Care guides
How-tos and explainers for everyday life with a dog, written from veterinary and behavior sources.
Safety
Christmas Hazards for Dogs: What to Watch For
Tinsel, tree water, poinsettias, chocolate and party guests are the big Christmas risks for dogs. Here is how to spot e…
Safety
Common Household Items That Are Toxic to Dogs
Human medicines, chocolate, xylitol, cleaners, rodent bait, batteries and essential oils are common household dog poiso…
Health & care
Diarrhea in Dogs: Common Causes and When to Worry
Mild diarrhea in a bright, eating dog often settles in a couple of days. Learn the likely causes, safe home care and th…
Safety
Dog First Aid Basics Every Owner Should Know
Dog first aid buys time until a vet takes over. Learn how to stay safe, stop bleeding, respond to choking and heatstrok…
Gear
Dog Gear for Cold Weather: Coats, Boots and Paw Balm
Not every dog needs a coat, but small, lean, short-coated and older dogs often do. Learn who needs gear, how to fit it…
Grooming
Dog Paw Care Through the Seasons
Check paws after walks, rinse off salt and dirt, test pavement with your hand, moisturize cracked pads and trim nails m…
Safety
Halloween Safety Tips for Dogs: Candy, Costumes and Doorbells
Keep your dog safe this Halloween: which candy is dangerous, how to handle trick-or-treaters, costume checks and what t…
Travel
Holiday Travel With Your Dog: Planning and Safety
Traveling with your dog for the holidays? Book a vet visit early, restrain your dog in the car, never leave them in a p…
Safety
How Cold Is Too Cold for Dogs?
Some dogs get uncomfortable below 45°F (7°C), small or thin-coated dogs are at risk below 32°F (0°C), and all dogs belo…
Lifestyle
How Much Exercise Does a Dog Need? By Age, Size and Breed
No single number fits every dog. Here is how age, breed, size and health change how much exercise your dog needs, and h…
Nutrition
How Much Should I Feed My Dog?
Start with the food label, then adjust to your dog's body condition. Learn what changes portions, how to measure meals,…
Grooming
How to Brush Your Dog's Teeth Safely, Step by Step
Brush with a pet toothpaste, never human toothpaste. A gentle step-by-step method, how often to brush, VOHC-accepted pr…
Training
How to Crate Train a Puppy, Step by Step
Crate training works when the crate feels like a safe den, not a punishment. Here is a gradual plan, from sizing to nig…
Behavior
How to Help a Dog Who Is Scared of Fireworks
Give your dog a quiet room, mask the noise and keep ID current. Then ask your vet about help and start gradual training…
Training
How to Potty Train a Puppy: A Routine That Works
Potty training comes down to frequent trips outside, one toilet spot, instant rewards and close supervision. Here is th…
Puppies
How to Puppy-Proof Your Home, Room by Room
Puppy-proofing means securing poisons, cords, trash and small objects at puppy height. Use this room-by-room checklist…
Training
How to Stop a Dog From Pulling on the Leash
Dogs pull because it gets them where they want to go. Teach loose-leash walking by stopping, rewarding the spot beside…
Training
How to Stop Puppy Biting: What Works and What Doesn't
Puppy mouthing is normal, but you can teach a gentle mouth. Learn to stop play, redirect to toys, use short breaks, and…
Nutrition
How to Tell If Your Dog Is Overweight: The Body Condition Score
Use the 9-point body condition score and three quick checks, ribs, waist and belly tuck, to see if your dog is overweig…
Safety
New Year's Eve and Your Dog: Noise, Parties and Escapes
Fireworks, party food, alcohol and open doors make New Year's Eve risky for dogs. Plan the day, set up a quiet room and…
Puppies
Puppy Feeding Schedule: How Often and How Much
Most puppies eat four meals a day at first, then three, then two. Here is a feeding schedule by age, plus how to portio…
Puppies
Puppy First Week Checklist: What to Do Before and After Homecoming
A practical checklist for your puppy's first week at home: supplies, puppy-proofing, the first vet visit, routines, toi…
Puppies
Puppy Supplies Checklist: What You Need Before Pickup Day
Before your puppy comes home, get food and bowls, a crate or pen, a collar with ID, toys, potty supplies and a safe hom…
Puppies
Puppy Vaccination Schedule Explained
Puppies get core vaccines every 2 to 4 weeks from about 6 to 8 weeks old until at least 16 weeks. See the timeline, boo…
Behavior
Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Signs and Training Plans
Separation anxiety is panic, not spite. Learn the signs, how to rule out other causes, a step-by-step alone-time plan,…
Safety
Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Can and Cannot Have
Plain, boneless turkey is fine in small bites. Skin, bones, stuffing, grapes, dough and sugar-free desserts are not. He…
Health & care
Vomiting in Dogs: When to Wait and When to Call the Vet
One bout of vomiting in an otherwise bright dog can often be watched at home. Learn the red flags that mean call the ve…
Safety
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Something Toxic
Move your dog away, find out what and how much they swallowed, and call your vet or a poison hotline right away. Do not…
Behavior
Why Does My Dog Bark? Reasons and Fixes
Dogs bark to warn, greet, ask for attention or cope with stress. Learn to read the reason, match the fix, teach a quiet…
Safety
Winter Hazards for Dogs: Antifreeze, Ice Melt and More
Antifreeze, ice melt, thin ice and cold cars are winter's biggest dog hazards. Learn to spot each and what to do if you…