Considering a furry friend? Our experts provide extensive information to get you and your new pup off to a great start! Dog ownership is one of life’s great joys. But the idea can be intimidating if you’ve never had a pup before. Never fear: We have a comprehensive list of tips for first-time dog owners that provide the essential information you need to feel confident every step of the way with your new canine companion. There’s a lot to consider before you bring a four-legged family member home. Be sure you’re ready before you say, “I do.” Part of being ready is understanding what a dog requires physically and mentally—and asking yourself if you’re up for the commitment for the rest of his life. “Your new dog is completely reliant on you,” explains Alex Miller, a veterinary technician at Ames Animal Shelter and Animal Control in Ames, Iowa. “You may […]

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Calculating dog years to human years isn’t as simple as multiplying by seven. Use our handy chart to determine the human age equivalent of your pet’s age. The old human-to-dog-years formula (one year of a dog’s life is equal to seven years of human life) never really worked quite right. It’s more accurate to think of the first year of dogs’ lives as just getting them over the first big jump of adolescence. The second year brings them close to full adult maturity physically, although as in humans, mental maturity may still be on the horizon. From there, it really depends on the kind of dog in question. Size and breed matter when it comes to aging. Roughly put, you can consider Great Danes to be senior citizens at 7, but Chihuahuas may not reach that milestone until they’re at least 11. Use the dog years to human years chart […]

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