August 2025
Three rare dog breeds make excellent choices for families, according to British canine expert Will Atherton: the Leonberger, Komondor, and Flat-coated Retriever.
If your dog is a smaller breed, they may have a common congenital condition called luxating patella, in which the dog's kneecaps pop out of place. Some of the most frequently affected breeds include Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Poodles, Bichon Frises, Pomeranians, Maltese, and Boston Terriers, although the condition can also occur in larger breeds. In advanced stages, surgery is usually required; failure to do so may result in torn ACLs and arthritis.
In the U.S., Blue Cross may be synonymous with health insurance. But to our friends across the pond, bluecross.org.uk is known as an organization devoted to pets. Services include veterinary care, behavioral help, pet food banks, and advice on adoptions, pet loss, and looking after pets after their owners pass away.
At least one veterinarian has issued an urgent warning to pet owners not to participate in the latest social media trend involving dogs. Dr. Katrina Warren is horrified by online videos of pet owners lip syncing part of Taylor Swift’s song "Ready For It" in their dogs’ faces while their pooches are sleeping or resting. "Startling a sleeping dog is not just unkind, it's incredibly risky. These dogs may be tolerating this, but they are clearly very uncomfortable," says Dr. Warren.
A fear of dogs is called cynophobia, derived from the Greek words “cyno” for dogs and “phobos,” meaning fear, terror, or panic. The condition can be treated with exposure therapy and cognitive behavior therapy, and some mental health professionals use virtual reality therapy with special goggles that mimic interacting with a real dog.