Adoptable Pet of the Week – Dazzler

Adoptable Pet of the Week – Darcie

We would love for you to meet Darcie, our Adoptable Dog of the Week. Darcie is a yellow fawn, Labrador Retriever mix from New York City, New York on the search for a family to call her own. She is a young girl at only a year and a half and is amazing with children, but not so good with other dogs. Darcie is up-to-date with her shots, spayed, and even house trained! Darcie’s Tale: Hey, guys! My name is Darcie and I am a tan, Labrador mix looking for someone to love and cuddle me furever because cuddling is my favorite. I am only one and a half years old, and I am proud to say that I am crate, leash, and house trained, so you don’t have to worry about mistakes in your home. In fact, I didn’t even have a mistake during my journey from South Carolina to New York. I am a friendly little girl and I love everyone I meet. If you’ll let me, I will crawl into your lap, lean into you, and kiss the heck out of you. I only weigh 50 pounds, so I won’t hurt you when I cuddle on top of you. I am a bit self-centered and I love being the center of attention, so I’d like to be your only four-legged friend. We could even go to the dog park everyday because that is my favorite place in world, except for in your arms, of course! If you’d like to learn more or adopt Darcie, please visit Zani’s Furry Friends.

Adoptable Pet of the Week – Batman

Please meet Batman, our Adoptable Dog of the Week. This super-dog is a black, brown, and red-orange Chihuahua mix from Evans, Georgia and ready for someone to be his hero. Batman is a handsome little guy and will soon win you over with his charming personality. At a young 2 years old, Batman is caught up on all his shots, tolerant of children, and gets along well with female dogs. Batman’s Tale: My name is Batman, like the superhero. I like to think of myself as Batman the super-dog. Cool, huh? I’m just a 2-year-old boy that needs a patient, loving home that will help me be my best self. It takes me a little while to come out of my shell, but that will cost you a lot of hard work to win me over. It will be worth it because I am a feisty, funny little dude with a great personality. It would be best that I get approached calmly when petted so I don’t get startled. If you have children, cats, or other male dogs, it could be a problem. Although, I wouldn’t mind having a female companion to cuddle with. Hey, we could name her Batgirl! Oh, and if you really want to spoil me, fill me up with treats! If you’re looking for an alert, agile stud muffin with just a few quirks, I can be the super-dog you need in your life. If you’d like to learn more of adopt Batman, please visit

Adoptable Pet of the Week – Reno

Drumroll, please… introducing Reno, our Adoptable Dog of the Week. This red, gold, and orange beauty is a Pekingese from Wethersfield, Connecticut and ready to invade your home with lots of love and cuteness. Be careful though, she will steal your heart with a single look! Reno is full of personality at just 2 years old and 18 pounds. She is excellent with other dogs, loves dog-savvy children, up-to-date with her shots, and spayed! Reno’s Tale: Woof! My name is Reno, like the city in Nevada! I was rescued from a high kill shelter and was in pretty bad shape until I was rescued by some friendly humans. Despite my challenges, I am now a bold, confident little lady with the fluffiest fur you will ever see. Oh, and did you see the birthmark on face? Most humans find my birthmark to be irresistible, and I’m sure you will, too. Not only is my personality full of life, but I absolutely love hanging out with other dogs. They better not get too sassy because I can get an attitude at times. No worries, though, I am perfectly content with an empty water bottle to play with or older, dog-savvy kiddos to cuddle with me on the couch. To top it off, I am completely crate trained and housebroken if you can promise to take me out on schedule. I am also heartworm negative and microchipped so you never lose me. Are you ready for unlimited kisses and cuddles from a young lady like me? Hurry up and adopt me; I’m not getting any younger! If you’d like to learn more or adopt Reno, please visit One More Dog Rescue.

