Tag: Dog Health
Healthy dogs are happy dogs. They are alert and engaged, have shiny coats, fresh breath, and lean weight. We invite you to browse BarxBuddy’s collection of dog health articles.
Dog health articles include topics like nutrition, food, and exercises. They also include topics like signs and symptoms to watch out for (and when to call the vet).
Dogs can act differently or display negative behaviors for a number of reasons. Sometimes it’s as simple as improving their basic care, nutrition, exercise, and socialization. Other times, dogs have underlying canine health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or dental problems.
As a pet parent, you are your dog’s first line of defense against poor health. A proper diet, plenty of exercise, and life-long socialization are key to a happy and healthy dog. You also should learn about dog health-related issues, especially those specific to your dog’s breed. Always relay questions and concerns about your dog’s well-being and behavior to your veterinarian.
For information on dogs and their health, explore our ever-growing collection of resource guides and blog articles. If you are interested in healthy dog treats, training tools, toys, and more, browse the BarxBuddy Shop.
7 Common Dog Nail Problems, Symptoms and What to Do
Your dog relies on his nails for a host of activities such as digging and grasping his favorite toy, and maintaining his balance when he walks and runs. Healthy dog nails don't extend past the pads of your dog's paw and they are unbroken and unsplit. Unhealthy dog nails can become discolored, dry, split, and peel. As dog owners, we need to be able to recognize those symptoms so we know when to call the...Read more
How Does Scent Training for Dogs Work? And Why Would You Need It?
You’ve seen the crime shows where a dog sniffs an article of clothing and leads the police to a missing person. Or perhaps you’ve been in an airport and seen police use dogs to sniff travelers and wondered, what are they looking for? These dogs are actually detection trained. While not every dog can become a detection dog, scent training can benefit your pet. You might be surprised to learn that scent training for dogs...Read more
What Are the Best Pet Care, Dog Sitting, and Dog Walking Apps?
Looking for someone to walk your dog while you're busy at work? Need a pet sitter while you take a much-needed vacation? Or do you have a special needs pet that can't be left alone? There's an app for that ... and more. Read on to learn about popular dog walking apps and online matchmaking services that connect pet owners with pet care-givers. Before you choose a service, here are a few tips: Ask family...Read more
Can Dogs Get Coronavirus? Answers to FAQs About Pets and COVID-Related Diseases
As COVID-19 continues to ravage communities worldwide, people still have plenty of questions about the virus. Pet parents are no different as their concerns about COVID-19 and animal companions don't make the news nearly as often as the pandemic's human side. To help you navigate this time, BarxBuddy gathered information on this topic from expert websites, including the CDC and the FDA. We hope that the following will answer some of your questions, like can...Read more
February is Responsible Pet Ownership Month. What Exactly Does That Mean?
February is Responsible Pet Owner Month, which is a nice way to remind current and soon-to-be pet owners to think about what that means. From nose to tail, cradle to grave, here is our list of what responsible pet ownership means. Pick the Right Pet As a responsible pet owner, your first task is to ensure you select the right pet for your home and lifestyle. We know it's difficult looking at all the adorable...Read more
Weird Things Dogs Do and What They Mean — Interpreting Dog Body Language
They may be man's best friend, but that doesn't mean we understand all the weird things dogs do and what they mean. You know what we're talking about: butt scooting, butt sniffing, and well … how do we put this … humping. These typical dog behaviors have humans scratching their heads and, sometimes, cringing. Chances are, if your dog is doing something weird, there’s a reason. First, figure out why your dog is doing the weird...Read more
How Much Exercise Do Dogs Need? Dog Exercise Needs By Breed Types
You'll hear us often recommend that a first step in calming a high-energy dog is to give him an outlet to burn off energy. A tired dog is a good dog. But, how much exercise do dogs need? How much exercise is too much? The amount of exercise dogs need depends on your dog's age, size, breed, and overall health. Younger dogs and puppies tend to require more physical activities; as dogs age, their activity...Read more
Fat Dogs — How to Prevent and Treat Obesity in Dogs
Fat dogs. They might seem happy and look cute with their rolly poly bodies, but that’s as far as “benefits” of extra weight go. Fat dogs live shorter lives, and they are more likely to get other diseases: DiabetesHeart diseaseJoint problems and arthritisLiver problemsBreathing difficultiesDigestive disordersCancer Approximately 25% to 30% of dogs in North America are obese, according to VCA Hospitals. Other experts estimate the dog obesity rate is even higher. The Association for Pet...Read more
How to Trim Dog Nails That Are Overgrown
