What Dog Breed Is Right For Me?

Study Discovers What Dog Breeds Are More Likely To Be Naughty Or Nice

The Doggo Edition of Santa’s Naughty or Nice List are out and the folks at Furbo Dog Camera ought to know! Where does your breed fall on the list? The folks at Furbo Dog Camera are like little whispers in Santa’s ear! The makers of the world’s first treat-tossing camera that was designed just for dogs released “Santa’s Naughty or Nice List: Doggo Edition,” and Samoyed parents might not be that surprised to know their dogs topped the naughty list! Related: PetGuide’s Best New Pet Tech Of 2018: Furbo Dog Camera Furbo looked at data from over 15,000 dogs during the course of a week to see what they did when their pet parents weren’t around. Victor Change is the CEO of Furbo and said that dog moms and dad have a pretty good idea of what happens while they’re gone, but Furbo’s abilities let them give Santa cold, hard facts. Chang said that while Samoyeds topped the naughty list, with about 52 barks a day when their humans were gone, they were closely followed by Yorkshire Terriers who barked more than 23 times a day on average. And if you want to know who Santa will be bringing the best and brightest holiday gifts to, it’s those adorable Bernese Mountain Dogs. Furbo says it’s not for any particular reason other than Bernese Mountain Dogs are just so stinking cute, they’re sure that they’re also as nice as can be! (Also, they barked the least while their humans were gone, with 3.1 barks on average.) Based on an average number of barks a day, the following pups may be getting coal this year: Samoyed – 52.8 barks Yorkshire Terrier – 23.6 barks Poodle – 22.2 barks Bichon Frise – 20.3 barks Doberman – 19.6 barks Related: Meet Furbo, the World’s First Treat-Tossing Dog Camera When it comes to whose on Santa’s nice list, the following should be getting all sorts of goodies in their stockings: Bernese Mountain Dog- 3.1 barks West Highland Terrier – 3.5 barks Shetland Sheepdog – 6.1 barks American Staffordshire Terrier- 6.2 barks Shiba Inu – 8.1 barks If you want to work on keeping your pup on the nice list for next year, look into a Furbo Dog Camera so you can even work with it and toss treats while you’re not even home. Then maybe they won’t bark so much! Or will they???? Furbo will know!

Quiz: What Dog Breed Do You Party Like During the Holiday Season?

How Do I Know What’s the Best Dog for Me?

You’re the kind of person who falls in love with every dog you see. But when it comes to ownership, an important question to ask is “What’s the best dog for me?” There are hundreds of different dog breeds out there and each one is unique. Some dogs are bred for a particular purpose such as hunting or retrieving while others are intended as companion pets. There are so many options out there. It’s like dog buffet and there are hundreds of furry entrees to choose from! So here’s the question: “What the best dog for me?” Let’s find out. Before You Start Looking Before you even start to think about what kind of dog might be right for you, you need to make sure that a dog is the right pet in general. Owning a dog is a big responsibility – one that will be yours for the next 10 to 15 years, depending on the breed you choose. Don’t bring home a dog unless you are able to commit to his care for the duration of his life and understand that this means meeting his nutritional needs as well as his needs for exercise, socialization, training, and veterinary care. Related: Teaching Your Puppy How to Focus You also need to think about whether you can afford a dog – think about things like food, treats, toys, grooming supplies, and veterinary care. You should also consider the traits you want in a dog to help you narrow down your choices in terms of a specific breed. How to Choose the Right Dog Breed Once you’ve determined that you are able to commit to caring for a dog, your next step is to think about the qualities you want in a dog. Ask yourself the following questions: Will the dog be in an apartment or house?Will your dog interact with children, other dogs, or other pets?Will your dog be spending a lot of time home alone?Will your dog have access to a fenced yard and a daily walk?Will your dog be participating in dog sports?What’s my activity level set at?Do I have to work about allergies?What are the characteristics/temperament/health/training levels of a particular breed? Related: 5 Things To Bring To Your Puppy’s First Visit To The Vet Answering these questions will help you to determine what kind of life you can provide for a dog which will help you narrow down the type of dog that best suits your lifestyle and your home. If you live in an apartment or condo, for example, you might choose a small-breed dog with low exercise requirements and high adaptability. If you have children at home, you might choose a medium-sized dog that is gentle and playful. Think about how much time you have to spend with your dog each day as well as your ability to train and exercise him. Other factors to consider include shedding, territorial or guarding instincts, the amount of barking, and how well the dog adapts to strangers. Once you have chosen a breed, your next step is to research – finding a reputable animal shelter or a responsible breeder will play a huge role on the wellness of the dog. Once you’ve answered the question “what’s the best dog for me,” it’ll be time for you to be the best dog owner you can be!

