Health

Doggie daycare can be a great option for pups who might otherwise spend the day alone. This editorial courtesy of Dr. Vivian Cardoso-Carroll, PetMD.com. My friend Jason Mayfield owns a pet boarding facility in the Houston area called the Bed Bath and Biscuit. He also trains dogs, zebras and apparently a slew of other exotic

Once-common surgeries to crop a dog’s ears and dock his tail have no place for modern pets. This past week, Banfield Pet Hospitals made headlines for creating a new hospital policy that prohibits their veterinarians from performing ear-cropping and tail-docking surgeries. As the largest veterinary hospital chain in America, Banfield has brought the cosmetic procedures

(Picture Credit: Getty Images) We all want our dogs to be as healthy and long-lived as possible, so it makes perfect sense to feed them well. But can the same ol’, same ol’ food that we plop into the bowl every day fulfill 100 percent of our dogs’ dietary needs? The short answer: it probably

(Picture Credit: jkitan/Getty Images) Dental disease is more than just a cosmetic issue. When your feline friend or canine companion has red gums, yellow teeth, and stinky breath, it could be a sign of serious oral disease that could, if left untreated, lead to devastating affects on your pet’s quality of life. Neglecting your pet’s

May is National Pet Cancer Awareness Month. While the diagnosis of cancer can be very heartbreaking, we wanted to shed light on some happy stories that will hopefully show the sheer strength and will power dogs can have. While hearing the word cancer might seem scary, hopefully these stories will give you some faith. A

Living with any roommate can be a struggle, but furry, four-legged roommates can take your frustration to a new level. Those claws, teeth, and annoying habits can wreak havoc on any space, particularly a small apartment. If you’re really hoping to keep your apartment and belongings intact while living with a dog, you’ll have to

(Picture Credit: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for ASPCA) Spaying and neutering are the best ways to keep the pet population from exploding. They lower the number of dogs and other animals in shelters, which leads to less euthanizing of unwanted pets and frees up resources at shelters so dogs can get the care they need. Spaying

(Picture Credit: DenGuy/Getty Images) Medicine has progressed for our canine friends, and many pet parents want safe, modern, alternative options to take care of their dogs. New high-tech solutions like light therapy can address many debilitating and uncomfortable conditions, like arthritis and skin infections. But what is light therapy for dogs? What does it do?

(Picture Credit: Fotoguru_se/Getty Images) Tartar and gingivitis are two of the most common problems seen in dogs by veterinarians. Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease, loss of teeth, and–if untreated–more serious conditions such as bacterial infections of the heart, liver, or kidneys. In fact, 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats

(Picture Credit: Getty Images) Leukemia in dogs is a form of cancer that results in an increased white blood cell count in the blood stream and bone marrow. It can be acute or chronic with the acute form being more malignant. There are two main types of canine leukemia. Lymphocytic leukemia is caused by cancerous

(Picture Credit: Getty Images) While not gravitating to the level of destruction, persistent barking, howling or indoor accidents. I feel stressed when my dog is alone. There are others out there feeling this way as well, I know it. Safety in numbers, pack mentality, groups of like-minded pet guardians. Right? A little bit of Googling

(Picture Credit: Getty Images) February is Spay & Neuter Awareness Month. As dog lovers, we should take this time to educate pet owners about the importance of spaying and neutering. These days we consider, spaying and neutering your pet as a regular part of being a responsible pet owner. However, it wasn’t always this way.

(Picture Credit: Getty Images) Neem oil is extracted from the seeds and bark of the neem tree, which is native to India, and is used as a natural insecticide, pesticide, skin treatment, and more for dogs. It is often chosen as an alternative to medications that repel fleas and ticks, as it is not toxic

(Picture Credit: Getty Images) February is National Pet Dental Health Month! Unfortunately, many pet parents never look inside their dogs’ mouths. That’s a shame because up to 80% of adult dogs have significant oral pathology. A dog’s mouth is the ideal incubator for all kinds of bacteria to thrive, partly because the mouth is warm and

(Picture Credit: Getty Images) Liver cancer in dogs is a tumorous growth in the lining of the liver, which is the organ responsible for removing toxins for the body, aiding in digestion, and helping with blood clotting. Tumors of the liver in dogs are usually benign, and cancerous tumors of the liver are most often the

