Irish Doodle

by Lisa Selvaggio

Updated: February 25th, 2023 Published: December 28th, 2021

About Irish Doodle

Weight

40-70 lb

Lifespan

10-13 years

Group

not applicable

Best Suited For

Singles, families with children and other pets, seniors, and those living in apartments or houses with or without yards

Temperament

Loyal, devoted, quiet, social, intelligent, friendly

Comparable Breeds

Irish Setter, Poodle

Height

13-15 inches

Irish Doodle Basics

Are you looking for a smart, energetic, and family-friendly pooch to bring into your life? Then you’re in luck! Also known as the Irish Doodle Setter, Irish Poo Setter, Irish Setterdoodle, and Irish Setterpoo (Whew! That’s a lot of aliases!), the Irish Doodle is a super cute, friendly, and light-hearted medium-sized crossbreed. That’s right, they have almost any many lovable qualities as they do names. A mix of Irish Setter and Poodle, the Irish Doodle is ideal for anyone seeking a dog that won’t shed a lot and who will be loyal, social, and intelligent. This dog rarely barks and will even get along great with children and pets. In other words, it’s a perfect dog to bring home and make part of your family. After a few days with your Irish Doodle, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without him!

If the Irish Doodle sounds too good to be true, rest assured that it isn’t. These dogs are very real and they live up to the hype! Combing adorable looks and an equally loveable attitude, this crossbreed is becoming hugely popular. After a few minutes spent in the radiant presence of these irresistible pups, you’ll understand why. To find out if this dog would be the right fit for your family, check keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. We’ll tell you everything that you need to know about the Irish Doodle and why you need to bring one into your home post haste.

The Irish Doodle is a super cute, friendly, and light-hearted medium-sized crossbreed.

Origin

The Irish Doodle is one of the newest designer dog breeds. As it is the case with most of these dogs, the Irish Setter and Poodle mix also doesn’t have much of a history to speak of. Or at least they don’t have a well documented history. Intentionally bred crossbreeds are still somewhat of a novelty in the world of canines. Before the 1980s, when the creation of the Labradoodle opened a whole new world of possibilities for hybrids, all mixed breed dogs were a product of accidental mating. Mutts, although undeniably as lovely as their purebred fellows, simply weren’t as popular or coveted. Thankfully, all of that has changed quite dramatically. In fact, designer dogs can now cost several times more than their purebred parents! It’s amazing how things can change in a few short years.

As a designer dog breed itself, the Irish Doodle was probably first developed at some point over the last 30 years. Similarly, this Doodle hybrid likely had its start in the United States, like most hybrids did. Owing to the difficulties associated with discerning what are mutts and what are designer dogs, there’s no way to accurately pinpoint the time and place of the breed’s beginnings. Breeders simply didn’t think to document that sort of thing until quite recently. However, despite a general lack of information about the breed, the Irish Doodle does have an impressive history…through its parents. The Irish Setter originated in 18th century Ireland, and the Poodle is an even older breed. There have been records of Poodles stretching back as far as 15th century Germany. So there’s quite a rich heritage to the Irish Doodle, even if their exact origin remains a mystery.

Pedigree

The Irish Doodle is a cross between a purebred Irish Setter and Poodle. The Poodle comes in 3 different sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. Yet, only two types can be used to develop this designer dog. The standard Poodle is the most common choice, although there are breeders who use miniature Poodle studs with Irish Setter bitches. The result of that unique breeding is the Mini Irish Doodle.

Since this is still a breed in development, most Irish Doodle puppies are first generation or F1 mixes. This means that the mom and dad are purebred. Their offspring can look like a perfect combination of the two or more like one than the other. In other words, the appearance and the traits of F1 mixes are somewhat unpredictable. Yet despite that unpredictability, some breeders prefer them as they believe them to be the healthiest.

Multi-generational breedings are rare, but there are some F1b Irish Doodle mixes that are currently in development. These dogs are a result of breeding an F1 Irish Doodle to a non-related Poodle. In these cases, the Poodle genes are more prevalent (75%), so these dogs are a better choice if you are keen on the hypoallergenic coat and want a more Doodle-like breed.

