Bichpoo

by Mary Simpson

Updated: November 8th, 2022 Published: November 12th, 2021

About Bichpoo

Weight

6-12 lb

Lifespan

12-15 years

Group

not applicable

Best Suited For

Apartment or house dwellers and with families who have older children, adaptable to living with other pets.

Temperament

Charming, intelligent, affectionate, eager to please

Comparable Breeds

Bichon Frise, Poodle

Height

9-14 inches

Bichpoo Basics

Sure, the name might be a bit questionable if you say it too quickly, but there’s no denying that the Bichpoo is one of the most delightful pups that you’ll ever meet. Fluffy, smart, and friendly, this lovely designer dog makes for a perfect family pet. Also known as a Poochon or Bichon Poodle, the Bichpoo is a mix between a Bichon Frise and a Toy (or Miniature) Poodle. He has a small but sturdy stature. He’s also highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes him easy to train (a highly underrated quality in any dog breed). Newbie dog owners should definitely consider this designer dog, as they’re very beginner-friendly breed. This is an ideal first dog to bring into any home and one guaranteed to make you a dog lover for life.

The Bichpoo is also quite adaptable when it comes to sharing his home with other animals, making it a perfect fit for families who already have pets. This pup will happily make friends with any furry member of your family. While the Bichpoo makes a great little watchdog, he can be prone to excessive barking so needs to be taught to downplay this trait when he is young and learning his socialization skills. Proper training will curb his yappy tendencies and ensure that this breed is suitable for apartment living. It’s important to train and socialize early to avoid your Bichpoo developing the dreaded “little dog syndrome.”

Designer dogs are still a mystery to many pet owners. They generally aren’t recognized by the AKC and it’s hard to get much of a sense of the history of most hybrid breeds. Purebred dogs remain more popular than designer dogs, but slowly that’s changing. Many new breeds offer a lot of impressive qualities in one adorable package. The Bichpoo is one of those breeds who stand out with their great personality and absolutely adorable appearance. So is the Bichpoo the dog that you’ve been hunting and needs to become part of your family? Read on to learn more about what makes these hybrids special and find out if you’ll be bringing one home soon.

Also known as a Poochon or Bichon Poodle, the Bichpoo is a mix between a Bichon Frise and a Toy (or Miniature) poodle.

Origin

Many designer dogs have something of a mysterious past – you can’t exactly pinpoint when and where the overwhelming majority of these hybrid breeds came to be. One of the reasons for this is that it’s difficult to discern when a certain crossbreed became a product of intentional breeding between two purebred dogs, and when, well, it was just a happy little “accident”. The Bichpoo might not have a more detailed past such as the Labradoodle or similar more popular designer dog breeds, but we can definitely say approximately what time and place this breed was originally developed.

The Bichpoo originated in Australia in the late 1990s and was bred specifically for families wanting a robust and active little dog with a non-shedding coat and a temperament that worked well with children. While this hybrid might not have a long history in comparison to his prestigious parents, he’s already proven to be a lovely dog with plenty of desirable traits. It didn’t take long before breeders in the United States and the United Kingdom started developing this hybrid. The popularity of the Bichpoo spread quickly and it soon became a mainstay of the designer dog world. Now there are many happy families that have a Bichon Frise and Poodle mix as their furbaby.

Pedigree

Bichpoos are hybrids that come from first generation cross-breeding between a purebred Bichon Frise and Toy (or Miniature) poodle. Like the majority of designer dogs, Bichpoos are also not uniform when it comes to their looks and behavior. The reason for this is that first generation mixes are the most unpredictable type of crossbreeds. Even in one litter, puppies can look completely different one from another. Some might favor the Bichon Frise in their appearance, while others could inherit more traits from the Poodle parent. Luckily, the parental breeds of this mix are somewhat similar, so there are no drastic differences within the breed. Bichpoo puppies tend to be fairly similar regardless of which parent they favour.

With multigenerational breeding, dogs start to have a standardized look, but there are other risks. Introducing other unrelated Bichons, Poodles, or Bichpoos to the gene pool can exacerbate certain health issues. The key is to find a reputable breeder. You’re looking for a breeder who selects his stock carefully and produces puppies responsibly. Dubious puppy mills or pet stores are never a good place to get a puppy, let alone a designer dog. These poor souls are often very mistreated and come with a host of health issues. It truly is tragic what can happen at these places.

