According to Pawp, a telehealth service for pet parents, upwards of 60 percent of all pet issues can be solved with a telehealth (as opposed to an in-person) appointment. While the concept of telemedicine (or telehealth) for humans has been around for a while, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic that people began using the video calling capabilities offered by their smartphones, tablets, and computers to communicate with their doctor(s) when in-person visits were not possible or convenient.

This same technology can now be used to communicate with a licensed veterinarian or pet expert that’s part of a telemedicine service, or in some cases, your pet’s own veterinarian.

What exactly is veterinary telemedicine?

According to Dr. Antje Joslin, an in-house veterinarian expert at Dogtopia, “Most smartphones, tablets, and laptops can provide the audio/visual capabilities to host a telemedicine consultation over various platforms, such as Zoom. The availability of telemedicine may vary quite a bit from practice to practice, as well as from state to state, based on existing mandates, but all require an existing veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR), unless it’s an emergency.”

Just like when visiting a veterinarian in-person, Dr. Joslin explained, “During the telemedicine appointment, the doctor will ask pertinent history or situational questions, or may ask to see the pet during the video call. For example, if you are calling about a rash on their skin, the veterinarian you’re speaking with may have you show them the affected area. A telemedicine visit can assess whether your pet needs to be seen in person by their regular veterinarian or an emergency vet clinic, or if there is something the owner can do at home.”

Other ways veterinary telemedicine can be used, according to Dr. Joslin, is to refill prescription medications, review lab work, or check on post-surgical healing, without having to transport your pet to the veterinarian’s office. She added, “Telemedicine appointments can be used in many situations, as long as a veterinarian-client-patient relationship exists, and the doctor who is working with your pet feels they are able to assess good clinical judgment to help the patient remotely.”

While telemedicine works well in many situations, it’s not suitable for others. For example, Dr. Joslin explained that an in-person veterinary appointment is necessary when it comes to anything that obviously needs a hands-on assessment or treatment. She stated, “There’s no substitution for an in-person veterinary visit when vaccinations need to be administered, diagnostic procedures need to be conducted, a surgery needs to be performed, or if there’s an emergency situation that needs in-person attention to properly be managed.”

How to get the most out of a veterinary telemedicine appointment

When it comes to getting the most out of a telemedicine appointment with a veterinarian, there are several things you can do, in advance, as a pet parent. For starters, having two adults present during the telemedicine call will allow one person to speak with the veterinarian and hold the smartphone or tablet, for example, while the second person keeps the dog or cat calm.

Prior to the telemedicine appointment, gather a copy of your pet’s medical records, including a list of their current medications and food. Also, write down a list of any questions you want to ask the veterinarian. Next, gather, set up, and test the technology you’ll need to participate in the video call. Whenever possible, choose an area in your home that’s well lit, where you’ll be able to keep your dog calm, and that offers room to move around.

“Knowing your pet’s vaccine history, having their list of current medications on hand, and gathering as much pertinent history relating to the reason for the telemedicine visit as possible will all be beneficial,” explained Dr. Joslin, who believes that saving time and convenience are the biggest advantages that telemedicine offers. This type of veterinary appointment is also beneficial to pets that are hard to get into a clinic, due to things like anxiety, aggression, or mobility issues.

If during a telemedicine appointment the veterinarian prescribes a new medication for your pet, in some cases, that veterinarian will be able to mail you the medication, or you’ll be able to pick it up at their office at your convenience. Alternatively, you can take advantage of an online pharmacy. Chewy.com, Petco, and PetSmart, for example, each offer comprehensive online pharmacy services.

The cost of veterinary telemedicine

As for the cost associated with a telemedicine appointment with a licensed veterinarian, Dr, Joslin explained that “Some large corporate practices that have health and wellness plans where clients pay a monthly or yearly fee, will include telehealth in the service’s plans at no additional cost. In addition, some pet insurance companies provide free telehealth services to clients. Otherwise, the fee is usually equivalent to what you’d pay for an in-office visit with your local veterinarian. If you have pet insurance, contact that company to determine if the cost of telehealth services is included in your plan. Some insurance companies offer free telehealth consults just for being part of their program.”

Discover Pawp: An on-demand pet telehealth service

In addition to working with a local veterinarian and having pet insurance, subscribing to a telehealth service, like Pawp, provides telemedicine services to pet parents that are available 24/7, for a flat rate of $19.00 per month. As a Pawp subscriber, you can participate in unlimited video calls or text message conversations with licensed veterinarians and pet professionals, with no appointment or wait time required.

The Pawp experts are available, at your convenience, to help you manage your pet’s health, deal with behavioral issues, and focus on nutritional concerns whenever they arise. So, whether you’re a new pet parent dealing with a puppy’s nutritional issues for the first time, or you have an older dog that suddenly starts exhibiting unusual behavioral issues, Pawp is a place where you can get expert answers and support. In addition, a Pawp subscription includes coverage for one emergency veterinary care bill per year (up to $3,000).

Dr. Jo Myers has been a practicing clinical veterinary medicine for more than 30 years. Recently, she joined Pawp as the organization’s Lead Veterinary Advisor. She explained, “Ease, flexibility, and access are the biggest advantage of utilizing telemedicine for your pet. As a veterinarian, I can remotely meet up with pet parents and their pets in their own home, where they’re the most comfortable.”

She added, “Telemedicine is not a way to shortcut the medical system. Instead, it’s an additional way to provide access to pet patients who need to consult with a veterinary professional. In my opinion, telemedicine is ideal for dealing with preventative medical issues, addressing nutritional questions, or for troubleshooting ongoing behavioral issues, for example. We’re also able to help manage chronic medical conditions, such as allergies, via telemedicine. It’s important to understand that telemedicine is not a substitution, however, for hands-on medical care when it’s required.”

Dr. Myers also explained that the legalities pertaining to veterinary telemedicine vary from state to state, and this is not yet a service that all veterinary practices have adopted. It is, however, the wave of the future in terms of it being a new way that veterinarians to help care for their clients.

“When I first learned about Pawp as a pet parent myself, I immediately thought this was a totally different type of service and one that was definitely needed. I emailed the company, and we opened a dialog that led to me being hired by Pawp as an expert advisor. I am not actually someone a subscriber would talk to if they requested a telehealth appointment,” she said. “I love that a pet parent can log into our service anytime and get expert answers to their pet-related questions from the comfort of their home.”

Always be prepared

Dr. Myers agrees with Dr. Joslin when it comes to how pet parents should prepare for a telehealth appointment, and she stressed that being in a well-lit room will help the pet expert you’re consulting with to see your pet in the clearest way possible. She also agreed that having details about your pet’s prescriptions, current diet, and medical history will be helpful.

“At the start of each telehealth appointment, the veterinarian or pet expert you’re consulting with will ask a bunch of questions. The better you’re able to answer those questions with complete and accurate information, the easier it will be for the person you’re consulting with to provide information that’s beneficial to you and your pet,” said Dr. Myers.

She added, “There is a lot of pet-related information on the Internet, but that’s a mixed blessing because not all of it is accurate. Working with an experienced veterinarian or pet expert will make it much easier to stay informed and provide the best possible care to your pet. I do not recommend simply relying on Dr. Google when you need answers to medical questions pertaining to your pet.”

Even if you have the best veterinary experts at your fingertips thanks to telemedicine, it’s essential for pet parents to have a plan in place when an emergency arises. “Know where you can take your pet, anytime day or night if they need urgent medical care,” she added.

Additional veterinary telemedicine services

Within the United States, other services that provide telemedicine services by licensed veterinarians and related pet experts, include: Chewy, PetPro Connect, TeleTails, AirVet, and TeleVet. Visit the Apple iPhone App Store or Google Play Store (for Android smartphones) to download the mobile app associated with one of these services. 

For example, it’s probably cute when you dress up your dog in fashionable outfits and strut them around town, but is that outfit designed to keep them comfortable and warm in cold weather (or dry in the rain), or are you putting them in clothing that’s adorable but uncomfortable and serves no purpose other than to get compliments from your human friends?

Likewise, do you think you’re pampering or spoiling your dog by feeding them way too many unhealthy treats or sharing your own meals instead of making sure he’s eating a well-balanced, premium-quality dog food that provides the proper calories and nutrients based on their breed, age, and weight?

When it comes to grooming, it’s essential that you keep your dog clean but that you use a shampoo, for example, that won’t dry out their skin or compromise their hair or fur, even though it smells wonderful to humans. For dogs that require regular grooming, are you picking a haircut style that’s best for them based on the season (temperature) and their activity level, or are you choosing a style based solely on what makes your dog look the cutest?

Focus on your dog’s safety, health, and well-being

For absolutely everything you do for or with your dog, focus on their safety, health, and well-being — not just on what seems appealing or convenient to you or what generates the most favorable reaction from your dog. For example, most dogs will provide extra love in exchange for plenty of treats, but too much of anything, especially unhealthy treats, is not good for any dog.

Dr. Sarah Wooten, CVJ, at Pumpkin Pet Insurance suggests, “Invest in nutrition. Give your dogs the best nutrition you can afford. In general, avoid cheap, grocery-store dog food, because you get what you pay for. Feed your dog an appropriate number of daily calories to avoid weight issues.”

When it comes to pampering your pooch, instead of regular massages, for example, Wooten urges, “Brush your dog’s teeth every day. If your dog has any level of dental disease, get it addressed as soon as possible, because even mild dental disease causes discomfort and additional wear and tear on internal organs that can be avoided.”

