Dogs

Roundworms are one of the most common intestinal parasites found in dogs. These worms are long and white and resemble spaghetti (or, if you’re into more obscure culinary analogies, mung bean sprouts).   Left untreated, roundworms in dogs can cause uncomfortable symptoms and even serious health issues. Fortunately, these worms are usually easy to treat, but spotting the signs early can be a little tricky.   Here’s everything you need to know about these troublesome parasites, including how they affect your dog, the signs to look out for, and how they’re treated. 

There are dog vitamins and supplements from A to Z, but how do you know which, if any, are the best dog vitamins for your precious pet? Generally, a commercially manufactured pet food should meet your dog’s daily nutrient needs, but they may benefit from supplements that target specific conditions. Arthritic dogs, for example, may benefit from a supplement that maintains joint function, and dogs with digestive issues may benefit from a supplement that supports gut health. To get you started in your search for the best dog vitamins and supplements for your pet, here are the top veterinarian-recommended options across several different categories. But no matter the reason you are considering dog supplements, all of the vets we spoke with recommend you look for products with a National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) quality seal. This certification helps ensure that the dog supplements come from a reputable company. And always consult with your veterinarian before adding any new vitamins or supplements to your dog’s diet.

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From the family-friendly Beagle to the enormous Irish Wolfhound, there are many hound dog breeds out there, each with unique talents and traits. But there is one trait all hounds have in common: They need to have all their senses engaged. Hounds were originally bred to fulfill a special purpose. For example, the Dachshund was bred to dig and hunt badgers, and the Saluki was bred for speed for hunting across open fields. If you live an active lifestyle and are thinking about adopting a hound, consider this overview of each hound breed to decide which would make the best fit for your family.

As a pet parent, it’s tempting to want to share every meal you eat with your furry friend, but unfortunately, that’s not always in their best interest. While some “human foods” are OK for our pups, and may even offer some nutritional benefit, ham is not the best choice. In short, the answer to the question, “Can dogs eat ham?” is yes. But should dogs eat ham? Not necessarily. Ham isn’t toxic, but there are other foods that are more beneficial to your dog’s health. If you want to give your dog a small slice of ham every now and then, it likely won’t cause harm, but there are some things to consider.

Dog and puppy hiccups sound and look a lot like human hiccups. Look for these telltale signs, according to Sarah Gorman, DVM, managing veterinarian at Small Door Veterinary in Boston: Rhythmic contractions or spasms of the diaphragm or abdominal area A slight, repetitive “hic” sound during the spasms According to Gabre Denton, BSc, BVMS, of West Village Veterinary Hospital in New York City, “Hiccups in dogs usually clear up on their own within a few minutes, but they can sometimes stick around for 15–20 minutes.”,Q: My dog sounded like he had the hiccups after he drank a bunch of water. Can dogs get hiccups like we do? Is this normal?

Does your dog always follow you around, never leaving your side? Is their attention always focused on you? You may have what’s called a “Velcro dog.” Let’s find out what this means and whether you should be worried about your dog’s clingy behavior. What Are Velcro Dogs? If you answered “yes” to any of the previous questions, it’s likely that you have a clingy dog. Some refer to clingy dogs as “Velcro dogs” (named after VELCRO®) because it’s as if your dog is attached to you. Although clingy dog behavior can be endearing, it can also be frustrating, especially when your dog just won’t leave you alone—even for a minute!

If you’re looking for a family dog or a pup who digs your laid-back lifestyle, then considering easy-going dog breeds is a must. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, but most calm dog breeds offer less potential for behavior problems.

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When you live with a dog who pants and paces all the time, or a cat who lets out an ear-splitting yowl just as you are about to fall asleep, you might be tempted to find a quick fix to your pet’s anxiety problem, like using a weighted blanket marketed to treat anxiety in people. But are they safe for pets? What Are Anxiety Blankets? Weighted blankets have been found to be useful in people with anxiety disorders. The heavier weight of the blanket may mimic the effect of being swaddled, which some people find soothing. The underlying theory behind the weighted blanket phenomenon is called sensory integration. The deep and consistent pressure of the weighted blanket may help lower the body’s physiologic level of arousal and stress. When your body feels calmer, your brain follows suit. Some studies reported that people do feel less anxious when they used the weighted blanket. One study on children with autism found that, while the blankets did not help the children fall asleep faster, the children reported that they liked the weighted blanket. Parents reported that they noticed that the blankets had a positive effect on their children. In that particular study, it indicates that while there may not be a great physiological response to the weighted blanket, there was a positive psychological effect.