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.
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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. . .
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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 . . .
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You love your dog 24/7—whether he’s playing, walking by your side, or relaxing with you on the couch. But there’s little better than watching your dog take a snooze. Dogs have a way of finding the most relaxing positions on their corner of the couch or on their dog bed. Because they sleep from 12 to 14 hours every day, we get familiar with the cozy, sometimes hilarious, ways our dogs like to catch their Zzzzs. Here are some common (and weird) dog sleeping positions…
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Dogs don’t always enjoy car rides—some dogs love traveling, while others approach road trips with trepidation. Your dog might hate car rides for several reasons, including anxiety or motion sickness—or he may simply sense your stress and react to it. A shaky-kneed, carsick dog can put a damper on your travels, but you can still take him on adventures if you work to overcome his backseat woes. You can train or condition your dog not to hate riding in the car…
Read MoreRattlesnakes, cottonmouths, and copperheads, oh my: Encounters between dogs and venomous snakes can be dangerous. Luckily, like some insect stings, they are not always lethal. Stack the odds in your dog’s favor by equipping yourself with the right knowledge and him with the right training—and maybe even a rattlesnake vaccine. Where Do Snakes Live? If … Continue reading “Keeping Your Dog Safe From Snake Bites”
Read MoreYou take every precaution to prevent injuries when you go wingshooting, waterfowl hunting, hiking, or when you embark on a training session with your dog. Though he’s steady to shot without fail, and you’ve outfitted him with a safety vest and locator bell, there’s always a risk of accidents in the field. Your dog can have a run-in with a porcupine and walk away with a snout full of quills, or encounter a venomous snake. Branches can lash him in the eye, or briars can lacerate his legs or paws. Because of these common dangers, it’s important you carry a well-stocked first aid kit for your dog each time you head out…
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Photo by Gary, Madison
You’re hiking up a trail in the heat of the summer when you come to a stream. Your dog races ahead and wades in, drinking with every step. You console yourself with the fact that the stream is remote and running clear. But that pristine mountain stream likely isn’t as pure as you might like to believe. If mountain stream water isn’t clean enough to drink, what does that say about puddles and runoff in the city? We want to protect our dogs at all times, but if you allow your dog to drink non-potable water from potholes, sprinkler runoff, and other water sources during your daily walk, your dog is at risk…
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If there are bees or other stinging insects around, pay close attention to your dog.
Photo by Éric Tourneret, via Wikipedia
Your dog is sniffing happily around the back yard when she suddenly yelps and starts running around in circles. It’s a good bet she had a run-in with the business end of a bee. Dogs are more at risk of bee stings than humans because they explore the world with their snouts and their four paws pad through the grass and clover—exactly where bees buzz in search of nectar. Even the most well-trained dogs can end up with a bee sting, so it’s important…
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Photo via orvis.com
There are three easy ways to remove dog stains and smells from your car, using supplies you probably already have in your home: baking soda, mild soap and water, or vinegar and water. Read on to learn how to keep a clean and sweet-smelling car, even with ‘dog’ as your constant copilot.
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