10 Terrific Yorkshire Terrier Trinkets

by Diana Faria

Published: July 24th, 2016

If you’re a Yorkie fan, you’ll fall head over heels for these adorable trinkets to remind you of the object of your obsession. Here are our top 10 picks of the cutest Yorkshire Terrier swag.

1. Flip flops

Strut your stuff in these ridiculously endearing flip-flops that pay homage to your tint cutie patootie.

Get yours at CafePress.

2. Yorkie Wallet

This spacious pink wallet can’t possible fit all the love you have for your Yorkshire Terrier…but it can probably fit all your cards and money (okay, mostly credit cards- we get it, all your cash goes to Fido).

Snag yours at Marctetro.

3. Best Friend Forever Ring

We’d be lying if we said we didn’t fall head-over-heels in love with these handmade silver rings. Get them while they’re hot!

Available at Etsy.

4. Yorkshire Terrier Calendar

Pre-order the 2017 calendar to have enough Yorkshire Terrier puppies for the entire upcoming year! Plus, buy an extra two or three for your equally-as-obsessed Yorkie friends (they’ll thank you later, we’re sure).

Calendars has everything you need.

5. Placemats

Wow your friends with these simply enchanting dinner placemats. They’re so cute, we bet you’ll cry in despair when you cover their sweet little faces up with a place…and then rejoice because dinner has been served!

Available at Zazzle.

6. Coffee Mug

This swanky mug is pretty incognito as far as showing your Yorkie love is concerned but not to worry – Yorkshire Terrier lovers will be able to spot that little silhouette from a mile away.

Hop over to Amazon to get yours.

7. Yorkie Case

For the tech-savvy person who can’t help but to take photos of their sweetie with their enormous (albeit good-quality) iPad camera, this case will surely make them happily squeal.

Zazzle has this case, plus plenty more!

8. Yorkie Stickers

There isn’t a person in the entire world whose face won’t light up in joy at the sight of these lovable little Yorkie mugs!

Go to Etsy to buy a lifetime supply!

9. Barking Logic Apron

You can’t be bothered to explain to your guests why Rover is barking while you’re busy cooking up a storm in the kitchen. With this apron, all you have to do is point and voila- they’ll get their dog’s logic! It’s foolproof!

Available at CafePress in white, khaki and yellow.

10. Doggy Nails

For the grand finale, we bring you something only a hardcore Yorkie mom would be able to fathom: Yorke-loving nail decals. Buyers will certainly be devoted members of the Yorkie bandwagon once purchased- no membership fee required!

Get yours at Amazon.

Diana Faria

More by Diana Faria

Martha Stewart's Persian Cat, Empress Tang, Crosses the Rainbow Bridge

View Article

An AI App Helps Vets Diagnose Cats By Detecting Their Pain Levels

Every cat owner has wondered what their cat is thinking about - at least once in a while. You see your feline friend just standing there in the corner, its gaze fixed on something and its expression a true enigma. Sadly, it’s not that easy to read a cat’s emotions, so most of it just remains a mystery. Until now, that is. An Alberta-based company is developing an app that could change the way we see cats and their emotions. The innovative AI app is named Tably, and it aims to help vet clinics assess a cat’s pain more easily. Susan Groenveld, one of the developers of Tably, said that felines visit the vet far less than dogs. "And when you really unpack that, it's because they hide their pain. When a cat is in pain, they go and hide under the bed, versus a dog that'll present to the owner, like kids do," said Groeneveld, the founder at Sylvester.ai, the company developing the  Tably app. "I thought, wouldn't it be cool if everyday people that love their pets would know if their animal may be demonstrating pain."An earlier version of the app already showed remarkable success, with tens of thousands of downloads around the world. Susan Groeneveld said that those early stages of the app acquired around 54,000 downloads in just a week, showing that there is a big need for something like this. "This told us that people were really, really interested in it," she said. "But we really wanted to make sure that it was validated and veterinarians actually supported it because it was a really easy opportunity for us to become a novelty."As the work progressed, the app had been clinically tested by both veterinarians and pet owners in the United States, Canada, as well as in Europe. It is expected that the app will arrive in the digital market in the U.S., Singapore, and France in January. And for Canada, the app should see a release this fall. How does Tably work? The app uses special algorithms that apply standards and facial pain scores that vets previously created. With that, the vets can review the results and better assess the cat’s state. "We believe our technology will make it more accurate because there's less human bias in the subjectivity of the assessment," Groeneveld said.Positive reviews have been overwhelming so far, many of them coming from respected vets. Dr. Liz Ruelle, a vet at the Wild Rose Cat Clinic in Calgary, Alberta, is on the advisory board for the Tably app. Her involvement is very important for the developers, and Dr. Ruelle used the app in her practice. In fact, Dr. Ruelle states that she definitely plans on using the app in her future work and said for  Yahoo: “When a cat experiences pain, its eyes and eyelid positions change and they shift their ear positions. Like if we're in a good mood and we smile, we could think of how our cheeks are uplifted. We see the apples of our cheeks. If I had whiskers on my cheeks, then I would have that same uplifted, happy whiskers," she said. "But when I'm feeling sad, or headache, or painful, then those facial muscles start to sag down … instead of being upright and perky whiskers, they would be kind of dropping down the face."The best thing of all - the app won’t be exclusive to vets. Groeneveld and Ruell stated that a special lite version is planned, which will be aimed at pet owners to use at home. No exact dates have been provided, however. 

