do dogs understand time
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Do Dogs Understand Time? Why They Know When You’re Coming Home

Every morning, sharp at 6, my cuddly GSD comes to nudge me out of bed with his nose, as if to say, “Wake up, mommy, it’s time for my walk.” His dinner time is 8 pm, and if his dinner is delayed by a few minutes, he’s there by my side, making those puppy eyes,…

dogs howl at sirens
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Why Do Dogs Howl at Sirens? Instincts Explained

It’s a scene many dog owners know too well—an ambulance or fire truck passes by, sirens blaring, and suddenly your dog throws back his head and howls in response. As a mom to a very vocal German Shepherd, I’ve experienced this too many times to count. So, why do dogs howl at sirens? Is it…

dehydration in dogs
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Signs of Dehydration in Dogs Every Pet Parent Should Know

I have seen first hand how dehydration in dogs sneaks up on you when you least expect it. A dog rescued by a shelter I volunteer at refused to move indoors on a hot afternoon, and his handlers noticed that he was lethargic, stopped drinking or eating, and was generally disinterested in his surroundings. The…

dog zoomies
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Why Do Dogs Get the Zoomies? Vet-Backed Explanation

It’s a sight all too common in homes with dogs: one minute your pup is calm, the next they’re going around in goofy circles. These episodes of high-octane play are commonly called dog zoomies. Veterinarians have a formal name for them: FRAPs (frenetic random activity periods). Of course, its adorable and hilarious to watch your…

dog ear health
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Ear Mites vs. Ear Infections in Dogs – How to Tell the Difference

Dog ear mites can be a real pain to deal with, especially because they’re so hard to diagnose. Picture this: your pet is scratching at his ear incessantly, shaking his head like crazy, and you begin to notice foul smelling waxy debris building up more than usual. Is it a case of ear mites or…

dog sneezing
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Understanding Dog Sneezing Fits: Allergies vs. Play Sneezes

If you’ve been around dogs, you’ve likely seen them erupt into a sneezing fit, usually when they’re sniffing something or mid-play. I’ve seen it with my GSDs all too often. There they are rolling on grass, chasing leaves, or even chasing a toy, and suddenly, they need to pause to sneeze. More often than not,…