Health & Nutrition

Health & Nutrition

As the buds bloom and the world reawakens, spring brings with it not just beauty but challenges for dogs with atopic dermatitis. Commonly known as atopy, this chronic condition affects an estimated 10-15% of the dog population and can significantly impact their quality of life. With no cure currently available, understanding and managing atopy is crucial for ensuring that affected dogs enjoy spring without suffering.  Understanding Atopic Dermatitis Atopic dermatitis in dogs is an inflammatory condition triggered by environmental allergens such as pollens, molds, and dust mites. When these allergens contact the weakened skin barrier of atopic dogs, they cause an intense allergic response. This condition is often rooted in genetics, with certain breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Bulldogs being more predisposed. Mixed breeds are also affected depending on what they inherited from their parents. Symptoms and Diagnosis The primary symptom of atopy is excessive itchiness, leading to behaviors like scratching, licking, and rubbing. This can cause hair loss, redness, and secondary skin infections that exacerbate the dog's discomfort. Diagnosing atopy involves a detailed clinical examination and a careful review of the dog's medical history, as there is no definitive test for the condition. Managing Atopic Dermatitis During Spring Minimizing exposure to known allergens is crucial. This can involve: • Keeping windows closed during high pollen days. • Using air purifiers to reduce indoor allergens. • Regularly wash your dog’s bedding and toys with hypoallergenic soap. Medical Treatments Treatment for atopy is tailored to the individual dog and may include: • Topical Therapies: Medicated shampoos and creams help soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation. • Oral and Injectable Medications: These can control the immune response and alleviate itching. Options include corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and newer treatments like Apoquel or Cytopoint. • Allergen-specific Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots): This involves gradually exposing the dog to small amounts of allergens to desensitize their immune system. • Don't forget flea control: Fleas also enjoy spring in most areas and can hatch in great numbers quickly. If you are using increased bathing to help your dog stay comfortable, make sure you are using an oral flea prevention. Technological Aids Devices like the Whistle are invaluable for early detection and management of atopy. They track a dog’s behavior, alerting owners to increased scratching or licking, which can indicate a flare-up. Intervening before the increasing itching leads to further damaged skin can help prevent secondary infections. Springtime Tips for Dogs with Atopy • Dietary Considerations: There are special diets that have been tested and have shown to strengthen the skin’s barrier and support overall skin health. • Bathing Routines: Use hypoallergenic or medicated shampoos to wash away allergens and soothe irritated skin. • Vet Visits: Keep up with regular check-ups to adjust treatment plans as needed and catch any secondary infections early. Managing atopic dermatitis in dogs requires a comprehensive approach that includes veterinary care, environmental management, and the strategic use of medications and technology. With the right strategies, dogs with atopy can enjoy the spring season with minimal discomfort, maintaining a joyful and active lifestyle. References: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/atopic-dermatitis-atopy https://www.royalcanin.com/us/dogs/health-and-wellbeing/how-your-dogs-diet-affects-their-skin

Health & Nutrition

Looking to improve your pup’s gut health? Learn about signs of poor gut health and discover effective ways to improve your dog’s digestive well-being.

Health & Nutrition

Nutrition isn't just about filling your dog's bowl; it's about fueling their body and supporting their overall health. But amidst the flashy packaging and catchy slogans, how do you separate fact from fiction?

Health & Nutrition

Our friends at Get Joy have cracked the code when it comes to a complete dog wellness ecosystem with gut-healthy nutrition at their core that prioritizes your companion’s health as much as you do our own.

Health & Nutrition

Start 2024 off right with a resolution for your pets in the hopes of helping them have the happiest, healthiest and most paw-some new year.

Vet Insights

Our priority is ensuring that our four-legged family members live their "best possible life," and that's why it's crucial to keep an eye on their weight.

Whistle 101

Looking for the best way to track your dog? Microchips and GPS trackers are both common tools used by dog owners. Both options offer their own unique benefits, find out which is best for you.

Vet Insights

Discover how to spot seasonal allergies in dogs during the Fall and explore effective treatments. Learn to recognize symptoms and the latest treatment options available.

Whistle 101

When senior Chihuahua Beep Beep Jeep was adopted, he was 10 pounds overweight. Then his pet parents used Whistle’s activity and weight-tracking features to create a personalized weight loss plan. Nine months later, BBJ achieved his goal weight and a whole new lease on life.

Vet Insights

Now that we’ve made it to summer, we have something else we have to contend with besides the heat and humidity: ticks.

