Dogs

Dog eye problems can be extremely stressful for canines. From redness, pain and irritation to discharge and vision issues, no dog wants to endure eye issues. Regular veterinary care is essential for preventing eye problems in dogs, and pet parents should be aware of the signs and symptoms of common eye disorders.

Sometimes your dog needs a special spot all to themselves, and a dog playpen, also called a dog exercise pen, can ensure they have that just-right spot to nap, play or observe the world without getting into trouble. Not to be confused with a dog crate, dog pens are designed to provide your pet with a bit more space to safely stretch their legs. (Learn more about the differences here.) To help you find the best dog playpen for your pet and space, we’ve rounded up the best-selling and top-rated ones sold on Chewy. These have been tried and tested by Chewy pup parents and are their top picks for keeping their dogs safe and secure.

Even if you’re a passionate pet person, this may sound nuts at first: going on a vacation and helping out at an animal shelter. Hosing out cages, cleaning out cat litter boxes or pouring food into bowls probably doesn’t sound like much of a vacation, but if you start imagining yourself socializing kittens or walking a dog against the backdrop an exotic location in a part of the world that you’ve never been to, you may start to see why it has become something of a trend for tourists to spend a little of their vacation time at an animal shelter. Of course, most animal shelters are not equipped to have anyone drop by and help out, but there are some that make it easy for people to incorporate helping out a needy pet into their vacation. Here are five of our favorites: The shelter: Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah Why you may want to go to this area: Southern Utah is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the country, with Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and even the northern rim of the Grand Canyon within driving-distance of the shelter. Why this shelter should be on your itinerary: There aren’t many animal shelters that can boast of being famous, but this one is. The National Geographic Channel series DogTown filmed at the sanctuary, which works with shelters around the country, and tourists frequently come to the shelter for tours. In fact, you can even stay on the grounds in your own RV or at their cabins and cottages. The sanctuary houses approximately 1,600 dogs, cats and other animals, like birds and even sheep. If you’re willing to help out, volunteer duties include everything, “from walking an enthusiastic dog, to cleaning a rabbit run, to just sitting and talking to a shy cat,” according to the website. The shelter: Aspen Animal Shelter in Aspen, Colorado Why you may want to go this area: Between the skiing, the hiking and the mountains, Aspen is another achingly beautiful part of America.

English Bulldog Uga VII made his debut as University of Georgia’s beloved mascot at the season-opening football game against Georgia Southern Aug. 30. At a halftime ceremony in honor of the 56-pound dog, his state-of-the art dog house was unveiled. This is no ordinary dog house. Uga’s new abode has all the amenities needed for such a prominent figure – from air conditioning to radiant barrier and siding with a 50-year limited warranty, according to Brant Mitchell, marketing manager of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, the company that donated the material for the dog house. “They take pride in their mascot,” Mitchell said, “and they wanted it to be a home for Uga.” The 12-square-foot house was built at no charge to the university by McCar Homes. The materials are environmentally friendly and are designed to keep Uga cool on the field. His father Uga VI, who served as the mascot until his recent death, occupied a dog house made mostly of sheet metal, Mitchell said. The new house is made of all wood products, making a big difference in the temperature, which is crucial for the breed, as temperatures reach the high 80s and 90s for the first home games. “It’s a lot cooler and more pleasant,” he said. “And it looks fantastic from the sidelines.” The dog house is painted red with black trim and has the university logo on either side. The name of the dog is derived from the abbreviation for the University of Georgia. “As people are spending a lot more money on pets, these green materials can be purchased at local retailers and it’s pretty easy for someone to buy these products and build a good quality product for their pet,” Mitchell said.

