Are You Feelin’ Crabby?

by Summer Davis

Published: June 23rd, 2016

Are you a tank owner who’s always wanted to bring home a crab, but not sure if you could do it? If you’re ready to jump into the world of crabs, take a pinch of our advice that’s just for beginners.

Have you ever wanted to try saltwater but were afraid of the work and expense, or just overwhelmed by the task? That’s how I’d always been. However, having a child in the 4th grade who brought me home an “Adoption request” paper for fiddler crabs, it was a chance to dally in the world of salt water. With 14 tanks of my own, I could hardly say no to her request to bring home these little creatures. I signed the form, and the following week she brought home four fiddler crabs, along with minimal knowledge and direction from her teacher on what to do with them.

I took to the Internet and managed pick up a decent idea of how to care for the crabs. We set up a 10 gallon tank for our four new friends, complete with play sand gently that sloped into a few inches of salt water. The next day, we learned the hard way a crucial piece of information – crabs don’t appreciate cold water. Two of the four died, and I had to figure out how to rig up a heater in the few inches of water so the other two wouldn’t leave us for Davey Jones’ locker. By learning from my mistakes, I’ve picked up a general working of fiddler crabs. I’m still learning as I go along, but you can learn from my mistakes.

Related: Anatomy of a Fish

Habitat

Fiddler crabs need to have a habitat that is partially salt water and partially substrate – particularly sand – to survive. If the water is too deep, they’ll drown, and the water needs to have a specific gravity of 1.005 to 1.010. You can measure the gravity this with a handy little tool called a hydrometer. In terms of warmth, water should be between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. This was where we made our first mistake, as I was uneasy about having a heater in such little water, especially in a tank that’s located in my child’s bedroom (tank explosions can happen). Once we corrected the water temperature, the crabs seemed a lot happier and more active. I also put a desk lamp over the sand portion of the habitat to warm it as well. We added a few snail and sea shells, and we bought them a hidey hut for them as well. The care-sheet instructions from the teacher said we needed to filter the water. But with such a small amount in the tank – probably less than a gallon – I wasn’t sure how to manage this at first. We settled on an air stone and plan to change the water frequently. I’ll report back with my finding on how often this should be done.

Diet

The crabby care sheet was also vague on the diet of these critters, listing only plankton as a food source. I purchased a crab specific food from an online store, and they seem to enjoy it, although I’m sure they would appreciate some type of fresh or live food as well. Sigh… more research!

Sexing

I learned from my daughter that the male fiddlers have the larger claw. Of the initial four she brought home, one was male, but he didn’t survive his first night in Casa de Davis. Thanks to my smarty-pants daughter, I learned that females have two smaller claws, and if a crab loses a claw, it will grow back.

Overall, once the habitat was set up, I found that fiddler crabs aren’t terribly difficult to care for. The initial work, however, is enough. My main complaint was a nine year old was sent home with minimal information about the animals. Parents will need to make the time to research and create a suitable home for the animals, or else the crabs won’t survive. My journey to learn more about fiddler crabs will continue, as will the dedication to teach my child that every creature matters, no matter how small they are (or how crabby I am with all the research and set up I had to do!).

Summer Davis is the mom of three kids, four dogs, and several tanks of fish. She boasts a passion for all animals, whether they are in the water or on land. This fish aficionado has kept many different species in her time, but holds a special place in her heart for wild and domestic bettas. When she’s not talking about fish, Summer “spins” her extra time as the director of a baton twirling organization.

Summer Davis

Summer Davis is the mom of three kids, four dogs, and several tanks of fish. She boasts a passion for all animals, whether they are in the water or on land. This fish aficionado has kept many different species in her time, but holds a special place in her heart for wild and domestic bettas. When she's not talking about fish, Summer "spins" her extra time as the director of a baton twirling organization."