Health & Nutrition

You probably wear an activity tracker, set a daily step count goal and monitor essentials like calories, heart rate and sleep. You can do the same thing for your dog.

Whistle 101

Whistle is back with a new feature, your pup's very own food pantry. Now you can keep tabs on what their eating to better understand how diet changes affect health and weight.

Vet Insights

it isn’t always so easy to know what your pet is up to all hours of the day and night. This is where technology can help to make being a pet parent easier!

Vet Insights

Because of how common skin and coat issues are, and because of the impact on quality of life, we’ve been hard at work figuring out how to interpret your dog’s scratching and itching patterns with the goal of empowering you with information about your dog’s skin health.

Vet Insights

We sat down with Dr. Aletha Carson, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine to discuss how to tell the difference between seasonal scratching and a chronic skin problem.

Whistle 101

Your dog’s companionship might be priceless but their vet care can come at a cost. Even if you have savings to cover unexpected vet bills, treatment for emergencies or serious illnesses like cancer can take a major toll on your bank account. Pet insurance can help.

Vet Insights

Scratching. Every dog does it. But, did you know that it can be seasonal, meaning your dog may be more affected in the warmer months? That’s right. Your dog may have allergies.

Whistle 101

Identifying patterns in your dog’s behavior can provide important clues about their health—and that’s where Whistle comes in.Back in the fall of 2022, Whistle introduced journaling in the Whistle app to allow you to rate how your pet is feeling and log information about their daily mood; you can even leave optional notes with more information.

Vet Insights

Scratching. Every dog does it. But, did you know that it can be seasonal, meaning your dog may be more affected in the warmer months? That’s right. Your dog may have allergies.

Whistle 101

Learn how to spot the signs of an ear infection, what may be causing it, and how modern technology like Whistle and QSM at-home tests are helping pets feel better faster.

Whistle 101

Whether you've had your pet for two weeks or 12 years, staying ahead of routine pet care and planning for the growing expenses as much as possible is always the goal. By pairing modern tools like a Whistle smart device with a Wagmo Wellness Plan you can do just that.

Whistle 101

You depend on your Whistle device to provide accurate information about all aspects of pet health from eating, drinking and sleep habits to changes in licking and scratching behaviors. The information isn’t just helpful for tracking dog habits; the dog health tracker also provides valuable information about pet health to your veterinarian.

Health & Nutrition

There is no denying that your pup has packed on the pounds. You love your dog regardless of the number on the scale but know that obesity in dogs could put them at risk for serious health problems.

Tips & Tricks

New Year’s resolutions don’t last long, but Whistle is ready to help you make things stick for your pet. Explore dog friendly places and events for New Year's.

Tips & Tricks

Your dog is eager to get outside and explore the neighborhood but frigid temperatures, icy sidewalks and steep snowbanks can make it challenging to take daily walks in the winter.

Vet Insights

From the “fresh from the salon” smell to those big puppy eyes, there is nothing cuter than a freshly groomed pup, but professional grooming is not just for looks (and smells!) Grooming with a pro also helps reduce licking and scratching. And the pros do it best.

Tips & Tricks

Whether you’re making them a special feast, shopping for the best presents, taking them on your vacation, or making sure the festivities aren’t causing extra stress, follow these tips for a very merry holiday season.

Whistle 101

Dogs are living, breathing, feeling creatures, with changing emotions and moods just like us. To help you better understand how different factors affect their emotional and physical health Whistle has launched a new daily check-in feature.

Tips & Tricks

You might think a fat rotund Rottweiler, chubby Chihuahua or plump Poodle are adorable but pet obesity is a big problem.

Health & Nutrition

As your dog ages, their joints may start to feel stiffer and creakier than they used to. The good news is that Whistle is here to help.

Tips & Tricks

Whether you leash up your pup for a walk around the block or go off road and explore local trails, there are some doggone big benefits to walking your dog.

Vet Insights

Whistle knows that small devices can deliver big insights.

The Wildest

Though paw licking is a common behavior in dogs, a history of excessive licking could be an indication of a more serious problem.

Tips & Tricks

Whether you already share your life with a dog or want to adopt, here are seven ideas for how to celebrate National Dog Day 2022.

The Wildest

When it comes to gross behaviors, your dog scooting their butt across the floor (or on your new rug), definitely tops the list.

The Wildest

If your dog loses their sh*t over anything from a squirrel to a guest, dog behaviorist Trish King has some tips.

