Hip dysplasia in dogs happens when the ball and socket joint of the hips doesn’t develop properly, which can result in lameness and painful arthritis.

In fact, hip dysplasia is the leading cause of lameness in the rear legs of dogs, especially in large breeds such as Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, and German Shepherds. It’s estimated that 20 to 40 percent of large-breed dogs are afflicted.

Even more heartbreaking, this genetic condition can onset from birth, rendering some very young dogs lame. For others, it’s a long road toward less and less mobility, as the deformed hip joint causes bones to rub and grind instead of smoothly sliding.

But for many dogs there are ways to treat, prevent, or at least lessen the impact of hip dysplasia. Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for hip dysplasia in dogs.

Symptoms of hip dysplasia in dogs

In dogs born with hip dysplasia, hip development may appear normal at first. However, the first sign of a problem typically arises when the dog is as young as 4 months to 1 year.

Dogs may begin to show signs of pain in the hips when walking or running. Their gait may change. They may have difficulty standing up, and when you press down on the rump, you may see the pelvis drop.

Due to the abnormal wear and tear of the hip joint, the condition may deteriorate progressively as the dog’s skeletal system fully develops.

In the worst cases, it can prohibit the dog from walking. They may resist physical activity, suffer from hind-limb lameness that may be intermittent or persistent, or have an unusual stance.

Eventually, muscle mass may be lost in the thighs. Shoulder muscles may become enlarged as the dog shifts their weight to the front legs.

Causes of hip dysplasia in dogs

Hip dysplasia in dogs is a hereditary bone and joint disorder that causes abnormal hip joint development, though environmental factors also contribute to the development and progression of the condition.

Large- and giant-breed dogs are especially genetically predisposed to developing hip dysplasia.

The design, structure, and functionality of the canine hip are all strikingly similar to that of a human. In both, the hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball is the round head of the femur (thighbone). The acetabulum (socket) is the concave indentation of the pelvis.

In a normal hip, the smooth, rounded head of the femur fits deeply and snugly into the acetabulum. Durable ligaments allow for a wide range of motion and collectively hold the joint together.

In a dysplastic hip, the head of the femur fits loosely or, depending upon the severity of the condition, it may be entirely dislocated from the socket. The bone separating from the joint causes friction and, as the condition worsens, painful arthritis.

Some factors that can affect the condition include weight gain and obesity, poor diet, and pelvic muscle mass. Excessive growth and exercise can also worsen the condition.

Certain diets formulated for large-breed puppies can help prevent excessive growth. You should ask your veterinarian about an appropriate diet for your large-breed dog.

Diagnosis of hip dysplasia in dogs

If you notice your dog having difficulty with normal walking or running activities over a period of time (not just for a day or two), it’s time to see a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.

The only foolproof method of diagnosing hip dysplasia is through an X-ray of the pelvis to examine the hip structure.

Because a puppy born with a genetic predisposition to hip dysplasia will appear to have normal hips in the early stages of development, your vet will likely advise waiting until the age of 2 for a full X-ray examination.

Of course, each situation is different, so ask your vet as soon as you notice a problem.

Taking an effective X-ray that allows the vet to make a proper diagnosis may require your dog to be sedated or anesthetized.

Vets generally rank the health of the hip and the extent of dysplasia, as follows:

• Excellent: The hip is normal and fully operational. The femoral head fits tightly into a well-formed hip socket with minimal space between the head of the femur and the acetabulum.
• Mild hip dysplasia: The distance between the ball and socket of the hip increases as the ligaments that hold them together develop tears and begin to stretch, reducing the stability of the joint.
• Moderate dysplasia: The rounded femur head barely rests inside the socket and arthritic changes become evident, such as partial or occasional lameness, or pain when running or moving.
• Severe dysplasia: The head of the femur is completely dislocated from the joint. The dog may be unable to walk or only do so with great difficulty.

Veterinary treatments

It’s difficult to outline a “typical” course of treatment for hip dysplasia in dogs even after the condition has been diagnosed because there is such a range of possible severity of the problem.

Treatments vary from modified diet and exercise routines to surgical procedures such as hip replacements — which, as you can imagine, are highly invasive and require long recovery times. However, in some puppies, early surgery can help prevent degenerative joint disease.

And for dogs older than 9 months, new advances in total hip replacement (replacing the old joint with a new, artificial one) have led to extraordinary recoveries in as many as 95 percent of cases.

In a less severe case, your vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medication and perhaps the use of Adequan, a drug that can relieve pain and inflammation and help repair damaged cartilage.

They may also recommend exercise restriction, avoiding walking on hard surfaces, weight loss to reduce strain on the joints, and physical therapy.

Prevention

One way breeders prevent hip dysplasia is selective breeding. Obviously, this option is off the table for parents of affected dogs, but there are ways to help keep the condition under control.

