Sally Jones

Sally has over 25 years of professional research, writing, and editing experience. Since joining Canine Journal (CJ) in 2015, she has researched and tested hundreds of dog accessories, services, and dog foods. In addition, she brings decades of experience in health sciences writing and communications and is the CJ resident expert on canine health issues. Sally holds a BA in English from James Madison University and an MA from the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Journalism & Mass Communications. Her work has appeared in several notable media outlets, including The Washington Post, Entrepreneur, People, Forbes, and Huffington Post. Sally is currently a pet parent to a rescue dog, Tiny, and three rescue cats.
Is Your Shih Tzu At Risk? 10 Common Shih Tzu Health Issues You Shouldn’t Ignore
Conditions

Is Your Shih Tzu At Risk? 10 Common Shih Tzu Health Issues You Shouldn’t Ignore

The Shih Tzu, a beloved toy breed known for its charming personality and luxurious coat, is generally a long-lived dog…
The 12 Most Common Goldendoodle Health Problems (Vets See These a Lot)
Conditions

The 12 Most Common Goldendoodle Health Problems (Vets See These a Lot)

Goldendoodles look like living stuffed animals, but vets know they’re not made of fluff and magic. Behind the curls, these…
12 Puppy Mistakes Most Owners Make Without Realizing
Puppies

12 Puppy Mistakes Most Owners Make Without Realizing

Bringing home a puppy is exciting—until you're surviving on little sleep, cleaning up accidents, wondering if all the biting is…
Why Is My Dog Always Waiting For Me?
Behavior

Why Is My Dog Always Waiting For Me?

Wondering why your dog always waits for you by the door, window, or even outside the bathroom? Discover the sweet…
Why Do Dogs Wag Their Tails? It’s Not Always A Sign Of Happiness!
Behavior

Why Do Dogs Wag Their Tails? It’s Not Always A Sign Of Happiness!

Why do dogs wag their tails? The answer isn’t as simple as you think. If you’ve been assuming every wag…
Your Dog Has Diarrhea: Home Remedies That Actually Help
Conditions

Your Dog Has Diarrhea: Home Remedies That Actually Help

One minute, your dog seems completely fine. The next, you’re outside at 2 a.m. wondering how one animal can possibly…
10 Maltese Health Issues That Are Easy To Miss At First
Conditions

10 Maltese Health Issues That Are Easy To Miss At First

Maltese are generally healthy, but they're prone to several inherited conditions. Learn the symptoms to watch for, treatment options, and…
Can Dogs Understand Humans? Here’s What The Science Says
Behavior

Can Dogs Understand Humans? Here’s What The Science Says

Do dogs really understand what we say—or are they simply reacting to tone, routines, and body language? Explore what science…
Best Dog Food For Pit Bulls: Our Top Picks For All Ages, Skin Allergies & Affordable Options
Food

Best Dog Food For Pit Bulls: Our Top Picks For All Ages, Skin Allergies & Affordable Options

Pit Bulls aren’t an officially recognized breed but rather a term we use in the U.S. for several breeds or…
10 Common Pit Bull Health Issues Every Owner Should Know
Breeds

10 Common Pit Bull Health Issues Every Owner Should Know

Pit Bulls are generally healthy dogs, but they're prone to certain conditions, including allergies, skin problems, joint disorders, heart disease,…
Would Your Dog Actually Stay? What Dog Owners Often Overlook About Unfenced Yards
Behavior

Would Your Dog Actually Stay? What Dog Owners Often Overlook About Unfenced Yards

Would your dog actually stay in an unfenced yard? Learn the risks, the dogs most likely to wander, and how…
Do Dogs Get Lonely? The Difference Between Missing You And Actually Struggling
Behavior

Do Dogs Get Lonely? The Difference Between Missing You And Actually Struggling

Do dogs get lonely when left alone? Learn the emotional signs of loneliness in dogs, how to tell normal alone…
Is Your Dog At Risk? 10 Common Chihuahua Health Issues You Shouldn’t Ignore
Conditions

Is Your Dog At Risk? 10 Common Chihuahua Health Issues You Shouldn’t Ignore

Chihuahuas may be tiny, but their personalities are anything but — bold, opinionated, and intensely loyal to their people. That…
Why Does My Dog Sleep With Their Butt In My Face Every Night?
Behavior

Why Does My Dog Sleep With Their Butt In My Face Every Night?