Whistle 101

You asked, we listened: Whistle’s Find My Pet feature is now even more comprehensive and easy to use than before, so you can find your pet faster, whether you’re at home or out on an adventure.

The Wildest

Your dog probably isn’t stopping to itch just so they can ignore you when you tell them to “come” or “sit.” There is a chance this is exactly what they are doing, but most likely, your dog actually has itchy skin.

Whistle 101

We’ve teamed up with IAMS™ to help pet parents discover actionable ways to help their pets live their healthiest life.

The Wildest

That strange honking noise is called reverse sneezing, and it’s usually harmless. It happens to many dogs and rarely requires medical treatment. Still nervous? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.

The Wildest

It’s called sleep startle reflex — and there are easy ways to deal with it.

The Wildest

What’s behind the desire and whether it’s safe to do.

The Wildest

Now that summer is officially here, it’s important to review the signs so you can get your pup to the vet as soon as possible.

Health & Nutrition

Worried about your dog sleeping all day? Learn more about what is healthy and what to watch for. Track your dog’s sleeping habits with Whistle Health.

Health & Nutrition

You know water is important and keep the water bowl full but wonder, “Is my dog drinking too much water?” or “Is my dog drinking too little water?” Whistle can help.

The Wildest

Don’t stress — it’s not at all unusual for puppies to resist going on walks! The good news is most dogs get more enthusiastic about them as they get older. In the meantime, here are some things you can do to get your puppy moving.

Health & Nutrition

Worried about why your dog isn’t eating? Use Whistle to track how much your dog is eating and learn how to get them to eat.

The Wildest

If your pup's exuberant tail wagging has led to injury, they could have this condition.

Health & Nutrition

Excessive dog licking may be a cause of health issues or boredom. Learn how to track, control, and prevent excessive dog licking with Whistle Health.

Health & Nutrition

Your dog has been scratching a lot more often: You’ve noticed him rubbing his front paw across his nose and using his back paw to scratch behind his ears. So, what’s causing all of the dog itching?

Whistle 101

Give a rescue dog a little extra love today. May 20 is National Rescue Dog Day, in honor of the 3.1 million very good doggos waiting in shelters to find their forever homes.

Whistle 101

Whistle believes that every lick, scratch and sip tells a story. Whistle collected trillions of data points collected from more than 100,000 pets around the world to design the new Whistle Health.

Health & Nutrition

Be aware of the signs of these four common causes of allergies in dogs

Whistle 101

It’s National Puppy Day. The joyous day was designed to help you celebrate your love of puppies and these 10 “paw-some” puppy activities will help you celebrate with your new, future, or forever puppy.

Health & Nutrition

It’s tempting to blame dog bad breath on drinking from the toilet, snacking on kitty litter and licking fur but hellacious halitosis could also be a sign of health issues from poor oral hygiene and gum disease to diabetes, liver disease or kidney disease. 

Whistle 101

When it comes to your pet, it’s true love. You make him homemade treats, kiss his wet nose and post selfies of your adventures. Love Your Pet Day is another chance to celebrate your favorite furry friend.

Tips & Tricks

The New Year is the perfect time to make a resolution to prioritize good health. In 2022, follow these four simple strategies for a happier, healthier pet.

Health & Nutrition

January is National Walk Your Dog Month. Leashing up your dog and going for a walk (or hike) can provide a bright spot during the coldest, shortest days of the year. Need more motivation? Here are three reasons to participate in Walk Your Dog Month:

Tips & Tricks

When the Mercury drops and snow starts to fall, it’s important to know how to keep your dog safe from the elements. This winter, follow these five winter safety tips. 

Whistle 101

When you make a list and check it twice, don’t forget to include your pets. We sniffed out the best gifts for all pet parent personalities.

Health & Nutrition

3 common reasons dogs lose their appetites—and what to do about it.

Tips & Tricks

These simple Halloween pet safety tips will ensure you won’t spook your pooch on the scariest night of the year.

Tips & Tricks

With a little preparation and the right gear, you’ll make great memories hiking with your dog this fall.

Health & Nutrition

Because your dog won’t always let you know when they’re parched.

Health & Nutrition

Your dog days of summer will be happy, refreshing, and active with these 4 helpful tips

Health & Nutrition

Here’s how to know if you’re filling the bowl too much or not enough.

Vet Insights

We’re betting on a swimming pool filled with tennis balls, but let’s ask the experts.

