How Big Do Rottweilers Get? Vet-Verified Average Size & Growth Chart
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Rottweilers get a bad rap, but the truth is these canines can make fantastic companions for the right dog owner. However, this breed is large, so before adopting a Rottweiler, you should be aware of exactly how big they can get to see if you have enough room and physical capacity for one. You should also know when they’re supposed to reach their full size so you can ensure your Rottweiler...
Do Dogs Have Tonsils? Vet-Verified Canine 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 Dogs have a lymphatic system which is part of their immune system. Tonsils are a part of this lymphatic system, and they can be found at the back of the throat. When their tonsils are healthy and functioning properly, they’ll help defend your dog’s nose and mouth from harmful bacteria and viruses. Sometimes, the tonsils can get inflamed, and your dog can develop tonsilitis. Tonsilitis...
How Long Do Great Pyrenees Live? Vet-Verified Average Lifespan, Data & 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 The Great Pyrenees is one of the largest dog breeds of all. They are considered a giant breed and have the reputation for being very gentle, protective, and playful. These dogs make amazing family companions in the right living circumstances. Before you make a choice to pick a particular breed, you are probably finding out all there is to know about it. In this particular scenario, because...
Why Are Doodles Unethical? Vet-Verified Facts & Controversies
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 intentionally bred Doodle appeared in 1989, and their popularity quickly rose in the 1990s. Today, you can find all kinds of dog breeds that have been bred with a Poodle, and you can now see Doodles of all shapes, colors, and sizes. Doodles are adorable and make wonderful companion dogs, but both dog lovers and advocates have mixed feelings about them. Doodles themselves aren’t...
How to Clean French Bulldog Ears: Vet-Approved Step-by-Step Guide
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » French Bulldogs are adorable pups, especially with those overly large ears of theirs! But as cute as this breed’s bat ears are, their ear canals are narrow and prone to wax buildup and ear infections. So, it’s vital to know how to clean your French Bulldog’s ears to keep them healthy. It might seem like a quick wipe of the ears with a damp cloth would get the job done, but there’s more to...
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...