However, despite the efforts of the breeders to standardize the appearance and qualities of the Irish Doodle, these dogs are still not considered to be an actual breed. The American Kennel Club still doesn’t recognize any of the designer dogs, so your Irish Doodle puppies won’t have official pedigree papers. Sadly, that’s a bias that the American Kennel Club is simply unwilling to drop, despite the fact that designer dogs are growing in popularity every year. Thankfully, there are other options. Instead, ask for a health guarantee and see if you can meet the parents. This is important both to see what you can expect with your own puppy and to eliminate the possibility you’re buying from a backyard breeder (a scourge on the dog breeding industry).

Food / Diet

A medium sized dog like an Irish Doodle will require a high quality canine diet that will provide him with the energy he needs for daily activity. You can feed your dog wet food, dry food, or a combination of the two. A good place to start is to feed your dog about 2½ to 3 cups of dry food, divided into two meals per day, but see if your dog requires more or less to maintain a healthy weight and energy level. Of course, if you are ever concerned about your dog’s diet and aren’t seeing the results that you expected, it’s always a wise idea to consult your vet. After all, not all dogs are the same and only an experienced vet will be able to identify the specific dietary needs of your personal pooch. So, don’t be afraid to ask your vet at your next checkup. It could make a huge impact on keeping your pup happy and healthy.

Combing adorable looks and an equally loveable attitude, the Irish Doodle is becoming popular.

Training

One of the things you need to consider before adding an Irish Doodle to your family is the fact that these dogs aren’t always the easiest to train. They can be quite unpredictable, especially because the Irish Setter isn’t always willing to be trained and can get bored easily, while the Poodle is generally quite easy to train. So, it all depends on which traits your Irish Doodle inherits from each parent and as previously discussed, that’s unpredictable.

When training an Irish Doodle, you will need to be committed and patient. However, once you succeed at training your dog, he will remember everything that you taught him. The good news is that these dogs are easy to house train. So at least that won’t cause you much trouble. As always, no matter how difficult your Irish Doodle is to train it’s important to focus on positive reinforcement and giddy encouragement. Anything less is too close to abuse. Establishing yourself as the alpha with a gentle touch isn’t just the best approach, it’s the only one to consider.

Weight

Potential dog owners should always pay attention to the breed’s weight and size. These parameters can tell you a lot about the pet’s dietary needs and housing requirements. A medium sized breed, the Irish Doodle weighs between 40 and 70 pounds. As such they usually require plenty of free space and room to exercise. The Irish Doodle will best thrive in an average-sized home or a spacious apartment. It is even better if you have a large house with a fenced in yard. This will give your pet the chance to exercise and play all they want. This is an energetic and athletic breed, and their need for exercise needs to be satisfied. Of course, this means that owners of tiny homes and small apartments simply won’t be able to keep an Irish Doodle and expect to provide them with a good life quality. They will feel cooped up, and that’s never good for a dog of this size.

Temperament / Behavior

Once you get to know an Irish Doodle, you will completely understand what all the fuss is about. These canines are affectionate, loyal, and devoted to their families. They are also eager to please and highly intelligent. Plus, they are gentle with other pets and kids, so they make fantastic family dogs, whether you live in a large house or in a modest apartment. These dogs are bred to love and are the perfect match for almost any home.

Even though an Irish Doodle won’t mind meeting strangers, this dog will be attentive and alert and will let you know if he comes across anything that seems suspicious. So, while they will never exactly be a guard dog, they can be a decent watchdog. Of course, this has a lot to do with their tendency to form strong bonds with their owners. This is an affectionate and protective breed, and they will often stand by your side as guardians. Even so, the Irish Doodle is not a violent or aggressive breed. They’ll warn, but rarely – if ever – follow that with a reaction. Both the Poodle and the Irish Setter, the parent breeds of the Irish Doodle, are affectionate and friendly dogs. And these traits are fully transferred to their offspring.

Common Health Problems

Irish Doodles are typically hardy dogs. Much like other designer dog breeds, they may benefit from what’s known as hybrid vigor. This breeding method helps the offspring become more resilient than their parents.

However, hybrid dogs like the Irish Doodle are still susceptible to the conditions that most commonly affect their parents. In the case of the Irish Doodle, those conditions include epilepsy, Cushing’s disease, bloat, Addison’s disease, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, Von Willebrand disease, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, eye problems, panosteitis, hypertrophic osteodystrophy, canine atopic dermatitis, osteochondritis dissecans, and sebaceous adenitis. So quite a bit.

