It’s never too early to start planning for a getaway, and what better way to get away from it all than to hit the nature trails with your favorite companion? We found some of the best national parks in the U.S. where dogs are welcome, so get your backpack and your hiking shoes ready for some adventure! Before you go, don’t forget to make sure your dog is current on vaccinations and is protected from ticks.
So, dogs shouldn’t eat lemon, but is lemon bad for dogs? Consuming small amounts of lemon likely won’t cause issues in your dog, but large amounts can be harmful or even toxic, says Jason Horgan, DVM, medical director of LeadER Animal Specialty Hospital in South Florida. Here are some of the reasons lemons are bad for dogs: They’re high in citric acid. Citric acid gives lemons the sour taste that makes your lemonade great, but it can be harmful for your pup. Citric acid can cause mouth and throat irritation, GI distress, and stomach upset (which presents as drooling, diarrhea, and/or vomiting). They contain toxic essential oils. The peels and pith (the white part between the rind and flesh) contain high amounts of limonene and linalool—two essential oils that are toxic to dogs. If consumed in large amounts, these essential oils can cause liver disease and, ultimately, liver failure. They contain other toxic compounds. The peel also contains compounds called psoralens, which can cause sensitivity to sunlight (phototoxicity). This can lead to eye and skin issues in your pup. The rind can be a choking hazard. Lemon rinds are tough and difficult to digest. If your dog swallows a large piece, it can present a choking hazard or become a bowel obstruction, according to Amy Farcas, DVM, MS, DACVIM, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist in San Carlos, California.,Jump to section Why Are Lemons Bad for Dogs? My Dog Ate Lemon—What Do I Do? Can Dogs Eat Other Citrus Fruits? FAQs About Dogs and Lemons
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Normal Eating, Sleeping, and Grooming Habits Perhaps the most subtle signs of a happy animal are those that also indicate a healthy animal. A happy cat will do their routine things on schedule—they eat well (too much or too little eating can be a sign of poor health), sleep an appropriate amount (most cats will sleep close to 20 hours a day), and keep their coat well-groomed and shiny. If you’ve noticed any changes in your cat’s appetite, sleep schedule, or grooming routine, talk to your veterinarian.,Using the Litter Box Happy cats use the litter pan as expected. Cats can show stress by urinating or defecating in places they aren’t supposed to, so a cat that isn’t using the litter box often or at all either has a medical issue or is trying to communicate that they are under stress.,Do you ever look at your cat and wonder whether they are happy? Cats don’t tend to wear their emotions on their sleeves, like many dogs do. However, cats experience the full range of emotions like any other animal, and with a little careful observation of their body language and practice, you will be able to tell if your cat is happy and enjoying life. How to Tell If a Cat Is Happy So what are some behaviors you might look for to know if your cat is happy? Here are nine signs of a happy cat: Purring Purring is one of the signs that most people recognize as a sign of a happy cat. For the most part, if a cat is purring, you can be assured that they are happy. There are rare instances, though, when a cat purrs because they are frightened or hurt, so you’ll need to take the circumstances into account. But if your cat is curled up next to you and seems relaxed, and their motor starts, you know for sure that your cat is content.
The holidays can be a confusing time for your pets. You may have guests visiting or travel plans that take your dog far from the comforts of his home, which can be understandably overwhelming for your pet. It’s not uncommon for holiday festivities to cause pet anxiety, which can lead to behavioral issues that can be disruptive to your celebrations at best. But you can prepare your pup beforehand by teaching good dog etiquette to help avoid bad dog behavior. When preparing your family for the festivities this year, use these dog etiquette tips to make holidays with dogs more enjoyable for everyone.
