Author: Lindsay Boyers

Yes, dogs can eat dandelions—as long as they’re clean, unsprayed, and pesticide-free. That means no herbicides, lawn chemicals, or mystery mulch.   But are dandelions safe for dogs in all forms? Unlike some plants that are only partially safe, dogs can eat all parts of the dandelion: the flowers, leaves, and roots, according to Samuel Varon, DVM, owner of Broadway Veterinary Hospital, in Sacramento, California.  That said, your dog doesn’t need dandelions in their diet. A complete and balanced dog food provides all the essential nutrients your pup needs. But small amounts of dandelion can be a fun, enriching treat, as long as you don’t overdo it.  Some pre-made dog treats have dandelion as a listed ingredient, like these pet-parent favorites:,Dandelions are one of the most common backyard plants, and if your dog tends to nibble on grass or leaves, there’s a good chance they’ve taken a bite out of a dandelion. But can dogs eat dandelions safely?  The short answer is yes—in the right amount and prepared the right way, dandelions can be a safe and even beneficial treat for some dogs. But there are a few important things to know before adding them to your pup’s bowl.  Before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, always check with your veterinarian. 

Few things light up a dog’s eyes like the sight—and smell—of peanut butter. Whether it’s spread on a lick mat or snuck off your spoon, this nutty spread is a favorite for pups everywhere. But can dogs eat peanut butter safely?  Yes, dogs can have peanut butter in moderation, but it’s essential to check the ingredients before you let your pup lick the jar clean. Here’s what you need to know about the benefits, the risks, and how to share peanut butter with your dog safely.  Before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, always check with your veterinarian. 

As a pet parent, you likely know that some panting comes with the territory. You’ve seen your dog do it, but you might not know why they do it. Here are the most common reasons for dog panting.,Jump to section Reasons for Dog Panting Normal Panting vs. Excessive Panting—and When to Worry How to Keep Your Dog Cool

First, let’s look at a dog’s basic nutritional needs. They include: Proteins: Protein is essential for muscle development, immune function, and tissue repair. Dogs require adequate high-quality protein from sources such as meat, fish, and eggs. Fats: Fats provide energy and support cell membrane health. Essential fatty acids, like omega-3 and omega-6, are also crucial for brain and coat health. Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates supply energy and fiber. These aren’t considered essential nutrients—in other words, your dog could be healthy without them—but they are beneficial for promoting gut health and keeping digestion regular. Vitamins: Your dog’s body needs vitamins to carry out various metabolic functions. Some of the most important vitamins are A, D, E, K, and B-complex, but others are also beneficial in appropriate amounts. Minerals: Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and magnesium (as well as other trace minerals) are necessary for bone health, nerve function, and various physiological processes. Water: While water is not technically a component of dog food, it’s worth mentioning, because your dog cannot live without it. Water is essential for adequate hydration and to keep your pup’s body functioning properly. While these are general guidelines, nutrition can be complex, and different dog breeds can have varying nutritional needs based on size, life stage, activity level, and health predispositions. Large breeds, for example, need controlled calcium levels during growth to prevent skeletal problems. Small breeds require more calorie-dense food due to their higher metabolic rates. Working dogs and highly active dogs need more calories and protein than less active breeds, according to Joanne Fernandez-Lopez, DVM, a veterinarian in St. Petersburg, Florida. A well-balanced diet for your dog includes appropriate proportions of the essential nutrients listed above, specifically tailored to your dog’s life stage, activity level, health status, and breed characteristics.   So how do you find that balance? One way is through science-based dog foods.,Jump to section What Are the Basic Nutritional Needs for Dogs? What Is Science-Based Dog Food? What Should I Look for in a Science-Based Dog Food? Vet-Recommended, Science-Based Dog Foods Is Science-Based Dog Food Right for My Pet? FAQs About Science-Based Dog Food

Unlike heartworms, ringworm (which is medically referred to as dermatophytosis) isn’t actually a worm or worms; it’s a fungal infection that, in dogs, can affect the skin, hair follicles and nails. It’s caused by dermatophytes, pathogenic fungi that can be highly contagious. Most cases of ringworm, or around 70 percent, are caused by a specific fungus named Microsporum canis, while about 20 percent are caused by Microsporum gypseum. The remaining 10 percent are caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes.,Jump to section What Is Ringworm in Dogs? How Do Dogs Get Ringworm? Symptoms and Signs of Ringworm in Dogs How Vets Diagnose Ringworm in Dogs How To Treat Ringworm in a Dog How To Prevent Ringworm in Dogs FAQs About Ringworm in Dogs

You might just think of it as waste, but the color of your dog’s stool tells a story. Normal dog poop is chocolate brown, and a bit squishy (although it comes out in solid, log-like pieces). If you’re seeing any other colors, it may be time to pay closer attention to what your dog’s bowel movements are trying to tell you. To help clue you in to your pooch’s overall health, we’ve rounded up some of the most common colors you may see in your dog’s feces, and what they mean. We also put together a handy dog poop color chart that you can quickly reference whenever you’re asking yourself the question, “Why is my dog’s poop [insert color here]?”

Sometimes blood in dog poop is obvious, but other times it may not be. It depends on where the blood is coming from.,Jump to section What Does Blood in Dog Poop Look Like? Why Is My Dog Pooping Blood? What Do I Do if My Dog Is Pooping Blood? How Do Vets Treat Bloody Dog Poop? How Do I Prevent Bloody Stools in Dogs? FAQs About Dogs Pooping Blood