How to Tell if My Dog Is Sick

Even small shifts in routine can hint at something more. When a dog isn’t feeling well, they often signal it through their body language, behavior, or energy levels, and sometimes all at once.

• Loss of appetite: A healthy dog usually eats with enthusiasm. Skipping meals can point to digestive upset, dental pain, fever, or infection.
• Body weight changes: Unexpected weight loss can indicate serious underlying disease, and weight gain can also point to certain medical conditions.
• Low energy or unusual tiredness: If your dog seems more tired than usual or rests in odd spots away from the family, it could be a sign they’re not feeling well.
• Behavior changes: Some dogs withdraw and avoid attention, while others become unusually clingy. Any sudden shift in demeanor is worth noting.
• Digestive issues: Repeated vomiting, soft or loose poop, or unexpected house accidents may indicate a gastrointestinal problem or internal issue.
• Respiratory symptoms: Coughing, sneezing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or discharge from the eyes or nose could be signs of a respiratory condition that requires prompt care.

Serious Symptoms May Be Hard to Spot

Sometimes illness sneaks in quietly. You might see small things at first, such as a change in the way your dog moves, drinks, or grooms. Those changes can be easy to overlook, especially if they come on slowly.

Keep an eye out for signs like stiffness when standing, sudden disinterest in stairs or jumping, or excessive licking at one paw or joint. These may point to orthopedic pain or inflammation. A sudden shift in weight, bad breath, or frequent urination could signal internal problems like diabetes, urinary tract infection, kidney trouble, or dental disease.

Trust your instincts. If you’re asking yourself if your dog is sick — there’s a reason. When in doubt, make the call.

How to Help Your Sick Dog

First, take notes. Track symptoms, note when they started, and observe how your dog behaves throughout the day. This gives your vet a better picture of what’s happening.

Avoid giving human medications, even if symptoms seem mild. Keep your dog hydrated and comfortable, and reduce stress by providing a calm, familiar routine while you wait for professional advice.

Pet Insurance Is Here to Help

When your dog suddenly needs care, Healthy Paws is here to help you focus on what matters most: getting them the treatment they need. Our plan covers unexpected veterinary expenses like diagnostics, prescriptions, and emergency services, so you never have to pause when it’s time to act.

From puppy mischief to senior snoozes, Healthy Paws Pet Insurance helps you care for your dog every step of the way. Get a quote today.

The post Signs Your Dog is Sick appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Do Dogs Think Humans Are Dogs?

No, dogs don’t think humans are dogs, but they do consider us part of their social group.

Dogs are masters at adapting their behavior to interact with humans. They pick up on our body language, facial expressions, tone of voice and routines. Rather than treating us exactly like other dogs, they create a unique relationship with us, adjusting their instincts and communication to fit a world shared with people.

Do My Dogs Know I Love Them?

Dogs may not understand love the same way humans do, but they recognize warmth, kindness, affection and care. In return, they offer loyalty and companionship that goes beyond words.

How Dogs Can Show Love

Dogs express love in many ways, including:

• Following you from room to room
• Leaning against you or resting their head on you
• Wagging their tails loosely
• Bringing you toys or treats
• Making soft eye contact

When you notice these signs, it’s a wonderful reminder that your dog feels deeply bonded to you.

How to Improve How Your Dog Sees You

Dogs thrive when they feel secure, loved and understood. Small daily habits can make a big difference, such as:

• Offering positive reinforcement during training
• Keeping a consistent routine for feeding, walks and playtime
• Giving your dog opportunities for mental enrichment and exploration
• Listening to their body language and respecting their signals

Being patient and attentive helps your dog view you not just as a caregiver, but as their most trusted companion.

Does My Dog Not Like Me?

If you’re worried and wondering if your dog doesn’t like you, it’s important not to jump to conclusions. Dogs have moods and preferences and can get tired and a little moody, just like people. 

If you notice changes in behavior, consider:

• Spending more one-on-one time together doing something your dog enjoys
• Using treats and praise to build positive associations
• Checking for signs of illness or discomfort that might affect behavior
• Giving your dog space and letting them come to you on their own terms (some pets are just not the touchy-feely type, even dogs!)