The following may contain Chewy links. PetMD is operated by Chewy. If you plan to travel with a pet this winter, it’s important to be mindful of cold weather safety issues. After all, frigid temperatures aren’t pleasant and can be downright dangerous—for you or your pet. If you’re considering flying or driving somewhere with your dog or cat, here are some winter travel safety tips to help ensure you reach your destination safely (and warmly!). Make Sure Your Pet Is Fit to Travel “Before any type of trip, you want to make sure your pet is healthy and able to take the trip,” says Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM of Chagrin Falls Pet Clinic in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. In some cases, it might be best to leave your furry family member at home with a pet sitter, in a boarding kennel, or at your veterinarian’s office. Pets that might not be suitable to travel include: Young pets Older pets Pregnant animals Ill animals If you’re unsure if your pet is OK for winter travel, consult your veterinarian to get an expert opinion. “Animals that travel should be cleaned, groomed, and follow basic obedience,” adds Dr. Osborne. She also says you should make sure “that they’re courteous, not knocking people over. If you have a pet that barks excessively, that is probably not an ideal animal to bring with you.” Before the Trip Before you load up the car or head to the airport, there are steps you have to take for your fur baby. Contact Your Veterinarian Talk to your veterinarian a few months before your trip and make sure your pet is up to date on all needed vaccinations and preventive care. If you’re traveling to a different part of the country (or world!), your pet may need vaccines or parasite prevention that they haven’t had before. If you’re crossing state borders there is a good chance your pet will need a current health certificate; international travel requires even more documentation. Airlines often require that a veterinarian sign an acclimation statement that outlines safe travel temperatures for pets that are not traveling in the aircraft cabin with their owners. Research Where You Stay Call hotels before you book to ensure they allow pets. Even if cats and dogs are allowed, certain hotels can have weight limits, limitations on the number of animals you can bring, or other restrictions—like not being able to leave your dog unattended in the room. It’s best to call to ahead and find out so you aren’t scrambling to find another place to stay the day-of. Pack for Pet Safety No matter what time of year you’re traveling, make sure your pet has a cat collar or dog collar with up-to-date contact information. If your pet is microchipped, ensure the microchip is registered to you and accurate. Lindsey Wolko, founder for the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), a consumer advocacy organization that advocates on behalf of pet owners, advises bringing a picture of you and your pet in case you get separated. Before you head to your destination, research and have the names and contact information of a few nearby emergency veterinary hospitals. It also might be helpful, if you are driving, to check for emergency veterinarians on your route as well. Ask your veterinarian to print out your pet’s medical records and bring a copy with you in case you need to seek care on your trip. Ensure Your Car Is Pet-Friendly Car travel with pets can be dangerous. Unrestrained pets can quickly become a distraction, and when a pet is unrestrained, they are also at greater risk of serious injury in an accident. Wolko explains that when traveling in a car with a pet, you need to properly secure your pet. If you’re driving and your pet climbs into your lap, that could distract you and potentially cause an accident. Here are her recommendations: Use a cat carrier to safely secure a cat for travel. For longer trips, small dogs should also go into a carrier. Small or large pups can use a dog harness or carrier, depending on what product your pet prefers. Larger dogs can fit into a weighted kennel that’s secured with strength-rated anchor straps. “Acclimate your pets, prior to travel, to those products,” says Wolko. Try taking them on short drives and gradually increasing the distance. You don’t want your pet’s first experience in the harness or carrier to be on a three-hour car trip. These test runs are also helpful because they allow you to make sure the car safety products fit your pet comfortably and securely. So when it comes time for longer trips, you don’t have to worry about your pet escaping. It is always a good idea to have a roadside emergency kit in your car in case of an emergency. Ensure it has flares, cones or a flag—anything that will alert other drivers to your presence, Wolko says. Discuss travel with your veterinarian a few weeks prior to leaving to allow time to try any motion sickness or sedative medications at home. Always test out medications prior to travel. Bring Products That Will Keep Your Pet Warm For cold-weather travel, consider providing your pet with an extra layer of warmth before you leave home. A dog sweater or—if your cat is willing—a cat sweater is a great way to help keep your pet cozy, Wolko says. However, when choosing the right apparel for traveling with a pet, you need to keep travel safety in mind as well. Wolko cautions that knitted fabrics can snag or get caught up in a dog seat belt, canine car seat, or cat carrier, so make sure you choose something that will allow your pet to move around and relax safely and comfortably. Some good pet products for winter travel include: Frisco insulated parka PetFusion quilted blanket Frisco sherpa dog and cat blanket K&H Pet Products microwavable bed warmer Aspen Pet self-warming bed Don’t Forget the Essentials It is also smart to pack extra pet food; you can use a storage container like the Gamma2 Travel-tainer that allows you to securely store your pet’s food and provides bowls. Having extra food and water is especially important in case you get stuck in traffic, run into bad weather, or have car problems. Extra blankets and towels can be useful, too. Wolko says if you’re bringing pet toys, it’s best to secure them so they don’t fly out or around the car in case of an accident. If your pet takes any medication, be sure to bring some extra meds in case you end up staying away longer than planned. During the Trip Now you’re ready to hit the road! Make Lots of Pit Stops While driving, Dr. Osborne says to stop every few hours so you (and your dog!) can take a potty break. When you’re planning your trip, be sure to incorporate those break times into your overall travel time. During those pit stops, check the sidewalks, parking lots and roads for ice-melting products. These can harm your pet’s paws, and they’re also toxic if ingested. You might want to bring along dog booties to keep your pup’s paws safe in winter. If you don’t have booties, use a product like TrueBlue paw and body wipes after each pit stop to wipe your dog’s paws clean of any ice-melting products. “Never leave your pet unattended” at pit stops, says Wolko, as your pet could easily run off or be stolen. Keep the Stops Speedy Be aware of how long you spend out in the cold with your pet. Dogs and cats can both suffer from frostbite and hypothermia, which can occur if your pet is exposed to cold temperatures for too long. When temperatures drop under 32 F, small breed dogs, dogs with thin coats, or very young, old, or sick dogs could be in danger if they spend too much time outdoors. Once temperatures drop under 20 F, all pet parents need to be aware that their dogs could develop cold-associated health problems if they are outside for extended periods of time. At-risk areas for frostbite on cats and dogs include the ears, nose, paws and tip of the tail, says Dr. Osborne. Frostbitten areas of skin initially turn a reddish color and then become gray. To treat frostbite on a dog or frostbite on a cat, give your pet a warm bath (not too hot, around 105 F is good), wrap them up in warm towels, and take them to the nearest veterinary clinic. Don’t rub an area that has frostbite. Signs of hypothermia in dogs include paleness of skin and strong shivering, which can be followed by listlessness to the point of lethargy. If your pet is exhibiting these symptoms, bring her inside immediately and contact your veterinarian. When You Arrive When you reach your destination, provide a comfortable environment for your pet. They will probably want a potty break and a chance to decompress after a long trip—just like we do. Create a safe space for your pet with familiar smells from home. Using your pet’s favorite toys and blankets, set up their own little cozy area. Having a pen or kennel for your pet also allows you to secure them safely if you have to leave them alone. By Teresa K. Traverse Image via iStock.com/SolStock

