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Best Remembrance Products for Grieving Pet Owners

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Updated:  April 28th, 2022
cpreiser000/Shutterstock

Saying goodbye to your pet is one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to do in your life. Losing a cherished friend is devastating, and it can be very difficult to cope with, but memorializing the love and the experiences you had with your pet can bring you some comfort, at least. Many pet owners find that creating a memorial spot in their home or on their property can help with the grieving process – displaying your pet’s photographs, their favorite items, paw print, or other meaningful mementos helps you physically preserve memories and keep them in sight, always. There are also other remembrance products that can be used to commemorate your pet, from customized remembrance jewelry to symbolic figurines that remind you of your pet – grief is a very personal thing, and comfort can be found in the littlest of details. We’ve handpicked the most thoughtful remembrance products you can use to memorialize your pet or gift to a loved one that is grieving for their pet – either way, they are a beautiful way to immortalize the beautiful bond between a pet and their owner(s).

Editor’s Choice: KCRasan Pet Picture Frame Memorial

Check Price $19.99

Having one place to hold some small items that remind you of your pet is a lovely way to commemorate them, which is why we love this memorial picture frame. It is designed to display your pet’s photograph and collar, but the frame comes with 5 mats for display so you can fully customize the look. There are two ways to display the collar, and two mats that allow you to only display a photograph without the collar, with a touching quote by the photo cut out – “no longer by my side, but forever in my heart”. The frame comes in black, mahogany, or brown color.

Pros

  • 5 mats to customize the frame
  • A beautiful way to display your pet’s collar
  • Frame available in 3 colors
  • Can be used for cats or dogs

Cons

  • Large collars might not fit as well

Runner Up: KLAXAVEL Pet Memorial Wind Chimes

Check Price $39.99

With each gust of wind, these rainbow bridge wind chimes will remind you of your four-legged best friend and the good times you shared together. Designed to memorialize a loss of a dog, these wind chimes come with a sentimental poem written from a canine’s perspective, ending with the verse “so on the wind, I’ll send a kiss …”, so that every time you hear the chimes, you can feel like your pooch is sending you love from somewhere over the rainbow bridge. The chimes measure 19” overall, with 6 metal tubes that produce a pleasant sound when clicked together. The tubes are hung on a red dog metal collar, which is connected to a paw print that can hold a customized message if you prefer. Finally, there’s also a dangling heart among the tubes saying “always in my heart”.

Pros

  • Touching poem and sentiment behind the design
  • Beautiful craftsmanship
  • A lovely gift for grieving dog owners

Cons

  • Could be sturdier

Customer’s Choice: Willow Tree Angel of Friendship

Check Price $29.95

Whether you are looking to give a remembrance gift to a friend that lost their dog recently to show them you are there for them, or you want to commemorate the loss of your own pet, this beautiful figurine is a great choice. Depicting an angel holding a puppy in an embrace, the figurine comes with a card that says “for those who share the spirit of friendship” – a lovely sentiment that highlights the bond between owners and their pets. The figurine is made from resin and then hand-painted, and is 5” tall, so it can be displayed on a bookshelf, end table, or added to the sentimental items that you have of your pet and keep displayed.

Pros

  • Elegant and simple design
  • Lovely inspiration for the design
  • Cast from original carvings
  • Hand-painted

Cons

  • Not customizable

Best Remembrance Gift for Pet Owners: HOPE LOVE SHINE Rainbow Bridge Pet Memorial Necklace

Check Price $36.99

If someone close to you has lost a pet, being there for them is the only thing you can really do. But if you are thinking about getting them something thoughtful and touching to commemorate the loss and show your sympathies, you really can’t go wrong with this meaningful necklace. Featuring two small round pendants, one with a rainbow print and one with a paw print, it symbolizes the passage of a pet over the rainbow bridge – and when you turn over the rainbow pendant, there are words “I was loved” engraved on the back. Beautiful and touching! The necklace is made from precious metals and available in two options – sterling silver or 14K gold vermeil.

