There’s one thing that almost all of us are guilty of when it comes to spoiling our dogs: treats. Let’s face it, it can be almost impossible to say no to the little faces of our dog friends when they’re in full begging cute mode. Treats are, in and of themselves, not a bad thing for dogs. In fact, the right treats, at the right time, in the right amount, is one of the best ways to reward your little friend while making sure he/she is well behaved.

It may come as a surprise that humans aren’t the only ones suffering from an obesity problem in this country. Pets, especially dogs, are also more likely now than ever before to be overweight. In fact, some people estimate that as many as half of American pets are overweight. As with people, being overweight comes with all kinds of side effects: Heart and kidney disease, arthritis, diabetes and more. Our pets aren’t just our friends, we’re responsible for their well-being and even though it’s hard not to indulge them, we have to consider their health first. Luckily, there are so many easy things to do to get your pet back in shape or, if the little guy is already healthy, that he stays that way.

Dogs have evolved with humans for thousands of years so it’s no surprise that they have become great communicators. Of course, if you know people you also know that we don’t always listen or pay attention to what we should.

Think about all the things you carry when going on a long trip to make yourself more comfortable. You might have a book, a hat, some snacks, a neck pillow – some people even carry a change of socks in their backpack! While a dog might not need as much as you do, they’re still sensitive and intelligent animals that do better with some creature comforts. Just like you wouldn’t get on a 12-hour flight with nothing but the clothes on your back, your dog shouldn’t have to suffer through an already stressful experience either.

With Winter in full effect, it’s that time of year to start thinking about how to keep your dog extra warm during the cold months. Of course, not everyone lives in a cold weather environment, but even sunny places can get cold enough in the early morning or late at night for your dog to need some extra protection. That being said, not every dog is built the same. Some breeds can handle the cold with little to no extra protection, while others would benefit from a coat on even a slightly chilly day.