Dogs

Avoiding Health Issues With Purebred Dogs You can avoid purchasing a purebred or hybrid puppy with genetic diseases by only buying from reputable breeders who test for genetic diseases that are common in the puppies they are breeding. You will pay more for puppies that have been certified to be disease-free, but the old adage holds true here: You get what you pay for. If you have a mixed breed dog and you want to know the genetic ancestry and any potential genetic diseases that he or she may be predisposed toward, the good news is that science is on your side. There are testing kits that allow you to easily swab your dog’s cheek at home, and you send in the sample to get all the genetic information you need on your dog. Embark breed identification and health detection dog DNA test kit, Wisdom Panel 3.0 breed identification dog DNA test kit and DNA My Dog breed identification test kit are some of the genetic testing kits available for you to test your dog at home. Knowledge is power, and knowing your dog’s genetic ancestry and markers for disease allows you to make lifestyle changes early so you can hopefully prevent disease. By: Dr. Sarah Wooten Featured Image: iStock.com/PK Photos,WRITTEN BYSarah Wooten, DVM Veterinarian Dr. Sarah Wooten graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. A member of the American Society of Veterinary Journalists,…,Have you heard the claim that purebred dogs have more health problems than mixed breed dogs? Is it true, or is it just a myth? What Qualifies a Dog as a Purebred Dog? A dog is defined as purebred if he or she has been registered with the American Kennel Club and has papers to prove that the mother and father are both of the same breed. If the papers show that a dog’s ancestors all come from the same breed, then that dog is considered to be a pedigreed purebred dog. Purebred dogs are a product of selective breeding by humans. Dogs from the same breed are chosen for their genetic traits, such as size, temperament, coat type and color, and then bred together.

A little rain in the forecast doesn’t mean you have to postpone your pup’s walk–at least, not if you have the right doggy raincoat for the occasion. And when it’s time to upgrade your dog’s raincoat, keep in mind the two F’s: Is it functional? (In other words, will it help keep your dog from turning your home into a water park?) And is it fashionable? (Because why wouldn’t you want your pup to look as good as you do?) That’s right, doggy raincoats can be both practical and stylish. And this year, fashion trends are as exciting as ever, embracing bright, bold hues and celebrating the return of some of our favorite nostalgic prints. So, without further ado, ahead are the best raincoats for dogs that’ll not only keep your best friend dry but also help your pup show off the latest in dog–and pet parent–fashion.

Fresh dog food is gaining popularity among pet parents who appreciate the importance of good nutrition—but deciding what type is only half the battle. Equally important is determining how much fresh food to feed a dog. Too much food and your dog will become overweight. Too little and they can become too skinny and suffer from nutritional deficiencies. It’s best to get recommendations from your veterinarian that are tailored specifically to your dog’s needs. Here’s what you need to know about feeding your dog the correct amount for them.

You might not look at your dog slurping and gulping water into his throat (and all over your floor) as an engineering marvel. But you might want to look again. A study out of Virginia Tech on the mechanics of dogs drinking water shows that what looks like a sloppy mess to us, is actually quite an interesting and complicated feat. Cats and dogs both have incomplete cheeks, which is something all predatory animals have in common. This is because, as predators, they need to be able to open their mouths extra wide to kill their prey. A dog’s lips go all the way around the mouth. As a result, they are unable to purse their lips and use their cheek muscles to make a vacuum in the mouth to draw water into the mouth. Sadly, no straws for dogs!

Memorial Day weekend is filled with fun, festive celebrations with your loved ones, including your furry best friends. And with many of these celebrations and events take place outside (including backyard BBQs), it’s important to consider holiday pet safety. We spoke with a vet about the cat and dog safety tips pet parents should keep in mind this Memorial Day weekend, from protecting pets from the heat to helping calm them down when the fireworks go off.

In This Article 10 Reasons for Dog Shaking View 2 More +

Few things send a pet parent into panic mode faster than seeing their dog choking. It can happen in an instant over a bite of kibble, a chewed-up toy, or something your pup grabbed off the ground when you weren’t looking.   We spoke to two veterinarians to understand the most common causes of dog choking and how to help a choking dog. From recognizing the signs to performing the doggy Heimlich, here’s what every dog parent should know. 

Your dog’s heart works every single day to keep blood pumping through their body and to keep every organ functioning. When that pressure rises above normal levels, however, it can put strain on the heart, kidneys, eyes, and other organs.   High blood pressure in dogs is often considered a “silent threat” that’s not obvious until serious complications arise.   Learn what high blood pressure is, common causes, signs to look for, and how to manage it.  

You’re snacking on a bowl full of juicy, chopped watermelon, but can your dog have a taste too? What fruits can dogs eat? Several fruits, from apples to watermelon, make great snacks for dogs—as long as they’re served in moderation. And not only are they OK for your canine companion to enjoy as treats, but they may also offer health benefits. Conversely, a handful of fruits are no-gos. Before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, always check with your veterinarian.

Food processor Slicing knife Measuring cup Spatula Spoon Cookie sheet Plate or platter for freezer,Pumpkin is a powerhouse fall food that has many benefits for dogs. It aids in digestion and packs a bunch of antioxidants for prime pet nutrition. This recipe mixes hearty kale and tasty turkey with pumpkin for a yummy autumn snack that’s perfect for your pups.