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Articles

How to Spot Fleas Before They Infest Your Dog

1 month ago | whole-dog-journal.com | Dan Muse |IBM. Dan

The telltale signs that your dog has fleas are often subtle at first, but they can quickly escalate into a full-blown infestation if left unchecked and untreated. Signs your dog has fleas include: Excessive scratching, biting, or licking: This is the most common symptom. Pay close attention to your dog’s behavior, especially around the base of the tail, belly, and inner thighs.
How to Choose Flea Treatment for a Puppy

1 month ago | whole-dog-journal.com | Dan Muse |IBM. Dan

A puppy brings energy and excitement into your home, but it’s also a time for vigilance. While all dogs are susceptible to flea infestations, puppies less than 8 weeks old are particularly vulnerable to fleas, which can cause intense itching, skin irritation, and even more serious health problems such as anemia due to blood loss. While flea infestations are a serious health issue for any dog, especially puppies, applying flea treatments requires caution as a young dog’s body is still developing.
How to Kill Fleas In Your Household

2 months ago | whole-dog-journal.com | Dan Muse |IBM. Dan

If you want to break the flea lifecycle, it’s all-hands-on-deck. These tiny jumping parasites can quickly infest your home and wreak havoc on your dog. The faster you gain control over an infestation, the better. To get this done, we looked at the methods that are most effective, both natural and chemical. Right off the bat, we’re going to tell you that we like natural flea killers for use in the house, when appropriate. We find Fleabusters RX for Fleas Plus Powder a top choice.
Why Mixed Breed Dogs Offer Unique Appeal

Jan 24, 2025 | whole-dog-journal.com | Dan Muse |IBM. Dan

You won’t see them strutting their stuff at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, but mixed-breeds (aka mutts) bring their own special charm. While purebred or designer breeds offer predictability in looks, size, temperament, and traits such as prey drive and energy levels, don’t sell short the “super mutt,” as described by Michelle Cote, trainer and founder of Mutts Melding Mankind.
Dog Socialization: Unleash Canine Confidence

Jan 19, 2025 | whole-dog-journal.com | Dan Muse |IBM. Dan

Dogs are naturally social beings, but that doesn’t mean every puppy leaves the litter with social skills or that trauma can’t derail an adult dog who previously socialized with other dogs, people, and other animals. What Is Dog Socialization? Socialization is the process of preparing a dog to enjoy interactions and be comfortable with other animals, people, places, and activities, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
Can Dogs Get Lice?

Nov 26, 2024 | whole-dog-journal.com | Dan Muse |IBM. Dan

Yes, dogs can get lice. While not as common as fleas, lice can find a home on your canine companion. Two distinct types of lice infest dogs, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, a nonprofit group focused on bringing awareness of the threat parasites present to pets and family members. Those lice are:Mallophaga: Biting, or chewing, lice that often leave cuts on your dog’s skin. Anoplura: Sucking lice feed on the dog’s blood. Their narrow heads are designed to pierce a dog’s skin.
When to Choose a Dog Recovery Suit

Nov 13, 2024 | whole-dog-journal.com | Dan Muse |IBM. Dan

A dog recovery suit puts the dreaded cone of shame to shame. That plastic Elizabethan cone that has been traditionally used to stop dogs from licking, biting, or scratching at wounds, surgical stitches, and skin irritations works, but it’s not comfortable.
Can I Give My Dog Tylenol?

Nov 8, 2024 | whole-dog-journal.com | Dan Muse |IBM. Dan

Tylenol, or acetaminophen, is a go-to pain reliever for humans, but it can be deadly to dogs. Do not give your dog any Tylenol for any reason. There is no safe Tylenol dosage for dogs. As much as we hate to see our dogs in pain, you can’t assume the pain relievers we take ourselves are effective, or more importantly, are safe drugs for our dogs. The answers to the questions “Can I give my dog Tylenol for pain?” and “How much Tylenol can I give my dog?” are short and simple: No and none.
How to Tell If Your Dog Is Playing or Fighting

Oct 15, 2024 | whole-dog-journal.com | Dan Muse |IBM. Dan

At a quick glance, dog play and dog fights appear similar. However, there are telltale signs and changes in body language that dog owners need to understand to distinguish between intense, but fun, play and actual aggression and fear-based reactions. Dogs that are playing often exhibit loose, bouncy movements and relaxed facial expressions. Their ears might be perked up or floppy. Playing dogs may be vocal, but those vocalizations typically include excited barks, yips, or even playful growls.
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Dog?

Oct 14, 2024 | whole-dog-journal.com | Dan Muse |IBM. Dan

Few things are as rewarding as bringing a dog into your family. They bring us companionship, unconditional love, a reason to stay active and much more much. Like your other children, however, dogs bring inherent expenses and it’s important to understand the financial commitments so you can budget for the known costs.