Questions about your new pet? Our vet team is here to help, for free. Available daily 6 am to midnight ET Schedule your free consult now Free for Chewy customers, exclusions apply. Virtual consults are supplementary to in-office visits. Our telehealth team does not prescribe, treat, or diagnose.,4. Practice Soft-Mouth Training  Puppies can be extra mouthy during teething, and they need their pet parents to teach them what isn’t a chew toy.  If your puppy gets mouthy while playing, immediately offer them a toy or chew item. If this doesn’t work, pull your hands away, separate yourself from your puppy quietly, and avoid eye contact. This teaches them that mouthing or biting doesn’t get them more attention. When they calm down, you can resume playing with a toy.  Use positive reinforcement training—giving your pup attention, praise, and food when they do the right thing—to teach desired behaviors and help your puppy learn. Positive reinforcement is the best way to train dogs, because it creates a strong bond without fear and anxiety. If your puppy is showing aggression over toys or is persistently mouthy, talk to your veterinarian.  Featured Image: iStock/Sergeeva ,In humans, teething happens when baby teeth erupt, or push through the gums. But when it comes to dogs, teething is associated with the adult teeth growing in. The process can be painful. Teething babies are known to be fussy, interested in chewing, and can even have a mild fever during this phase. Puppies go through similar discomfort, so it’s important that pet parents keep their fur baby comfortable as their permanent teeth erupt. Here’s what to know about taking care of a teething puppy.

