When your pet suddenly loses his appetite, it can be concerning—particularly if you’ve got a regular chowhound on your hands.

If your dog or cat struggles with gastrointestinal (GI) health, probiotics may be just what the vet ordered.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be introduced into the body to help with digestion and offer protection from harmful bacteria. Just as live cultures in yogurt can help keep a human gut healthy, probiotics can also help maintain the natural balance of organisms (known as microflora) in a pet’s digestive tract.

If a single knock at the door sends your dog scurrying under the bed or he starts barking every time the doorbell rings, it’s probably safe to say you both dread surprise guests and package deliveries, not to mention Halloween. But could it mean something’s wrong?

If your dog shows excessive fear toward these and other noises, like fireworks, there’s a chance he may be suffering from noise aversion.

Did someone say, “W-A-L-K”? Whether you’re exploring a new trail or hitting your tried-and-true neighborhood loop, taking regular walks with your dog can have many positive effects on her health—and yours.

Here are the top six reasons you should add a stroll with your best friend to your daily routine:

Dogs may be man’s best friend, but that doesn’t mean we’re not occasionally embarrassed or downright disgusted by some of their habits. From rear-sniffing to rolling in anything with a repulsive smell, nothing seems to be quite as offensive to dog lovers as coprophagia—that is, eating poop.

When it comes to your dog’s physical and mental health, daily walks and play sessions are key. Besides keeping your pet in shape, exercise acts as the equalizer against all bad behaviors, helping to keep a variety of problems—like inappropriate elimination, anxiety, eating disorders, attention seeking, aggression, and barking—at bay.

Preparing for a new baby is exciting. There’s setting up a nursery, new toys, clothes, and bedding for starters. Then, there’s caring for yourself as a soon-to-be new parent. You might be taking prenatal yoga classes, visiting the doctor, and watching your diet to make sure your baby is getting needed nutrition.

You know it’s going to be a big adjustment for your family, including your pets.

Receiving slobbery kisses from our canine companions is part of the dog-loving package, but do you ever wonder why they do this?

Turns out, there are lots of reasons dogs like to put their tongues on you, ranging from instinct, to affection, to stress. Let’s take a look.