Humane Society Fights Back Against USDA Records Removal

by Lori Ennis

Published: February 17th, 2017

humane society fights back against usda records removal

The United States Department of Agriculture is removing years’ worth of data about inspection reports for thousands of animal facilities and breeders. Now, animal welfare groups are fighting back.

When the USDA announced it was removing thousands of records that included inspection reports for places such as laboratories, zoos, and commercial breeders from its public database, and that the information henceforth would only be accessible under request from the Freedom of Information Act, animal welfare groups were outraged. Was it a sketchy attempt to bury information that helps to ensure the welfare of animals in a variety of venues? Well, animal protection groups promised they’d fight back.

One group in particular, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), is putting its money where its mouth is to have the removed information returned, and legally challenging the USDA’s move. HSUS president Wayne Pacelle says that not wanting the information to be public suggests that there is a purposed effort to hinder the efforts toward animal protection.

Related: Let’s Celebrate Humane Society Day

The Humane Society is no stranger to taking the government to court when it comes to information about animal treatment. In 2005, they sued the USDA for violating the Freedom of Information Act for not providing animal related records. The parties came to a settled agreement in 2009, with the USDA making a number of records regarding information about pain and distress in lab animals available online.

Recently, the Humane Society sent a notice to the USDA claiming they violated the terms of the previous settlement by removing the database of that information, and they insist that the USDA immediately publish the records or the HSUS will retain a court order mandating they do so, as well as possibly reopen the previously settled suit.

While the USDA claims that privacy is the driving factor behind the removal of the records, and that the information is still available, under Freedom of Information Act requests, they fail to mention that most of those requests can be costly and take months, or even years. Until recently, the public records were easily accessible and used to ensure the proper care and welfare of animals. Even facilities that are subject to USDA inspections, such as zoos and aquariums, feel that the removal of the records now will have the public’s trust in the care of businesses that care for animals in question.

There are several online petitions currently available demanding the information to be placed back where it’s been for years, and we’ll continue to watch for the USDA’s response to the Humane Society’s request to restore the information to the databanks. One thing’s for sure… though the information is gone for now, whether it stays that way remains to be seen.

Lori Ennis

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Humane Society Releases ‘Horrible Hundred’ Puppy Mill List

The Humane Society of the United States has released it’s list of 100 worst puppy mills and found that Missouri has the most puppy mills in the country. The Humane Society of the United States has released its “Horrible Hundred” list, which is an annual compilation of the worst puppy mills in the country. Topping the list of states with the most number of puppy mills in the United States was Missouri, with 23 known puppy mills, followed by Ohio with 13 and Iowa with ten. Related: Maryland Legislature Prohibits Pet Stores Selling ‘Puppy Mill’ Pets The Humane Society says that since President Trump took office, it’s been more difficult to compile the list, as in February of 2017, the United States Department of Agriculture took all information about animal-welfare inspection reports of their website. Previously, those reports had been public record for at least five years. Though the reports were then put back on the USDA site, the names of the facilities and the street addresses and owners’ names were blacked out in the name of privacy and it’s harder to find out who is running puppy mills and where they are. The Humane Society still pressed on to ensure the safety of all animals they can. Though the USDA has said they’ll give the information out under the Freedom of Information Act, advocates say that that is a slow process, and even when the data is given, it is often still riddled with redacted information. The USDA says that they are looking to ensure the breeders are not harrassed excessively and that their privacy outweighs the right to the information for the animals. Related: Humane Society Fights Back Against USDA Records Removal As a result, The Humane Society is now suing the USDA for the access to all nonredacted inspection reports, saying that without that information, consumers cannot rely on the current versions to ensure safety for animals or to ensure the federal government is doing its job to police and regulate them. While the top three states have been on the Horrible Hundred List for a while, 14 other states join them and complete the list. Those states are: Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusettes, Michigan, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The Humane Society did their best to include specific names and probably names, so watch out when looking for your next furry family member.

