15 Rules of Dog Park Etiquette: Vet-Approved Guide
Dog parks are a great way to let your dog have outdoor fun, get socialization time with other pups, and form a better bond with you. However, before you head out, these 15 rules will help you and your dog stay safe, keep the dog park nice and tidy, and ensure that all guests enjoy their time there equally. You should have a basic knowledge of these expectations before you go, for the best possible experience. What You Should Bring Poop bags Fresh water (if the park does not have its own) Collapsible water bowl Proper identification for your...
How to Train Your Dog to Use a Litter Box: Step-by-Step Guide (Vet-Reviewed)
While litter boxes are often associated with cats, dogs can also learn how to use litter boxes. However, unlike cats, dogs don’t have instinctual behaviors that cause them to use a litter box naturally. So, they will have to be trained to use one. Litter box training a dog is similar to training them to use puppy potty pads. With some time and consistency, your dog can learn how to use a litter box. Here is how you can get started. Before You Start Litter box training is often recommended for small dogs and toy dog breeds. This is...
10 Essential Dog-Training Supplies & How to Use Them
Click to Skip Ahead It may be a copout to say we’re only as good as our tools, but there’s no denying that the proper arsenal can make us more efficient in any given task. Dog training is a perfect example, and the supplies we choose help us deliver better rewards, swifter punishments, and more control to enhance learning and shape our dogs into well-behaved canine citizens. With the proper equipment, you’ll always be ready for effective training. Prime your dog for success by learning the ten essential dog-training supplies...
Cats Can Get Hot Spots Too? Here’s How to Treat and Prevent Them
Hot spots are a common problem pet parents often see in dogs, but did you know cats can also get them? Let’s learn more about hot spots on cats, including how to get rid of them and stop them from coming back. No cat parent wants to see their fur baby suffer from itchy, painful hot spots, but these pesky areas can be difficult to treat and manage without the right plan. Hot spots have many causes, and while it’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian to identify the problem, it’s also important to take immediate steps to...
5 tips for adopting pets out of foster homes
Have you considered letting your foster caregivers process the adoptions of their foster pets from their homes? This may seem daunting at first, but the benefits are worth considering: multiple studies have shown that pets adopted from their foster homes are significantly less likely to be returned. Having foster caregivers process their foster pets’ adoptions could save hours for adoptions staff, giving them more time to support the adopters they do work with. Lastly, doesn’t it just make sense for the person who knows the pet...
Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken Breast? Vet Verified Nutrition Facts & Precautions
Click to Skip Ahead Feeding dogs a raw diet has often been promoted as a great nutritional option due to claims that raw meat matches a dog’s natural ancestral diet. As a result, many raw dog food companies incorporate raw chicken breast into their recipes. While dogs can eat raw chicken breast, it’s an ingredient best offered to dogs on a commercial raw diet or a homemade diet on the instruction of a veterinary nutritionist. Raw chicken breast itself isn’t harmful to dogs, but it’s prone to being contaminated by...
What We’re Learning from Community Programs
[embedded content] What are leaders of community-centered programs in Baltimore and Dallas learning as they work with people and pets beyond the shelter? Hear from them on the many issues they face and the questions their experience has raised: What societal factors contribute to shelter intakes? How do you work with your community members to understand what they need and to divert intakes by offering community resources; and how are these leaders reaching towards understanding their impact? Source: Human Animal Support...
Can Dogs Tell When You’re on Your Period? Vet-Verified Senses & Behavior Insights
Click to Skip Ahead When you’re on your period your body goes through hormonal fluctuations that manifest differently. From tiredness and cramps to mood swings, there are a lot of changes that dogs might sense. So, do dogs know when you’re on your period? Dogs can smell menstrual blood and changes in your body’s scent, which means that most dogs can probably tell when women are on their period, however, we rely on anecdotal reports and have no scientific data to back this up. Your dog sensing that something is different can...
Can Dogs Ever Be Trusted? Lava Breaking Boundaries
Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two crossbreed dogs, Lava and Hela. Lava is a menace. One that I love very much. But, can she be trusted? Absolutely not. She is the worst. If there is an opportunity to “escape” and check out what is lurking in the distance, she’ll take it. She always has a good reason to disregard me and my calling, breaking my trust in her, as she is just too big of an adrenaline junkie. Lava Is An Explorer At Heart Always up to something, Lava is a great...
6 Natural Approaches to Treating Ear Infections in Dogs
Ear infections are common in dogs, and cause discomfort and distress for our furry friends. While conventional treatments often involve antibiotics and medications, natural approaches can offer effective relief and support overall ear health. Let’s explore seven gentle yet powerful natural approaches to treating ear infections in dogs. 1. Regular Ear Cleaning Maintaining clean ears is the first line of defense against infections. Use a natural ear cleaning solution made with ingredients like apple cider vinegar and distilled water. This...