Do Dogs Experience Grief?

by Britt

Published: February 4th, 2024

Photo credit: Robert Kneschke / Shutterstock.com

Anyone who has ever shared their heart and home with a dog can attest to how deep the emotional connection we form with our best friends is. It is this bond that makes saying goodbye so difficult. But are we the only ones experiencing this pain?

If you have recently experienced the passing of a pet or family member and noticed your dog acting a little differently, you may be wondering – Do dogs experience grief, too?

In this article, we will dig into the truth about canine emotions and canine grief. This includes understanding what grief means to your dog, learning to recognize the signs that they may be mourning and tips for helping your best friend navigate this difficult time.

Do Dogs Experience Grief or Mourning?

The short answer is yes, dogs do grieve the loss of a person or animal in their lives. In a 2022 study led by Dr. Federica Pirrone, a veterinary physiologist at the University of Milan, 86% of dog owners reported that they saw a change in behavior in their surviving dog after losing a companion.

Our dogs form close bonds with one another and with us. This can be seen both in wild dogs, with the relationships that exist between pack members, as well as the domesticated dogs of today.

While they can’t tell us how they are feeling (although we wish they could), dog parents often witness physical and behavioral changes that indicate something is “off” for their dog following a loss. This occurs when a family member (human or pet) passes or even if a family member moves away like a child moving out of the family home.

Recognizing that our dogs also go through a grieving process allows us to take steps to help our beloved furry friends deal with this difficult time.

What Are the Signs of a Grieving Dog?

Like people, dogs can experience grief in a variety of different ways. The grieving process can look completely different from one dog to the next. However, you can be on the lookout for some common signs and changes.

Vocalizing

Some dogs are more vocal than others – both in their regular lives and when experiencing complicated feelings like grief. Your dog may whine or bark more. They may try to use vocalization to demand your attention. Alternatively, a once-vocal dog may become quieter as they withdraw during the grieving process.

Anxiety

The loss of a family member often means many changes to adjust to. Dogs thrive off stability and routine, and this sudden change can lead to feelings of stress and anxiety. If you have a dog that is often anxious in new or different situations, the risk of this happening is far greater. Some of the more common signs of anxiety include pacing, trembling, excessive panting or drooling, and being uncharacteristically irritable. There are solutions to help manage or treat your dog’s anxiety, giving them the relief they need as they work through their grief.

Changes in Appetite

Have you noticed your dog is eating less than usual? Food avoidance is a common sign that your dog is suffering from grief – especially if they are avoiding not only their food but also some of their favorite treats. That being said, it could also be a sign of a much more severe health concern. We recommend contacting your veterinarian to rule out any medical explanations.

Clinginess or Withdrawal

Does your dog want to be in your lap 24/7? Do you find you can’t leave your dog’s line of sight? Is your once-loving dog completely avoiding you? Due to anxiety or the intense emotions associated with grief, many dogs will change how they interact with other dogs in the family. Take note of any changes to your dog’s behavior regarding their desire to spend time with you and your other pets.

Depression

Another common symptom of grief in dogs is depression. Signs of depression in dogs include loss of interest in their usual activities, lethargy, and fatigue. Like people, the loss of someone close to your dog can trigger deep, life-changing emotions – this includes emotions that fall under the umbrella of depression.

Have you noticed your dog is mopey or uninterested in engaging with others? Is your dog no longer interested in their daily routine? Canine depression is a very real struggle – one that can often require the help of a professional.

Behavioral or Personality Changes

Is your dog “not acting like themselves.” This may be concerning in most cases, but for a dog experiencing grief, this is a sign that they are working through this challenge. An otherwise outgoing dog may become withdrawn, or an anxious and private dog could suffer from increased anxiety. The sooner you address your dog’s concerns, the better!

No Noticeable Signs

Dogs are masters of hiding pain. For this reason, there is going to be a small group of dogs that demonstrate no changes or challenges at all. For these dogs, it’s as if they are going through life normally. Even if your dog isn’t showing signs of stress, anxiety, or grief, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t experiencing these difficult emotions.

How Long Does Dog Grief Last?

Dealing with the loss of a pet is challenging, whether it’s a recent loss or one that you have been navigating for a whole. The truth is that there is no timeline for grief… While one dog may take 2-3 weeks to work through the loss of a pack member, another dog may start acting out the moment their packmate is gone. This is why paying attention to any changes in your dog is so important.

