Urinary tract infections are common in dogs. Photo: pcdazero Think your dog might have a urinary tract infection (UTI)? These types of infections are common in dogs — but they can be simple or complicated. Don’t ignore any changes in your dog’s urination habits. The longer you wait to address a UTI, the harder it

Puli dogs are a herding breed with unique coats. Photo: iStock.com/allinvisuality 1. Key Characteristics of the Puli AKC Group: Herding Height: 14–18 inches Weight: Males weigh 25–35 pounds; females weigh 20–30 pounds Life Expectancy: 12–16 years The Puli (plural: pulik) is a compact, agile dog able to perform work in almost any area and climate;

This pretzel recipe for dogs allows optional toppings of either cheddar cheese or carob (dog-friendly chocolate). Photos: Allison Gray/Petful One great aspect of cooking your own dog treats is the flexibility and control you have with the recipe. Dogs, just like people, can have allergies and diet restrictions. Fortunately, most recipes can be altered in

Large breeds like German Shepherds are especially susceptible to hip dysplasia. Photo: Katrina_S Did you know that hip dysplasia in dogs is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems they experience? But this fact is pretty much the only straightforward thing about hip dysplasia in dogs — there are no rules. For example, some dogs have

Deputy Nick Carmack and K-9 Shep of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. Photo: A&E Network The police K-9 is an integral part of any police department. Not only do these working dogs provide services such as search and rescue, suspect apprehension and narcotics detection, but they also serve as a bridge to the

This Thogersen Family Farm recall involves packages of pet food that were already sold/consumed or were never sold, according to the company. Photo: Facebook Maker: Thogersen Family Farm (Stanwood, Washington)Cause: Potential for listeria contaminationAnnouncement: FDA announcement dated April 4, 2019 (archived here)What was recalled: 2-pound packages of the following raw frozen pet food, with no lot numbers, batch

Boston Terriers are known as “the American Gentleman,” according to the American Kennel Club. Photo: iStock.com/Helioscribe 1. Key Characteristics of Boston Terriers AKC Group: Non-Working Height: 15–17 inches Weight: 15–25 pounds Life Expectancy: Over 15 years Boston Terriers (a.k.a. Bostons) are small, muscular dogs with short, square appearances. The head is square and flat with

Three lots of Darwin’s Natural Selections dog food were recalled, but the company did not issue a public announcement, according to the FDA. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on March 26, 2019, issued a letter cautioning consumers not to feed 3 specific lots of Natural Selections dog food made by Arrow Reliance Inc., doing

Dog pimples usually appear on the muzzle and lips. Photo: Phatthanun.R Can dogs get zits? Yes, they sure can. (And cats can get zits, too.) Dog pimples, zits, acne, plukes, spots … call them what you like, but pimples are definitely a canine thing. Much like human acne affects teenagers, dog acne tends to affect

One reason you might want to learn how to teach the “out” command is that it can help a new puppy and your older dog get along. Photo: Pixabay The “out” command, also called the “away” command, lets your dog know that they should leave the area they are in. Although this command isn’t widely

Carrots and flaxseed meal give these dog treats a nutrition boost. Photos: Allison Gray/Petful I really love being able to make Banjo homemade treats with ingredients already on hand. And when those ingredients happen to have added health benefits? Well, that’s a win-win. After finding myself with some leftover shredded carrot, I browsed around for

Dogs can contract kennel cough not just at kennels but also at dog parks, veterinary offices and pet stores. Photo: PIX1861 Kennel cough, an infectious canine cough caused by either a virus or a bacteria, is a term familiar to most dog lovers. Folks coined the name “kennel cough” because dogs are most susceptible to

English Springer Spaniels were bred to hunt, flush and retrieve ducks. Photo: iStock.com/johnnyscriv 1. Key Characteristics of English Springer Spaniels AKC Group: Sporting Height: 18–21 inches Weight: 40–50 pounds Life Expectancy: 12–14 years English Springer Spaniels are medium-sized dogs with a long overcoat and soft undercoat. Their coloring is limited to black or liver with

The Jan. 31, 2019, recall of certain canned Hill’s Science Diet and Prescription Diet dog foods came too late, say some heartbroken pet parents. Multiple lawsuits have been filed against Hill’s Pet Nutrition. For 4 years, Donna Nehrenz fed her dog, Macy, the same trusted brand of dog food without a problem: Hill’s Science Diet’s

Pyoderma in dogs sometimes appears in breeds with skin folds, such as French Bulldogs, because the skin can rub together and become infected. Photo: ivanovgood Which of the following are signs of pyoderma in dogs? Spots and pimples Weeping skin sores Inflamed skin with hair loss Actually, that was a trick question. All of the

Learn how kids can help animals in shelters. Photo: donnieray Most kids we’ve met want to hug and pet every fuzzy 4-legged critter they can wrap their arms around. Children love animals. And that’s precisely why it’s a great idea to get kids involved with helping animal shelters when they’re young. It’s not always simple

Chinese Shar-Peis are devoted to their families. Photo: iStock.com/AndraSimionescu 1. Key Characteristics of a Shar-Pei AKC Group: Non-Sporting Height: 18–20 inches Weight: 40–60 pounds Life Expectancy: 9–11 years The appearance of the Chinese Shar-Pei is unmistakable. The head and body shape, abundant wrinkles, and darkened nose and muzzle are signature attributes of this ancient breed.

