General Dog Health

Open wide and say woof! Our General Dog Health section covers a variety of concerns, questions, products, and topics that help you stay informed when it comes to your pooch’s well-being. Learn more about how you can make your four-legged family member feel their best, both mentally and physically.

Dog’s physical condition is not the only indicator of their health. What makes a dog healthy and happy is a complex topic that includes many aspects of their lifestyle, and in Petguide.com’s General Dog Health blog, we try to give you the complete overview of all those important facets.

Worried about your dog’s health issue? Read our articles on dog illnesses and medical conditions such as cherry eyes, allergies, gingivitis, and more. Wondering what goes on in that cute head of theirs? Take a look at eye-opening articles on empathy in dogs or emotions dogs can experience. We also cover how dogs influence our health, so make sure to check out our articles on how dogs make us happier and improve our lives.

For those of you who love reading interesting facts, quirks, and curiosities about dog’s health, you’re in the right place. Discover the real truth about doggie pheromones and canine plastic surgery, find out what is hybrid vigor and double merle dog, and if vaping and second-hand smoke really have an impact on your pooch’s health. Always wanted to know where healthiest dogs live or if tail docking has any benefits? Stay up to date with latest findings and studies that concern dog health!

A wholesome lifestyle helps your pup have optimal health. Our guides and articles help you learn all the essentials needed for a dog’s well-being and provide your dog with the best care possible. And don’t be shy – if you have a question about General Dog Health, please feel free to ask us.

Pet Blood Donation: Giving The Gift Of Life To Man’s Best Friends

There's a critical need for pet blood donation across the country; find out how your pet can help give the gift of life!

Why Does My Dog Keep Licking His Paws?

Is he cleaning? Are they itchy? Why does your dog keep licking his paws? If you're looking to curtail this habit, get to the root of the issue.

Physical Changes to Expect in Older Dogs

Sharing your heart and home with a dog is a rewarding experience. They bring us so much joy and unconditional love, and they don’t ask for much in return. They only have one major flaw – they don’t live long enough!

The Deadly Consequences of Compassion Fatigue for Animal Care Workers

Have you ever heard of the term "Compassion Fatigue"? This emotional exhaustion threatens the mental health of many who work with animals.

What is a Double Merle Dog?

You've probably heard of a merle coat... but what about a double merle dog? This unusual coat coloring can bring with it a potential list of health problems.

Take Your Pet To The Vet Without Leaving Home With Vetster

The pandemic has changed the way we live our lives. It affects everything we do – how we work, how we shop, even how we interact with our pets. Even a visit…

Do French Bulldogs Tolerate Heat Well?

Because of their face shape, French Bulldogs are susceptible to heatstroke and overheating, which can be life-threatening. Here are some main rules to stick to in the summer if you have a Frenchie pet.

Owner Behavior to Blame for Pet Obesity, Researchers Reveal

According to new research, it seems that we should start with changing our behavior if we want our pets to stay healthy and in top shape.

Dogs and Chocolate: Why The Two Don’t Mix

Death by Chocolate isn't the name of a dessert - it's a reality for canines. Here's why dogs and chocolate don't mix and what to do if your pup eats it.

How to Prepare for Unexpected Vet Bills

Accidents happen. And as pet parents, nobody knows that like we do. Here's how to prepare for unexpected vet bills.

6 Signs of Frostbite in Dogs

Extreme exposure to the elements can have severe effects on your pet: these are the most common signs of frostbite in dogs that require an urgent vet visit.

Why Do Dogs Circle Before They Lie Down?

Watching your dog try to find a place to relax can make you dizzy! Have you ever wondered why do dogs circle before they lie down?

10 Signs Your Dog is From a Puppy Mill

Puppies from puppy mills often come with a host of health problems. By knowing what to look for in puppy mill puppies, you can help stop their sale.

All About Poison Ivy in Dogs

Poison ivy can be much more than just a pain to your pooch. Here's what you should know about poison ivy in dogs and what to do if your dog comes in contact with it.

