Health & Wellness
Expert advice on keeping your dog healthy, happy, and thriving.
60 articles
Mucus Dog Poop: Causes, Colors, and When to Worry
A small amount of mucus in dog poop is often normal, but a sudden increase or mucus with blood, straining, or vomiting can signal a problem. Here is what it means and when to call your vet.
Do Dogs Get Cramps on Their Period? What Owners Should Know
Dogs do not menstruate like humans, so true cramps are unlikely—but many show mild discomfort during heat. Here is how to spot it, help, and know when to call the vet.
Can You Trust AI-Generated Dog Advice? A Guide for Pet Parents
AI can answer a question about your dog in seconds, but a smooth answer isn't the same as a correct one. When AI-generated dog advice is genuinely useful, the red flags to watch for, and the moments that call for a real veterinarian.
How Long Do Dobermans Live? Average Lifespan and How to Extend It
Dobermans live about 10 to 13 years on average. Here's what shapes their lifespan, why heart disease matters most, and the steps that can help your Doberman live longer.
Can Dogs Get Drunk? What Alcohol Really Does to Your Dog
Yes, dogs can get drunk, but alcohol is toxic and even small amounts are dangerous. Here's why dogs are so sensitive, the hidden sources of alcohol, the symptoms to watch for, and what to do.
Is Permethrin Safe for Dogs? What Every Owner Should Know
Permethrin is generally safe for dogs when used as directed, but it is toxic to cats. Here is what owners should know about safe use, risks, and alternatives.
Mini Goldendoodle Lifespan: How Long They Live and Why
Mini goldendoodles typically live 12-16 years, longer than standard goldendoodles thanks to their smaller size. Here is what shapes that lifespan and how to help your dog thrive.
Can You Use Baby Wipes on Dogs? What Vets Want You to Know
Baby wipes aren't ideal for regular use on dogs because of skin pH differences. Here's when a wipe is okay and what to use instead.
How to Express a Dog's Anal Glands at Home (Safely)
Learn how to safely express a dog's anal glands at home, when to do it, when to leave it to your vet, and how a high-fiber diet prevents problems.
Dog Stitches Healing Stages: What Normal Recovery Looks Like
Dog stitches heal in three stages over 10-14 days. Learn what normal recovery looks like, how to spot infection, and how to care for your dog post-surgery.
Hundreds of Dogs Died After a Routine Vaccine Overseas — Here's What Every U.S. Dog Owner Should Know About Vaccine Reactions
A vaccine scandal in Russia has dog owners everywhere asking a fair question: how risky are dog vaccines, really? Here's what the data actually shows, which dogs are highest-risk, and exactly what to watch for in the 72 hours after a shot.
Scientists Just Built a Clock That Reads Your Dog's Age From Their Poop — Here's What It Actually Says About Aging
Researchers mapped the gut bacteria of 922 pet dogs across the U.S. and built a model that can estimate a dog's age from a stool sample. The findings say more about diet, poop-eating and everyday gut health than about immortality — here's what's actually useful.
Dogs With Five or More Chronic Conditions Are Twice as Likely to Die, a Study of 50,000 Dogs Finds — Here's What It Means for Your Dog
New Dog Aging Project research published in GeroScience found that dogs with five or more chronic conditions were more than twice as likely to die in a given year as dogs with just one. Here's how the diseases stack — and the six checks that matter most.
Are Pomeranians Hypoallergenic? What Allergy Sufferers Need to Know
Pomeranians are not hypoallergenic. Their double coat sheds year-round and spreads dander and saliva proteins. Here is why, plus how allergy sufferers can cope.
Are Monsteras Toxic to Dogs? A Vet-Informed Safety Guide
Monsteras are mildly toxic to dogs thanks to calcium oxalate crystals that burn the mouth. Here is what to watch for and exactly what to do if your dog takes a bite.
A New Study of 1,246 Dogs Could Make Heartworm Treatment Cheaper — Here's What Every Dog Owner Should Know
A new study of 1,246 shelter dogs found a shorter, cheaper heartworm treatment worked nearly as well as the standard protocol. Here's what it means for your dog — and why prevention still beats every version of the math.
Will a Fox Attack a Dog? What the Evidence Actually Says
Foxes rarely attack dogs, they're shy and flee from confrontation. Here's when the risk is real, why disease matters more than bites, and how to keep your dog safe.
Nearly 200 Dogs Developed Sudden Dry Eye After Eating One Brand of Food — Here's What Every Owner Should Watch For
A UK fresh-food brand pulled nearly every meal it makes after 192 owners reported dogs with sudden dry eye — a condition that can end in blindness. Here's how to spot it early, no matter what you feed.
Do Dogs Have Umbilical Cords? The Truth About Puppy Belly Buttons
Yes, dogs have umbilical cords. Learn what the cord does, where your dog's belly button is, why it is hard to find, and when an umbilical hernia needs a vet.
