On the first anniversary of World War I’s end, President Woodrow Wilson declared November 11th Armistice Day. In 1938, congress approved it as a national holiday, and in 1954 it was renamed Veterans Day. The one thing that hasn’t changed is the significance it maintains. Every November 11th, we recognize the day as a chance to honor the brave men and women who have served in each branch of our military forces. The DogWatch team joins in this salute and extends a heartfelt thanks to all veterans for their courageous service.

With so many heroes to praise, we turn our attention to the subject we know best: dogs. Here are the stories of five of these heroic military working dogs, whose bravery, dedication, and strength are an inspiration to us all. Read post »

Hiking is the perfect way to give your dog a full day of exercise while exploring new surroundings and new smells. Whether it’s a casual mile in the woods, a day-long journey scaling a high-altitude peak, or anywhere in between, there are some safety precautions you should be taking to keep both you and your dog safe.

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It happens quicker than you think. One day you reach down to pet your pup, and you realize that they’re greying. One day you throw their favorite toy across the yard, and they don’t run after it as quickly as they used to. One day you notice they are having a little trouble getting up from their bed. Just like us, our four-legged family members slow down when they get older.

Dogs are considered seniors when they reach the last 25% of their life expectancy. This of course depends directly on their breed and size. As their body goes through changes as they age, your dog relies on you to change the way you care for them. That could mean new strategies to keep them active, a new diet, introducing new supplements, a new grooming schedule, and general changes to your behavior around them.

Getting old doesn’t mean your pup can’t enjoy many of the same things they used to, it might just take a little adjusting. Here’s how you can help your four-legged family member age gracefully!

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You’ve crunched the numbers, got the blessing of your dog (or reached a tentative agreement with your cat), found the perfect candidate at your local shelter, or decided on a reputable breeder, and now it’s official. You’re ready to introduce a new four-legged family member into your home.

Bringing a new dog into your home is a big deal! But, before you get too excited imagining the prospect of your new pup becoming best friends with the dog you already have at home or cuddling up and sharing naps with your cat, you’ll have to consider the best way to introduce them to your home.

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