Articles written by Joy Butler

Yorkies, Poodles, and Shih Tzus are favorite family pets but temperament, grooming, and special health needs must be considered when choosing a tiny dog.

Feb 24, 2012 - Joy Butler

If your dog escapes, some of the places to search include shelters, veterinary clinics, and boarding facilities.

Feb 2, 2012 - Joy Butler

Most dogs respond well to early treatment of osteoarthritis and inflammatory joint disease. Recognize the symptoms and seek early diagnosis.

Jan 25, 2012 - Joy Butler

Roselle, yellow Lab who led her blind owner out of the WTC during terrorist attacks, wins Hero Dog title in a ceremony to air on Hallmark Channel Nov 11.

Oct 2, 2011 - Joy Butler

Halloween celebrations and festivities often include fun dog costume contests and games to raise money for shelters and rescues.

Oct 1, 2011 - Joy Butler

Purina Farms hosts dog events year round including conformation, obedience, agility, dock diving, tracking, herding, lure coursing, and earthdog trials.

Sep 15, 2011 - Joy Butler

Coughing, fatigue, and bloated stomach are some of the signs of CHF in dogs but most cases can be managed with medication and diet.

Aug 9, 2011 - Joy Butler

Most dog owners know that chocolate is not good for dogs but not all chocolate contains the same amounts of the chemical compound theobromine.

Jul 4, 2011 - Joy Butler

Descended from sled dogs, this popular toy breed is a lively, intelligent, alert, curious, and generally healthy companion.

Jun 12, 2011 - Joy Butler

A short, clipped coat keeps dogs cool and wears well for summer heat, outdoor hikes and swimming but groomers should avoid shaving due to sunburn.

May 17, 2011 - Joy Butler

Blind dogs can do almost anything other dogs can do. A few hints and tips and an Angel Vest cane can help them to adjust well to life without eyesight.

Apr 19, 2011 - Joy Butler

Thousands died when the 9.0 magnitude quake struck Japan on March 11, 2011. Can restless behavior in dogs and cats serve as a warning system?

Apr 4, 2011 - Joy Butler

Brachycephalic breeds and other dogs often snore. Snoring is usually not serious but allergen relief, weight loss, and sometimes surgery may help.

Mar 24, 2011 - Joy Butler

Only the Chow and the Shar-Pei breeds have a bluish-black tongue but many other breeds and mixed breeds can have spots on the tongue.

Mar 9, 2011 - Joy Butler

Study shows shelter dogs' stress hormone levels are reduced after playing with volunteers. This helps them behave better and get adopted sooner.

Mar 9, 2011 - Joy Butler

Some dogs pant and tremble in fear of thunderstorms. Others hide under the bed or crash through windows. Can thunder shirts and anxiety coats calm them?

Mar 8, 2011 - Joy Butler

Porphyromonas dental vaccination against periodontal disease in dogs helps prevent gum infection, tooth loss, and damage to heart, liver and kidneys.

Mar 8, 2011 - Joy Butler

Doggy bad breath usually means periodontal disease, but with risks of anesthesia, are anesthesia-free pet dental cleanings safer?

Mar 1, 2011 - Joy Butler

Hypoallergenic dog breeds are popular with allergy sufferers, but nonshedding, light shedding, or heavy shedding, excess dog hair can be controlled.

Feb 22, 2011 - Joy Butler

Exercise decreases risks of arthritis, heart problems, cancer and obesity in dogs but easy activities like walks or swimming may be best for senior dogs.

Feb 15, 2011 - Joy Butler

What is the reason these sporting dogs have been the favorite AKC purebred for 20 years? Is it intelligence, temperament or something more?

Feb 8, 2011 - Joy Butler

Kids have fun while earning food for shelter pets on new website and blog maintained by Free Kibble teen, Mimi Ausland.

Feb 1, 2011 - Joy Butler

Six new breeds will show at the 2011 Westminster Dog Show in New York City but Rhodesian Ridgebacks dominate the entries.

Jan 23, 2011 - Joy Butler

Westminster is a show of champions but only one dog of thousands leaves New York City with the coveted Best in Show award.

Jan 17, 2011 - Joy Butler

The sugar alcohol substitute sweetener found in sugar free gum, candy, toothpaste, and some foods is toxic to dogs, causing hypoglycemia and liver failure.

