[accordion] [accordion_panel title="K9 Max - San Diego Police Department, CA"] K9 Max, five-year-old Belgian Malinois, served with the San Diego Police Department for two years at the time of his injury. In June of 2017, police officers responded to a radio call of a man acting bizarrely. Upon arrival, the suspect threatened the officers with a […]

Back pain is a common condition in the canine world. From traumatic spinal injuries to intervertebral disk disease, back pain can affect all sorts of breeds, although some may be more at risk than others. As owners, we want to know what we can do to help our dogs cope, whether the pain is temporary or chronic. Weight […]

Does your dog drive you crazy with problem behavior? Perhaps they're jumping on your guests or begging at the table — issues you can tackle with a skilled trainer. But maybe things are more serious, and you’re not sure where to turn. It might be time to hire a behavior consultant or animal behaviorist. These professionals work with clients […]

Typically, the breed we choose to raise and show over many years and generations is the one to which we are committed for life. Yet sometimes, there are reasons - physical or emotional - that we are drawn to another breed. As exhibitors, we probably all have dozens of breeds that we admire at shows […]

Has your senior dog developed health problems that make a trip outside to the toilet area challenging? Perhaps stairs are too difficult for his arthritic joints or he can no longer hold it through the night. There are many health conditions that can interfere with your older dog's bathroom routine, and in some cases, indoor […]

After owning dogs his entire life, retired Marine Cpl. Justin Crabbe feels that having a dog is second nature to him. However, when he enrolled in the United States Marine Corps in 2008, it’s unlikely he realized the crucial role a dog would come to play in his life seven years later. Crabbe is now […]

What you may consider simply an indulgent spa service can actually benefit your pet’s mental and physical health. Massage may reduce stress and anxiety, increase circulation, decrease pain, and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Also, it can help to identify new growths at an early stage. The best part? You don’t even […]

UC-II® – a breakthrough way of supporting joint health by targeting the immune system. What Is Osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is a painful, progressive condition that gradually breaks down the cartilage surrounding your dog’s joints. There are several causes of osteoarthritis. Some dogs have congenital abnormalities, such as hip dysplasia, that predispose them […]

Acupuncture is one of the most common natural therapies used by holistic veterinarians. The practice involves stimulating the nervous system by penetrating “acupuncture points” with needles, injectable liquids (such as vitamins or homeopathics), or electrical stimulation. Acupuncture is most effective for dogs suffering: Musculoskeletal problems such as hip dysplasia, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, and […]

As our dogs age, their bodies and needs start to change. Consider these tips to help make your senior dog more comfortable well into their golden years.

Looking to learn more about Tramadol for dogs? We discuss what it's used for, what side effects it causes, and correct dosages.

While vets do prescribe aspirin for dogs, it has some serious side effects. Before you reach into your medicine cabinet, talk to your vet.

If your veterinarian prescribed Rimadyl for your dog, it's a sign of responsible dog ownership that you want to learn more about this medicine. Let's talk about why Rimadyl is prescribed for dogs, what potential side effects might look like, and some alternatives if your dog has a negative reaction. Rimadyl is generally safe for […]

If your dog has an inflammatory condition, is getting an organ transplant, or has been diagnosed with Addison’s disease, your veterinarian may prescribe a drug called prednisone. What is Prednisone? Prednisone is a synthetic corticosteroid (a class of steroid hormones) that’s similar to but more potent than cortisol, an adrenal hormone produced naturally in a […]

Obesity in dogs can put your pet at risk for other health conditions. Here's what to know about canine obesity and what to discuss with your vet.

Even if, in your house, the term "dog bed" means any place your dog chooses to sleep, it's a good idea to provide one real dog bed. Whether your dog sleeps with you at night or in his own bed, this will be his very own special place to snooze, keep you company in the […]

Humans have much longer lifespans than dogs. This is a basic fact of dog ownership and one that many owners struggle with when the time comes to say goodbye. While we may wish our dogs could live forever, knowing how long dogs live helps prepare us for their needs as seniors, ensuring that we give […]

  Once the new puppy is home and settled, many of us feel at least a little apprehension underneath all the excitement as we realize the next daunting step: training. Not just house training but also socialization, basic manners, obedience, and even tricks or other skills such as agility. Resources describing the nitty-gritty details regarding […]

Deep in the AKC Gazette photo archive is a battered old Kodak film box. It contains several rare—and extremely fragile—glass negatives taken by Rudolph Tauskey. They date to the early 1920s. Canine photography buffs have assumed for years that all of Tauskey’s glass negatives were lost, but six survive. Using a sophisticated scanner, the AKC Publications […]

It's natural for dogs to defend their territory, but it's potentially dangerous. Learn to recognize territorial aggression and what you can do about it.

By Chris RobinsonReprinted from The Canine Chronicle Bob: Thanks, Doc, for working me into your busy schedule. Dr. Spot: Well, Bob, that is not an unusual situation. Most dogs have difficulty understanding their humans. Why don’t you tell me some of the things your human has been doing and perhaps I can give you some help. Bob: Well, […]

Like people, some dogs don’t like strangers getting too close. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the dog is mean, aggressive, or dangerous. He is just not the kind of dog who will happily accept petting from groups of strange children or adults, or is at ease with other dogs. He may be sick, recovering from […]

ASK AKC  Dear AKC: I just adopted an older Finnish Spitz from a friend who could no longer keep the dog because she was moving overseas. The dog is 10 years old and she's really sweet. I was wondering if there was anything in particular I should do for the dog as she ages into an […]

Potty accidents are common in senior dogs, but there are many potential causes. It's important to see your vet so you can treat the underlying issue.

ASK AKC  Dear AKC: My seven-year-old yellow Labrador Retriever is beginning to limp on his right rear leg. He doesn't want to put any weight on it. About two years ago, he had surgery on his left knee to fix a ruptured cruciate ligament due to an injury. Is it possible the other knee will need […]

by Sandra MurrayReprinted from: Essential Elements, ShowSight Magazine   Reprinted from: Essential Elements, ShowSight Magazine As a youngster she had won her breed’s National Sweepstakes. Not long after that win, she finished her championship with three 5 point majors, all at large regional specialties. During her specials career she earned multiple Group placements and Best […]

Some veterinarians view low-energy lasers as a noninvasive alternative treatment of arthritic inflammation and chronic pain in dogs. It’s not a panacea, but combined with other treatment, it can ease your dog’s arthritis pain. Arthritis (osteoarthritis) is a common degenerative disease in which cartilage wears away and inflammation, swelling, and joint deformity all result. The […]

Could an Ancient Chinese Medical Therapy Work for Your Dog? Acupuncture is one of the most common natural therapies used by holistic veterinarians. The practice of acupuncture involves stimulating the nervous system by penetrating “acupuncture points” with needles, injectable liquids (such as vitamins or homeopathics), or electrical stimulation. Acupuncture is most effective for dogs suffering: […]

For a variety of reasons (including better nutrition, advances in veterinary medicine, and a more health-conscious American public) domestic dogs are living longer lives. As a result, veterinarians and dog owners are just now learning to manage an array of canine geriatric problems. For older dogs, three main factors can greatly influence longevity: Diet and […]

Dogs Have Feelings Too – New Book Strives to Improve Child-Dog Relationships We recently spoke with certified dog trainer and behaviorist Michelle Godlevski of Raleigh, NC, about her new book, Dogs Have Feelings Too. Michelle wrote the children’s book to teach youngsters to recognize dog body language and to promote empathy in children on how […]