Dog Health Care Tips | Dog Care Information

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How to Get Rid of Bad Dog Breath

Smelling bad breath from your dog? Learn some tips and tricks from the PEDIGREE® brand about how to treat and reduce your furry friend’s smelly breath.

Cleaning Your Dog’s Face and Eyes

Dog faces can be cute, adorable, joyful, soulful, noble, and commanding. They are capable of communicating a wide range of emotions. And they have the power to look deeply into our souls and touch us on an elementary level. They are also prone to attracting schmutz and getting dirty.

Why Does My Dog Chew on His Leg?

It's not uncommon to see your dog chew on his leg or paw—after all, even dogs get occasional itches that need scratching. But if your dog has become an obsessive chewer of his leg or paw, there may be a serious problem underlying his behavior, and an examination by his veterinarian could be necessary.

A Few Shih Tzu Health Concerns

Each breed has its own set of health problems. Luckily for the Shih Tzu, their list of health worries is relatively short! Working our way from head to toe, here is a list of the most common Shih Tzu health concerns.

All About The Yorkie’s Hair

With its long silky hair, the Yorkshire terrier has one of the most distinctive coats in the canine world. And while this luxurious coat is beautiful, it can also be quite a job to care for.

Top 5 Yorkie Health Risks

Smart, lively, and inquisitive, Yorkshire Terriers are lovable companions. But like all breeds, they have their vulnerabilities. Knowing the health risks that affect your Yorkie can facilitate prevention and early detection and, ultimately, help keep him feeling like top dog.

The Toy Poodle’s 5 Biggest Health Risks

As a Toy Poodle owner, you can consider yourself lucky. Your cuddly little breed is not only a generally healthy one, it has a life expectancy of as long as 18 years. Of course, like all purebred dogs, the Toy Poodle does have its share of inheritable health problems.

Wisdom Panel – What does your dog’s DNA say?

Discover what insights you can unlock by having DNA testing done on your dog, including what is the best training, nutrition and care for them as well as much more.

The Benefits of Dental Treats

Explaining the benefits of dental treats READ MORE

Should You Share Holiday Leftovers with Your Dog?

This is a season to say thanks to those we love, including our canine companions. Some dog owners do this by sharing some of their family feast with their pooch. READ MORE

Help Your Dog Rediscover His Inner Puppy

Keeping your dog youthful and full of energy is easier than ever before. With the right nutrition from PEDIGREE^®, dogs of all ages and sizes can stay at their playful and healthy best. With a little extra attention, you can keep your dog’s inner puppy active for life.

Poodle Hair Care 101

Your handsome Poodle is a study in hair-ology with so many pigment variations and textures! Your poodle might be one of 10 colors — from silver to apricot, champagne to café-au-lait — with hair quality ranging from wavy to soft, wooly to coarse. Poodles are also unique in that they have hair rather than fur, so they rarely shed.

Labrador retriever standing in low creek

Health Risks for Labrador Retrievers

Strong, smart, playful, and friendly, Labrador Retrievers are lovable companions. But like all breeds, they have their vulnerabilities. Knowing the health risks that affect your Lab can make early detection and prevention easier, and keep him feeling like top dog.

July Fireworks: Keeping Them Calm

Does the BIG-BANG-BOOM!!!!! of fireworks turn your pooch into a scaredy-dog? We have some helpful advice.

The Shih Tzu and Renal Dysplasia

Hard to detect and difficult to treat, Renal Dysplasia is a genetic defect of the kidneys that is always irreversible and that affects Shih Tzus more than any other breed. READ MORE

A Short History of Poodle Grooming

While the distinctive hairdo might seem more like a fashion statement than a necessity, the Standard Poodle haircut makes sense once you understand the breed's history.

Discover the Breeds in Your Mixed-breed Dog

Ever wonder what breeds are in your mutt? We’ll tell you how you can find out—and why this is important information for the health of your dog. READ MORE

The life stages of dogs

Learn more about the many life stages of dogs so you have a better idea of what to expect along the way.

Oral Care: Preventing Gum Disease & Serious Problems

With proper daily oral care and a healthy diet, you can make a positive difference in the health of your dog’s teeth and gums.

