Yorkshire Terriers are one of the most popular breeds in the United States but, like all dogs, they can be subject to their share of health problems. Some problems are congenital, meaning the dogs are born with them; and other problems are genetic. Some of the breed’s problems are due to the very small size…
Many people today don’t understand the canine heat cycle but it is similar in many ways to the heat cycle of other animals, with a few differences. In the wild, the female wolf usually comes in season once a year. Dogs have evolved away from this pattern in many cases. Some primitive breeds, such as…
If you’re interested in low-exercise dog breeds, it’s generally best to consider Toy breeds. Most of these small dogs have minimal exercise requirements that can be satisfied by playing in the house or by going for a walk when you take them outside to potty. Some of these breeds will also enjoy playing in a…
Although there are no dogs connected with any specific Western astrological sign, in Chinese astrology the sign of the Dog is highly regarded. Those born under the sign of the dog are honest, faithful, and sincere, like the dog himself. He is loyal and dutiful and makes a good companion. In the West, Canis Major…
Kennel cough is an extremely common respiratory ailment affecting dogs. The disorder, which can also be called infectious tracheobronchitis, is not a single disease but rather is the way in which dogs react to a number of infectious microorganisms. The bacteria Bordetella bronchiseptica is implicated in many cases of kennel cough, but other bacteria and…
We live in a chocolate society. Chocolate milkshakes, hot chocolate, chocolate cookies, chocolate breakfast cereal, chocolate cake, chocolate bunnies, chocolate Santa, chocolate ghosts, and even just plain, scrumptious, mouth-watering chocolate. Every candy bar comes coated in it and most ice cream bars are dipped in it. Chocolate is even sold as a mood elevator and…
You say excitedly “Sing, Fido, sing!” and your dog breaks out into a melodious howl. Unfortunately, this also backfires because when you do start to sing, so does your dog. Why do dogs howl? And why do some dogs never howl? Howling dogs are not uncommon – most dogs howl for one reason or another….
Apparently, puppies get hiccups the same way that babies or children can. And for some of the same reasons. Hiccups in puppies less than six months old are often an involuntary, harmless contraction of the diaphragm that can occur in any breed or size of puppy. The hiccup episodes tend to last for just a…
Buying a leash sounds like an easy task – you go into a pet store, pick a leash that you like and purchase it. However, it is more complicated than it sounds, as there are leashes of all styles, shapes, materials, and uses available. So which one is right for you and your pooch? Good…
Contrary to what your dog thinks, he is not able to eat anything he can reach. Many dogs seem to believe that if they can grab it, it’s theirs; and if it’s in their mouth, it’s food. But, no. Your dog’s stomach is not made of iron and there are a number of foods he…
The backyard was once your favorite part of the property. You spent hours on your knees, lovingly tending your garden, planting flowers, shrubs, and trees. The lawn was lush and green – a joy to walk on in bare feet. Your family spent hours enjoying the patio and all summer you made sure to eat…
It is finally summer and you want to spend as much time as possible enjoying your backyard. You have parties planned, a new swimming pool to use, and a garden to tinker in. There is one major stumbling block to your plans, however. The backyard looks like a patchwork quilt with all the urine-burned spots…