It’s important to note that even when you are getting a puppy from a reputable breeder, you can’t expect them to have official pedigree documentation like a purebre puppy would. The reason for this is that designer dogs are not officially recognized by the AKC or any other major canine organizations – in their eyes, the Bichpoo is a cute mixed breed dog, but not a breed in its own right. One of the reasons for this is the lack of uniformity or “breed standard”, as you can never really predict how a Bichpoo will look like, and with established purebred dogs, you can have realistic expectations about everything from coat colors to height and weight.

However, you may ask the breeder to show you pedigree papers of the parents to get a better insight into your puppy’s lineage and some possible traits they could inherit. Similarly, some even offer unofficial papers from smaller dog organizations dedicated to designer dog breeds which are working towards creating a standard for each designer dog and elevating their status overall.

Food/Diet

As a small dog with high energy, you should feed your Bichpoo frequent small meals of a top quality food throughout the day and because of the propensity for small dogs to have dental problems, dry food and treats should become a mainstay of his diet. By providing a high-quality food that contains all-natural, quality ingredients you will help prevent him from picking up allergies – a health concern known to plague Bichons and Poodles. A reputable pet store will typically carry a good selection of higher quality products. By higher quality, we mean formulas that are made with healthy ingredients, with real meat as the first ingredient on the list – ideally, it would be a single protein source, followed by healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and a variety of vitamins, minerals, and trace nutrients your dog needs to thrive. In addition, the formula you pick should be tailored to the unique needs of your Bichpoo, which means dry food for small breed dogs of low to moderate activity levels, in the age group appropriate for your pet (puppy, adult, or senior).

If you have any concerns about your Bichpoo’s diet, it’s always a wise idea to consult with your vet. While pet food manufacturers and pet blog provide useful feeding guidelines, these are still guidelines and not gospel. Only a vet who is familiar with your specific dog can accurately assess the dietary needs of personal pooch. So, always check in with your vet before making any major changes to your dog’s diet.

With Poodle DNA running through his veins, you can bet your Bichpoo is going to be one intelligent little dog who will learn quickly and prove fairly easy to train.

Training

With Poodle DNA running through his veins, you can bet your Bichpoo is going to be one intelligent little dog who will learn quickly and prove fairly easy to train. As with any puppy, his behavioral and socialization training must be done at an early age and because Poodles can sometimes take on high-strung and clingy characteristics, so you’ll want to work on this from the beginning. Understandably many small dogs are known to revert to nipping if they feel threatened or anxious, so working with a professional trainer to discourage this tendency and develop a game-plan to eliminate separation anxiety issues, would be money well spent. As with any pet training, it’s important to focus on positive reinforcement and treat-based encouragement. Anything less is closer to abuse than training. It will not get you the results that you seek from your pup.

Weight

The weight of a Bichpoo is typically influenced by whether the poodle side of his parentage is a Toy or Miniature. If Toy, the Bichpoo will reach a weight of between 6-12 pounds. If a Miniature, you can expect his weight to range up to 18 pounds. Generally, the Bichpoo fits easily into the true small size dog breed. As such, they don’t need too much space to be content and can do perfectly well as apartment pets, as long as you provide them with plenty of space outside to exercise and spend their energy. These are lively and energetic dogs, so it won’t do them good if you leave them cooped up for long. Luckily, Bichpoos are not easy to become obese. This can happen if you neglect your pet and its diet, and particularly if it’s a smaller type. However, a properly cared for Bichpoo that spends enough energy and has a lot of activities during the day, will be as lean and well-built as any other healthy dog breed.

Temperament/Behavior

Sweet and loving, Bichpoo dogs make fantastic family pets precisely because of their great personality. When socialized properly, these designer dogs are bubbly and outgoing, happy to be around people, and quite affectionate with everyone they meet – but above all, with their humans. They will quickly grow on anyone that meets them! If you want a cuddly, kind dog that will love nothing more than to be petted and curl up with you when you watch the TV or lie down on the sofa after a long day, Bichpoo is your pooch.

Thanks to their parentage, these smart cookies are natural-born charmers, goofy clowns that bring joy to your everyday life with their antics. They are quite playful and intelligent, so they’ll enjoy (and require) a lot of playtime, particularly with puzzle toys. And don’t forget fetch or tug of wars – everything Bichpoos can do with their owner is something they love doing!

