Dogs

Dogs are omnivores who require 40 essential nutrients, divided into six nutrient groups. A complete and balanced dog food should contain all of these key nutrient groups. But with countless food options to choose from, how can you make sure your BFF is getting adequate nutrition?  We talked with experts to learn more about dog food ingredients—including what to look for (and what to avoid) when selecting a high-quality dog food—plus a few balanced and complete options to try.   Speak with your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet. 

Sometimes, dognapping is a crime of opportunity. “There are many cases where somebody isn’t even thinking about stealing a dog—but if the dog is left alone for a few minutes, there are some people who will take anything they can sell,” says Kathleen Summers, the director of outreach and research for the Stop Puppy Mills campaign at the Humane Society of the United States, headquartered in Washington, D.C.,Have you heard about an increase in stolen dogs in your community? You’re not alone. Dognapping (aka the dog version of kidnapping) is on the rise across the U.S., with dog thefts up 30% since 2021, according to the American Kennel Club. While high-profile cases like the theft of Lady Gaga’s French Bulldogs have made headlines, everyday people are the most common targets. If you’re a dog parent, this is one seriously scary trend—but there’s a lot you can do to protect yourself and your pup.

How Can You Tell If Your Dog Is Happy If They Aren’t Smiling? Not all dogs will smile, even when they’re happy. So how do you know if your dog is happy? Look at your dog’s body language. A happy dog will have a relaxed body posture and often, a wagging tail. Their face will look soft and calm, and if they’re playing or running, you’ll often see a wide, panting smile. Most dogs aren’t particularly subtle when they’re happy, and they will reflect your happiness, as well. Featured Image: iStock.com/SariJuurinen,WRITTEN BYSandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP Veterinarian Sandra Mitchell is a 1995 graduate of the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduation, she has worked in many fields…,If you have a dog, you’ve probably seen that endearing look—the relaxed face, soft eyes, and wide grin. It’s hard to believe that your dog isn’t smiling at you, but do dogs smile like we do? If so, why? Can Dogs Really Smile? Most behaviorists don’t really consider a dog “smiling” to be a true grin in the way we think about a human smile. Many canine expressions can be seen as a “smile,” including wide-mouth panting, relaxing with their tongues out, and submissive grins. Even aggressive baring of the teeth can be mistaken by some as a friendly greeting. However, most of the time when dogs smile, they are indeed happy, so it’s easy to relate that expression to human smiles. Most scientists think the canine smile stems from a combination of evolution and the fact that dogs are masters of analyzing human behavior. They know exactly how to make us happy. Since most humans react when they see a dog smile—either by smiling back, making approving noises, or providing treats—the dog is rewarded for this behavior and does it more often. Genetically, this behavior may come from neoteny, which means when animals become domesticated, they retain some behaviors from puppyhood in adulthood. This includes emotional greetings, jumping, tail-wagging, licking, and yes—the adorable canine smile.

As is the case with us humans, sometimes dogs need anxiety meds to remain healthy and happy.,Jump to section 10 Common Anxiety Meds for Dogs Other Ways to Help Treat Dog Anxiety Signs of Anxiety in Dogs Causes of Anxiety in Dogs FAQs About Anxiety Medication for Dogs

Just like people, dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities. But what, exactly, defines a dog breed? And how many dog breeds are there?  From tiny lap dogs to 100-pound working companions, dog breeds have been shaped over the centuries to suit specialized jobs and lifestyles. And understanding what makes a dog a distinct breed can help you find the perfect pup for your lifestyle.  Here’s what to know about different dog breeds.

When the mouth-watering aroma of holiday baking wafts through the house and your dog comes running to the kitchen sniffing the air, it can be temping to share a bit of your baked goods. However, many of the foods we enjoy this time of year, such as raisins, chocolate and nutmeg, can be fatal to our dogs. Instead, opt for a DIY dog treat like these safe gingerbread cookies. These dog treats are easy to make and I love using a cookie stamp to create adorable little men—although I don’t think my dogs care about the shape.

