Wisdom Panel 2.0 Review

by Amy Tokic

Published: October 29th, 2013

We test the all-in-one DNA kit to see if it can determine what kind of breed your dog is

When you’re out with your dog, people come up to talk to you. Dogs bring that out in a lot of people – especially other pet parents. And the most common question you’re asked is: “What kind of dog is she?” If you’ve rescued your dog from a shelter, the answer to that question most likely is: “She’s a rescue, so I’m not sure.” You can guesstimate, based on appearance, but that doesn’t give you a definitive answer. You need to go deeper – right down to the DNA. And that’s just what breed identification tests, such as Wisdom Panel 2.0, claim it can do.

In my journeys as editor for PetGuide.com, I came across Wisdom Panel 2.0 and was intrigued… I really wanted to try this product out. In fact, everybody in the office with a dog wanted to try it out. Oscar is a designer dog, so I had a good idea what he was… but I wanted to put this test to the test. And that’s why I asked my co-worker Adam to help me out with this review. He adopted his dog, Zelda, from a shelter and he didn’t know what kind of breed she was. He was happy to help me out so he could find out just what Zelda was made up of (other than lots of love and sweetness).

Why Test Your Dog?

There are lots of reasons why you’d want to test your dog’s DNA. Here’s a short list:

Confirm if a designer breed really is a true hybrid.
Confirm if your dog is purebred
If your mixed breed dog is a puppy, you may want to know how big he’ll get and what nutrition would be best for him – this test will tell you.
By knowing what breeds make up your dog, you can better understand his behavior and tailor a more effective training and wellness plan.
When people come up to ask you what kind of dog you have, you’ll be able to give them an answer and talk about what makes your dog so special.

By taking two tests, we’d be able to test a few of these benefits out. I wanted to see if Oscar was a true designer dog (Shih Tzu/Chihuahua) and Adam would finally find out what kind of dog Zelda was. Both of our dogs are adults already, but by confirming their genetics, we would learn what breed instincts made them tick and help explain some of their doggy behaviors.

First Step: Collecting Doggy DNA

The kit came to me in a box, complete with everything I would need to send to the Wisdom Panel labs. It came with an instruction sheet, two DNA Cheek Swabs, a Swabs’ Drying Insert and a pre-paid shipping label. It was really easy to take the DNA – Wisdom Panel did a great job with instructions, not only telling me what to do, but also including diagrams. Here’s all I had to do:

Make sure Oscar didn’t eat for two hours prior to taking the swab (drinking water was fine).
Peel back the edges of the protective sleeve and remove swab. Keep the sleeve for later use.
Roll and rotate swab bristles against the inside of the Oscar’s cheek for about 15 seconds.
Allow sample to dry for 5 minutes using the drying insert and put the swab back into sleeve.
Active the test online.
Put all the necessary components back into the kit (affixed with the proper labels) and mail back the test.

Pretty easy – the whole process took me about 15 minutes (not including the walk to the post office). I liked that it came with a pre-paid shipping label, so I wouldn’t have to worry about pricy shipping fees. Now, all we had to do was wait…

What’s Included in the Report

Once the testing is done, you’re emailed a comprehensive report that outlines the following:

Ancestry of your dog by breed.
Breed profile page describing each of the breeds detected in your dog.
A frameable certificate showing the determined ancestry of your dog.
Information page with key contact information.

It takes about three weeks for the report to be processed, but you can follow the progress of your kit online (you know, if you really can’t wait to find out when the results will be ready).

How the Results are Formulated

To be able to accurately test your dog’s ancestry, Wisdom Panel 2.0 database covers over 200 different breeds. The process was developed using genetic markers from American Kennel Club (AKC) breeds and some non-AKC breeds in the U.S., as well as purebred dogs from the United Kingdom, Australia, and Europe.

The swabs undergo processing to extract the DNA from your dog’s cells and the DNA is examined using 321 markers that detect the presence of purebred dogs (Wisdom Panel has completed over 19 million genetic marker analyses and has typed over 13,000 dogs during test development). The database also compares your dog’s DNA against other breeds. These markers are run through a computer program that is designed to consider all of the pedigree trees (just like a family tree) that are possible in the last three generations. The trees considered include a simple pedigree with a single breed (a likely purebred dog), two different breeds at the parental level (a first-generation cross), continuing all the way up to a complex tree with eight different great-grandparent breeds allowed.