Family Dog Alerts Parents to a Teen’s Stroke and Saves His Life

Dogs are so deserving of their title – man’s best friend - and they continue to prove it day in and day out. From being our best friends to providing irreplaceable acts of service to people in need, there’s so much that dogs do that makes a difference and this story only proves it.The fateful event took place in Spring, Texas, where the family Tanner lives, alongside their precious pooch, Axel. Axel is a 1-year-old  border collie, a rescue that quickly became a cherished member of the family and, as life would have it, their savior. It was around 5 am on a calm Saturday morning when Axel – completely out of the ordinary – jolted Amanda and her husband from their sleep. And it was no regular attention-seeking behavior. Something was amiss, and Axel was determined to let the couple know.“He was pawing me more than normal to get me to move,” Mr. Tanner explains for  Today.com. Realizing that the dog was clearly trying to wake them, Amanda’s husband went downstairs to check on things and let the dog outside. Axel refused. It wasn’t the outdoors he was seeking - there was something else. He quickly stopped in front of the closed doors of the 17-year-old Gabriel Tanner. Mr. Tanner went inside to check up on his son but realized what was the cause of the dog’s panic. Young Gabriel was having a stroke, his speech was slurred, and he could not feel his right side. At once they rushed him to the emergency room at the Memorial Hermann the Woodlands Medical Center. Young Gabriel was quickly treated and made a recovery. Dr. Sabih Effendi, who treated him, says that “by waking the parents up, and leading them to the boy, the dog made a “massive” difference in Gabriel’s outcome”. “It’s very amazing that their dog alerted and started this whole process of getting everyone awake and going downstairs,” Effendi continues. “When somebody’s acutely having a stroke, the neurons are dying. … If he was not found and another three or four hours went by, there would have been more and more and more brain injury.”The Tanner family is extremely grateful to have had Axel by their side in this crucial moment. They can only wonder what would have happened if the dog wasn’t there. He practically saved Gabriel’s life. “We wouldn’t have thought to go into Gabriel’s room and wake him up. He’s a teenager. It was a Saturday morning. We went to bed late. We wouldn’t think to go in there until maybe noon,” Amanda says.Nowadays, Axel is a precious member of their family and tends to follow Gabriel wherever he goes. He also sleeps with the teen a lot more, always on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary. A true four-legged friend and proof that dogs can be loyal to no end! 

How Do I Fix My Cat's Matted Fur?

Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

28-pound Cat Named 'One Frosty Too Many' Finds a Forever Home

A morbidly obese cat found wandering the streets in Virginia has found a forever home after Richmond Animal Care and Control shelter posted a funny adoption ad on their Facebook page.Tipping the scales at 28.5 pounds the shelter named the chubby feline ‘One Frosty Too Many’ or Frosty for short, after Wendy’s frozen treats. “You know we love a cat with a belly, and lord almighty this one has the best belly in town. Meet One Frosty Too Many,” wrote the shelter on its Facebook page. The shelter described the cat as 28.5 pounds of pudge with a side of crankiness. “As long as you let him do what he wants when he wants, everything is fine; still we recommend you proceed with caution.”The person who brought Frosty to the shelter said he found the chubby cat roaming the streets of Richmond, shared shelter director Christie Peters. The cat was morbidly obese but was otherwise in good general health. “We put him on a strict low-calorie diet and he wasn’t too happy about that,” said Peters, estimating that Frosty is about two years old. “Because he was cranky, we kept telling him he’ll feel a lot better when he loses weight.”Frosty’s adoption ad garnered a lot of attention, and many were interested in adopting the chubby tabby. However, one woman beat everyone to it and took Frosty home. Maggie Thompson, her husband, and two sons were on the way home to Stafford when she saw the Facebook post about Frosty. “I thought, ‘Oh, I want that cat,’” said Thomson, who owns a pet-sitting business, according to The Washington Post. She persuaded her husband, Mike, to stop in Richmond so they could visit the shelter and ask about adopting Frosty.As soon as she met Frosty, she knew that she couldn’t go home without him. “He got on my lap and started purring,” said Maggie. “With animals, they pick you. You just know when it’s right, and they do, too.”Thomson’s sons, Mickey and Andy, were ecstatic they’d be taking home a chubby cat. The family already has two cats, Rose and Wolfie, which are around one year old. “They are under seven pounds each - less than 14 pounds together,” said Thompson. “But I had a feeling they’d all get along just fine and become friends.”After Thompson filled out adoption papers, the shelter staff explained to her that Frosty would need to follow a strict diet and eat low-calorie cat food twice a day until he’d dropped half his body weight. The shelter didn’t have a large enough carrier for Frosty, so they placed him in a dog crate. “We put him in the back of the car, and he didn’t protest at all. He was a good rider and was pretty quiet the whole trip,” said Thomson. When they arrived home, Thomson placed the family’s newest addition into a spare room for a few days to gradually introduce him to their other two cats.Thomson decided that their new cat deserves a new name, one that won’t be associated with desserts. “We’ve decided to call him Gus. That’s what he looks like to me. I now call him Gussie, and he responds well to that.”Gus has adjusted nicely to his new home and loves lounging on the bottom level of a cat tree. Thomson plans to start a weight-loss journey page for Gus on Facebook to track his progress.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Jack Russell Terrier Adopts and Nurses Six Abandoned Kittens

