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A visit to the vet is part and parcel of owning any animal – and especially a dog. Whether you need to deworm them, get bloodwork done, or take care of a troublesome allergy, it’s always a good idea to have a preferred supplier in your area. That said, the closest veterinary practice isn’t necessarily the best one. In the article to follow, we’ll give you six things to think about when you shop around. Do they have the right to practice? In order to be a licensed vet, someone needs to obtain a degree in veterinary medicine, and then… Read More

Our furry friends have some bad habits that get tiresome fast. Whether it’s excessive barking (which you can find ways to combat in our article on the topic), leaving a mess or chewing the furniture, it’s always a good idea to stamp out these bad behaviors quickly. With that in mind, is there anything more annoying than putting some fresh food on the kitchen table, only to discover that your pesky pup has eaten it? In today’s article, we’ll examine why dogs turn thieves, and what can be done about this annoying habit. Why do dogs steal food? Boredom:… Read More

It’s been a few months since we last visited this topic (read part one and part two here), but with many countries still not covered, what better time to re-address the topic than now? Dogs are not just our furry friends, you see – they’re also a symbol of national pride. Having covered countries as far-flung as South Africa and France previously, we’ve got four more nations (and breeds) to put under the microscope. Brazil Fila Brasileiro As faithful as a Fila – it’s an old saying in Portuguese and one that describes the Fila Brasileiro rather well. Read More

Training your dog properly is one of the most important things you can do as a new owner. In the article to follow, we’re going to walk you through a few key techniques to keep in mind when you’re out and about on your next walk. Teach your dog to come to you From a pure safety perspective, “come” is one of the most important commands to teach your pet. Invest in a training leash and enlist the help of a friend. You and your friend alternate by telling your dog to “come”, while giving the leash a little tug. Read More

According to WebMD, around 50% of dogs are overweight in America. Obesity puts strain on an animal’s heart, increases risk of arthritis, and impacts quality of life. Of course, these realities apply to people as well. That’s why, in the article to follow, we outlined great exercises you can do alongside your furry friend: because in the end, losing weight is something that we can all benefit from. Brisk walking Walking is an underrated exercise for people and dogs alike. A thirty-minute daily walk can lower blood pressure, help bone density and lower the risk of depression – in both… Read More

Are you a dog lover? If you’re reading our newsletter or blog, the chances are good that you are. With that in mind, we want to talk today about Cesar Millan’s new show, which we think our clients will absolutely love. Who is Cesar Millan? Millan, as you might already know, is a Mexican-American dog trainer and TV personality who shot to fame with Dog Whisperer, a National Geographic show which ran from 2004 to 2012. Millan has a particular style of training. He likes to rely on calm-assertive energy and believes dogs need exercise, discipline and affection – in… Read More

Heartworm is passed from a host (a mosquito) to a pet host (dogs, cats and ferrets typically). It’s a pernicious parasite that lives – and reproduces – around the host’s heart, lungs and nearby blood vessels. This makes a heartworm infestation particularly dangerous, because if left untreated, it can typically kill your animal after a few months. What are the signs my dog has heartworms? Does he have a cough? Is he exercising less than normal? Getting winded more easily? Making abnormal, throaty sounds? Get him checked immediately. A veterinarian will take an X-ray to check his condition, handle his… Read More

Since its launch in 2010, Instagram has exploded in popularity, and as of 2021, an estimated one billion people use the social media app. That got us thinking… namely, are there any good dog Instagram accounts to follow? We scoured the internet, chatted to friends, and came up with 7 great accounts that will brighten your day. At the same time, you might learn a thing or two about this great animal. We’ll sort the accounts in alphabetical order. @americankennelclub For great training tips, news and breed information, the American Kennel Club Instagram page is a go-to resource. It’s America’s… Read More

Young pups use their teeth to get a feel for the world around them. With that in mind, nipping and mouthing (the act of putting mouth and teeth over skin with no downforce) are part and parcel of early development. But what do you do when your dog goes over the top? And what are the steps you can take to combat misplaced excitement? Young pups need to play The first thing to recognize is that mouthing and nipping are normal parts of a puppy’s development. Young pups will play together and use their teeth on one another. When one… Read More

Bereavement is one of the biggest causes of depression in the world, and the loss of a beloved pet – like a dog – can trigger such an episode. The first thing to bear in mind is that it’s entirely normal to experience feelings of guilt and unhappiness when a pet dies. We are social creatures, and our dogs are a part of that social network. Their death can often feel untimely, shocking and hard to reconcile. But in today’s article, we’re going to explain the steps you can take to reduce the pain, and to learn to cope with… Read More