Why Do Your Dog’s Paws Smell Like Corn Chips?

by Kate Barrington

Published: November 19th, 2016

why do your dogs paws smell like corn chips

Have you ever noticed a certain smell in the air after your dog licks his paws – just like corn chips! We looked into why a dog’s paws emit this snack-like scent, and here’s what we found out.

Let’s face it, dogs can be confusing (in a weird way) at times and we don’t understand why they do the things they do. This goes for strange smells coming out of your pooch (and not just from his butt). One of those odd aromas is the fact that your dog’s paws can smell like corn chips. Once we caught onto the scent of this interesting question, we couldn’t let it go – here’s what we found out about that corn chip odor.

Where Does the Smell Come From?

You’re no stranger to odd or unpleasant smells when your dog is concerned. But have you ever noticed that your dog’s paws smell distinctly like corn chips after he licks them? This may sound strange, but if you pay attention the next time it happens, take a deep breath! What’s really going on here?

The truth is that there are certain kinds of bacteria that live on your dog’s paws, even when you do your best to keep them (and the rest of him) clean. These bacteria are called either Pseudomonas or Proteus, and they give off a yeasty-like smell that is eerily similar to the scent of corn chips. Don’t worry – these bacteria are usually not harmful.

Do You Need to Be Concerned About It?

Canine foot odor is a fairly common problem and there are many potential causes. If your dog’s feet have a corn chip-like smell, it’s probably just a result of the bacteria already mentioned, and not something you need to be overly concerned about.

If your dog’s feet smell strongly or if it’s an unpleasant odor, however, you may want to check in with your vet to rule out medical problems such as bacterial infections. If there is an underlying problem causing your dog’s foot odor, your vet will be able to identify it and provide you with a treatment plan to solve the problem.

Another potential cause for your dog’s foot odor is sweat. You may not realize that dogs aren’t capable of sweating in the same way that humans are as a means of regulating their temperature. When your dog is hot, he starts panting, but he’ll also start sweating through the pads of his feet.

In some cases, this sweat can become trapped in your dog’s fur between his toes where it accumulates and starts to develop a foul odor. Keeping the fur between your dog’s toes trimmed and neat can help to reduce this odor. After trimming, it’s a good idea to give your dog’s paws a thorough cleaning with warm water and dog-friendly shampoo. That should be enough to remove the pooch pong.

Dogs can be smelly animals – when they sniff out something stinky, they often roll in it, eat it, or spread it around. While you may have a tough time controlling this behavior, you can keep his feet clean to reduce odor – unless, of course, you like the smell of corn chips. Hmmmm… we wonder if there’s a Corn Chip Glade Plug-In…

