Articles and Resources for New Dog Parents

Start your friendship off on the right paw

Learn how to care for your new dog with helpful articles and resources.

Welcome to your new life, together forever.

We have all the tools, tips and pet parent resources you need right here in one spot. No matter where you go, we’re always here to help.

Pet Safety: Puppy-Proofing Your Home | Hill's Pet

Playful and intelligent puppies investigate objects by touching, chewing and tasting them. Growing puppies love to explore, but need protection from household items that are dangerous if swallowed.

Dog Care

Bringing your puppy home

Consider these suggestions when deciding to get a puppy for the first time. Follow these tips to ensure you provide your puppy with the best care.
First three months

Learn how to provide your puppy the care he needs in his first 3 months to grow up stong, healthy, and social.
Adolescent puppies can be challenging

Puppies can grow into adolescents much like humans grow to become teenagers. Learn the challenges associated with this change in your puppy.
Introducing the collar and lead

If you're considering getting a new puppy, then you should know the importance of collars, leashes and ID tags to their safety. Learn what you need to know.
Health problems you can't vaccinate against

While vaccinations can help guard your dog or puppy against a range of health problems, there are some common dog health problems that can't. Learn more.
Puppies don't come with a set of instructions

Ensure that you're meeting all of your new puppy's needs by learning typical puppy behaviors in the home.

Feature article new pet parent

Pet Safety: Puppy-Proofing Your Home | Hill's Pet

Playful and intelligent puppies investigate objects by touching, chewing and tasting them. Growing puppies love to explore, but need protection from household items that are dangerous if swallowed.
Bringing your puppy home

Consider these suggestions when deciding to get a puppy for the first time. Follow these tips to ensure you provide your puppy with the best care.
Where to get your puppy from

Explore the various options you have when it comes to getting for a new puppy. Learn the benefits of shelters, rescues, breeders, and other organizations.
Time apart

Learn the implications of leaving a puppy, or any dog, home alone for significant periods of time, and steps you should take before you leave.
Treat your dog for life – not just for Christmas

Everyone likes a little treat every now and then - and especially now that Christmas is coming. But although it's tempting to give your dog scraps from the table, many popular yuletide treats can actually be dangerous for his health.
Introducing the collar and lead

If you're considering getting a new puppy, then you should know the importance of collars, leashes and ID tags to their safety. Learn what you need to know.
Health problems you can't vaccinate against

While vaccinations can help guard your dog or puppy against a range of health problems, there are some common dog health problems that can't. Learn more.

Feature article behaviour and appearance

How Dogs Show Affection for Their Owners After Long Absences

Learn why your dog might be eating his own stool or the poo of other animals. Find out what you can do to try and change this behavior in your dog.
Eating Dog Poo

Learn why your dog might be eating his own stool or the poo of other animals. Find out what you can do to try and change this behavior in your dog.
When chewing becomes destructive

Dogs use chewing as a means of discovery, but it can often be destructive to your property. Learn ways you can help correct this costly behavior.
How to Handle Dogs That Dig

Learn why your dog likes to dig and what steps you can take to prevent him from digging in the future.
Separation-Anxiety

Many dogs can develop a form of separation anxiety. Use these tips to help ease their anxiety and grow your relationship together.
Why do dogs eat grass?

If you've ever noticed your dog eating grass you might be a little concerned. Learn common reasons why dogs eat grass.
Managing your puppy when she is in season

If your female puppy hasn't been spayed, you may notice some changes in her when she comes in season. Learn the signs that she is in season.

