Amazing Therapy Dogs Help Diabetics Live Healthier, Happier Lives

by Christina Peden

Published: December 10th, 2014

amazing therapy dogs help diabetics live healthier happier lives

Is there anything dogs can’t do? Non-profit organization Dogs4Diabetics is training therapy dogs to detect low blood sugar.

More and more, we’re coming to realize the role pooches can play in helping those who need it. From sniffing out cancer to offering companionship therapy to the elderly, dogs are being employed in all sorts of awesome ways that lend a helping hand to humans.

But did you know that dogs can also help detect diabetic episodes? Neither did we, until we came across an amazing organization called Dogs4Diabetics (D4D).

Dogs4Diabetics trains pups to recognize the unique scent diabetics give off when they have a hypoglycemic episode, which occurs when the blood sugar gets dangerously low. Hypoglycemia can lead to loss of consciousness, coma or even death if left untreated. Though there are often signs and symptoms leading up to such an episode, not all diabetics experience them and can be hit by an episode unawares — and that’s where the Dogs4Diabetics pooches comes in.

Not only do these clever canines help in the short-term by helping detect hypoglycemia before it occurs, but they also help D4D clients avoid the long-term risks that can come with diabetes, like blindness and amputation. Plus, having a tail-wagging furry friend with you at all times makes coping with the daily realities of the disease much more manageable.

Diabetes can also be stressful for the close family members of sufferers since they play a large part in helping diabetics manage their disease. A medic-alert dog helps provide peace of mind for parents or spouses, who now know that their loved one has the support of their canine companion no matter where they are.

And think about it — wouldn’t you be more likely to check your blood sugar on a frequent basis if you got a friendly reminder from a cuddly pooch instead of a nagging parent or spouse? Yep, that’s what we thought.

The dogs are specially bred to be therapy dogs and trained over the course of six-months. Then, they’re provided at no cost to those who need them. Amazing, right?

The only thing holding D4D back from providing even more therapy dogs to diabetes sufferers is the expense: it currently costs around $25,000 to breed, raise and train a single pup. While they currently have 100 volunteer staff on board to help with everything from fostering trainee pups to training and fundraising work, it should come as no surprise that more help (particularly financial) is always needed.

If you would like to learn more about Diabetes4Dogs and how you can donate to the cause, visit Dogs4Diabetics.com.

Make sure you also watch the video below to see the D4D dogs in action and hear the heartwarming tales of those they have helped.

Christina Peden

Christina Peden is a lifelong animal lover and avid wordsmith. She lives in Toronto with her boyfriend Ryan where they are proud pet parents to puppy, Matilda and cat, Oscar. In her spare time, she can be found enjoying Toronto, Canada's all-too-short patio season, taking advantage of the city's numerous parks or curled up with a good book.

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Magnolia Paws For Compassion Raises Awareness For Seizure Detection Do

What can’t service dogs be trained to do? Here’s the story of one program’s pledge to provide one-of-a-kind support animals to those affected by seizure disorders. Most people are aware that service dogs can help people who are blind, but not everyone knows the true potential of the dog’s ability to help people with disabilities. Dogs can help people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety disorders, agoraphobia and can even detect seizures in people with epilepsy. That’s where Magnolia Paws for Compassion comes in – to help raise awareness and fund training for service dogs to detect seizures and save lives. Magnolia Paws for Compassion Magnolia Paws for Compassion is made up of three organizations whose goal is to teach the world about seizure disorders and the benefits a service dog can provide. These three organizations – Eisai Inc, Epilepsy Foundation and 4 Paws for Ability – all work together for this amazing cause. 4 Paws for Ability is the organization that trains service dogs that will alert their owner as to when a seizure is going to take place. The dogs are trained to bark and alert the caregivers of the person having the seizure. These one-of-a-kind canines are recognized through the Americans with Disabilities Act as legal service dogs. Related: Does Your Dog’s Nose Hold The Key To Early Cancer Detection? About Eisai Inc.

Does Your Dog’s Nose Hold The Key To Early Cancer Detection?

