WebMD's New Pet Site

One of the best resources on the Web now has a pet site, WebMD Pets, and it's pretty amazing.

I checked out the site today, and it has a ton of useful information, including stories such as:

• "Training Tips for Big and Little Dogs"
• "Foods You Should Never Feed Your Dog"
• "The Controversy Over Pet Examinations"
• "Dogs and Flu: What You Need to Know"
• "Best Breeds for Your Lifestyle"
• "6 Signs of Illness in Your Dog or Cat"

There is so much there, you really just need to check it out for yourselves. You can watch instructional videos, take quizzes, and even ask a veterinarian your questions.

http://pets.webmd.com/

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?

Growing up, my parents' dogs were forever gnawing at our jack-o-lanterns, which would send my siblings and me into a full-on meltdown. I'm not sure if my parents ever looked into it (although I hope so), but I got to wondering whether pumpkin is actually safe for dogs to eat. Turns out, it is! In fact, you can even add canned pumpkin (the unspiced kind) to your dog's food to help with digestion "issues."

Image via k9ring.com

I'd suggest talking to your vet first just to be sure about what and how much, exactly, you'd be feeding your pet. And be warned, too much pumpkin can cause diarrhea in dogs. (Eew.)

Below are a few stories (and recipes) on the subject, in case you're interested in reading:

ASPCA
http://www.aspca.org/online-community/transcripts/animal-poison-control-chat-transcript.html

Happy Doggie Blog
http://happydoggieblog.wordpress.com/2009/02/28/why-pumpkin-is-good-for-your-dog/

eHow.com
http://www.ehow.com/way_5300690_pumpkin-dog-treat-recipe.html 

Finding Pet-Friendly Hotels

A few days ago, I posted a site that could help you find pet-friendly apartments in New York. But you should also check out the site Luxury Paw for luxury, pet-friendly accommodations for when you'll be traveling. All you have to do is type in your destination and the size of your pet, and it lists every hotel in the area that allows dogs.

Image via hotelsoftherichandfamous.com

I don't know if you've ever tried to find a hotel where dogs are welcome at the last minute, but it can be a total disaster. And oftentimes, it seems that the only hotels that accept dogs are ones where...well, let's just say they're ones where you'd feel less-than-safe—from both intruders and germs.

Definitely take a look at http://www.luxurypaw.com/ the next time you're thinking of traveling with your pet.

CPR With Your Dog? New Pet Poll Results

Earlier this month, the Associated Press and Petside.com conducted a poll of pet owners, and it had some kind of interesting results. It found that many pet owners would consider giving their dog mouth-to-mouth, while many others don't have an animal first aid kit at home. (Luckily for me, I've never had to swap spit with my dog.) The most shocking? Only 30 percent of people have given their dogs table scraps. I mean, come on! I know it's not healthy, but a few people out there seriously had to have been lying.

Robin Loznak/AP

USA Today's Paw Print Post broke the results down as follows:

• 63 percent of dog owners would be at least somewhat likely to perform CPR on their pet.
• 54 percent don't have a fire evacuation plan.
• 41 percent have had at least one incident requiring an emergency trip to the vet.
• 30 percent of dog owners at least sometimes give their pets bones from table scraps.
• 20 percent have a pet first aid kit at home.
• 16 percent have pets who've had allergic reactions.
• 7 percent have pets that have eaten something poisonous.

To read more of the AP/Petside poll topline results, click here.

What do you guys think?

Warm Dog Coats for Winter

Red Riley reader Devon sent in a comment asking whether I knew of a place that sells warm dog coats that "don't look ridiculous or take 20 minutes to get on." I totally agree. There are countless styles out there that are just hideous (ie, embarrassing for both you and your dog), or they take an instruction manual to put on. Below, my absolute favorites in dog outerwear at a variety of price points. Almost all come lined with fleece or Polartec, and they're all available for every size of dog. (Click on the links to view.)

The Horse Blanket Quilted Coat
Canine Styles
$60-$100
(Riley has this one in hunter green. I can vouch that it's super warm and easy to get on.)

Polartec Puffy Parka OR All-Weather Metro Vest
Trixie & Peanut
$55-$69

Kodiak Coat
Doctors Foster and Smith
$19.99-$44.99

Zoomies Tec Coat
Zoomies
$70.00

K-9 Overcoat
Ruffwear
$59.95

Polar Bear Shawl Sweater
Ralph Lauren
$95

Just a quick note: If your dog is low to the ground, I'd recommend a coat with some belly coverage. And if you have a favorite from above or one of your own, please comment below!