Our dogs’ health touches everything from their energy and mood to how long they live. When we understand early symptoms, we have the greatest opportunity to catch problems sooner. Recognizing common health issues also helps us to tackle concerns before they worsen. It’s always recommended to work with your vet. Doing so can keep your dog as happy and comfortable as possible.
This hub brings together all of Your Pets at Home’s dog-health articles. It’s organized by major health themes. These include digestive problems, nutrition, chronic conditions, and skin and coat. There are also behavior and mental health, puppy care, and more. You can use it as a starting point whenever you have questions about your dog’s well-being. As always, you can use our Ask a Vet section to ask Dr. Mark or Dr. Kevin any questions you may have.
Digestive Upsets and Vomiting
Digestive problems are among the most common reasons pet parents visit the vet. Vomiting, bile, diarrhea, and other stomach issues can be caused by anything from an empty stomach to an infectious disease. These articles explain what different symptoms mean and offer practical remedies.
Dog Throwing Up Yellow Stuff? What to Do and How to Clean It
Yellow bile often appears when a dog vomits on an empty stomach. Other causes include grass-eating or irritation. This guide explains when it’s harmless and when it’s not. It offers steps like switching to smaller meals. Other suggestions include offering bland food and preventing access to grass or unsafe items.
Why Is My Dog Vomiting White Foam and What Should I Do?
Foamy vomit often comes from saliva and air when a dog vomits on an empty stomach. Mild causes include indigestion and acid reflux. This guide explains how to manage it with fasting, access to water, and bland meals. It also explains when white foam signals something more serious, like gastroenteritis or pancreatitis.
How the Superpower of Carrots Might Help Your Dog With Diarrhea
This article introduces Moro’s carrot soup — a long-cooked carrot purée that binds harmful bacteria and helps firm stools. Includes a simple recipe and notes on when it can help.
Can Dogs Eat Coleslaw? What Pet Owners Need to Know
Coleslaw often includes ingredients that aren’t dog-friendly: onions, garlic, salt, and high-fat mayonnaise. This guide breaks down what’s safe, what isn’t, and why plain carrots or cabbage are better alternatives.
Why Does My Dog Keep Licking His Paws?
Paw-licking can be caused by allergies, dry skin, injuries, stress, or boredom. The article covers how to check paws, soothe irritation, protect them outdoors, and support dogs with behavioral triggers.
Nutrition, Weight, and Supplements
What you feed your dog shapes their digestion, energy, skin health, mood, and lifespan. These articles explore how nutrition influences long-term health — and what to feed instead when kibble isn’t working.
Dry Dog Food Is Making Dogs Sick (What to Feed Instead)
A veterinarian explains how ultra-processed kibble contributes to inflammation, obesity, cancer risk, poor digestion, and even mood changes. The article provides a framework for a diet based on whole foods. Such a diet includes raw meaty bones, 50–65% meat, 10% organs, and 10–25% vegetables. It also suggests incorporating eggs and occasional fish.
Benefits of Salmon Oil for Dogs: 5 Powerful Boosts
Omega-3s support your dog’s coat, joints, brain, and immune system. This guide explains the benefits and how to choose (and dose) a high-quality oil.
Managing Dog Food Portions: Tips for a Healthy Weight
While not tagged under dog health, this guide pairs naturally with nutrition topics. It explains how to measure food accurately, feed based on ideal body weight, and use portioning tools to prevent obesity.
Chronic Conditions and Serious Diagnoses
Some conditions need ongoing care. These guides help you understand diagnoses, treatments, and what to expect.
Different Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs
Explains early-stage and late-stage CKD, symptoms to watch for, and how diet and monitoring can support dogs through progression.
How Addison’s Disease Can Affect Dogs: Sarah’s Story
A real case study illustrating how this hormonal condition affects sodium, potassium, and blood pressure. Covers symptoms, diagnostic clues, and lifelong treatment.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) in Dogs: Stages and Symptoms
DM is a progressive neurological disorder similar to ALS in humans. This article explains the stages, early warning signs, and how physiotherapy may help preserve mobility.
Affordable Heartworm Treatment for Dogs (A Vet’s Insights)
Breaks down heartworm stages, treatment options, costs, and the differences between fast-kill and slow-kill methods.
Dog Knees: Key Insights and Care Tips for Your Pet
A practical guide to knee injuries like cruciate tears or luxating patella. Helps owners recognize early clues and understand treatment options.
Focal Seizure in Dogs: Treatment at Home & Diet (Vet Advice)
This article covers what focal seizures look like. It explains how they differ from grand mal seizures. It also suggests what supportive care and diet adjustments can help while working with your vet.
Skin, Coat, and Allergies
Diet, environment, circulation, and immunity all shape skin and coat health. These articles explain symptoms and treatment options so you can support your dog comfortably.
Cytopoint vs Apoquel: Which Is Best for Dog Allergies?
A clear comparison of how each medication works, potential side effects, and when each might be recommended.
