What Is the External Extraction Technique (XXT) & Why It Could Save Your Dog’s Life
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’ve ever witnessed your dog choking, you know how terrifying and traumatizing it can be. Learning the proper techniques to help your pup in a choking event can be the difference between life and death. The external extraction technique (XXT) is a safe, effective, and non-invasive treatment for choking dogs, but we’re willing to bet you’ve never heard of it. If you’re...
Can Dogs Get Bug Bites? Vet-Verified Identification & Care
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Even though they have a fairly protective covering of hair, dogs are still vulnerable to bug bites. This is because they tend to investigate everything with their noses and spend a lot of time close to the ground. Below, we’ll discuss some of the most common types of bug bites on dogs, as well as signs to look for and what you should do about the bites. Common Bug Bites Some bugs, like fleas,...
Why an integrative approach for asthma in cats is the best option
Feline asthma is caused by allergic inflammation. An integrative approach for asthma in cats that combines conventional medications, alternative therapies, and environmental modifications is often the most successful. Did you know that up to 5% of all cats will be affected by asthma in their lifetimes? The most common reason for coughing in cats, this condition is also referred to as allergic bronchitis, which names its root cause — allergic inflammation. Symptoms often first appear in young to middle-aged cats, and are triggered by...
How to Take an Integrative or Holistic Approach to Feline Diabetes: A Comprehensive Guide for Cat Parents
If your feline friend has been diagnosed with diabetes, you’re not alone. This condition affects many cats, but with proper care and a holistic approach, your whiskered companion can lead a happy, healthy life. Let’s explore how integrating natural methods with conventional treatments can help manage feline diabetes effectively. Understanding Feline Diabetes Feline diabetes occurs when your cat’s body can’t properly regulate blood sugar levels. While insulin therapy is often necessary, a holistic approach can...
20 Dog Breeds With Blue Tongues (With Pictures)
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » You may have heard that some pets have unusual tongue colors. So, what dog breed has a blue tongue? Well, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes over 200 different dog breeds. Of these, we’ve identified 20 breeds with blue somewhere on their tongues, but only four of those have true blue or blue-black tongues, meaning the other 16 breeds on this list may have similarly colored spots. Interestingly, some...
Hope for Chornobyl’s Feral Dogs: Shelter Provided as War-Torn Ukrainian Winter Looms
Click to Skip Ahead As the bitter Ukrainian winter approaches, over 300 stray dogs—descendants of those left behind after the Chornobyl nuclear disaster—are about to receive critical help.These animals, already survivors of radiation exposure and the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war, will soon be sheltered from the harsh elements, thanks to an inspiring partnership between Farm & Yard, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals International (SPCAI), and the Clean Futures Fund (CFF). A Desperate Need for Shelter Hiding in...
Veterinary behaviorists – How can they help your dog?
You’ve probably heard about veterinary behaviorists, but may not be sure what they do. Learn more about these professionals and how they can help dogs with behavior problems. If your dog is having behavioral problems, your first port of call for answers and assistance might be your veterinarian or a dog trainer. But there’s another category of veterinary professionals who can lend a hand – the veterinary behaviorist. These individuals help you better understand animal behavior, thereby enhancing your ability to...
10 Brown Dog Breeds With Short Hair (With Pictures)
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » We all have preferences. From the food we eat to the people we date, we have a strict set of likes and dislikes. It’s no different when it comes to our pets. As much as we want to choose the dog that has the best personality, you can’t help but to be more drawn to certain breeds. If you love the sharp, classic look of a brown dog with short hair, you might wonder what dog breeds come in this color and hair...
Can Dogs Hear a Fetal Heartbeat: Vet-Verified Canine Hearing Explained
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead There is a very strong connection between certain dogs and pregnancy. You hear anecdotal stories all day long of dogs ‘knowing’ their owners were pregnant before they even took the test. So, what exactly gives? Can your dog detect a fetal heartbeat? Or is there more to it than that? Let’s dig in. Dogs May Certainly Detect Fetal Heartbeat If you are just looking for a quick answer...
