dog health

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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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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The 9 Best Dog Breeds for Cold Weather

Whether you live in the icy high latitudes or just love the snow the few times a year your region sees it, having a dog who thrives in the snow is a nice bonus. The best dog breeds for cold weather may not all look alike, and some may surprise you, but we looked at a variety of factors in order to narrow down a list. Some of these breeds are obvious snow dogs, while others you may not consider snow dogs but will enjoy winters just as much as you. If you’re looking to add an adventurous furry companion to the household, but need a dog who can handle frigid temperatures and winter snow, consider these seven exceptional dog breeds for cold weather.

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How 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. 

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Does Weather Affect Dog Behavior?

Yes. Weather—including rain and snow, temperature fluctuations, and changes in barometric pressure—can affect dog behavior, similar to the effect weather can have on humans’ mood and energy. You’re likely peppier on sunny spring days, while on a cold, grey, rainy day you may feel more interested in a movie marathon on the couch. Read on to learn how changing weather conditions change your best friend.

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Why Can’t My Dog Get Comfortable Lying Down?



Photos courtesy  Orvis.com

One of the coziest sights is a dog curled up in his dog bed, or comfy on the couch, fast asleep. But what about when your dog can’t get comfortable lying down?

It’s normal for dogs to circle before they lie down—that’s an inborn behavior courtesy of canine ancestors who needed to tamp down a “nest” or check for danger before sleep. But if you notice your dog struggling to get

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How to Stop Your Dog From Barking

Gus gets his bark on.
Photo by Gregory, Pittsburgh

To stop your dog from barking, you must first pinpoint what sets him off and tailor your behavior training to his triggers. His barking is instinctual. But constant barking is intolerable for you and the rest of his human family. Let the barking continue for too long unabated, and you may face discontented neighbors who are suffering along with you. Read on to learn the common causes of excessive barking; how much barking is acceptable; and most importantly, how to curtail incessant barking, day or night. We’ll also give you a rundown of which dog breeds bark the most—and the least.

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