More by Summer Davis

UK Firefighters Get No Thanks from Rescued Cat

View Article

Fishy Secrets Revealed: The Pros’ Most Embarrassing Stories

We all have those forehead-slapping moments when we make a stupid mistake… and we hope no one finds out about them. Hey, not to worry – even the most seasoned of fish pros have made a few missteps. “There is a steep learning curve in this hobby.” I remember being told this wise piece of information by a resident fish guru of aquariumforum.com when I first joined the site. She was so right. In fact, I don’t really think the learning ever stops. This hobby is full of science, chemicals, diseases, species, and a million new things to learn every day… or so it seems to me. With all of this information, a lot of mistakes are made. Some are big, some are small, and some are laughable (at least, after the fact). Not terribly long after I had gotten a basic handle on the hobby, I set up a 75 gallon tank. One day, a wonderful surprise awaited me – there were newly laid eggs in my tank. I didn’t know where they came from, so I took a picture. I posted the pic on the aquariumforum.com chat room, where everyone was perplexed as to where they came from. No one knew what would lay these eggs, or what they might be. The suggestion was to pull them out and attempt to hatch them in a smaller tank so I could watch closely. Related: It’s Time for a Fish Addict Intervention I pulled the eggs and waited. And waited. And waited. As photos around of my mystery spawn were making the rounds in the chat room, another member of the forum cracked the code. It turns out they weren’t eggs at all, but rather the pellets inside the osmocote capsules (plant food) he had sent me and that I had buried in the substrate. To this day, five years later, I still get asked if my fertilizer ever hatched. Fish people do have a sense of humor! Related: Are You Feelin’ Crabby? Inspired by my own stupidity, I asked around some of my fish circles to see what other embarrassing things they’ve done when keeping fish. Because I promised to keep them all anonymous, they were happy to share. Here are some of my favorites: “One of the filters on my big tank suddenly stopped working. I called the Fluval customer service center because it was brand new. I tried everything they suggested, but still nothing. I found out what the problem a few days later when Piddles the cat sauntered by. It turns out that she would walk across the power strip, and turned on a timer that kept turning the filter off. I felt like an idiot. My husband also had a fish brain fart. While we were troubleshooting the filter problem, he was wiggling the impeller/motor and didn’t realize it worked like a cam lock. WHOOSH – water everywhere!” “I once cried my heart out because I found my Pom Pom crab dead in my reef. When I took him to the pet store to find out what killed to my dearly departed pinching friend, I was told that it was only a molt.” “I almost froze my fish by lowering the temperature 12 degrees without realizing it. I didn’t notice until all my corries started going belly up on the bottom. Two gallons of 120 degree water later, and they were all fine.” Many others had chimed in at my request with basic answers that I think occur at least once in every fish keeper’s lifetime. Things like draining the tank without unplugging the heater, which results in the tank shattering, to leaving the lid off of a tank and having fish jump to their doom. We’ve all made mistakes, and if we can’t learn from them and laugh at them, then the hobby would be pretty boring, wouldn’t it? Do you care to ‘fess up? Chime in below in the comments with your most embarrassing moment as a fish keeper.

Multiple Tank Syndrome: It’s Time for a Fish Addict Intervention

Speaking out on her addition to fish and aquariums, Summer Davis suffers from multiple tank syndrome (MTS), and she doesn’t care who knows it. This is her story. Hi! My name is Summer. I have MTS – multiple tank syndrome. This is a syndrome with no known cure or treatment. It begins with a single aquarium, maybe even a single fish. As time goes on and you’re introduced to new aquarium species, it’s not long before you add another tank to your collection, then a third, then a fourth, then… well, you get the picture. It sounds harmless enough. Aside from the amount of space aquariums take up, it’s not a terribly intrusive hobby. At least, that’s what I tell myself. You’re at risk for developing MTS if you have mild interest in fish. My own starting point was a couple of goldfish won at the county fair. Things just progressed from that point. I suspect the goldies were carrying the MTS bug, but there’s no way to trace the source. For you, it could have started with a trip to a large aquarium, walking past the fish section in a pet shore, or pictures on the Internet. It attacks anywhere or any place you may stumble across a tank, a fish, or anything in between. Related: Are You Feelin’ Crabby? But it doesn’t just stop at tanks and fish. MTS sufferers also the need to own anything to do with aquariums – lights, filters, heaters, plants, substrate, décor, rocks, driftwood. Then there are the bottles: medications, test kits, water conditioners, fertilizers, and more. You need nets, siphons, buckets, air pumps, random containers, Co2 tanks, diffusers, and drop checkers – there are no limits! Other symptoms include wanting to always buy the latest equipment and newest technology for your tank. Better lights and filters, inline heaters and co2 diffusers – the cooler it sounds, the more we want it And your fish only dine on the finest: different foods for different fish, frozen, gel foods, canned, flakes, pellets, crumbles, wafers, and sticks, and don’t forget the live foods, too! Related: The Lowdown on Fish Laws People who suffer from MTS will spend hours replanting plants, rearranging fish, and changing water. If you know someone with MTS, you can offer assistance, but most of those afflicted with the illness will not want you anywhere near their fish, tanks, or piles of supplies. Back away slowly, speak in a calm, reassuring voice, and get out of their way ASAP. MTS sufferers seem to speak in tongues, but fear not: they are just referring to the scientific names of fish or plant species. It seems like we talk way above even our own intelligence level and sometimes this is true. The hobby is full of learning opportunities, and you’ll need to recall your notes from high school biology classes often. There is no known cure for MTS, but the best way to keep them comfortable is allow them to enjoy their hobby. If you deny them what they want, the chances are they will become agitated, resulting in a temper tantrum. Try not to ask too many questions when they speak of setting up the yet another tank, and never ask the question “Why.” Instead, pretend to be interested, smile, nod at appropriate intervals, and don’t make direct eye contact. I suspect that MTS is contagious to some degree, as in the past few months my own daughter has set up two tanks in her bedroom, and my mother is setting up her second tank as we speak. I think I infected them in one of my many babbling sessions. I’m not ashamed, though. There are clubs of MTS-ers who meet to support each other. It’s one of the friendliest hobbies I’ve ever been involved in. So, as a sufferer of MTS, I will continue to live with this condition, and make the best of it. After all, the first step is admitting we have a problem, right?

