Visiting the vet – why your role as a dog or cat parent is so essential to optimal care
As a dog or cat parent, you play a vital role for your veterinarian when you take your four-legged friend in for a check-up. Your participation in the appointment isn’t just helpful – it’s crucial for providing the best care for your animal companion. Let’s explore how you can be the perfect partner to your vet on your dog or cat’s healthcare journey. Before the Visit: Be Prepared Your responsibilities begin before you even step into the clinic. Keep a record of your dog or cat’s behavior, appetite,...
Keep families & pets together with safety net programming
“What we’re talking about is people. And working with people equally as much as we work with pets,” said Matt Pepper on a recent Community Conversations call. Pepper, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Michigan Humane spoke of the importance of meeting the community where they are at. While Michigan Humane held events in the community, Pepper questioned whether or not they were actually part of the community. Following that, they held several well-attended listening sessions in the community and truly listened to...
Porcelaine Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts
Click Below to Skip Ahead The Porcelaine isn’t likely to be a dog breed you’ve heard of before, but if you’re looking for an incredible family dog that’s loving, loyal, and healthy, you need to learn more about them. These pups are born and bred hunters, but their fantastic personalities can make them suitable for family life, too. Breed Overview Height: 22–23 inches Weight: 55–62 pounds Lifespan: 12–13 years Colors: White and orange Suitable for: Hunters, families with older children, families with...
Karakachan (Bulgarian Shepherd): Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts
Click Below to Skip Ahead The Karakachan, also sometimes called the Bulgarian Shepherd, is a striking animal with a history that places them with the ancient breeds. It is a livestock guardian dog that is well-developed for this work, but there is far more to know about these dogs if you’re considering bringing one home, such as how much exercise they require, their temperament, and more. Breed Overview Height: 24–30 inches Weight: 65–120 pounds Lifespan: 8–12 years Colors: White, black, brown, brindle Suitable for:...
Bull Arab Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts
Click Below to Skip Ahead The Bull Arab dog breed is certainly one that deserves a lot of attention, even though they are not recognized by any kennel club. This dog breed has so many different characteristics that make them versatile and rewarding companions to have. In this article, we aim to explain more about the origin and overall experience when you own one of these interesting pups. Breed Overview Height: 12–18 inches Weight: 66–110 pounds Lifespan: 12–15 years Colors: White with black, liver, tan, or brindle patches...
Froodle Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts
Click Below to Skip Ahead The Froodle is a mixed breed dog that combines the French Bulldog and Poodle breeds. It is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club and is considered a lively, playful, loving companion dog. Although typically clever, the Froodle can be a little stubborn, which means training requires consistency and patience to get the best results. They do demand a lot of attention, and this can manifest as separation anxiety if the dog is left alone for long periods, so it may not be the best choice of breed for owners who go...
Cockalier Mixed Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More
Click Below to Skip Ahead If there’s one thing we can say about the Cockalier dog breed it’s that it is certainly one of the most adorable you’ll ever see! It takes the qualities of the compact Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and mixes them with the larger but equally adorable size of the Cocker Spaniel. When you mix these two dogs together, you’re going to get one heck of a companion. These dogs will thrive on the connections they have with their human counterparts and are all-around great canines to have in virtually...
Dog-Safe Human Foods: All the Foods Penny Loves & the One She Hates
Hi, I’m Savanna! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my spunky Chihuahua mix, Penny. We’re all familiar with our dogs asking for some of the food we’re cooking or eating, no matter what it is. Sometimes we just can’t help but give in, so we give them a bite. I’m no different. Of course, it’s important to make sure that any food you give your dog is safe for them and given to them plain and free of seasonings, and there are many human foods that are safe for dogs to have in moderation...
Can Rottweilers Handle Cold Weather? Vet Approved Facts & Precautions Tips
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Dogs are like any animal in that they have varying degrees of tolerance for weather and ambient conditions. Many factors play a role, from genetics to health to body size. But how does the Rottweiler specifically handle cold weather? Rottweilers can handle the cold with limitations. The evident fact is that this breed has short hair and can’t benefit from the insulating properties as they...
Chabrador Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts
Click Below to Skip Ahead The Chabrador is a mixed breed that combines the Chow Chow and the Labrador Retriever dog breeds. It is a loyal and loving breed that will form close bonds with family members and loved ones. They do require a moderate amount of exercise, but as long as you can meet these needs, the Chabrador will typically do well living in an apartment, although will benefit from the additional room provided by an outdoor yard or garden area. However, depending on the individual dog, a Chabrador might exhibit traits like...