The chemicals produced by skunk sprays are called thiols—incredibly foul-smelling molecules that irritate lungs, nasal passages, and eyes, says Kimberly Boudwin, VMD, chief medical officer at Providence Animal Center in Media, Pennsylvania. Skunk spray doesn’t just smell awful; it can also cause health problems for your pup. It irritates their skin, and can cause eye problems like swelling, redness, and—in serious cases—even temporary blindness. Skunk spray that gets in your dog’s mouth may cause nausea, drooling, and vomiting. A rare complication (typically associated with a heavy spray or multiple sprays) is severe weakness from the spray damaging your pup’s red blood cells. For these reasons, it is important to keep a close eye on your pup for about three days after their exposure. Take your dog to the vet if you notice any of these signs or if they are not feeling like themselves. In the meantime, if you’ve found yourself in a stinky situation, do not simply hose your dog with water, as this can actually worsen the problem since water traps the odor onto your dog’s fur. Instead, follow these steps on what to do if a skunk sprays your dog.,Jump to section What To Do When a Skunk Sprays Your Dog Be Prepared for Future Skunk Encounters FAQs About De-Skunking Dogs
Tear stains on dogs are often caused by porphyrins, which are iron-carrying molecules that are the by-product of red blood cells being broken down. Porphyrins are carried in a dog’s tears, urine, and saliva, and when they come into contact with the pet’s fur, stains are produced. “The chemical reaction between porphyrins and fur is what causes the change in color,” says Zay Satchu, DVM, chief veterinary officer and co-founder of BondVet, based in New York City. In this case, the extent of a dog’s tear stains is determined by the quantity of porphyrins and tears produced by the individual pet, says Rachel Ann Stalcoskie, head stylist and co-owner of Rachel Ann’s Country Clips Pet Grooming in Pocono Summit, Pennsylvania. Tear stains on white dogs are typically more obvious but only because of their light fur. While tear stains on dogs are harmless, they may be indicative of an underlying medical issue. So, “If tear stains are a new development, it is a good idea to have a physical exam performed by a veterinarian to ensure there is no medical reason causing increased tear production that is leading to the staining,” recommends Dr. Satchu. Tear stains on dogs are sometimes due to either eye irritation or a tear duct system that doesn’t drain tears correctly. Normally, tears drain from the eyes to the nose—but a wonky tear duct system causes tears to flow over the eyelid and onto the face. What are some of the other things that may cause tear stains that your vet might want to rule out? Entropion: This is where the eyelids are positioned towards the eye instead of away. Some breeds, including English Bulldogs, Great Danes, and Miniature Poodles, are more susceptible. A yeast or fungal infection Abnormal eyelashes: Ectopic cilia, for example, occurs when one or more hairs grow abnormally. The hair then makes contact with the cornea (surface of the eye) and causes irritation and ulcers. Damage to the cornea: This is oftentimes caused by an infection or the result of an injury to the eye. Glaucoma: When fluid builds up, it increases pressure on the eye.,Jump to section What Causes Tear Stains on Dogs? How To Get Rid of Tear Stains on Dogs How To Prevent Tear Stains on Dogs
Q: Sometimes my dog will start scooting their butt across the floor out of nowhere, as if they’re trying to itch a scratch they can’t reach! I’m not sure if it’s just a silly quirk or if they need some medical attention. Is a dog dragging their butt normal? A: It’s fairly common to catch a dog scooting their butt across the floor, and while it might look funny, it’s usually a sign of discomfort. Scooting is often caused by skin irritation, leftover fecal matter, or pressure from the anal glands. While any dog can exhibit this behavior, it’s particularly common among smaller or stockier breeds, like Chihuahuas or Pugs. To learn more about why dogs drag their butts and how to help, we spoke with a canine behavior expert and a veterinarian who shared what pet parents need to know.
You can raise chickens in a backyard that has enough space for your coop and pen, and so long as your city, state, and HOA allows chickens. Each chicken needs at least 3 square feet of space in their coop and an additional 10 square feet of space in their pen.,Jump to section Can I Have Chickens in My Backyard? How Much Space Do Chickens Need? Supplies Needed for Raising Chickens Chicken Breeds and Sourcing Chickens Tips for Raising Backyard Chickens FAQ About Raising Chickens
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