Pros

  • Beautiful craftsmanship – made from precious metals
  • Emotional symbolism and a touching card that comes with it
  • Can be gifted after a loss of any pet, cat or dog

Cons

  • Might not be a good choice for a male pet owner

Best Remembrance Product for Cats: Pawprints Left By You Memorial Frame for Cat

Check Price $29.99

Your kitty might be gone, but they’ll never be forgotten, and this sentiment is perfectly captured by this memorial frame design. Featuring a spot for your beloved pet’s photograph and another to display a heartwarming poem about the impact of pets on our lives and the love we share ("Pawprints Left By You"), it will make a perfect centerpiece for a memorial spot you are creating for your cat. The frame can be adorned either with a pet tag (which can be custom engraved or replaced by your pet’s own tag) or with an ash vial (in which you can keep ashes, or even your cat’s whiskers and hair) – the choice is entirely up to you.

Pros

  • An ideal centerpiece for a memorial spot
  • Two ornament options to choose from – ash vial or pet tag
  • Sentimental poem

Cons

  • The frame could be better quality

Best Remembrance Product for Dogs: Pet Memorial Shadow Box

Check Price $39.99

If you are looking for a meaningful centerpiece for your dog’s memorial spot, this shadow box might just be it. Requiring a bit of creativity from your side – which allows for complete customization, making it unique to your pet – the kit includes a wood frame, hair collection vial, hanger kit, letter stencil, ribbon, air-dry clay (for the paw print) as well as the tools needed to shape it (mold, roller, hole puncher). You can memorialize your pet with a truly one-of-a-kind display, featuring their special items, be it a collar, a small toy, clothing, or leash – to name a few – along with their photographs and paw print.

Pros

  • Fully customizable to reflect your pet’s personality or special moments you shared
  • Sturdy and spacious shadow box
  • All the supplies in one place

Cons

  • Plexiglass protection could be better

Best Remembrance Jewelry: Mignon and Mignon Custom Pet Photo Portrait Necklace

Check Price $21.50

Your pet will always be with you in spirit, but if you want to feel like there is a physical memory of them by your side wherever you are, this personalized necklace is an elegant way to accomplish just that. Featuring a 17.5” long chain with a pendant disc (0.7” in diameter) custom engraved to capture your pet’s likeness and their name, this piece of remembrance jewelry makes an excellent gift to yourself or to others. You just have to pick out your favorite photo of your pet, send it with the order and you’ll get to wear it over your heart for years to come. Made from stainless steel with gold, rose gold, or silver plating, this necklace is tarnish-resistant and durable.

Pros

  • Engraving is very true to the original picture
  • Elegant, minimalistic design
  • 3 plating colors available

Cons

  • Not made from precious metals

Best Remembrance Product for Garden: Evergreen Garden Painted Polystone Stepping Stone

Check Price $24.99

Whether your pet’s eternal resting place is located in the garden near the flowers, or if they had a favorite nap spot where the sun hits the grass just right, this memorial stone will help you mark that special place now when they are gone. Engraved with paw prints and the words “If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever”, it can be a discreet headstone or a simple memorial garden stone to mark the memory of a beloved pet. Made from polystone and painted with a special finish for protection against the weather elements, it will stand up well to outdoor use and look as beautiful for years to come.

Pros

  • Durable and weather-resistant
  • Can be used as a headstone of sorts or a memorial garden ornament
  • Touching sentiment carved on the surface
  • Heavy and sturdy

Cons

  • Not personalized/customizable

Best Remembrance Picture Frame: Pet Memorial Ceramic Picture Frame

Check Price $18.99

If you want to add more photos to your pet’s memorial spot in the house or need a beautiful frame to be the centerpiece of it, consider this beautifully made ceramic picture frame. Well-made, durable, and thoughtfully designed to be a remembrance item, it features the words “no longer by my side, forever in my heart” above the photograph slot and hearts and paws all around it. It can be a good choice whether you’ve lost a cat, dog, or any other pet you held dear to your heart and want to memorialize after their passing.

Pros

  • Well-made and beautiful design
  • Versatile – can be used for a picture of any pet with paws
  • Sturdy ceramic material

Cons

  • Ceramic can crack or break if you knock down the frame

Best Remembrance Product for Ashes: Pearhead Pet Photo Memory Box and Impression Kit

Check Price $34.99

Many pet owners decide on cremating their pet’s remains – after that, some scatter the ashes someplace special to their dog, and some hold on to the ashes to feel closer to their pet. This memory box is a beautiful way to house the ashes and create a memorial spot for your dog in one go. The wooden box doubles as the urn, and on the front of it, you can display your pet’s photograph and paw print. It comes with pet-safe clay, a roller, a ruler for cutting, double-sided tape, and a gray background mat, so you’ll have everything ready prior to your pet’s peaceful passing to create one last memory together.

