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Best Vet Recommended Dog Food

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  July 26th, 2021

Vet recommended dog food comes with a seal of approval from those that know best what’s best for our four-legged companions. Read on for the list of dog foods that veterinarians recommend as the best choices for pets of all shapes and sizes.

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A healthy diet is essential for your dog’s overall well-being. Not only that feeding the right type of food will make sure they are healthy, full of energy, and maintain optimal weight, but food can influence a myriad of common issues such as allergies or digestive problems. But how should you know which type of dog food is ideal for your pet? The safest bet is going for vet recommended dog food as these formulas have been either created by veterinarians or widely approved by them. This means that you’ve at least eliminated one big issue before narrowing down your choice- you’ll know that the food you’ve picked is something that an expert would advise you to give your pet and that there are no potentially problematic ingredients or lack of important nutrients.

Next, you’ll have to further customize the choice by considering your pet’s tastes, medical history, and your own budget. Some pooches prefer wet food, others love kibble, and some might need their diet to help them recover or keep in check a certain health problem, such as diabetes or obesity. To help you make the best choice, we’ve rounded up the best recommended dog food out there- all you have to do is pick one that will suit your pet’s requirements the best.

The name says it all: This veterinarian-recommended dog food will provide multiple benefits for your pet’s health. Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit is formulated to support your pet’s weight management journey while helping maintain optimal glucose levels, and keeping their bladder and digestive tract healthy. This formula is ideal for overweight and obese dogs or those that need to keep their weight in check: It contains vet-authorized levels of L-carnitine which may help your dog metabolize fat faster and more efficiently while building lean muscle. Additionally, this is a low-fat, low-kcal food that may help reduce weight gain and will keep them feeling full thanks to soluble and insoluble fiber.

If your dog has been struggling with frequent UTIs, ask your veterinarian if this food could be a smart choice because of its S+OXSHIELD TM. You can get Hill’s Prescription Diet w/d Multi-Benefit formula as dry food or wet food, so no matter which type your pet prefers, they’ll get to reap all the benefits of this veterinarian-recommended dog food. And remember, you need to consult your veterinarian before getting any vet-authorized food.

2. Runner up: Royal Canin Medium Breed Adult Dry Dog Food

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In case you have a healthy adult pooch, chances are you won’t need any special formula to keep them happy and thriving- but that doesn’t mean they should eat any type of kibble you find. Royal Canin Medium Breed Adult Dry Dog Food is tailored to the needs of dogs that weigh between 23 and 55 pounds and are over 12 months of age up to 7 years old. In other words, adult dogs that could be considered medium-sized will have all their nutritional needs met when eating this kibble.

Combining easy-to-digest proteins with healthy fibers, this dry food for dogs will make sure that your pet gets everything they need from the food to stay energetic and in good shape. Furthermore, the formula is enriched with EPA and DHA to keep their skin and coat healthy and shiny, as well as a mixture of antioxidants and prebiotics which support their overall immune system.

3. Customer’s choice: Purina Pro Plan with Probiotics

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Tasty AND healthy, this vet recommended dog food might be just the thing for picky dogs. The secret of Purina Pro Plan with Probiotics is that it combines hard kibble with tender shredded pieces so their food has an appetizing texture that dogs seem mad about (the savory chicken flavor also doesn’t hurt). This dry dog food boasts a high protein formula with real chicken as the first ingredient and rice as a healthy source of carbohydrates, so it’s a good choice for most pooches. It is also fortified with essential fatty acids for dander-free skin and a glossy coat, as well as live probiotics to promote better digestion. All in all, this is a solid choice for most dogs without any health issues or dietary preferences.

4. Best fresh food: JustFoodForDogs PantryFresh Dog Food

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What do vets recommend for dogs that don’t eat dry food? Not all dogs love eating kibble, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t any healthy alternatives. There is plenty of vet recommended wet foods out there, even fresh ones such as JustFoodForDogs PantryFresh Dog Food that are vetted by experts. If you want your pet to eat natural, homemade meals but lack the time or the skill to prepare them, this is a fantastic alternative. Made from human-grade ingredients in a USDA kitchen, it is gluten and grain-free (beef flavor only), as well as free of artificial preservatives and colors or any feed-grade ingredients.

