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.

New Home DNA Tests for Dogs Can Reveal Inherited Diseases

Is your pooch at risk of hereditary diseases? With Orivet's new health screening kits, you'll won't have to wonder ever again.

The Dangers of Rat and Mouse Poison to Dogs

Some dogs will try anything that looks tasty from off the ground. Keep your dog away from rat and mouse poison.

Dogs Panting: Why Does Your Pooch Do It?

Tongue hanging out; drool hitting the floor - they're the telltale signs of dogs panting. Your pooch does it when he's hot, as well as other reasons.

How To Stop Stinky Dog Farts

Urgh! What's that smell? We've been blaming rotten smells on the dog for many years, but what can you do if you've got a legitimate problem with dog farts?

What Is Cherry Eye In Dogs?

I spy with my little eye something that looks red and swollen! Let's go over some important facts about cherry eye in dogs and how to fix it.

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.

How Second-Hand Smoke Affects Your Dog

Need another good reason to quit smoking? That nasty habit could be killing your dog! You probably already know the dangers of second-hand smoke for infants…

Combat Dog Dental Disease With Help From Loving Pets and The Missing L

Canine dental health problems? With help from Loving Pets and The Missing Link, we can keep our pooch's teeth pearly white.

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:

Common Myths About Spaying And Neutering Your Dog

As a responsible pet parent, you'll be faced with whether or not you will spay or neuter your dog. Let's look at common myths about spaying and neutering.

Should Dogs Drink Ice Cold Water?

Nothing quenches your thirst like a glass of cold water. But is it safe for your dog to drink ice cold water?

The Buzz About How Mosquitoes Can Sabotage Your Dog’s Health

Mosquitoes are pests – not just to humans, but to dogs as well. But did your know that a bite from this insect can cause more than just an itchy annoya…

Is A Wet Dog's Nose Good or Bad?

A dog’s nose is their tool for discovering the world around them through scent, but dog noses are important for much more than sniffing – the state of your p…

How Water is Important for a Dog’s Digestive Health

It's more than just a matter of thirst. Water also plays an important role in a dog's digestive health. Here's how it helps keep things moving.

99 Lives Project Uses Cat Genome Sequencing To Shed Light On Human Dis

University of Missouri researchers believe that the genetic makeup of cats may help identify new treatments for humans suffering from allergies, asthma, diab…

Top 10 Daily Toxins That Can Harm Your Dog

Your pet is a living being that can succumb to toxins in the environment we don't even think about. Here's what they are and how to get rid of them.

Unleash The Hero In Your Dog By Donating Canine Blood

Did you know that your dog can donate blood? It’s true! Here’s why letting your dog donate blood can save the lives of countless pets. Its summer…

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.

Can Dogs Be Allergic to Pollen?

Believe it or not, dogs can be allergic to pollen, just like humans. This condition is known as canine pollen allergy or canine hay fever. Here's what you can do to help your pet.

Can I Put Vaseline on My Dog?

Does your dog have dry or irritated skin? You may be wondering, can I put Vaseline on my dog? Read on to learn if it's safe for your pooch.

Spicy Topic: Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon?

Pooches love the taste of cinnamon... but is it safe? Can dogs eat cinnamon or not? Find out if you should be including it in your dog's diet.

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…

Do Dogs Have Belly Buttons?

Is it an innie or an outie? No, we're not talking about you - we're talking about your dog! Have you ever noticed if your dog has a belly button?

Wheelchairs For Dogs: How To Know If Your Dog Needs One

Your pet can gain their mobility back with a wheelchair for dogs- here are the cases that require the help of mobility aid for a better quality of life.

Pet Obesity Study Shows Promise and Surprising Links With Humans

Recently conducted research shows that there might be a way to battle the obesity pandemic – with certain strains of probiotics that can help curb pet obesity, especially when dogs are in question.

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.

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.

Pet Blood Donation: Giving The Gift Of Life To Man’s Best Friends

There's a critical need for pet blood donation across the country; find out how your pet can help give the gift of life!

Chronic Ear Infections in Dogs: They’re Smelly and Tough to Resolve

For those of us with floppy-eared dogs, we know the signs of a pending ear infection all too well. The constant ear scratching, head shaking and that tell-tale…

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.

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.

Know Your Enemy: Most Common Types of Dog Fleas

‘Tis the season for those nasty little pests to come out of hiding and irritate you and your pet. Be on the lookout for these common types of dog fleas.

Do Dogs Get Seasonal Depression?

Seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD or seasonal depression, is connected to shorter days, colder weather, and bleaker views and can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. But what about our dogs? Can they get seasonal depression as well?

Tricks of the Trade: Fear-Free Veterinary Strategies

A trip to the vet? No thank you! If your dog hates going to see the veterinarian, there are things you can do to ensure a less stressful visit.

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.

Can Dogs Detect Cancer?

A dog's nose is a powerful tool used for many different purposes. But can dogs detect cancer? Read on to find out more.

4 Smile-Worthy Common Doggy Dental Myths

Do any of these myths about a dog’s dental health sound familiar to you? Many dog parents don’t realize the importance of providing basic dental…

5 Stress-Free Ways To Deal With Dog Separation Anxiety

Dog separation anxiety is a common condition in canines. It affects dogs of all ages and breeds and can cause serious distress and injury to your pooch.

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.

Take Your Pet To The Vet Without Leaving Home With Vetster

The pandemic has changed the way we live our lives. It affects everything we do – how we work, how we shop, even how we interact with our pets. Even a visit…

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.

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…

Why Does My Dog Eat Grass?

Have you noticed your pooch sneakily snacking on grass? Here's why your lawn clippings suddenly seem as appetizing as kibble.

Taking a Bite Out Of Gingivitis in Dogs

Did you know that most dogs will suffer from gum disease during their life? Here's how you can help stop gingivitis in dogs.

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?

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.

The Hideous Truth About Dog Plastic Surgery

On the list of things you can do for your pooch, plastic surgery isn’t one of them. Things have come a long way since tail docking – many of thes…

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?

My Dog Has Skin Tags – Is He Alright?

The truth is, skin tags are normal for dogs and they'll get any number of them throughout the course of their life.

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.

Why Do Your Dog’s Paws Smell Like Corn Chips?

Have you noticed a certain smell in the air after your dog licks his paws? We looked into why a dog's paws emit a corn chip scent - here's what we found.

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.

Seasonal Allergies Bring Scratches and Sniffles in Our Pets

Pets can react to seasonal allergies. Unusually warmer temperatures this season mean more allergic reactions, and experts offer professional suggestions.

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.

Breast Cancer in Pets: Causes and Treatments

I discovered the lump while playing with my newly adopted feline, Maude. A much-enjoyed belly rub was how I first felt the mass and because I had been through i…

Physical Changes to Expect in Older Dogs

Sharing your heart and home with a dog is a rewarding experience. They bring us so much joy and unconditional love, and they don’t ask for much in return. They only have one major flaw – they don’t live long enough!

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.

8 Scratchy Tips About Ticks

In order to defeat your enemy, you must know your enemy. And for your dog, that means you need to be an expert about all things tick related.

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…

Talking About Tartar Buildup On Dog’s Teeth

Ick! It’s gross, but you can’t hide from it – tartar buildup on your dog’s teeth can be a serious issue It’s not pretty but we&…