Dog Care

These articles are all about caring for dogs. They will help you understand how to optimally care for your dog.
If you're a pet lover who wants to live greener, dealing with your pet's waste might cause some trouble. Here are eco-friendly solutions to dog poop!

How to Dispose of Dog Poop the “Green” Way: The Ultimate Guide to Eco-Friendly Pet Waste Management (Part 2)

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 15, 2022
 Dogs add so much joy to our lives, but sometimes the expected costs aren’t clear. Read about how much it costs to own a dog in your state!

The Cost of Owning a Dog by State

Dog Care
Doug Reffue - CEO & Founder of Pettable
Published:
June 24, 2022
Choosing the best antibiotic option for your ailing dog that is best fit for them and you.

How Do I Choose The Best Antibiotic Cream For Dogs

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 6, 2021
Is your dog scratching incessantly? The cause may be dandruff. Find out how to alieve the symptoms and prevent them in the future.

How Can I Treat Dog Dandruff?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 6, 2021
There are many different causes of hiccups in dogs, including excitement, eating too quickly, reverse sneezing, and even...

What are the Causes of Hiccups in Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 6, 2021
Is your dog showing signs of allergies such as intense scratching and hives? There are many ways to help relieve your dog’s allergy so it can get back to a full life.

How Do I Choose The Best Antihistamine For Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 6, 2021
The main uses of methocarbamol for dogs is treat muscle spasms caused by poisons or tetanus. Though it's normally safe, it can...

What Are the Uses of Methocarbamol for Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 6, 2021
The most common uses of ranitidine for dogs are treating stomach or intestinal ulcers and treating gastritis. More rarely, it's...

What Are the Uses of Ranitidine for Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 6, 2021
The amount of exercise your dog needs can be determined by it’s age, size, breed, and agility. It can be difficult to gauge how much is too much, but thankfully, there are different ways to determine that.

How Much Exercise Does My Dog Need?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 6, 2021
The best way to treat a tick bite on a dog is to first gently remove the tick and then wash the area around the bite with...

How Do I Treat a Tick Bite on a Dog?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 6, 2021
Veterinarians usually recommend cefpodoxime for dogs with urinary tract infections, infected wounds, or pneumonia. Side effects of...

What Are the Uses of Cefpodoxime for Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 6, 2021
There are pros and cons to both wet and dry food. It is notoriously difficult to interpret studies on wet and dry food because...

Should I Feed my Dogs and Cats Wet or Dry Food?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 6, 2021
Dog hives are round, itchy welts on a dog's skin that causes the fur to stick up. Though most cases of dog hives are caused by...

What are Dog Hives?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 6, 2021
It is always concerning when our dogs get injured, and sometimes, injuries require bandages. How do you know the best one for the injury?

How Do I Choose the Best Dog Bandage?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 6, 2021
A dog stroke is a situation in which a blocked artery stops the blood flow to a dog's brain, or when abnormal bleeding blocks the...

What is a Dog Stroke?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 6, 2021
A veterinarian might prescribe Alprazolam for your dog to help with certain health symptoms or concerns. But how safe is it?

How Safe Is Alprazolam For Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 6, 2021
Many different plants are toxic to dogs, including tulips, irises, hyacinths, and poinsettias. One that people often forget about...

What Plants are Toxic to Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 6, 2021
Dogs have cold, wet noses as part of their body cooling system and because they lick their noses. Dogs' noses may also be wet...

Why do Dogs Have Cold, Wet Noses?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 3, 2021
As puppies, dogs can learn bad habits and behaviors, such as biting. It can be hard to break these habits, but thankfully there are some tips to get dogs to stop chewing everything.

How Do I Stop my Dog from Chewing Everything?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 3, 2021
It's not entirely clear why dogs turn around three times before lying down, but best guesses say that it may be genetically...

Why do Dogs Turn Around Three Times Before Lying Down?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 3, 2021
Dogs with short noses tend to snuffle and snort because the way in which they are bred causes part of the top of their mouth to...

Why do Some Breeds of Dogs Snuffle and Snort?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 3, 2021
The most common medical causes of aggression in dogs are hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, and problems with the brain. The signs of...

What are Some Common Medical Causes of Aggression in Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 3, 2021
Veterinarians often prescribe loratadine for dogs to treat canine allergies or skin irritation. Though it usually doesn't have any...

