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Anxiety in Dogs: Studies Show How Common It Is

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  October 18th, 2023

Dogs experience a range of emotions, but researchers have found that anxiety, in particular, is surprisingly prevalent among canine companions.

Yu.li.ko/Shutterstock

A Finnish Study on Canine Anxiety


In 2020, a study of 13,715 dogs in Finland honed in on several anxiety-related traits:


  • Noise sensitivity
  • Fear
  • Fear of surfaces and heights
  • Impulsivity/inattention
  • Compulsive behavior
  • Aggression
  • Separation related behavior


Using an online questionnaire given to pet parents of mixed breed and purebred dogs, researchers concluded that 72.5% of the dogs exhibited a behavior related to the traits above.


The researchers also discovered that noise sensitivity topped the list of anxiety-related traits – 32% of dogs were scared of at least one noise. Fearfulness came in second, with 29% of dogs exhibiting it.


Aggression and separation related behavior were the least common anxiety traits among the dogs involved in the study.


Differences Based on Breed, Gender, and Age


Other fascinating results showed that a dog’s breed, gender, and age might affect their anxiety level and behavior. For example, the Lagotto Romagnolo and Wheaten Terrier were among the breeds that were most sensitive to noise, while Spanish Water Dogs and Shetland Sheepdogs commonly showed fear.  


Also, while females showed more fearfulness, males were more hyperactive/impulsive and aggressive, and males showed some more separation related behaviors compared to females, too.


With age, behaviors may change as well. While behaviors like inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity were more common in younger dogs, noise sensitivity, aggression, and fear of heights and surfaces became increasingly apparent in older dogs.


Although there are some interesting differences, the results also show that, regardless of breed, age, or gender, anxiety and the behaviors that result from it are surprisingly common in dogs.


Increased Anxiety in Dogs Post-COVID


Yet another study – this time conducted by a CBD company called Green Element – found that pet anxiety increased from 2020 to 2022. In other words, since the COVID-19 pandemic, some pet parents have found that their dogs are even more uneasy.


In May 2022, Green Element conducted a survey involving 1,000 dog and cat owners in the United States.


Results showed that fear of loud noise was no longer the leading cause of canine anxiety; instead, fear of strangers, which increased by 295%, topped the list. Also, separation anxiety in dogs increased by over 700%. And anxiety caused by other dogs or cats went up as well.  


Is Your Dog Anxious?



If you’re like a lot of pet parents, you might be noticing some behaviors that indicate your canine friend feels distressed, on edge, or fearful. Learn about the common signs of anxiety in dogs so you can recognize them more easily, and consider your companion’s breed and age. With more knowledge, and the help of your veterinarian or a dog behaviorist, you’ll be able to take steps to reduce your dog’s anxiety and behavioral problems.

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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

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

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A Woman’s Best Friend? Dogs Prefer Female Speech, Study Shows

A new study about dogs and the way they perceive our world discovered something a bit unusual. While it confirmed something many pet owners knew from experience – that dog brains are much more sensitive to speech that is directed at them – it unearthed that this is especially true if the speech comes from women. A team of researchers in Hungary conducted an extensive  fMRI study on many trained dogs, revealing striking similarities between infant and dog brains when they are processing exaggerated speech with special stress and intonation of certain words.Just think about it: when we are trying to  communicate with those who can’t really communicate back on the same level, we tend to use a specific speech style. We exaggerate and act, place stress on certain words, and use our hands as well. It works for infants and helps with their development, but does it work the same way for dogs?That is exactly what the Hungarian scientists from Hungarian researchers at the Department of Ethology, Eötvös Loránd University tried to answer with their study. As they conducted the fMRI tests on multiple trained family dogs, they experimented with male and female voices, and with infant, dog, and adult-directed speech. What was revealed was truly exceptional. Dogs showed greater brain sensitivity when hearing female voices directed at them – with special intonations and exaggerated prosody. "What makes this result particularly interesting is that in dogs, as opposed to infants,” the lead scientist  states, “this sensitivity cannot be explained by either ancient responsiveness to conspecific signals or by intrauterine exposure to women's voice. Remarkably, the voice tone patterns characterizing women's dog-directed speech are not typically used in dog-dog communication - our results may thus serve evidence for a neural preference that dogs developed during their domestication."So, next time you try to talk to your dog and get them to listen, think about changing the way you speak. Imagine you're talking to an infant and utilize the same methods with your pet! Exaggerated prosody seems to do wonders for dogs – so make the most out of it!

