Author: Lindsay Boyers

It’s OK to hug your dog if they like it.  Just like humans, dogs have varying levels of comfort with hugs. While you see hugging as a way to show affection, your dog might not interpret it the same way.   “Dogs do not inherently understand hugs the way humans do,” says Samuel Varon, DVM, a companion-animal veterinarian and owner of Broadway Animal Hospital in Sacramento, California. “While some dogs may tolerate or even enjoy the physical closeness, others may feel uncomfortable or stressed.”   Whether a dog enjoys hugs often depends on their personality and past experiences, including how well they’ve been socialized. Some dogs are naturally more comfortable with close contact, while others feel trapped or anxious when held too tightly, according to Bethany Hsia, DVM, co-founder of CodaPet.  That’s why it’s crucial to let your dog set the pace. Hugging should be something that happens on their terms, and if your dog isn’t into it, it’s best to respect their personal space. ,You love your dog, so it’s natural to want to wrap them up in a big, heartfelt hug. But do dogs enjoy hugs the same way humans do? While some pups may welcome a warm squeeze, others might find it confusing, uncomfortable, or even stressful. 

Summer can be brutal on your dog’s paws. The temperature of asphalt can rise fast and become much hotter than the air temperature. You may not realize it, of course, since you probably don’t go very far in your bare feet, but your pup can easily get ouchies from hot paws. Even hot beach sand can burn your dog’s feet. But that doesn’t mean your dog has to miss out on all the summer fun. There are some simple precautions you can take to shield your dog’s paws from hot pavement and other too-hot surfaces. We spoke with two experts to get some quick tips on protecting your dog’s paws from heat.

So, dogs shouldn’t eat lemon, but is lemon bad for dogs? Consuming small amounts of lemon likely won’t cause issues in your dog, but large amounts can be harmful or even toxic, says Jason Horgan, DVM, medical director of LeadER Animal Specialty Hospital in South Florida. Here are some of the reasons lemons are bad for dogs: They’re high in citric acid. Citric acid gives lemons the sour taste that makes your lemonade great, but it can be harmful for your pup. Citric acid can cause mouth and throat irritation, GI distress, and stomach upset (which presents as drooling, diarrhea, and/or vomiting). They contain toxic essential oils. The peels and pith (the white part between the rind and flesh) contain high amounts of limonene and linalool—two essential oils that are toxic to dogs. If consumed in large amounts, these essential oils can cause liver disease and, ultimately, liver failure. They contain other toxic compounds. The peel also contains compounds called psoralens, which can cause sensitivity to sunlight (phototoxicity). This can lead to eye and skin issues in your pup. The rind can be a choking hazard. Lemon rinds are tough and difficult to digest. If your dog swallows a large piece, it can present a choking hazard or become a bowel obstruction, according to Amy Farcas, DVM, MS, DACVIM, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist in San Carlos, California.,Jump to section Why Are Lemons Bad for Dogs? My Dog Ate Lemon—What Do I Do? Can Dogs Eat Other Citrus Fruits? FAQs About Dogs and Lemons

Canine hip dysplasia is a condition in which the hip joint grows and develops abnormally. These abnormalities lead to looseness in the joint (medically known as hip joint laxity). This is usually due to an improper fit between the femoral head (the ball-like top of the thigh bone) and hip socket (acetabulum), according to Stacie Atria, DVM, holistic veterinarian and founder of Lotus Veterinary Alternatives in Alachua, Florida. Over time, this improper fit can stretch the ligaments, muscles, and joint capsule around the hip joint, leading to degeneration and cartilage damage. Hip dysplasia can be extremely uncomfortable for your pup. And, if left untreated, it can progress to osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), which comes with its own set of symptoms and related issues.,Jump to section What Is Hip Dysplasia in Dogs and Puppies? What Are the Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia in Dogs? What Causes Hip Dysplasia in Dogs? How Do Vets Diagnose Hip Dysplasia? How Do Vets Treat Hip Dysplasia? How Do I Prevent My Dog From Getting Hip Dysplasia? FAQs About Dogs and Hip Dysplasia

Move over, olive oil: There’s a new healthy fat in town. Coconut oil is surging in popularity in humans and animals alike due to its health benefits. From fresher breath to more energy, there are several health benefits of coconut oil for dogs. But how, exactly, are you supposed to get your dog to eat it? We dug into research and talked to a vet expert to get some helpful tips.

Carrots are a crunchy, colorful vegetable in many households. But can dogs eat carrots—and are they good for them?  The short answer is yes, dogs can have carrots. In fact, many enjoy them because of their sweet taste and satisfying crunch. But, there are a few things to keep in mind before offering one to your pup, especially when it comes to serving size and preparation.  Before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, always check with your veterinarian.