There’s a moment every dog parent dreads. You wake up and your usually bouncy pup is just… off. They’re not eating, maybe a bit shaky, and something in their eyes says, “I don’t feel right.” In tick heavy areas, that quiet shift can sometimes point to something serious. Tick fever. Tick fever isn’t something you want to mess around with but when getting to a vet isn’t instantly possible, you’ve got to act smart and quick with home care. Let’s talk through the real gritty parts of it. The signs, the do’s and don’ts, and how to be there for…
Author: Victor Reuben
Ever rubbed your dog’s ear during a cuddle and suddenly felt a warm, squishy lump that wasn’t there yesterday? Yep. That little balloon-like swelling is likely a hematoma, and it can be as confusing as it is scary the first time you notice it. One of my friends was dogsitting her sister’s Eskimo when she noticed his ear had puffed up overnight. The poor guy was shaking his head like he had water stuck in it and pawing at it like it owed him money. She panicked, called me up, and asked, “Do I need to rush him to the…
If you’ve ever snuggled up with a Havanese, you already know they’re little bundles of joy wrapped in fluff. Sweet, sassy, and ridiculously charming, right? So naturally, when you love a dog that much, you start thinking about the hard stuff too, like how long they’ll be around and what health problems you might face down the road. It’s not a fun topic, but it’s one that matters. Whether you’re thinking about getting a Havanese or you’re already in deep with one who’s getting up there in age, understanding what they’re prone to can help you plan, prep, and maybe…
If your dog slurps down water like it’s vanishing from the planet, you’re definitely not the only one raising an eyebrow. Loads of dog parents have watched in slight panic as their pup guzzles a whole bowl of water in seconds flat, tongue going a mile a minute, water splashing everywhere, and the occasional dramatic burp that follows. You might even find yourself yelling, “Slow down, mate!” while your pup ignores you entirely. But why do they drink like they’ve just crossed the Sahara? Let’s break it down and figure out what’s going on when your dog drinks water too…
You know that feeling when you’re calling your puppy’s name for the fifth time and they’re still sniffing that patch of grass like it holds the secrets of the universe? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Getting a puppy to actually listen can feel like trying to talk sense into a toddler high on sugar. One minute they’re gazing at you like you’re the love of their life, the next they’re chewing your slipper under the couch. But the truth is, puppies aren’t being naughty to wind us up. They’re learning. And just like humans, some days they’re switched on, and…
Alright, let’s be real, waking up or walking into your room and finding a damp, smelly spot right where your dog’s supposed to cuddle is a proper nightmare. You start questioning everything. Is my dog mad at me? Did I forget to let them out? Is this revenge for cutting that walk short yesterday? It’s frustrating. But more than anything, it’s confusing. A friend of mine went through this recently. Her older spaniel, usually sweet as pie and house-trained for years, suddenly started peeing on her bed. Not the floor. Not the rug. The bed. No warning. No pattern. She…
If you’ve ever caught your pup scooting their bum across your rug like it’s the final lap of a race, you’re not alone. Loads of us dog folks have been there. At first, it might seem a bit funny, right? But once you dig into what it actually means, the joke fades fast. Anal gland problems are way more common than you’d think, and they’re anything but comfortable for our furry mates. Let’s say your small-breed dog starts doing the scoot dance every few days. Then there’s licking, whining, a bit of swelling back there, and that god-awful fishy smell.…
If you’re reading this because you’re in the middle of a hard moment, first off, I’m sorry. Losing a dog at home is heartbreaking, confusing, and just… heavy. Whether it happened unexpectedly or you knew it was coming, nothing really prepares you for what to do next. So let’s talk through it. Gently. A neighbor of mine went through this not long ago. Her Husky, Archie, passed away peacefully in his sleep overnight. She called me first, in a panic. “Do I call the vet? Animal control? Can I just keep him here for a bit?” Those are all fair…
Ever stared at your dog while they just stood there, tail wagging slowly, giving you a side-eye, and thought, “What are you trying to tell me, mate?” You’re not alone. Every dog owner at some point feels like they’re trying to learn a foreign language… without the guidebook. Dogs don’t speak English, but they sure as heck talk. You just have to tune in. Reading the Wiggly Bits: Tail, Ears, Eyes A wagging tail doesn’t always mean a happy pup. That’s the first surprise for most new dog parents. A high, stiff wag might be more of a “watch yourself”…
If you’ve got a dog with a white or light-colored coat, you know what I’m talking about. Those rusty streaks creeping down from the eyes? They look like your pup’s been crying into their fur after watching a sad film. Only it doesn’t wipe off with a tissue and a cuddle. Some breeds just seem to come with tear stains baked into the deal. Maltese, Shih Tzus, Bichons, and even some Frenchies end up with this reddish-brown smudge under their eyes. You clean it one day, it’s back by the next. Makes you wonder if it’s just part of their…