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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Your dog’s paws have places to go – that’s why you need to take diligent care of them. Help him put his best foot forward with these easy paw care tips. Think about the dirty surfaces your dog’s feet come into contact with throughout the day. Carpet, tile, wood, cement, grass, dirt, mud, snow, water, urine, feces and more – Fido walks on all of them. Beyond the gross factor of things sticking to those paws, these surfaces can have an impact on his tender tootsies regarding safety. The pads of your dog’s feet provide cushioning that protects joints and bones from shock. In addition, the pads provide protection for the deep tissue within the paw and insulation against extreme weather. Although there’s no set rule for how often you should tend to your dog’s paws, it’s a good start to keep an eye on them on a weekly basis to ensure there are no open wounds, new or old, or any foreign objects lodged in there causing your pup discomfort. Keep your dog’s paws in immaculate condition with these 9 useful tips: Trim Hair: Hair grows on feet and in between paw pads. If left unkempt, hair can become matted and cause damage to your dog’s paws. The excessive hair can also pick up debris and dirt, which can lead to infection. Trim paw hair on a regular basis to avoid problems. As a general rule, paw hair should be trimmed evenly with the pads.Use Wipes: There are plenty of wipes available to choose from that are used specifically for dogs. They resemble baby wipes and are easy to use. Keep a pack near your front and back door for convenience. As your dog enters your home from the outdoors, stop for a moment and wipe off his paws. You’ll be surprised as you notice the foul things that come off your dog’s paws in just one outing.Keep Nails Trimmed: Click-clack – this familiar sound comes in handy when you need to know where your dog is, but it’s also a sign that his nails are too long. Keep your pup’s nails trimmed or filed to a comfortable length.Clean Between the Pads: Imagine if you walked barefoot everywhere you went… you’d be shocked at all the things that collect in between your toes. Your dog experiences this on a daily basis. Make a habit of cleaning between your dog’s toes and checking for debris, dirt, pebbles, small particles and other items that can get lodged.Use Doggie Boots: Watching a dog walk in doggie boots for the first time can be amusing, but these cute little boots are actually beneficial to keep your dog’s paws protected from the elements and sharp objects.Moisturize the Pads: Due to the excessive exposure to a variety of elements, your dog’s paws can become dry and cracked. Use a quality canine moisturizer, balm or butter specifically made to protect dog pads.Apply First Aid: Your dog can accidentally step on sharp objects that can cause cuts, wounds and blood loss. Take action quickly by applying first aid to the wound with antibacterial wash and a light bandage. If the cut is larger than half an inch in diameter, you should visit the veterinarian for treatment.Wash with Warm Water: You can make washing your dog’s paws with warm water a habit all year long. This is especially useful when your dog has been in the snow. Salt and toxic chemicals from ice melters can get lodged in between the foot pads and lead to blistering, sores and infection. Giving your dog’s paws a quick warm water rinse will help remove the chemicals.Use a Doormat: This solution to keeping your dog’s paws clean is the easiest. Place a door mat in place at all doors leading outside. You’ll want to encourage your dog to step on the mat and shuffle around on it to remove debris and dirt from his or her paws. Best Products for Cleaning Dog Paws With the right supplies, keeping your pooch’s jelly beans will be the easiest task in the world. From cleaning to nourishing, these paw products will make sure your pet has spotless feet! 1. Editor’s Choice – Dexas MudBuster Portable Dog Paw Cleaner

Why Does My Dog Keep Licking His Paws?

Is he cleaning? Are they itchy? Why does your dog keep licking his paws? If you’re looking to curtail this habit, get to the root of the issue. Cats are notorious for spending most of their lives sleeping and cleaning themselves. Unfortunately, dogs do not have the same affinity for keeping clean but many of them do have a tendency to lick their paws. What is the reason behind this behavior? Potential Reasons for Licking In many cases, licking his paws is something your dog does out of boredom with no real reason. In other cases, however, it could be a sign of a medical problem that should not be ignored. Especially if your dog suddenly starts licking his paws more often than usual, you should take a closer look. Related: Why Do Your Dog’s Paws Smell Like Corn Chips? If you notice areas of red, swollen inflammation – especially between his toes – it is definitely cause for concern. When your dog’s paws are itchy (potentially due to some kind of allergy), licking them is a natural response. The increased moisture, however, can sometimes lead to a secondary yeast infection or bacterial infection which is bad news for your dog. One of the most common reasons that dogs start licking their paws in the first place is poor diet. How to Stop Your Dog from Licking Before you can take steps to stop your dog from licking his paws, you first need to determine why he is doing it. If you take a closer look at your dog’s paws you may find some kind of foreign body stuck between his toes that is causing irritation – a burr, for example. If there is no foreign body but your dog’s paws are red and inflamed, it is most likely due to some kind of allergy. Related: 9 Fresh Ways to Keep Your Dog’s Paws Clean Dogs can develop severe reactions to flea bites, for example, so you may want to check your dog for fleas. If fleas aren’t the issue, it is most likely a reaction to something in your dog’s food. In many cases, dogs that develop food allergies develop them for grains (like corn and wheat), dairy products, or common proteins (like chicken or beef). Fortunately, remedying this kind of problem is fairly simple. To solve your dog’s food allergy problems, your best bet is to switch him over to a limited ingredient diet (LID). This is a type of commercial dog food made with a limited number of ingredients including novel sources for protein and carbohydrates. The limited number of ingredients decreases the potential triggers for food allergies, and the use of a novel source of protein and carbohydrate (novel simply means something your dog has never eaten before) reduces the risk even further. You should transition your dog onto the new food over the course of 5 to 7 days then keep him on the diet for 12 weeks, or until all signs of the allergy disappear. At that point you can choose to reintroduce potential allergens one at a time until you identify the culprit, or you can keep feeding him the LID. While it may not be a sign of trouble if your dog licks his paws from time to time, excessive licking or chewing is frequently an indication of a medical problem. Talk to your vet about the potential causes for your dog’s behavior and come up with a treatment plan together.