The first 21 weeks of a dog’s life play a huge rule in his personality and behavior down the road. So now is your chance to raise the dog you’ve always wanted. Experts spill the beans on what new pet parents are mostly likely to do wrong, and deliver some helpful dog training techniques, puppy potty training tips and more to get you off to a happy and healthy start with your bundle of joy. Ruff Spot: You give your puppy too much freedom.Master Class: “Puppies don’t handle freedom well,” says Camilla Gray-Nelson, author of Lipstick and the Leash: Dog Training A Woman’s Way. “In their natural environment, there are always other dogs looking over their shoulder, telling the puppy where to go and what not to do.” To mimic this behavior, you have to establish boundaries from day one. Gray-Nelson suggests not letting your puppy leave the room you’re in because he doesn’t have self-control or the ability to self-direct. You also might not want to allow your puppy to jump on the sofa (or you) uninvited. “It’s cute when a puppy is 8 pounds, but when he reaches 80 pounds, you probably wouldn’t want him doing the same thing,” she says. Ruff Spot: You don’t pay close attention to your puppy’s potty signs.Master Class: Everyone seems to have puppy potty training tips. But the truth is, some breeds are simply easier to potty train than others. “Some dogs, especially larger breeds, are practically born housebroken, and if given the choice, they won’t defile their quarters,” says Gray-Nelson. “You basically just have to show them to the door.” For the tougher-to-train dogs, she says, you need to limit the amount of space in the house that they have access to and watch for signs that he needs to go. “If you witness an attempt to start to go inside, make a loud noise—which they will begin to have a negative association with—and rush them outside,” she says. Dog potty pads like those from Frisco can be helpful. When you’re not home for a few hours, you can give your puppy a defined boundary area like a garage or kitchen where he can move around and do his business on a potty pad,” says Gray-Nelson. Ruff Spot: You don’t expose your puppy to enough people and things.Master Class: Here’s one of the most important dog training techniques: “Puppies need at least three walks a day and should meet at least 100 people by week 10,” says dog behaviorist Drayton Michaels, founder of Urban Dawgs in Red Bank, New Jersey. Make sure the people are of all ages, shapes, sizes and skin colors. “If your puppy only sees your family for the 12 weeks, he is going to think all humans only look like you and be fearful or even aggressive with other people,” says canine behaviorist Beverly Ulbrich, owner of the Pooch Coach in San Francisco. You also need to expose your puppy to common outdoor items. “Issue food rewards when your puppy notices ‘weird things,’ like bikes, strollers and traffic,” says Michaels. “This way the dog makes a positive association, and it helps place trust in their long-term memory.” Ruff Spot: You don’t let your puppy play with older, bigger dogs.Master Class: Not exposing your puppy to more mature dogs will hinder their development. “Ideally, call a couple of your friends who have well-behaved, friendly dogs and see if you can get together for a puppy playdate. In this situation, you have more control over puppy play so it stays positive,” says Gray-Nelson. However, don’t rule out a dog park. “Puppies need to learn how to play, and at a dog park, older dogs might give them soft corrections if they’re doing something wrong,” says Ulbich. “If you wait until your dog is 7 or 8 months old to bring him to a dog park, he won’t get the benefit of those soft corrections because the other dogs will think he should know better by now. It’s like a 2-year-old walking up and hugging a stranger versus a 21-year-old doing it.” Ruff Spot: You don’t have a plan for leaving the puppy at home alone.Master Class: Learn about dog crate training a puppy. Buy an easy-to-fold crate that’s big enough for your puppy to stand and turn around, but not to walk around. Put a non-spillable dish with food and water inside, and line the dog crate with a blanket and a few toys. You want to make crate training a puppy a positive experience for him. Start with increments of 10 minutes during the day and work your way up to longer amounts of time—so you leave your puppy in the crate if you need to run out to the store for an hour or so. “It’s also helpful to keep your puppy crated at night and teach him to sleep there,” says Ulrich. “You might have to let him cry it out the first night or two.” Most puppies should be able to sleep through the night without a potty break by the time they’re four months old, according to the American Kennel Club. Ruff Spot: You often call your puppy with an angry or exasperated tone of voice.Master Class: “You want your dog to stop a bad behavior because of your instructions, not fear,” says Michaels. “That will put him at a higher risk of aggression and biting.” Instead, connect with the word “come” with something wonderful like a treat, says Gray-Nelson. Ruff Spot: You don’t put your puppy on a leash.Master Class: Leash training a puppy is crucial. “Get a leash on your puppy as soon as possible,” says Ulrich, “even if you’re just having him wear it in the house and guiding him from room to room.” If you wait a couple of months to leash train a puppy, he’s much more likely to balk at wearing one.

The Norwegian Lundehund has several unique characteristics in combination not found in any other dog, including six toes on each foot, ears that fold closed, forward, and backward at will, and the ability to tip their head backwards until it touches their back bone, said AKC spokesperson Lisa Peterson. These physical traits all helped the breed perform its original job as a Puffin hunter. When the bird became a protected species in the 1800s, the breed numbers dwindled. They were saved from near-extinction after World War II in Norway, Peterson said, but their numbers today remain limited. Today, Peterson says their even temperament, small size and charming personality makes them a wonderful, easy-to-live-with pet.,Looking to expand your pet family with a rare breed of dog? We’ve asked an expert at the American Kennel Club to share ten lesser-known breeds with a bit of information on how they originated.

