Why Does My Dog Lick So Much? Decoding Dog Licking Behaviors
Dogs

Why Does My Dog Lick So Much? Decoding Dog Licking Behaviors

As veterinarians, we often get asked about a common canine behavior: licking. Licking is a natural and normal behavior for dogs, allowing them to groom, investigate their surroundings, and even communicate with other people and pets. Whether it's a quick swipe of the tongue or a full-on facial bath, dogs lick for a variety of reasons – some you might not even expect. Let's explore some of the most common explanations behind this behavior and talk about when owners should be concerned about excessive licking in dogs.

Osteosarcoma in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and What Owners Need to Know
Dogs

Osteosarcoma in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, and What Owners Need to Know

If you have a dog, you most likely have seen them limp or refuse to put weight on a foot at some point. Dogs run, jump, and sometimes take a risky tumble, leaving them a bit stiff for a day or two. Most of the time, a quick vet visit brings reassurance that it’s nothing but a tweak. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. For some dogs, what causes a limp or limb pain can be much more serious than a fall in the yard or stumbling off the sofa; it could be cancer.

Why Resource Guarding in Dogs Is a Problem & What to Do About It
Dogs

Why Resource Guarding in Dogs Is a Problem & What to Do About It

Have you ever gone to pick up your dog's favorite toy while cleaning, only to be met with a deep growl and a hard stare? Or was there a time that you forgot to add something to your dog's food bowl, and when you approached them to add it, they lunged or even snapped at you?

The Ultimate Guide to Puppy and Dog Vaccine Schedules: What Shots Do Dogs & Puppies Need?
Dogs

The Ultimate Guide to Puppy and Dog Vaccine Schedules: What Shots Do Dogs & Puppies Need?

Ensuring your dog stays healthy starts with a comprehensive vaccination plan. A proper puppy vaccine schedule is essential to protect against various infectious diseases. In this guide, we’ll discuss core vaccines, lifestyle-based vaccines, and recommended vaccine schedules for puppies and adult dogs based on recommendations and guidelines from veterinary professionals and organizations.

5 Tips for Selecting the Best Flea and Tick Prevention For Your Dog
Dogs

5 Tips for Selecting the Best Flea and Tick Prevention For Your Dog

Fleas and ticks may be tiny, but they can cause some big problems for our cats and dogs. As responsible dog owners, it's crucial to prioritize flea and tick prevention to keep our dogs happy, healthy, and itch-free. But with so many options available, how do you choose the right prevention method?

How to Introduce Dogs to Each Other: Expert Tips for a Positive First Encounter
Dogs

How to Introduce Dogs to Each Other: Expert Tips for a Positive First Encounter

Introducing dogs to one another may seem simple, but without the right approach, these interactions can go wrong quickly and result in a number of socialization issues for your dog later in life.

For The Love of Dog, Train Your Dog!
Dogs

For The Love of Dog, Train Your Dog!

Dog owners, I say this from the most loving place in my heart: for the love of dog, train your dog.

Can My Dog Eat That? A Veterinarian's Take on the Internet's Most Asked Foods for Dogs
Dogs

Can My Dog Eat That? A Veterinarian's Take on the Internet's Most Asked Foods for Dogs

As a dog owner, it's natural to wonder about the safety of sharing your favorite foods with your furry friend. The internet is full of questions about what dogs can and cannot eat. To help clear up the confusion, we've compiled a list of the top foods people frequently ask about and whether they are safe for your dog.

Maximizing Canine Health: The Importance of Lab Work Through Your Dog's Life
Dogs

Maximizing Canine Health: The Importance of Lab Work Through Your Dog's Life

From the playful puppy years to the golden senior moments, dogs, like us, go through various life stages, each with its unique health needs and challenges. As a veterinarian, I tell my clients that we have to look at lab work as a window into the intricate workings of their dog's health, offering insights that can guide preventative care, early detection of diseases, and tailored treatment strategies.

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At Alpine Animal Hospital, we treat your pets like the valued family members they are.