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Latest by G. LaFrank

A man hugs a golden retriever, facing away from the camera

Science says dogs cry tears of happiness when reunited with their humans

The image of a crying dog might sound sad, but researchers found that dogs actually well up with tears when around someone they love.
Husky dog mix licks paw

Here’s how to treat a dog with itchy paws, starting with finding the cause of paw discomfort

If you notice your dog scratching, biting, or licking at their paws, you may want to keep an eye out for certain causes and find a treatment.
Senior golden retriever and Chihuahua sitting in front of food bowls

What is the best food for older dogs? These 6 vet-approved kibbles and canned foods won’t steer you wrong

The best food for older dogs will vary depending on their specific needs, but there are guidelines you can follow to help you find the perfect pick.
Woman feeds a puppy as the pup gives her his paw

This is the ultimate week-by-week puppy training schedule every new pet parent needs

Bringing home a new puppy? Here's the week-by-week puppy training schedule you need to follow if you want to find success.
A husky jumps happily through the snow

Understanding husky language: Posture, tail wagging, ears, and other body clues

Do you ever wonder what your husky is thinking? You can find the answer in their body language, not in their operatic howls!
A pug stands in front of a pink background and licks whipped cream off of his nose

Are Starbucks Puppuccinos bad for dogs? Here’s what veterinarians have to say

Before you order your dog a Starbucks Puppuccino when you go to the drive-through, read our experts' advice. Whipped cream can be a great occasional treat!
A person in a black T-shirt and jeans walks a small white and brown dog on a path lined with tall plants with yellow flowers

How to make a dog poop quickly when dealing with constipation – at-home remedies

You can help your dog fight constipation with some easy at-home remedies, or ask your vet for a hand. Here's how to make a dog poop quickly.
Fireworks

8 ways to calm down a dog scared of fireworks this 4th of July

While there’s no one way to keep your dog calm during the 4th of July, there are countless ideas to help ease anxieties for dogs scared of fireworks.
Man and his dog doing a selfie outdoors

4 fun Father’s Day activities for dog dads so your pup can join the fun

Attention dog dads: Try these fun activities on Father's Day if you want to bring your dog along.
PetSmart Charities director Heidi Marston kisses her special needs Great Dane mix, Gatsby

PetSmart Charities director shares tips for a successful pet adoption process

Whether you're just thinking about adopting or are ready to bring home a pet today, consider these expert tips for a successful dog or cat adoption.
A pit bull terrier licks a woman's face

Smooches or stress? There are a few reasons your dog might lick you

Why do dogs lick their owners. This is what it means when your dog licks you and why you should be happy (even if you don't like it).
A black and white Japanese Chin stands outside in the grass raising one paw

7 Japanese dog breeds that could be your perfect pet

Are any of these Japanese dog breeds the right fit for you? Read on and find out all there is to love about these unique dogs.
A yellow Labrador retriever sticks his head in a grocery bag

Bad dog? Bad pet parent: Why your dog’s disobedience is your fault

Has your dog become disobedient? Or maybe they've never listened. We have tips for controlling a disobedient dog.
A large dog squats to poop in a field of tall golden grass

What to feed dogs with diarrhea: These dietary staples might already be in your kitchen

Dog diarrhea can be a mess — literally — but there are a few foods that can help. Here's what to feed a dog with diarrhea.
A corgi dog standing in front of a pink background looks up and to the side with big eyes

Here are 60 cute dog names for every aesthetic: cottagecore, grunge, Y2K, and more

Whatever your aesthetic is, there are some perfect names for your dog on this list. Check it out!
A black Labrador retriever sits on the floor next to a pile of fur

Dogs that don’t shed: Do they exist?

