Author: Tiffany Tupler, DVM, CBCC-KA

Leash reactivity is when a dog exhibits fearful behaviors that may become aggressive when the dog is restrained by a leash, confined to a small space, or otherwise feels trapped. It is characterized by barking, lunging, growling, air snapping, or even biting. If left untreated, leash reactivity can develop into a long-term and chronic problem as fear develops into anxiety and stress. There is also a risk of redirection of the aggression, where the dog unpredictably turns their aggression on other animals or people, potentially causing harm. Causes of Leash Reactivity in Dogs Leash reactivity is caused by a variety of factors, including fear, anxiety, lack of socialization, and past negative experiences. Dogs that have not been properly socialized with other dogs and humans are more likely to develop confinement/leash reactivity, as they may feel threatened, nervous, or uncomfortable when they encounter people or other dogs. This feeling increases when the stimulus or trigger moves closer into your dog’s comfort zone. There are certain risk factors that can lead to this type of reactivity. These include being physically or mentally punished during training; having negative experiences while being on leash, such as being attacked by another dog; being shocked or choked during training; hearing loud noises; or exhibiting fearful behaviors while outside due to a lack of socialization. In some cases, leash reactivity may be due to an underlying medical condition such as pain, discomfort, or illness. It’s always important to chat with your veterinarian regarding anything related to your pet’s health and behavior.

Librela—Librela is an anti-nerve growth factor (NGF) monoclonal antibiotic (Mab) therapy used to treat the pain associated with osteoarthritis in dogs. It is a once-a-month injection given by your veterinarian. Corticosteroids—In some cases, steroids may be used short or long term to help with inflammation and pain of arthritis. Steroids and NSAIDs should never be used together as this can lead to side effects such as stomach ulcer. Tell your veterinarian what medications your pet is on before adding steroids to their protocol. ,Arthritis in dogs is a common condition that causes joint pain, affecting most pups as they age. Arthritis is inflammation, swelling, or tenderness in one or more joints that can occur due to genetics, age, infection, disease, injury, or overuse.  Let’s look at how you can help your furry friend if they are suffering from arthritis. 

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WRITTEN BYTiffany Tupler, DVM, CBCC-KA Veterinarian Dr. Tiffany Tupler is a graduate from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine with a certificate in shelter medicine and…,Regardless of their dog’s size, every pet parent should understand the importance of behavioral well-being, yearly vet exams, and preventative medicine to ensure their dog’s quality of life. In addition, giant dog breeds have some specific health risks that you should know about and certain needs when it comes to nutrition and care. This article outlines some of these differences and how you can make sure that your giant dog stays healthy. Jump to Section: List of Giant Dog Breeds and Weight Range Health Issues in Giant Dog Breeds Life Span of Giant Dog Breeds Puppy: 0-18 Months Adult: 18 Months – 7 Years Senior: 7-16 Years What’s the Weight Range for Giant Dog Breeds? On average, giant dog breeds can range in weight from 80 to 200 pounds! Here are some common giant-breed dogs: Anatolian Shepherd Dog Bullmastiff Giant Schnauzer Great Dane Great Pyrenees Irish Wolfhound Mastiff Neapolitan Mastiff Newfoundland Saint Bernard

WRITTEN BYTiffany Tupler, DVM, CBCC-KA Veterinarian Dr. Tiffany Tupler is a graduate from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine with a certificate in shelter medicine and…,Barrier frustration is a common issue in dogs that many pet parents face. The term refers to the frustration and anxiety a fenced or barriered-in dog feels when prevented from being able to get at something they want or desire, such as a person, another animal, or a toy that is on the other side of a fence or otherwise out of reach. This frustration can lead to a range of behavioral issues, including excessive barking, destructive behavior, and even aggression.

Dogs are undoubtedly one of the most beloved and highly regarded companion animals. They are known for their loyalty, playfulness, and social nature. One of the distinct behaviors of dogs that fascinates many pet parents is howling. Dogs howl for a variety of reasons, and understanding why dogs howl can help pet parents better communicate with and care for their furry friends. Let’s take a look at how dogs may have come to have this unusual behavior, and what they might use it for. The Origin of Howling in Dogs Domesticated dogs descended from wolves over 15,000 years ago. Even though behaviorally, dogs are no closer to wolves than humans are to primates, their evolutionary development helps us understand some of their unique traits. Wolves howl as a means of communication with other wolves. Howling is used to assemble the pack, coordinate the pack’s hunting activities, establish territories, and warn other groups to stay away.