How Acupressure Helps Relieve Your Dog’s Dry, Itchy Skin
It’s normal for a dog to scratch behind her ears every so often. But when she scratches constantly and compulsively, there’s a problem. A holistic approach that includes acupressure can help relieve the discomfort of dry, itchy skin in your dog. Dry, itchy, flaky skin, also known as “pruritis,” is very uncomfortable for a dog. This condition has several levels of severity that require different treatment approaches. For mild cases with periodic bouts of scratching, a simple change in diet, as well as a vitamin regimen,...
How to Choose the Right Shampoo and Conditioner for Your Dog
It’s bathtime! But before you dunk your dog in the tub, be sure you’re using a shampoo and conditioner that are gentle and non- toxic as well as cleansing. Some dogs hate baths, while others enjoy or at least tolerate them. Whatever category your own dog fits into, regular baths should be part of his care routine. Bathing offers several health benefits beyond getting rid of doggy odor, but for the best results, you need to ensure you’re using the right shampoo and conditioner. Choosing the wrong products can have unwanted...
Is Cocoa Butter Safe for Dogs? Vet-Reviewed Safety & Advice
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » You might be suspicious of cocoa butter when you have dogs. After all, we’ve had it beat into our heads for years that cocoa is toxic—chocolate is bad, bad, bad! But cocoa butter has a different composition, so you may wonder is it safe for dogs? In general, yes, cocoa butter is safe for dogs when used topically. It contains trace amounts of theobromine, the compound in chocolate that is toxic to dogs, but...
Can Dogs Eat Paprika? Vet-Reviewed Dangers & Safe Alternatives
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead It’s hard to resist those puppy dog eyes when your canine companion begs for a bite of whatever you’re eating. In many cases, the food you’re consuming is safe for your dog to eat (though probably not healthy), but in other cases, you could end up feeding your pup something harmful and not just unhealthy. An excellent example of this is feeding your pet any food with spices on it,...
Why Does My Dog Bite His Nails? 7 Reasons & Ideas to Redirect It (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 When you settle down to sleep or watch movies with your dog, there’s nothing worse than the sound of them obsessively going at their nails. If you want to fix the issue, you need to understand why they’re doing it in the first place. There are many possible reasons your pup could be biting their nails, but usually, they are biting because they are itchy, irritated, or for behavioral...
Why Do Dogs Love Cheese So Much? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Considerations
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead It’s common knowledge that most dogs go crazy for cheese. In fact, cheese is often used as a high-value training treat because dogs love it so much. While it’s not 100% certain, it may be due to its pungent smell, savory flavor, or soft texture. We’ll go over a few possible reasons why your dog might love cheese and how to feed cheese to your dog safely. The 4 Reasons Why Your Dog...
Why Do Dogs Cry in Their Sleep? 4 Vet-Reviewed Likely Reasons
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Have you ever been snuggling up to your pup while they drift into dreamland, only to be startled by your snoozing dog suddenly whining or crying in their sleep? This isn’t a particularly unusual behavior for dogs, but it can be quite concerning the first few times you experience it. Most dogs who cry in their sleep are dreaming, but there are other potential reasons for this behavior. Read on...
How Zoos Keep Animals Cool in the Heat
This summer has seen intense heatwaves across the northern hemisphere, forcing us to search for ways to beat the heat. We also keep our pets in mind, limiting walks to the cooler parts of the day, making use of cooling vests, or staying in some good old-fashioned air conditioning. What about zoo animals, though? Here are some interesting ways zoo staff keep their animals cool. Popsicles We all love a cool treat on a hot day, and zoo animals are no different. They get a wide variety of popsicles, which are essentially ice containing a favorite...
Legal Fights Intensify to Protect Louisiana Black Bears Amid Habitat Loss
The Louisiana black bear, once a symbol of resilience, faces new threats as efforts to save this species intensify. Once teetering on the brink of extinction, this bear has seen its habitat and protection fluctuate over the years, leading to a complex battle between conservationists and those pushing for regulated hunting. Photo: PexelsThe Louisiana black bear faces a proposed hunting season, threatening its fragile population. Historical Background The Louisiana black bear, a unique subspecies of the American black bear, historically roamed...
Stray Kitten With Rare Genetic Mutation Is “All Ears” At Tennessee Shelter
True Rescue in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, recently took in a litter of stray kittens around 8-9 weeks old. Upon closer examination, they noticed that one had four ears. This rare genetic mutation causes the little feline no harm and just makes him even more adorable. The shelter plans to have their vet examine the 2-pound kitten but based on their research state, “We will have him fully checked by a vet, but from what we know, the inner ear is completely normal and will cause no issues, other than having extra flaps to clean!” His...