Pros

  • Doubles as an urn or a box to store mementos
  • All-in-one memorial centerpiece
  • Included supplies for creating a paw print
  • Box available in black, white, or espresso finish

Cons

  • Wood could be of better quality

What Do You Get Someone After Their Dog Dies?


There’s nothing that can fill the void that our pets leave when they go over the rainbow bridge, but pet loss sympathy gifts can be a great way to show a grieving owner that you care and that you are there for them. You can always send flowers, but a more personal, thoughtful bereavement gift is much better if someone you are close to has lost their pet. Personalized, sentimental gifts might bring tears to the owner’s eye, but they'll be cherished nonetheless: a framed photograph of their pet or a commissioned pet portrait is always a lovely idea, as well as personalized remembrance products, such as jewelry with their pet’s name or face engraved.


Another great idea is to donate to a shelter in their pet’s name – especially if their own pet was adopted from one. You’ll honor their memory by helping other unfortunate souls get a second chance at their own happy ending – it’s difficult not to be moved by that.


Whichever route you go, remember that this is a sensitive time for a person that lost their pet. Everyone grieves differently, but it’s undeniable that the loss of a beloved pet leaves a mark, and it can take a while to move on and accept that they are really gone. The best thing you can do for a friend coping with pet loss is to show support and understanding – and be there for them in their time of need.



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Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Study Shows Shape of a Dog’s Head Can Actually Affect Their Sleep

If you have noticed that your dog’s sleep quality is reduced, or that they have begun to snore heavily, there might be an unusual reason behind it – the shape of your pet’s head! Snoring problems can be quite common for many dogs, but they are most often seen in brachycephalic dogs – basically, dogs with flat faces. For example, this is the key characteristic of the  French Bulldog, one of the world’s most popular breeds. In the USA, and in Hungary where the research for these claims was conducted, the goofy little French Bulldog holds the place of the number one most common pet dog breed. And that means that some health-related issues, stemming from their flat-face appearance, are coming into the foreground. Their shortened skulls and brachycephalic morphology result in sleep problems, snoring, difficulties with breathing, and deteriorative brain morphology changes. According to the latest  study by a Hungarian research team, flat-faced dogs tend to sleep more because their breed suffers from sleep apnea and thus their daytime sleepiness is increased. Thus, their REM (deep) sleep phase is much longer than their non-REM sleep, while the EEG patterns in their sleep indicate signs of white matter loss. And while some owners across the world see these Bulldogs and their extremely flat skulls as an attractive or unique feature, it is, nonetheless, a major health hazard. These breeds, for example, the French Bulldog, the Pug, and the English Bulldog tend to live around 3 to 4 years less than other dogs, and in many cases, they don’t even live to adulthood.Some will even have to undergo surgery to correct their musculoskeletal, respiratory, and eye problems, which can cause them a lot of problems throughout their lives. To make matters worse, the rounded and short skull of these dogs results in a distorted and rounded brain, which could affect neural functioning.All this resulted in the Hungarian team’s extensive research into the sleep of these breeds. They studied the sleep of 92 dogs, using EEG. "In the sleep lab, dogs spend about three hours with their owners. As nothing exciting happens, the dogs fall asleep quickly. Meanwhile, we conduct the electrical potential generated by the brain activity with electrodes glued to their scalps," says Anna Kis, who is considered a pioneer in the study of sleeping dogs and a researcher at the HUN-REN Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology. "We wanted to investigate whether flat-faced dogs sleep differently from other dogs, as they are known to suffer from oxygen deprivation due to respiratory problems and therefore have poorer quality sleep. We found that the flat-faced dogs slept more in the three hours given to them during the study. More daytime sleep is probably compensation for insufficient sleep at night.”Ivaylo Iotchev, the first author of a study of dog sleep patterns that was published in the Journal of Brain Structure and Function, adds "In the present study, we found that brachycephalic dogs had decreased beta waves and increased delta compared to dogs with longer noses. The frequency of sleep spindles increased. This pattern has previously been associated with poorer learning in dogs and loss of white matter in humans."He also adds "There may be several reasons for our results. The most interesting of these is that it seems as if the flat-faced dogs have retained the sleep pattern of puppyhood, similarly to newborns who spend more time in REM sleep.”If you own a brachycephalic dog and have been seeing a lack of quality in their sleep, these studies might provide the answers you are looking for – your pooch’s genetics might be to blame for their poor sleep.