What’s the Right Collar or Harness for My Dog?

Harnesses, collars, and martingales, oh my! The pet industry is overflowing with dog-walking tools, but which one is right for your dog? Here in New York City, walking your dog presents constant challenges: dodging pedestrians, avoiding discarded pizza crusts, walking past barking dogs, and tuning out blaring sirens. But it’s not just city walking. If you’re taking your dog for a walk on the hiking trail, nature provides you with ever-present distractions, from squirrels to deer. In addition to training your dog to walk politely on leash, you can make your life easier by choosing a harness or collar that suits your needs. Collars A traditional flat collar around the dog’s neck is the simplest piece of equipment and an appropriate choice for dogs that don’t pull much. If your dog tends to pull or lunge, however, over time a flat collar can actually do harm to his trachea, esophagus, and potentially even his eyes. Dogs don’t think to stop pulling against the collar, despite choking themselves, so flat collars will not teach a dog to walk politely. At the same time, I recommend all dogs wear a collar with ID tags, simply as a backup in case your harness breaks. Martingale collars are an option for dogs with small heads and/or thick necks. (For this reason, they are known as “greyhound collars.”) The collar tightens slightly when the dog pulls, so he is unlikely to slip out when he pulls backwards. But like a flat collar, in most cases, martingales don’t teach dogs to walk politely, despite the pressure they feel when they pull against it. Back-clip harnesses This is probably the most ubiquitous form of equipment, and back-clip harnesses are generally among the safest, too. With the leash clipping at the top of the dog’s back, along the spine, your dog doesn’t run much risk of injuring himself, and he is less likely to wiggle out of a harness than a collar. At the same time, back clip harnesses may actually encourage your dog to pull, as the location of the clip allows him to turn into a sled dog, leaning all of his weight forward to drag you ahead. As a result, this equipment is appropriate for dogs that don’t pull, as well as short-legged dogs that would get tangled by equipment that sits lower on the body. Front-clip harnesses Does your dog pull? Front-clip harnesses may help. Because the leash clips in the front near the dog’s breastbone, your dog can’t become a sled dog. When he pulls ahead, the tension on the leash will gently turn his body back towards you, making it easier for you to control him. The style and fit varies greatly among brands, so make sure you get a front-clip harness that your dog can’t slip out of. Or, for safety, clip the leash onto both the ring for the harness and the ring for a flat collar, giving you an additional layer of protection in case he dances himself out of the harness. On occasion, front-clip harnesses with a horizontal band across the chest can inhibit a dog’s natural movement, so you should remove it while your dog is running or playing, Head collar A head collar (or head halter) is a good option for dogs whose pulling isn’t mitigated by front-clip harnesses, or who are dangerous sidewalk snackers. A head collar utilizes the same principles as a horse’s halter, so as you can imagine, it gives you greater control of the dog. Because you control the dog’s head, you can more easily prevent a chicken-bone-stealing fiasco and your dog has little chance to drag you down the street. But there is always a catch, and with head collars, it’s that some dogs find this equipment annoying, distracting, or frustrating. Although it doesn’t inflict pain, a head collar is not the right choice for every dog. The handler must also take great care not to yank the leash, as this could potentially cause neck injury. Corrective collars Choke chains, prong collars, and e-collars have far fewer pros than cons. The potential for damaging your dog, either physically or emotionally, is just too great. If your dog’s behavior on leash is so out-of-control that you are considering using a tool to inflict pain, contact a force-free trainer to help you get a handle on your dog’s walking in a way that works for everyone. Finding the right equipment for your dog may take a bit of trial and error, but once you’ve found a collar or harness that works for your dog, it’s worth its weight in gold.