New Study Shows Dogs Cry Emotional Tears When Reunited With Owners

You know your dog loves you – there’s no doubt about it – but did you know that your pooch can get all teary-eyed when they are overwhelmed with emotions? For the longest time, it was believed that humans are the only ones that produce tears when emotional, but a new study done in Japan shows that man's best friend adopted the same trait, too. A team of Japanese researchers published their findings in the Current Biology journal, and the results are quite curious. They measured tear levels before and after the reunion of dogs with their owners and noted a significant increase in tear volume after the dogs have been reunited with their humans – and all because of oxytocin. Seeing their owners again after a period of separation produced oxytocin, or “love hormone”, in the dog’s bodies, and that stimulated the tearful response. In turn, the eye contact of owners with their dogs increases oxytocin levels in humans, which strengthens their bond on both sides. The study involved 18 dogs, and the results were consistent across the board – but that’s not all they wanted to learn.After concluding this part of the research, scientists rounded up 74 participants to test how people react to dogs with moist eyes, and if the perception of teary-eyed dogs elicits an emotional response. They were shown 10 photos of dogs, some with moist eyes and others without, and were asked to rate how much they were inclined to care for a specific dog, on a scale from 1 to 5. Not surprisingly, dogs that appeared teary-eyed, had 10 to 15% more responses from people, indicating that increased tear volume in dogs elicits an emotional response in their owners.In some way, it doesn’t come as a big surprise to learn that dogs are capable of subtle body language such as this one, having in mind that they’ve evolved alongside humans and have picked up many useful traits along the road. For instance, dogs know that raising their eyebrows makes humans want to care for them – so-called “ puppy eyes” that work without fail. A lot remains a mystery, though. Do dogs have the same response when reunited with their canine friends or siblings? Do they rely on tears as a form of communication with other dogs? It’s definitely something interesting to think about, and the researchers behind this study hope to get the answer to these questions, as well. 

New Study Shows Dogs Can Tell the Difference Between Human Languages

A new study revealed that dogs have the ability to tell the difference between speech and non-speech – and that they can actually tell the difference between various spoken languages. After thousands of years spent as companions of humans, dogs have gotten pretty good at reading our body language, intonation, words, and emotions, so finding out that they can actually tell the difference between languages shouldn’t come as a huge surprise. A new study done by researchers at the Department of Ethology at Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary revealed that canines have the ability to differ real language from scrambled nonsense, and what’s more – to make the distinction between human languages, or, in this case, Hungarian and Spanish. Of course, it’s only logical that a pet parent had the idea to do this kind of research: Laura V. Cuaya, the first listed author of the study, moved from Mexico to Hungary with her four-legged bestie, Kun-Kun. She was curious to know if her pet, after living in a country where he was exposed only to Spanish, could tell that people in his new country of residence spoke a different language. Drawing on the fact that humans, even in infancy, can notice that difference, Cuaya conducted a study that involved 18 dogs, including Kun-Kun – two of the dogs understood Spanish and the rest Hungarian. The dogs were trained to lie still in a brain scanner and were then played audio excerpts from the book “Little Prince”, in Spanish, in Hungarian, and in scrambled non-speech. This allowed researchers to determine if dogs distinguish speech and non-speech, as well as make sure that the dogs were hearing the same words in different languages for easier comparison. The results were impressive: the study enabled researchers to identify a hierarchy processing in the dog’s brain to process speech and locate distinct cerebral regions in canine brains. Or, in other words – dogs are perfectly able to make the difference between real language and nonsensical scramble, same as humans, and, what’s more: when they determine it is actually a language that’s being spoken, they can tell if it’s a different one to the language they recognize. Another interesting thing that researchers noticed is that the older the dogs were, the easier it was for them to make the distinction between the new language and the one they are already familiar with. The results of the studies led to hypotheses about the role of domestication and human-and-dog bond in the process of canine understanding of human languages and some of their intricacies. The idea is that the fact that dogs have been our best friends for thousands of years might have equipped them with an innate ability to understand us better – on so many levels. Many exciting studies about canines could stem from these findings and dog lovers are here for it.

