What Are Those Black Spots on My Dog’s Skin?
Many dogs develop black spots or dark patches on their skin. While some of these blemishes are harmless, others signal the presence of a more serious problem. Skin problems are common in dogs, and include everything from allergies to yeast infections. But what does it mean when your dog develops flat black spots or stains on his skin? This is also a common issue, and can have a variety of causes ranging from benign to serious. Read on to find out what these black patches might mean, and what you can do about them. SKIN INFECTIONS As always, a...
Two Days After Bringing Home New Rescue Dog, Family Learns She Can Detect Seizures
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! Our family headed to the Tacoma Animal Shelter when we were finally ready to adopt a dog again, after the loss of our precious Saki. In a cage, shaking all alone, was a sweet puggle; her name was Moochie. She had just been put out that morning. PHOTO: ALI SWEENEY Moochie had been fostered during her first few months of life, as she had been injured and needed surgery shortly after she was...
Nicotine Testing: The Hidden Torture of Helpless Animals
The world of nicotine product testing on animals is fraught with ethical concerns and scientific inaccuracies. Animal testing for nicotine products has been criticized for being both inhumane and scientifically flawed. The dark side of nicotine testing on animals is rife with cruelty and misleading data, and innocent creatures are paying the price. Photo: PexelsNicotine product testing on animals is fraught with ethical concerns. Unethical Practices in Nicotine Testing Nicotine product testing on animals involves subjecting them to harsh...
Double Trouble? Manic and Lorraina vs Nature
Hi, I’m Allison! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my three mixed-breed dogs from Thailand, Jelly, Lorraina, and Manic. Before I moved to the US with my dog trio (and husband) in tow, I made sure that they had a place they could explore outside. In Thailand, the dogs had free-range of the neighborhood but never went too far. I loved that they could run around, explore nature, and get exercise. At their new home, they had over two fenced-in acres of wooded land to call their playground. Now, interacting with...
Affen Tzu: Pictures, Info, Care Guide & More
Click Below to Skip Ahead The Affen Tzu is a Shih Tzu and Affenpinscher mix. These adorable hybrid dogs make fantastic companions and useful watchdogs despite their small size. Their friendly and extroverted nature makes them an absolute riot, but they may not be the right dog for every family. Read on to learn more about this mixed breed to see if it’ll be the right fit for your lifestyle. Breed Overview Height: 8–12 inches Weight: 9–17 pounds Lifespan: 11–15 years Colors: Black, white, brindle, liver, blue, silver,...
BARK Air Could Change the Air Travel Game for Dogs and Their Humans
Flying with your dog has never been more comfortable or luxurious, thanks to BARK Air. This innovative airline, designed specifically for dogs and their human companions, offers a unique travel experience that prioritizes the comfort and happiness of furry passengers. Photo: PexelsBARK Air offers a luxury travel experience exclusively for dogs and their owners. Luxury in the Skies for Canine Companions BARK Air’s inaugural flight took off recently, transporting six dogs and 11 humans from New York to Los Angeles. The pampered pooches...
Affenchon: Pictures, Info, Care Guide & More
Click Below to Skip Ahead Between their adorable looks and entertaining personalities, you can rest assured that the Affenpinscher and Bichon Frise’s mixed-breed offspring bring irresistibly lovable energy to the home. Affenpinscher-Bichon mixes, or Affenchons, are rare crosses worthy of attention for anyone looking for a bright, adaptable dog that will fit well in any environment. If you’re wondering whether this one-of-a-kind cross can make the ideal addition to your family, we’ll explore what to expect with this dive into...
Stray Dog Endears Himself to Stranger By ‘Playing Possum’ When She Greets Him
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! Driving to work one day through the barrio area of Pacific Coast Highway, I saw a man walking a German Shepherd on a leash, with a small, curly-haired, whitish dog trailing happily behind them. PHOTO: PIXABAY / ALEXA I thought, “How cute, the little guy gets to be off lead,” but my delight turned into anger and panic when the man whirled around and tried kicking at the little...
Rodent Ulcers in Dogs: Our Vet Explains Signs, Causes & Treatments
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead The term “rodent ulcer” sounds awful, doesn’t it? Thankfully, these ulcers have nothing to do with rats (or any rodent, for that matter). Additionally, they are neither life-threatening nor particularly uncomfortable, though they can be a bit of a nuisance. Rodent ulcers are red skin ulcers that typically appear on the lips and face of affected dogs. While these ulcers are fairly...
Austin Pets Alive! Responds to AAC Closing Intake During Busiest Week of the Year
Jul 02, 2024 In the wake of Austin Animal Center (AAC) closing intake during the busiest sheltering week of the year, Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) is calling on the community to adopt or foster a pet before July 4. “It’s an immensely hard time for shelter animals and the people caring for them in Austin right now, especially for medium to large dogs,” said APA! president and CEO Dr. Ellen Jefferson. “We wish we could take in even more animals from AAC, but our Town Lake location is also full to the brim, and we’re...
