Subscribe

The best in health, wellness, and positive training from America’s leading dog experts

Home Health

Health

The Scooting Dog Decoded

3
Why is Rover dragging his butt across the carpet? Not just annoying to watch, this behavior is usually indicative of a bigger problem - infected or impacted anal sacs. Also called anal glands, these little pouches are found on several different mammals including dogs and cats, and are not very noticeable when healthy. When they are clogged or infected, however, your dog will MAKE you notice them.
Brown labrador retriever lying on couch

What Is Lethargy in Dogs?

0
A lethargic dog is out of energy and lacks enthusiasm for his usual favorite things.
Bloodshot eyes in dogs can have a number of causes from allergies to serious eye infections.

How to Treat Bloodshot Eyes in Dogs

0
A dog’s eyes can appear red or bloodshot for many reasons—some of which are minor and will quickly resolve, and others which are much more serious.
Heartworms transmitted by mosquitos can dramatically lessen a dog's lifespan.

Dog Life Expectancy After Heartworm Treatment

0
Without treatment, heartworm disease will shorten a dog’s natural life expectancy. With early treatment and resolution dogs will have a close to normal life expectancy.

Yucca Root for Canine Arthritis Pain

3
Usually when mass-market, celebrity herbs are born, oceans of research and published introspection soon follows to satisfy the curiosities of the consumer. One of the best examples of this is yucca – a succulent, cactus-like member of the lily family that inhabits desert areas and garden landscapes throughout America. Anyone who has studied natural dog and cat food labels, shampoo labels, and ingredient lists for livestock feeds has seen the name of this important plant food and medicine, yet very few of us can cite its intended purpose, much less a broad view of its holistic potential.
A vet examines a small dog for health issues.

Histiocytomas in dogs

0
Histiocytomas are skin tumors that are raised and hairless and may be flesh-colored, pink, or red. They often look like a small button on the skin. These benign tumors that are most commonly found in dogs less than 6 years old.
Neem oil for dogs can help repel fleas, and other insects.

Is Neem Oil Safe for Dogs?

0
Although neem oil is considered safe for topical applications on most dogs, ingesting neem oil can result in excessive drooling or vomiting. If using neem oil as a pest control measure or a topical treatment it is important to prevent your dog from licking or swallowing it.

Does Your Dog Have Gas?

2
It is normal for dogs to have an occasional bout of gas. But it is not normal for flatulence to occur all the time. Flatulence can be relieved quickly in dogs by use of simethicone, the same anti-foaming drug that is marketed for humans in a variety of over-the-counter preparations. Simethicone is generally accepted as safe for dogs, even in human-sized doses. However, there may be some drawbacks to the use of Gaviscon, Gas-X, or any other simethicone product in your dog.
Man giving medicine to his old dog

How to Give Your Dog a Pill

0
Most experts suggest that you give your dog a pill in food. But what if you can’t use food? Here’s how to administer pills with or without hiding them in food.

Canine Cancer Resources and Hope

4
For each of the past six months, I’ve written an article for WDJ about the cancers that most commonly afflict dogs. It’s my sincere...
canine cancer patient

Mast Cell Tumors in Dogs: Is It Always Cancer?

79
Mast cell tumors (MCTs) are one of the most frequent skin cancers seen in dogs. Mast cell tumors are the reason why careful monitoring of any skin growths is essential for maintaining a healthy canine. Any new masses on the skin should be evaluated by your veterinarian. In regards to MCTs, there are several predisposed breeds including Boxers, American Staffordshire terriers, and pit bulls.
A Pug dog showing the breed's characteristic facial profile.

Pigmentary Keratitis in Dogs

0
Pigmentary keratitis occurs most often in brachycephalic dogs, like Pugs, although it can be seen in other breeds. In simplest terms, pigmentary keratitis is the buildup of melanin or pigment on the surface of the cornea. The pigment will appear brown or black. It can build up enough to block vision.