Skip to main content

Educational Articles

Dogs + Preventive Care & Wellness

  • Children and Shelties often go well together. Both like to run around and make lots of noise. Don't be surprised, though, if you find your Sheltie attempting to herd your children into a tight little circle. When tapping into his heritage, the Sheltie does not distinguish between a herd of sheep and a herd of kids.

  • The dignified, independent Shiba Inu may seem more like a cat than a dog - particularly to those whom he does not know. However, those who are privileged to be part of the pack know that this ancient Japanese breed bonds strongly to his human family - and can be surprisingly fun-loving.

  • The Shih Tzu is among the world's most loving, attentive, affectionate, sweet, and mild-mannered breeds. Content to sit on your lap, in your handbag, or at your feet for hours, Shih Tzu want nothing in life other than to love and be loved by a favorite person.

  • Is your dog lovable, smart, and obedient? Is she/he also really good-looking? If you want others to know just how great your dog is, perhaps you should consider showing them off!

  • It takes a will of iron to pull a sled for miles over frozen tundra, so Siberian Huskies can be a bit obstinate. However, they are also smart, fun-loving and always ready for a game.

  • The Silky is truly a terrier; thus, they can be scamps, scattering laundry about the house, staring down the pet guinea pig in its cage, barking a welcome or warning to all who walk down the street. Yet, they can be charming, fun and great companions.

  • Skunks spray volatile compounds from their anal sacs if they feel threatened by a potential predator such as a dog. Dogs can come across a skunk in rural or urban areas but most often at dawn or dusk and in areas where skunks make their den. Avoiding these areas at these times is the best way to avoid a skunk encounter. If sprayed in the face your dog may need veterinary care, as corneal damage can occur if sprayed in the eyes, and vomiting, diarrhea, or anemia can result if sprayed in the mouth. Washing the offending oils from the dog is complicated, but there are several commercial skunk shampoos that are good for this. If these are not available a combination of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dish soap can be used to help in the short term. It is important to avoid getting this solution in the eyes or mouth as the ingredients can be irritating and create more problems. Skunks may carry rabies so avoid contact between them and your dog.

  • Still the strong diggers with good hearing and good sense they were originally bred to be, Skye Terriers think for themselves and do their jobs without instruction. Crackerjack vermin hunters, personal guardians, and devoted companions, Skyes take life seriously and won't give up or give in when they think it's important.

  • The Smooth Fox Terrier loves to play, and he's always up for a good game of fetch (although he might not bring the ball back), tug-of-war (he doesn't like to lose), or just lots of running around, hiking, exploring, sniffing, and barking.

  • Dogs, like people, need to practice their social skills. Spending time with other dogs will help your dog hone his ability to read his friends’ body language and to communicate effectively. These skills decrease the development of dog related fear and aggression. Play groups in an organized or more relaxed setting are beneficial for both your growing puppy and adult dog. Canine and human socialization occur simultaneously and dog owners enjoy meeting new friends, too. Watching dogs play is a great way to reduce your stress level. Socializing should be pleasant for you and your dog, so find a comfortable group and setting and have fun!