Dogs

You’ve found a lost dog—now what? If you’re unsure what to do if you find a lost dog, you’ve come to the right place. Approximately 10 million pets go missing each year, according to American Humane. So, the chances of you encountering a lost pet are, unfortunately, fairly high. Helping a found dog get back home can be a joyous experience, but it also can be intimidating if you’re unsure of what to do. Here are some tips for what to do if you find a lost dog and how you can help get them home safely.

What Are Lumps on Dogs? Lumps on dogs refer to various kinds of growths, tumors, masses, or cysts. While these can happen anywhere in the body, the ones most easily seen are on, in, or under the skin. Normally, cells that make up tissues, organs, and body systems will copy themselves to replace older or damaged cells, and the older or damaged cells will undergo a process of cell death. Sometimes, this process of cell reproduction, growth, and death can become abnormal. If cells reproduce without stopping and/or older cells do not die, then a lump will form. Because any tissue can develop a lump, there are many types. The ones that are more easily seen or felt by pet parents can be divided into four broad categories: Lumps of the skin, the lining or the surface of organs, or the glands: Examples include papillomas and adenomas, which are benign, and carcinomas, which are malignant. Lumps of the deeper tissues, such as fat, muscle, bone, blood vessels, and nerves: Examples include lipomas and hemangiomas, which are benign, and sarcomas, which are malignant. Lumps of cell types found in the blood and lymph nodes: Examples include histiocytomas, which are benign, and lymphoma and mast cell tumors, which are malignant. Lumps of the gonads, such as the testicles in male dogs. Of the skin lumps, the most common in dogs are lipomas, sebaceous gland hyperplasia, mast cell tumors, histiocytomas, and papillomas. What Is the Difference Between Malignant and Benign Lumps? A benign lump is a type of tumor that may grow in the area that it develops but does not spread to any other areas of the body. A malignant lump has the capacity to spread to other areas of the body; this process is called metastasis. As noted, common benign lumps are lipomas and papillomas, and common malignant lumps are mast cell tumors. 4 Ways Veterinarians Diagnose Lumps on Dogs Fine-needle aspiration (FNA): This is the most common method for collecting a sample of cells. A needle attached to a syringe is inserted into the lump. The doctor will then draw a sample into the needle using the syringe. and move the needle around to be sure to get a good sample of cells. The contents are placed onto a microscope slide to be looked at closely. FNA can be done quickly, usually without sedation or anesthesia, because the needle size is the same as those used to give vaccines or draw blood. Biopsies: There are different types of biopsies, and which one is chosen will depend on factors such as the size and location of the tumor, the probable type of tumor, and the pet’s overall health. A biopsy can range from removing a small piece of the lump to the entire lump. Extracted tissues are usually sent to a lab for analysis, but your veterinarian may create an imprint or a scraping of cells from that biopsy to look at cells prior to preserving the larger sample. Fluid cytology: This will most often be used for lumps that are filled with fluid. The fluid is analyzed to see if there are any cells suspended in the fluid that could indicate the type of lump. Blood tests: For some lumps, blood tests can show changes suggestive of a possible tumor, but a definitive and thorough diagnosis ultimately requires a biopsy. What To Do if You Find a Lump on Your Dog Pet parents will usually see a bump, growth, or swelling on or under the skin or feel it while petting, grooming, or bathing their dog. If you notice a lump or bump, pay attention to when you noticed it, whether it changes in size and how quickly, whether it seems painful or bothersome, and where it is located on the body. Unfortunately, while many lumps and bumps are nothing to worry about, there is no easy way for you to know if a lump is a concern just by looking at or feeling it. The safest course of action is to have the lump evaluated by your veterinarian, who will likely suggest starting with a fine-needle aspiration. If a lump is malignant, waiting for a formal diagnosis and treatment will increase the chance of it spreading to other areas of the body. Even lumps that are benign can become a problem if too much time passes, because those lumps can enlarge and cause other problems due to their size. A small lump is generally a minor surgery to remove completely, while a larger lump can become a major surgery with more possible complications. Featured Image: iStock.com/zoranm

“The poodle fought off competition from a Pomeranian, a wire fox terrier, an Irish Wolfhound, a Samoyed, a Rottweiler and an American Cocker Spaniel in the final round of competition.,The show celebrates its 123rd anniversary this year.,LONDON (AFP) – A two-year-old poodle called Ricky on Sunday won the Best in Show award at Britain’s Crufts festival, the world’s largest annual dog show that this year attracted more than 21,000 entrants.

In This Article What’s In Fefé Dog Perfume? View 2 More +

We’ll let you in on a secret … there are actually two types of Corgis: Pembroke Welsh Corgis and Cardigan Welsh Corgis. While both pups have a similar look—an adorable mix of short legs, long body, and big ears—and share a friendly personality, there are distinct differences between the two. Here’s what to know about Pembroke Welsh Corgis versus Cardigan Welsh Corgis.