These spinach, apple and carrot dog treats aim to impress. Photos: Allison Gray/Petful I love finding homemade dog treat recipes that call for ingredients I already have. That’s especially true for recipes that call for fresh ingredients that might spoil if I don’t use them up. After a recent visit to Costco (wherein I bought

Dog cataracts aren’t the only ailment that cause a milky-blue hue to appear in dogs’ eyes. Photo: Mark Dog cataracts are a common cause of blindness in dogs. You’ll recognize them without realizing it — those dogs have milky white pupils instead of black. Cataracts lead to loss of vision, so understanding the options is

When learning how to train your dog to stay off the couch, always have treats at the ready. Photo: Fran__ If you’re asking, “Is it OK for a dog to sleep on the couch?” or “Do you allow your dog on the couch?” the answer depends on a couple of things. In most cases, letting

The difference between DHPP and DHLPP? The latter includes a leptospirosis vaccine. Photo: Shine Nucha What is DHLPP? This vaccine is the “core” canine vaccine given to puppies and adult dogs to protect them from several serious and possibly fatal contagious canine viral diseases. A core vaccine is a vaccine considered essential for all domestic dogs

Dalmatians have distinctive markings in their fur that develop after they’re born. Photo: iStock.com/LucyCartwright 1. Key Characteristics of Dalmatians AKC Group: Non-Sporting Height: 19–23 inches Weight: 35–75 pounds Life Expectancy: 10–15 years Dalmatians are distinctive in their coat pattern and are the only spotted breed, according to the Amereican Kennel Club. Their short coats are

Answering the question “Why do dogs lick their paws?” is rarely straightforward, so work with your vet to find out why your dog engages in this behavior. Photo: isakarakus “Why do dogs lick their paws?” This ranks right up there with queries clients regularly ask. But while foot licking is a common problem, getting to

Golden Retrievers are among the dog breeds that have never won Best in Show at Westminster. Photo: angela n. Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) ranks the most popular dog breeds in America, and every year, representatives of those breeds compete along with many others for “Best in Show” — the top prize at

The longest-living dog breeds tend to be smaller dogs. Photo: Peter077 Ever wonder what the shortest- and longest-living dog breeds are? Here’s another question: Remember your grade-school reading lists, where you learned the ins and outs of life through books like Old Yeller and Where the Red Fern Grows? Dogs and humans make the perfect

Training a dog to come when called can be a lifesaver for your pooch. Photo: werdepate Wondering how to train a dog to come when called? Here’s a little story to illustrate why doing so benefits everyone involved. When my Border Collie, Mack, was around 2 years old, my family and I went hiking with

Wondering how to clean a dog’s ears? First, determine whether doing so is necessary by performing the sniff test. Photo: Ermolaev Alexander Is ear cleaning good or bad for your dog? And if it’s good, what’s the right way to do it? The truth is, cleaning a dog’s ears wrong damages the ear. But clean

Leth Oun went from the killing fields of Cambodia as a child in the 1970s to being a U.S. Secret Service dog trainer. (Photo illustration by Petful) Leth Oun has always been passionate about dogs. When Oun was a child, a French Bulldog named Dino saved his spirit during the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia.

Pugs are full of personality. Photo: Pixabay 1. Key Characteristics of Pugs AKC Group: Toy Height: 10–13 inches Weight: 14–18 pounds Life Expectancy: 12–15 years One of the oldest dog breeds, Pugs are small dogs with round heads, short muzzles and large eyes. The face is wrinkled — sometimes deeply — and the high tail curls

Maker: Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.Cause: Elevated levels of Vitamin DAnnouncement: FDA announcement dated Jan. 31, 2019 (archived here)What was recalled: The following canned dog foods: Hill’s Prescription Diet: c/d Multicare Canine Chicken & Vegetable Stew, 12.5 oz., SKU #3384, Lot #102020T10 or 102020T25 i/d Canine Chicken & Vegetable Stew, 12.5 oz., SKU #3389, Lot #102020T04, or 102020T10, or