Your pooch can choose between a few tasty options, including beef and russet potato, chicken and white rice, lamb and brown rice, and turkey and whole wheat macaroni. This food is a good choice for active, large dogs that burn off a lot of energy- it could cause a weight gain in a couch potato, so be careful.

5. Best grain-free: ORIJEN Dry Dog Food

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Just like people, some dogs might be sensitive to gluten and grains, so the only logical choice is switching to vet recommended grain-free dog food to eliminate the issue. ORIJEN Dry Dog Food has a protein-rich, biologically appropriate formula that is made with fresh region ingredients and combines multiple protein sources into one. This kibble is made from meat, organs, cartilage, and bone of free-run chicken and turkey and wild-caught fish, further enriched with cage-free eggs.

Another great thing about this kibble is that it strives to be as close to raw food as kibble can be: with 15 fresh or raw ingredients in the formula, it will naturally support your pet’s immune system. There might be no carbs on this list, but the ingredients pack a powerful punch- and will make sure your pet’s grain-free diet doesn’t lack any of the important nutrients.

6. Best for large breeds: IAMS Proactive Health Large Breed Dry Dog Food

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Big dogs have big appetites and it’s important to satiate their hunger with high-quality food to keep them healthy and in top form. IAMS Proactive Health Large Breed Dry Dog Food is tailored to meet the needs of large and active dogs and fortified with all the essential nutrients to support their strong bodies. This vet recommended food has real farm-raised chicken as its first ingredient to make sure your pet gets all the protein they need and is enriched with vitamins and minerals needed to support joint and bone health, which are the two things big dogs often struggle with if they don’t have a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. Additionally, the formula includes fibers and prebiotics to support your dog’s immune system and promote better digestion- which is much needed when your big doggo snarfs up kibble in seconds.

7. Best for sensitive dogs: Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance

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Allergies, intolerances, and sensitivities to food are common among dogs and require a special diet to avoid irritation and reactions. Blue Buffalo Natural Veterinary Diet Hydrolyzed for Food Intolerance is a medical vet recommended dog food that uses hydrolyzed protein (salmon) to eliminate potential allergens from the formula. This type of protein is easy to digest and contains all the necessary nutrients without the potential for irritating your pet’s sensitive tummy. To boot, this formula also excludes grains that could have your pet itching and having digestive issues, so the chances of a reaction are minimal. Enriched with essential fatty acids, vitamins E and C, and antioxidants, this vet recommended food will boost your pet’s immune system and help with their food allergy symptoms.

8. Best organic: Castor & Pollux Organix Organic Small Breed Dry Dog Food

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A lot of pet parents want their dog to eat organically and holistically, and many veterinarians agree that is a good choice for their pet’s health. Castor & Pollux Organix Organic Small Breed Dry Dog Food is one of those dry dog foods made from organic ingredients that veterinarians are happy to recommend- not only that it is certified organic by USDA but it also has a healthy formula that will support your dog’s overall health. With organic free-range chicken as the first ingredient and no grains, GMOs, artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors in the formula, this tasty kibble is a great choice if you want to go organic with your pet’s diet.

9. Best for puppies: Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food Lamb & Rice

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It is important to start with a healthy diet from the very beginning and that’s why veterinarians recommend offering your puppy high-quality kibble as soon as they are able to eat solids. One of the vet recommended foods for puppies that pooches seem to love is Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food Lamb & Rice, loved for the tiny size of the kibble and yummy flavor. The formula is perfected for dogs under 12 months of age and contains all the nutrients needed to support their growing bodies, including the very important DHA in optimal levels for cognitive development- which will help with puppy training, as well.

10. Best for digestion: Forza10 Intestinal Active Dry Dog Food

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Some dogs have sensitive stomachs and most foods cause bouts of diarrhea, gassiness, vomiting, bloating, and so on. Not only that it affects their quality of life but it can also make it more difficult for their bodies to absorb nutrients from food, which in turn causes a myriad of different health issues. Forza10 Intestinal Active Dry Dog Food is vet recommended and vet formulated complete nutraceutical food for dogs with gastrointestinal disorders. It is created to eliminate the cause of the inflammation by excluding antibiotics, wheat, gluten, soy, corn, and GMOs from the list of ingredients. Instead, it uses healthy protein from wild-caught Iceland anchovies and therapeutic plants and fruits to support your pet’s digestion while providing complete nutrients to boost their overall health.

