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.
Full-body wags. Sitting with devotion in the window until you pull into the driveway. Stepping boldly between you and any possible threat. Your dog shows her affection and loyalty in countless ways. But why are dogs so loyal to their people? It’s a question dog lovers have long pondered, and one scientists are researching…
Read More
A harness provides more control over a dog than a collar and leash, and many people and dogs may find they prefer a properly fitted harness instead of a collar. A harness is often a safer option for a dog who pulls at the leash, because it takes the pressure off her throat and reduces the risk of injury. But when not fitted properly, harnesses may pose hazards: A dog may slip out of a loose harness, and straps adjusted too tightly may rub the skin and cause irritation. In order to ensure your dog’s harness is safe and effective, choose the right style and size, and adjust her harness for a proper fit. We’ll show you how.
Read MoreIn case you missed our Facebook Live conversation last week, here’s a video of our talk with Dr. Bo Bergman–of West Mountain Animal Hospital in Bennington, Vermont–about summertime health issues for dogs. As . . .
Read More
The German Shepherd Dog (GSD)—or simply ‘Shepherd’—consistently ranks among the top ten most popular breeds in America, second only to the number one Labrador Retriever since 2010. His unfailing loyalty and intelligence earn him this distinction, together with his majestic and imposing canine presence. Like all dogs, he comes with challenges, and as such may not make the best first dog…
Read MoreMeeting a stray dog brings you to a crossroads of sorts. The choices you make in the next few minutes, days, and weeks could be no less than life-changing—for you and the wayward furry fellow. In 2018, animal shelters, animal control agencies, and rescues in America took in 1.7 million stray animals, with a Return to Owner rate of only 37.1 percent…
Read MoreExercise recommendations for dogs range between 30 minutes and two hours of moderate to high-intensity activity daily. The time and intensity vary so widely because different dog breeds have distinct exercise needs. Some breeds are natural athletes with an abundance of energy to burn throughout the day. Others take life at a slower pace…
Read More  |
The Fourth of July is great fun for humans, featuring parades, cookouts, time with family and friends, and, of course, fireworks. But while we ooh and aah over the rockets’ red glare, our pets are absolutely terrified of the bombs bursting in air. And it’s not just the big professional pyrotechnics, either; because a dog’s ears are so. . .
Read MoreWith 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
If you’re wondering whether your dog needs a bed, ponder this: The average dog stands up on his feet for only five hours per day. If you’re a dog parent, you know what they’re doing the rest of the time—it’s enough to make sleep-deprived humans envious. Dogs spend between 12 and 14 hours per every 24 hours sleeping. Tag on another five to seven hours lying around awake but resting, and the answer comes clear. Yes, your dog needs a soft, supportive bed—both for sleeping and lounging. From offering extra support for his joints to providing a dedicated place that’s all his, here are the primary ways a dog bed benefits your best friend:
Read MoreAs it starts to get warmer out, many of your local fauna wake up from their winter slumber, and snakes are no exception. While many people are afraid of snakes, it’s important to remember that these creatures are . . .
Read More
