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.

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: America’s Healthiest Pets Live in Montana, Colorado, and Sout

Care.com's ThinkTank looked at pet care and health in the United States -- Montana, Colorado and Nebraska are the top three states with the healthiest pets.

According to ASPCA, These Are The Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2023

Even though ASPCA was contacted for over 351,000 potentially hazardous substances, they managed to narrow down the most common culprits and compile the list of top 10 pet toxins in 2023, which will serve as a great reminder of what to look out for.

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.

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?

Is Your Anxiety Contagious to Your Dog?

Feeling anxious? There's a possibility that your dog is feeling it, too. Here's how to tell if your dog is feeling anxious and what you can do about it.

Spondylosis in Senior Dogs

As our dogs age and enter their golden years, there are many health-related conditions that they may experience.

All About Dog Anal Glands

This is information you'll want to get behind. Here's what you should know about dog anal glands and how to keep them healthy.

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.

Pets Are Getting Heavier With Each Year- And It’s Damaging Their Hea

Over half of all cats and dogs in the United States are overweight, and as a result, many preventable health issues are becoming more common for pets,

Is There Such a Thing as Dog Detox?

Dogs can get stinky and full of toxins just like humans can. That's the time to consider dog detox. Find out two ways to keep your dog detoxified.

Warning: The Deadly Dangers of Antifreeze Poisoning in Dogs

Winter can come with many unpleasant surprises - including antifreeze poisoning in dogs. Recognizing the symptoms is key to saving your pet's life.

Why Does My Dog Have a Runny Nose?

Does your dog have a runny nose? Although it's not usually a serious issue, you should know why this can happen.

Dog Scooting: The Sad, Scratchy Story Of Oscar’s Ichy Butt

Sure, it's the butt of many jokes, but dog scooting can be a pain in the ass... just ask Oscar! I've discovered a few common and itchy reasons why dogs scoot:

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.

How to Clean Dog Teeth Without Brushing

Sometimes, using a brush on your dog's teeth is an impossibility. That's why we've complied this list on how to clean dog teeth without brushing.

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…

Is Smoking Weed Around Dogs Dangerous?

As more states (and countries) legalize the use of marijuana, smoking this substance is less taboo. But will lighting up a joint affect your dog's health?

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.

All You Need to Know About Vet Telehealth

Veterinary telehealth, also known as pet telehealth, veterinary telemedicine, or virtual vet is a form of a remote veterinary practice – in other words, veterinarian-provided medical advice and services through any available communication technologies, just as call centers, smartphone apps, chats, etc.

5 Ways Probiotics Can Help Your Dog

You take probiotics to help your digestion - but did you know that your pooch could take them, too? Here are a few reasons to give your dog probiotics.

Top 10 Best Dogs For Allergy Sufferers

What dogs won't make you sneeze? Learn the basics about hypoallergenic dog breeds and our recommendations for the top 5 best dogs for allergy sufferers.

6 Best Pet Releaf Products For Your Pets

Pet Releaf products are amazing–they activate our pets’ Endocannabinoid Systems and lets our pets’ brains get full body relief wherever they need it. That’s important. That’s vital. They deserve and demand our attention. Here are the six best Pet Releaf Products you’ll want to know about for your pets. These could all dramatically improve your pet’s life.

How to Read Your Dog’s Poop

It's not on any best-seller list, but reading your dog's poop can help determine his health. Here's how to read your dog's poop and understand what it's saying.

What Information Does Your Dog’s New Veterinarian Need?

If you want to make sure your first trip to a new vet goes smoothly, you'll need to update the doc on all your dog's vital stats and background.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Which Spring Flowers Are Toxic to Dogs?

One of those unexpected things that become a downside of spring when you’re a dog is flowers. Yup. Those gorgeous, lush-smelling blooms that appear in the spring can pose a threat to your dog, as many spring flowers are toxic to our canine friends.

What The Heck Are Dog Eye Boogers?

They're gross and you've probably had to clean them from your dog's peepers at some point. But what exactly are dog eye boogers and should you be concerned?

Chlorine or Saltwater Pools: Which is Best for Dogs?

When the days get hot, your dog may want to jump in the pool to cool off. But should you go with chlorine or saltwater in your pool - which option is better for your dog?

7 Joyful Ways Dog Make Us Happier

Dogs are always there to pick us up when we're feeling blue. We wish we had the space to list all the ways dogs make us happier, but here are our favorites.

Food Allergies in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatments

Food allergies are common in dogs. Do you think your dog is allergic to a certain food? We talk about what you should watch for and how to treat them.

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.

Is Papain Safe For Dogs

If you’re scratching your head wondering what the heck is papain and where or why would you even begin to look for it, the answers are easy. The natural version of papain is found in your grocery store’s produce section and you may recognize it better as papaya.

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.

Pet Hoarding: What is It and What Causes It?

Compulsive animal hoarding (also known as Noah Syndrome) is being studied on various levels including sociological, psychological and veterinary.

Is Ice Water Really Dangerous for Dogs?

Ice water for dogs? Is that even safe for them? Let’s separate fact from fiction and get to the cold, ice hard truth!You probably already know that there are…

What You Need To Know About Heat Stroke In Dogs

Don't risk your dog's well being and do everything you can to prevent this from happening by reading the facts and tips about heat stroke in dogs.

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.

Can Shock Collars Damage a Dog’s Vocal Cords?

With so many pet owners now working from home and trying to focus on reading reports, creating presentations and conducting professional-quality meetings via Zo…

How To Tell If Your Dog Is Underweight

Healthy weight is important- you don't want your pet to be too skinny nor too chubby. Here are some signs that your dog might be underweight.

New Study Fuels Anti Tail Docking and Ear Cropping Standards

New study on tail docking and ear cropping sheds new light into the necessity of these practices and questions their validity.

Head Pressing in Dogs: Should You Be Concerned?

It sounds like a harmless behavior, but head pressing in dogs can point to something more serious. Here's what to watch out for and how to treat it.

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.

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.

What is an Elimination Diet for Dogs?

The goal of an elimination diet is to identify which food (or foods) are triggering the adverse reaction in your pet.

What Should You Do With Unused Pet Pharmaceuticals and Care Products?

If you're just chucking heartworm pills and flea treatments in the trash, you're doing it wrong. And, according to a new study, you're not the only one.

Cynophobia: Why Are Some People Afraid of Dogs?

Fear of dogs is common. Cynophobia - the fear of dogs - can be overwhelming, and can affect the quality of a person's life.

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.

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.

Tips to Handle a Poison Emergency

You've got an emergency on your hands - you need to think fast. What do you do? Keep these tips around in case you have a poison emergency.

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.

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…

Gastrointestinal Obstructions in Dogs

If your dog eats something he shouldn't, it can cause a gastrointestinal obstruction. To prevent this from happening, here's what you need to know about the problem.

Do You Lift a Leg When Your Dog is Stung by Jellyfish?

You've heard that when someone gets stung by a jellyfish, you pee on the wound. But what do you do when it happens to 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…

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.

Why is My Dog Lethargic?

Is your dog lethargic? You may be inclined to dismiss it as being the heat, him being tired, or boredom, it may be something entirely different.