BLOG

After recently visiting Wolf Hollow, a wolf sanctuary in Ipswich, MA, I felt compelled to share the experience with our dog-loving audience. Wolves, after all, are the closest living relative to domestic dogs, and are said to have virtually identical DNA.

Although dogs have sweat glands on their paws, this mechanism is too inefficient. So they keep cool by panting.

Naturally, you would expect your pup to pant for a few minutes until they’re cooled off or relaxed, then stop. But what if your pooch won’t stop panting? In this blog, we’ll explain what could be going on and what you can do about it.

Got a pooch that LOVES to crunch doggie biscuits? If your doggo is already watching your every move in the kitchen, why not cook something yummy just for them? With Easter around the corner, these Beefy Green “Nests” are a fun way to celebrate with curious canines, not to mention distract them from potentially toxic […]

Dogs love a backyard. The sights, the smells, the freedom to do their business. The squirrels. For dog-loving homeowners, it makes sense to tailor the backyard to our furry friends. We love to see them happy and frolicking across the yard as we watch on, snapping pictures for social media. Here are some simple steps that any homeowner can take to ensure their backyard is dog (and person) friendly.

Statistics show that every week, two to three pets die due to suffocation from chip bags. In fact, these types of soft food bags are the leading cause of pet suffocation. It’s not just chip or snack food bags either. Pet food and treat bags, bread bags, cereal box liners, grocery bags, and plastic containers can all be suffocation hazards too. Learn about ways to prevent pet suffocation in this blog…

Not just for people, bone broth is nutritious, beneficial and perfectly safe for dogs and cats alike (with a few caveats discussed below). For many reasons, it makes a wonderful addition to their regular diet.

If you have a cat, then you’re likely very familiar with kneading—the rhythmic pushing of paws in and out of a soft object like a blanket, pillow, or even your stomach! The action is similar to the way a baker kneads dough, which is why it’s often affectionately referred to as “making biscuits.” Some cats […]

If you own a dog, you know how expressive and animated they can be. It’s hard to mistake emotions like excitement or contentment in a pup. Cats, on the other hand…well, let’s just say they’re not as easy to read. Wrongly or not, cats have earned the reputation of being aloof, snobby, or indifferent, especially […]

Daily dog walks are incredibly important—not just for a canine’s physical health, but for its emotional and mental health too. Here are the reasons—some obvious, some surprising—why you’re doing your dog (and yourself) a huge favor by taking that daily stroll.

Are there any doggies out there that don’t love crunchy biscuits? This wholesome homemade dog biscuit recipe made with oat flour and applesauce is super-easy to make for everyday treating, training, or snacking. It’s also a great way to help stretch a bag of their favorite freeze-dried raw treat, with each bone/cookie containing 2-3 treats. […]

If you’ve raised a puppy or kitten, you know they’re a lot of work. Well worth it, but nevertheless hard! Taking care of a senior pet can be just as challenging, and for totally different reasons. In order to make their lives as comfortable as possible in their later years, you do have to make some adjustments to how you handle their care…

If you’re a cat owner, you’re probably intimately familiar with his litterbox habits. After all, you’re the one cleaning it out, so you get a good idea of how-much-of-what your cat is doing every day. While cleaning up your pet’s business likely isn’t your idea of a fun time, this chore can actually tell you […]

Summer’s here, which means lawn maintenance becomes much more of a priority for many households. This often means spraying fertilizers and pesticides to achieve a weed-free, perfectly manicured lawn. It’s definitely appealing to the eye, but there are many hidden dangers associated with these chemicals, both to the environment and to the health of people […]

When you became a dog or cat owner, I bet you never thought he or she would come with a whole community of other bugs as part of the package. Fortunately, I’m not talking about fleas, ticks, or mites. I’m talking about your pet’s microbiome. And unlike fleas and other pests, the “bugs” that make […]

Is rawhide safe for dogs or is it potentially harmful? Some sources say rawhide can be a safe, healthy treat, while others claim it is dangerous. What’s the truth?

Well, the short answer doesn’t provide much clarity: “It depends on a few factors.” Let’s explore them now…

In 2019, the FDA made a pretty alarming announcement about the potential link between grain-free diets and canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM)—a serious condition that can ultimately lead to heart failure in dogs. Since then, there have been some important updates on this topic that I want to share with you.

