Training a Puppy
Mark Perlman

Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior: What Causes Troubled Behavior & How To Spot It

This article provides a comprehensive overview of common dog behaviors and the various factors that can contribute to them. It highlights the importance of understanding dog behavior in order to address any issues that may arise and provides tips for pet owners on how to identify the underlying causes of behavioral problems. The article also discusses the role of early socialization and training, proper care and attention, veterinary care, and consistent leadership in preventing and addressing behavior issues in dogs. It emphasizes that every dog is unique and that patience, understanding, and a commitment to providing the right care and attention are key to helping dogs overcome behavioral challenges.

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Bloody Diarrhea in Dogs
Dr. Erica Irish, DVM

Bloody Diarrhea in Dogs

The average pup should be examined by a veterinarian at least twice a year. During those other 363 days of the year, veterinary professionals rely on pet owners for help with assessing a patient’s health. Without your help, your doctor might not know that your dog is experiencing a health problem! This includes when dogs have bloody diarrhea. How does bloody diarrhea occur? When is it an emergency, and what can you do to help resolve it?

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A Complete Guide to Puppy Shots
Dr. Sara Redding Ochoa, DVM

A Complete Guide to Puppy Shots

Did you just get a new puppy? You may be looking at what all you need to do for your puppy will need to stay healthy and happy. Your new puppy will not only need food, water, toys, and treats but also will need vaccines. When your first take your puppy to the vet, they will give you a schedule showing when they need these vaccines. This will usually be every 3 to 4 weeks. We will look at what all shots are needed for your new puppy and when they should get the vaccines.

What does a puppy need to be vaccinated for?

There are many different vaccinations that your puppy will get. Some of these vaccinations are a combination vaccine and contain a few different viruses. Some vaccines contain only one virus. These are some of the most common things that your vet will vaccinate your puppies for:

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How to Properly Change Your Dogs Food
Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM

How to Properly Change Your Dog’s Food

As a dog parent, there will come a time when you will have to change their food. While this might not seem like a big deal, it often turns out to be just that. Knowing how to properly switch or transition to a new food can mean the difference between a happy, healthy pup and a week-long marathon of messes to clean up.

Don’t wait until you’re out of the old food to begin. You’ll want about 3-4 days left in order to properly transition.

Dog Food Change Schedule

Day 1: Mix about 20% new food with 80% old food.
Day 2: Mix about 40% new food with 60% old food.
Day 3: Mix about 60% new food with 40% old food.
Day 4: Mix about 80% new food with 20% old food.
Day 5: Feed 100% new food.

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Dog Losing Weight
Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM

Sudden Weight Loss in Dogs – Causes & what to do about it

Is it just you, or does your pup seem thinner lately? This is a question that many dog parents may wonder in the course of their dog’s life and with good reason. The list of causes of sudden weight loss in dogs is a long one with many contributing factors. Let us help you determine what may be causing your pup’s drop in weight and how you may be able to fix it.

Is Your Dog Losing Weight?

First, it’s important to determine if your dog is actually losing weight. A dog’s haircoat can make it difficult to notice minor changes in weight, so getting your hands on them is important. The easiest way, of course, is getting regular body weights using a scale. If you don’t have one at home, consider taking them to your vet for quick weigh-ins where you can monitor their body weight and make a trip to the veterinarian seem fun at the same time.

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Dog Bathroom
Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM

Diarrhea in Dogs – What is it, what causes it and what to do about it

It might be said that if you haven’t seen diarrhea in your dog, you haven’t had them long enough. Diarrhea is a common occurrence in our canine companions that can be brought about by many different causes. So, whether your pup has infrequent diarrhea or it bothers them all too often, let’s find out some causes behind it, ways you can prevent it, and some at-home remedies.

What is Diarrhea in Dogs?

It’s important to properly define diarrhea as some pet owners may be mistakenly diagnosing it. Diarrhea is loose or unformed stools that often are greater in volume and come at an increased frequency. It is a symptom of a disease rather than a disease itself.

Color and consistency will help clue you in to the cause. Colors of diarrhea can range from streaked with blood, green, yellow, black or various shades of brown. Consistency can go from slightly squishy to so liquid-y it could paint the walls.

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Coconut Oil for Dogs
Dr. Erica Irish, DVM

Coconut Oil for Dogs: Uses, Benefits & Safety

Coconut oil has become very popular for a variety of uses in people. Besides cooking with it, there is both anecdotal and scientific evidence that shows how coconut oil can have healing properties when ingested or used topically. But what is coconut oil? What are its benefits, and do the same properties apply when coconut oil is used in dogs?

What is coconut oil?

Coconut oil is the oil that is collected from the meat and milk of the coconut fruit or coconut palm tree. It is a type of saturated oil that has health benefits for humans but only when used in moderation. It is not a trans-fat or hydrogenated oil, which is a type of oil that has undergone a process to make it more solid. Hydrogenated oils increase the risk of heart disease and can result in the formation of plaque deposits which can clog arteries.

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Can Dogs Have Fish Oil
Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM

Can Dogs Have Fish Oil? See Uses & Benefits of Fish Oil for Dogs

Whether you’ve basking in the benefits of fish oil or are just curious about them, you’ve no doubt wondered about giving your dog fish oil. While it’s true that fish oil is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids that are important anti-inflammatory agents, there are other benefits that you might not have been aware of. So, is fish oil safe in dogs and what can it be used for? Let’s find out.

What Does Fish Oil Contain That is Beneficial to Dogs?

As we said before, fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, mainly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentoaenoic acid (EPA). These fatty acids create hormones that are responsible for improving blood flow and decreasing inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids aren’t found or manufactured naturally in the body. Instead, they need to come from the food that your pup eats.

Most commercial dog foods contain an abundance of fatty acids from the meat and grain products that they are made from. However, most of those fatty acids are the omega-6 type, which are beneficial in their own way, but work better if they are in balance with omega-3s. Adding fish oil is about the easiest way to boost the omega-3 content of their diet in order to achieve the many benefits that fatty acids provide.

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