Should My Dog Have the Cytopoint Injection?
Explores Cytopoint as a standalone topic — expected benefits, dosing frequency, risks, and when caution is needed.
Why Are My Dog’s Ears Cold? (4 Reasons + Action Steps)
Explains normal and abnormal reasons for cold ears, from simple heat loss to circulatory issues. Includes at-home steps and when a vet visit is appropriate.
Behaviour, Mental Health and Stress
Changes in behavior often show stress, boredom, or underlying medical issues. These articles help you understand what your dog is trying to communicate.
What Types of Mental Stimulation Are Best for Dogs?
Shows how brain-work reduces anxiety and destructive habits. Includes puzzle-toy ideas, training games, and breed-specific suggestions.
Why Is Your Dog Drawn to Eating Revolting, Disgusting Items?
Explains scavenging behavior, pica, and coprophagia — and how to manage them safely.
How to Stop Your Puppy’s Hiccups: Tips and Tricks!
Covers common causes of puppy hiccups and simple ways to settle them.
7 Ways to Keep Your Dog Happy While You’re at Work
Offers practical solutions for boredom, loneliness, and separation stress, plus guidance on choosing a pet sitter or walker.
Puppy Care and Whelping
Breeding and early-life care can feel overwhelming. These guides walk you through the most important steps to keep puppies safe.
How to Revive a Newborn Puppy at Home
Explains safe ways to clear airways, stimulate breathing, and avoid outdated techniques that may cause harm.
Whelping Puppies: What to Do When a Dog Stops Giving Birth
Describes normal pauses between puppies and warning signs that call for immediate action.
How to Help Deliver a Stuck Puppy at Home Safely
Provides hands-on, safe instructions for assisting a stuck puppy, with clear signs of when to seek veterinary care.
Age, Development, and Other Topics
How to Tell a Dog’s Age by Teeth (FAQs and Photos)
A practical guide to estimating age through teeth, plus other clues like coat changes and energy levels.
Several other dog-health articles are particularly helpful for senior dogs. Some topics include cold ears, knee care, salmon oil, and mental stimulation. These resources are valuable as senior dogs’ needs change.
When to speak to your veterinarian
If your dog shows sudden or severe symptoms, please always speak with your veterinarian. Your Pets at Home provides practical guidance to help you understand your dog’s health. The guidance is clear. Please remember that our articles do not replace professional medical care.
Explore More Articles from the Dog Health Category
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A Simple Guide to External Parasites in Dogs
As a fellow dog owner, you probably know how annoying and harmful external parasites in dogs can be. These tiny creatures can cause discomfort, itching, irritation, and even diseases in our four-legged companions. In this article, I’ll give you a simple guide to external parasites in dogs, including what they are, how to identify them,…
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Help, My Dog Has Itchy Paws! Safe Home Remedies
Have you noticed your dog chewing or licking their paws more than usual? Are your dog’s paws looking red between the toes? These are signs of a dog having itchy paws, a common problem that can make our pets pretty uncomfortable. Let’s walk through what is causing this and, more importantly, what you can safely…
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Home Remedies for Dog Drooling: Less Mess and Stress!
An unreasonable amount of dog drooling can be a problem. The good news is that several home remedies for dog drooling may help, which we will share in this article. It’s always a good idea to chat with your vet first to rule out anything serious, though.
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How Long Can a Dog Go Without Pooping?
When your dog hasn’t had a bowel movement in a while, it’s totally natural to wonder whether something’s wrong. You might ask, ‘How long can a dog go without pooping?’ to find the answers to put your mind at ease. This article helps you recognize when it might be time to step in and support…
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Why Does My Dog Stretch So Much? When to Worry
Most stretching is healthy and shows that your dog feels relaxed or ready to play. Still, if you keep asking yourself why your dog stretches so much, watch for signs of discomfort. A quick veterinary assessment brings peace of mind and keeps your dog safe.
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Reasons Your Dog’s Teeth Are Chattering Like Crazy!
Sometimes, our dogs do things that puzzle or worry us. One of those things is chattering their teeth whenever they seem cold or nervous. In dogs, chattering teeth is a natural way to warm up and produce heat. But sometimes, the behavior may mean they are scared, anxious, or worse. Let’s look at some scenarios…
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Is the Rattlesnake Vaccine for Dogs a Good Choice?
If you live in a region where these snakes are abundant, you may have heard about a vaccine that pledges to shield your dog from the deadly effects of a venomous snake bite. But should you get the rattlesnake vaccine for your dog? This article will tell you what you need to know to make…
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Dog Panting at Night? Causes and Fixes
It’s natural to feel concerned when you notice your dog panting at night, especially if it’s a new behavior. Try starting with the basics: check the room temperature, consider recent stressors, and offer calm reassurance. Learn when to talk to a vet.
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Dog Ear Twitching: 7 Reasons Why It Happens
Our dogs’ ear movements can tell us a lot about their emotions, behavior, and well-being. Dog ear twitching usually happens when something in the air bothers them, as a subconscious reflex, or because of underlying health issues. Realizing why it’s happening, and knowing what to look for helps address the issue quickly.
