How Did My Tropical Dogs Handle Snow? Adapting to a New Environment
Hi, I’m Allison! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my three mixed-breed dogs from Thailand, Jelly, Lorraina, and Manic. Have you ever been to Thailand? Or, at least, have you seen photos of this gorgeous Southeast Asian country? To state the obvious, Thailand gets HOT. The average temperature is in the mid-80s. While the northern part of the country sees lows in the 50s during certain times of the year, some areas (like Bangkok) can reach 100°F or hotter. For many people visiting the country for the first...
Grey Muzzle Grant Gives Senior Dogs at Austin Pets Alive! a Second Chance
Sep 04, 2024 AUSTIN, TX –There’s good news for old dogs this summer as The Grey Muzzle Organization announces the recipients of its annual grants, and dogs at Austin Pets Alive! are among the winners. Austin Pets Alive! is one of 100 animal welfare groups chosen from nearly 400 applicants to receive a grant to help local senior dogs and the people who love them. The winning groups are sharing more than $1 million in grants to help save and improve the lives of at-risk old dogs in their communities. “This grant will help us...
Understanding Your Dog’s Ideal Weight
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for your dog’s overall well-being. However, determining your dog’s ideal weight can be challenging due to the vast number of breeds and individual variations. The body condition score (BCS) is a reliable tool to assess your dog’s weight status. A BCS of 4-5 on a 9-point scale is considered ideal, with anything higher indicating overweight and lower indicating underweight. Consult with your veterinarian to establish your dog’s target weight and BCS, as they can provide...
How Much Does a Husky Cost? 2024 Price Guide
Click to Skip Ahead Equally renowned for their mischievous antics and incessant talking as they are for their stamina; Huskies have become a very popular dog breed. That popularity means that it is quite easy to find Husky breeders, and while some, with proven strong bloodlines, can cost considerable sums of money to buy, the purchase cost of the dog is only a fraction of what you will pay over the 12 to 15-year lifespan of your dog. While cost is only one factor to consider when taking on a breed of this kind, it is an important...
Why Are German Shepherds So Popular? 11 Great Reasons
Click to Skip Ahead The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. It is a popular working dog, used by police, armed forces, and even in therapy and caring settings. And its loving, attentive, trainable nature, also makes it a good choice as a family pet. However, they do need a lot of physical exercise as well as mental stimulation, and Below, we look at 11 reasons why this well-known breed is such a popular choice, so you can decide whether one would be the right choice for you. The 11 Reasons Why German Shepherds...
Cockeranian Mixed Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts
Click Below to Skip Ahead Cockeranians are mixed-breed dogs that were bred for companionship. They’re small to medium-sized dogs with bright and playful personalities. They value human companionship and often grow to become strongly loyal to their families. Cockeranians are fun-loving dogs, and their enthusiasm is infectious. They’re the type of dog that brings joy and brightens the lives of the people around them. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re interested in taking care of a Cockeranian. Breed Overview...
German Shepherd Mastiff Mix Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts
Click Below to Skip Ahead While the German Shepherd Mastiff mix might not be as popular or roll off the tongue quite as nicely as other hybrid dog breeds (we’re looking at you, Goldendoodles!), that doesn’t mean that they don’t have some excellent qualities that make them fantastic family pups. These pups combine the loyal, affectionate, and courageous qualities the parent breeds in a big, beautiful package. Read on to learn more about these massive dogs to decide if this is the right hybrid for you and your lifestyle. Breed...
Corgi Bichon Mixed Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts
Click Below to Skip Ahead The Corgi Bichon is a charming, playful, and affectionate hybrid resulting from crossing the Pembroke Welsh Corgi with the Bichon Frise. Though this isn’t a super trendy designer dog breed (yet), these sweet and adorable pups have a lot to offer their owners. Read on to learn more about the Corgi Bichon to determine if it’ll be the right breed for you. Breed Overview Height: 9.5–12 inches Weight: 12–30 pounds Lifespan: 12–14 years Colors: Fawn, sable, black and tan, red, white, cream,...
American Rat Pinscher Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts
Click Below to Skip Ahead Don’t let the name fool you; the American Rat Pinscher is one of the most lovable dogs for owners wanting a small yet spritely pet. With Terrier parents, this breed offers the familiar vivacity and attitude that have made their ancestors beloved companions for generations. Discover why this designer breed could be ideal for an active family as we define the American Rat Pinscher’s personality, physical traits, and unique features. Breed Overview Height: 10–14 inches Weight: 10–2 pounds...
Bascottie Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts
Click Below to Skip Ahead The Bascottie may sound like a delicious cookie you’d dip in your morning coffee, but it’s actually a hybrid dog breed mixing the Scottish Terrier and the Basset Hound. These adorable pups are as spirited, charming, and affectionate as their parent breeds, but they’re definitely not the right fit for every family. Breed Overview Height: 9–15 inches Weight: 19–65 pounds Lifespan: 12–15 years Colors: Black, brown, white, tri-color, brindle, wheaten Suitable for: Families with older...