Jan 12, 2011 - Joy Butler

While dog tracks close and several states have banned dog racing, greyhound organizations rescue, rehabilitate, and adopt out retired racers.

Jan 7, 2011 - Joy Butler

Veterinarians oppose cosmetic dog ear cropping and tail docking while AKC and breeders argue the procedures have functional purpose.

Dec 29, 2010 - Joy Butler

Dogs for diabetics assist humans by alerting to scent changes in body chemistry when blood glucose levels can cause seizures, coma and death.

Dec 23, 2010 - Joy Butler

Our pets often beg for human foods and it's up to us to choose safe, healthy people food treats that are good for dogs.

Dec 16, 2010 - Joy Butler

Whether new release or classic, television or DVD, Christmas dog movies make a great family entertainment tradition and create lasting holiday memories.

Dec 6, 2010 - Joy Butler

A bottle of wine for the Christmas party, New Year's Eve toast, or gift wrapped can help homeless dogs and strengthen dog laws.

Nov 30, 2010 - Joy Butler

Zoya introduces us to two shelter dogs and talks about why and how she uses positive training to rehabilitate homeless huskies into working sled dog teams.

Nov 21, 2010 - Joy Butler

Zoya DeNure, Iditarod contender, rescues and rehabilitates homeless huskies with positive training in the controversial sport of sled dog racing.

Nov 20, 2010 - Joy Butler

Meet the new AKC sporting breed, herding breed, working breeds and hounds in the National Dog Show ring on Thanksgiving.

Nov 9, 2010 - Joy Butler

Donations help researchers study canine cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure which may eventually benefit human cancer research.

Nov 4, 2010 - Joy Butler

Studies show inhaling smoke or ingesting tobacco greatly increases pets' risk of allergies, respiratory and cardiac problems, some cancers, and death.

Oct 19, 2010 - Joy Butler

Designer dog coats and sweaters can be high fashion as well as warm, but can dressing your dog in the spirit of Christmas be cheap?

Oct 13, 2010 - Joy Butler

Animal welfare activists and Missouri dog breeders debate the pros and cons of Proposition B regulations for the puppy mill capital of America.

Oct 6, 2010 - Joy Butler

Outdoor dogs without insulated doghouse shelter, dry bed and quality food should go inside to prevent frostbite and hypothermia when temperatures turn cold.

Sep 29, 2010 - Joy Butler

Pets not adequately protected from freezing cold and bitter winds can suffer hypothermia, frostbite and death. Prompt treatment may prevent serious injury.

Sep 24, 2010 - Joy Butler

Pumpkins, spiders, ghosts and more, make homemade with instructions, find sewing patterns, or buy retail for your dog's Halloween party or costume contest.

Sep 13, 2010 - Joy Butler

Follow cyclist Bill Craig on the map as he rides a Carrollton to Carrollton route raising donations for homeless pets and promoting spay/neuter programs.

Sep 6, 2010 - Joy Butler

Playing with a puppy is fun but when it turns into painful biting and nipping, some puppy training is in order.

Sep 2, 2010 - Joy Butler

A variety of dogs have the somewhat rare natural ability to predict seizures. Training encourages this behavior and teaches other assistance responses.

Aug 25, 2010 - Joy Butler

Naming a small lap dog that can be elegant, silly or sweet isn't easy. Perhaps this list will help you find the perfect name to call your tiny companion.

Aug 20, 2010 - Joy Butler

Most stings and bites are not toxic for dogs but occasionally insect venom causes a dangerous allergic reaction warranting emergency treatment.

Aug 13, 2010 - Joy Butler

Cataracts can cause blindness in dogs but regular eye exams, prompt surgery or medicinal treatment can be successful in treating eye disease.

Aug 5, 2010 - Joy Butler

Are mixed breeds healthier than purebreds? Controversy rises over dog breeding programs resulting in painful genetic diseases and extreme deformities.

Jul 30, 2010 - Joy Butler

In households of family violence or abuse, pets and animals are often subjected to cruelty or neglect. Programs now offer shelter for victims and pets.

Jul 19, 2010 - Joy Butler

Causes of dog coughing can range from allergies to kennel cough to heart failure and may need prompt veterinary treatment.

Jul 13, 2010 - Joy Butler