Investing in a thorough comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment (COHAT) procedure every few years, when prescribed by your veterinarian, will cost between $600 and $1,500, but it will prevent dental-related pain your dog may be experiencing and ultimately could extend his life, plus provide for a better quality of life as he ages. Money spent on a COHAT procedure is better spent than on an unnecessary massage, for example, that your dog may or may not benefit from or even enjoy.

Proper grooming is essential, but massages might not be as beneficial as you think

In terms of grooming, Wooten suggests, “Have your dog professionally groomed once a month and regularly give them a pedicure as it’s needed. By this, I mean trim their nails to prevent long nails that can be uncomfortable and tear.” If you insist on applying nail polish to your dog’s nails, use polish designed specifically for canines and not humans, as the dog may lick or eat it. Nail polish for humans can contain ingredients that are extremely poisonous if consumed.

Even if, as a human, you enjoy relaxing time spent at a day spa — getting massages and other treatments — this may be something that frightens your dog, causes extreme stress, and that’s not at all beneficial to them. Consult with your veterinarian before providing your dog with massages, acupuncture, or other new age or specialty procedures offered by doggy spas, as opposed to veterinary practices.

Avoid humanizing your dog during the pampering process

“It is not a good idea to humanize a dog because dogs are not humans,” adds Wooten. “They don’t think like us, and it can lead to behavior problems. The main problem with spoiling a dog or treating it like a human is that the dog is typically given carte blanche to do whatever they want to do. This can result in a dog that is difficult or impossible to control, can predispose a dog to aggressive and dominant behavior, and ultimately can create stress and conflict within the home.”

When a dog is overly pampered or spoiled by human standards, Wooten states, “These dogs are more likely to bite and snap, guard their valued resources, such as food, bedding, and even their humans, jump up on people, and eat food off tables. They could also become aggressive toward strangers, not listen to commands, and have problems with house training. Humanizing your dog can be very stressful on your dog because they don’t know what to do and they don’t know who is in charge. This can create stress-related aggression toward people and other dogs, or result in the dog developing compulsive disorders. Dog parents need to develop an understanding of how the canine brain works, as opposed to humanizing their dog.”

Instead of pampering your dog with activities that appeal more to humans, invest your resources toward providing your pet with exercise, social time, and mental stimulation that’s enjoyable and beneficial to them. As opposed to a massage or spa treatment that is not treating a diagnosed medical issue and recommended by your veterinarian, Wooten says, “Provide 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise and fresh air, provide your dog with mentally stimulating toys that keep them busy, and give them something to chew on that’s healthy. Dogs love to chew, so provide them with something to chew on every day.”

Depending on your dog, they may love the opportunity to regularly visit a doggy daycare facility, where they can get exercise and socialize with other dogs. Focus on providing your dog with a comfortable and safe place to sleep after their busy day.

Wooten adds, “Dogs need quality sleep as much as humans, so invest in a supportive sleeping surface that cushions joints away from hard surfaces. A company like Big Barker manufactures and sells orthopedic dog beds for large dogs that have been clinically studied by the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Clinical Investigations Center to prove their effectiveness.”

Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, MRCVS, from The Vets adds, “It’s important that you are not overpampering your dog, especially when it comes to treats. Pet obesity is one of the leading concerns of veterinarians all over the world, with more than 50% of pets now considered obese. When we investigate why, a lot of dogs are simply consuming too many calories and not getting enough exercise. Because we humans equate food with love, we like to pamper our pooches by cooking them special meals or giving them scraps from our table. But these crusts of toasts, slices of steak, and scrambled eggs mixed with their kibble will cause weight gain and increase the risk of joint disease, cancer, and heart disease.”

So, instead of shelling out for a weekly massage for your dog, consider investing that money into a proper and healthy diet and ensuring they get plenty of exercise — especially if that means hiring a dog walker or paying for doggy daycare. Giving your dog what they need is far more important than humanizing your pup and providing them with services you might enjoy as a human but that aren’t as beneficial to healthy dogs.

Of course, if your pet is suffering from a physical ailment and has been diagnosed with arthritis, for example, a massage, acupuncture, or a specialized diet could reduce their ongoing pain and discomfort, but this is something a veterinarian — not a doggy spa attendant — should recommend.

Pampering your dog can be a good thing but only if done correctly

Dr. Rachel Szumel, CTC, at Blue Lake Animal Care Center adds, “Spoiling a dog implies the dog is ruined by the treatment. I tell my clients to let that idea go. A dog who is treated well, kept healthy, and gets lots of enriching activities might be considered pampered, but happy dogs in this case are far from spoiled. First and foremost, take care of your dog’s health. Yearly wellness checks are a must, and make sure they’re vaccinated. Do as much preventative care as possible. Take care of their teeth and keep them lean, so they can move around well and don’t develop debilitating arthritis when they are older. Providing a comfortable and well-made orthopedic bed, where your dog will feel safe sleeping, is also a really good investment.”

Dr. Sabrina Kong is a veterinary writer at We Love Doodles. She explains that the concept of pampering a dog can mean many different things to people. Her top six recommendations for pampering your pooch are: refreshing their water bowl regularly, providing treats to reinforce good behavior, getting them groomed regularly (to avoid matting and keep him clean), taking them outside more often for long walks, providing interactive toys and quality chew toys, and giving them more opportunities to socialize with other humans and dogs.

Meanwhile, Dr. Joanna De Klerk, the author of Old Dog Love: A Common-Sense Guide to Caring for Your Senior Dog, recommends focusing on the physical needs of your older dog. She advises providing an orthopedic dog bed and utilizing doggy ramps to help your dog get into the car or up onto furniture (to prevent jumping) and adds, “Grooming should be part of every dog owner’s routine, but especially so in senior dogs. Not only does it remove loose hairs and spread natural oils through the coat, but it also improves your dog’s comfort. This is because gentle grooming is like a massage that stimulates blood flow to the skin and muscles. This in turn decreases inflammation. As a result, it can reduce downtime and discomfort due to still, creaky joints and muscles.”

Ultimately, the key to pampering your dog is to provide the nutrition, services, toys, and activities they need to prosper and to lead a healthy lifestyle. That’s preferable to humanizing your dog and giving them what you, as a human, would enjoy. Speak with your vet to ensure you’re investing your time, money, and resources into pampering your dog in ways that truly benefit them and their long-term well-being.

As a pet parent, you probably want to be feeding your dog the highest-quality and most healthy food possible — without having to spend a fortune. Leaving aside raw diets or specialty diets prescribed by a veterinarian or pet nutritionist, there are a growing number of companies advertising on the internet that offer “custom” dog food that caters specifically to your dog’s breed, age, weight, demeanor, and energy level.

Just some of the companies offering this type of subscription-based, custom-formulated dog food that gets delivered to your home are: PetPlate, The Farmer’s Dog, Just Right, Hungry Bark, Ollie, Just Food for Dogs, and Tailored Pet.

How custom-formulated dog foods are prepared

When you visit one of these dog food company’s websites, you’re asked to complete a detailed questionnaire about your dog. Upon completion, the website uses a proprietary algorithm to formulate a customized diet plan for your dog that includes a subscription-based kibble or wet food (depending on the company). Only then is the subscription (and per meal) price for the food disclosed, as the per-serving quantity and food type(s) will be specific to each pet.

What you’ll discover is that many of these custom-blended dog food companies boast about their superior-quality and human-grade ingredients, how the food is flash-frozen and then shipped right to your door in preportioned containers, and how the food is formulated specifically for your dog (based on your questionnaire responses).

Regardless of which dog food service you subscribe to, expect to pay a premium rate for the food, since it needs to be formulated, packaged, and then shipped to you. You’ll also typically need to prepurchase at least one month’s worth of food at a time, although you can cancel your subscription at any time. Before committing to a subscription, request a one- or two-week trial to ensure your dog will eat and properly digest the food, especially if he’s a picky eater.

Beware of grandiose claims made by pet food manufacturers

With so many custom-blended dog food options — and each company making grandiose boasts about the health benefits of their meals — choosing what’s best for your dog can become confusing and challenging, especially if you’re not familiar with the various ingredients being used or what dietary implication each ingredient will have for your dog.

Before committing to any subscription-based dog food brand, make sure you understand exactly what ingredients are being used to prepare the meals and discuss your dog’s unique dietary needs with your veterinarian.

Do some online research relating to the dog food company and pay attention to the quality and source of the ingredients being used. As you’re about to discover, there are additional things to watch for as well.

Finally, be sure to pay attention to reviews published by other pet parents that can be found on independent websites — not just the websites operated by the specific dog food companies. Trustpilot, the Better Business Bureau, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintain independent websites that can help you determine the reputation of a company and the quality of its products.

For help analyzing the contents of pet food, based on its labeling and ingredient list, the FDA and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) are useful resources.

Expert advice from a pet food company owner and from a veterinary nutritionist

Renaldo Webb is the founder of PetPlate, one of a growing number of premium, direct-to-consumer (subscription-based) dog food companies that formulate complete and well-balanced meals for dogs at all stages of life. Since it was founded in 2017, the company has served more than 15 million meals to over 300 dog breeds across the United States.

All PetPlate meals are kettle-cooked in a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-inspected facility and then flash-frozen to lock in freshness before being shipped to the pet’s home. All PetPlate meals are prepared using only human-grade ingredients — including meats (as opposed to rendered meats and meat by-products), along with fruits and vegetables. They contain no artificial preservatives or additives.

“At PetPlate, we refer to ourselves as a personalized, human-grade pet food company. We create personalized meals for dogs that use only USDA-approved ingredients, and our dog foods are prepared in facilities alongside human food. Instead of using a beef byproduct, for example, we use 80/20 ground beef, so the dogs can digest our food more easily and benefit from the added nutritional benefits,” explains Webb.