Feature article breed

Boxer Dog Breed - Information about Boxer Dogs | Hill's Pet

An intelligent, loyal pet, the boxer has a high need for companionship and exercise. They are not happy when regularly left home alone.
Labrador Retriever Dog Breed - Information about Labrador Retriever Dogs | Hill's Pet

The Labrador possesses numerous endearing traits —- intelligence, easy to train and being an excellent family companion. Labrador retrievers are sturdy, solid dogs. Find more dog breeds and dog care information at Hillspet.co.za
Doberman Dog Breed - Information and Personality Traits | Hill's Pet

Doberman pinschers are powerful, energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise. If not exercised, they are likely to become irritable or even aggressive. Find more dog breeds and dog care information at Hillspet.co.za.
Jack Russell Terrier Dog Breed - Information about Jack Russell Terrier Dogs | Hill's Pet

Consider the personality traits of the Jack Russell terrier as this breed is not for everyone. The breed has a compact, muscular body. Find more dog breeds and dog care information at Hillspet.co.za
Afghan Hound Dog Breed - Information about Afghan Hound Dogs | Hill's Pet

An independent, strong-willed dog, the Afghan can be downright standoffish, but also quiet and clownish when the mood strikes. The male Afghan hound stands some 27 inches tall, the female about 25 inches. Afghans generally weigh between 50 and 60 pounds
Airedale Terrier Dog Breed - Information about Airedale Terrier Dogs | Hill's Pet

An intelligent, tough dog, the Airedale terrier tolerates pets it grows up with and generally gets along well with other dogs and children.
English Setter Dog Breed - Facts and Traits | Hill's Pet

Considered an alert dog and a protector of the family, the English setter is quite friendly, gentle and mild-mannered, but needs regular interaction with people and brisk daily walks. Find more dog breeds and dog care information at Hillspet.co.za.

Feature article health care

Weight Loss Goals & How Your Dog Can Help

Learn some great ways to involve your dog in your weight loss goals, including exercise & activities you can both do and healthy snacks for both of you.
Dog Depression: How to Tell If Your Dog Has the Blues

Learn how to recognize signs of depression in your dog, the underlying reasons he might be feeling down, and what you can do to help lift his spirits.
Does dry nose mean sick dog?

A dog's nose can be an indicator of health. Know how to best care for your dog if their nose is dry, cracked, warm, red, flaky, or has nasal discharge.
Caring for Your Deaf Dog: Communication and Safety Tips

A deaf dog may now live a quieter life, but he's still the active, loving pup you once knew! Discover how to care for and communicate with your dog.
Digestive disorders are one of the most common reasons for consulting a vet

Learn about the top digestive & gastrointestinal problems in dogs, such as diarrhea & malabsorption, and find out how you can help your pet feel better.
Why Dogs Throw Up After Eating

Learn what can cause your dog to throw up recent food, such as eating too fast or changing to a new food, as well as how you can prevent it from happening.
Your Overweight Dog: When Bigger Isn't Better

Extra pounds can cause problems for your dog's overall health. Learn the signs that your dog might be overweight, and what you can do to manage its weight.

Feature article nutrition and feeding

Reading Dog Food Reviews: What You Need to Know

Learn how to tell the difference between trustworthy dog food reviews and those that are unfounded. Use these six criteria for evaluating reviews.
How a dog’s nutritional needs differ from ours?

Each species has very different nutrtional requirements. Dogs have nutritional requirements that are quite different from humans. Learn more.
Healthy Dog Treats You Can Make at Home

Learn how to make homemade dog treats that are healthy for your pet with this recipe from Hills Pet Nutrition.
Best Dog Food: The Inside Scoop

Choosing the best food for your dog starts with choosing the right food for its needs. Learn about some of the things you should be considering.
Mixing Wet and Dry Pet Food Properly

Learn why you might want to mix wet and dry pet food, and how to properly do so to help keep your pet's diet in balance.
Treats are important

Learn how to treat your dog without compromising its health. Get tips on how to spoil your pup without too much snacking on dog treats.
Is chocolate poisonous to dogs?

Discover the dangerous implications of feeding your dog chocolate and what to do if you discover that they have consumed chocolate.

