Getting old is no excuse to become a couch potato—and that goes for dogs, too! As your dog ages, regular exercise keeps its muscles toned, his joints protected, his body trim and his mind sharp. He may no longer be able to slaughter the Frisbee like he used, but an exercise routine tailored to his […]
Man’s best friend remains loyal to his people 365 days a year, and it would be a shame to forget Fido on the holidays. In fact, about 80 percent of dog owners say they buy gifts for their dogs. The number-one gift-giving holiday is Christmas (of course!), but it’s not easy to find the special […]
Behavior problems in dogs are very common; it would be unusual to find even one dog that doesn’t do something that annoys its owner. However, dog owners learn to live with minor annoyances — it’s just part of living with a dog. But some behavior problems can be more than dog owners are willing to […]
Be sure to consider the location of the clinic. A drive across town during a medical emergency could delay urgently needed treatment. Once you’ve narrowed your choices, take time to visit the veterinarian’s office, inquire about services offered, and talk to the doctor and staff about your new puppy. If you like what you see […]
An overenthusiastic night of boogying down, an exercise move that went wrong or even just sleeping in a funny position can all result in back pain. Imagine what might happen to your dog when it turns around too swiftly when you call, takes a too-sharp left turn to avoid the cat or does something else […]
Visits to the acupuncturist and the chiropractor aren’t just for humans anymore. Interest in alternative health options for dogs has grown so much that the American Veterinary Medical Association now recognizes alternative medicine as a valid form of treatment, as do the 800-plus members of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. But what exactly are […]
Many dog owners seem to feel that walking their dog is something that must be done; a chore that goes along with dog ownership. But walking your dog doesn’t have to be a chore — it can be so much more. When you’re out walking your dog, you are spending time together, interacting with each […]
In an emergency situation, time is of the essence. But are you able to recognize a canine health crisis? Here are some common emergency scenarios. Choose the answers you think are most correct. For each question, more than one answer can be selected. 1. Your dog ate the pill you dropped. Which drugs could cause […]
It’s easy to spot a healthy-looking dog: a gleam in the eye, a bounce in the step, and a glossy, healthy coat. That glow is a reflection of a dog’s overall health, and a good gauge of what’s going on inside and outside. Several factors play roles in your dog’s skin and coat health. They […]
New York City-based writer Sharon Glassman was unhappy with her own health care experiences for some time when her three and a half-year-old Bichon Frisé, bb, began having urinary problems. “When I have a health issue, it’s only made worse by the hurdles I have to jump to see a doctor,” Glassman says. “With bb, […]