Once someone completes the PetPlate questionnaire online, a proprietary algorithm is used to determine how many calories that dog requires per day. The pet parent is then provided with a selection of meal options that will allow them to properly manage their dog’s weight while ensuring the dog is given enough calories and nutrition.

“Sixty percent of dogs are obese, and that can shorten a dog’s life expectancy,” says Webb. “Each of our meals provide a single protein source, so we never mix beef and chicken, for example. This, too, ensures better digestion. Since our food is prepacked in individual meal-sized containers and includes exactly how much your specific dog should be fed, you can’t overfeed your dog, unless you supplement our food with too many treats or table scraps.”

Dr. Renee Streeter is a licensed veterinary nutritionist. She explains, “If you feed a dog well, he or she is going to do better and have a longer life. A premium dog food will offer added antioxidants and other heathy ingredients that go above and beyond a dog’s core nutrient requirements. It’s important to understand there are very few federal guidelines when it comes to dog food ingredients and food consumption quantities, so you need to rely on the pet food company’s guidance, as well as advice from your dog’s own veterinarian.”

She adds, “There are some very good commercial pet foods available from pet stores nationwide that your dog can consume and live a very healthy life on. It’s my opinion that there’s the right diet for every dog, but for the pet owner, it might take awhile, and a bit of experimentation, to find it. A lot has to do with what fits the pet owner’s lifestyle and what your dog does best on, in terms of their digestion system and taste buds.”

Many mass-produced commercial pet foods available from pet stores, especially kibble-based food, utilize beef and chicken byproducts, which you may want to think about before feeding to your pup.

According to TruthAboutPetFood.com, “The legal definition of Poultry by-products allows poultry head, feet, feathers, and even whole carcasses of slaughtered or non-slaughtered poultry. There’s a similar definition for Poultry by-product meal. The legal definition of Animal by-product meal (Beef by-product meal or Pork by-product meal) allows slaughtered or non-slaughtered whole animal carcasses or any part of the animal including horn, hide, hoof, and intestines. The legal definition of Meat by-products is a little different. Meat by-products (Beef by-products or Pork by-products) allow non-meat ingredients such as internal organs sourced from slaughtered animals (though not required to be sourced from USDA inspected and approved animals).”

While many pet food companies claim that these byproducts are as nutrient-rich and digestible as human-grade meats, some animal nutritionists and dog experts wholeheartedly disagree. “My analogy is that it’s like comparing a home-cooked meal for yourself that’s made from the freshest and healthiest ingredients to a meal you get from McDonald’s or Taco Bell,” says Webb. “The store-bought dog food is seldom going to include human-grade food. At best, it’s going to include feed grade, and the regulations and guidelines behind that are very different.”

Streeter warns that just because the packaging of a dog food showcases the picture of a chicken breast or a wholesome piece of beef, for example, this does not necessarily mean that’s what is in the food itself.

Likewise, when you see a pet food claim that “chicken is the number one ingredient,” this is based on raw weight, not the actual content you’ll find in the final kibble, for example.

“Some pet food companies play games with wording,” says Streeter. “If an ingredient is listed as just ‘chicken,’ for example, the water weight of that ingredient would be included. Once the food is dried down and the water is removed, and the ingredients are then listed by weight, chicken would no longer be the main ingredient. If the ingredient lists ‘dried chicken,’ this is a more accurate representation, and your pet will be getting more chicken, because it’s based on the weight after the water has been removed. It’s a nuance you need to understand.”

If the pet food label states, “Not fit for human consumption,” this is a clear indicator that someone at the USDA has determined that the pet food does not contain USDA human-grade ingredients. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that by eating it, your dog will miss out on getting the nutritional benefits he needs from that food.

Currently, veterinarians and pet food manufacturers go by two sets of nutritional guidelines for dogs that have been compiled by AAFCO. This organization does not regulate, test, approve, or certify any pet foods but offers nutritional and food labeling guidelines to pet food manufacturers.

“One set of guidelines relate to ‘adult dog maintenance,’ and the other to ‘growth and reproduction,’” says Streeter. “The adult dog maintenance guidelines have lower protein requirements and lower requirements for vitamins and minerals. If a pet food states that it is suitable for all life stages, this means it meets all the nutritional requirements for dogs of all ages, including puppies and older dogs.” 

She adds, “While there are no separate guidelines for a senior dog’s food, there are specific ingredients that are added to some dog food formulas designed for senior dogs that can be beneficial. However, every dog is different, so there are no set guidelines as to what constitutes a senior dog or when a specific dog could begin benefiting from these added ingredients. Just because your dog just turned 7, for example, this does not necessarily mean they automatically need additional antioxidants, fish oils, or glucosamine.”

Understand exactly what’s in your dog’s food

If you opt to purchase your dog’s meals via a subscription plan offered by an internet-based company, make sure you study the ingredient labels as carefully as you would if you purchased the food at a supermarket or pet store. “If something is listed in a pet food’s marketing materials, but it is not clearly listed on the ingredients label, do not buy it,” says Streeter.

“A website that sells custom-blended pet food via the internet should definitely promote that it adheres to AAFCO’s ingredient guidelines, that its pet food is tested by independent agencies, and that the company creates meals that have been formulated by a licensed veterinary nutritionist,” explains Webb.

He adds, “One thing a consumer needs to understand is that the machinery needed to manufacture kibble is extremely expensive, so any small kibble company is likely not manufacturing its own kibble. In most cases, that company is mixing kibble-based foods from other manufacturers, and those kibble-based foods were not typically manufactured using human-grade ingredients. They could still, however, be considered complete and balanced foods from a nutritional and calorie standpoint.”

When you purchase fresh food that’s been frozen and that needs to be thawed and then served to your dog, be sure to follow the food storage and preparation guidelines that are offered by the specific pet food company you purchase the food from.

For example, if the food has no preservatives added, it cannot be left out for more than a few hours, or potentially harmful bacteria will start to grow. This applies to any wet food. Also, once thawed out, it will not remain fresh if refrigerated for more than a few days.

As a conscientious pet parent, do your research before subscribing to any internet-based pet food delivery service, and when completing the food company’s questionnaire about your dog, be sure to answer each question as accurately as possible. Then, if you notice your dog becoming underweight or overweight, or if he has any negative reactions to the food, consult with your veterinarian and the dog food company directly to perhaps rework the food formulation that’s been created for your pet.

How did black cats get such a bad rep, especially around Halloween, and why, even to this day, do people go to great lengths to avoid black cats? Depending on whom you ask, myths and stories about black cats have been around for millennia. One thing is clear, however. Black cats are still the victims of lies, false beliefs, and undeserved fear.

Many negative stories and beliefs surround black cats

One story, according to Nora Glover, an Atlanta-based cat care and training expert with more than 25 years’ experience working with cats, is that “There’s a legend about an ancient Greek goddess, named Hera, who transformed one of her servants, Galinthias, into a black cat to punish him. This story evolved in the European Dark Ages, which is when the modern superstitions around black cats began to take shape. Black cats were associated with witches, as well as another ominous animal, the crow. Today, black cats are sometimes superstitiously considered conduits for the dark spirits that have escaped from their hot underworld corridors.”

Amber LaRock, a licensed vet tech based in New York, adds, “Seen as a pest roaming around the streets of ancient Europe, the meaning of their presence underwent a dark transformation. Some believed that witches would curse those who treated their black cats poorly, while others believed black cats were a manifestation of the witches themselves.”

In the mid-1300s, during the Black Plague, black cats picked up another superstition that did nothing for their reputation. It was believed that black cats were directly associated with causing and spreading the disease, which resulted in them becoming feared and disliked. Ironically, cats were the unsung heroes of the plague. They helped curb the rat population that carried the fleas that caused and spread the plague, which wound up killing somewhere between 75 and 200 million people. It was centuries before these cats were given their due. 

LaRock adds, “The association of black cats and the Wicca practice is believed to have stemmed from the Christian perception of Wicca, and not Wicca itself. Black cats were rumored to be tied to witchcraft in the Middle Ages. This led to the perceived sinister connection between black cats and Wiccans.”

Why are black cats a Halloween symbol?

Northern California–based Cerridwen Fallingstar is a Wiccan priestess and the author of Broth from the Cauldron: A Wisdom Journey Through Everyday Magic. Fallingstar explains, “Both Halloween and black cats are associated with witches. Witches were the pre-Christian pagan practitioners of Europe. They were in direct competition for the hearts and minds of the people, so while the early Christian church in Europe coexisted with the witches, as the church gained power, they began persecuting, hunting, torturing, and killing them in vast numbers.

“Witches honored the natural world, having a deep respect for plants and animals. Affection between human and animal, therefore, began to seem diabolical or devilish, and the old lady with her cats became seen as suspect. Cats, like the women accused of witchcraft, tended to exhibit a healthy disrespect for authority. In the church, neither independent women nor independent animals were tolerated.”

Fallingstar adds, “During times of the plague, the church blamed witches and their familiars, usually cats, for the spread of the disease. Later, Halloween was originally one of the most sacred holy days of the European people. It was a holiday that honored the ancestors and the beloved dead. It was very much the same as the Hispanic Dia del Los Muertos. Our current culture is death-phobic, so a holiday honoring the dead is frightening. Our unhealthy relationship with all the murdered witches may have something to do with the fears that have since surfaced around witches and their familiars.”

“The fear is directed at black cats because patriarchal religion tends to be dualistic — with all qualities divided into good or bad. If light is good, darkness is bad. If white represents good, black represents evil. This is the underpinning of racism, and it is also what fuels superstition about black cats being evil,” says Fallingstar.