Australian Silky Terrier Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts
Click Below to Skip Ahead The Australian Silky Terrier is a charming purebred dog. This compact dog has a big personality, and people love them for their bright and playful approach to life. It’s no surprise that this spirited breed often makes life more fun and exciting for the people around them. Australian Silky Terriers are adaptable and resilient, making them wonderful companion pets for many kinds of people. Breed Overview Height: 9–10 inches Weight: 9–11 pounds Lifespan: 13–15 years Colors: Black, blue, gray,...
Holistic Remedies for Motion Sickness in Dogs
If your dog struggles with motion sickness, they’re not alone. It isn’t just about car rides; some dogs experience discomfort on boats or even during short walks. Motion sickness in dogs is a complex issue involving the inner ear, vision, and sometimes anxiety. Recognizing the signs — drooling, whining, vomiting, or excessive lip-licking — is the first step in helping your four-legged companion. Holistic Approach: Treating the Whole Dog, Not Just Symptoms When we talk about a holistic approach, we’re looking at...
Build Stronger Bonds with Your Dog or Cat by Understanding Their Motivations
Understanding our companion animal’s behavior goes beyond the surface level of naughty or nice. Every motivation has a physical, psychological, and energetic component. By observing and identifying these components, you can better understand the underlying causes of their behaviors and address them more effectively. An Animal’s Motivations Are Multi-Faceted Dogs and cats have complex motivations driving their actions. These motivations can be rooted in physical needs, psychological states, or energetic imbalances. For instance, a...
French Bull Rat Terrier Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts
Click Below to Skip Ahead If you live in a smaller space but still want a dog, you’ll find dozens of smaller breeds available to choose from. However, if you’re looking for a small dog that’s playful, affectionate, occasionally hyperactive, and adorable, we recommend the French Bull Rat Terrier. This hybrid dog breed has only been around for a few years, so they are a bit on the rarer side, but they make loyal, steadfast companions for the right people. Before you adopt any dog, though, you should know as much as possible...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Shelter Animals Count mid-year report, engaging pet fosters and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. New research shows how to best engage more diverse communities in the pet fostering process Is your animal organization trying to reach a more diverse audience for pet foster care? Research published by the pet product retailer, Chewy, found pet fostering has increased by 17% over the past year, with 8% of U.S. households fostering pets (HumanePro, 2022). However, little research has addressed… Learn More Shelter Animals Count releases 2024 mid-year...
IVDD In French Bulldogs: Signs, Causes, Diagnosis, Care & FAQ (Vet Answer)
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead IVDD is a common condition in French Bulldogs. It stands for “intervertebral disc disease.” Frenchies are the second most common dog breed impacted by this condition, after Dachshunds. You might be interested in this disease if you’re considering a pet Frenchie or your pet is currently experiencing spinal problems. We’ll discuss why French Bulldogs are so prone to this...
10 Common Dachshund Teeth Problems: Vet-Explained Causes, Signs & Prevention
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead We love Dachshunds for their fiery personalities and doleful eyes. Animal care workers will tell you they can be a handful but only need some extra love to become putty in your hands. Taking good care of your Dachshund includes looking after their teeth; dental problems can be severe and painful. If you’ve noticed something wrong with your pup’s pearly whites, they may be dealing with...
Corgidor Mixed Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care & More
Click Below to Skip Ahead The Corgidor is a mixed breed that combines the lively, working Corgi, with the doting, energetic Labrador Retriever. The resulting cross is a loyal, loving, and affectionate breed. The introduction of the Labrador can help to blunt the Corgi’s tendency for heel nipping and herding, while the combination of these two breeds means that the Corgidor should be relatively easy to train. While they won’t usually be aggressive, they are alert and watchful, and they will bark an alert if they see anything they...
Are Skinks Poisonous to Dogs? Vet-Verified Dangers, Toxicity & Effects
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Skinks are reptiles that are commonly kept as pets. While many of them look exotic and have vibrant colors and unique features, most of them are harmless to dogs. They don’t secrete venom or have venomous bites, they are also not poisonous. So you usually don’t have to worry if your dog comes in contact with one. Of course, as with any animal bite, there can be some safety risks...
Using Aromatherapy to Help Ease Canine Anxiety
Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts known for their therapeutic properties. When used correctly, they can help with canine anxiety. You can help your dog live a happier, more peaceful life by understanding their needs, selecting the right oils, and applying them safely. This article will explore how aromatherapy can help reduce anxiety in dogs, including what oils to use and how to use them safely. Understanding Canine Anxiety and Its Triggers Canine anxiety can manifest in many ways. It can cause excessive barking, destructive...