New Amendment Protecting Pets Brings Politicians Together

Animal advocates in the U.S. are urging lawmakers to stop using tax dollars on archaic and deadly experiments on cats and dogs, and the lawmakers seem to be listening, as federal lawmakers from both sides have just taken steps to stop taxpayer money from funding such experiments. The House of Representatives recently passed the 2019 Fiscal Year Spending Bill, and it prohibits new medical research done to dogs unless there is no other alternative. For two years in a row, animal advocates and legislators in Virginia’s have campaigned together to bring an amendment to a bill that stops the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from using taxpayer money to fund medical experiments that cause significant pain or harm to animals. Related: New Company Claims Age-Reversal Treatment in Dogs Will Also Benefit Humans In 2017, Brat sponsored an amendment that stopped the Secretary of Veterans Affairs from funding medical experiments that harm or pain dogs, calling such experiments horrific and inhumane. Brat introduced the PUPPERS Act, which prevented experiments in VA labs on narcoleptic dogs, and now he’s specifically gone after a lab at the McGuire VA hospital in Richmond, VA. This lab conducted experiments in which they drilled holes into the heads of six-month-old puppies and injected latex into the puppies’ arteries to induce heart attacks. Brat said that not only was that a poor use of limited taxpayer funds and medical staff resources in the name of ‘Veteran care,’ but that it was barbaric, and not in the best interest of Veterans or ‘man’s best friend.’ This new amendment joins one that also protects kittens from such inhumane treatment. Recently, a conservative watchdog group called the White Coat Project incited outrage when they shared that the U.S. Agriculture Department has spent nearly a million dollars a year since 1982 on barbaric projects involving kittens. U.S. medical labs would breed kittens and then make them eat raw meat that was infected with toxoplasma to grow parasites in their stool that would be used for other projects. The kittens were healthy at the end of the projects, yet mercilessly killed anyway. Over 120,000 taxpayers lobbied their Congresspeople to stop that funding and save kittens lives, and as a result, lawmakers introduced the KITTEN Act to prevent the USDA from spending taxpayer dollars on painful experiments on kittens and cats. Related: Humane Society Fights Back Against USDA Records Removal This latest successful attempt to prevent this use of taxpayer money was bipartisan, led by House Freedom Caucus member Dave Brat (R) from Virginia and Dina Titus, a progressive Democrat from Nevada and co-sponsored by members from all sides of the political spectrum. Additionally, the amendment has significant support from both of the sides of the congressional political spectrum, as well as the former Veterans’ Secretary David Shulkin and many other major veterans’ groups.

U.S. Government Shut Down: Animal Welfare Is Also Suffering

While the American federal government shutdown continues as the longest in U.S. history and families are devastated, it turns out that there are also thousands of animals in puppy mills, research labs and zoos that are not being licensed or regulated, and they’re suffering. The United States Department of Agriculture is one of the government agencies affected by the U.S. shut down. It is responsible for inspecting nearly 8,000 licensed animal facilities and that includes about 3,000 pet breeders as well as over 2,000 traveling zoos, circuses or other unaccredited events. Additionally, the USDA is responsible for inspecting over 1,200 research institutions. Related: Humane Society Fights Back Against USDA Records Removal Even with the USDA’s inspections, there is only minimal protection guaranteed against the neglect and cruelty of animals in those groups, as the inspections are occasional. Still, they’re all those animals have, and with the government shut down they have no one ensuring that they are safe. It’s important because there is no doubt that animal abuse and neglect occurs in these facilities. Every year, the Humane Society of the United States prepares the Horrible Hundred report that sheds light on puppy mills who violate the Animal Welfare Act or other laws commercial dog breeders are supposed to follow. They use data from the USDA inspections and other public records to compile this report. The USDA inspections are infrequent and not nearly enough, but they are often the only thing that ensures animals get very basic needs met–things like food, water and shelter. It’s estimated that nearly 200,000 breeding dogs are kept in tiny cages and held under conditions that are barely legal by USDA standards and without the inspections, there’s nothing to say that the animals will be safe and treated humanely, much less well. Related: HSUS Declares California Most Humane State in the US Top all of this off with the fact that the USDA, under President Trump’s administration, restricted public access to USDA inspection records on the public website and even purged information detailing inspections of facilities, and it’s a pretty big mess that only means bad things for animals in America, as the shut down also possibly affects the handling of animals who are slated for slaughter. The USDA doesn’t have any contingency plans that specifically adress humane handling violations during shut downs.

