Although dogs have long been touted as man’s best friend, only in recent decades has it become fashionable for dogs to live indoors with their owners. A dog’s human companion often views the lovable pooch much like a parent looks on a child; less with ownership than simply love and devotion. And much like indulged…
Different types of herbs can be used as natural supplements to potentially treat several common issues that dogs may face. Many of the herbs are the same as those used by humans, such as flaxseed oil as a source of omega-3 fatty acids. Gingko biloba and rosemary can potentially help to prevent or reduce the mental symptoms…
Pet food companies have started to produce ice cream for dogs and other animals, catering to the increased demand for a wider variety of pet treats. There are many different types of ice cream for dogs, from vanilla ice cream to rocky road and peanut butter. All-natural ice cream is popular for dog and pet owners, and…
Many people may have heard a myth that dogs’ mouths are cleaner than the mouths of human beings. This rumor is likely to stem from the fact that dogs are often seen licking their wounds, which rarely get infected. However, people who believe that dogs’ mouths are cleaner than humans’ mouths are greatly mistaken, according to…
Though many dog owners do not think about oral hygiene for their dogs, it actually improves their overall, long-term health and also their breath. You can take several steps, including having your dog’s teeth cleaned professionally, to maintain a healthy mouth for your dog. Veterinarians offer professional teeth cleaning as a service, but most vets will use anesthesia to do it….
Veterinarians recommend that all dogs not currently infected with heartworms should be given heartworm pills. In the US alone, cases of heartworm are present in every state, and while there are some treatments, these may not help a dog in advanced stages of the disease. Dogs that are first infected may be completely asymptomatic, but as the…
Dogs have specific blood types, but the method used to classify them differs from the familiar ABO system used for humans. Instead, the dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) system is used. An erythrocyte is simply a red blood cell, and an antigen is a substance that stimulates the production of antibodies. The actual number of blood types in dogs is…
At home, after considering whether preventative care has been applied in the past, basic observation is the best way to tell if a dog has heartworms. An owner sometimes can see that his animal has symptoms such as labored breathing, fatigue and joint pain, but in many cases, pets exhibit no symptoms until it is…
Cottage cheese for dogs is a safe option as part of a bland diet to combat diarrhea. Typically, a bland diet could include a mix of low-fat meat with cottage cheese or certain other bland foods. Many experts also approve of cottage cheese for dogs as an occasional treat or additive for dry food when used in moderation. Although some…
Debarking is a surgery performed on dogs that removes their ability to bark loudly. The procedure, which cuts into the vocal cords while the dog is under general anesthesia, is fairly simple and rarely has complications. Yet many believe that debarking dogs is not only unnecessary but also inhumane, that it does not fix underlying problems…