How Many Ribs Do Dogs Have? Vet-Approved Anatomy 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 The rib cage of a dog serves the function of protecting the internal chest organs, particularly the lungs and heart. That speaks to its importance as the original body armor. It also defines the animal’s form and width. Variations exist between different species and breeds, though. For example, horses have 18 pairs of ribs, pigs can have 14 to 16 pairs, and humans have 12 pairs. But what...
Do Rottweilers Growl When Happy? 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 Even when we feel as in sync with our dog’s body language as any owner can hope to be, sometimes we wish our Rottweilers would just come out and say what they mean. The closest we can get is interpreting vocalizations, but even those can be ambiguous or downright contradictory to what we think they mean. As a perfect example, growling is one action that Rottweilers may use to show...
10 Most Obedient Dog Breeds: Info, Pictures & Facts
Click to Skip Ahead Identifying the most obedient dog breeds can be subjective. After all, much depends on training and socialization. Part of the problem is determining what “obedient” means. Is it trainability? What about dogs that don’t do tricks but mind their leash manners on walks? Does it involve doing tasks, problem-solving, or obeying commands? Merriam-Webster defines obedience as, “Submissive to the restraint or command of authority: willing to obey.” That would entail an eagerness to please and...
How Long Are Chihuahuas Pregnant? Our Vet Explains Pregnancy & Care Guide
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead As the smallest of all the dog breeds, Chihuahuas undoubtedly also produce the smallest puppies. Does this also mean that they have shorter pregnancies than larger dogs? No. From the diminutive Chihuahua to the mighty Great Dane, the canine gestation period is approximately 63 days, give or take a day or two. Stick around for more information about Chihuahua pregnancy, such as how to tell if your...
Can Dogs Eat Gummy Bears? 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 When your dog is begging for food, they don’t care what it is you’re eating; they just want some. However, while they may not care what it is as long as they get some, you should be more discerning when giving people food to your pup. While some things are somewhat okay for them to eat, many are not. One food in households (particularly common if there are kids around!) is gummy bears,...
Do Vets Get Sad When They Have to Put Down a Dog? Vet-Reviewed 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 Perhaps you dreamed of becoming a veterinarian when you were a child. It all sounded good, minus the long and grueling schooling. But the one thing that really held you back was knowing that part of the job was putting animals to sleep. This can be a major turn off for a lot of people. It might leave you wondering how exactly vets feel when they have to put animals to sleep? The reality is that...
Are Foxes Related to Dogs? What the Science Tells Us (Vet-Reviewed Facts)
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Many of us have seen videos on social media and posts of cuddly, affectionate foxes that have seemingly been adopted by human families and are kept as pets. And thanks to their canine behaviors, it is understandable to believe foxes are essentially just wild dogs. However, while it is true that they are both part of the Canidae family, it has been about 10 million years since the two diverged...
Can Another Person Bring My Pet to the Vet for Me? Vet Approved 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 If you’re a pet owner, it’s bound to happen sooner or later—your pet needs to go to the vet, but you aren’t there to take them. Whatever the case, in situations like this, you need someone available to take your pet to the vet. But can another person bring your pet to the vet for you? As long as your personal vet doesn’t have any rules about this not being allowed, the...
Do Dogs Have Adam’s Apples? Canine Anatomy Explained (Vet-Verified)
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead The Adam’s Apple is a piece of cartilage that protrudes from and surrounds the larynx. The larynx is the area at the top of the windpipe that contains the vocal folds. The cartilages found in this upper part of the neck are designed to protect the larynx. In humans, men and women develop Adam’s Apples during puberty but because male larynxes grow more quickly and larger than in females,...
5 Clever Tips for Caring for Your Aging Dog
Our furry friends age much faster than we do, and before we know it, our once-bouncy puppies become slower, grayer, and a bit creakier. But just because your dog is getting on in years doesn’t mean they can’t still enjoy a great quality of life. There’s no magic solution for older dogs, but with a few adjustments and some extra TLC, you can help your senior canine companion stay happy, healthy, and comfortable well into their golden years. By implementing these tips, you’re creating your own personal Longevity Formula...