Hop to It: My Introduction to African Dwarf Frogs

When your child’s school sends her home with a new amphibian friend, you’ve got to adapt your aquarium to suit the little jumper’s needs – ASAP! Being the mother of an animal-friendly 9-year-old girl is hard enough. But when the school starts sending her home with new additions to the family, you’ve got to be prepared for anything. That’s exactly what happened to us a few weeks ago. My daughter came home with a care sheet and permission slip to adopt two African Dwarf Frogs (ADF for short). This was a new species to me, and so we set out to learn about them, together. We soon learned that creating a home for an ADF is straight forward. Being that they are tiny fresh water aquatic frogs, they can’t be in a tank that’s too deep, as they have to spring to the surface to breathe. The substrate should be sand or larger gravel, as frogs can eat smaller gravel, which blocks their intestines. ADFs appreciate live plants or other decorations that offer different levels for them to sit on, and use them as hiding places. Related: Are You Feelin’ Crabby Our ADF tank is a 10 gallon, complemented with large gravel and stones of various colors (it’s a 9-year-old girl’s tank, what can I say?). She planted a small African Sword in the tank, along with some elodea. To finish off the décor, the tank is furnished with unique little statues and decorations. To keep the environment comfortable for our froggy friends, the tank is heated to 78 °F. Here’s something I learned pretty quickly – it’s important to have a lid on the tank. ADFs are known as being escape artists… this typically does not end well for the frog. Related: Fishy Secrets Revealed The care sheet that came home with the frogs stated that we should feed them brine shrimp. As I’ve never had any luck hatching live brine shrimp, I use frozen brine shrimp, frozen blood worms, and a frog pellet I ordered online. Apparently, these little guys can’t see well, so it’s suggested that they have a food dish or are fed with a pair of tweezers, as they can easily miss their meal or lose it to something else in the tank. As far as tank mates, you shouldn’t pair the frogs with anything large enough to eat them (common sense – I didn’t have to look that one up), as well as any living thing too small that will be eaten by the frogs. I chose to put a couple wild livebearers I had in with them (since the fish were all males, there was no concern about the frogs eating the fry). So far, our experience with ADFs has been pretty easy. We did lose one, but because there were no outward signs of what caused it, we’re hoping it was due to “froggy old age” (he went peacefully in his sleep). I imagine wherever the school orders them through probably isn’t the best source for live animals, and so the stress of being shipped, and then cared for by a class room of pre-teens probably didn’t help much. I’ll keep you posted as to the health and wellbeing of our sole ADF… and thank goodness it’s summer vacation, because I don’t have any more room for new surprises!

Daddy Dearest: A Look at Fish Fathers

Being a dad isn’t easy – even when you’re a fish! Fish fathers have an important role to fill when it comes to reproduction and caring for their offspring. Some of the greatest paternal caregivers of the animal world live in the water, and more times than not, they have an integral part of caring and raising their young. Perhaps the best known aquatic daddy is the seahorse. It happens to be one of the few male creatures in the world that carries their babies to term, instead of the mother. In seahorses, the female deposits up to 1,500 eggs into dad’s pouch, where he carries them for nearly two months. Once the babies are mature, they will emerge from the pouch, completely developed. Related: The Pros’ Most Embarrassing Stories Paternal mouth brooders carry fertilized eggs in the buccal cavity located in the mouth/chin area. These dads skip meal and stay hidden to avoid predators in order to make sure their tiny prodigies grow to a suitable size. Paternal mouth brooders include cichlids, wild bettas, hardheaded sea catfish, and cardinal fish. These fathers make a lot of sacrifices to raise their babies. How many dads do you know who would give up eating for over a month to raise babies? Other dads in the fish world are simply over-protective. Angelfish lay their eggs on a surface and then guard them against predators. They have been known to draw blood on the hands of their owners when reaching into the tank. Angelfish are known to mate for life, so it makes sense that they would fiercely guard the young they share with their partner. These dads may not carry the young in a pouch or their mouth, but they exhibit amazing fatherly qualities none the less. Related: Are You Feelin’ Crabby? Some parents would give everything they have just to ensure their young grow up big and strong. Take the discus parents, for example. Once discus fry are free swimming, they attach to one of their parents to feed off of their slime coat. Mom or dad will let these tiny guys ride around while the fry eat parts of their parents. Ummm, thanks dad? Fish are amazing parents, and oftentimes the fathers are more active with the fry than the mothers. This is amazing, considering that with other species in the wild, the father does little more than help create babies before moving on. It seems it really is a whole other world beneath the surface of the water.

