Dogs

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Dogs who have trouble generating and maintaining body heat on their own may need sweaters or coats during cold weather. “Dog clothes in wintertime are recommended in small toy breed dogs or dogs with short hair coats (either naturally or due to grooming),” says Dr. Barrack. Smaller dogs typically have less body fat and are closer to the cold ground, often necessitating a jacket for warmth. Similarly, even larger dogs with thin body types, like Greyhounds, may require clothing during cold weather. “Other dogs [who] may need sweaters are older dogs with compromised immune systems or dogs with endocrine issues that result in thinned coats,” says Dr. Barrack. Conditions such as Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism impact hair growth; a jacket helps trap body heat and will prevent your elderly or sick dog from getting cold. Some dogs, however, don’t need a jacket—their natural fur coats function like one! “Large breed dogs with thick coats, like Bernese Mountain, Saint Bernard, Newfoundland and Siberian Huskies, among others, do not require extra insulation from a coat or a sweater in the winter,” says Dr. Barrack. These breeds of dogs have evolved to have thick insular coats to keep them warm in colder climates, so putting a jacket on them could cause them to overheat and hinder their natural body temperature control mechanisms.,During dog walks during the frigid winter months, you may wonder, “Do dogs need coats or sweaters?” The answer: Dog clothes—while absolutely adorable—are not just for fashion-forward pups. Dressing your dog in a cozy sweater or dog hoodie is a great way to help them stay warm. “When the temperature drops, some dogs may benefit from dog sweaters or dog jackets to keep warm,” says Dr. Rachel Barrack, DVM, CVA, CVCH of Animal Acupuncture in New York City. If you notice your pup shivering when you head out for your daily walks, then yes, your dog needs a coat or sweater. But before you go shopping for new pet apparel for your pet, here are a few things you should keep in mind.

Other Potential Dangers for Tiny Teacup Dogs Tiny teacup dogs also face other dangers related to their size. Hypothermia The smaller the dog, the harder it is for them to stay warm. If teacup dogs aren’t protected from the cold, they can develop hypothermia and frostbite. Even when temperatures are relatively mild, teacup dogs may need to wear a sweater or coat when temps drop. Difficulty Dosing Medications Most common dog medications, including heartworm, flea, and tick preventives, are labeled for use in dogs that weigh 5 pounds or more. Teacup dogs often need to take compounded medications (which increases their expense) or use medications in an off-label manner. Complications With Anesthesia and Surgery Safely anesthetizing and performing surgery on teacup dogs can be done, but it’s not always easy. Everything from placing an IV catheter, to repairing a broken bone, to keeping the anesthetized dog warm is harder when they are this small. Fragility Teacup dogs are more likely to be seriously wounded if they experience a traumatic injury. Their bones are relatively fragile, so even normal activities, like jumping off a bed, can lead to fractures. Additionally, teacup dogs and especially teacup puppies seem to become sicker faster than bigger dogs. Stress alone is sometimes enough to send fragile dogs like these to the veterinary hospital.,Should You Adopt a Teacup Puppy? For all these reasons, purchasing a teacup puppy doesn’t make a lot of sense. Typically, a pet parent looking for a small dog can find a healthier and heartier option in a puppy that has been bred to meet the breed standard. If you’re absolutely set on having a small teacup dog, talk to a breeder of “regular-size” dogs who performs all the breed-specific tests recommended by the Canine Health Information Center. Smaller-than-normal pups are born from time to time, and reputable breeders are always looking for good homes for them—with the condition they are not bred as an adult. Featured Image: iStock/michellegibson,Small dogs can be a lot of fun. They make great companions and travel buddies, and are easy to exercise and clean up after. So, if small is good, wouldn’t smaller be even better? Not so fast. Despite their popularity, purchasing a “teacup” puppy supports unethical breeding practices and results in teacup dogs that can have some truly intense health problems.

By Nicole Pajer When you go to pet another animal, your pup may jump in between and push your hand away from the other dog. Or your cat may meow excessively because you’re not paying attention to them. But are these actually jealous behaviors? Suzanne Hetts, applied animal behaviorist and co-owner of Animal Behavior Associates in Littleton, Colorado, says the jury is out on whether a cat or dog feels the same type of jealous feelings that humans do.

