October is our annual Fall Orvis Days celebration, and throughout the month, there will be Facebook Live events featuring a different host and guest discussing topics that will help make your life with your best friend better and more enjoyable for . . .
Read MoreDogs
The Orvis Dog Blog features informative posts on wide-ranging topics, including canine health, behavior and training, and the products your dog needs. Learn more about the Orvis-Morris Animal Foundation Canine Cancer Campaign, and our work supporting Petfinder Foundation’s dog rescue efforts.
Should My Dog Have Water in Her Crate?
Ready access to water is as essential for keeping dogs hydrated as it is for people. But crating your dog complicates things. A water bowl inside a crate can spill and leave your dog uncomfortable—in what should be her cozy, inviting den. During housetraining, the ramifications are even worse.
Read MoreDog Collars: Buckles vs. Clips
Whether they close with a clip or a buckle, dog collars have two main functions: to keep the two of you together, and to provide ID information that can help reunite you if you become separated…all in a way that is safe for your dog.
Read MoreHow to Clean a Dog Collar
Dogs love mud, and they end up soiling their collars, as well as themselves.
Photo by Jody, Stevenson
No matter how clean your dog stays or how fresh his coat, the collar he wears will eventually absorb enough skin oils, dirt, and grime to develop an odor. Dogs who spend a lot of time outdoors rolling in the mud, swimming in lakes and streams, chasing balls, or playing at the dog park are more prone to collar funk than the small lap dog who rarely ventures out and takes a weekly trip to the doggie salon. But eventually, all collars will need to be washed to keep them smelling nice—and to prevent unhygienic bacteria buildup.
Read MoreWhere Should Your Dog Sleep?
Your dog should sleep wherever you—and your furry best friend—are ensured a good night’s rest. Whether he sleeps in your bed, his own dog bed in one of his many strange sleeping positions, on the couch, or in his dog crate will vary depending on what works best for you both.
Read MoreShould You Cover Your Dog’s Crate?
Crate training is an important step in pet ownership and covering your dog’s crate at night is recommended for many dogs, but not for every dog. Some dogs may love the security provided by a darkened, enclosed space, while others can feel anxious in a confined area. How should you introduce a crate cover to your puppy or adult dog, and what options are the safest? We explore the advantages and drawbacks so you can decide what works for your furry best friend.
Read MoreAre Dog Beds Necessary?
Photos via orvis.com
Dogs don’t need soft beds, but instead need to rest on a firm surface; too-soft pillow beds don’t offer the support needed for comfortable rest and healthy joints, and an older dog who sinks into a plush bed may have trouble getting into and out of it. This doesn’t mean he should sleep on the floor—that’s too firm. Instead, provide a bed with memory foam or a chambered polyfill sleep surface. A memory foam bed conforms to your dog’s body to relieve pressure, distribute his weight evenly, and provide tailored-for-him comfort. Many dogs need these orthopedic beds and they aren’t just for older dogs: Memory foam offers just-right joint and muscle support for a lifetime of comfort, so they’re ideal for younger, growing dogs, too.
Read MoreDoes Your State Require Dogs Be Harnessed in the Car?
Does your state require dogs be harnessed in the car? What type of dog restraint law does your state enforce?
Read MoreFake Service Dog Laws: Protecting working service dogs
A canine wearing a vest with “Service Dog” patches means that animal is working, assisting their handler who has a disability—or does it? An increase in animal-related incidents and fake service dogs has created suspicion among the public in response to dogs labeled as service animals—which in turn causes distress for people who need a service dog to assist with legitimate disabilities. Is it illegal to fake a service dog? The majority of states have passed laws regarding fraudulent service dogs and emotional support animals—and many new bills were introduced during the 2018 legislative session in states without current laws.
Read MoreInfographic: How to Keep Your Dog Safe on the 4th of July
With so many dogs terrified of fireworks, 4th of July can be a frightening time for pups everywhere. In fact, July 5th is often the busiest day of the year at animal shelters, as pets run off from. . .
Read More