If you're reading this, welcome!

When we started Love Your Dog, we simply wanted to create a place where people who adore their dogs could share photos, ask questions, celebrate milestones, and support one another. What we didn't expect was to watch it grow into such an incredible community filled with kindness, laughter, helpful advice, and a whole lot of very good dogs.

This newsletter is the next chapter.

While Facebook has been an amazing place to connect, we wanted to create something that belongs to our community—a place where we can share more of what we all love. Here you'll find heartwarming stories, training tips, health and wellness advice, fun products we've discovered, community spotlights, expert insights, giveaways, and, of course, plenty of adorable dogs.

Most importantly, this newsletter is about you and your best friends. We want to hear from you—what you'd like to see, the questions you have, the topics you're curious about, and the stories you'd love us to share. This community has always been built by dog lovers, and we want this newsletter to grow the same way.

Whether you've been with us since the beginning or you're just joining the pack, we're so happy you're here.

Thank you for helping us build something special!

New research into canine aging is making exciting progress. Scientists are developing blood tests that may help predict a dog's biological age and are studying therapies that could slow the aging process itself. Researchers say regular exercise, dental care, and mental enrichment remain some of the best proven ways to help dogs stay healthier as they age. Source: The Wall Street Journal

North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine recently announced a new uncemented hip replacement procedure for small dogs. The innovative surgery is designed to improve mobility and reduce recovery time for dogs suffering from severe hip disease or injuries, offering new hope for active pups and their families. Source: NC State College of Veterinary Medicine

Congress is currently considering updates to federal dog health and importation laws as part of the 2026 Farm Bill. Proposed measures include stronger health documentation for imported dogs to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases, along with updates affecting breeders and animal welfare standards. Source: Congress.gov

August is often one of the hottest months of the year, and while we can cool off with air conditioning and cold drinks, our dogs have a much harder time regulating their body temperature. Unlike us, dogs don't sweat through their skin—they primarily cool themselves by panting, which means they can overheat much more quickly than you might expect.

Keep an eye out for signs of overheating, including:

If you think your dog is overheating, move them to a cool, shaded area right away. Offer small amounts of cool (not ice-cold) water, use cool wet towels on their paws, belly, and neck, and contact your veterinarian immediately—especially if symptoms are severe. Avoid ice baths or ice water, as cooling too quickly can actually make things worse.

The good news? A little preparation goes a long way. Below are two of our favorite products to help keep your pup cooler, safer, and happier during these hot summer days. 

As an Amazon Associate, SPEAK earns from qualifying purchases.

Did you know a 20-minute sniff walk can tire your dog out as much as a much longer walk? Letting your pup stop and sniff engages their brain, reduces stress, and satisfies one of their strongest natural instincts. Sometimes the best walk is the slow one!

Ever notice your dog's paws twitching or hear little barks while they're asleep? Just like humans, dogs experience REM sleep and dream. Scientists believe they're likely dreaming about everyday experiences—like chasing squirrels, playing fetch, or hanging out with their favorite humans.

Most dogs love peanut butter, but always check the ingredient list first. Some brands contain xylitol (sometimes listed as birch sugar), a sweetener that's extremely toxic to dogs—even in small amounts. When in doubt, choose a peanut butter made with just peanuts (and maybe a little salt).

TRAINING TOOLS, EXPLAINED

Walk into any pet store and you'll find endless rows of collars, harnesses, leashes, and training gear—but very little guidance on which one is actually right for your dog. Most of us end up choosing based on price, reviews, or packaging, only to discover it doesn't solve the problem.

This guide breaks down the most common pieces of dog gear—including flat collars, front-clip harnesses, head halters, slip leads, treat pouches, crates, and more. Instead of just explaining what each item does, it also covers when you shouldn't use it—something that's often overlooked and one of the biggest reasons people end up buying the wrong equipment.

The training philosophy includes both reward-based methods and corrective tools, so you may agree with some recommendations more than others. The good news is the guide is clearly organized by topic, making it easy to jump straight to the gear you're considering and decide what makes the most sense for you and your dog.

See you next Friday,

For dog people. By dog people.