As a dog owner, it’s important to be aware of the different types of skin cancer that can affect your furry friend. In this article, we’ll discuss what dog skin cancer looks like, when to see a veterinarian, and the various treatment options available. We’ll also explore the costs associated with treatment and methods for preventing skin cancer in dogs.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Dog skin cancer can manifest in a variety of ways, including tumors, lumps, or irregular growths on the skin. Other symptoms may include itching, redness, and hair loss. If you notice any of these signs on your dog, it’s important to have them checked out by a veterinarian as soon as possible. A veterinarian will perform a physical examination and may also take a biopsy of the affected area to confirm a diagnosis of cancer.

Treatment Options

Once a diagnosis of skin cancer has been made, a veterinarian will recommend the best course of treatment. Surgery is often the first line of treatment and may involve removing the cancerous growth and surrounding tissue. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may also be recommended in some cases. In addition, immunotherapy and biological therapy are also treatment options to consider.

Cost of Treatment

The cost of treating skin cancer can vary depending on the type of cancer, the stage of cancer, and the treatment options chosen. Surgery can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, while radiation and chemotherapy can cost even more. It’s important to discuss the costs and payment options with your veterinarian before beginning treatment.

Prevention

While there is no surefire way to prevent dog skin cancer, there are steps you can take to reduce your dog’s risk. Regularly checking your dog’s skin for any unusual growths or changes is important. Also, try to keep your dog out of the sun during peak hours and consider using sunscreen. Additionally, feeding your dog a healthy diet, avoiding smoking around your dog, and keeping your dog at a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of skin cancer.

In conclusion, dog skin cancer is a serious issue that can affect your furry friend. By understanding the different types of skin cancer, the treatment options available, and the costs associated with treatment, you can make informed decisions about your dog’s care. Additionally, by taking steps to prevent skin cancer, you can help keep your dog healthy and happy. If you notice any unusual growths or changes on your dog’s skin, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian for an evaluation.”

When it comes to hunting, having a dog by your side can make all the difference. Not only do they make great companions, but their keen sense of smell and hearing can help locate and track game. If you’re looking to hunt with dogs, this guide will cover the best breeds for hunting, the types of game that dogs typically hunt, and how to train your dog to be an expert hunting companion.

Ideal Breeds for Hunting with Dogs

Certain breeds are better suited for hunting than others. Here are some popular breeds that excel in hunting:

• Retrievers: Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever are great for hunting waterfowl and upland game.
• Pointers: German Shorthaired Pointer and English Pointer have an exceptional sense of smell and locate and point at game, often used for upland hunting.
• Hounds: Beagle and Basset Hound are known for their excellent sense of smell and tracking abilities, often used for small game hunting.
• Setters: English Setter and Irish Setter locate and point at game, commonly used for upland hunting.

(P.S. Don’t forget to give your dog a cute name.)

Types of Game Hunted with Dogs

Dogs can hunt a wide range of game, such as:

• Waterfowl: Ducks, geese, and swans.
• Upland game: Pheasants, quail, grouse, and other small birds.
• Big game: Deer, elk, and bear.
• Small game: Rabbits, squirrels, and other small mammals.
• Furbearers: Foxes, raccoons, and animals hunted for their fur.

How Dogs Assist in Hunting

Dogs can aid in hunting in many ways, such as:

• Retrieving: Dogs retrieve shot birds and game for hunters.
• Pointing: Dogs locate and point at game for hunters to find and shoot.
• Tracking: Dogs track wounded game for hunters to recover.
• Flushing: Dogs flush out game for hunters to shoot.

Training Your Dog to Hunt

To train your dog to hunt, follow these tips:

• Start early: Train your dog when they are young for best results.
• Be consistent: Train every day for consistent results.
• Use positive reinforcement: Reward and praise your dog for a job well done.
• Teach basic commands: Teach your dog basic commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel.
• Specialize training: Tailor training to the type of hunting you plan to do with your dog.

In conclusion, hunting with dogs is a great way to maximize your hunting experience. With the right breed, training, and patience, your dog can become the ultimate hunting companion. Happy hunting!

Are you ever curious about what exactly your furry best friend is seeing when they look at the world around them? Do dogs see in colour? Well, let’s dive into the science of a dog’s vision and find out!

Eye Structure

First things first, dogs and humans see the world differently because of the structure of their eyes. Just like us, dogs have two types of cells in their eyes called cones and rods. Cones are responsible for color vision, and rods are responsible for sensing light. But, here’s where it gets interesting – dogs have a higher number of rods in their eyes than cones. This means that they are able to see really well in low light conditions, but their color vision isn’t as sharp as ours.