Your Jealous Dog: Study Shows Jealousy In Dogs Is Real

Does it surprise you that Fido may have a jealous side? Researchers find that pooches can turn into a green-eyed monster, too. Ever met a dog at a park or a market, pet it and said, “When I get home, my dog won’t be happy about this when he smells a strange pooch on me”? It might be truer than you think. A new study shows dogs my actually be jealous when you show attention to another dog. Researchers from the University of California, San Diego tested about three dozen dogs. They had their owner play with a stuffed dog that wagged its tail and ignore their own pup. They then gave the same attention to an inanimate object (a Jack-O-Lantern pail, how very Halloween). Then the owner read out loud from a book that played music and sounds. Much of the activity from the dogs included pushing the stuffed dog or the owner to get their attention. Some barked or whined. Eighty-six percent even sniffed the stuffed dog’s butt. One fourth of the dogs actually snapped at the stuffed dog. Researchers found this interesting because they were told by the owners that their dogs wouldn’t act aggressively toward it. Meanwhile, 94.4 percent of the dogs ignored the pail, and 91.7 percent ignored the book. The study though actually has less to do with dogs than you might express. Researchers are looking into whether jealousy is a deeper urge than we realize – like going back to prehistoric days. In the study’s conclusion, the researchers say the study supports the theory that there is a “primordial form of jealousy.” “One possibility is that jealousy evolved in species that have multiple dependent young that concurrently compete for parental resources such as food, attention, care, and affection,” the study said. Researchers also think that man’s long evolution and co-domestication with dogs has given rise to jealousy because humans and dogs need each other to survive. Gives you something to think about, huh? Does your dog get jealous when you show attention to another pup? What does he do to show it? Tell us in the comment section below. [Source: PLOS One]

Take A Close Look – Study Shows That Dogs Look Like Their Owners

Scientists have finally uncovered just what it is that makes dogs look like their owners. Turns out, it’s all in the eyes. Sadahiko Nakajima, a psychologist at Kwansei Gakuin University in Japan, has been trying to unravel this mystery for years. In a 2009 study, Nakajima found that research participants were able to successfully match photos of owners and their dogs by facial appearance alone. On top of that, they also correctly identified false pairs that researchers had randomly thrown together. But the question still persisted: what exactly was it that allowed participants to correctly identify owner-canine pairs with such stunning accuracy? To figure it out, Nakajima devised a clever study. He tested 502 Japanese undergrads using two test sheets. On each sheet were 20 photo sets of human-canine pairs with their faces shown side-by-side. However, it wasn’t quite as easy as merely asking people to identify the correct pairs. The research participants were split into 5 groups: group one was shown full, unobstructed side-by-side photos of owners and dogs. Group two saw the same pictures, except the humans’ eyes were covered by a black, rectangular ‘censor’ bar. In group three, the human photo subjects had the black bar over their mouths. Group four participants saw the photos, but this time the dogs had the black bar covering their eyes. Group five’s photos showed just a sliver of the human-dog pairs’ eyes side-by-side. Sounds a bit complicated, right? Don’t worry — the results are actually quite simple. Similar to Nakajima’s first study, the group that saw the full-face photos of humans and dogs were able to correctly identify (80% of the time!) the real-life pairs. The group whose photos saw the owners’ mouths concealed still did amazingly well — 73% of them guessed correctly. However, the groups where either the owners’ or dogs’ eye were concealed did relatively poorly — their performance fell to statistically chance levels. However, the most fascinating finding to come out of this study involved the final group: the one that saw just the eyes of the dog-owner pairs, but not the rest of their faces. A full 74% of people in this group were able to correctly match the dogs with their human owners. Nakajima was so skeptical of the results that he did same test again with a second group. Result? 76% of that group correctly identified the pairs; it wasn’t just a fluke. So, what is it about the eyes alone that allows us to correctly match owners with their dogs? Well, that part’s still a mystery. If you have any theories, feel free to discuss them in the comments below. I’m all ears (and teeth and fur)! [Source: Slate]

Is Dog Food Bad for Cats?

