AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) encourages Rhode Island residents to take action as soon as possible on S. 534 and S. 601, which seek to create court-appointed legal advocates for animals; and S.319, which attempts to amend the law regarding animals confined in motor vehicles.  These bills will be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee […]

Puppies are exciting. If you are new to breeding, or you are eagerly awaiting the birth of a reserved puppy from a breeder’s litter, the wait can seem eternal. Luckily for us (and for the dog), the gestation period in dogs is much shorter than the gestation period in humans. But exactly how long does […]

There are many unique jobs for dogs to do, ranging from ancient traditions to modern tasks. Learn about unusual ways dogs have helped people in the past and still help others today.

With so many dog products on the market, you may wonder what's essential and what you can do without. For example, do dogs really need their very own dog shampoo? Why can't you just use human shampoo on your dog? The short answer is, don't. Learn the reasons why dogs should have their own shampoo. Acidity […]

Dog people and cat people have an age-old debate about which animal makes a better pet. Dog owners brag about canine intelligence, and cat lovers reply that cats are as just smart as dogs, they simply can't be bothered to obey. Well, new research published in the journal Frontiers in Neuroanatomy seems to support the […]

At ten years old, Cal's life was a struggle. He had been diagnosed with autism a year earlier, and his family was working with a team of psychiatrists and counselors to find the right treatment for him. But life was hard: he was "just not a happy kiddo," says mom Brandy Keippala; "always upset and […]

I was sitting in front of a coffee shop drinking an overpriced cappuccino with two friends. At the table next to us sat two women, one who had a Chihuahua with a red leather, rhinestone-studded collar. The dog hovered near her feet and paced back and forth to the extent that his leash would allow, […]

Training dogs, and especially the most challenging dogs, has taught me a lot about getting through life. Figuring out how to take care of myself during, and after, the pandemic is no exception. I get my second COVID vaccine next week and, like many other people, this means I'm starting to cautiously think about what […]

The temptation to reach into our medicine cabinets to treat our pets can be dangerous. Humans and dogs react very differently to medications, which is why veterinarians caution dog owners against making independent decisions about how to medicate their animals. However, some human medications are safe for use with dogs, as long as they are […]

Dog owners today are armed with more tools for keeping their dogs healthy and fit than ever before. Modern medicine has radically improved how well, and how long, our companion animals live. For both humans and dogs, antibiotics like metronidazole continue to be a potent ally in the fight against disease and infection. What Is […]