Can Dogs Have Tourettes? 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 Humans and dogs have a lot more in common than you may realize. After all, we all share 84% of our DNA. We have many common illnesses, including some mental health conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). One thing we probably don’t have in common, though, is Tourette syndrome (TS). TS is a kind of tic disorder characterized by involuntary sounds or movements. It could be...
Are Great Pyrenees Aggressive? Breed Facts, Temperament & FAQ
Click to Skip Ahead The Great Pyrenees is a popular breed, as these canines are large, loyal, protective, and gorgeous. However, due to their size and protective nature, some believe that the breed is aggressive. The Great Pyrenees is not aggressive, but they do have certain tendencies that can be misconstrued as aggression at times. And, of course, any dog that isn’t properly socialized may very well end up having behavioral problems, including aggression. However, overall, this breed is a rather gentle one. If you’re considering...
Why Does My Dog Itch So Much But Has No Fleas? Vet-Reviewed Possible Reasons & What to Do
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead A lot of the time, when a dog starts scratching away, it’s because they’ve gotten fleas. As horrible as that is, it’s fairly easily resolved with flea medication and lots of vacuuming and cleaning. But what if your dog is itching a lot, and there are no fleas to be found? What does that mean? If there isn’t a flea in sight, but your pet is constantly scratching, there are...
Why Do Dogs Lick Themselves? Vet-Verified Reasons & When Its a Concern
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Dogs lick themselves; it’s just a fact of life. But why do they lick themselves so much? After all, it’s a bit of a gross habit! There are actually a few normal reasons dogs lick themselves, which we’ll look at below. Perhaps a better question, though, is whether you should ever be concerned about your dog licking themselves. If you’re trying to determine whether your pup is...
My Dog Swallowed an AirPod: 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 If your naughty hound has swallowed an AirPod, you’re likely feeling two things: annoyed and worried. While we can’t help you out with the first one (that’s between you and your dog), we can hopefully put your mind at ease about the second. In most cases, AirPods will pass through your dog without incident, and they might even still work. Of course, you may not want to use them...
Why Are Dachshunds So Long? Vet-Reviewed Anatomy & Special Considerations
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » There’s no doubt the Dachshund is unique among canines. From their independent personalities to their short legs and long bodies, this is one truly distinctive dog breed. And though they’re known for their personalities, these dogs are probably most well-known for their intriguingly long body shape, which has earned them such nicknames as “Wiener Dogs” or “Sausage Dogs.” But why are...
Penny’s Chew Bones: How Many Is Too Many?
Hi, I’m Savanna! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my spunky Chihuahua mix, Penny. Most of us dog owners give our dogs dental chews to help keep their teeth clean and their breath fresh. Greenies are a popular choice, but for some reason, Penny doesn’t tolerate Greenies well, so we give her Minties instead, but we just call them her “chew bones.” According to the feeding instructions on the bag of Minties, I should give her one per day. That’s what I try to do, but Penny sometimes has...
Scoop the Poop, Friends
Aug 26, 2024 Picking up dog poo isn’t anyone’s favorite activity (not that we’ve come across anyway), but it is a necessary must. And we’re trusting that everyone in Austin, and beyond, understands that this is a dirty job that can’t be ignored. Leaving dog waste sitting around is actually damaging to our environment. It is not the same as cow manure, as many may think. It doesn’t offer healthy growth to the grass and in fact, can be pretty damaging. Beyond damaging the grass, letting dog poop sit means...
How Long Do Rottweilers Live? Average Lifespan, Data & Care
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Rottweilers are highly intelligent, confident, and courageous dogs whose size and appearance often make them intimidating. However, any owner will tell you just how sweet, affectionate, and playful they are. If you’re considering welcoming a Rottweiler into your home, you’re probably curious about what to expect in terms of lifespan. Since Rotties are large dogs, they live shorter lives...
Why Are German Shepherds Police Dogs? 7 Traits That Make Them Perfect for the Job
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead German Shepherds are commonly employed as working dogs, engaged in a variety of noble jobs, such as search and rescue, scent detection, and service dog work. It’s no accident that they’re frequently seen in police K-9 unit teams. German Shepherds possess a number of skills and traits that make them excellent candidates for police dog work. Their intelligence, loyalty, stamina, and...