The Secret to a Happy Dog is to Let Them Get Their Sniff On

Dogs have about 800 receptor genes for smell alone, and Dog Cognition researcher Dr. Alexandra Horowitz says that we might just want to let them do their smelling thing after all, if we want the happiest dogs! Dr. Alexandra Horowitz is a psychologist with Barnard College, and she specializes in dog cognition, particularly relating to their sense of smell. Last fall, she published the illuminating book, Being A Dog: Following A Dog Into The World Of Smell, which detailed how poor humans are compared to dogs when it comes to our sense of smell. Where we humans have maybe six million olfactory receptor cells in our noses, our canine counterparts have anywhere between 200 million and one billion, depending on the dog’s breed. Related: Why Do Your Dog’s Paws Smell Like Corn Chips? Where we depend mostly on sight (and by the way, we only have three receptor genes that allow us to see all the colors in the world), dogs have about 800 receptor genes for smell alone. They are literally creatures built with super noses, and we had the chance to talk to Dr. Horowitz about what this means for our pups, and for how even we can interact better in our world with them and others around us. Q. When researching for your book, what was the most surprising thing that came to you? Dr. Horowitz: Well, I’m a dog behaviorist. I want to know what dogs think about, how they know things and what things are like from their point of view. Dogs use their olfactory senses to explore the world much like we humans use our sight to navigate in a visual world. What I find so surprising is that dogs’ ability to smell and use their sense of smell to find and determine things is just amazing, particularly when we look at it compared to our ability, and I think we haven’t even gotten close to discovering the potential there. In my work, I learned of a rescue dog named Tucker who tracks Orca whales from the smell of their scat in the Peugeot Sound! I think that ability is phenomenal! Q: Wow! Me too!! How in the world does that even happen? What breed dog was that? Is there a difference in breeds? Dr. Horowitz: Honestly, a lot of these phenomenal dogs are rescue-dogs/non-special breeds that have high drives. Dogs, simply because of genetics, have the ability to smell as they do, and these high-drive dogs are trained to sniff specific odors out and care about them. Then they can be used in amazing ways that humans haven’t even gotten close to understanding fully. Q: That’s an interesting concept. Anything particular you are talking about that? Dr. Horowitz: I think it is incredible that dogs are being used more and more to sniff out things that we humans wouldn’t even particularly think had ‘odors.’ For instance, dogs are used to detect oncoming earthquakes and seizures in people and even cancers, and I just find it remarkable that these creatures can do that. I think there’s so much potential there! Q: What kind of potential? Dr. Horowitz: There’s potential for the dogs to do amazing things for humans, or course, but I also feel like there is tremendous potential for us humans as well. In my research, I wanted to try to get in the mind of a dog and really and purposely train myself to look for and smell different odors. We often find it odd or embarrassing to use our sense of smell in social interactions, but humans could take notes from dogs. The subtleties in smells around us can really lead us to even more enjoyable moments in our lives and with our dogs. In purposely trying to take note of smell and the associations with them, I feel like I’ve opened up a latent superpower! Related: Why You Should Let Your Dog Sniff During Walks Q: So, if dogs are such olfactory-driven creatures, since we love them so much, what can we do to best accommodate their needs and who they genetically are? Dr. Horowitz: We need to let them smell and sniff! I know it seems socially rude when our dogs are sniffing our friends or guests, but that’s who they are and what they do. It’s their world and how they experience it. Also, I am an advocate of walks just for the experience of sniffing and smelling different things in the world. Let them go just for the purpose of discovering with their noses and I believe this enriches their life tremendously. Some even take their pets to Nosework classes and I believe those are really pleasurable for dogs because it allows them to utilize their incredible sense of smell in a way that also stimulates and challenges them, while also increasing the relationship and bond between their humans! A win for both! Dr. Horowitz’s book is really fascinating and sheds light on how to make the most of your dog’s sense of smell, and the relationship you have with Fido. Check it out!