People grow up believing that cats and dogs are mortal enemies. Phrases like “fight like cats and dogs" just reinforce that belief.But, is this really true? Is there no way for felines and canines to get along? As it turns out, dogs and cats can be more than friends.A Jack Russell terrier, named Teasel, has become a surrogate mom to six abandoned kittens. Sue Stubley, who lives in the Suffolk town of Newmarket, was contacted after a feral cat abandoned her litter. Ms Stubley, who runs Suffolk Hedgehog Hospital in Newmarket, primarily rescues hedgehogs but has agreed to take the abandoned kittens for the night and take them to the cat rescue center the next morning. However, Ms Stubley’s two-year-old Jack Russell had other plans. According to Ms Stubley, Teasel began lactating the same evening and the hungry kittens latched on to feed. “My dog decided that she was going to look after them. She’s lactating, she’s feeding them, she cleans them, she does everything. So it’s actually been quite easy for me,” said Ms Stubley.At first, Teasel wasn’t making enough milk, and Ms Stubley had to supplement the kitten’s feedings. However, the new mom managed to produce a lot of milk the following morning, and the more she nurses, the more she produces. Apparently, Teasel's maternal instinct kicked in quickly. “If anyone comes in that she doesn’t know and picks one of the kittens up, she’ll march over and go and pick them up and bring them to her back again. She’s adopted proper mum behavior.”Ms Stubley was initially worried about how Teasel might react and thought that she might go after one of the kittens. But that never happened.“By the time they were ready for their second feed, they were sat with her and cuddled up with her. Generally, she is a very gentle dog that loves and adores everyone. She loves children, she’s a great little dog. And apparently, her mum was very similar and was very nurturing so it’s obviously something that’s in her nature.” According to BBC, Dr Rachel Grant, a biologist at London South Bank University, explained that such interspecies adoptions are most likely the result of fixed action patterns in which the adopted animal is reacting to a certain trigger from the adoptee. “This sets off a cascade in the brain that elicits the pattern of behavior,” said Dr Grant. The closer the species are to one another, the higher the chances for cross-species adoption to happen. This means that it’s highly unlikely that you’ll ever hear about an alligator nursing a puppy.“In baby mammals, there will be certain features that mammals share with other mammals,” said Dr Grant. “Cats and dogs, for example, are both mammals and the cues that are driving maternal behavior are very similar. They will be responding to certain cues.”When it comes to baby mammals, they will act on an instinct too. In Teasel’s case, the kittens are instinctively “rooting” - like human babies or puppies - for a nipple to feed on. “These things aren’t under conscious control,” Dr Grant explained. The strong maternal instincts exhibited by Teasel show that she’ll be a wonderful mother to her puppies, in case she one day gives birth to a litter of her own. Ms Stubley has already found loving homes for the kittens to go to when they are old enough, but she says she’ll miss them terribly.“As for Teasel, I don’t know how she’ll feel when they’re gone but I think she’s their surrogate mum for life now.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why Does My Dog Paw or "Dig" His Food Bowl?

Sometimes, dogs can behave straight out quirky. The range of their weird behaviors varies from chasing their tail and scooting on their but, to “pawing” or “digging” food, which sort of looks like they’re burying their kibble but they’re not really doing anything. Have you ever seen your pooch trying to fake bury his food by pawing at it? Don’t worry, the behavior might look odd at the very least, but it’s not a reason for concern. Here’s what dogs that dig, bury, or paw their food are trying to tell you with this behavior.Why Does My Dog Paw or "Dig" His Food Bowl?Dogs may exhibit pawing or digging behavior around their food bowl for various reasons, and the interpretation can depend on the individual dog. By closely observing your dog's specific actions and considering these factors, you may gain a better understanding of why they engage in pawing behavior. Keep in mind that individual differences among dogs can lead to variations in behavior, and what holds true for one dog may not necessarily apply to another. Still, there are some common explanations that hold true for most situations when “pawing” is in question.Too Much Food Served:In the wild, dogs might use their paws to cover or bury their food to protect it from other animals or to save it for later. This behavior could be a residual instinct from their ancestors – if they eat a bit and then paw at their bowl before leaving the meal, it means that they are trying to stash the surplus away for later. Try downsizing their portions to see if the behavior goes away. Scent Marking: Dogs have scent glands in their paws, and pawing at the food bowl might be a way for them to mark the area with their scent. This could be a territorial behavior and might be seen in households where there are several dogs present. Excitement or Anticipation: Dogs might get excited about mealtime, and pawing at the bowl could be a way of expressing anticipation or eagerness for their food. This is especially true if they are eagerly pawing the ground even before the food has been served. These dogs can often be voracious eaters as well, so to prevent them from snarfing up their food in seconds, try utilizing a  slow feeder for dogs to promote a more appropriate pace of eating and prevent bloat and other digestive issues due to lack of chewing and fast eating.

Felix Cat Insurance Will Pay Your Engagement Ring – On One Condition

If you're ready to tie the knot, you should know that there’s a way to make this special occasion even more memorable – by including your furball in the proposal. Not only is it an adorable way to ask for someone’s hand in  marriage, but thanks to Felix Cat Insurance, it can also be a way to get a gorgeous ring for free! This company is launching “A Purr-fect Proposal” campaign, aiming to help one couple of cat lovers celebrate that special moment in their lives. The aim of the campaign is to cover the costs of an engagement ring and the only requirement is to include your cat in the proposal!December is truly a magical month, so it doesn’t surprise that it’s also the most popular month to get engaged – which is why Felix Cat Insurance chose this month to bring their plan to fruition. The contest is open until December 19th, and the company will choose one lucky winner whose kitty-centered proposal plan sounds the best three days after that, on December 22nd. The winner will be gifted $4,750 or have the cost of an engagement ring covered. Not only that, but they will also receive a package of cat treats, festive toys, and even elegant cat clothes for their furry helper – to wear on the special occasion, of course. "Our felines are family members and just like your closest friends and family, we want to include them in celebrating meaningful moments like this," said Jamie Maxfield, Marketing Director and Brand Expert at Felix Cat Insurance. "Planning for the future can also bring challenges, which is why we're spreading holiday cheer by easing the expense of this life milestone as you, your partner, and your furry friend embark on your new life together. Not only is Felix here to ease the expense of this core life event, but we can also be there every step of the way afterwards."Here are the contest details as laid out by the company:Prize:$4,750 to put toward an engagement ring. A curated kit of treats and surprises so your furry friend can join in on the celebration. Dates: The contest opens on November 28th, 2023 at 12:01 a.m. EST and ends at 11:59 p.m. EST on December 19, 2023. The winner will be selected on December 22, 2023. Eligibility & Rules: You must live in the United States.You must be 18+ in age. The proposal must take place within the month of December. This contest is not available in Washington or Puerto Rico. For more information on the "Purr-fect Proposal" contest, including terms and conditions, visit  FelixPurrfectProposal.com. Good luck – and congrats on the engagement to be!