What Is Loratadine for Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 3, 2021
Famotidine for dogs is a human medication that's sometimes prescribed by vets for dogs with gastric ulcers. It blocks histamine...

What Is Famotidine for Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 3, 2021
While candy isn’t good for dogs, there may be some healing properties in licorice you didn’t know about.

How Safe is Licorice for Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 3, 2021
The main advantages of using almonds for dogs are that they make a convenient snack and they're rich in nutrients. Despite this...

What Are the Pros and Cons of Almonds for Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 3, 2021
The effects of catnip on dogs are not nearly as strong as on cats, but it can make them feel calm. It can also help a dog with...

What Are the Effects of Catnip on Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 3, 2021
Jalapenos are typically not harmful to dogs, but they will cause them to sneeze and salivate. It's generally best to keep any...

Are Jalapenos and Their Stems and Leaves Harmful to Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 3, 2021
Dogs wag their tails to provide social cues and to express their feelings. If a dog is wagging its tail in an upright fashion...

Why do Dogs Wag Their Tails?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
September 3, 2021
Brief and Straightforward Guide: What is a Therapy Dog? (with pictures)

What is a Therapy Dog?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 31, 2021
Is your dog showing intense scratching? It could be due to fleas. The best way to prevent them is by investing in a flea collar.

How Do I Choose the Best Dog Flea Collar?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 31, 2021
Is your dog showing signs of constant itching? It may be possible that it is suffering from animal lice, which is easy to eliminate following a few steps.

How Do I Get Rid of Lice On Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 31, 2021
Dogs are at risk for many things, including blisters. There are ways to treat blisters, from mouth to paw, to help your ESA heal.

How Do I Treat Dog Blisters?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 31, 2021
Liver damage in dogs can be caused by many different factors, including old age, heartworm disease, consuming toxic substances...

What Causes Liver Damage in Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 31, 2021
 When your family pet is sick, it can be distressing and worrisome. Luckily, there are ways to make your dog feel comfortable on the road to recovery while at home.

How Do I Care For A Sick Dog?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 31, 2021
Pet owners often use aloe vera for dogs with flea bites, wounds, and allergies. Some also use it internally, but veterinarians say...

What Are the Uses of Aloe Vera for Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 31, 2021
The most common signs of tetanus in dogs are an inability to blink, irritability, drooling, and muscle spasms. If the tetanus is...

What are the Signs of Tetanus in Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 31, 2021
The symptoms of parasites in dogs depend on the type of parasite. Dogs with skin parasites typically have hair loss, while those...

What are the Symptoms of Parasites in Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 31, 2021
When dogs have medical issues, such as an eye infection, oftentimes they can be treated at home. However, there can be a variety of different ways, all which depend on your pup.

How Do I Treat A Dog Eye Infection?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 31, 2021
Vets generally recommend clindamycin for dogs that have soft tissue infections or abscesses. Depending on the type and location of...

What Are the Uses of Clindamycin for Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 31, 2021
While you can buy commercial pet food at the grocery store, there are other options, too. Here’s what you can buy to ensure your pet is healthy and nourished.

What are Some Alternatives to Commercial Pet Food for Cats and Dogs

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 31, 2021
Using vitamin E for dogs can improve the texture of a dog's coat and skin, can improve a dog's immune system, and can reduce...

What Are the Benefits of Using Vitamin E for Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 31, 2021
Using probiotics for dogs can improve a dog's intestinal and digestive health and give it a healthier coat; however, they can also...

What Are the Pros and Cons of Probiotics for Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 31, 2021
Enriched dog foods, fish, and bones all contain calcium that's suitable for dogs. Other good sources of calcium for dogs include...

What Are the Best Sources of Calcium for Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 31, 2021
Warts on dogs can be caused by several things, but the most common cause is a contagious virus called papillomavirus. Other...

What Causes Warts on Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 30, 2021
If you have an outside dog, or a dog who enjoys being outside, chances are they may receive a tick. They can be difficult to remove, but more trouble if you don’t.

How Do I Remove a Tick on a Dog?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 30, 2021
The best way to prevent blisters on dog paws are to keep your dog's pads moisturized, keep the dog from walking on hot roads, and...