(Picture Credit: Seth McConnell/The Denver Post via Getty Images) As much as you might like to bring your dog on your travels, sometimes it’s just not possible or practical. And you may have used up all your pet-sitting favors from family and friends. It’s time to go kennel shopping. As with other travel arrangements, planning

(Picture Credit: s5iztok/Getty Images) Are you having trouble deciding whether you should spay or neuter your dog? There are plenty of myths out there that could influence your decision. It’s important to get down to the truth about spaying and neutering. February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, and there’s no better time to sort out fact

(Picture Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images) The benefits of cannabidiol (CBD), or cannabis oil, for dogs have been the subject of recent scrutiny. Some dog owners claims that CBD helps their dogs with a host of medical conditions. Others hear that CBD comes from marijuana plants and immediately become wary of these products. With the current

(Picture Credit: Getty Images) Gingivitis in dogs is an inflammation of the gums and is the early stage of a gum disease called periodontal disease. It is very common in dogs and is treatable, though if left untreated, it can develop into advanced periodontal disease, which can lead to teeth loss. Gingivitis is caused by

(Picture Credit: Getty Images) Prostate cancer in dogs is a rare but deadly form of cancer that can easily metastasize and spread to other organs and areas of the body, including the lungs, bones, and lymph nodes. It can affect both neutered and non-neutered male dogs of any breed, though it is more common in

(Picture Credit: Hero Images/Getty Images) Doggy Daycare can be an important part of a dog’s socialization and exercise. It can also be super convenient for dog owners who want to board their dog while on vacation or at work and a real necessity for dog owners who don’t have a yard. But not all dogs

(Picture Credit: Getty Images) World Spay Day is observed on the last Tuesday in February every year. This year, that falls on February 26th, 2019. It’s a day to promote awareness and encourage pet owners to have their female animals spayed–as well as neutering their male pets–to keep the pet population under control. Every year, hundreds

(Picture Credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images) Alternative Therapies Lots of different therapies fall under the umbrella of alternative medicine (also called holistic medicine). But many of them have this philosophy in common: consider and treat all aspects of the patient’s life, not just the symptoms. Here are a few of the most popular ones: Acupuncture involves

(Picture Credit: Nataba/Getty Images) February is Pet Dental Health Month, so let’s spread the word about gum disease in dogs and try to educate fellow pet owners. By the tender age of three, more than 80 percent of dogs show signs of gum disease, according to the American Veterinarian Dental Society. It’s no surprise, then,

(Picture Credit: LIONEL BONAVENTURE/AFP/Getty Images) Lymphoma is a form of cancer in dogs that affects the lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that are important for immune system function. It’s one of the most common malignant tumors in canines. Mostly it’s found in the lymph nodes, the spleen, or the bone marrow, which is where

(Picture Credit: Getty Images) If you plan to leave your dog at home during the eight hours or so while you’re at work, or if you just plan to be out of the house for a while, your pooch is going to at least need a potty break and maybe a bit more care. There

(Picture Credit: Vladimir Weiss/Getty Images) August 17th is International Homeless Animals’ Day. The official slogan for the event is “Become part of the solution,” and there are plenty of ways to do so! The International Society for Animal Rights (ISAR) established International Homeless Animals’ Day in 1992, and it falls on the third Saturday in August ever

(Picture Credit: Hannah Mentz/Getty Images) Ah, the spring and summer months: The season to don those ever-fashionable hats and gloves and head outside for some gardening. But if you’ve got dogs, you might wonder if the chemicals that keep your roses blooming and your grass weed-free could hurt or even kill your pet. It’s not

(Picture Credit: Debra Bardowicks/Getty Images) Nothing uplifts our moods than our dogs kissing us to make us feel better. However, when the kiss comes with a stinky puff of doggy breath, it becomes harder to enjoy. Dental diseases affect the majority of adult dogs, and these diseases can really contribute to your pup’s halitosis. Regular

(Picture Credit: Getty Images) Bone cancer in dogs, also known as osteosarcoma, is a condition that results in an abnormal, malignant growth of immature bone cells. It is an extremely deadly and aggressive form of cancer that can easily metastasize, meaning it can spread to other parts of the body, and especially the lungs. Usually