Even though a dog’s future health can’t be predicted for certain, whether that dog is a crossbreed or a purebred, keep an eye out for general canine health conditions, such as blindness, deafness, and hip dysplasia, particularly as your dog gets older. Regular visits to a vet are the best way to spot any potential problems before they arrive.

Life Expectancy

The Irish Doodle has an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years. Considering that 15 years is considered as a maximum life expectancy for most dog breeds, the Irish Doodle falls right into that medium category. Of course, 10 to 13 years is quite a respectable age for any dog. This guarantees that you will have an affectionate and friendly companion dog by your side for well over a decade – and that’s not a number to underestimate. Plenty of love and adventures can be crammed into a decade!

Of course, you can’t fully rely on these estimates. To reach that max lifespan, your pet will need all the help you can offer. They depend on you, and that’s a fact! To that end, you will need to provide ample care throughout their life: regular vet checkups, a healthy and balanced diet, tons of exercise, and heaps of love and affection. In the recipe of a long and carefree life, these are the most important ingredients.

Exercise Requirements

The Irish Doodle doesn’t need a lot of exercise. Instead, a moderate amount of daily activity, through games like fetch and a walk or a jog, will help keep your dog happy and in great shape. If you do have an enclosed, safe yard, you can even let your pooch play freely outside when the weather permits. It won’t be too hard to keep these doggos in shape, which is why they can be a good choice for urban dwellers in apartments, as long as they are active and spend time outdoors.

The Irish Doodle is the ideal dog to take to the park once per day for a short bit of fun and games. They are playful, goofy, and energetic, and will love to engage in games such as fetch or frisbee. Around half an hour of these games in the park, and you will satisfy this breed’s need for exercise. If there is no opportunity to go to the park every day, a simple and brisk walk on the leash will certainly do the trick!

Irish Doodles are affectionate, loyal, and devoted to their families.

Recognized Clubs

Many of the most loved cross breeds and designer dogs still lack the official recognition of the leading world dog breed registries. This is common with dogs that are not purebred. Likewise, the Irish Doodle is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is considered to be a hybrid breed. However, this breed is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), the Designer Breed Registry (DBR), the Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC), the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA), and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR). It is a good start, after all, and a sure path towards a wider recognition for this widely loved breed.

Coat

Every doggo’s biggest pride is their coat. And no matter whether it is smooth, shaggy, short, or long, that coat needs to be kept spic and span. And for this majestic breed, a maintained coat is a big thing. It gives them their famed elegance, beauty, and something to boast with. Irish Doodles are perfect dogs for those who don’t want to be cleaning up fur around the house and in the car all the time. The Poodle is popular because it hardly sheds, so the Irish Doodle will also feature a coat that is long, wavy, and shaggy and that sheds minimally and doesn’t require a lot of grooming to keep it under control.

Still, there is just a tad bit of work that needs to be done in order to maintain this type of coat. Your best bet is to adopt a steady routine over the week, giving your pet just a light brush every day to prevent matting and tangles. That way you can maintain a tidy look and get rid of all the excess hairs, even if there are just a few of them. Add to this routine a visit to the groomers about once a month, and an occasional bath when needed, and you are guaranteed to have a tidy, hygienic, pretty, and healthy doggo! Just don’t neglect these needs as you will have much more work to do later on.

Puppies

In the life of every dog, the first two to three months are the most delicate period of their lives, when they are the most vulnerable. Keep in mind that these puppies can be fragile very early on. And as they can be so incredibly cute, everyone will want to be around them, cuddle them, snuggle them, and all that goes with that. You will have to avoid these situations. Such eager attention from kids and adults can stress the poor puppy, scare them, and leave them frightened of people and large crowds. Best wait a month or two, before allowing your puppy into the wide world.

But as soon as the fragile days are done, you should encourage socialization. It is very important for puppies. Irish Doodle puppies and adults have a strong desire to be around their human families because they enjoy getting as much love and attention as they possibly can. So it’s a wise idea to spend as much time with your puppy as possible. You should also allow him to meet a variety of people and other pets that ensure that he grows up to be a friendly and confident adult. It will be easy to socialize them too, since any human who comes near your Irish Doodle will fall in love almost instantly. With socialization and a lot of interaction and play, your pet can grow up into a smart, obedient, playful, and friendly animal. In stark contrast, a neglected puppy without socialization can grow up into an aloof, anxious, aggressive, and lethargic pet. And remedying that state can take years of hard work.

