Parasites are common in dogs and most dogs will have some at various times in their lives. They can be external or internal. They include fleas, worms, mites, and ticks. They are easy for your dog to pick up, either from other dogs or from the environment. Left untreated, most parasites can cause serious problems…
To appreciate how glucosamine can help to manage osteoarthritis in dogs, we need to understand a little science. When a dog has osteoarthritis, the fluid in his joints becomes thinner and is less effective at lubricating the movement of the bones. Also, the cartilage at the end of the bones becomes damaged and eroded over…
Feeding cats and dogs in our modern world is relatively easy. Most of us simply go to the store and buy some pet food off the shelf. We may start to think that there’s not much difference in the diet of our cat and dog, but that would be incorrect. Just because their food is…
At the risk of sounding like I’m avoiding giving a direct answer, I have to say, “it depends.” If your dog has been diagnosed with a skin disease and is being treated with a medicated shampoo or rinse, follow the directions given to you by your veterinarian or what is printed on the bottles. A…
It’s not exactly a battle of the sexes, but there are definitely differences between male and female dogs. People who have male and female dogs often have definite opinions about which gender makes the better pet. If you’re trying to decide, “Should I get a male or female dog?” then here’s what you should know…
If you have a purebred puppy you may be wondering if there are any differences in training between purebred puppies and crossbred puppies or mixes. After all, some dogs are bred for specific jobs such as hunting or herding, or guarding. When it comes to training a purebred puppy, is it different from training any…
A newbie onto the scene of cat food could be easily forgiven for thinking the choice out there is truly mind-boggling. At first glance it is. Food for kittens, dry food, semi-moist food, meals for cats, prescription diets, organic food, food with added nutrients, therapeutic diets, canned food, meals in sealed packets, chicken flavor, cat…
You feel as though you cannot step out your own front door without risking life and limb. You avoid parks, beaches, and strange neighborhoods because you never know when you may come face to face with one. When you do see one, your heart races, panic rises, and you change directions, cross the street, or…
Hip dysplasia is one of the most common problems afflicting large and giant breeds of dogs, including Germans shepherds, labradors and golden retrievers, and Rottweilers. Males are at a greater risk for developing the disease than females, possibly because of their larger size and more rapid growth. The primary cause of hip dysplasia is genetic;…
There is always tremendous controversy whenever anyone brings up the subject of the intelligence of dogs. With over 160 breeds and varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club, someone will always be at the bottom of the list. In a book called The Intelligence of Dogs, author Dr. Stanley Coren asked over 200 professional dog…
It may seem a little far-fetched but there are many dog owners who see an acupuncturist for their dogs. They may be seeking to alleviate pain or they may believe that acupuncture provides treatment for incontinence, arthritis, cardiovascular disorders, gastrointestinal problems, and many others. Does it work? Does acupuncture provide genuine relief for a dog’s…
I was visiting home several weeks ago and found myself wandering down memory lane with a family photo album on my lap. In my meanderings, I stumbled across a yellowing portrait of me with my first pet, Snowball the Cat. Snowball is stretched regally across an aqua and purple armchair; I am draped across his…