Meeting 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…
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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.
Dog Exercise Needs by Breed
Exercise 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 MoreHow to Ease Dog Anxiety on the Fourth of July
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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. . .
Read MoreFive Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe from Snakes
As 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 MoreDog Sleeping Positions: What the Furry Formations Mean
There’s more to sleep position than comfort.
Photo by Mary, Concord
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…
Read MoreWhat to Do If Your Dog Hates Car Rides
Photo via orvis.com
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 MoreKeeping Your Dog Safe From Snake Bites
Rattlesnakes, 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 MoreWhat to Put in Your Hunting Dog First Aid Kit
You 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…
Read MoreWhich Water is Safe for Dogs to Drink
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…
Read MoreCommon Insect Stings and Bites on Dogs and What to Do
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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