Portuguese Water Dogs. Irish Water Spaniels. Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. These dog breeds are all excellent swimmers, but having ‘water’ or a body of water referenced in your dog’s name isn’t a prerequisite for water-loving dogs. Many dog breeds and rescue dogs enjoy splashing around and swimming. And some…
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Large Dog Breeds: Caring for Gentle Giants
Whether a dog breed is ‘large’ depends on whom you ask: Dog owners and non-dog owners may have differing opinions, and a veterinarian could offer up another suggestion entirely. But generally, a dog is considered large if he weighs more than 55 pounds. Height-wise, most people consider a dog taller than 20 inches at the shoulder to be large, but height and weight don’t always match up—some hefty breeds are short…
Read MoreWhy Are Dogs So Loyal?
Labrador retrievers are legendary for their loyalty.
Photo via facebook.com/wildrosekennels
Full-body wags. Sitting with devotion in the window until you pull into the driveway. Stepping boldly between you and any possible threat. Your dog shows her affection and loyalty in countless ways. But why are dogs so loyal to their people? It’s a question dog lovers have long pondered, and one scientists are researching…
Read MoreHow to Measure Your Dog for a Harness
Photo via orvis.com
A harness provides more control over a dog than a collar and leash, and many people and dogs may find they prefer a properly fitted harness instead of a collar. A harness is often a safer option for a dog who pulls at the leash, because it takes the pressure off her throat and reduces the risk of injury. But when not fitted properly, harnesses may pose hazards: A dog may slip out of a loose harness, and straps adjusted too tightly may rub the skin and cause irritation. In order to ensure your dog’s harness is safe and effective, choose the right style and size, and adjust her harness for a proper fit. We’ll show you how.
Read MoreWhat to Do With a Stray Dog
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…
Read MoreDog 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 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”
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