HSUS Declares California Most Humane State in the US

California comes in again as most the Humane State in the US, according to The Humane Society of the United States, while Mississippi rounds out the bottom of the list. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) has released records rating states’ levels of ‘humane’ treatment towards animals based on state policies, laws and other treatments, and once again, California leads the pack as the most humane in the country. Oregon came in second, followed by Massachusetts, both with considerable nods toward their laws that protect animals in those states. California is a tough act to follow, though, as it was the first state in the country to ban pet stores from selling puppy mill dogs, and legislating rescue or shelter dogs be sold instead. Rounding out the top five were Virginia in fourth place and Colorado, Washington and Illinois sharing the number five position. Related: American Humane Turns Shelter Dogs to Service Dogs For Veterans Mississippi came in last, with South and North Dakotas coming right behind them due to poor humane policy and legislation in their states. They were followed by Wyoming and Idaho, and all five states have little to no protection or regulation for dogs when it comes to commercial breeding. The HSUS puts together a list of state rankings they base on animal welfare policies from each state, as well as programs each state has that provide incentives for low-cost spay and neuter programs for animals. Nevada passed legislation that protected animals left unattended in hot weather, as well as a few other policies that protected animals, and brought itself up in the rankings from 22nd to 20th. Pennsylvania created stricter laws for animal abusers and enacted stiffer penalties for abusers, including the forced surrender of any pet owned by someone who has been convicted of a felony animal cruelty act, as well as penalties for tethering animals in poor weather. They moved from 18th to 15th place. Related: Humane Society Fights Back Against USDA Records Removal Humane Society Fights Back Against USDA Records RemovalIllinois passed a law that allows animals used in research to be adopted, and Indiana moved from 36th place to 25th place by passing a law to stop dogs from dying in unattended cars in poor weather, as well as pet protection laws that covered dogs involved in domestic abuse cases. While Florida didn’t pass the greyhound protection bill the HSUS was hoping it would, they will continue to work toward bringing that back to lawmakers’ desks. They continue to work to ban the sale of puppy mill dogs in several more states looking at legislation.

This Special Camera Reveals How Our Pets See the World Around Them

Have you ever wondered how your pet  sees the world around them? We all know that the eyes of dogs, cats, and all other animals are not the same as ours, and they often see the world in a very different way. While all we could do is imagine and theorize up until now, thanks to a new breakthrough in technology we will be able to take a peek through the eyes of animals!Scientists have  invented a special camera that uses a unique combination of state-of-the-art hardware and software, in order to create videos and images that show us exactly how certain animals see. For example, with this latest tech, you will be able to see the vivid world of colors that are seen through the eyes of birds and bees. One of the recent demonstrations revealed how a UV-sensitive vision of a bird renders an orange sulfur butterfly - the result is more than striking, as it doesn’t look like anything related to human vision.