In This Article What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder? View 5 More +

It’s no secret that you love your pet, and why shouldn’t you? Love Your Pet Day is a whole day devoted to celebrating this unbreakable bond. “Pets provide their owners with unconditional love… and this can improve one’s quality of life in many ways,” notes Dr. Rachel Barrack of Animal Acupuncture. Pets work hard to make us laugh, play, relax and calm down when we’re stressed out. Some pets even have professional jobs doing this sort of stuff. And even if your dog isn’t in the service animal profession, surely your little furball is a multitasker who single-pawedly takes on a number of daily jobs just to make your life better. Door Greeter: You never know what the day might bring, but one thing you can count on is an enthusiastic greeting at the end of it. Whether it’s out-of-control tail wagging dog behavior, welcome home hops from your bunny, a happy chirp from your bird or fervent head butting in a show of cat love, there’s always someone who’s happy you’re home. Comedian: Pets are always willing to embarrass themselves and pull risky stunts just to get a smile out of us. How many times has your cat squished herself into a tiny box or ridden the Roomba just to get a chuckle? If you’re a chinchilla lover, you probably have more than one video of him flipping and spinning in his dust bath or bouncing off walls when he’s popcorning. And dogs? They’re comedians by nature. For Love Your Pet Day, you can show how much you love your pet jokesters by giving him something fun like Super Catnip Crazy Pants or the Silly Sandwich toy. Therapist: When you’re feeling blue, there’s nothing better than petting or talking to your pet. They might not know what you’re saying, but their sixth sense puts them in tune with your mood. Rosalind Sedacca, Divorce and Parenting Coach, author, and founder of the Child-Centered Divorce Network, explains that pets offer kids and adults “unconditional love, nurturing and comfort… as they move through tension, anxiety and grief.” They do what they can to lift your spirits, and they lend “an appreciative ear when you want to vent or shed tears.” Heart and Lap Warmer: Lap warmers bring a special kind of dog love or cat love by reminding you to take time to relax. “Interacting with pets has also been shown to reduce stress and even blood pressure levels,” says Dr. Barrack. Their calming powers help relieve anxiety and regulate your heart rate. When a pet’s curled up in your lap, it’s the perfect time for your daily meditation. Plus, you’ll save tons of money on throws, hot water bottles and Snuggies. If your pet is the one who’s a nervous Nellie, he might enjoy a Bug Eyes toy for Love Your Pet Day, and it’s sure to make you laugh, too. Social Life Manager: Having a pet means you’re instantly part of the pet parent club—a whole network of likeminded animal lovers. Dr. Barrack agrees that “pets can encourage owners to interact with more people,” whether it’s online or at the dog park, “because who doesn’t love meeting a cute dog or cat?!” Even if you’re a lone wolf, pets offer friendship with no strings attached. It’s like having a best buddy who always has time to spend with you and never gives you side-eye for a lapse in judgment. As a fun Love Your Pet Day activity, schedule a play date with a neighbor. Life Coach: Sure, you can teach your Parrot to dance or your dog to shake hands, but pets teach us so much more. These full-time life coaches help kids learn about responsibilities, which can build confidence. And adults and children alike can learn a thing or two about patience and commitment from caring for a pet. Pets can also help you navigate all sorts of life challenges by providing stability and love with no strings attached. Personal Trainer: Pets make the perfect exercise partners, and they give you a reason to get out of the house and get moving. As Dr. Barrack remarks, “owning a dog forces someone to be more active.” Most pets need regular physical activity for their pet health, and it’s up to you to take them for walks or runs and to make the most of playtime. For Love Your Pet Day, try out a new toy like a Jolly Ballhorse toy, Cat Charmer teaser toy or Ultra Ball fetch toy. Work Assistant: “Many companies allow pets in the workplace, as employers believe it helps reduce stress and encourage interactions between coworkers,” says Dr. Barrack. We’ve got tons of canine and feline help here in the Chewy office, so we definitely know the value of pets at work. They keep morale strong and help you stay calm so you can be a real problem solver. Plus they help rearrange all your important papers (even without you having to ask), keep meetings from getting boring and make excellent keyboard covers. High-Profile Models: As exclusive models for your social media accounts, your pets are always willing to strike a pose. Some of them don’t even have to try—they’re naturals! And of course, everyone needs to see that cute thing they just did, especially on Love Your Pet Day. Be sure to get the Polo Dog Shirt for your next photo shoot for an extra dose of cuteness. Well, it’s time to shower your best bud with love and appreciation for all of their hard work. Perhaps it calls for a special new toy or treat. But don’t just limit it to a day—find little ways to make every day Love Your Pet Day!