Dogs

Listen up, folks—there’s a new style trend in town. It’s called Westerncore, and it has suburbanites and city dwellers across the U.S. reaching for fringe knits, leather belts, bandanas and other cowboy-inspired attire. As pet parents, we’d venture to say there’s no better (or more Insta-worthy) way to embrace this fashion craze than by twinning in Western wear with your furry BFF. So, we’ve lassoed up our favorite matching Wild West-inspired outfits and accessories.

Q: Why does my dog keep licking his paws? I’ve searched his feet and there are no cuts on his paw pads or anything stuck between his toes. Is this normal? A: There are several reasons why dogs may lick their paws—ranging from itchy paws caused by allergies to normal grooming to behavioral issues or other health concerns. Most of the time, it’s pretty normal, especially if it’s only occasional licking. However, if you notice that there’s excessive paw licking or your dog seems to be in pain, you should take them in for a checkup to determine the underlying cause of this behavior.

Dog enclosures are great tools for providing comfort and safety for pups as well as for preventing problem behaviors, such as housetraining accidents and inappropriate chewing. Different types of dog enclosures, like a dog crate and a dog pen, can be used to safely confine canines. Both have benefits, but how do you know which is best for your four-legged friend? The first step is understanding the difference between these popular dog enclosures. Then you can choose the one that suits your home and your pooch’s needs.

Eliza’s Wish: A Party for All Her Friends at Hopebridge Autism Center

While slicing into a fresh, juicy pineapple, you might be looking down at those puppy dog eyes wondering, “Can dogs eat pineapple too?” They sure can! Whether fresh or frozen, pineapple is chock-full of water, antioxidants, fiber, and beneficial vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy treat in moderation for your pup. We spoke with Amanda Williams, DVM, a veterinarian at Indian Street Animal Clinic in Stuart, Florida, for tips and advice on how to include pineapple in your dog’s diet. Before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, always check with your veterinarian.

Finding the right dog for your family often comes down to size—and medium-sized dogs offer the perfect balance for many pet parents.  Falling somewhere between 25 and 70 pounds, these dog breeds all have distinct personalities, varying energy levels, and differing grooming needs. So, the best medium-sized dog for you depends on what, exactly, you’re looking for from a four-legged companion.  Here are some popular medium dogs to consider bringing home. 

My first Getaway trip was 75 miles outside of Boston in the small town of Epsom, New Hampshire. (Click here to see what I packed for this Getaway trip and others.) If you’re a Boston-area pet parent and could use a break from the concrete jungle, Getaway Boston just might be the escape you need.,Dozens of dog-friendly coffee shops and a revolving door of live music, theater and art events are just a few of the reasons why I like living in a city. That said, the fast-paced city life can feel overwhelming at times.

We’re all looking to lead healthier lives, and that usually includes eating a more natural diet with fewer processed foods. As pet parents, we want the same for our dogs, and feeding a natural diet can offer up similar benefits. But how do you pick the best natural dog food for your pup? First, you need to know what constitutes natural pet food. Natural pet food should contain ingredients derived from plant, animal or naturally occurring mineral sources, in their natural state or without having been produced chemically, according to the Association of American Feed Control Officers, which sets forth pet food’s nutritional standards. Though the “natural” label isn’t currently regulated by the FDA, choosing a natural dog food should help eliminate ingredients like artificial colors and flavors and man-made preservatives from your pup’s diet, making sure they get more whole ingredients and fewer chemicals. We spoke to the experts to narrow down the vet recommended dog food options and help you find the best natural dog food for your dog. Just remember to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your pup’s diet.

Jump to section Should Dogs Eat Oranges? Benefits of Oranges for Dogs Risks of Oranges for Dogs How to Feed Oranges to Dogs Other Dog-Safe Fruits FAQs About Oranges and Dogs

5. Papillon Photo credit: iStock/Oleksandra Vyshnova Weight: 5–10 pounds Height: 8–11 inches Elegant and stylish, Papillons are named after their wispy ears that resemble butterfly wings (papillon means “butterfly” in French). This small dog is also highly intelligent and needs ample activity and mental stimulation to ward off boredom. Some of the Papillon’s favorite pastimes are taking long walks, running an agility course, and playing with their favorite people.,6. Toy Poodle Photo credit: iStock/gollykim Weight: 4–6 pounds Height: 10 inches or less Toy Poodles are the smallest of the Poodle breeds (the other two being the Standard and the Miniature). Like their larger cousins, Toy Poodles are smart and playful, and they probably don’t mind bath night (which should be every two to four weeks).,Cute and compact, there’s a lot to love about small dog breeds. But there are also lots of different types of small dogs, and no two are exactly alike. Here are some of the best toy and small dog breeds that can fit into your family.