What to Look for in Vet Recommended Dog Food?

While it’s certainly a big advantage for dog food to be recommended by a veterinarian, that doesn’t mean that all vet recommended foods are a great choice for your pet. There are tons of different formulas out there, each tailored to suit the needs of different dogs, whether it’s because of their age, size, or health status. This is why you’ll still have to do some research before settling on a brand- after all, you want to make sure your pooch is getting the best there is!

Formula

The first and foremost thing to consider is the formula. Grain-free, limited ingredient, organic, medical- there are options for every dog, so choose accordingly. In case your pet doesn’t have any medical issues that should be helped with the right food or isn’t on any special type of diet, then pick the vet recommended dog food according to their age or size (e.g. kibble for puppies or that meant for large adult dogs).

Flavor

Some dogs can be really picky so the taste of the food matters as much as its healthiness! Vet recommended dog foods come in a range of flavors from chicken and turkey to beef and fish, so you’ll easily find a match for your dog’s refined palate.

Ingredients

No matter if your pet is sensitive or not, there are some ingredients to avoid as a rule of thumb. This includes artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives added sweeteners or cheap fillers such as byproduct meal. Depending on individual cases, of course, this list might grow to exclude certain types of protein your pet is allergic to, grains, fats, and so on.

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Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Final Thoughts: Hamsters and ChildrenAre hamsters good pets for kids? The short answer is, “maybe.” There are several key factors to consider when deciding if a hamster will be an excellent addition to your family, including the space needed for their habitat, their independent personalities, your child’s interest in a bet, the work (and finances) required to care for your new hamster, and the availability of a veterinarian that will accept small animals.If your child is ready for a pet, but a hamster doesn’t quite check all the boxes on your new pet wishlist, there are many other options, including guinea pigs, cats, dogs, and some species of birds. Don’t rush this decision. Take time to research and find the best fit for your family before committing to your future furry (or feathered) family member.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Do You Know Your Pet's Love Language?

Relationship therapists have long used the concept of “Love Languages” to encourage better communication among couples. It defines how we express and receive love and sorts these behaviors into five categories – acts of service, physical touch, words of affirmation, gift-giving, and quality time. But did you ever stop to consider how your pet may fit into this framework? The folks at Nulo Pet Food did!Recently, the brand partnered with OnePoll to survey 2,000 cat and dog parents to better understand the secret to your pet’s heart.The survey found that quality time is the most popular love language among cats and dogs (27%). This refers to showing affection by giving your pet your undivided attention, with this increase in attention leaving our pets feeling loved and cared for. For 62% of respondents, this meant allowing their pet to sleep in their bed each night, while 40% reported that they would include their pet in their daily plans whenever possible.Of course, food still scored high in offering a path to a pet’s heart despite not technically being part of the original five love languages.53% of pet parents said they showed love by providing their pets with high-quality meals, which could technically fall under both acts of service and gift-giving. Dedicated to their pets' overall well-being, 47% answered that they showed love by prioritizing their pet’s health and nutrition over all else, and 32% focused on adding variety to their diet.“With 69% of respondents willing to put their pet’s dietary needs before their own, the data clearly shows just how important a role pets plan in their people’s lives,” explained Heather Acuff, Ph.D., Nulo’s Director of Research & Development. “Not only are pet parents speaking their pet’s love language, they’re going above and beyond to provide optimum care and nutrition to ensure the healthiest and happiest lives for their pets.”What inspires us to prioritize our pets so highly in our lives? These furry family members hold an important role in our lives, with 47% of pet owners believing their pet views them as a best friend and 42% stating that their pet sees them in the same way.This data gives us an insight into the dedication that pet parents show in providing quality nutrition to their dogs and cats. When asked why they feed their current diet, 50% said they strongly believed their pet enjoyed the food, 35% chose the diet for its high-quality ingredients, and 29% decided on a diet based on their budget.How important is variety in our pets’ diets? Only 48% of those surveyed believed they could survive eating the same meal every day for three months. It highlights the importance of products like food toppers that allow us to provide variation and make mealtime interesting while still prioritizing feeding a well-balanced diet. This includes commercial food toppers and pet-friendly human foods like pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, and more.Ultimately, the data reveals that food is one of the most significant ways we express our love and affection to our pets – possibly even making it the sixth love language for pets and pet parents!

