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.

Can A Dog's Tooth Abscess Heal On Its Own?

Dental abscesses are typically caused by bacterial infection, which can spread rapidly if not addressed promptly. Without proper treatment, the infection can affect surrounding tissues, leading to more extensive dental and oral health issues.

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?

How Dogs Can Help Prevent Suicide

The winter months often lead to increased depression and thoughts of suicide. Dogs offer a unique form of furry therapy that helps get you out of your head.

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?

How to Read Your Dog’s Poop

It's not on any best-seller list, but reading your dog's poop can help determine his health. Here's how to read your dog's poop and understand what it's saying.

Does My Dog Have Seasonal Allergies?

People often suffer from seasonal allergies, but did you know that they can affect dogs as well? Here’s what to watch out for. Sneezing, itchy, watery…

Chlorine or Saltwater Pools: Which is Best for Dogs?

When the days get hot, your dog may want to jump in the pool to cool off. But should you go with chlorine or saltwater in your pool - which option is better for your dog?

What’s The Difference Between Fleas and Ticks?

Sure, fleas and ticks are little pains in the butt, but did you know that there are differences between the two? Know what youre up against this spring.

Do I Have A Fat Dog? How To Tell If Your Dog Is Overweight

Does my butt look big in this collar? Here are a few tips to deal with a fat dog. Dogs are known for being voracious eaters – no matter how well you fe…

Are Dogs Colorblind?

We've all heard that dogs are colorblind, but is it true? Let's take a look at this popular belief, and if it really holds true.

Tick SR Makes Dog Tick Removal Quick and Painless

If your dog as ever had ticks, you never forget that experience. But there's a solution for quick and painless dog tick removal and it's called Tick-SR.

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.

Vaping and Dogs: Is It a Safe Alternative Around Your Pets?

Vaping, or e-cigarettes, are often touted as a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. But are pet still at risk for smoking-related illnesses?

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.

Dogs and Chocolate: Why The Two Don’t Mix

Death by Chocolate isn't the name of a dessert - it's a reality for canines. Here's why dogs and chocolate don't mix and what to do if your pup eats it.

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.

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.

How to Perform a DIY Physical Exam on Your Dog

You know your dog better than anyone. Employ a hands-on approach when it comes to your dog's health in between regular veterinarian appointments.

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.

Canine PTSD: What You Need To Know About PTSD In Rescue Dogs

You’re likely familiar with what Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is and what it may look like in humans. But did you know that up to nearly a fifth of res…

The Shocking Truth About Dogs and Garlic

There is a lot of controversy surrounding dogs and garlic on the Internet. Thanks to the research efforts of experts, many believe garlic is good for dogs.

Vets Warn: Dry Drowning Is a Risk for Dogs, Too

Want to take your pooch to the beach for some summer fun? Read this first. Sunny days on the beach, frozen treats, and vacation time– what’s no…

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…

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.

Why Dental Health Is So Important For Dogs?

Here are some important reasons why you need to keep your dog’s smile healthy Dental health is often overlooked in dogs. Owners expect their dogs to ha…

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.

Gastrointestinal Obstructions in Dogs

If your dog eats something he shouldn't, it can cause a gastrointestinal obstruction. To prevent this from happening, here's what you need to know about the problem.

Tips On Making Your Home Comfortable For Your Senior Dog

Your dog deserves a comfortable retirement – here’s how to make it golden He’s been by your side for a long time. Even though he’s no…

Dog Lice: Everything You Need To Know To Protect Your Dog

You might start scratching reading the word ‘lice,’ and shiver at the thought of your dog having lice. Here’s what you need to know to prev…

What Causes Hair Loss In Dogs?

Hair loss in dogs can't be covered up by a bad Trump-esque toupee. Those bald patches and spots could signal the start of something serious.

6 Best Pet Releaf Products For Your Pets

Pet Releaf products are amazing–they activate our pets’ Endocannabinoid Systems and lets our pets’ brains get full body relief wherever they need it. That’s important. That’s vital. They deserve and demand our attention. Here are the six best Pet Releaf Products you’ll want to know about for your pets. These could all dramatically improve your pet’s life.

6 Things You Can Do to Keep Your Dog’s Heart Healthy

If you thought that keeping your dog “heart healthy” was simply down to controlling his weight and getting in some exercise, you’d only be partially right.

What Should You Do With Unused Pet Pharmaceuticals and Care Products?

If you're just chucking heartworm pills and flea treatments in the trash, you're doing it wrong. And, according to a new study, you're not the only one.

All You Need to Know About Vet Telehealth

Veterinary telehealth, also known as pet telehealth, veterinary telemedicine, or virtual vet is a form of a remote veterinary practice – in other words, veterinarian-provided medical advice and services through any available communication technologies, just as call centers, smartphone apps, chats, etc.

What’s All the Controversy Around Hybrid Vigor in Dogs?

From breeders to pet parents, it seems like everyone has an opinion about hybrid vigor. But what is it and is it a good or bad thing?

How Long Can You Leave a Dog Alone?

Whether you've got errands to run or you've got to go to work, there are some places your dog can't go. But how long can you leave a dog alone at home for?

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.

Can a Dog Get Sunburn?

Who doesn't like to lie out in the sun and catch some rays. But can a dog get sunburn? Here's what you should know about the dangers.

Is Rock Salt Toxic to Dogs?

Sadly, the answer is yes – rock salt, commonly used for de-icing roads and sidewalks in winter, can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities.

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.

Can Dogs Have Insomnia?

If you notice your pooch having trouble snoozing and staying up all the time, it could be a sign that they have some form of sleep disorder. And it could very well be canine insomnia.

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…

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.

Talking About Palliative Care For Older Dogs

Let's go over the basics about what palliative care is, in which situations it might be needed and how to create a palliative care plan for older dogs.

10 Signs Your Dog is From a Puppy Mill

Puppies from puppy mills often come with a host of health problems. By knowing what to look for in puppy mill puppies, you can help stop their sale.

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…

California Vets Want to Prescribe Medical Marijuana to Pets

For many pets, non-psychoactive cannabis oil successfully treats health issues, and if the new bill passes, your veterinarian can be the one prescribing it.

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.

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.

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!

Owner Behavior to Blame for Pet Obesity, Researchers Reveal

According to new research, it seems that we should start with changing our behavior if we want our pets to stay healthy and in top shape.

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.

Why Does My Dog’s Breath Stink?

Holy cow - what's that smell coming out of your dog's mouth?! If you're wondering why your dog's breath stinks, take a look at what we have to say.

How Much Water Should My Pet Be Drinking Throughout the Day?

No matter what time of the year it is, your pet needs to drink a certain amount of water per day in order to say healthy.

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.

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!

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.

Is There Such a Thing as Dog Detox?

Dogs can get stinky and full of toxins just like humans can. That's the time to consider dog detox. Find out two ways to keep your dog detoxified.

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?

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.