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Zoonosis are diseases that can be transmitted from other vertebrate animals to humans, such as rabies or Lyme disease, and has been around ever since we started domesticating animals. However, recent studies reveal that a new and lesser-known form of zoonose is becoming increasingly common: the reverse zoonose. This is the latest phenomenon, where disease can be transmitted from humans to their pets. Dr. Benjamin Anderson from the University of Florida was amongst the first to warn about the increase of reverse zoonoses. He said that more attention should be paid to disease transmission “in the opposite direction”, and that both pets and their owners can be threatened by it, especially when sharing close quarters with one another.“We’re starting to see a lot of examples of reverse zoonosis. Pets are more susceptible than, maybe, we previously thought,” he said. “Typically, the viruses that I will have as a human are not going to fit into the receptors that a dog or cat has.”This means that reverse zoonoses typically appear when a pathogen in humans mutates and then adapts to a new animal host. In the past, however, it was much rarer for this to happen, because humans and animals have a totally different biology.But now, the viruses like  coronavirus or influenza have a much higher chance of cross-species transmission. This is mainly due to their RNA-based genetic material, which is more likely to mutate or have replication errors. According to Dr. Anderson, there are several diseases that have been documented to transmit from humans to their pets. These include COVID-19, tuberculosis, swine flu, dengue, human-norovirus, and other viral, fungal, parasitic, and bacterial infections.To make matters worse, the highest chances for this to happen is with pets such as dogs, cats, horses, and ferrets, as they have the most genetic similarity to humans, being mammals. “We have to first ask how the pathogen gets into those animals in the first place,” said Dr. Anderson for  Phys.org. “The pathogen doesn’t develop out of thin air in animals before suddenly spilling over into humans. While pathogens certainly can move from animals to other animals and can be picked up from the environment, exposure to humans also plays an important role. It’s this constant back and forth exchange that happens over time, increasing the probability of a mutation taking place that allows the pathogen to infect a new host.”Dr. Anderson also noted the difficulty in tracking reverse zoonoses, as it is a big challenge to link the transmission of diseases between humans and animals. Because of this, Dr. Anderson advises pet owners to be cautious around pets, particularly if they are sick with communicable diseases, like COVID-19 or the flu. Maintain good hygiene around your pets, and avoid direct contact.

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When nature calls, dogs answer. And when dogs answer, so do you – by taking them outside to do their business. In other words, if you have a potty-trained dog, they will rely on you to know when their bladder is full or at least to take them out frequently enough so it doesn’t get full in the first place. This leaves most owners with the question – how often do dogs need to go out to pee? You don’t want them to have an accident inside the home but you probably don’t want to take them out for a walk every hour or so (even if you did have the time for it) so it’s important to find the right balance. Here’s what you need to know so you can make it work for you and your dog.How Often Do Dogs Pee?The frequency at which dogs need to go out to pee can vary depending on several factors, including their age, breed, size, activity level, and overall health. In general, you can use the following guidelines as a starting point, but it's important to pay attention to your individual dog's needs and adjust accordingly. Sometimes, it’s enough to just observe the signs your dog gives you, like nudging you or standing by the door. But at other times, it requires a bit of “intervention”. When it comes to the connection between a dog’s age and their peeing habits, the younger the pooch, the more they need to go out. Puppies have smaller bladders and higher metabolisms, so they typically need to go out more frequently. A general rule of thumb is to take a puppy out every 1 to 2 hours, especially after eating, drinking, playing, or waking up from a nap. Make sure to let them know why you are going out so they’ll gradually relate walkies with peeing time.Adult dogs, on the other hand, can usually hold their bladders for longer periods. Most adult dogs need to go out every 4 to 6 hours. Some larger breeds may have more bladder capacity and can hold it longer, while smaller breeds may need to go out more frequently, so have that in mind too. Of course, as dogs age, their ability to hold their bladders may decrease. Senior dogs may need to go out more frequently, potentially every 3 to 4 hours. What is more, some senior dogs may suffer from incontinence, meaning that they can’t really control when or where they pee. In this case, you could  use disposable dog diapers until their condition improves or in periods when you’re not there to take them out more frequently and prevent accidents.

