Whether you have a Toy dog or a Great Dane, your pregnant bitch is likely to feel the need for a whelping box. There are a number of different approaches to providing your girl with a whelping box. We’ll examine some of the possibilities in this article. In the wild female wolves instinctively dig out…
Mastitis in dogs doesn’t occur frequently but it happens often enough that you should be aware of the potential for the problem. You should be able to recognize the symptoms of mastitis in your bitch so you can get your bitch appropriate treatment. Mastitis is a bacterial infection in one or more mammary glands. It…
Fifi survived the clumsy loving of that overweight, overexcited male who could not figure out which end was the one he wanted without a road map and some help from you and now the two of you are sitting on the couch eating bonbons and wondering whether or not she is ‘in the family way’….
Newborn puppies are a miracle. They are also somewhat fragile. They are entirely dependent upon their mother for their survival. And, since you control their environment, they are also dependent upon you. Caring for newborn puppies takes a great deal of commitment on the part of the breeder since any problem can quickly become very…
Many of us buy lots and lots of dog food. You can often save money by buying larger bags of kibble dog food. Or, if you have multiple dogs, you may need to buy large bags. When that’s the case, you may find that you have a storage problem. Storing dog food can present difficulties….
If you have a dog who makes the room rattle when he snoozes, you’re not alone. Snoring is a common condition in dogs, just as it is in humans. Brachycephalic breeds (short-nosed) such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boxers, frequently snore because of the shape of their muzzles and air passages. But dogs can also snore…
The term “bloat” refers to an over-distension of a dog’s stomach with food, air, or any other substance. In some cases, a dog that appears bloated may have simply overeaten or swallowed a large amount of air. Mild cases of this type of bloat can resolve on their own if a dog vomits, burps, or…
Caring for a pregnant dog is a big responsibility. Not only are you caring for your pregnant bitch but you’re also caring for the puppies that haven’t been born yet. There are some things you can do to help your bitch have a healthy, happy litter. Have your bitch checked by your vet before you…
Although dogs generally really are man’s (and woman’s) best friend, they can still be dangerous. Too often we forget that our family pet has the potential to inflict serious injury on us, our children, our friends, or our neighbors. Thankfully, we can reduce these risks through proper training and socialization but it’s also useful to…
Yorkshire Terriers are one of the most popular breeds in the United States but, like all dogs, they can be subject to their share of health problems. Some problems are congenital, meaning the dogs are born with them; and other problems are genetic. Some of the breed’s problems are due to the very small size…
Many people today don’t understand the canine heat cycle but it is similar in many ways to the heat cycle of other animals, with a few differences. In the wild, the female wolf usually comes in season once a year. Dogs have evolved away from this pattern in many cases. Some primitive breeds, such as…
If you’re interested in low-exercise dog breeds, it’s generally best to consider Toy breeds. Most of these small dogs have minimal exercise requirements that can be satisfied by playing in the house or by going for a walk when you take them outside to potty. Some of these breeds will also enjoy playing in a…