Let’s be real—walking your dog should be relaxing, not an arm-stretching battle. But if your pup turns into a sled dog the second you grab the leash, you know how exhausting it can get. I used to dread walks for that exact reason—until I found something that actually helped.
If your daily walk feels more like a game of tug-of-war, you’re not alone. Dogs that pull can turn even a quick stroll into a frustrating upper-body workout—and it’s not fun for you or your pup. That’s where the Gentle Leader comes in.
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Unlike traditional collars or harnesses, the Gentle Leader redirects your dog’s pulling by gently guiding their head—kind of like how a halter works for a horse. It’s not a muzzle (they can still pant, sniff, and snack on treats), but it gives you way more control without putting pressure on their neck. Most dogs adjust quickly, and walks become calmer, easier, and way more enjoyable for everyone.
If you’ve tried everything and still feel like you’re being dragged down the block, the Gentle Leader might be the simple fix you’ve been looking for. It made a huge difference for me—and honestly, I wish I’d tried it sooner. Give it a go and enjoy walks that feel like walks again. 🐶💛
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Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.
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You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.
If your dog eats like it’s a race against time, you’re definitely not alone. Speed eating is one of those small but frustrating habits that can cause real problems—from gas and gagging to vomiting, choking, or even a dangerous condition called bloat. For pet parents, it’s stressful to watch (and clean up after). Luckily, there are a few simple tools that can help your dog slow down without turning mealtime into a battle.
One of the easiest and most effective solutions is switching to a slow-feeder bowl. These clever bowls have ridges, spirals, or maze-like designs built right in, which forces your dog to navigate around the shapes to get to their food. It naturally slows their pace and adds a little mental stimulation, too. TheOutward Hound Fun Feeder is a go-to for many dog parents—it’s durable, dishwasher safe, and comes in a variety of sizes and patterns to match your dog’s needs and eating style.
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If you feed wet food or have a super clever dog who quickly figures out standard slow bowls, a lick mat can be a game-changer. These are soft, textured mats where you spread a thin layer of wet food, peanut butter, or yogurt. Your dog has to slowly lick it out of all the little grooves, which helps reduce anxiety and prevent gulping. The LickiMat Soother is a favorite for its simplicity and calming benefits.
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Another great option—especially for high-energy or easily bored dogs—is a snuffle mat. These soft mats mimic grass or shag rugs and let you hide kibble in the layers, encouraging your dog to sniff and forage for their meal. It’s not only a great slow feeder, but it also taps into their natural instincts. The AWOOF Snuffle Mat (my previous link) is well-made, machine washable, and folds up for easy storage.
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The best part? These tools don’t require changing your dog’s diet or routine. Just swapping out their bowl or adding a lick mat can make mealtime calmer, healthier, and even more enriching. So if your pup tends to inhale their food like it’s going out of style, it might be time to turn chow time into a fun (and safe) challenge.
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Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.
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You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.
If you’ve got a dog that gets bored easily, deals with separation anxiety, or just needs something to do besides chewing your furniture, you’ve probably looked into enrichment toys. Two of the most popular choices are lick mats and the classic Kong toy—and while both are great for mental stimulation, they work in different ways and suit different types of dogs.
Lick mats are flat, textured silicone pads you smear with something tasty—think peanut butter, plain yogurt, canned food, or even pumpkin. Your dog has to work to lick every last bit out of the grooves, which takes focus and can be super soothing. Lick mats are awesome for calming anxious dogs during bath time, nail trims, or crate rest. They’re also super easy to prep and clean. But for some dogs (especially the high-energy, power-chewer types), lick mats might only keep their attention for 10–15 minutes before they’re ready to move on.
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KONG Classic Dog Toys are made from durable rubber and are hollow inside, which means you can stuff them with treats, kibble, or a frozen mixture of goodies for a longer-lasting challenge. They bounce, roll, and make your dog work to get the reward out—great for both physical and mental stimulation. Kongs tend to last longer during use (especially when frozen) and are ideal for dogs who love to chew or need something to keep them occupied when you leave the house. The trade-off? They can take a little more effort to fill and clean.
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So which one’s better? If your dog gets anxious and needs something soothing and easy during stressful moments, a lick mat is a gentle, calming option. But if your pup has a ton of energy or you need something that keeps them busy for a while when you’re out, a stuffed Kong might be your new best friend.
