When we talk about dog health, we often think of walks, vaccinations, or playtime, but nutrition is the foundation that ties it all together. Your dog may have the best living conditions, but if it doesn’t receive proper and balanced food, its health and longevity will be at risk. Nutritional imbalance can lead to obesity, bone and joint problems, weakened immunity, or even chronic diseases. That is why more and more experts agree that the combination of natural ingredients and scientifically proven formulas is the best way to preserve the health of pets.

Dogs don’t use words to express their feelings, but their bodies often speak louder than any loud bark.

A dog behavior and training expert explained what owners should pay attention to first.

Dog owners who are tired of their pet constantly barking at other dogs can finally relax – there is a simple way to stop it, reports Net.hr.

Dogs often bark out of excitement, fear, frustration, or a desire for attention. Barking also serves as a way of communicating with other dogs and humans. Excessive barking can be unpleasant but is sometimes a sign of behavioral issues.

Amelia Still, a dog trainer and behavior expert, explains that the first step is to understand why the dog is barking.

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"Is the dog scared? Is it barking out of caution? Is it too excited or frustrated? Once you understand the reason, focus on that emotion," she told The Guardian.

If your dog barks at other dogs during walks, check if it is afraid and adjust its interactions with other dogs so the experience becomes positive. When your dog looks at another dog, give it a treat to associate that moment with something pleasant.

Still adds that some dogs naturally bark more than others, depending on their breed or personality.

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“My Belgian Shepherd barks at the door, while my Golden Retriever just sits and watches,” she says.

It is important not to scold your dog when it barks, as this can confuse or frighten it. Instead, reward it when it stays calm – this way it learns that silence is positive and rewarded.

The Persian cat is a synonym for elegance, calmness, and luxurious fur. For decades, this breed has been among the most popular pets in the world, and the reason is simple – a combination of gentle nature, exceptional appearance, and affection for people.

There is nothing more beautiful than the sight of your dog peacefully napping, their paws twitching as if chasing something across a meadow, or letting out a soft bark in their sleep. As caring owners, we like to believe that our dogs dream of cuddles on the couch, playing in the park and – of course – about us. It turns out that idea is not far from the truth, writes Mirror.

Dr. Deirdre Barrett, a clinical and evolutionary psychologist at Harvard Medical School, conducted research on what dogs actually dream about. According to her findings, it is highly likely that dogs, just like humans, relive parts of their day in dreams – which includes us, their favorite humans. In an interview with People magazine, Dr. Barrett explained: “People dream about things they are interested in during the day – although they dream in a more visual and less logical way. There is no reason to believe that animals are any different.”

Given how emotionally connected dogs are to their owners, it is possible they see your face, smell your scent, or even “experience” situations in their dreams that make you happy – or upset, reports Večernji.hr.

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What can dogs dream about?

Although there is no way to know for sure what dogs dream about, Dr. Barrett assumes that paw twitching indicates dreams of running, while quiet barking might mean “talking” to another dog or a person.

Like humans, dogs go through stages of sleep during the night, including REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep – the period in which dreams occur. In humans, REM sleep begins about 90 minutes after falling asleep and lasts 5 to 15 minutes, with each stage becoming longer as the night progresses. For dogs, this cycle is faster but still long enough to allow dreaming.

Dr. Barrett advises owners to provide their dogs with positive daily experiences and a calm, safe place to sleep, as all of this contributes to more peaceful dreams.

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What if your dog has a nightmare?

According to the American Kennel Club, it is best not to wake the dog. Although it can be hard to watch your pet whimper or thrash, interrupting their sleep can cause confusion or even aggression – especially in dogs who wake up scared. This can be particularly dangerous if a child is nearby.

“Just as people can be confused and upset when waking from a bad dream, dogs can react impulsively,” explains the club. “It is best to wait for them to wake up on their own, then gently comfort them.”

Although dogs delight us every day with their loyalty, energy, and love, it's important to know that their health can have a significant impact on our wallets.

Some dog breeds are known for their genetic predisposition to health problems, which means more frequent vet visits and high medical bills. From chronic illnesses to sensitive digestion and respiratory issues, all this can turn an apparently “cheap” dog into a very expensive animal to maintain, reports Večernji list.

