Category: Pets

“Not every brush available is the right choice for your dog’s coat,” says dog groomer Claudia Cesarotti. Different dog brushes benefit different coat types based on their length and texture. And yes, even short-haired dogs need regular brushing!

Here’s Dogster’s list of the best dog brushes based on your dog’s coat, plus basic brushing tips from professional groomers.

Best dog brushes: slicker brush for dogs

The slicker brush is the most universal tool for all coat types. A slicker brush has bent metal teeth to grab onto tangles and mats in longer-haired dogs. Look for one that is comfortable for you to use, easy cleaning, has firm metal pins that won’t easily come out plus has the right brush head size for your dog — small, medium or large. For long lasting, get one made from a company with a long record of making top dog grooming supplies.

Use a slicker brush on:

• A long, double coat
• A long and smooth outer coat and a soft and fuzzy undercoat
• Hypoallergenic hair
• Single and some double coats
• Curly, wavy or straight hair

Slicker brushes work best on these breeds:

Poodle, Oodle, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, Yorkshire Terrier, Schnauzer, Airedale Terrier, Golden Retriever, German Shepherd Dog, Siberian Husky, Australian Shepherd, Shetland Sheepdog, Bernese Mountain Dog, Great Pyrenees.

Paws up to these three best dog slicker brushes:

• Andis Large and Medium Firm Slicker Brushes: It comes in two sizes, with the large one perfect for bigger pups. Lightweight and durable and includes the soft-grip that makes it comfortable to use. $7/medium and $9/large
• ConairProPet Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush: We like the memory gel-grip handle, self-cleaning button, and bright color so you can find it easily in the dog supplies basket and its firm, metal pins. The medium size works with most dog body types. $16.99
• ConairProPet Small Triangle Slicker: Here’s a slicker brush proportioned for the small pup. The double sided head and extra long pins removed loose hair and tangles from the body and harder to brush delicate areas. Includes a comfortable bubble-gel handle. $15.99

Best dog brush: pin brush for dogs

A pin brush has an oval-shaped head and metal teeth with a tiny plastic ball on each tooth of the brush. Bristles on a pin brush are more spread out than on a slicker brush. Pin brushes remove loose hair and detangle matted or knotted coats. Again, choose one with a comfortable handle, has strong metal pins with heads that won’t hurt your pup and choose the right brush head size for your dog — small, medium or large. For durability, get one made from a company with a long record of making top dog grooming supplies.

Pin brushes are best for dogs with:

• A long, single coat
• A silky, drop coat, straight or curly
• sensitive skin

Pin brushes for dogs work best for these breeds:

Yorkshire Terrier, Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, Schnauzer, and various Collies.

Paws up to these three best dog pin brushes:

• Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush: This affordable two-sided brush gives you both a nylon bristle brush and the pin brush with stainless steel tips and a protective coating. The handle is designed for maximum comfort. $6.79
• Andis Medium and Large Pin Brushes: We like this one for its light weight, comfortable handle and nice bright color to keep it from getting lost in the dog supplies. It comes in both medium and large, so you can choose the best size for your dog. (The medium works for small or medium-sized pups.) It eliminates tangles, loose hair, dirt plus stimulates healthy hair growth. Andis Company is known for its quality grooming supplies. $9/medium or large
• BaBylissPro PET Large, Medium or Small Long-Pin Slicker Brush: The extra-wide head makes this one stand out, especially if you’ve got a lot of brushing to do. Flexible pins penetrate the coat for eliminating matts or fluff drying. Nice, bubble-gel handle to reduce hand fatigue. BaBylissPro is a division of Conair, so it’s got a track record of grooming products. $15.99/large, $14.99/medium and $12.99/small.

Best dog brush: boar bristle brush for dogs

A bristle brush looks similar to the brush you use on your own hair, but for dogs, works best on short hair, says Claudia. Bristle brushes can be made boar bristles, nylon bristles or a mixture of boar and nylon bristles. Find a bristle brush that’s long lasting, gentle on your dog yet comfortable for you to use.