Your dog’s grief could last two weeks or more than two years. Every dog is different, and so is their grief journey.

Photo credit: fongleon356 / Shutterstock.com

How Do You Comfort a Grieving Dog?

Watching your dog go through the grieving process is a challenge as a dog parent. After all, we want nothing more than to solve their pain and suffering. Unfortunately, when it comes to emotional struggles like grief, we can’t fix it. The only way for your dog to move forward is to work through this hurdle.

Here are a few ways you can help your dog navigate the grieving period:

Maintain Your Routine

Dogs thrive off routine and structure. Maintaining your usual schedule can help reduce anxiety, helping your dog work through an otherwise difficult time. This means feeding them at their usual time, continuing to go through the usual bedtime routine, or taking their regular daily walks. Not only will this help your dog, but it will also help encourage you to get up and outside at a time when you are likely also struggling with big emotions.

Avoid Rushing to Clean Up

You may feel tempted to immediately remove any reminder of your pet or family member, viewing it as “closure.” However, this could actually deny your dog a source of comfort. Whether it’s a previous dog’s bedding or a family member’s favorite sweatshirt, those items carry the scent of the person or pet they have lost.

For dogs, that familiar scent is comforting. Consider leaving those items out where your dog can get to them. Some dogs won’t show any interest in these items, and that’s okay. But others will spend time cuddled up with these belongings like our boy Indy did after we said goodbye to our senior girl Daviana.

Give Them Your Attention

You are your dog’s best friend and companion. This bond is essential and could be the comfort and reassurance they need during this time. In addition to maintaining your dog’s schedule, consider making time for extra love, cuddles, and attention. This can be healing both to your heart and your dog’s.

Minimize Alone Time

If your dog previously suffered from separation anxiety, the added emotions associated with grief can make it worse. Even dogs normally fine at home alone may struggle after a loss. If possible, try minimizing the time your dog is left at home alone. If you must leave for work or other plans, consider hiring a pet sitter or dog walker to break up the time. Another option would be to arrange for your pet to stay with friends or family while you are meeting your commitments.

Keep Them Occupied

Like people, your dog may benefit from a distraction. This can keep them from being overly focused on their missing family member. This includes both when you’re spending time at home or if you have to step away. There are many great ways to distract your dog while offering mental stimulation to keep their mind sharp.

Make mealtime a game using food puzzles, snuffle mats, or interactive treat toys. Working additional playtime with interactive games like hide and seek is a fun way to involve the whole family. This is also a great time to focus a little extra attention on obedience or trick training.

Try Calming Treats

If you are concerned about your dog’s anxiety levels as they navigate the stages of grief, there are products that can help. Calming treats often contain natural ingredients like CBD or chamomile designed to help create a feeling of calm and relaxation and ease their anxiety enough that it can be effectively managed. If calming treats don’t work, or your dog simply isn’t interested in them, there are other calming products to consider, including the Adaptil Dog Calming Pheromone Diffuser, the NaturVet Quiet Moments Herbal Calming Room Spray, or the Fancy Pets Calming Pheromone Collar.

Some dogs experience anxiety so intensely during this time that natural products like those mentioned above simply aren’t enough. If this is the case, consider reaching out to your veterinarian. They may be able to prescribe medication that will effectively address your dog’s anxiety either short-term, as they navigate this difficult time, or long-term, if necessary.

Reinforce Good Behavior

One mistake that many dog parents make during a difficult time like this is inadvertently rewarding the “bad” behaviors. These behaviors don’t mean your dog is “bad”. They are just a less-than-desirable response to a negative time. For example, you may notice your dog howling or becoming overly vocal to demand your attention. If you respond by calling them to you immediately for attention or giving them a treat to “quiet them down,” you are telling your dog that engaging in that behavior will bring good things.

Instead, try to ignore your dog when they are acting out. If you need to address it (I get it, a loud dog in an apartment building can’t be simply ignored), firmly tell your dog no or quiet and then reward them only when they listen and respond the way you have asked them to.