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Best Home Remedy for a Dog With Itchy Bum
Is your dog licking or scooting because their bum feels itchy? It’s uncomfortable for them and stressful for you. Recognizing the cause can help you choose a safe home remedy for your dog to soothe their itchy bum. These tips can soothe mild irritation, but persistent scooting still needs a vet check to rule out…
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Are Raw Marrow Bones Safe or Risky for Dogs?
Raw marrow bones are exciting and nutritionally rich for dogs; they also carry risks like dental injury, digestive upset, and choking. Knowing what to watch for can help you enjoy the perks while keeping your dog safe.
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Why Avoid Hydrogen Peroxide For Dog Ear Cleaning?
Did you know that using hydrogen peroxide for dog ear cleaning can do more harm than good? Safer alternatives can keep your dog’s ears happy and healthy instead!
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Lyme Vaccine for Dogs Pros and Cons (A Complete Guide)
When weighing the Lyme vaccine for dogs and evaluating its pros and cons, it helps to understand the disease, how the vaccines work, and your dog’s personal risk. This guide walks you through the need-to-knows so you can make a confident, informed choice together with your veterinarian.
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Dog Foaming at the Mouth: Top 6 Causes and Solutions
When bubbles or froth made of saliva cover a dog foaming at the mouth or nose, it can be alarming for any pet owner. This condition can occur for several reasons. While some are harmless and temporary, others are highly problematic, requiring immediate medical attention. Let’s examine the six most typical causes of a dog…
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If Your Dog Ate an Edible: 5 Immediate Action Steps
It can be frightening if your dog ate an edible or any marijuana product. Knowing what steps to take right away can help keep your pet safe and may even save their life. This article will help you understand what to do if your dog ate an edible and what steps to take to get…
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Dog Overbite Relief Tips: 10 Kind, Practical Options
Dog overbite is a genetic, hereditary condition that causes the lower jaw to be noticeably shorter than the upper jaw. If your four-legged friend is in pain or uncomfortable due to an overbite, here are ten things you can do to care for the issue and improve your pet’s quality of life.
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What to Do If Your Dog’s Gums Are Pale
A dog’s gums should be a healthy pink color. Pale gums can signal a drop in blood flow or low oxygen levels in the tissues. This can happen for many reasons. Some are mild. Others need a vet right away. This guide will help you understand what pale gums may mean and what to do…
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‘Your Pets at Home’ Guide to Healthy Dog Nutrition
One of the most important aspects of your dog’s long-term health is excellent nutrition. When it comes to choosing the right food (and understanding how much to feed), every decision you make influences your dog’s weight, digestion, energy levels, coat health, and even their behavior. This article brings together the core topics every dog parent…
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‘Your Pets at Home’ Guide to Optimal Dog Health
This hub brings together all of Your Pets at Home’s dog-health articles. It’s organized by major health themes. These include digestive problems, nutrition, chronic conditions, and skin and coat. There are also behavior and mental health, puppy care, and more. You can use it as a starting point whenever you have questions about your dog’s…
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Dry Dog Food Is Making Dogs Sick (What to Feed Instead)
Dogs are not living as long as we once hoped, despite the advances in health care now available to so many of our pets. So why are dogs now sicker than they used to be? Health problems that we used to consider relatively rare have now become common. All of them are related to nutrition.
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Managing Dog Food Portions: Tips for a Healthy Weight
Did you know that between 50 and 60% of dogs in Canada are overweight or obese? Obesity can have severe consequences for their health and well-being, such as increased risk of diabetes, arthritis, and even cancer. That’s why managing dog food portions is so important. Read on to get tips for measuring and controlling your…
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Why Are My Dog’s Ears Cold? (4 Reasons + Action Steps)
Most of the time, a dog’s ears are cold simply because the weather is chilly. Still, it’s smart to pay attention when something feels off. Here are some tips to offer warmth and comfort, check the surrounding environment, and monitor your dog’s energy and appetite.
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Different Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs
From my years of veterinary practice, I have found that CKD generally progresses very slowly, and its symptoms can vary depending on the stage of the disease. Knowing the stages of chronic kidney disease in dogs can really assist pet parents and veterinarians in detecting issues early.
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Top 5 Home Remedies for Dog Dandruff and Itching
Dog dandruff is easy to detect. It appears as small, white flakes that cling to their fur, making them itchy and uncomfortable. You can typically help relieve this problem with the help of my 5 home remedies for dog dandruff and itching that follow. We’ll also discuss some situations where you might need a vet’s…
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Dog Throwing Up Yellow Stuff? What to Do and How to Clean It
Seeing your dog vomit is never pleasant, but when your dog is throwing up yellow bile, it can be especially worrying. The good news is that this symptom is often caused by something mild and temporary. Learn what yellow bile actually is, what might trigger it, how to care for your dog at home, and…