Stray Dog Saved by Heroic Milwaukee Bus Driver on a Rainy Day
A Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) bus driver, Stephany K., recently went above and beyond her regular duties. This inspiring story of compassion took place on a rainy Monday when Stephany was driving her route, demonstrating the kindness and community spirit inherent in the people of Milwaukee. Photo: PexelsMilwaukee bus driver Stephany K. rescued a lost dog on a busy street.. Spotting a Stray in Distress The incident began as Stephany navigated her bus along West Vliet Street, near North 40th Street and Washington Park. Despite the...
Fishing Cats Face Extinction as Wetlands Disappear Across Asia
Fishing cats (Prionailurus viverrinus) are medium-sized wildcats uniquely adapted to life in wetlands and mangrove forests across South and Southeast Asia, including India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Sri Lanka. Despite their remarkable adaptations, fishing cats face numerous threats that jeopardize their survival. Photo: Adobe Stock / breakingthewallsHuman-wildlife conflict in Bangladesh is causing frequent fishing cat deaths. Human-Wildlife Conflicts in Bangladesh In Bangladesh, fishing cats often find themselves in direct conflict with...
Dog Hit By Car And Left Injured In The Middle Of The Road Needs Our Help
Meet Botley. The one-year-old corgi mix was hit by a car in South Africa and left in the middle of the road unable to move. The director of Rescue Is Life, a foster-based animal rescue organization based in Cape Town, and a staff member were driving down the highway on the way to drop off supplies to a foster when they spotted the dog in the road. Photo: Rescue Is Life The poor pup was in severe shock and bleeding from his nose and had several lacerations on his legs and face when rescuers found him. They stopped oncoming traffic to save him...
Can Dogs Be Schizophrenic? Vet-Verified Mental Health Facts
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Maybe your dog’s personality has suddenly done a 180. The sweet pup you cuddled with on the couch acts aggressive and perhaps growls when anyone approaches. The difference is so stark that you may wonder if your pooch is schizophrenic. Behavioral issues are problematic and the main reason behind around 10% of dogs being relinquished to shelters.1 While your pup’s behavior is odd, rest...
Wild Horses Return to Kazakhstan in Stunning Conservation Triumph
In a remarkable comeback, Przewalski’s horses have returned to the Golden Steppe of Kazakhstan after nearly two centuries of absence. This historic reintroduction effort, spearheaded by Prague Zoo and supported by international conservation organizations, marks a significant milestone in wildlife conservation. Photo: Adobe Stock / JAG IMAGESPrzewalski’s horses have returned to Kazakhstan after nearly 200 years. A Journey Back Home In early June, a group of seven Przewalski’s horses, consisting of one stallion and six mares,...
Key Tips on Pool Safety for Dogs
Submission Guidelines Thank you for your interest in writing for Animal Wellness. As the #1 natural health magazine for pets in North America, we take pride in providing our readers with the information they need to make wise health care choices for their animal companions. Our publication embraces the entire holistic spectrum, from physical health issues to the emotional and spiritual well being of our animals. We welcome unsolicited articles and story outlines as long as they focus on holistic healing, whether physical, emotional or...
E-Bikes Are the New Secret Weapon Against African Poachers
In the vast and rugged terrains of Africa, a silent revolution is taking place. E-bikes from brands like Specialized and CAKE are being deployed to combat poaching, a major threat to wildlife conservation in the region. These innovative vehicles are proving to be a crucial tool in protecting endangered species and aiding conservation efforts in ways that traditional methods have struggled to achieve. Photo: PexelsE-bikes are being used to combat poaching in Africa. The Rise of E-Bikes in Conservation Specialized’s Turbo Vado and Tero...
Is a Fox a Cat or a Dog? 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 Springy, quick, fearsome predator—the fox. This interesting little predator sure has people confused. After all, you could look at it and see features of both dogs and cats, So what gives? Are foxes cats or dogs? Do you have the debate set? Are your bets drawn? If so, we finally have the answer for you. Foxes are actually a member of the Canidae family, just like dogs are, so they have more...
Can Dogs Get Brain Freeze? 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 We’ve all been gnawing on our summer ice cream, enjoying every lick and all of a sudden—boom! The brain freeze hits. But what is this reaction? Can our dogs respond the same way? According to science, they probably can, as they show similar signs that mimic that of a human having brain freeze, but this isn’t 100% proven. What exactly happens during brain freeze and how can we...
Can Dogs Get Stomach Bugs? 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 So, you come home to find your pup lethargic and not acting themselves. After a few moments, you notice they are dry heaving overtop your favorite rug. They were fine this morning so what could have happened in between? Did they eat something they shouldn’t? Do they have a virus? Do they have some type of tummy bug? In this article, we are going to go over some gastrointestinal problems in...