Besides making clear how wonderful pets are, 2020 has really brought to light the importance of healthy lifestyle habits – for us and our pets! There’s never been a better time to be proactive about your health and the health of your pet. Luckily, our pets want in on whatever we’re doing, and as long as we’re spending time with them, they are happy to “resolve to be healthier.”

Nothing puts a damper on good times quite like having to rush your dog or cat to the vet or hospital due to a holiday-related mishap. Here are some common holiday dangers for pets to keep in mind, so you can plan and decorate accordingly—and celebrate with a little less stress and worry.

We know instinctively that petting and playing with our pets is good for us. It relaxes us, gives us a sense of connection, and reminds us that we have a special place in this manic 24/7 world. But beyond “the feels,” as my grandkids might say, it turns out that our four-legged friends can truly […]

There’s a range of human foods that cats can safely eat—and a few they absolutely need to avoid. Some may even surprise you. Here’s what you need to know.

Are omega 3 fatty acids good for dogs and cats? You bet! Here’s more on the benefits of supplementing your pet’s diet with fish or fish oil.

Is your kitty not as agile or svelte as they used to be? You’re not alone…An estimated 60 percent of cats in the U.S. are overweight or obese, with 33.5 percent being the latter. Here are 5 ways you can help your cat lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Food plays a HUGE role in the overall health of your dog, which is why it’s essential to choose the healthiest dog food you can to keep your them healthy and happy! However, there’s far more to choosing the right dog food than you may realize- so what are the best choices you can make when feeding your dog?

Although Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl is a fan favorite during Super Bowl Sunday, a new companion game called “The Dog Bowl” also started running in February 2018. We interview Dan Schachner, referee of both games, to learn what makes Dog Bowl unique and discover some of the surprising advantages of bringing an adult dog into your home!

As much as we’d love it if they could- our dogs can’t speak people language. However, they do tell us a lot with vocalizations, body movements, and facial expressions to let us know how they are feeling as their own way of “speaking” to us. Learn more about what your dog is telling you with his actions and become fluent in dog!

Like humans, dogs need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. During the warmer months, it’s pretty simple to make sure your dog gets out every day for a walk. But the winter months can present quite a challenge for many pups and owners alike.

If you feed your dog a grain-free diet, you’ve probably heard about the potential link between grain-free dog foods and a condition called canine dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). And if not…well, listen up, because it’s something that needs to be on your radar.

Does this sound familiar? It’s about a month before your pet’s annual checkup at the vet’s office, and you’re suddenly inundated with notices about all the different shots your dog or cat is due to receive…If so, you’ve likely wondered, “how often do cats and dogs really need vaccines…every year or not?”

One of the most important things that you can do for your pets is prevent flea and tick problems- these bugs carry all sorts of disease and can make your pet’s life miserable. But what’s the best way to do this, especially when many modern repellants are just poisons? Inside, I share the best NATURAL methods to keep fleas and ticks off your furry friends.

If you take vitamins and nutritional supplements to support your health, you’ve probably wondered if vitamins may be good for your dog or cat, too. After all, our pets face some of the same issues of aging that we do…right? The answer here is both yes and no. Our pets absolutely can benefit from a […]

Though it may be obvious, if your pets’ chompers aren’t cleaned regularly, they can have the same problems as humans, from gum disease to losing teeth. Unfortunately, they can’t just pick up a toothbrush and toothpaste and go to town. Learn more about how often to brush your pets’ teeth, and other ways to keep your pets’ teeth shiny white and plaque free.

When shopping for cat food, there are a lot of choices you can make in the grocery store. Wet food, dried food, numerous labels and certifications to consider and more. In this blog post, learn more about the basics of kitty nutrition and exactly what to look for and what to avoid when shopping for your cat.

Cats are fun, playful and sometimes mysterious creatures that seem like they don’t have a care in the world. However, these same traits make it very difficult to tell when your cat is arthritis… they are actually very good at hiding it! Discover some of the symptoms of arthritis in cats, what to look out for to know when your cat needs joint help, and the best ways to help your cat deal with arthritis issues.

If you’re a dog lover like I am, you know that every time you come home, your dog acts like you’ve been gone for weeks. But, when is this your dog being your dog, and when is it true fear and separation anxiety? Learn more about what causes dog anxiety, some anxiety symptoms to watch out for, and how to keep your anxious pet calm, especially around loud, guest-filled holidays.

While my Ageless Paws freeze-dried treats are as close to nature as you can get and great in any situation, sometimes you just can’t beat making a homemade treat for your pets. These pumpkin dog treats contain 5 nourishing, whole ingredients without artificial preservatives or flavors for a home-baked cookie your dog will LOVE!