Pregnant Dog Saved from Shipping Container by U.S. Coast Guard

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston got a big surprise when they found a dog trapped inside a shipping container. While inspecting the containers, Lucas Loe, Bryan Wainscott, Jose Reyes, and Ryan McMahon heard scratching and barking coming from inside one of them. After bringing the container down to ground level—it had been roughly 25 feet up—they opened it to find an adorable dog desperate to get out.A Dog Rescued Against All OddsThe poor dog had been stuck in that container, which had junked vehicles and was set to be shipped overseas, for at least eight days without any food or water. How she got in there in the first place is a mystery, but they think she might’ve been in one of the cars that was put in the container.What makes this story even more incredible is the fact that there were thousands of shipping containers along with the one that the friendly dog was trapped in, so she’s very lucky that the inspectors heard her and rescued her in time. They named her Connie, and her story quickly went viral. She’s even referred to as Connie the Container Dog. A video posted on Facebook shows her rescue.According to a U.S. Coast Guard Heartland Facebook post, Connie was thrilled and grateful to be free, but she was also tired and hungry. She was taken to Pasadena Animal Shelter to be examined before being flown to Forever Changed Animal Rescue (FCAR) in the Washington, D.C. metro area. She was diagnosed with heartworm and was found to be underweight.A New Discovery: Connie the Container Dog Is PregnantAfter her rescuers noticed that Connie’s mammary glands were swollen, they worried that she’d given birth to and lost her puppies while she was trapped in the container. But an ultrasound revealed that she is indeed pregnant.Once she’s healed and ready to be adopted, Connie will be looking for a forever home. And her puppies will also be looking for homes once they’re old enough. In the meantime, she’ll stay with a veterinarian who will keep a close eye on her and make sure that she and her puppies are doing well.To keep up with Connie’s journey, you can follow FCAR’s Facebook page.You can also watch this video to see Connie and her rescuers:

New Study Searches for the Secret Connection Between ‘Gifted’ Dogs

As dog parents, we all want to believe that our dog is the smartest, most incredible, most amazing dog out there. Right? But there is a select group of dogs whose talent and intelligence stand out above the rest. What makes these dogs so bright? That’s what a new study hopes to understand… Known as “Gifted Word Learner” (GWL) Dogs, these dogs display an impressive vocabulary by learning the names of dozens of their toys, with some learning as many as 125 toys by name! Interested in better understanding this phenomenon and what makes these dogs so naturally gifted, researchers at Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary set out to identify any commonalities between these pups. Their recent study, published in Scientific Reports on December 14, included 41 GWL dogs from nine countries: the US, the UK, Canada, Brazil, Norway, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and Hungary. They put out a call for ‘gifted’ dogs, asking owners to complete and submit a self-assessment following their detailed instructions and send the results in a video. Dogs that passed that phase were then given an online vocabulary assessment test to better assess their language skills. The owners were also given a questionnaire to provide a better understanding of each dog’s life experience. “In the questionnaire, we asked the owners about their dog’s life experience, their own experience in raising and training dogs, and about the process by which the dog came to learn the names of his/her toys,” explained Dr. Andrea Sommese, study co-author. Researchers discovered some interesting connections between the GWL dogs using all this information.

How Do I Choose the Best Muzzle for My Dog?

With the news of the recent American Bully XL ban in the UK, conversations around dog muzzles have been popping up all over social media. The growing discussion has opened the door for dog owners in the United States to consider the benefits of using a muzzle for their own dogs for many reasons, including scavenging, reactivity, and even short-term use for veterinary and grooming appointments. But with so many different styles of muzzle on the market, how do you choose the best muzzle for your dog? We have you covered! In this guide, we will discuss the different muzzle types available, what each type is best suited for, and the proper fit of a dog muzzle. Plus, I will share which muzzle we currently use with our reactive dog, Lucifer, and why. Let’s get started… Things to Consider When Shopping for a Muzzle for Your Dog When selecting a muzzle for your dog, there is no singular “best option” that will work for every dog and situation. On one hand, this can be frustrating as it leaves you feeling overwhelmed navigating the wide assortment of options. On the other hand, it means you can purchase a muzzle uniquely suited for your dog’s needs. Here are a few key factors to consider when making your decision: MaterialThere are several materials to consider when shopping for a muzzle, including metal, plastic, rubber, vinyl, leather, Biothane, fabric, silicone, and more. To determine the best option for your dog, there are a few critical deciding factors: Do you need a muzzle that can prevent a determined dog from biting? Will your dog be wearing the muzzle outdoors in the elements? Is weight a factor for your dog? Does your dog engage in “muzzle punching” when wearing a muzzle (ramming into people with the muzzle)? Will your dog likely shove the muzzle into the dirt while trying to smell the ground? It is important to note that most muzzles are not considered “bite-proof.” This means they shouldn’t be relied on to prevent a bite from occurring. If you are muzzling as a safety precaution due to a bite risk, the best options are vinyl or wire basket muzzles. Ease of Use Like harnesses and collars, some dogs make fastening a muzzle easy, while others can make the process a challenge. This doesn’t necessarily mean they dislike the muzzle or aren’t properly conditioned to the muzzle. For example, if our boy Lucifer is overly excited about going somewhere, he sometimes gets the zoomies. He usually will stand still to let us buckle his muzzle, but it’s hard to control the zoomies when they hit! A muzzle with a quick-release buckle will be your best option if that sounds familiar. This is faster to secure than a traditional threaded buckle. Airflow One primary concern for those considering muzzling their dogs is the airflow that they will offer, and for good reason! This is especially important if your dog is going to be active while wearing the muzzle. Wire basket muzzles are often a favorite for high-energy dogs, allowing for uninterrupted airflow and making it easy for your dog to drink while wearing it. In comparison, leather and Biothane muzzles, especially those designed to prevent scavengers from being able to pick up “goodies” on their walks, generally limit airflow. Carefully consider your dog’s lifestyle and the situations where a muzzle may be needed.

