How to Properly Examine Your Dog
because Otto wasn't growling or trying to get away. He would benefit from some counter-conditioning.üThis dog loves being petted but panics when being even gently restrained. He would benefit from some counter-conditioning, so he forms the same sort of positive association he has with being petted as he does with being held or restrained.üThis dog is uncomfortable with being touched on the head. The handler is feeding her a treat that she likes, but you can tell the dog's backward-leaning posture and tightly tucked tail that the proximity of the petting hand and the handler's body has the dog obviously over her threshold for comfort.üThat's better! When the handler leans back a bit, and feeds the treat with her hand near, but not on the dog's head, the dog relaxes a bit. Her tail is still tucked, though, telling us she is near her threshold.
Can You Give a Dog Ibuprofen?
As responsible pet owners, we often want to help our dogs feel better when they are in pain. Many of us have ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), a common over-the-counter pain reliever, in our medicine cabinets and wonder if the same benefits extend to our pets. They do not.
Ibuprofen is extremely toxic to dogs and should never be given to them under any circumstances. Even small amounts can cause severe health issues, including stomach ulcers, kidney failure, and neurological damage.
Rapamycin: The New Anti-Aging Pill for Dogs?
The average life span of dogs is about 11 years, with some variation based on size and breed. It would appear that there is...
Dogs Can Get Bartonella, Too
In both people and dogs, bartonellosis often shows up with cardiac signs while it is asymptomatic in cats.
Dog Eye Allergies vs. Infections
Deciding if your dog has an allergic eye reaction or if he is starting with an infection is difficult. Unfortunately, eye problems can go from minor to very serious very quickly.
Tick Paralysis: What to Do if Your Dog Seems Paralyzed
Tick paralysis is caused by a neurotoxin produced by egg-engorged female ticks, who transmit the toxin from their salivary glands to the dog during feeding. The production (and transmission) of the toxin is greatest when the tick has been attached to and feeding from the dog between five and seven days. Five species of North American ticks produce the neurotoxin: the blacklegged tick (a.k.a. the deer tick), American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick, the Lone Star tick, and the Gulf Coast tick. Most North American cases occur between April and June, when the ticks are at their peak reproductive activity.
Is Frequent Urination in Dogs Normal?
If the symptoms your dog exhibits are straining to urinate, frequent, small accidents or repeated, small puddles when going outdoors, a likely cause is a lower urinary tract issue such as a bladder infection, bladder stones, or cystitis (bladder inflammation). Diagnostics will include a urine sample, urine culture, and possibly xrays of the bladder. Some breeds such as Schnauzers are more prone to certain lower urinary tract issues like bladder stones.
Why Do Dogs Shiver?
Dogs sometimes shiver when they are cold, but if your dog is shaking when it’s not cold, there may be reason to worry.
Why is My Dog’s Nose Dry?
Most of the time, if your dog’s nose seems a bit dry, it’s not a big deal. The wetness of a canine nose is...
What Is IVDD in Dogs?
IVDD in dogs is a painful, debilitating spinal cord disease. Treatment includes rest, steroids, anti-inflammatories, and corrective surgery.
Orthopedic Equipment for Dogs that Increase Joint Support and Overall Mobility
In our March 2011 issue, we introduced you to a very small sampling of some of the neat “assistive equipment” options that are available to help our canine companions who have limited mobility or other physical issues. We received such a great response that we thought we’d share with you a few more finds that can help make life easier for you and your dog, particularly if he or she is aging or has orthopedic or neurologic issues. Remember: the products mentioned here are only the tip of the iceberg. There are numerous companies making innovative assistive products; what we’re hoping to do here is to get you thinking about some of the possibilities!
Do You Know Your Dog’s Normal Heart Rate?
Learning your dog’s normal vitals – temperature, pulse, and respiration – is useful for detecting health problems or tracking your dog’s response to medication. It is also good information to provide when calling your veterinarian or an emergency clinic to make an urgent appointment .

