While it can be tempting to give in and coddle your dog as they grieve the loss of a family member, you must focus on the long-term implication of your decisions. Giving into your dog’s demands today may give you a short “feel good” moment, knowing that you are comforting them. Still, it sets them up to believe that engaging in this behavior in the future is not only okay but rewarded.

Final Thoughts – Dogs and Grief

If your dog has recently lost a family member, either human or another pet, they may be working through the grieving process. Take note of any changes, physical or behavioral. While it may seem that your dog is trying to make things more difficult, they are likely expressing their own emotional struggles.

By understanding your dog’s grief process, you can make changes to better address their emotional needs at this time.

Have you ever worked through grief with your dog(s)? If so, we would love to hear your tips and tricks!

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Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Indiana and Lucifer – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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What Emotions Do Dogs Actually Experience?

Naked feelings of love, fairness and jealousy of our loyal companions Any long-time dog lover will be able tell you that their dog has feelings. But is there any scientific proof that canines can actually feel just as we humans do? The simple answer is yes, but since the concept of “emotion” is so broad, we’ll need to dig a little deeper. Canines can indeed feel certain emotions, but not to the same extent that we do. It’s been proven how canine brain is extremely similar to a human brain; however, as it stands right now, their feelings aren’t connected to any memories or complex thoughts like ours are. In addition, dogs don’t have any conscious control over their thought process. Dogs can’t lie to us, and they don’t experience any sort of reservations or hidden agendas. The emotions that dogs express are honest and pure, or in other words – instinctive. Progress in studies of canine brain At Emory University in Atlanta, GA, Gregory Berns, a professor of neuroeconomics and author of “How Dogs Love Us,” during his long time research [1][2] has performed numerous functional MRI scans on many different dogs, and determined that canines use the same part of the brain to “feel” as humans do. Berns was the first to perform proper MRI scans on canines that actually showed relevant results, which was the outcome of his completely different approach to the procedure. Normally, pets would be put under anesthesia in order to undergo an MRI, but the problem is that researchers are not able to study brain functions properly when the animal is sleeping. Professor Berns, on the other hand, trained his dog to place their head into an MRI simulator and sit completely still for 30 seconds. After months of training, he was able to get his female pooch to sit still in the real MRI scanner where he finally got his first brain activity maps. Berns then went on to train and study numerous other dogs with huge success. Science proves that dogs have feelings similar to us Prof. Gregory Berns’ following research showed striking similarities between how human and dog minds work, with strong emphasis on the area of the brain that responds to things they dogs enjoy. Since this study was performed, other researchers have gone on to prove that dogs actually have all the same brain structures that humans do [3]. Aside from the extreme similarity between the human brain and the dog brain, a famous researcher named Paul Zak (also known as “Dr. Love”) who studies the “love” hormone oxytocin, has learned that dogs have a similar hormonal structure and experience the same chemical changes that humans do when they are in the state of love towards their owners. Researchers from Tokyo University have also performed the same study proving exactly that, as well as that dogs use oxytocin not only for instinctive reproduction, but for genuine bonding, too [4]. Another study from the same group of Tokyo researching team from just a year ago [5] has found a link that a dog’s response to an owner’s yawn is not due to stress as previously thought, but quite possibly – empathy. Further research has found that even wolves are prone to this. We all know how contagious yawning can be, but it also plays a role in social interactions and empathy. Yawning is one of the many key players in social attachment between individuals, so proving that dogs can experience such emotion towards their owners would be a breakthrough. Furthermore, in June 2014, psychologists from the University of California in San Diego also published their interesting findings: our dogs may experience jealousy [6]. Researchers came to this conclusion after 75 percent of tested dogs tried to break up a “relationship” between their owners and a toy in the form of a stuffed dog. However, as it has been initially reviewed, conclusions are not 100 percent foolproof and cannot be taken as facts just yet. Although, many dog owners will argue differently after observing their pets’ envious behavior on a daily basis. Alexandra Horowitz, PhD, author of the famous book Inside of a Dog, has also previously conducted an experiment and observed something very interesting – a possible sense of fairness in canines [7]. In a nutshell, the results of the experiment draw an uncertain conclusion that as our dogs age, they can possibly be adopting a sense of what’s fair and what isn’t from their owners. In the future, if this is proven, it can turn out to be yet another breakthrough discovery in canine science. If dogs adopt a sense of fairness, what other behavior might they be learning from humans? What does this mean? So, shouldn’t all of this research prove that canines must experience the same emotions that we do? Not quite so, unfortunately. We can’t just assume that dogs have the same emotional range as us. First of all, not even all humans have the full range of emotions at all times. Infants and young children, for example, have a much more limited emotional range than teenagers and adults. This is important because it has been estimated that dogs have roughly the same mental capabilities and level of intelligence as a child between 2 and 3 years old, according to Stanley Coren, PhD. And just like young children, dogs can understand a lot of what you say, but far from everything. They can learn to perform simple tasks, and they can experience some emotions, but not as many as a grown adult. Because of their lower level of intelligence, dogs don’t have the capability to create lies or scheme up ways to fulfil their hidden agendas. Emotions in canines are raw and real. If your pet is willing to play with you, he is honestly having a good time; but whenever they don’t feel like it, you can forget about the game of fetch – your dog won’t care about sugarcoating