In households where cats and dogs coexist together, you can bet that furballs will “share” everything. Sofas, lounging chairs, cozy spots, beds, toys – you name it. Well, sure, not all of it is sharing in the real sense of the word, as it is more of your cat just claiming all of it for itself. That’s just how cats are. But hey, no harm in your cat and dog sharing a bed or a lounging spot. However, what would happen if your cat happened to “share” your dog’s food? Can dog food be bad for cats? Here’s what you should know if your feline is keen on nibbling your dog’s kibble.Is Dog Food Bad for Cats?Cats and dogs are different – it doesn’t take much thinking to figure that out. Not only in their behavioral traits but in their nutritional needs as well. And since their nutritional requirements differ, dog food will generally not be adequate for cats. While dog food is not toxic to cats, it does not have all the nutrients necessary for cats, and it is not formulated in the same way. Cats need specific nutrients like taurine, arachidonic acid, and certain vitamins that are not present in sufficient amounts in dog food. For example, dogs can survive with lower levels of Vitamin A and proteins, while cats cannot. And even if your cat somehow enjoys dog food and prefers to munch on it at feeding time, it is ultimately not good for her. In fact, feeding cats dog food over a long period can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health problems. It's essential to feed cats a balanced diet formulated specifically for their needs to ensure they stay healthy. This includes plenty of protein (more than doggos), and amino acids like taurine and arginine. In fact, these amino acids are essential for cat health. Taurine is especially important for cats. Unlike dogs, cats cannot synthesize enough taurine in their bodies, so they must get it from their diet. Taurine deficiency can lead to serious health issues in cats, including heart problems and vision issues.Cats also require arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid found in animal tissues. Arachidonic acid is necessary for maintaining healthy skin, coat, and reproductive function. While dogs can synthesize arachidonic acid from other fats, cats cannot produce enough on their own and must obtain it from their diet. The same goes for Vitamins A and D. They are essential components of a cat diet, and cannot be found in dog food in adequate measures. 

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28-pound Cat Named 'One Frosty Too Many' Finds a Forever Home

A morbidly obese cat found wandering the streets in Virginia has found a forever home after Richmond Animal Care and Control shelter posted a funny adoption ad on their Facebook page.Tipping the scales at 28.5 pounds the shelter named the chubby feline ‘One Frosty Too Many’ or Frosty for short, after Wendy’s frozen treats. “You know we love a cat with a belly, and lord almighty this one has the best belly in town. Meet One Frosty Too Many,” wrote the shelter on its Facebook page. The shelter described the cat as 28.5 pounds of pudge with a side of crankiness. “As long as you let him do what he wants when he wants, everything is fine; still we recommend you proceed with caution.”The person who brought Frosty to the shelter said he found the chubby cat roaming the streets of Richmond, shared shelter director Christie Peters. The cat was morbidly obese but was otherwise in good general health. “We put him on a strict low-calorie diet and he wasn’t too happy about that,” said Peters, estimating that Frosty is about two years old. “Because he was cranky, we kept telling him he’ll feel a lot better when he loses weight.”Frosty’s adoption ad garnered a lot of attention, and many were interested in adopting the chubby tabby. However, one woman beat everyone to it and took Frosty home. Maggie Thompson, her husband, and two sons were on the way home to Stafford when she saw the Facebook post about Frosty. “I thought, ‘Oh, I want that cat,’” said Thomson, who owns a pet-sitting business, according to The Washington Post. She persuaded her husband, Mike, to stop in Richmond so they could visit the shelter and ask about adopting Frosty.As soon as she met Frosty, she knew that she couldn’t go home without him. “He got on my lap and started purring,” said Maggie. “With animals, they pick you. You just know when it’s right, and they do, too.”Thomson’s sons, Mickey and Andy, were ecstatic they’d be taking home a chubby cat. The family already has two cats, Rose and Wolfie, which are around one year old. “They are under seven pounds each - less than 14 pounds together,” said Thompson. “But I had a feeling they’d all get along just fine and become friends.”After Thompson filled out adoption papers, the shelter staff explained to her that Frosty would need to follow a strict diet and eat low-calorie cat food twice a day until he’d dropped half his body weight. The shelter didn’t have a large enough carrier for Frosty, so they placed him in a dog crate. “We put him in the back of the car, and he didn’t protest at all. He was a good rider and was pretty quiet the whole trip,” said Thomson. When they arrived home, Thomson placed the family’s newest addition into a spare room for a few days to gradually introduce him to their other two cats.Thomson decided that their new cat deserves a new name, one that won’t be associated with desserts. “We’ve decided to call him Gus. That’s what he looks like to me. I now call him Gussie, and he responds well to that.”Gus has adjusted nicely to his new home and loves lounging on the bottom level of a cat tree. Thomson plans to start a weight-loss journey page for Gus on Facebook to track his progress.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Dog Facial Recognition App Helps Scientists Fight Against Rabies