Use a bristle brush or a rubber curry brush on the following coat types:

• Short, double, dense coat.
• Smooth outer coat, soft and fuzzy undercoat. This will be a dog with fur that sheds and only grows out to a short length.

Bristle brushes for dogs work best for these breeds:

Labrador Retriever, Boxer, Beagle, French Bulldog, Chihuahua, Basset Hound, Basenji, Belgian Malinois.

Paws up for these two best dog bristle brushes:

When to use a dog comb

Brush and then comb furry dog ears with a stainless-steel comb. The face needs a precision tool like a comb to groom the delicate areas around the eyes, nose and mouth. Also use a comb to work in conditioner on wet coat to help untangle knots.

Best dog brush tips from professional groomers

We comb through your dog brush FAQs:

1. Should I brush wet or dry dog hair?

Dry. Before brushing your dog’s hair, lightly spray hair with detangling spray. Brushing completely wet can irritate the skin, especially with too much pressure. Use a metal comb or a slicker brush to work in conditioner to remove any knots and tangles while the coat is wet. Use a pet-safe blow dryer after the bath and before brushing.

1. How often should I brush my dog?

It depends on the coat type. Brush short-haired dogs once a week, says Nicole Kalish, education manager at Andis.

“Brushing twice a week is best for dogs with longer coats or with coats that tend to tangle and matt,” she says.

1. How do I brush out matts in my dog’s fur?

“The best way to brush out matted hair is to separate tangles by line-brushing the dog with a slicker brush and always follow through with a stainless-steel comb,” says Nicole.

Use a detangling spray. Dogs have very sensitive skin and it’s easy to nick the skin with scissors. So, a very matted coat should be professionally handled — less stressful for both you and your dog.

1. In what direction to I brush my dog’s coat?

“No matter where you are brushing your dog, always brush in the direction the coat grows,” says Claudia. Brushing against the growth can cause brush burn, a skin irritation.

1. How do I brush my dog’s eyebrows and beard?

Use the edge or the corner of the brush’s surface to safely brush around your dog’s eyes, nose and mouth.

“If a brush seems too bulky or unwieldy, a metal comb is a great tool as it is easier to control with pinpoint precision,” says Claudia.

Why brush your dog?

Brushing your dog is essential for his wellbeing. Regular brushing removes dead skin, helps you identify fleas and ticks and other parasites, distributes your dog’s natural oils and detangles knots that eventually form into painful mats. Bonus: Extra quality time together!

For more grooming advice on maintain fabulous fur, read our article Your Guide to Your Dog’s Fur

Puppies eat a lot. So when your puppy isn’t eating, it’s concerning.

Medical or behavioral: These are the two main reasons why are puppy won’t eat, says Dr. Mondrian Contreras, of Carol Stream Animal Hospital in Illinois.

Medical reasons include:

• pain
• illness
• digestive problems
• nutritional issues
• anatomical concerns like teething

Behavioral issues include:

• stress or anxiety
• aversion
• texture
• general food preference
• stubbornness

My puppy isn’t eating! Is something wrong?

“It is not normal, but it is also not uncommon,” says Dr. Contreras. “Often, dogs of all ages will eat when they are hungry and they therefore only eat their required caloric amount per day. It is important to determine the reason why your puppy is having a decreased appetite and address it accordingly.”

Reasons puppy isn’t eating: Picky eater or sick puppy?

If your puppy isn’t eating, first determine whether he’s sick by observing his behavior.

“A puppy who is a picky eater is still active, playful and will eat intermittently,” says Dr. Contreras. “Sick puppies are lethargic, weak and losing weight.”

Parvo is a common puppy illness that causes a decreased appetite, says Dr. Contreras. But puppies can develop a variety of other illnesses including dental pain from teething as well as kidney or liver issues.

Dr. David Jones, of VCA Silver Lake in Washington, says distemper can also affect appetite, as well as some internal parasites. Any change in appetite or activity should arouse concern, especially paired with any gastrointestinal abnormalities like vomiting or diarrhea.

“If your puppy is not eating, it is important for them to get evaluated,” says Dr. Contreras.