Thanks to the efforts of the InSitu Foundation, the answer is yes! These cancer-detecting canines can smell sickness with more accuracy than a machine. Dogs have about 300 million scent receptors. To put that in perspective, humans have five million. That explains how my dog can whiff out a plastic-wrapped Twinkie… in my purse… in the car… parked across the street. Yup, he’s that good! While my dog’s nose is totally self-serving, you can’t deny that’s a pretty awesome talent. InSitu Foundation is harnessing that nasal power to sniff out certain kinds of cancer in humans. InSitu is a non-profit organization that trains pooches to detect the big C, using, you guessed it, a food-based reward system. Okay, so maybe this olfactory aptitude is a little self-serving. Related: Easy-To-Understand Cartoon On How A Dog’s Nose Can “See” [Video] A different kind of service dog We’ve all heard of service dogs in a variety of industries – airport bomb-sniffing dogs, to medical assistance dogs that guide the blind, help autistic kids or alert diabetics of low blood sugar episodes before they even happen. Our four-legged friends are a talented bunch, and they are now being used to protect humans from one of the leading causes of death the world over. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2015 the U.S. will see around 1,658,370 new cancer cases diagnosed and 589,430 cancer deaths. With April being cancer awareness month, we thought this would be a great time to spread the word and work of InSitu and their amazing employment of man’s best friend. Related: Amazing Therapy Dogs Help Diabetics Live Healthier, Happier Lives Smelling in layers According to InSitu, dogs have the ability to layer scent, which is exactly what lets my own dog detect the goodies in my bag, through cover of packaging, fabric, leather and whatever else stands between his nose and the mouth-watering indulgence. This same principle applies when it comes to detecting certain diseases – like cancer – which each have their own specific scent. The dogs win by a nose Studies have shown dogs can actually smell early stage cancer with 88 percent specificity and 99 percent sensitivity. In medicine, numbers this high are rarely seen. More accurate than machines, the “nose” method also offers the benefits of being the cheaper, non-invasive method of discovery. So far, our four-legged friends are three for three. While technology has certainly come a long way, most machines used to find cancer are either “sensitive” or “specific” but don’t deliver both qualities. The result is false positives, unnecessary biopsies and surgeries, and worse – cancers that go undiagnosed. Dogs, on the other hand, offer the best of both worlds. Honestly, is there anything they can’t do? Put those dogs to work InSitu participated in two federally funded studies that explored canine scent detection in early and late stage lung, breast and ovarian cancer. (Wow, it makes you wonder what Fido’s really getting at the next time he buries his head in your crotch!) And their work’s far from finished. The organization is currently in a collaborative study with Duke University on differentiating between cancer and benign tumors. Some say studying dogs’ sense of smell can help humans learn more about the distinct “sick smell” and advance the detection and treatment cancer in its early stages. But others argue, with pooches’ already developed, already proven accuracy and sensitivity, why not employ their amazing aromatic ability on the front lines, in hospitals, right now? We agree! We want 50CCs of cancer-sniffing dogs at our hospitals, stat! For more information and to donate, visit InSitu’s official website.

Cancer Survivor Finds New BFF With Three-Legged Dog

All the tissues were needed at a Sacramento, California pet adoption, where two friends in similar situations became forever family. Twelve-year-old Quinn is a warrior. He is a cancer survivor who had his leg and hip amputated two years ago due to the ravages of the disease. But trooper that he is, he knew the amputation wasn’t going to make him any less who he was, and upon waking up from the surgery, the first thing he told his mom, Teresa, was that he wanted a dog with three legs. Related: Amazing Therapy Dogs Help Diabetics Live Healthier, Happier Lives Teresa took that to heart, scouring the country for a dog with three legs and just-the-right personality to be Quinn’s amputee buddy and forever family member. After two years of looking, she thought she’d finally found the perfect pup through the Front Street Animal Shelter’s Facebook page. Just knowing he was ‘the one,’ Teresa took Quinn out of his Napa, California school early and rushed to Sacramento to pick him up. But upon arrival, the shelter staff had to tell Teresa and Quinn that someone had already reserved Logan, a pitbull mix, and their hearts were broken. Still, they decided to hang out and see if the person who’d reserved him actually adopted him. To everyone’s sheer joy, the woman changed her mind, and Quinn and Logan were brought together. Shelter worker Gina Knepp said that when she saw Quinn and Logan together, she immediately began to tear up, and said that Logan’s adoption was one that was full of many joyful tears. Logan came to the shelter as a stray with a broken leg. He had to have it amputated and survived the surgery, only to face finding the perfect family to love him. Related: What is Canine Blastomycosis? Quinn’s mother says that he actually first battled cancer when he was just a baby, and then again recently, resulting in his amputation. She said that his treatments were lonely and isolating for him, but he now has a friend who is no stranger to survival and thriving himself.

