Puppy Care

There are so many types of dog breeds, such as designer dogs, mixed breed dogs, and mutt dogs, and lots of definitions get thrown around. But many seemingly different terms mean the same thing—they just have different connotations (both negative and positive).

Choosing a dog requires careful consideration, and determining where to get your new dog is equally important. Once you've identified the dog is right for you, you can begin your search. There are many options, but some are preferable. Research the organization or individual from whom you plan to get your dog to ensure they are reputable. Visit the location where the dogs are housed to confirm it's a healthy environment. Please consider ​dog adoption first.​

Walking your dog is a normal activity, but not all dogs require the same amount of exercise. Some dogs are fine with an occasional walk while others need long, regular jaunts around the neighborhood. Knowing why walks can benefit dogs and how often your specific dog needs to be walked can help you keep your dog happy and healthy both physically and mentally.

How puppies play depends on a great deal. Socialization and age are huge factors, but dogs also have their own preferences. Some dogs react more to seeing objects move, while others relish tug-of-war or "hide and seek" type play.

Dogs can be housetrained at any age, but puppies learn much more quickly than adult dogs. Puppies are cute enough that most owners forgive puppy-sized accidents, but adult-size deposits are much more of a problem.

It's fun to treat your puppy, but human food is not ideal. An occasional table scrap may not be harmful, but these should be limited, especially when your puppy is young.

Jumping up seems cute when your puppy is a little guy, but when he grows into an adolescent, jumping on people can become more than rude. These juvenile delinquent dogs haven’t learned how to control their excitement and can bruise, scratch or knockdown owners when they launch themselves and plow into you with their paws and claws. With small dogs and young pups, these tips to stop jumping up can work.

Once you understand the language of dogs and what your puppy “says” with barks, wagging tail talk, and other body language, you’ll know how to talk to a dog with effective puppy communication. Remember that your puppy is not a mind reader and what’s “normal” behavior for people may be a totally foreign language and offensive to dogs. Instead, you can use “dog talk” to get your message across.

There can be a number of reasons why a puppy may itch or scratch at itself. Puppies can simply get an itch as people do but if there is regular scratching going on a puppy may need a little help. Knowing what to look for if your puppy is always itchy will help you help your puppy to permanently scratch that itch.

The birth of puppies is an exciting time. It's beautiful to watch a mother care for her newborn puppies, especially in the early stages of life.

Why do puppies eat poop? While puppies tend to eat many strange things, feces-eating is one of the most unpleasant habits. Some puppies are not picky about the feces they eat, whether it's their own or that of another animal.

Are you curious about cadaver dogs?

Getting your first dog is exciting, but there’s a lot to think about before you bring this type of pet home, as dogs have a lot of care requirements, from feeding and grooming to exercise and training. Plus, you need to consider the type of dog that would best fit your lifestyle, whether you want a purebred or mixed-breed dog, and whether you want a small or large dog.

Greyhound racing has been a contested sport in the United States since the early 20th century. Currently, only six states have active dog racing tracks, and Florida recently enacted a ban on the sport, with all tracks set to close by January 2021.

Giving up a beloved dog can be a heartbreaking situation for everyone in your family. Once you have made this very difficult decision, your next step is to find a new home for your dog. It won't be easy to say goodbye, but it's essential you take the right steps to give your dog the best chance at a happy life.

Everyone seems to be so busy these days. Are you too busy to take care of your dog? Owning a dog is a major responsibility. As a busy person, you can still be a good dog owner, but it will take some effort on your part. Just make sure you are up for the challenge.

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is always training new service dogs to take on the important tasks of sniffing for explosives at U.S. airports. But like all service dog training programs, not all dogs make the cut. Some may lack interest in their assigned task; others tend to become stressed by the high-intensity lifestyle. Occasionally, a dog is just too friendly to focus on work.

Although they’re often portrayed on TV and in the movies, it can be hard to fully appreciate just how brave, courageous, and heroic a search and rescue (or SAR) dog can be. Search and rescue dogs are disciplined, life-saving canines that are sharply trained to spring into action in the case of a crisis situation, whether it’s identifying human remains, finding a missing child, or seeking out evidence to help solve a crime. Along with their highly-trained handlers, SAR dogs are working dogs that are prepared to assist in emergencies in any environment, from the wilderness to the city.