Pet Insurance’s Role in How Dogs See You

Taking care of your dog’s health is one of the biggest ways you show them love. Having pet insurance means you’re prepared to give your dog the medical care they need, whether it’s for unexpected accidents, illnesses or chronic conditions.

Healthy Paws Pet Insurance has a range of dog and puppy plans that can help you protect your best friend through all of life’s adventures. Get your quote today.

The post How Do Dogs See Humans? appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

But while humans can talk through these feelings with a caring friend, a loved one or a therapist, pets don’t have that option. Without a way to process and overcome these feelings, dogs and cats may exhibit certain destructive or alarming behaviors which can increase their own anxiety and cause concern for the people who love them.

Reading the Signs

Fortunately, while your dog or cat can’t tell you with words what’s making them anxious, they have other ways of telling you – and by picking up on the signals, pet parents can take steps to make their pets feel better and prevent anxiety from reoccurring.

Anxiety in Dogs

We all want our dogs to be happy, healthy, easygoing and playful. But anxiety can greatly diminish a dog’s quality of life and rob it of its health and natural joy. One Finnish study that looked at the links between canine anxiety and behavioral issues found that 72.5% of dogs – nearly three quarters of them – exhibited behaviors strongly suggesting anxiety as a root cause. That means that most dogs will experience anxious situations at some point in their lives.

Common Causes of Anxiety in Dogs

The two most common types of anxiety are:

• Fear-based anxiety: Triggered by things like loud noises (think thunderbolts or fireworks), unfamiliar people or objects (think delivery people or vacuum cleaners), or unfamiliar situations (think car trips to the vet).
• Separation anxiety: This occurs when a dog becomes distressed after being separated from its pet parent, fearing you might never come back.

Signs of Anxiety in Dogs

• Fear-based behaviors: Fear from a situation, a person, or another dog might manifest as whimpering, hiding or running away. Sometimes, however, fear-based anxiety can take the form of aggression: growling, excessive barking or even biting.
• Separation-related behaviors: Destructive behavior, such as chewing on or clawing at furniture, or urinating or defecating inside a house or a crate. Other telltale signs of stress and anxiety include pacing, restlessness, constant barking or (in some cases) behaviors that mirror obsessive-compulsive disorder in humans, such as self-mutilation by chewing off hair or skin, especially on the tail or front legs.

How to Help an Anxious Dog

The American Kennel Club has shared a number of ways that dog owners can identify and ameliorate anxiety in their pets. Among other things, the organization encourages owners to:

• Pay attention to body language. Check for visible or audible signs of discomfort (tail between legs, cowering, whimpering, panting, etc.)
• Socialize your dog. The more interactions your dog has with new people, children, other dogs, and unfamiliar experiences – with you or another trusted and beloved human at its side – the less likely he or she is to panic when encountering something it finds strange or intimidating.
• Explore obedience training. It’s about more than teaching Fido to heel, sit, or come on command. Dogs that understand rules and have faith in rule-based systems are calmer and less anxious than dogs for whom the world is a place of uncertainty.  
• Avoid stressful situations. It probably won’t take long for you to discover what’s causing your dog to feel anxiety. When you do, remove – if possible – the stressor from your furry friend’s life. Some dogs simply don’t enjoy car rides, going to the dog park, or frolicking on the beach (with all of those loud, crashing waves!)–and that’s okay.

Treatment Options

Treatment methods for anxiety in dogs fall into two categories:

Behavioral approaches typically involve engaging with the source of anxiety – together – and re-wiring the response pattern in your dog’s brain through counterconditioning and desensitization. When encountering the stressful stimulus, don’t give your dog a chance to spiral downward: Present him or her with a treat, a favorite toy, or copious amounts of affection in the form of rubs and soothing words. Over time, your dog will begin to replace the negative stimulus with a positive one and react with less and less anxiety.

Medication: If anxiety persists or intensifies, talk to your vet about SSRIs or antidepressants that can be administered to help calm and comfort your dog during especially stressful moments, or natural remedies such as calming treats, pheromones or aromatherapy.     