Shelter Pets Transferred Out of Wildfire Zone Find Comfort in Donated Treats & Toys
Animal Humane New Mexico took in 59 shelter pets evacuated from the Ruidoso area that has been impacted by wildfires. The South Fork fire destroyed more than 17,000 acres and burned over 1,400 homes and buildings. The shelter pets at Humane Society of Lincoln County were evacuated just in time as the smoke and flames inched closer. The shelter survived the fire and flooding that followed with minimal damage and opened their doors to displaced pets. Thanks to your generous donations, the evacuated dogs and cats were comforted with new toys and...
That’s My Bed! Poppy and I Go Head-to-Head
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred. Poppy and I go back a long way. Although she has lived with my husband, Reece, for longer than I have, I gradually went from being an unwelcome interloper to her second (if not first) favorite person in the world. There is one area, however, where we constantly butt heads: my bed....
Messy Mutts Feeding Mats Review 2024: An Expert’s Breakdown
Click to Skip Ahead Our Final Verdict We give Messy Mutts Feeding Mats an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. Quality: 5/5 Variety: 5/5 Value: 5/5 Whether you have a rottweiler at your feet, a chihuahua asleep in their bed, or a poodle waiting impatiently at the door, you likely have a K9 that eats either raw food or kibble. Messy Mutts’ snuffle and lick mats make serving up your dog’s dinner entertaining for you both. The benefits of using these mats are infinite! Mental stimulation, slower eating, stress relief, energy...
Causes of Eye Pain in Dogs: Common Issues, Treatment, and Prevention
Eye pain and problems in dogs can result in permanent damage if not properly treated or managed, potentially leading to conditions like blindness and even the loss of the eye. While the symptoms of various conditions may differ, the symptoms that come along with most eye conditions include: Excessive blinking Excessive tearing Eye redness Keeping the eye closed Pawing at the eye or face This article aims to discuss prevalent eye injuries and conditions in dogs, as well as provide helpful tips for their prevention and treatment. Common Causes...
Bulldog Tail Pocket Infection: Vet-Approved Prevention & 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 a Bulldog owner, you know there are some non-negotiable parts of your grooming regimen. For example, your pup’s facial wrinkles are part of what makes them so adorable, but they can also be very time-consuming to clean. But did you know that there’s another non-negotiable part of Bulldog grooming that you might be overlooking? Tail pockets are skin folds around the base of a...
Kitten Suffers Serious Injuries After Being Run Over, But She Learns to Walk – and Run – Again
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! My mate and I were out shopping in October when there was a sudden rainstorm. We pulled into a grocery store parking lot and saw a poor 2 month old kitten lying in a shallow crack in the pavement. She was soaking wet, cold, and obviously badly hurt. PHOTO: PIXABAY / GUNDULA VOGEL We picked her up and drove to our vet. We thought that she couldn’t possibly survive being run over and...
Clumsy Cat Stumbles Into Woman’s Heart
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! My friend works in a shelter, and when I decided to get a second cat, I told her to call me as soon as she got any black kittens. “The first black kitten is mine,” I told her. PHOTO: PIXABAY / DAGA ROSZKOWSKA She called in December, which is usually not a time for kittens to be born. They rescued the mom and dad from a hoarder, and they had never seen the light of day. The...
Hissing Kitten Rescued By Girls Walking Home From School
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! My story starts when I was 10 and walking home from school with my then best friend. I heard this hiss. We were walking a new way and got a fright. PHOTO: PIXABAY / SELINA DUGULIN I got down and looked under this bush, and I saw a little kitten curled up. She was so thin and weak and could barely walk. I picked her up and tucked her into my jersey. She snuggled into me, but as soon as my...
Why Is My Dog Not Eating? 9 Vet-Verified Reasons & What to Do
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » The role of every dog owner is to do everything it takes to keep their puppy happy and healthy. So, it’s understandable that many owners panic when their dog displays unusual behavior. When your dog suddenly stops wanting food as much or stops eating altogether, it may cause you some stress. If you are interested in the reasons why your dog might stop eating, stick with us for some useful information. The 9...
South Dakota’s Lax Animal Welfare Laws Leave Pets Vulnerable to Abuse and Death
In South Dakota, pets face a harsh reality due to the state’s weak animal cruelty laws. While many states have made significant strides in animal protection, South Dakota lags behind, leaving pets vulnerable to neglect and abuse. This issue gained national attention when Governor Kristi Noem’s controversial actions toward her dog, Cricket, sparked a broader conversation about animal welfare in the state. Photo: PexelsSouth Dakota ranks low in animal protection laws. Weak Legal Protections South Dakota ranks among the lowest in the...