My puppy isn’t eating: When should I see a vet?

“Your veterinarian should be contacted immediately if your puppy is not eating,” says Dr. Contreras.

As a general rule, puppies shouldn’t go without eating for more than 12 hours because they do not have enough fat in their bodies or a fully developed liver to store nutrients, he says. Not consuming enough food often enough may cause them to become hypoglycemic, called juvenile hypoglycemia. Signs of juvenile hypoglycemia typically include:

How to get a puppy to eat

Once you’ve determined your puppy is healthy without an illness, there are many ways to get your puppy eating.

Veterinarian tips for getting your puppy to eat include:

• Increase physical activity like play
• Let them play with their food by using enrichment feeders and puzzle toys like lick mats, snuffle mats and treat-dispensing toys
• Add food toppers to their meals like chicken broth, which enhance the smell
• Change diet by varying brand, type of food, texture (try moistening), etc. to help dogs who have a food preference
• Try hand-feeding

But, also keep in mind that an individual dog’s specific makeup may impact appetite. For example, Yorkshire Terriers are known for not eating a lot of food while Labrador Retrievers are well known to be active puppies and may require a lot of food, says Dr. Contreras.

“Activity can play a big role in our puppies’ appetite,” says Dr. Contreras. “Breed and size of dog can play a large role in the amount of food they eat. However, activity level and metabolism also play a role in the amount of food consumed and food requirements. Some dogs are extremely laid back or have slower metabolism and thus don’t necessarily have a big appetite.”

Large breeds grow faster and need more calories and nutrition to keep up.

Puppy isn’t eating: journal health habits

Pet parents know their pets well. Any change in attitude, appetite or activity could be concerning and warrant a visit to the vet, says Dr. Jones.

Puppies often change every day, so keep an eye on their behavior and note any unusual changes.

“Try to keep your puppy active, engage them daily and get to know their eating habits. Make sure they are healthy and have them regularly evaluated by their veterinarian,” says Dr. Contreras.

And of course, don’t forget to enjoy them — because they do grow up fast.

Simply put: Kibble consists of crunchy, little pieces made in a high-heat process that dog parents spill into bowls for their dogs to devour. No mess. No fuss.

Look around today, however, and you encounter kibble undergoing a tasty revolution. Companies now tout kibble as:

• made from sustainable and alternative proteins like insects, such as the dried black soldier fly larvae (Yum or yuck, depending on your viewpoint.)
• gently air-dried to maintain more nutrients with each bite for your canine pal
• made from all-natural human-grade ingredients
• containing certified fresh, not rendered, proteins
• produced in USDA-approved facilities
• made free of any GMO ingredients as well as void of any corn or wheat
• having enhanced digestibility, by focusing on microbes, probiotics and prebiotics
• boosting its quality of ingredients

“As more and more dog owners see their dogs as family members, it’s likely that the humanization of pet food will continue and grow,” says Betsy Flores, senior vice president of public policy at the Pet Food Institute, based in Washington, D.C. “We will likely also see more of a focus on sustainable ingredients, including alternative protein sources, such as insect proteins.”

The PFI has been advocating for safe and nutritious pet food and lobbying for science-based advances in the way pet food is made since being established more than 60 years ago.

“Pet food makers are continuously conducting research to determine the best dog food formulations to help our companions live long, healthy lives, so innovations in dog food are always occurring,” adds Betsy. “Today, there is a humanization of dog food and a variety of types of food — from dry and canned dog food to raw and freeze-dried — that was unseen 20 years ago.”

Kibble dog food trends

Enhanced digestibility is also becoming a big factor in kibble. The addition of healthy, digestive microbes in kibble bags is gaining attention, says Holly Ganz, PhD, chief science officer and co-founder of AnimalBiome, a biotech company based in California that researches key healthy microbes in dogs and cats.

“I do think that the fresh-food movement is changing ways that companies manufacture kibble,” says Dr. Ganz. “People want better ingredients in their dogs’ kibble. There are healthier options now that improve the microbiome in dogs for better digestive health.”

She cited two examples: Hill’s Gastrointestinal Biome Dry Dog Food and Purina One Microbiome Balance.