Research Finds That Rats Have Imagination

Do animals have imagination? Many people wonder if animals are capable of imagining things in their minds the same way that humans can. Could a rat, for example, use their imagination? Recent research has shown that, yes, they can, at least to a similar degree as people.

What Causes Heartworm in Dogs?

One of the most dangerous threats to the health of dogs around the world is the dreaded  heartworm. Most people are not even aware of the illness, until it is too late for  treatment and the damage has already been done. In fact, many dog owners are not at all familiar with heartworm, how it occurs, how it progresses, and what causes it in the first place. That’s why we’ll go into all of the details every dog owner should know about heartworm. What Is Heartworm Disease in Dogs and What Causes It?Heartworm disease in dogs is caused by a parasitic worm, called Dirofilaria Immitis. These are most simply put, heartworm larvae, and are carried within mosquitos. And that’s how they are transmitted – through the bite of an infected mosquito. When a mosquito, carrying a heartworm larva, bites a dog, it immediately transmits the larvae onto the dog’s skin. This is how the heartworm enters the bloodstream, through the teeny tiny mosquito bite wound – yes, that is how incredibly small these larvae are. After this, over the course of several months, the deposited larvae mature and grow into adult worms that nest and reside within your dog’s heart, blood vessels, and lungs. Once they become adults and enter the animal’s system, these worms can really cause substantial damage to the lungs, heart, and even other organs. This damage is then manifested through visible symptoms, such as fatigue, weight loss, difficulty breathing, coughing, and – in the most extreme cases – heart failure. Heartworm needs to be treated. Otherwise, this disease can be fatal to dogs. Of course, your most common precaution is through regular use of heartworm preventatives, as well as minimizing exposure to mosquitoes or mosquito-dense areas. This can help protect your doggo from contracting a potentially deadly disease. Preventing And Treating Heartworm Disease in DogsThis being said, we need to take into account that heartworm disease won’t be common in all parts of the world equally. The disease is prevalent in parts of the world with warm or humid climates, and high populations of mosquitoes. This is not an exclusive rule, however, and the disease can occur in all parts of the world, including temperate zones. As a diligent dog owner, you should get familiar with your region and if needed, take precautionary measures. If you live in an area where there are a lot of mosquitoes, you can invest in things like mosquito repellents for dogs. 

How Acupuncture Can Help Cats and Dogs

Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and it can be used on people and pets to address a range of conditions. By balancing the flow of energy in the body, this technique can help reduce or resolve symptoms in a natural way.Many people have used acupuncture for their pets and achieved incredible results. But, like anything else, it might not be right for all pets or all conditions. And working with a qualified veterinarian who’s certified in pet acupuncture is key.Read on to learn more about acupuncture for cats and dogs.What Is Acupuncture for Dogs and Cats?In acupuncture, fine needles are placed in the skin on certain points throughout the body, referred to as acupuncture points or acupoints, in order to do things like restore energetic balance, reduce pain and inflammation, and support healthy blood flow. Based on your pet’s symptoms and condition, an acupuncturist will know where to insert the needles to get positive results.The needles shouldn’t cause any discomfort for your pet. In fact, pet parents often state that their animals become relaxed during their acupuncture sessions.Types of Pet AcupunctureThere are a few types of pet acupuncture, and an acupuncturist will determine which is best for your dog or cat.Dry needle acupuncture is the type of acupuncture that you’re likely familiar with. However, instead of using needles, acupuncturists can simply apply pressure to specific points on a pet’s body to support healing—this is known as acupressure.Other options include electroacupuncture, which combines the use of needles with an electric current, and laser acupuncture, which uses a cold laser to stimulate acupuncture points. The Benefits of Acupuncture for PetsAcupuncture can provide a host of benefits to pets when done correctly and by the right professional. As always, it’s wise to discuss this healing technique with your veterinarian to figure out if it’s appropriate for your canine or feline. And it’s important to discuss the potential risks or drawbacks before deciding if you want to try it.Some of the conditions that may be treated with the help of acupuncture include:Arthritis and joint problemsAcupuncture can be used to help relieve discomfort and pain associated with various conditions. If your pet has been diagnosed with arthritis or hip dysplasia, if they’ve been injured and are dealing with pain, or even if they’re having pain after a procedure, acupuncture might be a good treatment for reducing inflammation and improving mobility.In addition to acupuncture treatments, you can also help your pet feel more comfortable by using a heated bed like the K&H Thermo-Snuggle Cup Heated Cat Bed, which can also work well for small dogs. This product is machine washable and features soft fleece that your companion will love snuggling into. Its circular shape ensures your furry friend will feel nice and secure. Plus, you can use the removable heater to help alleviate discomfort and keep them warm while they relax or nap. 