Scientists Finally Identify Mystery Dog Illness Sweeping America

If you are a dog owner in the United States, you have likely already seen the news reports about the mystery illness responsible for the deaths of several dogs, prompting veterinary professionals to caution pet parents about taking their pets out to public spaces. But we may finally be able to spot the light at the end of the tunnel… Dr. David Needle, pathology section chief at the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture at the University of New Hampshire, reported that scientists have finally identified the cause of the illness. While this doesn’t mean that life for our dogs can return to normal immediately, it does mean that they are one step closer to finding a cure and moving past this nightmare. The research article has yet to be published, but the team is sharing their initial findings to provide hope for pet parents and the veterinary community. The pathogen responsible for the mystery respiratory illness is described as “a funky bacterium.” “It’s smaller than a normal bacterium in its size and in the size of its genome,” explained Needle. “Long story short, it’s a weird bacterium that can be tough to find and sequence.” Searching for the cause of this illness wasn’t easy for researchers. Initially, there were no known bacterial, viral, or fungal pathogens, meaning they were searching blind. However, after testing 30 samples from New Hampshire, genetic material from an atypical bacterial species was discovered. The next step in understanding the cause of the illness and working towards a cure (and possible preventative) is to compare these findings to samples from dogs in other states to verify that it is, in fact, the same pathogen in all reported instances. States with possible cases of the disease include: CaliforniaColoradoFlorida Georgia IdahoIllinois IndianaMarylandMassachusettsNew HampshireOregonPennsylvania Rhode IslandVermontWashingtonOne challenge faced by veterinarians is the fact there is no test to confirm that all reported cases are, in fact, the same illness. What Are the Warning Signs?Common symptoms resemble respiratory infections like canine influenza and kennel cough, conditions usually seen in higher numbers at this time of year. Luckily for the human members of our family, there are currently no reports of the illness being transferred to humans. Veterinarians recommend watching out for the following symptoms: Coughing or sneezing WheezingDifficulty breathingNasal or eye dischargeDehydration Loss of appetite Weight loss FeverLethargyHow Can You Keep Your Dog Safe? Until a cure has been identified, dog parents are encouraged to focus on preventative measures. Ensure your dog’s vaccinations are current, protecting them against known respiratory problems. Avoid public spaces like dog parks, doggy daycare, and grooming establishments where dogs may be exposed to the illness. If you must go to a public space, steer clear of shared food and water dishes. Your dog will be just as happy to spend this time playing with you as they would with another dog!If you notice any signs of respiratory trouble or illness, don’t panic. Contact your veterinarian to share your concerns and make an appointment.

A Former Elvis Impersonator Adopts Elvis, the Dog Who No One Wanted

Elvis, the only dog who didn’t get adopted at Anti Cruelty’s Fall in Love adoption event, finally found a forever home with an owner who used to work as an Elvis Presley impersonator. A three-year-old pit bull terrier mix was the only pooch out of 22 dogs and 39 cats who didn’t find a forever home at the November 11 adoption event. After the event, Elvis had to be sent back to his kennel which served as his home for around four months.Shortly after the event, the shelter took to social media to ask for help finding this handsome boy a forever home. The post that has gone viral said: “Elvis is the only dog that didn’t find a home during our Fall in Love adoption event. He met a lot of potential adopters but sadly did not get adopted. Help us find Elvis a family to love!”In the post, the shelter described Elvis as a “three-year-old meatball” with “the silliest personality.”“His giant smile lights up every room he enters. Elvis is a snuggler, so he hopes you’re okay giving up your personal space.”Elvis arrived at the shelter as an injured stray dog. Since the pooch didn’t put weight on his hind leg, the shelter took X-rays which showed a fractured pelvis. Although the fracture healed completely during his stay at the shelter, Elvis might be prone to arthritis in the future. A few days later this handsome boy found his forever home! And this is where things get really interesting. The couple who adopted the cute pup has a special connection to him - one of them used to be an Elvis Presley impersonator.Loren Agron, one of the pup’s new dads, worked as an Elvis-impersonating waiter at Ed Debevic’s, a 1950s-themed diner where staff entertained customers with choreographed dance routines. Agron dressed up as Elvis Presley and called himself Elvis Parsley.“I wore a black cowboy shirt and quintessential giant Elvis sunglasses, I had long sideburns and my hair was all pumped up and slicked back,” Agron told The Washington Post.“Elvis has always been a big part of my life because I’ve always loved music from that era,” he added.First, Agron went to the shelter to meet Elvis alone, and then he came back with his partner, Drew Wilhelm. “While we were sitting in the waiting room to meet him, I felt like a father waiting for his newborn son to arrive,” said Wilhelm. “As soon as I saw him, I knew that was our dog,” he added. “He couldn’t stop jumping on us, he was so excited we were there to see him.”The couple adopted Elvis that day and took him to his forever home.  “Elvis has left the building,” the shelter wrote alongside a photo of the happy family. “His adopters have been waiting for the right time to welcome a dog into their family, and once they saw Elvis on the news, they couldn’t deny that it was fate.”The couple plans to keep the handsome pup’s legendary name and smitten with their new four-legged companion. “The couple is head over heels in love with their new family member and already has a dog bed and tons of toys waiting for him at his forever home,” the shelter wrote in a post. “Loren is a dedicated ACS supporter and has hosted many of the ACS’s fundraising events at Chicago’s fabulous drag queen, Debbie Fox. We couldn’t be happier for Elvis who finally got his happily ever after!”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How To Tell if a Dog Is Cold

