Can Dogs Eat Ice Cream?

by Mary Simpson

Published: December 15th, 2020

A sweet treat on a hot treat – everyone loves ice cream. But should you be sharing your cone with your furry BFF? Read on to find out.

We all love to share with our pets, and while we’re hard-wired to know better than to offer our best buddy certain foods (like chocolate, grapes, onion, or garlic), when it comes to ice-cream, we tend to look the other way. Particularly, if we’re at a drive-through and there’s no hiding it from him. I mean, what harm can a small, plain cone of ice cream do? Well, depending on your dog, it can do a fair bit.

For example:

A dog’s body isn’t designed to tolerate the lactose found in milk. Dogs weren’t nourished with cow’s milk as pups, which means they don’t produce the enzymes needed to break it down. If your friend were lactose-intolerant, you wouldn’t try to temp them with ice-cream, and it’s the same with your dog. He could easily end up with cramps, gas, diarrhea, and/or vomiting as a result of your indulging him. Distressing for him, and a messy clean-up for you.

Ditto with the fat content in ice-cream. Certain dog breeds (or mixes) can have a tough time processing the extra fat found in many human foods – including ice-cream. You’re setting him up for diarrhea, vomiting, and even a dangerous bout with pancreatitis. There are some breeds (mine included) that are prone to this dangerous ailment and because it is triggered by excess fats, symptoms can kick-in fairly quickly after ice-cream and require a visit to your veterinarian.

We all know that sugar is bad for dogs, yet for some reason we also all feel that we know how much is okay. Am I right? We’re thinking, it’s just a small serving. He’s just getting a little taste. But we’re wrong. Because we really have no idea at all, as to how much sugar is too much sugar. Truth is, your dog is better off without any processed sugar. It rots his teeth, causes him to gain weight, and just like humans, it can become addictive. That said, be extra cautious around any frozen human treat that claims to be “sugar-free” because Xylitol is absolutely deadly for dogs and even a trace amount served in an ice-cream cone will need a visit to the vet – pronto.

You’re creating a habit. If your dog becomes accustomed to getting the tail-end of your ice-cream treat, he will expect it. And you’ll start finding it harder and harder to refuse, knowing how much he loves it. We’re all human, we want our pets to be happy, but we need them to be healthy too. That’s why, if you absolutely can’t say “no” to your pooch, you need to come up with alternatives you know he’ll enjoy as much as ice-cream – and it’s not hard.

Related Article: Peanut Butter & Jam Frozen Mini Cups

Frozen Treat Tips and Recipes:

Try freezing mashed banana and peanut butter into tasty cubes. Or make him a frozen yogurt treat. It contains much less lactose than ice-cream, so is easy for him to digest, and if you buy the 0% fat, unsweetened style, you can jazz it up with your own healthy flavors for him.

Or check out some of PetGuide’s recipes for individually frozen goodies that are already portioned, ready for packing into your cooler, and tasty enough for you both to enjoy. Which means, the next time you hit the drive-through, your pooch won’t be clamoring to share an ice-cream cone, he’ll be looking for that healthy frozen treat that he saw you stash away before you left. Aren’t you just the clever one!

Mary Simpson

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

More by Mary Simpson

Senior Dog Goes Viral for Ensuring Family Doesn't Move Without Her

View Article

Can Cats and Dogs Eat Nutritional Yeast?

Nutritional yeast is popular, especially amongst vegans, for its yummy, cheesy flavor and multitude of nutrients, from protein and potassium to B vitamins and fiber. But is it one of the human foods that cats and dogs can eat? Check out the information below to learn more about nutritional yeast and if it’s safe for your furry friend.

Can Dogs Eat Ice?