Top Reasons to Try Mixed Feeding for Your Dog or Cat
Mixed feeding for dogs and cats has many benefits, including adding more nutrients and moisture to their diet. Let’s find out the easy way to get started! When it comes to feeding your dog or cat, it’s easy to find food that works and stick with it for weeks, months, or even years. But imagine how bland life would be if you had to eat the same food, flavor, and texture all the time. Dogs and cats can become bored with their food too, but mixed feeding (combining a dry food with a wet topper) is an easy method that breaks up the...
Can Dogs Get Drunk? Vet-Verified Facts & Risks
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Dogs don’t naturally have a taste for alcohol, but some sweet alcoholic drinks or those made with milk or cream can be particularly appealing for them. Some dogs are just curious and others might end up accidentally consuming an alcoholic beverage in their rush to steal food from your dining table. Dogs are very sensitive to the effects of alcohol. They experience alcohol intoxication faster...
Can Dogs Swim Without Training? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Purebred dogs were bred to have specific qualities to help them complete tasks efficiently and effectively. Certain dog breeds, such as the American Water Spaniel and the Portuguese Water Dog, were specifically bred to work in water and swim. These types of dogs have physical features that help them swim better than many other dog breeds. They also usually take to swimming quite naturally. However,...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Online Instructor-Led Courses registration, $500,000 in grants awarded and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. Registration for Online Instructor-Led Courses ends on Friday!Looking to implement a new program, learn more about a specific subject and create positive change for pets and people in your community? Be sure to save the date for Maddie’s Fund® Online Instructor-Led Courses! The fall 2024 application window closes on Friday, August 30, 2024 at 5PM ET. View the Offerings $500,000 in grants awarded to 107 animal organizations for reducing barriersTwenty-three...
Why Does My Dog Sleep With Their Tongue Out? 10 Vet-Reviewed Reasons
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Our pups can do some pretty cute (and kind of weird) things when they’re asleep. Whether it’s twitching paws while they dream about chasing critters or hilarious sleep positions, dogs can be awfully funny while resting. Sometimes, though, they do things that dog parents find concerning, like sleeping with their tongue out. Why do dogs sleep with their tongues out? Is it perfectly normal, or is there a...
Do Dogs Have Bones in Their Tails? 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 A dog’s tail is a powerful communication tool, but it is also used to help keep insects away, spread their scent, and balance. The tail is an extension of your dog’s spine, and it does contain bones—typically around 20 of them in a typical dog. There are various injuries and ailments that can affect your dog’s tail, some of which are very painful, and some that require...
Can Dogs Eat Pomegranates? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition 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 Pomegranate is widely billed as being a superfood for humans, thanks to the diverse range of vitamins and minerals it contains, and the concentration of them. They are particularly known for being high in fiber and potassium as well as being a rich source of antioxidants. Dogs can also benefit from eating foods that are rich in these, but can they eat pomegranates? Pomegranates are not toxic to...
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Shells? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition 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 Peanut butter is considered a healthy, tasty treat for dogs, although it should only be fed in moderation and owners should avoid sweetened or salted peanut butter. The nuts themselves are not considered toxic, either, but their high-fat content means you should really avoid feeding peanuts to dogs regularly. But, for some owners, that leaves the question of whether it is safe to feed peanut shells...
How to Get a Dog to Drink More Water: 11 Vet-Reviewed Tips
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Staying hydrated is one of the most fundamental factors in a dog’s immediate and long-term health, and sometimes our pets don’t drink enough water throughout the day. An underlying health condition might be at fault, but other times we don’t offer water in a way that appeals to our dogs. In either case, owners have some level of control over how much their pets consume, though the...
Why Do Dogs Eat Toilet Paper? Risks & Prevention Tips
Click to Skip Ahead Dogs do a lot of strange things, but eating toilet paper must be up there with some of the most bizarre canine behavior. There are several potential reasons why dogs eat toilet paper, including behavioral causes like boredom, stress, and instinctual behaviors, and medical issues like nutrient deficiencies and pica. Unfortunately, this habit can result in severe health complications and very costly medical bills. Read on to learn why dogs eat toilet paper, why it’s so dangerous, and what you need to do to prevent this...