Anxiety in Cats

Cats experience anxiety for many of the same reasons that dogs do: loud noises, changes in environment, and separation. One commonly overlooked cause of feline anxiety, especially in older cats, is the pain associated with feline arthritis, which is believed to affect anywhere from between 70 to 90% of cats over 12 years of age.

Signs of Anxiety in Cats

Whatever the source, your cat will likely give off signs that indicate it’s afraid, nervous, or just having a rough time of it lately. Things to look for include:

• Hiding. All cats love curling up in secret, out -of-the-way spots, but you should be able to tell if your cat is doing so more than usual, or if he or she is hesitating to emerge from their hiding spot when they normally would – when you open the front door upon coming home, for example, or when you’re putting their food out.
• Excessive and/or unusual meowing. Cats have different meows to express different states of mind. If your cat’s meow sounds different – e.g., more pained or plaintive – and especially if this different-sounding meow lingers, that’s a strong sign that your cat is in a bad place.
• Litter box avoidance. If a cat that normally has no trouble using their litter box suddenly begins to use it only sporadically, or not at all, it’s usually a sign of an underlying physical or psychological issue. (Assuming the litter box is clean and easy to access, that is.)
• Overgrooming. If you notice a marked uptick in the amount of time your cat is spending grooming itself, it may indicate that your cat is stressed out or anxious about something: Cats lick and groom themselves to calm themselves down.
• Changes in appetite. Just like us, some cats self-soothe by overeating when under stress. Others may lose their appetite and pick at their food, or even avoid it altogether.
• Changes in body language. If your cat is keeping its tail close to its body (or flicking it), staring, or holding its ears back, it usually indicates something anxiety-provoking in their immediate environment.

How to Help an Anxious Cat

Again, as with dogs, treatment  for feline anxiety might entail counterconditioning, desensitization, pharmaceuticals, or some combination of any or all of these.

For milder cases of anxiety:

• Try toys or food puzzles to distract and soothe your cat.
• Consider using sprays or collars that emit calming scents – these are available in most pet stores.

Whichever route you take, it’s best to visit the vet’s office when you first notice that your cat is behaving unusually, since many anxiety symptoms can reflect underlying issues with your cat’s physical health. If your dog or cat’s anxiety is being caused by an illness or physical condition that’s covered under your Healthy Paws pet insurance plan, you’ll be reimbursed for up to 80 percent of your vet bills that pertain to that illness or physical condition.

Our pets bring us immeasurable happiness. The least we can do is make sure that they’re as happy as they can possibly be while they do.

The post Pet Anxiety: Spotting the Signs and How to Help appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Here’s a list of some of the most dog-friendly bars and restaurants in Seattle to easily plan your next outing.  

Remember that nearly all restaurants and bars require dogs to be on leash and well-behaved.  

The Fremont Brewing Co., 1050 N 34th S., Fremont 

The Fremont Brewing Urban Beer Garden is a dog-friendly taproom/garage attached to the brewery in the hipster neighborhood of Fremont. Gas Works Park, a Seattle institution, is a short walk away, making it a great walking option before lunch or dinner. Leashed dogs are welcome to relax with you at a table on their covered patio, equipped with heaters to keep you comfortable in cooler weather. They offer free pretzels and dog treats. The company also has a second location in the Columbia City neighborhood. 

The Barking Dog Alehouse, 705 NW 70th St, Ballard 

This beloved neighborhood brewpub in the historic and charming Ballard neighborhood offers a relaxed atmosphere with a dog-friendly patio. With various house-brewed beers and a menu that includes imaginative American pub fare, it’s a perfect place for you and your furry companion. The brewery is also committed to supporting dog welfare. They hold regular fundraisers for dog rescues, donating $1 for every pint. 

