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If you suffer from pet-related allergies, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans report that they get the sniffles the minute a dog is around. But though it’s widely believed that your dog’s fur is to blame, this is actually false. In reality, allergies are caused by proteins produced in animal skin. These proteins are microscopic (far smaller than dust particles) and they can live in the atmosphere of your house for months at a time. Think of it as a kind of dandruff with a sticky surface that finds a way to endure. All dogs produce the protein that causes… Read More

Dogs change as they get older. The same is true of any sophisticated animal. However, certain behavioral changes might not just be a symptom of the ageing process and might be indicative of a larger problem. Here are a few things to look out for. My dog is moving more slowly than usual Dogs inevitably slow down as they get older. They’re less well equipped to deal with strenuous exercise, they take frequent naps, and their movements might start to resemble those of an animal walking through mud. But not so fast. The physical changes might have a very real… Read More

As anyone in the Midwest will tell you, it’s been a long winter, but the good news is that bright and sunny summer months are on the horizon. With that in mind, now’s the time to start savoring the thought of getting out the house with your furry friend. Here are a few great things to do. A day out at the beach If you’re lucky enough to live near the ocean you owe it to yourself – and your dog – to take a trip to the beach. Dogs love to get stuck in to the sand; they’ll be… Read More

Getting home from a long day at work only to find your hard-earned possessions are now dog eared and in a state beyond repair is far from ideal. And more times than not, you don’t have to go far to find the culprit. A wagging tail and a happy face will be waiting to greet you. Dogs love chewing things, for a variety of reasons, which we’ll explore in greater detail below. Stick around as we unpack this decidedly common but vexing part of life with a furry friend. Why do dogs chew? The most obvious answer is they… Read More

Whether you’re moving to a new home or bringing a pup into your house for the first time, we’ve compiled a few easy tips to “doggy proof” the different areas of your house, leaving you to happily coexist with your furry friend without needing to tear your hair out in frustration. Read on for our breakdown. The bathroom Bathrooms are places that inquisitive dogs inevitably find themselves exploring. Your first step? Close the toilet lid. Dogs are known to use toilets as their very own water bowl. Toothpaste and toothbrushes should be packed on a high shelf out of reach. Read More

Suspect your dog is pregnant? Wondering how long the pregnancy lasts, and how many pups are likely to be born at the end of it all? We’ve got you covered in this pregnancy guide. How do I tell if my dog is pregnant? Unlike humans, getting a read on whether your dog is pregnant or not can be tricky. The signs are not as obvious. Things to look out for include: 1. An increase in hunger levels 2. A change in behavior (often, they become keener on affection) 3. An inability or lack of desire to exercise 4. Vomiting or… Read More

With the strides made in the veterinary industry, dogs are living longer than ever. That’s a good thing in one respect: dogs that are middle aged or older tend to be much more mellow than their younger, friskier counterparts. But it also means you’ve got the responsibility of adjusting how you look after the animal. An older dog requires a different kind of care to a young pup or a prime pedigree. Below, we outline some of the things to be aware of as your dog gets older. How do I know if my… Read More

The winter months can be a breeding ground for viruses as people – and their pets – spend more time indoors, windows shut, heating appliances ramped up. The lack of sun and vitamin D weakens immunity, and though dogs and humans don’t share the same strains of flu, both are at risk of illness in these months. What is canine influenza? Dog flu, to give its more informal name, originated in horses and birds – depending on the strain in question. The former is known as H3N8, the latter H3N2,… Read More

While cats are notorious sleepers, dogs need slightly fewer hours of rest, though not by much. On average, dogs sleep 12 to 14 hours a day, and that goes up to 18 amongst notoriously “relaxed” breeds.   Great Danes, Bulldogs and Shih Tzus all like to get their forty winks, as do Greyhounds, surprisingly; the latter is a breed known for its electric speed – when it’s awake. So whether you’re traveling away from home or wanting to give your dog the best night’s rest possible, follow our tips to help… Read More

Dogs might not share the same language as us, but they regularly communicate how they’re feeling through their bodies. Below, we break down what a happy, alert, aggressive, submissive and stressed dog looks like, including signifiers to be on the lookout for. The mouth Mouths say a lot about how a dog is feeling. Here are some telltale signs that give an insight into how the animal is feeling. – A dog that’s in a good mood and willing to be approached is likely to have its tongue lolling out of its mouth in that typical doggy pose we… Read More