Understanding Neurodiversity in Our Dogs: The Sensory Diet
You’re probably heard the term “neurodiversity,” but what exactly does it mean? Neurodiversity is a concept that recognizes the unique ways different nervous systems function – in our dogs as well as ourselves. Just like us, dogs have individual nervous systems that can exhibit various sensitivities and behaviors. Recognizing these differences allows us to shift our approach from frustration to compassion when dealing with unwanted behaviors in our dogs. There’s no right or wrong way, or normal versus disordered...
Are Rats Smarter Than Dogs? 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 Rats have a bad reputation, and many dog breeds were even bred to hunt them. Despite all this, rats are actually extremely intelligent animals. Some studies even allude to rats being more intelligent than both dogs and humans. It’s tempting to jump to conclusions, but it’s important to carefully read through the data. Rats are certainly smart, but it’s unfair to compare their...
Are Monsteras Toxic to Dogs? Vet-Verified Facts, Info & Poison Help
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Having house plants and dogs together in the same space can be quite a challenge. You want to keep both alive and healthy, but it seems that one is always trying to kill the other. Our dogs can get into just about anything and some of our plants can be toxic to them. But what about the common houseplant Monstera? Is it toxic to dogs? Unfortunately, the Monstera plant is considered toxic to dogs....
Do Dogs and Guinea Pigs Get Along? 6 Vet-Approved Tips on Living With Them Both
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Animals of the oddest pairings can sometimes come up on your social media feed. Sometimes, a snake and a mouse will seem to become friends, a coyote and a common canine, you name it! However, as cute as you might think these situations are in theory, animals’ lives can be in danger in these scenarios, even if it seems like all is well. Canines have been used for a millennia to weed out...
Can Dogs Eat Hearts of Palm? Vet-Verified Nutrition 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 Hearts of palm are literally exactly what they sound like—the very internal parts of certain species of palm tree. These tender veggies can serve in a variety of recipes and so many people can reap the long list of benefits this plant has to offer. Many use hearts of palm as a meat replacement thanks to its incredible texture and subtle flavor. This versatile plant is also fine for your pup...
8 Vet-Reviewed Signs a Dog Will Attack a Baby & Tips to Prevent It
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Expectant parents who are dog owners often wonder how they should introduce their new baby and dog, and whether they should be concerned about their dog attacking the baby at any point. The good news is that most canines will be fine around infants1 after the initial adjustment period, where they are mostly curious about the new tiny being. But there are rare incidences of dogs biting babies, so you want to know what...
Big Dog Breeds That Don’t Shed (With Info & Pictures)
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Two things exist with our list of large dog breeds that don’t shed. First, they are all working animals with a defined purpose enhanced by selective breeding. Second, there’s a noticeable absence of ancient breeds, such as the Samoyed, Chow Chow, and Alaskan Malamute. These spitz-like dogs shed, often with two definitive seasons when the dogs blow their coats. Dogs tend to shed more if they have an...
Can Dogs Smell Other Dogs on You? Vet-Verified Senses Explained
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead You may notice your dog paying closer attention to you after you’ve been around other dogs during the day. Perhaps you made a canine friend on the trail or cuddled a neighbor’s new puppy. If you’re wondering whether your pet knows your secret, the answer is a resounding yes! It’s not surprising, given that research suggests that smell is your dog’s primary sense versus...
How Big Do Alaskan Malamutes 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 The Alaskan Malamute is a beautiful animal. Some people even think they look like wolves, which is understandable. The breed is related to other ancient dogs, such as the Chow Chow and Akita, supporting this assertion. They are close to their wild counterparts in some ways. They are large breeds, making them comparable to gray wolves (Canis lupus), which can weigh over 60 pounds, like the Alaskan...
Creating a peaceful crate environment for your dog
Many dogs fear their crates because they associate them with negative experiences. Find out how to turn your dog’s crate into a peaceful, Zen-like environment she’ll love to spend time in. Crate training to create a tranquil retreat for your dog. is a valuable tool for shaping a well-behaved and happy dog. Not only can it help manage your dog during crazy family times, but it also provides her with a safe place in a variety of situations, from veterinary visits to traveling. When approached thoughtfully, creating a peaceful...
How Old Is 15 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 If you’re a dog parent, chances are, at some point, you’ve pondered what age your dog is in human years. When determining your pup’s age in human years, you probably went by the “seven years of a human’s life is equivalent to one year of a dog’s life” formula. However, if you tried to figure out your pet’s age this way, you probably came up with the...