Adoptable Pet of the Week – Thelma

Meet Thelma, our Adoptable Dog of the Week. She’s a black Shepherd mix from Seattle, Washington with the unique ability to make anyone fall in love with her. As a medium-sized, adult pooch, Thelma has the energy of a litter of pups and will run like a maniac until she takes a quick break in your arms. Thelma is already spayed and ready to find her spot on your couch! Thelma’s Tale: My name is Thelma, the internationally renowned Superdog here to save the day! My mission is to make a home in your heart and save your world from the loneliness and boredom you suffer without me! I possess many different super powers, including the power to melt your heart (not literally). I have a super sense of smell, and will sniff out any hidden treats. I must admit that treats are my weakness! Don’t let my love of treats fool you, as I am a super-active Superdog who can leap through tall grass in a single bound. Oh, and have you seen how adorable I am? I think we will go great together! I’m still searching for my super sidekick who will give me the love and attention I deserve.. are you up for gig? If you’d like to learn more of adopt Thelma, please visit Emerald City Pet Rescue-Seattle.

Adoptable Pet of the Week – Boomer

Get in line, Basset Hound lovers! Meet Boomer, our Adoptable Dog of the Week. This handsome, purebred Basset Hound wants to wag his way right into your home; charmingly long ears included. He comes from Charleston, South Carolina looking for a second chance. This tan, yellow, fawn, and white fellow is a senior at 9-years-young, but has the spunk and energy of a pup. Boomer is entirely caught up on his shots and has already been neutered. Oh, and did I mention that he has incredible hearing?! Boomer’s Tale: Woof! My name is Boomer and I’m single and ready to mingle! Just don’t let my age full you! Even though I’m 9-years-old, I can still kick it like the puppy days. I am not too fond of stairs, though. I am a huge fan of kibble and I love to eat, but I don’t really like to share, so maybe it’s best if I am an only-dog. You don’t have to worry about me taking up space on your furniture, just set me up with a cozy bed and I will be quite content. I am just a sweet, old man looking for a family to love and who will love me just as much! Act fast, though, I am known to be a ladies man! If you’d like to learn more of adopt Batman, please visit Carolina Basset Hound Rescue.

Old Danish Pointer

Old Danish Pointer Basics Also known as the Old Danish Pointing Dog, the Old Danish Pointer is a medium-sized pointing breed developed in Denmark. These dogs are similar in appearance to other pointers, having a white coloration with brown markings as well as a powerful build and stable temperament. Though developed for hunting, these dogs are also family-friendly. They tend to be very quiet indoors but outside they let loose and show off their speed and stamina. Also known as the Old Danish Pointing Dog, the Old Danish Pointer is a medium-sized pointing breed developed in Denmark. Origin

Upside Down Dog Of The Week – Dakota

Get ready to get fuzzy with Dakota, our Upside Down Dog of the Week from Upsidedowndogs.com. Dakota is a 3-year-old male Norwegian Elkhound from Florida. Here’s what his mom Amy has to say about him: “This is Dakota he’s a 3 year old Norwegian Elkhound, that just moved from Illinois to Florida because his daddy is in the military. Dakota is trying to cool off in this Florida heat! He’s probably the only Norwegian Elkhound in Florida!” Hope you’re learning to keep cool Dakota. Stay tuned for our new Upside Down Dog of the Week next Tuesday!