Looking for the best dog bowl to hold food and water? You may think a dog bowl is a dog bowl, but all are not equal. Different dog bowls offer different features, and some are better than others. There are many different types out there, so it can be hard for dog owners to determine which kind is right for their dog.

Trying to figure out how to choose a dog food? Proper nutrition is one of the most basic needs of dogs and a good diet is one of the best ways to keep your dog healthy. Choosing a dog food can be tough, but it's ultimately up to you to decide what to feed your dog. You'll want to consider things like the type of food, quality of ingredients, and cost to fit your budget. Do plenty of research so you can make an informed decision about your dog's diet.

Are you a first-time dog owner? Congratulations on finding your new canine companion and welcome to the wonderful world of dog ownership! Here's what you need to know about caring for your new dog.

Staying cool when the temperatures get hot can be difficult, especially when your entire body is covered in fur.

November was National Adopt a Senior Pet Month, and it was a good reminder that—especially this time of year—it's important to give a little extra love to an older animal. All pets deserve loving, safe homes, no matter how old they are, but often senior pets spend the most time in shelters.

Once you've decided that a dog is right for you and have welcomed them into your home, it’s essential to teach them some fundamental behaviors and boundaries using positive reinforcement training. Besides facilitating a smooth transition home, this will lay the groundwork for a relationship rooted in trust, safety, and mutual understanding.

Bringing home a new dog is exciting, but your new four-legged friend is also a major responsibility. Building a reliable support system early on can help ensure the transition goes as smoothly as possible for both of you.

Selecting your first dog can be thrilling yet daunting. Whether the dog will be your sole companion, a playmate for your kids, or a "fur baby" for you and your partner, it is crucial that the dog fits your lifestyle.

We often hear about the negative aspects of puppy mills in the media, through animal welfare and advocacy groups, and from fellow dog lovers. What actually defines a puppy mill? Why are puppy mills a problem? What can we do about them? There are several differences between these mills and responsible breeders to take into consideration before choosing where to adopt a dog.

It's important to know how to choose a second dog and ensure dog and dog compatibility. How well your current pet(s) accepts a newcomer depends on their age, health, sex, genetics, and traits of instinct, size, personality—the list goes on and on.

It's a big responsibility to have a dog, and sometimes life gets in the way. You might have to make serious and unexpected choices, such as giving up a beloved pet, if you encounter obstacles in your life. There are many ways to avoid this, but if you've exhausted all of your options, please know you are not alone.

Are you ready to choose the right dog for you? Bringing a new dog into your life is a major decision. First, make sure you are ready for a dog before you start the process. It is also essential that you understand the cost of dog ownership. If you have decided that the time is right, congratulations! Now it is time to figure out what type of dog is right for you.

When police dogs retire, they are usually adopted by their handlers or other service members. If that's not an option, they may be available for adoption by the general public. Adopting a retired police dog is a meaningful way to support an animal that has served to protect your community.

All dogs are wonderful, though not all are suited for service work. Some dogs in training don’t complete the process because they’re not fit for the various roles required. The good news is that these dogs are often available for adoption.

Many people believe that cats are better than dogs. Cats are easy to care for, quiet, and often more affordable. They don't need as much exercise as dogs and groom themselves. Owning a cat offers unique benefits that you may not experience with a dog.

In May 2022, Savannah–a 7-year-old, light brown, mid-sized mutt–became the first dog to walk around the world.

Every third week in September, shelters, rescues, and veterinary clinics raise awareness during Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week. It's an opportunity to recognize that even though certain pets are deemed “less-adoptable” because of their age, looks, or other factors, they deserve a loving home just as much as any other pet.

If you rescued your dog or cat from an animal shelter or a private rescue organization, or took in a stray, you might not know your pet’s real age or their actual birthday. In lieu of an annual birthday party, many owners of adopted animals like to celebrate their pet’s adoption day. Read on for tips and ideas to make your pet’s adoption day special and memorable.