A common behavioral issue some Bichpoos might develop is excessive barking. This is common with Bichons, and might be passed down the line to the Bichpoo. These dogs have a tendency to bark a lot, mostly in order to get their master’s attention, warn of possible intruders, or simply to warn anyone wishing to take away their food or toys. Some say that even though the Bichpoo is a designer breed, it can still make a good watch dog due to its tendency to warn the owner about strangers. Still, if the Bichpoo is not socialized enough at a young age, the barking might become unbearable later on. Thankfully, it can be remedied with some patient training. Of course, it helps to properly socialize and train your pet at an early age and to avoid this issue altogether.

Common Health Problems

The plus to a first generation hybrid is that many of the serious health issues that plague the parent breeds can often by-pass their offspring. Unfortunately, that can never be assumed and new pet parents should be aware of potentially inherited issues. For the Bichpoo that can include progressive retinal atrophy, patella luxation and allergies. And while not an inherited but a health and wellness issue that is typical of all small dogs, the Bichpoo can be prone to breaks and fractures if dropped from any height. Supervision is recommended whenever young kids are involved in playtime. This is why it’s important to maintain regularly schedule checkups with your vet, especially as they age. It’s important that any potential health issues be identified and treated as early as possible.

A somewhat uncommon but still possible health issue amongst Bichpoos is the pesky hip dysplasia. It affects a lot of dog breeds of this size, and is an inherited issue. It is a multifactorial orthopedic condition that affects the dog’s hip joint. If left untreated, hip dysplasia can lead to major changes in the hip joint, causing osteoarthritis and major pain and discomfort. Although this is a rare occurrence, it is still worth mentioning. Luckily, it can be helped with the assistance of your vet.

Life Expectancy

The average life span of a Bichpoo is 12-15 years. With 15 years being at the high end of the life expectancy amongst dogs, this means that Bichpoo is a hardy and long lived breed. Of course, this is only achievable with good genetics, plenty of care, and a loving environment. A neglected dog is unlikely to ever reach this age. Best of all, such a generous lifespan makes Bichpoos ideal as companion dogs. If you dreamed of having a furry, four legged companion to be by your side for a good part of your life, then consider a Bichpoo as a great choice.

Exercise Requirements

The Bichpoo has loads of energy and loves to play for what may seem like endless periods of time to his owners. Because of his tendency towards energy bursts, he needs daily walks of at least one-half hour and regular playtime that will keep him physically active and mentally stimulated. This is particularly important to keep in mind for apartment dwellers that are unable to let him out for a quick run in the yard. Failure to keep your Bichpoo active and engaged may result in a dog that becomes quickly bored, restless and begins to whine, bark, and chew. Nobody wants a dog like that in their home, so regular exercise is of vital importance to avoid any of these problem behaviours rearing their ugly heads.

The Bichpoo typically exhibits many of the same characteristics as his Bichon Frise and Toy poodle parents, including a lively, intelligent and affectionate disposition.

AKC

Because he is a hybrid breed, the Bichpoo is not a member of the American Kennel Club however there are many smaller organizations that recognize this mix as a breed. The American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Designer Breed Registry and International Designer Canine Registry all recognize the Bichon Frise and Poodle mix under the name Poochon. The Dog Registry of America, Inc. recognizes is it under all common names.

Coat

The Bichpoo’s coat is typically soft and curly and Poodle lineage means they are light shedders and hypoallergenic. Typically his coat is light (either white or apricot colored) and it will require daily brushing to keep it looking its best (and to prevent any unfortunate matting). A visit to the groomer for clipping should take place every six to eight weeks to prevent matting and keep his coat short and easy to care for.

Puppies

The litter size of Bichpoo puppies can depend on the type of Poodle used in the mix. However, since Bichon Frise dog is commonly the mom of the litter, you can usually expect to see between 2 and 5 puppies. These adorable little mixes will steal your heart with their goofy behavior and cute looks, but it’s important to make sure to be careful around them. As the offspring of two small breed dogs, Bichpoo puppies are very fragile and prone to injuries, especially in their puppyhood. Don’t leave them to play with children without supervision and monitor they don’t jump on and off high surfaces. You must take special care of Bichpoos as puppies because they are so delicate and fragile. However, this sort of love and care should only deepen the bond between this pup and his human, so it will pay off quite a bit in the long run.