More Dogs Than Ever Euthanized as Shelters Hit Capacity

Each year millions of cats and dogs enter shelters and rescues nationwide. Almost a million more animals have entered and lingered in the nation’s shelters in the last three years, resulting in an ongoing capacity crisis. Last year, 3.2 million dogs entered shelters and rescue organizations nationwide. More than 359,000 dogs were euthanized in 2023, compared to 330,000 cats that were euthanized last year. This marks a four-year peak in non-live outcomes for dogs and the first time the number of dogs euthanized has surpassed the number of euthanized cats.  These heartbreaking findings were published in an annual report of shelter populations compiled by Shelter Animals Count, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization founded in 2012. “Everywhere you turn, the shelters are in crisis,” said the organization’s executive director Stephanie Filer. “It’s truly about an imbalance of animals coming in at faster rates than they’re leaving.”According to Filer, for years cats were considered most at risk because they entered shelters at high rates, but faced low adoption rates. However, focused efforts to reverse these trends are giving results, and the newest data shows a positive shift.“We have seen major positive change,” said Filer. “Adoption rates are high and intakes have decreased, and there are efforts to keep cats at home or in their communities.”Unfortunately, dog programs are suffering, with adoption rates significantly lower than in recent years. “Too many dogs are entering shelters and being left behind,” added Filer, according to USA Today. “Unlike cat adoptions, which continue to increase, dog adoptions have essentially flatlined.”When people think of animal shelters, most imagine scores of large-sized mixed breeds and pit bulls. But in reality, there are purebreds like huskies, French bulldogs, Labradors, and even designer dogs.The one thing no animal advocate thought possible happened - the rates of dog euthanasia surpassed the rates of cat euthanasia for the first time in a long time. “The real reason we’re saying, ‘Wow,’ is that it wasn’t that way for a lot of years. And now it is,” said Filer.More than 6.5 million cats and dogs ended up in U.S. shelters and rescues in 2023. While the number of intakes remained relatively steady, this was the fourth consecutive year of overpopulation. While more dogs were adopted in 2023 than in 2022, the adoption rates were insufficient to meet the demand.The high cost of living, job loss, and housing cost challenges are the main reasons adoption rates aren’t keeping up with animal intake. At the end of 2023, an additional 70,000 cats and 107,000 dogs are waiting for a forever home in one of the many shelters and rescues nationwide. “With more animals entering shelters than leaving, animal welfare organizations and their communities need to continue working together to keep pets in loving homes and out of shelters, including finding ways to increase access to veterinary care and advocating for pet-friendly housing policies,” said Matt Bershadker, president and the CEO of ASPCA.Experts agree that the promotion of shelter adoptions is the best way to solve the ongoing capacity crisis. Adopting an animal from a shelter saves a life, but it also supports the struggling shelters and their staff. Although adopting a cat or a dog from a shelter isn’t possible for everyone, there are other things you can do to help. Volunteering in your local shelter, fostering a pet, or donating are great ways to get involved and help alleviate the shelter crisis.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why is My Rabbit Eating Poop and How Do I Stop It?