Add Color to Your Tank With Freshwater Shrimp

Have you ever thought of adding freshwater shrimp to your aquarium? A wonderful addition to any tank, shrimp brighten and bring zest to a tank. When it comes time to stock your freshwater tank you might take a trip to the local pet store to see what species of fish they have available. Freshwater fish come in all kinds of different colors and patterns, but you have to worry about choosing species that can get along together. If you want to add some color your tank without worrying about tropical fish compatibility, consider adding some freshwater shrimp! Related: Open Your Tank to Clams Popular Species of Freshwater Shrimp There are many different species of freshwater shrimp, but not all of them are recommended for the freshwater aquarium. Many freshwater shrimp are brightly colored and many of them serve useful purposes in the tank as well. Below you will find a list of the top freshwater shrimp species for the home aquarium: Japonica Amano Shrimp: This is a species of dwarf shrimp that usually grows to no more than 2 inches in length. These shrimp are fairly easy to care for and they are very beneficial in a freshwater aquarium because they feed heavily on algae and detritus. These shrimp are, however, difficult to breed in captivity.Red Cherry Shrimp: The red cherry shrimp is a slightly smaller species, only growing up to 1 ½ inches long. These shrimp are bright red in color and they make excellent additions to the freshwater cleanup crew.Ghost Shrimp: The ghost shrimp gets its name from its transparent body. These shrimp grow up to 2 inches long and they are a peaceful species of shrimp. Ghost shrimp breed readily in the home aquarium as long as healthy conditions are maintained and they will feed on algae and detritus in the tank. Tips for Caring for Freshwater Shrimp Caring for freshwater shrimp is generally fairly easy as long as you take the time to plan your tank properly before you set it up. Freshwater shrimp are fairly small, so you do not need a giant tank to keep them. You do, however, need to make sure that you take into account the number of shrimp you will be keeping when choosing the right size for your tank. Related: Are You Feelin’ Crabby? Once you’ve chosen your tank, you need to outfit it with the proper equipment. Filtration is important in a shrimp tank because it helps to keep the water clean and the nitrate/ammonia levels low. You need to be careful, however, because shrimp can be sucked up into strong filtration system like hang-on filters and canister filters. For this reason, a sponge filter is one of the best options for a shrimp tank. If you choose to use a hang-on filter or canister filter, at least put a sponge over the intake valve. In addition to outfitting your tank properly, you also need to think about decorations. The type of substrate you choose may vary depending on the type of shrimp you keep – some prefer sandy substrate while others prefer gravel. Decorate your tank in a way that provides plenty of hiding places for your shrimp as well – this should include some live plants. Once your tank is set up, all you have to do is maintain it to keep the water quality high. Luckily, your shrimp will help out a little bit by feeding on some of the detritus that accumulates in the substrate of your tank. Freshwater shrimp can add a splash of color to your freshwater tank but you need to be careful about pairing them with fish. As long as your fish aren’t big enough to fit a shrimp in its mouth, you shouldn’t have to worry.

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

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

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

How Can I Remove Plaque From My Dog's Teeth?

We love our dogs and many of us won’t say no to puppy smooches – but to be fair, not all furballs have the freshest breath out there. If your dog has  bad-smelling breath, the culprit might be plaque buildup and the bacteria overgrowth that comes with it. We all know that bacteria are responsible for all things smelly, and when it comes to oral hygiene, the reason why bacteria are there in the first place is bits of leftover food that slowly but surely turn into tartar on your pet’s teeth. The best way to prevent plaque on a dog's teeth is to brush them, but what about existing buildup? How can you remove plaque from your dog’s teeth at home – or is it something that has to be done professionally? Here’s what you need to know about plaque and tartar and how best to remove them.How Can I Remove Plaque from My Dog's Teeth?Maintaining good dental health in dogs is crucial for their overall well-being. Addressing plaque in your dog's teeth is not just about maintaining a bright smile; it's a key aspect that contributes to their overall health, happiness, and longevity. Regular dental care is an investment in your dog's well-being that pays off in various ways - it’s sure way to prevent dental diseases such as  gingivitis and  periodontitis, eliminate bad breath odor, avoid tooth decay and loss, and maintain your dog’s good appetite. After all, dogs depend on their teeth to eat properly. Just imagine the effect of bad or missing teeth. Unchewed food, indigestion, vomiting – the list is long. So it goes a long way to act on this ahead of time and prevent tartar buildup and remove any existing one. Here are just a few tips to consider when dealing with persistent dog teeth plaque:Prevent Buildup With Regular BrushingDogs need to brush their teeth just like us! They’ll need your help to do it, of course. Remember that it is never too late to start. Start slowly and gently with short brushing sessions, gradually increasing the time as your dog becomes more comfortable. Of course, you should use  a toothbrush that is designed specifically for dogs or a similar fingerbrush. The toothpaste also needs to be for dogs only (never use human toothpaste as it may contain ingredients harmful to dogs).

