Mastitis in dogs is not as common as in other species, such as cattle, but if left unchecked, the condition can lead to life-threatening consequences. To ensure the health of nursing dogs, breeders should be aware of the signs and management options. Karen Von Dollen, DVM, of NC State College of Veterinary Medicine offers suggestions […]

Have you noticed blood in your dog's poop? Knowing what you're looking at can help you communicate more clearly with your veterinarian.

Distemper is one of the most serious diseases your dog can get. It is also one of the most preventable. Here are the facts, symptoms, treatment options, and prevention methods that every dog owner needs to know about distemper. What Is Canine Distemper? Canine distemper should sound familiar to you if your dog is up-to-date […]

Parasites in dogs take many forms, but they all have one thing in common: sooner or later their presence will almost always have an impact on your pet's health or comfort. Parasites can cause anything from mild irritation to serious illness. To cover all of the parasites in detail would (and does) take up a […]

External parasites live on the outside of a dog’s body. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), at some point in their lives, many pets experience discomfort caused by external parasites, such as fleas, ticks, or mites, on their skin or in their ears. These parasites can cause serious skin problems or carry disease. […]

Wavy, curly, silky, short, double, dense, wooly, corded – dog coats are definitely not all the same. There’s a wide variation from breed to breed and among individual dogs. Not all dog shampoos are good for every dog, but how do you choose which is the best for your pet? Finding a shampoo that is […]

If you've ever asked "Why does my dog wake me up?" there are lots of possible answers to that question. Learn about why your dog may wake you up and how to redirect unwanted behaviors to more positive ones.

Breeders have long grappled with when to breed a bitch having a successful show or sporting campaign. These accomplished females may be the linchpin of a legacy bloodline via their ability to produce the next generation of champions. Yet, 20 percent of intact bitches are at risk of developing the potentially fatal disease pyometra by […]

You didn’t breed your female during her last heat cycle, yet she acts and looks like she is pregnant. Her nesting instinct has kicked in, and her mammary glands are swollen as though in preparation for lactation. A false pregnancy may be to blame. “Essentially all dogs that go through estrus, or have a heat […]

Dogs can be embarrassing. Especially when you have company over for dinner and they decide to lie in full view and lick their crotch. As your company averts their eyes, you can't help but wonder why on earth your dog is doing that and if it's normal. Crotch licking is a perfectly natural dog behavior […]