Preventive Care

If increased paw licking arrives with the onset of spring or constant scratching marks the return of autumn, your dog may be experiencing seasonal allergies. There are several different types of allergies affecting dogs. According to Embark data, 10.7% of dogs experience an environmental or seasonal allergy.  Learn more about the causes and symptoms of...

Contact allergies are relatively uncommon in dogs, but they can cause itching, inflammation, and discomfort for your pet. Keep reading to learn the telltale signs of contact allergies and some home remedies to help you manage them. What are contact allergies? A contact allergy (also known as contact dermatitis) is a skin reaction that occurs...

As you may already know, flea and tick prevention is a crucial part of your dog’s care. Why is it so important? Fleas and ticks are parasites that can carry other parasites or diseases that affect pets. Many of these infections are treatable, but preventing infection in the first place is the most effective way...

Can dogs get sunburns? While it’s not as common in dogs as it is in humans, dogs can get sunburned—especially in areas where their coat is thin. The ears, top of the nose, groin, and belly are most at risk, particularly in dogs with white or light-colored coats and/or pink skin. In this article, we’ll...

Dogs are part of the family, and like any other family member, they need routine medical checkups and preventive care. From vaccinations and parasite prevention to early detection of diseases, regular visits to the veterinary clinic are essential for your dog’s health. In this article, we’ll explain what happens during a routine veterinary checkup and...

Toys are important parts of your dog’s life. They provide enrichment, exercise, an outlet for teething, and—most importantly—fun! But dog toys can also pose potential safety hazards. Keep your dog safe and avoid potential injuries with these dog toy safety tips. General dog toy safety tips Always inspect new toys before giving them to your dog....

Emergencies can strike at any time. Being prepared with a dog first aid kit and an emergency plan can help you respond to unexpected injuries, accidents, or natural disasters. In some cases, it may even be lifesaving. How to make a dog first aid kit Many of the items commonly found in a family first...

There are hundreds of bacteria in a dog’s mouth. The mouth offers an ideal environment for bacteria, providing a stable temperature, moisture, and nutrients. It is home to many microbial communities, which coat a dog’s teeth, tongue, gums, and palate (the roof of the mouth). These bacteria can have either a helpful or harmful effect...

Wondering if your dog may be under- or overweight? Every dog’s ideal weight is different. A body condition score is a tool that you can use in between vet visits to monitor your dog’s weight and help them stay in a healthy range. What is a body condition score in dogs? A body condition score...

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning that Embark may receive a small commission if you make a purchase. All linked products have been reviewed by a veterinarian.  There are many reasons why a dog may require extra mobility support when getting up or walking: recovery from back or leg surgery, weakness or muscle loss...

If you have a dog, you probably invest a lot of resources into caring for their physical health. Your dog’s behavioral health is just as important. Like humans, dogs have complex emotional and social needs. Appropriate mental stimulation for dogs can support their overall behavioral health, giving them a way to exercise their brains as well as...

There’s more to dog poop than scooping. Although it may not be your favorite topic to think about, your dog’s stool can reveal a lot about their health. Sending a stool sample from your dog for analysis can tell you a few things about their gut health, like whether the bacteria that make up their...