Vet Insights

Wondering why your dog’s tongue just won’t quit? We’ve got answers.

Whistle 101

See even the subtlest changes with these colorful graphs.

Vet Insights

Use these tips from our VetInsightTM team to give your pet the longest, healthiest life possible.

Vet Insights

If you have questions about your dog’s sleep Whistle has answers.

Tips & Tricks

Shelters across the country are looking for people to help foster a dog and provide them a loving home during this time.

Tips & Tricks

Protect your pet in the event of a natural disaster. Read our quick tips for keeping them safe during an emergency.

Whistle 101

“Wisdom Panel removes the guesswork about your dog's breed and health background." – Kim and Scott Vargo

Vet Insights

Health and wellness checkups are an essential part of your pet’s year. Veterinarian Dr. Joanna Gale gives us 5 great reasons for getting your pet to the vet twice a year.

Health & Nutrition

Lindsey Jacobellis, four-time Olympian and six-time World Champion, has been snowboarding since she was 11. Not only an accomplished athlete but Lindsey, along with her pup Gidget, are also Whistle customers!

Whistle 101

Keep your whole pack connected and in sync with your pet’s well-being. Create as many custom Reminders as you need following these simple steps.

Health & Nutrition

Help your best friend stay in peak shape with personalized fitness goals, activity tracking and more, so your pet can live their healthiest and longest life possible.

Whistle 101

Experience the all new IMAX film Superpower Dogs presented by Mars Petcare in partnership with Whistle. Superpower Dogs takes you on an adventure to witness some remarkable dogs who define what it means to be a four-legged superhero.

Whistle 101

An avalanche site the size of a football field would take a group of people hours to search; but, for Border Collie Henry it takes less than 30 minutes.

Whistle 101

In the midst of all the holiday to-dos and celebrations, we'll keep you and your BFF connected—giving you peace of mind in knowing where they are and what they need before they even bark (or meow) for it.

Whistle 101

Timeline offers a deeper dive into your pet’s 24-hour day, breaking up Daily Activity into timestamped segments we call Events.

Vet Insights

Let’s see if your pup is getting more or less sleep than the average dog.

Vet Insights

No, they aren’t possessed by a speed demon.

Vet Insights

Does your pup snooze belly up or full-on croissant?

Whistle 101

Set activity goals, know how much to feed them, and get alerted about potential health issues before they become problems.

Health & Nutrition

The Surprising Reason For Reassessing How Much You Feed Your Dog

Vet Insights

If you live with any of these power players, they’ll thank you for plenty of exercise and the outdoors.

Getting fit and being healthy doesn’t mean you need to push through loads of planks and push-ups all alone. Your best bud is eager to join in.

Tips & Tricks

While you’re trimming the tree, lighting the menorah, or engaging in other festive traditions, your best bud will be by your side and just as excited for the celebrations.

Vet Insights

How to tell if your dog’s panting is typical or worth a talk with your vet.

Tips & Tricks

Make your pet part of your emergency plan with these safety tips

Vet Insights

Address these measures around your home to keep your dog from running off.

Tips & Tricks

How to make sure your copilot really enjoys the ride.

July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month and we want to make sure this never happens to your beloved pet by keeping these 6 tips in mind.

Health & Nutrition

Avoid looking directly into your dog’s begging eyes and hear what a vet has to say.

Health & Nutrition

Don’t make eye contact with those puppy-dog eyes and avoid these foods

Health & Nutrition

Whistle Labs + Pet Insight use groundbreaking tech to shape the future of pet care.

Health & Nutrition

Many pet parents have questions about coronavirus and dogs.Can your dog get infected? Can a dog infect you? What should you do to keep both your pup and yourself safe and healthy?

Take a minute to check your summer hangout for these potentially pet-harming hazards.

Whistle 101

We pulled together all the great reasons to buy someone (or, ahem, yourself) a dog GPS tracker. Because this must-have pet parent gadget does a whole lot more than tell you where your fur baby ran off to (though it does that, too!)

Vet Insights

Subtle changes in these behaviors might point to early disease detection.

We’re thrilled to announce that we’re expanding our offerings with the launch of a new product – Whistle FIT!

Tips & Tricks

If your holiday adventures include taking your pet on any plane, train, or automobile, these 4 tips from your friends at Whistle will help reduce stress and anxiety for you and your pet.

Whistle 101

Both have benefits, but which is the right tech for your dog?

Whistle 101

Is your dog one of the breeds more biologically inclined to make a break for it?

