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How to break a dog’s separation anxiety so you can finally leave the house

Understanding separation anxiety helps you and your nervous pup

Mary Johnson
Contributor
Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and…
Did you find worms in your dog’s poop? Here’s how to identify and treat them
Parasitic worms can cause real problems in pets — here's how to treat them and take care of your furry friend
Dog runs through the grass outside

Keeping our dogs regular is a fundamental part of pet ownership and is usually pretty easy. Their food includes all the nutrients they need plus maybe a built-in probiotic to help maintain digestion. Sometimes, though, you'll suddenly find your pup has diarrhea, and you'll have to figure out exactly what's going on inside. While there are a number of different possible causes, it could be worms, which can turn serious and even into a life-threatening situation if left untreated.
What are parasitic worms?
When we're talking about worms here we don't mean the kind in your yard and we also aren't including heartworm and ringworm. The type that usually leads to vomiting and diarrhea are intestinal parasites, meaning they're living in your pup's gut. There are a bunch of different worms in dogs out there but the most common in dogs are hookworm, whipworm, tapeworm, and roundworm. Each can have slightly varied effects but likely all include problems with your pet's poop.
How do I know if my dog has worms?
Remember vomiting and diarrhea are symptoms of a lot of issues in dogs, everything from eating something they shouldn't have to serious illnesses, like cancer. The best thing to do is call your vet. They will likely have you bring in a stool sample to test for parasites and possibly other conditions -- sometimes our animals catch a tummy bacteria from other dogs that's easy to treat with antibiotics.
Where do they catch worms?
Sadly, some puppies are born with them and that's when they're most fatal, too (particularly hookworms in dogs). In adulthood, your animal might get them from dirt, poop, a rodent, fleas, or another infected pet. It's best to test your pet before bringing them home or make sure the adoption agency or breeder has thoroughly ruled out worms in dog poop. Even then, you might include a fecal examination as part of a routine screening during their first checkup.
How do I go about identifying dog worms?
Some worms are easy to spot with the human eye, and if you notice something in Fido's poop, you should keep it for later and bring it to the vet. Otherwise, you won't always necessarily see the worms, but you'll notice the effects clearly. When you bring in a stool sample, the tests will determine the type of worm, which also can influence treatment.
How do I treat dog worms?
The best way to take care of worms is with preventatives. Check your heartworm or flea medicine to see if they already contain the right chemicals to keep them at bay. That way, the parasites never have a chance to take root inside your beastie at all. However, once the bugs set in, you might need an additional dewormer to get them out. Your vet will prescribe this, possibly over the course of many months.

We say this a lot, but the best defense is a good offense when it comes to worms in dogs. If you're already paying for preventatives, you can look around and see which ones kill the most worms. One note, cats and dogs sometimes do share parasites if they live in the same household. If you find that your pup has caught one of these, you'll need to look at your other pets, too.

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Here are the melons you can and can’t share with your dog this summer
Can dogs eat melon? Here's the scoop on feeding your pup these fruits
A small black dog lies in the grass next to an eaten slice of watermelon with just the rind remaining

As summertime rolls around once more, you might find yourself reaching for a refreshing snack... but you won't be the only one! Odds are, your dog will also be looking for a way to reenergize, and fresh fruits like berries and melons can be the way to go. Watermelon is such a classic summer treat, after all -- so why not try other melons, too?
But can dogs have cantaloupe? What about honeydew? Before you let these questions confuse you, read on to find out everything you need to know about dogs and melons. Who knows -- you just might find your pup's new favorite treat!

Can dogs have watermelon?
It could come as no surprise to learn that watermelon is safe for dogs. It is mostly water, after all! That means this fruit has great potential to keep your dog cool during hot summer months, but let's be honest -- there's almost no bad time for a slice of watermelon.

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How should you choose the perfect pup out of all the dog breeds? Go through this checklist
Here are a few tips to help you pick the exact right dog for your family
Cute Pomeranian sitting on a couch with a purse

We love dogs, and at least according to us, they are all the best boys and girls. But not all dog breeds will suit your family. Choosing the perfect pup means doing some research and also deciding based on your instinct. When you look at the 200 breeds, not to mention nearly unlimited combinations of mutts, you might get a little overwhelmed. We don't recommend picking out of a hat or spinning a puppy prize wheel. Instead, go through these five steps before selecting your pet.

Make a list of the characteristics you want
When you imagine your future pooch, what immediately springs to mind? Ultimately, every dog personality is different, but there are some characteristics that commonly present in certain breeds. If you need anything special, like a hypoallergenic canine, that needs to go to the top of your list. Don't forget to include some behavioral things like good in the crate or wants lots of attention.
Narrow it by breed group
Because there are a couple hundred breeds out there, it might help to think about the groups first. For example, do you want a herding dog or a toy dog? Those are very different and will help you shorten your list. If you don't think an animal that requires two hours of exercise per day fits your day-to-day lifestyle, you should cut some of the hunting and herding beasties off the list.
Do your research
Now you can cross-reference your needs with the breeds that didn't get eliminated on the last step. Look up both the official characteristics from a credible source, like the American Kennel Club, and the opinions of pet parents. Try following a few TikToks or Instagrams to get some first-hand info on different breeds. If one jumps out at you, that's a type of dog you should follow up on.
Find a rescue group
We're always going to champion adopt, not shop. The good news is that many groups specialize in one particular type of dog and will bring a wealth of knowledge to the process. Others, like the ASPCA, will give you a whole host of beasties to choose from. Keep an eye out for adoption events in your area as well, which can be hosted just about anywhere.

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