This Farm Offers Cuddle Sessions With A Pack Of Adorable Goldens

For decades,  Golden Retrievers have been one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States – heck, in the world. It’s no secret that Goldens are simply everyone’s favorite! Cute, goofy, and cuddly, these dogs are such a wonder and so much fun to be around. And now, thanks to Golden Dog Farm from Jeffersonville, Vermont, the fans of this famed breed can enjoy a very special experience centered around these adorable furballs.This family-run farm launched a special Golden Retriever Experience – a one-hour session allows guests to enjoy refreshments such as cider and snacks, all in the company of a huge group of cuddly golden retrievers called “happy”. The session is usually called the “happy hour” just because of this, and allows anyone to immerse themselves in the company of “at least '' 10 dogs Umm, sign me up for any activity that includes dogs, especially ten of ‘em! The Golden Dog Farm is run by Doug and Becca Worple and in an interview with  USA TODAY, the couple happily exclaimed that the bookings for the experience sold out incredibly quickly. It was certainly not what they expected earlier this year when they came up with the idea and started it all. Not at all surprisingly, it was COVID that caused the idea to come to fruition. During the height of the virus rampage, Doug Worple’s job, based at a travel-oriented global digital advertising agency, suddenly experienced a major hiccup. Trying to get a bearing at this trying time, Doug said he “used the moment to take a step back and consider what was next.” And, together with his partner Becca Worple – herself a photographer and a media representative at a radio station – Doug decided it was best to sell their home in Cincinnati, Ohio, in hopes of moving to a family cottage in Ontario. It was a time of big changes."Then the border closed," Doug Worple said. "Now we're two weeks out of closing on our house and didn't know where to go, so we decided to buy an RV and traveled to 35 different states, 17,000 miles in the RV with two of the dogs."And during this incredible and life-changing adventure, the couple decided to start a golden retriever-based business, and to finally settle in beautiful Vermont. "We've just always loved goldens and always wanted to have a lot of goldens," Worple said. "With what I was doing, I saw the power of influencers and social media and all that and I joked we need to have an Instagram farm full of golden retrievers, and soon we started looking at what that might look like."And once they arrived at Jeffersonville, Vermont, a sign they were looking for appeared – and they were left speechless. While driving through town, they suddenly spotted a truck full of golden retrievers, driven by Dana Menne of Butternut Goldens. It was a match made in heaven. "(Becca told me), 'If God were to send to me a sign we needed to move someplace, it would be a truckload of goldens,'" Doug Worple said.In no time, their idea about a golden retriever “happy hour” began to take some serious shape. And especially thanks to the Butternut Goldens.  "Collectively both of us wanted to do something like this but they didn't have a place to do it and we didn't have enough goldens," Doug Worple said. "But together we could make it happen."At the moment, their “happy hours” are sold out until Dec. 17, but the Worples have plans to extend the dates to April, giving everyone a chance to enjoy this experience. The one-hour experience runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and costs $75 for adults and $50 for children."People are so happy when they're here, they have this childlike joy on their faces," Worple said. "People cry because they're so happy."What about you? Would you enjoy an hour cuddling with golden retrievers?