So, do dogs see colours?

Yes, they can! But, the colors they can see are limited. Studies have shown that dogs can see shades of blue and yellow but have a hard time distinguishing between red and green. This means that to a dog, a red ball and a green ball might look pretty similar.

Field of Vision

But, just because their color vision isn’t as advanced as ours, doesn’t mean they can’t navigate the world around them. In fact, they have a wider field of view than us. A dog’s visual field is around 240 degrees, while ours is only 180 degrees. This allows them to see more of their surroundings at once. And, their eyes also have a reflective layer called the tapetum lucidum, which helps them see even better in low light.

So, there you have it! Your furry friend may not see the world in the same way as you, but they’re still able to enjoy it just as much. Now you know, next time you’re playing fetch with your pup, they might be seeing a whole different game than you are! (And if you want to see some more animal fun, check out the best 25 movies that feature dogs!)

If you’re a dog owner, you’re probably always on the lookout for any signs of distress or discomfort in your furry companion. One thing you might notice is a rash on your dog’s belly. A variety of factors can cause rashes on your dog’s belly, and it’s important to figure out what’s causing it. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the possible causes of dog rashes on the belly, home remedies, and when to see a veterinarian.

Possible Causes

One possible cause of a dog rash on the belly is a food allergy. This can cause itching and inflammation of the skin, which you can treat by switching to a hypoallergenic diet. Another potential cause is a parasitic infection, such as mange or fleas. These can be treated with medication prescribed by a veterinarian. In some cases, the rash may be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. These types of infections may require antibiotics or antifungal medication.

Prevention

To help prevent dog rashes on the belly caused by parasites, one thing you can do is wipe your dog’s fur and paws after going on a walk. This will help remove any dirt, debris, or parasites that they may have picked up. Another thing you can do is to use flea and tick preventatives as per your Vet suggestion.

In addition to consulting with a veterinarian, there are some home remedies that may help alleviate the symptoms of a dog rash on the belly. These include applying a cool compress to the affected area and giving your dog an oatmeal or medicated bath.

(While you’re thinking about prevention, read this post to learn eight foods you should never feed your dog.)

When to See a Vet

It’s important to remember that if your dog is showing signs of severe discomfort, or if the rash appears to be spreading or worsening, you should seek the help of a veterinarian as soon as possible. A vet will be able to diagnose the underlying cause of the rash and provide the proper treatment.

In summary, dog rashes on the belly can be caused by a variety of factors, including allergies, infections, and parasites. While there are some home remedies that may help alleviate symptoms, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and provide proper treatment. To help prevent dog rashes on the belly, wipe your dog’s fur and paws after going on a walk and use flea and tick preventatives as per your Vet’s suggestion. And if the rash appears to be spreading or worsening, seek veterinary care immediately.

Most of the time, when people have pet allergies it’s because they’re triggered by exposure to pet dander (aka dead skin cells). In all honesty, no dog, animal, or even person for that matter, exists without shedding some level of dander. That said, some dog breeds shed far less dander than others. In fact, this is where we get hypoallergenic dog breeds. If you’re worried size will limit your choices: fear not. Below you can see a list of big hypoallergenic dogs for those who want to go walking with a canine version of a miniature horse.

Is pet dander the only thing that causes pet allergies?

Unfortunately, no. Pet dander, saliva, and fur all contribute to pet allergies. When referring to a hypoallergenic dog, you’re really talking about a very low-shed dog breed since you can’t get rid of the other two attributes.

How can I get around pet saliva triggering my allergies?

Obviously, you can’t get rid of your dog’s saliva, but you can train him to not lick you. In the puppy phase, your allergies may get triggered more often than not, but once your pup knows the rules, those incidents will be much farther and fewer in between.

So that leaves me with fur and pet dander. Is there any way I can minimize it?

Yes! Luckily for you, two of the three things contributing to pet allergies can be worked with. By regularly grooming your dog, you can quickly and easily get rid of excess fur. This is especially important if you get a double-coated dog breed. (Another tip: try to avoid double-coated dog breeds if you want a big hypoallergenic dog as they tend to shed a lot more than their single-coated dog breed companions.) Lastly, you can select a dog that produces minimal dander and hair, aka the stereotypical hypoallergenic dog breeds. Ok! Now to get to that list!

