Author: Wendy Rose Gould

Senior dogs tend to sleep and nap a lot, getting 16–18 hours of sleep daily, says Amber Karwacki, DVM, a veterinarian at Heart + Paw in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. That’s quite a bit when you consider there are only 24 hours in the day.  By comparison, the normal amount of sleep for adult dogs ranges from eight to 13 hours, with adult small- and medium-size dogs sleeping less compared to large dogs and puppies. ,Q: I’ve noticed that my senior pup naps a lot more than usual and sometimes even sleeps all day. Should I be worried? Or is this totally normal?   A: While you might feel concerned with all those naps and reduced energy levels, it’s perfectly normal for your dog’s sleep patterns and general behavior to change as their muzzle goes gray!  We spoke to veterinarians to learn why dogs sleep more as they get older, how much sleep is normal for senior dogs, and when there’s potential cause for concern.  

Homegating: It’s just like tailgating—AKA a football party that happens ahead of the big game—but instead of taking place in a parking lot, you’re snacking and cheering away in the comfort of your own home. That makes it a best-of-both-worlds scenario, says Daina Falk, chef and founder and CEO of Hungry Fan, a website all about game-day entertaining. “There’s no need to manage the jigsaw puzzle that is packing up the car with vast amounts of tailgate gear, and it’s easier to prep food and drink and keep it appropriately hot or cold.” The best part? While pets typically aren’t allowed inside football stadiums (and sometimes not even in their parking lots), your sweet pets can join in the homegating fun. Get ready to plan a homegate party with your MVP (most valuable pet) in just three steps from Falk and entertaining expert Paul Zahn.

Romping in the backyard is any dog’s favorite pastime, but as a pet parent you know just how easily that furball can make a break for it. (Rest assured, it has more to do with their urge to explore than a desire to escape a loving home.)   Properly enclosing your yard is key to prevent a potential escape, so here’s everything you need to know about finding the best fence for dogs of all sizes.   

If you’re anything like lots of pet parents out there, you probably feel tempted to pick up a new toy for your pooch whenever you find yourself browsing dog products online. But after looking at the colorful collection you’ve already amassed, you might find yourself wondering, “Umm, does my dog have too many toys?” The quick answer is, technically, no. There’s not much harm in your dog having lots of toys, as long as none of them are choking hazards and you’re OK with them being scattered across your living room floor. The longer answer to this question is a bit more nuanced, though. Let’s dive in.

Your dog’s heart works every single day to keep blood pumping through their body and to keep every organ functioning. When that pressure rises above normal levels, however, it can put strain on the heart, kidneys, eyes, and other organs.   High blood pressure in dogs is often considered a “silent threat” that’s not obvious until serious complications arise.   Learn what high blood pressure is, common causes, signs to look for, and how to manage it.  

More pet parents than ever are hitting the road with their four-legged companions. Whether jet-setting to a faraway destination or traveling domestically, there’s been a notable increase in pets joining their humans on flights. Thankfully, most U.S. airlines now allow pets on board—but each has its own airline pet policy.   We’ve rounded up what you need to know before booking your trip, so you and your pet can fly the friendly skies with confidence.