Coby’s Cafe, 101 Nickerson St Building B Ste 200 

Claiming to be Seattle’s “first health department-approved dog-centric coffee shop,” Coby’s Café is a welcoming space for dogs and dog lovers in the Fremont neighborhood. Enjoy time with pups in a dog lounge while savoring curated menus for dogs and humans. The coffee bar offers a cozy spot in a separate area with locally sourced coffee, matcha, lunch, and dessert options. They offer special events such as breed meetups and training sessions. This cafe works a little differently than others as it charges a daily rate of $9 for one dog or a monthly membership fee, which they say is used to clean and maintain the facility. 

Portage Bay Cafe, 5 locations 

A classic Seattle restaurant chain, Portage Bay Cafe is a dog-friendly eatery that focuses on local, sustainable fare. Breakfast is served all day, and lunch options include flank steak salad, cheeseburgers, veggie shawarma, and Cuban sandwiches. Dogs are welcome to join diners on the outdoor patios year-round, warmed with space heaters and blankets to make outdoor dining comfortable. 

The Dog Yard Bar, Downtown Dog Lounge, 1546 NW Leary Way 

A new concept popping up in some cities is an outdoor bar with space for dogs to play. The Dog Yard Bar in the Ballard neighborhood is a park, bar, and hang-out spot, all rolled into one. Parents enjoy adult beverages while pups socialize and romp off-leash in a safe and fun environment. Run by the folks who own the Downtown Dog Lounge daycare, all breeds are welcome. For the humans, they serve a variety of drinks and snacks, while fancy dog treats are available for the pup. They host a variety of meetups for specific breeds or types of dogs. Day passes for dogs are $16, while a monthly membership is $70.  

Reuben’s Brews, Ballard (5010 14th Ave NW) and Fremont (4401 Fremont Ave N.) 

This popular microbrewery in Ballard is known for its dog-friendly taproom and outdoor patio. They host “Yappy Hours” where dogs and their humans can enjoy special treats, trivia nights and Bingo. This is a must-visit for true beer lovers with a wide variety of beers and a lively atmosphere. The Ballard Taproom features a 15-barrel brewhouse right in the middle of the space. 

Café Campagne, 1600 Post Alley 

Nestled in downtown Seattle’s Pike Place Market, this charming French café has a patio dining area just alongside historic Post Alley where dogs are welcome. If you are looking for a step up from pub fare, this cafe offers an exceptional dining experience in traditional food and wine. Post Alley is the perfect spot to watch the world go by. The sunny terrace offers a view of the market and visitors, making it a great spot for locals and travelers to enjoy a relaxed dining experience with their dogs in one of Seattle’s historic and distinctive settings. 

Old Stove Brewery, 1901 Western Ave., Ste. A and two other locations.  

This popular brewery has patios with umbrellas where dogs are welcome. The newest and most spectacular location is in Pike Place Market, where you can enjoy a fantastic view of the city and Puget Sound. Try to be there at sunset! Men’s Journal named it one of the most scenic breweries in America. They offer house-made award-winning brews, house cocktails, brews, house cocktails and wine. Food options include salads, burgers, fish and chips, and wood-fired pizza. 

The post 8 of the Best Dog-Friendly Bars and Restaurants in Seattle  appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

If you’re a dog parent, you may be worried about whether bird flu can infect your dog. The good news is that cases of bird flu in dogs are rare. Even still, it’s good to understand what bird flu is, what it looks like in dogs, and how to prevent a bird flu infection in your dog.

Bird flu basics

The bird flu, also known as avian flu and highly pathogenic avian influenza, is an influenza type A virus. The specific strain of virus that’s causing the current outbreak is referred to as ‘H5N1.’ The ‘H’ and ‘N’ stand for proteins on the virus’s surface: hemagglutinin and neuraminidase.

The bird flu virus is primarily found in wild birds, such as ducks, geese, and storks. Wild birds typically don’t get sick from the virus but can transmit it to domestic birds, like chickens and turkeys. Pet birds are also at risk of getting infected from wild birds.

What makes the virus so concerning is its ability to mutate. The mutations allow the virus to spread quickly from one host animal to another and evade the defenses of the host animal’s immune system.

Can dogs get bird flu?