Pet food companies, big and small, are also becoming more boldly competitive. You may have seen this in television commercials that pit one kibble brand against another, points out Dr. Tonya Cooksey, director of veterinary relations at AnimalBiome.

“These types of commercials can make some people stop to think more about what they are feeding their pets — and that has pushed kibble companies to think hard about their ingredients, the quality and how their kibble is processed,” says Dr. Cooksey.

Tips for feeding kibble to your dog

During mealtime, whether it’s plain kibble or mixed in with canned, homemade or another type of dog food, give some food for thought to these tips and insights:

• Avoid buying kibble in bulk. Veterinary nutritionists recommend sticking to a month’s supply of kibble dog food to maintain freshness. Avoid buying in bulk because the kibble in an open bag is at risk of becoming stale, even rancid, over time.
• Shop by nutritional quality, not by price. Often, medium- and high-priced kibble brands provide more nutritional goodness per cup than low-priced, discount brands. It is like equating the nutritional value of an apple to a bag of processed potato chips.
• Dish up variety to your dog. Expand your dog’s palate by slowly introducing different quality brands of kibble in different flavors. Follow the 3-3-3 rule: for the first few days, the bowl should contain two-thirds of the current kibble with one-third of a new kibble. Then, switch to two-thirds of the new kibble for the next few days and finally, portion out the meal in the bowl with the new kibble brand. This 3-3-3 game plan allows your dog to adjust to the new food and avoid digestive issues.
• Scrutinize the label on the bag. Dog food companies are required to list their ingredients in descending order of predominance by weight. Make sure the first ingredient is a recognized protein, such as chicken, beef or salmon. Corn or grains should not be the first ingredient listed.
• Choose resealable bags to maintain freshness. Or store the contents of the dog food bag in an airtight container with a lid. Because of the proteins in kibble, there is always a filmy residue in plastic storage containers that needs to be cleaned with mild dishwashing soap and warm water and allowed to air dry before putting in a new bag of food.
• Beware of marketing hype. Claims of being “light” or “all-natural” carry no real nutritional clout. Look for brands that are labeled “complete and balanced” diets and ones that list feeding guidelines for dogs to maintain healthy weights.

Adds Betsy, “The most important item on the label of dog food is the nutritional adequacy statement. Dogs have varying nutritional needs at different stages of their life, so choosing the right life-stage formula is crucial.”

Many dogs will snap at flying bees and eat them, resulting in painful mouth stings. The first signs that your dog has been stung by a bee are swelling around the nose, mouth and muzzle, says to Dr. Natalie Isaza, owner of Access Veterinary Services in Florida.  If your dog eats the bee, first determine if there’s an allergic reaction.

Dog stung by bee in mouth: What to do

• Check for normal breathing and behavior. Don’t panic: Your dog may paw at the face. Bee stings hurt! Watch for deep, rapid breaths, indicating tissues in the airways are swelling. The tongue and gums may also turn light blue.
• Watch for vomiting or loss of consciousness, signaling an emergency.

“Just like people, dogs can have a severe hypersensitive reaction to a bee sting, which would require emergency treatment by a veterinarian,” says Dr. Isaza.

“If your dog has none of these signs and is experiencing swelling around the muzzle and discomfort only, you can administer diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to alleviate some of the allergic response,” she says. Always contact your vet. He/she knows your dog’s health and will provide the correct dosage.

Dog ate a bee: What to do

If your dog gets stung and also swallows the bee, follow these steps:

• If there are no severe allergic reactions, and you’ve given Benadryl under your vet’s direction, calm inflammation with ice or cool water.
• Once in the stomach, Mr. Bee encounters digestive juices and should not be a problem.

What to do if dog gets stung by a bee: Honeybees, hornets and wasps

• Female honeybees (also known as worker bees) and many other bee species lose their stinger and die after a sting. Although the sting hurts, it’s not poisonous to your dog.
• Hornets, wasps and yellow jackets can sting multiple times, delivering more venom — potentially more dangerous and definitely more painful, according to Dr. Isaza.