Lending A Helping Paw: What’s Involved In Therapy Dog Training

Does your pooch have the right stuff to make a difference? Then you should consider therapy dog training. Having a dog can be a wonderful experience – not only do they provide constant love and companionship, but the presence of a dog can be soothing. This is why dogs make such great therapy animals! If you have ever considered training your dog to be a therapy dog, this article is the perfect place to start for more information. Related: Top 10 Therapy Dog Breeds Where are Therapy Dogs Used? The term “therapy dog” is sometimes confused with the term “service dog.” Service dogs are used by individuals with various disabilities to help them perform basic living functions. Therapy dogs, on the other hand, visit certain facilities simply for the sake of providing canine comfort. The most common venues for therapy dogs are hospitals, assisted-living complexes, hospice centers, and schools. In reality, however, therapy dogs can be a benefit almost anywhere. The American Kennel Club (AMK) states that there are currently more than 50,000 registered therapy dog-owner teams in the United States alone and the fact that this number is steadily increasing points toward the fact that therapy dogs provide a real benefit. For example, a study conducted by Alternative and Complementary Therapies showed that a single 12-minute session with a therapy dog reduced blood pressure and anxiety in patients suffering from heart failure. Related: Amazing Therapy Dogs Help Diabetics Live Healthier, Happier Lives How are Therapy Dogs Certified? In order to become a certified therapy dog, your pooch must pass certain requirements put forth in a test conducted by a Therapy Dogs International (TDI) certified evaluator. To qualify for the test, your dog must be at least one year old, in good health, and of good temperament. In order to be a good therapy dog, your dog should be trained for basic obedience and he should be socialized around people and hospital equipment. When it comes to selecting dogs to be therapy dogs, temperament is more important than the particular breed, or even the size of the dog. All you need to do is register your dog with a national group and pass the in-person exam. How to Get Started Before you attempt to get your dog certified as a therapy dog, you need to cement his basic obedience skills – these will be tested in the in-person exam. If you want to ensure that your dog picks up what he needs to know, you should think about enrolling in a therapy dog training course sponsored by Therapy Dogs International, Pet Partners, or another national organization. It also wouldn’t hurt to familiarize your dog with the type of people and equipment he will come into contact with as a therapy dog – this includes individuals in wheelchairs, hospital gurneys, electronic equipment, and other devices. The more socialized your dog is, the better he will do as a therapy dog. In the end, however, the thing that matters most is his temperament and his ability to provide comfort to individuals in need. It takes more than just a friendly disposition to become a therapy dog. But the time you put into therapy dog training will pay off, and you and your dog will make a difference in the lives of people who need the love of a furry friend.

Facebook Doggie Photos Go Viral For Teen With Cancer

Adorable dog pics for a great cause – this Facebook page gives us all kind of warm and fuzzies! We all know there is enough bad news to go around, and that’s why we here at PetGuide love to bring you guys the good, heartwarming stuff when we hear about it. (Spoiler Alert: This is definitely one of those stories.) Last summer, 16-year-old Anthony Lyons was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia after falling ill while visiting his grandparents in Oregon. As anyone could imagine, the diagnosis was devastating for Anthony and his parents, and having to quickly begin a difficult course of chemotherapy didn’t make the journey any easier –until, that is, Anthony was introduced to the therapy dog program at Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Related: Therapy Dogs May Be The Key To Less Stress And Loneliness At Colleges As anyone with a pet can attest, a snuggle with your favorite critter can brighten even the toughest of days, and Anthony is no exception. He’s a firm believer that the pet therapy really helps. “I can be in here and having a really bad day and then one of the dogs will show up and it will be the highlight of the day,” says Anthony. Seeing how happy these visits made Anthony, a family friend turned to Facebook, creating a page called ‘ Photo Doggies for Anthony”, asking people to post pictures of their pooches so Anthony could look at them on the days he didn’t get a visit from the therapy dogs. Related: Amazing Therapy Dogs Help Diabetics Live Healthier, Happier Lives Thanks to the power of the internet, the page has gone viral: so far, the page has garnered over 300,000 posts from across America and around the world, including as far away as troops stationed in Afghanistan. (Amazing, right??) Anthony says that his mom shows him all the pictures when he’s stuck in his hospital bed. He loves seeing pictures of the dogs from far and wide, and says his favorite photos are the funny ones. Anthony’s mom, Kristen Lyons, is so thankful for the outpouring of support from around the globe: they’ve loved every second of it, she says, and the pictures really brighten Anthony’s days. If you’d like to post your own doggie picture for Anthony, you can visit the Photo Doggies for Anthony page. Go do it and help make Anthony’s day even brighter! Currently, Anthony still faces a further three months of chemotherapy. We wish him nothing but the best, and hope he gets all the sloppy puppy kisses he can handle in the meantime. [Source: Fox 10 Phoenix]

Is Dog Food Bad for Cats?