You use them to cool down your drink – frozen water, it doesn’t get any simpler than that. But should you give ice to your dog to chew on? Dogs can eat anything. The question is, should they? We checked with the holy grail of all things “dog” – the American Kennel Club (AKC) – and when it comes to your pooch chomping down on an ice-cube or two during particularly hot weather, the verdict is in. No problem, let him munch away. Now, just like humans who like to crunch on ice (I never understood that), there’s always the potential that your pooch could break a tooth or injure his gum-line if he’s biting down on a shard. So, always keep that in mind when you’re adding ice to his water dish or tossing him a cube as a treat. Be sure to keep his noshing infrequent (versus daily), opt for smaller chunks versus big cubes, and consider popping the cubes in a blender for shaved / crushed ice that he can lap up more easily. And while all dogs may be happy to crunch on ice when temperatures climb, it should come as no surprise, that the larger breeds tend to appreciate a frosty cube of ice more than others. Their jaws are built for breaking down hard foods, and when it comes to ice, most are pretty happy to find a cube or two floating in their water bowl. That said, pet owners should be cognizant of a myth that has been circulating for years related to the introduction of ice to your pet’s water bowl. Because larger, barrel-chested dogs can be prone to bloat when they gulp a large amount of food or water too quickly, the belief was that your over-heated pooch would gulp his icy cold water too quickly and experience bloat. For those unfamiliar with the condition, the technical name for bloat is gastric torsion and it’s serious enough that it can be life-threatening, requiring an immediate visit to your vet. If your pooch is over-heated and a bowl full of cold water is causing him to rapidly gulp it down to cool off, then ice or not, you need to temper your approach by offering it to him in slow but progressive amounts to control his intake. Again, you know your pooch best and while its unlikely that ice would cause a dog to consume water voraciously enough to result in bloat, you should always make sure your dog is able to pace his intake of both food and water. But beyond the cooling effect that ice can provide to an over-heated pooch, there’s always the novelty factor -because its different. Something a dog could never conceive of existing – hard water. They eat food, they drink water, but frozen water is an oddity that they can lick, chew, or chase across the floor. It’s mental stimulation that entertains and cools down. Now, if your dogs are like mine, they look at you as if you have two heads when they discover you’ve added ice-cubes to their water dish. While they’re curious, they’re having none of it and won’t drink until the ice has melted. If you think your pooch would actually enjoy this type of frozen treat if he could just get his head around it, try freezing one of his favorite treats in the ice. Something bright and visible. Your dog can then work away at the cube to get to the treat, and he gets to chill out in the process. Or why not freeze cubes of frozen chicken or beef broth, that will not only cool him down, but taste great.

Can Dogs Eat Asparagus?

Are all veggies good for your pet or should they steer clear from certain vegetables altogether? Here’s what you need to know about asparagus and its safety for dogs. Veggies are a very important part of our diet. Packed with important vitamins and nutrients, asparagus is one of the most valuable and important vegetables that we can eat. And, of course, it is totally safe for us. But what about your dog? It’s no secret that dogs will munch on anything that we do, but that might not always be the best course of action. Luckily, asparagus is not toxic to dogs, so it is safe for them to eat it. Packed with vitamins and fibers, asparagus can be beneficial to dogs. However, it might not be so easy to consume. Even for us, raw asparagus is not edible, due to the fact it’s just too tough. In fact, it is so tough that even dogs could have trouble munching it down. If they do happen to get their paws on raw asparagus, it is likely they will swallow it without chewing. This can cause gas and diarrhea. It is recommended that you cook the veggie before you give some to your dog. That way it goes down nice and smooth. A common mistake some owners make when feeding asparagus to their pets is simply cutting it raw into small pieces. This doesn’t make the vegetable any softer, and your dog can quickly choke on it if you are not careful. A peculiar aspect of asparagus can make you wonder whether it’s so important to include it in your dog’s diet. And that is the fact that asparagus makes urine smell a bit…funky! It’s just the way it is – same for humans and same for dogs. So, if your dog sometimes pees where he shouldn’t, the problem might become greater with asparagus. Urine tends to smell overpowering due to it, and that could make stain cleaning much more difficult. It is crucial to keep in mind that raw asparagus can be quite difficult for your dog to digest properly. As we said, it is quite stringy and tough – so you might need to make it a bit more…palatable! To do this, you can lightly blend it, steam it, boil it, or even saute it. Either one of these options will make it into a much more appetizing meal for your dog. What is more, treating asparagus in this way will break the cells down and release all those vitamins and nutrients, making them easier to absorb. Asparagus is filled with goodies. Firstly, it is packed full of healthy fibers. They help with the digestive system and keep your dog’s stool healthy. What is more, soluble fibers support the immune system and are beneficial for the dog’s gut flora. Alongside this, there are tons of vitamins in asparagus, including A, C, E, B9, and K. All of these nutrients combined will contribute to the well-being of your dog. That means that an occasional bite or two of asparagus is much welcome in a daily doggo diet!