Many believe it was also the church that helped perpetuate the fear of black cats. “In the superstitious Middle Ages and Renaissance, a black cat crossing your path might indicate that a witch had sent her familiar to do you harm. After encountering a black cat, many fearful peasants of the day would hurry to the nearest church and pay for a priest to bless them and rid them of any curse that might have been laid by the cat. As this was a tremendous source of income for the church, such fears were encouraged by the church leaders,” Fallingstar explains.

How the black cats of today have been impacted

The bad buzz around black cats even affects their chances of adoption. Every year around Halloween, some animal shelters take extra precautions around allowing black cats to be adopted, out of fear they’ll be harmed. “Rescue workers have continued to state that there is no actual evidence or previous studies to support an increase of abuse to black cats around Halloween. This is just a myth that continues to circulate each year, and it negatively impacts the black cat adoption rate year-round,” says LaRock.

“Black cats are in no way a vector of bad luck, evil, or anything in between. Black cats are as lovable as any other cat, and they deserve to finally be separated from any negative stigma surrounding them. There is no proof that black cats have any different behavioral traits than any other cats,” LaRock adds.

Nevertheless, as long as suspicions and superstitions shadow black cats, some animal shelters hold on to black cats during the month of October to keep them safe during the Halloween season.

Jenna Mahan, director of claims at Embrace Pet Insurance and a registered and licensed vet tech, explains: “In general, black cats and kittens are the hardest rescues to place in homes. To keep black cats safe around Halloween, many rescue and shelter organizations refuse to adopt out black cats and kittens in the month of October, out of fear that something or someone could harm them. In addition to the fear of animals being put in danger, organizations often keep potential adopters away to avoid the risk of someone adopting a black cat to be used as a prop in conjunction with their Halloween costume, only to return the cat to the shelter when the holiday is over.”

Dr. Michelle Burch, veterinary consultant for Safe Hounds Pet Insurance, adds, “Some shelters still hold on to the myth that black cats are at risk of being adopted during October to become potential victims of ritualistic abuse or sacrifice. This legend, however, has been debunked. Today, some shelters promote black cats, or black-and-orange cats, during October. Throughout the year, black cats have a more challenging time being adopted through a shelter. As a result, black cats experience higher euthanasia and lower adoption rates than other cat colors due to the stories and superstitious beliefs that surround them.”

There’s good news, too, for black cats

It’s not all bad news for black cats. Some modern-day cultures believe only positive things about cats with dark fur. For example, cultures in Japan, China, Egypt, Ireland, and parts of Europe consider black cats to be symbols of luck and good fortune.

From a scientific standpoint, the primary difference between a black cat and any other cat is their higher level of melatonin pigment. Melanism gives the cat’s fur its dark-black color, which is often combined with gold-colored irises in the cat’s eyes for a striking, maybe slightly otherworldly appearance. Aside from peoples’ false beliefs based on propaganda and fear-mongering, and the commercialism of modern-day Halloween (which uses images of black cats to set a spooky mood), black cats are no different from cats of any other color, and there’s absolutely nothing to fear from them during Halloween or any time of year. So if you happen to see a black cat cross your path on Halloween night, you can rest assured that it’s merely a coincidence, and there’s absolutely nothing to be superstitious about. 

Sure, a dog sticking their head out the car window can make for a cute photo op, but this is dangerous for several reasons. An unrestrained dog can leap out of a moving vehicle, or wind can cause irritation of the dog’s mucous membranes and at the same time blow dirt or other solid flying debris into their eyes or nasal passages (which can get stuck in their windpipe). Passing too close to a tree branch or other solid object can also injure a dog sticking their head and paws out an open window.

And that’s nothing to say of the way this — and other behaviors of unrestrained dogs — can serve to distract drivers, potentially causing accidents.

Driving with your dog is distracted driving

When we think of distracted driving, we usually think of behaviors like texting. But your adorable little pooch wiggling around your lap, excitedly attempting to look out the window, or roaming around your backseat, can also be a huge distraction.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that looking away from the road for only two seconds doubles your risk of being in a crash and that upward of 20% of all vehicle crashes are caused by distracted drivers. Thus, it’s essential to make sure your dog doesn’t become a distraction while you’re driving.

“A driver distracted by a pet is as dangerous as texting and driving,” warns Dr. Sara Wooten, a veterinarian at Pumpkin Pet Insurance.

According to a 2019 study from Volvo and The Harris Poll, unrestrained pets in a car more than doubles unsafe driving behaviors, like the dog climbing on the driver’s lap or hanging its head out the window; more than doubles the amount of time drivers were distracted, including the dogs jumping from seat to seat or in some way taking the drivers’ eyes off the road; and increases the amount of stress for both drivers and pups. For instance, unrestrained dogs had a heart rate of 7 beats per minute faster, and drivers’ heart rates dropped 28-34 beats per minute when dogs were buckled up.

And certainly, there are plenty of people out there who drive with unrestrained pets. A survey by AAA and Kurgo found that 31% of respondents admitted to being distracted by their pets while driving. Some 17% of those who drove with their pet allowed their pet to sit on their lap while driving, and 23% used their hands and arms to secure their pet when they went to brake.

Is it illegal to drive with an unrestrained dog?

The answer to this question depends on where you live. In states like Connecticut, distracted driving laws could apply to drivers carrying pets in their lap. States like Rhode Island maintain that dogs must be restrained in some way. In Hawaii, drivers will be fined if they drive with a dog on their lap.

States like Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts all have laws that state dogs transported in an open truck bed must be in a crate, cage, or some sort of restraint. The specifics of the requirements vary by state.

Regardless of whether or not there’s a state law telling you to secure your pet, you should do it anyway. According to American Humane, at least 100,000 dogs die in accidents each year because they ride in truck beds. And as for their counterparts roaming free inside cars? AAA notes an unrestrained 10-pound dog traveling in a car that’s only going 30 mph can exert 300 pounds of pressure in a crash — and those numbers only go up with more speed and larger dogs.

Rick Allenput, a dog obedience specialist for The Pampered Pup, explains, “Other dangers unrestrained dogs face while riding in cars are jumping out of open windows or bumping steering wheels, for example.”

According to The Pet’s Tech, more than 1.2 million dogs are killed on the road every year — from being in a car crash or being hit by a vehicle. By taking the proper precautions and using a bit of common sense, you can easily help protect your dog from becoming a statistic yet still have your furry friend join you as a happy and safe travel companion.

How can you keep your dog safe in a moving vehicle?

Responsible pet parents have a lot of options if they want to ensure their pet’s safety in a car. 

“The best way to avoid car accidents due to distracted driving is to secure your dog in the car instead of letting them move freely around the vehicle,” says Wooten. “Either secure your dog in a canine seat belt or a crate that is secured to the vehicle with a seat belt or strap.”

AAA advises, “Restraint systems that limit a pet’s ability to distract the driver, restrict pet movement in the crash, and mitigate crash forces, such as those utilizing seat belts, are best to use. At the same time, a car’s airbags can prove deadly to a pet. Restraining a pet in the backseat is safest for pets. Padded harnesses with sturdy connectors and straps are available to connect to a vehicle’s seat belt or LATCH system. Both hard- and soft-sided crates can be used in vehicles but should always be strapped down. Pet car seats or basket-style holders can be used with smaller dogs.”

Safety for small dogs

For smaller dogs, WildOne, Sleepypod, and Away, for example, offer well-designed, well-ventilated, and crash-tested pet carriers that can be securely attached to any vehicle using a seat belt.

For added safety, it’s best to place these carriers (with the dog inside them) in the backseat of a vehicle. If a dog is secured in the front seat, be sure to deactivate the passenger-side airbag to avoid certain injuries in the event of a crash.

Safety for large dogs

For larger dogs, using a specially designed seat belt restraint (in conjunction with a harness, not a collar) or a safety harness designed for in-vehicle use that connects to your vehicle’s existing seat belt or LATCH mechanism is a viable option. Be sure to choose an option that’s designed specifically for your dog’s size, shape, and weight. Canine seat belts and harnesses are readily available from Sleepypod and EZYDog, as well as pet stores and online retailers such as Chewy.

For medium-sized and larger dogs, specialty travel crates are also available that, in some cases, can be permanently attached to a vehicle. While a bit costly, the MIM Variocage Single from Pet Pro Supply Company is an example of a hard crate designed for in-vehicle use that comes in 14 sizes and four models. 

The Center for Pet Safety is a nonprofit organization dedicated to consumer and companion animal safety. It offers free information about pet safety related to vehicle and airplane travel for dogs and independently tests pet carriers, harnesses, crates, and other travel-related products.

Finally, it’s always a smart strategy to ensure your dog is wearing a dog tag displaying at least your name and phone number in case your pup escapes from the vehicle and runs off.

Don’t leave your pet alone in a car, either

Leaving a pet alone in a car when the temperature outside is extremely high or low is also dangerous for your pet. This is considered a “dangerous condition,” and subjecting a dog to it can get an owner in trouble. According to LegalAdvice.com’s David Reischer, Esq., in 31 states, this action is illegal and has been classified as a misdemeanor offense punishable by up to a year in jail or a fine up to $500. 

“A ‘dangerous condition’ has been defined by state legislators to include extreme heat, extreme cold, lack of food or water, lack of proper ventilation, and also based in the length of time the dog is left unattended,” he notes.

Leaving your dog in a vehicle unattended includes leaving a restrained dog outside on an open truck bed — sunlight reflecting off the truck’s metal floor can quickly lead to paw burns and heatstroke.

The American Humane Society (AHS) stresses that a dog should never be left alone in a vehicle, even with the windows open and the air conditioner running. AHS reports, “On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. Your pet may suffer irreversible organ damage or die.”

