Author: Wendy Rose Gould

Dog food has come a long way in the last decade, giving pet parents more healthy, convenient options than ever before. One option gaining popularity? Dehydrated dog food.   Dehydrated dog food is a minimally processed, shelf-stable alternative to kibble that’s packed with nutrition and made with whole ingredients. But is it right for your pup? Here’s what to know. Speak with your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet. 

Dog humping is a completely normal behavior that both male and female dogs exhibit. According to our experts, reasons why dogs hump include: Sexual behavior: Sometimes this dog behavior is triggered by a surge of hormones. This type of sexually-related humping is typically seen in unsterilized dogs (aka dogs who aren’t spayed or neutered). Self-soothing: Humping can be a self-soothing behavior for dogs who are frustrated, tired, anxious or afraid. Overstimulation: It can also be a response to feeling overstimulated, which occurs in situations when dogs get really excited, like when they’re playing at a dog park or if company arrives at the house. Attention-seeking: This response is more often seen in bored or high-energy pets who want to get your attention. Medical conditions: Excessive humping may be caused by a medical issue, especially urinary tract infections; prolonged or painful erections (priapism); and incontinence. “When dogs are humping, you have to consider the context, the individual dog and their environment,” says Dee Hoult, CDBS, CPDT, a certified dog trainer at Applause Your Paws in Miami, Florida.,Jump to section Why Do Dogs Hump? Why Do Dogs Hump People, Objects and the Air? Why Do Female Dogs Hump? Is Dog Mounting a Sign of Dominance? Should You Stop Your Dog From Humping? How to Stop a Dog from Humping When to Hire a Dog Behaviorist or Trainer

Your pup might feel a bit heftier than usual, but how do you know for sure whether they need to drop some pounds?    According to Carly Fox, DVM, a senior veterinarian at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC), in New York City, clear signs your dog is overweight or obese include:    Not having a waist  Not having their ribs be visible  Not having what’s called an “abdominal tuck”   “Additional physical signs include difficulty with exercise, panting excessively, and if they are unable to groom or lick themselves,” Dr. Fox says. ,Maybe you just visited the veterinarian and they said your pup is a little on the chonky side. Or perhaps you’ve noticed your pet has put on some excess weight in recent months. Whatever the case, learning how to help a dog lose weight is one of the most important endeavors you can undertake.   That’s because pets at a healthy weight are more likely to live longer, happier lives. In fact, maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce your dog’s risk of chronic diseases—such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart issues—and can even boost their energy and mood on a day-to-day basis.   We’ll help you identify whether your pup is overweight and provide you with veterinarian guidance on how to help your dog lose weight.  

“A service animal means any dog trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability.” – Bradley Phifer, executive director of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers All service animals are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and are awarded a specific set of rights. To be considered a service animal under the ADA, an animal must be either a dog or a horse. This is one big distinction between service animals and emotional support animals: While only those two species can be service animals, emotional support animals can be any type of animal. A service animal must do one or more specific job for their handler, aka the person with a disability whom they assist. Examples include: Guiding people who are blind Alerting people who are deaf Pulling a wheelchair Alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure Reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications Calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack These are just a few examples, not an exhaustive list. In general, if a dog performs any specific action that assists a person with their disability, they can be considered a service animal.,Jump to section Service Dogs Emotional Support Animals Similarities and Differences Traveling With Service Dogs and ESAs

When you and your beloved dog are faced with pet emergency, the first thing on your mind is determining how to keep them safe. Learning how to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on your pet can literally save your dog’s life in some scenarios, so it’s important to understand the steps for each. Whether you’re here to learn “just in case” or you’re currently facing an emergency situation, our straightforward guide, created in conjunction with veterinarians, can help. Consider bookmarking this page for easy access in the future.

Q: When I’m playing with my dog, they start sneezing out of nowhere. Sometimes it’s just a sneeze or two, but other times it’s like a sneeze attack! Is this a normal part of playtime or should I be concerned?   A: Sneezing during play is totally normal for dogs. It’s usually a sign they’re excited or trying to communicate that their behavior is all in good fun. Sneezing can also happen if they stir up dust or dirt, which irritates their nose.  You only need to be concerned if your dog keeps sneezing well after playtime is over, or if the sneezing starts happening while they’re resting To get expert insight into this quirky behavior, we spoke to a canine behaviorist and a veterinarian. Keep reading to find out why your dog might sneeze during play and when it’s time to call the vet. 

Essential oils have existed for thousands of years, serving as a holistic and natural alternative to everything from cleaning a dirty home to soothing a frazzled state of mind. Given how far-reaching the uses for essential oils are, some people are naturally curious whether you can use essential oils for fleas—both for treating them or for preventing the little buggers from showing up in the first place. We spoke with two veterinarians about using essential oils for fleas on dogs and cats. Here’s what they have to say.

Whether your pooch has their own bed or they tend to take up residence next to you at night, there’s a good chance you’ve seen them digging around or walking in a circle before plunking down. This is a natural instinct our furry friends have to nest and find comfort before catching those Z’s. It might look or sound strange, but humans do the same thing when you think about it! “Just as a human may want to fluff their pillows and blankets before getting into bed, your dog also wants to make a comfortable spot for itself,” explains dog training expert Sally Grottini. “It is also an instinct to check the ground or nesting area for things like rocks, sticks and dangerous animals.”,Q: My dog digs in his bed every night before he settles down to sleep. Why do dogs dig in bed? Is this normal? A: Dogs digging in bed is an instinctual behavior that usually signals they’re getting comfortable and preparing to settle in for a good sleep. It’s completely normal behavior—and pretty adorable, too!

When you notice your cute doggo going ham on an itchy spot or dealing with dandruff or other skin issues, you’ll want to help them find some sweet, sweet relief. This typically means pinpointing the cause—which can range from parasites to allergies—and then finding a dog shampoo for itchy skin that addresses the issue. With expert veterinary insights and recommendations, we’re here to help with all the above.