Your guide to pet ownership
If you were to define canine health as being at a generally lower risk for genetic disease, then mixed breed dogs would probably be healthier. They also tend to live longer than purebreds. The reason for this lies in gene pools and the mechanics of genetics. By definition, a purebred dog has purebred parents. This … Read more
Children and dogs have a natural affinity for one another. While children provide dogs with attention and love, dogs provide children with companionship and affection and help children learn about responsibility. However, it is important to supervise interactions between dogs and small children and to know which breeds are the most comfortable with children when … Read more
There is an ongoing question about what dogs cause insurance companies to refuse coverage to potential customers. It has actually changed from decade to decade based on the perceptions of how dangerous and/or physically aggressive this or that dog breed was or is. Currently, only a couple of dogs still cause homeowners headaches with insurance … Read more
All dogs can suffer from various illnesses, physical health problems, and diseases. However, some dogs suffer more than others. If you have one of these breeds of dogs that are at high risk for health problems, you should be prepared for higher vet bills too. The following dogs and their multiple health risks are ones … Read more
Like humans, dogs have four-chambered hearts with a general structure also similar to that of humans. Some breeds are more prone to heart disease than others, but any dog can get this condition. There is some recent evidence that diet may be a factor in the development of canine heart disease. Specifically, this refers to … Read more
Wrinkles may not be very becoming on humans but on dogs they are adorable. While their sizes and colors may vary this list of dogs all have one thing in common-wrinkly foreheads. Dogs with Wrinkled Foreheads Pug English Bulldog French Bulldog Shar-Pei Bloodhound Basset Hound Neopolitan Massif Pug These cute little dogs are very playful … Read more
Cats are one of the traditional choices for a pet, next to dogs. Lots of households love to have these cute, furry felines as a live-in friend. They may be mischievous at times or tend to climb on things where they’re not supposed to be and enjoy smacking things off tables or shelves for no … Read more
All dogs need plenty of love and attention to be properly cared for. The amount of quality time required of you by your dog, however, often depends on its breed. Some dogs cannot handle more than a couple hours of solitude without severe separation anxiety. To ensure your lifestyle pairs well with the needs of … Read more
When it comes to longevity, the single most critical factor is the dog’s size. Smaller breeds tend to live significantly longer than larger ones. A Great Dane is considered quite old by age eight, but a toy poodle could live to be sixteen and even much longer. In contrast, few Great Danes and other giant … Read more
Chow Chow dogs are known for their dramatic-looking blue-purple tongues. The tongue may be a solid color or may display spots of pink. Chow Chow puppies are actually born with pink tongues. When the tongue begins to darken to blue-purple at about eight to 10 weeks of age, some pink spots may remain. While it’s … Read more
All dogs descended from wolves. In fact, wolf and dog DNA differ by a mere 0.2 percent. Genetically speaking, domestic dogs are much closer to wolves than even coyotes are. Wolf and coyote DNA differs by four percent. A study called CanMap was conducted by UCLA, Cornell University, and the National Institutes of Health. It … Read more
Just about everyone has seen at least a picture of a Great Dane or Saint Bernard dog. These are both wonderful examples of members of the giant dog class. However, some people may mistake other large dogs, such as a Rottweiler or German Shepherd, for being giant dogs, too. While it’s true that large and … Read more
High-energy dogs that want to run and play all day are adorable and fun to be around–until they’re not. It can take a lot of work to keep them happy. If you’d prefer a cuddly companion that doesn’t demand a high-energy lifestyle, here are some lazy dog breeds to consider. Lazy Dog Breeds Bulldog Saint … Read more
While many dog breeds seem to have no tails, some of these breeds get this look via tail docking. There are dogs that are born without tails, so if you want to have a tail-less dog and avoid the practice of tail docking, this list will help you. Some dogs are born without any tail, … Read more
If you’re looking to feel safer in your home or just want a furry friend to watch your property, you could benefit from owning a guard dog. Guard dogs should be loud, tenacious, and protective. They may not be the largest or most intimidating dog in the room, but their drive to protect family comes … Read more
Cancer is a health condition in which cells grow out of control and no longer perform the functions necessary for life. These cells can form solid tumors that press on other organs, causing pain and malfunction. Cancers can metastasize, meaning that the original cancerous cells can travel to nearby and distant parts of the body … Read more
Permanent nose color in dogs is determined by genes. Most dogs have black noses. This black color is caused by an intense deposit of melanin, which is a substance that gives skin, fur, and eyes their color. Just like some dogs can have blue eyes or white fur, others can have a pink nose. Pink … Read more
Although owning a dog can bring great joy and warmth to any home, doing your research first is essential. Prior to the first time purchase of a dog, you may have dreams and visions of bliss. However, owning a dog comes with a lot of hard work, and some breeds are easier than others. The … Read more
In choosing a dog, a number of factors are to be considered. On the top of some of your lists may be that of cleanliness. For some of you who desire to keep your dog indoors, or for those of you that may live in an apartment, having washable dog pee pads can be a … Read more
Dogs play an important role in helping our mental health. A study done in the Journal of Psychiatric Research and the Journal of Applied Developmental Science discovered that people who owned a dog did not suffer as much from their mental health issues, and owning a dog made these people more likely to help others. … Read more