Wooten notes, “The most common dog injury I see because of being in a vehicle is either heatstroke from being left in a hot car or vomiting due to motion sickness.” However, she believes it’s generally safe to leave a dog in a car for five minutes or less when the outside temperature is below 70 degrees or above freezing.

If your dog ever shows signs of heatstroke, motion sickness, or is in a vehicle during a car crash, be sure to have him seen and treated by a veterinarian immediately.

We get it. You love to snuggle with your dog, and they’re big fans of sitting on your lap. But driving with a dog on your lap, letting your dog stick their head out the window of a moving vehicle, or placing your dog unrestrained in the bed of your truck can all be incredibly dangerous behaviors for you, your dog, and other drivers on the road.

From making sure your dog isn’t left alone in a hot car to making sure they’re safely restrained, it’s imperative that you keep your dog safe, so the worst thing that happens on your next trip to the vet is… your dog is annoyed they have to go to the vet.

First, figure out your needs

Many pet parents have discovered their own unique solutions for cleaning up the many types of messes their pet(s) are responsible for. To ensure you’re ready for the challenge, first, evaluate your home and determine what types of surfaces you’ll need to keep clean. Most homes contain:

• Carpeting and/or area rugs
• Laminate and/or tile flooring
• Hardwood flooring
• Upholstered (fabric covered) or leather furniture

Each of these surface types requires different tools and cleaning products to maintain and keep clean. Once you determine what you need to keep clean, next focus on your pet(s) and figure out the types of messes they’re most apt to create. This, too, will determine the types of cleaning tools and products you’ll need to keep on hand.

• If you’re purchasing new carpeting for your home, be sure to invest in the highest quality stain protection offered. For carpeting that’s already installed, before messes are created, you can apply a chemical treatment, such as Scotchgard from 3M, which is designed to infiltrate a carpet’s fibers and then block stains so they can’t set in. This will make cleanups much easier in the future.
• When purchasing an area rug, be sure to find ones that are machine washable. However, follow the cleaning instructions carefully, as cotton rugs will shrink in the dryer. Several companies, like Ruggable and  Rugs USA, offer pet-friendly area rugs that are much easier to keep clean and sanitary than traditional area rugs.
• Next, consider what additional precautionary measures you can take to make clean-ups easier. For example, keeping a covering on your furniture when it’s not in use by humans in order to reduce shed pet hair collection, or training your dog to use pee pads instead of your carpeting when you’re not able to take them outside. If you’re a cat owner, investing in a quality litter box and cat litter and then training your cat to use it will help control pet-related stains and smells. The more often you clean your cat’s litter box, the easier it’ll be to control the unwanted odors in your home.

The cleaning tools you’ll likely require

Once you know what types of surfaces you’ll need to keep clean and the types of mess-related challenges your pet(s) will create for you, consider the cleaning tools you’ll need. A typical home will need a traditional vacuum cleaner designed to suck up pet hair (and other dirt) and some type of mop for non-carpeted flooring. However, you’ll discover there are plenty of specialty cleaning tools that are “must-haves” for pet parents, such as a portable, battery-powered carpet/upholstery cleaner and a handheld vacuum for smaller messes.

For cleaning up pee, poop, puke, and spills from carpet and upholstery, a tool like the Bissell Pet Stain Eraser PowerBrush Plus Portable Carpet Cleaner makes cleaning up a carpet messes quick and easy and is much less cumbersome than a full-size carpet shampooer.

Meanwhile, if pet hair is a constant problem, tools like the Bissell Pet Hair Eraser Corded Handheld Vacuum or the Dyson v11 Animal are ideal for smaller areas, furniture upholstery, and staircases, for example.

The following companies all offer full-size vacuums for carpets and hard floor surfaces that will help keep dirt and pet hair under control, along with separate carpet shampooers and/or steamers for cleaning, disinfecting, and deodorizing carpets:

• Bissell 
• Black & Decker 
• Dyson 
• Hoover 
• Shark 

Prices for these cleaning tools vary greatly. Keep in mind, in some cases, you’ll pay higher prices for brand names (like Dyson), as opposed to enhanced features and functionality, so pay attention to customer ratings and reviews. Many consumers who can’t afford Dyson cleaning tools find less costly yet equally powerful tools from Shark, for example, offer a better value. You’ll definitely want to do your homework based on your cleaning needs.

Select the right cleaning products for the mess at hand

Having the right cleaning tools available is only the first step to maintaining a clean home. Next, you’ll need to choose specific cleaning products, like a floor cleaner and carpet/upholstery shampoo, as well as a pet stain remover, an enzyme-based urine destroyer, and/or an odor remover. It’s essential that you use products that are pet-friendly and don’t contain ingredients that can be harmful to your pet if inhaled or consumed. At the same time, it’s important to choose cleaning products that clean, deodorize, and disinfect, as well as remove stains — not just mask smells.

Depending on the type of mess you need to clean up, the following pet-friendly products will be useful, although this is just a small sampling of what’s available from your favorite pet superstore or online. Keep in mind, for some messes, more than one cleaning product may be required.

The following cleaning products contain no harsh chemicals or perfumes that simply mask odors:

• Furry Freshness: A liquid-based stain and odor remover that can be applied directly to carpeting or upholstery, or used within a carpet/upholstery cleaning tool. This company offers separate formulas for dog- and cat-related messes.
• OxiClean: A powder-based stain remover that gets mixed with warm water and applied directly to carpet or upholstery. It can also be used within most carpet/upholstery cleaning tools or shampooers.
• Nature’s Miracle: This company offers a complete line of liquid-based stain removers, odor eliminators, and urine destroyers that are pet-friendly. The products can be sprayed directly on stains or used within a carpet/upholstery cleaning tool.
• Skout’s Honor: This company also offers a line-up of liquid-based cleaning, deodorizing, and stain removal cleaning products, with separate products specifically formulated for dog- and cat-related messes.

Pet experts share their cleaning tips

There are plenty of pet parents who create their own cleaning solutions that are pet-friendly, chemical-free, and perfume-free.

For example, Tim Mitchum, founder of WINPRO Pet, explains, “One way to remove pet-related messes involves the following simple tools: a lint-free cleaning cloth, a combination of one cup of scented vinegar and lukewarm water in a spray bottle, and a stain brush. First, blot up any liquid with the cleaning cloth. Next, spray the affected area with the water-vinegar solution and let it sit for between 10 and 15 minutes. If necessary, use a stain brush to work the solution in. After 10 to 15 minutes, blot the area with a moistened lint-free cleaning cloth.”

Lauren Spencer, from The Spoilt Canine, uses a similar homemade cleaning formula. She says, “You can make your own dog wee spray using everyday household ingredients. Use Vinegar, water, and two teaspoons of baking soda. Let it sit on the stain for a few minutes, and then blot with towels until clean.”

Dr. Maureen K. Murithi, a veterinarian with ExcitedCats.com, offers this advice for cleaning pet stains from a carpet or hard surface floor: “Pour cold water on the stain and bolt dry with a paper towel. Next, apply a carpet cleaner, such as Bissell Spot & Stain Pet Formula, and then rinse thoroughly with cold water. Add a few drops of disinfectant and blot dry again. On hard surface flooring, add a few drops of fragrant essential oil, such as peppermint, to vinegar, and then clean the area with the vinegar mixture. Stale cat urine odor can linger for some time and may be difficult to eliminate. Applying an enzyme-based cleaner that’s formulated for pet urine is advised.”

When it comes to cleaning up poop, environmentally conscience pet parents tend to use earth-friendly (biodegradable) poop bags to collect and then throw away their pet’s feces. Jake Romano, the Systems Manager at John the Plumber, says, “We’ve seen people scoop up several days’ or weeks’ worth of dog poop from their yard at once, for example, and flush it all down the toilet at the same time. This can be a big mistake. While I believe that flushing a single poop is convenient, I would recommend against flushing larger amounts, especially if it’s dried. When dog poop dries, it loses its malleability, and it can cause some stubborn clogs in your drain system.”

You’ll typically have the easiest time cleaning up pet-related messes while they’re still fresh, so having the right tools and cleaning products on hand will make your life much easier. This will also help prevent odors and stains from seeping into porous materials, such as carpets and upholstery, and then drying, which makes them much harder to remove.

With the popularity of subscription boxes at an all-time high, it makes sense that there are more than 40 unique subscription box options to choose from when it comes to dogs and cats. It’s important to understand that not all pet-related subscription boxes are alike from a price and quality standpoint, so it’s important to choose one that’s best suited for your pet and budget.

What is a subscription box?

A subscription box offers a small collection of items selected by a curator and shipped out monthly to paying subscribers. When it comes to subscription boxes for dogs, for example, a typical box might include one or two toys, a selection of two or three treats packages (or bully sticks), plus one or more additional items related to a specific theme.

The goal of a subscription box is to allow pets to sample a wide range of products over time, while relying on a curator to research and select the best products based on the criteria that the subscription box company promotes. Some pet-themed subscription boxes focus more on low prices, but tend to offer a selection of lower-quality items each month, while higher-priced boxes might offer fewer items that are much higher quality.

Some subscription boxes have a unique focus

While some pet-oriented subscription boxes are more generic in their monthly offerings, others have a well-defined focus.

Steven Vogel is the founder of the family-owned WagWell subscription box service, which has been in existence for just over two years. “There are a lot of different subscription boxes out there for dogs,” he says. “When I started the WagWell Box, I wanted to create a subscription box for dogs that was different from what was already out there. Our focus is on curating boxes that contain only organic and all-natural treats and chews, as well as high-quality toys.”