I often mention how my single-ingredient treats are freeze-dried for quality and freshness. But it’s way more than just that- freeze-dried treats really are one of the healthiest, safest, and all-around best ways to give your pet a delicious treat. Learn more about the process and why I think it’s so important that my treats are created in the method they are.

Ageless Paws treats and supplements are some of the best products you can find- but don’t just take my word for it! Across the country, pet parents are raving about how their beloved furry friends love our products. Enjoy an unboxing Ageless Paws video with our friend Beth Bell and her dog Lily, and see what pet parents love about Ageless Paws.

Chocolate is at the very top of the list of things that can be fatal to your dog, and dog owners everywhere to keep those candy bars HIGH up on the shelf. Inside, I discuss the best preventative measures to keep your dogs from reaching chocolate, why chocolate is so bad for them, and what to do if your dog does manage to ingest chocolate so you are completely prepared.

Pet insurance is a double-sided coin… on the one hand, you want to keep your pet healthy no matter what, but on the other, it is another expense on your bank account. So is it really worth it? Learn more about how pet insurance really works, if the cost is worth the payout in the end, and the best preventative measures you can take to keep this from even becoming a problem.

A well trained dog or cat can make life much easier for many owners. But what is the best way to train them? Well with treats of course. Discover how to eliminate the negative, and use treats and positive reinforcement training to turn your pet into an obedient, well behaved friend.

I’ve been crazy about dogs ever since I was a kid. As a result, dogs have always been a big part of my personal life and my professional life. In fact, over the 40-plus years I’ve studied, researched, and practiced cardiology, I’ve owned many dogs and have tried to use my clinical experience with human […]

As a dog owner, you’ve probably seen your dog stop to take a snack on a delicious “salad” of grass when outside… dogs really do eat some of the strangest things! In this blog post, I’ll discuss more about why dogs do this, if it’s safe for them, and how to help you identify and keep your pets safe from some of the more dangerous (and sometimes very common) poisonous plants.

Dogs are awesome, and every day they show us why! In fact, science has shown that sharing life with a dog is good for your body, mind and soul. Today, I wanted to list the 19 human reasons why dogs are the bests, from helping you stay exercised, to protecting you, to maybe even getting you a date!

One of the scariest things that you can experience is turning on the news and seeing a recall- for your pet’s brand of dog food! Yet, this happens all of the time! So… is there a healthy, safe dog food out there you can absolutely rely on? Let me show you what to look out for when purchasing dog food, and some options for making your dog’s food healthier.

Cats can get pretty scary when they are stressed out… when the claws come out, watch out! People love their cats and don’t want to see them get stressed, and there’s a number of things you can do to help your cat stay calm in a stressful situation, whether it’s a trip to the vet or just having too many people around.

We all love to see a dog in a bright orange vest… who doesn’t love a helpful service dog? However, the question remains, can you get one for chronic pain management. Together, we’ll look at the difference between service dogs and emotional support dogs, and how service dogs actually can be a godsend to help with significant pain!

It’s a classic scenario… the family sits down to eat a meal, and you look down to see Fido begging for some scraps. In this blog, we explore foods you should NEVER give dogs, what’s OK in moderation, and what’s fine for you to slip underneath the table.

Supporting your dog’s stomach is important- as important as supporting anywhere else on your dog’s body. That’s why I support giving your dog probiotics to support your dog’s digestive and immune system. Here are the 10 great reasons why I think dog probiotics are key in keeping your pet happy and healthy.

I’ve owned many dogs in my life, but one of my favorites was a chow chow named Chewie. She and I were attached at the hip. We traveled everywhere together—including my office, where she never failed to bring smiles to my patients’ and staff’s faces, or to raise my spirit during long days. It broke […]

Candles can be a very homey sort of thing to burn in your house, and can make your home smell wonderful. But before you light one up, you should know that between the hot wax and the toxic fumes, pets and candles don’t go well together. Here are some of the dangers of mixing pets with paraffin candles, and some of the alternatives you can burn instead.

Cats are known for their strong personality traits, and many people who own cats know they vary between loving purr machines to being full of “cattitude”. However, sometimes cats go to far with the ‘tude. However, sometimes cats go too far with the ‘tude. This blog post will show you how to understand your cat’s behavior, and what to do when your cat is being a problem child.