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Can Stress or Anxiety Cause Diarrhea in Dogs?

Dogs are no strangers to stress and anxiety. While most pooches are the picture of the tail-wagging, carefree dog whose only stress is that they have to wait for their next meal, some have it a bit more ruff. Anxiety in dogs can vary from mild to severe, triggered by specific and occasional stressors (such as  fireworks, for example) or present on a daily level. Naturally, your pet’s state of mind has a big impact on their overall health, so it doesn’t surprise that dogs with anxiety often have tummy issues. But does that mean that a stressful situation or anxiety can directly cause diarrhea in dogs? Having in mind that, in a way, your pet’s mental health is connected to their digestion, it sounds highly probable.How Stress and Anxiety Can Cause DiarrheaSo how does it work? The connection between the brain and the gut, often referred to as the gut-brain axis, plays a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of dogs. When dogs experience stress or anxiety, it can trigger a cascade of physiological responses, including changes in gut motility, secretion of digestive enzymes, and alterations in the composition of gut microbiota. These disruptions can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.When stress or anxiety takes hold, it's not just a matter of frazzled nerves. These emotional states can set off a domino effect within your dog's digestive system. Rather than a simple list of effects, think of it as a cascade of events:Picture your dog feeling anxious during a  thunderstorm or while being left alone. This emotional response triggers a surge of adrenaline, part of the body's "fight or flight" response. Blood flow shifts away from the digestive organs and toward the muscles, heart, and lungs, hastening gut motility.Meanwhile, the delicate balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, known as the microbiome, is disrupted by stress. This dysbiosis can lead to inflammation, changes in gut permeability, and an upset stomach.Furthermore, chronic stress weakens the immune system, leaving your dog more susceptible to infections and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.Beyond these physiological effects, stress-related behaviors like excessive chewing,  licking, or ingesting non-food items can irritate the digestive tract, exacerbating diarrhea.How To Deal With Stress-Related Diarrhea in DogsIf your dog is experiencing stress-related diarrhea, there are several things you can do to alleviate their discomfort and ensure a speedier recovery.Before anything else, it’s essential to identify and address stressors. Determine the underlying causes of your dog's stress or anxiety and take steps to minimize or eliminate them where possible. This may involve providing a calm, predictable environment, addressing separation anxiety, or using  desensitization techniques for noise phobias.Next, support their digestion with a mild, nurturing diet and the right supplements. Your pet’s tummy is upset, so you shouldn’t neglect the importance of rebalancing their gut biome and helping their digestion. Instead of their usual kibble, offer them a bit of broth, some cooked rice, or boiled chicken breast. Additionally, a digestive supplement such as  Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Powder can work wonders in managing symptoms of diarrhea. With a combination of special probiotics and antioxidants, this powdered supplement will quickly restore your pet’s GI tract and help their stool get back to its normal consistency. And since it’s packed with live microorganisms to benefit beneficial intestinal microflora, it can also help treat excessive gas and other digestion-related troubles, so it’s good to keep stocked in your pet’s first aid kit, especially if they have a sensitive stomach. 