Hitting the Road Together: 10 Tips

Dogs make great traveling companions. But there are certain challenges that come with taking your canine with you on a road trip. Here are 10 tips to make your next long-distance drive safe and fun for both of you.

small black dog playing with owner and toy

8 Fun Indoor Activities for Dogs

You’re not the only one who’s bored staying in the house all day. Dogs need stimulation throughout the day, and nothing beats playtime. Get some fun ideas for activities and games to play with your pup while staying inside.

Which Is Best: Dry Dog Food or Wet Dog Food?

Picking the right food for your dog can be tricky. Learn from PEDIGREE® about whether dry food or wet food is best for your canine. READ MORE

Smart Ways to Store Your Dog’s Food

This article shares everything you need to know about keeping your dog’s food fresh, including some frequently asked questions.

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day With Your Dog

Celebrate St. Patty’s Day With Your Dog

Celebrate St. Patrick's day with your favorite canine. Find out different ways that you can celebrate and make new traditions with your dog. READ MORE

The Facts About Spaying and Neutering

Learn the facts about the importance and effects of spaying and neutering your puppies and kittens.

Winter Activities That Are Fun

Make sure your dog doesn't suffer the winter blues with a variety of winter activities that are both fun and good for your dog's overall health.

The Benefits of Growing Up with Pets

Learn how having a child grow up with pets can help to improve their self-esteem, their social skills, and their overall life.

Give Your Dog a Healthy Valentine

Discover how you can celebrate Valentine's day with your dog while still prioritizing their health and wellness.

Idiopathic Vestibular Disease in Dogs

If your dog has difficulty walking or balancing, seems to be tilting his head to one side, and displays an odd rolling eye movement, he may have idiopathic vestibular disease. READ MORE

In the Swim With Your Dog

Who doesn't love to watch a dog as he wades into water and instinctively begins to doggie paddle his way across a pond or pool? The fact is, most dogs enjoy the water–at least enough to wade in–and many are natural swimmers.

Keeping Your Canine Cool This Summer

When the temperature goes up, your heat-alert level should be up, too. If your dog is panting heavily, salivating, or foaming, he may be having a heat-related problem. These tips can help you avoid a dangerous situation before it starts—and tell you what to do if your dog is showing symptoms.

Summer music festivals are goin’ to the dogs!

There are a host of dog-friendly music festivals across the country perfect for you and your four-legged bestie. Whether you explore the Woof Fest in Denver, Colorado; DoggieStock Music Fest in Washington State or Woofstock in Ohio, you’ll find music, excitement and festivities for a summer of fun.

Go for a hike!

Most small dogs are natural lovers of the outdoors. And, your small dog just might jump up and wag his tail at the phrase, 'Let's go hiking!' To him, there's very little that's more exciting than exploring endless trails and letting his big personality shine through.

Male & Female Dogs Personality Differences

Keeping Your Pet Safe and Secure

The time to prepare for the possibility that your dog can go missing is now, when he’s safe at home. Here are a few things you can start to do today:

New Year's Resolutions to Make for Your Dog

By now you may have made your New Year's resolutions. But have you made resolutions that will help make your dog happier and healthier in the year to come? Here are a few easy-to-keep resolutions that will get the year off to a great start.

Hiking With Your Dog

Most dogs are natural lovers of the outdoors. But like anything else, there are certain rules of the road and woods that come along with taking your dog on a hike. READ MORE

Overcoming Canine Obesity

Obesity is the most common canine nutritional disease in this country, occurring in up to 25% of dogs. While the many problems associated with weight gain are frightening, it's reassuring to know that by keeping your dog at a reasonable weight, you can reduce his chances of diabetes, heart disease, orthopedic problems, and possibly even cancer.

Treating Paw Pad Injuries

If you've never given your dog's paw pads much thought, you should! Pads are the thick, spongy, rubbery part of your dog's paw. Dogs rely on their paw pads to absorb shock, make traction with the surface on which they're walking (or running, sliding, slipping, etc.), insulate their paws from extreme temperatures, and to protect them from whatever is underfoot. READ MORE

How To Take Your Dog’s Temperature

When your dog is ill, it's often important to know whether or not he has a fever because it may help you decide if he needs immediate veterinary care. READ MORE

Celebrate Earth Day With Your Dog

At this time of year, the springtime weather is calling you and your dog outdoors and, with all the people and other dogs milling about, the world can seem like one big dog park. READ MORE

Bath Time Made Easy (Really!)

