Now that the weather is getting nicer and we're spending more time outside, the possibility of our dogs having a run-in with a skunk has raised to 'its definitely going to happen' percent. Dogs are naturally curious animals, and skunks live just about anywhere -- in the country, and the city -- and at least one dog in your life will get sprayed. Consider it a right of passage (for you...not them).

So what should you do if (or when) it happens? 

Whatever you do, don't spray your dog with water ...

Your dog probably spends more time outdoors than you do. When he goes outside, he’s also walking around in the grass, and his body is closer to the ground than yours is.

That means your dog is likely more at risk than you are to have ticks attach themselves. If ticks are in your yard, they hang out on tall grass and shrubs, becoming dislodged as your dog brushes against them. Some ticks carry something called Lyme Disease, a bacterial illness that causes issues in organs and joints. It’s probab...

If you have a dog, you probably know just how much mischief he can get into with his mouth. That book or shoe he chewed up tells you that chewing is a favorite pastime, especially for younger dogs. Dogs love to pick up anything that smells like you - clothing, telephones, remote controls, etc. While sometimes this behavior amuses us, it can often be dangerous for your dog and expensive for you. Recently I worked with a dog who took batteries off of a counter, swallowed them whole and had to have...

Every year, thousands of cats and dogs undergo a dangerous and expensive procedure. A procedure that not only results in unnecessary death but is in some cases completely superfluous.

What is this risky practice?

It’s going under anesthesia in order to get their teeth cleaned.

Is Anesthesia for Dog Teeth Cleaning Necessary?

Each year approximately one in 1,000 otherwise healthy cats and one in 2,000 otherwise healthy dogs die under anesthesia. That is a low number. A relatively safe ratio or...

Is putting my dog in a crate like putting my dog in jail?

That must be one of the most commonly asked questions when training begins.

Many people see a crate as a mean and unjust way to manage their dogs (just ask PETA). In Europe, most people do not use crates (except during transport) for their dogs and don’t find it necessary in the home.

So is it cruel to use a crate? Are you being mean to leave your dog in one?

I think it depends. A crate is a tool and like all tools can be misused.

Ar...

By now, the way we live and interact will have dramatically changed. Nearly everything about our day-to-day lives has been altered in some way. Hopefully, soon things will return to normal. But for now, we are in unchartered territory.

It can scary.

But it’s important not to trade one danger for another. A stressful diet of 24-hour news and live virus-tracking maps can take nearly as much a toll on our well-being and health as a virus.

Mastering Pandemic Panic

But, Chris, how about my dog? W...

First and most important, dog urine marking is not a housebreaking issue. Though urine is involved, cause and correction are very different, so let’s not confuse the two.

Urine marking can occur in both male and female dogs of any age. However, it most commonly starts in adolescent male dogs and continues into adulthood. It can be a huge issue that is upsetting to the entire family, usually because of behavior or sanitary concerns.

It can be so severe an issue that many people give up their do...

Thanksgiving is here and with it the official start of the holiday season. From the last Thursday in November until well into next year, it’s a time of gatherings and celebrations.

And family.

Family is what makes the holidays great. And to most of us, our dogs are family. It’s essential that Rudolph the Schnauzer have a great time too if we are to call these festivities a success.

So, before the first guests arrive, it’s a good time to review the rules. Just like we know we never talk politi...

A friend recently reached out to me because her parents’ 7-year-old Standard Poodle was showing signs of separation anxiety.

Her parents had relocated to Florida and now the dog continuously barks when her parents leave the apartment and the neighbors are complaining. To make matters worse, the dog is also showing other symptoms and has stopped eating.

Many times a dog will start showing signs of anxiety (panting, salivating, pacing, barking and whining) as soon as the owners start to prepare ...

Halloween is a holiday for thrills and chills. But it’s important we don’t forget that the best way to enjoy a holiday is by making sure we enjoy it safely.

It’s fun to include the family pet in family activities, so it’s natural to think that we should include our dogs in the festivities. I once saw a family dressed as the dogs from Paw Patrol with their dog dressed as Ryder. It was very creative.

But the best holidays are safe holidays. Especially for dogs.

Leave trick-or-treating to the gh...