DOG OWNERSHIP

Nope, tennis balls are not the greatest choking hazard. But they’re up there.

The Greatest Choking Hazard

Any number of objects can become stuck in your dog’s windpipe or at the back of his throat and create a choking hazard —...
This Saint Bernard puppy, a future gentle giant, requires less calcium in his diet than smaller breeds.

For Giant-Breed Puppies, Less — Not More — Calcium

It would appear to make sense that a dog such as a Great Dane or Saint Bernard, or even a Labrador retriever, needs a...

Its Their Eyebrows That Make Us Love Them

You know that sad, wistful, puppy dog look our pets often get when theyre trying to communicate their needs to us, the way they make their eyes look bigger and more baby-like? Researchers reporting in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences have just discovered that dogs can achieve that look because of a small muscle above each of their eyes that allows them to intensely raise their inner eyebrows. Thats all it takes to bring out the nurturer in us.
Sometimes a dog who seems like he doesn’t want to live anymore has an illness that’s eminently treatable. Don’t make a life-or-death decision without talking to your veterinarian.

A Good Death

One of the sad parts of our work is walking over to the clinic from our offices and seeing someone sitting outside on a...
Not the harmless activity it may seem.

Why Chewing Sticks Is a Bad Idea

We’ve all seen dogs who are perennial stick chewers. No sooner do they get outside than they pick up a stick and start chomping...

They’re Being Polite, Not Disrespectful

Two common dog behaviors may annoy some people, but they’re actually a dog’s way of showing respect and making it clear that she is...

Dear Doctor: Bed sharing not working

Q. We thought we’d enjoy having our dog sleep in the bed with us, and we were fine with it when he was a...
Sad dog waiting alone at home

A Dog’s Life After the Pandemic

As COVID-19 made most of us shut-ins to some degree, the dogs who live with us have enjoyed more of our company. And it...
But I left your vows in my crate!

Dog As Ring Bearer

A growing number of couples plan to make their dog part of their wedding ceremony, according to a press release we recently received. Apparently,...

We Love Them As If We’ve Birthed Them

More than four in 10 people adopt a dog (or cat) as a kind of test run to see if they’re ready to have...
A cooling vest may be just the thing for your dog to enjoy the hot weather. 

Keep Your Dog Cool in the Heat

Because dogs sweat only through their footpads and noses, they do not release excess body heat as efficiently as people, who sweat through their...
Well, maybe one slipper at a time.

Bring Me My Slippers

How is it that some people are able to train their dogs to perform complicated tricks, like rolling over and playing dead — or...