How Do I Prevent Blisters on Dog Paws?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 6, 2021
Taking certain preventive measures, such as keeping your dog’s paw pads moisturized, can help prevent blisters on your dog’s pads. For the most part, though, you can prevent blisters on dog paws by keeping your dog from encountering the kinds of circumstances that cause animal blisters. Such circumstances include extremely hot asphalt or concrete and extreme exercise.
If your dog has a surface wound, they may be prone to licking it, as their saliva has been rumored to provide healing factors. However, this is not always the case.

How Do I Prevent Dog Wound Licking?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 6, 2021
In the animal kingdom, it is instinct for many animals to lick their wounds. Dog wound licking is very common, and while it may be instinctive, it can cause problems for the dog. Though there are many myths surrounding the instinctive reasoning behind the licking of wounds, including that a dog’s saliva has antibacterial or healing properties, wound licking can interfere with the healing process and can even cause infection.
The way to treat a scab on a dog depends on the reason for the scabbing. Most of the time, scabs are caused by superficial skin...

How Do I Treat a Scab on a Dog?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 6, 2021
Treating a scab on a dog starts with figuring out what led to the injury, such as a scrape or fleas. From there, you typically should trim away extra hair from around the wound and wash the animal with a good pet shampoo. Put on a medicated spray or cream and follow up with cool compresses or cloths to reduce any inflammation.
A pregnant dog generally gains weight, has enlarged mammary glands, and may experience personality changes. The only way to be...

What Are the Symptoms of a Pregnant Dog?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 6, 2021
Unlike humans, detecting pregnancy in a dog is not as practical as urinating on a stick or confirming a blood test. A veterinarian may be able to diagnose a pregnant dog within a month or so of conception by a physical examination or by x-ray or ultrasound around six weeks gestation, but since the gestation period of a dog is about nine weeks, this offers little to the anxious breeder.
Using tea tree oil for dogs can be dangerous because tea tree oil can cause liver and neurological damage to dogs if it is...

What Are the Dangers of Tea Tree Oil for Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 6, 2021
According to some veterinarians and animal experts, tea tree oil may be toxic for dogs when its ingested or absorbed through the skin. It is also suspected that using tea tree oil for dogs may also cause liver damage. Accidental ingestion of tea tree oil may cause gastrointestinal symptoms in dogs as well. Additionally, there have been reports of dogs suffering from neurological damage from the use of this oil.
Dogs pant to regulate their body temperature. Since dogs have fewer sweat glands than humans, they need to pant to cool their...

Why Do Dogs Pant?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 6, 2021
Dogs pant to regulate their body temperature. They have fewer sweat glands than humans, and most are located along the base of their feet; because of this, it is difficult for them to lose heat through sweating. By panting, a dog can cool its mouth and tongue, along with blood that is circulated through the head, keeping its body temperature at a safe and normal level.
We all get constipated, and it can even happen to dogs. Depending on what they eat, drink, or ingest, dog constipation can be difficult to assess and treat.

How Do I Treat Dog Constipation?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 6, 2021
Problems with water and diet are often causes of dog constipation. Generally dog constipation can be treated by switching to high-fiber dog food or wet dog food and making sure the animal has plenty of water. Sometimes home remedies such as mixing fiber supplements, olive oils or canned pumpkin into a dog's food can help. In some cases, dog owners must take their constipated pets to the vet for treatment.
Dogs may walk in circles because of systemic lupus erythematosus, distemper, or neosporosis. If your dog begins to walk in circles...

What Medical Conditions Could Cause My Dog to Walk in Circles?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 6, 2021
Although it is normal for puppies to chase their tails and even for fully-grown animals to dash around in wild twists and turns, it is more unusual for a pet to walk in circles. Some dogs will do this prior to settling down to sleep, or before defecating, in which case it may be normal behavior, but if it occurs at other times, or in a dog that has not previously behaved this way, it may be a sign that something is wrong.
You can usually treat a dog stye with antibacterial ointments or herbal compresses. If the stye is in its early stages, then...

How do I Treat a Dog Stye?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 5, 2021
Basic treatment of a dog stye is usually uncomplicated and can be done at home, as it involves simply washing the area and applying warm compresses. Medication sometimes helps, depending on the cause of the problem, and these are available as drops, ointments and oral chews or pills. In some cases, a veterinarian has to remove the stye physically, or he provides a differential diagnosis. Both owners and vets should exercise safety precautions, such as wearing gloves, while providing treatment.
The normal temperature for dogs is between 101° and 102° F (38.3° and 28.9° C). Unlike humans, dogs cannot regulate their...

