Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is a bacterial illness that can be transmitted to humans, dogs, and other animals by certain species of ticks. It is caused by the spiral-shaped bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is carried inside a tick and gets into a dog or person’s bloodstream through a tick bite. Once in the bloodstream, the […]

During this time of worldwide viral pandemic, we must remember that life and other diseases still go on. Our pets, the birds and the bees are still flourishing, and as spring has sprung, so has the emergence of ticks and the many diseases they can carry, the most commonly known one being Lyme disease. American […]

Tick-borne disease is a growing threat to both canine and human health. Be aware of dog tick diseases to protect your pet.

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) provides educational resources and tools for dog breeders as part of its mission to advance the health of all dogs. To help responsible breeders utilize the latest canine health information in their breeding and rearing plans and share that information with their puppy buyers, CHF provides infectious disease facts […]

Conscientious Owners Can Keep Their Dogs Disease-Free Many common canine diseases can be prevented or treated with available vaccines. Dogs are susceptible to many diseases transmitted by contact with infected dogs or wildlife. Here are the common canine diseases: Rabies -- Transmitted by bites from infected animals. Symptoms can include seizures, paralysis, aggression and lack […]

The lone star tick (Amblyomma Americanum) is expanding its territory, and can transmit several deadly diseases to dogs and people.

13-year-old Border Collie Jive might be the oldest competitor at the 2023 Premier Cup and have complete hearing loss, but that's not stopping her success.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a potentially fatal tick-borne disease, but if caught early is usually curable. Know the signs!

Being proactive with tick prevention helps protect your dog from nasty tick-borne diseases, including ehrlichiosis. Learn more about ehrlichiosis in dogs.

We all know that spring and summer are seasons to be on high alert for ticks. Dogs are particularly susceptible to tick bites and can also carry ticks into the house. Tick-borne diseases—such as Lyme disease, canine ehrlichiosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and canine anaplasmosis—can affect both humans and dogs. And although ticks are common throughout […]

As seasons change and get warmer, flea and tick seasons change too. Learn your state's season and how to prepare your dog against fleas and ticks.

Removing ticks from your dog may not be pleasant, but it’s important to do it promptly and correctly. Once you know how to remove a tick, it will be a fairly easy process. Because they can carry infectious organisms, ticks infect thousands of animals and people with illnesses like Lyme disease, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis every year. […]

After you’ve welcomed a new puppy into your home, it's important to ensure you're setting your puppy up for a long and happy life. Flea and tick protection for puppies is a critical part of that. Add flea and tick puppy prevention to your checklist, along with required and recommended vaccinations for your puppy, the […]

We all want our dogs to live happy, healthy, and long lives. So, rather than only rushing your pet to the vet when they're showing obvious signs of illness or injury, it pays to be proactive about preventative care. Dogs are experts at masking pain, and timely diagnosis can save unnecessary suffering. Plus, early treatment […]

Owning a dog is a joy, privilege, and responsibility. If you are considering bringing a dog into your life, think seriously about the commitment that being a responsible dog owner entails. The AKC is committed to protecting the health and well-being of all dogs. In honor of AKC's Responsible Dog Ownership Day, on September 17th, […]

Like us, dogs limp for a variety of reasons. Unlike us, dogs can’t tell us what happened or where it hurts using words, which leaves us struggling to figure out why a dog is limping. Your most valuable resource for determining why your dog is limping is your veterinarian. Before calling to make an appointment, […]

Protecting your dog’s joints with the right supplement is an ongoing, daily commitment that will help ensure a good quality of life.

Osteoarthritis is a common problem in dogs, particularly in seniors and large breeds. Although there is no cure for this progressive condition, identifying the problem early and initiating appropriate management can help keep your dog active and improve quality of life. What Is Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis, also referred to as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD), is a […]

Flea and tick season is here, and in some areas, it's now a year-round concern. These pests can cause serious problems for your dog, no matter what time of year. Fleas can cause severe itching and skin damage, and for every flea on your pet, there could be hundreds of eggs and larvae around your […]

Spring and summer are times when the lure of the great outdoors calls to us and our dogs, but they also just happen to be peak flea and tick season for much of the country, and with changes in climate, peak seasons are extending even further. No matter how careful you are, it's impossible for […]

It’s that time of year again. Flea and tick season is upon us, and nothing annoys a dog more than those pesky pests. Responsible dog owners know that their canine companion’s warm body and soft fur is a personal paradise for these insects. But once they move in — and begin feeding on your pet’s […]

Parasites in dogs take many forms, but they all have one thing in common: sooner or later their presence will almost always have an impact on your pet's health or comfort. Parasites can cause anything from mild irritation to serious illness. To cover all of the parasites in detail would (and does) take up a […]

External parasites live on the outside of a dog’s body. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), at some point in their lives, many pets experience discomfort caused by external parasites, such as fleas, ticks, or mites, on their skin or in their ears. These parasites can cause serious skin problems or carry disease. […]

No matter how experienced you become at dog breeding and whelping litters of puppies, you may sometimes face scenarios you have not seen before. Purina Pro Plan turned to experts to answer questions related to dog breeding. Purina senior research Nutritionist Arleigh Reynolds, DVM, Ph.D., DACVN, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, and Andrea Hesser, DVM, DACT, […]

Veterinarians recommend that all dogs receive preventative health care measures, such as core vaccinations, heartworm and tick-borne disease testing, and deworming for intestinal parasites. There are considerations for these diseases and their prevention strategies that are specific breeding dogs, as we strive to keep them safe through pregnancy and produce healthy puppies. Core vaccinations Distemper […]

When you bring that fuzzy ball of puppy energy into your home, you know right away that your new puppy depends on you for, well, everything. It’s up to you to give your new puppy all the care they need every day. It can be a little intimidating — your puppy needs the best puppy […]

Ticks are a problem for dogs (and for humans) throughout the United States during all seasons of the year. When temperatures rise, and you and your dog are spending more time outside, these bloodsucking parasites become a larger threat. Ticks sit themselves on tall grasses and shrubs, waiting for your dog to walk by, so […]

From daily walks to proper socialization, you do a lot to make sure your dog is healthy and able to live a long fulfilling life. Whether your dog is from a local rescue or a champion breeder, an important component of keeping your dog healthy is annual vet visits. At these appointments, your vet gives […]

Caring for the New Family Dog As the owner of a new puppy, you can expect the loveable little creature to: Chew the leather handle on your guitar case, the plastic lever on your home office chair, and the wooden leg of your walnut veneer coffee table. Whimper at the side of your bed at […]

This is an advertorial article and is not written by the American Kennel Club. All views and opinions expressed here are the independent views/opinions of Nationwide® Pet Insurance. Dr. Justine Lee, a veterinary emergency critical care specialist and the author of two books on pet care, warns pet owners about several overlooked toxins that can threaten the […]