WRITTEN BYKaty Nelson, DVM Veterinarian Dr. Katy Nelson is the Senior Veterinary Relations Manager for Chewy Health, as well as an associate veterinarian at the Belle Haven Animal…,By Katy Nelson, DVM Many things can cause your puppy to shiver or tremble. It could be excitement that you’re home, or it could be from ingesting a toxin. But what if it is due to something that your puppy was born with? Is treatment possible, and will he recover?  What Is Shaking Puppy Syndrome? Shaking puppy syndrome, or hypomyelination, affects a young dog’s central or peripheral nervous system and involves the entire body. Myelin is the fatty protective sheath that covers every nerve in the body. When this protective sheath is too thin, as in hypomyelination, the electrical impulses can get lost between nerves and cause the nerves and corresponding muscles to malfunction.

6. Sheepadoodle (Old English Sheepdog-Poodle Mix) Photo by Cavan Images/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Sheepadoodles are an Old English Sheepdog-StandardPoodle cross that’s a friendly and fluffy dog. Like other doodle dogs, Sheepadoodles are playful and carefree, making them popular family dogs. But make sure you have the time (and funds) to dedicate to grooming, as the coat care for a Sheepadoodle requires daily brushing and regular professional grooming sessions. Weight: 65–85 pounds Height: 16–22 inches Lifespan: 12–15 years Coat colors: black, white, gray Coat texture: curly, medium Personality: active, friendly, playful, smart,7. Yorkiepoo (Yorkshire Terrier-Poodle Mix) Photo by Adobe Stock/Mary Swift Another small doodle breed, the Yorkiepoo’s parents are the Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie) and either a Toy or Miniature Poodle. Pet parents love them for their affectionate, gentle nature and tiny size—which makes them great for apartment-living. Weight: 3–15 pounds  Height: 7–15 inches Lifespan: 10–15 years Coat colors: brown, cream, black, gray, blue, gold Coat texture: wiry, curly Personality: intelligent, affectionate, gentle, outgoing,You may have seen some of the most common types of doodle dogs that have gained popularity in recent decades. Every doodle dog is a little different, based on the type of Poodle parent (Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle) and the breed they’re mixed with. Each doodle dog takes on traits from their parent breeds, but because there is no breed standard for any doodle, the dogs’ appearance, temperament, and care requirements can vary widely. This is part of the reason why it’s important to find a reputable breeder that prioritizes the health and care of their dogs. Even although every dog is unique—just like every human—below are a few general characteristics of each doodle dog breed so you can know what to expect in a potential pet.

By Nick Keppler About ten years ago, DNA test kits started appearing in pet supply stores. The product is a boon to anyone who has adopted a shelter dog and is curious: Are those the strong legs of a Doberman? Is that beardy face inherited from an Airedale forefather? Does that swimming talent come from some Labrador Retriever blood? The tests can also be important diagnostic tools for veterinarians. Many ailments and conditions stem from genetics passed down in the bloodlines of breeds and some sets of DNA complicate a dog’s reaction to medications. Identifying Genetic Health Risks DNA testing for dogs falls into two, potentially related categories – breed identification and identifying potential disease-causing mutations. Identifying a dog’s breed make-up with a DNA test may point to an increased likelihood of particular conditions developing in the future but is certainly not definitive. On the other hand, tests for specific genetic mutations, some of which are now being included in over the counter dog DNA test kits, are more predictive. “It may not be a bad idea to test for known mutations that cause diseases that require additional care for owners,” says Anna Kukekova, an assistant professor of genetics at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Department of Animal Sciences. “Some breeds have unique mutations.” Kukekova gives the example of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), an irreversible, largely untreatable genetic disease that causes blindness. It’s been documented in more than 100 breeds, but is more common to some. It was first diagnosed in Gordon Setters. Given that vision problems in dogs have a variety of causes, prognoses and treatments, detecting the mutation that causes PRA can be a valuable step in predicting what the future holds for a particular dog. “Knowing a dog’s combinations of breeds can spur the need to be aware of disease conditions known to affect a particular breed,” says Dr. Patrick Mahaney, a Los Angeles-based veterinarian and blogger. For example, he says herding breeds, like shepherds and collies, often carry a defect in the multi-drug resistance gene, MDR1 [also called ABCB1], which yields an increased likelihood of adverse reactions to some commonly prescribed medications. “From a standpoint of care provision, knowing if my patient had a defect in the MDR1 gene would lend valuable insight as to the potential for adverse reactions,” says Mahaney.

Communication between humans and dogs goes way beyond barks. Your dog’s body postures tell their own unique story. Decoding them is like learning a secret language. Something as simple as the position of your dog’s ears or head can tell you if your pup is feeling excited, scared, or stressed. Understanding your dog’s emotional state can help you be a better pet parent. If you know your pup is feeling worried, you can step in and help remove them from a nerve-wracking situation or calm their fears. Whether you’re a seasoned dog parent or new to the world of pups, this guide to your pup’s body language signals will help bridge the canine communication gap and create a stronger connection with your furry friend.

It’s that time of year again—the season when your Instagram feed is flooded with pets in cute holiday costumes and sitting pretty with St. Nick. Pet pictures with Santa make for a great keepsake or holiday card, but if your pet isn’t accustomed to being around crowds of people and other animals, wearing a costume, or sitting still next to a big, bearded stranger, it can be a stressful time for your pup or kitty. (And you.) Whether it’s your first time attempting pet photos with Santa or you’re looking for some tips to make it a fuss-free event, we have you covered.