Dogs can get bird flu, but it is rare. Here are the ways in which a dog could get infected with bird flu:

• Eating a sick or dead infected bird
• Hunting wild birds, poultry
• Drinking unpasteurized milk
• Eating raw or undercooked meat
• Breathing in aerosolized droplets containing the virus
• Direct contact with feces or bodily fluids from an infected animal

To date, there is no evidence of dog-to-dog transmission of the bird flu virus.

Bird flu symptoms in dogs

Because there are so few cases of bird flu in dogs, we can only make an educated guess about its symptoms in dogs based on other influenza outbreaks, such as the canine flu. Here are some potential bird flu symptoms to look for in your dog:

• Fever
• Tiredness
• Sneezing
• Congestion
• Coughing
• Reduced appetite
• Drinking less water
• Difficulty breathing
• Eye and nose discharge
• Red, inflamed eyes
• Occasional vomiting
• Neurological signs (e.g., tremors, seizures, blindness)

These symptoms are non-specific, meaning they are not specific to the bird flu and can be associated with other medical conditions. If your dog has any of these symptoms, take them to your veterinarian immediately. Your vet will perform diagnostic tests to rule out other conditions and confirm a bird flu diagnosis.

Is bird flu harmful to dogs?

Although dogs can certainly get sick from bird flu, dogs are more likely than cats to recover from a bird flu infection.

You can breathe easier knowing that, but early intervention is key to a good recovery. Do not delay in seeking veterinary treatment if your dog has any of the signs listed above. If your dog has bird flu, they will have a better chance of recovering if supportive care to treat the symptoms is started as early as possible.

Preventing bird flu in dogs

Although it’s unlikely that your dog will get infected with bird flu, there are strategies you can take to prevent an infection:

• Keep your dog away from dead birds and wildlife.
• Keep your dog up to date on their vaccinations.
• Do not feed your dog raw or undercooked meat.
• Do not let your dog drink unpasteurized milk.
• Keep your dog out of areas where a known bird flu outbreak has been reported.
• Practice good hygiene. Before touching your dog, wash your hands after handling a wild animal.
• Do not let your dog swim in bodies of water that could contain poop or other bodily fluids from wild birds or other infected animals.

Bringing it together

Bird flu is not a pressing concern for dogs. However, arming yourself with knowledge about the bird flu virus and how to prevent it from infecting your dog will help keep your dog as safe as possible from a bird flu infection.

The post Bird Flu in Dogs: How to Spot the Symptoms appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Generally, a dog’s immune system removes harmful bacteria from the blood stream quickly; however, dogs with weak immune systems or those who are very young or very old are more likely to develop sepsis.

Sepsis is life-threatening and is considered a medical emergency. This condition should be treated immediately by a veterinarian.

Warning Signs of Sepsis in Dogs

Sepsis in dogs causes concerning symptoms, which may include the following:

• Fever
• Decreased appetite
• Increased heart rate
• Increased respiratory rate
• Low blood pressure
• Trembling
• Disorientation
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Panting

Dogs will experience some or all of these symptoms depending on which stage of sepsis they are in.

Stages of Sepsis in Dogs

Sepsis rapidly progresses in dogs if not treated promptly. The stages of sepsis include:

1. Bacteremia: This is the early stage of sepsis when bacteria first start to leak into the bloodstream. Many dogs are able to clear the bacteria during this stage if they have strong immune systems; however, if they do not, bacteria start to accumulate.
2. Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS): If bacteria continue to increase in the bloodstream, the dog’s immune system overreacts and begins releasing a large number of inflammatory molecules, causing concerning symptoms.
3. Septic shock: A dog’s immune system produces proteins called cytokines to counteract the large number of bacteria, which causes significant inflammation and blood vessels to dilate. When this occurs, a dog’s blood pressure becomes extremely low and organs do not receive the blood supply they require to function properly.
4. Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS): As organs continue to be deprived of adequate blood and oxygen, they begin to fail and shut down.
5. Death: As sepsis continues to progress, many dogs succumb to the condition.

