Many new dog owners are surprised to learn that their puppy doesn’t instinctively know how to walk politely on a leash. They understand the reality quickly during the first few walks, when their new little fur friend is bolting until they run out of leash or tugging the entire way. Mastering the leash is something that requires training, and it’s surprisingly easy if you know what to do.

Though people often associate September with football season, back-to-school, and the unofficial start of fall, it is also Responsible Dog Ownership Month. Founded by the American Kennel Club (AKC), this month-long event is all about helping pet parents learn how to raise healthy, happy dogs.

Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, and it’s the perfect time to make a few more memories before the onset of autumn. Whether you are spending the holiday at home, hanging out with friends and family, or squeezing in a last-minute vacation, it’s crucial to keep your pet’s safety in mind. Like any holiday, Labor Day poses some risks to your furry friend. Here are a few tips for enjoying a safe and happy holiday weekend with your dog or cat.

We celebrate Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Grandparents Day, and even days set aside for National Sons Day and National Daughters Day. So, it’s only natural that our four-legged family members have their own day as well. August 26 is National Dog Day, celebrating all dog breeds – pure and mixed – and acknowledging these amazing pets, service animals, and working dogs.

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day is honored every August 28, when countless pet owners remember and celebrate the beloved pets that are no longer with them. This special day recognizes that while our pets have passed on, they are never forgotten. As veterinarians, we understand that pet loss impacts people of all ages, but it is especially upsetting for children. Many children, for example, have had the family dog in their life since they were born. For other children, the loss of a pet might be their first experience with grief.

According to the Washington Post, there were 26,000 more pet adoptions in the first nine months of the Coronavirus pandemic than the year before, January 6, 2021. Puppies purchased from breeders were also dramatically increased. Rover.com polled 1000 owners and 68% of Generation Z owners, and 42% of millennials plan to hire dog walkers or reserve spots in doggy daycare for their transition back to the workplace.

Myths follow us through life, from the idea that lightning won’t strike twice in the same place to the infamous penny thrown off the Empire State Building being lethal for an unsuspecting pedestrian below. Our dogs are no exception, being the subject of many myths themselves. As veterinarians, we want to correct as many misconceptions as possible so owners can steer clear of falsehoods and let their dogs live their best lives. Following are some of the most common we hear, and the truth behind them.

Part of International Assistance Dog Week, August 1-7, 2021, Assistance Dog Day celebrates service dogs and their trainers for the vital roles they play in the lives of individuals with physical and emotional support needs.