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How To Tell if a Dog Is Cold

You might think your dog feels fine in cold weather, thanks to their thick coat, but they can definitely feel the chill—and when they aren’t warm and comfortable, they could develop serious problems like hypothermia. So, it’s important to know the signs that your dog is cold, and to take steps to keep your pet comfy, whether they’re indoors or outside.  Although any dog can be affected by cold temperatures, wind, and snow, some are going to feel the drop in temperature sooner or more intensely. Puppies and seniors, as well as small dogs and those with short coats, are a few examples, along with hairless dogs and those who are ill or have chronic medical conditions.Signs Your Dog Is ColdHere are some of the ways to tell if your dog is cold:Your dog feels cold to the touch – An easy way to tell if your dog is cold is by petting them and feeling the temperature of their body. A good place to check is their ears, but also touch their paws, belly, and skin under their fur. If their body is cool to the touch, there are ways to warm them up.Your dog doesn’t want to be active – If your dog isn’t as active as they usually are, they might be feeling the chill in the air. Feel their body, as discussed above, to see if they’re cold, and take steps to make them warm. A dog who’s moving more slowly than normal while outside should be brought inside right away. Your dog is shivering – Just like people shiver when they’re cold, dogs will too, so this is an obvious sign that your pet needs to be warmed up as soon as possible. If your dog is trembling, consider the temperature inside your home, as you might need to turn the heat up. And if your dog is shaking while outside in the cold, bring them inside right away.Your dog is searching for ways to stay warm – If your dog wants to lie down next to the fireplace or heater, or they want to snuggle up next to you or under a blanket, they’re looking for ways to get warm. In addition, your dog might be reluctant to go outside, whether for a walk or to go potty. If they’re outside and you see them trying to find some shelter to warm up, bring them in immediately.  Your dog’s body language and vocalizations change – If you know your pet’s normal behavior and demeanor, it should be easy to tell when they’re cold. There will be signs that they’re uncomfortable, and they might exhibit anxious behaviors that let you know something is wrong. For example, your dog may tuck their tail, have a hunched posture, or curl up in a ball, and they might also bark or whimper. What To Do if Your Dog Is ColdWhenever your dog is showing signs of feeling cold, take action right away. Remember, a dog who gets too cold is at risk of hypothermia. Also, the cold can make some dogs, such as those with arthritis, experience even more discomfort. If your dog is outside, bring them inside. And if they’re wet from rain or snow, dry them gently.If your dog is already inside, move them to a warmer area, such as near a heat source and away from drafts.Help your dog feel warm and cozy indoorsYou can rub and massage your dog to help generate some warmth with your hands. Give your pet a cozy bed to rest in, and cover them with a blanket. You can also lie down next to your dog to help them warm up.There are heated dog beds you can use whenever your dog is chilly, along with dog heating pads that can work well too—just be sure to use these products as directed for safety and so your pet won’t get too hot. Keep your dog warm while outsideBefore heading outside with your dog, check the temperature. Generally, if it’s colder than 45°F (7°C), you should take additional precautions to ensure your pet won’t get too cold. But you know your individual dog best, so you’ll know when they need extra protection and less time outside.There are various jackets, sweaters, and boots made for dogs of all breeds and sizes. Put these on your canine companion before heading outside so they can stay warm while they go potty or go for a short walk.If it’s too cold for a walk or play session outside, don’t force your dog to stay out there. Instead, find ways to play with your dog indoors until the weather warms enough to be safer and more comfortable for your pooch.Use products that help your dog warm up and stay warmHere are a couple of items to consider buying for your dog: K&H Self-Warming Crate Pad

Is Dog Food Bad for Cats?

