Oral health is much more than simply pretty teeth and fresh breath. Studies have shown that greater than 2/3 of all adult dogs suffer from periodontal disease (disease of the gums and teeth). This statistic makes periodontal disease the number one most common medical condition affecting our furry friends. Periodontal disease is a serious health problem resulting in infection, pain, weight loss, broken and lost teeth, and organ damage. Bacteria contained in the biofilm of the tartar that accumulates on teeth enter the dog’s bloodstream and may lead to heart valve disease, liver damage, and kidney failure.

When a beloved older dog begins showing disturbing behavior changes, many owners panic and do not know what to do. An older dog may start to wander at night, become unable to sleep, seem lost in their own houses, forget their housetraining, or have personality changes. These changes may seem like a dog simply “getting old,” but there may be an actual medical condition to blame.

Your dog is your best friend, and thanks to advances in veterinary medicine and improved diets, they are living longer now than ever. This is terrific news! However, with a larger population of senior pets comes new issues that many owners have not had to address in the past. Older dogs, like older people, have unique challenges and needs. With a bit of extra care, a senior dog can be a healthy and faithful companion for years to come.

Feeding your dog a treat from the table may lead to the bad habit of begging, but did you know that it can also be very dangerous? Many foods we eat as humans are perfectly fine in moderation for our furry friends and can even be used as treats or incorporated into a dog’s weight loss plan. However, some foods are toxic and can have serious, even fatal, consequences if given to a dog. These ten foods should never be fed to a dog.

Fleas and ticks can be a terrible bother for your dog and cause skin irritation and itching. However, fleas and ticks pose a serious health threat to both your dog, you and your family. Fleas carry the bacteria that cause Bartonellosis, and heavy infestations can lead to life-threatening anemia. Fleas also spread tapeworms. Ticks are responsible for transmitting many serious diseases such as Lyme, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasmosis. Therefore, protecting your pet from these parasites is one of the most important things you can do as a pet parent.

All pet parents want to ensure that their dogs are living a happy and pain-free life. But do you know how to tell if your canine companion is in pain? It is well known that dogs hide their pain from the world, and there is actually a reason for this behavior. Descended from wolves, domestic dogs continue to hide their illnesses and injuries as their predecessors did, so that they will not be seen as weak.

Dogs are prone to many skin infections, but none is more frustrating to pet parents than an ear infection. Ear infections can bring your dog pain, loss of sleep, itching, and could cause him to be reluctant to participate in the activities he loves. There are several different types of ear infections, and some dog breeds are more predisposed than others. Treatment of ear infections can be frustrating and often the issue needs to be approached from many angles to manage it on a long-term basis.

Hyaluronic Acid is a clear gooey substance that is produced by your dog’s body. This is commonly found in their skin, joints, and eyes. This compound attracts water molecules to the area to help keep it moisturized. As your dog gets older, they tend to not have enough Hyaluronic Acid naturally produced in their body. This can lead to arthritis and joint issues, dry, flaky skin, and dry eyes. By providing your dog with a supplement that contains Hyaluronic Acid, you can help improve your dog’s quality of life.

You love your dog. He is your best friend and greatest companion. But lately you have noticed that he just doesn’t have that same spring in his step that he used to. You have noticed that he’s struggling a bit getting up in the morning, having difficulty going up or down stairs, or having a hard time with your slick or hardwood floors. These are all tell tale signs of arthritis in dogs, and though this painful condition cannot be cured, it can be managed. According to the Arthritis Foundation, one in every five dogs suffers from arthritis.

Chewing is a natural instinct for all dogs. Combine that with the teething that happens in the first six months of your puppy’s life, and you need to find the perfect chew toy ASAP! Dogs explore the world by putting it into their mouths, so be prepared for your new puppy to chew on everything. Your goal should be to provide safe and satisfying chew toys that will keep your pup happy while also keeping them away from items in your home that should not be chewed (your shoes!). Each dog is different, but there are some things to keep in mind when choosing a chew toy for a puppy.