his emotions. Leaving ego and drama outside of the relationship is quite liberating and something people can learn from their inferiors. With that in mind, logic leads us to believe that there’s still a boatload of emotions and feelings that canines won’t be able to connect with. What feelings dogs do experience then? It isn’t difficult to recognize emotions that your dog is experiencing, some of which can be told by tail wagging. Long time dog owners have been correct in their assumptions on a majority of hypothesis after observing their pets on a daily basis. Dogs experience the most basic emotions that are not tied to any greater thought. Stanley Coren, a neuropsychological researcher and psychology professor, went through all the available studies and concluded that canines experience the following: Excitement and arousalDistressContentmentDisgustFearAngerJoyShyness and suspicionAffection and love Those feelings that are more complex which people learn as they go through life, including contempt, shame, pride, and guilt, have never touched a dog’s pure mind. Although some dog owners will argue that their dog has clearly expressed at least one of these complicated emotions, this simply isn’t the case. From what we see in a canine’s brain today, it wouldn’t be possible, because dogs operate on a much more basic level than we do. Let’s take the emotion of “guilt” as an example. Typical scenario: you get home and find torn up bits of your favorite slippers. By this time, your pooch is greeting you at the door with in a semi-excited state and his tail tucked between his legs, in a cowering stance. Even though it seems like your dog is feeling guilty or is ashamed of what he has done, your pet is actually feeling the most basic emotion – fear. Dogs never feel guilty, but they do feel scared of their owners. Conclusions, and what’s next on the agenda One of the major questions that researchers are trying to answer right now is whether or not dogs can actually experience the emotion of empathy. As pet owners, we all understand how amazing it would be if our dogs could tell for sure when we’re sad or upset, and would be there for us to try and console. As previously mentioned, some links to this have already been discovered, but more research is needed before we can draw conclusions here. At present, scientists believe that dogs cannot feel or express complex emotions, as well as clearly read those emotions expressed by humans. 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Bengal cats are a truly stunning feline breed, in many ways. According to the International Cat Association (TICA), they hold the title of being the most popular cat breed globally, and it doesn’t really come as a surprise. Their unique and exotic appearance, their unavoidable charm, and their slender physique are certainly the reason for this prestigious title. But even though they are popular, Bengal cats are a relatively new breed in the field of domesticated cats. While most ordinary domestic cat breeds have been around for thousands of years, Bengal cats have been around for less than a century, which comes as a stark contrast. They are a hybrid breed as well, having been created in the 1960s. They came about from the crossing of the domestic cat (Felis Catus), and the Asian Leopard cats (Prionailurus Bengalensis), which are a small, spotted, wild cat species living in Asia. What makes the combination unique is the fact that these two cat species had a common ancestor about 6 million years ago, which means that the genetic differences between them are incredible. The differences are even greater than between humans and chimpanzees!The resulting breed is the Bengal cat, and it is adored for its exotic appearance. It has special spots, just like ocelots or leopards. But most folks ascribe the unique coloration and patterns of these felines to the DNA they received from their wild and distantly related ancestors. And that’s why scientific folks paid special attention to the ancestry of Bengal cats. Greg Barsh, MD, Ph.D., Faculty Investigator at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and Professor of Genetics at Stanford University,  himself an expert in the genetics of feline coat coloration and patterning is a key figure in the research process of Bengal ancestry. Together with his team, which is led by Chris Kaelin, Ph.D., and Kelly McGowan, MD, Ph.D., Mr. Barsh is working hard towards unraveling Bengal ancestry through the genetics of popular color traits."Cats are wonderful companions," he explains for  Phys.org, "but our interests go beyond their beautiful and exotic appearance. Like the amazing variation among different dog breeds, artificial selection can be a very powerful engine to create morphologic diversity. What's different about Bengal cats from dogs is the raw genetic material–dogs trace their heritage to wolves from tens of thousands of years ago.""In contrast, Bengal cats trace their heritage to completely different species from millions of years ago. Understanding how these distantly related genomes interact is a general question that applies to any situation when different species exchange genes, from crops to aquaculture to humans and Neandertals."And even though this is a relatively new breed, started about 60 years ago by a few cat enthusiasts, it has grown incredibly during this time. Today, there are hundreds of thousands of registered Bengal cats, which are produced by about 2,000 breeders. Chris Kaelin, the leader of the Bengal cat DNA study, said “Cat fanciers and breeders are very interested in the research, in part because they want to know more about the science behind artificial selection, and in part, because they want to know if our results can help them produce cats with rosettes, stripes, or other exotic markings.” He also added "This is a great example of citizen science–our work has been enabled by the willingness of breeders to participate, and we share our results with the community."One of the surprising discoveries that was produced from the study is that Asian Leopard DNA contributes no more than a few percent to the overall Bengal Cat DNA. In fact, it is revealed that there isn’t one or even a few Asian leopard genes that are causing the unique spotted Bengal appearance. "One of the original motivations for bringing together DNA from the two species was to select for Asian leopard DNA that would recapitulate the appearance of an exotic wild cat in a companion animal," said Kaelin. "It turns out that some of the most striking examples of selection in the breed are for traits that were already present, but very rare, in domestic cats."So, the study reveals that the Bengals are in many ways totally unique. Mixing the two very unique breeds resulted in a cat that is exotic, elegant, charming, and above all loveable. And now, the results published are providing valuable information to all the enthusiasts in love with the Bengal breed. 

