We all give our dogs at least one meal a day, depending on their needs. But what about treats? Maybe you’ve wondered if you’re giving your pup too many, or maybe you’re worried you’re being mean and not giving them enough. Are there any guidelines on how many treats to give per day? In this post, we’ll consider the amount, some healthy treat options, and a neat calculator you can try to get a general estimate of your pup’s overall calorie needs. But first, a quick disclaimer: The content in this post, including the embedded calculator, is meant to be for informational purposes only, and is no ..read more

We all want to get away from the hustle, the bustle, the daily stress and the people, all those people! Camping allows us to see new sights, be alone, figure out stuff, bonds us as a family, creates life-long memories and reminds us how lucky we are to live in this beautiful country. It’s good for our minds, bodies, and souls. It would be a shame to take this journey without your dog. Dogs are the domesticated ancestors of wolves. They have the instinctive drive of wild wolves to explore, hunt and sniff, but they also have the domesticated need for love and protection by their humans. Camping ..read more

New Year’s resolutions for dog owners can help enhance the well-being of both the owner and their furry companion. Here are some resolutions that dog owners may consider: Increase Exercise Routine: Commit to more frequent and longer walks. Take your pup to dog daycare, for stimulation and socialization. Explore new parks or trails together. Engage in interactive games like fetch or agility exercises. Healthy Diet: Consult with a vet to ensure the dog’s diet is well-balanced. Avoid excessive treats and focus on nutritional snacks. Consider incorporating more homemade or raw food options if ..read more

By: Charlotte Frank, DVM What Is It? In light of recent media coverage, this article aims to inform pet parents about upper respiratory infections in dogs. For many years, the term “kennel cough” has been used to cover an array of pathogens leading to upper respiratory symptoms in dogs. The implication of the name is that only kenneled dogs are susceptible. The name therefore has in recent years been changed to Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (aka CIRDC). The hope is that pet parents understand that ANY dog can pick up one of these pathogens. CIRCD is made up of a half dozen or ..read more

With advances in human medicine, we often see advances in animal medicine as well, which is great, because we want the best for our furry (or scaly or feathered) companions. One interesting capability that has grown in popularity over the last decade is pet DNA testing, particularly for dogs. But if you’re considering a DNA test for your pup, what are the benefits and drawbacks? Pros One of the most obvious benefits of a DNA test is the purported ability to tell you just what breed, or breeds, a dog is. Understanding your dog’s breed(s) could provide insight into specific health risks or beha ..read more

Halloween kicks off the holiday season, breaking ten months of peaceful calm and quiet. How your dog handles the holidays is mostly an inborn quality. You know your dog better than anyone else, so you know how they will react to changes in their routine. They will either love Halloween or hate Halloween. Halloween lovers are easy, but their lack of fear may cause them to be too curious and stick their nose in places that could harm them. Most Halloween decorations are powered electrically and leaving your dog alone with access to new extension cords laying around could be an invitation to sni ..read more

Boom! Bang! Sizzle! While we hoomans marvel at the dazzling display of fireworks on July 4th, our furry friends often cower in fear. The loud noises, bright lights, and sudden explosions can send even the bravest dogs into a state of panic. So, let’s explore how we can be their super-heroes and help them feel more comfortable during these fiery festivities. Get ready to bring peace and tranquility back into your pup’s life! Understanding Their Fear: Before we dive into solutions, let’s take a moment to understand why our beloved canines become so frightened during fireworks displays. Dogs hav ..read more

The summer sun sizzles and the pavement turns into a frying pan. It’s time to talk about our furry friends’ favorite season: summer! While dogs adore outdoor adventures, it’s crucial to keep them cool and comfortable during the dog days of summer. So, grab a popsicle and let’s dive into some wag-worthy tips to ensure your four-legged friend stays cool, calm, and collected. Sunscreen, Not Just for Beach Bums Believe it or not, dogs can get sunburned too! Especially those with light-colored fur or thin coats. So, if your pooch loves to soak up the rays, grab a dog-friendly sunscreen and slathe ..read more

These days, in the competitive pet care industry, some dog boarding businesses offer TV in their overnight suites. Usually, DOGTV or Animal Planet are the chosen channels. This assumes your dog is going to watch TV in the first place, which is meant as a calming tool for the overnight stay. Are these “suites with TV’s” really for the dogs or for their human’s peace of mind? Depending on the breed, dogs’ senses are created differently than humans. This is obvious, of course, with their sense of smell and hearing being superior. But the eyes, in many ways, are not superior to ours.   Gener ..read more

Now that the colder weather is subsiding and spring is in the air, many people are ready to get out of the house and start enjoying the outdoors again. One great way to do this with your furry companion is hiking!  Hiking with your dog allows for extended one on one time and is a fun way to exercise and explore the outdoors together, which has loads of benefits for them and you! Because the terrain is varied, a hike can expend more energy than just walking around a flat neighborhood. Also, it allows for mental stimulation – new sights, smells, and sounds for you both. This combination of ..read more