All shelter dogs deserve a happy ending, and after waiting for more than 1,350 days at a Pennsylvania shelter, Coco has finally gotten his.

Sky, a 2-year-old Plott hound mix, hardly had to wait to find his forever home after he arrived in California. It took only two days at Marin Humane after a five-hour flight brought him to the West Coast from the Maui Humane Society.

Not all heroes wear capes, but some of them are able to fly.

There are many unfounded myths surrounding shelter dogs, from the notion that they all have behavioral issues to the belief that they'll never fully trust humans. These myths paint an undeservedly negative image of these dogs and prevent some truly incredible animals from being adopted into new homes.

He’s a natural comedian. A loving companion. And a chicken nugget enthusiast.

Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert-Hough are perhaps most famous for their years teaching other stars how to dance on Dancing With the Stars (where Derek is now a judge), but they can also offer some advice when it comes to adopting a dog or two.

Millions of Americans brought a pandemic puppy into their homes back in 2020, and Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert—stuck quarantining in their Los Angeles home—were among them, deciding to adopt their second dog.

Jackie Rakers has always been an animal lover, owning various reptiles and amphibians as a kid and begging her parents to adopt a dog every chance she got. For the latter, the answer was always no...until it wasn't. Today, as a pet influencer in her 30s, Jackie's passion for dogs is on display for thousands to admire and learn from.

If your pet is a rescue, you might not know their exact age—or even their birthday. In lieu of an annual birthday party, many pet owners celebrate their pet’s "gotcha day," the day they adopted their pet and made them part of their family.

Adopting a pet is one of the most exciting, fulfilling decisions you’ll likely ever make. But it’s also a major commitment—one that requires time, energy, money, and other resources. After all, you are bringing home a living, breathing creature that is completely reliant on you for everything from food and water to exercise and affection.

Every day, millions of shelter pets in the United States eagerly wait to find their forever family and a place to finally call home. Days, weeks, months, and sometimes, even years, pass before someone takes an interest in a homeless animal. Sadly, some pets may never get a second chance for a new beginning. Nearly 6 million cats and dogs entered shelters and rescues across the country in 20241. This is equivalent to the population of the state of Colorado.

In 2024, an estimated 5.8 million dogs and cats entered animal shelters and rescues.1 And with many shelters operating at or beyond capacity and roughly 607,000 animals euthanized in 2024, foster homes remain a vital lifeline for pets in need.

Adopting a rescue dog can be a big adjustment for both you and your pet. While you’re figuring out potty training and scheduling vaccine appointments, your pup is trying to make sense of a completely unfamiliar world—filled with new smells, sights, sounds, textures, routines, and people—all without knowing what comes next.

Are you considering adopting a dog? Fantastic! There are so many deserving dogs that are searching for their forever homes worldwide. Some dogs will have no problem in securing an adoptive family. They may be tiny and cute, perhaps they have been featured in a high profile adoption campaign, or maybe they are a breed that doesn’t come up for adoption often.

Adopting your first dog can stir up a mix of emotions—excitement at the prospect of coming home to a wagging tail every day, but also a tinge of uncertainty about how this new family member will fit into your lifestyle.

A dog’s love, loyalty, and companionship may be priceless. But bringing home a new four-legged friend comes with real costs that go well beyond the adoption fee.

Are you thinking of getting a new pet? Choosing the right dog for your family is essential, and part of this decision involves considering the pup's age. Each stage of a dog's life offers various advantages over the others, so it depends on what matters most to you. Here are the pros and cons of adopting dogs at all the different life stages.

Proper nutrition is an important part of caring for puppies and adult dogs. Most owners know that puppies need food specifically made to promote growth and development. However, many owners struggle to determine when the time is right to switch to adult dog food. This is because there is no rule that applies to all dogs. Different dogs grow at different rates. You and your vet can estimate the best time to make the change to your puppy's diet.