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Staff Sergeant Reunites With His Former K-9 Colleague

A retired military dog named Blek, got reunited with his former colleague Staff Sergeant Thomas Watkins, who used to be his handler at a duty station. Blek, who was named after the old English term for “black” or “inky” had quite a reputation among the handlers. Trainers who worked with the canine described him as challenging and tough to manage. But everything changed when Blek met Watkins. In an interview, Watkins told Good Morning America about his experience meeting Blek for the first time.“That was the issue that they were having,” said Watkins. “And so my kettle master pulled me in his office and was like, ‘Hey, man, I know you’re a new handler. But I feel like you’re up to this challenge.’”As the master predicted, Watkins and Blek bonded immediately.“We just connected right off the bat,” Watkins told the Good Morning America. “We truly understood each other… Another handler was out there with me, and he was like man like, ‘I just never seen this dog be so affectionate towards someone.’”Since the day they met, their relationship has grown stronger, making them suitable to carry out missions as a team at the station. “It’s such a beautiful experience, especially when you get a dog that has issues…And then you connect with that dog, and you get that dog to where they need to be. It’s such an awesome and rewarding experience,” explained Watkins. “The rest of the two and a half years that I worked [with] him from deployment to secret service missions all over the world, we had no issues whatsoever,” he added. Unfortunately, the time Blek spent with his handle ended when Watkins got transferred to another station. Blek was left behind to work with other handlers who found the task challenging. According to Carlton Isaacson, a former military dog trainer, things weren’t looking good for Blek.That’s when Project K-9 Hero got interested in Blek’s case. According to their site, this non-profit organization wants to honor military working dogs and police K-9s in retirement. The organization’s purpose is to provide assistance with medical costs, adoption, rehabilitation, food, and end of duty services to provide the best quality of life and to give these four-legged heroes the retirement they deserve. Speaking highly of the non-profit, Isaacson said the project “was a game changer” adding, “They were able to provide him everything that he needed to be safe.”Thanks to Project K-9 Hero, Watkins was able to adopt his old four-legged friend.“I’m so thankful for those guys out there that they were able to take him and hold him until I got to a place where I can truly take care of him and allow him to just be a dog on his retirement,” said Watkins.In addition to allowing him to adopt Blek, Project K-9 Hero had another surprise for Watkins - the organization will cover all of Blek’s food and veterinary care costs for the entirety of the dog’s life. Talking about his feelings about this special reunion, Watkins said: “I am overwhelmed with happiness. That dog is dear to my heart and he made me the handler and trainer that I am today…It looks like [Blek] hasn’t skipped a beat. He’s happy. He looks healthy and I am just glad to be here right now.”“I’m so thankful for that dog, and that’s why I’m excited to actually bring him home with me to live out his life.”It’s heartwarming to see these two heroes reunited and ready to face new adventures together, as a team. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why Do Some Dogs Have Bad Body Odor?

Dogs are cute, no doubt about that, but most of them are not winning awards for their lovely BO – in fact, if we’re being honest, most pooches are a bit stinky. Of course, if you make sure to keep them clean with regular baths, grooming, and teeth brushing, you can eliminate or at least significantly reduce any unpleasant smell. But sometimes, even if you are very attentive about your dog’s hygiene, they can still smell a bit funky. Why does this happen? And what should you do in that case? Lastly, is there a way to prevent unpleasant body odors in your dog? Let’s try and answer all these stinky questions.Why Does My Dog Smell Bad?Are you catching a whiff of something foul whenever your dog enters the room? Are you struggling to keep them clean and smelling fresh? There could be a number of reasons why your pupper is stinky, and it is important to go over everything in order to properly address this issue. Firstly, you want to consider their hygiene. Lack of regular grooming and bathing can lead to a buildup of dirt, oils, and bacteria on a dog's skin and coat, resulting in a bad odor. Make sure you are giving your dog a regular wash or a bath, and that you are using  special shampoos that are safe for pets and smell nice.