Causes of Sepsis in Dogs

There are several possible reasons a dog may develop sepsis, some of which may include:

• Bacterial infection: If a dog has an infection in some part of his body, there is potential for bacteria to spread into the bloodstream and cause widespread infection that overwhelms his immune system. This may be due to a recent skin wound, a urinary tract infection, or periodontal disease, just to name a few.
• Intravenous (IV) catheters: If a dog is being treated for an illness at a veterinary hospital and has an intravenous catheter in place, this site can allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause infection, especially if it is in place for prolonged periods.
• Surgery: If a dog undergoes surgery, especially of the tooth or intestines where bacteria generally live, it increases the risk for these bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause a widespread infection. 
• Bloat: Dogs with gastric dilatation and volvulus (bloat) may experience sepsis due to the twisting and dilation of their stomachs, which can cause bacteria to leak into the bloodstream.
• Medications: Dogs taking immunosuppressive medications are at an increased risk for sepsis since their immune systems are weakened and unable to fight infections optimally.

Treatment Plan for Dogs with Sepsis

Dogs with sepsis require hospitalization and supportive care. This includes receiving intravenous fluids to improve blood pressure and keep them hydrated. Additional treatments that may be warranted include the following:

• Intravenous antibiotics, such as Unasyn®
• Nutritional support, such as a feeding tube
• Blood pressure support, such as norepinephrine
• Gastrointestinal protectants, such as famotidine
• Anti-emetics, such as maropitant
• Blood transfusions
• Oxygen therapy

Additional medications may be recommended by the veterinarian if appropriate for the patient to support treatment and recovery.

Some dogs may undergo surgery to correct the underlying cause for the sepsis, such as to correct bloat or to remove an infected ruptured uterus (pyometra).

The prognosis for dogs with sepsis is highly variable depending on how severe the dog’s condition is upon seeking treatment. With prompt treatment in the early stages of disease, most dogs will recover fully. However, if a dog is not seen until sepsis is severe or if the dog has underlying health issues, the prognosis is generally poor.

References:

1. Infections Caused by Bacteria – Special Pet Topics – Merck Veterinary Manual
2. SurvivingsepsisinVeterinary-Medicine.pdf
3. The Veterinary Nurse – Nursing a canine in septic shock: a patient care report

The post What is Sepsis in Dogs? appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Like human children, puppies have baby teeth. The first teeth, known as the milk teeth, come in for dogs when they’re around 3 weeks old. The technical name for these teeth is the deciduous teeth. Most pups have all their baby teeth by about 8 weeks old.

Do Dogs Lose Baby Teeth?

Those teeth — all 28 of them in most dogs — eventually fall out and are replaced by adult teeth. Dogs end up with more adult teeth than baby teeth, and most breeds have 42 permanent teeth as adult canines. 

When Do Dogs Lose Their Baby Teeth?

A dog’s baby teeth start to fall out naturally — or come out when they’re chewing a toy — as the adult teeth push their way in. As it does with humans, the loss of baby teeth and the growth of adult teeth happens in phases in dogs.

While every breed — and every dog — is a bit different, you can expect a schedule for losing baby teeth to look something like this:

• At 3-4 months old, pups will lose their front baby teeth, known as the incisors.
• At 4-6 months old, dogs lose their canines, which are the teeth that make up the “fangs.”
• At 5-6 months, dogs lose their back teeth, which are the premolars and molars.

You can expect your dog to engage in teething activity as new teeth come in, including licking things, chewing things or drooling more.

What Happens If My Dog’s Baby Teeth Don’t Fall Out?

Sometimes, baby and adult teeth don’t do their thing in your dog’s mouth, which can cause the baby teeth not to fall out, leading to a condition called retained deciduous teeth. While it’s not life-threatening for a baby tooth or two to linger a bit longer than expected, if your dog isn’t steadily losing baby teeth by around 6 months, it’s probably time to take action.

Retained baby teeth can lead to overcrowding in the mouth as adult teeth also try to come in. The resulting misalignment can cause difficulties in chewing — and subsequent poor diet for your dog — or closing the mouth. Other issues related to retained baby teeth include greater risks for tooth decay and gum disease.

Don’t Worry

Don’t fret if your pup isn’t following the tooth loss time line exactly. Mention it to your vet on your dog’s next visit. Your pet care professional can help you understand if there’s anything to be concerned about, and they can remove stubborn baby teeth as needed.