“Buying pet treats from a store, for example, is a hit or miss proposition,” Vogel adds. “Without doing a lot of research, it’s difficult to determine where a treat was manufactured, what ingredients were used, and whether the treat is healthy for your pet.”

“We do the research for the pet parent and offer a selection of treats and chews that are made from human-grade ingredients that are healthy,” he notes. “We also research all of the toys and work closely with the manufacturers to ensure each toy is well-made, safe, and product tested by a third party.”

When it comes to pet treats, chews, and toys, there are very few government guidelines and laws that manufacturers must follow. Thus, the responsibility falls to the pet parents to do their own research to find the best products for their dogs or cats. By subscribing to a curated subscription box, much of the necessary research gets done for the pet parent.

“People are busy and don’t always have the time to determine what their dog or cat really needs, likes, or wants. Especially when it comes to treats and chew items, pets often want variety,” Vogel notes. “When someone goes to a pet store, they’re typically faced with entire aisles filled with hundreds of products to choose from. The options can become overwhelming. Few people are dedicated enough to read the ingredients of each package or research where those ingredients are sourced from. This is one way a subscription box, like WagWell, can be helpful.”

Kim Merrett, founder of the Good Dog in a Box service, notes, “Our whole company is focused on helping families with kids train their dogs because children, between the ages of nine and 11, are the largest percentage of the population that get bit by dogs. We were looking to create something that was new, fun, and different, and that would help all family members get on the same page with dog training and safety. Kids should be involved in a dog’s training process too.”

Good Dog in a Box offers a kid-friendly curriculum, divided into 12 modules, that is meant to be done as a family. Each monthly box includes access to specific training videos, full-color training cards, multiple activities, a training tool, and dog treats. The goal is to teach dog bite prevention, pet responsibility, how to be a good pet parent, pet health, and basic training. The entire curriculum includes access to more than 200 training videos created and hosted by a certified dog trainer.

“Our subscription box is not a replacement for professional dog training. The monthly curriculum is designed to build on what a training class would teach. For example, one month focuses on dog body language and how pet parents and kids can identify and understand what a dog is trying to communicate,” Merrett explains.

Daniel Garrido, president of Pooch Perks, another popular subscription box service for dogs, notes that his company offers several different types of boxes, which can appeal to different owners. “The most expensive option includes three to five premium toys, three U.S.-made treat bags, two all-natural chews, one accessory, one waste bag roll, and one bandana within each box,” he says. “The least expensive box includes just toys and a bandana. Every month, the boxes have a different and fun theme.”

One thing that sets Pooch Perks apart from other subscription boxes is the number of customization options offered. For example, for a family with two different size dogs, each box can include an assortment of toys and treats suited for both bogs, while someone who just has a small dog, for example, can opt to receive only items suitable for that pet.

“A lot of brainstorming and research goes into choosing which products will be included within each box,” Garrido says. “We work with many manufacturers, all of which are small businesses based in the United States. Each time we begin working with a new supplier, we do a background check and learn a lot about the company and its products. We’ve developed relationships with companies that consistently offer high-quality and safe products that meet our premium standards. For example, the treats we included in our boxes have limited ingredients because that’s healthier for the dogs.”

By choosing a subscription box that follows the same philosophy as you, in terms of choosing the right types of products that you’re comfortable giving to your pet, becoming a subscriber can ultimately save you time and money, while exposing your pet to a fresh variety of products.

10 tips for choosing a subscription box

While WagWell, for example, focuses on providing healthy treats and chews (along with safe toys), other subscription boxes are geared just for puppies (or kittens), small dogs, large dogs, older dogs, or heavy chewers. Subscribers will benefit the most from a subscription box that caters specifically to the dog or cat it’s being purchased for.

Another important consideration is what’s included within each month’s box in terms of product assortment and product size. Some subscription box services include a selection of sample or trial size treats or chews, while others offer full-size packages of products, just like what’s typically sold at retail stores.

When choosing which subscription box is best suited for your dog or cat, here are some useful guidelines to follow:

1. Determine the monthly price for the subscription box based on the length of the subscription you’re interested in purchasing. Pre-paying for three, six, or 12 months often lowers the monthly price considerably.
2. Consider purchasing a one-month sample of a box to see firsthand what’s offered before committing to a longer-term subscription.
3. Look at the assortment, quantity, and size of the items offered within each box, as well as the variety of items that are included over a several-month period.
4. Read the guidelines that the subscription box service uses to curate each box in terms of product quality and safety.
5. Make sure the contents of each box are suitable for the size, age, habits, and temperament of your dog or cat. For example, if your dog prefers only soft treats, a subscription box that regularly includes biscuits and other types of treats won’t be appealing to your dog. You’ll likely wind up giving away or discarding many of the items you receive. When you sign up for a subscription, you should be asked specific questions about your pet to ensure the items you’ll receive each month are suitable. Look for a subscription box that really caters to your pet instead of offering a generic selection of items.
6. Read the reviews and comments from other subscribers. Pay attention to what they have to say about the quality of toys included within each box. Some boxes purchase very low-quality toys from overseas that can be purchased at retail for less than $2.00 each. These typically offer inferior quality and sometimes can be a safety or choking hazard.
7. There are numerous online services, like BuyersGuide.org, MySubscriptionAddiction, and Dog Box Review, that offer detailed descriptions and reviews of the many pet-related subscription boxes. Use these to help determine which subscription boxes offer the best value.
8. Determine if the subscription box you subscribe to offers a way to order more of the specific products your pet truly loves.
9. Calculate the savings you’ll receive as a subscriber. While the monthly price of a subscription box may be between $20 and $35, you’re often guaranteed to receive items that have a retail value of at least twice that each month. Remember that choosing the lowest-priced box often means you’ll receive the lowest-quality items, or sample/trial sizes, as opposed to full-size items.
10. Consider the owner of the subscription box service and how long they’ve been in business. While some are operated as small, family-run businesses, others are part of a large corporate conglomerate.

How to find pet-related subscription boxes

With so many different pet-themed subscription boxes, the easiest way to discover what’s available is to launch your favorite web browser, and within a search engine (such as Google), enter the search phrase, “dog subscription box” or “cat subscription box.” Alternatively, visit one of the online services that review subscription boxes.

The following is a summary of what 12 popular subscription box services offer:

To avoid miscommunications that can easily lead to bites, attacks, and injuries, all humans (not just pet parents) need to develop a keen understanding of how dogs communicate and what their actions actually mean.

Everyone needs to learn more about dog body language

Even if you’re not a pet parent, most people encounter dogs as part of their daily life and job. Whether they’re visiting friends, delivering packages (or food) to someone else’s home, performing a service in a stranger’s home, walking through their own neighborhood, visiting a park, working as a server at a dog-friendly restaurant, working as a first responder, or hold a job at an airport or hotel, for example, most people interact with dogs on a routine basis. And whether you’re the type of person to go right up to an unfamiliar dog to pet them or the type of person who’d prefer to keep your distance, understanding and identifying a dog’s body language can help you avoid a potentially dangerous confrontation. This is doubly true for pet parents, who should always make sure they maintain control of the situation when their dogs encounter strangers.

So how can you tell what a dog is thinking? In addition to the usual suspects — barking, growling, and whimpering — dogs use their posture, facial expressions, and tail to showcase how they’re feeling and their intentions. When a dog is growling and showing its teeth, it’s clearly angry, frightened, stressed, or being defensive. They’re demonstrating to those around them that they’re ready to attack if the perceived danger continues. Most people are able to pick up on this communication, but sometimes it’s too late to deescalate the situation.

Always pay attention to a dog’s eyes, mouth, ears, tail, and overall posture.

• Eyes: A fixed stare, the dilation of a dog’s pupils, and whether or not a dog’s eyes appear glassy are all indications of anger, stress, or fear – emotions that could be a prelude to an attack.
• Mouth: When a dog pulls its lips back and shows its front teeth, this too is a sign of aggression.
• Ears: The position of a dog’s ears will depend greatly on the breed and type of ears they have, but flattened ears are an indicator that the dog is afraid and could be a precursor to an attack.
• Tail: While a wagging tail usually indicates happiness, if the tail wagging seems stiff, this could be a sign of anxiety. Similarly, a tail between the hind legs usually indicates that the dog is feeling fearful.

All of this adds up to a complete picture of a dog’s body language. These are signals humans need to identify and understand.

Don’t allow yourself or your kids to become a dog bite statistic

According to HG.org Legal Resources, more than 4.5 million people get bit by a dog every year, and 850,000 people (including 400,000 children) require medical attention resulting from a dog bite or attack. It’s important to understand that with the proper instruction, many dog bite incidents can be prevented.

For example, staying away from strange and potentially dangerous dogs is a good first step. Kids, in particular, should also be taught not to disturb a dog that’s eating, run up and surprise a dog, or pull on its tail. They should also always ask a dog’s owner if they can pet an unknown dog before approaching it, even if it appears friendly.

Meanwhile, pet parents need to get acquainted with their own dogs and learn to understand them. The easiest way to achieve this is to work with a certified trainer or animal behavior specialist. There are, however, books, videos, and plenty of resources online. For people forced to encounter dogs as part of their job, there are also precautions that can be taken and simple lessons that should be learned that will help you stay safe.

According to Kim Merritt, co-founder of Good Dog in a Box, “Dog bites are an $800 million per year problem for the insurance industry. If your dog bites someone, that falls back onto your homeowner’s insurance. The average dog bite insurance claim in 2020 was in the neighborhood of $42,000.”

Merritt was quick to point out that while some dog breeds have a bad reputation, no one breed is responsible for the issue. 

“This is not a problem related to specific dog breeds. It’s a problem with people not understanding dog body language and what a dog is trying to tell them. Most people also don’t know how to properly respond to a dog that is angry, scared, or stressed,” explains Merritt.