Do You Know Your Pet's Love Language?

Relationship therapists have long used the concept of “Love Languages” to encourage better communication among couples. It defines how we express and receive love and sorts these behaviors into five categories – acts of service, physical touch, words of affirmation, gift-giving, and quality time. But did you ever stop to consider how your pet may fit into this framework? The folks at Nulo Pet Food did!Recently, the brand partnered with OnePoll to survey 2,000 cat and dog parents to better understand the secret to your pet’s heart.The survey found that quality time is the most popular love language among cats and dogs (27%). This refers to showing affection by giving your pet your undivided attention, with this increase in attention leaving our pets feeling loved and cared for. For 62% of respondents, this meant allowing their pet to sleep in their bed each night, while 40% reported that they would include their pet in their daily plans whenever possible.Of course, food still scored high in offering a path to a pet’s heart despite not technically being part of the original five love languages.53% of pet parents said they showed love by providing their pets with high-quality meals, which could technically fall under both acts of service and gift-giving. Dedicated to their pets' overall well-being, 47% answered that they showed love by prioritizing their pet’s health and nutrition over all else, and 32% focused on adding variety to their diet.“With 69% of respondents willing to put their pet’s dietary needs before their own, the data clearly shows just how important a role pets plan in their people’s lives,” explained Heather Acuff, Ph.D., Nulo’s Director of Research & Development. “Not only are pet parents speaking their pet’s love language, they’re going above and beyond to provide optimum care and nutrition to ensure the healthiest and happiest lives for their pets.”What inspires us to prioritize our pets so highly in our lives? These furry family members hold an important role in our lives, with 47% of pet owners believing their pet views them as a best friend and 42% stating that their pet sees them in the same way.This data gives us an insight into the dedication that pet parents show in providing quality nutrition to their dogs and cats. When asked why they feed their current diet, 50% said they strongly believed their pet enjoyed the food, 35% chose the diet for its high-quality ingredients, and 29% decided on a diet based on their budget.How important is variety in our pets’ diets? Only 48% of those surveyed believed they could survive eating the same meal every day for three months. It highlights the importance of products like food toppers that allow us to provide variation and make mealtime interesting while still prioritizing feeding a well-balanced diet. This includes commercial food toppers and pet-friendly human foods like pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, and more.Ultimately, the data reveals that food is one of the most significant ways we express our love and affection to our pets – possibly even making it the sixth love language for pets and pet parents!

Do Cats Slow Down in Autumn?