What’s The Deal With Designer Dog Breeds?

Should you bring home a designer dog? Learn more about these breeds to see if they are a match If you spend much time on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, you have probably seen your fair share of posts about the cutest new dog breeds. In reality, there are few “new” breeds – in most cases, they are actually a hybrid of two or more parent breeds that are grouped under the heading of “designer dog breed”. So what is the draw of designer dog breeds and what are some of the most popular examples? What are Designer Dog Breeds? As was previously mentioned, the term “designer dog” is often used interchangeably with the term “hybrid dog” because most designer breeds are nothing more than a crossbreed of two different purebreds. A purebred dog is one that has been bred over several generations from parents belonging to the same breed – this is also referred to as “true” breeding because the puppies all exhibit similar characteristics and temperaments to the parent dogs. Purebred dogs also typically have a published breed standard that indicates the desired characteristics of that breed – these standards are typically published by breed enthusiast clubs or larger bodies like the American Kennel Club (AKC). A hybrid breed is typically a cross of two purebred dogs – this is what distinguishes a hybrid from a mutt, because mutts have uncertain ancestry. Hybrid dogs typically exhibit a combination of the characteristics and personality traits of the parent breeds which can vary greatly depending on the breeds used for the cross. It is also important to note that designer dogs are not always a 50%/50% cross of the two breeds – if the parents are not 100% purebred, the resulting hybrid may have a greater percentage of one breed than the other. Registering Designer Dogs Because a designer dog is, by definition, a cross of two purebred dogs it is not technically a distinct breed. For this reason, designer dogs are generally not recognized by the AKC. There is, however, another governing body that was established purely for the purpose of registering and promoting designer dog breeds – the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR). This registry was established in 1995 and currently provides registration services for breeders and pet owners throughout the US, Canada and all over the world. In fact, the IDCR is one of the fastest-growing canine registries in the world. Registering dogs is very important because it helps to track the ancestry of not only an individual dog but of the breed as a whole. This is essential for tracking and eliminating inherited medical conditions such as hip dysplasia and other diseases. Popular Designer Dog Breeds What makes designer dog breeds so popular is the fact that the options are virtually unlimited – you can breed any purebred dog to another purebred dog to create a designer dog breed. The first designer breed is thought to be the Cockapoo, a crossing of the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle, which first appeared during the 1960s. Some other popular designer breeds include: Goldendoodle: Golden Retriever and Poodle Yorkipoo: Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle Puggle: Beagle and Pug Labradoodle: Labrador Retriever and Poodle Maltipoo: Maltese and Toy Poodle Shihpoo: Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle Cheek: Chihuahua and Pekingese Pomchi: Pomeranian and Chihuahua Schnoodle: Schnauzer and Poodle Goldador: Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever As is true with any dog, you need to be very careful with breeding to reduce the risk of proliferating inherited diseases. Hybrid dogs/designer dog breeds are particularly at risk for certain inherited conditions because if both parent breeds are carriers, the likelihood that the pups will develop the condition is greatly enhanced. With responsible breeding, however, designer dogs can actually be very healthy and may in fact exhibit fewer health problems than the purebreds used to create them.

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:

How Do I Know If My Dog Has Frostbite?

