Author: Ashley Davidson

In addition to being a tasty summer treat, there are several health benefits of watermelon for dogs. Watermelon is: High in vitamins A, B1, B5, B6, and C, which are helpful for immune function, reducing inflammation, and regulating energy High in minerals, including potassium and magnesium—all of which are important for electrolyte balance and nutrient absorption and metabolism High in antioxidant carotenoids, including beta-carotene and lycopene, which help support immune health Low in calories to fill your pup without weight gain High in water content for helpful hydration And, it’s fun to eat!,Jump to section Is Watermelon Good for Dogs? Is Watermelon Bad for Dogs? How Much Watermelon Can I Give My Dog? How To Safely Feed Watermelon to Your Dog My Dog Ate Too Much Watermelon—What Do I Do? What Other Fruits Can Dogs Eat? FAQs About Watermelon for Dogs

Congratulations on your new girl dog! It’s time for your first pet parenting task: choosing the perfect name. Browse our A-Z list of 500 female dog names that are ideal for puppies and grown lady dogs alike. For inspiration, we provided a brief character description of each name to help you decide what to call your new furry friend. Looking for boy dog names? We’ve got 500 ideas for your male dog, too.

Can dogs eat cheese? Yes, many can. While cheese is not toxic to dogs, they lack the digestive enzyme lactase, meaning they’re born with lactose intolerance. As long as you’re feeding cheese to your dog as an occasional treat and avoiding fatty cheeses — sorry, pups, no brie for you! — cheese is usually safe. And it can be good for them, too! We spoke with Dr. Albert Ahn, DVM, veterinary advisor for MYOS Pet, for tips and advice on how to include cheese in your pup’s diet.

If you’ve ever asked yourself “will BBQ sauce hurt my dog?”, the short answer is yes, BBQ sauce is bad for dogs. Although letting your pup have a tiny taste of BBQ sauce off your finger isn’t likely to make them sick, Dr. Robinson does not recommend any amount of BBQ sauce for dogs because many contain ingredients that aren’t safe for your furry friend. Here are some of the ingredients that make BBQ sauce bad for dogs: Onion Garlic Sugar Acidic ingredients, like vinegar and lemon juice Spicy things, like peppers and hot sauce,Jump to section Why Is BBQ Sauce Dangerous for Dogs? What Do I Do If My Dog Ate BBQ Sauce? But Wait! I Have More Questions…

Grapes and raisins are both highly toxic to dogs and can cause serious illness, even if a pup eats only a single grape or raisin. New veterinary studies suggest that the likely toxic component in grapes and raisins is tartaric acid. Typically, with other poisons, smaller dogs are at a higher risk since only a small amount may cause toxicity, but with grapes and raisins, it’s hard to predict how each dog may react to the amount they ingest, as the concentration of tartaric acid in a grape or raisin may vary. Jamie Whittenburg, DVM, founder of Kingsgate Animal Hospital in Lubbock, Texas, says the main effect of eating grapes or raisins is on a dog’s kidneys—and that eating just a small amount can lead to kidney damage or acute kidney failure, requiring prompt medical treatment. The most common symptoms of grape or raisin poisoning in a dog include: Lethargy or weakness Vomiting or diarrhea Loss of appetite Increased drinking and urination (or no urine production) Abdominal pain Dehydration (signs may include dry or sticky gums, drooling, thick saliva, dry nose, panting, and sunken eyes) Bad or strong-smelling breath Neurological signs, such as muscle tremors, a head tilt, dizziness, or seizures Due to varying amounts of the toxins in grapes and raisins, there’s no telling how many grapes it takes to create a toxic dose. Some dogs will go into kidney failure after consuming a small amount, while others will have no side effects after eating a lot more. Because it’s impossible to predict what will happen, the best course of action is to keep all grapes and raisins out of paw’s reach. Grapes, raisins and dogs just don’t mix! Pet parents should also keep a close eye on their pup to make sure they don’t go counter-surfing for foods that contain grapes or raisins, such as salads, cookies and cakes. Beyond the toxicity of grapes and raisins, these foods often have added ingredients like xylitol, which is toxic to dogs, plus considerable amounts of sugar that can also cause health problems.,Jump to section Dangers of Grapes and Raisins for Dogs What To Do If Your Dog Eats Grapes or Raisins What Human Foods Can My Dog Eat? FAQs About Dogs and Grapes

Can dogs eat blackberries? Yes, they can! So long as you’re feeding your pup fresh blackberries without any added sugar, these naturally sweet, slightly tart berries are one of those human foods safe for dogs. Blackberries make a healthy treat or snack and are also an easy way to add fiber to your dog’s diet. We spoke with Jamie Whittenburg, DVM, chief of staff of Kingsgate Animal Hospital in Lubbock, Texas, for tips and advice on how to include blackberries in your pup’s diet. Always check with your veterinarian before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet.

According to Deborah Bayazit, DVM, co-owner and medical director of Brilliant Veterinary Care, fresh or unsweetened frozen strawberries are good for dogs. Here are a few of the health benefits of strawberries for dogs: High in immune system-boosting vitamins C, B1, B6, and K High in minerals, including potassium, iodine, magnesium, and folic acid, which help regulate blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and metabolism. Loaded with fiber to aid in digestion Contain omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health Contain an enzyme called malic acid that can help whiten your dog’s teeth,Jump to section Are Strawberries Good for Dogs? Are Strawberries Bad for Dogs? How Many Strawberries Can I Give My Dog? How To Safely Feed Strawberries to Your Dog My Dog Ate Too Many Strawberries—What Do I Do? What Other Fruits Can Dogs Eat? FAQs About Strawberries and Dogs