Regardless the type of stinger, watch for the severe reactions mentioned above: These are the best clues for helping after sweet dog meets honeybee.

For more information on caring for bug bites, read our article How to Handle Bites & Stings in Dogs.

Caring for a dog with food sensitivities brings up a lot of emotions — fear, frustration, worry and anger — even before you identify the specific sensitivity.  Though understanding symptoms and managing your dog’s meals seems difficult up front, it ultimately makes for an easier and happier life for you and your dog.

Dog food sensitivity explained

Dogs with food sensitivities have negative reactions to specific food ingredients, and these reactions reside on a spectrum. Unlike food allergies, a food sensitivity does not involve the immune system, but rather the digestive system. Reactions to specific food ingredients range from mild to moderate to severe symptoms. That said, food allergies and sensitivities often share many of the same symptoms.

Symptoms of food sensitivities in dogs

Watch for the following symptoms after eating. Signs that your dog may be experiencing food sensitivities include:

These symptoms show in varying degrees and usually present themselves within six to 24 hours of ingredient consumption. Don’t overlook foods your dog has previously, safely consumed; sensitivities can develop at any time, which can be really frustrating and confusing!

The most common ingredients and foods that cause sensitivities dogs include:

• Dairy
• Beef
• Chicken
• Wheat
• Soy

Dog food sensitivity test

Unfortunately, veterinary professionals consider tests for identifying and diagnosing food sensitivities unreliable. These include saliva, serum (blood) and intradermal testing. However, additional tests can help eliminate other issues that share similar symptoms to food sensitivities.

These tests include:

• Skin tests. Ectoparasites and skin infections cause hives, itchiness and hair loss that often mirror symptoms of food sensitivities. Skin scrapings and tape preps are easy and affordable tests that rule out ectoparasites, such as mites. A skin culture is another noninvasive test that rules out fungal infections, such as ringworm.
• Fecal testing. Testing your dog’s stool sample rules out fecal parasites that cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, low energy or weight loss. Common parasites in dogs include coccidia, hookworm, whipworm and giardia.
• Environmental allergy testing. Many dogs with food sensitivities or allergies struggle with environmental allergies. Unlike food allergies, reliable testing for environmental allergies does Once diagnosed, environmental allergies can be well-managed using long-term treatments, such as immunotherapy. Managing your dog’s environmental allergies makes managing food sensitivities that much easier!

Food trial test for dogs with food sensitivity

The most formal “diagnostic” for food sensitivities and allergies is a food trial using an elimination diet. An elimination diet is a hypoallergenic diet that includes a novel protein source that your dog has had no prior exposure to. Examples of these proteins are catfish, kangaroo and alligator. Your dog remains on this elimination diet for approximately 8 to 12 weeks. Other foods, treats and supplements must be temporarily discontinued for accurate results. Choose from over-the-counter or prescription novel-protein diets, or prepare your own home-cooked elimination diet under the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist.

Commercial elimination diets, which are typically highly processed, might feel challenging for holistic pet parents. They also tend to be very expensive. While elimination diets can be used indefinitely, think of them as a temporary diagnostic tool, not a permanent solution.

Once your dog successfully stays on an elimination diet for the determined time frame, and if you see positive results, you then begin food challenges. A food challenge means you introduce one single ingredient into your dog’s diet at a time. From there, you can slowly begin reintroducing foods and work toward a more aligned and long-term diet for your pup. This process may take months.

Managing your dog’s food sensitivities

No one-size-fits-all approach exists. Focus on the following:

• As discussed, the single most important aspect to managing food sensitivities is to find the root problem (food ingredients) that your dog reacts to and completely eliminate these from his diet. This is easily the most time-intensive part of identifying and managing your pup’s food sensitivities.
• Build your team. Identifying and managing food sensitivities takes a lot of time, so team up with resources. Add a dermatologist, holistic veterinarian and traditional veterinarian to your team. Many holistic veterinarians offer phone consultations and are highly skilled in supporting dogs with food sensitivities. Search for a good holistic match by using the “Find a Member” tab on the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) site here. Onboarding all team members at once may feel financially burdensome. Start with your dog’s primary veterinarian and expand from there.
• Gut-healing protocol. Healing the gut and chronic inflammation may take time, and certain supplements help to sustain this process.