You may have heard that there are dogs that don't shed. However, hypoallergenic dogs are a bit of a misnomer. Here's what you should know.
A Devon Rex cat is held up against a blue sky

These are the 10 most popular cat breeds, as counted by The Cat Fanciers’ Association

You might think you know what the most popular cat breeds are, but some of the ones on this list might surprise you.
Weimaraner sniffing strawberries in a person's hands

Which fruits can my dog eat? Here’s what vets say about these 10 fruits

Many fruits are safe for dogs to eat, but some should be avoided at all costs. Here's what you need to know.
A beige dog has their nails trimmed by their owner, whose hands are seen in the photo

5 steps to trim your puppy’s nails without a fuss

Puppies don't always love having their nails trimmed, and you might have to work up to it, but these steps make the process drama-free.
Weimaraner sniffing strawberries in a person's hands

Very berry: 4 types of berries your dog can safely eat

Not all human food is safe to share with your dog, but these berries are both healthy and delicious. Can you guess what they are?
A Tibetan terrier's side profile against a blue sky

The Tibetan terrier: Why the ‘Holy Dog of Tibet’ isn’t actually a terrier

The "Holy Dog of Tibet" has a unique history, but it's not actually a terrier. Here's what you'll want to know about Tibetan terriers.
A baby chick sits in the grass next to a broken egg

3 reasons not to give pet rabbits, baby chicks, or ducks this Easter

Animals like rabbits, ducks, and baby chicks are so much more than an Easter present. Here's why not to gift them this spring.
A Doberman, Dalmatian and King Charles spaniel at a Easter egg hunt

Celebrating Easter? Don’t leave out your four-legged family member

Dogs can celebrate Easter, too, with these fun and festive activities.
Australian shepherd dogs training with a ball

How to teach a dog to stand on cue, a step-by-step guide

There's nothing cuter than watching a dog walk around like a human. Follow these tips to teach your dog how to stand up on cue.
A gray cat's close-up side profile in front of a dark background

Whisker fatigue: Your cat might have this strange condition without you knowing

Whisker fatigue may not be literally what it sounds like, but it can be a major problem for cats. Here's what to know about this kind of overstimulation.
A Yorkshire terrier looks to the side

7 types of terrier breeds that might be your perfect match

From small dogs to larger pups, terrier breeds are some of the most diverse. Here are some of the most popular breeds.
Shetland sheepdog sits in flowers next to a stone wall

How to train a sheltie to be an excellent watchdog

Shelties make great watchdogs and learn how to do their jobs very quickly. Here's how to train them on your own or with your behavior specialist.
A gray Chinese vrested dog looks up while their tongue hangs out to the side

The World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is now accepting applications

Do you know an ugly dog that's simply irresistible? Applications must be submitted by June 21, 2023, for this year's June 23 event.
Yorkshire terrier dog paw training outdoors

Should you continue to practice dog obedience training? Yes – here are 5 reasons why

Obedience training for dogs starts with 'sit' and 'stay,' but there is so much more it can do for you and your dog.
A black and white Pomeranian sits in front of a tulip field and gives a head tilt

50 spring-inspired names for dogs, from Forrest to Petunia

If you're adopting a new dog this spring, you may want to consider these 50 names. They're all inspired by the season.
A Yorkshire terrier licks their lips and looks into the camera

Why you shouldn’t feed your dogs trail mix

Trail mix can be a nutritious snack for people, but it has more risks than benefits for furry friends. Here's why dogs shouldn't eat trail mix.
Three puppies play in a grassy park

Puppy Bowl XIX: All about this year’s athletes and where to watch them play

Here's everything you need to know before you tune into Puppy Bowl XIX. This year's game will be bigger than ever!
A poodle mix dog wearing a Green Bay Packers shirt and hat sits and looks into the camera

6 ways to make your Super Bowl party dog-friendly this year

From football-shaped dog biscuits to essential safety considerations, you can't throw a dog-friendly Super Bowl party without going through this list.
A shar-pei dog wearing a red party hat looks at a hand holding a heart-shaped lollipop

Homemade Valentine’s Day treats for dogs: Biscuits, frozen yogurt, and more festive favorites