A Family Dog Just Tested Positive for Rabies After Killing a Skunk — Here's What Every Dog Owner Should Know
A Husky mix in San Antonio became Bexar County's first rabid pet dog in over a decade after a backyard skunk encounter that was never reported. Here's how rabies exposure actually works, and the 96-hour window that decides what happens to your dog.
Do Long Haired Dachshunds Shed? A Groomer-Backed Guide to Their Coat
Long haired dachshunds shed only moderately, despite their flowing coats. Here's exactly how much they shed, why, and the simple brushing routine that keeps loose hair under control.
A Rescue Dog Just Survived “Swamp Cancer” — Here’s What Every Dog Owner Should Know Before the Next Lake Day
A Jacksonville Golden Retriever’s survival is putting a rare, often-fatal water disease called pythiosis back in the news. Here’s what it is, where it’s spreading, and how to keep your dog out of the water that carries it.
Vets Are Seeing More Dogs Poisoned by Opioids on Ordinary Walks — Here's What Every Owner Should Know
Emergency vets say dogs are ingesting fentanyl and other opioids off sidewalks, parks and trails — and the signs look nothing like what most owners expect. Here's how to recognize it, what to do in the first 10 minutes, and how to lower the odds.
AI Is Already in Your Vet's Exam Room — Here's What Every Dog Owner Should Know
A new NC State study found an AI stethoscope missed heart murmurs in dogs and called atrial fibrillation wrong three times out of four — while nearly half of vet clinicians now use AI scribes. Here's how to tell helpful AI from hype at your dog's next appointment.
Poodle Lifespan: How Long Do Poodles Live?
How long do poodles live? Toy and miniature poodles often reach 14-18 years and standards 12-15. Here's the poodle lifespan by size, plus how to extend it.
How Long Can a Dog Go Without Pooping? A Vet-Informed Guide
Most healthy dogs can go 24 to 48 hours without a bowel movement. Here's the timeline, the common causes of constipation, and the warning signs that mean it's time to call your vet.
Healthy Dog Gums: What Color They Should Be and the Warning Signs
Your dog's gums are an easy at-home window into their health. Learn what healthy dog gums look like, how to check them, and which color changes mean it's time to call the vet.
Blue-Green Algae Killed a Dog in Hours — Why 2026 Is One of the Most Dangerous Summers for Pups
Record 2026 heat has fueled a dangerous surge in toxic blue-green algae blooms that can kill dogs within hours. Here's how to spot the danger and keep your pup safe at the lake this summer.
New Research Says Crossbred Pugs Breathe Far Better Than Purebreds — Here's What Every Flat-Faced Dog Owner Should Know
A new Royal Veterinary College study found that nearly half of purebred Pugs had severe airway disease — while almost every Pug cross tested breathed normally. Here's what the findings mean if you already own a flat-faced dog, or are thinking about getting one.
Can I Use Human Hydrocortisone Cream on My Dog?
Can you put human hydrocortisone cream on your dog? Here's why vets urge caution, the licking and concentration risks, safer ways to soothe itchy skin, and when to see a vet.
Fever in Dogs: Signs, Causes, and When to See the Vet
A dog has a fever at 103°F or higher. Learn the signs, causes, how to take your dog’s temperature, and when a fever becomes an emergency.
How Long Can Dogs Go Without Water? A Vet-Informed Guide
Dogs can survive up to 72 hours without water, but dehydration starts within hours. Learn the real timeline, warning signs, and when it becomes an emergency.
Mango Worms in Dogs: Symptoms, Safe Removal, and Prevention
Mango worms are African tumbu fly larvae that burrow under a dog’s skin. Learn how to spot them, why home removal is dangerous, and when to see a vet.
Do Border Collies Shed? A Complete Guide to Border Collie Shedding
Border Collies shed moderately year-round and heavily each spring and fall. They are not hypoallergenic, but regular brushing keeps shedding manageable.
A Flesh-Eating Parasite Is Back in the U.S. — Here's What Every Dog Owner Should Know About New World Screwworm
New World screwworm has been confirmed in 44 U.S. animals since June, and 45 states have quietly added travel rules that affect dogs. Here's the risk, the signs, and the paperwork you need.
Toxic Algae Can Kill a Dog in Minutes — and 2026's Record Heat Is Fueling the Worst Bloom Season Yet
In a record-hot summer, toxic blue-green algae has already killed dogs at the Charles and Eel Rivers. Here's how the blooms poison dogs so fast — and the simple habits that keep your pup safe at the lake.
Is Lemongrass Safe for Dogs? What Every Owner Should Know
Is lemongrass safe for dogs? Learn why the plant is mildly toxic, why the essential oil is far worse, and exactly what to do if your dog takes a bite.
Do Dachshunds Shed? A Coat-by-Coat Guide to Wiener Dog Fur
Yes, dachshunds shed—but they're moderate shedders. Here's the coat-by-coat breakdown for smooth, long, and wire-haired doxies, plus how to keep fur in check.
Smegma in Dogs: What's Normal, What's Not, and When to See the Vet
Spotted goopy yellow-green discharge on your male dog? Here's what smegma is, what's normal, and the red flags that mean it's time to see the vet.
