Dogs

Your senior dog may have a little extra gray hair around the muzzle or stop to smell the flowers more, but one thing remains the same: They still need exercise.    But which exercise routine is right for your senior pup? The short answer is to let your pet’s mobility and personality guide the way.   According to Leslie Sinn, DVM, DACVB, CPDT-KA, a veterinarian and board-certified veterinary behaviorist in Ashburn, Virginia, many dogs enter the senior phases at 7 to 9 years of age, but for small dogs, that number tends to be 10 to 12 years old.   Here’s how much exercise senior dogs need, the best ways to provide it, and what to avoid when exercising your senior dog.  

In This Article Is It Normal for Female Dogs to Hump? View 3 More +

How to Clean Dog Ears Never use cotton swabs on or in your pet’s ears for any reason. This can lead to serious injury and a trip to the emergency vet. Here are the steps: Dr. Loft recommends holding the bottle over the ear canal and gently squeezing the solution into the ear. He advises not putting the bottle or tip in the ear directly. You then massage the base of your dog’s ear to loosen up the debris within the ear Let your dog shake their head. By shaking their head, your dog is bringing the softened wax and debris to the front of the ear canal, which makes it easier for you to clean away. Use a large cotton ball to wipe away all the wax and debris. Be gentle when wiping inside your pup’s ears. The skin within the ear is very sensitive and can be injured if you continually wipe at it.,Chronic Dog Ear Infections Goetz says having your dog’s ear infections treated early is important for ear health. This is especially crucial for chronic ear infections. Some chronic infections are so bad that surgical removal of the ear canal is the only option left for pain control—total ear canal ablation (TECA) surgery. “If you have chronic ear infections that go untreated, you’re definitely going to be predisposed to having hearing loss earlier in life,” says Goetz.,Image via YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV/Shutterstock.com By Teresa K. Traverse Having a dog ear infection or other dog ear problem can cause a great deal of discomfort, so it’s important for pet parents to notice when there’s an issue. Most pet parents are probably not in the habit of peering into your dog’s ears every day. To help protect the health of your dog’s ears, it’s smart to get into a routine of checking them at least once a week. That way you are able to spot any potential dog ear infections or problems, and you can take proactive measures before these issues develop into more serious dog ear problems. Getting your dog used to having their ears handled as a puppy will make it easier to handle them when checking for or treating dog ear infections in the future. Here’s some advice from veterinarians on how to check your dog’s ears, what to look for and how to keep them healthy. Signs of Dog Ear Problems You should check the ears about once a week, especially if your dog has had skin or ear issues in the past. If you have a hanging ear dog breed, be sure to lift up the flap and check on their ears more often to watch for infection or disease. Dr. Loft says you can shave around the ear opening so it’s not as hidden. Before you get out the dog hair clippers, though, make sure to ask a professional groomer or veterinarian how to shave this area properly to avoid rashes or wounds that can lead to infection and irritation. Some surefire signs that your pup is suffering from a dog ear problem are: Pungent odor Discharge Blood Irritated or red skin Inflammation Dr. Goetz cautions that if part of your dog’s ear feels like a pillow or balloon, he might have an aural hematoma. Essentially, the dog has broken blood vessels underneath the skin, which causes the ear flap to start to fill with blood. If you notice that your dog’s ear flap has started to look inflated or swollen, you should take them to your veterinarian right away. They will examine the ear and decide on an appropriate course of treatment. If you notice any of this in your dog’s ears, then it is time to make a trip to your veterinarian.

Two skunked St. Bernards in a Honda civic. A white German Shepherd in a brand new Escalade with dark interior. A dog walker’s van that spends every day packed with dogs fresh from the (muddy) Colorado trails. In a decade of running Smudge Car & Dog Wash in Colorado Springs, Colo., Robert Wulfe has seen—and cleaned—it all. Like Wulfe, any pet parent can attest that life with a dog can easily turn your car into a host for unpleasant odors, mud and furballs. But with a bit of preparation, maintenance and know-how, you can keep your car from looking and smelling like a kennel no matter how often your dirty dog rides in it with these road-tested, expert-approved tips.

Flea season can differ from one state to another due to the diverse climates across the United States. However, it’s best to keep your pet on a year-round flea preventative, as recommended by your veterinarian. This is because fleas can survive a harsh winter by hiding in areas protected from the cold, such as your home, barn, garage or crawl space. Still, it’s helpful to know when fleas are most prevalent in your area. Find out when flea season is in your state, according to Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM, a veterinarian at Animal Hospital of West Monroe in West Monroe, Louisiana, and the co-founder of How to Pets; and Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, DVM, owner and director of Kingsgate Animal Hospital in Lubbock, Texas.,Jump to section When Is Flea Season in Your State? My Pet Has Fleas—What Do I Do? How To Protect Your Dog Against Fleas How To Protect Your Cat Against Fleas

Boiled chicken and rice is the canine equivalent to the age-old, human remedy of chicken soup. This homemade dog food can serve as an excellent short-term alternative to their typical diet when your furry friend is feeling under the weather. It’s bland enough for most dogs with upset stomachs or temporary digestive issues, yet still enticing to picky eaters. A sick dog is a sad dog, and that’s the last thing pet parents want. You can make this simple chicken and rice for dogs recipe when your sidekick is experiencing diarrhea or tummy troubles and hopefully set them on their way to happier times. As with any human food, pet parents looking to incorporate new foods in their dog’s diet should consult with their veterinarian beforehand.

In This Article How Cold Is Too Cold for Dogs To Be Outside? View 3 More +

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

French Bulldogs are beloved for their compact size, affectionate personality, and signature smushed snout. But beneath their adorable appearance, Frenchies have unique health needs—including trouble breathing, joint problems, and a tendency toward allergies. This is where proper nutrition becomes important. Feeding your French Bulldog a high-quality diet can help support their overall health, and fresh food could be a go-to option for your pup.