Can Dogs Eat Yogurt?

Can dogs eat yogurt or is this dairy product another one to be crossed off the dog-friendly foods list? As man’s best friend, dogs can eat a variety of foods from their owner’s diet. Canines evolved alongside us, and as omnivores, they can digest everything from fruits and veggies to meats. In fact, when it comes to dog-friendly human foods, it can be beneficial to include them as a treat: a few bites of vitamin-rich veggies or a protein-packed treat can ideally supplement your dog’s diet, even if it’s based on commercial pet foods. However, when it comes to dairy products, the line between safe and unsafe might not be as clear. While there’s no doubt that, throughout history, our pet’s survived on a diet that was based mainly on the scraps of their human companions, which included dairy products as well, as our furry companions evolved, so did their digestive systems and nutritional needs. This is particularly true when it comes to milk and dairy products. Although, in itself, these foods are safe for dogs and can even be healthy for them, a significant percentage of canines can’t digest lactose properly, which leads to gastrointestinal troubles.

Can Dogs Eat Peas?

If you want to find out can dogs eat peas, this comprehensive guide about the tasty veggie will tell you all you need to know. Today, high-quality dry and wet food for dogs are enough for a well-balanced canine diet. Store bought food is specially formulated to meet their nutritional needs, and, unless there’s an underlying medical issue that requires it, chances are you won’t have to supplement their diet with any additional vitamin and micronutrients sources. However, this doesn’t mean that, just because your pooch’s kibble has synthetic vitamins and minerals, you shouldn’t give your pooch some nutritious fruits and veggies as a treat. For most dogs, having a few bites of a sweet, juicy fruit or a crunchy veggie will be a special treat! Additionally, adding fruits or vegetables that dogs can safely eat to their diet can have its benefits, from improving digestion to supporting their overall health.

Is it OK to Give Dogs Raw Bones?

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

Mice Have Passed the Mirror Test: What It Means

The “mirror test” is used by scientists to help them determine if an animal is self-aware—if an animal looks in the mirror and recognizes themselves in it, rather than thinking that there’s another animal looking back at them, they pass the test and are considered self-aware.Several animals have passed this test, such as primates, Asian elephants, and bottlenose dolphins, among others. More recently, a study has shown that mice can also recognize themselves when they look in the mirror.The Experiment That Proved Mice Can Pass the Mirror TestTo figure out if mice can pass the mirror test, scientists put some white ink on the foreheads of black mice. Then, they let the mice look into a mirror. What they discovered was fascinating: the mice recognized themselves in the reflection and started grooming themselves once they realized that there was something on their head that shouldn’t be there.Also, if the mice didn’t realize that something was on their forehead (when black ink was used so it would match the color of their fur or when the spot of ink wasn’t large enough), they didn’t start grooming themselves. This shows that there was a reason the mice groomed their heads after looking in the mirror, and it was an attempt to clean themselves of the ink stain.In addition to looking at their behavior, the scientists also used gene expression mapping to see which neurons in the brain became activated when the animals saw themselves in the mirror.  Findings Shed Light on Self-Recognition in MiceThis research shows that mice may be self-aware, but there are some things to consider. For example, the mice who groomed themselves to remove the ink were already used to mirrors, while mice who weren’t familiar with mirrors didn’t groom themselves. Also, mice who were socially isolated didn’t groom themselves during the experiment with the mirror, unlike mice who lived with other mice that looked like them.There’s still more to discover and learn about these animals, so scientists are planning on doing more research in this area.  Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why Is My Bird Biting Me?