How to interpret a dog’s body language

Humans often misinterpret a dog’s body language. According to Merritt, “When a dog licks its lips or shakes its body like it’s wet when it’s totally dry, for example, these are typically signs that dog is uncomfortable and stressed. Thus, when you see a dog exhibiting this behavior, you want to use caution and not try to approach or pet it. If an unfamiliar dog does not come up to you on its own, that’s a good indication it does not want to meet you and that it’s not comfortable with the situation. Don’t take this personally. Respect the dog’s space and move on.”

Another common misconception is that all dogs like to be hugged and kissed, which is not the case. “Dogs don’t appreciate a hug like humans do, and it’s an action that can easily be perceived as violent or aggressive by the dog. People should always keep their own face away from the face of a dog, regardless of how well you know the dog,” Merritt says.

So what should you do if you encounter an aggressive dog? There are four key steps every human should follow when they encounter a dog that is angry, frightened, or stressed. 

1. Stand still.
2. Cross your arms.
3. Avoid direct eye contact.
4. Turn your head downward and look at the ground.

“Do not yell at the dog, wave your arms, or try to run away from the dog. The dog will likely approach you, sniff around, and will then typically walk away if you follow these steps. The goal is to calm the dog down, not elevate their feelings by making excessive noise or taking actions that will further frighten or stress out the dog,” Merritt says.

There are resources available

Many pet parents should consider investing in dog training, where animal behavioral experts can both teach their dog how to behave and guide the parent on what they should be doing as well. But what if you’re worried about how your kids —who can be unpredictable themselves — will interact with dogs? There are resources out there for you, too.

“When we first started Good Dog in a Box, which is a dog training program designed for families with children, we wanted to address the fact that too many children get bitten by dogs. Dogs are talking to us all of the time using their body language. The problem is, most of the time, most people don’t know how to read that body language. Prior to a dog biting someone, it often tries very hard to tell that person, using its body language, that there is a problem,” Merritt says.

One of the ways Good Dog in a Box helps families learn about dog body language is through its Dog Smart card game. “The deck of 108 colorful cards depicts many different pictures of dogs exhibiting 51 different types of body language. The fun games we created using this deck encourage kids and adults alike to study and understand what each card is teaching,” Merritt says.

For adults who come into contact with dogs as part of their job, there’s the company’s Dogsurance program, which offers occupational dog bite prevention training via a 30-minute instructional video along with a collection of printed resources.

To assist all humans in better understanding how a dog communicates, Good Dog in a Box created a colorful poster that shows 24 different poses that are color-coded to show body language that’s safe versus body language that requires caution.

Another useful tool for learning how to read a dog’s body language is the Dog Decoder mobile app for the Apple iPhone and Android-based mobile devices. This app was developed by certified dog trainers, veterinarians, and animal behaviorists. It uses colorful illustrations to teach more than 60 ways dogs communicate using their body language.

Free resources

The American Kennel Club (AKC) also offers a free eBook, Canine Body Language, which offers easy-to-understand information that will help you better understand what a dog is trying to tell you.

Good Dog in a Box also developed an entire online-based, family-friendly curriculum called SAFE, which is offered for free. Using animations and videos, it is designed to help people better understand dog body language.

Learning to understand a dog’s body language is very easy and does not require a significant time commitment, but it’s something that will greatly reduce your risk of being attacked or bitten by a dog. Pay attention to a dog’s cues, don’t behave in a way that could lead to further aggression, and know that there are resources available to you if you’d like further training for yourself or your child.

“Separation anxiety is normal in dogs, to a degree. After all, they’re social animals that depend on a pack to survive, so they have a natural fear of being left alone,” explains Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, MRCVS, a veterinarian and spokesperson for the Original Calming Bed.

Nicole Rigger, a dog behavioral expert, adds, “Pups that suffer from separation anxiety must be given the opportunity to overcome their anxieties through repeated and elongated challenges to self-soothe. Pups with owners dedicated to training techniques will largely manage their anxiety so that they can be left alone for reasonably long periods of time without harming themselves or their surroundings.”

According to Sara Ochoa, a veterinarian for Doglab.com, “Many dogs wind up suffering from separation anxiety because they are rarely left alone. Many people love to take their dogs with them wherever they go or tend to stay home a lot. This can cause your dog to then develop separation anxiety when they’re forced to stay home alone.”

Other potential causes of separation anxiety occur in these instances:

• When a dog is left alone for the first time (or the first time in a long time)
• When they’re left alone in a crate or kennel for too long
• When the dog is used to being around people and is suddenly left alone
• If the dog has been over-socialized with other dogs and people and then forced to stay on their own

Dogs that are left alone for long periods of time, with a lack of physical and/or mental stimulation, are also prone to develop separation anxiety, which will typically require training and guidance from a veterinarian or dog behavioral expert to overcome. Typically what’s needed is specialized training that will help your dog learn how to settle themselves down and relax when they need to spend time alone.

Separation anxiety symptoms

Separation anxiety typically stems from a dog’s instinct to stay in their pack and follow their pack members. They associate their human family members as members of their pack and someone in your family as their pack leader. When a dog suffers from separation anxiety, it can manifest itself in multiple ways.

Some of the common symptoms your dog might exhibit include:

• Accidents in your home when they’re already potty trained
• Acting restless
• Anxious chewing or scratching
• Chewing or excessively licking their paws (or tail)
• Destructive behavior
• Digging or scratching on furniture
• Excessive lip licking
• Howling or crying
• Pacing or circling (i.e., they’re not able to settle down)
• Panic or trembling behavior
• The dog throws itself at the door repeatedly
• Trying to escape their kennel
• Vomiting or diarrhea

If your dog is showcasing some combination of these behaviors, seriously consider speaking with your veterinarian or an animal behavioral expert to confirm separation anxiety and not some other medical issue is the cause.

While you may see the impact of destructive behavior when you return home, to determine if your dog is experiencing these other symptoms while your away, consider installing a “puppy cam” camera in your home. Many of these cameras connect via the internet with your smartphone and allow you to see live video feeds (with sound) from wherever you are, as long as your smartphone has a cellular data or a WiFi internet connection. Some of these cameras also record your dog’s behavior, which can be useful to share with your veterinarian or a dog behavioral expert.

Three relatively low-cost “puppy cams” include the Furbo Dog Camera ($118.00), the NEST Cam Indoors ($99.99), and the WOpet TitBit Interactive Dog Camera ($129.99).

Once an expert diagnoses separation anxiety, work with a professional to develop a plan for helping your dog overcome their unique set of symptoms through a combination of training, adjusting your behavior (as the human), medication, and/or various over-the-counter products. It’s important to understand, however, there are no instantaneous solutions.

Treatments for separation anxiety

Treating a dog to overcome separation anxiety takes time and a plan. It should start with the pet parent creating a comfortable place for the dog to be, where they feel safe, whenever they’re left alone.

Next, try leaving your dog alone for just five minutes at a time, and then over a period of weeks or months, based on the advice of an expert, increase the amount of time they’re left alone to several hours. “Once your dog has successfully stayed at home for longer than four hours, they can usually make it all day without having anxiety,” Dr. Ochoa says.

Whenever you need to leave your dog, refrain from making a big deal out of your departure. Be as nonchalant about it as possible. This is also true when you return home. Your coming and going should be perceived as a normal occurrence.

Dr. Woodnutt agrees: “Preventing separation anxiety in puppies is much easier than treating it. Make sure that young puppies are exposed to being left alone for short periods of time, and then gradually longer periods of time. They should be given positive distractions, like treats. Before leaving them, ensure they are recently toileted, so they’re relaxed. Making sure they have a safe space to retreat to, such as a favorite bed and/or a crate, is a good bet. Never make a fuss before you leave or as you return. Instead, act like it’s totally normal and that there is nothing to worry about.”

Before giving your dog prescription medications from a veterinarian to treat separation anxiety, consider trying over-the-counter dog food and supplements that are designed to help a dog stay calm.

Dr. Linda Simon, a veterinary surgeon and consultant for FiveBarks, explains, “There are prescription diets and supplements that can help. For example, Royal Canin makes a calming dry kibble that is rich in L-Tryptophan, a serotonin precursor, which enhances mood.”

Travis Rice, Founder of WOOOF Nutrition, states, “The key thing owners need to know about calming supplements is that they are not sedatives. Don’t expect to give your dog a few soft chews and see results in one day. A good supplement will contain ingredients, like chamomile, passionflower, GABA, I-tryptophan, melatonin, lemon balm, and/or ashwagandha, along with other natural ingredients that do a great job helping bring down stress levels, anxiety, and destructive behavior.”

An at-home treatment program for separation anxiety, called Canine Separation Anxiety Cure (CSAC), was developed by Dog Savvy Los Angeles and Alexandra Bassett, a certified dog trainer and behavior expert. This six-week program, which is available online in the form of one-on-one live video call training, along with a printed program guide and workbook, advocates for adopting a training and holistic approach to helping a dog overcome their anxiety. Local dog behavioral experts in your area may offer a less-costly, in-person training option.

Final thoughts…

If left unaddressed, a dog that suffers from separation anxiety will likely develop worsening symptoms. “When a dog does not feel secure or content to be left alone, this takes a lot out of them. We are likely to see bad behavior escalate due to high stress levels, even when they’re not left alone. This will be a strain on their relationship with the people in their life,” Dr. Simons says.

Once you discover your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety, consider adopting a three-pronged approach, which includes nutraceuticals (a special diet or supplements), behavioral modification therapy and training by an experienced professional, and for extreme cases, the use of prescription medication (such as Fluoxetine, which is commonly referred to as doggy Prozac).