Study Reveals the Most Expensive Locations for Pet-Friendly Airbnbs

Are you considering taking a trip to a dream destination in the United States with your best friend by your side? If so, you’re not alone! A growing number of animal lovers are taking steps to include the whole family in their travel plans, with Airbnb reporting that close to 50% of nights booked include pets. But have you ever stopped to consider how much your furry family member is increasing the budget?The team at MarketWatch recently released a guide to pet-friendly Airbnb travel in the US with some startling stats.Data was compiled about the cost of renting 11, 676 Airbnbs and 11,753 pet-friendly Airbnbs located in 46 of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. By comparing the average nightly cost for pet-friendly and pet-free locations, they determined the price premium or the added cost pet parents must pay to include their furry friends.While we’re not suggesting that the cost of accommodations should be the sole deciding factor for your next vacation, this could impact your top choices.According to the guide, the most expensive city is Honolulu, Hawaii, with an average night stay costing $511. This is also the destination where pet parents will face the highest price premium for booking a pet-friendly location at $345.50.If you’re an avid traveler, this likely comes as no surprise. Hawaii is one of the country's more popular destinations for luxury travel. Not only is the cost of living in the state one of the highest, but the state also charges a Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT), further increasing costs.Of the 10 most expensive tourist destinations to book a pet-friendly Airbnb, 7 were in California. In addition to Honolulu, the list includes:Monterey, CA ($509)Sonoma, CA ($488)Napa Valley ($380)Santa Cruz, CA ($339)Palm Springs, CA ($329)Boston, MA ($238)Los Angeles, CA ($226)San Francisco, CA ($226)Yellowstone National Park, WY ($219)Don’t let these costs keep you from planning your next big pet-friendly getaway. Not only did they compile a list of the most expensive destinations, but they also identified the least expensive nightly rates in the US. This list is a great way to travel with your pet without worrying about your budget.They discovered that the least expensive city to book a pet-friendly Airbnb is Oklahoma City, OK, where the average nightly rate is only $110. Other locations that made this list include:St. Louis, MO ($111)Cleveland, OH ($114)Columbus, OH ($117)Houston, TX ($119)Salt Lake City, UT ($119)Detroit, MI ($124)Memphis, TN ($125)Indianapolis, IN ($129)San Antonio, TX ($130)Booking a lower-cost Airbnb is only one of many ways to keep the costs down when traveling with your pet. Pack all your pet’s travel essentials before your trip, including a leash, food/water dishes, grooming supplies, plastic waste bags, and a first aid kit. If you are driving to your destination, you can also pack your pet’s food to avoid shopping for it once you arrive. You can gather these items by shopping local sales rather than paying a premium to get what you need on short notice. Pet Insurance is another great budget-friendly travel tip. This may seem counterproductive, adding the monthly cost of your pet’s policy to your budget. But if disaster strikes, the insurance policy can help to significantly reduce emergency vet bills.Whatever your budget, we encourage all pet parents to get out and explore, making memories with their pets by their side. You won’t regret it!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Pet Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is here, and you’re probably excited about everything that this festive time of year has to offer. But even though you might be focused on being with the people you love, eating delicious food, and sharing gifts, it’s important to also consider the effects the holidays can have on your pets.To help you enjoy a safe and happy holiday season with your furbabies, here’s a list of holiday safety tips for pets.

Is A Wet Dog's Nose Good or Bad?

A dog’s nose is their tool for discovering the world around them through scent, but dog noses are important for much more than sniffing – the state of your pet’s nose can sometimes be indicative of their health. It can be dry and flaky or wet and soft, so what is better? Is a dry nose a bad sign? Or a wet one? Or are they both normal? These are the questions that are often proving to be troubling for dog owners. So let’s try and answer them once and for all!Is A Wet Dog's Nose Good or Bad?A wet dog's nose is usually a sign of good health. Most often, the nose is wet because the doggo is licking it! They do this frequently in order to keep them clean and to enhance their sense of smell. In fact, a moist nose helps them trap scent particles more effectively. The moisture on their nose captures scent molecules from the air, allowing them to better identify and track smells. This ability is crucial for tasks such as hunting, tracking, and even detecting certain medical conditions in humans. 

Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?

When it comes to eating, most dogs will eat just about anything – in fact, if it’s something that’s forbidden for them to eat or something that they really shouldn’t be munching on, their appetite only seems to increase. And unfortunately, that also includes poop. While it is definitely disgusting to see, it actually has a lot of science behind it. The behavior is called  coprophagia, and it is influenced by a lot of major factors. Getting to know them can help you better understand this odd behavior, and help you act accordingly. So let’s learn all about dogs and poop-eating.Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?Believe it or not, eating poop is a fairly common behavior in dogs. In fact, recent studies reveal that it is  in a dog’s DNA to eat poop. It isn’t, however, a behavior that should be ignored completely. Because it can give you insights into the health and mentality of your four-legged friend. If you spot your pet munching on the forbidden fudge, it could signal a major nutritional deficiency. So, basically, if a dog is lacking certain nutrients in their diet, they may seek to fulfill those needs by eating feces. Of course, it can also signal underlying medical issues. It is known that some medical conditions can lead to coprophagia, such as malabsorption disorders or  parasites. Coprophagia can also sometimes stem from behavioral issues, such as stress, anxiety, or boredom. Dogs may resort to eating poop as a way to cope with these feelings or out of sheer boredom. It can also come from simple attention-seeking. Yup, your dog can eat feces as a way to gain attention, especially if they've received a strong reaction from their owners in the past. And, if you notice that your doggo is nibbling on poop in the park or on the street, they could be attracted to the scent. The scent of feces attracts some dogs, especially if it's from another animal. Of course, neglect can also be a viable cause. Dogs that are confined in tight spaces or cages can exhibit unnatural behaviors, such as excessive eating of poop. It can also stem from anxiety, fear, isolation, or from problems related to diet. Either way, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues and to address any behavioral concerns. Of course, ensuring your dog has a balanced diet, plenty of physical and mental stimulation, and positive reinforcement training can help deter this behavior. It can also be wise to supplement your dog’s diet with  quality multivitamins, which can balance their nutritional needs and prevent poop-eating. 