Puppy grooming and keeping the baby dog spiffy requires more than a quick brushing. Some puppy breeds take more coat care than others, while some may have "drip dry" easy care fur. Puppy grooming not only includes brushing your puppy, but it also can require bathing puppies, dog ear cleaning, eye care, claw clipping, anal gland attention, and even how to brush dogs teeth. These articles offer you all the information you need, including advice for keeping your puppy looking and feeling his or her best.

There are several kinds of aggression, and a dog can display a single type or even a combination of aggressive behaviors. They are categorized by what prompts the aggressive display, as well as the circumstances and specifics of the body language. Some kinds of aggression are perfectly normal and harmless once owners understand the context—a growl during play at a toy, for instance, is not necessarily a danger signal. Learn about puppy behaviors and the causes associated with various kinds of aggression, and what you can do to prevent or manage potential problems.

Hookworms are a common intestinal parasite of puppies. Depending on the species, they suck blood or take bites out of the wall of the dog's small intestine, which can result in severe bleeding.

Few people have the option of taking puppy leave to stay home to house train their new puppies. That means your puppy will almost certainly be spending hours at home alone. Not only will you need to train your puppy to eliminate outside, but you'll also need to train it to hold off on elimination until you're home and ready to go outside. This can take time and patience; puppies typically have no more ability to hold it than a very young child. If your puppy will be confined for longer than four hours at a time, consider asking a neighbor or friend to let it out or giving it access to an indoor potty area during confinement.

Diarrhea and/or vomiting can cause dehydration.1 Fluid therapy replaces both fluid and electrolyte loss in sick dogs. Hospitalization with intravenous (IV) fluids is the best way to correct dehydration. This is especially true for critically ill dogs. However, not all pet parents can afford hospitalization and some dogs have mild dehydration that may not require hospitalization. In these two scenarios, pet parents may be able to administer fluids at home.

Do dogs have blood types, and is it important for you to know your puppy's blood type? Although blood from a donor offers lifesaving help, today we know that donor blood may carry parasites or viruses. In addition, all canine blood is not created equal—just like people, pets have different blood types and these differences are inherited. Giving incompatible blood can have life-threatening consequences.

When summertime is in full swing, temperatures may consistently be over 90 degrees Fahrenheit with humidity in the 70s or 80s. This makes going outside a very arduous chore. But when you have a puppy, there are times when you are just going to have to go outside, most notably for bathroom times for your puppy and to get them some exercise.

Just like a human baby, ​a new puppy have baby teeth that eventually fall out. Most dogs are born without teeth and go through a teething process. From birth to six months, sharp baby teeth emerge from the gums following a predictable timeline. Puppies experience teething stages, including sore gums and the eruption of 28 baby teeth. During this time, they may chew on unexpected objects like baseboards and shoes to relieve discomfort.

Dogs need vaccines as a part of preventative health care to protect against various diseases. Core vaccines are essential for all dogs, while non-core vaccines depend on your dog's lifestyle or geographic location. Common vaccines include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and others. Non-core vaccines include Bordetella, Lyme, and Giardia.

Congratulations on your new puppy! If this is your first dog, welcome to the wonderful world of dog ownership. Puppies are a lot of fun, but they also take a lot of work. There are many things your puppy needs to thrive; proper training is one of the most important of these.

Introduce your dogs and babies properly, and they'll be on their way to becoming great friends. A dog's interaction with babies can have positive benefits besides furry love. Studies show that infants who grow up with pets have a much lower chance of developing allergies to dogs as they grow up.1 However, clueless pups—and active infants—also have the potential to hurt or even terrorize one another. When you're expecting a new baby (or a visiting infant or new grandchild), prepare your puppy in advance to make sure interactions stay safe.

If your puppy spends time in wooded, grassy areas where ticks are prevalent, it is at risk of receiving a tick bite. In most cases, tick bites are harmless, but some ticks carry serious diseases transmittable to your puppy. If a tick bites your puppy, but your puppy exhibits no symptoms, you don't necessarily need to visit your vet. But, if your puppy begins to show symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes, or limping after being exposed to a tick-ridden area, visit your vet for a diagnosis. If detected and treated early, you can quickly resolve illness from a tick bite. If left untreated, the results may be fatal. The best way to keep your puppy safe from tick bites is with preventative, anti-tick medication.