Here Are the 10 Rarest Dog Breeds in America

Dogs are the most popular pets in America – deservingly, they are the most loved and affectionate furry friends, and their popularity as family companions never wanes. We all know what are the most popular dog breeds – and which evergreen breeds have been stealing hearts for decades back, but how about those lesser-known breeds? Which in particular are the rarest among them? Even if touting great qualities, some of these super rare breeds are simply hard to come by, and they are seldom seen. Thanks to a survey conducted by the American Kennel Club ( AKC), we can now find out which dog breeds are as obscure as can be. Out of a list of 199 registered and accepted breeds, the AKC revealed the 10 rarest dog breeds in America. 10.  Pyrenean Shepherd9.  Cesky Terrier8.  Sussex Spaniel7.  Harrier6.  Azawakh5.  Belgian Laekenois4.  American Foxhound3.  Sloughi2.  Norwegian Lundehund1.  English FoxhoundDon’t be surprised if you have never heard of some of these unique breeds. They are rare for a reason! On the other side of the spectrum, looking at the most recent trends, the French Bulldog holds the number one spot as the most popular pet dog breed in America, with the Labrador and Golden Retrievers following close by. That’s a bit of a change, as the Golden Retriever long held the number one spot. Generally speaking, most people tend to go for more known and traditional dog breeds when looking for a purebred dog, but the world of canines is much more diverse, with plenty of unusual and amazing breeds to choose from.Ultimately, the popularity of a certain breed should not be connected with their suitability as pets. After all, many factors contribute to that – a great deal of pet parents, myself included, are proud to share their lives with a mixed breed pooch and the fact that they’re not a certain breed doesn’t make them any less perfect. Your four-legged bestie might be a more popular dog breed, a rare purebred, a hybrid designer dog breed, or a cute mutt – they’ll steal your heart either way!

Do Cats Slow Down in Autumn?

As the sunshine starts to fade, replaced by the cool autumn winds, cat owners may notice an interesting change in their furry friend’s behavior. Cats are often known for their boundless energy and curiosity. However, as we move into the fall months, many cat owners will notice their pets are slowing down into a new, more laid-back routine.In this article, we dig into the reasons why cats slow down in autumn, including answering the question: “Do cats experience seasonal depression?” We will also share some tips and tricks to cheer up your sad cat and help them enjoy the colder months ahead.Do Cat Behaviors Change with the Seasons?The short answer is yes. Many cat owners report that their feline friends act differently during the fall and winter months. Some common changes include a difference in your cat’s sleep patterns, appetite, and overall mood.For outdoor cats or indoor cats that are leash and harness-trained, the arrival of a new season means new experiences, including new smells, sights, and sounds. Anytime cats are faced with something new or different, the possibility exists that their reaction to their environment may change as well. But this isn’t the only impact on your cat…From season to season, we see two key changes affecting a cat’s behavior – the temperature and the amount of daylight. A drop in temperature triggers a natural survival response in which your cat will slow down to conserve energy, allowing its ancestors to stay warm on the bitter cold nights in the wild. Meanwhile, a change in daylight has been shown to impact hormone levels.Each of these factors will impact every cat differently. If you have multiple cats in your home, you may notice one slowing down considerably while the other doesn’t alter their behavior much at all – and that’s okay! Just like people, no two cats are the same.Can Cats Get Seasonal Depression?There currently is no research confirming that cats suffer from seasonal depression. However, many experts suspect they may suffer from a similar struggle to their human counterparts because of the shorter days and loss of daylight. This low mood and depression may also occur due to (or be escalated by) the lack of exercise that cats experience during the colder months.Are Cats Less Active in Fall? Have you noticed your cat lazing around or sleeping more during the autumn months? If so, you’re not alone! As we previously discussed, the temperature change often triggers a survival response to conserve energy. Your cat may prefer to spend their time curled up in their favorite cat bed, napping through the day, or cuddling in your lap, soaking up your body heat. Keep your eyes open for any other signs of concern. But if you do not see any other reason to worry, the cozy fall attitude is normal. Enjoy the extra cuddle time with your best friend. How Can I Tell if My Cat is Depressed? As cat parents, we all want to provide the best life for our feline friends, both physically and mentally. This starts with learning to recognize when something is “off” or if there is something that we should address. Like us, our cats can suffer from mental health struggles like depression, which isn’t always easy to spot. Here are a few signs your cat may be suffering from depression: Sleeping more than usualLoss of appetite Weight loss Becoming more vocal Failure to keep up with grooming needs Loss of energy Hiding or retreating from family membersOut-of-character aggression or fearfulness If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian and discuss your concerns. They will likely ask questions about your cat’s home life and whether they have recently experienced any changes that may have triggered their mental health struggles. This can help to guide their treatment recommendations. Mental health problems are not always treated with medications. In fact, many of the most effective treatment options are things that you can do at home.