That said, these dogs can occasionally be difficult to train. They have a bit of a stubborn streak, after all. So, it is best to start training as early as possible. Pack leader training and obedience training can be used early on to socialize your puppy and get him accustomed to meeting other pets and people. Remember that puppies tend to soak up all the information that you give them. They are eager to learn, and their brains are quickly developing and memorizing. So arm yourself with a bit of patience and tasty treats, and begin that training early on. Laying down ground rules for the future is very important, if you want a steadfast four-legged friend by your side.

Photo credit: Kenta Young/Flickr; Randy Stewart/Flickr

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Increased lifespan is often cited as one of the main benefits of neutering a dog. But is that true? A recently published study found neutered Rottweilers may have a shorter lifespan than their intact counterparts. Neutering is a commonly performed surgical procedure that prevents unwanted puppies, controls the pet population, and eliminates certain health problems in dogs. It offers significant health benefits, such as reduced risk of pyometra and mammary tumors in female dogs. However, in recent years, concerns have been raised about the possible side effects of neutering. A recent study aimed to shed some light on this topic by comparing the lifespans of neutered and intact male and female Rottweilers. Scientists analyzed available clinical records of 3,085 intact and 4,100 neutered Rottweilers from July 1994 to June 2021. These records were collected by VetCompass Australia. The analysis provided surprising results. Scientists discovered that Rottweilers that were neutered before one year of age had a shortened lifespan of one-and-a-half years in males and one year in females when compared to intact Rottweilers. The analysis showed similar results for dogs neutered before the age of four-and-a-half years. “Most other studies have found that neutering dogs increases their longevity but ours is the first that went against that,” said Dr. Caroline Joone, the study’s lead author and senior lecturer at James Cook University in theriogeneology. “It was a bit of a shock when that wasn’t what we found,” Dr. Joone added. “We were fortunate with the data we had because we could determine when a dog was desexed and when they died.” Despite the study’s findings Dr. Joone strongly encourages owners to neuter their four-legged companions to prevent unwanted litters, as well as, serious health issues. “There are serious consequences for not neutering a dog, such as the risk of life-threatening uterus infection known as pyometra, mammary tumors, and unwanted puppies,” Dr. Joone explained. At this time, it’s unclear whether there is an ideal age to neuter a Rottweiler that doesn’t influence their lifespan. The study also highlighted several factors that could affect the lifespan of any dog, including nutrition, exercise, health care, genetic predispositions, and environmental factors. These factors may be reduced by screening for genetic health conditions. Selecting healthy breeding pairs may also help reduce the occurrence of hereditary disorders and support longevity. Let’s not forget that overweight dogs have a shorter life span than lean dogs. “There’s a strong suspicion that the reduced lifespan is more to do with weight issues than the neutering itself, so I would encourage owners to go ahead and neuter their dog but make sure you keep it at a good, healthy weight.”Dr. Joone explained that a balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for maintaining a healthy weight in neutered dogs.Do these findings apply to all neutered dogs or just Rottweilers? Scientists aren’t sure yet but plan to extend their research to other popular breeds, such as golden retrievers and greyhounds, to determine whether these results are widely applicable. The role of weight gain post-neutering and other underlying causes of reduced lifespan in neutered dogs are worth investigating further. Additionally, this study also showed that the time of neutering a dog may affect its lifespan. Dogs are often neutered between six months and one year of age, but mounting evidence has suggested that this may not be the best time to neuter a dog. Based on this analysis, neutering Rottweilers early, especially before the age of one, reduces lifespan, highlighting the importance of determining the optimal neutering age. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why Are Labradors Fat? Scientists Have the Answer

