Introduction to Leonbergers The Leonberger is a gentle giant breed from Germany that makes a wonderful family dog. These dogs are great with kids but require a good amount of exercise and grooming. Leonbergers often make effective watchdogs and are intelligent pets who train easily and are eager to learn. In this Healthy Paws guide, we share everything you need to know about Leonbergers to help you decide whether this is the right pet for your lifestyle and how to take the best care of your dog’s health. Size of Leonbergers An adult male Leonberger weighs 110 to 170 pounds and stands 28 to 31 ..read more

Whether they run out an open gate, run off while on a hike, or slip their collar, having a pet become lost is one of the most stressful and heartbreaking situations for pet parents. If it happens to you, don’t despair. Act quickly and follow the advice of pet loss experts to recover your dog or cat before they get hurt. While your first reaction is likely to be panic, finding your pet will be most successful by stepping back, making a plan, becoming organized, utilizing proper techniques, and attacking the situation logically. Robert Smith, the author of several books on finding lost pets, des ..read more

Every dog licks from time to time. Licking is soothing for dogs, both physically and emotionally. It can be their way to relieve itching, lessen pain, and alleviate boredom. But excessive licking may also be a sign of a potentially serious health condition, and it can lead to skin damage and infections. In this article, we’ll investigate why dogs might lick excessively and what to do about it.  Causes of Excessive Licking in Dogs There are many reasons why dogs lick excessively. Some causes can be managed at home, but others require veterinary attention. Itchiness – Anything that itches ..read more

Diagnosis: Tetanus / UTI Cost: $18,469 | Reimbursed: $14,328 Coverage options:  80 percent | $250 deductible Palmer, a four-year-old German shepherd mix, is a happy, affectionate boy, said his pet parent, Jennifer. He loves to fetch and play with his big brother Bruce, a Foxhound mix. Palmer develops tetanus Palmer suddenly had a run of health problems starting in June 2022 when he was only two years old. He developed a cut on his toe, possibly from jumping on a fence, and he licked it until the wound opened up. Jennifer took him to the vet where he was treated with antibiotics and given ..read more

What is folliculitis? The word folliculitis means “inflammation of the hair follicles.” Most dogs and cats have millions of hair follicles across their body. These hair follicles are found within the skin, and they occur anywhere that you see hair growing on your pet. Each hair follicle serves as the source of multiple hairs, responsible for creating the thick coat that we typically associate with our canine and feline companions. Folliculitis refers to inflammation of these hair follicles. There are many potential causes of folliculitis, and folliculitis can take on a variety of clinical appe ..read more

Working from home during the pandemic enabled many people to become first-time pet parents and allowed all pet parents to enjoy more time with their pets. Many probably got used to working with their cat sitting on their lap or their dog nuzzling them for a midday walk. Now that most people are back in offices, at least part of the time, employers are looking at ways to make the workplace more appealing. One of the most popular perks is offering dog-friendly offices. Welcoming cats is far less common, but some employers may allow it. Surveys suggest that an increasing number of employees plan ..read more

Cats, with their mysterious aura, have captivated humans for millennia. Their enigmatic personalities, resourcefulness and complex behaviors have often led us to wonder about the inner workings of their minds. Recent scientific research has shed some light on how cats’ brains operate, revealing fascinating insights into their cognitive abilities, emotional lives, and sensory perceptions. How smart are cats? In a word – smart! If you are a cat parent, you’ve probably seen your cat retrieve a hidden toy, meow at you to be let out, or strategically knock that one glass family heirloom off a table ..read more

Introduction to Wire Fox Terriers Known for being confident, intelligent, and expressive, the wire fox terrier can be a wonderful household companion for active people. This friendly dog has the characteristic independence of a terrier and is also athletic, amusing, and low-shedding. However, wire fox terriers can also be challenging to train and are prone to certain health conditions that may be covered by pet health insurance. Wire fox terriers make wonderful companions, but is this the best dog breed for your lifestyle and family? To learn more about this breed, read Healthy Paws’ guide to ..read more

The inside of a dog’s stomach is a crazy place. Think of everything that goes in there (some of which probably shouldn’t). Plus, glands in the stomach wall secrete a strong acid that helps dogs digest food and kills off bacteria and other potential pathogens that could make them sick. However, gastric acid is so powerful that it can also damage the lining of a dog’s stomach and lead to a gastric ulcer when things go awry. What is a Gastric Ulcer? A gastric ulcer is simply an open sore on the inner surface of a dog’s stomach. Gastric ulcers usually develop when too much stomach acid is present ..read more

Introduction to Norwegian Elkhounds Norwegian elkhounds are friendly dogs and one of the oldest breeds in Europe. They are alert, agile, athletic, and eager. They can seem a bit reserved at first, but once you get to know them, they are forever friends that you can trust and rely on no matter what. If you are looking for a bold and energetic dog that is good at keeping watch and affectionate with family members, a Norwegian elkhound might be the perfect dog for you. This Healthy Paws breed guide covers the Norwegian elkhound’s size, temperament, training, grooming, general care, health, feedin ..read more