Naturally, it goes without saying that puppyhood is the perfect period to start training and socialization – the earlier you start, the better. Usually, simple training can start around two months of age, and slowly progresses to more complex tasks, for instance potty training, which is usually done between 12 and 16 weeks of age. As for socialization, it’s important to give your puppy the chance to grow accustomed to different pets, strangers, children, and so on – so they wouldn't have issues with people or animals outside the family as they reach adulthood. Just remember that they are fragile while you socialize them and avoid rowdy small kids that oculd inadvertently hurt them or larger, more energetic dogs (for the same reason).

Photo credit: CharliesMom12/Flickr; mikeledray/Bigstock; VladimirNenezic/Bigstock

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Caring for and managing a reactive dog can be incredibly frustrating. Your dog may be a sweet angel at home, but they suddenly evolve into a barking, growling, lunging whirlwind when out in public.Luckily, there is hope!Overcoming reactivity is a process that will not happen overnight. However, dog trainers and behaviorists have seen great success with positive reinforcement techniques like counterconditioning.This article will explore how counterconditioning works, the steps involved in the process, realistic timelines and expectations, and tips for a successful journey toward a calmer, more confident dog. Get started today!What is Counterconditioning for Dogs?Let’s start at the beginning—what exactly is counterconditioning, and why is it recommended for managing and treating reactive dogs?Counterconditioning is a behavioral modification technique that focuses on changing your dog’s emotional response to a specific stimulus.For example, some dogs feel fear and anxiety at the sight of another dog. This could be due to a lack of socialization, meaning they weren’t taught that other dogs can be friendly. It could also be a reaction to a past trauma, like having been attacked by another dog. In these situations, counterconditioning can be used to teach your dog that the sight of another dog leads to a positive experience.Why is this an effective approach for addressing reactivity? Reactivity, by definition, is an overreaction to a trigger. While this is often associated with fear or anxiety, some reactive dogs become overly excited. An overexcited dog may jump all over strangers not because they are trying to cause harm but because they are so excited to see them that they can’t control their response.If you have identified your dog’s triggers, you can use this training approach to teach them to respond in a new (and better) way.What Can Counterconditioning Be Used to Treat?Reactivity isn’t the only behavioral condition that can be treated with counterconditioning. This technique can be used to address a wide spectrum of situations in which a pet may be responding to a situation or trigger in an unwanted way.Some situations where it is commonly recommended include helping dogs overcome specific fears or phobias as well as managing or overcoming behaviors related to obsessive-compulsive disorder.Common fears that may be addressed with counterconditioning include: Fear of car ridesAnxiety when visiting the vetNoises (fireworks, thunder)Babies (especially the sound of crying)Strangers or other dogs in publicAllowing guests to enter their homePhysical triggers like cars or bicyclesDogs who dislike grooming, like brushing or having their nails trimmedIf you believe this approach may be helpful in your dog’s unique situation, we recommend speaking with a behaviorist.You can find professionals in your area by browsing the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists website list or the Animal Behavior Consultants Directory by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.

Dog Ran A Mile to Her Doggy Daycare Center for Help After A Car Crash

A frightened dog ran a mile through heavy traffic to its doggy daycare to get help after she and her owner were in a car crash. Melisa Fickel, the dog’s owner, said that Aries, a three-year-old pit bull mix has always been a smart pooch. The pup, who was adopted in 2020, learns tricks quickly and loves to play in the park. Aries recently got a chance to show exactly how smart she is. The pooch and her owner were heeded to a local park in Detroit, Michigan when another car hit them from behind. Luckily, no one was injured, and both vehicles sustained only minor damages. However, the car accident spooked Aries, prompting her to jump out of the car’s window and run off into traffic. “I had the windows down because Aries likes to hang her head out,” said Fickel to a local TV station. “As soon as there was that smack, as soon as I felt and heard it, almost instantaneously, she was out the window.”Fearing the worst, Fickel was concerned about her pup’s safety. While dealing with the police and her insurance company, her mind was preoccupied with all the ways Aries could be in danger,“I can’t really think about it because so many things could have happened,” she added.What Fickel didn’t know is that Aries ran about a mile down the road, to the safest place she could be in - the Hounds Town Metro Detroid, the doggy daycare she frequently visits. Security footage recorded at the daycare showed Aries arriving at the center during the staff’s noon break when employees usually shut down the lobby to clean and catch up with other tasks. According to Dominic Pace, the daycare’s general manager, he and another employee were in the lobby when they saw something outside. “We noticed something dart past the front door,” said Pace. “It was like a black blur that just went past.”Thinking that they might have seen a dog, Pace went outside and found Aries standing by the sidewalk leading to the daycare’s front door. The pooch was panting and looked scared. Once inside the daycare, Aries has calmed down. Pace thought the dog looked familiar, so he called Travis Odgen, the daycare’s owner. At first, Odgen thought that it might be a stray dog, but as he got a better look, he instantly recognized Aries. “I was like, ‘Oh, that looks like Aries’ and then she walks closer and I’m like ‘That is Aries!’” he said. “I start to pet her and she gives me kisses, and she rolls over for me, recognizing me.”Although happy to see Aries, Odgen was confused to see the pooch without her owner. He immediately called Fickel to find out what was happening and to tell her that her dog was in the daycare.Everything made sense once Odgen learned about the fender bender and Aries’ escape. He assured the pup’s owner that she was safe and sound, minus a small cut on her paw. The staff promised to look after the pup until her owner sorted out everything and was able to pick her up.According to Pace, Aries is a very friendly and sweet dog who loves to flop on her back, expecting belly rubs from anyone nearby. “Dogs do have an intuition of knowing where they are and where they can be safe,” he said. “She knows that she’s safe here, that she has people here that will take care of her and dogs are pretty intuitive when it comes to that kind of thing.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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