The friendly, playful, and trainable Labrador is one of the most popular dog breeds around the world. But, few canines are as obsessed with food as Labrador retrievers - and now scientists think they have discovered why. According to new research, a quarter of labs are predisposed to obesity due to a genetic mutation.Approximately 25 percent of Labradors face a double-whammy of burning fewer calories and feeling hungry all the time because of an anomaly. Scientists explain that this obesity-causing combination means dog owners must be strict when feeding and exercising their labs to keep them fit.The mutation is found in the gene called POMC, which plays an important role in energy use and hunger, and affects how dogs behave around food. Around 25 percent of Labradors and 66 percent of flat-coated retrievers are affected by POMC mutation, which puts these dogs at risk of obesity and causes increased interest in food.Researchers found that although these dogs don’t need to eat more to feel full, they are hungrier in between meals. The study also showed that dogs with the POMC mutation use around 25 percent less energy when resting than dogs without it. As a result, these pooches don’t need to eat as many calories to maintain a healthy weight. “We found that a mutation in the POMC gene seems to make dogs hungrier. Affected dogs tend to overeat because they get hungry between meals more quickly than dogs without the mutation,” said Dr. Eleanor Raffan, a researcher in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience who led the study. “All owners of Labradors and flat-coated retrievers need to watch what they’re feeding these highly food-motivated dogs to keep them a healthy weight. But dogs with this genetic mutation face a double whammy: they not only want to eat more, but also need fewer calories because they’re not burning them off as fast,” she added.The study found that the POMC mutation alters a pathway in dogs’ brains associated with body weight regulation. The mutated genes trigger the starvation signal that sends a message to the body to increase food intake and conserve energy.The study involved 87 adult pet Labradors, all at a healthy weight or moderately obese. The dogs were subjected to several tests, including ‘the sausage in the box’ test. The dogs were first given a can of wet dog food every 20 minutes until they couldn’t eat any more. All labs eat huge amounts of food, but what’s interesting is that dogs with POMC didn’t eat more food than the dogs without it.On a different day, all dogs were given the same breakfast. Three hours later they were offered a sausage in a box made of clear plastic and a perforated lid, so the dogs could see and smell the sausage but not eat it.Scientists discovered that labs with POMC mutation tried harder to get the sausage than the dogs without it, showing greater hunger. In another test, the dogs were allowed to sleep in a special chamber that measured the gases they breathed out. This test showed that labs with POMC mutation burn 25 percent fewer calories than dogs without it. According to researchers, people are often rude to owners of fat dogs, criticizing them for not feeding and exercising their dogs properly. However, this study has shown that labs with POMC are trying to increase their energy intake by looking for food all the time. Keeping these dogs slim is challenging, but possible. Spreading out daily food rations, by using puzzle feeders to slow down feeding or scattering the food around the yard so it takes longer to eat are ways owners can keep their Labradors distracted from constant hunger. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why is My Rabbit Eating Poop and How Do I Stop It?

It’s a weird and uncomfortable habit, but if your rabbit is eating poop, it may not be a sign of health issues! In fact, for rabbits, eating poop may actually be a healthy decision (even if we’d prefer not to see it).In this article, we’re diving into the mystery of why rabbits eat poop, including why you may want to let your rabbit engage in this “cringey” habit. Plus, we’ll look at the warning signs that something is, indeed, off and when you should contact your veterinarian.Let’s get started…Is it Normal for a Rabbit to Eat Their Poop?Obviously, seeing your rabbit eating their own feces isn’t something any rabbit parent enjoys. If this is your first time seeing your rabbit engaging in this behavior, it may even cause serious concerns. What could possibly be so wrong with your rabbit’s system that they would feel tempted to do that? You may be surprised to learn that this is incredibly common and, in many cases, a regular part of their digestive process. By eating a specific type of poop, they ensure that they are getting (and keeping) all the nutrients that they need to support a healthy, happy life. The idea of chowing down on our own waste is disgusting to us. But for our furry friends, this is a normal part of their daily routine. Rabbit Poop vs Cecotropes To better understand the connection between poop eating and your rabbit’s health, we need to learn about the different types of rabbit waste. More specifically, we need to know about cecotropes. When we go to the bathroom, we have one type of solid waste – a material we couldn’t imagine getting near, let alone making into a meal. Rabbits, however, pass two different types of droppings. The first is fecal waste or poop. If your rabbit has a healthy, functioning digestive system, these will be small, round, dry, ball-like pellets that are light brown. This is often found in your rabbit’s litter box (if they are litter-trained) or the bottom of their cage.The second and the most important type of droppings are cecal pellets or cecotropes. These have the appearance of a small bunch of grapes with several round pellets clumped together. They are shiny, coated in mucus, and usually dark brown/mulberry color. The mucus is sticky, which could cause the cecotropes to pick up a layer of hay, wood shavings, or fur from their environment. While feces is the body’s way of discarding everything your body doesn’t need from your food, aka the ‘waste,’ cecotropes are a little different. These pellets contain partially digested foods that passed through your rabbit’s system without the nutrients being absorbed the first time. They are packed with nutrients as well as helpful bacteria and fungi that support a healthy gastrointestinal system. When you see a rabbit eating their waste, they are usually eating these cecotropes. This allows them to absorb the much-needed nutrients that would otherwise be lost.