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.

How Do I Help A Dog Afraid of Car Rides?

Do you dream of travelling the world with your best friend by your side, but your dog turns into a nervous wreck every time you approach the car? If so, you’re not alone! Many dogs experience car anxiety to some degree, ranging from those who are slightly unsure of the vehicle to those who experience severe levels of stress. Luckily, there are options to manage your dog’s anxiety and even prevent it from happening in the future. In this article, we’ll explore various ways to improve your dog’s relationship with the car, from gradual desensitization to the use of calming treats and other products to make your next road trip easier for everyone! Is Driving Stressful for Dogs? Whether your dog finds car rides to be stressful will vary from dog to dog. Many pups are excited by simply hearing the phrase “car ride” and love sharing that experience with their human family members. However, for some dogs, the idea of getting into a vehicle instantly triggers feelings of stress and anxiety. As dog parents, the best thing we can do is pay careful attention to our dog's nonverbal communication and body language. Although dogs may not be able to speak English, they do a pretty good job of communicating how they are feeling if we know how to listen. How Do I Know if My Dog is Scared in the Car? Interpreting your dog’s body language often involves noting several different behaviors, as fear and anxiety can easily mimic excitement in many ways. For example, fearful dogs may whine when approaching a vehicle because they are afraid of getting into the car. However, approaching the same way with an excited dog may trigger a whine as they anticipate the fun ahead. Other aspects of their behavior, like their stance (standing tall and confident versus hunched low to the ground with their tail tucked), can help you better translate what your dog is trying to tell you.Some of the common signs that a dog is feeling afraid or anxious include: Excessive panting or yawning Licking the lips Whale eyes (showing the whites of the eyes)Large, dilated pupilsEars pressed forward or back against the headCowering or attempting to hideTail tucked between the legs or up and stuffShaking or tremblingSubmissive urinationStaring intently at the trigger Displacement behaviors like sneezing or itchingRefusal to take treats (even if they are typically food-driven)The most important thing to remember is that every dog is different. Your dog may display any combination of the symptoms listed above. No one knows your dog better than you. Trust your gut if you feel that something is off, even if it doesn’t fit the stereotypical fear response.