The post Do Dogs Have Baby Teeth? appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

To help keep your pet healthy, learn what human food puppies can eat and which items in your fridge and pantry should be avoided.

What Human Food Is Good for Puppies?

Feeding puppies “human” food carries inherent risk, but there are some foods you can share with your pet.

We created a comprehensive list of foods dogs can (and can’t) eat, but here are some quick examples of human food puppies can eat:

• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Eggs*
• Fish*
• Lean meat, such as chicken and turkey*
• Honey
• Peanuts and peanut butter
• Popcorn
• Wheat and other grains
• Certain vegetables (e.g., carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans)
• Most fruit (e.g., banana, cantaloupe, blueberries, watermelon)

*Eggs and animal protein must be fully cooked for safety.

Give safe human food in small amounts and watch your pet for possible intolerances or allergic reactions. 

What Human Food Is Bad for Puppies?

Some human food is bad for puppies and can cause everything from stomach blockages to death.

Here are some examples of human food puppies should not eat:

• Almonds
• Macadamia nuts
• Salted foods
• Chocolate
• Cinnamon
• Raisins
• Garlic
• Onions
• Cooked bones
• Citrus
• Sweets (e.g., ice cream, candy)

If your puppy accidentally ingests any of these items, call your veterinarian immediately.

When Can Puppies Eat Human Food?

You can feed your puppy human food in moderation once they’re on a solid food diet. This usually happens when the puppy is around 8 weeks old. However, even safe human food should only be viewed as an occasional treat. Relying on veterinarian-approved dog food as the primary component of your puppy’s diet offers the most balanced nutrition.

What Adult Dogs Can Eat vs. Puppies

Puppies tend to have more sensitive stomachs and also eat smaller portions of food. Owners must be careful to limit human food when pets are young. These special treats should also be introduced slowly, starting with food like cooked meats and vegetables that are easier to digest. Avoid rich and salty foods, like turkey with gravy, until your dog is older and has a more robust digestive system.

Get an Expert Opinion on Your Puppy’s Diet

Planning your dog’s diet can be confusing. Stick to a primary diet of approved dog food with the occasional human food as a treat, and you’ll balance bonding and nutrition perfectly.If you have questions about your dog’s diet or suspect your pet has a food allergy or intolerance, consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Watch for symptoms like stomach upset, itching, watery eyes, nasal discharge, hair loss and coughing that could indicate a food issue.

The post Can Puppies Eat Human Food? appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Timber is a talkative, happy pup with a gentle, playful demeanor. This comes out when he plays with his dog siblings—another Corgi puppy named Peaches and a Chihuahua named Ziggy. He also lives with two indoor bunnies, Flopsy and Marlon.  Lindsey said Timber loves squeaky toys and is good at fetching. 

Timber has trouble urinating

In early August 2024, Lindsey was in the backyard with Timber. He was lifting a leg everywhere as if to pee, but when she followed him around, she saw that the ground was dry. She had noticed a couple of times that week that it seemed like he was taking a long time to pee.  

She immediately rushed him to the emergency vet. His examination revealed a bladder full of stones.  

“Unlike cats, the vet said that dogs can’t dissolve crystals successfully, and surgery is really the only option. The vet said it’s a very common surgery, and he would recover just fine,” she said.  

The vets used a catheter to flush the crystals back into his bladder and allow him to pee before surgery. During the surgery, they made a small incision and removed the crystals. After an overnight stay, Timber was in the clear. 

Timber’s recovery included pain meds, antibiotics and a few days of bed rest. Lindsey said Timber was back to himself in about two days. The lab results revealed he had a very common type of bladder crystal. The vet recommended a prescription food to prevent crystals from forming in the future. 

How is Timber now? 

Timber has just turned seven and is doing great. Lindsey is looking forward to some upcoming drier weather to play ball with him in the backyard. 

How Healthy Paws pet insurance helped 

Lindsey was pleased with Healthy Paws’ claim submission process and how quickly she was reimbursed. 