Proper care can delay the onset of hip dysplasia in genetically predisposed dogs, perhaps resulting in a less severe form of the disease. In the best scenario, your dog may never develop any clinical symptoms.

Here are some possible ways to reduce the severity or even prevent hip dysplasia in dogs:

• Proper weight management is critical. Excess weight stresses hip joints, so learn the proper amount of food for your dog’s breed and age. Your vet can help.
• Because puppyhood is a critical time for bone and joint development, prevent unnecessary weight gain. The best place to start is with a healthy diet that provides proper nutrition. Offering table scraps is not a good habit.
• During stages of rapid bone growth, discourage young puppies from jumping from heights or standing on their hind legs. It puts too much stress on joints.
• If your dog experiences lameness, keep them on a leash. Don’t allow them to run or jump as they play.
• Swimming is a wonderful exercise for a dog with hip dysplasia. It allows them to build muscle mass without overly stressing the joints.
• As dogs age, exercise remains very important. However, you may need to adapt to your dog’s changing ability and mobility.
• You can add several natural supplements and ingredients to your dog’s food. Try glucosamine, which can reduce symptoms of hip dysplasia and arthritis.

The post Hip Dysplasia in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Prevention appeared first on DogTime.

Although dogs do some things to keep their coats neat and clean on their own, they need your help with tasks that require opposable thumbs, such as brushing.

Regular brushing removes excess hair from your dog’s coat and cuts down significantly on the amount of hair you have to deal with on your furniture, car, and your favorite black pants. It also helps distribute the natural oils in your dog’s fur and skin, keeping their coat healthy and looking its best.

Brushing is also a great way to check your dog’s health. While you brush, look at the condition of your dog’s coat. Is it matted or tangled? Dry or oily? Also look for lumps, ticks, fleas, hair mats, cuts, and anything that looks unusual.

As they age, they’ll get a few more bumps and lumps all over. On the off chance one of those lumps isn’t harmless, it’s better to discover it sooner rather than later.

Brushing basics

Brushing really is pretty basic. You just need to understand the type of coat your dog has, and that determines how often you need to brush and what type of brush to use.

You should ask your vet or groomer for more individualized instructions. Here are some general rules for grooming:

• Long-haired breeds, such as Collies and Tibetan Terriers, need to be brushed weekly, sometimes more often if the coat seems particularly tangled. A pin brush is a good choice for these breeds because its bristles grip the undercoat and remove loose hairs without causing pain. It can also get down to the skin. Start close to the skin and brush away from it. Use a comb to tease out any mats.
• Short-coated dogs, such as Labrador Retrievers and Greyhounds, don’t need frequent brushing because their hair doesn’t mat and tangle easily. Still, you may want to brush them every couple of weeks to remove loose hair. Use a rubber brush or grooming glove, which will help bring dirt and loose hair to the surface. The gloves fit over your hands, so your dog will think you’re petting them and won’t suspect you’re actually brushing. If you prefer a conventional brush, short coats can take a stiff, natural-bristle brush or a soft slicker brush, which has little, bent-metal pins in it. Follow up with a soft-bristle brush, which helps distribute the hair’s natural oils.
• Short, wiry breeds, such as Dachshunds and most Terriers, need a slicker brush, followed by a once-over with a metal comb. Once every few days should do. A stripping knife will remove the dead hair in the undercoat. Have someone knowledgeable show you how to use one before you try. If the coat has mats, work those out first.

How to brush your dog

Now that you’ve got the right equipment and you know how often your dog needs a good brushing, make sure you’ve got the right technique.

Here are a few guidelines to help you out:

• Brush down and out, away from the dog’s skin. Always brush in the direction the coat grows. Dogs don’t like to be brushed backward.
• Be gentle or you may damage your dog’s coat by pulling hairs until they tangle and break. Take the time to untangle any snags.
• If you encounter mats, apply a coat conditioner or mat spray. Leave it on for several minutes. Then use a wide-toothed comb or a mat-splitting tool to get through the tangle. Mats can get close to a dog’s skin, and removing them can be painful, so proceed carefully. You can cut out mats with scissors, but be careful you don’t end up at the vet for stitches; it happens more often than you’d think. If you just can’t get a mat out, take your dog to a groomer who will probably shave the area.

When to go with the pros

While it’s true that you don’t need a pro to brush your dog, there’s no shame in taking your dog to a groomer. They’re in the business for good reason!

You know how you can never get your hair to look as good as your stylist does? Well, the same is true for your dog.

Besides, some level of skill is called for if your dog’s coat tends to get matted. And if your dog really doesn’t enjoy their beauty routine, you’ll find that experienced groomers are good at sweet-talking even the most scaredy-cat dog into relaxing.

Brushing is an essential part of a good grooming routine and will help keep your dog’s coat healthy and looking good. It’s easy to do yourself, but you’ll need a few tools and techniques to do the job right.

