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As you celebrated the Fourth of July, you may have noticed your dog panicking over the fireworks booms or running scared at the loud summer storms rolling through. This is a common phenomenon for many dogs, but for some, it’s a bit deeper. Noise phobia is the excessive fear of a sound that causes a dog to react negatively or seek escape from the source of the sound. What are common sources of noise phobia? The most common causes of noise-phobic reactions in dogs are fireworks, fire alarms, and thunder. However, noise phobia can develop over any sound – even… Read More

One of the more common ailments that affect a dog’s eyes is corneal ulcers. Just like it sounds, a corneal ulcer is an open sore on the outer layer(s) of the cornea – the clear tissue on the front of the eye. How does a dog get a corneal ulcer?There are endless ways in which a dog can get an ulcer in his cornea. In fact, anything that causes a disruption to the outer layers of the eye can cause an ulcer to develop. This includes trauma like scratches, bites, and even your dog rubbing or scratching his face too… Read More

As temperatures warm and we start heading outdoors with our dogs this summer, we need to be aware of one of the hidden dangers of the heat. Heatstroke is a type of hyperthermia when a dog’s body temperature rises above the normal 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Just a few degrees over normal can send your beloved pet into a tailspin and very quickly lead to heatstroke. What causes heatstroke? Many things can cause heatstroke but suffice it to say that any environment or activity that can cause your dog’s core body temperature to rise above 105 degrees Fahrenheit. This can come… Read More

Our dogs are precious and there are few things we wouldn’t do to give them the best life possible. Nutrition and diet are one of the most prolific ways in which we, as dog parents, can influence the lives of our dogs. In modern times, the eye of “what is best” for our dogs lingers on the topic of grains. For many years, due largely to very influential marketing campaigns by large dog food brands, grain-free diets have been considered ideal for our canine companions. In many ways this makes sense. As descendants of wolves, dogs’ diets primarily consist of… Read More

Dogs took over New York City as 210 different breeds and competed for top honors at the 2023 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Winston, a French Bulldog, won in 2022 and was expected to repeat his victory again this year. But it was a surprise upset by one unique hound, Buddy Holly, who would take home the coveted prize. At first glance, Buddy Holly appears to be a shaggy-haired Basset Hound mix. And while that’s not very far off, he is a Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen (more easily referred to as Petits in the United States). The French breed is… Read More

If you’ve brought a new dog into your home before, you’ve likely been through the experience of getting him vaccinated. First-time vaccinations are almost always followed by boosters shortly after, but then what? Do adult dogs need regular vaccinations? Long story short, yes your dog will need a set of vaccinations each year. Regularly vaccinating your dog greatly increases his resistance to illnesses including rabies and distemper. What vaccines should my dog get each year? Veterinarians categorize the yearly vaccines necessary for all dogs as core vaccinations, and then other yearly vaccines as option or non-core. Core vaccinations address illnesses… Read More

Some of your favorite memories as a child may be the adventures you shared with your childhood dog. Kids and dogs are an iconic combination that has been immortalized in many movies like Homeward Bound, Shiloh, and many others. As we grow, we’d like for our own children, nieces, nephews, etc. to also experience these same cherished memories. But as an adult, it’s up to us to build a solid foundation of trust and respect between our little ones and our dogs. After all, dogs are as unique in personality as children are. Here are the top 4 lessons you… Read More

When you buy a house, you don’t just go on the internet and place a bid on the first home you see. You find a realtor, get pre-approved for a loan, and take many more steps in ensuring you’re making the right choice. Yet no matter how much you research, things can go wrong inside the house once you purchase it. Dog ownership is not as large of an undertaking as purchasing a house but like with any life decision – there are things that you should consider but are often overlooked. Hindsight is 20/20 and dog parents nationwide are… Read More

Summer is quickly approaching and before you know it, people will be out in droves to enjoy the great outdoors. Camping is a beloved pastime for families and more people embrace dogs being part of the family – they are naturally tagging along on summer camping trips. Before you load your dog and hit the road toward the woods, make sure you’re well-prepared for everything he’ll need out in the wilderness. 1.       Water jug and bowlsThis is obviously and probably already number one on your packing list. But it’s worth reiterating that your dog will need something… Read More

Lagotto Romagnolos are an uncommon breed in the United States but are gaining in popularity across the world thanks to their lovely demeanor. The Lagotto Romagnolo is an Italian breed that is commonly known as “the water dog.” These dogs were bred to be waterfowl retrievers in the marshy lands of eastern Italy. This breed is likely better known for their niche hunting skills – but it’s not mammals they’re after, it’s truffles. Thanks to the Lagotto Romagnolo’s keen sense of smell, they have become the preferred dog for truffle hunters. The delicacy is a hot commodity but difficult… Read More