For some dog owners, bath time is pure canine chaos. One minute your pooch is calm, then, when he sees the shampoo and grooming tools, he becomes a running, squirming, shaking mess.

small dog outside in harness and rain gear

Why Does My Dog Scoot His Rear End?

When a dog scoots (drags) his rear end on the carpet, it can look bizarre—and even comical. And if it’s done in front of visitors, it can also be embarrassing. If you’ve ever witnessed this behavior, you may have wondered what is driving your dog to do this. READ MORE

Does My Dog Need A Winter Coat?

If you've always considered dog coats and sweaters silly accessories for overindulged pets, there's something you should know. Many breeds actually need winter coats or sweaters to brave the winter weather. Here's how to determine whether your dog is a candidate for outerwear.

light colored dog sitting near brick wall

When Should You Switch Your Senior Dog to Soft Food?

When it comes to dietary needs, every dog has individual needs, regardless of age. So there's no one easy answer to the question of soft food versus hard food. Both types of food can provide your dog with the nutrition your dog needs—providing you are feeding your dog a quality dog food that is nutritionally balanced and complete.

Common diseases in older dogs: Urinary Tract Infection

If you've noticed that your dog has been urinating more frequently than usual, urinating in the house or has been whining to go out more often, he may have a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). READ MORE

Making it Easier for Older Dogs to Get Around

There are ways you can make life easier and more comfortable for older dogs that have arthritic joints, hip problems, or other complications that make it difficult to get from here to there.

small dog stand in front of white background

Common diseases in older dogs: Urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence—the inability to hold urine in the bladder—is not an uncommon occurrence in older dogs. This is just one more example of how similar humans and dogs are as they age.

Caring For Dogs With Chronic Kidney Failure

Chronic kidney failure is a relatively common problem in dogs. Although it can occur in young dogs, it's more commonly seen in seniors. The more you know about this serious condition, the better off your dog may be.

Your Dog’s Primal Need to Be Walked

Walking your dog each day is Canine Care 101. A walk provides your pooch with exercise and, of course, a potty break. But there's another reason why that daily stroll is so important—and it has to do with instinct.

Exercises for your older dog

No matter how old he is, when a dog is active and stimulated it's good for his overall well-being: physically, mentally and emotionally. In fact, exercise is the very thing a dog needs to maintain his quality of life as he ages.

Can Cranberries Cure Canine Troubles?

Is autumn's most popular berry good for your dog? The answer may be "YES." But before you add cranberries to his food bowl this Thanksgiving, you should know a few things about this berry's canine health benefits and limitations.

The Serious Benefits of Play

Playing and having fun helps to eliminate stress from your life—and the same holds true for your dog. In fact, incorporating various forms of play into your dog's daily routine is vital to helping him develop a healthy, loving personality.

Common diseases in older dogs: Seizures

While seizures are indicative of canine epilepsy, the fact that an older dog can have seizures doesn't mean they are epileptic. In fact, it's uncommon for epilepsy to appear in senior dogs if they didn't already have the condition as a younger dog.

Protecting Your Dog’s Paws

Winter can be brutal on your dog's paws. The cold weather, snow, and ice can lead to cracked or peeling paw pads—and that can be painful for your pooch. Fortunately, you can take a few simple steps to prevent pad problems and keep your dog comfortable.

Is Your Dog Coughing And Sneezing?

It's December, and that means the beginning of flu season for us humans. But what about your dog—is he at risk of getting the flu, too? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. READ MORE

Common Diseases in Older Dogs: Skin Lumps

It happens to many dog owners: You stroke your dog and suddenly feed an odd bump on your dog's skin. What could it be?

Common diseases in older dogs: Loss of appetite

Next to fetch, eating used to be your dog's favorite activity. But lately you've noticed a gradual decrease in your dog's appetite. READ MORE

Common diseases in older dogs: Cushing's Disease

Cushing's Disease (also known as "hyperadrenocorticism") is a disorder in which the adrenal gland produces excessive cortisol, a natural steroid hormone.