The post Everything You Should Know About Brushing Your Dog appeared first on DogTime.

Even dogs who feel that baths are cruel and unusual punishment have to get one once in a while. While some dogs with short coats can get away with just a water rinse, most dogs need shampoo. Why do dogs need their own kind of shampoo? Why can’t they just use whatever you use on yourself — or your baby?

Well, human shampoos can actually harm dogs’ coats. Dog shampoo manufacturers say their products are gentle enough to prevent stripping the natural oils in a dog’s coat but strong enough to get out the dirt.

And here’s an item that may not make you feel very good about your own beauty regimen: Some of the shampoos designed for human hair may irritate your dog’s skin because they can contain harsher detergents.

So use shampoos labeled specifically for dogs, or a gentle human baby shampoo that your veterinarian recommends. Here’s what you should know about dog shampoo.

The best shampoo is one that suits your needs

There are tons of different kinds of dog shampoos, just like there are different kinds of human shampoos. The best way to figure out which one your dog needs is to ask your veterinarian or professional groomer for advice.

Some dog shampoos are designed for certain types of coats, and some are specifically for puppies. There are lots of things to consider!

Here are a few of the kinds of dog shampoo you might need to look for:

• No more tears: Just as we have baby shampoos, there are very gentle puppy shampoos available.
• Brightening/whitening: These are for dogs who are supposed to be sparkling white after a bath, as opposed to the beige mess they were beforehand.
• Waterless or rinse-free: Using a dry shampoo or powder will minimally clean up the dirt, but they’re intended only for quick fixes. Your dog won’t get super clean, and a few days later, the coat can feel even dirtier or stickier than before you used it.
• Deodorizing: These shampoos are an excellent idea for a dog who just rolled in a dead rodent or fresh poop. Keep in mind, deodorizing shampoos may not always be powerful enough to alleviate “eau de skunk.”
• Stamping out skunk: Technically this isn’t shampoo, but it’s more effective on skunk stink than deodorizing shampoo or that useless tomato-based mixture. Combine 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap. Mix and apply immediately, then rinse thoroughly.

Medicated shampoos for special conditions

Medicated shampoos can help you deal with certain problems — like helping to keep away fleas, ease itching, and heal mange. They’re much harder to use, though, for the simple fact that, in order to be at all effective, most have to remain on your dog for 10 minutes before rinsing.

That’s 10 solid minutes on a soaking wet, icky-smelling, annoyed canine who thinks 30 seconds is a long time. So cover the bathroom floor with plenty of towels before you begin the process.

Here are a few types of medicated shampoos for dogs:

• Flea and tick: These shampoos help keep the parasites at bay. Some are also effective against lice.
• Hypoallergenic: Look for one of these shampoos if you have dogs with allergies or sensitivity to fragrances or other ingredients in regular shampoos.
• Anti-itch: These shampoos contain anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties, such as hydrocortisone or lidocaine. You can purchase most of them over the counter.
• Prescription: For some conditions, such as mange, your veterinarian may prescribe medicated shampoo as part of the treatment.

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Dogs are dogs, right? Can’t you just feed the same food to any type of dog, no matter their age, breed, or size? Actually, no! Large and small breeds of dogs have very different nutritional needs. These nutritional differences are about much more than just how much food goes in the dog bowl. In fact, each pup is unique. Your dog will have different dietary needs based on their age, breed, and size.

Choosing the right dog food

When searching for the best dog food for your four-legged friend, you want to select high-quality food and give them the appropriate amount for their size. Too much food can lead to pet obesity, which can cause health problems down the road.

Always check the packaging for information on the proper serving sizes, and make sure to talk to your veterinarian when making decisions about your dog’s diet.

When it comes to nutrition, there are several significant food differences for small dogs versus large breeds, including the kibble’s size, the calories, and the ingredients. Let’s look at what is in your pet’s bowl and why you need to choose a specific food based on your dog’s size.

Why size matters

Dry food designed for smaller dogs will tend to have smaller pieces than food for large dogs. Smaller pieces will make it easier for them to eat. The little food bits are easier on their tiny jaws and easier for their gastrointestinal systems to digest.

Food for larger breeds will usually have much larger-sized pieces. Their jaws are better able to handle the larger nuggets of dry food, and the more significant elements are suitable for their teeth.

Nutritional needs of small dogs

Small dogs with a lot of energy will need more calories per pound of body weight than larger dogs. More calories are required to support their energy needs.

From the puppy stage to when they’re in their senior years, smaller dogs will require dog food designed to have the right amount of calories for their active lives. That doesn’t mean they need more food, though. The serving sizes on the bag will help you know how much to give your pet. Instead, correctly formulated puppy food will have a protein and fat ratio appropriate for your dog.

