Dogs

Understand the airline carrier’s rules for dogs on planes—before you book your ticket, says Charlie Hobart, public relations manager for United Airlines in Chicago, Illinois. “Review all the information … in terms of the policies,” Hobart says. “What you need to do when you get to the airport, what needs to be done when you get on board the aircraft, and most importantly, what you should do to prepare your pet for the travel experience.” Each airline’s rules may vary, but most will require dogs to be stowed in an airline approved pet carrier of specific dimensions at your feet for the whole flight.,Ready to jet off on vacation? Taking your dog along can make a family getaway all the more fun, but before you put Fido in his carrier, it’s best to prepare for traveling with a dog on a plane. It isn’t as simple as showing up at the airport with your dog in tow. Frequent fliers agree that flying with a dog can be a pleasant experience for all—if you take a few important steps. They share their secrets for a stress-free flight below.

If you see a Foxhound or Harrier of correct and true breed type, you will never have to guess if it is an American, English or Harrier hound. It is indisputable that all three hound breeds arose from common ancestors. Harriers were bred down in size from English Foxhounds and are accurately described as “a smaller version of the English Foxhound.” At the time of the American Revolution, Lord Fairfax sent several English Foxhounds to George Washington, who is credited with crossing these hounds with various sighthounds to produce the foundation of the American Foxhound breed. All three hound breeds were developed to hunt in packs followed by mounted huntsmen, having all the attributes of scenting pack hounds. However, since quarry and terrain differed, the breeds evolved in various ways to better suit their jobs. When dog breeders, exhibitors and judges meet to discuss what makes each breed unique, they use terms such as “head breed” and “outline breed.” If they were to describe the English Foxhound, American Foxhound or Harrier in such stereotypical fashion, they would call them “running gear breeds,” indicating the importance of feet and legs in these functional pack hounds. The AKC breed standard for the English Foxhound, composed more than 50 years ago by fox hunters, outlines the essential components of a successful working hound. The scale of points assigns 20 points to legs and feet, 5 points to elbows, 10 points to hindquarters and 10 points to shoulders, awarding 45 of 100 points to the merits of the hound’s running gear. Assigning only 5 points to the head eliminates any notion that the English Foxhound ever be thought of as a “head breed.” The American Foxhound breed standard also includes a scale of points, assigning a full 15 points to the feet alone, included in the total 35 points for running gear. Shoulders are assigned another 15 points. The Harrier standard itemizes running gear, along with scenting ability, as particularly important features of this scenting pack hound.

Watching a dog have a seizure is a terrifying event for most pet parents. If you have ever experienced this, you may wonder what causes dogs to have seizures?

You probably find yourself grabbing the leash multiple times a day. And while you might not give it much thought, a dog leash is actually a pretty important piece of equipment. Keeping your dog by you when you’re outside of your home protects your pet, other animals and people. It also saves yourself the hassle of cleaning muddy paws, because you can steer your canine away from those puddles. (Hey, at least you can try!) But do you have the right leash for the job? Dog leashes come in a variety of materials and styles, from leather and nylon to retractable and hands-free. Does your dog pull? A shorter leash might be a good option because it will allow for more control. Going for a run? A hands-free leash will allow you more mobility while keeping your dog by your side. To help you pick the best dog leash for your needs, we’ve broken them down into different categories, highlighting which types of dogs they’re best for.

Ah, fall: The time of year where we sip our pumpkin spice lattes (or, more commonly known as PSLs) on the way to work and spend our weekends carving pumpkins and baking pumpkin seeds. But before you clean out some pumpkins and treat your pup to the seeds, there are some safety tips you should know. Because, while raw pumpkin seeds are safe in moderation, they’re not as healthful as you might think. We spoke with Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, a veterinarian in Silverthorne, Colorado, to get the facts about pumpkin seeds for dogs. Turns out, not all the health benefits touted on the internet—including parasite prevention, allergy relief, and anti-inflammatory benefits—are true. Before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, always check with your veterinarian.

Pet parents want their fur babies to live happy, healthy lives. And making sure dogs and cats get the nutrition they need is a big part of that equation. As more humans turn to wholesome, nourishing ingredients and make natural lifestyle choices, pets also benefit from the top healthful trends.

If you’re a pet parent who wants the best for your dog, you may be curious about air-dried dog food—a minimally processed, shelf-stable option that is somewhat similar to a raw diet.  But what exactly is air-dried dog food, and is it the right choice for your pup? Here’s what to know before adding air-dried food to your dog’s bowl. 

The countdown is on for the big holiday, and part of the fun for many pet parents includes the opportunity to take your dog to visit Santa. However, before your trip to meet St. Nick, take a moment to check our list (twice!) for these easy tips to make your visit jollier. After all, a trip to visit the man in the red suit is usually one in which everyone—not just Santa—will know who’s naughty and who’s nice by the end of it.

You just welcomed a new pet into your family—congrats! Having a new furry, feathered or finned friend in the home is exciting and as you can probably attest to, involves a good deal of prep work. While you’ve stocked up on pet food, pet-proofed the house and bought more chew toys than you can count, there’s still one more thing you need to do: find a veterinarian. Finding a vet is important because they will be your partner in ensuring your new addition stays as healthy (and happy) as possible. OK, but how do you even go about finding a vet in the first place? Don’t fret. This guide on how to find a good vet can help. You’ll learn where to search and what questions to ask, plus how you can be the best parent-patient to make sure your pet ultimately receives the very best care.

More pet parents than ever are hitting the road with their four-legged companions. Whether jet-setting to a faraway destination or traveling domestically, there’s been a notable increase in pets joining their humans on flights. Thankfully, most U.S. airlines now allow pets on board—but each has its own airline pet policy.   We’ve rounded up what you need to know before booking your trip, so you and your pet can fly the friendly skies with confidence.