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

It's a Match! Winnipeg Rescue Intro's Doggie Dates

Prospective owners can sweep their prospective partner away for the night, a weekend, or a week, before deciding to commit.

Why is My Cat Suddenly Acting Aggressive?

Cats are well-known for their independent and aloof nature. It’s part of their mysterious and majestic presence. But what do you do when your once docile companion suddenly becomes angry or aggressive?Understanding why your cat may have shown such an abrupt behavior change is important. Why? This could be a sign of much bigger trouble that demands your attention. There are many explanations for this type of change in demeanor, including physical pain or illness. The best solution to create harmony once again in your home is to get to the bottom of it!In this article, we will look at the most common reasons for a cat to suddenly exhibit aggression and what you should do to help your furry best friend.What Does Aggression Look Like in Cats?If you are a first-time cat owner or have never encountered an aggressive cat, you may wonder what aggression looks like. Our feline friends aren’t always as outwardly friendly and affectionate as their canine counterparts, but aggression refers to behaviors that go a step further. Rather than being aloof or disinterested, an aggressive cat outwardly expresses upset, anger, and frustration toward a trigger.Cat parents who seek help with an aggressive cat often refer to their cat biting or swatting, causing physical harm out of nowhere. But there are often other signs of trouble that are overlooked or unnoticed.Early signs of aggression include:Thrashing or fast twitching tailDirect stareDilated pupilsEars flattened back against the headStiff or crouched postureRaised hacklesHissing, growling, or yowlingWhen these warning signs are ignored, a cat may feel they have no choice but to react further to protect themselves from the perceived threat or trigger. It is at this moment that a cat will swat or bite. Learning to recognize the early warning signs will help you prevent the situation from escalating to the point that someone is hurt.How Do You Tell if a Cat is Playing or Being Aggressive?Some cats, especially young kittens, may play in a way that is similar to or mimics the signs of aggression. This can make it harder to identify if your cat is truly upset or simply playing around. Luckily, there are a few minor differences that can help you differentiate between the two.When a cat is being playful, they usually have their claws retracted. This means they may swat at you during play, but they aren’t scratching or causing harm with that action. The same can be said when they pounce on you – landing on you with their paws, nails retracted. If your cat is biting at your hand during play, they often have a threshold they won’t cross. They may bite hard enough that you feel some discomfort, but they aren’t trying to break the skin.There is a grey area that shouldn’t be overlooked between play and aggression, where a cat either didn’t learn where that line exists or fails to acknowledge it. This is known as play aggression, which we will touch on later.

According to ASPCA, These Are The Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2023

