Dogs

Japanese dog breeds come in all shapes and sizes, from the Japanese Chin (who’s as tiny as 10 pounds) to the Tosa, the Sumo wrestler of the group (whose weight reaches triple digits). The following breeds have roots in Japan, and six are even classified as living natural monuments. Wondering which Japanese dog breed is right for you? Dive into some of their main traits and characteristics below.

It’s not unusual to see a dog pulling on a leash with his mom or dad looking frustrated. This especially is common with puppies. The good news for frustrated pup parents is there are straightforward solutions for this common behavior, says Nora Bevilacqua, CPDT-KA, manager of behavior and training at Bideawee in New York City. One such solution is a no-pull dog harness.

Hookworms, also known as Ancylostoma spp., are small nematodes found in dogs’ and cats’ small intestines, says Heather Stockdale Walden, Ph.D., assistant professor of parasitology at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in Gainesville, Florida. Their lifecycle begins as eggs release into the environment via the animal’s feces, Dr. Walden says. “That’s where the larvae hatch, develop, and mature to a stage that is infective to the dog or cat.” Adult hookworms live in your pet’s colon four to 24 months, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC). Attached to the animal’s small intestine mucosa, they digest tissue, suck blood, and inject anticoagulants to prevent clotting. Hookworms range in size from 10–20 millimeters long by 0.4–0.5 millimeter wide.,Jump to section Lifecycle of a Hookworm How Do Dogs Get Hookworms? Hookworms Symptoms in Dogs Diagnosing Hookworms Treatment of Hookworms in Dogs How To Prevent Hookworms in Dogs

Reviewed and updated on May 8, 2020, by Katie Grzyb, DVM Try as you may to keep up with your pet’s grooming needs, chances are you may face a hairy situation from time to time: matted fur. Figuring out how to deal with matted fur can be stressful, especially for pet parents with long-haired animals. Here are some tips for safe ways to remove and prevent matted fur—and when to seek professional help. Why Pets Get Matted Hair Here’s a breakdown of the most common reasons why pets get matted hair. Lack of Proper Grooming While unsightly and frustrating to deal with, in most cases, matted fur is the result of one common reason—the absence of grooming. Individual hairs rub together every time your pet moves, says Brooke Strong, a groomer with Reserved Barking in Alexandria, Virginia, and unless the coat is short or brushed regularly, mats are bound to form. “The frequency of brushing needed depends on the length of the coat, the coat type (curly vs. straight, soft vs. wiry, etc.), and the activity level of the pet,” says Strong. “Pets get matted fur either from having long fur that is not combed out frequently, or in cats, it’s more common when they stop grooming themselves due to discomfort or illness,” says Dr. Stephanie Liff, DVM, medical director of Pure Paws Vet Care in Manhattan and Brooklyn, New York.   Dr. Liff often finds that in cats, arthritis and general systemic illness will lead to decreased self-grooming and, therefore, matting. Cats with diabetes, cancer, and/or kidney disease are known to have unkempt fur that is more prone to matting. “In dogs, it’s more often related to lack of appropriate grooming from the owner, though,” she says, as dogs with long or thick coats “rarely self-groom effectively.” Also keep in mind that non-shedding, long-haired pets, like Poodles or Doodle breeds, or those with a thick undercoat are more prone to matting, and therefore will likely have extensive grooming needs. Consult your veterinarian for advice on how to best handle your pet’s grooming based on his or her breed. Other Causes of Matted Fur Besides a lack of grooming, a few other factors may cause your pet’s mats to form more easily or to get worse, says Strong. Matted fur is frequently seen in obese pets. If a cat, in particular, is too obese to properly groom herself, she will end up with mats in hard-to-reach areas like across the lower back. Strong says that these environmental factors can also lead to an increase in matting: Static electricity Dry climates Winter season

While you’re busy preparing your delightful Thanksgiving family feast, instead of tossing your dog scraps, why not also prepare a delicious holiday treat for them? And this recipe is a simple spin on one of the most popular traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Mashed sweet potatoes for dogs is easy enough that it won’t take much time away from your main cooking efforts, and it can even be converted into something to serve to your human guests. Here’s how to make this super-simple, one-ingredient dish. Remember, if your dog has a history of dietary sensitivity, you may want to check with your veterinarian before deviating from his regular diet.

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When it comes to our dogs, we want to make sure they’re always happy. A pain-free dog is a happy dog, which is why it is important for pet parents to know the signs of pain in dogs and understand the variety of treatments available for dog pain relief. If you have ever asked yourself, “What can I give my dog for pain?” then you’ll be pleased to know that there are many over-the-counter (OTC), prescription, and holistic options you can try—with guidance from your veterinarian, of course.

Considerations for Pet Parents Both Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs make great additions to families who can give them the affection they crave. They make great pets for first-time dog parents, but there are some things to consider before bringing one of these pups home. 1. Be Prepared for Vet Visits Both Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs are prone to health issues, in part thanks to their short snout. This means special considerations need to be taken in hot, humid weather and whenever your pet is exercising. Regular wellness exams will also be vital for both breeds to keep them healthy. 2. Work to Prevent Obesity Because of their compact body, it’s easy for Frenchies and Bostons to pack on unwanted pounds. To prevent obesity—and keep your dog mentally stimulated—make sure your pup gets about 30-60 minutes of exercise every day. You should also feed your pup an appropriate amount of a healthy dog food that follows regulations put forward by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). 3. Early Socialization Is a Must While Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs tend to have a good temperament, pet parents must still socialize their puppy consistently. This will help them be calm in new situations and when meeting new people or animals. Featured Image: Adobe/mazzynga,WRITTEN BY Emily Sanders Freelance Writer,You’re walking down the road when you spot it: a small, black-and-white dog with a short snout and big ears trotting happily alongside his pet parent. You immediately identify the pup as a Boston Terrier, but your friend exclaims, “That’s a cute Frenchie!” Although the Boston Terrier and the French Bulldog are often hard to distinguish due to their similar build and markings, they each have specific features that set them apart.

As pet parents, we know how to set boundaries and rules within our own homes. They might include no jumping on guests, no eating people food off the dining table, and no peeing in places you really shouldn’t be peeing. On the flip side, we’d never say “no” to couch cuddles as we binge-watch our favorite shows. But out in the wild? That’s where things can get a little hairy. That’s where this petiquette guide comes in handy. From understanding the rules of your pup’s favorite dog park and ensuring your pet—and all your coworkers—feel comfortable at your workplace, to learning how to interact with strangers, including kids, while out and about, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about pet etiquette, so you can be the best pet parent you can be—and help others do the same. Because, as the saying goes, it takes a village—and our pets love making new friends.