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

For years, scientists believed dogs lived in a world painted in black and white. However, ongoing research into canine vision has unveiled a more colorful reality, although less vibrant than the human experience. The belief that dogs could only see shades of grey was finally debunked in 1989 when an ophthalmologist and his colleagues discovered that canines could see blues and yellows but not reds and greens. Dogs see colors, but their perception of the spectrum differs significantly from ours due to their unique eye structure. Besides satisfying our curiosity, understanding what col ..read more

We love our pets and treat them like family. One of the last things we want to think about is how they can make us sick. Of course, our pets don’t mean to, but they can pass some of their diseases on to us. Diseases transmitted from animals to people are called zoonotic diseases (or zoonoses). And there are hundreds of them. An article from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that “more than six out of every ten known infectious diseases in people can be spread from animals, and three out of every four new or emerging infectious diseases in people come from animals.” This so ..read more

Many people try to combine this activity with other tasks, typically using their phone to read, look at social media, text, or talk. Others use earbuds to listen to music or podcasts, blocking out ambient noise. Other distractions include walking with groceries or other items in your hands, pushing a stroller, walking with a small child, or drinking or eating.  While it may be tempting to try to combine tasks, dog walking requires your full attention and focus. Trying to juggle other activities could endanger you and your dog. Consistency is important to dogs, and if you are not watching ..read more

Introduction to Keeshonden The Keeshond (plural Keeshonden) is a unique dog breed and a non-sporting group dog known for its foxy face and plush coat. This spitz-type dog has markings around the eyes, affectionately called “spectacles.” This feature gives the dog an intelligent and alert expression. Beyond its physical appearance, the Keeshond loves people and adapts to different environments and family situations. It is a rare breed that you might not have heard of before or seen in real life, movies, or TV shows. In this Healthy Paws breed guide, we cover the Keeshond’s size, characteristics ..read more

Introduction to Standard Schnauzers Standard schnauzers are smart and fearless dogs of medium size, with origins in Germany. This dog breed is reliable but can be stubborn. It resembles the smaller miniature schnauzers and the larger giant schnauzers. A standard schnauzer may be the perfect companion for you if you’re looking for a dog that is full of energy and can go on adventures with you. This Healthy Paws dog breed guide shares information about standard schnauzer dogs, including their size, temperament, physical characteristics, diet, potential health conditions, and care. Size of Standa ..read more

The short answer: yes! Because Healthy Paws pet insurance works by reimbursement, meaning the pet parent pays their invoice up front and then submits it to the pet insurance company for reimbursement, pet parents can use any licensed vet with their pet insurance plan. Pet insurance can be very helpful when a pet becomes sick or injured, and the pet parent is faced with potentially high costs of veterinary care. Insurance coverage can help pet parents feel peace of mind and liberates them to say yes to life-saving treatments with less worry about how much it will cost. On the other hand, withou ..read more

Introduction to Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers The intelligent and eager-to-please Nova Scotia duck trolling retriever (toller) is a medium-sized dog that’s lots of fun. These dogs are outgoing and affectionate, making them excellent family pets and athletic companions. Although they resemble golden retrievers, this is a distinct dog breed with unique characteristics. Nova Scotia duck trolling retrievers were initially bred to hunt waterfowl, yet they are versatile dogs that typically get along well with other dogs and children. Check out this Healthy Paws breed guide to learn more about ..read more

The American lawn is as ingrained in our culture as baseball, apple pie, and playing a game of fetch with the family dog. Many people consider it the most desirable use of outdoor space, especially for those with children or pets. In fact, manicured turf grass lawns cover up to 50 million acres of land in the U.S., according to the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC). Advantages of a Grass Free Yard But a persistent drought in the west has many eco-conscious people ditching their lawns because of the huge amount of water, fertilizer and pesticides needed to keep all that grass healthy. La ..read more