Brooke Helton

Chattanooga

Writer at Freelance

Contributing Health Writer at Forbes

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Articles

How Much Is a Vet Visit for a Dog?

1 month ago | rover.com | Brooke Helton

Not a substitute for professional veterinary help. Table of ContentsAnnual Exam CostPreventative CostsDiagnostic CostsTreatment CostsEmergency CostsPet InsuranceReasons for High CostsHow To PayYour dog needs regular check-ups to monitor their health, just like you do. And just as you might have noticed your doctor bills going up, the average cost of a vet visit for dogs is rising, too.
9 Ways To Stop Your Dog's Constant Scratching

1 month ago | rover.com | Brooke Helton

Not a substitute for professional veterinary help. Table of ContentsCausesAsk a VetOTC Treatments for ItchingAt-Home RemediesEverybody gets the occasional itch, and dogs are no exception. But if your dog won’t stop scratching, they could have an underlying skin issue making them uncomfortable. “Many people assume that when a dog scratches, it must be due to fleas, but that’s not always the case,” says Ashley Dalton, a certified professional dog trainer with Zoom Room Dog Training.
What to Do If Your Dog Is Restless At Night

Mar 3, 2025 | rover.com | Brooke Helton

Not a substitute for professional veterinary help. Table of ContentsReasonsWhen to Get HelpHelping Your Dog RestImproving Your SleepYour bed might feel a whole lot cozier with your pup tucked in next to you.
15 Family-Friendly Guard Dog Breeds

Jan 14, 2025 | rover.com | Brooke Helton

Not a substitute for professional veterinary help. Humans and dogs have worked together for a long time, and dogs have always been great at helping us with important jobs—like keeping us and our families safe. A guard dog is generally defined as “a dog trained to protect a place.” Sometimes, just having a dog around can scare off robbers! A 2022 study found that neighborhoods with more dogs had fewer robberies and homicides.
11 Reasons Why Your Cat Won't Eat

Jan 10, 2025 | rover.com | Brooke Helton

Table of ContentsReasonsSolutionsWhen to See a VetCats may get away with a lot of strange habits or picky preferences but not eating shouldn’t be one of them. When a cat stops eating, it’s usually a sign that their health or the environment is affecting them. Problem with cats is, when they stop eating, their health can drastically decline quickly. While most cats can go 36 to 48 hours without food, their health will start to decline after the 24 hour mark.
Is Fetch & Ball Obsession Dangerous for Dogs?

Dec 10, 2024 | rover.com | Brooke Helton

Not a substitute for professional veterinary help. Some dogs love to fetch a ball or frisbee until the cows come home. But you can have too much of a good thing, especially if your dog gets obsessed with their ball. Done properly, fetch can be a wonderful way to bond with your dog by helping them stay active. When not, fetch can lead to unwanted complications, like joint issues and obsessive behavior.
Why Do Dogs Hump People, Objects & Other Dogs?

Dec 6, 2024 | rover.com | Brooke Helton

Not a substitute for professional veterinary help. Does your dog get a little too friendly with their favorite toys? Or worse, another pet or a house guest? Humping, or mounting, happens for many reasons. It could be due to instincts, stress, excitement, wanting to show dominance, or even a health issue, says Dr. Nell Ostermeier, a vet and advisor for Figo Pet Insurance. Below, we’ll explore why dogs do this and share tips to help stop the behavior.
How to Introduce Dogs to Each Other

Nov 21, 2024 | rover.com | Brooke Helton

Not a substitute for professional veterinary help. Dogs are like potato chips—you can’t stop at just one! But before you can enjoy cuddly nights with your growing dog pack, you’ll need to introduce your new pup to your current dog.
Causes, Treatments & Prevention Tips

Nov 18, 2024 | rover.com | Brooke Helton

Not a substitute for professional veterinary help. Do angry, red bald patches plague your pup’s gorgeous coat? If so, they may have a hot spot, a fairly common skin condition in dogs. Hot spots, or moist dermatitis, cause red, inflamed, itchy, or infected skin lesions, says Antje Joslin, DVM, a veterinary consultant with Dogtopia. Keep reading to learn how to identify hot spots, where they might pop up, and how you can treat them at home or with a vet’s help.
Why Does My Dog Sneeze During Play?

Nov 12, 2024 | rover.com | Brooke Helton

Table of ContentsReasonsHow to InterpretCommunicationExcitementAttentionWhen It Means StopHa-choo! Sneezing is a form of communication, both involuntarily and voluntarily, and your dog’s body language can help you figure out what they’re trying to say. When it comes to having fun, dogs often sneeze during a hearty play session as an expression of excitement and joy. Playful sneezes are usually short, light, and shallow.