Big Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds:

Poodle

Pros: very minimal shedding, make excellent family dogs, come in a variety of sizes, highly intelligent and easily trainable, very active

Cons: their coats require frequent grooming, very good jumpers (may require high fences), not good for families that don’t have time for a lot of exercise

Doodle Mixes (Crossbred with a Poodle)

Pros: comes in a wide variety of mixes, healthier than purebred dogs due to crossbreeding, can have a variety of personality traits depending on dog breed mix

Cons: requires a lot of grooming

Airedale Terrier

Pros: great for families and kids, intelligent, can be protective

Cons: some shedding during changing of seasons, not for families who don’t hav time for exercise, not ideal for apartments

Giant Schnauzer

Pros: good for families and kids, Intelligent, make good guard dogs

Cons: their hair is wirey instead of fluffy, require more grooming, can be stubborn and difficult to train

Afghan Hound

Pros: independent, very minimal shedding, great family companion, athletic

Cons: isn’t a big cuddler, not great for apartments, sensitive to stress, stubborn, not easily trained

Samoyed

Pros: VERY cuddly, very minimal slobber/saliva, intelligent, great for cooler climates, social

Cons: a lot of shedding (but minimal dander), double-coated, prone to separation anxiety

Bergamasco Sheepdog

Pros: one of the lowest shedding breeds, eager to please, loyal, easily trainable

Cons: stubborn, pricier due to rarity

Bouvier Des Flandres

Pros: friendly, fluffy, easily trainable, great outdoor dog, eager to please, great with kids

Cons: has a double-layer, requires more brushing to get rid of extra hair

Irish Water Spaniel

Pros: loyal, great retrievers and hunting dogs, adaptable

Cons: not great for laid back owners or those that can’t prioritize exercise

Portuguese Water Dog

Pros: active, great guard dogs, intelligent, great swimmers and retrievers

Cons: not great for owners who can’t commit to daily exercise, can be destructive when bored or lacking exercise

Bedlington Terrier

Pros: hardly drools, looks like a lamb, gentle, spunky

Cons: may not be great with cats or other pets, like to bark and dig

Lagotto Romagnol

Pros: great swimmer, good for apartment life, medium energy levels, affectionate, great with families

Cons: require a lot of grooming, love to dig, susceptible to several life-threatening neurological disorders, very vocal

If you suffer from pet allergies and can’t imagine a life without dogs, don’t worry! There are several hypoallergenic dog breeds from you to choose from.

If you love to cook or just enjoy well-seasoned food, you’ve likely run into cumin a time or two. When your dog starts to stare with those big puppy eyes, rest assured knowing that in small quantities cumin will not harm your dog.

What is cumin?

Cumin is a seasoning that has been cultivated since biblical times. It originated in Western Asia, however, it can be found in cuisines all over the world. It is especially common in Mexican, Mediterranean, Indian, and Middle Eastern cuisines.

Can dogs eat cumin?

So long as you only feed them a small amount, your dog can safely eat cumin. For larger dogs that means you can use up to 1 teaspoon. For smaller dogs, you’ll only want to consider using up to a quarter (1/4) teaspoon. However, if your dog has a sensitive stomach or is older, it might be best to skip the cumin entirely.

Does cumin benefit my dog?

Yes! Just like how it can benefit people, it can benefit dogs too. Cumin is packed with antioxidants, iron, vitamins, and fiber. It also helps maintain a healthy cholesterol level, promotes weight loss, and has antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. (And so much more!)

Can cumin hurt my dog?

As with most things, anything taken in high quantities can lead to issues. Eating too much can lead to an upset stomach, bloating, and diarrhea. You may want to consult a veterinarian if symptoms persist.

Is curcumin the same as cumin?

Despite the similar-sounding name, curcumin and cumin are NOT the same thing. You’ve likely seen “curcumin” on dog supplements that contain turmeric. Why? Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric that has all those health benefits you’ve likely heard associated with it. (Luckily, curcumin is also safe for dogs!)

Do I need to consider anything else when feeding my dog cumin?

Yes! If you are trying to give your dog food with cumin, remember to consider the other spices in the food! Garlic, onion, marjoram, allspice, bay leaves, cloves, cocoa powder, nutmeg, and paprika should all be avoided to avoid irritation or poisoning.

My dog needs help NOW! Who do I call?

Although they both require a fee, you can call ASPCA Animal Poison Hotline at 888-426-4435 and the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 immediately to talk to a professional. (You may also want to buy a dog first aid kit.)

As always, use your best judgment when feeding your dog something other than dog food, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian if you have any questions. (Click here to learn if ginger is safe for your dog.)

Lyme disease results from a bacterial infection of B. burgdorferi, which can be passed on to animals and humans alike via certain species of tick. For this reason, if you live in an area with ticks, you should familiarize yourself with how to prevent and treat ticks and how to identify what Lyme disease looks like on dogs.