From heart-shaped biscuits to frozen treats, there's no shortage of ways to spoil your dog this Valentine's Day. These are our favorite recipes.
Bobi, the world's oldest dog, sits next to his plaque commemorating his world record

Meet Bobi, the 30-year-old Rafeiro do Alentejo named the world’s oldest dog ever recorded

Meet Bobi, the oldest dog in the world. Though he's only held the title for a short time, he's already making headlines.
A brown puppy wearing a neon orange harness looks up

Expert tips for taking your puppy on their first walk

Walking your puppy for the first time doesn't have to be a nightmare. Try these expert-approved tips for a walk in the park that's a walk in the park!
A therapy dog wearing their harness sits and looks to the side

Mental health service dogs 101: What you need to know about alert dogs, emotional support animals, and others

Dogs have a way of healing hearts. Let's uncover the difference between therapy dogs, emotional support animals, and service dogs for mental health.
A pug wearing a sweater walks through the snow

How long can you walk your dog in cold weather? Experts tell us

Walking your dog in winter might seem like a daunting task, but you can make it comfortable and easy with these tips. They're expert-approved!
A poodle-mix dog crouches in the snow to play

Is cold just as bad as heat for dog paws? We asked the experts

Cold weather can take a toll on your dog's paws, so here's what you need to know. With these tips, you can keep your buddy's toe beans warm and comfy!
Pug puppy sniffs reflection in mirror

Do dogs recognize themselves in mirrors? According to experts, this is why your dog can’t stop staring

If you've been wondering about dogs and mirrors, you're not alone. This is the truth about whether dogs can recognize their reflections.
A brown dog growls and shows his teeth while out on a walk

Here are some easy ways to stop your dog from growling at strangers

Here's how to easily stop your dog from growling at strangers, starting with desensitization. Don't forget to bring the treats!
An elderly pit bull dog wearing a festive red sweater stands outside in the winter

The ultimate cold-weather gear guide all dogs need, according to the experts

From waterproof winter coats to protective paw wax, there are many ways to help your dog stay warm. This is the winter weather gear you need to consider.
Pet owner playing with his dog

4 2023 pet trends we’re happy to see (and 1 we’re not)

From virtual veterinary care to changes in popular training methods, 2023 will offer a lot to look forward to. Here are the expert-predicted trends.
A brown dog holds a soccer ball toy in their mouth while standing in the snow

3 things the experts wished pet parents knew about keeping dogs safe in winter

As cute as your dog looks in a winter coat, there are so many more ways to keep your pup protected from the cold. Here are our experts' favorite ways.
Collie dog standing on a beach near the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge

5 awesome dog-friendly places in California you should visit with your pet this winter

Looking to go on a winter vacation with your furry friend. Here are some great places to take your dog this winter in California.
Yellow lab begs at the Thanksgiving table

Can dogs eat turkey? Be careful this Thanksgiving

Here's what you need to know about sharing turkey and other food with your dog on Thanksgiving.
Adorable Pomeranian lying in a pile of leaves with pumpkins and other fall decor

8 reasons you should be so grateful for your dog this Thanksgiving

Though there are a million reasons to be thankful for your dog, here are a few to be especially grateful for this Thanksgiving.
A Pomeranian chews on a yellow flip-flop

Dog Crocs are going viral (again), so here’s what to know before making your next adorable purchase

Dog Crocs are here and they are a hit -- whether your pup is an influencer or a couch potato!
A cat in a pirate costume sits on someone's lap

Here are the best pet Halloween costumes from last year to help inspire this year’s spooky attire

These are our favorite pet Halloween costumes from 2021. Hopefully, they can inspire this year's Halloween costume for your pet!
A pit bull wearing fake horns poses for a Halloween photoshoot by a jack-o-lantern

7 Halloween pet safety tips all pet parents should learn for a stress-free spooky season

Here are seven tips to keep your pet safe this Halloween.