It’s a weird and uncomfortable habit, but if your rabbit is eating poop, it may not be a sign of health issues! In fact, for rabbits, eating poop may actually be a healthy decision (even if we’d prefer not to see it).In this article, we’re diving into the mystery of why rabbits eat poop, including why you may want to let your rabbit engage in this “cringey” habit. Plus, we’ll look at the warning signs that something is, indeed, off and when you should contact your veterinarian.Let’s get started…Is it Normal for a Rabbit to Eat Their Poop?Obviously, seeing your rabbit eating their own feces isn’t something any rabbit parent enjoys. If this is your first time seeing your rabbit engaging in this behavior, it may even cause serious concerns. What could possibly be so wrong with your rabbit’s system that they would feel tempted to do that? You may be surprised to learn that this is incredibly common and, in many cases, a regular part of their digestive process. By eating a specific type of poop, they ensure that they are getting (and keeping) all the nutrients that they need to support a healthy, happy life. The idea of chowing down on our own waste is disgusting to us. But for our furry friends, this is a normal part of their daily routine. Rabbit Poop vs Cecotropes To better understand the connection between poop eating and your rabbit’s health, we need to learn about the different types of rabbit waste. More specifically, we need to know about cecotropes. When we go to the bathroom, we have one type of solid waste – a material we couldn’t imagine getting near, let alone making into a meal. Rabbits, however, pass two different types of droppings. The first is fecal waste or poop. If your rabbit has a healthy, functioning digestive system, these will be small, round, dry, ball-like pellets that are light brown. This is often found in your rabbit’s litter box (if they are litter-trained) or the bottom of their cage.The second and the most important type of droppings are cecal pellets or cecotropes. These have the appearance of a small bunch of grapes with several round pellets clumped together. They are shiny, coated in mucus, and usually dark brown/mulberry color. The mucus is sticky, which could cause the cecotropes to pick up a layer of hay, wood shavings, or fur from their environment. While feces is the body’s way of discarding everything your body doesn’t need from your food, aka the ‘waste,’ cecotropes are a little different. These pellets contain partially digested foods that passed through your rabbit’s system without the nutrients being absorbed the first time. They are packed with nutrients as well as helpful bacteria and fungi that support a healthy gastrointestinal system. When you see a rabbit eating their waste, they are usually eating these cecotropes. This allows them to absorb the much-needed nutrients that would otherwise be lost.

Study Shows These Dog Breeds Most Likely To Have an Extra Row of Teeth

Is your pooch more likely to sport a second row of teeth? The so-called “Shark Teeth” is a little-known dental condition that can affect up to 7% of doggos around the world. The “disorder” is officially known as persistent deciduous teeth (PDT) and it means that instead of falling out as you’d expect, baby teeth remain in the gums when adult teeth come through. The condition is not particularly dangerous, but even so, it can be odd or cause slight discomfort to a dog. Recent studies revealed that the dog breeds most likely to suffer from PDT are the Toy Poodle, the Yorkshire Terrier, the Maltese, and the Chihuahua. What exactly is PTD? And what does it cause? The disorder causes  malocclusion, or - in simpler terms - a misaligned bite. In the long run, this can cause your pet’s mouth to bleed, and also increase the risk of periodontal disease, which is considered a serious gum infection.The research team at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute in Leicestershire, led by Corrin Wallis, released their new study that focuses on PDT specifically. “Dogs use their teeth for a multitude of tasks and, as such, it is vital for their health and wellbeing that their oral health is maintained,” Wallis and colleagues  say.  “Persistent deciduous teeth (PDT), those that fail to fall out at the appropriate time, are associated with malocclusion (misaligned bite), soft tissue trauma and increased risk of periodontal disease.”In the course of their extensive study, which has been published in the journal  Research in Veterinary Science, the team from Leicestershire examined medical records from up to 2.8 million dogs in the US, in just a span of five years, from January 2010 to December 2014. The study itself was a major undertaking. Ultimately, it was revealed that the prevalence of PDT was 7%. When it comes to individual breeds, it was revealed that the highest prevalence is amongst the Yorkshire Terriers with 25.1%, followed by the Maltese and the Poodle, both with 14.8%.On the lower end of that spectrum, the lowest prevalence was with the Greyhound, with 0.1%, followed by the Rhodesian Ridgeback with 0.2%. Amongst those breeds with lower percentages were also the English Bulldog, the Boxer, and the Great Dane, with 0.4%. All of this reveals that the smaller the breed, the higher the percentage. The team is not certain why smaller breeds have a higher percentage, but it could be linked to their genetics. The team said that it was crucial for owners of smaller breeds to have a thorough oral examination at around six months of age. This can help them identify and remove PDT in its early stages. “Once identified, PDT can be removed and if this is carried out by six months of age, the chances of problems associated with PDT, such as the development of periodontal disease or malocclusion, can likely be greatly reduced,” they said. 

