Dogs

A   Abe Of English origin and meaning “Father of Nations,” it was also the name of America’s 16th president. Ace A term for the best card in the deck, “ace” can also mean an expert. Alex In honor of “Jeopardy!” host Trebek baseball legend Rodriguez—it’s up to you. Alfie A classic 1966 rom com starring Michael Caine that was remade in 2004 with Jude Law. Ali Iconic boxer Muhammad Ali floated like a butterfly and stung like a bee, winning Olympic gold in 1960 and heavyweight titles along the way. Alpha The first letter of the Greek alphabet, the name Alpha will let all the other dogs know who’s in charge. Amigo Meaning “friend” in Spanish, this is a perfect dog name for your new bestie. Andy Short for Andrew, which means “brave” or “manlike” in Greek. Angus A top-notch grade of beef that also means “choice” in Scottish. Apollo The name of the Greek god of sun and light also belongs to six outer space missions that successfully landed humans on the Moon and brought them back to Earth. Archer For outdoorsmen, this literally means “bowman.” Archie Fit for a royal pup, this is the name of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s son. Ares The Greek god of war, this name translates to “ruin”—perfect for the toy chewer in your life. Arlo After singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie or the character Arlo Givens on the hit show “Justified.” Armani Feeling stylish? Fashion icon Giorgio Armani made this name famous. Arthur A favorite name in fiction, Arthur was both a medieval king and the beloved aardvark who stars in the children’s adventure book and television series. Aspen A posh Colorado ski resort town. Astro Greek for “of the stars,” and also Houston’s Major League Baseball team. Atlas In Greek mythology, Atlas is the Titan who holds up the world. Atticus “Atta boy, Atticus” has a nice flow to it, right? Avery This name of English origin means “ruler of the elves”—perfect for a pup who’s a natural born leader. Axel Dating as far back as the 10th Century, the name Axel has many other spellings, including Aksel, Axelle and, yes, Axl (as in Rose, the lead singer of Guns N’ Roses).,So you’ve got a new dog, and he’s a very good boy? Congrats! One of your first tasks as a dog parent is choosing the perfect male puppy name for your new furry fellow. Will you choose a name based on his color, breed or personality? Only one thing is certain: You’ll know the right name when you see it. So browse our list of male dog names. With nearly 500 choices to consider, there’s no better dog name list for your inspiration. Looking for girl dog names? We’ve got 500 ideas for your female dog, too.

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Just like people, dogs can suffer from dental problems. If you’re looking to keep gum disease at bay, dog dental chews should be a part of your dog’s oral care routine—in addition to regular teeth brushings and veterinary cleanings. The best dental chews for dogs will not only satisfy your dog’s natural urge to gnaw, but also help remove plaque and prevent tartar buildup, which can damage teeth and gums. Finding the right chew for your pup’s individual dietary needs and jaw size is essential. From big to bitty, all-natural to extra-durable, these are the top-selling and top-rated dental chews for dogs—tested and approved by Chewy pup parents like you.

You give the perfect birthday present to your dog: a plush toy with an all-star squeaker, but within minutes, they rip it to shreds. How rude! Toy destruction is a frustrating (and puzzling) behavior, and it’s also not safe. As with any attempt at behavior management, understanding the reasons behind the action is the first step to success. Two veterinary behaviorists dissect the top reasons for why dogs destroy toys, how to prevent this behavior from becoming life threatening and what materials to seek out when shopping for the toughest dog toys.

This may seem like a simple question, but the answer may not be clear from the breeder’s website—or even at their home or facility. When you ask a dog breeder this question, you’re looking to find out how dedicated they are to their pack. There’s no hard and fast rule or number here, because variables like space, time and finances all come into play, says Becky Smith, president of the French Bulldog Club of America. In general, she says, “They should not have so many dogs that they cannot give each one individual attention.” Smith also suggests asking how often they breed their dogs, which can give you a sense of how they treat the puppies’ mother, often referred to by breeders as the dam. Again, there’s no exact rule for how often a dog should produce a litter—only that breeding is done with care and respect for the mother. “The main element is to make certain the mother has fully recovered before breeding again,” she says. “Breeders most certainly should not be churning out puppies with no regard to the health and well-being of the dam.”  ,You’ve made that first big decision—you’re going to get a new dog. Congratulations! Your next choices are just as important: What breed of dog will you bring home, and will you look for them at a reputable breeder or a shelter or rescue? Doing research is crucial, and it helps to know exactly which questions to ask a dog breeder during your search. “But wait,” you may be thinking, “why would I contact a breeder if I’m considering adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue?” In fact, there are plenty of great reasons! Even if you ultimately adopt from your local shelter or rescue, talking with responsible dog breeders can give you the inside intel on their breed and even help point you toward breed-specific rescue groups. If you do decide that you’d like to purchase a dog, how can you be sure you’re buying a dog from an ethical, responsible dog breeder? Again, the answer is research. We spoke to representatives from two national dog breed clubs to learn some of the most important questions to ask a dog breeder as you search for the newest member of your family.

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Routine vet visits are one of the most important ways you can protect your dog’s health and well-being. But how often should those visits happen? The answer depends on your dog’s age, lifestyle, and health history.   Whether you’re raising a new puppy or caring for a senior dog, knowing when to see the vet—and what to expect—helps you stay ahead of health issues and build a stronger bond with your pup.  Here’s a breakdown of how often you should take your dog to the vet at each stage of life, plus tips for spotting emergencies and making the most of each visit. 

It’s hard to tell who loves dog treats more: the pampered pups or the adoring pet parents. It’s true: Everyone loves giving a Good Boy or Good Girl a snack! Additionally, treats can make training more exciting and rewarding. However, not all dog treats are created equal. As part of your dog’s diet, treats should be high-quality, wholesome and tailored to your individual pet’s needs. But remember, treats should never make up more than 10% of your furry friend’s diet. Looking for the best dog treats for your best friend? You’re in luck! We rounded up our most-loved dog treats—as chosen by pet parents like you—as well as expert advice for smart snacking.

Senior dogs tend to sleep and nap a lot, getting 16–18 hours of sleep daily, says Amber Karwacki, DVM, a veterinarian at Heart + Paw in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. That’s quite a bit when you consider there are only 24 hours in the day.  By comparison, the normal amount of sleep for adult dogs ranges from eight to 13 hours, with adult small- and medium-size dogs sleeping less compared to large dogs and puppies. ,Q: I’ve noticed that my senior pup naps a lot more than usual and sometimes even sleeps all day. Should I be worried? Or is this totally normal?   A: While you might feel concerned with all those naps and reduced energy levels, it’s perfectly normal for your dog’s sleep patterns and general behavior to change as their muzzle goes gray!  We spoke to veterinarians to learn why dogs sleep more as they get older, how much sleep is normal for senior dogs, and when there’s potential cause for concern.