According to the American Kennel Club, small-breed puppies are at risk of low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, because of their high energy levels. Hypoglycemia occurs because the puppies have high amounts of drive but low body fat. Symptoms of low blood sugar include weakness, lethargy, muscle tremors, and seizures.

Most premium brands of puppy food for small breeds are designed to have the right ingredients to prevent this from happening; although, you should talk to your vet right away if you suspect your puppy has low blood sugar.

Nutritional needs of large dogs

On the other hand, large breeds of dogs will eat far larger food quantities, but the food is not as nutritionally dense. The reason is to make sure that larger dogs that are still growing and developing at the proper rate.

As research from Dr. Amanda Jondle on ThePets shows, dog food for larger breeds has been formulated to help keep your dog at a healthy weight. You want to select dog food with healthy lean proteins and a mix of vegetables, vitamins, and minerals that will help support your dog’s health.

Obesity in dogs is one of the leading causes of health problems, and some estimate that obesity can take as much as two years off your pet’s life.

Focus on nutrition and ingredients

Yes, even ingredients in dog food are different based on your pet’s size. For example, some food for large breeds will contain extra calcium, which helps with their bone development. Other brands will include supplements that larger breeds may need.

Some dog foods have specific nutrition to help keep the joints of larger dogs healthy and mobile. Others might contain additional fiber, along with pro and prebiotics to help maintain a healthy gut.

Studies have shown that improper nutrition for large breeds of dogs can lead to severe conditions like low bone development, which can cause lameness.

Nutritional needs at different life stages

Did you know that large and small breeds of dogs mature at different rates? Small dogs reach their physical maturity in about eight months; however, large breeds reach maturity much later, in about 18 months.

At the same time, large puppies grow a lot in those months. Just look at the amount of growth between a tiny teacup Schnauzer puppy versus a Great Dane puppy!

So that means you must choose a well-balanced, appropriate food based on your pet’s age, along with their size.

Puppy food

Puppy food for large breeds will be carefully formulated to provide the right nutrition for the proper growth of their bigger bodies.

Food for smaller breed puppies will have the correct calories and nutrition to support their growth. Fortunately, there are small and large breed puppy foods available.

For larger breeds, you want the food to offer complete nourishment, but at the proper rate. Too much food can lead to obesity. That extra weight isn’t supported yet by their growing bones. This can lead to problems later in life like hip dysplasia, inflammation issues in cartilage and bone, or issues with the development of their long leg bones.

Puppy food for large breeds will also have a carefully balanced calcium-to-phosphorus ratio to promote bone growth. Larger dogs are particularly predisposed to hip dysplasia. Two of the main culprits are rapid weight gain and excessive amounts of calcium. You want enough to help their bones grow, but not too much to cause overdevelopment.

Senior food

As your furry companion ages, they will need size-appropriate senior food. Both large and small breeds may need food containing supplements to keep their joints healthy in their old years. Another consideration is the amount of fiber. As dogs age, they are more prone to digestive complaints, and the right amount of fiber can help.

Senior dog foods also tend to use a very digestible protein source, so it doesn’t put too much stress on their liver, yet they will still need protein to help prevent muscle mass loss as they age. Small breeds tend to live longer than huge dogs, so they’ll be in the senior stage for longer. So choosing the right food is very important.

Talk to your vet

Now you know the importance of picking the best food for your dog’s size and life stage.

Some health conditions are genetic, and there’s not much you can do about them. However, you can prevent many health issues in your dog with proper care and nutrition.

If you’re concerned about specific conditions, be sure to talk to your vet. They can assist you with any questions you might have regarding food and your furry family member’s care.

The post Nutritional Needs for Small and Large Breed Dogs appeared first on DogTime.

Question:

I know I should have my dog spayed to help control the pet population. That said, would it be so bad to let her have just one single litter of puppies before I do that?

I’m sure I could find homes for all the puppies, and my dog is just so amazingly beautiful! They’d all turn out to be adorable pups.

Some of my friends say that there are enough dogs in shelters who need homes already. I mean, it’s not my fault that there are so many homeless dogs! I would definitely make sure that all the puppies go to loving families.

So why would it be wrong to let my dog have just one single litter?

Answer:

Like a true dog mom, you believe that you have the most beautiful pup in the world.

You just want to spread that beauty and share it with everyone. All dog lovers can relate to that. It’s why we post pictures of our fur babies all over social media. It’s also why we pull out our phones mid-conversation to show our friends our pooch’s latest videos.

You see, every pet parent believes that they have the most stunning dog in the world. However, a pup sitting in a shelter will be the most beautiful dog in the world to someone if they are given a chance.

Shelter dogs are already here and they deserve a chance

Each puppy you allow your dog to give birth to takes away the chance that one shelter dog had to find a family. And now, that shelter pup has to sit and wait. That means they will be taking up resources that could go to another dog in need.

