Dogs

Deciding when to put a beloved old or sick dog down can be one of the most heart wrenching decisions that pet caregivers will ever have to make. Unfortunately, it’s an issue that faces many parents of sick and aging pets, like the carers of Marley, a 13-year-old female Golden Retriever mix. Marley was diagnosed with presumptive pancreatic cancer that involved her liver in April 2019, when I first met her. Thankfully, there’s help for pet caregivers struggling with this decision. The Quality of Life Scale I created in 2004 can help guide parents like Marley’s to make the right choice for their beloved companions. By answering questions about their pet, carers can determine a quality of life score. The higher the score, the better a pet’s quality of life. When I first met Marley, she had been undergoing symptomatic treatment to reduce her vomiting and diarrhea. At her first consultation with me, her carers said she had been feeling better on those medications. Together, we assessed Marley’s condition using the Quality of Life Scale, and determined that her score was high, indicating a good quality of life. I recommended a range of care, from supplements to low-dose chemotherapy to using diapers for her incontinence, among other tactics. Thankfully, at that time, we did not have to consider euthanasia. Over the past 15 years, thousands of pet caregivers have thanked me for providing decision-making guidance with my Quality of Life Scale. Veterinarians, their staff and pet carers tell me that using this tool has really been helpful as they lovingly provide palliative care, hospice or “pawspice” care for pets that are approaching the end of life.

If you’re visiting family with your pup, proper pet etiquette is essential. Rather than spending money on a pet sitter and leaving your dog behind, it makes sense to include him in the holiday celebrations. Even in the most dog-friendly homes, appropriate dog etiquette is important and requires some planning in advance to ensure everybody has the best possible time over the holidays.

How often should you feed a dog? If you asked your dog that question, her answer would probably be: As much as possible, please! But that, obviously, wouldn’t be a good idea. Exactly how often dogs should eat has been a topic of discussion—and argument—for many dog owners. Another question dog owners may find themselves asking is: How much should a dog eat? Read on for some basic feeding guidelines.

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We’ve all heard it before: A dog is a man’s best friend. And if you’re a dog parent, you probably wholeheartedly agree. Dogs never fail to greet us with the best kisses, know exactly how to make us smile when we’re blue, and even take on the role as our trusty bathroom bodyguard. There’s no denying the special bond between man and dog. From acting as star service pets to rescuing our hearts, it’s a unique relationship no human companion could replace. But have you ever stopped and questioned why?

We adore our dogs. But sometimes, when receiving one of those big puppy kisses, we remember where their mouths have been. Yes, it’s true: Dogs are as gross as they are lovable. From snacking in the cat litter box to sniffing their friends’ unmentionables, our canine companions have some truly questionable habits. What’s behind some of their less-charming behaviors? We asked the experts—even though in some cases, we’d rather not know.

When Matthew Smith first set eyes on Jericho, a young Pit Bull rescue who would soon become his personal service dog, he knew that it would be life-changing.

When you notice your cute doggo going ham on an itchy spot or dealing with dandruff or other skin issues, you’ll want to help them find some sweet, sweet relief. This typically means pinpointing the cause—which can range from parasites to allergies—and then finding a dog shampoo for itchy skin that addresses the issue. With expert veterinary insights and recommendations, we’re here to help with all the above.

Jump to section How to Keep Your House Fur-Free Handy Hacks for a Hair-Free Home House Cleaning Basics to Keep Fur at Bay Keep Pets Active and Healthy to Reduce Shedding

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