safety & emergencies
first aid, dog CPR, poisoning, heatstroke, bloat, when to go to the ER.
Dangers of Rawhide
Just going to skip right to the point here: rawhides are dangerous and you should never give them to your dog.
Emergencies
Knowing what to do in the first few minutes of an emergency can save your dog's life.
Help! My Dog is Lost!
Losing your dog can be an incredibly frightening and distressing experience. The uncertainty of not knowing where your beloved pet is, coupled with concerns…
I Found a Stray Dog
Discovering a stray dog can be a stressful experience, both for you and the dog itself. The uncertainty of the situation, coupled with concerns for the dog's…
Dog CPR & the Canine Heimlich
Knowing how to perform CPR and clear a choking airway could save your dog's life. These are skills you hope you'll never need, but in a true emergency,…
Dog Parks: Safe or Not?
Public dog parks can be appealing to dog owners seeking an opportunity for their pets to socialize and exercise off-leash in a controlled environment.…
Severe Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions can range from mild (hives, itching) to life-threatening anaphylaxis within minutes.
Bloat
Bloat is one of the fastest-moving, most deadly emergencies a dog can face. It can kill within hours.
Choking & Breathing Emergencies
A dog that is choking will often paw frantically at their mouth, gag, make high-pitched sounds, or show blue/purple gums.
Dehydration
Two at-home checks:
How to Find Emergency Veterinary Care
Most areas have at least one 24-hour emergency veterinary clinic. Find yours before you need…
First Aid While You Get To The Vet
First aid is not a substitute for veterinary care, it buys time. Here are the key…
Heatstroke & Heat Exhaustion
Dogs cannot sweat. They cool themselves almost entirely through panting, and when panting isn't enough, their body temperature can spike to dangerous levels…
Emergency Numbers to Save Right Now
Emergency Numbers to Save Right Now
Poisoning & Toxic Ingestion
If you think your dog ate something toxic, don't wait for symptoms. Call poison control immediately.
Seizures
A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain. As terrifying as they look, most seizures last less than two minutes and stop…
Trauma & Injury
After any major physical trauma, hit by a car, attacked by another dog, a bad fall, go to the vet even if your dog seems fine.
When to Go to the Emergency Vet
⚠️ Go to an Emergency Vet RIGHT NOW If Your Dog…
Emergency Preparedness
Click on the photo to read more about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina for…
Build Your Own First Aid Kit
Having a first aid kit readily available for your dog is crucial in case of an emergency, as it allows pet owners to provide immediate care and potentially…
Flying With Your Dog
Flying with your dog requires more advance planning than car travel, but it's absolutely doable with the right preparation.
How to Approach a Dog Safely
When we see a cute dog, of course we want to boop the snoot and hug it immediately, but as amazing as that would be for us - it’s the not right way to…
Microchips
Microchipping your dog is a crucial step in ensuring their safety and increasing the chances of a reunion if they ever become lost or stolen. Unlike collars…
Motion Sickness & Car Anxiety
Does your dog get carsick? You're not alone. Motion sickness and car anxiety are surprisingly common in dogs, and they can make travel stressful for everyone.…
Muzzle Training
Why Dogs Wear Muzzles, It's Not What You Think
Puppy Travel Tips
Traveling with a young puppy comes with some extra considerations. Puppies have more limited bladder control, less developed immune systems, and are still…
Traveling by Ship or Train
By Ship
Traveling With Your Dog
Whether you're road-tripping across California or heading to a family reunion three states away, more dog parents than ever are choosing to bring their pups…
Traveling By Car
For most dog parents, the car is the most common way to travel with their pup. It's also one of the most important places to get safety right.
Before You Go: Getting Travel-Ready
No matter how your dog is traveling, by car, plane, or boat, the prep work you do before you leave is the most important part of the trip. Taking a little…