Urine Tests Could Now Provide Early Detection of Cancer in Dogs

Cancer doesn’t discriminate – it affects all creatures around the world, including our cherished pets. Learning that your  dog has cancer can be such a devastating thing, but sadly, it is so common nowadays. John Robertson, research professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics at Virginia Tech says in his interview for  WTOP News  that “one in four dogs will be diagnosed with cancer,” and that “by the time they’re middle-aged, 50% of dogs will die of cancer after the age of 10 years.”Professor Robertson is part of a vast research team that has developed an innovative new noninvasive rapid test that utilizes a dog’s urine and allows potential early detection of cancer. “Usually, when a dog gets diagnosed with cancer, it’s usually quite advanced, with visible signs — we’re trying to detect cancer before these physical symptoms appear,” said fellow researcher Ryan Senger, associate professor in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering. “Cancer is going to change overall metabolism inside the body, and it’s going to change the way the kidneys function, which can be observed in the urine screening process,” Senger added.Through samples of dog urine, the research team discovered that cancerous subjects amongst the observed molecules had a unique “fingerprint” that could be used to indicate the presence of cancer. “We would like to be able to have dogs screened earlier, before cancer develops, throughout their lifetime, perhaps a once-a-year urine specimen,” said Robertson. “That tells us what the molecular fingerprint of the urine is, so if it changes and falls into that realm of fingerprints that define cancer, we’d be able to pay more attention to figure out what’s going on with the dog.”Robertson also added that there are 12 breeds of purebred dogs that have a much higher incidence of cancer. “We’re going to focus on being able to institute early, regular screening that’s going to help pick up earlier when they’re developing cancer, in the hopes that we can get better outcomes.”However, veterinary care is typically subsidized by the owner, Robertson emphasized, which is opposite to medical care, which is often paid for by insurance. “So, we intend to make our tests readily available at a price point that everyone can afford to regularly have their dog examined and screened.”, the professor added. Robertson said that urine screening is currently being researched, to determine whether it could be applied to humans as well, potentially bringing great changes to the discovery of cancer cells. The team’s findings were published in  Frontiers in Veterinary Science and make us very optimistic for the future of preventive veterinary medicine – an inexpensive, accurate way to screen for a potentially fatal illness could be life-changing for so many pets and their owners. Not to mention the implications if such a test could be adapted to be used on humans, as well! 

Can Cats Get Frostbite?

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What is the Best Dog Harness for Senior Dogs?

Final Thoughts – The Best Harness for Senior Dogs Many veterinarians and experts on the health and care of senior dogs will recommend using a harness. However, not all harnesses are created to meet the needs of every life stage. When selecting a harness for an older dog, there are unique factors to consider. This includes the weight and bulkiness of the harness, how easy it is to put it on/take it off, and the padding inside the harness for their comfort. Pay careful attention to ensure the design or fit doesn’t limit or impact movement. There are many great harness options on the market, including those made for regular wear and specialized lift support harnesses with convenient shoulder straps. If possible, visit your local pet store with your senior dog to check out your options firsthand. This will help you better assess the size needed and whether the design suits your dog’s unique needs. Most importantly, remember that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. You may find that you are using two different harnesses with two senior dogs in your home. That’s okay! The goal is to find the option that supports all your dog’s needs and helps you give them the best possible quality of life. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

