Dogs

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.

The Best Dog Breed for Each State

The Best Dog Breed for Each State

There may not be a single best dog breed for any state, but below is our list of breeds that hold a special place in the hearts of residents of each of the 50 United States. With 193 dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, plus additional mixed breeds and shelter mixes, it was difficult coming up with a single best breed for each of the 50 states. Since the best dog breed for someone in California may not be the best breed for someone in Florida, we looked at many deciding factors, including, the state’s climate, urban versus rural distribution, popular activities, historic events, and even state of…

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What To Do if You Find a Tick on Your Dog


The deer tick, Ixodes scapularis, is the main vector for Lyme disease.
Photo courtesy the U.S. Department of Agriculture, via Wikimedia

This is the time of year when my dog loves to run through the tall grass in the field next to our home…which means it’s high time for ticks. These tenacious little arachnids carry any number of diseases—from Lyme disease to ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever—and your dog is not the only one in danger. Dogs often bring ticks into the house, where they may find their way onto the human inhabitants. Vigilance is your main weapon against ticks, so…

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Pro Tips: Can You Rename a Dog?


When his family adopted him, they had no idea what his name was. Now it’s Pedey.
Photo by Phil Monahan

Renaming your dog is easy and you can do it when she is any age, young or old. She does not really care what you call her, whether a classic name or a more outdoorsy dog name—as long as she understands you are the source of all good things and that she belongs to you. And in some situations giving your pooch a new moniker is not only okay, but actually good for her.

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A Guide to Dog Coat Types

Not all dog coats are the same.

From the neat, flat coat of the Labrador Retriever to the abundant shaggy mop of the Old English Sheepdog, a dog’s coat type is one of his most distinguishing features. Dog coat type refers to the differences in texture and length of the fur, and whether it’s a double or single coat. Varied coat types require different methods of grooming and present different challenges (especially for first-time owners), and also influence your best friend’s need for a dog jacket in crisp weather. Here’s the long and the short—and the rough and the smooth—of it:

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What to Put in Your Puppy’s Crate at Night

You love your new puppy, and want her to feel happy and secure in her new human family. But hang on a second before you pile her crate full of cute toys and a velvety soft bed. How safe are her toys and bedding? You can’t watch her all night long, and puppies have an insatiable need to chew, indiscriminately. Given this truth, what should you put in your new puppy’s crate at night? Let’s explore…

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How to Create a Crate Training Schedule for a New Puppy or Dog

Congratulations on your new puppy or dog…and double congratulations on setting up a crate training schedule. A crating schedule will help you raise a wiggly eight-week-old puppy into a dog who is full of good habits (chewing on appropriate items, settling quietly, going to the bathroom where you want) and free of bad habits (house … Continue reading “How to Create a Crate Training Schedule for a New Puppy or Dog”

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Introducing the Newest Orvis Bed!

We humans spend about one-third of our lives sleeping . . . or we’re supposed to, anyway. The reality is that for many adults, getting the recommended eight hours is easier said than done. According to the CDC, 35% of U.S. adults suffer from some . . .

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Arthritis and Cold Weather: Winter Comfort for your Arthritic Dog

arthriticdog

People with arthritis know firsthand that cold weather worsens their pain and stiffness. The same is true for dogs as cold weather can make a dog’s arthritis symptoms worse. Theories about why this happens include changes in barometric pressure, increased nerve sensitivity, and decreased activity levels, but no clear cause is known. There are, however, clear steps you can take to keep your arthritic dog…

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