In households where cats and dogs coexist together, you can bet that furballs will “share” everything. Sofas, lounging chairs, cozy spots, beds, toys – you name it. Well, sure, not all of it is sharing in the real sense of the word, as it is more of your cat just claiming all of it for itself. That’s just how cats are. But hey, no harm in your cat and dog sharing a bed or a lounging spot. However, what would happen if your cat happened to “share” your dog’s food? Can dog food be bad for cats? Here’s what you should know if your feline is keen on nibbling your dog’s kibble.Is Dog Food Bad for Cats?Cats and dogs are different – it doesn’t take much thinking to figure that out. Not only in their behavioral traits but in their nutritional needs as well. And since their nutritional requirements differ, dog food will generally not be adequate for cats. While dog food is not toxic to cats, it does not have all the nutrients necessary for cats, and it is not formulated in the same way. Cats need specific nutrients like taurine, arachidonic acid, and certain vitamins that are not present in sufficient amounts in dog food. For example, dogs can survive with lower levels of Vitamin A and proteins, while cats cannot. And even if your cat somehow enjoys dog food and prefers to munch on it at feeding time, it is ultimately not good for her. In fact, feeding cats dog food over a long period can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems. It's essential to feed cats a balanced diet formulated specifically for their needs to ensure they stay healthy. This includes plenty of protein (more than doggos), and amino acids like taurine and arginine. In fact, these amino acids are essential for cat health. Taurine is especially important for cats. Unlike dogs, cats cannot synthesize enough taurine in their bodies, so they must get it from their diet. Taurine deficiency can lead to serious health issues in cats, including heart problems and vision issues.Cats also require arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in animal tissues. Arachidonic acid is necessary for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and reproductive function. While dogs can synthesize arachidonic acid from other fats, cats cannot produce enough on their own and must obtain it from their diet. The same goes for Vitamins A and D. They are essential components of a cat diet, and cannot be found in dog food in adequate measures. 

Can I Use Human Hair Shampoo to Wash My Dog?

Making sure your pet’s hygiene is up to standards is an important thing, but you have to be careful about how you go about it. There aren’t a lot of important rules to consider when doggo baths are considered, but you should pay special attention to the type of shampoo that you use. If you are all out of pet shampoo, and you are thinking that a little bit of human shampoo won’t make a difference – think again. Using human hair shampoo on your dog is not recommended, and the reasons for this are many, including negative effects on your pet’s overall health and the quality of their skin and coat. Here’s what you should know before you reach for your shampoo when bathing your pooch.Why You Shouldn’t Use Human Shampoo On DogsThe first and foremost thing you have to consider is pH balance. Human shampoos are formulated to match the pH level of human skin. However, that level is totally different for dogs. Because of this, human shampoo can greatly disrupt the natural pH levels of a dog’s skin, ultimately leading to rashes, irritation, and skin diseases. And the same goes for the ingredients in that shampoo.  Dog shampoos have totally different ingredients compared to human shampoos. The latter has many chemicals that are considered too harsh for dogs. Dogs are prone to skin allergies and sensitivities, and some of the ingredients in human shampoos could make these issues much worse. The allergies can also be triggered by the strong fragrances of human-grade shampoos, which dogs can’t really stand. You should also take into account that a dog’s coat and human hair are totally different. While human shampoos are meant to lather well on hair, they’ll be too soapy for dogs. Rinsing out human shampoo from a dog can be a challenge, and a lot of chemicals can stay trapped in the coat and absorbed through the skin. Ultimately, all of this can leave your dog’s coat damaged, their skin irritated, and their health vulnerable to viruses and skin-borne infections. 

Playing with Dogs Helps People Concentrate and Relax, Study Finds

Numerous studies have investigated the bond between humans and dogs, showing that canine companionship offers physical and emotional benefits, such as reduced blood pressure, increased oxytocin levels, and decreased levels of the stress hormone cortisol. However, few studies have looked at what happens in a person’s brain when they interact with a dog. A new study, led by researchers in South Korea did just that!In this study, researchers measured the participant’s brain waves during interactions with a four-year-old standard poodle, named Aro. The team wanted to find out how specific activities affected the participants’ mood.The study involved 30 healthy participants who were asked to engage in eight distinct activities with Aro. The activities included meeting, playing, massaging, feeding, grooming, hugging, photographing, and walking the dog. Before the activities began, the participants were asked to sit and stare at a wall for three minutes to minimize any stimulation that could affect the study’s results. The researchers used headsets of electrodes to measure participants' brain wave activity while they interacted with the dog. The results showed that activities like walking the dog increased relaxation while brushing the dog improved concentration. Interestingly, playing with the dog increased both concentration and relaxation. “Previous studies of the potential benefits of animal interactions often take a holistic approach, comparing people’s mood or hormone levels before and after spending time with a dog,” explained Onyoo Yoo, the study’s lead author, and researcher at Konkut University in South Korea. “It is a significant finding that engaging in certain activities with dogs can increase specific brain activity,” he added, according to NBC News. Yoo’s team asked the participants to engage in eight activities, for three minutes each, while wearing brainwave-detecting headsets. The participants also needed to complete surveys after each activity, describing how they felt emotionally.The team discovered that alpha brain waves, which indicate relaxation and stability, became stronger when participants played with Aro using squeaky toys and when they took her for a walk on a park trail. These results showed that participants were in an increased state of rest and relaxation. On the other hand, beta brain waves, which are associated with attention and concentration, became stronger when participants brushed Aro or gave her a gentle massage. This showed that participants’ concentration improved without an increase in stress. All participants reported feeling less stressed, tired, and depressed after all eight activities. According to the study, activities such as hugging, feeding, and massaging the dog improved the participants’ moods, in particular. “This study demonstrated that specific dog activities could activate stronger relaxation, emotional stability, attention, concentration, and creativity by facilitating increased brain activity,” said Yoo. “In addition, interactions with dogs could decrease stress and induce positive emotional responses.”For example, playing with a dog not only relaxes the mind but also increases concentration. This dual effect shows that dogs could play an important role in therapies designed to reduce stress and improve mental focus. Past studies have suggested that dogs could help ease symptoms of depression or PTSD, but it’s still unclear how effective that type of pet therapy may be. Researchers agree that people need to enjoy being around dogs for this type of animal-assisted therapy to work. More studies are needed to confirm the validity of these findings. But if you already have a dog, there’s now even more evidence supporting interaction with your pet. So go ahead and take your dog for a walk or a play session in the park, you’ll both feel better after it!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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Cat playing with laser pointer is used by NASA to measure band-with between deep space and Earth.