How to Stop Submissive Peeing in Dogs You will need to change your behavior and also train your dog to become desensitized to triggers. Change How You Approach Your Dog For pet parents and other humans, this means not leaning over your dog, making direct eye contact, reaching toward your dog (especially over their head), hugging them, or approaching them head-on. Instead, sit on the ground to make yourself appear smaller. Look to the side or at the dog’s hip to avoid direct eye contact, and allow them to approach you. Entice them with treats, and if they do approach, and pet them gently under the chin, not on the top of their head. Desensitize Your Dog to Certain Triggers The next step is to desensitize your dog to movements that trigger submissive peeing. First, you’ll need to identify the situations that trigger your dog. Then in those situations, start making smaller movements and rewarding your dog for not peeing. For example, if your dog pees when you reach for their collar, begin by moving your hand a few inches away from your body and rewarding them for not reacting. Once your dog calmly accepts small movements, gradually progress to larger ones. Continue rewarding your dog when they don’t react or pee in response to the movements. Over time, you can work up to being able to touch and handle your dog’s collar without a drop of pee on the floor. Another method to discourage submissive peeing is to have your dog wear a canine diaper while you work on the desensitizing. The diaper will make getting into the submissive squat more difficult. Do not use negative reinforcement such as spanking, yelling, or rubbing their nose in it, as this will make the submissive peeing worse. If training fails to correct submissive peeing and your dog is submissive in all social settings, you talk with your veterinarian about using a mild anti-anxiety medication.,Why Does My Dog Pee When I Pet Them? If your dog urinates when you reach to pet them, you most likely have triggered a submissive pee. Submissive dogs are trying to send the distress message, “Please don’t harm me; I’m no threat.” Submissive dogs need gentle encouragement and a calm environment. It takes time, patience, and a lot of positive bonding and engagement to help submissive peeing dogs stop this behavior. Try to avoid actions that trigger submissive peeing. Allowing your dog to come to you for petting and interaction will greatly decrease submissive peeing. You can also try the desensitizing method. Calm, slow movements give your dog time to process what is happening, read your body language to make sure you’re not a threat, and react in a way that feels comfortable. Environment management is also key. One common trigger for submissive peeing might be when strangers approach your dog. If this happens in your house, try asking visitors to ignore your dog until they approach on their own. Another option is to keep your dog contained in an area where there is a barrier (a crate or a baby gate) that allows them to see the stranger but also feel safe in their own area or den. If you are out on a walk and a stranger asks to pet your dog, simply decline politely, and tell them your dog is in training and needs to be focusing on you right now.,If you have an older dog that suddenly begins urinating inappropriately (or cannot seem to hold their pee), make an appointment with your veterinarian, as there could be a medical cause. Have you ever been greeted by your hyper dog when you get home, and then noticed a puddle of pee by your shoes? Or perhaps your new puppy flopped onto their back to greet your friend, and then peed a little on their own fur and your clean rug. This could be excitement peeing or submissive peeing. Both are common in dogs, but what separates the two are your dog’s state of mind and their emotional triggers. Some dogs pee because they are excited and submissive at the same time. For example, a dog that excitedly pees when their pet parent comes home may also submissively urinate if they are sternly reprimanded or overcorrected for the initial excitement pee. So how do you know which one you’re dealing with? Here’s what you need to know about why dogs pee when you wish they wouldn’t. Why Does My Dog Pee When Excited? Excitement peeing is most often found in happy, hyper, young dogs that may not have full bladder control. Dogs frequently outgrow this form of peeing as they mature and emotionally calm down. It can become worse if your dog is suddenly awakened or startled, and then gets very animated (such as when you come home while they’re taking a nap).

It can be hard to head for the door when you know just how bad it makes your dog feel. Separation anxiety in dogs is something that’s not always an easy fix, but there are certain things you can do to alleviate your nervous dog’s stress and anxiety levels while you two are apart. One way is to provide stimulating dog toys that can help to put that nervous energy to more productive use! Dog toys are useful for keeping any dog busy, but certain dog toys are great for relieving anxiety that your dog may feel while you’re gone. Dog puzzle toys are great for nervous dogs because they “help put your dog in a more relaxed state,” says Jennifer Mauger, KPA-CTP, CPDT-KSA and owner of L’Chaim Canine in Akron, OH. The one thing you should always try to do is keep your pooch guessing! Mauger suggests hiding a few toys at home before you leave, so your dog can search for them throughout the day. “The trick is to start easy and build it up from there. That way, dogs are able to work on the toys when their people are gone,” says Mauger. But the first step is finding the right toys for your anxious pup! So, we’ve listed our top 5 picks for dog toys that will help with treating separation anxiety in dogs.

Loving your furry BFF don’t cost a thing. But owning a dog sure does—potentially tens of thousands of dollars across their lifetime.  So, just how expensive are dogs? We’re breaking it down:  Bottom line: A dog is a significant expense, and you’ll want to make sure you can afford to keep them happy and healthy all their days. After all, they so deserve it. (And having a budget for your new dog is part of being a responsible pet parent.)   Here’s a look at all the costs involved to help you plan. 

Dog paw pads are meant to be tough—but they aren’t immune to issues. Because they make regular contact with the ground and can take a beating, sometimes they crack.  While they can make your dog uncomfortable, cracked dog paws aren’t always a cause for concern. But if you notice other symptoms—or excessive licking—it’s a good idea to step in.   Let’s look at-home solutions for caring for cracked dog paws and signs when it might be time to take your dog to the vet.