However, there are breeds that are known for their good health, and owners praise them for rarely needing to go to the vet and for lower care costs.

Veterinarian Amir Anvari, who gained a large following by sharing expert tips on TikTok, revealed the five healthiest dog breeds that tend to result in the lowest vet bills based on his professional experience, writes the Daily Express.

Beagle

In fifth place is the Beagle.

“This breed was originally bred as a hunting dog. They have an exceptionally strong and resilient immune system and very few genetic issues. The main problem you’ll have to deal with here is obesity because they love to eat everything, and a few ear infections, but otherwise they’re really healthy,” the vet explained.

The British veterinary charity PDSA warned that overweight or obese dogs are at greater risk of a range of health problems, from arthritis, diabetes, back problems, Cushing's disease, urinary incontinence, injuries, certain types of cancer, to a shortened lifespan and many other complications.

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Australian Shepherd

Number four is the Australian Shepherd.

“This breed is very energetic and beautiful, and the working lines have a strong genetic base with very few genetic abnormalities. If a dog happens to have certain genetic abnormalities, it usually isn’t allowed to breed, meaning those diseases don’t spread, which is why this breed is actually so healthy,” Anvari said.

Chihuahua

The vet smiled and named the Chihuahua the third healthiest dog breed, which, as he noted, surprised many.

Known for its small size, this breed is among the smallest in the world and is characterized by a lively, bold, and loyal temperament.

“This breed can live up to 20 years. Chihuahuas are very, very healthy, and because they are so small, their weight doesn’t put much pressure on the joints, so the joints remain intact for a very long time,” the expert explained.

He added that Chihuahuas can suffer from dental problems and patellar luxation, when the kneecap slips out of its normal position in the joint, but compared to other small breeds, Chihuahuas are definitely among the healthiest.

Australian Cattle Dog

The vet ranked the Australian Cattle Dog in second place and praised it as an active and very intelligent working dog. He also highlighted its strong and robust immune system.

“Australian Cattle Dogs can suffer from certain genetic conditions, but this is minimized by really good breeding. The oldest dog that ever lived was actually an Australian Cattle Dog who lived to be 29 years old,” Dr. Anvari explained.

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Basenji

The prestigious first place goes to the Basenji, which the vet praised for its athleticism, intelligence, and curiosity—traits that made this small hunting dog famous and beloved.

The breed’s ability to run at speeds of up to 50 km/h is especially impressive.

“Many people don’t know about this breed. It’s an ancient African hunting dog and actually doesn’t bark but yodels,” the vet said.

The vet attributed the Basenji’s good health to its origin.

“The reason it’s so healthy is that it’s an ancient, purebred dog that has undergone minimal crossbreeding, so if you’re looking for a dog that doesn’t bark and is quite healthy, the Basenji is definitely for you,” he concluded.

We’re convinced that summer is the favorite season for many of us. The vacation season is slowly beginning, holidays and seaside trips are approaching, and we finally have more time to spend with our four-legged friends.

However, while we can easily cool off with air conditioning and a favorite iced drink, pets don’t find high temperatures pleasant at all. They need our help to stay cool. Here are a few tips on how to protect your pets from the heat:

Provide Plenty of Fresh Water

Let’s start with what we believe is the most important point: fresh water is essential year-round, especially during the hot summer. If pets don’t drink enough water, they are more at risk of dehydration and heat stroke, which can also affect their internal organs.

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Dogs and cats don’t sweat like humans; they cool themselves through panting. During this process, they lose body fluids, so it’s important that fresh water is always nearby to keep their mouth and nose moist. Refill their water bowl every morning and replace it in the afternoon (or evening).

Cats are known for not drinking enough water, so you can trick them by getting a small fountain with running water, which mimics a stream. Alternatively, place several glasses of water around your home—cats are more likely to drink “your” water out of curiosity. If you have a pet bird, you can also offer a fresh bowl of water for bathing, which helps them cool off.

Maintain a Comfortable Indoor Temperature

It’s rare to find a house or apartment these days without an air conditioner or fan. If possible, keep your pets in air-conditioned rooms even when you’re not home—but avoid direct exposure to cold air and extremely low temperatures. If air conditioning is not an option, do your best to keep the rooms your pets stay in well-ventilated and comfortably cool. If the temperature drops in the evening, try keeping windows open after sunset to create a draft.

