The first article, “Are you a spray bottle dog trainer? Stop the squirting!” appears to argue against using spray bottles for dog training. The second article, “Do Spray Bottles Work on Dogs? Understanding Their Effectiveness and Alternatives in Training,” presents a more balanced view, discussing both potential benefits and limitations of spray bottles while also … Read more
Sometimes, I make training a dog sound easy. But the truth is there are difficult to train dogs—no matter how many dog bones you give them. Some K9s are less responsive. Theyre distractible, unmotivated by food, or downright stubborn. And theyre also very trainable, fiercely loyal, and so loveable. So, today, I want to share … Read more
Millions of pets in the United States have microchips so they can be returned to their homes if they become lost. A collar and tag with your phone number may be the easiest way for you to be reunited with your pet, but collars can slip off — and a microchip can’t. In celebration of … Read more
Dogs may not be able to speak, but they can certainly say sorry. Reading their body language and keeping an eye on their behavior can tell you what’s going on in your dog’s head. And if you know what signs to look for, you can even tell when they’re trying to apologize. Have you ever … Read more
Animals have always formed a special bond with humans. This bond has been useful in training certain animals to assist people with physical and medical disabilities. These service dogs have historically been recognized for their loyalty to their owners, but more recently, emotional support animals have emerged as a new category of assistance animals. But … Read more
Living with a dog diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF) is an emotional journey filled with concerns about their comfort and quality of life. As pet parents, one of the most pressing questions we ask ourselves is whether our furry companions are suffering. This article aims to provide clear insights into the experience of dogs … Read more
MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is well known as a flavor enhancer in Chinese restaurant food and a lot of packaged food products like canned soups and vegetables, processed meats, snacks like potato chips, salad dressings and frozen dinners. But what about MSG for dogs? It may not be obvious, but there’s MSG in a lot … Read more
Does your furry friend have a case of the runs that’s turning your home into a biohazard zone? We’ve all been there – standing in the middle of the living room at 3 AM armed with paper towels and wondering what in the world we’re gonna do about our pup’s explosive situation. If you’ve been … Read more
Clients often ask veterinarians whether chew treats are good for their dog, and the answer is neither yes nor no. Chew treats can be beneficial as well as harmful. Benefits include behavioral and environmental enrichment and improved dental health. Risks include oral/dental trauma, airway or gastrointestinal obstruction, additional calories, ingredient intolerance, and pathogen introduction. Veterinarians … Read more
With the common cold being so widespread in humans, you may be wondering if dogs with a runny nose might have a cold too. You may even be worried about passing cold germs to your beloved dog when you’re feeling under the weather. While dogs can’t get the common cold, there are plenty of germs … Read more