“I submitted paperwork through the app. Healthy Paws quickly processed his bill and records, and they helped with 80% of the cost after my deductible. I had reimbursement in my bank account within a couple of days,” she said.  

A previous accident that Timber suffered informed Lindsey’s decision to get pet insurance. At one year old, Timber suffered a terrible injury when he jumped out of her car window at the dog park and landed under her back tire. He was partially run over and suffered three fractures to his pelvis.  

Lindsey rushed him to the vet, where she learned surgery would cost about $9,000.  She had to say “no” because she couldn’t afford it. The vets told her that Timber could heal on his own with long-term strict crate rest and some pain medication. It took many months for Timber to regain his mobility, but he eventually did. Today, Timber is strong, runs and jumps, flops, and plays without pain or discomfort, not even a limp. 

“I felt awful and the guilt still hurts. I was heartbroken,” Lindsey said. “I nested on the floor with him every moment I was home, and slept on the floor every night next to him. He and I tossed little squeaky toys to each other. His positive happy corgi attitude helped get ME through the trauma of the incident,” she said. 

Lindsey signed up for pet insurance on the day of the accident, knowing the treatment for the accident wouldn’t be covered, but never wanting to have to forgo medical treatment for her pets in the future.  

The bladder stone incident made her glad she did, and now Peaches is a Healthy Paws customer too.  

The claim scenarios described here are intended to show the types of situations that may result in claims. These scenarios should not be compared to any other claim. Whether or to what extent a particular loss is covered depends on the facts and circumstances of the loss, the terms and conditions of the policy as issued, and applicable law.  

Insured persons providing testimonials in this report have not received compensation for their statements. 

The post Corgi Develops Bladder Stones, Requires Surgery  appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Charlie is a 9-month-old Chihuahua who loves other dogs and is constantly angling for a playdate, said her pet parent Elizabeth. She loves chasing her ball around and playing hide-and-seek with Elizabeth. 

Charlie eats part of a Nylabone 

As with most puppies, Charlie had a strong need to chew while teething. Her favorite thing to chew is a chicken flavored Nylabone. Unfortunately, she recently tried to consume one. 

“I didn’t think a 10-pound Chihuahua puppy could cause that much damage but alas, I was wrong. She proceeded to ingest one-third of it in minutes. After coughing up the hairball laced with said chew toy, she missed eating both dinner and breakfast the next day,” Elizabeth said. 

Elizabeth called her vet, who advised her to immediately take Charlie to the emergency vet for a possible blockage. The vets took an X-ray and some blood work. The blood work came out clean, but something showed up in her intestine on the X-ray, so they ordered an ultrasound.  

Thankfully, the ultrasound indicated no blockage but the vets did spot a cyst on her uterine horn. Since she is getting spayed soon, it was not a concern. Charlie was able to come home that day.   

How is Charlie doing now? 

Charlie has recovered from the incident and is thriving.  

“Charlie is thankfully doing very well. She is still very finicky with food but other than that, she is growing into a beautiful, healthy girl,” Elizabeth said.  

How Healthy Paws helped 

While Charlie’s condition only required fluids and painkillers, the vet bill totaled $1,728, with the vast majority of that going to the X-rays, ultrasound, blood work, and other diagnostic tests. This is a prime example of how the diagnosis of a condition—even if the condition doesn’t exist—can end up costing more than the treatment itself.  

Elizabeth had decided to get pet insurance for her little dog because she knew that puppies tend to get into everything, and she wanted to be prepared should Charlie develop any health issues later. She found Healthy Paws to be the best fit. She also is familiar with Chubb Insurance, Healthy Paws’ parent company. 

“The coverage is exactly what I needed, the deductible was very reasonable and the percent reimbursed was fantastic,” she said.  

The claim scenarios described here are intended to show the types of situations that may result in claims. These scenarios should not be compared to any other claim. Whether or to what extent a particular loss is covered depends on the facts and circumstances of the loss, the terms and conditions of the policy as issued, and applicable law. 

Insured persons providing testimonials in this report have not received compensation for their statements. 

The post Chihuahua Puppy Swallows a Chew  appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.