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All countries in the European Union and many countries across the world require dogs to be microchipped. The microchip is a unique identifying code that allows any vet to trace the lost animal to a home. In the United States, the practice is still not mandatory, but in the article to follow, we’ll list several reasons why it’s a good idea – and exactly what it entails. What is a microchip?No bigger than a grain of rice, the chip is implanted in your dog’s neck, and costs less than $100. It’s unobtrusive, and your dog won’t notice it at… Read More

Getting a dog for the first time is one of the most exciting pursuits in life, but many ownersjump in with both feet, neglecting to look at the bigger picture while they’re at it. Here aresome common mistakes to avoid. Mistake #1: Getting the wrong breedDogs come in all shapes and sizes and while one breed might thrive in your home, anothermight be an ill fit entirely. Speaking in general terms, larger breeds tend to live shorter livesbut require a great deal more exercise and food. Because of their size, space is also aconsideration. Having a Rottweiler cooped up in… Read More

Just like humans, dogs grieve the loss of loved ones, whether it be a human or canine companion. Dogs are both acutely aware of their loss and capable of feeling a cascade of emotions in response – similar to the emotional range of human experience. So when you’re presented with a sorrowful, mourning dog – one in the depths of depression – just what do you do? Well, the first thing is to identify when a dog is in mourning. A common first sign is sluggishness; are they moving more slowly or spend more time sleeping, with none of the… Read More

Yes. a dog’s lifespan is partially determined by its genetics. Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas typically live between 15-18 years, whereas German Shepherds live for an average of 10 years. In the case of even larger dogs, such as Great Danes, that number can fall as low as 7. Yet there are a host of lifestyle factors involved as well. In the article to follow, we’ll unpack just a few things you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy for as long as possible. Make regular exercise a part of their routine We say it all the time,… Read More

Removing an animal’s sexual organs sounds like a big deal, but in reality, it’s part and parcel of dog ownership. Neutering typically refers to the process of removing a male dog’s testicles, while spaying involves the removal of the ovaries in a female. Today, we’re going to list a few reasons why you should make the investment. CostSpaying your dog might cost as little as $30 to as much as $300. Private vets will be more expensive, and you’ll incur extra costs if your dog is on heat or obese. However, the cost pales in comparison to the price… Read More

So you want to get a dog for the first time. Congrats! Owning your own pup is one of the best feelings you can have, but it’s also a big responsibility, and not something that you should undertake without due care and research. Here are three things to keep in mind: Start-up costs are larger than you might think Every dog owner needs to buy a leash for their animal, a collar, food bowls and the food itself. But there’s more to think about than just those essentials. Have you considered the cost of bedding, travel, at-home crates,… Read More

Humans and dogs might be best friends, but that doesn’t mean we always get the relationship quite right. In fact, there are a number of behaviors we exhibit that actually cause our canine friends distress. Guilty of some of these? Don’t worry – many people are, and it’s a simple case of being more mindful in future. Patting a dog’s headWe’ve all done it – a simple head pat feels like just the right thing to do when your dog has behaved well. It’s a way of showing affection, right? But many dog behaviorists consider it bad form. Read More

“Why is my dog crying?” is not a question you have to ask every day, and yet, from time to time, your dog’s eyes will begin to produce tears. But before you reach for the tissues, safe in the assumption he’s feeling a tad emotional today, consider this: dogs aren’t able to cry emotional tears. While they feel emotions very strongly and react to our positive and negative emotions like soul mates would, a dog isn’t physically able to express emotion through tears alone.   Why? Well, that’s all down to the fact that a dog’s tear duct drains… Read More

So you’re looking to bring a dog into your house for the first time and you’re excited about making him part of the family. Great! Here are the biggest things to watch out for. Avoid these mistakes and you’ll have a happy, contended doggy on your hands. Mistake 1: Not doing your research Just because it’s cute doesn’t mean it’s going to be a good fit for your home. Know what breed will be right for you, because dogs come in all different shapes and sizes, and their energy requirements differ accordingly. Next, talk to the breeder about your… Read More

Bringing a dog home from a shelter? Trying to interact with a friend’s dog for the first time? We’ve all had those moments where our best intentions are spurned, and our well-meaning actions actually produce fear in the dog in question. Our immediate reaction is to feel hurt and surprised. Rejection is never nice, especially when we’re trying to be friendly. But remember: dogs don’t see social interactions the same way we do. And there could be a host of reasons the dog is reacting in its way. So without further ado, here are a… Read More