We Love Dogs

11/07/2022

Autumn brings cool, fresh air, beautiful fallen leaves, and stunning landscapes waiting to be explored. But like every other season, the autumn months also bring their share of pitfalls and hazards, including­­ for your dog.
Two big holidays — Halloween and Thanksgiving — take a place in the fall, and both bring their own dangers along.
During Halloween, your main concern should be chocolate, which contains theobromine, a chemical that’s very toxic to dogs.
The fall is time for acorns, chestnuts, and mushrooms, all of which can be toxic and very dangerous to dogs. Non-digestible items that fall on the ground (like acorns) pose a real risk as they can obstruct the stomach and small intestine, leading to a gastrointestinal blockage or even a gut perforation, says Dr. Linda Simon, a veterinary surgeon.
Fertilizers and herbicides often make an appearance in the fall, as homeowners start to prepare their lawn for winter. However, many of these chemicals are highly toxic to animals (and children) and should be avoided whenever possible or find ones that are dog- and kid-friendly.

11/07/2022

Swimming is literally in their genes. But for many other dogs, swimming doesn’t come naturally. They might need help learning to navigate the pool or lake, or their body shape might make swimming without a life jacket next to impossible.

11/07/2022

What Are Probiotics? And When Might a Dog Need Them?
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeast that are beneficial to the digestive system. Their role is to ultimately enhance the gut microbiome, which is home to the billions of microorganisms in your dog’s body.
Your dog’s gut microbiome is responsible for supporting her overall health in the form of:
- Controlling digestion
- Fighting off harmful bacteria
- Producing nutrients and vitamins
- Regulating and boosting the immune system
“Probiotics can help rebalance the natural gut flora,” says Dr. Sara Ochoa, a veterinarian at Senior Tail Waggers and at Whitehouse Veterinary Hospital. “Giving these to your dog can help them maintain a healthy gastrointestinal (GI) tract.”

11/07/2022