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

First Aid

Joint Supplements for Dogs

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If your dog has been diagnosed with a joint disease such as arthritis, then youre probably no stranger to the world of joint supplements for dogs. Just visit your local pet store, and you will see that options abound. The choices can be confusing. There are chews, powders, and even diets that claim to improve canine joint disease. But which of these supplements are legitimate, and how can you tell?

How to Treat Dog Wounds

complications from incorrect bandaging can be severe. The original wound on this foot was bandaged for several days by the owner. The dog was seen at a veterinarian's office after the bandage became wet and had an odor."
dog being held upside down

What To Do If Your Dog Gets Motion Sickness

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meant to help the vestibular apparatus develop properly. This is thought to help prevent vestibular disease and motion sickness later in the puppy's life."
One young freelancer sitting in his office with his dog

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Marijuana (Edibles, Weed, Vape Cartridges, etc.)

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Eating any product containing THC can be dangerous for your dog. While the amount and type of marijuana product consumed determines how serious the situation is, dogs who have eaten cannabis need to get to a vet.
cleaning dog wounds

Natural Remedies for Cleaning Dog Wounds

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Your dog just had surgery, stepped on broken glass, caught her tail in a door, has a puncture wound, got bit or scratched, tangled with barbed wire, or has an abrasion that came from who knows where. You want the wound to heal quickly without bleeding, pain, or infection. The following strategies help achieve that result.

Marijuana Toxicity in Dogs

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The symptoms of marijuana toxicity will vary based on the dog, but general symptoms in dogs include depression, vomiting, urinary incontinence, ataxia (wobbliness), tremors, stupor, and bradycardia (slow heart rate). However, Dr. Wismer explains about 25% of dogs exposed to cannabis will become stimulated instead of depressed and show agitation and high heart rate. Dogs with severe marijuana toxicity can develop low blood pressure and coma.
A rat terrier playing in a bar where there is a chance the dog could eat rat poison if unsupervised.

Emergency: My Dog Ate Rat Poison

There are a few different types of rat poison, which is why it’s vitally important to know which kind your dog ate and hopefully approximately how much. Your veterinarian and Poison Control will use this information to formulate the best plan for saving your dog.
TPLO surgery for dogs is an effective treatment for young and athletic dog's knee injuries.

Double TPLO Surgery for Dogs

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As we learned in our independent research and from meeting with multiple veterinary surgeons, the TPLO surgery has become the gold-standard treatment for this kind of knee injury, especially in very large, strong, young, athletic dogs. While waiting for Sirius growth plates to close, we saw firsthand how conservative management worked - and then didnt. We were looking for a treatment option that gave Sirius the best chance at the kind of fun and normal life she deserved, one that would allow her to return to the activities and sports training that she loved.

How to Conduct a Home Health Exam for Your Dog

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There are numerous health conditions that can develop and present a real danger to your dog in between veterinary examinations – and YOU can detect many of them. It’s best to follow a consistent routine, so your dog becomes comfortable and relaxed with the procedure, and to increase your familiarity with his body, lumps, bumps, and all. Write out and follow a short outline, to remind yourself about each part of the dog’s body you want to check.
A white German Shepherd Dog sits in a Bailey Chair waiting for her meal.

Megaesophagus in Dogs: A Mega Problem?

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The esophagus is a muscular, distensible organ that carries food from the mouth to the stomach. Megaesophagus is a common disorder in dogs that describes slow motility with resultant dilation of the esophagus. As a result of hypomotility, food will pool in the esophagus and stretch it. The stretching leads to damage to the nerves. This worsens hypomotility - a vicious cycle.
When your dog eats an onion it's natural to panic, but how much onion is toxic to dogs.

My Dog Ate an Onion!

Approximately 100 grams – about a half cup – of onion can be toxic to a 45-lb. dog. Onion powder is more concentrated, and therefore worse.
A dog stung by bee in eye with the eye swelling shut and interfering with vision.

Dog Stung By A Bee? Here’s How to Treat It

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Hives, wheals, and welts are a moderate reaction to stings. Just like their human counterparts, dogs who have been stung can break out in unsightly hives. These are usually very itchy and uncomfortable. The first sign often noticed is the dog rubbing along furniture or scratching at the face and eyes. The hives may manifest as bright red streaks or lumps all over the body or be confined to a single place.