If you’re a bird parent, you love and cherish your feathered friend – but what do you do when your bird nips or bites? This is a behavior that can be both surprising and concerning, especially for first-time bird parents. But know, you’re not alone!If you’re wondering, “Why is my bird biting me?” This article is for you!We will explore the different factors and explanations for your pet bird’s newly developed biting tendencies, helping you understand the motivations, identify when there is a deeper problem requiring your attention, and learn how to address the behavior appropriately.Let’s look at how to set you and your bird up for a long, happy relationship by addressing problem biting today.Do Bird Bites Hurt?The short answer to this is – Maybe? Whether or not your bird’s bite will hurt depends on a few factors, including how the bird bites, their overall intention, your bird’s size, and your level of pain tolerance.Bird bites can range from a light little nibble that merely tickles to bites that have the capability of causing serious damage, especially to vulnerable areas like the eyes, ears, nose, lips, fingers, and toes.The potential for a bird bite to cause severe or lasting injuries highlights the importance of understanding your bird, why they may bite, and how to prevent this situation from happening. It’s also one of the most important reasons to consider when deciding if a bird is right for your child, elderly, or special needs family member.Even smaller birds can cause a surprising amount of pain. Often, it’s not the initial bite that causes the most pain. Instead, it’s the way that they will dig in or even grind their beaks that will lead to discomfort, stinging, and soreness.

Are Candles Safe for Pets?

Final Thoughts: Candles and PetsWhether you want to include a candle in your holiday décor while keeping your pet safe or simply burn a candle to mask those pesky “pet smells,” there ARE options available to enjoy the gentle glow of a candle without creating unnecessary risks for your companion.Choose a pet-safe candle that is made from plant-based wax, avoiding those scented with potentially toxic essential oils like peppermint and pine oils. Set your candle up on a secure surface out of their reach and supervise your pet the entire time it burns. When you’re done, ensure your candle is stored safely where your pet can’t reach it.These simple precautions may be the difference between a festive holiday scene and a trip to your local emergency vet!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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.

These Are The 10 Most Common Male and Female Dog Names, Survey Reveals

Naming a new puppy that’s come into the world or thinking of a name to symbolize a new beginning for a rescue dog is a precious moment – but sometimes you need a bit of inspiration to think of a fitting name for your fur baby. Some people prefer names with personal meaning or symbolism, but most just sift through name lists in hopes of finding one that fits our pooch and sounds nice. Well, this list can help you find the most popular names for dogs these days and see if any of them stick!  Sniffspot, the so-called “AirBnB of dog parks”, went through their massive database of 100,000 dog names and through hard work determined the 10 most common boy and girl dog names. The results are very interesting – take a look!Here are the top 10 male dog names:10. Leo:A very unique name that’s quick on the tongue, and very fitting for large and majestic doggos. A lion always comes to mind.9. Ollie:Believe it or not, Ollie is a gender-neutral name, but fits perfectly with energetic and goofy male puppers.8. Moose:Who would think that Moose is such a common dog name? It is fun, that is for sure, and strangely fitting too.7. Zeus:The mighty God of thunder in Ancient Greece has come a long way over the centuries. Nowadays, his name is given to dogs!6. Oliver:A classic, elegant, and fun name that, although used for humans, fits doggos as well. 5. Finn:An old-timey name that belongs on the pages of some good youth novel, Finn is remarkably fitting for puppers.4. Loki:The trickster god of the Old Norse has found his way into the modern age in a rather odd way. Lately, Norse gods are a popular choice for dog names.3. Bear:How adorable would it be to name your tiny little pup Bear? 2. Cooper:A simple but very fun name that works well for male pets of all characters and sizes.1. Milo:A very ancient-sounding name, Milo is the number one choice of many owners. Are you surprised that this is number 1? Well, you saw the most common names for boy dogs, so now it’s the girls’ turn. Let’s see their list!10. Sadie:This adorable female dog name, it brings to mind the summer, flowers, and all things girly.9. Nova:In stark contrast to Sadie, Nova sounds quite futuristic, and strong, and rolls easily off the tongue. Did you know that a Nova is an astronomical term? It is the name given to bright stars that appear suddenly in the sky and release powerful energy. Wonderful symbolism.8. Willow:Back to vintage and cozy-sounding names with Willow, a true classic that belongs to the pages of an old children’s book.7. Nala:Here’s a name that is quite a surprise. It is unique, modern, and not heard that often. But, according to this survey, it belongs with other most common female dog names!6. Stella:A name of Latin origin, it translates to “star”. And what better name to give to your zoomy, fun, and lovely female pup?5. Bailey:This is another fun and homely name that is often given to pets. Any similarity with a favorite drink is pure coincidence!4. Lucy:If you have a kind, loveable, and gentle female doggo, then you cannot go wrong with a name such as Lucy!3. Daisy:This is one of the most popular names given to animals, especially cows. But surprisingly, it works well for dogs too!2. Bella:A classic feminine name, Bella is ideal for all female puppers, no matter their character.1. Luna:And the number one female dog's name is Luna, which is Latin for “Moon”. It is simple and pretty, which makes it an easy choice for many owners!So, were you surprised by this survey? What is your favorite dog name? Let us know!

