Spot Team
We’re pet parents first—and writers, marketers, and product developers by trade—combining lived experience with industry expertise in everything we create.
Latest Articles
Metronidazole (Flagyl) for Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Dosage
Metronidazole — commonly prescribed under the brand name Flagyl — is one of the most frequently used medications in veterinary practice for gastrointestinal conditions, parasitic infections, and certain bacterial diseases.1 If your veterinarian has...
Health
Light Gums in Dogs: What Pale or White Gums Mean and When to Act
Light, pale, or white gums in dogs are a warning sign — not a condition to wait and watch at home. Healthy dog gums should be a moist, bubblegum pink. When gums appear lighter than normal, it typically indicates that not enough blood or oxygen is...
Health
Kidney Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Stages, Treatment, and Prognosis
Kidney disease is one of the most common serious health conditions in dogs, particularly those over seven years old. The kidneys filter waste from the blood, regulate fluid balance and electrolytes, and help produce red blood cells. When they lose...
Health
How Does Pet Insurance Work?
Pet insurance helps reimburse pet parents for covered veterinary expenses from unexpected accidents and illnesses. You pay the vet directly, submit a claim with documentation, and receive reimbursement based on your plan’s terms. Most plans help cover...
Why Pet Insurance?
Should Dogs Be Allowed on the Couch?
If you’ve been on social media long enough, you’ve likely come across conflicting viewpoints on dogs and access to furniture in the home. Some say it’s a bad idea to let dogs on furniture, and others scoff at the thought of their dogs not being able to...
Dog Tips
Dental Disease in Dogs: Periodontal Disease Symptoms, Stages, and Treatment
Dental disease is the most common health condition diagnosed in adult dogs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), approximately 80% of dogs show signs of dental disease by the time they are three years old.1 The most...
Health
Why Is My Dog Licking His Paws? Causes and When to See a Vet
Occasional paw licking is normal grooming behavior. Persistent, repeated licking — especially if it’s disrupting your dog’s rest, leaving brown staining on the fur, or causing skin damage — is a signal that something else is going on. The most common...
Dog Tips
Dog Allergy Symptoms, Home Remedies, and Treatment Options
Dog allergies are one of the most common chronic conditions in veterinary practice — and one of the most frustrating to manage. Symptoms can keep returning, the right approach depends on the allergy type, and relief often requires combining home care...
Health
Pneumonia in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Recovery
What Is Pneumonia in Dogs? Types and Causes Pneumonia refers to inflammation of the lung tissue — specifically the small air sacs (alveoli) — that interferes with normal oxygen exchange. According to VCA Animal Hospitals¹, the most common types in...
Health
Vetmedin for Dogs: Uses, How It Works, Side Effects, and Coverage
Vetmedin (pimobendan) is one of the most important medications in veterinary cardiology. If your dog has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure (CHF) or an early-stage heart condition that predisposes them to CHF, Vetmedin is likely part of — or...
Health
How to Make a Dog Throw Up: When to Call First and What Vets Recommend
If your dog just ate something potentially toxic, the next steps are crucial. Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 before attempting to make your dog vomit. Some situations require immediate emergency care...
Dog Tips
Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs: Symptoms, Stages, and What Pet Insurance Can Help Cover
Congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs occurs when the heart can no longer pump blood efficiently, causing fluid to accumulate in the lungs, abdomen, or chest. It is one of the most common serious diagnoses in older dogs and requires lifelong...
Health