Honestly, I keep both on hand—lick mats for quiet moments, and Kongs for long stretches when I need my dog distracted (like during Zoom meetings). Either way, your dog gets a fun, tasty task—and you get a little peace and quiet. 🐶🧠
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Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.
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You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.
When you lose a pet, you may find yourself struggling with your grief. Even months later, you may really be struggling. If you are, I recently wrote an article about it that you may want to check out.
However, you may not realize that your pet is grieving as well. I recently wrote an article about it, and you can read it below.
Therefore, if you believe your pets are grieving, it is up to you to help them. Here are some tips.
Let them see the body.
Animals need closure, just like we do, so it is important to let your other animals see the body of their deceased friend. Although your pet may not understand what is happening, it may help them feel more at ease.
Give everyone time to grieve.
The grieving process can be quite overwhelming. You may notice that some of your pets aren’t really sure what is going on. Some may spend days and weeks looking for their lost friend, while others may try to take over that pet’s position.
Don’t mess with the routine.
Dogs and cats thrive on routine, and you should do everything that you can to ensure that the routine doesn’t change while everyone is grieving. Continue feeding at the same time, and going for walks like normal. Make sure that if you came home from work and played for an hour, you continue doing this.
This is not the time to get a new pet.
Though many people rush right out to get a new dog or cat, the truth is that things need to settle down in your household before you think about adding more stress. When things calm down, you can then consider getting another pet.
It may be the perfect time to try something new.
While everyone is unsettled, it may be the perfect time to take your dogs to a dog park you’ve been wanting to visit for a while. You may want to try a new food or toy that you think everyone will love. You may even want to consider taking your cat on your next vacation.
No matter what you do, it is essential that you make time to spend with the ones you have left.
Not only will it help you, but it will also bring comfort to your pets. Make sure that you find time every day to cuddle and play.
That being said, you also don’t want to reinforce bad behaviors. If your dog is pacing around the house, you shouldn’t just pick him or her up. Your dog may learn that, in order to get your attention, he or she just has to pace around. Instead, wait until your pet is calm before picking them up.
If your cat is getting in your face and meowing, gently push it away until it is quiet. Then, you can feel free to give them the attention that is needed.
Don’t be afraid to talk to your veterinarian.
If your pet is really struggling, you may need to take them to your veterinarian. If he or she quits eating, starts vomiting, or develops diarrhea, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Some behavioral specialists may be able to help you. They specialize in helping patients who struggle with their behavior, and it may be just what your household needs!
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Just as you need time to grieve, your pets do, too. In fact, you may notice that they are sulking around the house and looking for their missing friend. However, you need to make sure that you give them some time to act differently while they are grieving. You shouldn’t punish them while they are dealing with their feelings.
That being said, you also need to continue with your normal routine and spend plenty of time with them. They need your comfort as much as you need theirs! This is NOT the time to get a new pet! There is enough stress in your household; you don’t need to add anymore.
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Please understand that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.
Owning a pet is a big responsibility, one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Your cute and cuddly kitten is going to grow up into a cat that may prefer to spend time outdoors (rather than beside you on the couch). Your little puppy may become over fifty pounds, so it isn’t going to be cute when he jumps on you at that size. In fact, he could seriously hurt you!
There are many decisions that you may be facing as a new pet owner. You will need to decide which vaccines you want your new pet to have. You may also be trying to determine if you want to get your pet spayed or neutered.
If you are one of those owners who aren’t sure about what to do, here are some reasons why you may want to think about getting your pet spayed or neutered.
Responsible
Spaying and neutering your pet is the responsible thing to do. It will stop adding to the unwanted animal population.
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That being said, you should talk to your veterinarian to determine the best time to spay or neuter your pet. Many veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering cats of either sex around six months of age.
However, with dogs, more veterinarians are waiting until they are a little older. This is even more true with bigger breeds. Veterinarians agree that you should wait until your large breed male dog is over a year old (unless he starts exhibiting destructive behaviors). For females, some recommend spaying prior to heat, while others recommend letting them go through at least one heat cycle.