Can Dogs Eat Sprinkles? 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 Having parties and celebrations for dogs has become more common in recent years. While there’s absolutely no problem with planning parties for your dog, it’s important to provide dog-safe food and snacks. A common treat present at parties is sprinkles. While your usual sprinkles won’t cause immediate harm to dogs, they’re still not recommended to be given to dogs regularly....
Why Do Dogs Side Eye? Vet-Approved Behavior Explanation
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Life would be so much easier if our dogs could tell us everything they’re thinking and feeling. But until science finds a way for us to communicate with our pets, we just have to get good at reading their body language and facial expressions. The side eye is an interesting facial expression that can have many different meanings. While sidelong glances in humans are often used to convey emotions like skepticism,...
6 Pros & Cons of Putting Water in Kibble: Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Rehydrating dog food can be a really beneficial habit. It sounds like the perfect thing—you spice up your dog’s food bowl while providing extra moisture in the diet. Plus, it helps dogs who may have issues with chewing or appetite. But there are downfalls, too. It can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other potential problems. We will dig into the positives and negatives of putting...
Can Dogs Eat Chocolate Ice Cream? Vet-Verified Nutrition 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 The first thing most of us learn about raising a dog is that chocolate is harmful, regardless of the format. As tasty as it may be for us on a hot day, chocolate ice cream is one treat that dogs should never eat. How bad is this popular frozen dairy dessert? Let’s find out as we explore the science behind whether dogs can eat chocolate ice cream. Why Can’t Dogs Eat Chocolate Ice Cream?...
10 Vet-Reviewed Reasons to Get a Puppy: How it Can Improve Your Life
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Puppies are adorable animals that can become some of the best companions for people. There are many benefits to living with a puppy, such as reduced isolation and an increased sense of purpose and responsibility. While puppies are cute bundles of joy, we can’t overlook the fact that bringing home a puppy is a significant responsibility and lifestyle change. Dogs have an average lifespan of 12 to 18 years, which...
How Old Is 8 in Dog Years? Vet-Approved Guide to Each Size of Dog
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead “Seven dog years for every human year” may be easy to follow, but owners are often surprised to learn this outdated rule is only practical for a short period in a dog’s adult life. Many dogs enter their senior years when they turn eight, with approximate ages ranging from 48 dog years for small breeds to 64 dog years for giant breeds. Eight years is a transitional age requiring...
Get more pets home (or back home) this fall
Whether you want to help find more pets homes or get lost pets back home this fall – Maddie’s Online Instructor-led Courses has something for you! And #ThanksToMaddie, they’re all free. Harnessing People Power to get Lost Pets Back Home is back for the first time in two years and is instructed by Jenifer Reed, Human Animal Support Services (HASS) Program Implementation Trainer. Attendees can expect to leave with data-backed solutions and tools for implementing lost pet reunification programs like short-term foster...
My Dog Ate Grease: Our Vet Explains Potential 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 We’re all guilty of indulging in a greasy meal now and then, but we’re unlikely to lose control of ourselves and devour the contents of the grease tray. Our dogs, on the other hand, won’t hesitate to scarf down as much greasy goodness as they can. Although cooking grease is typically not toxic for your dog, it can send them on a journey of gastrointestinal discomfort and pain,...
How to Groom A Golden Retriever: 12 Vet-Reviewed Tips & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Golden Retrievers are virtually the perfect family pet. They are loving, playful, and intelligent. They will typically get along with all family members, can usually be kept with other pets, and their aim in life is to please their humans. They’re also hardy, have endearing faces, and a stunning coat. But that beautiful flowing coat comes at a cost. While they’re generally classified as...
Do Dogs Have Vocal Cords? Canine Vocalization Explained (Vet-Reviewed)
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead We have a unique relationship with our canine companions because of our ability to communicate with our pets. Dogs can interpret and respond to our emotions. Some dogs, like Siberian Huskies, seemingly sing and “talk” with their vocalizations. You can even see something similar in their wild counterparts, like the howling and yelping of wolves and coyotes. This may make you wonder how...
