#pethealthtips

As a dog owner, I’ve learned how fragile a pet’s spine can be. The spine supports movement and protects the spinal cord, but when intervertebral discs herniate or rupture, it can put pressure on nerves and make walking or even basic bodily control difficult. Breeds like dachshunds, French bulldogs, shih tzus, and German shepherds are especially prone to IVDD, so I’ve learned to watch my dog closely for any signs of discomfort.

Seeing my dog struggle with IVDD was scary, but it also taught me the importance of prevention and safe activity. Avoiding sudden twists, overexertion, or risky play has become part of our daily routine to protect their spine.

Modern solutions like the Halo Collar have made managing this risk much easier. Its GPS-enabled boundaries and real-time activity monitoring let my dog exercise in a controlled, safe way, reducing the chance of injury. With tools like this, I can let my dog explore confidently while keeping their spine protected.

Living with a flat-faced dog has taught me how important it is to manage her daily activity. Too much excitement or exercise can quickly turn into breathing trouble, so I’ve had to be very intentional about how much she does each day.

At first, I relied on guesswork watching her breathing, stopping walks early, and hoping I was doing enough. What really helped was using the Halo Collar as an extra layer of support. Its health and activity tracking lets me see how much movement she’s actually getting, not just what I think she’s getting. That information helps me avoid pushing her too far and gives my vet real data to work with.

Knowing when she’s had enough activity helps prevent dangerous over-exertion that could trigger a BOAS episode. Instead of waiting for her to struggle, I can step in earlier and keep her safe.

Managing BOAS isn’t about limiting your dog’s life it’s about protecting it. Having the right tools and paying attention to the signs has made our daily routine calmer, safer, and much less stressful for both of us.

I’ve learned that one of the fastest ways to recognize hot spots in dogs is by paying close attention to sudden changes in their behavior especially excessive licking, scratching, or biting at a specific area. 

Cataracts can significantly impact the quality of life of our furry friends.

I just read this article, We Feed Raw Dog Food review by Technobark and thought it might help others who are on the fence about going raw (like me).