Overgrown dog nails can lead to tendon problems and pain. Here, we explore how to trim dog nails that are overgrown. First, however, we take a few minutes to nibble some candy corn and explain the structure of dogs' nails, so you can learn how to safely trim them. Anatomy of Dog Nails Dogs' nails are made of three basic parts: the outer protective shell, the fleshy quick that protects the bones, and the bone....Read more
How to Create a First-Aid Kit for Dogs (Checklist)
Every home should have first aid supplies for humans and pets, because they are part of the household too! Readiness begins with a first aid kit for dogs, and we've got your checklist below. Tuck away your supplies in an easily accessible place so everyone in your household (including dog sitters) can find it. First item on the list for your first-aid kit for dogs: a duffel bag, backpack, or even a tackle box to...Read more
New Year’s Dog Resolution for 2021
Contemplating your New Year’s resolutions already? Thinking about changes you want to make to help you live a happier, healthier dog life? We have five New Years dog resolutions for 2021 to help you get started. Learn New Dog Tricks Hoping to learn a new skill or interested in taking some classes in the coming year? Teach your dog one new trick every month, using positive reinforcement dog training. Here are two to get you...Read more
Storm Anxiety: How to Calm a Dog During Thunder, Lightning and Loud Noises
Do you have astraphobia? Does your dog? Astraphobia, which can affect humans and animals, is the abnormal fear of thunder and lightning. One small study reported in the International Journal of Animal Health Development suggests that the majority of dogs suffer to some extent from astraphobia -- 66.66% of dogs in the study showed abnormal fears of thunder and lightning. For most people, the news of an impending storm may cause them to rethink outdoor...Read more
Healthy Dog Treat Recipes: Simple Homemade Dog Treats
Homemade dog treats ... they sound like SUCH a great idea, but surely that would be costly and require way too much time and effort, right? Wrong. Healthy dog treat recipes don't need a list of obscure essentials or a culinary degree. With some simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can score major points with your furry BFF and maybe earn you a bit more room on the couch or bed....Read more
4 Examples of Nose Work Games for Dogs (Exercise Their Brains!)
Looking for engaging activities for your dog while stuck inside because of coronavirus quarantines or chilly winter weather? Try some nose work games for dogs. These fun, smelly activities help your dog refine their olfactory skills and exercise their brains, which is important to dog health. Did you know: Dogs’ can smell 1,000 to 10,000 times better than people, depending on the breed. Hounddogs, for example, have very high senses of smell. (Source: VCAHospitals.com) Dogs...Read more
Avoid These Common Plants Toxic to Dogs
As a pet parent, you do your best to ensure your dog stays safe indoors and out. You do what you can to ensure you raise happy and healthy dogs. That includes ensuring your dog doesn't eat something that could make them ill, including common plants that are toxic to dogs. Common trees, plants shrubs, flowers and herbs that we love could be dangerous to dogs if they ingest them. Toxicity depends on a few...Read more
‘A Priceless Friendship’: How Our Dog Kept Us Company During COVID (Guest Post)
In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we invited Pablo and other well-known personalities in the social media and pet-loving community to tell us how dogs help humans, especially through the tough times like social distancing and a global pandemic. Here is Pablo's story. During the 5 years that Gori’s been by my side, his company has been unconditional. He’s affectionate and fun to be with. Despite knowing these things, it has been through this pandemic...Read more
List of Online Resources for Dog Lovers
Bookmark These Dog Websites! Our Big List of Online Resources for Dog Lovers Looking for some health information for your dog? Searching for the perfect companion and not sure where to start? Or, maybe you need some pet inspiration? If you're a dog lover and looking for pet resources you've come to the right place. We have gathered several websites that we consider worthy of sharing with you as a pet parent. Best Pet Websites...Read more
10 Tips for Raising Happy, Healthy Dogs so They Live Longer
What do food, friends, family, and your physician have in common? Together they are partly responsible for helping you stay happy and healthy. Surrounding yourself with loved ones, practicing proper nutrition, and minding your physical health add to your overall well-being. Dogs, too, need the love and support of those around them to live their best life. And of course, regular visits to the vet help your dog stay well. Here are a few tips...Read more
31 Ways to Exercise Your Dog While Social Distancing
If there’s one thing 2020 taught us as dog owners, it's that it’s still important to walk, exercise and socialize our dogs around other humans and fellow dogs, even if you have to get a little creative while social distancing. The importance of exercise for dogs is the same as it is for us: We need it to sleep better, digest food, move joints and prevent or reduce risks for health problems. BarxBuddy has come up with...Read more