Me-Om: Do Yoga, Adopt Cats

Cats have the right idea when they stretch out their entire bodies. Why not join them for a class of Me-Om – a yoga class with adoptable cats! After a long day, the soft fur and soothing purr of a kitty might be just what you need to begin to unwind. But if you’re a yogi, you also know that a good yoga class that gets you moving and stretching is also a wonderful way to release tension from mind and body. So imagine the benefits you could reap from bringing the two together. That’s exactly what Me-Om has done, but they’ve added an additional element to the mix: these cats aren’t just there for yoga, they’re also looking for their forever home. Yoga with Adoptable Cats Doing yoga with animals isn’t a new trend, and there are plenty of cat cafes and yoga studios that are offering these classes with kitties. While not all “yoga with cats” classes feature pets that are up for adoption, some do, and one great example is the Me-Om program by NKLA. The NKLA Pet Adoption Center is a Best Friends Animal Society Initiative. The name stands for No-Kill Los Angeles, and their goal is to transform L.A. into a no-kill city where homeless pets will no longer be euthanized in shelters. One way to raise awareness, as well as get more kitties adopted, is their Me-Om yoga series. During yoga classes offered by the NKLA animal shelter, adoptable kittens and cats are allowed to walk around the room freely and interact with the students. To participate in a class, you’ll simply provide a small donation (according to their website, it’s just $20, as of this writing). Then, if you connect with one of the kitties, your donation will be applicable towards the adoption fee. Benefiting People and Pets Holding yoga poses, especially those tough balancing poses, can become a lot more fun when you have frisky felines trying to get your attention. This helps bring a lighthearted element to the practice, which is surprisingly beneficial. Plus, having cats around might even be what you’ve been missing if you want to learn how to focus better and stay in a challenging pose without getting distracted by what’s going on around you. Work on that drishti…or take a break in child’s pose while petting a kitten. Beyond making yoga more enjoyable for people, though, Me-Om also provides a variety of benefits to the kitties that are in search of a family who will love them forever. These classes provide much-needed socialization so that cats and kittens can feel comfortable and confident around people, and the felines also have a chance to show off just how cute and affectionate they are, thereby increasing their odds of being adopted. After all, a kitty walking around a calming yoga class will behave quite differently from one that’s stuck in a stressful cage. Are you grabbing your yoga mat yet? If you’re in the Los Angeles area, consider checking out one of NKLA’s Me-Om classes. You never know, you might just meet your new best friend while finding your zen.

Do Dogs Cry?

Have you ever seen a dog’s eyes well up with tears? Do dogs cry, and if so, can they feel emotions that can make them sad? Studies have shown that dogs do in fact experience emotions, even if it is not in quite the same way that humans do. Dogs are capable of empathy and they also experience joy, fear, disgust, and anger, though more complex emotions like guilt or shame are not within their range. If dogs can experience emotions that we consider human, what else are they capable of? One thing dog owners often find themselves asking is whether dogs cry. Keep reading to find out. Related: What Emotions Do Dogs Actually Experience? What is the Dog Equivalent of Crying? When you get sad, crying is a normal human response. While dogs do have tear ducts, they don’t typically cry in the same way that humans do – humans are the only species that produces tears in response to emotion. Just because your dog doesn’t actually shed tears when he’s sad doesn’t mean, however, that he isn’t capable of experiencing sadness. In dogs, sadness is often a reaction to a change in routine or environment – it can also be accompanied by stress or anxiety. So, how do dogs express their sadness? One of the most common ways for a dog to express sadness is through whining or whimpering. These vocalizations may also be accompanied by mopey behavior, low energy, refusing food or treats, and changes in sleep habits or behavior. In many cases, changes in behavior are the only way your dog will let you know when something is wrong so it’s important to pay attention and take notice when something seems off. Related: Do Dogs Feel Empathy? Can Crying Become a Problem Behavior? While your dog may not be able to directly communicate his needs or desires, he learns over time how to get what he wants. For many dogs, whining or whimpering is a learned behavior and, as a dog owner, you may be unwittingly encouraging it. If you respond to your dog’s whines with cooing, petting, and treats, he’s going to learn that whining him gets what he wants and he’s going to keep doing it. Depending how long it takes you to realize what’s really going on, this could become a habit that is difficult to break. The only thing you can really do is not give your dog what he wants when he is whining so he eventually learns not to do it. If your dog is whining or crying on a regular basis, you should take the time to make sure it isn’t for a good reason. While dogs have a natural instinct to hide their pain, if things get bad enough your dog might not be able to help it. If whining is accompanied by other changes in behavior, you should check for signs of illness or injury and consult your veterinarian if needed. Keep in mind that whining can also be a sign of age-related cognitive decline in older dogs, especially when it happens at night. Sometimes it can be difficult to understand a dog’s behavior, but most of the time when your dog does something there is a reason for it. If your dog is crying on a regular basis, don’t play it off as an annoying behavioral trait – take the time to look into it and make sure there’s nothing wrong under the surface.