Some dogs wait so long that they are euthanized because they can’t find a home. In fact, over 390,000 dogs are euthanized every year in the United States because no one wants them.

Is your adoration of your dog and your insistence on her having a litter worth letting another animal die without a loving home?

If you’re so confident you know people who would take the puppies, you could probably find homes for shelter dogs instead. You could save lives with your resources. Just imaging giving people the chance to find their own “most beautiful dog in the world.”

You wouldn’t just be saving one dog, you’d be saving the next dog who is able to stay at the shelter in their place.

Spaying is good for your dog’s health, too

And if you truly can’t get over your selfishness (and that’s what it is), think of your own dog’s health. Your dog having a single litter can cause multiple issues for her.

Spaying greatly reduces the risk of mammary cancer. What’s more, it completely eliminates the risk of ovarian or uterine cancer.

And when your dog isn’t spayed and is in heat, she can attract unwanted or aggressive male dogs to her. Do you really want every boy dog in the area barking at your door trying to impregnate your precious girl?

Hopefully, that gives you some perspective. We encourage you to use your connections to bring shelter dogs together with people looking for a loving pooch.

The post Is it Wrong To Let My Dog Have a Single Litter Before Spay Surgery? appeared first on DogTime.

Every dog deserves treats and the best kinds of treats are the ones that are actually good for your dog! Many treats provide health and wellness benefits that will keep your pup healthy, happy and may even extend the life of your dog. We’re going to share some surprising eats that you can give your dog, guilt-free.

Dental Chews

Proper dental care can extend the life of your pet, so along with regular cleanings, many veterinarians suggest daily dental chews. Dental chews are scientifically formulated to encourage your dog’s natural chewing instinct, to help support healthy teeth and gums as well as reduce tartar. That’s important because tartar leads to tooth decay, which can lead to infections throughout the body. They can even affect the heart and kidneys, and nobody wants that! Keep your pup’s chompers healthy so they can live a long and healthy life.

Yogurt

Yogurt is full of probiotics, which can improve digestion and help fight disease in your furry family members. You can fill an ice cube tray with yogurt and put it in the freezer, creating healthy little frozen yogurt treats for your dog on hot days.

Fiber-Rich Foods

Some human foods rich in fiber make great treats for your dog. Fiber helps with constipation, diarrhea, and weight management. Vegetables like pumpkin, carrots, peas, and green beans make great treats for your pup. When giving human food to your pup, always be sure it is safe for your dog to eat. Many human foods are toxic to animals.

K-9 Glucosamine Chews

If your vet recommends a daily glucosamine regimen for your dog, don’t shove a pill down your pup’s throat. Instead, find a delicious glucosamine chew in a flavor your dog likes and make glucosamine time a fun treat time that your pup will look forward to.

Ice

Ice is a great treat for your dog on a hot day. Drop ice cubes in your dog’s water bowl for added fun. You can make frozen cubes out of chicken or beef broth as well, and even drop in little treats like carrots and peas for an added bonus.

Keep in mind that every dog is unique. Some dogs have allergies or sensitive teeth. Always make treat decisions based on the specific needs of your dog. Talk to your vet if you have any questions or concerns.

The post Treats That Are Actually Good for Your Dog appeared first on DogTime.

A Los Angeles judge ruled that Lady Gaga is off the hook for the $500,000 reward after the safe return of her stolen French Bulldogs. The ruling comes in response to a breach of contract lawsuit filed by Jennifer McBride. She is one of the individuals charged in connection with the 2021 violent dognapping. McBride pleaded no contest to receiving stolen property related to the gunpoint robbery that left Gaga’s dog walker, Ryan Fischer, shot and severely injured.

McBride argued the reward for Lady Gaga’s stolen dogs was a “unilateral” agreement. Therefore, she contended she was entitled to the payment regardless of the circumstances. However, Judge Holly J. Fujie agreed with Gaga’s attorneys, stating that McBride — being involved in the crime — could not profit from her participation. The judge highlighted that the claims made by McBride were directly linked to her admitted wrongdoing in the criminal case.

McBride is one of five individuals charged in the incident that occurred on February 24, 2021. On that date, Gaga’s Bulldogs — Koji and Gustav — were stolen at gunpoint. Prosecutors said the singer was not specifically targeted. The motive behind the robbery was the theft of her highly-valuable French Bulldogs.

Gaga’s legal team swiftly moved to dismiss McBride’s case. As of now, there have been no comments from either side regarding the judge’s ruling.

The post <strong>Lady Gaga Not Obligated to Pay Reward for Stolen Dogs, Judge Rules</strong> appeared first on DogTime.

Valentine’s Day is more than just the most romantic holiday of the year. From accessories, chocolates, jewelry, flowers, to — yes — undergarments, pets will likely enjoy your Valentine’s gifts and treats just as much as you do, but with some potentially serious health consequences.