Is it OK to Give Dogs Raw Bones?

While dogs can be picky eaters, they’re not really known as pets with the most refined pallets. Pooches tend to be voracious and their appetites are indiscriminate, so they’ll munch on anything – anytime.However, as a responsible owner, you should make sure that whatever they’re snacking on is something that’s safe for them to eat – which can be a bit stressful. For instance, the image of a dog with a bone is all but ingrained in people’s brains, but do dogs really need to chew on bones? And, if so, are raw bones fine or do you need to cook them first?Many owners are fearful that bones are not entirely appropriate for dogs, both because of potential bacterial contamination and the risk of bone splintering. Because of this, feeding dogs raw bones can be a controversial topic, and it's important to consider various factors before deciding whether or not to offer this natural snack to your pet. Before you make your decision, here are some important aspects to take into account.Is it OK to Give Dogs Raw Bones?Whether it’s a childhood memory or a scene in an old cartoon, you’ve probably seen a dig happily gnawing on a bone (and a cat drinking cow milk), but are bones really good for dogs – or is it just a myth that they enjoy them? While raw bones for dogs can have some benefits, such as offering important trace minerals, or a way to naturally  remove plaque buildup from a dog’s teeth, there are some risks to giving your pet raw bones. Mainly, two things about raw bones concern dog owners – their tendency to splinter and potential bacterial contamination. When it comes to splintering, it is much less likely for a raw bone to splinter than a cooked one, but still, it is wise to choose bigger bones to minimize the risks even more. As for the chance for the bones to be contaminated with salmonella or E. coli, the key is to source the bones from a trusted, responsible supplier.With those things in mind, if you are still interested in giving your dog raw bones, here are some key steps to follow to make sure that your pet is safe and enjoys their natural chew treat without any adverse effects:#1 Always supervise your petIf you decide to give your dog a raw bone, it's essential to supervise them closely. This helps prevent potential choking hazards, broken teeth, or possible injuries if splintering does occur.#2 Pick the right size

How Do I Know If My Dog Has Frostbite?

Cold weather affects our pets even more than it does us – dogs are much more sensitive to harsh weather elements and can be especially affected by the freezing winter cold. Depending on their size and the thickness of their coat, dogs can be more or less endangered when the scales go way down below zero, and for some dogs, going out in subzero temperatures can be quite risky. So much so, that they can even get frostbite. While frostbite in dogs can range from mild to severe, it’s a condition you can’t ignore – you need to know how to quickly spot signs of frostbite in dogs and make sure to provide first aid ASAP to prevent any permanent damage. How Do I Know If My Dog Has Frostbite?Exposing your dog to extremely cold temperatures is always risky. While there are certain breeds, like  huskies, who are adapted to extreme weather conditions, dogs are generally not ideally suited for freezing temperatures and as such are at risk of getting frostbite. Frostbite is a result of skin and tissues freezing, and it usually affects the most exposed parts of the dog’s body, like the paws, ears, nose, and tail. However, it can’t always be easy to spot frostbite in the earliest stages – usually, pet owners realize they’re dealing with frostbite when the damage is already done. Try and keep an eye out for the following symptoms if your pet has been out in the cold:Swelling:When frostbite sets in, the affected area will often swell. This happens when the top layers of the skin and tissue become gradually frozen. Likewise, the swollen area could feel firm or hard to the touch.Coldness:The areas that are frostbitten will feel much colder to the touch than the rest of the body. This can be the first and the most obvious sign of frostbite.Skin Ulcers and Blisters:These nasty growths can appear when frostbite has really taken hold of an affected part. As the frostbitten flesh begins to thaw, it also blisters. Limping:When your dog limps in cold weather, it can be the first indication that something is wrong. This is usually due to the soft tissue on the paws being exposed to freezing ground. Discolored Skin:Another tell-tale sign of frostbite is the discoloration of the skin on the affected area. The main cause of this is the reduced blood flow to the area. The skin in this case will appear gray, pale, or bluish.  It goes without saying that frostbite is very dangerous. If you suspect it in your dog, please seek the help of a veterinarian at once. It is paramount that you leave professionals to take care of your pet, rather than to attempt to fix the situation on your own. Things like hot water, direct heat, and other attempts to reheat the flesh quickly will only lead to more damage. Also, keep in mind that the signs of frostbite can take several days to appear. This is mostly true for small areas of flesh being affected, such as the tip of the tail, or the ears. 