All About Cavities in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment

Just like us, dogs can develop common tooth decay problems. Let’s talk about cavities in dogs and how to prevent your dog from getting them. You brush your teeth twice a day to prevent dental health problems like cavities. Keeping your teeth clean is an essential part of your dental hygiene and it is just as important for your dog. If you don’t brush your dog’s teeth, his risk for developing gum disease could be high and he could also be at risk for other dental problems such as cavities. How Do Dogs Get Cavities? If you take a look at your own teeth, you’ll notice that they are shaped differently from your dog’s teeth. Your teeth are wide with a concavity in the top where food can easily become trapped – this is the first step toward a cavity. Your dog’s teeth, on the other hand, are cone-shaped which makes it more difficult for food to get stuck and contribute to the development of cavities. Though cavities in dogs are rare, only affecting about 5% of dogs, it is still a serious problem that you need to be aware of. Dogs of any breed, sex, and age have the potential to develop cavities. Related: Top 10 Toys for Clean Dog Teeth Cavities in dogs are also known as caries – this is the term used to describe infected areas of tooth decay that are caused by a loss of calcium in the enamel of a tooth. Bacteria are the primary cause of cavities in dogs. When bacteria start to multiply in the mouth, they produce acids that wear away at the tooth’s enamel and cause the tooth itself to begin rotting. Some of the other causes of cavities in dogs include poor dental hygiene, diet too high in carbs, low overall health, crowded teeth, gaps between the teeth and gums, low saliva pH and worn-away enamel. What Are the Symptoms of Cavities in Dogs? The only symptoms of cavities in dogs is the visual appearance of the cavity itself. Cavities are more likely to form if your dog’s teeth are growing too close together or if he has a lot of space between the teeth and the gums at the top of each tooth. Dogs most frequently develop cavities in the maxillary first molar on both the top and bottom jaw, primarily because it has deep groves in the surface as well as pits where the bottom molar meets the adjacent top tooth. The maxillary molars are the least sharp of all your dog’s teeth and the most similar to your own teeth. Related: Pros and Cons of Pet Dental Care Products What Treatment Options Are Available? There are two types of cavities in dogs. Incipient cavities appear as a dull spot in the tooth’s enamel which signals that a cavity is about to form. A cavity that has already formed will look like a structural defect on the tooth’s surface along with an area of dark, decayed dentin just under the enamel. In diagnosing your dog’s cavity, your veterinarian will perform a dental exam and give the cavity a rating from Stage 1 to Stage 5. The treatment of cavities in dogs depends on the stage. If you catch it early enough, your vet can treat the tooth to prevent the cavity from developing. In later stages, your dog may require a more extensive procedure such as a root canal or extraction. Once you’ve had your dog treated for cavities, it is important to maintain good dental hygiene to prevent the problem from developing again. Brush your dog’s teeth after every meal and keep up with your routine veterinary visits as well.