There’s a lot of science that goes into breed detection analysis. We can’t go into all of the details here, but if you’re interested, Wisdom Panel has a detailed FAQs page that delves deep into the process.

Zelda’s Results

According to Wisdom Panel 2.0, Zelda is a German Shepherd and Staffordshire Bull Terrier mix. It turns out that she had purebred German Shepard and Staffordshire Bull Terrier grandparents on each side of her pedigree tree. On both the great-grandparent and grandparent side, there are also mixed breed ancestry. That means her parents are both German Shepherd mixes and Staffordshire Bull Terrier mixes. It also means that German Shepherd and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are 50 percent of her breed makeup.

Because there is mixed breeds on both sides of Zelda’s pedigree tree, the other 50 percent is a bit more difficult to trace. But the Wisdom Panel 2.0 is able to identify strong breed signals (markers that are consistent with the presence of a particular breed) in this mixed portion. Using breed signals, the test comes up with five breeds that could have contributed to her genetic makeup. It’s not likely that all of them are part of her background, but the top five were Border Terrier, Lhasa Apso, American Staffordshire Terrier, White Swiss Shepherd and Chinook.

The test also confirmed that Zelda was a female and was spayed (Adam says that checks out), and that her adult weight should be between 38 to 61 pounds. Zelda weighs 60 pounds, so Adam knows that’s she’s falls within projected healthy guidelines.

Oscar’s Results

It’s confirmed – Oscar is a true hybrid dog! All three generations are purebred – Chihuahua on one side and Shih Tzu on the other. The test showed that he’s a male (checkmark) and neutered (checkmark) and that his adult weight is predicted to be between 7 and 15 pounds (he tips the scales at 10 pounds – another checkmark).

Oscar’s results also included a Principle Component Analysis, which uses his DNA sample and compares it with the other Chihuahua and Shih Tzu samples in the database. These samples from the purebred dogs form breed clusters that allow Wisdom Panel to see how similar they are to Oscar’s sample. As you can see on the diagram, there’s a cluster of Shih Tzu points, a cluster of Chihuahua points (both US and UK, and the Expected F1 cluster, which shows where a first-generational cross would expect to fall. And Oscar’s sample falls right into the Expected F1 cluster.

The Verdict

Adam says he was pretty impressed with the results. The two “key breeds” were both ones that have been guessed a few times before, although they may not have been the front runners from what people normally guess. He also says the results will be the talk of the dog park for a while – everyone was excited to hear that Zelda took the test and were looking forward to hearing the results.

I was also happy about Oscar’s results – but even if they did come back differently than a first-generation cross, I would still love him just the same.

It’s not just about the detailed test results that make this kit so awesome (although they are quite impressive). It’s when you put all the pieces together that make it such a wonderful product. The final analysis comes with a write up about each of the key breeds to give you a little background and character traits to look out for. It also provides a write up about how key physical traits are inherited and how they combine to make your dog one-of-a-kind.

On the bonus side of Wisdom Panel 2.0, I already mentioned who much I appreciated the pre-paid shipping label. And you also have the opportunity to customise your dog’s official certificate with a picture to truly customize this official document. As well, you can share your results socially – you’re encouraged to tell your story on Wisdom Panel’s Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as upload a picture into the Wisdom Panel photo gallery.

I think that Wisdom Panel 2.0 is a great product and would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about their dog’s DNA. It also makes a pretty unique gift for pet parents bringing home a new shelter dog. The price is quite reasonable – $79.99 and includes everything featured in this review. You can learn more about the product or order it on Wisdom Panel 2.0’s website.

*Note: PetGuide.com was NOT compensated for this review. We received two free Wisdom Panel 2.0 kits to review. The opinions expressed in this post are the author’s. We provide unbiased feedback of the products and share products we think our readers would enjoy using and learning more about.

Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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Researchers Say DNA Testing In Pedigree Dogs Not Enough

Research out of the UK shows that a single genetic test may not be enough to improve the health of pedigree dog breed lines. For Harry Potter fans, we know it as mud-blood! A derogatory term for the young sorcerers whose parents and grandparents were not pure wizards. In human terms, it’s about having your dad’s big ears and your Aunt Shirley’s unruly locks. In the pet world, it’s a lack of “Pedigree” or designation that speaks to years and sometimes centuries of careful breeding to ensure the very best traits are passed down from one generation to the next. But what if the genes being passed down aren’t always the “good” ones? Related: Wisdom Panel 2.0 Review This is the question posed by researchers at the University of Edinburgh whose job is to review the various approaches being taken to minimize defects in pedigree animals and who are concerned new DNA testing may be a risky approach if not combined with health screening and family history. Because pedigree animals are bred for specific physical and behavioral characteristics, they often share closed familial lines and this means not only traits (think Aunt Shirley’s tresses) but diseases get passed on down the line. Definitely not the sort of inheritance you want! Related: New Canine Cancer Research Findings Could Benefit People, Too The solution? These Scottish researchers are recommending health screening before selecting animals to breed. This has already helped to reduce incidences of some diseases and combined with the DNA tests it helps identify dogs carrying gene mutations that lead to severe illnesses. Quick fact: did you know that almost half of all King Charles Cavalier Spaniels are affected by an inherited and potentially life-threatening heart murmur? But they stress the importance of taking a holistic approach that includes not only the DNA testing but the aforementioned health screening and family history. By nixing a dog for breeding solely on a failed DNA test you reduce the gene pool and make inbreeding more common. This in turn can create the proverbial “breeding ground” for genetic disorders that just keep getting passed on down the line. They are also suggesting that Sir Rover needs a break from his duties and the use of individual stud dogs should be limited in order to promote greater diversity in pedigree lines. Sure to rankle some is the encouragement of cross-breeding to introduce even greater genetic diversity. Breeding the offspring from cross-breeds with the original pedigree for ten generations can produce animals that share 99.9 percent of purebreds’ genetic material… but without the genes that cause disease. Och, that’s brilliant! [Source: Science Daily]

Sleeping With Pets: Here's What Experts Have to Say

Pet parents adore their four-legged companions so much that they choose to sleep with them at night. Research shows that more than half of pet owners sleep with their pets. Most pet owners consider their pets part of the family, so it is no surprise that they will go out of their way to ensure their furry companions’ comfort. However, with an increasing focus on our sleep health, pet parents are starting to wonder about the potential disadvantages of sleeping with pets. In fact, sharing a bed with a pet is the subject of controversy among pet parents.Various studies suggest that there are many benefits to sleeping with pets. And experts tend to agree. According to Audrey Wells, MD, a board-certified sleep medicine physician, a pet can provide an emotional connection and reduce anxiety and stress levels, therefore promoting sleep. “Some people may consider their pets an added layer of security, dependable to alert them to unexpected noises or lights.”Another benefit of sleeping with your pet is that they can keep you nice and warm during the night. People who get chilled easily might enjoy cuddling with a furry companion during frigid winter nights.“Pets are sensitive to routine, and they can help enforce a regular bedtime and better sleep quality for their owner,” explained Dr. Wells. “Similarly, pets can signal wake-up time in the morning and even prompt some time outside for a walk and daylight exposure.”If you enjoy sleeping with your pet and find it beneficial for your sleep, the science agrees with you. According to Amanda Farah, National Training and Behavioral Coordinator at Best Friends Animal Society, studies have found that some people sleep more soundly when their dog is sleeping next to them. “If you and your dog both sleep well together, you’ll enjoy the health benefits that come with a good night’s sleep, such as improved mental clarity, lower blood pressure, reduced stress, and a stronger immune system,” explained Farah.According to Teddy Cralle, Ms, RN, certified clinical sleep educator, some people sleep better when their pet is in the bed, but some don’t. If there’s a chance that you won't get a good night’s rest while sleeping with your pet you shouldn't sleep with them in the first place. For example, if you’re a light sleeper and your dog likes to change positions during the night, sleeping with your pooch may wake you more often, resulting in low-quality sleep. Also, some pups like to claim the entire bed for themselves, leading to a sleepless night and a backache. “Sacrificing your sleep means sacrificing your health, well-being, and quality of life - and that is not a sacrifice to make,” Cralle added.Sharing a bed with a pet may not be the best idea if you’re an asthma or allergy sufferer. Although some dog breeds shed less than others, no dog is truly hypoallergenic because it’s their dander and not hair that triggers an allergic reaction. Zoonotic diseases are another downside of sleeping with pets. Research has confirmed that sharing a bed with a pet can increase the exposure rate to pathogens that might be present. Although no one wants to think about it, pets can bring unwanted guests to your bed. Fleas and ticks are the most active during the warmer months, but the truth is they can infest your pet all year long. If the downsides of sleeping with your pet have made you reconsider your sleeping arrangement don’t fret - you can still have your pooch close by while you sleep. A crate or a cozy dog bed next to your bed will help everyone get a good night’s rest. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Do You Need to Clean A Cat's Teeth?