Whistle 101

Looking for the best way to track your dog? Microchips and GPS trackers are both common tools used by dog owners. Both options offer their own unique benefits, find out which is best for you.

Whistle 101

When senior Chihuahua Beep Beep Jeep was adopted, he was 10 pounds overweight. Then his pet parents used Whistle’s activity and weight-tracking features to create a personalized weight loss plan. Nine months later, BBJ achieved his goal weight and a whole new lease on life.

Whistle 101

Whistle is back with a new feature, your pup's very own food pantry. Now you can keep tabs on what their eating to better understand how diet changes affect health and weight.

Whistle 101

Your dog’s companionship might be priceless but their vet care can come at a cost. Even if you have savings to cover unexpected vet bills, treatment for emergencies or serious illnesses like cancer can take a major toll on your bank account. Pet insurance can help.

Whistle 101

Identifying patterns in your dog’s behavior can provide important clues about their health—and that’s where Whistle comes in.Back in the fall of 2022, Whistle introduced journaling in the Whistle app to allow you to rate how your pet is feeling and log information about their daily mood; you can even leave optional notes with more information.

Whistle 101

Learn how to spot the signs of an ear infection, what may be causing it, and how modern technology like Whistle and QSM at-home tests are helping pets feel better faster.

Whistle 101

Whether you've had your pet for two weeks or 12 years, staying ahead of routine pet care and planning for the growing expenses as much as possible is always the goal. By pairing modern tools like a Whistle smart device with a Wagmo Wellness Plan you can do just that.

Whistle 101

You depend on your Whistle device to provide accurate information about all aspects of pet health from eating, drinking and sleep habits to changes in licking and scratching behaviors. The information isn’t just helpful for tracking dog habits; the dog health tracker also provides valuable information about pet health to your veterinarian.

Whistle 101

Dogs are living, breathing, feeling creatures, with changing emotions and moods just like us. To help you better understand how different factors affect their emotional and physical health Whistle has launched a new daily check-in feature.

Whistle 101

You asked, we listened: Whistle’s Find My Pet feature is now even more comprehensive and easy to use than before, so you can find your pet faster, whether you’re at home or out on an adventure.

Whistle 101

We’ve teamed up with IAMS™ to help pet parents discover actionable ways to help their pets live their healthiest life.

Whistle 101

Give a rescue dog a little extra love today. May 20 is National Rescue Dog Day, in honor of the 3.1 million very good doggos waiting in shelters to find their forever homes.

Whistle 101

Whistle believes that every lick, scratch and sip tells a story. Whistle collected trillions of data points collected from more than 100,000 pets around the world to design the new Whistle Health.

Whistle 101

It’s National Puppy Day. The joyous day was designed to help you celebrate your love of puppies and these 10 “paw-some” puppy activities will help you celebrate with your new, future, or forever puppy.

Whistle 101

When it comes to your pet, it’s true love. You make him homemade treats, kiss his wet nose and post selfies of your adventures. Love Your Pet Day is another chance to celebrate your favorite furry friend.

Whistle 101

When you make a list and check it twice, don’t forget to include your pets. We sniffed out the best gifts for all pet parent personalities.

Whistle 101

See even the subtlest changes with these colorful graphs.

Whistle 101

“Wisdom Panel removes the guesswork about your dog's breed and health background." – Kim and Scott Vargo

Whistle 101

Keep your whole pack connected and in sync with your pet’s well-being. Create as many custom Reminders as you need following these simple steps.

Whistle 101

Experience the all new IMAX film Superpower Dogs presented by Mars Petcare in partnership with Whistle. Superpower Dogs takes you on an adventure to witness some remarkable dogs who define what it means to be a four-legged superhero.

Whistle 101

An avalanche site the size of a football field would take a group of people hours to search; but, for Border Collie Henry it takes less than 30 minutes.

Whistle 101

In the midst of all the holiday to-dos and celebrations, we'll keep you and your BFF connected—giving you peace of mind in knowing where they are and what they need before they even bark (or meow) for it.

Whistle 101

Timeline offers a deeper dive into your pet’s 24-hour day, breaking up Daily Activity into timestamped segments we call Events.

Whistle 101

Set activity goals, know how much to feed them, and get alerted about potential health issues before they become problems.

Whistle 101

We pulled together all the great reasons to buy someone (or, ahem, yourself) a dog GPS tracker. Because this must-have pet parent gadget does a whole lot more than tell you where your fur baby ran off to (though it does that, too!)