How to Treat a Dog’s Dry Nose

We all know that a wet dog nose means a healthy pooch. But how do you treat a snout that's gone dry? Here are a few things you can try.

What Is Cherry Eye In Dogs?

I spy with my little eye something that looks red and swollen! Let's go over some important facts about cherry eye in dogs and how to fix it.

Are Dogs Colorblind?

We've all heard that dogs are colorblind, but is it true? Let's take a look at this popular belief, and if it really holds true.

Research Suggests Better Survival Rates for Dogs With Bloat

Gastric dilation and volvulus, or bloat, can be deadly to dogs, but recent research is showing that it's not as much the death sentence as it was once.

Tick SR Makes Dog Tick Removal Quick and Painless

If your dog as ever had ticks, you never forget that experience. But there's a solution for quick and painless dog tick removal and it's called Tick-SR.

What Causes Hair Loss In Dogs?

Hair loss in dogs can't be covered up by a bad Trump-esque toupee. Those bald patches and spots could signal the start of something serious.

Know Your Enemy: Most Common Types of Dog Fleas

‘Tis the season for those nasty little pests to come out of hiding and irritate you and your pet. Be on the lookout for these common types of dog fleas.

Best Dog Cones

Your dog's recovery period doesn't have to be more stressful than it already is- take a look at our top 10 list of best dog cones to find the ideal model.

Common Periodontal Disease In Dogs

Dog dental health: Pet parents need to know the basics about common periodontal disease in dogs including their causes, symptoms, and treatment options.

Study: Exposure to Cats Can Reduce Childhood Asthma Rates

Another reason to get a cat! New research suggests that a cat in the house around newborns can help prevent children from developing asthma.

How to Perform a DIY Physical Exam on Your Dog

You know your dog better than anyone. Employ a hands-on approach when it comes to your dog's health in between regular veterinarian appointments.

Why is My Dog Vomiting White Foam?

The reasons for white foam vomiting can be many, and the cause might not be clear to you immediately. What’s even more frustrating, there are several possible causes for this occurrence.

What to Expect With a Veterinary Teeth Cleaning

Dogs need to have their teeth cleaned. If you don't take care of doggie dental needs at home, your pooch will need to go in for a veterinary teeth cleaning.

How Can I Tell If My Dog Has a Fever?

Read on as we go through the basics of dog fever and just how to tell if your pet needs your help

5 Benefits of Playing With Your Dog

Did you need a reason to play with your dog? We have 5 great benefits why you should play fetch with Fido.

My Dog Has Skin Tags – Is He Alright?

The truth is, skin tags are normal for dogs and they'll get any number of them throughout the course of their life.

Talking About Palliative Care For Older Dogs

Let's go over the basics about what palliative care is, in which situations it might be needed and how to create a palliative care plan for older dogs.

Pet Wellness Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune

An affordable pet care program is here for you and your pet from Vital Care by Petco. Find out the perks and benefits of this program.

Canine Malocclusion: Dogs With Underbites

Dogs with underbites have a certain look - it gives them a stern yet adorable demeanor. Known as canine malocclusion, here's what you need to know.

Why Dental Health Is So Important For Dogs?

Here are some important reasons why you need to keep your dog’s smile healthy Dental health is often overlooked in dogs. Owners expect their dogs to ha…

Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?

Have you noticed your pooch sneakily snacking on grass? Here's why your lawn clippings suddenly seem as appetizing as kibble.

How Dogs Can Help Prevent Suicide

The winter months often lead to increased depression and thoughts of suicide. Dogs offer a unique form of furry therapy that helps get you out of your head.

Can Stress Cause Health Issues in Dogs?

It is important to differentiate a small potentially stressful situation from severe and repeated major stress. Neither is good, but the latter can be a major health hazard.

5 Stress-Free Ways To Deal With Dog Separation Anxiety

Dog separation anxiety is a common condition in canines. It affects dogs of all ages and breeds and can cause serious distress and injury to your pooch.