Cats are known and adored for their free spirit, their stubborn nature, their agility, and their cute and cuddly side as well. They are skilled hunters, and as such they have sharp and perfected teeth. But while a cat roaming the outdoors would gnaw and eat prey she previously caught when you have a pet cat, those same teeth are used to eat a very different kind of food. Naturally, this can have a big impact on your cat’s dental health, as the same principles that were true in nature are not applicable for indoor-only cats anymore – which brings up an important question: do you need to clean a cat’s teeth? How important is this for their hygiene? And most importantly, how do you do it? Let’s take a closer look at this question.Do You Need to Clean A Cat's Teeth?Just like for us humans, dental care is important for kitties too. Of course, human and feline teeth are totally different, so dental hygiene is not exactly the same for both. Cat teeth are not brushed as often as our own, but nevertheless, you should provide some level of dental hygiene to your four-legged friend, as it can be a great benefit for their health. Neglect their little chompers for a long time, and their teeth could deteriorate over the years. This can lead to great discomfort, pain, loss of appetite, and from there – many other problems as well. So, in short, keeping your cat’s teeth clean and maintained is an essential aspect of caring for them. Of course, regular vet checkups will give you a good insight into their dental health and will allow you to spot problems early on and tackle them more easily. But it also goes a long way to know the tips and tricks that help maintain a cat’s dental hygiene. Here are just a few:Regular Brushing

Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?

When it comes to eating, most dogs will eat just about anything – in fact, if it’s something that’s forbidden for them to eat or something that they really shouldn’t be munching on, their appetite only seems to increase. And unfortunately, that also includes poop. While it is definitely disgusting to see, it actually has a lot of science behind it. The behavior is called  coprophagia, and it is influenced by a lot of major factors. Getting to know them can help you better understand this odd behavior, and help you act accordingly. So let’s learn all about dogs and poop-eating.Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?Believe it or not, eating poop is a fairly common behavior in dogs. In fact, recent studies reveal that it is  in a dog’s DNA to eat poop. It isn’t, however, a behavior that should be ignored completely. Because it can give you insights into the health and mentality of your four-legged friend. If you spot your pet munching on the forbidden fudge, it could signal a major nutritional deficiency. So, basically, if a dog is lacking certain nutrients in their diet, they may seek to fulfill those needs by eating feces. Of course, it can also signal underlying medical issues. It is known that some medical conditions can lead to coprophagia, such as malabsorption disorders or  parasites. Coprophagia can also sometimes stem from behavioral issues, such as stress, anxiety, or boredom. Dogs may resort to eating poop as a way to cope with these feelings or out of sheer boredom. It can also come from simple attention-seeking. Yup, your dog can eat feces as a way to gain attention, especially if they've received a strong reaction from their owners in the past. And, if you notice that your doggo is nibbling on poop in the park or on the street, they could be attracted to the scent. The scent of feces attracts some dogs, especially if it's from another animal. Of course, neglect can also be a viable cause. Dogs that are confined in tight spaces or cages can exhibit unnatural behaviors, such as excessive eating of poop. It can also stem from anxiety, fear, isolation, or from problems related to diet. Either way, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues and to address any behavioral concerns. Of course, ensuring your dog has a balanced diet, plenty of physical and mental stimulation, and positive reinforcement training can help deter this behavior. It can also be wise to supplement your dog’s diet with  quality multivitamins, which can balance their nutritional needs and prevent poop-eating. 

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Golden Retriever Survives 65 Days Alone in the Alaskan Wilderness

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Do Dogs Experience Grief?

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What Happens if Dogs Eat Cat Food?

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Viral TikTok video spills the beans on sharing with our pooches!

Can I Teach A Cat Tricks?