UK Wildlife Park Rehabilitates Potty-Mouthed Parrots

The struggle is real! Profanity-laced parrots may turn park's aviary into an adult-only zone.

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.

Rover Releases the Most Popular Pet Names of 2023

Whether you’re stumped for a name for your new dog or cat, or you’re just curious to know what people are naming their pets these days, Rover has some answers for you. The company released a list of the most popular pet names of 2023, and the 11th annual Top Pet Names Report also sheds light on the inspiration behind the names.Here are some of the interesting findings that Rover shared.

Holiday Gifts for Your Cats: Tips and Recommendations

Your cat is a member of your family, so why not include them in the gift giving tradition of the holidays by getting them something special? With a wide range of pet products on the market, you can find an item that your kitty is sure to love, and you can make sweet memories in the process. Whether you have a stocking for your furbaby or you plan on wrapping a little gift for them, here are some holiday gift ideas for cats to help you get started.

Animal Shelter Receives Donations in Memory of Jon Stewart’s Dog

Comedian Jon Stewart returned to “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central in February, and viewers have been tuning in to watch him talk about current events. Stewart hosts every Monday night, serving up news in a hilarious way. But on February 26, he closed the show on a somber note, spending a few minutes talking about his dog, Dipper.Jon Stewart Remembers His Extraordinary DogStewart shared a touching story of how he met and came to adopt Dipper. He explained that, 12 or 13 years ago, his young children wanted to raise money for Animal Haven, a no-kill shelter for dogs and cats in New York City. To fundraise, his family baked cupcakes and set up an area outside of the shelter to sell them.  He went on to say that the shelter brought out a pit bull who was about 1 year old. At this point, Stewart started to break down, clearly getting emotional as he explained that the dog had been hit by a car in Brooklyn and had lost one of his legs as a result.Through tears, Stewart said his family left the shelter after raising some much-needed funds for a wonderful organization that does great work. But they also left with the very special pit bull who had stolen their hearts and who was, as Stewart described him, the best boy. Dipper even used to go to the studio with Stewart, so he met the famous people who were guests on the show.Then, Stewart shared the devastating news that Dipper had passed away just the day before. He ended with a wish for everyone to find an amazing dog they could love. And then, for the show’s “Moment of Zen,” they played an adorable video of Dipper playing in the snow.You can watch the segment here:

