Dogs

Fall is in the air! From pumpkin patches to autumn’s quilt blanketing the nation’s landscape and beyond, now’s the time for crisp memories in the making with your favorite pooch. So pack a picnic lunch, your trusty canine sidekick and take in these eight favorite fall activities for you and your dog.

A lovable, pleasing breed, Cocker Spaniels enjoy playing games and spending as much time as possible with their families. Commonly seen in buff, liver, white and black and white colors, some also have “freckles” of color on their faces. Because of its propensity for obesity, Cocker Spaniels should get plenty of daily exercise.,While we’re all convinced that our pups—5 or 75 pounds—make the perfect lap warmers, some breeds are built for human companionship. We’ve asked Wayne Ferguson, president of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia and past president of the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, to share his pint-sized picks for the best lap dogs. “They’ve all been around for centuries and are bred for only one purpose: to be companions for their humans,” he said. “They’re affectionate, calm, happy, and gentle and, above all, they want to please. Perfect ingredients for a laid-back lap dog.”

According to the AAA/Kurgo Pet Passenger Safety Study, nearly 56% of Americans transport their dog in their car at least once a month. Traveling with pets can be fun, but remember to always be safe when you take a road trip with your furry friend. Here are a few things to consider when taking your pup out for a ride: Darting Out Each year, hundreds of pets are lost or injured when they dart out of cars uncontrolled, especially when they find themselves in a strange and busy environment that breeds stress and anxiety. To avoid such heartbreaking situations, make sure your pet is secured or restrained in the backseat. Paws and Heads Inside You wouldn’t let your child hang his arms or head outside the windows of a moving vehicle, and the same should go for your pet. Even though your dog may enjoy the smells from the outdoors, make sure you are practicing pet care safety and that your pup is secured inside of the vehicle so they don’t run the risk of getting hit by a passing car or falling out. Front Seat Is for Humans Only The majority of accidents are caused by distracted driving, and nearly 30% of drivers admit to being distracted by their dog. With harnesses and tethers, you can ensure that your pup remains in the backseat, so that your full attention is on the road. For your own safety and for the safety of your pets, front seats should remain a human-only zone!,Jump to section Car Safety Hazards for Dogs 6 Car Safety Tips for Dogs

WRITTEN BYRhiannon Koehler, DVM Veterinarian Dr. Rhiannon Koehler is a veterinarian and freelance medical writer. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Public…,Most dogs will go through life without experiencing a significant shoulder injury. However, if your dog is limping or showing pain in a front leg, an injury to the shoulder is important to rule out. Dogs carry most of their body weight on their front end, so injuries to their shoulder can be quite painful, especially when the dog puts weight on the affected limb.

Can dogs eat cheese? Yes, many can. While cheese is not toxic to dogs, they lack the digestive enzyme lactase, meaning they’re born with lactose intolerance. As long as you’re feeding cheese to your dog as an occasional treat and avoiding fatty cheeses — sorry, pups, no brie for you! — cheese is usually safe. And it can be good for them, too! We spoke with Dr. Albert Ahn, DVM, veterinary advisor for MYOS Pet, for tips and advice on how to include cheese in your pup’s diet.

If you’ve ever asked yourself “will BBQ sauce hurt my dog?”, the short answer is yes, BBQ sauce is bad for dogs. Although letting your pup have a tiny taste of BBQ sauce off your finger isn’t likely to make them sick, Dr. Robinson does not recommend any amount of BBQ sauce for dogs because many contain ingredients that aren’t safe for your furry friend. Here are some of the ingredients that make BBQ sauce bad for dogs: Onion Garlic Sugar Acidic ingredients, like vinegar and lemon juice Spicy things, like peppers and hot sauce,Jump to section Why Is BBQ Sauce Dangerous for Dogs? What Do I Do If My Dog Ate BBQ Sauce? But Wait! I Have More Questions…

WRITTEN BYLauren Jones, VMD Veterinarian Dr. Lauren Jones graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010, after receiving her bachelor’s degree…,Just like human babies, newborn puppies new special care and attention. Here’s what you need to know about taking care of your newborn pups after they are born.  Approach the Puppies With Caution Although you may want to pet and hold the puppies constantly, it is important not to intervene too much in the first week or two of their lives, as they are very susceptible to disease, and it can be stressful for the mother and puppies.  Use caution when approaching the puppies, as some mothers may show aggression to humans or other household pets if they perceive a threat. As the puppies get older and more active, your dog will want more and more time to get away and sleep, exercise, or socialize with members of the household. So give your dog space to get away from the puppies, but make sure that she is often returning to check on them.

While you and your puppy are beginning to form an unbreakable bond with plenty of playtime and cozy cuddles, the last thing you might want to think about are parasites. But it’s crucial to prevent the likes of fleas and ticks early on to help keep your best furry friend free of them and, ultimately, healthy and happy for years to come.  We spoke with veterinarians about flea and tick prevention for puppies, including the importance of preventive care, signs your pup may have fleas or ticks, how to treat fleas and ticks on puppies, and more. 

When you see your pet scared and shaking, your instinct as a pet parent is to soothe and calm them. But when your hugs and cuddles aren’t doing the trick, what’s the next best solution? And how do you know what is the source of the stress and anxiety, so you can help prevent it in the future? That’s where this calming guide comes in handy. Ahead, we’ll break down the various common causes of stress and anxiety—from separation anxiety to fears and phobias, like loud fireworks and spooky storms—and offer vet-recommended solutions to help calm your stressed pet. Remember to consult with your veterinarian before trying any calming aid—they can help you rule out any medical causes for stress and anxiety before you pursue behavioral therapies.

Sometimes blood in dog poop is obvious, but other times it may not be. It depends on where the blood is coming from.,Jump to section What Does Blood in Dog Poop Look Like? Why Is My Dog Pooping Blood? What Do I Do if My Dog Is Pooping Blood? How Do Vets Treat Bloody Dog Poop? How Do I Prevent Bloody Stools in Dogs? FAQs About Dogs Pooping Blood