Study Finds Pets Didn't Make People Happier During the Pandemic

Would you say that your pet help you feel better during the pandemic? Countless pet parents, myself included, would say they experienced less stress and anxiety during lockdown thanks to their four-legged companions. However, a new study led by researchers from Michigan State University suggests otherwise. Researchers couldn’t find a reliable association between pet ownership and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, even though owners claimed pets improved their lives. The pandemic was extremely stressful for everyone. The research team from Michigan State University theorized that the pandemic created ideal conditions to determine how much happiness and comfort pets actually provide to their families. The study, published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, evaluated 767 people on three separate occasions in May 2020. The researchers used a mixed-method approach, looking at several indicators of well-being. They also asked owners in an open-ended question to think about the role of pets. Unsurprisingly, pet owners reported their pets made them happy. Owners claimed pets help them feel more positive emotions and provide companionship and affection, but also expressed worry about their pet’s well-being and reported their pets interfered with working remotely. But when researchers compared the happiness of pet owners to levels seen in non-pet owners they made a surprising discovery. Shockingly, the data showed no difference in the well-being of pet owners and non-pet owners over time. The research team explained that it did not matter what type of pet people owned, how many pets they had, or how close owners were with their pets. The personalities of the owners weren’t a factor either. “People say pets make them happy, but when we actually measure happiness that doesn’t appear to be the case,” said William Chopik, an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Psychology and co-author of the study, in a university release. “People see friends as lonely or wanting companionship, and they recommend getting a pet. But it’s unlikely to be as transformative as people think,” added Chopik. The research team also explored several other potential reasons as to why there was no difference in the happiness levels of pet owners and non-pet owners. The most likely reason might be that non-pet owners have found ways to fill their lives with activities and interests that make them as happy as owning a pet would. “Staking all of your hope on a pet making you feel better is probably unfair and maybe costly, given other things you could do in your life that could improve your happiness,”  said Chopik. Another study, involving 4,237 people, beginning at the start of the pandemic and ending in December 2021, had similar findings. Although owners grew closer to their pets, especially dogs, during the pandemic, that didn’t stave off stress.In fact, the lowest stress levels were seen in non-pet owners. When you think about it, these results kind of make sense - pet owners had an additional mouth to feed during the lockdown and had limited opportunities to take their dogs out for a walk or play session. The results of these studies are surprising, to say the least. I was positive that I was happier than my poochless friends during the lockdown, but guess that wasn’t the case. After thinking about this a bit more, I realized that maybe we shouldn’t expect so much from our four-legged companions. Yes, there are many benefits to owning a pet, and pets can make us happy, but ultimately happiness depends on ourselves. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

UK Dog Is Recovering After 130+ Coins Were Removed From His Stomach

Missing any cash? An owner from Swindon in the UK did and was shocked when he discovered how his money went missing. The vets were equally shocked because they discovered that Charlie, the little  Bichon Frise, had eaten 133 coins, equalling more than £18!The mischievous little Bichon was taken to Thameswood Vets in Swindon, after the owners became concerned for his health, thinking he was ill. Their doubts proved true. A quick ultrasound revealed an obvious obstruction in the pet’s tummy. At first, the vet thought it was a piece of plastic, and scheduled an operation to remove the obstruction. But the surgery left him shocked. "It was a surprise for everybody,"  said vet Matheus Nerone, who carried out the surgery. Because once the stomach was opened, a “hoard” of 133 coins was discovered, adding up to £18 and 20 pence. "We opened his stomach and found 133 coins inside him," Dr. Nerone explained. "We did find some pieces of plastic there as well - but the owners had no idea that he had eaten the coins."Everyone was left scratching their head, wondering how on earth did Charlie ingest so many coins. "I don't think they had been there that long - maybe the night or two nights before he came in - because of the size of the obstruction there.” the Dr. said. "He felt sick so if he had eaten those coins a few days ago, he would have been sick before then."Of course, the doctor revealed that it is not uncommon for dogs to  ingest all sorts of things, especially loose change. "It does happen but usually they stop after having a couple of them [coins] - but 133 coins is an impressive amount!"Luckily, the surgery went well, and mischievous little Charlie is now making a good recovery. Thanks to the owner’s keen eye, a real tragedy was prevented, as Charlie could have been in big trouble without quick attention. "Many coins contain zinc which can be poisonous and lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and a lack of appetite," Dr. Nerone clarified. "We are monitoring his blood, but we are hopeful that everything's going to be fine."So next time you’re missing some change, consider all the possibilities!