Lost Dog Rescued After Surviving Six Years Alone in the Woods

A senior dog found living in the woods in the U.K. has been rescued and is now looking for a loving home.The dog, named Rose, was first spotted near Crawley Down in West Sussex, England. The Lost Dog Recovery UK South shared in a social media post that they’ve received a message from a concerned member of the public about a small black dog running in the road.The person who saw the dog “stopped the traffic” and let the pooch disappear into the woods, knowing it’s best not to follow. After visiting the nearest property, the person learned that locals were familiar with the dog and that drivers often stopped by saying that the pooch had been on the road. The locals explained that the dog was a stray fed by people.The individual who spotted the dog was troubled by the idea of a dog living in the woods and contacted the Lost Dog Recovery rescue organization with this information. Knowing that this could be a case of an “owned dog allowed to roam” the organization decided to investigate by setting out food for the pooch along with cameras to track its movements. The dog was caught on camera five times in two days and by the third day appeared to be waiting for meals.The organization also talked with residents in the area about the dog and were told that the dog was a stray who lived locally for about ten years. The residents also said that the dog should be left alone because was in good condition, fed, and cared for. After talking about this situation with another household, which has been leaving food for wildlife and were allegedly responsible for the dog’s care, the rescue decided to help the dog. Over the following week, the organization established a feeding schedule and confirmed that the pooch was indeed a senior dog. They set a trap for the dog by serving a warm roast chicken and managed to catch her.“Understandably she was shocked and scared, but very gentle, and was taken immediately to the warmth and safety of kennels,” the organization shared.  After taking her to the kennels, the organization made a shocking discovery - the dog was microchipped! Her name was Rose and she had gone missing from her owners less than 24 hours after they adopted her in 2017! A now 12-year-old Patterdale terrier, Rose, has gone missing from Ashurst Woods, located only six miles away from Crawley Down, where the organization found her. Unfortunately, there was no happy reunion for Rose. The organization managed to contact Rose’s registered owners, but they explained that they were in no position to take her back since their circumstances had changed dramatically and they had moved away. “After the initial shock, our absolute joy at finding a long-lost dog is tinged with sadness as there is no happy reunion for Rose; she never got the chance to know the love of her family,” the organization said in a post. They added that Rose is going to need time, patience, and rehabilitation, and being a senior dog she’ll likely need ongoing vet care and medication. Rose is going to be cared for by Last Chance Animal Rescue in Edenbridge, U.K. After sharing Rose’s story, the rescue received several inquiries about her from families willing to adopt her and give her a safe, warm, and loving home.“Please don’t leave a dog straying for longer than they have to be...not only for them and their wellbeing but also for the sake of humans who love them,” the organization added. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Cat Chattering: What Is It and What Does It Mean?

Cats communicate with each other and their humans in a variety of ways through vocalizations and body language. While you may be able to figure out what your cat is saying when they meow or hiss, you might be at a loss for an explanation when you see them chatter for the first time, especially if you’ve never seen cats do this before.What does it mean when cats chatter? Check out the information below to learn all about it so you’ll be able to figure out what your kitty is thinking and feeling the next time you see them exhibit this odd behavior.What Is Chattering in Cats?Chattering usually happens when a kitty sees something that they want to get their paws on. Many times, they’ll be looking out the window when a prey animal, like a chipmunk or bird, comes into view. Or, if your kitty spends time in a catio or outdoor enclosure, they might start chattering when they see small wildlife. As soon as your cat sees their intended prey, they may be ready to go on the hunt, and might express this feeling by chattering.This behavior doesn’t only happen when your kitty sees wildlife, though. It can also happen when you’re using a toy to play with them. The movement of the toy can get them excited and ready to pounce on their “prey,” and they might chatter as a result.Once you know what cat chattering looks like, you’ll be able to recognize it right away. But if you’ve never seen it before, it can be described simply as your cat making quick movements with their jaw, showing their teeth while staring intently at their target. Sometimes, no sounds will come out, but other times, they’ll make chirping sounds or even little meows. Some people even describe chattering as “ekekek”.To see what it looks like, here’s a compilation of cats chattering:

Can Stress or Anxiety Cause Diarrhea in Dogs?