A New Survey Shows Both Pets and Owners Feel Separation Anxiety

When you really love spending time with your pet, and vice versa, it is only natural that you feel sad when you are apart. For pets, this is often manifested as the dreaded  separation anxiety, which can cause a lot of issues both for them and their owners alike. While you know you are coming back from work – unlike your pooch – so you won’t feel as stressed about the time you spend away from your pet, that doesn’t mean that it won’t affect your mental health. The latest  survey from PetMed Express only proves that separation has an effect both on dogs and their pawrents.The results of this survey were recently released after being conducted by OnePoll, and they show us that pet parents – unsurprisingly – while out away for work or chores, will deeply miss their four-legged friends back at home. And, interestingly, the poll shows that the strain only got worse after the owners had to return to their offices after the Covid pandemic and the time they spent in their homes. "This research confirms what we already know: People love their pets and prioritize being with them," said Matt Hulett, President and CEO of PetMeds. "What's eye-opening is how many pet parents feel their own sense of separation anxiety and loneliness when they're away from their pets – a concept that underscores the pivotal role our pets play in our lives."The results indicate that 4 in 10 pet parents said that they would rather accept a lower salary and work from home, just so they could be closer to their furry friends. It is a sad truth and an everyday occurrence that owners have to endure the commute and long work hours and yearn for the company of their pets all the while. PetMeds claims that pet parents begin to miss their pets just 37 minutes after being apart, on average. Furthermore, the results show that on average they find themselves thinking about their pets about 13 times per day. Here are some other stats included:44% expressed worry about their pets experiencing separation anxiety52% have felt an increase in their own separation anxiety in the past two years42% said they have observed a change in their pet's mental health and behavior in the past two years48% said their pets follow them to the door and look sad when they leave63% would like more support and guidance in understanding their pet's health and behavior70% would try pet telehealth servicesWhat about you? How do you cope with being separated from your cherished four-legged friend?

Drug That Could Extend Lifespan of Senior Dogs Enters Clinical Trial

A new and revolutionary drug that could possibly extend the lifespan of healthy, senior dogs, is now entering a major clinical trial. It also has a first patient - an 11-year-old Whippet named Boo. Going by the codename LOY-002, this drug is designed to provide a few more years to senior dogs of most sizes. It is the product of a startup biotech company called  Loyal and is the fruit of their hard work and arduous research. Celine Halioua, the founder and CEO of Loyal, said that the company is working hard to develop several products aimed at the longevity of dogs. One of their initial projects, the LOY-001, was a drug aimed to extend the lifespan of giant and large dog breeds. In November of 2023, this project received the support of the FDA, paving the way for the company's further successes. The underlying mechanisms of aging were the first focus of the company as it developed LOY-001. The drug works by reducing IGF-1, an insulin-like growth factor that is a key biomarker hormone that drives cell growth. It is believed that this reduced the lifespan of extra-large dogs. Similarly, the LOY-002 project aims to extend the lifespan of normal-sized dogs, by improving their metabolic health and thus delaying the onset and the impact of diseases that come with old age. “LOY-002 is a slightly different mechanism [than LOY-001] for senior lifespan extension. It’s a little bit more of a reversal mechanism. It’s not going to make a 10-year-old dog a puppy, but we’ve seen a rescuing in age-related functional decline in dogs that have been treated with this drug,” said Halioua in an interview with  dvm360.The newest study for LOY-002 is expected to last 4 years, and include one thousand enrolled dogs. “It will be one of the largest veterinary clinical studies that, as far as we know, has ever been run,” added Halioua.The first ever receiver of the drug, Boo, was enrolled into the program in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, at the Animal Hospital of Dauphin County. There, an associate veterinary and STAY study investigator, Coby Rudakewiz, became a part of the program for the first time, witnessing its incredible potential. “I’m genuinely excited to be able to share what we’ve seen as a life-changing product to dogs of all sizes,” he said.“This is what it’s all about - keeping dogs feeling their best to enjoy a long life with their owners who love them.”“The launch of this study brings us one step closer to helping senior dogs have more, healthier years with their families…The scale and complexity of STAY reflect Loyal’s commitment to creating demonstrably effective and safe products,” Halioua added. “This is a massive undertaking that wouldn’t be possible without the partnership of the many veterinarians and technicians operating the study in their clinics, and the participating dogs and owners helping advance therapies for all dogs.”For the time being, the company is working hard to receive conditional approval for its revolutionary drug. This would allow them to begin offering it through veterinarians as soon as 2025. This could mean a world of difference for many senior doggos and their families. Seeing your senior doggo enjoy a few extra years without the issues common to old age is nothing short of true happiness, and would mean that the company’s hard efforts were not in vain. Ultimately, this innovative drug gives us hope for the future and makes us wonder what other ground-breaking drugs could we see in the years ahead.