World’s Oldest Dog Posthumously Stripped of His Title

Last year, the world’s oldest dog was thought to be Bobi – who was reportedly  31 years old. However, a recent investigation into this claim led to him being posthumously stripped of the title by none other than Guinness World Records. The lofty title was suspended this January, as doubts rose about the dog’s reported age. Bobi lived in Portugal and sadly passed away last fall, and according to his owner, at a grand age of 31 years. However, a recent review by Guinness World Records revealed that they didn’t have the necessary evidence to support that claim."Without any conclusive evidence available to us right now, we simply can't retain Bobi as the record holder and honestly claim to maintain the high standards we set ourselves," Guinness Director of Records Mark McKinley said. "Of course, as with any record, we'll gladly assess any new evidence should we receive any."Before Guinness World Records actually grants a world record, they require ample evidence of a claim. Pictures, videos, statements from witnesses, documents, and anything similar are all required. And when pets are concerned, microchip data can also be examined. "Central to Bobi's evidence was microchip data sourced from the Portuguese government database, the SIAC, which it transpires, when chipped in 2022, did not require proof of age for dogs born before 2008," McKinley said. "With the additional veterinary statement provided as evidence for Bobi's age also citing this microchip data, we're left with no conclusive evidence which can definitively prove Bobi's date of birth."So, who is the real oldest dog in the world? Well, before Bobi’s lofty claim, there was the famous Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who held the record, being 29 years and 5 months old. But with these recent events, the future of this record will certainly change. McKinley claims that microchips need to be widely adopted around the world for serious claims to be made."Until that time, we'll require documentary evidence for all years of a pet's life, we'll continue to ask for vet and witness statements and we'll also consider microchip data as well where available," he added. "It's for this reason that we're not yet in a position to confirm a new holder for the record, although we certainly hope that the publicity around the record title encourages pet owners from around the world to get in touch."Sadly, Bobi died in October 2023, just months after celebrating what was reportedly his 31st birthday. He was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a native Portuguese dog breed that is known for its ability to protect livestock. These magnificent dogs have an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, and it was thought that Bobbi managed to live twice the time expected – but we’ll never know if that’s actually true or not.

Study Finds That Pet Owners Experience Slower Cognitive Decline

Studies have shown that owning a pet can promote physical health in older people, but there isn’t enough research on the impact of dogs, cats, and other pets on cognitive function. As people age, their cognitive functions and memory decline. Although all people experience some level of cognitive decline as they age, some individuals can maintain good cognitive function well into advanced age. In contrast, others experience a sharp cognitive decline early on. Researchers have suggested various strategies to slow cognitive decline, from treating sleep apnea to improving diet and increasing exercise. In a new study, a team of researchers has set to discover whether pets, mainly cats and dogs, may help slow down cognitive decline in seniors.Scientists from the University of Maryland wanted to examine the link between pet ownership and changes in cognitive function of community-dwelling seniors. The goal of this study was to determine whether pet owners experience slower cognitive decline. They also wanted to see if there’s any difference if the pet is a dog or a cat, and whether dog walking might reduce the rate of cognitive decline. The team analyzed data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, the longest-running study of aging in the U.S. Using the data from this study, enabled the research team to analyze the cognitive tests of 637 participants ages between 51 and 101.Of the participants, nearly one-third owned pets, with 11% owning cats and 13% owning dogs. Among dog owners, 69% reported walking their dogs regularly. Results revealed that during 10 years, all participants experienced a decline in cognitive functions as they aged. However, decline was slower in pet owners, compared to non-pet owners. Interestingly, the slower decline was more evident in some but not all tests used to determine cognitive function. Additionally, the results also showed some variations between cat and dog owners. For example, researchers noted that dog owners who walked their dogs regularly experienced even slower cognitive decline than cat owners and dog owners who didn’t walk their pets.This finding showcases just how beneficial walking your pooch can be for your overall health. Owning a dog can increase physical activity, as they need to be taken out for regular walks and daily exercise, which is known to be beneficial for health. “Older adult pet owners experienced less decline in cognitive function as they aged, after considering both their pre-existing health and age,” the study authors said.“Memory, executive function, language function, psychomotor speed, and processing speed deteriorated less over 10 years among pet owners than among non-owners and among dog owners than non-owners.”“Cat owners experienced less deterioration in memory and language function. Dog walking was also associated with slower deterioration in cognitive functioning.”Numerous other studies have shown that pets can provide social support and that interacting with a cat or dog can lower heart rate and blood pressure.This study is important for the scientific understanding of factors linked with cognitive decline. However, this study isn’t without limitations. Firstly, the study doesn’t allow any cause-and-effect conclusions to be made. Secondly, the study sample consisted of people with higher socioeconomic status and above-average cognitive abilities for their age. “Policymakers could use these findings to support the inclusion of pets in care plans, designing housing and neighborhoods for seniors that are friendly for dog walking and developing programs to support pet ownership and care for older adults’ pets while they are temporarily unable to do so,” concluded the authors of the study. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Can I Muzzle My Dog to Stop Barking?

