Safety

(Image Credit: Getty Images/kandypix) Peanut butter is a healthy sometimes-snack for humans. However, this is not necessarily the case for dogs. Not all, but many types of peanut butter have an ingredient called xylitol. Xylitol is a substance often used in place of natural sweeteners, and it is highly toxic for dogs. It’s usually extracted

Picture Credit: Peter Cade / Getty Images Dogs are our friends, family, and sometimes even our coworkers. However, they’re still animals, and we cannot speak to them the way we talk to our human companions. We need to understand what they’re saying in their language — through their tail wags, barks, and growls. Many of

(Picture Credit: Robert Chai / EyeEm/Getty Images) February 14th isn’t just Valentine’s Day. It’s also Pet Theft Awareness Day — a day to make sure dog parents know the dangers dognappers present to their pooches. In honor of this day, we’re spreading the word to help dog lovers make good decisions and reduce the risk

(Picture Credit: Cavan Images/Getty Images) It’s happened to all dog lovers. You’re out and about, you come across a cute looking dog, and you just want to go and say hello! But do you know the correct and safe way to approach the dog? If you don’t greet a new dog in the correct way,

(Picture Credit: Getty Images) 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

(Picture Credit: Elizabethsalleebauer/Getty Images) Subzero temperatures can be tough — not just physically, but also mentally. Staying cooped up indoors has its downsides, and the same can be said for our dogs. However, we all need to take precautions in this weather, and that means spending more time inside. With the extreme cold brought on

(Picture Credit: Daniel Webb – www.PhotoWebb.co.uk/Getty Images) Super Bowl Sunday is on the way again! However, this year might be a bit different. With the ongoing pandemic, you’re probably — hopefully — not having any major parties this year. But you may still have your own, private viewing session with your family, and that can

(Image Credit: Shaw Photography Co./Getty Images) It’s hard to imagine a more picture-perfect family image than children and their beloved dogs. It’s so iconic you can almost imagine a Norman Rockwell painting of it. But the truth of the matter is that children and dogs don’t necessarily get along automatically. Like all cohabiting animals, they

(Picture Credit: ROMAOSLO/Getty Images) For those of us living in places where winter means snow, walking dogs outside becomes a big challenge. Snow presents new obstacles that make things difficult — and sometimes dangerous — for dogs. As the winter season approaches, make sure you’re keeping your dog safe and as comfortable as possible on cold, snowy

(Picture Credit: K_Thalhofer/Getty Images) Winter can be a dangerous time for our dogs. As dog parents, we need to watch out for our pups and make sure they don’t get hurt. Winter starts on December 21st in the Northern Hemisphere and lasts until March 19th. Each season presents a new set of challenges, but winter

(Image Credit: Getty Images) In our “Gold Souls, Gray Faces” series, we focus on the needs of senior pets and what you can do to ensure that their golden years stay golden, and you can continue to enjoy their company for as long as possible. We can do a lot to help our senior dogs

(Picture Credit: Corey Jenkins/Getty Images) Pet parent instincts seem to activate the moment we sense our dogs in any danger. We rush in to stop them from eating anything toxic or getting into an accident. However, when it comes to your dog falling into icy waters, jumping in after them should never be your first

(Picture Credit: Sasha_Suzi/Getty Images) As we finish up our Thanksgiving leftovers and plunge deeper into the cold, dry months of winter, we have to remember to take extra care for our best furry friends. There are plenty of myths about dogs and their abilities to get through winter, but these myths can be misleading and

(Image Credit: Getty Images) Walking your dog at night can be challenging, and those challenges might change with the weather and the area where you’re walking. But with a few tips, you can keep yourself and your pup safe on your night time walks. Depending on where you live, some of the following tips may

(Picture Credit: Getty Images) Before your family wakes up to see what trinkets Santa left under the tree Christmas morning, be sure that you have taken all of the proper precautions to keep your dogs and cats safe this holiday season. While the holidays are fun for us humans, they can present a lot of