We’re thrilled to announce that we’re expanding our offerings with the launch of a new product – Whistle FIT!

Whistle 101

Both have benefits, but which is the right tech for your dog?

Whistle 101

Is your dog one of the breeds more biologically inclined to make a break for it?

Tips & Tricks

New Year’s resolutions don’t last long, but Whistle is ready to help you make things stick for your pet. Explore dog friendly places and events for New Year's.

Tips & Tricks

Your dog is eager to get outside and explore the neighborhood but frigid temperatures, icy sidewalks and steep snowbanks can make it challenging to take daily walks in the winter.

Tips & Tricks

Whether you’re making them a special feast, shopping for the best presents, taking them on your vacation, or making sure the festivities aren’t causing extra stress, follow these tips for a very merry holiday season.

Tips & Tricks

You might think a fat rotund Rottweiler, chubby Chihuahua or plump Poodle are adorable but pet obesity is a big problem.

Tips & Tricks

Whether you leash up your pup for a walk around the block or go off road and explore local trails, there are some doggone big benefits to walking your dog.

Tips & Tricks

Whether you already share your life with a dog or want to adopt, here are seven ideas for how to celebrate National Dog Day 2022.

Tips & Tricks

The New Year is the perfect time to make a resolution to prioritize good health. In 2022, follow these four simple strategies for a happier, healthier pet.

Tips & Tricks

When the Mercury drops and snow starts to fall, it’s important to know how to keep your dog safe from the elements. This winter, follow these five winter safety tips. 

Tips & Tricks

These simple Halloween pet safety tips will ensure you won’t spook your pooch on the scariest night of the year.

Tips & Tricks

With a little preparation and the right gear, you’ll make great memories hiking with your dog this fall.

Tips & Tricks

Shelters across the country are looking for people to help foster a dog and provide them a loving home during this time.

Tips & Tricks

Protect your pet in the event of a natural disaster. Read our quick tips for keeping them safe during an emergency.

Tips & Tricks

While you’re trimming the tree, lighting the menorah, or engaging in other festive traditions, your best bud will be by your side and just as excited for the celebrations.

Tips & Tricks

Make your pet part of your emergency plan with these safety tips

Tips & Tricks

How to make sure your copilot really enjoys the ride.

July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month and we want to make sure this never happens to your beloved pet by keeping these 6 tips in mind.

Take a minute to check your summer hangout for these potentially pet-harming hazards.

Tips & Tricks

If your holiday adventures include taking your pet on any plane, train, or automobile, these 4 tips from your friends at Whistle will help reduce stress and anxiety for you and your pet.

Health & Nutrition

As the buds bloom and the world reawakens, spring brings with it not just beauty but challenges for dogs with atopic dermatitis. Commonly known as atopy, this chronic condition affects an estimated 10-15% of the dog population and can significantly impact their quality of life. With no cure currently available, understanding and managing atopy is crucial for ensuring that affected dogs enjoy spring without suffering.  Understanding Atopic Dermatitis Atopic dermatitis in dogs is an inflammatory condition triggered by environmental allergens such as pollens, molds, and dust mites. When these allergens contact the weakened skin barrier of atopic dogs, they cause an intense allergic response. This condition is often rooted in genetics, with certain breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Bulldogs being more predisposed. Mixed breeds are also affected depending on what they inherited from their parents. Symptoms and Diagnosis The primary symptom of atopy is excessive itchiness, leading to behaviors like scratching, licking, and rubbing. This can cause hair loss, redness, and secondary skin infections that exacerbate the dog's discomfort. Diagnosing atopy involves a detailed clinical examination and a careful review of the dog's medical history, as there is no definitive test for the condition. Managing Atopic Dermatitis During Spring Minimizing exposure to known allergens is crucial. This can involve: • Keeping windows closed during high pollen days. • Using air purifiers to reduce indoor allergens. • Regularly wash your dog’s bedding and toys with hypoallergenic soap. Medical Treatments Treatment for atopy is tailored to the individual dog and may include: • Topical Therapies: Medicated shampoos and creams help soothe irritated skin and reduce inflammation. • Oral and Injectable Medications: These can control the immune response and alleviate itching. Options include corticosteroids, cyclosporine, and newer treatments like Apoquel or Cytopoint. • Allergen-specific Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots): This involves gradually exposing the dog to small amounts of allergens to desensitize their immune system. • Don't forget flea control: Fleas also enjoy spring in most areas and can hatch in great numbers quickly. If you are using increased bathing to help your dog stay comfortable, make sure you are using an oral flea prevention. Technological Aids Devices like the Whistle are invaluable for early detection and management of atopy. They track a dog’s behavior, alerting owners to increased scratching or licking, which can indicate a flare-up. Intervening before the increasing itching leads to further damaged skin can help prevent secondary infections. Springtime Tips for Dogs with Atopy • Dietary Considerations: There are special diets that have been tested and have shown to strengthen the skin’s barrier and support overall skin health. • Bathing Routines: Use hypoallergenic or medicated shampoos to wash away allergens and soothe irritated skin. • Vet Visits: Keep up with regular check-ups to adjust treatment plans as needed and catch any secondary infections early. Managing atopic dermatitis in dogs requires a comprehensive approach that includes veterinary care, environmental management, and the strategic use of medications and technology. With the right strategies, dogs with atopy can enjoy the spring season with minimal discomfort, maintaining a joyful and active lifestyle. References: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/atopic-dermatitis-atopy https://www.royalcanin.com/us/dogs/health-and-wellbeing/how-your-dogs-diet-affects-their-skin

