There’s no debating the power of play in a dog’s life. Beyond building the canine-human bond, it serves as a way to mentally and physically stimulate the dog. (In other words, it tires them out!) What can you do when you can’t be around to entertain your canine pal all day? How can you provide […]

Heartworm is a potentially deadly parasite that is transmitted only by mosquitos, which pick up larval heartworms, called microfilaria, circulating in the bloodstream of infected animals. Dogs and other canids, such as fox, wolves, and coyote, are considered the primary heartworm hosts, but these parasites can also affect other mammals, including cats and ferrets. There are treatments […]

Like many dog owners, I have a dog who loves to eat. Dog food, goose poop, birdseed – you name it. Nothing very harmful in that, right? Well, it turns out that birdseed should be saved for the birds. And here’s why. Aflatoxin Poisoning It’s not unusual for dogs to graze for birdseed under a […]

What's that? A few white hairs in your dog's muzzle? Come to think of it, your BCF (Best Canine Friend) catches more zzz's than usual, and unlike the puppy years, doesn't fly into a frenzy every time the doorbell rings. Your senior dog is slowing down. Now might be a good time to make a […]

Summer is the perfect time to get outside, enjoy the nice weather, and gather with friends to eat and chat. From May through September, many families have calendars packed with barbecues, picnics, and outdoor parties. And what's a party, if your dog isn't invited? If you are bringing your dog along to these events, you need […]

News from the State Capitols Here are some highlights of state-level issues AKC GR is currently tracking. Alabama – HB 235, a bill supported by AKC GR, authorizes food service establishments to allow pet dogs in outdoor restaurant seating areas and sets out access, sanitation, and other requirements. It also specifies that emotional support animals […]

Like the humans who care for them, dogs are not exempt from the battle of the bulge; they, too, struggle with weight gain and the health problems that come along with carrying around extra pounds. “Dogs of all ages can be obese, although the greatest prevalence of obesity occurs in dogs between 5 and12 years […]

Only 107 dogs have earned their RACH titles since November 2017. Of these dogs, only one is a Briard. And only one dog has earned a RACH the dark. While impressive, this is far from the only accomplishment of 10-year-old Norman the Briard. In fact, he has been a dog star all his life — earning […]

Have you ever watched an agility trial and marveled at the athleticism and skill of the dogs in the ring? Just in case you think your pet isn’t cut out for that kind of fun, the AKC’s My Dog Can Do That (MDCDT) program is here to show you that dog sports like agility can […]

When it comes to canine architecture, The Creature doesn’t fit any mold. But when you see Nessie (her call name, for the Loch Ness monster) in action at an American Kennel Club Agility trial you’re left grinning with a wow factor – and wondering what was that? In other words, once you see her, you […]