You might think your dog feels fine in cold weather, thanks to their thick coat, but they can definitely feel the chill—and when they aren’t warm and comfortable, they could develop serious problems like hypothermia. So, it’s important to know the signs that your dog is cold, and to take steps to keep your pet comfy, whether they’re indoors or outside.  Although any dog can be affected by cold temperatures, wind, and snow, some are going to feel the drop in temperature sooner or more intensely. Puppies and seniors, as well as small dogs and those with short coats, are a few examples, along with hairless dogs and those who are ill or have chronic medical conditions.Signs Your Dog Is ColdHere are some of the ways to tell if your dog is cold:Your dog feels cold to the touch – An easy way to tell if your dog is cold is by petting them and feeling the temperature of their body. A good place to check is their ears, but also touch their paws, belly, and skin under their fur. If their body is cool to the touch, there are ways to warm them up.Your dog doesn’t want to be active – If your dog isn’t as active as they usually are, they might be feeling the chill in the air. Feel their body, as discussed above, to see if they’re cold, and take steps to make them warm. A dog who’s moving more slowly than normal while outside should be brought inside right away. Your dog is shivering – Just like people shiver when they’re cold, dogs will too, so this is an obvious sign that your pet needs to be warmed up as soon as possible. If your dog is trembling, consider the temperature inside your home, as you might need to turn the heat up. And if your dog is shaking while outside in the cold, bring them inside right away.Your dog is searching for ways to stay warm – If your dog wants to lie down next to the fireplace or heater, or they want to snuggle up next to you or under a blanket, they’re looking for ways to get warm. In addition, your dog might be reluctant to go outside, whether for a walk or to go potty. If they’re outside and you see them trying to find some shelter to warm up, bring them in immediately.  Your dog’s body language and vocalizations change – If you know your pet’s normal behavior and demeanor, it should be easy to tell when they’re cold. There will be signs that they’re uncomfortable, and they might exhibit anxious behaviors that let you know something is wrong. For example, your dog may tuck their tail, have a hunched posture, or curl up in a ball, and they might also bark or whimper. What To Do if Your Dog Is ColdWhenever your dog is showing signs of feeling cold, take action right away. Remember, a dog who gets too cold is at risk of hypothermia. Also, the cold can make some dogs, such as those with arthritis, experience even more discomfort. If your dog is outside, bring them inside. And if they’re wet from rain or snow, dry them gently.If your dog is already inside, move them to a warmer area, such as near a heat source and away from drafts.Help your dog feel warm and cozy indoorsYou can rub and massage your dog to help generate some warmth with your hands. Give your pet a cozy bed to rest in, and cover them with a blanket. You can also lie down next to your dog to help them warm up.There are heated dog beds you can use whenever your dog is chilly, along with dog heating pads that can work well too—just be sure to use these products as directed for safety and so your pet won’t get too hot. Keep your dog warm while outsideBefore heading outside with your dog, check the temperature. Generally, if it’s colder than 45°F (7°C), you should take additional precautions to ensure your pet won’t get too cold. But you know your individual dog best, so you’ll know when they need extra protection and less time outside.There are various jackets, sweaters, and boots made for dogs of all breeds and sizes. Put these on your canine companion before heading outside so they can stay warm while they go potty or go for a short walk.If it’s too cold for a walk or play session outside, don’t force your dog to stay out there. Instead, find ways to play with your dog indoors until the weather warms enough to be safer and more comfortable for your pooch.Use products that help your dog warm up and stay warmHere are a couple of items to consider buying for your dog: K&H Self-Warming Crate Pad

Why is My Dog Vomiting White Foam?

Sometimes, our dogs can exhibit behavior that can cause great panic in any owner. After all, they can’t talk to us and tell when something is hurting them, or when they feel ill, scared, or angry. So they let their bodies do the talking. One of these scary behaviors is vomiting white foam. It can happen all of a sudden, and frighten you to no end. But is it really a reason to panic? And what causes a dog to vomit white foam in the first place? Let’s find out more.Why Do Dogs Vomit White Foam?The reasons for white foam vomiting can be many, and the cause might not be clear to you immediately. What’s even more frustrating, there are several possible causes for this occurrence. In some cases, the reason for the vomiting can be complex, but often enough it is super simple. It could end up being a sensitive tummy irritated by a new brand of food on the menu, or just a passing belly ache that’s nothing to stress over. However, you should always consult with a vet to eliminate any underlying health issues, as there are many conditions whose symptom is vomiting. One of the conditions that manifests as vomiting foam is bilious vomiting, which is caused when a dog's stomach is empty for an extended period. This leads to the production of gastric acid, so the stomach contents may include a foamy, white substance. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day may help prevent this.  Gastritis, or the inflammation of the stomach lining can also cause vomiting. This condition may be triggered by various factors, such as dietary indiscretion, changes in diet, ingesting foreign objects, or infections. The vomit can likewise be white and foamy. The same can happen in the case of gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which is often caused by infections, dietary changes, or the ingestion of inappropriate or spoiled food. Be careful of the expiration dates and the quality of food you give to your dog, as an innocent mistake can cause a lot of digestive issues for your four-legged bestie. Another possible reason for white foam vomit can be the  ingestion of foreign bodies. Dogs may ingest non-food items that can cause irritation or blockages in the digestive tract, leading to vomiting. If you notice them dry heaving, this could be the reason why. The same goes for the ingestion of  toxic materials. Ingesting toxic substances can lead to white foamy vomiting. Common toxins include certain plants, human foods (like chocolate, xylitol, or onions), and household chemicals.