Cold weather affects our pets even more than it does us – dogs are much more sensitive to harsh weather elements and can be especially affected by the freezing winter cold. Depending on their size and the thickness of their coat, dogs can be more or less endangered when the scales go way down below zero, and for some dogs, going out in subzero temperatures can be quite risky. So much so, that they can even get frostbite. While frostbite in dogs can range from mild to severe, it’s a condition you can’t ignore – you need to know how to quickly spot signs of frostbite in dogs and make sure to provide first aid ASAP to prevent any permanent damage. How Do I Know If My Dog Has Frostbite?Exposing your dog to extremely cold temperatures is always risky. While there are certain breeds, like  huskies, who are adapted to extreme weather conditions, dogs are generally not ideally suited for freezing temperatures and as such are at risk of getting frostbite. Frostbite is a result of skin and tissues freezing, and it usually affects the most exposed parts of the dog’s body, like the paws, ears, nose, and tail. However, it can’t always be easy to spot frostbite in the earliest stages – usually, pet owners realize they’re dealing with frostbite when the damage is already done. Try and keep an eye out for the following symptoms if your pet has been out in the cold:Swelling:When frostbite sets in, the affected area will often swell. This happens when the top layers of the skin and tissue become gradually frozen. Likewise, the swollen area could feel firm or hard to the touch.Coldness:The areas that are frostbitten will feel much colder to the touch than the rest of the body. This can be the first and the most obvious sign of frostbite.Skin Ulcers and Blisters:These nasty growths can appear when frostbite has really taken hold of an affected part. As the frostbitten flesh begins to thaw, it also blisters. Limping:When your dog limps in cold weather, it can be the first indication that something is wrong. This is usually due to the soft tissue on the paws being exposed to freezing ground. Discolored Skin:Another tell-tale sign of frostbite is the discoloration of the skin on the affected area. The main cause of this is the reduced blood flow to the area. The skin in this case will appear gray, pale, or bluish.  It goes without saying that frostbite is very dangerous. If you suspect it in your dog, please seek the help of a veterinarian at once. It is paramount that you leave professionals to take care of your pet, rather than to attempt to fix the situation on your own. Things like hot water, direct heat, and other attempts to reheat the flesh quickly will only lead to more damage. Also, keep in mind that the signs of frostbite can take several days to appear. This is mostly true for small areas of flesh being affected, such as the tip of the tail, or the ears. 

Owner Who Never Lost Hope Reunites with a Missing Dog After 10 Years

An owner’s undying hope and commitment to keeping their dog’s microchip up to date resulted in a happy reunion 10 years after the dog went missing. A Florida family lost their cockapoo, named Cleo, way back in 2014 when the mischievous pooch ran away from home. Despite never hearing anything about Cleo again, the owner Luisa, kept the microchip information up to date in hopes of getting reunited with her beloved pooch.After so many years, most owners would have lost hope of ever seeing their furry companion again but Cleo’s family still had faith, even after they moved to Miami. Finally, all those years of unwavering hope and commitment paid off when Cleo arrived at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay.The organization shared in a post that the dog recently arrived at the shelter as a stray. The staff had little hope that the dog was microchipped but scanned it nonetheless. Imagine their surprise when they discovered a microchip filled with up-to-date contact information.“We were hoping for a happy ending and for her to be reunited with her owners, but we did not foresee the joy her story brought,” the organization said on Facebook.The information on the pup’s microchip led the shelter’s staff to Luisa, who was in disbelief when they called because Cleo had been missing, ever since he ran away 10 years ago! “They never lost hope and continued to update her microchip in the small hope that they would be reunited, even after they moved to Miami.”The family made a five-hour trip from Miami to Tampa Bay to reclaim their beloved pooch. The shelter shared pictures of the emotional reunion, featuring a smiling Cleo. “This shows the power and importance of the microchip and never losing hope,” the post concluded.A microchip is a small transponder that carries a unique identification number. That identification number is entered into a database that contains contact information pet owners provide when registering their pet or when updating the information, like in Cleo’s case. Although microchips don’t possess GPS or tracking abilities they are still considered one of the best ways for owners to get reunited with a lost pet. In addition to microchipping your pet, they can also wear a collar with ID tags that include your current contact information.Microchipping is a simple and cheap procedure with minimal risks for your pet. If you haven’t microchipped your pup, do it now, and make sure the microchip is always registered with up-to-date information. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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