Pawp’s 24/7 Online Vet Clinic Saves You Money On Vet Bills – Here�

This innovative online vet platform is a great alternative to classic pet insurance – with 24/7 access to licensed veterinarians, access to $3,000 for…

How Long Can You Leave a Dog Alone?

Whether you've got errands to run or you've got to go to work, there are some places your dog can't go. But how long can you leave a dog alone at home for?

Chronic Ear Infections in Dogs: They’re Smelly and Tough to Resolve

For those of us with floppy-eared dogs, we know the signs of a pending ear infection all too well. The constant ear scratching, head shaking and that tell-tale…

8 Tips To Improve Your Dog’s Dental Health

Dogs deserve pearly white teeth, so make sure they have a healthy smile You want to keep your dog smiling… and proper dental care is an important fact…

All About Cavities in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment

Just like us, dogs can develop common tooth decay problems. Let's talk about cavities in dogs and how to prevent your dog from getting them.

Plug It In, Chill Out: Do Pet Pheromone Plugs-Ins Really Work?

If you've got a stressed out or anxious pet, you're willing to try anything to help calm him down. But do pet pheromone plug-ins actually work or help?

Study Shows These Dog Breeds Most Likely To Have an Extra Row of Teeth

Is your pooch more likely to sport a second row of teeth? The so-called “Shark Teeth” is a little-known dental condition that can affect up to 7% of doggos around the world.

Researchers Find Shared OCD Genes in Dogs, Humans, and Mice

Newest findings indicate that OCD, one of the shared conditions that can affect both us and our pets, can be identified through four genomes.

Do Dogs Get Seasonal Depression?

Seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD or seasonal depression, is connected to shorter days, colder weather, and bleaker views and can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. But what about our dogs? Can they get seasonal depression as well?

Cutting It Short: The Basics About Tail Docking in Dogs

Tail docking in dogs has been around for centuries, used for different purposes. In modern times, this practice is usually performed for cosmetic reasons.

Is A Wet Dog's Nose Good or Bad?

A dog’s nose is their tool for discovering the world around them through scent, but dog noses are important for much more than sniffing – the state of your p…

The Dangers of Pets Eating Protective Face Masks

It's protecting you (and other people) from Covid, but to your dog, it's a chew toy. Here's why you've got to keep your mask away from your dog.

7 Ways To Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean

We love it when our doggos have that pearly white smile, don’t we? It means that their teeth and gums are in good shape and that’s a good indicat…

Can Dogs Detect Cancer?

A dog's nose is a powerful tool used for many different purposes. But can dogs detect cancer? Read on to find out more.

Is Rock Salt Toxic to Dogs?

Sadly, the answer is yes – rock salt, commonly used for de-icing roads and sidewalks in winter, can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities.

Take The Itch Out Of These Common Dog Allergies

Let's go over the most common dog allergies you'll come across, what kind of symptoms you can expect to see and what you can do about them.

Is a Dog’s Mouth Really Cleaner Than a Human’s?

You've seen the things that have gone into your dog's mouth - that's why it's hard to believe that a dog's mouth is really cleaner than a human's mouth.

Pros and Cons of Pet Dental Care Products

Not all dogs are keen on having their teeth brushed. In between vet appointments, try these dental care products that help your dog's mouth stay clean.

What Emotions Do Dogs Actually Experience?

Naked feelings of love, fairness and jealousy of our loyal companions Any long-time dog lover will be able tell you that their dog has feelings. But is there…

Making a Case For Dietary Zinc in Your Dog’s Diet

You need to put the right amount of vitamins and minerals into your dog's diet. That's why knowing how much dietary zinc your dog is getting important.

Combat Dog Dental Disease With Help From Loving Pets and The Missing L

Canine dental health problems? With help from Loving Pets and The Missing Link, we can keep our pooch's teeth pearly white.

Flea And Tick Control: Fact Or Myth?

True or false? When it comes to flea and tick information, lucky guesses just won't cut it. Get the facts on how to control these pests.