Lost Dog Rescued After Surviving Six Years Alone in the Woods

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

ACANA™ Pet Food Team Announces Nationwide Kitten Cuddler Promotion

Are you the next champion kitten cuddler? Because ACANA™ is looking for one! Their latest campaign is aimed at supporting  cat shelters, which can be overwhelmed with newborn kittens during increased birth rates amongst cats. In a bid to help, ACANA™ will help both shelters and kittens in the critical stages – from arrival to adoption. ACANA™, the pet food specialists, are preparing for the upcoming “kitten season”, attempting to increase public awareness of just how much work shelters could have during this time. In their latest effort, not only will they be donating cat food to the shelters, but they will also be offering $10,000 to one lucky cat lover to do nothing more but cuddle with kittens at a  Best Friends Animal Society center. They do this in hopes of encouraging others to volunteer as “kitten cuddlers”. Hopefully, their efforts will lead to increased adoptions of kittens, and completely eliminate the killing of unadopted cats and dogs in America, a goal to which Best Friends Animal Society is wholly dedicated to. And now, the help is needed the most. The so-called “ kitten season” spans from May to November, and it is the time of the year when female cats have most of their kittens. During this period, many animal shelters report a great influx of kittens that need care and adoption. It goes without saying that caring for a large number of gentle and fragile kitties is a labor-consuming and very challenging job. A shelter’s resources and staff can be very strained in this period, so all the help they can get is more than welcome. The ACANA™ pet food team is well aware of this and is donating 5,000 cases of wet kitten food in Apri. This is equivalent to about $250,000 at retail prices and comes to roughly 120,000 meals for kittens. Not only this, but the team also encourages everyone to volunteer at their local shelters and help with the many tasks surrounding kitten care. And a very important task is, of course, cuddling! Kitties are fragile and require constant care and all the love and warmth they can get. It is because of this need that ACANA™ will reward one person with $10,000 to cuddle kittens! The lucky winner will spend half a day at a Best Friends Animal Society lifesaving center, or a chosen network partner shelter this June. For their cuddling efforts, they will receive $10,000. "We believe in the total well-being of cats," said Billy Frey, Vice President, Marketing for Champion Petfoods. "ACANA™ pet food helps cats thrive through every stage of life, and a cat's earliest days set the tone for everything that follows. This program demonstrates our commitment to taking care of both the emotional and nutritional needs of kittens."The rules of the contest are straightforward. The prospective kitten cuddlers must be U.S. residents, and aged 18 or over. Needless to say, they must love kittens and have four hours available over one weekend in June 2024. Easy, yes? Additionally, contestants must pass a background check and cannot be in a partnership with a competing pet food brand. For a chance to be selected, you can enter the contest between March 27th through April 10th, 2024. Cuddlers, good luck!

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

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

Canine Nose Prints Help Reunite Lost Pets with Owners

Faster and more effective than microchips? Time will tell.

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).