Labradoodle Lifespan: How Long Do Labradoodles Live?
Most Labradoodles live 12 to 15 years. Learn how size, genetics, weight, and care shape your dog's lifespan, and the everyday habits that help them live longer.
Are Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? What the Science Actually Says
No dog is 100% hypoallergenic, but Goldendoodles rank among the most allergy-friendly breeds. Here's what really decides whether one will work for your home.
Do Yorkies Shed? What to Expect From a Yorkshire Terrier's Coat
Do Yorkies shed? Yes, but very little. Learn why Yorkies are low-shedding, whether they're hypoallergenic, and how to groom them to keep loose hair down.
When Do Puppies Open Their Eyes? A Vet-Informed Timeline
Puppies open their eyes around 10 to 14 days after birth, gradually and often one eye first. Here's the full timeline, what newborn vision looks like, and the warning signs that mean it's time to call your vet.
The Dog Belly Button: Do Dogs Have One, and Where Is It?
Yes, dogs have belly buttons, they're just easy to miss. Here's exactly where a dog's navel sits, what a healthy one looks like, and when a bulge means it's time to call the vet.
Are Yorkies Hypoallergenic? What Allergy Sufferers Need to Know
Yorkies are one of the most allergy-friendly breeds thanks to their silky, low-shedding coat—but no dog is 100% hypoallergenic. Here's what allergy sufferers should know before adopting.
Do Dobermans Shed? A Complete Guide to Doberman Coat Care
Yes, Dobermans shed, but only a little. Their short single coat sheds a low, steady amount year-round. Here's how much to expect, why it's minimal, and how to keep hair under control.
Can Dogs Have Nightmares? Signs, Causes, and How to Help
Dogs experience REM sleep and can replay stressful events as bad dreams. Learn the signs of a canine nightmare, how to tell it from a seizure, and how to help.
How Long Do Pitbulls Live? Average Lifespan and How to Extend It
Most pitbulls live 10 to 14 years. Here is what determines a pit bull's lifespan by breed type, the health issues to watch for, and the daily habits that help them live longer.
How Long Do Border Collies Live? Lifespan, Health & Longevity Tips
Border Collies typically live 12 to 15 years. Here is what shapes their lifespan, the health issues to watch, and how to help your Collie live a longer, healthier life.
Cancer in Dogs: Common Causes and How to Spot the Signs
Cancer is common in dogs, especially older ones—but early detection changes everything. Learn the causes, warning signs, diagnosis, and treatment options, with vet guidance.
Lab Pointer Mix (Pointerdor): The Complete Breed Guide
The lab pointer mix, or Pointerdor, crosses a Labrador Retriever with a Pointer into one athletic, affectionate, high-energy sporting dog. Here is everything to know about size, temperament, exercise, training, grooming, and health.
How Long Do Huskies Live? The Siberian Husky Lifespan Explained
Siberian Huskies typically live 12 to 15 years. Here is what shapes their lifespan, the health issues to watch for, and how to help your husky live longer.
Why Do Chihuahuas Shake? Causes, Red Flags, and When to Worry
Chihuahuas tremble more than most dogs thanks to their tiny size and fast metabolism. Here are the harmless causes, the medical red flags, and when trembling means it's time to call the vet.
July 5 Is the Busiest Day at U.S. Animal Shelters — Here's How to Keep Your Dog From Bolting
July 5th is the busiest day of the year at American animal shelters. Here's the vet-backed plan to keep your dog from bolting on the Fourth — and exactly what to do in the first hour if it does.
Do Goldendoodles Shed? An Honest Look at the "Non-Shedding" Myth
Goldendoodles shed less than most breeds, but never zero. Coat type and generation decide how much—here's the honest breakdown, plus grooming tips to keep hair down.
Why Do Dogs Howl? 8 Reasons Behind the Sound
Dogs howl to communicate—an instinct from their wolf ancestors. Here are the 8 real reasons dogs howl, which breeds do it most, and when a howl signals a problem.
Rover vs Wag: Which Dog Walking App Is Best in 2026?
An updated 2026 comparison of Rover and Wag on price, walker pay, safety, and insurance, with clear guidance on which dog-walking app fits recurring versus last-minute needs.
Homemade Dog Toothpaste: 5 Safe, Vet-Smart Recipes
Make safe homemade dog toothpaste with simple ingredients like coconut oil and a little baking soda. Five recipes, brushing tips, and a clear list of what to never use.
Pitbull Lifespan: How Long Do Pit Bulls Live? (Vet-Informed Guide)
The average pitbull lifespan is about 10 to 14 years, with many healthy dogs reaching their teens. Learn what affects longevity by pit bull type and how to help your pittie live a longer, healthier life.
Goldendoodle Lifespan: How Long Do Goldendoodles Live?
Goldendoodles live 10–15 years on average, with mini doodles often reaching 16. Here is how size, genetics, and care shape your dog's lifespan.