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

New Study Reveals Dogs Can Sniff Out Neurodegenerative Diseases

We all know that doggos have incredible noses and a superb sense of smell. It is tens of thousands of times stronger than our own. This makes us wonder – what secrets can such a sense of smell unveil? Many scientists consider the canine sense of smell a great potential to enhance human lives thanks to its accuracy. And that is exactly what was unveiled in a recent study published in “bioRxiv”, by researchers Samuel V. Johnston and Lisa Holt from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Thanks to their efforts, and the incredible abilities of doggos, it was revealed that our four-legged friends have the potential to detect neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s disease is a terrible condition, affecting primarily seniors. What is even worse is that this disease has many difficulties in diagnosis, which prevents doctors from accurately identifying the disease in the early stages. But the breakthrough study could change all that! Thanks to doggos and their powerful noses, we could be on the brink of completely changing the way Parkinson’s is diagnosed. “Dogs have an extraordinary olfactory capability, which far exceeds that of humans. Dogs’ sense of smell seems to be the main sense, allowing them to not only gather both current and historical information about their surrounding environment, but also to find the source of the smell, which is crucial for locating food, danger, or partners for reproduction.”  writes Agata Kusiak, from the Institute of Animal Sciences, Warsaw University. “Dogs can be trained by humans to use their olfactory abilities in a variety of fields, with a detection limit often much lower than that of sophisticated laboratory instruments.”Utilizing this remarkable sense of smell, scientists trained 23 dogs of different breeds and backgrounds, to successfully differentiate between samples of both Parkinson’s-positive individuals and Parkinson’s-negative individuals. The results were more than successful, with the dogs showcasing 86% sensitivity and 89% specificity in distinguishing the samples. In many ways, this is a revolutionary study and opens new doors and new possibilities in medical diagnostics. What is even better, it offers new hope for the timely detection of Parkinson’s disease. However, it is important to note that the study is still in relative infancy, and is still awaiting peer review. But the potential here is incredible. If validated, the study could help improve patient outcomes, and help with early diagnosis of this troubling disease.

Animal Shelter Has Clever Way to Fundraise for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is for celebrating love, but for some, it can be a reminder of failed relationships. If you’re still feeling bitter towards an ex, you can now take that resentment and transform it into something positive, thanks to a clever fundraiser being run by an animal shelter in New Jersey.“Neuter Your Ex” and Help Stray Cats This Valentine’s Day Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center in Blackwood, NJ has come up with a funny way to raise much-needed funds for stray cats this Valentine’s Day. The campaign is called Neuter Your Ex for Valentine’s Day, and its slogan is “Because some things shouldn’t breed.”It’s simple: when you donate $50 to Homeward Bound, they’ll name a feral cat after your ex and then neuter or spay the kitty before releasing them back to their outdoor colony. If you’re familiar with trap-neuter-return, also known as TNR, then you already know how this works—cats who aren’t adoptable are allowed to live out their lives outdoors, but because they’ve been neutered or spayed, they can’t reproduce and, therefore, won’t contribute to the overpopulation problem.A Big Success So FarThis campaign is already a hit. Multiple news outlets have reported on it, so word has spread far and wide. The shelter states that they’ve received a lot of names (they’ve gotten so many that it will take months to use all of them). And donations have come from around the United States and other countries, such as the United Kingdom and Australia. Want to Help? Here’s HowIf you want to make a donation towards this worthy cause, you can fill out the form here, provide your ex’s first name or a nickname, and make a one-time or monthly payment to support the shelter’s TNR efforts. If you have questions, you can reach out to Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center. Their recent Instagram post provides answers to some frequently asked questions about the campaign, so you can check that out as well.  Keep an eye on Homeward Bound’s Instagram to see photos of the cats that end up benefiting from this Valentine’s Day fundraiser.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is Rock Salt Toxic to Dogs?