Guinness World Records Reviews Bobi’s 'World's Oldest Dog' Title

A Portuguese dog named Bobi made news last year when Guinness World Records crowned him as the world’s oldest dog. Bobi was 31 years and 165 days old when he died at his home last October.However, Guinness World Records has now suspended Bobi’s title after complaints made by veterinarians and professionals questioning the legitimacy of his age.Bobi, who was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, was also declared the world’s oldest dog ever, breaking a nearly century-old record held by an Australian cattle dog, named Bluey, who died in 1939 at the age of 29 years and 5 months. The average life expectancy of a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo is 12 to 14 years.A spokesperson for the Guinness World Records explained that the review into Bobi’s record is ongoing and it includes looking over the evidence again, looking for new evidence, and talking to experts and all those linked to the original application. “While our review is ongoing we have decided to temporarily pause both the record titles for oldest dog living and (oldest dog) ever just until all of our findings are in place and have been communicated,” said the spokesperson, according to CBS News.Several skeptics pointed out that Bobi’s feet appear to be of different color in photos of him as a puppy and in recent pictures of him in his old age. A Lisbon vet, Miguel Figuereido said last year that Bobi doesn’t really look like a very old dog with mobility problems and an old dog muscle mass. Additionally, an investigation by Wired discovered that Bobi had been formally registered on Portugal’s pet database in July 2022. Leonel Costa, the dog’s owner, registered Bobi as being born in 1992, but there hasn’t been any proof, other than the owner’s word. According to Portuguese law, dogs born before 2008 didn’t have to be registered until October 2020. The Portuguese database for dogs, cats, and other pets also told Wired that they weren’t contacted by Guinness World Records to verify the information. Many other veterinarians and canine experts have questioned Bobi’s true age in correspondence to the Guinness World Records. A veterinarian and council member of the Royal Colledge of Veterinary Surgeons, Danny Chambers, told the Guardian, “Not a single one of my veterinary colleagues believe Bobi was actually 31 years old.”Guinness World Records insists that the suspension is temporary while the review is ongoing.Bobi spent his whole life living with the Costa family in the village of Conqueiros, in Portugal. The pooch, who was allegedly born on May 11, 1992, escaped death in his first days of life. Bobi, along with three other puppies, was born in a woodshed belonging to the Costa family. But, because they already owned many animals, the parents decided to get rid of the newborn puppies.One puppy - Bobi - was unintentionally left behind and discovered days later. Bobi’s owner, Leonel Costa, who was eight, and his sister persuaded their parents to keep the pup, and so he remained living with the family.Leonel Costa defended Bobi’s title saying that “an elite within the veterinary world…tried to give people an idea that Bobi’s life story was not true.”Costa believes this happened because he attributed Bobi’s longevity to a varied diet of human foods, rather than pet food. He said this goes against the recommendations of many veterinarians. “Everything would be different if we had said he (Bobi) ate pet food for three decades,” said Costa, adding that they’d provided everything Guinness World Records requested to validate Bobi’s age. Bobi has never been chained up or put on a leash and used to roam the woods around the village until he got too old to move much. He spent his golden years lounging in the yard with the family cats. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Do I Train My Dog to Wear a Muzzle?

Introducing a new tool to your dog can feel like uncharted territory. While some dogs will readily accept whatever is thrown their way, others will become stressed or anxious when presented with something new. Unfortunately, if you are in a position where a muzzle is necessary for the safety of your dog or others around you, forgoing a tool because your dog appears to be uninterested in it isn’t an option. So, what do you do? How do you train your dog to wear a muzzle? This guide will dig into the importance of conditioning when planning to muzzle your dog. This includes explaining what conditioning is, walking you through the process step-by-step, and sharing some helpful tips to set you up for success. What is Muzzle Conditioning? Before expecting your dog to wear their muzzle, it is recommended that you take the time to focus on muzzle training, also referred to as muzzle conditioning. This is the process of introducing the muzzle alongside positive rewards. If each time your dog sees or interacts with the muzzle, they get “good things,” it will create a positive association. Over time, they will not only tolerate the muzzle but happily accept it. Why? They recognize that wearing their muzzle means they will receive good things like verbal praise, pets, and their favorite treats. How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Get Used to a Muzzle? There is no one guaranteed timeline when working on muzzle conditioning. While some dogs will quickly take to the muzzle, adjusting in just a few days, others will take longer. Some factors that can impact this include your dog’s personality, trainability, previous experience (positive or negative) with a muzzle, and their trust/bond with you as the person introducing this tool to them. It’s important to keep in mind that the time it takes does NOT mean you are doing better or failing at your training efforts. We have three dogs, all of which have been muzzle-trained. While two of our dogs took to the muzzle relatively quickly, Lucifer’s nerves and anxiety made the process more challenging. This doesn’t mean it was impossible. With time, patience, and consistency, he is now the dog that is most comfortable in a muzzle out of the three. We just had to move at his pace.

