Pet Care

A dash of dish soap. A little warm water. Slosh it around, dry it off and repeat once every… however many months? If that’s your typical routine for cleaning your dog’s food and water bowls, you’re likely in the majority.

This red rust (or occasionally brownish rust, depending on the color of your dog’s fur) is what the veterinary community refers to as “tear stains.” While the name may pull up some heart-wrenching images, it’s important to remember that tears come from a variety of places other than sadness or crying — these stains are simply the result of a biological clog.

There’s nothing worse than discovering your beloved pet has picked up a “pet” of his own. Fleas and heartworms are parasites that attach themselves to your furry friend and can eventually wreak havoc on his health. While flea infestations are generally treatable and not always a cause for concern, they can escalate to becoming dangerous to your pet’s health if not treated properly. Plus, they’re just a gross nuisance.

With winter on the outs and nature officially in bloom, cats and dogs everywhere are gearing up to enjoy the spoils of the equinox. Sunnier skies, longer walks and bouncier balls are ahead — but so are the pollen and organic irritants that come with them.

We took a deep look at current literature and the 2019 American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Dental Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats — which was prepared by a Task Force of veterinary and dental health professionals, who collectively used their expertise and current research to inform these guidelines. Using these resources we explored common misconceptions about your pet’s dental care to uncover the facts.

The best way to keep your dog’s nails in check is to trim them regularly. But if your dog’s nails get to a place where they’ve overgrown too much, you’ll need to take extra care when trimming their nails. While it might be tempting to go ahead and cut an overgrown nail short right away, this could lead you to accidentally cut the quick, which can lead to pain and bleeding for your dog. That’s because when a dog’s nail grows too long, the quick grows along with it.

Bulldogs have wrinkly skin that requires a bit extra care than your average dog. Because of their skin folds, they are prone to infection and must be wiped on a regular basis to maintain good health and prevent itching, odor, hair loss and discomfort.

Ideally, you should be brushing your dog’s teeth on a regular basis, but sometimes that can be hard to manage — especially since your dog is likely to resist the process. It sounds like wishful thinking, but with regular attention and a gentle touch, your dog may even grow to enjoy the sensation.

Do not under any circumstances administer human pain relievers to your dog. They could be fatal — and while over-the-counter medications for dogs may be lacking at the local pharmacy, there’s plenty you can do to help your dog feel better, faster.

Discovering a lump on your beloved best friend can quickly sound some alarms. While it might feel like that lump came out of nowhere, it’s important to remember that lumps on dogs aren’t as rare as you think — nor are they necessarily dangerous.