Dogs are no strangers to stress and anxiety. While most pooches are the picture of the tail-wagging, carefree dog whose only stress is that they have to wait for their next meal, some have it a bit more ruff. Anxiety in dogs can vary from mild to severe, triggered by specific and occasional stressors (such as  fireworks, for example) or present on a daily level. Naturally, your pet’s state of mind has a big impact on their overall health, so it doesn’t surprise that dogs with anxiety often have tummy issues. But does that mean that a stressful situation or anxiety can directly cause diarrhea in dogs? Having in mind that, in a way, your pet’s mental health is connected to their digestion, it sounds highly probable.How Stress and Anxiety Can Cause DiarrheaSo how does it work? The connection between the brain and the gut, often referred to as the gut-brain axis, plays a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of dogs. When dogs experience stress or anxiety, it can trigger a cascade of physiological responses, including changes in gut motility, secretion of digestive enzymes, and alterations in the composition of gut microbiota. These disruptions can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.When stress or anxiety takes hold, it's not just a matter of frazzled nerves. These emotional states can set off a domino effect within your dog's digestive system. Rather than a simple list of effects, think of it as a cascade of events:Picture your dog feeling anxious during a  thunderstorm or while being left alone. This emotional response triggers a surge of adrenaline, part of the body's "fight or flight" response. Blood flow shifts away from the digestive organs and toward the muscles, heart, and lungs, hastening gut motility.Meanwhile, the delicate balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, known as the microbiome, is disrupted by stress. This dysbiosis can lead to inflammation, changes in gut permeability, and an upset stomach.Furthermore, chronic stress weakens the immune system, leaving your dog more susceptible to infections and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.Beyond these physiological effects, stress-related behaviors like excessive chewing,  licking, or ingesting non-food items can irritate the digestive tract, exacerbating diarrhea.How To Deal With Stress-Related Diarrhea in DogsIf your dog is experiencing stress-related diarrhea, there are several things you can do to alleviate their discomfort and ensure a speedier recovery.Before anything else, it’s essential to identify and address stressors. Determine the underlying causes of your dog's stress or anxiety and take steps to minimize or eliminate them where possible. This may involve providing a calm, predictable environment, addressing separation anxiety, or using  desensitization techniques for noise phobias.Next, support their digestion with a mild, nurturing diet and the right supplements. Your pet’s tummy is upset, so you shouldn’t neglect the importance of rebalancing their gut biome and helping their digestion. Instead of their usual kibble, offer them a bit of broth, some cooked rice, or boiled chicken breast. Additionally, a digestive supplement such as  Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Powder can work wonders in managing symptoms of diarrhea. With a combination of special probiotics and antioxidants, this powdered supplement will quickly restore your pet’s GI tract and help their stool get back to its normal consistency. And since it’s packed with live microorganisms to benefit beneficial intestinal microflora, it can also help treat excessive gas and other digestion-related troubles, so it’s good to keep stocked in your pet’s first aid kit, especially if they have a sensitive stomach. 

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AI Could Match You with a New Furry Friend Based on Personality