Feature article play and exercise

Choosing the Best Toys for Your Dog

Play is an essential part of every dog's life. Find out what types of dog toys help them exercise and strengthen their bond with you.
Why Your Dog Should Exercise | Hill's Pet

Just like humans, dogs are suffering in greater and greater numbers from obesity. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 54 percent of dogs are overweight.
Playing with your dog

Find out different ways you can provide your big dog with the exercise he needs to lead a healthy, active lifestyle.
Learning through play

Puppies learn through play, so you can help them understand the world a little better by following our helpful tips for safe puppy play.
Show Your Love And Exercise Your Dog

Discover the benefits of exercise for your dog as well as additional tips on how to keep your dog active and healthy.

Feature article routine care

How to Make Vet Visits Less Scary for Your Dog

Is your dog scared of vet appointments? Learn tips for calming his anxiety and taking the stress out of his trip to the veterinarian.
Help, my Pet has an Upset Stomach!

Learn what causes that wet dog smell, and what you can do to help reduce it overtaking your car, as well as how to get rid of it.
Caring for your puppy's teeth

Teething is a part of a puppy's life. Use these 3 tips to help your puppy through this difficult time and protect your household from teething incidents.
Choosing a vet for your dog

Choosing a veterinarian for your dog is extremely important to your dog's health. Consider these things when choosing a vet for your canine friend.
Are your Dog’s Bad Habits Stomach Churning?

Puppy, kitten and pet dieting, cat nutrition and dog nutrition information from Hill's Pet
Does your dog have a sensitive stomach?

Dog has a sensitive tummy? Dogs with sensitive stomachs have special dietary needs. Learn the symptoms and how to soothe it with diet and nutrition.
Useful Tips for Traveling with Your Puppy

A family trip that includes your puppy can be an exciting adventure, learn how to make this travel ti,me more fun for everybody.

Feature article tools and resources

Common Dog Sayings and Their Origins

We've all heard — and said — the many dog sayings like, "dog days of summer" or "barking up the wrong tree." What do they mean and where do they come from?
People with allergies and dogs

Learn how you can still enjoy the benefits of a canine companion despite dog allergies. Discover how you can help manage your allergies around dogs.
Common Mistakes Dog Owners Shouldn't Make | Hill's Pet

Learn about some of the most common mistakes dog owners make, and what you should do instead to provide the best care for your dog.
The Facts Behind Clinically Proven Dog Food

With so many marketing terms appearing on pet food labels, it can be hard to tell which options are really best for our furry friends.
Helping people with companion dogs | Hill's Pet

Companion dogs play a vital role in helping people become more socially aware and develop fine motor skills. Learn more about how companion dogs help here.

Feature article training

The Science Behind a Dog IQ Test

Curious to know how smart your dog is? Learn about the different types of dog intelligence and see how trainable he is with an IQ test.
How to Make Your Own Dog Obstacle Course

Learn how to make a DIY dog obstacle course at home with items you already own. Follow these instructions and you & your pup will be training in no time!
5 Helpful Tips for Training a Puppy | Hills Pet

Learn some effective ways to train your puppy, including home, group, and professional training, with these five helpful tips.
Teaching Your Puppy: Obedience Training Basics

Learn more about properly obedience training your puppy or new dog. Understand your puppy's body language, barking, and whining.
Steps to Successfully House Train Your Puppy

Learn about the rules for house training your puppy, preventing your puppy from starting any bad habits, how to keep a schedule and rewarding good behavior.
How do I stop my dog barking?

Controlling the noise level of your dog is an important part of being a responsible owner. After all, excessive barking can be annoying, not just for you but for your neighbours as well.
Behaviour training for your puppy

Ensure that your puppy grows up with good behaviors by following these helpful behavior training tips.

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Start with the Right Nutrition

Give your furry new family member the best chance for a long, happy life by giving him nutrition to meet the specific needs.
Tailor your dog’s food to his lifestage, size or special needs right from the start.