Quick, vet-reviewed answers to the questions dog owners actually Google. Each entry is short enough to read in 60 seconds, with links to the deeper PuppaDogs calculators when you need to do the math for your specific dog.
📚 15 questions answered · updated May 2026 · cross-checked against Plumb’s, ACVIM & AAHA guidelines
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🐾 Skin, ears & coat
- How do I treat a hot spot on my dog?
Clip the fur around the lesion, gently clean with dilute chlorhexidine (or vet-approved antiseptic), pat dry, and apply a thin layer of an anti-itch/antibiotic spray. Use an e-c… - How can I tell if my dog has an ear infection?
Common signs of an ear infection in dogs are head shaking, scratching or rubbing the ear, a brown/yellow discharge, a strong yeasty or rotten smell, redness inside the ear flap,… - Is coconut oil good for dogs?
Coconut oil is generally safe in small amounts but not a particularly effective health product. There’s no strong evidence it improves coat, immunity, or arthritis pain in… - What can I give my dog for itchy skin without going to the vet?
For mild itching, you can safely try: a chlorhexidine/miconazole shampoo (Malaseb, Douxo S3 Pyo) every 3-5 days, omega-3 fish oil at 75-100 mg combined EPA+DHA per kg per day, p… - What do tapeworms in dog poop look like?
Tapeworm segments in dog poop look like small, flat, white-cream grains of rice or sesame seeds, usually 4-6 mm long. They may still be wriggling when fresh. They’re most …
🚨 Symptoms & emergencies
- How much pumpkin should I give my dog for diarrhea?
For mild diarrhea, give plain canned 100% pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling) at about 1 tablespoon per 10 lb (4.5 kg) of body weight, twice daily, mixed into a bland diet. Most d… - Why does my dog keep scooting their bum on the floor?
Most dogs scoot because their anal glands are full or impacted. Less common causes include tapeworm segments, allergies, perianal skin infection, and rectal masses (more likely … - My dog is suddenly limping but won’t yelp – what’s wrong?
Sudden non-vocal limping in dogs is most often soft-tissue strain, a torn cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), a paw pad foreign body, or early stages of immune-mediated polyarthrit… - Why is my dog panting heavily for no reason?
Heavy panting with no obvious heat, exercise, or excitement trigger is most commonly caused by pain, anxiety, heatstroke, heart or respiratory disease, Cushing’s disease, … - When should I worry about my dog vomiting?
Call the vet today (not tomorrow) if vomiting is bloody, contains coffee-ground material, is repeated more than 2-3 times, or comes with lethargy, a bloated belly, attempted-but…
💊 Medication & dosing
- Is CBD safe for dogs?
Pet-formulated CBD (without THC and from a reputable brand with a COA) is generally safe for dogs at studied doses of 2-5 mg/kg twice daily, with mild GI upset, drowsiness, and … - How long does it take for trazodone to work in dogs?
Trazodone usually starts working in dogs within 1-2 hours after an oral dose, peaks at 2-4 hours, and lasts 6-12 hours. For storms, vet visits, or grooming, give it 60-90 minute… - How much Benadryl can I give my dog?
The standard Benadryl (diphenhydramine) dose for dogs is 1 mg per pound (about 2 mg/kg) every 8-12 hours by mouth. Use plain Benadryl only – never the multi-symptom or … - Is Apoquel safe for long-term use in dogs?
Apoquel (oclacitinib) is considered safe for long-term use in most dogs at the lowest effective dose, with the strongest evidence supporting up to 7+ years of continuous therapy…
🐶 General dog care
- How much water should a dog drink per day?
A healthy adult dog typically drinks 40-60 mL per kilogram of body weight per day, or about 1 ounce per pound. Sustained intake above 100 mL/kg/day (or roughly 1.5 oz/lb) is pol…
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace a hands-on veterinary examination. Drug doses depend on your dog’s complete clinical picture, concurrent medications, and the exact product formulation. Always confirm dosing with your veterinarian before administering any medication, and contact a 24-hour veterinary emergency service or animal poison control immediately if you suspect a medication overdose or adverse reaction. Editorial standards: every drug dose published on PuppaDogs is cross-checked against multiple authoritative veterinary references and reviewed by PuppaDogs Veterinary Editorial Team before publication.