Jolly Pets’ Annual “#WeGiveaJolly” Campaign Helps Shelter Dogs

Jolly Pets is the brand behind innovative, durable, and unique pet toys that are made entirely by domestic manufacturers – and every holiday season, they make an effort to spread joy, kindness, and love to all the pooches in need. This season, collaborating with 19 influencer ambassadors, they are once again heading their # WeGiveaJolly charitable campaign. Starting from November 28th until December 25th, Jolly Pets will donate a high-quality toy for every single purchase made. The toys will go to rescue dogs at 19 animal shelters in the USA, each represented by the influencer ambassadors, as announced by the marketing director of Jolly Pets, Louisa Casto. "The holiday season is a time for giving, and what better way to make a difference in the lives of shelter dogs than through the power of play and companionship. Jolly Pets understands the importance of providing joy and comfort to dogs awaiting their forever homes, and # WeGiveaJolly exemplifies our commitment to this cause," said Casto. "We believe that every dog deserves love, care, and happiness regardless of their circumstances. That's why we're excited to kick off our annual # WeGiveaJolly campaign, collaborating with compassionate ambassadors and animal shelters to make a real difference in a dog's life."This campaign will bring true holiday cheer across the country, especially to rescue dogs who are in dire need of some love and compassion.The ambassadors, shelters, and locations are as follows:@guidingeyesfortheblind for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Yorktown Heights, NY@goodasgoldens for Canine Companions, Sacramento, CA@Jack_the_Sleeper for Fort Worth North Animal Care and Adoption Campus, Haslet, TX@moosethegoldenretriever for Rescue Village, Russell Twp., OH@cheriethesurfdog for Frenchies United Rescue, Claremont, CA@incredibullstella for Animal Help Alliance, Las Vegas, NV@iheartpgracie for Animal Care Centers of NYC, New York, NY@2rockstarlabs for Crossed Paws Animal Shelter, Woodsfield, OH@koda.laredo for Hoosier Bulldog Rescue, Indianapolis, IN@posies_pocketful_of_praise for Pickens Humane Society, Liberty, SC@ziggy_loving_life for Home Fur Good Animal Rescue, Phoenix, AR@maligator_apollo for PAWS Chicago, Chicago, IL@remingtonpup for Great Pyrenees Rescue Society, Spring, TX@gvl_golden_girls for Dog Squad, Greer, SC@enzo.and.bella for Friends of Detroit Animal Care & Control, Northville, MI@benny.n.lola for Humane Society Silicon Valley, Milpitas, CA@leuleu_theblue for the Pet Alliance Sanford Shelter, Orlando, FL@the.hero.dogs for Hot Mess Pooches, Homer, IL@fosterkittenhq for The Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Arlington, VA"By participating in Jolly Pets # WeGiveaJolly campaign, our customers are not only providing joy to their own pets but also extending that joy to shelter dogs waiting for a loving home. It's a small act of kindness that can profoundly impact these dogs' lives," Casto said. "We encourage using the hashtag # WeGiveaJolly on social media to encourage friends and family to participate in this heartwarming initiative."To learn more about the # WeGiveaJolly campaign and to shop for Jolly Pets' durable and innovative pet toys, visit  https://jollypets.com/pages/wegiveajolly-annual-toy-drive.

Rising Pet Care Costs Lead to More Surrenders

Thanks to a rising cost of living, more people are surrendering their pets to animal shelters or abandoning them on the street. According to Shelter Animals Count, the end of 2023 saw a whopping 250,000 more pets in shelters compared to a year prior. They’ve even seen a rise in the number of purebred dogs and puppies who entered shelters, and there aren’t enough animals being adopted.  Overcrowded Shelters Around the U.S.The stats say it all, and this heartbreaking problem is found all over the United States. For example, compared to 2022, Animal Care Centers of NYC saw the number of abandoned dogs they took in go up 41%, and they’d run out of space as of the start of 2024. Tragically, the shelter also euthanized a higher number of dogs (2% more) in 2023 compared to the previous year.     Animal shelters in Kentucky, such as Franklin County Humane Society, are also struggling to keep up as they deal with more surrenders and strays. The state’s shelters are full, and they’re having a hard time because so many people are giving up their pets as a result of rising costs.The Nevada Humane Society is yet another example of a shelter that has seen a rise in pet surrenders because people are finding it harder to afford their animals or they’re finding it difficult to locate housing that will let them keep their pets. In 2023, the shelter saw a 65% increase in the number of dogs that were surrendered to them.Financial Hardship and Housing Issues Are Driving ForcesWhy are so many people giving up their pets? Financial hardship and difficulty finding places to live that are affordable and accept pets are a couple of the big reasons. Many people struggle with the rising cost of living not only for themselves but also for their pets, as everything from pet food and supplies to veterinary care has gotten more expensive.  Shelters across the United States are doing what they can to encourage people to adopt and prevent people from surrendering their pets. For example, Animal Care Centers of NYC offered pet parents help in the form of training assistance, free food, and temporary boarding, and those efforts worked to avoid nearly 3,000 surrenders in 2023.  There Are Ways You Can HelpYou can do your part to support animal shelters and pet parents that are struggling. In addition to monetary donations, you can donate pet food. Or, you can offer to foster one or more animals who are currently waiting for their forever homes. And you can adopt a pet in need of a home—you might even find shelters in your area that have discounted adoption fees as a means to help people afford their new best friend.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Top stories

Can Dogs Eat Ice Cream?

Senior Dog Goes Viral for Ensuring Family Doesn't Move Without Her

Cat Saved from Hot Car Now Modeling for Target

Top stories

Can Dogs Eat Ice Cream?

Related articles