            Your dog’s gut healing protocol may include:

• Add quality probiotics into your dog’s daily diet. Rotating probiotics helps introduce new strains into your dog’s gut flora, increasing diversity and benefits. Start with probiotics, or make your own using fermented blueberries!
• Bone broth. Filled with healing nutrients, bone broths can be very soothing to your dog’s GI tract. Pour over your dog’s food or freeze in ice trays as a cool treat. Avoid broths that have high fat content or are cooked with onions.
• Digestive enzymes. Digestive enzymes help expedite your dog’s digestion and improve vitamin and mineral absorption. Use a commercial digestive enzyme, such as or feed whole foods that are naturally high in digestive enzymes, such as pumpkin, fermented foods, quinoa or flax seed. Ensure that these foods are not sources that will trigger your dog’s food sensitivities.
• Keep a journal. You and your dog both will benefit from journaling about your dog’s food journey. Not only is journaling a place to process your own emotions around pet parenting, but it’s very helpful in establishing timelines around symptoms, diet adjustments, when you’ve opened new bags of food, different treats or any other changes that may be insightful for your veterinary team as they navigate managing your dog’s food sensitivities.
• Come up with a rescue plan. Stock up on your dog’s at-home medical pharmacy. Your veterinarian will likely support this, too. These include anti-diarrhea, anti-nausea and anti-itching medications. You’ll really thank yourself later if “things” hit the fan!

Remember that supplements can trigger reactions in dogs with food sensitivities. Always start with one supplement at a time and monitor responses, while also working closely with your pup’s veterinary team.

Identifying and managing your dog’s food sensitivities can feel absolutely daunting. It takes time, patience and persistence. Working with a well-resourced team and staying open to a holistic approach eases some of these struggles as you help your pup reach his optimal health. Some of the process may involve things that don’t feel aligned to you as a pet parent, such as feeding elimination diets and removing high-value treats. Remember that these steps are an often temporary yet important part of the process. You’ve got this!

Big benefits come with adopting small breed dogs. For instance, their downright adorable size allows for easy dog-friendly outings and lots of lap time (if they wish). Not to mention, they take up less space translating to easier care. And though little, they are fierce!

Wondering claims the crown for smallest dog breed in the doggie kingdom? Read on for the tiniest, most devoted canine companions you’ll ever encounter.

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas take the title for the smallest dog breed in the world, weighing anywhere from 2 to 6 pounds and standing just 6 to 9 inches tall. “Despite their small size, Chihuahuas are known for their big personalities and can be quite feisty,” says Joanne McHardy of Logan Whistles, a family-run business that has designed and made sheepdog-style whistles for decades. Originally bred for companionship, it’s easy to see why these pint-sized pups are so popular.

See our list of the top 7 Chihuahua mixes

Pomeranian

One could easily mistake Pomeranians for little lions with their fluffy manes, red-orange fur and plumed tails. Beloved for their larger-than-life personalities, Pomeranians jump in as the smallest of the Spitz dog breeds, typically weighing 3 to 7 pounds and growing to 6 to 7 inches tall. Joanne describes Poms as “intelligent, playful and lively,” and it’s no wonder why royalty and celebrities love this teeny-tiny breed.

Yorkshire Terrier

Recognized as one of the most widely-loved breeds, the small but mighty Yorkshire Terrier radiates confidence and spunk. Yorkies weigh just 4 to 7 pounds and are 6 to 7 inches tall. And though they’re small in stature, they’re known for being energetic, affectionate and protective, Joanne says. With an affinity for sitting on laps, it’s hard to believe these compact canines were initially bred to hunt rats.

Papillon

The Papillon exudes elegance, from her appearance down to her very name, the French word for “butterfly” because her ears resemble butterfly wings. These dainty dogs usually weigh 5 to 10 pounds and stand 8 to 11 inches tall. Joanne says, Papillons are friendly, intelligent and highly trainable and considers them to be suitable for apartment living since they’re highly adaptable; that is, as long as they’re getting enough attention and exercise.