Cats are often stereotyped as being aloof and independent. But beneath that mysterious exterior lies an intelligent and curious being capable of great things – you just have to learn how to tap into it! Whether you’re interested in trick training your cat as a form of mental enrichment or strengthening your bond and creating lasting memories, we have you covered. In this blog post, we will explore the world of cat trick training. This includes debunking common myths, breaking down the process of training a cat, and sharing a list of fun tricks to help you get started. Is it Possible to Train a Cat? Yes! Your cat is just as capable of learning how to perform tricks as your dog. However, there are some differences in how you approach this process. Dogs are often motivated by their bond with their handler and the praise they will receive for performing as expected. This is far less likely to work for your cat. Instead, you will need to find the right inspiration. For many, this comes in the form of high-value treats like diced chicken, sardines, or low-sodium tuna. The smellier the treat, the better. With the right motivator and a lot of patience, your cat can learn a wide variety of fun tricks and useful skills. How Long Does It Take to Teach a Cat a Trick? The time required for a cat to learn a trick will depend on many factors, including the difficulty of the trick, the cat’s eagerness to learn, and the way you approach the training session. We have two cats in our house, and they fall at very different ends of the spectrum. Pippen is highly trainable and quickly picks up tricks, while Jinx is much more stubborn and takes longer to come around. Several of these factors can be influenced by you directly. Have you found the right motivator for your cat? Are you experimenting with different training approaches to find the one that works best? Are you trying to move through the training process too quickly? However, some factors are beyond your control. If your cat is uninterested in training, even your best efforts to motivate them may fall short. Is it Too Late to Teach My Cat Tricks? There is an old myth that states: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” This has been proven to be false by many trainers, with dogs even in their senior years. But what about cats? Is there an expiry date on when your cat can be taught to perform tricks? The best time to start training a cat is when they are young, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only time! Your older cat may be slower to learn or a little more reluctant to get started, but with a little patience and the right motivation, you can train cats of all ages.

How Much Does It Cost to Feed Your Dog Around the World?

There is no denying the fact that pet ownership can be expensive. From the expected costs of vaccinations and high-quality dog food to the increased fees associated with traveling with your dog by your side, it adds up fast! But exactly how much does it cost to feed your dog? How do these costs stack up compared to dog parents in other areas? If this question has been on your mind, you’re in luck. A recent study by CashNetUSA compares the cost of feeding a dog in 97 countries, and the findings are surprising.Let’s start with the most exciting news for American pet parents. While the cost of feeding a dog in the US didn’t make the list of the least expensive countries, it did rank as one of the most affordable countries when assessing the annual cost versus the national net income per capita. Other countries that made this list include Ireland, France, Sweden, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Slovenia, and Denmark. Of course, this value can vary depending on the quality of dog food you are feeding and the size of your dog (therefore, the amount of food they consume daily). The study collected data based on the cost of feeding a medium-sized dog 540 grams of kibble daily using the cheapest dry food available in local supermarkets. If a country didn’t have available comparable food, the price was calculated using an international supermarket that would ship to the country. The least expensive country to feed a dog was Botswana, at a cost of $163.59 USD annually. This was closely followed by Lesotho ($201.29) and Hungary ($246.38). On the other end of the spectrum, the most expensive country was Japan, with dog food costs reaching a staggering $2,056.88 USD annually. The top 3 most costly countries also included Andorra ($1854.71) and Estonia ($1518.98). What causes such a variation in cost? In addition to the living costs and average income for each country, food quality should also be considered. Countries with exceptionally low annual prices often fed dogs a diet that failed to meet their nutritional needs. “Most retail brands in Botswana and around Africa use basic formulae often resulting in dogs suffering from inflamed skin and increased scratching caused by (an) imbalance in levels of Omera 3 and 6 along with insufficient levels of essential fatty acids like DHA and FPA,” a local entrepreneur told the National Post. If you are struggling with pet food's growing cost, you’re not alone. Many pet parents are seeking ways to keep the costs down without sacrificing the quality of their dog’s diet. Here are a few tips to help keep the costs down: Bake Your Own Dog Treats Dog treats are one of the bigger costs that many dog parents spend on. After all, there are so many incredible treat options available on the shelves of our local pet stores. How do you not want to spoil your furry best friend? Making your treats is not only budget-friendly but also a great way to control the quality of what your dog is eating. Buy in Bulk If your budget allows, purchase a larger bag of dog food or buy your dog’s food in bulk. These products are designed to last surprisingly well on the shelf over time. By buying larger quantities at once, you may spend more in the moment, but the cost per meal drops considerably. If your local pet store doesn’t have a bulk discount, consider asking about purchasing a bulk order and how it could impact the price. Join Loyalty Programs or Subscriptions Many pet stores and online pet retailers offer loyalty programs or subscriptions that help reduce your costs if you continue purchasing from one location. This could mean a lower price per bag with a pre-scheduled subscription order or a loyalty points program where you are rewarded with a free bag after buying a certain number of dog food bags. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Are Dogs Smarter than Cats?