Nobody wants to spend Valentine’s Day at the emergency vet. So make sure the love of your life, your furry friend, stays out of harm’s way.

Here are a few ways to keep your pet safe on Valentine’s Day.

Be Careful With The Candy

From those pastel-colored conversation hearts, to heart-shaped gummies, to red-and-pink jellybeans, Valentine’s Day is often all about the candy. But keep Fido and Fluffy at a distance while you enjoy these sweet treats.

Many varieties of sugar-free gum and sugar-free candy contain a sugar substitute compound called xylitol, a polyalcohol compound that is extremely toxic to your dog.

While xylitol is generally safe for human consumption, it can affect insulin levels in dogs and cause blood sugar levels to decrease sharply. In some cases, xylitol can cause liver failure, seizures, and even death.

Especially Keep The Chocolate Candy Away

Chocolate is packed with high amounts of fat and, even worse for Fido, caffeine and methylxanthines like theobromine, a stimulant that can be dangerous to dogs when eaten.

These stimulants can cause vomiting, diarrhea, accelerated heart rate, rapid breathing, tremors, high blood pressure, and even seizures, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest.

Typically, the darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous the candy will be for four-legged friends. And the smaller the dog, the less chocolate it will take to cause some serious health issues.

In one Valentine’s Day case, a Labrador Retriever from British Columbia ate a whopping two pounds of fudge and milk chocolate suckers, enough sugar to irritate a stomach ulcer and put the chocolate-loving Lab in danger. Her humans rushed her to the vet, and their pet insurance company shelled out $3,696.20 to cover the cost of diagnosis and treatments.

Before you head out for your romantic Valentine’s Day date, take a second to look at the petMD Chocolate Toxicity Meter, which breaks down the theobromine and caffeine levels in a handful of common candies and other chocolate products you might have lying around the house this holiday.

Avoid Poisonous Blooms & Toxic Plants

We don’t just have our canine pals to look after this Valentine’s Day.

Is your special Valentine also a cat lover? Then the best way to say, “I love you” is to send only pet-safe bouquets that contain absolutely no plants of the Lilium or Hemerocallis species — that means no lilies.

Whether Tiger, Asiatic, Easter, Day, or Japanese Snow Lily, eating just one or two leaves, petals, or even enough pollen in any of these and other lily varieties can result in rapid kidney failure in felines.

Peace, Peruvian, and Calla lilies don’t necessarily cause kidney distress but can severely irritate a cat’s mouth and throat. While the exact toxic compound is unknown, according to the Pet Poison Helpline, the toxin is water soluble and found in all parts of the lily plant, from the stem to the petals and from the leaves to the bulb.

Signs of lily poisoning include vomiting, dehydration, lethargy, excessive thirst or, conversely, not drinking, or a change in urination levels. That usually means urinating too frequently or not urinating at all.

There is no cure for lily poisoning. However, it is vital that cats receive veterinary treatment as soon as possible after ingesting any amount of this plant. Cats will need close monitoring, IV fluids, and other supportive treatments in order to improve chances of survival.

And roses might be beautiful, but those thorns can sure be sharp. Dogs or cats who ingest this Valentine’s Day favorite can end up with serious problems. They could suffer abrasions and punctures of the mouth, throat, stomach, or intestines, resulting in infection, internal bleeding, or worse.

Pets Will Love Your Sparkly Gifts — To Munch On

You might think no one could be as excited as you to receive a piece of jewelry this Valentine’s Day. However, your pet could be eyeing that shiny bauble with much different intentions. Maybe they think it’ll taste as delicious as it is beautiful.

A simple internet search yields thousands of stories of dogs eating engagement and wedding rings, complete with x-ray images of dog stomachs with diamond rings inside.

Avoid that hassle and potential expensive surgeries to remove pieces of jewelry that don’t pass naturally. It’s best to keep that new sparkler safely away from Fido’s drooly chompers.

But accidents do happen. If you suspect your pooch has swallowed a piece of jewelry, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Undergarments Can Become Edibles To Dogs

It might sound silly, and it may be embarrassing to talk about, but many dog parents know this from experience — dogs love to chew on undergarments.

One pet insurance company paid $1,111.06 towards an x-ray and exploratory surgery after a Washington woman’s Pomeranian–Poodle mix ingested some of her unmentionables a few years ago. Sure enough, the vet discovered the pint-sized pup had consumed a pair of medium-sized ladies underwear.

When you’re not wearing it this Valentine’s Day, keep your lingerie on lockdown. Also, keep your panties in the hamper, and your drawers in your, well, drawers.

What other tips do you have to keep dogs safe on Valentine’s Day? Are you doing anything special with your dog? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe This Valentine’s Day appeared first on DogTime.

Tornadoes are some of the most destructive storms that households have to manage. These funnels can sustain extremely high wind speeds that may destroy an entire building in the course of a few minutes. It’s not surprising that pets find this type of storm particularly stressful to experience.