Where do ticks live?

Ticks carrying Lyme disease live in every state. However, a higher concentration can be found along the Northeast coast and the Upper Midwest. (Click here to view an interactive map on Lyme disease incidence.) These insects live in areas with tall grasses, thick bushes, and trees. Since ticks generally pass on Lyme disease 36-48 hours after attaching themselves to their host (aka your poor pup), it’s important to know where your dog will likely encounter ticks. (If you’re concerned about your dog getting fleas while going to the bathroom, consider trying a dog lawn. If you use this link, you can get a deal for two months of unlimited access to veterinarians through AskVet along with a DoggieLawn dog lawn for your pup.)

I found a tick on my dog. Can he give me Lyme disease?

While humans can also get Lyme disease, your dog cannot directly give you Lyme disease. Rather, the tick on your dog can crawl over to you and give you Lyme disease. This means when you see a tick on your dog, you need to act quickly for both your and your pet’s safety.

What are the signs of Lyme disease?

If you live in an area with endemic Lyme disease, about 50% of dogs are estimated to be infected. Unfortunately, Lyme disease is fairly common in dogs. If you’re concerned about Lyme disease, be on the lookout for any of the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Swollen joints and/or lymph nodes
• Stiffness, discomfort, and/or pain

Can you test for Lyme disease?

Luckily, you can test for Lyme disease. You’ll need to bring your dog to a veterinarian who will perform a blood test for any C6 antibodies no sooner than 4 weeks after the tick bite. Due to the chances of false positives and false negatives, your veterinarian may follow up with a QC6 test to see the level of antibodies and see if antibiotics are necessary. Other tests may be performed, but they are less common.

How can you treat Lyme disease?

If after the tests have been taken and your veterinarian recommends treatment, your dog will likely receive a 30-day antibiotic treatment. Symptoms should relieve quickly after the treatment starts, but sometimes additional antibiotic treatments may be necessary. Additional treatment may also be necessary to help with some symptoms.

Protecting your dog from Lyme disease not only provides more comfort for your dog but extends its life too. Check out more of our blog to learn how often you should take your dog. to the vet and additional ways to extend your dog’s life.

As a pet owner, one of the most important jobs of taking care of your pet is grooming. While the typical dog only requires a bath every 1-3 months, with some requiring it more frequently, you’ll need to trim their nails every 3-4 weeks. Even though it occurs far more frequently, nail trimming often intimidates dog owners. The job, however, can be made far easier when you use the best nail clipper for your dog. 

Best Overall

Gonicc’s Nail Clippers won the spot of best overall. It comes with a safety stop guard to prevent cutting too far down along the nail. It comes with a file so you can polish any sharp edges and can conveniently tuck it away into the handle when you’re done- no risk of losing it anymore! Lastly, the blade comes protected against rust so you can rest knowing Gonicc extended the life of your clippers as much as possible. 

Best for Large Dogs

Epica’s Large Dog Nail Clippers easily cut through your large dog’s thicker nails. The shape of the blade also makes it easier to see where you’re cutting and when you want to put it away, you can safely lock them shut. Because it often takes more force to cut through a larger dog’s nails, we appreciate the rubber grip so we don’t accidentally slip the clippers while cutting.

Best for Small Dogs

If you have a small dog, Shiny Pet’s nail clippers are great! They fit nicely in your hand and come with an instructional ebook in case you’re worried about cutting the nails for the first time. It also works really well if your dog has long hair around their nails.  

Best for Budget

If you’re tight on cash, you can purchase Millers Forge’s Stainless Steel Plier Nail Clippers for just $4. Despite the price, these clippers still receive high praise. 

Best for Sensitive Dogs

If your dog runs when they see the nail clippers, consider using a nail grinder. It slowly files your dog’s nails down and you’ll know far in advance if you’re close to the quick. Know that using a nail grinder WILL require training though. It may take a while for dogs to feel comfortable near the nail grinder. We recommend Casfuy’s Nail Grinder due to its removable protective sleeve. This allows you to customize the size of the nail grinding wheel exposed to your pup.

Best For Bleeding Control

Sometimes accidents happen. This occurs more often with dogs with dark nails when you can’t see the quick easily. To help soothe your pup’s pain and stop the bleeding, try Kwik Stop’s Styptic Powder. If you can’t afford styptic powder, you can use corn starch or flour to stop the bleeding, though it won’t come with pain-relieving qualities. 