As winter comes, the roads become icy and treacherous and rock salt is used to make them less slippery. While roads covered with rock salt are common in the chillier months of the year, dog owners are wondering if it is safe for their pets to walk on rock salt or accidentally ingest it. After all, dogs are known to be inquisitive and eager to lick or nibble on anything and everything so the idea is not as far-fetched as some might think at first. So, without further ado, let’s find out if rock salt is toxic to dogs and how you can best protect your pet in the winter months.Is Rock Salt Toxic to Dogs?Sadly, the answer is yes – rock salt, commonly used for de-icing roads and sidewalks in winter, can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities. Rock salt, or sodium chloride, can cause salt poisoning or hypernatremia in dogs. Ingesting excessive amounts of salt can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive thirst, increased urination, and in severe cases, it can even result in tremors, seizures, or death.And that is not all. In addition to the risk of ingestion, rock salt can also cause irritation to a dog's paws if they walk on treated surfaces. The salt can cause dryness, cracking, and discomfort, and dogs may try to  lick their paws to alleviate the irritation, leading to ingestion of the salt. After all, the roads are meant for cars and tires, so it was sadly never taken into account that pets would walk on them as well. Still, as a caring owner, there are a number of precautions that you can take in order to ensure that your dog doesn’t ingest rock salt – here are some of the most popular ways.Clean their paws after walks:Wipe your dog's paws with a damp cloth after walks to remove any salt or de-icing chemicals. Do this after every walk and as soon as you get home. Remember to take care of your pet’s paws and paw pads. When injured or unkempt, they can cause great discomfort. Furthermore, you can consider using  dog boots if your pet doesn’t mind it – they’ll keep their paws safe and warm.

Guide Dog Trigger Retires After Fathering Over 300 Puppies

A nine-year-old golden retriever, nicknamed The Dogfather, is going to a well-earned retirement after fathering a grand total of 323 puppies. Trigger has spent his years being the star stud dog of Guide Dogs. This charity organization specializes in breeding and training guide dogs for people with visual impairment in the United Kingdom. Since the beginning of his stud career in December 2016, Trigger has fathered 39 litters, including a record-breaking litter with 16 puppies in 2021. According to Guide Dogs, 294 of Trigger’s puppies have been bred by the charity itself, and an additional 29 puppies by other assistance dog charities and guide dog schools, bringing his grand total to 323 puppies.The Dogfather’s final litter consisted of six puppies, including five daughters named Rita, Jenny, Hermione, Indy, and Sandy, and a son, named Billy. The last of Trigger's offspring are eight weeks old and about to start their guide dog training and will be living with volunteer puppy raisers for the next year. “Trigger’s legacy can be seen in the independence and confidence his progeny has brought to the lives of blind and partially sighted people all over Britain,” shared Guide Dogs in a news release. The Dogfather’s puppies have been affectionately nicknamed Triglets by guide dog owners and volunteers. These pups have been guiding visually impaired and partially sighted individuals across the United Kingdom, including London, Cardiff, Glasgow, and even the Isle of Wright. Two of Trigger’s litters have been bred abroad at guide dog organizations in France and the Netherlands, creating guide dog partnerships in both countries. “Trigger’s wonderful, gentle nature and excellent health have made him the perfect asset to our breeding program. We can’t overstate the impact that Trigger has in helping us to provide so many guide dogs for people with sight loss,” said Janine Dixon, Head of Breeding Operations at Guide Dogs. Dixon added the charity hopes that Billy, Trigger’s son, will continue his father’s legacy by joining the breeding program in a few years.“In the meantime, nine of his daughters, as well, as his half-French son Pierre, are helping us to bring forward a new generation of dogs with Trigger’s fantastic genes,” shared Guide Dogs.When it comes to Trigger’s future, he will spend his well-earned retirement in Branbury with his Breeding Dog Volunteer Sarah Bryne, who has been looking after him for the past seven years and will now officially adopt him. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is Your Cat Itchy? Causes and Treatments for Itching in Cats