The rivalry between cats and dogs is an age-old thing. Many pet owners are divided in their affections, as some adore kitties, but others are strictly doggo lovers. And this rivalry poses an intriguing question – could there be a difference between cats and dogs? While both are cuddly and loveable, they are inevitably different. So, could it be possible that  dogs are smarter than cats, or vice versa? This is a popular question in the scientific world, and many tried answering it. Let’s see what they came up with.Are Dogs Smarter than Cats? For ages, the debate on the rivalry between cats and dogs has been ongoing. Ultimately, however, it all depends on how you define “smart”. Dogs are often loved for their obedience, their ability to be trained and follow commands, their unwavering loyalty, and their excellent guardian traits. Cats, on the other hand, are known for their independence, their adaptability and problem-solving skills, their free and restless spirit, and their cuddly nature. So, as we can see, while generally different in personalities, both of these animals possess certain cognitive skills – but is one smarter than the other?Recent studies have revealed that both dogs and cats possess unique cognitive abilities suited to their respective lifestyles and evolutionary histories. Meaning, they are completely different animals. Dogs, for example, originated from domesticated canines, far, far back in history. They were bred over thousands of years to work alongside humans, protect flocks, help with hunting, and guard homes. This, in turn, has likely influenced their ability to understand and communicate with us, and to be so devoted as pets. But cats are different. In stark contrast to doggos, cats have retained more of their wild instincts, allowing them to thrive in a variety of environments and situations.All of this means that you can’t really compare the intelligence of a cat and that of a dog. It’s like comparing apples and oranges – it just doesn’t go. Each animal excels in different areas and possesses different strengths. It's more accurate to appreciate the unique qualities of each species rather than trying to determine which one is "smarter."But even so, scientists tried to reach a decisive conclusion. They studied both cats and dogs and ultimately reached an answer - at least, scientifically speaking. Their research shows that dogs are smarter than cats! Some of you might find this answer surprising but don’t raise a revolt just yet. Cats are super intelligent even so. It’s just that they are likely not as smart as some dogs are. The secret is in “smartness” itself. Dogs are intelligent in their own way. They are generally more reliant on humans for problem-solving tasks, but they are adept at learning from observation and experience. They can also be trained to perform a wide range of tasks, from simple tricks to complex behaviors, such as guiding the visually impaired or detecting explosives. Cats, however, are natural hunters and possess excellent problem-solving skills. They are known for their agility, stealth, and ability to strategize when stalking their prey. In a domestic setting, cats demonstrate problem-solving abilities when navigating obstacles, finding hiding spots, and even manipulating objects to access food or toys. So, both of them have different positive traits and different types of intelligence. But it could be that dogs, with their ability to learn and obey commands, are just a tad bit smarter.

ACANA™ Pet Food Team Announces Nationwide Kitten Cuddler Promotion

Are you the next champion kitten cuddler? Because ACANA™ is looking for one! Their latest campaign is aimed at supporting  cat shelters, which can be overwhelmed with newborn kittens during increased birth rates amongst cats. In a bid to help, ACANA™ will help both shelters and kittens in the critical stages – from arrival to adoption. ACANA™, the pet food specialists, are preparing for the upcoming “kitten season”, attempting to increase public awareness of just how much work shelters could have during this time. In their latest effort, not only will they be donating cat food to the shelters, but they will also be offering $10,000 to one lucky cat lover to do nothing more but cuddle with kittens at a  Best Friends Animal Society center. They do this in hopes of encouraging others to volunteer as “kitten cuddlers”. Hopefully, their efforts will lead to increased adoptions of kittens, and completely eliminate the killing of unadopted cats and dogs in America, a goal to which Best Friends Animal Society is wholly dedicated to. And now, the help is needed the most. The so-called “ kitten season” spans from May to November, and it is the time of the year when female cats have most of their kittens. During this period, many animal shelters report a great influx of kittens that need care and adoption. It goes without saying that caring for a large number of gentle and fragile kitties is a labor-consuming and very challenging job. A shelter’s resources and staff can be very strained in this period, so all the help they can get is more than welcome. The ACANA™ pet food team is well aware of this and is donating 5,000 cases of wet kitten food in Apri. This is equivalent to about $250,000 at retail prices and comes to roughly 120,000 meals for kittens. Not only this, but the team also encourages everyone to volunteer at their local shelters and help with the many tasks surrounding kitten care. And a very important task is, of course, cuddling! Kitties are fragile and require constant care and all the love and warmth they can get. It is because of this need that ACANA™ will reward one person with $10,000 to cuddle kittens! The lucky winner will spend half a day at a Best Friends Animal Society lifesaving center, or a chosen network partner shelter this June. For their cuddling efforts, they will receive $10,000. "We believe in the total well-being of cats," said Billy Frey, Vice President, Marketing for Champion Petfoods. "ACANA™ pet food helps cats thrive through every stage of life, and a cat's earliest days set the tone for everything that follows. This program demonstrates our commitment to taking care of both the emotional and nutritional needs of kittens."The rules of the contest are straightforward. The prospective kitten cuddlers must be U.S. residents, and aged 18 or over. Needless to say, they must love kittens and have four hours available over one weekend in June 2024. Easy, yes? Additionally, contestants must pass a background check and cannot be in a partnership with a competing pet food brand. For a chance to be selected, you can enter the contest between March 27th through April 10th, 2024. Cuddlers, good luck!

