Author: Katie Koschalk

Dog aggression is a behavior dogs use to communicate discomfort, fear, or a need to protect something, whether it’s their food, toys, territory, or even their favorite person. It can show up in many ways, including growling, snapping, barking, lunging, or biting.  At its core, aggression is a natural reaction to something a dog sees as a threat. It might seem sudden, but most dogs give warning signs before things escalate. Learning to spot and understand these signals is crucial for addressing the behavior and keeping everyone safe. ,Dog aggression can be alarming, whether it’s nipping a stranger or lunging at another dog during a walk. While it’s easy to assume aggression means a dog is “bad” or dangerous, the truth is more nuanced.   Aggression is a form of communication, often signaling that a dog is uncomfortable, afraid, or trying to protect something they value.  We spoke to two dog behavior experts to understand the types, causes, and signs of dog aggression and how to build better behavior through positive reinforcement and professional support. 

As you dice up some crisp bell peppers for a dinner salad, you notice a curious canine nose following your every move. This may cause you to wonder, “Can dogs eat bell peppers?” Good news, pups—the answer is yes! Bell peppers are one of the many fruits dogs can safely consume. They’re a low-calorie food brimming with nutrients, fiber and antioxidants, all of which can contribute to your dog’s health. We spoke to a vet expert to learn about the benefits of bell peppers for dogs and how to incorporate this colorful, crunchy fruit into your pup’s diet. Before serving any new foods to your pet, consult with your veterinarian first. Expert input provided by Dr. Lisa Fiorenza, DVM, veterinarian at Longevity Veterinary Center ​​in Whippany, New Jersey.

Dreaming of sloppy kisses and long walks with a four-legged sidekick? Before diving into dog parenthood, it’s important to ask yourself if you’re ready.   Bringing a dog home means committing to your new bestie for their entire life—that could be a decade or more of treats, vet bills, and poop bags (and, of course, their undivided loyalty and friendship).    So, here are some key questions to ask yourself first.  

What foods can dogs not eat? Here’s a breakdown of the most common ones that can harm your pup (some simply dangerous, others truly poisonous)—and what to do if they get into them.  Alcohol  Avocados  Baked goods  Chocolate, coffee, and caffeine  Corn on the cob  Dairy products  Grapes and raisins  Nuts  Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks  Raw meat and eggs  Salty foods  Stone fruits  Xylitol  Yeast dough and raw bread dough ,While some human foods are perfectly safe as the occasional treat, others can cause serious—and sometimes life-threatening—problems for dogs. So, how do you know the difference? What can dogs not eat? Here are 14 toxic foods for dogs, as well as symptoms to watch out for.  If your dog eats any toxic foods, call your veterinarian for guidance or take them to the nearest veterinary or pet emergency clinic. You can also call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661. 

Bloat (aka gastric dilatation) occurs when the stomach fills with gas, fluid and/or food (usually a combination), leading to an abnormal expansion. As the stomach becomes distended, it may twist, like a wet towel being rung out, and become kinked off. The twisting—referred to as GDV—blocks the stomach entrance and exit, preventing the normal release of stomach contents (food, gas, water, etc.). It can also interfere with the blood supply to the stomach and other vital organs, like the spleen and heart.,Jump to section What Is Bloat in Dogs? Signs of Bloat in Dogs Are Bloat and Canine GDV Serious? When To Visit the Vet Causes of Bloat in Dogs How Vets Diagnose Bloat in Dogs Treatment of Dog Bloat How To Prevent Bloating in Dogs

Jump to section Bee or Wasp Sting Symptoms in Dogs What To Do if Your Dog Has Been Stung by a Bee or Wasp Can Dogs Be Allergic to Bee Stings? How To Prevent Bee and Wasp Stings in Dogs FAQs About Dog Bee Stings

Dog dementia is a degenerative brain condition that affects aging dogs. Much like dementia in humans, it involves a gradual decline in cognitive abilities, impacting a dog’s memory, awareness, and ability to learn new things, says Penny Coder, DVM, senior veterinarian at Small Door Veterinary in Bethesda, Maryland. Physically, neurons (brain cells responsible for transmitting information) start to break down and die, which affects the dog’s ability to process information. Over time, the brain may shrink in size due to the loss of neurons, resulting in further cognitive decline. Dog dementia isn’t considered a medical emergency in the traditional sense, as it progresses slowly over time. However, in advanced stages, the symptoms can worsen to the point where a dog might become severely disoriented, anxious, or even aggressive, which could escalate to an emergency situation because the dog could pose a danger to herself or others.,Jump to section What Is Dog Dementia? What Are the Symptoms of Dog Dementia? What Causes Dog Dementia? How Do Vets Diagnose Dog Dementia? How Do Vets Treat Dog Dementia? How Do I Prevent My Dog From Getting Dementia? FAQs About Dog Dementia

Cancer in dogs refers to a broad group of diseases that share a common feature: the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. In a healthy dog’s body, genes regulate cell growth, signaling when to start and stop dividing. However, cancerous cells ignore these instructions—and multiply unchecked. How fast cancer grows and where it spreads depends on the type of cancer. Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs, accounting for 27% of all deaths and more than 30% of deaths in dogs over one year of age. In fact, nearly 50% of dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).,Jump to section What Is Cancer in Dogs? What Are the Most Common Types? What Are the Signs of Cancer in Dogs? What Causes Cancer in Dogs? When Should I Take My Dog to the Vet? How Can I Help My Dog Feel More Comfortable? What Can I Do To Help Prevent Cancer in My Dog? FAQs About Cancer in Dogs