Leash laws may require your puppy to walk nicely on a leash and know how to heel when off your property. But, even if they don’t, it’s simply polite puppy behavior to know leash etiquette. With proper leash manners, your dog has more freedom to safely explore the world beyond your front or backyard.

If you are looking to get a new puppy from a dog breeder, you may be wondering how to find the right breeder while avoiding the wrong ones. How can you tell the difference between a responsible dog breeder and an irresponsible one (often known as a backyard breeder)?

Dogs are social creatures and can very easily get bored if not provided with enough attention. Bored dogs will find interesting things to do, but what's great fun for the dog can often be destructive to your home and even dangerous for your pet.

Constipation refers to infrequent passage of dry, hard feces. If defecation is delayed and feces stay in the colon for two to three days, the colon removes too much moisture, making elimination difficult and painful.

When the summer weather arrives, you may want nothing more than to head to the beach or the park to enjoy some quality time with your new puppy. Dogs, however, overheat much more easily and quickly than humans do. They have much fewer sweat glands and rely on panting to keep cool.

If your puppy is scooting across the carpet, ground or grass—sitting down and pulling itself forward while dragging its bottom—you might need to learn how to express its anal glands. Puppy scooting generally indicates that the dog's bottom is irritated or itchy, which can be caused by factors such as tapeworms, diarrhea, fleas, or irritated anal glands.1

As much as you don't like to think about it, there are a few common puppy diseases that may strike your new little friend. When puppies get sick, it comes on quicker and takes them longer to get well than it does for adult dogs. That's why it's important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms

Hip dysplasia in puppies is a progressive, degenerative disease of the hip joints, and is the most common cause of rear-end lameness in dogs. Canine hip dysplasia is most often seen in large breeds like German Shepherd dogs, Saint Bernards, and Greater Swiss Mountain dogs, but a dog of any size and both male and female dogs may be affected.

Every pup in a litter is different, and where you find your puppy also impacts behavior. Figuring out a puppy’s potential helps to match it to the best owner and helps owners pick the perfect match. There are ranges of behaviors, of course, and some pups may be more or less shy or outgoing. But if the pup shows unprovoked aggression, panics and cannot overcome this, or exhibits strong avoidance, then that is a pup that may need more rehabilitation work or socialization than most owners can provide.

There are a number of reasons to crate train your dog. Most puppies and adult dogs feel more secure in a small, enclosed den-like area, and young puppies are especially eager to find a safe place. A carefully-chosen crate and proper crate training can help your puppy discover that a crate is a safe, happy place to spend the night. A youngster should be introduced slowly to the crate when possible and not left unattended longer than the dog is able to "hold it" for potty training. But crate training, when it's done right, can give both you and your dog a feeling of order and security in a complex world.

If you notice your puppy exhibiting anxious behaviors like excessive vocalizing, distress as you prepare to leave the house, or destruction of items while you're gone, your puppy may be experiencing separation anxiety. Puppy separation anxiety is common and successfully treatable with a combination of desensitizing behavior training and medication. Puppies adopted before eight weeks of age, mixed breeds, and puppies adopted from shelters are at the highest risk.1 Be careful not to confuse normal puppy behavior with a separation anxiety disorder. Showing your vet a video of your puppy taken when they are left home alone is the best way to reach a diagnosis.

Vomiting in puppies often requires serious attention because puppies are prone to becoming quickly dehydrated and losing critical electrolytes. There are various reasons why your puppy may be vomiting from eating spoiled foods or random objects off the ground to motion sickness.

Before bringing a puppy home, it's essential to plan how to introduce the new puppy to older dogs already living there. While some adult dogs eagerly welcome a new canine companion, others may need time to adjust. Utilize strategies such as meeting on neutral ground, sniffing through a barrier, and parallel walking for a safe, low-stress introduction.

