Dogs

You take your dog’s health and safety seriously, but sometimes the biggest risks are hiding in plain sight.   Here are more than 40 common things in your home that could be toxic to your pup.  

Image via iStock.com/Kkolosov By Deidre Grieves When it comes to understanding how a dog ages, you may have heard that one dog year is equivalent to seven human years. But according to Dr. Lisa Lippman, a veterinarian based in New York City, that isn’t an exact calculation for determining dog age. “The ‘seven-year rule’ is a simplified explanation of canine-human aging,” she says. According to Dr. Lippman, a medium-size dog that’s well cared for will live roughly 1/7th as long as their owner, but different breeds of dogs age differently. This guide will explain how a dog ages and how to best care for your dog at every life stage. Dogs Age Based on Size and Breed Dr. Lippman explains that the dog-years-to-human-years equation is actually more about weight than it is about age. “A 5-year-old dog that weighs 20 pounds or less is about 33 ‘human-years-old,’ where a dog that weighs over 90 pounds is closer to 41 years old in human years,” she says. The dog age ranges associated with different life stages—puppy, adult and senior—vary depending on the size and breed of your pup. Most dogs, says Dr. Lippman, are considered puppies until they reach approximately 1 year old. But defining the transition between adult dogs and senior dogs is a little more complicated. “Large dogs tend to age more quickly than their smaller counterparts,” she says. “Very large dogs may be considered seniors at 5 or 6 years of age, whereas small dogs aren’t seniors until 10 or 12 years old.” Because of how dogs age, small dogs and large dogs also have different life spans. Smaller dogs like Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Dachshunds and Pomeranians tend to live longer than larger dogs such as Saint Bernards, Great Danes, Newfoundlands and Irish Wolfhounds. “While we still aren’t sure exactly what accounts for this difference in maturation and aging, smaller dogs definitely live longer, on average, than very large ones,” says Dr. Lippman. “This is especially apparent when you compare very small dogs, such as a Yorkshire Terrier—which can live well into their teens—with very large dogs like Great Danes—who live to be about 10.”

Jump to section Ingredients Supplies Instructions Dog-Friendly Icing Recipe Other Dog-Safe Fruits to Add to Your Icebox Cookies How To Gift These Gingerbread Icebox Cookies

A kiss from your Chihuahua is a great way to wake up, but add a hot cup of coffee and your morning gets even better. Sipping from Dimension 9’s Dog Breed coffee mug will start your day off on the right paw. The durable ceramic coffee mug features a charming Chihuahua image on the front and black paw prints on the top, inner rim. Charming and functional, it holds up to 8 ounces of liquid and is microwave and dishwasher safe. Chihuahua parents can either bring the mug to work to show off their unbounding love for their canine companions or simply sip and savor from the comfort of home.,If you know anyone who lives with a lively, friendly, devoted and entertaining Chihuahua, Chihuahua gifts are a must. While it is easy to pinpoint a perfect gift for this breed (ahem, a chew toy), finding Chihuahua gifts for dog lovers and Chihuahua parents sometimes can feel like a challenge. However, as long as the item is Chihuahua-centric, the gift recipient should be nothing short of ecstatic. With a spunky pup by their side, Chihuahua pet parents also need decorative items that show off their bold side—and Chihuahua pride! Check out these eight Chihuahua gifts for dog lovers.

Jump to section Belly-Warming Bone Broth Recipe How to Serve Bone Broth As a food topper: As a frozen treat: As a nutritious drink: How to Store Bone Broth Mason jars: Ice cube trays: Refrigerator: Benefits of Bone Broth for Pets Dangers of Homemade Bone Broth for Pets

If your dog is not on a year-round flea and tick preventive, like Seresto, they can easily get fleas. But can humans get fleas from dogs?   Unfortunately, the answer is yes. Humans can get fleas from dogs and other pets. If you’ve ever walked across the carpet in your home and noticed a dark speck on your white socks that suddenly appears then vanishes, there’s a good chance that speck could have been a flea.  Here’s what you need to know about fleas and how they affect humans. 

When we think of bacteria, we don’t always assume they’re beneficial for the body. We tend to think of bacteria as harmful invaders that need to be eliminated. However, when it comes to the digestive system, not all bacteria are bad. In fact, many types are necessary. Just as is the case with humans, your dog needs good bacteria in their gut to maintain their digestive health as well as their overall health. “Probiotics are essentially good bacteria living in the gut,” says Dwight Alleyne, DVM, a practicing veterinarian in Georgia. They are helpful microorganisms composed of bacteria and yeast, and a dog’s digestive system contains billions of them (yes, billions!). If your dog’s natural gut bacteria are imbalanced—a situation that occurs when the proportion of harmful bacteria to beneficial bacteria is too high—probiotic dog supplements may help your pup establish and maintain a healthy gut microbiome (environment of microorganisms). Of course, you should always check with your vet to ensure probiotics are a good fit for your furry friend.,Jump to section What Are Probiotics for Dogs? 5 Types of Probiotics for Dogs Benefits of Probiotics for Dogs Downsides of Probiotics for Dogs How To Choose the Best Probiotic for Your Dog FAQs About Probiotics and Dogs

This time of year I am craving traditional recipes. Eggnog is one of those. I know you either love it or hate it. I just love it and there is no reason this Christmas classic should be for the two-legged only. Pet parents still debate whether or not a dog should eat raw eggs. Some vets encourage it, while others warn against it. ‘Tis not the season to argue—so I came up with an eggless eggnog that is incredibly delicious. The recipe contains 458 calories.

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Summertime means vacation—and you don’t want to go anywhere without your sweet fur baby. Packing him into a carrier isn’t always easy, but for his own safety and comfort, your cat or small dog needs the protection of a quality dog kennel. “A good pet carrier should be both lightweight and easy to carry, but also allow enough room for your dog or cat to stand up and turn around,” explains Stephanie Liff, DVM, medical director at Pure Paws Veterinary Clinic in New York City. Before you book your next trip, check out this guide to selecting a dog or cat carrier, as well as which one works best for travel by car, rail and in the air. There’s a bit of homework involved, too. “It’s never a good situation when your pet isn’t allowed on board because of a stipulation you should have known about ahead of time,” warns Liff. Bottom line: read up on those regulations! Here’s what you need to know for the best vacation this season.