519 articles published
Robby is the founder and lead writer of The Dog Today. He has been sharing his home with dogs for 10 years, including Cooper, his Beagle mix, who has inspired more than a few articles on this site. Robby started The Dog Today four years ago to give dog owners clear, practical answers about health, food safety and behavior, written in plain English and based on guidance from veterinary sources such as the AVMA and ASPCA. He is not a veterinarian, and he always encourages readers to check with their own vet before making decisions about their dog’s health. When he’s not writing, you’ll find him hiking local trails with his dog.
Does your dog always follow you around, never leaving your side? Is their attention always focused on you? You may have what’s called a “Velcro dog.” Let’s find out what this means and whether you should be worried about your dog’s clingy behavior. Have you noticed your once-independent pup has transformed into your furry shadow? … Read more
Have you ever wondered whether your dog is “not smart” compared with other pooches? The short answer is—there are no “dumb” dogs. Several elements must be considered when it comes to understanding dog intelligence, including what activities the breed was historically bred for, as well as environmental factors. Dogs are able to solve complex problems … Read more
Does your dog love the water? Many dogs will do anything they can to go for a swim, while many others will do everything in their power to stay dry. There’s no consensus among dogs about whether they like the water. Here’s a big question, however: can all dogs swim? Have you ever heard someone … Read more
Making core memories with your loved ones is a treasured time, and that certainly includes your furry family members. But what about their memories of your time together? You may wonder, “Does my pup remember that great day we had together at the park? Or when we rescued him from the shelter?” A question often … Read more
Certain human foods, like carrots and blueberries, can be safe for most dogs. But others, like garlic and onions, can be toxic. For this reason, some foods are safe for humans to eat but may be toxic and potentially deadly for dogs. On the other hand, there are many human foods that are perfectly safe … Read more
Being stuck inside—whether due to extreme heat, cold, or natural disasters like hurricanes or wildfires—can be a huge drag for our canine companions who enjoy outdoor activities. While sitting on the couch watching movies will entertain us, boredom and inactivity in dogs can lead to unwelcome behaviors, anxiety, and weight gain. The good news is … Read more
Periodontal disease is common in dogs, and can threaten your pooch’s oral health in addition to his overall health and wellbeing. In this post, our Huntersville vets define the disease and identify symptoms, causes and treatment options. Plus: How to prevent it. Have you ever leaned in to give your furry friend a kiss and … Read more
Dogs come in all sizes, from the under-6-pound Chihuahua to the up-to-180-pound Saint Bernard. Dog lovers often long to live with small and large dog breeds for the variety of benefits they offer. The tiny English Toy Spaniel will snuggle on your lap, while the athletic Labrador Retriever will run and hike with you for … Read more
Brad Pitt was filming Seven Years In Tibet on location in Argentina when he noticed a stray dog roaming the city streets. Seeing the gentleness under the necessary wariness, Brad decided he could not leave this dog behind. Brad named him Blanco, and when filming was over, arranged to bring him home to join his … Read more
Have you ever wondered if dogs from the same parents but born in different litters can safely breed together? Maybe you have two beautiful pups with great traits that you’d like to see in their offspring. Well, I’ve done some digging into this topic, and what I found might surprise you. As a dog lover … Read more