Never Scoop Again With Litter-Robot, The Purrfect Gift For Cat Lovers

Cats like a clean litter box just as much as cat owners do, but scooping clumps can be a hassle. Whisker’s Litter-Robot, the highest-rated, self-cleaning litter box for cats, eliminates the need to scoop the litter box. The newest model, Litter-Robot 4, provides a clean bed of litter for your cats after every use. It features patented sifting technology that sifts out waste after every use and deposits it into a tightly-sealed waste drawer, helping to keep odor under control. For Black Friday, you can scoop one up for less, with $75 off bundles with the Purrfect Litter-Robot accessories you will want.What Sets the Litter-Robot Apart? Litter-Robot 4 features an advanced, patented, sifting technology with QuietSift™ for nearly-silent sifting. That’s right, you don’t have to scoop and you don’t hear the litter being sifted. What could be better?

Media Maven Martha Stewart Gets Push Back Over Dog Food Recipe

Use of "home-grown" meat draws ire from followers and falls on the heels of last year's negative press.

New Study Searches for the Secret Connection Between ‘Gifted’ Dogs

As dog parents, we all want to believe that our dog is the smartest, most incredible, most amazing dog out there. Right? But there is a select group of dogs whose talent and intelligence stand out above the rest. What makes these dogs so bright? That’s what a new study hopes to understand… Known as “Gifted Word Learner” (GWL) Dogs, these dogs display an impressive vocabulary by learning the names of dozens of their toys, with some learning as many as 125 toys by name! Interested in better understanding this phenomenon and what makes these dogs so naturally gifted, researchers at Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary set out to identify any commonalities between these pups. Their recent study, published in Scientific Reports on December 14, included 41 GWL dogs from nine countries: the US, the UK, Canada, Brazil, Norway, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and Hungary. They put out a call for ‘gifted’ dogs, asking owners to complete and submit a self-assessment following their detailed instructions and send the results in a video. Dogs that passed that phase were then given an online vocabulary assessment test to better assess their language skills. The owners were also given a questionnaire to provide a better understanding of each dog’s life experience. “In the questionnaire, we asked the owners about their dog’s life experience, their own experience in raising and training dogs, and about the process by which the dog came to learn the names of his/her toys,” explained Dr. Andrea Sommese, study co-author. Researchers discovered some interesting connections between the GWL dogs using all this information.

How Can I Tell If My Dog Has a Fever?

High fever is no joke, and can be quite serious – both for people and their furry four-legged friends. Yes, dogs can have a fever too, and it can be a much more serious condition for them than it is for us. Unfortunately, fever is not an ailment you can spot with your bare eye. Because of this, you will need to thoroughly observe your pet’s behavior and learn how to spot those little details that indicate a fever. Read on as we go through the basics of dog fever and just how to tell if your pet needs your help.Symptoms of Fever in DogsDogs, like humans, can develop a fever as a response to illness or infection. It’s the body’s natural way to fight off the “intruders” in the body. Fever comes in many forms and for various reasons. You can tell if your dog has a fever by observing their behavior and checking for physical signs. Here are just a few of the most common indicators.Increased Body Temperature: 

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.

Yes, Cats Really Do Love a Game of Fetch... on Their Terms

No training needed when instincts kick in and your feline friend steps up to the plate.