In a cutting-edge study, scientists specializing in canine behavior have used artificial intelligence to predict dog personality types. A multi-disciplinary research team has developed an AI algorithm that simplifies the painstaking process of evaluating canine personalities.Understanding a dog’s temperament is key not only for pet owners but also for training agencies and professionals working with working dogs. The study, which introduces a brand-new method of predicting and categorizing dog personalities, is published in the eminent journal Scientific Reports. The team that developed the algorithm hopes that it will more quickly and accurately evaluate which dogs are better suited for long-term careers, such as assisting people with disabilities and helping law enforcement. This new approach to predicting dog personalities could also be used to match owners with a new furry best friend. The new AI algorithm can help shelters place dogs in the right homes, thus reducing the number of dogs returned for not being the right fit for their adoptive families.Before this algorithm, canine behavioral experts used questionnaires and statistical analysis to determine a dog’s personality.  The AI algorithm uses data from almost 8,000 responses to the commonly used Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). The C-BARQ questionnaire has been the top resource for evaluating working dogs in the past two decades. “C-BARQ is highly effective, but many of its questions are also subjective,” said James Serpell, a professor of ethics and animal welfare emeritus at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. “By clustering data from thousands of surveys, we can adjust for outlying responses inherent to subjective survey questions in categories such as dog rivalry and stranger-related fear.”The team’s new AI algorithm gathers the responses to C-BARQ questions into five main categories that essentially form the digital personality of a dog. The results showed five distinctive personality types among domestic dogs, including excitable/attached, anxious/fearful, reactive/assertive, aloof/predatory, and calm/agreeable.The study was conducted over two years by a multi-disciplinary research team consisting of Dr Mohammad Amirhosseini of the University of East London and Professor James Serpell of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. The research was sponsored by Dogvatar, a Miami, Florida-based canine technology startup.“This innovative AI-based methodology holds promise for revolutionizing the selection and training of dogs for specific roles, both for working and non-working,” said Dr Amirhosseini. Almost 50 percent of people who surrender their dogs to animal shelters in the USA say that behavioral problems are a contributing factor, and nearly a quarter say that those problems are the main reason for giving up their dog. More research is needed to understand the nuances of canine personalities. However, researchers hope to promote strong bonds between people and their dogs by designing effective training programs and customized dog-owner interactions. According to researchers, these findings could serve as a foundation to explore personality matching between dogs and their owners and how that might improve the quality of their relationship.Dogvatar and the research team plan to conduct further research into potential uses for their dog personality testing algorithm.“This has been a really exciting breakthrough for us,” said Dogvatar CEO Piya Pettigrew. “This algorithm could greatly improve efficiency in working dog training and placement process and could help reduce the number of companion dogs brought back to shelters for not being compatible. It’s a win for both dogs and the people they serve.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Often Should I Clean My Bird's Cage?

Parrots and small birds are exceptionally vulnerable when their cage is left unkempt and dirty – proper hygiene and a clean space to rest and eat in are a must for the good health of all avians. What is more, a bird cage that is left unclean can become a threat to your health as well, with airborne bacteria and pathogens flying all over the place. All in all, it’s clear that regular cleaning of your bird's cage shouldn’t be seen as just a dull chore but as a necessary task to protect everyone’s health and wellbeing. However, while it’s obvious that you need to do it regularly, just how often should you clean your bird’s cage? Is it on a check-and-see basis or is there a recommended frequency of cleaning? Let’s find out.How Often Should I Clean My Bird's Cage?The frequency at which you should clean the cage depends on several factors, including the size of the cage, the number of birds you have, and the species of bird in question. For example, a smaller cage will get dirty in no time, while a large one that houses a single, bigger bird will remain cleaner for longer. While these are good starting guidelines, things are not that simple.The best approach to take is to clean the cage daily, weekly, and monthly. Of course, the amount of cleaning you do each day will differ from the one you do on a monthly basis – here’s how it should look like:Daily Cleaning:Change the  food and water dishes daily to ensure fresh food and clean water. This is imperative and a major part of caring for your bird. Don’t allow water to remain unchanged and food to go stale.

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How Do I Teach My Cat to Play Fetch?