What Is a Normal Temperature for Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 5, 2021
The average, normal temperature for dogs usually hangs around 101° Fahrenheit (38° Celsius), but it's normal for it to be one or two degrees higher or lower than this. These animals have ways to regulate body temperature on their own, especially panting, but they can become overheated or too cold due to the environment, infection or disease, age and size. Mild temperature elevations or dips are treatable at home in most cases, but high fevers and more extreme cases of hypothermia usually call for a trip to the vet.
It's not fully understood why dogs eat grass. Some dogs simply appear to enjoy eating grass, while other dogs eat grass because...

Why do Dogs Eat Grass?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 5, 2021
There is a lot of debate about why dogs eat grass, and ultimately no single answer seems all inclusive. Some animals act like mini lawnmowers, eating grass at every opportunity, and it may be that they simply like the taste or eat it for nutritional reasons. Others dogs eat grass only occasionally, subsequently throwing it up, and this may be a form of self-treatment for upset stomach.
Dogs often avoid drinking water in new situations or when they are unhappy. If your dog avoids drinking water for several days...

What are Some Reasons Why my Dog is Not Drinking Water?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 5, 2021
There are a number of possible reasons why a dog might refuse water, including illness, aging, an upsetting experience, or a change in surroundings or water source. There are also a number of tactics and tricks that can be employed to persuade a dog to drink again. If, however, the cause cannot be established, or the dog cannot be persuaded to drink, the animal should be taken to a veterinarian without delay, as dehydration is a serious condition.
The first thing to do if your dog is stung by a bee is to gently remove the bee stinger with tweezers. After that, take your dog...

What do I do if my Dog is Stung by a Bee?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 5, 2021
If your dog is stung by a bee, there are several steps to help reduce the pain, swelling, and risk of complications. When treated promptly, pain and discomfort can often be managed at home without any drastic measures. In order to ensure your dog's safety, assess the symptoms, provide appropriate home care, and seek immediate veterinary care if the condition worsens.
The most common signs of pink eye in dogs are irritation, fluid from the eyes, bloodshot eyeballs, and swollen eyelids. Some dogs...

What are the Signs of Pink Eye in Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 5, 2021
Pink eye is a known and common ailment in humans, but this condition is also a very common problem for dogs. Pink eye in dogs, also known as canine pink eye or dog conjunctivitis, occurs when the conjunctiva, the part of the eye that lines the eyelids and connects to the eyeball, becomes irritated and inflamed. Some of the typical causes of pink eye in dogs include irritation by foreign material, such as pollen or grass, or infection from a virus, bacteria, or fungus.
There are many different types of dry skin remedies for dogs, including lanolin, vitamin E, olive oil, liquid glycerin, and...

What Are the Different Dry Skin Remedies for Dogs?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 5, 2021
Dry skin remedies for dogs are available at most pet stores and, for severe cases, through veterinarians. Home remedies often work just as well for pet owners who prefer natural products for their dog. Ingredients contained in the most common remedies for dry skin in dogs include lanolin, vitamin E, oils and other soothing ingredients that prevent itching and heal the skin.
Wondering what pain medications are okay to give your dog and which aren’t? Some can help, but others can have damaging side effects such as…

Can I Give Ibuprofen to My Dog for Pain?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 5, 2021
Just as it is unwise for one person to share prescription medicine with another, it can also be dangerous to give pain medication intended for humans to animals. In general, giving a dog ibuprofen, or other analgesics, such as aspirin or acetaminophen, is very inadvisable. These substances may sometimes be prescribed by a veterinarian, but in this case, the dose will have been carefully considered, and will be appropriate to the pet.
If your dog was sprayed by a skunk, the smell can go everywhere your dog goes and cling to different surfaces. Luckily, there are remedies to remove it safely and easily.

How Can I Remove Skunk Odor from a Dog?

Dog Care
Susana Bradford
Published:
August 5, 2021
If a skunk sprays your dog, it is important to wash your pet as soon as possible to remove the spray and prevent its transfer to your carpets, bedding, and furniture. Simple soap and water or standard dog shampoo won't neutralize skunk odor. Rinse or wipe as much spray off the dog as you can, then follow up with a commercial skunk odor shampoo or a blend of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap, followed by a standard pet shampoo.

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