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...
Can Dogs Eat Blueberry Muffins? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Alternatives
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Dogs can enjoy many foods that humans eat, and they’re experts at convincing us to share our food with them. Since they can eat many fruits and vegetables that humans also eat, it’s best to choose healthier options than junk food. In the case of blueberry muffins, it’s best to refrain from feeding them to dogs. While they may not be toxic to dogs, they’re often too sweet and...
How to Train a Rottweiler: 7 Vet-Approved Tips & Tricks
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Training a Rottweiler is relatively straightforward due to the breed’s commitment to family and eagerness to please, but that doesn’t mean you have room to slack off. Derived from Roman Molossian war dogs, these large and powerful protectors will often become unmanageable if you don’t commit to training, potentially leading to severe consequences for you and others. Over time, an inappropriate...
My Dog Swallowed Underwear: Vet Explained Risks, Signs & Next Steps
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead A few years after I graduated from vet school, I was presented with an uncomfortable Labrador who was struggling with some constipation. Upon performing a rectal exam, I found and removed the source of the problem: a red, lace thong. At least, I’m pretty sure it was red; it wasn’t exactly in the best condition! Depending on the size of the dog and the size of the underwear, swallowed...
My Dog Ate a Tampon: Potential Risks, Signs & Next Steps (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 Yikes! You just got home and discovered your dog had a party in the bathroom trash can. On closer inspection, your dog might have eaten a tampon. Is it time to panic? What to Do if Your Dog Swallows a Tampon First, take a deep breath and remove your dog from the “scene of the crime” so they can’t eat anything else. Don’t panic. Calmly check to see if your dog strews trash...
“Grandma” Penny: Living with a Dog with an Old Soul
Hi, I’m Savanna! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my spunky Chihuahua mix, Penny. Is your dog an old soul? And by that I mean, does your dog act mature beyond his or her years? Are they very serious most of the time, maybe even wiser than you would expect? Do they have that typical “grandma” or “grandpa” personality? I think Penny is an old soul, despite being only around 4 years old. It makes sense after all, because dogs do age faster than humans do. But, I think Penny acts even older...
Anatolian Pyrenees Dog Breed Info: Pictures, Temperament & Traits
Click Below to Skip Ahead When you take a hybrid breed of any sort, it is pretty much a gamble as to what you can expect from each puppy. However, when you take two powerhouse breeds like the Anatolian Shepherd and Great Pyrenees, you definitely get a very structurally and mentally similar dog. In this article, we aim to explain what you can expect from training, personality, and overall care. This is certainly not the kind of breed for everyone, so make sure that you are completely compatible before committing to an animal of this size and...
Cavajack: Pictures, Info, Care Guide & More
Click Below to Skip Ahead The Cavajack is a small and friendly hybrid dog breed that genuinely enjoys spending time with people. They’re very low maintenance, playful, and pleasant, but they’re not the right breed for every home. Because their parent breeds are so different, you truly never know what you’re going to get when you adopt a Cavajack. Folks interested in adopting this adorable designer dog breed must familiarize themselves with both parents before deciding if this is the right breed for them. Breed Overview...
American Foxhound Lab Mix: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts
Click Below to Skip Ahead The American Foxhound Lab mix is a hybrid dog breed developed by pairing an American Foxhound with a Labrador Retriever. These pups can have a mix of personality traits, depending on which parent they take after more, but they’re generally sweet, friendly, outgoing, and playful. They make great hunting partners and companions for the kids, but they’re not suitable for every family. Read on to learn more. Breed Overview Height: 21–25 inches Weight: 55–80 pounds Lifespan: 11–13 years...
Aussalier Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts
Click Below to Skip Ahead The Aussalier is a mixed breed, a cross between the Australian Shepherd and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. It’s a curious choice, given the disparate backgrounds of the two canines. The former is an all-American pup, despite its name. The latter cuddled up with the aristocracy across the pond. The Aussalier is a relatively new designer dog, bringing these traits together, which actually come together to create an adorable mix. Breed Overview Height: 13–16 inches Weight: 16–35 pounds Lifespan:...