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

Scientists Finally Know Why Cats Love Tuna So Much

No food is more synonymous with cats than tuna. Even the pickiest of cats can’t resist the tuna’s fishy flavor. Finally, scientists have learned why cats love tuna so much. In the study published in the journal Chemical Sense, scientists report that cats, like humans, have receptors needed to detect umami flavor. Along with sweet, sour, bitter, and salty, umami is one of the five basic tastes.Umami seems to be the cats’ favorite flavor. Considering that umami gives food a deep and savory meaty aroma, it’s no surprise that an obligate carnivore like a cat would prefer it over all other flavors.The research team also found that cats’ taste receptors bind to two chemicals found in high concentrations in tuna. These chemicals boost the umami flavor, making cats obsessed with tuna. “This is an important study that will help us better understand the preferences of our familiar pers,” says Yasuka Toda, a molecular biologist at Meiji University. According to Toda, this study could help cat food manufacturers create healthier food and more palatable medication for cats. Previous studies showed that cats have a unique palate. Cats can’t taste sugar, because their sweet receptor gene is dysfunctional. Scientists believe that felines lose the ability to taste sweeteners and carbs because they don’t need these macronutrients to survive. Cats also have fewer bitter flavor receptors than humans. This trait is commonly seen in obligated carnivores. “Since discovering that cats don’t have a functional sweet taste receptor, we did wonder what they would respond to instead,” study lead author Scott McGrane, a sensory science expert at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, told Live Science. Humans and other animals possess two genes - Tas1r1 and Tas1r3 that work together to detect umami flavor. Previous research has shown that cats express the umami-related Tas1r3 gene in their taste buds, but it was unclear whether they possess both genes needed to detect umami flavor. The research team led by McGrane discovered that cats expressed both Tas1r1 and Tas1r3 genes in their taste buds. To learn this, the scientist biopsied the tongue of a six-year-old male cat that had been euthanized for health reasons unrelated to this study. However, a closer look at the protein sequences encoded by these genes showed that they are very different from human genes. As it turned out, the main amino acids that activate umami flavor in people - glutamic and aspartic acid - were mutated in cats. “So I began thinking, maybe cats can’t taste umami,” said McGrane. But, as it turned out, amino acids don’t bind to the cat umami receptor alone. Nucleotides, which are common in meat and yeast, bind to the cat receptor and glutamic and aspartic acid then have an enhancing effect. “That’s the exact opposite of what we see in people,” explained McGrane. Cats love tuna because it contains the nucleotide inosine monophosphate. Tuna also contains large quantities of L-histidine, an essential amino acid for cats, that enhances umami flavor. “The L-histidine content of tuna is much higher than of other fish species and meat sources.”These new findings could be used for the development of tastier cat food and pharmaceuticals. Although cat food manufacturers already knew that cats prefer meaty flavors, they now have much more details about the compounds they can start working with. It’s essential for manufacturers to ensure that animals want to eat the food they formulate and find it appealing. “I think umami is as important for cats as sweet is for humans,” said Toda. Dogs, she explained, can taste both sweet and umami, which may explain why they’re not such fussy eaters. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Pregnant Dog Saved from Shipping Container by U.S. Coast Guard

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston got a big surprise when they found a dog trapped inside a shipping container. While inspecting the containers, Lucas Loe, Bryan Wainscott, Jose Reyes, and Ryan McMahon heard scratching and barking coming from inside one of them. After bringing the container down to ground level—it had been roughly 25 feet up—they opened it to find an adorable dog desperate to get out.A Dog Rescued Against All OddsThe poor dog had been stuck in that container, which had junked vehicles and was set to be shipped overseas, for at least eight days without any food or water. How she got in there in the first place is a mystery, but they think she might’ve been in one of the cars that was put in the container.What makes this story even more incredible is the fact that there were thousands of shipping containers along with the one that the friendly dog was trapped in, so she’s very lucky that the inspectors heard her and rescued her in time. They named her Connie, and her story quickly went viral. She’s even referred to as Connie the Container Dog. A video posted on Facebook shows her rescue.According to a U.S. Coast Guard Heartland Facebook post, Connie was thrilled and grateful to be free, but she was also tired and hungry. She was taken to Pasadena Animal Shelter to be examined before being flown to Forever Changed Animal Rescue (FCAR) in the Washington, D.C. metro area. She was diagnosed with heartworm and was found to be underweight.A New Discovery: Connie the Container Dog Is PregnantAfter her rescuers noticed that Connie’s mammary glands were swollen, they worried that she’d given birth to and lost her puppies while she was trapped in the container. But an ultrasound revealed that she is indeed pregnant.Once she’s healed and ready to be adopted, Connie will be looking for a forever home. And her puppies will also be looking for homes once they’re old enough. In the meantime, she’ll stay with a veterinarian who will keep a close eye on her and make sure that she and her puppies are doing well.To keep up with Connie’s journey, you can follow FCAR’s Facebook page.You can also watch this video to see Connie and her rescuers:

Can Counterconditioning Help My Reactive Dog?

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.

Research Finds That Rats Have Imagination

Do animals have imagination? Many people wonder if animals are capable of imagining things in their minds the same way that humans can. Could a rat, for example, use their imagination? Recent research has shown that, yes, they can, at least to a similar degree as people.

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