Keeps your pet home
The simple truth is that male animals are driven to find females that are in heat. If your male cat or dog gets out, he will likely roam until he finds what he is looking for. In fact, this is one of the reasons why males get lost. They are too busy chasing a female that they get lost and can’t find their way back to their owners.
And safe
Male dogs and cats are more likely to get hit by cars because they are too busy focusing on the scent of a female in heat.
Healthier
Spaying and neutering early can prevent many diseases. Neutering will prevent testicular cancer and prostate diseases. Spaying early will prevent breast tumors. With every heat cycle that a female has, she is more likely to get mammary cancer.
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Unspayed females can also get a pyometra. This nasty disease, which is an infected uterus, can kill your dog, if left untreated. The only way to fix the problem is to spay your dog. However, by this point, your dog is sick, so the surgery is riskier than a routine spay. This is just one more reason why you need to consider spaying your dog before anything happens!
Less behavioral problems
Spaying and neutering pets can help reduce certain unwanted behaviors. This may include males who like to mark their territory. Males are also less likely to hump your leg. Neutering early can also help you avoid any aggressive behaviors.
Though you may be struggling with the decision on whether you should spay or neuter your dog, you really should consider it, unless you decide to breed your pet. It is the responsible thing to do. It also helps to keep your pets home. They will be less likely to roam the neighborhood, looking for a mate.
It is also healthier. You won’t have to worry about testicular cancer or prostate problems in your male dog. If you have a female, you won’t have to worry about pyometras and spaying her when she isn’t feeling well! It can also help prevent behavior problems before they start.
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Please note, the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.
If your dog is chewing shoes, digging in the yard, or staring at you like you’re their only source of entertainment… you’re probably dealing with a bored pup. Boredom isn’t just annoying—it can lead to destructive behavior, anxiety, and even weight gain.
Dogs, especially energetic or intelligent breeds, need more than food and love to stay happy. They need mental stimulation, problem-solving, and a little fun. Luckily, there are a few simple toys and tools that can make a big difference.
First up: the KONG Classic Dog Toy. This is a tried-and-true boredom buster. It’s a durable, stuffable rubber toy that you can fill with peanut butter, yogurt, or treats—then freeze it for an even longer challenge. It satisfies your dog’s need to chew while giving them something rewarding to focus on. Even better, it can be great for crate time or when you need to keep them busy while working from home.
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Another smart option is a snuffle mat, like theAWOOF Snuffle Mat. These soft, fabric mats are designed to hide kibble or small treats in layers of folds and pockets, turning mealtime into a sniffing adventure. It taps into your dog’s natural foraging instincts and slows down fast eaters at the same time. For high-energy or food-motivated dogs, this one’s a win-win.
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And if your dog thrives on interaction, try a treat-dispensing puzzle toy, like theOutward Hound Hide N’ Slide Puzzle. These toys make your dog think, problem-solve, and use their nose to uncover hidden treats. It’s like a brain game that rewards them as they go. These kinds of toys are perfect for rainy days, downtime, or whenever your pup needs a little extra mental workout.
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Dog boredom is totally fixable—and you don’t need a big backyard or hours of free time to help. Just rotating a few of these toys into your dog’s routine can go a long way in reducing bad behavior and boosting their mood. After all, a tired brain is a happy brain (and a less-destructive one, too).
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Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.
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You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.
When you hear the word intestinal parasites or even worms, you may be feeling a bit squeamish. However, it is important to know and understand them a little more, especially if you have pets (and children). Your dog or cat can get worms, which may be passed onto you and your family.
So, how can my pet get intestinal parasites?
Getting intestinal parasites is easier than you think. Your dog or cat needs to come into contact with these parasites, and then they will have them. They can do this in several ways, including:
Swallowing fleas while they are grooming themselves.
Ingesting water or soil that has been contaminated with the worms (or even feces that had the worms in it).
Eating prey that has intestinal parasites.
Swallowing the eggs of these parasites that were brought into the home by you and your other pets.
What are some signs that your dog or cat may be exhibiting if he or she has intestinal parasites?
Vomiting and diarrhea, with or without blood
Blood loss
Malnutrition
Weight loss
And even death!
What can you do to prevent intestinal parasites?
So, what can you do to keep your pets and family safe? Here are some things that you should do on a regular basis.
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You should deworm all new puppies and kittens.
Puppies and kittens are born with worms, so it is important to make sure that you deworm them multiple times when they are young.