(Picture Credit: AleksandarNakic/Getty Images) Forget about witches and zombies; a seemingly innocuous bag of candy can be one of the scariest things that enters a dog parent’s home on Halloween. Calls to the Pet Poison Hotline increase twelve percent during the week of Halloween, making it the center’s busiest time of the year. We all

(Image Credit: Getty Images) September marks the beginning of Responsible Dog Ownership Month! While we certainly all like to believe that we’re responsible pet parents, the truth of the matter is that we all make mistakes. We are human, after all. Unfortunately, those mistakes can often hinder your relationship with your best friend or, worse,

(Picture Credit: Getty Images) No matter where you stand when it comes to the gun control debate, we can all agree that there should never be a situation where a dog could accidentally discharge a firearm. Most responsible gun owners know this and would never leave a loaded weapon with the safety off in an

(Picture Credit: THOMAS B. SHEA/AFP/Getty Images) Hurricane season in the United States usually lasts from June to November, and it’s especially important during this time to prepared for an emergency and possible evacuation with a plan that includes your pets. If you live in an area where hurricanes are known to hit land or you’re

(Picture Credit: DLILLC/Corbis via Getty Images) Going for a walk with your dog is a great way to experience nature, but wild animal encounters can make nature dangerous. It’s important to know how to avoid wild animal attacks while walking your dog and what to do if an attack is unavoidable. In general, making noise

(Picture Credit: Angelika Rózanecka / EyeEm/Getty Images) Summer is great for spending more time outside, for both you and your dog. Unfortunately, some uninvited guests will also likely show up to your summer outings. Citronella is a common deterrent for pests like mosquitoes. But do you need to worry about it negatively affecting your dog?

(Picture Credit: Getty Images) National Pet Fire Safety Day is July 15th, and it’s a great time to go over some safety tips that can prevent fires in the home and keep your dog safe should a fire break out. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says pets are responsible for over 1,000 house fires

(Picture Credit: Getty Images) If you see a dog locked in a hot car, you’ll probably want to do something to save that pup. Every year dogs die in hot cars, even though many states have created laws that make it a crime to leave a dog in a hot car. Before you immediately start smashing

(Picture Credit: Peerakit JIrachetthakun/Getty Images) Anyone who’s watched a flash flood wash away a house in minutes knows the destructive power of these natural disasters. Flooding can be a very frightening situation for people and their dogs, but there are thankfully many ways to prepare for this weather event. The best thing dog parents can

(Picture Credit: Getty Images) July 4th — Independence Day — is the most American holiday there is. Fireworks, friends, and food come to mind, and it’s especially a great day to have a dog. They add an element of fun as they run around playing and trying to steal hot dogs while you are hanging

(Picture Credit: Anna-av/Getty Images) One of a dog parent’s biggest fears will always be losing their pet. Losing a pet is like losing any loved one, and it’s an experience no one should ever have to go through. July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month and serves as an important reminder to make sure our

(Picture Credit: Getty Images) More dogs go missing on the 4th of July than any other day of the year. With all the noisy fireworks, loud parties, and distractions, it’s no wonder so many pooches bolt and get lost on Independence Day. As pet parents, we all want to keep our dogs safe and happy

(Picture Credit: Tim Graham/Getty Images) As warmer summertime temperatures approach, it’s important to remember that dogs are vulnerable to injuries and illnesses related to hot weather. In summer, dogs are more at risk for conditions like dehydration, sunburn, foot pad burns, and heat stroke. Heat stroke, which can cause organ failure, seizures, brain damage, hemorrhages, blindness,

(Picture Credit: Getty Images) It’s that time of year again for fireworks, backyard barbecues, and Americana clothing emblazoned with red, white, and blue. Yes, the 4th of July holiday looms, as well as the possibility your pet will suffer stress, trauma, or illness associated with the festivities. How can your pet catch a break and

(Picture Credit: Peter Janelle / EyeEm/Getty Images) During Independence Day weekend, while we humans enjoy small town parades, family barbecues, and late night fireworks displays, thousands of pets all across the US will be in a panic. You see, Fido and Fluffy don’t understand that the “rockets red glare” and the “bombs bursting in air”