Unlike dogs, cats aren’t exactly known for their love of fetch. If you dream of tossing a toy with your furry best friend for hours, fear note – with a bit of time, patience, and positive reinforcement, you may just inspire a new love for the game in your kitty. This post will discuss why some cats take to fetch so naturally and how play can benefit your cat’s overall health and well-being. Plus, we’ll share how to teach your cat to play fetch step-by-step with tips for success! So, grab your cat’s favorite toy and get ready for a fun game of fetch…Why Do Cats Love Playing Fetch? There are many theories about why cats enjoy this game. The most accepted theory is that the action triggers natural hunting instincts. When an object is thrown, it mimics their prey moving across the room. The cat then chases the toy, stalking and hunting it. Retrieving the toy and bringing it back to you is similar to cats bringing their freshly killed prey to their owners as a gift. Other experts see the game of fetch as an attempt to spend quality time playing together, bonding like we do with our dogs. However, no research confirms either theory. What Toy Do Cats Love Most? Finding the best toy for your fetch-loving cat can be a fun process. Why? There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Instead, you’ll have to set aside time to play and test which toys your cat connects with most. Think of it as a fun game of trial and error. We have two cats at home, one of whom is absolutely in love with playing fetch. Pippen, our Maine Coon mix, will bring toys to us randomly throughout the day. She drops them at our feet and meows loudly while pawing at our pant legs, begging us to throw whatever she has brought us. Here are a few of her favorite toys to play fetch with: SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Cat Toys: These little mice are not only the perfect size and weight for cats to carry around, but the fact they include catnip makes them even more enticing. If the theory about hunting is correct, they are a great example of mock prey. Catit Eco Cat Toy: Another prey-like toy, this is arguably the top choice in our house. Pippen loves anything with feathers. If you have a tiny kitten, this is a little harder to carry, but Pippen is relatively small, and she has never had a problem. Andiker Cat Crinkle Balls: This is another one I have heard other cat parents raving about. The balls make a fun crinkling sound while the foil-like mylar material reflects the light, making them a fun visual spectacle to hunt down. SPOT Colorful Springs: These toys may not seem special, but the spring design causes them to bounce around the room unpredictably. This keeps your cat on their toes as they hunt them down with each throw. Cat Tube Spring Toys: These toys are made of lightweight mesh material, making them easy to carry around. If you fold them or push down the ends, then let go, they fly through the air. The goal is to find something your cat loves, wants to retrieve, and can comfortably carry back to you to continue the game. Is It Normal for a Cat to Never Play? While you can expect a range of playfulness from cats, with some cats being very playful and others only playing occasionally when they “feel like it,” it’s not normal for a cat to never play at all. A healthy adult cat should get at least 30 to 60 minutes of playtime daily. This can be in one large play session or, ideally, split into shorter play sessions of 10 to 15 minutes. If you have a cat who appears lazy or unmotivated, you should prioritize turning this around and encouraging them to play more. Otherwise, they will be at a higher risk of potential health complications, including obesity, diabetes, urinary tract diseases, arthritis and other joint-related issues, and fatty liver disease.

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Do Dogs Experience Grief?

Anyone who has ever shared their heart and home with a dog can attest to how deep the emotional connection we form with our best friends is. It is this bond that makes saying goodbye so difficult. But are we the only ones experiencing this pain?If you have recently experienced the passing of a pet or family member and noticed your dog acting a little differently, you may be wondering – Do dogs experience grief, too?In this article, we will dig into the truth about canine emotions and canine grief. This includes understanding what grief means to your dog, learning to recognize the signs that they may be mourning and tips for helping your best friend navigate this difficult time.Do Dogs Experience Grief or Mourning?The short answer is yes, dogs do grieve the loss of a person or animal in their lives. In a 2022 study led by Dr. Federica Pirrone, a veterinary physiologist at the University of Milan, 86% of dog owners reported that they saw a change in behavior in their surviving dog after losing a companion.Our dogs form close bonds with one another and with us. This can be seen both in wild dogs, with the relationships that exist between pack members, as well as the domesticated dogs of today.While they can’t tell us how they are feeling (although we wish they could), dog parents often witness physical and behavioral changes that indicate something is “off” for their dog following a loss. This occurs when a family member (human or pet) passes or even if a family member moves away like a child moving out of the family home.Recognizing that our dogs also go through a grieving process allows us to take steps to help our beloved furry friends deal with this difficult time.

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