World’s Oldest Dog Posthumously Stripped of His Title

Last year, the world’s oldest dog was thought to be Bobi – who was reportedly  31 years old. However, a recent investigation into this claim led to him being posthumously stripped of the title by none other than Guinness World Records. The lofty title was suspended this January, as doubts rose about the dog’s reported age. Bobi lived in Portugal and sadly passed away last fall, and according to his owner, at a grand age of 31 years. However, a recent review by Guinness World Records revealed that they didn’t have the necessary evidence to support that claim."Without any conclusive evidence available to us right now, we simply can't retain Bobi as the record holder and honestly claim to maintain the high standards we set ourselves," Guinness Director of Records Mark McKinley said. "Of course, as with any record, we'll gladly assess any new evidence should we receive any."Before Guinness World Records actually grants a world record, they require ample evidence of a claim. Pictures, videos, statements from witnesses, documents, and anything similar are all required. And when pets are concerned, microchip data can also be examined. "Central to Bobi's evidence was microchip data sourced from the Portuguese government database, the SIAC, which it transpires, when chipped in 2022, did not require proof of age for dogs born before 2008," McKinley said. "With the additional veterinary statement provided as evidence for Bobi's age also citing this microchip data, we're left with no conclusive evidence which can definitively prove Bobi's date of birth."So, who is the real oldest dog in the world? Well, before Bobi’s lofty claim, there was the famous Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who held the record, being 29 years and 5 months old. But with these recent events, the future of this record will certainly change. McKinley claims that microchips need to be widely adopted around the world for serious claims to be made."Until that time, we'll require documentary evidence for all years of a pet's life, we'll continue to ask for vet and witness statements and we'll also consider microchip data as well where available," he added. "It's for this reason that we're not yet in a position to confirm a new holder for the record, although we certainly hope that the publicity around the record title encourages pet owners from around the world to get in touch."Sadly, Bobi died in October 2023, just months after celebrating what was reportedly his 31st birthday. He was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a native Portuguese dog breed that is known for its ability to protect livestock. These magnificent dogs have an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, and it was thought that Bobbi managed to live twice the time expected – but we’ll never know if that’s actually true or not.

Golden Retriever Survives 65 Days Alone in the Alaskan Wilderness

It’s always tragic when a beloved pet dog goes missing, but this was particularly hard for the Mahoskey family, whose senior golden retriever vanished in the Alaskan wilderness. The family was unsure that they would ever see Stella again. Luckily for them, Stella is one tough cookie. Stella’s adventure began in early July when she was enjoying a quiet evening with her family on the back deck of their Sitka home. According to local news outlet KCAW, an unexpected burst of fireworks startled a 13-year-old Stella and sent her dashing into the wilderness. Sarah and Jerrom Mahoskey and their two kids, Kai and Quinn, searched until nightfall but had yet to locate Stella. The next morning, the family grew even more concerned when they realized that their pooch hadn’t returned. Their worries increased even further when the neighbor told them about the bear attack that happened the previous night. “They said, ‘Did you hear there was a bear that attacked a dog last night? We had the windows open in the back of the house, and my wife heard this altercation that sent chills up her spine. And basically, I don’t think your dog could be alive,’” Sarah recalled to KCAW. However, Stella’s family still had hope that she was alive, somewhere, in the woods. The Mahoskeys spent the summer checking out trails near where Stella went missing and followed up on any lead or potential Stella sightings reported by their friends and neighbors. After two months and many investigated reports, Sarah told a friend, “I feel like there’s a 1% chance that she’s out there, and so I cannot let go.”Then, in early September, more than two months after Stella disappeared, the family received a phone call from Tim Eddy, a friend of Jerrom, who was working at the quarry that day.“He said ‘Do you have a golden retriever?’ And Jerrome said, ‘Well, we did have a golden retriever.’ And he says, ‘Well, I think this is your golden retriever,’” Sara shared. Jerome hopped in his four-wheeler and drove to the quarry, where he spotted Stella.“She was on the cliffside, and it was basically this ash and rock that was the same exact color as her,” said Sarah. “She totally blended in. The fact that Tim saw her -  I just kept saying to him, ‘How did you see her?’”Considering the lack of food and water at the quarry, the Mahoskeys don’t believe Stella was there long. The family suspects the quarry looked like a familiar ground to Stella, who grew up around Jerrome’s excavation business. After more than two months in the wilderness, Stella weighed only 30 pounds - that’s nearly half of her regular body weight. Sarah believes that Stella likely foraged to survive. “She has always picked her own berries when we are out hiking,” Sarah explained. “And she loves dandelion roots.”In addition to being underfed, the golden retriever also had a large gash on her left side, possibly from the encounter with the bear. “We think she probably hunkered down for quite a while, and just probably wasn’t able to move a lot and knew that it needed to heal,” said Sarah. “She obviously found a safe space, because the fact that she was bleeding and wasn’t found by that bear or another bear again is quite a miracle.”Upon her safe return home, Stella was examined by her vet, who placed her on a strict diet for the first 10 days. Now, she’s eating well and has already gained 11 pounds.Although Stella can’t share everything that happened during the time she was lost in the wilderness, she hasn’t changed much. According to Sarah, the only difference is that Stella is now definitely hungrier than before. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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.

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