Homeless Man Rescues a Litter of Orphaned Puppies During a Storm

An anonymous homeless man has become an internet sensation after rescuing a litter of puppies and taking them to the shelter during a storm. In the wake of a recent storm, the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society in North Carolina discovered that a nameless man had dropped off a litter of five puppies at the shelter’s door. The puppies, estimated to be less than two months old, were left with a touching note. “The note was from a kind soul, a homeless man who, despite his own hardships, took it upon himself to rescue these innocent lives after their mother, a local stray he cared for, tragically passed away,” share the shelter in a Facebook post. The shelter also posted pictures of the note left by the homeless man, who apologized for not being able to care for the puppies himself. “Please help,” he wrote. “I found these puppies sadly after noticing a local stray dog that I would often feed when I could, dead by the road. She had been hit by a car.” The man added that he knew she had a litter of puppies nearby and that he searched the area for them, so they wouldn’t starve and freeze to death waiting for their mom to return. “I’m sorry for leaving them like this, but I myself am homeless and cannot afford to care for them,” the man explained. “My heart shatters for them and their mother. I just want them to be given the chance their mother, like myself, was never given.”“Please do not think poorly of me, but it felt wrong leaving them alone in the cold waiting on a mother that would not be coming home. Sincerely, the nameless man.” Touched by this selfless act of kindness, the shelter thanked the nameless man, saying that his good deed hadn’t gone unnoticed. The shelter promised to honor this selfless gesture by ensuring these puppies get all the love and care they deserve. “Your empathy in the face of adversity gives us hope and inspiration,” the shelter wrote. The staff invited the man to come by the shelter to visit the puppies and get a proper thank you. So far, the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society has not heard from the man but noted that many people have offered to help him get back on his feet if he comes forward. To acknowledge the lucky circumstances of their rescue, the shelter named the puppies Chance, Kismet, Serendipity, Fortun, and Fate. The puppies were extremely malnourished and small when they were rescued, so the shelter couldn’t yet determine their breed.“We are guessing they are lab mixes and will grow to be about 30 to 40 pounds, but again that’s a guess,” said the shelter. According to the shelter, the applications to adopt these cute puppies will open on February 1. The organization explained that they will only consider applicants from Cumberland County, North Carolina because the puppies are going home on a foster-to-adopt basis until they are old enough to be spayed or neutered. In the meantime, the organization is accepting donations and has a wish list available for anyone willing to assist in caring for these puppies. “Unfortunately, we still don’t have any updates about the kind man who brought these puppies to us. While the puppies have names now, their rescuer remains unknown. We continue to hope he’ll come forward,” the shelter wrote. “Thank you for your continued support and love for these animals. Together we’re making a difference in their lives one puppy at a time.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Adopter Visits a Dog Every Day for 2 Months to Earn the Pet's Trust

Alva, a fearful dog who spent over 500 days at Austin Pets Alive! shelter has found a loving home thanks to an adopter who believed in her. According to Dr. Ellen Jefferson, a veterinarian and the CEO and president of Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), Alva first arrived at the shelter in 2019, as a puppy. Alva was transferred to APA! from another shelter after it was discovered that she had cerebellar hypoplasia. This congenital neurological condition affects the part of the brain that controls movement, leading to mobility issues. “We’re a shelter that generally takes animals from other shelters when they can’t afford long-term medical treatment,” said Jefferson, according to PEOPLE. The shelter quickly found a home for the young puppy, but problems emerged as Alva grew up.A common issue for dogs with severe mobility problems is that they don’t get out as much as healthy dogs. They spend most of their time inside a loving home with people who take good care of them. Unfortunately, these dogs miss a vital part of socialization as they aren’t exposed to new people, animals, and situations during puppyhood. As the home Alva grew up in became busier, she attempted to bite the people who came over for a visit. This type of fear aggression is common for dogs with mobility issues because they can’t get away. Sadly, Alva ended up back in the shelter because she became territorial, defensive, and fearful. While the shelter looked for a perfect adopter for Alva, the behavioral support team and volunteers worked with the pooch daily. “She got the best care she possibly could, with so many people taking her out every day,” Jefferson shared. “She had a wheelchair made for her.”Although Alva made immense progress with her mobility and behavioral issues, no one showed interest in adopting her for more than 500 days. Luckily, Alva wasn’t destined to stay in the shelter forever! Alva’s future changed when Joe Rotunda saw her on Instagram in July. Although he wasn’t looking for a new pet at that time, he immediately knew that he wanted to give Alva a loving home. “She shined. She had this almost tangible will,” Rotunda said. “I saw all these videos of Alva running, playing, and falling down. And every time she fell, she pulled herself back up. Every time a challenge presented itself, she did not go around it; she went over it. And I was very inspired.”It was love at first sight! Rotunda didn’t hesitate for a second, instead, he drove to APA! to schedule a meeting with Alva. “She was very wary of me. She was very nervous, concerned, and anxious,” said Rotunda about Alva’s initial reaction to him. “But, you could tell she was so loving and affectionate around the people that she knew.”To earn Alva’s trust, Rotunda kept coming back. That meant visiting the shelter every day for two months! “She needed someone who would not give up on her. And I never questioned that decision,” he explained.Over time, Alva who lounged and nipped at him at first, started to approach Rotunda and feel safe in his company. By October the APA! and Rotunda agreed it was time for Alva to spend the night outside the shelter.Before Alva arrived, Rotunda transformed his home to make it inviting and as comfortable as possible. He blocked a large section of the living room to make a private play area and added several crates to give Alva room to decompress.Alva arrived on Friday night, and when the APA! caretaker came to collect her the next day, it was obvious the dog wanted to stay. “She did not want to leave the house. She did not want to go back to APA. And she’s been here ever since.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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.

