Finding ways to keep your pet safe is a constant concern for dog parents. And life outdoors after dark, whether you're taking a leisurely stroll around the block after dinner, playing in a park off leash, or camping with the entire family, offers additional challenges. A LED dog collar, monitored from your smartphone, provides an essential […]

When a dog visits my home, whether a puppy or a guest, I immediately go into pool safety training mode. It goes without saying that dogs should be supervised in the pool area at all times. But there’s always the possibility that they could get into the pool area undetected. Falling in the pool could […]

The majority of dogs can swim and they love it, like Zoey, a member of the AKC Canine Partners community, who is modeling her life jacket as she captains owner Paula Harting’s kayak. But not all dogs are natural swimmers and some dogs hate to get wet! If you plan to head to the beach, […]

From the AKC GoodDog! Helpline Team Dogs are wonderful. They are family members and best friends, providing companionship and unconditional love. But dogs and people do not always speak the same language. It is important to educate yourself and your family about safety around dogs so you can recognize when a dog feels uncomfortable and […]

The American Kennel Club supports a bill filed in the United States House of Representatives that would add federal protections for the pets of victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence.    Known as the “Pet and Women Safety Act of 2015” (PAWS), H.R. 1258 is principally sponsored by Congresswoman Katherine Clark […]

A few simple measures can keep your dog safe and happy through the winter.   Avoid Thin Ice Too often we hear stories of dogs that had to be rescued from icy waters (and those are the lucky ones). It might look like fun to slide across that frozen pond, but ice can easily crack and your […]

Health Tips We may know our canine companions better than anyone else, but it is important to remember most of us are not medical professionals. If you are uncertain how to treat your dog's medical needs or if you have any questions, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. It is important to keep the following […]

With the longer and warmer days of summer comes more time spent outside with your dog. There are tons of activities you can do and places you can go together, and one popular excursion is going to the dog park. As a responsible dog owner, you need to make sure that your dog is safe when you […]

Summer is right around the corner and with the warmer weather and longer days comes more time spent outside with your four-legged friends.    Summertime can, however, pose certain dangers to dogs.  The American Kennel Club (AKC®) offers the following tips to help dog owners have a safe summer season with their pets. DO keep […]

  The dog paddle may seem like it comes naturally to dogs – and for some it does – but even the best swimmers need some training. The American Kennel Club (AKC®) helps dog owners teach their four-legged friends how to swim and be safe around the pool so they can beat the summer heat […]

- New Data Says Pets Start Nearly 1,000 Fires Each Year - New York – July 12, 2010 – An estimated 500,000 pets are affected annually by home fires, however, nearly 1,000 house fires each year are accidentally started by the homeowners’ pets, according to a new data analysis by the National Fire Protection Association. […]

– AKC and ADT Offer Prevention & Rescue Tips – To help reduce the estimated 500,000 pets affected by home fires each year, The American Kennel Club and ADT Security Services today launched the inaugural "National Pet Fire Safety Day." This nationwide awareness day educates pet owners about potential risks when pets are left home […]

The Senate Public Safety Committee will hold another hearing on AB 241 today after the adjournment of Senate floor session. Senator Steinberg was not present at the committee hearing earlier this week where the bill failed to pass on a 3-3 vote. Concerned dog owners are encouraged to contact the committee members are renew their […]

Update: The Senate Public Safety Committee again postponed their hearing of AB 241. The bill is now scheduled be heard on July 14th pending approval of a rule waiver. The Senate Public Safety Committee has postponed this hearing and AB 241 will now be heard at their June 30th meeting. Concerned dog owners and breeders […]

The day for trick or treating will soon be here, yet, neither tricks nor too many treats are good for your dog and Halloween can certainly be a scary experience for your pet. Here are some tips from the American Kennel Club® (AKC®) to ensure a safe and Happy "Howloween" with your dog: If you […]

With excessive heat warnings posted and searing triple-digit temperatures predicted for major cities or sections of every region of the continental United States, taking special care to protect your pets from the dangerous effects of scorching heat is crucial. "Extreme heat is a very real, fast-acting threat to pets," said Gina Lash, American Kennel Club® […]

New York, NY — As the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) gears up for "Fire Safety Week" October 3-9, the American Kennel Club reminds dog owners to consider their canine companions when it comes to fire safety. "Many animal lovers consider their pets to be members of the family," said AKC spokesperson Gail Miller. "In […]

AKC Endorses Legislation Requiring the Addition of Bittering Agent to Engine Coolants and Antifreezes The American Kennel Club has written to key House and Senate congressional leaders supporting and urging prompt action on H.R. 1563. The bill requires engine coolant and antifreeze manufactured or sold in the United States that contains more than 10 percent […]

Today, the U.S. House Agriculture Committee released draft language for the 2024 Farm Bill. This must-pass bill reauthorizes USDA programs for five years and also seeks to address federal animal welfare and breeder oversight programs. As introduced, the bill supports important priorities for dog enthusiasts and responsible breeders, including canine health, welfare and the rights […]

Last week, a San Antonio City Councilmember requested an ordinance intended to address at-large and dangerous dog issues in the city.  However, the request includes concerning provisions requesting the city adopt practices requiring the spaying/neutering of at-large animals even if the owner is identified. The AKC understands the City’s desire to address dangerous dog and […]

Today, the Vermont House of Representatives agreed to minor H. 626 changes made by the Senate Committee on Government Operations, sending the bill to the Governor’s desk for consideration. With strong support of the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Vermont Federation of Dog Clubs (VT Federation), and others, amended H. 626 would: Establish a Division […]

While seizure disorders can benefit from diazepam (Valium) for dogs, there are other treatment options available. Talk to your veterinarian.

On Tuesday, May 14, a New York Senate Committee will consider a bill that will allow responsible dog owners more opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and socialization with their well-behaved pets, while still protecting and respecting the ability of all New Yorkers to enjoy state parks. New York residents, and those who enjoy traveling and/or […]

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today released a letter advising of a change in the rules pertaining to importation of cats and dogs into the United States. Effective August 1, 2024, the CDC is implementing a process to standardize imports that will require that all dogs being imported into the U.S. […]

Dogs can eat curly parsley, Italian parsley can be toxic to dogs. When adding anything to your dog's diet, talk to their veterinarian first.

Fleas are parasites that carry disease and feed on the blood of the host animal. One alternative to flea medication is Diatomaceous Earth.

The American Kennel Club (AKC®), a not-for-profit organization, the world’s largest purebred dog registry and leading advocate for dogs, is pleased to honor the U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) K-9 Unit with the AKC Canine Officer Program Award. The AKC Canine Officer program was designed to recognize the extraordinary work that dogs in a public service […]

Two dog-related bills garner continued consideration in the Massachusetts General Court. The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages Massachusetts residents to: Review and identify any concerns with the re-drafted and favorably released bills known as “Ollie’s Law;” and Contact your legislators in opposition to 826, banning new pet retail sales of dogs, cats, and rabbits. TO […]

Two dog-related bills continue to advance in the Vermont General Assembly. The American Kennel Club (AKC) encourages Vermont residents to contact legislators on the following issues. HOUSE BILL 626 – ESTABLISHES DIVISION OF ANIMAL WELFARE Amended H. 626 would establish a Division of Animal Welfare at the Department of Public Safety, which will be charged […]

The California legislative session is in full swing and AKC Government Relations (AKC GR) continues to track many bills of interest to dog owners. In addition, we will continue to watch for any amendments or other actions that could affect responsible dog ownership. The following are current statuses of bills that AKC GR is following, […]