Your dog climbs into bed, spins around, and somehow ends up with their butt pointed directly at your face. As…
What Dogs Bark The Least? 24 Surprisingly Quiet Breeds
Breeds

What Dogs Bark The Least? 24 Surprisingly Quiet Breeds

Some dogs bark at the mailman. Others bark at leaves, the wind, or their own reflection. And then there are…
How Big Will My Puppy Get? From Tiny Puppy To Grown-Up Dog
Puppies

How Big Will My Puppy Get? From Tiny Puppy To Grown-Up Dog

How big will my puppy get? It’s the question every new dog parent eventually asks…right after “Are you chewing that?”…
Does Pet Insurance Cover Behavioral Or Physical Therapy?
Pet Insurance

Does Pet Insurance Cover Behavioral Or Physical Therapy?

Our furry friends experience many of the same health issues as us owners, and pet insurance is a fantastic way…
Best Pet Insurance For Jack Russell Terriers
Pet Insurance

Best Pet Insurance For Jack Russell Terriers

From joint problems to allergies, Jack Russells can rack up some pricey vet bills over their lifetime. That’s where pet…
Fetch vs Lemonade Pet Insurance: Which One Truly Has Your Pet’s Back?
Pet Insurance

Fetch vs Lemonade Pet Insurance: Which One Truly Has Your Pet’s Back?

When it comes to protecting your pet, Fetch and Lemonade Pet Insurance are two top contenders, each with standout features.…
Embrace vs Lemonade: Which Is Your Best Bet For Pet Insurance?
Pet Insurance

Embrace vs Lemonade: Which Is Your Best Bet For Pet Insurance?

Embrace has a longstanding solid reputation and is known for its extensive coverage and faster-than-average claim payouts. Lemonade is newer…
Can You Please Just Pick A Toy? Why Your Dog Keeps Changing The Rules Of Fetch
Behavior

Can You Please Just Pick A Toy? Why Your Dog Keeps Changing The Rules Of Fetch

Your dog brings you a tennis ball, only to immediately swap it for a squeaky duck, rope toy, or stuffed…
Why Your Dog Treats the Space Between Your Legs Like A VIP Lounge
Behavior

Why Your Dog Treats the Space Between Your Legs Like A VIP Lounge

Ever wonder why your dog treats the space between your legs like a VIP lounge? Whether they are acting like…
The Right Time To Stop Feeding Puppy Food Isn’t What Most Owners Think
Puppies

The Right Time To Stop Feeding Puppy Food Isn’t What Most Owners Think

Your puppy won’t stay a tiny food-obsessed goblin forever — even if they still act like meals are a competitive…
The 10 Biggest Corgi Health Problems Owners Should Prepare For
Conditions

The 10 Biggest Corgi Health Problems Owners Should Prepare For

One of the world's most popular herding dogs, Corgis are lively little companions, well-known for their affectionate and fun-loving personalities.…
22 Independent Dog Breeds Who Prefer Doing Things Their Own Way
Breeds

22 Independent Dog Breeds Who Prefer Doing Things Their Own Way

Some dogs want constant attention. Others prefer emotional distance, selective affection, and making their own decisions whenever possible. From aloof…
How To Teach Your Dog To Fetch: A Step-By-Step Guide
Training

How To Teach Your Dog To Fetch: A Step-By-Step Guide

While some dogs, especially retrievers, may instinctively play fetch with little or no training, not all dogs grasp the concept…
How to Teach a Dog to Come Without Begging, Bribing, or Crying in Public
Training

How to Teach a Dog to Come Without Begging, Bribing, or Crying in Public

Yelled “Come!”, but got a tail flick and a disappearing butt instead? You’re not alone. Here’s how to teach a…
Best Dog Doors By Type: Smart, Automatic, In Wall, Sliding Glass, Screen Door & More
Household

Best Dog Doors By Type: Smart, Automatic, In Wall, Sliding Glass, Screen Door & More

Do you feel like you always have to let your dog in and out, especially when you're in the middle…
Your Dog Isn’t Just Kissing You — Here’s Why They Lick Your Face
Behavior

Your Dog Isn’t Just Kissing You — Here’s Why They Lick Your Face

You lean down and, before you know it, your dog’s tongue is all over your face. Sound familiar? Whether it’s…
Dog Life Insurance: Does It Make Financial Sense?
Pet Insurance

Dog Life Insurance: Does It Make Financial Sense?

Many people get life insurance for themselves or their spouse — it can be a wise financial investment to help…
Best Pet Insurance That Pays Vets Directly
Pet Insurance

Best Pet Insurance That Pays Vets Directly

Having pet insurance can help you save a ton of money for unexpected expensive vet bills and emergency care. But…
What Does Your Dog’s Favorite Toy Say About Their Personality?
Behavior

What Does Your Dog’s Favorite Toy Say About Their Personality?

Dogs don’t choose favorite toys at random. The toy your dog fixates on often reflects how they handle excitement, comfort,…
Your Dogs Used To Get Along. So, Why Don’t They Now?
Behavior

Your Dogs Used To Get Along. So, Why Don’t They Now?