Fortunately, families have many ways that they can prepare to minimize damage to their homes and the threat to themselves, their families, and dogs. Planning before a natural disaster can provide a better source of shelter for everyone.

Quick action during the event helps to keep all members of the household calm and safe. Understanding the common types of damage people might see after a tornado makes it easier for households to protect their dogs from injury or displacement.

Here are a few things you should know about creating a tornado preparedness plan that includes your dog.

Before The Tornado

In some parts of the country, tornadoes are a regular part of life. Families with dogs in these regions need to stay alert for the possibility that a tornado may come to their street.

Much of a household’s ability to remain safe during a tornado depends on the actions they take in the months before it strikes. These tasks help households create a structure ideal for safety and prepare for a tornado.

Reinforce Your Home

During a tornado, the home usually provides a place for shelter. However, it can only offer protection as long as it’s able to sustain high winds or flying debris.

To prevent harm to people and their pets, households should consider the following home improvement tasks:

• Maintain and repair the roof regularly
• Trim trees away from the home
• Use high-impact glass for windows
• Reinforce doors with longer screws
• Install wind-resistant siding
• Use storm-ready garage doors

Upgrading to new materials may not need to be done more than every five to 15 years, depending on the product. As such, proper maintenance is key. Loose siding or roof shingles can easily become projectiles in strong winds.

Stay Informed

Even with the best data, knowing where a tornado will strike and how much damage it will create can be difficult. Families should arm themselves with as much information as possible so that they can protect themselves, their families, and their dogs.

Although tornadoes are more common in some parts of the country than others, almost any place could have one if the conditions are right. People should look for typical signs of a tornado, including:

• Severe thunderstorms in the forecast
• High winds
• Rotating, funnel-shaped clouds
• Clouds of debris in the distance
• Loud, roaring sounds

People should keep an eye on the weather forecast. For up-to-date information, use various alert systems, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio.

Regions where tornadoes are frequent may also have sirens as an alert for people outside. Parents should teach kids to listen for and heed the sound.

Practice Your Tornado Safety Plan

In an emergency, people and pets tend to revert to their old habits. This means that families should create and practice a tornado evacuation plan long before they ever need to use it.

People who live in places with frequent tornadoes may only have a few minutes from the time they receive the notice until the storm arrives. In this time, they should:

• Quickly close exterior doors
• Gather family members and pets
• Go to a safe room or tornado shelter
• Confirm that everyone is present
• Put dogs in crates

In order to instill a calm sense of urgency, households should practice the routine until everyone in the house can complete it with ease. Everyone in the home must be involved in the drill, especially pets and young children.

Dogs may need a lot of repetition before they understand what is expected of them, and they usually need households to perform regular drills to keep the habits fresh.

During The Storm

As most people who live in tornado regions know, these storms don’t tend to last very long. In fact, the entire experience from the first siren or warning to the aftermath may be less than half an hour.

The average tornado lasts less than ten minutes; although, there may be another storm coming in its wake. This means that households and pets don’t have a lot of time to act, nor do they have to wait a particularly long time.

What they do in the moment makes a big difference for their safety.

Get To Your Designated Safe Area

Families who live in regions where tornadoes are rare may benefit from simply scoping out a few safe places to go to if a storm hits.

People who go through multiple tornado warnings every year need to set up a safe room or shelter on their property. This may be a bathroom or a closet.

Whatever room or space is chosen, make sure that any materials or cleaners that may be harmful to dogs are stored away and out of reach. As a general rule, the safe space should be:

• Underground or on the lowest level
• Large enough for every resident, but not much bigger
• Uncluttered and furnished minimally
• Located away from windows or exterior walls and doors
• Stocked with supplies and important information for everyone in the house

If people do not have a safe area in the home, they need to identify a local area that will provide adequate shelter.

For example, manufactured homes are not considered an appropriate shelter for tornadoes, in part because they’re not permanently attached to a foundation. In these and other cases, households may want to construct an alternative tornado shelter, or talk to neighbors about sheltering with them.

The storm itself may only last for a short time. Dogs may need a distraction during this time and a safe place to shelter, such as a crate.

Families should plan to keep at least a few days’ worth of food and water for people and pets. Supplies help to provide protection in case the home or nearby properties sustain serious damage.

Since even shelf-stable foods and water have expiration dates, households should plan to check and cycle out their supplies at least once every few months.

Use Training To Get Dogs To Safety

Training pets to go to the safe room is the best way to ensure that they’ll be able to do this during an emergency.

The biggest reason that families need to involve their pets in tornado safety routines is to help counteract their natural instincts. Animals, people included, tend to hide in the place they think is the safest when they sense danger or get scared.

The problem is that with a tornado, there are many hiding places that are not safe.

