Dog Care

Many dog owners get peace of mind from smart collars with GPS tracking, whether it’s needed to reassure them about the whereabouts of their dogs or to help find dogs who have gone astray. Photo by Petra Richli, Getty Images Smart technology has found its way into nearly every aspect of our lives – even

We put our dogs at risk! Due to diminishing wildlife areas, animals like coyotes forage for food in cities and other populated areas. Credit: Kate McCarty | Getty Images Coyotes may attack dogs, but it is important to put it in perspective. Attacking coyotes are more rare than common, and most attacks occur in winter,

Not all dogs that itch have mange or mites, for that matter. But a dog who is incessantly scratching and itching and clearly in misery needs to be seen by a veterinarian. Credit: Fernando trabanco Fotografia | Getty Images Mange is a skin infestation by mites. Humans have mites that normally exist on our bodies,

It’s not clear why dogs like to chew on wood, although one can guess it’s because it is just the right firmness with a natural scent. Credit: Bruev | Getty Images Every dog – whether a large working dog or a small pet – seems to like to chew on things, although we don’t yet

Some dog breeders will use home progesterone test kits to plan breeding times. Credit: Jane Rubtsova | Getty Images A dog’s heat cycle occurs approximately every 6 to 15 months, depending on the breed and genetic trends within the female dog’s family. A progesterone test for dogs can be used to determine which part of

Many people start hair dye for dogs projects by just doing part or all of a dog’s tail. Credit: Coldsnowstorm | Getty Images Whole Dog Journal is reader-supported. If you purchase through links on our site we may earn a commission. Whole Dog Journal does not accept money for its food and product reviews. Whether

: When people fail to teach their dogs to walk without pulling on the leash, they often resort to using pain-inflicting prong or choke collars to help manage the dog’s pulling, reducing his strength advantage. It’s far more rewarding and effective to employ a force-free trainer to teach you and your dog to stop pulling!

A little Frito chips smell from your dog’s feet might be icky, but it’s likely not a problem unless you see him licking and/or chewing at his paws. Credit: C. Karin/FOAP | Getty Images There are three primary reasons why your dog might smell like Fritos or other corn chips: He raided your stash and

There isn’t a valid one-size-fits-all recommendation for the distance or amount of time that you should walk your dog. There are many relevant factors, specific to each individual’s health and needs, that should determine how often you should walk your dog, including: Age: Young puppies and senior dogs generally don’t need as much exercise as

Severe dog coughs could lead to pneumonia, so don’t guess. Involve your veterinarian. Credit: Ocskaymark | Getty Images A dog coughing should get your attention and not be ignored. The worst coughing comes with kennel cough, even mild kennel cough. The main symptom of kennel cough is that he sounds like he is “honking,” as

Many of us let our dogs off leash in “safe” wooded areas, making a rabies vaccine even more important to our dog’s health. Credit: Artur Debat | Getty Images The earliest signs of rabies in dogs are anxiety, nervousness, mild agitation, unusual behavior changes, itchiness, and fever. These signs usually last two to three days

Rusty tear stains on a pretty white dog can reduce any dog lover to tears. Start by ruling out any veterinary problems. Credit: Environmantic | Getty Images If the beauty of your dog’s face is marred by rusty red streaks caused by dog tear stains, schedule a veterinary examination before using a dog tear stain

Your dog may interact with toxic, poisonous plants at any time of the year, but for some reason, the holidays come with an overload of dangerous flowers, like poinsettia, and pine cones in the trees, and don’t forget the cookies. Credit: Jason Ondreicka | Getty Images Many flowers and house plants are toxic for dogs.

We asked WDJ’s contributors for their recommendations for “things they can’t imagine living without” in their dog-care kits – their favorite dog toys, training tools, and treats. Here are some of the products that made their lists of things that they must have for their dogs. Whole Dog Journal Contributor’s Choice The Best Dog Gear

The happy look on this dog’s face will disappear when that antler he’s chewing breaks a tooth or splinters and lodges in his esophagus. Do NOT give your dog antler chews! Credit: Hoard11 | Getty Images The biggest risk to your dog from chewing on antlers is broken teeth. Commercially sold antlers, usually deer or

Otto in his last spring, when I still thought he might make it to his 16th birthday. This has been a rough year for me and many of my dog-loving friends; I’ve lost track of how many people I know who have lost one of their beloved canine companions. And every time I see another

While science hasn’t proven transmission of COVID with dogs, the CDC recommends caution with all pets when you’re sick with COVID. Credit: ArtistGNDphotography | Getty Images As winter approaches, a spike in human infectious respiratory illness is anticipated, including COVID-19. Many dog owners worry that if they contract the COVID-19 virus, can they give it

A study published in a 2015 issue of Behavioural Processes determined that rolling over during play was a “combat maneuver adopted as part of an ongoing play sequence.” The researchers found the frequency of rollovers depended upon how long the play lasted. They considered none of the movements submissive, but instead, decided the dogs were