You should do the same with any new pets that you get.
If you don’t know the history of your new pet, you should deworm him or her a few times to make sure that your pet is worm free.
It also helps to deworm your pets regularly.
Any dogs that spend time outside should be dewormed regularly. Cats who hunt are also at risk, so you should be deworming them multiple times a year.
You also need to practice good hygiene.
You should always wash your hands after playing with your animals, as well as whenever you come inside.
If you pick up after your dog when he or she goes to the bathroom, even if there are worms, it is less likely to transfer into the ground where your dog or cat could get reinfected.
You shouldn’t allow them to play where your dogs and cats go to the bathroom. If you have a lot of wildlife around, keep your children away from areas where they spend a lot of time.
Whether you have cats or not, you should always cover up your children’s sandboxes.
These are often seen as litter boxes for any cat. By covering them up, they are less likely to be touching areas where any cats had defecated.
You should also make sure that everyone wears shoes.
Though you may love to walk around barefoot, you should always wear shoes outside. You never know what ground could be contaminated with worms.
That being said, you should also avoid sitting and lying on the ground.
You should always bring a blanket or chair to sit in to avoid sitting directly on the contaminated soil.
It is also important that you don’t drink water from streams or other contaminated water sources.
You should carry bottled water with you, wherever you go so that you don’t have to even think about drinking water that could carry worms in it.
If you have pets, you need to keep them on flea and tick prevention all year round.
Fleas are known to carry tapeworms, so the best way to avoid that is by treating your pets all year round.
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Let’s face it. Intestinal parasites and worms are gross. For this reason, you should always deworm any new puppies and kittens. You also should deworm any new to you pets. If your cat is a hunter, you should deworm them routinely, so that your family is safe.
You also need to think about what you and your family do. You shouldn’t let your children play in the dirt where infected feces may be. Cover up the sandbox since it looks like a giant litter box to cats. You also need to make sure that everyone washes their hands regularly and wears shoes.
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Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.
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It is also important that you understand that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.
Let’s be honest—brushing your dog’s teeth can feel like a full-contact sport. If you’ve ever tried wrangling your pup for a toothbrushing session, you know the struggle is real. Most dogs aren’t exactly thrilled by the idea of someone sticking a brush in their mouth, and for many pet parents, it just doesn’t happen as often as it should.
But skipping dental care can lead to more than just stinky breath. Plaque and tartar buildup can cause gum disease, tooth decay, and even affect your dog’s overall health. Thankfully, there’s an easier, way-more-fun option that helps clean your dog’s teeth without the daily wrestling match.
These treats are specially designed with unique ridges and nubs that help scrub your dog’s teeth as they chew. They’re shaped to clean like a toothbrush, reaching those tricky back teeth and helping reduce plaque and tartar buildup over time. And the best part? Your dog thinks they’re just getting a tasty treat.
Each chew is fortified with calcium and other nutrients that support strong teeth and bones. They’re also vet-recommended, which always feels reassuring when you’re trying to balance convenience with effectiveness. Whether your dog’s breath has been a little “off” lately, or you just want a simple way to stay ahead of dental problems, adding a Brushing Chew to their daily routine is a no-brainer.
They come in multiple sizes (small, medium, large), so you can get the right fit for your pup’s chew style. Most dogs absolutely love the flavor, and since they’re designed to be given once a day, it’s an easy habit to stick to. Think of it like brushing their teeth—only it’s disguised as treat time.
So if toothbrushing feels like a chore neither of you enjoy, swap in something your dog actually looks forward to. One Milk-Bone Brushing Chew a day can help you stay on top of their dental health, without turning it into a battle.
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Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.
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You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.
If you’re potty training a new puppy, caring for a senior pet, or managing life with an indoor-only dog, pee pads are probably already part of your daily routine. But at some point, you’ve likely asked yourself: Should I stick with disposable pads, or try the washable kind? Both have their perks—and their downsides—and which one works best really comes down to your lifestyle, your dog’s habits, and how much laundry you’re willing to do.
Disposable pee pads are definitely the most convenient option. You just lay one down, toss it when it’s used, and grab another. No scrubbing, no washing, no waiting for the dryer to finish. They’re great for quick cleanup, perfect for travel or crates, and ideal for pet parents who don’t want to deal with extra laundry. But here’s the tradeoff: over time, constantly buying new pads adds up—and they’re not exactly eco-friendly, especially if you’re using several a day.