How To Prevent Boredom While Your Cat Is Home Alone

While the human is away, the cat will play – what kind of trouble will your kitty get into? If your cat is regularly left home alone and he doesn’t have another kitty that he can play with, he can get extremely bored and lonely. And these feelings, combined with all of the pent-up energy he will have when you get home, might lead to aggressive or destructive behaviors. To fix this problem, one of the steps you can take involves finding the right toys that your cat will love. These will not only help keep his attention while you are gone but will also allow him to exercise and release some energy in a positive manner. However, you should also make sure there are other ways to keep your cat occupied while you’re away. Continue reading to learn a few tips to get started, but remember that every cat is an individual, so figuring out what your pet prefers is imperative if you want to reduce stress and come home to a happy feline. Related: What To Do If Your Cat Has Separation Anxiety Kitty TV Kitty TV can be one of two things: a great window seat to view the birds, squirrels, and people walking around outside, or your own television showing some cat-friendly videos of wildlife and other pets. If your cat enjoys sitting and watching television with you, especially when there are animals being displayed, leave it on while you aren’t home so he can catch a few minutes of an interesting show to stay occupied. You can even purchase DVDs created specifically for cats. Also, make sure there is a window or two that your kitty can sit at for hours on end. Not only will he be stimulated by the activity going on outside, but he will also be getting some warm sunshine, making it the perfect spot to nap as well. Note: If your cat doesn’t have any large windowsills to sit on, the good news is there are many window perches designed for cats that like to lounge while gazing out the window at the world outside. Wall Perches Speaking of perches, did you know that there are a lot of wall perches that are made for kitties? These can be set up anywhere in your home, and they can provide your cat with yet another way to get some much-needed exercise. Remember, being able to exercise and play while you aren’t home is important. It can help your kitty stay active, which is key, and it can also keep his mind occupied by giving something to do. There are various styles of wall perches for cats, so you can choose the ones that you like best and that you think your kitty will enjoy most. For example, some have hideaways and hammocks, while others have little ladders for your cat to climb. Being able to climb up high and along multiple levels of perches is sure to make your companion feel amazing. Safe Toys for Solo Play Many cat toys should only be used when you’re there to supervise play, as there may be dangerous parts that can be swallowed, such as strings. But some cat toys on the market are specifically designed to keep your cat occupied when you aren’t home. Catnip-filled balls and stuffed animals are great toys to leave lying around the house for your kitty to find and pounce on. But puzzle toys are also a smart choice because they will keep your pet occupied for longer periods of time as he figures out how to get the treats that are locked within them. And toys that make sounds when touched or pushed are also good options for keeping your cat from getting bored when home alone. Tip: Consider swapping out different toys that are left out every day to keep things interesting. Related: Feline Yogi’s Yoga Mat Toy Clever Hiding Spots Hiding places can be created by draping a blanket over a chair or leaving out a paper (not plastic!) bag from the supermarket. Place a toy inside the paper bag or under the chair so your cat can dive in and hunt down his “prey.” You might even try leaving a cardboard box out for your cat to find and hide in. Maybe put some toys or a soft blanket inside so he can go into his own little quiet space to play or relax while you aren’t home. In addition to using everyday items to create areas where your kitty can feel safe and secure when home alone, there are also several helpful products that you can purchase in stores. For example, a cat tree that has hideaways built in is a good way to go because it gives your cat the chance to exercise and enjoy time sitting on a high perch. Or, you might opt to get your kitty a few cat condos that you can set up around the house for him to use as he pleases. Cat Treat Hunt Leaving a few cat treats strategically hidden around the house is yet another way to keep your cat happy while he is at home on his own. As he walks around, he may catch the scent of one of his favorite treats, and finding it in a spot that he didn’t expect it to be in will be exciting and rewarding. A Play Session Before You Head Out Before leaving your cat home alone for extended periods of time, whether you’re off to a relative’s home for a day trip or you’re just heading to work, spend a few minutes playing with him to tire him out a bit. This may help prevent boredom later on, especially if he is ready to settle down and take a long nap after the exciting play session. Adopt Another Fur Baby A cat that has a fellow feline to play with and nap with may be able to avoid boredom much more easily than a kitty who is left completely alone. So, if you can open your home to another fur baby, consider doing so. With so many shelter kittens, adult cats, and seniors looking for their forever home, it’s easy to find one that will be the perfect match. And with two or more cats keeping each other company, you might not need to worry as much about boredom and the negative behaviors that can come from it. Yes, Cats Can Get Bored When Home Alone! The bottom line is this: your kitty enjoys spending time with his family, and he can get bored, or even anxious, when he’s left home alone. Whether you plan on being out of the house for many hours while you’re working or attending social events, taking a few simple steps to ensure your furry friend will remain content and calm while you’re gone is wise. And when you return home, you can spend plenty of time snuggling and enjoying each other’s company again.