Final Thoughts - Can I Muzzle My Dog to Stop Barking?Excessive barking can be frustrating and, if left unaddressed, can put you, as the owner, in a difficult situation. In some places, this can lead to fines or even eviction due to noise complaints. Unfortunately, the process of training a dog to stop barking isn’t one that is usually solved overnight – but it can be done! While you might have seen it recommended to use an “anti-bark” muzzle to stop your dog’s barking, it is not recommended for anything more than a 10 to 15-minute quick fix. Not only does it not teach your dog not to bark in the future, but the muzzle's design could create a dangerous situation. Instead, start by identifying the cause. Is your dog overly excited? Is there a trigger that makes them feel fearful and stressed? Are they trying to protect you when someone walks onto your property? Knowing the trigger will help you not only stop it but also manage your dog’s barking in the short term. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to contact a professional trainer or certified behaviorist to offer guidance and direction. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Can Dogs Have Sleep Apnea?

If you’ve ever heard your dog snoring, you might’ve wondered if sleep apnea is a condition that can affect canines like it does humans. The answer is, yes, dogs can have sleep apnea, although it is rare, and certain breeds may be at greater risk. Below is some information on sleep apnea in dogs, including research, symptoms, and possible treatment options.

Are Bengal Cats Really That Wild? Here's What Science Has to Say.

Bengal cats are a truly stunning feline breed, in many ways. According to the International Cat Association (TICA), they hold the title of being the most popular cat breed globally, and it doesn’t really come as a surprise. Their unique and exotic appearance, their unavoidable charm, and their slender physique are certainly the reason for this prestigious title. But even though they are popular, Bengal cats are a relatively new breed in the field of domesticated cats. While most ordinary domestic cat breeds have been around for thousands of years, Bengal cats have been around for less than a century, which comes as a stark contrast. They are a hybrid breed as well, having been created in the 1960s. They came about from the crossing of the domestic cat (Felis Catus), and the Asian Leopard cats (Prionailurus Bengalensis), which are a small, spotted, wild cat species living in Asia. What makes the combination unique is the fact that these two cat species had a common ancestor about 6 million years ago, which means that the genetic differences between them are incredible. The differences are even greater than between humans and chimpanzees!The resulting breed is the Bengal cat, and it is adored for its exotic appearance. It has special spots, just like ocelots or leopards. But most folks ascribe the unique coloration and patterns of these felines to the DNA they received from their wild and distantly related ancestors. And that’s why scientific folks paid special attention to the ancestry of Bengal cats. Greg Barsh, MD, Ph.D., Faculty Investigator at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and Professor of Genetics at Stanford University,  himself an expert in the genetics of feline coat coloration and patterning is a key figure in the research process of Bengal ancestry. Together with his team, which is led by Chris Kaelin, Ph.D., and Kelly McGowan, MD, Ph.D., Mr. Barsh is working hard towards unraveling Bengal ancestry through the genetics of popular color traits."Cats are wonderful companions," he explains for  Phys.org, "but our interests go beyond their beautiful and exotic appearance. Like the amazing variation among different dog breeds, artificial selection can be a very powerful engine to create morphologic diversity. What's different about Bengal cats from dogs is the raw genetic material–dogs trace their heritage to wolves from tens of thousands of years ago.""In contrast, Bengal cats trace their heritage to completely different species from millions of years ago. Understanding how these distantly related genomes interact is a general question that applies to any situation when different species exchange genes, from crops to aquaculture to humans and Neandertals."And even though this is a relatively new breed, started about 60 years ago by a few cat enthusiasts, it has grown incredibly during this time. Today, there are hundreds of thousands of registered Bengal cats, which are produced by about 2,000 breeders. Chris Kaelin, the leader of the Bengal cat DNA study, said “Cat fanciers and breeders are very interested in the research, in part because they want to know more about the science behind artificial selection, and in part, because they want to know if our results can help them produce cats with rosettes, stripes, or other exotic markings.” He also added "This is a great example of citizen science–our work has been enabled by the willingness of breeders to participate, and we share our results with the community."One of the surprising discoveries that was produced from the study is that Asian Leopard DNA contributes no more than a few percent to the overall Bengal Cat DNA. In fact, it is revealed that there isn’t one or even a few Asian leopard genes that are causing the unique spotted Bengal appearance. "One of the original motivations for bringing together DNA from the two species was to select for Asian leopard DNA that would recapitulate the appearance of an exotic wild cat in a companion animal," said Kaelin. "It turns out that some of the most striking examples of selection in the breed are for traits that were already present, but very rare, in domestic cats."So, the study reveals that the Bengals are in many ways totally unique. Mixing the two very unique breeds resulted in a cat that is exotic, elegant, charming, and above all loveable. And now, the results published are providing valuable information to all the enthusiasts in love with the Bengal breed. 

Top stories

Are You Feelin’ Crabby?

UK Firefighters Get No Thanks from Rescued Cat

BARK Air Introduces a New Flight Tailored for Dogs

Top stories

Are You Feelin’ Crabby?

Related articles