While Halloween is a time of fun and excitement for humans, it can be stressful and downright dangerous for dogs. So much in their world changes very quickly: there’s a ton of activity, new people are everywhere, strange foods and smells abound, and . . .
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Top 10 Tips for Traveling With Your Dog by Car
Whether you’re road tripping for the weekend or journeying cross country with your dog, these top 10 tips for traveling with your dog will help you prep for four-wheeled adventures with your four-legged friend.
We cover essential dog travel accessories to make the journey fun and safe for both of you, and follow up with answers to frequently asked questions.
Read MoreA Personalized Dog Collar: The Best Way to Find a Lost Dog

Photo courtesy of Deb German
The single best way to find your lost dog is to outfit her in a personalized dog collar, embroidered or engraved with your phone number, before she goes missing. The reason is simple: the person who finds her is most likely to check her collar or tags first, and call the number on them before making ‘found dog’ posters or fliers, or dropping her at the local animal shelter. That one phone call will lead a good Samaritan instead directly to you, and hopefully your pal will be back in your arms again in short order. A redundant system is better still—adding ID hang tags to your dog’s collar and having her microchipped are smart backups.
Read MoreAre Dog Beds Necessary?

Photos via orvis.com
The discomfort and negative health effects of sleeping on hard floors make beds necessary for most dogs. However, dog beds are not one-style-fits-all. Which bed will help your dog the most, depends on many factors, including your dog’s age, weight, breed, health, and a variety of other factors. Finding the right dog bed requires knowledge of your dog, her needs, and a little training on your part.
Read MoreArthritis and Cold Weather: Winter Comfort for your Arthritic Dog
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…
Read MoreHow to Protect Your Dog in the Snow and Ice

Logan enjoys deep snow on a sunny day.
Photo by Tom, Arlington
What self-respecting dog can resist playing outside in a fresh blanket of snow? Most dogs romp in it with unbridled joy. But winter brings seasonal hazards for your dog, including salt and other de-icing agents, dangerously cold temperatures, deep snow, slippery ice, and more. If heavy snowfall is the norm where you live, you and your dog will have no choice but to spend at least some time in it, even if he’d rather be curled up at your feet in front of the fireplace.
Read MoreRethinking Dogs as Holiday Gifts: What You Should Know

While dogs can make wonderful presents, there are potential problems, as well.
Photo by Jill, Oconomowoc
While conventional wisdom suggests giving a dog as a Christmas present is ill advised, a new way of thinking is gaining momentum, supported by research that suggests a puppy-as-present may not only be okay, but could ultimately help more shelter dogs find forever homes. Does a dog make a good present? If you’re thinking of giving a puppy or a dog to a child or other beloved family member or friend this holiday season, here are some compelling findings that might make you smile.
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 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 MorePodcast: The Purina Pro Plan Series, Episode 2—Pet Food Myths and Misconceptions
On the second collaborative effort between Orvis and Purina Pro Plan, Reid chats with veterinarian Dr. RuthAnn Lobos about the myths and misconceptions that surround the pet food industry. . . .
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