Alaskan Shepherd: Pictures, Info, Care Guide & More
Click Below to Skip Ahead Alaskan Shepherds are a relatively new mixed-breed dog that are excellent companions for people looking for an active and athletic dog. They often adopt the best qualities of an Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd and are known to be extremely intelligent, loyal, and courageous. Because Alaskan Shepherds have a strong personality, they’re not recommended for first-time dog owners. They thrive when they live with an experienced dog owner who can provide high-quality training and plenty of exercise opportunities...
What Are Ear Mites in Cats and How Do You Treat Them?
Ear mites in cats can be a common problem, but fortunately, there are easy ways to prevent infestations! Ear mites, or Otodectes cynotis, are tiny parasites that live in the ear canal and occasionally on the skin. These almost invisible mites cause extreme itchiness, redness, and inflammation if untreated. They are highly contagious and can lead to a condition called Otodectic mange. The life cycle of ear mites includes five stages, lasting around three weeks. Let’s learn about the symptoms of ear mite infestations, how cats get them,...
Auggie Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts
Click Below to Skip Ahead The Auggie is also sometimes referred to as an Aussie Corgi and is a mixed breed that crosses the Australian Shepherd and the Corgi. It is a happy, joyful, playful pup that tends to be good with kids, gets along with other dogs, and, despite having Australian Shepherd in its heritage, doesn’t require too much daily exercise. This breed is eager to please its humans, and intelligent, which means these dogs are easy to train, and their grooming requirements are quite low, too. As with any mixed breed, exactly...
My Dog Ate a Popsicle Stick: Potential Risks, Signs & Next Steps (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 Popsicles are among summer’s many pleasures. Your dog likely thinks so too! Some dogs like them so much that they eat the stick just to get more of that sweet juice. However, this is incredibly dangerous. If your dog has eaten a popsicle stick, contact your veterinarian immediately. Popsicle sticks can be a choking hazard, get lodged in the intestines, or even perforate the digestive tract....
How Much Is a Teacup Pomeranian? 2024 Price Guide
Click to Skip Ahead Having any dog of any size requires the right finances for sure! However, you might think that having a Teacup Pomeranian would be cheaper than having a full-size dog. While there are definitely perks to having a smaller animal, it isn’t necessarily a certainty that you will be paying any less in the long run. In this article, we aim to explain exactly what you can expect with a teacup Pomeranian and how you can budget. Bringing Home a New Teacup Pomeranian: One-Time Costs When you bring home your teacup Pomeranian,...
French Bulldog Pitbull Mix Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts
Click Below to Skip Ahead Considering how popular French Bulldogs are, it’s no surprise that we’re starting to see more French Bulldog mixes appear. The French Bulldog Pitbull Mix is a relatively new mixed-breed dog that’s a cross between a French Bulldog and a Pitbull. Since they’re so new, there’s still so much to learn about them. However, we do know that they often become loving and loyal companion dogs when they meet the right owner. Even though a dog’s breed won’t guarantee a particular...
How to Protect Dog Paws in Winter: 10 Vet-Reviewed Tips & Tricks
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Winter can be a challenging time for our pets. The temperature is one thing, but it also poses new health risks that don’t exist when conditions are less demanding. Staying warm is crucial since it can affect an animal’s chances of staving off hypothermia. Other concerns rest with their extremities, including their paws, as they come in direct contact with the cold. Some breeds, like Siberian Huskies, are...
How Many Puppies Can a Shih Tzu Have? Vet-Verified Pregnancy & Litter Information
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead The Shih Tzu is a popular toy dog breed. They are friendly, generally sweet-natured, and elegant. Unlike a lot of toy breeds, which only have one to three puppies in a litter, the Shih Tzu can have as many as 6-8 puppies. Most commonly, though, a Shih Tzu litter size will be between 3 and 6 puppies. Shih Tzu Pregnancy Shih Tzus, like most breeds, will come into heat two times per year: spring and...