The liver is a vital organ that keeps your dog’s body running smoothly. Some functions of the liver include:  Helping with digestion  Storing nutrients  Detoxifying harmful substances  Supporting the immune system  Metabolizing medications  Managing blood sugar levels  In simple terms, liver disease is any condition that prevents the liver from functioning properly. It can be chronic (meaning the liver becomes damaged over a long period of time) or acute (meaning the disease comes on suddenly and requires more immediate care).   While “liver disease” is a general term, there are several specific types, including:  Chronic Hepatitis  Long-term inflammation that leads to liver cell damage and scarring, hepatitis can be caused by infectious agents (such as viruses), toxins, certain medications, or autoimmune responses, according to Bethany Hsia, DVM, co-founder of CodaPet in Clovis, California.  Acute Liver Failure  Liver failure in dogs is sudden, severe liver damage, often caused by toxin exposure or infections.  Cirrhosis  Cirrhosis is progressive liver scarring that can develop when there has been undetected, long-term (months to years) inflammation of the liver from a variety of causes, including hepatitis.   With cirrhosis, the liver is not functioning well—it’s a thick piece of leathery scar tissue instead of a spongy, soft tissue.   As the liver becomes increasingly scarred and damaged, it can lead to complications like portal hypertension (high blood pressure in the vein that carries blood from the organs to your liver) and liver failure, Dr. Hsia adds.  Wilson’s Disease (Copper Storage Disease)  Copper storage disease in dogs is a genetic condition where copper accumulates in the liver, causing damage. Wilson’s disease is common in breeds like Bedlington Terriers and Dobermans.  Liver Tumors  Benign and malignant tumors can develop in a dog’s liver. They can develop from liver cells themselves (called hepatocellular carcinoma) or from metastasis from other body parts, explains Dr. Hsia.  Portosystemic Shunts  Most commonly, liver shunts in dogs are due to birth defects (congenital) in which blood bypasses the liver, limiting its ability to detoxify. It’s more common in puppies and small breeds, says Samuel Varon, DVM, owner of Broadway Veterinary Hospital in Sacramento, California.  In some cases, liver shunts (acquired) can form in older dogs as a result of illness. ,Liver disease in dogs happens when the liver becomes inflamed or damaged and can no longer function normally. It’s more common than pet parents might think; and while it can be serious, it’s also often manageable with the right care.   In many cases, early detection and treatment can slow the progression of the disease, ease your dog’s symptoms, and help your pup live a longer, healthier life. Here’s what to know about the disease, including signs, treatment, prevention, and more. 

As a dog parent, you’ve probably witnessed your dog roll in a pile of poop at least once. Maybe you’ve taken your dog on a quick walk around the neighborhood or enjoyed a weekend away in nature, when “bam!”—they’re suddenly writhing around in a pile of poop without a care in the world. This rolling behavior—when a dog rubs or rolls their body in a strong-smelling substance—is known as scent rolling. “Dogs will often sniff, then drop the side of their face, shoulder and body into the scent and wriggle back and forth or drag their body across the scent,” says Erin Askeland, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, Camp Bow Wow‘s animal health and behavior expert in Atlanta, Georgia. And poop isn’t the only stinky thing they may roll in. In fact, Dr. Amy Attas, VMD, founder of mobile veterinary practice City Pets: The House Call Vets in New York City, shares that dogs often enjoy covering themselves in a number of smelly things, including: Feces Animal carcasses Decaying plants, including compost, mulch and fertilizer Urine from dogs, cats and wildlife Other strong-smelling substances, including spoiled food and garbage It may be weird to us (and pretty gross, TBH), but Dr. Attas says this behavior is typical in both domestic dogs and wild dogs, and it’s often influenced by a dog’s instincts, social structure and individual personality. “While it may seem unpleasant to us, it is a normal part of dog behavior,” she says.,When I take my dog out for a walk, he likes to stop and roll in smelly stuff, particularly poop. The worst part is, it’s not even his own poop! I’m trying to understand this baffling behavior. Why do dogs roll in poop?

Flea bites aren’t just unpleasant for your pooch—they also leave some distinctive physical symptoms behind. When searching for signs of fleas, here’s what to look for: Red Bumps: Dog flea bites can appear as individual red dots or grouped together as a cluster of tiny bumps. Rash: If your dog has a really nasty flea infestation, the flea bites can look more like a pink or red rash spread across their skin. Scabs: A dog that’s constantly scratching or biting at their flea bites will eventually develop skin infections, abrasions, or scabs. Ouch! Hair loss: Because dogs are bigger animals, hair loss might not be as apparent, but they can experience some hair thinning due to flea bites. In addition to flea bites, you may also spot live fleas on your dog. Here’s how to identify them.,Jump to section What Do Flea Bites on Dogs Look Like? Where Are Flea Bites Usually Found on Dogs? Other Symptoms of Flea Bites on Dogs Treatment for Flea Bites on Dogs How to Prevent Flea Bites on Dogs

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Xylitol poisoning in dogs is a medical emergency. This common sugar substitute, found in everything from gum to sugar-free peanut butter, can be extremely toxic to dogs, even in small amounts.  Xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar or even liver failure, and symptoms can come on fast.   Here’s what pet parents need to know, including how to spot the signs, what to do if it happens, and how to reduce the risk of poisoning in the first place. 

Most dogs have a dark nose—black or brown is common—but dog noses can start to look different for a variety of reasons. Some conditions are harmless (a snow nose dog, for example) while others require veterinary attention.   You’re in the right place if you’re wondering, “Why is my dog’s nose turning pink?” or if you’ve noticed other changes to your dog’s nose.