How to Prevent Ear Infections in Dogs
Ear infections in dogs are itchy, painful, and cause discomfort, but even if your dog is prone to them, there are steps you can take to prevent them. Ear infections in dogs are common, affecting about 20% of pups at any time. They can be acute or chronic, often caused by debris buildup that allows bacteria and yeast to thrive. The most common type, otitis externa, occurs in the ear canal. Left untreated, infections can lead to serious complications like painful ear hematomas, also known as “cauliflower ears.” With proper...
An Emotional Reunion of Ssg. May and Hero Military K-9 Yyacob Thanks to American Humane
Click to Skip Ahead Thanksgiving 2024 may be over, but the bond between U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Payton May and his retired military working dog Yyacob is forever. On Monday November 26, 2024, American Humane orchestrated a touching reunion in San Antonio, Texas, between Yyacob, an eight-year-old Belgian Malinois, and his former handler, Ssg. May. After two and a half years apart, the duo, who served together in Iraq, were finally back together, just in time for Thanksgiving—something the two of them are beyond grateful for. Military...
10 Reasons Why You Should Adopt A Shelter Pet Before Buying From A Breeder
Email Address * First Name * Last Name * Zip Code * Adopted from APA! before? * Interested in Dogs or Cats * * indicates required Submit Source: Austin Pets...
How Old Is 11 in Dog Years? Vet-Approved Guide to Each Size of a Dog
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Many people think that a 1-year-old dog is equivalent to a 7-year-old human. That figure is an oversimplification and not quite accurate. Depending on the animal’s size and other variables, an 11-year-old dog would be roughly 60 to 86 years old, depending on things like breed and size. If that seems out of line, remember that our canine companions have much shorter lifespans than we do. After...
Homemade Dental Care Solutions: Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean Naturally
There’s nothing quite like seeing a happy, healthy smile on your dog. Dental health is crucial to their overall well-being, yet it’s often overlooked. Neglecting dental care can lead to bad breath, tooth decay, and serious health issues. Fortunately, you don’t need to rely solely on commercial products to keep your dog’s teeth clean. Here are some effective and natural homemade dental care solutions for dogs that can make a big difference. Coconut Oil Toothpaste Coconut oil is a natural antibacterial and antifungal...
15 Rules of Dog Park Etiquette: Vet-Approved Guide
Dog parks are a great way to let your dog have outdoor fun, get socialization time with other pups, and form a better bond with you. However, before you head out, these 15 rules will help you and your dog stay safe, keep the dog park nice and tidy, and ensure that all guests enjoy their time there equally. You should have a basic knowledge of these expectations before you go, for the best possible experience. What You Should Bring Poop bags Fresh water (if the park does not have its own) Collapsible water bowl Proper identification for your...
How to Train Your Dog to Use a Litter Box: Step-by-Step Guide (Vet-Reviewed)
While litter boxes are often associated with cats, dogs can also learn how to use litter boxes. However, unlike cats, dogs don’t have instinctual behaviors that cause them to use a litter box naturally. So, they will have to be trained to use one. Litter box training a dog is similar to training them to use puppy potty pads. With some time and consistency, your dog can learn how to use a litter box. Here is how you can get started. Before You Start Litter box training is often recommended for small dogs and toy dog breeds. This is...
10 Essential Dog-Training Supplies & How to Use Them
Click to Skip Ahead It may be a copout to say we’re only as good as our tools, but there’s no denying that the proper arsenal can make us more efficient in any given task. Dog training is a perfect example, and the supplies we choose help us deliver better rewards, swifter punishments, and more control to enhance learning and shape our dogs into well-behaved canine citizens. With the proper equipment, you’ll always be ready for effective training. Prime your dog for success by learning the ten essential dog-training supplies...
Cats Can Get Hot Spots Too? Here’s How to Treat and Prevent Them
Hot spots are a common problem pet parents often see in dogs, but did you know cats can also get them? Let’s learn more about hot spots on cats, including how to get rid of them and stop them from coming back. No cat parent wants to see their fur baby suffer from itchy, painful hot spots, but these pesky areas can be difficult to treat and manage without the right plan. Hot spots have many causes, and while it’s a good idea to talk to your veterinarian to identify the problem, it’s also important to take immediate steps to...
5 tips for adopting pets out of foster homes
Have you considered letting your foster caregivers process the adoptions of their foster pets from their homes? This may seem daunting at first, but the benefits are worth considering: multiple studies have shown that pets adopted from their foster homes are significantly less likely to be returned. Having foster caregivers process their foster pets’ adoptions could save hours for adoptions staff, giving them more time to support the adopters they do work with. Lastly, doesn’t it just make sense for the person who knows the pet...
Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken Breast? Vet Verified Nutrition Facts & Precautions
Click to Skip Ahead Feeding dogs a raw diet has often been promoted as a great nutritional option due to claims that raw meat matches a dog’s natural ancestral diet. As a result, many raw dog food companies incorporate raw chicken breast into their recipes. While dogs can eat raw chicken breast, it’s an ingredient best offered to dogs on a commercial raw diet or a homemade diet on the instruction of a veterinary nutritionist. Raw chicken breast itself isn’t harmful to dogs, but it’s prone to being contaminated by...
What We’re Learning from Community Programs
[embedded content] What are leaders of community-centered programs in Baltimore and Dallas learning as they work with people and pets beyond the shelter? Hear from them on the many issues they face and the questions their experience has raised: What societal factors contribute to shelter intakes? How do you work with your community members to understand what they need and to divert intakes by offering community resources; and how are these leaders reaching towards understanding their impact? Source: Human Animal Support...
Can Dogs Tell When You’re on Your Period? Vet-Verified Senses & Behavior Insights
Click to Skip Ahead When you’re on your period your body goes through hormonal fluctuations that manifest differently. From tiredness and cramps to mood swings, there are a lot of changes that dogs might sense. So, do dogs know when you’re on your period? Dogs can smell menstrual blood and changes in your body’s scent, which means that most dogs can probably tell when women are on their period, however, we rely on anecdotal reports and have no scientific data to back this up. Your dog sensing that something is different can...
Can Dogs Ever Be Trusted? Lava Breaking Boundaries
Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two crossbreed dogs, Lava and Hela. Lava is a menace. One that I love very much. But, can she be trusted? Absolutely not. She is the worst. If there is an opportunity to “escape” and check out what is lurking in the distance, she’ll take it. She always has a good reason to disregard me and my calling, breaking my trust in her, as she is just too big of an adrenaline junkie. Lava Is An Explorer At Heart Always up to something, Lava is a great...
6 Natural Approaches to Treating Ear Infections in Dogs
Ear infections are common in dogs, and cause discomfort and distress for our furry friends. While conventional treatments often involve antibiotics and medications, natural approaches can offer effective relief and support overall ear health. Let’s explore seven gentle yet powerful natural approaches to treating ear infections in dogs. 1. Regular Ear Cleaning Maintaining clean ears is the first line of defense against infections. Use a natural ear cleaning solution made with ingredients like apple cider vinegar and distilled water. This...
Ask Dr. Paola: Monday December 2, 2024
Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our readers better understand their dog’s health and well-being. Whether you’re a new pet parent or a seasoned dog lover, Dr. Paola is here to provide answers to your most pressing questions. From nutrition tips and preventive care to troubleshooting common behavioral issues, Dr. Paola is ready to offer insights that will keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Stay tuned for expert guidance...
Maddie’s Weekly Roundup: Foster recruitment for pets with behavioral needs, certification program and more!
Happy Monday! Below is a brief roundup of resources added over the past week. 6 tips for recruiting fosters for pets with behavioral needs Finding foster caregivers for pets who have behavioral needs can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are six strategies animal welfare organizations across the country are using to do just this! 1. Prioritize “unicorn” fosters who have ideal home set-ups for some of your more challenging pets (people who don’t… Learn More Addressing the...
Ashwagandha to manage stress in cats for savvy cat parents, study says
Discover how savvy cat parents can use ashwagandha to manage stress in cats, backed by research on its effectiveness and safety. We’ve all seen them: the wide-eyed cats with twitchy tails, hiding behind furniture and meowing excessively. Cat stress takes many forms and often results from changes in their environment or routine. Stress can affect these sensitive creatures in various ways. Whether it’s a move to a new home, a visit to the vet, or simply the arrival of a new family member. Symptoms of stress in cats can include...
Fermented Foods: The Missing Link in Your Dog’s Gut HealthÂ
When it comes to canine nutrition, fermented vegetables are powerful allies for digestive health. Fermentation is an ancient preservation technique, used for millennia by cultures worldwide. It creates probiotic-rich foods that can transform your dog’s microbiome and overall wellness. The Science Behind Fermentation During fermentation, beneficial bacteria break down complex compounds, making nutrients more bioavailable. This process creates natural probiotics, enzymes, and short-chain fatty acids that support digestive health. These...
Sticks & Stones May Break Your Bones…and Seriously Injure Your Dog
Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Kodah, Ned, and Fred. I’m probably showing my age here, but I remember if I ever came home from school, crying about what some horrible person had said to me, my mother would always tell me to say the same thing: Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me. Honestly, it’s like she wanted me to get bullied. Of course, we all know now that it’s usually the name-calling that does the most...
