Pet Digest

Aural Hematomas and Head Shaking in Dogs: Causes, Risks, and Nutritional Connections If you’ve noticed your dog frequently shaking its head or observed swelling in its ear flap, you might be dealing with an aural hematoma . While alarming, this common condition is usually a symptom rather than the primary problem , often signaling underlying medical or behavioral issues. Understanding the causes, risks, and the role of nutrition — including anti-inflammatory support like turmeric and ginger — can help you manage, prevent, and treat these conditions effectively. What Is an Aural Hematoma? An aural hematoma occurs when blood accumulates between the ear cartilage and the skin. This usually results from trauma, such as excessive head shaking or scratching, which ruptures small blood vessels in the ear flap. Hematomas can vary in size and severity: Acute hematomas appear suddenly and are often painful, with swelling and warmth. Chronic hematomas may develop over time and can resu...

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Day 19: Winter Grooming Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season Winter grooming isn’t just about looks — it’s essential for your dog’s comfort, skin health, and mobility. Between dry indoor air, snow-packed fur, and household heating systems pulling moisture from the environment, your dog's coat and skin work extra hard this time of year. Day 19 of our 25 Days of Christmas with Your Dog series focuses on keeping your dog clean, moisturized, and winter-ready. 🧼 Why Grooming Matters More in Winter Cold weather changes everything about your dog’s coat and skin. Indoor heat can cause dryness, while outdoor snow leads to matting and moisture issues. Grooming isn't just about appearance — it supports mobility, prevents infections, and helps detect health changes early. For dogs who struggle wi...

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Day 18: Snow & Ice Safety for Dogs Winter weather can be magical — glittering snow, crisp air, and the cozy feel of bundling up for a seasonal walk. But under that beauty are hidden dangers for dogs, from road salt to ice melt, frostbite to slipping injuries. Day 18 of our 25 Days of Christmas with Your Dog countdown covers everything you need to know to keep your dog safe, warm, and confident outdoors all winter long. ❄️ Cold Weather Risks: What Dog Parents Should Know Some dogs love the snow, while others prefer to stay indoors. No matter their size or coat type, winter presents health risks: Frostbite — often affecting ears, paws, and tail tips Hypothermia — especially for small, thin-coated, or senior dogs Paw pad burns — from salt and chemical ice melt Slipping injuries — torn ...

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Day 17: Christmas Morning Feeding Tips Christmas morning is one of the most exciting moments of the season — for kids, adults, and yes, for dogs too! With wrapping paper rustling, breakfast cooking, and emotions running high, your dog’s normal routine can easily get disrupted. Day 17 of our countdown gives you simple, healthy strategies to make sure Christmas morning is joyful and safe for your pup. 🎁 Keep Breakfast Normal — Routines Matter Your dog has a feeding rhythm that keeps digestion running smoothly. A sudden high-fat “special breakfast” can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or even pancreatitis. Stick to your dog’s regular meal and feeding schedule — consistency prevents stress and tummy upset. If you want Christmas morning to feel special, try one of these safe upgrades: A sprinkle of unsweetene...

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Day 16: Safe Holiday Plants & What to Avoid The holidays bring beautiful decorations, cozy winter scents, and of course — classic festive plants. But many of the plants that symbolize this season can be surprisingly dangerous for dogs. Day 16 of our 25 Days of Christmas with Your Dog countdown is all about helping you create a beautifully decorated space… without putting your dog’s health at risk. 🎄 Popular Holiday Plants: Safe or Not? Below is a helpful breakdown of the most common Christmas plants and what dog parents need to know: Poinsettias Poinsettias often get a dramatic reputation, but they’re actually mildly toxic rather than dangerous. The sap can cause drooling, mild vomiting, or skin irritation, but severe reactions are rare. These plants don’t have to be banned from your home — just ke...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ³ 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 Day 15: After-Party Care — Transitioning Back to Routine Once the parties are over, dogs benefit from a gentle return to normal. This post helps you reestablish routines, clean up potential hazards, and support your pup’s emotional reset after busy days. 🗓️ Re-establish Routine Return to regular feeding and walking schedules gradually. Keep nap and bedtimes consistent to rebuild rhythm. 🧹 Holiday Cleanup Safety Check floors and under furniture for ribbons, hooks, tape, and small toy pieces. Dispose of leftover food and store trash securely to prevent scavenging. 🎧 Emotional Reset Offer quiet enrichment: snuffle mats, gentle chews, or a short scent game. Extra pats, calm walks, and fewer guests for a d...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 Day 14: Holiday Guests & Pet Manners — Boundaries, Safety & Happy Greetings Having guests over during the holidays is joyful, but it’s an environment where boundaries matter for everyone’s safety and comfort. This post covers preparing your dog, teaching polite greetings, and tips for kids around pets. 🏡 Clear Boundaries Designate where your dog can greet guests and where they should not go (e.g., kitchen during serving). Use baby gates or closed doors to limit access when needed. 👋 Teaching Polite Greetings Ask guests to ignore dogs until the dog sits calmly—reward calm approaches. Practice “sit” and “place” in short sessions before gatherings. 👶 Kids & Dogs ...