How to Exercise Your Dog Indoors

Your dog needs daily exercise, but when it’s too cold, snowing, or raining, you shouldn’t let them spend too much time outside; instead, it’s best to bring the fun indoors. Whether you live in an apartment or a large house, there are simple and creative ways to help your canine companion get the physical exercise and mental stimulation they want and need.If you’re stumped when it comes to how to exercise your dog indoors, here are a few ideas to help you get started, along with some product recommendations that are worth considering.Indoor FetchWho says you can’t play fetch with your dog indoors? As long as you have a decent amount of space, you can toss a ball or toy for your pet to chase, grab, and bring back to you. Some people will use a hallway to give their dog enough room to run and grab their toy, but it really depends on your home and its layout. If you don’t have a large room with enough open space, you might need to move some furniture around temporarily, but it will be worth it.A good toy to consider for this is the Chuckit! Indoor Ball. It’s designed specifically for indoor use, and features textured chenille that’s soft and lightweight so you can toss it and let it bounce softly to entice your dog to grab it. Puppies and adult dogs of all sizes are sure to love it, and the multi-layered construction helps it withstand your pet’s teeth so this toy can last.

Common Garden Plants That Can Send Your Dog into Cardiac Arrest

Spring is finally upon us! For dog owners, spring is always a welcoming sight as it signals the start of longer walks in the park and more time in the garden. The backyard is usually a fun place for you and your pooch to play and run around. However, certain types of plants are dangerous to dogs and can make your backyard a safety hazard. Experts advise that some spring plants and flowers, both indoors and outdoors, can be harmful to your pooch and should be avoided at all costs. Some of these plants are known to cause upset stomachs, itching, vomiting, and, in severe cases, even cardiac arrest in dogs. Craig Wilson, co-founder, director, and gardening expert at Gardeners Dream, has listed the toxic flowers and plants you should keep from the home and garden if you have a dog. DaffodilsDid you know that daffodils, one of the most popular heralds of spring, are poisonous to both cats and dogs? These trumpet-shaped flowers contain a toxic compound called lycorine which causes stomach pain and diarrhea when ingested. Bulbs are the most toxic part of the daffodil plant, but dogs can also get sick after consuming the flowers. Even drinking the water from a vase that contains daffodils can cause toxicity in dogs.Tulips All parts of the tulip plant - bulbs, stems, leaves, and flowers - are toxic to both cats and dogs. The bulb stores the highest concentration of toxins, making it the most toxic part of the plant. Most dogs will experience drooling, diarrhea, and vomiting after consuming tulips. In severe cases, dogs can experience heart problems and difficulty breathing.IrisesColorful and hardy irises are a popular flower in many household gardens. Unfortunately, irises are toxic to dogs and can make your pooch sick if ingested or touched. Irises contain irisin, a toxic compound that triggers tissue irritation when swallowed or touched. The bulbs and rhizomes hold the highest concentration of irisin, making this plant particularly hazardous to dogs who like to dig.Hyacinths Many people like planting hyacinths in their gardens, but these tall and vibrant plants are harmful to dogs. Hyacinths belong to the same family as tulips and contain calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals are present in all areas of the plant and are shaped like needles. When ingested, these crystals can pierce a dog’s soft tissues, causing severe pain.Symptoms of hyacinth poisoning also include diarrhea, vomiting, abnormal breathing, increased heart rate, and convulsions. If you suspect your pooch has ingested any part of the hyacinth plant, take them to the vet as soon as possible. BluebellsAll parts of the bluebell plant contain a toxic compound called glycosides. Not only are bluebells harmful to cats and dogs, but this plant is also toxic to horses and cattle. If any part of the bluebell plant is consumed, it can cause stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. When eaten in large quantities, bluebells can be fatal.Hydrangeas Many gardeners love the look of hydrangeas in the spring and fall, but dog owners beware - hydrangeas are toxic to dogs. Dogs can become poisoned from eating any part of the hydrangea plant, as they all contain cyanogenic glycoside.Chewing plants with this toxic compound releases cyanide and can result in loss of appetite, vomiting, depression, and increased heart rate. Munching on the flowers, buds, leaves, or bark of the hydrangea plant can make dogs sick, so keep a close eye on your pooch whenever they are sniffing around a hydrangea plant.These are just some of the most common plants that can make your dog sick, but there are more! If your pooch likes to munch on plants, it’s best not to leave them unsupervised in the garden.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

