dog health

Creating a Dog Drool-Protected Home


Photo by: Kathryn, Smithfield

 

Owning a dog makes life a good measure happier—and messier. Constant fur to vacuum, muddy paws to manage, and full-body fur shakes after rainy walks. But the slimiest canine mess is the dreaded dog drool puddle. Your dog puts your devotion to the test when you sit on a drool-soaked couch cushion or slide across the hardwood floor on a patch of slobber. The good news is, even if your best friend is a copious drooler, it’s possible to keep the mess to a minimum. Here’s a primer on all things dog drool, how to protect your home from unwelcome goo, and which dog breeds drool the most—and least.

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Should You Cover Your Dog’s Crate?

Crate training is an important step in pet ownership and covering your dog’s crate at night is recommended for many dogs, but not for every dog. Some dogs may love the security provided by a darkened, enclosed space, while others can feel anxious in a confined area. How should you introduce a crate cover to your puppy or adult dog, and what options are the safest? We explore the advantages and drawbacks so you can decide what works for your furry best friend.

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Are Dog Beds Necessary?


Photos via orvis.com

Dogs don’t need soft beds, but instead need to rest on a firm surface; too-soft pillow beds don’t offer the support needed for comfortable rest and healthy joints, and an older dog who sinks into a plush bed may have trouble getting into and out of it. This doesn’t mean he should sleep on the floor—that’s too firm. Instead, provide a bed with memory foam or a chambered polyfill sleep surface. A memory foam bed conforms to your dog’s body to relieve pressure, distribute his weight evenly, and provide tailored-for-him comfort. Many dogs need these orthopedic beds and they aren’t just for older dogs: Memory foam offers just-right joint and muscle support for a lifetime of comfort, so they’re ideal for younger, growing dogs, too.

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Why Is My Dog Itchy in the Winter?


If your dog is scratching a lot, there may be a problem.
Photos courtesy Katherine, Kansas City

Not long after the winter season’s first frost, comes the dry, itchy skin—for people and their dogs. Although it is possible for your dog to get fleas and mange in the winter, there are a variety of more common reasons your dog is scratching more than usual from December through March. It’s most likely that your dog is itchy in the winter because their skin dries out in the drier, colder air (like our own skin). Though you can’t slather moisturizing lotion on a thick coat of fur, there are other ways to help. Read on to learn why your dog often…

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When Will My Dog Stop Growing?

Like people, dogs grow on their own schedules. Each dog’s schedule is determined by his genetics, health, and nutrition. A pup destined to be small might be done at 6 months, while a large dog might grow for two years. And some dog parts grow (or regrow) throughout…

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Common Questions and Answers about your Dog’s Tongue


Photo by Deborah, Valparaiso

Depending on your point of view, one of the most endearing—or off-putting—features of a dog is his tongue. Everpresent, busy, and often intrusive, a dog’s tongue can also be one of his most defining characteristics. Most of us have either owned or have been acquainted with a dog who insists on greeting us by planting slobbery ‘kisses’ on our hands and faces, or licking us incessantly to get our attention. And while it is commonly accepted wisdom that dog mouths are cleaner than human mouths, does this mean they can lick us with abandon, and without any negative health…

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