Since the 1970s, sterilization of shelter and pet dogs in the United States has become widespread. It involves the removal of the reproductive organs (gonadectomy) through ovariohysterectomy (spaying) in females and orchiectomy (castration) in males. In both cases, the surgery prevents the animal’s reproductive organs from producing hormones. In addition to inducing sterilization, gonadectomies have
In the most important of ways, your dog is your best buddy. But just as probably is the case with your human best friend, your pup probably gets into scrapes once in a while. Being bitten by a spider is a case in point. Whether the incident stems from your pooch sticking his nose where
Although dogs and humans differ in many respects, they also have a lot in common physiologically. A case in point is the heart. For both species, this vital muscle is what ensures that blood can flow throughout the body. Both people and canines can experience heart-related conditions that can sometimes be serious. One of these
When you’re a loving pet parent of a dog, you want to know everything about your fur baby. Why does he have whiskers? What’s the purpose of the tail? Why does your best buddy shake every time he gets up from a nap? The questions are endless and could take volumes of encyclopedias to answer.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), over 6.5 million animals are accepted into the rescue and shelter system each year, with only 4.1 million being adopted. Spaying or neutering is the single most effective way of guarding against unplanned puppies and kittens, helping to ensure that those that
All dogs who are aged four months old or older must be vaccinated for rabies and licensed by the City of Philadelphia. If you have recently moved into the area or are a new pet owner, it is important to learn all you can about the Philadelphia dog licensing policies and procedures to ensure that
If you have ever boarded your dog or taken them to a groomer, you have probably heard of a condition called kennel cough. However, you may be unclear about exactly what it is, whether it is serious, how to treat it and how to prevent it in the first place. Becoming a kennel cough expert
Although humans and dogs have enjoyed a symbiotic relationship for thousands of years, we still don’t always understand each other. For instance, your pup probably can’t figure out why you fail to thoroughly gnaw the bones from your steak or why you get so upset when he rolls in unspeakable substances in the yard. By
As the pet parent of possibly the most beautiful and amazing dog in the world, you want nothing but the best for your pooch. That goes for everything from exercise and social stimulation to the food you provide. But when it comes to canine nutrition, things can get complex very quickly. At the most basic
Being a pet parent enriches your life in numerous ways. When your fur baby is at your side, you are guaranteed laughs, loyalty and love beyond measure. Of course, you want to do everything possible to prolong the quantity as well as the quality of the time you have with your pup. In addition to
