Author: Rebecca Bretana

Breed Spotlight: The German Shorthaired Pointer What are German Shorthaired Pointers? These less-common but majestic hunting dogs are sought after for their strong prey drive and companionable spirit. Here’s everything you need to know about this strong, energetic breed. Breed History The German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) was developed after over a century of breeding. German hunters if the 1700s were after the perfecting hunting dog to assist them. It was sometime in the 1800s that these breeds perfected the match of tracking and pointing hounds to create the present-day GSP. The breed both then and today is credited as being one of the best hunting breeds. They are excellent trackers;… Read More Continue Reading

Hearing and Vision Loss in Elderly Dogs As people age, their sight or hearing can become impaired. It’s not uncommon for the elderly to need eyewear or hearing aids. As your dog ages, the same can happen to them. Unfortunately for our pets, there aren’t many aids that can help them cope with the loss of their senses. As their caregiver, you can help them age gracefully though. Here’s what you need to know about hearing and vision loss in elderly dogs. What Causes Vision Loss in Elderly Dogs? As your dog ages, losing its sight might be inevitable. Not all dogs will go blind, but they may have a… Read More Continue Reading

Presidential Pets – White House Dogs Pets play such an important role in our lives. It only makes sense that even the most influential people in the United States would have the same love of animals as everyone else. Presidential pets help make the first family more relatable. With a new family in the White House, let’s look at the role of pets and famous First Pets of the past. The Role of Pets in the White House The role of pets in the White House is the same as pets in anyone’s house. Most people find so much joy in pet ownership. Not to mention, there are a slew… Read More Continue Reading

How Long Can My Dog Stay Outside in the Cold? Some dogs love to frolic through freshly laid snow. Others despise the thought of even going outside to go potty when it gets to be cold. What does your dog think about going outside when it’s that cold? Knowing how long your dog can stay outside in the cold is important. It can help you get over knowing if your dog is genuinely too cold to stay outside or if they are just being stubborn. How Long Can My Dog Stay Outside in the Cold? How do you dress when you go outside in the winter? You’re likely putting on… Read More Continue Reading

What do I do if My Dog Has a Seizure? Dog seizures can be an unsettling occurrence the first time you experience one. There isn’t much time to think before it’s come and gone. The best thing to do is educate yourself on the origin of seizures and learn what to do if your dog has a seizure. What Does a Seizure Look Like? Seizures in dogs look much like they do in humans. This neurological condition causes convulsions that are often temporary and short in duration. Generally, while seizures look violent and scary, they are not painful. Your dog may come out of the event confused or a little… Read More Continue Reading

Service Dogs for PTSD Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a very common disorder that affects about eight percent of our population at some point in their life. Recently, organizations have been exploring the use of service animals to help lessen the symptoms of PTSD with positive results. What is PTSD, and how can service dogs be used in treating PTSD? What is PTSD? PTSD is a stress disorder that is usually caused by witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. Symptoms can develop anywhere from weeks to years after the event, but the symptoms of PTSD can be debilitating. Symptoms of PTSD can include: Intrusive memories Avoidance of the event Negative… Read More Continue Reading