How Can I Tell If My Dog Has a Fever?

High fever is no joke, and can be quite serious – both for people and their furry four-legged friends. Yes, dogs can have a fever too, and it can be a much more serious condition for them than it is for us. Unfortunately, fever is not an ailment you can spot with your bare eye. Because of this, you will need to thoroughly observe your pet’s behavior and learn how to spot those little details that indicate a fever. Read on as we go through the basics of dog fever and just how to tell if your pet needs your help.Symptoms of Fever in DogsDogs, like humans, can develop a fever as a response to illness or infection. It’s the body’s natural way to fight off the “intruders” in the body. Fever comes in many forms and for various reasons. You can tell if your dog has a fever by observing their behavior and checking for physical signs. Here are just a few of the most common indicators.Increased Body Temperature: 

How Do I Manage My Dog's Separation Anxiety When I'm At Work?

No one likes to be separated from their cherished pet for too long. But going to work is unavoidable for most of us, and, inevitably, our pets have to stay home alone. It might not seem like a big deal to you, knowing you’ll be back after a few hours, but it is definitely a big deal for your dog. In fact, most pet dogs are affected by this separation so much that they can experience anxiety and stress, ranging from mild discomfort to severe panic. Needless to say, this is traumatic for your pet (and can result in destroyed valuables, too) so it’s important to learn how to help them manage anxiety when you’re away. Here are some tips to help you navigate your pet’s separation anxiety while you’re at the office. 6 Ways To Prevent Dog Separation Anxiety When You’re At WorkGoing off to work and leaving their pet behind is a challenge for many pet owners around the world, especially those who live alone. When you're at the office, you need to make sure your pet is safe and taken care of until you come back. But even when you organize everything, your pet might feel stressed out on their own - even when it’s for a few hours, your dog won’t know why you left or even if you are coming back which can be a trigger for a panic attack for some canines. Some, especially  velcro dogs, get so nervous and stressed that they develop a separation anxiety disorder. But even so, there are many ways to help your pet cope when you're at work, regardless of the severity of their anxiety – here are 6 ways to reduce stress for your four-legged bestie.Create a Consistent Routine:Dogs thrive when they have a routine. Establish a consistent daily schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime. This helps them know what to expect and when. You can create their schedule around your work hours, so your pet will not find it odd that you are not there when they know what to expect before and after your shift (e.g. walk and mealtime).Gradual Departures and Arrivals:Don't make a big fuss when leaving or returning home. Keep your arrivals and departures low-key to reduce anxiety. This helps normalize the process. Make it seem like you just popped out for a few minutes. If you help your dog understand it is not a big deal, they might pick up on your relaxed energy and stay calm when you depart.Offer Interactive Toys: 

Are Squeaky Toys Safe for Dogs?

When it comes to dog toys that engage and entertain – squeaky toys are a tried and true classic that fits the bill perfectly. While most dogs love the high-pitched tones these chewable and squeezable toys produce, some owners are not as thrilled and are wondering if there are any potential dangers when it comes to squeaky toys. Could the squeaker come off and pose a choking hazard, or can mold build up inside the hollow center, etc? These are all valid questions, so let’s see what the answers are. Are Squeaky Toys Safe for Dogs? Safety Concerns To Have In MindSafety should always be paramount when it comes to choosing toys for your furry friend, especially when it comes to squeaky toys. Not every squeaky toy is created equal, and some may pose risks to your canine companion. Before selecting a squeaky toy, it's crucial to consider several safety factors.Firstly, pay close attention to the material of the toy. Opt for squeaky toys made from durable, non-toxic materials. Avoid toys with small parts that could be easily chewed off and swallowed, as this could lead to potential choking hazards. Ideally, the squeaker should be highly inaccessible, such as is the case in these  Multipet Loofa Dog Toys with a hidden internal squeaker. The long tubular body of the toy concealed the squeaker and is also super fun for pooches to carry and toss around.

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