Understanding Lung Cancer in Dogs
Although still relatively rare, lung cancer is becoming more common in dogs. particularly older ones. It accounts for about 1% of all canine cancers, with the most prevalent type being bronchogenic adenocarcinoma. This condition can develop as a primary tumor in the lungs, or as a secondary tumor that has spread from another part of the body. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, coughing, lethargy, weight loss, and decreased appetite. Recognizing these signs early is crucial for effective treatment and management. Prevention: Reducing...
Are Chihuahuas Good With Kids? Vet-Verified Facts & Info
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » If you have kids and are looking for a new pet, it might seem like a tiny Chihuahua would be a better choice than a 100-pound Bernese Mountain Dog. The reality is that the latter would probably be a more suitable pet. Several factors lead us to discourage individuals from considering Chihuahua if they have kids, especially young ones. But why is this? The size of the dog is one reason. This breed is usually less than...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Dog day trips, supporting the community and more!
Happy Tuesday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. 4 things a California shelter learned when they started day trips for dogsField trips for dogs are great for boosting their adoptions and engaging with your community (research shows that dogs taken on a field trip are five times more likely to be adopted!), but those aren’t the only benefits. Shelters and rescue organizations are seeing advantages for volunteers and staff as well! When Sarah Aguilar became… Learn More Prioritizing both ends of...
Barbado da Terceira Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts
Click Below to Skip Ahead Even after several millennia of dog domestication, the canine community never fails to surprise us with something we’ve never seen before. The Barbado da Terceira is perhaps the perfect example, as the shaggy-haired herding breed only recently arrived in the United States, giving us an almost brand-new model to fawn over. It’s a newsworthy event whenever these rare dogs join the community. Though new to us, the Barbado da Terceira has a rich history in their remote homeland in the Azores. Find out why...
Cavador: Dog Breed Info, Pictures, Care Guide & More
Click Below to Skip Ahead If you’ve heard of the Cavador, but don’t exactly know what it consists of, we are here to tell you about it! The hybrid breeds are getting pretty crazy these days, but we think this is certainly one that deserves some attention. This dog takes characteristics of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Labrador Retriever. Since these dogs vary so much in size and slightly in appearance, you can get tons of different possibilities in a single litter. When it comes to personality traits, care, and other...
Alaskan Husky German Shepherd Mix: Dog Breed Info, Pictures, Care Guide & More
Click Below to Skip Ahead The Alaskan Husky German Shepherd Mix, also known as the Alaskan Husky Shepherd, is an intelligent and energetic breed that will seamlessly fit in with an active family. They’re affectionate, loyal, and gentle, but they also can be prone to stubbornness and can be extremely clingy. Read on to learn more about this hybrid to determine if they’ll fit in with your lifestyle and your family. Breed Overview Height: 20–26 inches Weight: 35–88 pounds Lifespan: 9–13 years Colors: Black, gray,...
American French Bull Terrier: Dog Breed Info, Pictures, Care Guide & More
Click Below to Skip Ahead It seems there are designer dog breeds everywhere you turn these days. But none might be quite as cute as the American French Bull Terrier. With a tongue twister like that, it might be hard for you to first detect exactly what breeds go into this mix. This hybrid consists of the American Pitbull Terrier and French Bulldog. These are two of the most popular favorites in America today. If one of these pups caught your eye on the page of a rescue or shelter, or you saw someone advertise an accidental litter of puppies,...
Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare: Vet-Approved Explanation and Info
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead When you take on the responsibility of owning a pet, you are committing to making sure the animal has everything that they need to enjoy a good quality of life. It is your responsibility to ensure that all their needs are being met by making a variety of lifestyle changes, vetting, and providing an appropriate environment. In this article, we discuss the five freedoms of animal welfare so you know...
When to Spay or Neuter a Labrador? Vet-Approved Guide & Facts
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Most veterinarians and animal welfare experts advocate for spaying and neutering dogs. However, more attention is being given to the optimal age of these procedures as we recognize that the standard 6-month age may not be beneficial for all breeds. So what about the Labrador Retriever? In general, veterinarians recommend that Labradors are spayed or neutered at 12 months old, but there are a few...
Do Service Dogs Have to Wear a Vest? Vet-Verified Facts & Info
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead You’ve probably seen people with service dogs before while out and about. You might have noticed that some service dogs wear vests, but others do not. But don’t all service dogs have to wear a vest? Actually, no, they do not! It’s a common misconception that all service dogs must wear a vest while they are out and performing their duties, but this isn’t true. So, what is...