Your dogs used to get along, but now something feels off. From subtle tension to sudden reactions, here’s what’s really…
Is Your Dog Your Personality Twin? Here’s How It Actually Happens
Behavior

Is Your Dog Your Personality Twin? Here’s How It Actually Happens

You didn’t just get a dog—you may have created a personality match. Here’s how it happens (and why it’s so…
10 Common Border Collie Health Issues Every Owner Should Know
Conditions

10 Common Border Collie Health Issues Every Owner Should Know

From sudden limping to seizures and hidden genetic risks, here are the most common Border Collie health issues and what…
Best Companion Dog Breeds: 24 Loyal Lovebugs Built For Closeness
Breeds

Best Companion Dog Breeds: 24 Loyal Lovebugs Built For Closeness

While some dogs were bred to herd, guard, or hunt, others were simply made to love (with other traits, of…
Think A Pet Savings Account Is Enough? The Math Says Otherwise
Pet Insurance

Think A Pet Savings Account Is Enough? The Math Says Otherwise

A few hundred dollars saved. A multi-thousand-dollar vet bill. Here’s why “just saving” doesn’t always work the way people expect.
12 Signs Your Dog Has Chosen You As Their Person
Behavior

12 Signs Your Dog Has Chosen You As Their Person

You know that feeling when you stand up, and your dog stands up, too. You walk to the kitchen, and…
7 Weird Dog Sleeping Positions: #5 Will Have You Crying Laughing!
Behavior

7 Weird Dog Sleeping Positions: #5 Will Have You Crying Laughing!

There’s nothing more heart-melting than watching your dog sleep—until they suddenly look like a tangled pile of misplaced limbs. One…
59% of Dogs Struggle with This—Does Yours?
Wellness

59% of Dogs Struggle with This—Does Yours?

You might find fat dogs adorable for their roly-poly appearance, but obesity is a serious health threat for dogs and…
Does Your Dog Eat Like A Furry Vacuum? 8 Genius Hacks To Slow Them Down!
Food

Does Your Dog Eat Like A Furry Vacuum? 8 Genius Hacks To Slow Them Down!

If your dog eats so fast that you barely have time to blink before the bowl is empty, you’re not…
Why Is My Dog Acting Starving All Of A Sudden?
Conditions

Why Is My Dog Acting Starving All Of A Sudden?

Your dog just ate… so why are they acting starving? From normal reasons like activity and behavior to medical causes,…
New Puppy? You’ve Got 12 Weeks To Get Puppy Socialization Right
Puppies

New Puppy? You’ve Got 12 Weeks To Get Puppy Socialization Right

Your puppy’s brain is on a timer. And if you miss the next few weeks, you might raise a dog…
Is Roundup Safe for Dogs? What Pet Owners Need to Know
Household

Is Roundup Safe for Dogs? What Pet Owners Need to Know

Roundup can pose a risk to dogs, especially during and shortly after application. This guide explains the symptoms of exposure,…
Why Do Doodles Look Like Tiny People In A Dog Suit?
Mixed Breeds

Why Do Doodles Look Like Tiny People In A Dog Suit?

Ever feel like a Doodle is about to respond to you? There’s a surprising reason these dogs can seem so…
Home Remedies for Fleas on Dogs: What Actually Helps Fast
Wellness

Home Remedies for Fleas on Dogs: What Actually Helps Fast

Looking for home remedies for fleas on dogs? Here’s what may help fast, what to avoid, and how to stop…
Why Do Dogs Cover Their Face? The Truth Behind The “Dog Facepalm”
Behavior

Why Do Dogs Cover Their Face? The Truth Behind The “Dog Facepalm”

Dogs covering their face with a paw can look adorable, dramatic, or slightly suspicious, depending on the timing. Most of…
Flea Eggs On Dogs Exposed: What They Look Like & How To Kill Them
Conditions

Flea Eggs On Dogs Exposed: What They Look Like & How To Kill Them

Think you’ve beaten a flea infestation? If you haven’t tackled the flea eggs, you’re only halfway there. These nearly invisible…
8 Everyday Household Items That Can Lead To A $3,000 Vet Bill
Pet Insurance

8 Everyday Household Items That Can Lead To A $3,000 Vet Bill

The laundry basket, kitchen trash, and coffee table may look harmless, but to your dog, they’re a buffet. These common…
Is Your Doodle At Risk? 10 Common Labradoodle Health Issues
Health

Is Your Doodle At Risk? 10 Common Labradoodle Health Issues

From allergies and ear infections to hip dysplasia and bloat, Labradoodles can face several health challenges. Here are the most…