With Just a Sniff, Dogs May be Able to Curtail PTSD Episodes

Halifax's Dalhousie University finds dogs can identify the adrenaline hormone through an individual's breath.

Meet the Lancashire Heeler, the AKC's Newest Dog Breed

Say hello to the Lancashire heeler - the American Kennel Club’s 201st recognized dog breed and the newest member of the Herding group. Although small in stature, Lancashire heelers are active and sturdy dogs ready to compete with 200 other dog breeds at thousands of U.S dog shows.“A small, powerful herding dog that thrives on human interaction, this breed would make a great companion for active families that can provide a great deal of love and attention," said Gina DiNardo, American Kennel Club’s Executive Secretary.These small dogs have long bodies and short coats, often black and tan or liver and tan. The Lancashire heeler is a solidly built dog that is around one foot (30 centimeters) tall at the shoulders and weighs up to 17 pounds (7.7 kilograms). Traditionally, Lancashire heelers worked on farms as ratters and herders. Today, these feisty dogs participate in various canine sports and pursuits.“They are gritty little dogs, and they are very intelligent little dogs,” said Patricia Blankenship, who has bred Lancashire heelers for over a decade. “It’s an enjoyable little breed to be around,” she added. The official breed standard calls for Lancashire heelers to be courageous, happy, and affectionate to owner. The owners of these pooches say that happy heelers sometimes pull their lips back and smile. These small but powerful dogs won’t be content to lounge around all the time. They are highly energetic and just as skilled in performance sports as they are in conformation. Lancashire heelers can be found competing in agility, herding, obedience, rally, barn hunt, tracking, disk dog, dock diving, and therapy trials. “There are even a couple that have competed in Earth dog and weight-pull events,” said Sheryl Bradbury, President of the United States Lancashire Heeler Club (USLHC), according to AKC. “It’s a breed that will work hard all day and is happy to curl up at your side and watch the TV news at night.”“The breed is different but in a good way,” said Jeff Kestner, Club Chair of Judges’ Education Committee. “It’s not a run-of-the-mill dog. Its eyes and expression are like magnets. Being a herding breed it's extremely intelligent - it definitely needs a job to do.” According to Bradbury, the biggest misconception about the Lancashire heeler is that it’s adorable and sweet and the perfect size to sit on your lap. “I always caution the buyers to not let a puppy’s cuteness fool you. The minute it is off your lap it may be chewing your shoes or nipping at your heels. Conversely, it will be your loyal best friend.”This cute breed often develops a strong bond with one household member. They will like to interact with the entire family but will pick a favorite person. “It is great with children as long as the children understand how to respect the dog,” added Bradbury. The breed’s origin is packed with mystery but they were first bred in the United Kingdom. The Lancashire heeler is regarded as a “vulnerable native breed” and faces extinction in its homeland. The United Kingdom’s Kennel Club has added an average of just 121 Lancashire heelers to its registry in recent years.Being recognized as a dog breed doesn’t mean that the breed in question is newly created. To officially recognize the Lancashire heeler, the American Kennel Club required proof of a minimum of 20 litters bred with a three-generation pedigree. This guarantees that the breed is established and sustainable. According to Bradbury, there are around 400 Lancashire heelers nationwide but there’s no doubt we’ll see more of these dogs in the future. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Florida Courts Ready to Add Some Teeth to Their Animal Abuse Cases

The Court-Appointed Animal Advocate may be a thing in 2024.

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. 

Is it OK to Give Dogs Raw Bones?

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

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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