Itching, or pruritis, in cats has various causes, so it’s a symptom of multiple problems. Sure, a cat will have an itch they need to scratch every now and then, just like people do. But if you see your cat scratching more than usual, or they’re scratching, licking, or biting themselves so much that they’re losing fur and causing cuts and scabs on their skin, there may be an underlying issue that should be addressed.Whether your cat is scratching at one area or they’re itchy all over, don’t ignore this problem. Read on to learn about some of the causes of itchiness in cats, along with some of the things you can do to provide relief. Remember, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian about your cat’s symptoms so you can give your pet the right treatment.Reasons Why Your Cat Is ItchyHere are some of the conditions that can cause a cat to feel itchy:AllergiesA lot of things can cause an allergic reaction in cats that leads to itchy skin. For example, if your cat is allergic to an ingredient in their food, such as a particular protein, their allergy might manifest as itchiness. As another example, your cat might be allergic to something in the environment, such as dust in the house or pollen that blows in through a window. And some cats have contact allergies to products, from litter to plastic or fabric, that can cause a reaction. The goal is to find the allergen and remove it from your cat’s environment as best as possible. In the case of a food allergy, using food trials with the guidance of your vet can help you figure out what’s causing the reaction so you can start giving your cat food that’s appropriate for them. ParasitesBites from insects and parasites can cause your cat to feel itchy. Fleas and mites are a couple examples. And, yes, indoor cats can get fleas, as they could be brought in from outside and find their way to your feline.When it comes to mites, such as ear mites or mange, your veterinarian can prescribe treatments after performing some tests for an accurate diagnosis.For flea allergy dermatitis caused by flea bites, it’s a matter of eliminating the flea infestation and preventing future infestations. You can use over-the-counter products, such as Frontline Plus for Cats, which is a topical treatment you apply between your cat’s shoulders (where they won’t be able to lick it off). It kills flea eggs, flea larvae, and adult fleas, as well as ticks and chewing lice, and each dose works for a month. But you also need to thoroughly clean your home and your pet’s things to be sure you eliminate fleas in the environment.

Can Dogs Have Sleep Apnea?

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

Study Reveals the Most Expensive Locations for Pet-Friendly Airbnbs

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

Can Cats Get Frostbite?

When a cat is exposed to extremely cold conditions, they are at risk of frostbite, which may require professional veterinary care. But what is frostbite, what puts a cat at risk of frostbite, and what can be done to treat it? Here’s a short guide to help you better understand this condition and keep your cat safe.

Let's Talk Turkey... and Why the White House Pardons One Each Year

It’s now a Thanksgiving tradition… and we’re not talking about the Macy’s parade, the Black Friday sales or that cranberry chutney Aunt Sally whips up each year. We’re talking about the turkey pardon that according to the White House Historical Association, is rumored to have begun back in 1863 with then-President Lincoln. Whether this tale is fact or fiction is debated. What we know is that more recent history confirms the big bird officially began as a gift made to the White House by The National Turkey Federation back in 1947. Alas, no details on his outcome.This year, President Biden pardoned two 42-pounders, preventing them from being on the wrong side of the Thanksgiving feast when he gave Liberty and Bell, a pass and a certain cushy future.As mentioned, this fun seasonal practice began in 1947 and over the years tended to be rather on-again/off-again depending on the whims of whichever administration was in place. It wasn’t until the Kennedy era in the early ‘60s that Tom Turkey was formally spared and lived to see another day. Since then, the support to spare this fine feathered fowl has ramped up considerably and his well-being post-pardon was carefully tracked by both the media and animal rights groups throughout the country.Was it just for show? Did he really make his exit from the White House intact versus being basted, carved and covered in gravy?Before I answer, let’s just say that the fun spin on this tradition is how it has evolved. Not only did Liberty and Bell enjoy a stay in a suite at the luxe Willard Intercontinental Hotel the night before their widely shared pardon, but following their moment in the spotlight, they returned home to Minnesota where the state’s College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Sciences will oversee their care.So, yes. Beginning with the Bush administration in 1989, the turkey pardon became a tradition that sees one lucky bird truly pardoned and destined for a life of ease and indulgence.In fact, past White House pardons have typically resulted in said turkey being relocated to a local children’s farm where they can live out their remaining years being adored by the junior crowd and noshing down on kibble from a cone. BTW, did you know that a turkey can live to 10 years of age?Of course, now we’re all feeling warm and sentimental about turkeys, the inevitable question arises: Can a turkey be kept as a pet? The short answer is yes, these highly social critters enjoy the company of humans and can be curious, vocal, and entertaining.  So much so that they’re a top pick for hobby farmers and those who have already ventured into keeping chickens.Just a little food for thought!