More people than ever before are opening their hearts and homes to puppies during the coronavirus pandemic. For those who are self-isolating, puppies provide welcome wagging tails and comforting cuddles. Plus, many puppy seekers are discovering they now have the crucial element needed to raise a good dog: time. So, is now the right time to […]

It's been almost a decade since Sharon Gardner of Austin, Texas, had her most devastating experience as a Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder. With no warning, her litter of five-and-a-half-week-old puppies began showing signs of lethargy. Then came the diarrhea and vomiting. A test performed by her veterinarian delivered the bleak diagnosis: parvovirus, a highly contagious disease […]

EDITOR'S NOTE: A big, blinking, red stop sign of warning: There is absolutely no connection between the COVID-19 virus and any canine coronavirus referenced in this article. Most importantly, even though dogs can get a mild respiratory form of the canine-specific coronavirus, that virus is totally unrelated to the current human pandemic. Bottom line: Your dog […]

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. —Maya Angelou A young vet assistant carried my Lab, Fergus, into a room set aside for euthanasia. While Fergus lay on a large, soft pillow, I lay down beside him. I told him what a good guy he was and how I loved him. […]

COVID-19 has changed the way we live and the things that we are able to do with our dogs. But amidst all the cancellations and hardships, one bright light has been the expansion of virtual competition in dog sports, and the ability to participate in dog events remotely. One of the exciting side effects of […]

“HOLD STILL!” Telemedicine sounds easy—talk to your vet, never leave your armchair.  And sometimes it is. But sometimes it isn’t. Like now. Have you ever tried holding your dog while pulling his lips back to expose his rearmost molars while at the same time trying to aim your cell-phone camera at the tooth in question? […]

During the COVID-19 lockdown, your puppy won the people lottery by enjoying your attention around the clock. Snuggling for hours on the couch, long neighborhood walks, and extra lunchtime treats were all in a day's work. It's a heavenly routine your canine best friend has come to rely on. The downside is that your pup […]

In the dog community, the word "coronavirus" is far from new. For decades, we have known dogs can contract coronaviruses. In fact, Canine Coronavirus was first discovered in Germany in 1971 after an outbreak among guard dogs and vaccines have been available at most veterinary practices for years. These coronaviruses, however, are not the same virus […]

Puppies have a short time window for optimal socialization, and that requires exposure to multiple different surfaces, people of all backgrounds, and various new situations. But what about the puppies who happen to be within that window now, during this time of necessary social distancing due to COVID-19? How can they be socialized so they […]

On March 11, 2020, the COVID-19 novel coronavirus outbreak was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. As the virus has spread to countries across the world, the big question concerning pet owners is: can dogs get coronavirus? There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is a threat to dogs. That said, dog owners […]

In early March 2020, the World Health Organization declared that the COVID-19 novel coronavirus is a global pandemic. In the panic over the spread of the virus, people are worried not only about their own health but the health of their dogs, cats, and other pets. According to the Centers for Disease Control, "there is no […]

As many Americans hunker down in their homes, emerging for only essential errands or obligations, small businesses and service industries are feeling their absence where it hurts the most – in their pocketbooks. The slowdown caused by the coronavirus containment is also affecting those who work in dog-related fields, including groomers, trainers and dog walkers, […]

It's well known that dogs increase happiness, reduce stress levels, and improve overall health. During the COVID-19 pandemic, dogs have been a source of relief: whether they're cuddling on the couch beside us, in cute online videos, or in refreshingly positive news headlines. We've rounded up the most positive dog-related stories from the week of […]

The AKC Paw of Courage is an award given to show appreciation for the work that dogs do in the service of humankind. This award recognizes dogs who serve their communities, making great impacts in the lives of their human counterparts. Paw of Courage awards can be presented to Police K-9s, Military Working Dogs, Therapy Dogs, […]

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 […]

Lockdown, Our Lives, and Our Pets The past year of dealing with the pandemic has been challenging for all of us. Our pets have been there through all of it with us from the good (the extra companionship) to the bad (overeating, binge-watching television, and not exercising regularly). Unfortunately, our altered lifestyle has also taken […]

When you need to get tested for COVID-19, what would you rather have: a swab pushed deep into your left and right nostrils or a friendly sniff from a gentle dog? Recent research suggests that a dog's incredible nose may be one of the best answers to early detection of COVID-19 infection in humans. Rapid […]

The story of “Woodbine, the Pandemic Puppy” starts with Christmas 2019 when James Canavan surprised his wife, Breedette Hayes, with a gift book, “The Curious History of Irish Dogs,” by David Blake Knox. “We live in New York City but are originally from Ireland, so we were keen to learn more about native breeds,” says […]

Teddy is one of five 2021 AKC Awards for Canine Excellence recipients, winning the Therapy Dog category. This category recognizes certified therapy dogs working in hospitals, schools, disaster sites, war zones, and wherever else the affection of a good dog can provide comfort. Team Teddy is all about emotional acuity and familial commitment that elicits […]

Losing a pet can bring on intense feelings of emptiness and despair. Because pets can't speak for themselves, owners might feel guilty, believing they could have done more to prevent the loss or ease their pet's suffering while they were alive. For advice, we spoke to Jackie Pajan, a TikTok creator known as Rainbow Bridge […]