alternative to offer our dogs some sweetness. However, even “naturally derived” sweeteners like stevia, while not toxic to dogs, can still be problematic when dogs eat too much. While...
The Importance of Industry-Wide Education to Establish a Gold Standard Across Animal Sheltering.
Oct 02, 2024 Animal Shelters have been around for over 100 years, and one thing remains constant: there is a lack of transformation and innovation that leads to shelters operating archaically and killing thousands of pets a year. This is not the fault of shelter workers but the system and rules in place that led us here. Innovation is at the heart of every Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) program; our training and education program is no different! Officially named Austin Pets Alive! Training and Education (APA!Tec), this program was launched to...
How Old Is 2 In Dog Years? Vet-Approved Guide to Each Size of Dog
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Thinking of every dog year as equal to seven human years is a convenient way to gauge a dog’s age, but it’s rarely accurate, especially in a pet’s early years. By this equation, a 2-year-old dog will be roughly 14 years old in dog years. The truth is that this drastically underestimates their relative age, as dogs are closer to 22–24 in dog years when they reach their second...
How Old Is 1 in Dog Years? Vet-Approved Guide to Each Size of Dog
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Many people are surprised to learn that, contrary to popular belief, one year of human life isn’t actually equal to seven dog years. Depending on their size, a one-year-old dog would be around 12 to 15 years old in human years. While the 7:1 calculation is easy, it’s not entirely accurate as it doesn’t take a dog’s size into account. Dogs age differently depending on their...
Understand aging in pets
Understand aging in pets, ensuring your dog or cat’s health and quality of life are enhanced for comfortable and meaningful later years. Aging is something every living being goes through, including our dogs and cats as well as ourselves. But what precisely is aging, and what are the different ways it can affect our animals? More importantly, understanding aging in pets can shift how we care for them and make the final stages of life less difficult and painful for both ourselves and our four-legged companions. Every Animal’s...
Are Alaskan Malamutes Aggressive? Temperament & Dominance Explained
Click to Skip Ahead Intelligent working dogs often bear a unique balance of benefits and challenges, and breeds like the Alaskan Malamute present both sides consistently. The ancient all-purpose canine earns adoration for their talents and devotion to family, but their independence creates plenty of training challenges. Without firm leadership, Alaskan Malamutes often take matters into their own paws or become prone to boredom and unwanted behaviors, potentially including aggression. An aggressive Malamute can become a danger to others and...
11 Vet-Verified Reasons to Get a Dog: Why They Are the Best Pets
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » While any avid owner can gladly expound on the meaning their pets bring into their lives, would-be pet parents can’t always see the rationale in getting a dog. After all, dogs cost money and time, often hampering social plans and seemingly limiting personal freedom. There’s no doubt that they’re cute and deserving of a good home, but is owning a dog a net benefit for their human? The truth is that...
Great Pyrenees Bite Force: Vet-Verified PSI Measure & Facts
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Dogs have different measurements of bite force. Some of them barely hurt at all, while others can literally rip off a finger. Knowing the bite force of your dog can help you determine what kind of chewer they will be, if they can do real damage in an altercation, and many other factors. Let’s get into what bite force is and how the Great Pyrenees measures up. What Is Bite Force? Bite force,...
