Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini dry dog food is tailored nutrition for Small & Mini dogs while being gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat.
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day 1
Supports brain health and beautiful fur in mature cats
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Discover why water is the most important nutrient for your dog or cat to live a healthy life. Find out how much water your pet should consume each day.
Discover how and where to store your dry, as well as canned, dog and cat food. Learn how to find the "best before" dates on all Hill's pet food packaging.
Learn what a pet's microbiome is, how it contributes to your pet's gut & overall health, and why nutrition is important in maintaining healthy microbiomes.
Are you looking for a way to keep your dog safely confined? Dog enclosures have many benefits for you and your fur buddy. There are several options for enclosures, from pet gates to crate training your dog. Know what to look for before you invest in a dog containment system for your home.
Outdoor enclosures protect your dog from danger yet give them the freedom to run and play. They can chase a teasing squirrel without running into traffic. Even a well-trained dog can panic when scared by fireworks or thunder, and they might race out of your yard and get lost. Encountering stray animals or wildlife can also expose your dog to disease or injury. Outdoor enclosures help to avoid these sticky situations.
Indoor enclosures protect dogs from chewing dangerous items. They also work well as part of dog-proofing your home. New puppies need constant supervision to prevent potty accidents — or worse. Confining your new pup to acceptable and easy-to-clean areas of your home helps them adapt to their surroundings. It also helps with introductions to other animals in the house. Read on to learn more about common options for indoor and outdoor enclosures.
A kennel provides an outside living and play area. It's built to last as a permanent outdoor structure. Kennel designs vary from wire, wood, stone or cement and often include a cover to protect your dog from the weather. Kennels are usually large enough that you can enter to clean the kennel area and interact with your dog, and they often have enough room to contain a dog house. The spacious, airy feel helps dogs more readily accept confinement. Kennels offer a secure outdoor area without the expense of fencing the entire yard.
Crates work best for temporary indoor confinement, and they often double as your dog's bed. They come in wire, plastic and soft-sided varieties and can be sized for tiny pups to large dogs. Wire crates offer the best view for your dog, as plastic and soft-sided crates often block vision. Some wire crates also include moveable dividers to expand in size as your puppy grows. Your dog needs enough room to stand up and turn around in their crate. The Association of Professional Dog Trainers provides a crate size guide to help you ensure they'll have enough space. Crate training your dog offers a terrific way to potty train pups, too.
Dog gates confine your dog in specific areas of your home — and keep them out of others. Like baby gates that keep kids away from stairs or other dangerous areas, a doggy gate helps your pet stay where you want them. Most doggy gates are adjustable. Install your gate so that your dog can't crawl underneath, jump over or push through it with their body weight.
Many dogs love to roam. Fencing your property means you don't have to chase them down when they go outside to play or relieve themselves. Fences come in different materials, from metal to wood, and you can choose a design that complements your house. Match the height and style to your dog's size, athleticism and individual requirements. Here are a few factors to consider when deciding between a wood and metal fence:
Teach your dog to love their enclosure. Make the area their favorite place in the house by following these six steps:
For dogs who bark in outdoor enclosures, ask your mail carrier to help. Have them toss treats to your dog and only walk away once your dog stops barking to munch. By following tips like these and considering your enclosure options, you can feel confident making the right choice for your canine companion. Dog enclosures keep your dog secure. With a little training and a lot of love, your dog will become comfortable in their happy place.
Amy Shojai, is a certified animal behavior consultant, and nationally known authority on pet care and behavior. She began her career as a veterinary technician and is the award-winning author of more than 35 prescriptive nonfiction pet books.
Advanced nutrition to support hip & joint health from day 1
For the unique nutritional needs of mature Small & Mini dogs
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Small & Mini dry dog food is tailored nutrition for Small & Mini dogs while being gentle on stomachs. Nourishes skin & promotes a lustrous coat.
Vital nutrients to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Your dog's coat and skin are a big part of your dog's overall health. Ensure you keep your dog's coat healthy, by following these simple tips.
Learn basic steps & precautions for treating a cut on your dog, including what you can put on the cut, and when you should take them to the vet.
Discover how the field of dog science is giving us more and more insights into the inner workings of our furry best friends.
Learn how dogs with sensitive skin can have special dietary needs, how they can develop over time in a healthy dog, and how Hill's dog food can help.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.