Health & Nutrition

Looking to improve your pup’s gut health? Learn about signs of poor gut health and discover effective ways to improve your dog’s digestive well-being.

Health & Nutrition

Nutrition isn't just about filling your dog's bowl; it's about fueling their body and supporting their overall health. But amidst the flashy packaging and catchy slogans, how do you separate fact from fiction?

Health & Nutrition

Our friends at Get Joy have cracked the code when it comes to a complete dog wellness ecosystem with gut-healthy nutrition at their core that prioritizes your companion’s health as much as you do our own.

Health & Nutrition

Start 2024 off right with a resolution for your pets in the hopes of helping them have the happiest, healthiest and most paw-some new year.

Health & Nutrition

You probably wear an activity tracker, set a daily step count goal and monitor essentials like calories, heart rate and sleep. You can do the same thing for your dog.

Health & Nutrition

There is no denying that your pup has packed on the pounds. You love your dog regardless of the number on the scale but know that obesity in dogs could put them at risk for serious health problems.

Health & Nutrition

As your dog ages, their joints may start to feel stiffer and creakier than they used to. The good news is that Whistle is here to help.

Health & Nutrition

Worried about your dog sleeping all day? Learn more about what is healthy and what to watch for. Track your dog’s sleeping habits with Whistle Health.

Health & Nutrition

You know water is important and keep the water bowl full but wonder, “Is my dog drinking too much water?” or “Is my dog drinking too little water?” Whistle can help.

Health & Nutrition

Worried about why your dog isn’t eating? Use Whistle to track how much your dog is eating and learn how to get them to eat.

Health & Nutrition

Excessive dog licking may be a cause of health issues or boredom. Learn how to track, control, and prevent excessive dog licking with Whistle Health.

Health & Nutrition

Your dog has been scratching a lot more often: You’ve noticed him rubbing his front paw across his nose and using his back paw to scratch behind his ears. So, what’s causing all of the dog itching?

Health & Nutrition

Be aware of the signs of these four common causes of allergies in dogs

Health & Nutrition

It’s tempting to blame dog bad breath on drinking from the toilet, snacking on kitty litter and licking fur but hellacious halitosis could also be a sign of health issues from poor oral hygiene and gum disease to diabetes, liver disease or kidney disease. 

Health & Nutrition

January is National Walk Your Dog Month. Leashing up your dog and going for a walk (or hike) can provide a bright spot during the coldest, shortest days of the year. Need more motivation? Here are three reasons to participate in Walk Your Dog Month:

Health & Nutrition

3 common reasons dogs lose their appetites—and what to do about it.

Health & Nutrition

Because your dog won’t always let you know when they’re parched.

Health & Nutrition

Your dog days of summer will be happy, refreshing, and active with these 4 helpful tips

Health & Nutrition

Here’s how to know if you’re filling the bowl too much or not enough.

Health & Nutrition

Lindsey Jacobellis, four-time Olympian and six-time World Champion, has been snowboarding since she was 11. Not only an accomplished athlete but Lindsey, along with her pup Gidget, are also Whistle customers!

Health & Nutrition

Help your best friend stay in peak shape with personalized fitness goals, activity tracking and more, so your pet can live their healthiest and longest life possible.

Health & Nutrition

The Surprising Reason For Reassessing How Much You Feed Your Dog

Getting fit and being healthy doesn’t mean you need to push through loads of planks and push-ups all alone. Your best bud is eager to join in.