Dogs with sensitive hearing may become frightened or agitated, particularly if there are loud sounds like a tornado siren. Families should remain calm and follow the routine to assure their animals that they’re in control.

Large families or people with young children may prefer to teach their dogs to go to the safe room through the use of a specific word or whistle.

Act Quickly After A Tornado Warning

Quick thinking and action can save lives during a tornado. On average, people have less than 15 minutes after a tornado warning to take shelter before it arrives. As soon as they hear the warning, they should alert everyone in the house to follow the safety plan.

Once they gather everyone and go to the safe room or shelter on the property, they should put dogs inside crates. Placing the crate under a table or in a closet can help to protect against falling debris.

From this position, everyone can wait as the storm passes. Children should be instructed to avoid letting dogs out of their crates until an adult in the house says that it’s safe to do so. Families may prefer to offer a distraction, like a toy or snack to help with stress or anxiety about the tornado.

Managing A Tornado’s Aftermath

Although the tornado itself is the most dangerous aspect of this experience, the aftermath poses a number of threats as well. Households should be aware of common problems that arise after their area sustains damage from a tornado.

With proper attention to hazards and an understanding of how pets act after a disaster, they can minimize the likelihood of harming or losing their dogs.

Confirm The Storm Is Over

It can be difficult to tell when the storm has passed. Tornadoes often have strong winds coming before and after them, and sometimes even other tornadoes. This means that people may think that they’re in the clear when they’re not.

During a tornado warning, people should keep close track of the local weather updates. National and local emergency alert systems can provide useful information about the status of a tornado or weather system.

Families should plan to keep everyone in the household in place until they are confident that the storm is done in their area.

Identify Potential Dangers

Once the storm has passed completely, families should temporarily leave pets and children with an adult in the safe room. This will allow them to inspect the damage, identify hazards, and plan to take action for the immediate future.

They should look for the following signs of danger:

• Debris blocking entrances and exits
• Downed power lines
• Exposed pipework, leaking water, or sewage
• Open storm drains or manholes
• Wild animals exposed by the storm
• Trees that may fall from damage
• Open pools of water, particularly around electrical sources

Pets shouldn’t be allowed to roam freely outside after a storm. It’s too difficult to keep them from eating or drinking hazardous substances or treading into dangerous areas.

Instead, dog parents should keep them in their crates or on a short leash until they can go to a safer place.

Make A Plan For Lost Pets

Prior planning can often help families avoid losing their dogs in the first place, but it still happens on occasion. Dogs who cannot be brought to the safe area during the tornado may find shelter elsewhere.

If the neighborhood takes a lot of damage during the storm, familiar landmarks and scents can throw dogs off course. They may not be able to find their way back home because they no longer recognize the landscape.

In these cases, households should be ready to look for their pets and make them as easy to identify as possible. Local animal shelters and rescue organizations will often provide information about dogs and other animals they find after a disaster.

Dogs who are microchipped and have identification tags will be easier for animal control professionals to identify and notify their humans. Pet parents should have relevant information about their pets, including pictures, to show others during the search.

Tornadoes can be frightening to people, but even more so for dogs. Animals often don’t understand what’s going on, beyond knowing that there’s a threat. Developing a regular routine to prepare for tornadoes will make it easier for people and pets to know what to do and perform their tasks quickly and safely.

By following these tips, families can reduce the chances that their dogs will be at risk before, during, or after a tornado hits their area.

Do you have any other tips for preparing your family, dogs included, for a tornado? Have you and your pups ever been through one of these storms? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Tornado Preparedness & Safety Tips For Dog Parents appeared first on DogTime.

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 29th in 2022, and we just want to say happy Father’s Day to all the dog dads out there.

We also want to honor the guys who take good care of the pups they love all year long. Every dog dad deserves to be treated like a celebrity for a day.

Do something special for the doggy daddy in your life and celebrate with these 20 celebrity dog dads for Father’s Day!

The pooches look very happy with their papas. These gentlemen may be celebrities to us, but their pups just know them as “dad.”

Treat Your Dog Dad Like A Celebrity On Father’s Day!

If you have a special dog dad in your life and you want to give them the celebrity treatment, here are a few ways you can celebrate Father’s Day, celebrity edition:

• Have a photo shoot with your pooch and their papa.
• Take them both for a red carpet walk — or just a stroll around the block.
• Go on a family picnic and pretend you’re looking out for paparazzi.
• Have an at-home film premier with your pretend celebs. Might we recommend an action-adventure movie where the dog lives?
• Visit a local shelter together so you can “cast” a pup in the role of “new family member!”

Which celebrity dog dad is your favorite? Are you going to celebrate Father’s Day with a dog dad you love? Let us know in the comments below!

The post Father’s Day: Celebrate With 20 Celebrity Dog Dads Loving Their Pooches [PICTURES] appeared first on DogTime.