Dave Bautista Teams Up With the ASPCA for Giving Tuesday

With an estimated 3.1 million dogs entering U.S. animal shelters every year, the need for funding and support is evident. For many, this is a call to action to find ways to make a difference – including for Guardians of the Galaxy actor Dave Bautista. Starting today, November 28th, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is launching a new fundraising and awareness campaign with 54 Bautista and his four rescue pit bulls in the spotlight. The campaign was created as part of Giving Tuesday, a global response to the corporate focus of Black Friday (as well as Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday). Rather than highlighting sales and taking advantage of deals through your favorite stores and brands, Giving Tuesday encourages Americans to take a moment and consider how they can make a difference in the lives of others – including, of course, animals in shelters and rescue organizations. Bautista’s involvement in the campaign is motivated by his experiences with animal rescue and its impact on his life. “My home is where my dogs are because there is just such a sense of love,” Bautista stated. “I feel like wherever they are, there’s this sense of normalcy, which is hard for me to attain these days.” He went on to explain, “My first rescue dogs were Ollie and Maggie, and I’ve had them for about five years. I adopted them, and after becoming so connected with them, I started to be more aware of how many dogs are just waiting for someone to give them good, loving homes. You get so much in return when you adopt a pet, and I’m going to preach adoption for the rest of my life.”

Amazing Wiener Dog Gives Birth to a Record Breaking Puppy Litter

Puppy litters can certainly be large, but in the case of this brave Wiener dog mom, everyone was taken by surprise! This extraordinary female dachshund brought to the world a litter of no less than 11 puppies – there is definitely potential for a world record here. Winnie, a three-year-old female dachshund, was seemingly a normal pregnant dog, and nobody expected her litter to be this big. Normally, this breed of dog delivers between one and six puppies, but Winnie delivered nearly double that number in September.

New Tool Detects and Predicts Dog Mobility Issues

Researchers at the University of Liverpool and experts at Dogs Trust have joined forces to create a unique new tool for detecting and predicting dog mobility issues. These veterinary experts have developed the GenPup-M questionnaire. This survey asks dog owners a series of questions to about their dog's mobility. The GenPup-M questionnaire is designed in a way that can help owners determine whether their dog might be experiencing mobility problems, even mild ones. Mobility-related problems are the third most commonly diagnosed disease in dogs. It’s estimated that 200,000 dogs are affected by musculoskeletal disease annually. According to some estimates, 20% of dogs have mobility issues before one year old, but most aren’t diagnosed until they are eight to 13 years old. Current mobility questionnaires are developed for dogs already diagnosed with mobility problems and track their quality of life. This means that many dogs spend the better part of their lives living with a painful condition that negatively impacts their overall health and well-being. A recent study, published in PLOS ONE confirms the validity of the GenPup-M questionnaire. The study involved 62 dogs - 31 with mobility issues and 31 without mobility issues.Scientists obtained the dogs’ clinical history from the owners, and all dogs received an orthopedic exam at the beginning of the study. Next, owners were asked to complete the GenPup-M questionnaire along with a previously validated mobility questionnaire.To determine the survey’s validity and its ability to identify mobility issues in dogs, scientists compared GenPup-M responses with the results of other expert tests, including advanced gait analysis.“Impaired mobility can affect a dog’s ability to engage in daily activities and interactions, move or exercise freely. If an animal is unwilling to or cannot play, exercise, or express normal behavior, this can impact its quality of life,” said Natasha Clark, veterinary surgeon and researcher at the Department of Musculoskeletal & Aging Science at the University of Liverpool. According to Clark, when done over time at regular checkups, the GenPup-M questionnaire can identify subtle changes in a dog’s mobility without the use of expensive and time-consuming gait analysis. This new tool can help vets diagnose and slow the development of mobility problems in dogs. “Our research doesn’t stop here and we will continue to research and develop GenPup-M to refine it as an even more effective tool for vets and dog caregivers,” added Clark.The Deputy Head of Research, Welfare Projects & Grants at Dogs Trust, Dr Jane Murray, said, “We are delighted to work collaboratively with the University of Liverpool on this study which serves to improve the well-being of dogs, as no dog is immune to mobility issues. Generation Pup is a ground-breaking study of the health, welfare, and behavior of our dogs and we hope this research helps more owners detect early signs of mobility issues, leading to veterinary and management interventions that can improve the welfare of the affected dogs.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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