No matter how careful you are, accidents happen – this is particularly true when it comes to pet  poisoning cases. Not only that cats and dogs have some uncanny ability to get into stuff that they’re not supposed to get into, but you also can’t always know what things could be a potential toxin to them. And believe us when we say, there are a lot of potential pet toxins in an average household!The annual report by the  ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC)  only goes to prove this. Each year, they examine all the compiled data to determine which are the most commonly encountered pet toxins each year. It helps keep owners aware of the threats, and to keep vets always one step ahead. In 2023, the APCC was extra busy, having received hundreds of thousands of calls about items and substances that pets were exposed to. Incredibly, these substances totaled over 351,000!Even though they were contacted about such an imposing number of potentially hazardous substances, they managed to narrow down the most common culprits and compile the list of top 10 pet toxins in 2023, which will serve as a great reminder of what to look out for.Over-the-counter medications, including cold and flu medicines, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and vitamins and supplements. With 16.8% exposure, these medications are the number one threat in 2023. Almost every home has some sort of medications stored, and they aren’t always expertly hidden. Accidentally, pets can discover them and suffer many dire consequences if they ingest them. Human food and drink are almost equally as dangerous, with 16.2% reported calls. A lot of what we consume daily is toxic to pets. This can range from common items such as raisins, onions, garlic, grapes, or sweets, to more rare items such as protein drinks and bars, xylitol gums, and energy drinks. If your pet gets their paws on any of these, it can end up in an emergency vet visit. Prescription medications for humans are very dangerous to pets, and many reports were made in regard to inhalers, ADHD medications, heart medications, and similar. Prescription medications are often strong drugs and definitely not meant for pets.Chocolate is the number 4 threat for 2023. A staggering 13% of calls were related to this sweet. Dogs are mostly found consuming it as cats do not have sweet taste buds or the appetite of dogs. Still, chocolate is not meant for pets and can cause many side effects.Veterinary products are at number 5 with 8.3% reported exposures. Callers reported ingestion of chewable tablets or soft chews, many of them used for calming pets. Owners are urged to keep medicines locked away, as pets can like their sweet taste and go after them when you are not looking. Plants and fungi accounted for 8.1% of exposures. Dogs are inquisitive and can find these plants on their outdoor adventures. But many plants can cause a threat to dogs, so make sure to acquaint yourself with a list of toxic plants to look out for.Household products are also on this list, with 7.1% of exposures reported. Pets consumed various dangerous items, such as deoxidizer packets, batteries, and various miscellanea lying around the house. Be aware of what’s lying around that’s easy to reach.Rodenticides are a major threat to pets. People can use poisons to get rid of pests, but our pets don’t know that. If they ingest them, it can be extremely dangerous, leading to kidney failure, bleeding, and even death. When you are out on walks, always be careful what is lying around. Insecticides are almost the same. People use bug sprays, ant baits, and poisonous powders all over the place. Always make sure that the area you are in is free from anything that can be a threat to your pet. Recreational drugs are last but not least. With substances such as marijuana becoming increasingly legal, pets can come in contact with them as well. But there are also hallucinogenic substances such as mushrooms, especially psilocybin, and muscarine, which can be very harmful to pets. 

How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need?

Sleep allows all big and little creatures to rest, regenerate, grow, and gain strength for further milestones in life. Dogs, too, need to have enough  sleep to thrive – both during the day and through the night. But some doggos love to snooze more and others, and then there are those who won’t sleep that much at all. So what is the bottom line? How much sleep do dogs need exactly? While there can’t be a general, straightforward answer (after all, not all dogs are identical), there are some general rules and guidelines to follow. How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need Daily?The amount of sleep a dog needs can vary depending on factors such as their age, breed, and activity level. Generally, dogs sleep a significant portion of the day, and their sleep patterns can be quite different from humans. Here's a rough guideline for how much sleep dogs typically need on a daily basis – based on their age, lifestyle, and so on.Puppies, naturally, need a lot of sleep, usually around 18 to 20 hours a day. They have bursts of energy and playfulness, which are followed by periods of deep sleep. Puppies are still growing, and sleep is essential for their development.Adult dogs, on the other hand, are not such sleepy heads. Still, they will sleep more often than not. Most adult dogs sleep around 12 to 14 hours a day, although this can vary. Larger breeds tend to sleep more than smaller breeds. Active and working dogs, such as herding or hunting breeds, may require more sleep to recover from their daily activities. There are also seniors, who get tired more quickly and need plenty of rest during the daytime. Older dogs may sleep more than younger adults, often in the range of 14 to 16 hours a day. Senior dogs tend to be less active and love to snooze whenever there’s a chance. It's important to note that individual dogs can have different sleep needs. Some dogs may sleep more or less than the average, and this can be influenced by their overall health and well-being. It's also influenced by their daily routine, exercise, and mental stimulation. Then again, some doggos are straight-out lazy – they love to snooze, hate to jump around and exercise, and snore as much as they want! This is not something you should worry about unless it comes about suddenly. That’s just how some dogs are. 

Jack Russell Terrier Adopts and Nurses Six Abandoned Kittens

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

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.

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