On an ongoing basis, as a pet parent, you can help prevent separation anxiety from developing, starting when your dog is still a puppy, using training, maintaining a routine, giving them positive experiences, and by taking steps to ensure your dog’s physical and mental health.

“If you notice that your dog is having a difficult time adjusting to a new schedule or routine, talk with your veterinarian about treatment options. It’s important to address your pet’s separation anxiety and other signs of mental health issues early to both relieve their suffering and keep the symptoms from progressing,” says Dr. Sharon Campbell, DVM, MS, DACIM, the Medical Lead & Behavior expert at Zoetis Petcare.

Helping your dog maintain good dental hygiene is an essential responsibility for every pet parent, as it’s an important component of keeping your dog healthy. In fact, canine dental care is as essential as any of the other routine healthcare activities you do for your dog, such as taking them to the veterinarian for routine vaccinations. Neglecting your dog’s teeth could lead to all sorts of medical issues down the road and potentially reduce their lifespan.

Most veterinarians agree that the time to begin taking care of your dog’s dental needs is when they’re still a puppy, but it’s never too late to start practicing good oral hygiene with your dog. 

What’s involved with maintaining a dog’s dental hygiene

Maintaining good dental health for a dog begins with brushing their teeth at least several times per week using a toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste designed specifically for canines. A toothbrush designed for humans is not sized or angled appropriately for dogs, and toothpaste for humans contains fluoride and other additives that are poisonous to dogs and should not be ingested. Canine toothpaste, however, uses enzymes for destroying tartar and plaque, and it comes in flavors, like chicken and beef, that appeal to a dog’s taste buds.

Petlab Co is a company that manufactures and sells a wide range of vitamin supplements, as well as health and dental-related products for dogs, including dental chews, a dental formula water additive, and prebiotic dental sticks.

Chris Masanro, the company’s co-founder, explains, “Human toothpaste is not meant to be ingested and can lead to health problems if swallowed by dogs. Ideally, your dog’s teeth should be brushed daily, but even twice a week can make a big difference in preventing tartar and plaque accumulation. Daily brushing is the key to good oral health. Other products, such as water additives and soft dental chews, can provide additional dental care. The key to long-term success is training and conditioning your dog to allow you to routinely brush and examine your pup’s teeth.”

A dog’s tolerance to having their teeth brushed on a regular basis will vary. To make this process easier, a finger toothbrush can be used instead of a traditionally shaped toothbrush. However, when a dog refuses to cooperate, antibacterial dental wipes are also a viable option to reduce tarter and plaque.

“The best time to start caring for your dog’s teeth is as early in their life as possible. Tartar can begin forming at any age, and it takes just three days for plaque to harden into tartar,” says Dr. Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, CVJ, a practicing veterinarian who specializes in small animal medicine. 

Dr. Laura Robinson, DVM, is also a practicing small animal veterinarian and an advisor to Pawp, a subscription-based service that gives pet parents 24/7 online access to veterinarians via telehealth options. She says, “Dogs get all of their adult teeth when they’re around six months old, so between six months and one year old is the time I suggest a pet parent start to focus on their dog’s dental health.”

In addition to the canine-specific toothbrush and toothpaste option, there are countless other products available from veterinarians and pet stores designed to promote good oral hygiene in dogs. One problem, however, is that there are no federal guidelines for canine dental practices, nor regulations about what can be stated in ads for canine dental products.

“Look for canine dental products that are recommended by your veterinarian,” Dr. Wooten says. “For example, I recommend Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Dental Dog Chews because these work by breaking down plaque that leads to tartar. For this and similar products to work, the dog needs to chew on it for five to 10 minutes, and it will only work on areas of the dog’s mouth where they do their chewing. So, even if you give your dog a recommended dental product, there’s no guarantee it will protect their entire mouth. In most cases, it does not replace the need for regular brushing.”

As for water additives that promote canine dental hygiene by reducing or eliminating plaque and tarter, Dr. Wooten says that she has seen mixed results from these products. “A water additive needs to be used daily, and my experience is that they only work for about 50% of the dogs that use it,” she explains.

Dr. Robinson adds, “Brushing your dog’s teeth on a regular basis is the best thing you can do; giving them periodic dental treats or chews is a good addition, but typically not a substitute. There are many different canine dental products out there. Find products that are backed by legitimate medical research and that come recommended by your vet.”

Consult with your veterinarian before using specific products, like a water additive, dental sticks, or any chew toy designed to improve and protect a dog’s dental health. Be suspicious of a product’s promoting claims that it can replace the need to manually brush your dog’s teeth. Some of these products do work, while others won’t do anything to help protect your dog from future health problems related to dental issues.

Dental care from a veterinarian is also necessary

Even if you brush your dog’s teeth regularly, starting from when they’re a puppy, chances are your veterinarian will highly recommend you periodically pay for a Comprehensive Oral Health Assessment and Treatment procedure, which is referred to by veterinarians as a ‘COHAT.’

According to Dr. Wooten, “This multi-step treatment requires general anesthesia and involves the veterinarian taking X-rays, polishing the dog’s teeth, removing any rotted teeth, treating gum infections and disease, eliminating tartar and plaque, and simultaneously dealing with other dental issues.”

The cost of a COHAT treatment will vary from $600 to $1,500, depending on your location and any additional dental work that needs to be done while your pet is sedated. How often the treatment is required will also vary based on your individual dog’s age and health, so be sure to follow the recommendation of your own veterinarian.

Dr. Robinson recommends pet parents bring their dog to a veterinarian at least once per year for an overall exam, which should include a routine dental exam.

“Regardless of what you do at home, during your dog’s life, at least several times, they will need some more significant dental work done by a veterinarian,” Dr. Robinson says. “The dental care you give your dog at home will lengthen the time between more extensive dental procedures being needed. Unfortunately, dental care, in general, is the thing that dog parents neglect the most because they don’t realize how much of a problem it can become.”

Keep in mind that some pet insurance companies cover the COHAT treatment, either in part or in full. On the plus side, if you maintain your dog’s oral health with regular brushing, the chances of this procedure being medically necessary while they’re still a puppy or even middle age are greatly reduced.

“Understand that a COHAT procedure is very different and much more comprehensive than the basic teeth cleaning service that many dog groomers offer,” Dr. Wooten says. “The teeth cleaning service a groomer offers is just a tooth brushing, which is the same thing pet parents can do at home.”

There is yet another canine dental procedure that’s available in some states. “It includes an anesthesia-free, cosmetic cleaning procedure,” Dr. Wooten explains. “While less expensive than a COHAT, it’s not as comprehensive and is much more traumatic for the dog because they’re awake and uncomfortable for the procedure, which I think is cruel. This is not a service I recommend. There is no cleaning beneath the gum line, it does not address gum infections or loose teeth, and no X-rays are taken, for example.”

Ways to determine if your dog is having dental issues

While your veterinarian will examine your dog’s teeth and gums as part of their annual exam, there are symptoms of dental problems that, as a pet parent, you should be on the lookout for. According to Dr. Wooten and Dr. Robinson, these symptoms include:

• Bad breath
• If your dog suddenly drops food while they’re chewing and then looks confused
• Only chewing on one side of their mouth
• Noticeable discoloration of the dog’s teeth and gums, or loose teeth
• Excessive drooling
• Swelling of the face, often below the dog’s eye
• Discovering blood on your dog’s chew toys (which indicates bleeding of the gums) or a sudden and complete disinterest in chew toys

If you notice any of these symptoms, seeking out treatment from a veterinarian before they worsen is highly recommended. “Dental disease in dogs is very common, and it often leads to a lot of pain and discomfort. For this reason, I believe it’s never too late to begin taking care of your dog’s teeth. Dental infections in the mouth, which grow in pockets on the dog’s gums and beneath their teeth, can lead to bacterial infections elsewhere in a dog’s body,” Dr. Wooten says.

A dog’s heart valves, kidneys, and liver are the most common areas where these bacterial infections wind up, and they can become deadly if not treated early by a veterinarian. These infections also negatively impact a dog’s immune system, and they’re typically painful.

“Don’t allow the cost of dental treatments for your dog to prevent you from having these important medical procedures done. You are negatively impacting your dog’s health if you choose to avoid addressing a disease condition, which could reduce the quality and quantity of your dog’s life. Talk to your veterinarian if you can’t afford a necessary treatment or you’re afraid for your dog to have it. There is no shame or judgment, but there are almost always options,” Dr. Wooten says.

Does a dog’s diet impact their dental health?

There’s some confusion surrounding the concept that what you feed your dog can dramatically impact their dental health, and veterinarians do not all agree on the answer. Some believe that feeding your dog soft (canned) food is not as healthy for your dog’s teeth as hard kibble, while some believe that a raw diet will do the best when it comes to protecting your dog’s teeth and gums.

According to Dr. Wooten, “In my opinion, the type of food you feed your dog does not matter, as long as it’s nutritious and offers a well-balanced diet. How a dog’s teeth and gums respond to food is individual, based on the dog. I can say that my patients that have been fed a biologically appropriate raw diet have some of the cleanest teeth I have ever seen. I am not advocating switching your dog to a raw diet. I am simply stating this personal observation.

“There are kibble-based, prescription diets designed specifically to manage dental issues,” Dr. Wooten adds. “These do work well but should be recommended and prescribed by a veterinarian specifically for your dog. The special kibble’s fibers are designed to clean a dog’s teeth as they’re chewing.”

If you’ve been neglecting your dog’s dental health up until this point, start by having a discussion with your veterinarian about what you should be doing for your dog to prevent dental disease or handle yet undiagnosed dental issues your dog may already be experiencing.