New Survey Ranks America's Top Dog Breeds by State

There’s no doubt about it - Americans love their dogs! We know that your pooch is the best breed, but have you wondered which are the most favored dog breeds in America? Forbes surveyed 10,000 dog owners across the 50 states to find America’s top dog breed. The survey involved the top 25 most popular dog breeds nationwide, according to the American Kennel Club. So, what is America’s top dog? As it turns out, “no breed in particular” is the country’s favorite at 13%.However, if Americans had to decide, they’d pick the Australian shepherd as a favorite, followed by the German shepherd and the bulldog.The highly intelligent and energetic Australian shepherd was ranked as the top dog breed in 10 states, including Alabama, Arizona, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Montana, Missouri, New York, and Virginia. This breed was also voted the second favorite in nine states. Although Aussies won the popularity vote, the German shepherd was the number one pick in 16 states. That’s more than any other breed!Known for its loyal and courageous nature, the German shepherd is the most common breed to serve as a police K9 but also makes a wonderful family companion. They ranked as the second favorite dog breed in nine states. Interestingly, more men than women picked German shepherds as their favorite breed (9% compared to 6%). America’s 3rd favorite breed, according to Forbes, is the bulldog. The English bulldog is a medium-sized dog breed, best known for its stocky build, large head, and wrinkled face. The bulldog ranked as the top dog in eight states, including Illinois, Connecticut, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Utah. Among all states, Nebraska ranked the bulldog lowest, placing this breed at 24th place, The lovable and friendly Labrador retriever ranked as the nation’s 4th favorite breed. Thanks to their affectionate, friendly, and energetic nature, Labs make great companions to people of all ages and families with children. Labrador retrievers ranked as the most favorite dog breed in 10 states, including Louisiana, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oregon, South Dakota, and West Virginia. Bernese mountain dog is the 5th favorite dog breed in the United States. Large in size and built for hard work, Bernese mountain dogs are easy to train and make affectionate, loyal, and faithful companions. So, it’s no surprise that this doggo ranked as the most favorite breed in nine states. Compared to four other top-ranked breeds, the Bernese mountain dog had the most varying results, with 10 states ranking this breed in the bottom 10.The beagle is the nation’s favorite small breed. Ranked as the 6th favorite breed overall, the beagle was placed in the top 10 favorite breeds in all but seven states. This breed received the lowest ranking in Utah, where it was voted as the state’s 3rd least favorite breed.The golden retriever comes in at 7th place, after being voted as the most favorite dog breed in Michigan and Wisconsin. Medium in size and best known for their gorgeous golden coats, golden retrievers are loving, loyal, and affectionate companions to active people and families with children. Goldens were the 2nd favorite dog breed in four states, including New Hampshire, North Dakota, Connecticut, and Vermont. This breed ranked the lowest in Alabama, where it received 17th place.These are America’s most favorite dog breeds, but the nation also has the least favorite doggo. This title goes to the Havanese, which was the bottom-ranked breed in 33 states.The Havanese is followed by Pembroke Welsh Corgi which was the least favorite dog breed in 17 states. And what about you? What’s your favorite and least favorite dog breed?Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Do I Do if My Dog Has a Chipped Tooth?

Discovering that your dog is hurt or in pain is a concerning moment for any pet parent, regardless of the injury. But dental injuries can be particularly stressful. If you have ever experienced a toothache, you understand!Whether your pup chipped a tooth during a rough play session with their best furry friend or while gnawing on a hard chew like a bone or antler, any dental damage must be addressed promptly.Read on to learn how to prioritize your dog’s dental health, including identifying if they may be suffering from a broken or chipped tooth, how to address dental damage and tips for preventing a broken tooth before it happens. Your pup will thank you!Common Signs of a Broken or Chipped ToothThe first step to caring for dental problems is to identify that your dog is experiencing an issue. The signs of dental problems vary considerably. While some dogs won’t show any discomfort, others may demonstrate considerable pain. This is due not only to the difference in a dog’s personality and pain threshold but also the spectrum of injuries that fall under the heading of “dental problems.”Broken teeth can be categorized into three groups:Enamel Fractures: Damage only to the enamel of the tooth.Crown Fractures: Damage extends deeper into the tooth, breaking the crown and exposing the pulp.Root Fractures: The root of the tooth has been broken.Unless you inspect your dog’s teeth regularly and spot a problem, we often have to rely on body language and behavioral changes to know there’s a problem. Unfortunately, dogs are very good at hiding pain, so they may be suffering from a problem for a while before we’re aware that there is an issue.Some of the more common signs of a broken or chipped tooth include:Excessive droolingBloody salivaPawing at their muzzleChewing on one side of the mouthReluctancy to eat and kibble or harder-to-chew itemsRefusal to eat at allAvoiding drinking cold waterGrinding teethSwelling in the faceDiscomfort or reluctance to have muzzle touchedWhining or whimpering Not playing as they would normally Sudden or out-of-character aggressive or anxious behaviorTrembling or shaking

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!

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

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

Can You Use Dog Flea Products on Cats?

Final Thoughts – Safe Flea Prevention for CatsWhile flea prevention is an important step to keep your cat safe and healthy, you must ensure that the products you are purchasing are made for use on cats. Many dog flea prevention products include highly toxic chemicals to cats, making them potentially life-threatening.If you suspect you have recently used the wrong flea treatment on your cat, wash the area immediately with soap and water to remove as much of the product as possible. Call your vet for an immediate emergency appointment or make your way to the nearest emergency clinic. These products can be lethal, and time is of the essence.For those concerned about the risks of fleas and flea-transmitted diseases, highly effective products are available that are safe for your kitty. When shopping, read the packaging carefully to ensure it says it is made for use on cats. If you are still unsure, ask your veterinarian for recommendations.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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