What Happens if Dogs Eat Cat Food?

A multi-pet household is always full of adventures, and even more so when you have both cats and dogs. While there are many fun aspects to sharing your life and your home with multiple pets, there are quite a few challenges, as well – such as making sure everybody’s keeping their nose in their own food bowl. We all know that dogs tend to have healthy appetites and are not picky, which means they’ll often try (and succeed) in eating cat food when given the chance.While not the  worst thing a dog can eat when sharing a home with a cat (litter and its contents seem to be irresistible to some canines), kitty kibble certainly isn’t the best type of food for your dog, either. But what happens if dogs eat cat food? Can it be harmful to them? And are cat and dog foods really that different? Here’s what you need to know.What Happens if a Dog Eats Cat Food?Let’s face it: if a dog eats cat food occasionally, it's usually not a cause for concern. The worst that can happen is an upset stomach or a bit of diarrhea. The main cause is the fact that cat food is formulated differently from dog food, containing higher levels of protein and fat, which can be harder for dogs to digest. If a dog eats cat food regularly, however, it can lead to digestive issues such as upset stomach, diarrhea, or even  pancreatitis due to the higher fat content. In other words, sneaking food from the cat’s bowl once or twice won’t be an issue – but repeated consumption most definitely will. What is more, cat food lacks certain nutrients that dogs need in their diet, such as adequate levels of vitamin E and taurine. So, while an occasional nibble might not harm your dog, it's best to prevent regular access to cat food to avoid potentially considerable health problems.Another reason why doggos should steer clear of cat food on a regular basis is weight gain. Cat food has a quite higher fat content, which can lead to weight gain in dogs. All the excess weight (which can pile up quite quickly) will lead to a lot of health issues, like diabetes or joint issues. If your pooch likes to sample cat food, they might also experience an upset stomach, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea. This is because cat food contains much more protein than the usual dog food. Higher levels of protein are harder to digest for dogs, and this results in gastrointestinal discomfort. A home remedy for an upset tummy in dogs – if it’s due to eating a bit of kitty food – could be providing  dog probiotics in combination with a bland diet for a day or two, until they’re feeling better. 

New Study Shows Surprising Effect of Pet Ownership on Seniors

You’ve probably noticed how your four-legged bestie influences your mood for the better, but did you know that your pet might be beneficial to your brain? That’s right! The latest studies show that your pet and their company could be just the thing to lower the risk of dementia in your golden years. These findings are especially important for single senior pet owners who are at risk of this troubling illness as they reveal that having a pet can make a drastic change. A recent study that involved adults over the age of 50 who lived alone revealed that those living in the company of a loved pet will have considerably less decline in their verbal fluency and verbal memory - compared to those who lived without a pet. This research was published in the  journal JAMA Network Open and was based on data taken from 7,945 people in the mentioned age group.This study, however, only reflects on people who live alone and does not involve participants who lived with other persons in the household. Still, while the results reinforce the fact that loneliness is a major risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia in old age, they also reveal something new – that the company of a pet counts as much as the company of human family members, if not more so.The early signs of cognitive decline can be fluency, verbal issues, cognition, and memory problems, and so on. But if you have the company of a pet, whom you can address and care for, can greatly reduce the feelings of loneliness and keep these cognitive issues at bay. This study and its results are very important in today’s day and age and for many Americans in particular. Recent U.S. Census Bureau insights revealed that almost 28 percent of all households in the United States were “one-person households” in 2020. This is an alarmingly large number and shows us that many people aged 50 and older will face lonely senior years. Of course, even though the results of this study show that older people can maintain their mental health through the company of a pet, the research team emphasized that more advanced studies and clinical trials will be required to fully confirm the results. Yet even so, the lack of an effective therapy that can reverse or slow cognitive decline and treat dementia means that these results are a small but very important benefit for the understanding of these issues. And, needless to say, all those who are entering their senior years and want to spend them in a healthier and more beneficial way now know that their next station should probably be a local pet shelter. Find a pet you can love and cherish - and keep your brain healthy while showering them with affection.

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