Health & Nutrition

Avoid looking directly into your dog’s begging eyes and hear what a vet has to say.

Health & Nutrition

Don’t make eye contact with those puppy-dog eyes and avoid these foods

Health & Nutrition

Whistle Labs + Pet Insight use groundbreaking tech to shape the future of pet care.

Health & Nutrition

Many pet parents have questions about coronavirus and dogs.Can your dog get infected? Can a dog infect you? What should you do to keep both your pup and yourself safe and healthy?

Vet Insights

Our priority is ensuring that our four-legged family members live their "best possible life," and that's why it's crucial to keep an eye on their weight.

Vet Insights

Discover how to spot seasonal allergies in dogs during the Fall and explore effective treatments. Learn to recognize symptoms and the latest treatment options available.

Vet Insights

Now that we’ve made it to summer, we have something else we have to contend with besides the heat and humidity: ticks.

Vet Insights

it isn’t always so easy to know what your pet is up to all hours of the day and night. This is where technology can help to make being a pet parent easier!

Vet Insights

Because of how common skin and coat issues are, and because of the impact on quality of life, we’ve been hard at work figuring out how to interpret your dog’s scratching and itching patterns with the goal of empowering you with information about your dog’s skin health.

Vet Insights

We sat down with Dr. Aletha Carson, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine to discuss how to tell the difference between seasonal scratching and a chronic skin problem.

Vet Insights

Scratching. Every dog does it. But, did you know that it can be seasonal, meaning your dog may be more affected in the warmer months? That’s right. Your dog may have allergies.

Vet Insights

Scratching. Every dog does it. But, did you know that it can be seasonal, meaning your dog may be more affected in the warmer months? That’s right. Your dog may have allergies.

Vet Insights

From the “fresh from the salon” smell to those big puppy eyes, there is nothing cuter than a freshly groomed pup, but professional grooming is not just for looks (and smells!) Grooming with a pro also helps reduce licking and scratching. And the pros do it best.

Vet Insights

Whistle knows that small devices can deliver big insights.

Vet Insights

We’re betting on a swimming pool filled with tennis balls, but let’s ask the experts.

Vet Insights

Wondering why your dog’s tongue just won’t quit? We’ve got answers.

Vet Insights

Use these tips from our VetInsightTM team to give your pet the longest, healthiest life possible.

Vet Insights

If you have questions about your dog’s sleep Whistle has answers.

Vet Insights

Health and wellness checkups are an essential part of your pet’s year. Veterinarian Dr. Joanna Gale gives us 5 great reasons for getting your pet to the vet twice a year.

Vet Insights

Let’s see if your pup is getting more or less sleep than the average dog.

Vet Insights

No, they aren’t possessed by a speed demon.

Vet Insights

Does your pup snooze belly up or full-on croissant?

Vet Insights

If you live with any of these power players, they’ll thank you for plenty of exercise and the outdoors.

Vet Insights

How to tell if your dog’s panting is typical or worth a talk with your vet.

Vet Insights

Address these measures around your home to keep your dog from running off.

Vet Insights

Subtle changes in these behaviors might point to early disease detection.

The Wildest

Though paw licking is a common behavior in dogs, a history of excessive licking could be an indication of a more serious problem.

The Wildest

When it comes to gross behaviors, your dog scooting their butt across the floor (or on your new rug), definitely tops the list.

The Wildest

If your dog loses their sh*t over anything from a squirrel to a guest, dog behaviorist Trish King has some tips.

The Wildest

Your dog probably isn’t stopping to itch just so they can ignore you when you tell them to “come” or “sit.” There is a chance this is exactly what they are doing, but most likely, your dog actually has itchy skin.

The Wildest

That strange honking noise is called reverse sneezing, and it’s usually harmless. It happens to many dogs and rarely requires medical treatment. Still nervous? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know.

The Wildest

It’s called sleep startle reflex — and there are easy ways to deal with it.

The Wildest

What’s behind the desire and whether it’s safe to do.

The Wildest

Now that summer is officially here, it’s important to review the signs so you can get your pup to the vet as soon as possible.

The Wildest

Don’t stress — it’s not at all unusual for puppies to resist going on walks! The good news is most dogs get more enthusiastic about them as they get older. In the meantime, here are some things you can do to get your puppy moving.

The Wildest

If your pup's exuberant tail wagging has led to injury, they could have this condition.