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Cooling mats filled with special gel are now available for purchase; place them on the floor so your pet can lie down and cool off. In addition to mats, there are cooling bandanas and vests, cooling water bowls, and chew toys that can be filled with water and frozen. A simple fan with a damp towel cooled in the fridge placed in front of it is a great DIY option if you don’t have or want to use air conditioning often.

Be Cautious Outdoors

We understand it’s more pleasant to stay inside where it’s cool, but pets—especially dogs—need regular walks. One solution is to walk your dog early in the morning while it’s still relatively cool, or late in the evening when temperatures drop. If that’s not always possible, try walking them in shaded areas and on grass rather than hot pavement.

If you have a yard where your pets stay, it’s a good idea to create some shade for them. You can do this by placing a large umbrella outside or stretching a sheet over part of the terrace. A bowl of fresh water is a must, and you can also place a wet towel over your pet to help cool them down.

Don’t Leave Pets in the Car

When temperatures are high, never leave your pet in a parked car. Avoid situations where your pet remains in the vehicle, even if you're stepping out for a quick errand. Always keep a spare bowl and a bottle of fresh water in the car.

Brush Long-Haired Pets

Long-haired pets often have thick fur that helps retain warmth in winter but becomes a major obstacle when it’s hot. Long and dense hair prevents proper cooling and airflow to the skin. Regular brushing helps by removing dead and tangled fur and improving airflow through the coat. Better air circulation helps regulate body temperature.

Heat Stroke in Dogs: How to Recognize and React

Overheating in pets during summer is unfortunately common. Despite your efforts to keep them cool, always watch for signs of heat stroke. If your pet seems lethargic, breathes rapidly, drools excessively, or collapses—seek veterinary help immediately.

One Last Tip

Whenever possible, leave at least one bowl of water outside, in the street or in front of your yard, for stray animals. Let’s not forget about them – writes petspot.rs.

Your dog’s world is full of signals we don't notice. Even though it doesn’t speak, it communicates with every glance, movement, and posture.

Have you ever noticed that your dog “doesn't like” someone, even if you don’t know why? It may withdraw, become restless, or even growl—while you notice nothing unusual, writes City Magazine. But what if its reaction isn't random? What if your dog is reacting to something beyond human perception?

Dogs are not just our loyal companions—they are natural emotion detectors. Their bodies are designed to perceive not only sounds and movements, but also emotions, tensions, and energies that we humans often ignore, reports Večernji.hr.

A dog is more than a pet—it’s a sophisticated reader of your moods. Its sense of smell, many times more sensitive than a human’s, detects chemical changes in the body that occur when a person is nervous, angry, or dishonest.

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When someone lies or suppresses their emotions, the dog won’t perceive it as a “lie” but will sense a mismatch. This inconsistency signals potential danger to them. Reactions like withdrawing, barking, or staring from a distance are actually warnings—their version of an alarm.

Dogs don’t understand morality the way humans do, but they are often better at detecting truth. If someone appears friendly but their body language, tone of voice, or breathing pattern says otherwise, the dog picks up on it immediately. They “see with their nose and listen with their heart.”

At the slightest sign of tension or dishonesty, a dog may change its behavior. Not because it understands the situation, but because it instinctively feels something is wrong. This isn’t disobedience—it’s survival.

Dogs also observe how others treat you. If someone disrespects you, the dog may interpret it as a threat.

It will often refuse food from such a person’s hand or show discomfort. These reactions don't come from training but from deep instinctive intelligence. The dog remembers facial expressions, tone of voice, movements—and forms associations based on experience.

Dogs that have experienced trauma are especially sensitive. A scent, movement, or tone of voice can trigger unpleasant memories in them, even if they aren’t consciously aware of it. Their body reacts quickly—before their mind does. It’s not hatred but a sense of discomfort still living inside them.

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Your dog will never lie to you. Its reactions are honest, even if they don’t seem rational. Instead of panicking, observe. Ask yourself: is this a reaction to past trauma, a current sense of danger, or just discomfort?

Your dog’s world is full of signals we don’t notice. Even though it doesn’t speak, it communicates with every glance, movement, and posture. Instead of dismissing these signals, try to understand them—because dogs often see what we cannot.