Toy Poodle

When you think “toy breed,” the Toy Poodle instantly comes to mind. These miniature-sized Poodles resemble tiny balls of fluff with their curly, low-allergen coats, usually weighing 6 to 9 pounds with a height of 10 inches or less. Toy Poodles may be small in size, but they’re just as intelligent, active and affectionate as Standard Poodles and Miniature Poodles. Joanne considers them to be extremely trainable and likely to excel in obedience and agility competitions.

Although they’re smaller and lower maintenance compared to bigger breeds, they still require your utmost care. Since no dog is the same, consider their unique personalities and needs when it comes to exercise and grooming.

Janel Hutton

Janel Hutton is the recipe developer, food photographer, and entrepreneur behind NellieBellie LLC. Although a Minnesota native, Janel hates the cold and longs for the day when she can become a snowbird. She’s a bossy woman with a heart of gold who adores her husband and two kids more than anything. And she’s a bit of a know-it-all when it comes to dogs (she’s currently owned by two rescues). You can find her on all the socials at @miznelliebellie and her website nelliebellie.com.

The answer is yes! Dogs can eat sesame seeds, and they provide fiber, calcium and vitamin E, among other nutrients says Dr. Jessica Taylor, vice president of veterinary medicine at Petfolk. Just be sure your dog isn’t getting too much of these nutrients from his daily food and his treat of sesame. Too many sesame seeds can cause vomiting or diarrhea in dogs, she warns.

To see if your dog likes and tolerates sesame seeds, Dr. Taylor suggests feeding a small amount and then waiting 48 hours to see how your dog’s body reacts. For picky eaters, sprinkling a few sesame seeds over food may add interest, says Dr. Taylor. Think of them as a supplement. She also recommends asking your vet before adding any new foods to your dog’s diet.

Can dogs have sesame oil?

Yes, sesame oil is safe for dogs in small amounts only (see serving suggestion below) to avoid weight gain and stomach upset. It is not a nutritional requirement, but does add calories to your dog’s diet.

Can dogs eat tahini?

Almost all dogs love peanut butter. For those who don’t or peanut butter upsets their stomachs, try

feeding a small amount of tahini. Like peanut butter, tahini is high in fat and cholesterol, Dr. Taylor warns, so it should be fed sparingly. High fat foods add calories and lead to weight gain, which increases the risk for arthritis and other diseases, she adds.

Tahini is a Middle Eastern condiment paste made from sesame seeds with a consistency that’s softer than peanut butter. It’s one of the main ingredients in hummus.

How much sesame can dogs eat?

“Because sesame oil and tahini both add calories and can lead to stomach upset, limit the amounts to ½ teaspoon for small dogs under 25 pounds and 1 teaspoon for pets over 25 pounds,” says Dr. Taylor. However, she emphasizes there is no research that backs these numbers because neither food is nutritionally required.

A Kansas high school made national headlines after a 2022 school shooting shook the community. A place of positive experiences, such as football games, school plays and prom, turned into a crime scene.

Therapy dogs in schools were part of the response team. Friendly furry faces, supportive counselors, staff and parents all joined together to greet students and begin the healing process within the school community. Trained to use their therapeutic nature to deescalate emotions in a difficult situation, therapy dogs bring joy to students and staff.

Therapy dogs in schools to the rescue

Jennifer Cullen and Tisha Halfert, school counselors in the Kansas City school district, are part of a response team that assists when there is a loss or traumatic experience in one of the schools. Both staff members own Goldendoodles and work with them to bring a sense of calm to a situation with high emotions.

Shortly after the March 4, 2022 shooting, Tisha and Jennifer brought their Goldendoodles, Milo and Baxter, to middle schools where the students were reunited with their families.

“A girl came specifically looking for me and Baxter on the day it happened. The dogs provided a lifeline for them,” says Jennifer.