Nail trimming can be intimidating, but having the best nail clipper for your dog can make it infinitely easier to do. (Maybe you can make the process even simpler by distracting your pup with a food-filled toy.) In the next 3-4 weeks when you have to trim your dog’s nails feel free to leave a comment so we can hear your tips and tricks! 

If your dog is pregnant, you might wonder how long for dog pregnancy? The short answer is about 63 days. But a lot more goes into dog pregnancy than just how long it lasts. Read on to find out how to tell if your dog is pregnant, what tests veterinarians can do, how to care for your pregnant dog, and what to expect during labor.

Signs your dog is pregnant

Early pregnancy can be hard to detect without testing. However, as more time goes on you may notice several symptoms.

• Increase in appetite
• Appetite changes
• Weight gain
• Morning sickness vomiting
• More easily tired
• Swollen nipples
• Swollen belly
• More affectionate
• Irritable

Please note that false pregnancy and other more serious things can cause these symptoms. It’s important to see a veterinarian to rule anything more serious out.

Tests to tell if your dog is pregnant

Blood tests can be performed to test for the hormone relaxin. However, false positives are possible if it’s done too early in the pregnancy or if your dog is only pregnant with 1 or 2 puppies. After 3-4 weeks after mating, a veterinarian might also perform a trans-abdominal palpation where they feel for enlargement of the uterus. Abdominal ultrasound is the preferred method of diagnosis by veterinarians and can be performed as early as week 3 of pregnancy. An x-ray done around week 7 of pregnancy can determine how many puppies the litter contains.

Caring for a pregnant dog

Food

You should not need to change your dog’s food so long as you feed them high-quality dog food with real meat as the first ingredient and at least 25% protein. (If you’re in need of an upgrade, consider Front of the Pack. They have minimal ingredients and leave our dogs happy.) You might be tempted to give your dog significantly more food at the beginning of pregnancy, but try holding off.

You want to avoid making your dog obese at the end of pregnancy because it can make labor more challenging and add extra stress to the puppies. During about the first 40 days of pregnancy, your dog’s dietary needs are about the same as those of a young adult dog. Because your dog is growing puppies, however, it is crucial that she does NOT lose weight or condition during this time. After about six to eight weeks, you’ll want to increase her caloric intake by 30-60%, depending on the litter size.

Due to your dog’s uterus expanding to hold the puppies, your dog will have little room for food in their stomach. Because of this, rather than increase the size of your dog’s meals, you’ll want to increase the number of meals your dog has. Folic acid and essential amino acids supplements may benefit the growing puppies. As always, consult your veterinarian about your dog’s needs.

Exercise

In early pregnancy, you can safely continue your regular walks. However, as your dog gets larger and closer to her due date, It is critical to NOT overwork your dog. Listen to your dog. If you see they are overly tired, best to let your dog rest.

If your dog is pregnant, be sure to prioritize her changing needs. Consult your veterinarian with any concerns you might have and be sure to enjoy the journey of puppy grandparenthood. (PS If you want inspiration for some cute puppy names, look no further.)

Can my dog eat ginger? You betcha! Not only can dogs eat ginger in small quantities, but it can also have some health benefits too. 

Benefits of Ginger

Turns out Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Herbal Medicine both utilize ginger. Its many antioxidants and anti-inflammatory effects help with arthritis, nausea, vomiting, blood circulation, and more! While ginger isn’t enough to keep you from taking your pooch to the veterinarian in an emergency, it can help with mild symptoms and help with general health.

Feeding Ideas

How much ginger you feed your dog will depend on its weight. According to Ottawa Valey Dog Whisperer, you can see an easy dosage table below:

You can sprinkle ginger on the top of their food, brew a tea and soften their kibble, use supplements, or try Wild Bound’s Gingersnap Treats that naturally have ginger in them!

Potential Side Effects

While research into this supplement is limited and therefore our knowledge of side effects is also limited, ginger is generally considered safe. However, if you feed too much ginger to your pet, they can experience an upset stomach and heartburn. If they are sensitive or have an allergic reaction, they might experience skin redness, itching, or hives. 

Because ginger thins the blood, avoid giving it to a dog about to give birth or have surgery, or who has diabetes. Do not give ginger to your dog if they are taking anti-coagulants or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Consult your veterinarian about any concerns and inform them of all vitamins, supplements, herbs, and medications your dog takes. 

Generally considered safe, your dog can eat ginger if they are not taking medication or have any sensitivities or allergies to ginger. Remember to consult your veterinarian if you have any concerns. Otherwise, spoil your pooch with some ginger-y love and enjoy the health benefits they’re about to receive!