Demodectic mange, also called red mange, demodex, or demodicosis, is a skin disease caused by Demodex canis, a cigar-shaped microscopic mite that is a normal inhabitant of canine skin and found on most healthy dogs. The mite infests hair follicles and occasionally the sebaceous glands of the skin. In dogs with healthy immune systems, the body can naturally manage the number of mites on the skin. However, demodectic mange typically occurs when a dog's immune system is suppressed, allowing the mites to present in excess numbers that cause hair loss on the face or the dog's body. This disease is not contagious to other dogs, but instead, it occurs in dogs with genetic defects that weaken the immune system.1 Demodectic mange should be treated as soon as possible to prevent the disease from spreading to more areas of the body. If you suspect that your puppy has demodectic mange, consult your veterinarian to begin diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

Your puppy's temperature refers to the body's warmth as measured by a thermometer. A puppy's normal temperature is a few degrees lower than that of an adult dog until the age of four weeks.

Conflict aggression, also called dominance aggression, can be a scary and difficult behavior for dog owners to manage. Puppies exhibit this aggression when testing boundaries and establishing their position within the family hierarchy. They naturally strike out to see who is in charge of food, treats, territory, or toys. While it may be a challenge, if you can understand the cause, there are steps you can take to correct the behavior before it gets out of hand.

You may need to make your dog throw up after they've eaten something dangerous. Yet, not all situations call for this and sometimes, making a dog vomit can cause more problems. For this reason, it's just as important to know when you should not induce vomiting as it is to know how to do it. Here's what pet parents need to know before trying to make a dog throw up.

It’s the nature of puppies to get dirty and need a puppy bath so make plans now to learn how to bathe a puppy. While some breeds need more bathing than others, excessive baths can strip natural oils from the coat and dry the skin. Unless they get quite grubby, have a close encounter with a skunk, or are dog show prospects that need frequent grooming, most puppies shouldn't need a bath more than one to four times a year. You can use a dog deodorizer in between baths when your puppy needs to freshen up.

Housebreaking, or housetraining, is often one of the first big tasks for any new puppy owner. While I prefer the term "training" over "breaking" because it emphasizes that this is a learning process for both you and your puppy, I'll use "housebreaking" as it is more commonly recognized. Regardless, think of it as a gentle, cooperative process rather than something harsh.

Between 3 and 6 months of age, puppies experience significant physical and behavioral changes such as growing into their adult size, teething, and developing fears of new places and people. Prepare to care for your puppy during this crucial developmental stage.

Are you interested in learning how to care for a puppy? Bringing a new puppy into your home will transform your life forever. While puppies require significant effort, they also bring immense joy.

Some home remedies for ear mites in dogs can be effective if you can’t reach a veterinarian right away. Ear mites are microscopic parasites that cause itchy ears and are contagious to other pets in the home. If one pet has ear mites, all of your furry friends will need treatment. For best results, your veterinarian can prescribe traditional medications that are proven effective. However, some items you have at home can also be safely used with your vet’s approval. Here’s how to use home remedies for ear mites in dogs.

Distemper in dogs is a highly contagious and often fatal disease that affects multiple body systems. Though its prevalence has diminished greatly due to effective vaccinations, distemper cases and outbreaks are still seen sporadically. Distemper often strikes puppies exposed to the spreadable virus in shelters, kennels, or other environments where there may already be infected and unvaccinated animals. Regardless of your dog's age, be especially vigilant about symptoms, such as eye discharge or nervous system problems. Here's what pet parents should know about distemper in dogs and puppies.

Getting a new puppy is a very exciting time. You've probably been planning the arrival of your new furry friend for months (or even years!), or you might have fallen in love with an unsuspecting stray pup who is suddenly joining your household.

Puppy barking serves various purposes, such as greeting people and self-defense. However, if your puppy's barking becomes constant, it can be annoying. Although barking is a natural behavior and form of puppy communication, you can teach your puppy to bark less.

Diarrhea in puppies can often be a sign of illness, caused by many different conditions. It's a common issue, but it can also become serious if pups consumed anything inedible or dangerous or get dehydrated. Although mild cases may resolve with conservative treatment, more severe cases of diarrhea can be deadly for puppies and will need veterinary help. It's important for pet owners to recognize serious symptoms and be familiar with how to treat diarrhea in puppies so they know how to proceed when their puppy is sick.