“A dog equals love in so many people’s lives,” says Angie Salava, director of mental health for Olathe Public Schools in Kansas, where the shooting occurred. “When your sense of safety is interrupted, therapy dogs can help re-establish that safety and healing can begin.”

Therapy dogs encourage students to return to school

School administrators brought in therapy dogs, counselors and extra police officers to calm nerves and bring comfort to students as they reentered the building. The dogs were overwhelmingly well received and reassured the students and staff.

“Many of our parents and students were hesitant to return to school; the dogs helped get them in the door,” says Tisha. “It helped bring down their anxiety.”

“When one of us goes into a building where we aren’t known, having the dogs there breaks the ice immediately,” says Jennifer. “Kids are more open to conversation at that time. With a person it takes much longer. Having the dogs present opens doors.”

An increase in school therapy dogs

Therapy dogs are also used for positive behavior incentive programs, to promote reading and to diffuse intense situations in district elementary schools.

In recent years, a growing number of professionals is certifying dogs to help out in offices and schools, says Scarlet Ross, who trains, tests and certifies therapy dogs locally for schools (and work) settings. Scarlet and Jennifer worked together to certify Baxter.

Therapy dogs, who provide emotional support, are different than service dogs, who are trained to help with a disability.

“It’s harder to trust people, but an animal automatically earns their trust, says Jeanette Clampitt, principal at neighboring district school Henry Leavenworth Elementary and dog parent to Teddy, a 4-year-old Bernedoodle. “They give unconditional love, which means that the child can be themselves. Dogs have that sense of calm that people tend to look for when they are sad.”

To learn about therapy dog certifications, visit Therapy Dogs International.

If you’ve been lucky enough to love a dog, you know that many develop some level of arthritis. Arthritis, or joint inflammation, most commonly appears in senior dogs; however, young dogs are also susceptible. Managing dog arthritis involves pharmaceutical and nutraceutical intervention, as well as lifestyle and environmental adaptations. Include massage therapy in this list as it creates a rewarding experience for both you and your dog. While most dogs respond positively to massage therapy, dogs with arthritis find it particularly life-changing.

Benefits of dog massage for arthritis include:

• Increased flexibility and range of motion
• Reduced pain or discomfort
• Minimized muscle wasting
• Increased circulation, providing nutrients to muscles

Dogs with arthritis typically can’t exercise and move as much as they’d like to. Exercise often aggravates their symptoms. An aerobic activity, massage therapy increases blood circulation throughout the body, similar to running or active play. It also stimulates lymphatic circulation required for healthy immune function. This is highly supportive for a more sedentary, arthritic pup!

Tips for dog massage for arthritis

When performing massage on your arthritic dog, follow this advice:

• Less is more. Do not provide deep tissue massage on any animal. Less pressure is always more effective. Never use more than 2 pounds of pressure, avoid direct pressure on the spine and joints, and always stop if your dog appears uncomfortable.
• Focus on problem areas. You’ll find common problem areas for dogs with arthritis in the hips, lower back and around joints. Don’t forget compensatory areas, such as the neck, shoulders or glutes. Bring in a professional to help you identify your pup’s specific problem spots.
• Keep sessions short. Keep mini massages at home to 15-minute sessions a few times a week. Focus on specific body regions and do not perform a head-to-tail session for these. However, when massaging a specific area, work both sides of the body. For example, if you massage your dog’s left hip, remember to massage his right hip, too!
• Practice massage strokes. Start with effleurage — a flat handed petting. Use this stroke to warm up muscles and tissues, and to identify areas of heat, coolness or tension. From there, move on to petrissage, a versatile stroke used for releasing tension. Petrissage involves kneading and circular strokes that can be performed with the fleshy or flat portion of your palm, your fingers or your thumbs.

Watch this short video tutorial on dog massage for arthritis. For a more therapeutic session, hire a professional.

There are multiple ways to incorporate massage therapy into your arthritic dog’s life, including learning basic at-home massage techniques or hiring a professional canine massage therapist for a more therapeutic session. I encourage you to explore this healing modality for your arthritic dog — the positive results will surprise you!

To learn more about the benefits of dog massage, read my Dogster article All About Dog Massage