Dogs

Danelle Umstead has won three bronze medals for skiing in the Winter Paralympics, traveled across the globe, and this year, she competed on season 27 of “Dancing with the Stars.” And she’s done it all without the help of her vision. But the blind 46-year-old does have a secret weapon up her sleeve—her guide dog Aziza.

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WRITTEN BYMelissa Boldan, DVM Veterinarian Dr. Melissa Boldan graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. She initially practiced mixed animal…,Jealousy is defined as a desire to possess something that someone else has, or a feeling of unhappiness or anger because you fear someone you love is liked by another. But do dogs get jealous like humans do? Do they feel jealous when we spend time with or give attention to other pets or people? Can Dogs Get Jealous? In short, dogs do get jealous, and those feelings of jealousy are strikingly similar to human jealousy.   You may be able to read some of your dog’s emotions through their body language, such as happiness or sadness. In the study of human psychology, jealousy has always been considered a complex emotion with undertones of several different feelings, and it’s shaped by experience. Researchers across the globe have determined that dogs feel jealousy as well. There are several theories regarding the origin of jealousy. Some psychologists believe jealousy is a survival trait. Siblings compete for resources, and romantic partners guard their mates to ensure propagation of their line. Other researchers believe there are social factors at play, with certain cultures or households encouraging jealous behavior. This debate remains true for dogs as well. Some researchers hypothesize that jealousy is predominant in certain dogs innately (from birth). Others believe that a dog’s environment and interaction with pet parents foster stronger feelings of jealousy.

I never thought I’d be a person who needed a digital detox. But cut to me, explaining to friends how I was going to turn off my phone and laptop for an entire weekend—beginning Friday evening and continuing through Sunday night—so I could spend more time with my pets. Their responses were pretty much all the same: “Really?” and “Do you think you can do it?” and even a resounding “HA!” It was safe to say that even though I didn’t think I was on my phone that much, the people who know me best seemed to see me as somewhat of a technology addict. But I’m not alone. A July 2019 Pew Research Center study found that approximately 80 percent of U.S. adults go online at least daily. What’s more, 48 percent of those ages 18-29 are online “almost constantly.” In my age group, 30-49, it’s 36 percent. As everything in our lives has shifted online—how we receive the news, connect with family and friends, and watch TV shows—it’s not surprising that the amount of time we spend on the internet is so high and continues to rise. Americans are becoming “obsessed with technology,” and that’s a problem, says Renee Solomon, Ph.D., a Los Angeles-based clinical psychologist and CEO/owner of Forward Recovery. “When people become obsessed with their phones and social media, they are not present in their lives with people and even their pets,” she says. “Everything aside from a digital outlet becomes secondary in terms of importance.” Which brings me back to what inspired my own tech-free weekend: my two dogs.

Tina Rencelj via Shutterstock,Some dogs are built for long days spent working in the field, hiking or running around a spacious backyard. If you’re a country-mouse who’s looking for the right pup to fit your lifestyle, consider one of these ten breeds deemed perfect for country living by the American Kennel Club.

Jump to section 4 Common Fall Allergies in Dogs Diagnosing Fall Allergies in Dogs Preventing and Managing Your Dog’s Fall Allergies FAQs about Fall Allergies in Dogs

Every dog parent has experienced it: that moment when your dog suddenly decides to go on a sprinting spree. Your mild-mannered pup is replaced by a high-octane speed racer who runs around the home, darting back and forth, and, it seems, having a great time. Most pet parents refer to these crazy bursts of energy as “dog zoomies.” Why do dogs get zoomies and is it a cause for concern? For the most part a dog having zoomies is a completely normal—and highly entertaining—part of life with a dog. But dog zoomies can cause problems if the fits happen at a less than ideal time, say when your pup is off leash or in the same room as your precious china collection. Here’s what you need to know about dog zoomies.

The holidays are made merrier with some festive greenery around your home, but it’s important to decorate with plants that are pet-safe.   New plants in the house will attract curious cats and dogs who may gather to sniff at and—in some cases—nibble on them. So, make sure the plants you pick are OK for your four-legged friends.   Here’s a list of pet-safe options—and some popular holiday plants to avoid.   Did your pet eat a toxic plant? Immediately contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661. 

When a female dog is “in heat,” it means she is ovulating and can breed and get pregnant. Dogs can go into heat when they are as young as 6-8 months of age, which means if they go into heat and have sex with a male dog, then they can get pregnant, even if they themselves are growing still. The first heat cycle often is missed by pet parents, which is why many veterinarians advocate for spay surgery at 6 months of age to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Heat cycles vary depending on the dog’s age, size and breed. Small dog breeds can cycle every 3-4 months, medium and large breeds typically cycle every 6 months, and giant breeds may only cycle every 6-12 months. Older female dogs may cycle less often than younger dogs. Bleeding during proestrus typically lasts around 7 days.,Jump to section When Do Dogs Go Into Heat? What is Happening When a Dog is in Heat? Signs of a Dog in Heat How to Prepare for a Dog in Heat How to Prevent Pregnancy in a Dog in Heat How to Help a Dog in Heat Frequently Asked Questions

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