Puppies are known for eating all kinds of non-edible things, and sometimes these can cause serious complications. They may eat something accidentally when a piece of a toy breaks off or something falls onto the ground without the owner’s knowledge. Foreign body obstruction in puppies can be a medical emergency that can end your puppy’s life if immediate attention is not received. Here’s what to do if your puppy or adult dog swallows something they shouldn’t have.

Planning to get a puppy? There's a lot to consider to prepare both yourself and your home for a new furry friend. Consider where your puppy will sleep on their first night, who will care for them throughout the day, and ensure you have all necessary supplies ready.

Between 6 months and 1 year of age, your puppy's physical changes will slow down, but their energy levels may increase, revealing a new side of their personality. At 6 months, your puppy is now considered an adolescent after their fast-growing juvenile stage from 3 to 6 months.

Does your puppy eat everything? Puppies may munch on anything as they explore the world with their mouths, a behavior they often outgrow. However, this curiosity can lead to issues like blockages or poisoning, which are important to prevent.

Having two dogs at once could seem like a lot of work, but there are a few reasons two dogs in one home—whether it’s two older dogs, or an older dog and a puppy—could have benefits for you and the dogs.

Bloat in puppies happens when air builds up in the stomach and cannot escape. This stops blood flow, potentially leading to death within hours. Symptoms include a swollen stomach, trouble breathing, and dry heaving.

Puppy vaginitis, or juvenile vaginitis, is the inflammation of the vagina in a puppy that has not reached puberty (had her first heat cycle). This condition can cause irritation and may lead to vaginal discharge or licking of the vulva. Vaginitis is typically treatable if caught early. It often resolves on its own once the puppy matures. However, some cases may become chronic and require surgery. Read on to learn the signs, causes, and treatment of puppy vaginitis.

It's not unusual for dogs to lose their appetites. However, refusal to eat could signal a deeper issue. If the loss of appetite is sudden and lasts beyond a meal or two, contact your veterinarian, especially if your puppy seems unwell.

Kennel cough in dogs is a common and highly contagious upper respiratory infection often caused by Bordetella bacteria or viruses. It causes inflammation of the dog's trachea and bronchi, often leading to a distinct honking cough.1 All dogs are susceptible, but the disease is most common in places where dogs gather. Here's what pet parents should know about kennel cough in dogs and puppies.

During the ages of 8 to 12 weeks, many puppies transition to their new homes, leaving their mothers, littermates, and infancy behind. Some veterinarians suggest waiting until a puppy is at least 12 weeks old before separating them from their littermates. This developmental phase, known as the imprinting stage, involves rapid brain development, making puppies impressionable and ideal candidates for training.

In their first eight weeks, puppies rely heavily on their mother for vital care. She nourishes them through nursing until they are weaned. Notably, puppies typically open their eyes between 10 and 14 days old.

Potty pads, also known as puppy pads or pee pads, are useful tools for teaching your puppy where to appropriately relieve itself. Since using a potty pad isn't instinctual, training is required for your puppy to learn. Consistency is crucial in this process, helping your puppy eventually transition to outdoor bathroom habits.

Witnessing a seizure in your puppy can be a terrifying experience, often leaving you feeling helpless. Identifying the signs of seizures, understanding their causes, and knowing how to treat and prevent them are crucial steps in protecting your pet's health.

Dog socialization is an essential part of raising a puppy into a happy, well-adjusted adult. Once you bring your new puppy home, you have the opportunity to help shape your puppy's social development. Adult dogs can be socialized too, it just takes a bit longer and must be done more carefully.

Bringing home a new puppy requires oodles of planning and know-how, but timing is part of the equation as well. When is the best time of year to bring home a puppy?

Carly Pearce is a GRAMMY award-winning singer-songwriter known for her country music prowess. She just wrapped up touring with Tim McGraw this summer on his Standing Room Only Tour, released her fourth studio album hummingbird, and will soon embark on a world tour, kicking off Oct. 3 in Windsor, Ontario.