Animal Shelter Receives Donations in Memory of Jon Stewart’s Dog

Comedian Jon Stewart returned to “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central in February, and viewers have been tuning in to watch him talk about current events. Stewart hosts every Monday night, serving up news in a hilarious way. But on February 26, he closed the show on a somber note, spending a few minutes talking about his dog, Dipper.Jon Stewart Remembers His Extraordinary DogStewart shared a touching story of how he met and came to adopt Dipper. He explained that, 12 or 13 years ago, his young children wanted to raise money for Animal Haven, a no-kill shelter for dogs and cats in New York City. To fundraise, his family baked cupcakes and set up an area outside of the shelter to sell them.  He went on to say that the shelter brought out a pit bull who was about 1 year old. At this point, Stewart started to break down, clearly getting emotional as he explained that the dog had been hit by a car in Brooklyn and had lost one of his legs as a result.Through tears, Stewart said his family left the shelter after raising some much-needed funds for a wonderful organization that does great work. But they also left with the very special pit bull who had stolen their hearts and who was, as Stewart described him, the best boy. Dipper even used to go to the studio with Stewart, so he met the famous people who were guests on the show.Then, Stewart shared the devastating news that Dipper had passed away just the day before. He ended with a wish for everyone to find an amazing dog they could love. And then, for the show’s “Moment of Zen,” they played an adorable video of Dipper playing in the snow.You can watch the segment here:

How Can I Remove Plaque From My Dog's Teeth?

We love our dogs and many of us won’t say no to puppy smooches – but to be fair, not all furballs have the freshest breath out there. If your dog has  bad-smelling breath, the culprit might be plaque buildup and the bacteria overgrowth that comes with it. We all know that bacteria are responsible for all things smelly, and when it comes to oral hygiene, the reason why bacteria are there in the first place is bits of leftover food that slowly but surely turn into tartar on your pet’s teeth. The best way to prevent plaque on a dog's teeth is to brush them, but what about existing buildup? How can you remove plaque from your dog’s teeth at home – or is it something that has to be done professionally? Here’s what you need to know about plaque and tartar and how best to remove them.How Can I Remove Plaque from My Dog's Teeth?Maintaining good dental health in dogs is crucial for their overall well-being. Addressing plaque in your dog's teeth is not just about maintaining a bright smile; it's a key aspect that contributes to their overall health, happiness, and longevity. Regular dental care is an investment in your dog's well-being that pays off in various ways - it’s sure way to prevent dental diseases such as  gingivitis and  periodontitis, eliminate bad breath odor, avoid tooth decay and loss, and maintain your dog’s good appetite. After all, dogs depend on their teeth to eat properly. Just imagine the effect of bad or missing teeth. Unchewed food, indigestion, vomiting – the list is long. So it goes a long way to act on this ahead of time and prevent tartar buildup and remove any existing one. Here are just a few tips to consider when dealing with persistent dog teeth plaque:Prevent Buildup With Regular BrushingDogs need to brush their teeth just like us! They’ll need your help to do it, of course. Remember that it is never too late to start. Start slowly and gently with short brushing sessions, gradually increasing the time as your dog becomes more comfortable. Of course, you should use  a toothbrush that is designed specifically for dogs or a similar fingerbrush. The toothpaste also needs to be for dogs only (never use human toothpaste as it may contain ingredients harmful to dogs).

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