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Washable pee pads, on the other hand, are reusable and more environmentally conscious. Most come in multi-packs, so while one’s in the wash, another is ready to go. They’re usually larger and more absorbent than disposables, which can be great for larger breeds or overnight use. The downside? You’ll need to rinse or wash them regularly (and let’s be real—no one loves washing pee pads). Still, if your dog uses them consistently in the same spot, and you’ve got a laundry routine down, they can save you quite a bit of money in the long run.
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So which one’s better? If you want quick, hassle-free cleanup with no laundry involved—especially during the early stages of training—disposable pee pads are probably your best friend. But if your dog is on a more predictable potty schedule, or you’re in it for the long haul, washable pads could save you money and reduce waste.
Still can’t decide? Try starting with both—use disposables when life gets hectic, and keep a few washable ones for regular use. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing, and your future self (and your floors) will thank you.
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Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.
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You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.
Zoonotic diseases are diseases that can be passed from animals to people (and back and forth). The most common one is Rabies, though we don’t see that disease much anymore, which is a good thing.
However, many other diseases can be passed from one to another. Some that you need to know about include:
Rabies.
This is a life-threatening disease that can be passed from many different animals to people. Unfortunately, most people who get rabies and don’t get treated right away end up dying. For this reason, it is important to keep your pets vaccinated for this preventable disease. In many states, it is legally required.
Leptospirosis.
Though this disease isn’t prevalent, it has become more common over the past few years. Leptospirosis is caused by a bacterium and is passed through the urine of infected animals. It is passed by wildlife and through both running and standing water, where infected wildlife pass by. It can cause liver and kidney failure in all animals and humans.
Intestinal parasites.
Dogs and cats can pass any worms onto a human, especially those who handle them regularly. They can pass roundworms, hookworms, and even tapeworms through their stools. It is more common in children, older people, and those who are immunodeficient.
Giardia infection.
Like intestinal parasites, Giardia is passed through feces. It is an organism that comes from infected water. It can also live in the soil and feces after ingestion. Not only that, but it causes digestive problems, including diarrhea.
Lyme disease.
Lyme disease can be quite severe in both humans and dogs. A tick bite passes it and can affect someone for years. Some of the most common signs include fever, pain, and joint inflammation. If left untreated, it can start to affect vital organs like your kidneys and heart.
Scabies and other mites.
Our dogs and cats who are outside can pick up scabies and other mites, and then pass them on to the humans who want to cuddle up with them. This can be pretty itchy and irritating to the skin of anyone who comes in contact with the mites.
Because you aren’t going to want to worry about your children and your pets with these diseases, you have to do a few things to protect everyone.
Clean up your dog’s stool in the yard.
Not only is it disgusting to walk through a yard full of poop, but it can also be unhealthy. The longer that the stools stay in the yard, the more likely it is that the intestinal parasites can move into the ground and continue to infect your pets repeatedly.
Please wash your hands after handling your animals and their stools.
Good hygiene is essential to keep everyone as healthy as possible. So, make sure that you wash your hands often when you are handling your pets. You also need to wash your hands after you clean out the yard and the litter pan
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Wear gloves when working outside in the dirt.
Since the soil can be infected by stool, you shouldn’t garden or work in the dirt without gloves. Even when wearing them, you should wash your hands after you are finished. You could pick something up from a stray animal that wanders through your yard.
Vaccinate your pet.
You should vaccinate your dog and cat to protect them. However, if he or she has a Leptospirosis and a Rabies vaccine, you are less likely to get the disease.
You also want to keep them on preventatives.
Your dogs and cats should be on flea and tick protection to help keep fleas and ticks out of your home (and on you). These preventatives can also help with mites. You should also deworm your pets routinely to ensure that they don’t get any intestinal parasites that they could pass on to you.
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Though zoonotic diseases can be scary, they don’t have to be. You can easily keep your pet (and your family) safe, just with a few easy things. You should always wash your hands and wear gloves when handling dirt and stool. Likewise, you should also make sure that your dogs and cats are vaccinated against the diseases that can easily be prevented.
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Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.