Scientists Finally Know Why Cats Love Tuna So Much

No food is more synonymous with cats than tuna. Even the pickiest of cats can’t resist the tuna’s fishy flavor. Finally, scientists have learned why cats love tuna so much. In the study published in the journal Chemical Sense, scientists report that cats, like humans, have receptors needed to detect umami flavor. Along with sweet, sour, bitter, and salty, umami is one of the five basic tastes.Umami seems to be the cats’ favorite flavor. Considering that umami gives food a deep and savory meaty aroma, it’s no surprise that an obligate carnivore like a cat would prefer it over all other flavors.The research team also found that cats’ taste receptors bind to two chemicals found in high concentrations in tuna. These chemicals boost the umami flavor, making cats obsessed with tuna. “This is an important study that will help us better understand the preferences of our familiar pers,” says Yasuka Toda, a molecular biologist at Meiji University. According to Toda, this study could help cat food manufacturers create healthier food and more palatable medication for cats. Previous studies showed that cats have a unique palate. Cats can’t taste sugar, because their sweet receptor gene is dysfunctional. Scientists believe that felines lose the ability to taste sweeteners and carbs because they don’t need these macronutrients to survive. Cats also have fewer bitter flavor receptors than humans. This trait is commonly seen in obligated carnivores. “Since discovering that cats don’t have a functional sweet taste receptor, we did wonder what they would respond to instead,” study lead author Scott McGrane, a sensory science expert at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, told Live Science. Humans and other animals possess two genes - Tas1r1 and Tas1r3 that work together to detect umami flavor. Previous research has shown that cats express the umami-related Tas1r3 gene in their taste buds, but it was unclear whether they possess both genes needed to detect umami flavor. The research team led by McGrane discovered that cats expressed both Tas1r1 and Tas1r3 genes in their taste buds. To learn this, the scientist biopsied the tongue of a six-year-old male cat that had been euthanized for health reasons unrelated to this study. However, a closer look at the protein sequences encoded by these genes showed that they are very different from human genes. As it turned out, the main amino acids that activate umami flavor in people - glutamic and aspartic acid - were mutated in cats. “So I began thinking, maybe cats can’t taste umami,” said McGrane. But, as it turned out, amino acids don’t bind to the cat umami receptor alone. Nucleotides, which are common in meat and yeast, bind to the cat receptor and glutamic and aspartic acid then have an enhancing effect. “That’s the exact opposite of what we see in people,” explained McGrane. Cats love tuna because it contains the nucleotide inosine monophosphate. Tuna also contains large quantities of L-histidine, an essential amino acid for cats, that enhances umami flavor. “The L-histidine content of tuna is much higher than of other fish species and meat sources.”These new findings could be used for the development of tastier cat food and pharmaceuticals. Although cat food manufacturers already knew that cats prefer meaty flavors, they now have much more details about the compounds they can start working with. It’s essential for manufacturers to ensure that animals want to eat the food they formulate and find it appealing. “I think umami is as important for cats as sweet is for humans,” said Toda. Dogs, she explained, can taste both sweet and umami, which may explain why they’re not such fussy eaters. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Britain's Beloved Breed, the Scottish Terrier, Faces Extinction

Once an icon of British culture, the Scottish terrier is now facing extinction. The Scottie has a distinctive silhouette of a short-legged but sturdy dog with furnishings at the beard, legs, and lower body.These mighty pooches decorated everything from the Monopoly board to designer bags, and shortbread tins. However, the Kennel Club has placed the Scottish terrier on its “at watch” list after only 406 puppies were registered by breeders in 2023.The number of registered Scotties has been plummeting for five consecutive years, but this is a record low.The Scottie was the most popular in the 1930s when there were more than 5,800 registered puppies in a single year. Presidents Franklin D Roosevelt and George W Bush enjoyed the company of Scottie dogs, while countless celebrities including Dorothy Parker and Charles Lindbergh owned a Scottish terrier. Originally bred to hunt foxes, badgers, and other vermin in the Highlands, the Scottish terrier has a loyal, fateful, and bold nature, but is never aggressive. Scotties are dignified, self-assured, independent, and highly intelligent dogs that make wonderful companions to people of all ages.Unfortunately, the Scottie isn’t the only dog that has fallen out of favor with British dog lovers. On the Kennel Club’s “at watch” list are also the English pointer, the rough collie, the wire fox terrier, the Sussex spaniel, the curly-coated retriever, the otterhound, the Gordon setter, the Norwich terrier, and the Manchester terrier. “The Scottish terrier has been such an icon and recognizable breed in the UK for decades and means so much to so many different people, so these latest figures are really worrying,” said Bill Lambart, a spokesman for the Kennel Club.On the other end of the popularity spectrum are Bernese mountain dogs and miniature longhaired Dachshunds, which saw the biggest rise in registrations. The English setter, the Jack Russel terrier, and the Yorkshire terrier also experienced a surge in popularity. Brits are lucky to have more than two hundred wonderful dog breeds to choose from. Each of these breeds has unique personality and character traits and make amazing companions. However, most dogs seen in the parks and streets come from the top ten most popular breeds.“People often opt for well-known choices and simply forget to dig a little deeper, with the worrying knock-on effect that not only are some of our most iconic breeds in decline but also that people might not be getting the perfect match for them,” said Lambert. “People simply forget there are so many different dog breeds, with different personalities and characteristics, and it’s not just the well-known ones that could be a great match for our lifestyles.” The Kennel Club is pleased to see that some of the country’s native breeds, like the English setter, are regaining their popularity. However, the organization also stresses that many breeds are at risk of extinction only because they are no longer fashionable. The top ten most popular breeds in the UK, including the French bulldog, Labrador retriever, and Cocker spaniel, account for more than 60 percent of annual puppy registrations for all breeds. Despite the low registration numbers, there’s still hope for the Scottish terrier. Breed enthusiasts and clubs have started to promote the breed’s unique traits, in hopes of increasing the public’s interest in this amazing breed. The plan to educate the public about the Scottish terrier’s character, history, and suitability as a companion pet could be essential for boosting the breed’s registration numbers. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Top stories

10 Terrific Yorkshire Terrier Trinkets

Related articles