Adoptable Dog of the Week – Judge

The verdict is clear: we’re all in favor of declaring this pooch guilty of cuteness! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Judge, a 2-year-old Labrador Retriever mix from Lincoln, Nebraska. This handsome boy is neutered and up to date with his shots. Judge is still learning the ropes, but he shows great promise in training- and he gets along great with cats and dogs both. Judge’s Tale Judge was rescued from a rural southern pound, and he still can’t believe his luck. Toys all around, attention and love from his fosters… If only he’d get a furever family to shower him with love, too! Sadly, as a black dog, Judge doesn’t get many people asking around for him. Which is a shame, because this Lab mix is not only a gorgeous-looking guy but a smart cookie, too. He is very motivated by treats and is learning new stuff with each day. He knows how to sit and stay (and several other commands), walks beautifully on a leash and has passed his housebreaking with flying colors. With the right person beside him, Judge could learn even more, or even compete in sports such as agility- he surely has both the brain and the energy for it! Ideally, as he still has a lot of his puppy spirit, he would go to a family that would meet his need for exercise and has a big, safely fenced yard where he could play all he wants. Judge gets along with cats and dogs, so he wouldn’t mind sharing his family with another fur baby. In fact, he’d probably love having a goofy canine companion to keep him company! He would be the best fit for an adult-only home or a family with older children, as his size and excitability are not a good mix for tiny young ones. If you think that Judge is the dog you’ve been waiting for, contact Dolly’s Legacy Animal Rescue for more information.

The Magic Is Real: Why Science Says You And Your Dog Love Each Other S

It is one hundred percent legit when people claim their dogs are like family members, and when we lose them, it feels like a loss of one too. But why is that? What is it that makes the relationship between our dogs and us so–human-like? Science says it has something to do with a well-known hormone known as the ‘love hormone’ –oxytocin– and our dogs know how to affect our oxytocin levels in positive ways. When mothers are bearing children, their bodies use the hormone oxytocin to control aspects of childbirth and lactation. Oxytocin is a chemical messenger of the brain, and is highly involved in aspects of the process of reproduction–from ‘bonding’ with a mate to the brain signaling labor and then stimulating breasts for a mother to nurse her child. Related: Oxytocin’s Role In Dog-Human Bonding May Lead To Autism Therapies Oxytocin is also responsible for bonding with people–in good and bad situations–and is often called the ‘love hormone’ because it certainly is evident in relationships, attachment, bonding and human growth and development. Science has shown over and over how oxytocin affects dogs; in both labor and delivery as well as situations where relying on their human is a necessary function. Additionally, researchers have found that dogs tend to appreciate the smiles humans have because of oxytocin. It’s powerful stuff! In humans, it’s even been found that simply petting dogs will raise oxytocin levels in humans and dogs (so when your pup comes over for a rub, give her one. She’s looking for love and you’re it!). And since oxytocin is what makes humans love each other so much, it’s no surprise that it’s also what makes us love dogs (and they love us) in very similar ways that we do humans. Sometimes more, ahem. Studies have looked at how simply interacting with your dog can increase the oxytocin level in both you and your dog–which is why you get so much pleasure and talk all that baby talk when they pull their puppy dog eyes on you. By the way, that baby talk also increases their oxytocin level, similarly to how it would with human babies, and that reinforces bonding, so goo-goo-gaga all you want. And that’s why often, our pets really do *feel* like our children. The relationships we have with them parallel parental/child relationships, and invoke hormone production of oxytocin just as a human parent/child relationship would. It’s just as important for doggie mamas to nurture their babies as it is for humans, and oxytocin plays a big part in that bonding and nurturing relationship. Oxytocin helps us respond to those we feel rely on us and depend on us–and that’s why when they sit at their bowl at dinner time, you instantly feel the tug to feed them. Moreover, when you see a stray, because oxytocin strengthens memory–good and bad–you’re more likely to feel worse and compelled to do something because of the bond you’ve already established with your own dog(s). Studies have even shown when oxytocin isn’t present, mice mamas didn’t respond to their babies, but female mice who were not responsive to baby mice because they were not mothers *did* respond once they’d been injected with oxytocin. Yes, it’s the love hormone, but at a basic level, it’s a parental hormone. Related: Is Losing Your Pet Harder Than Losing A Person? Which is why someone tells you that, “It’s just a dog,” they’re basically ignorant of the science that says, “Yeah, but to me, she’s family.” Studies have shown that losing a pet is a traumatic event, one that typically processes better if one acknowledges, honors and even treats that grief as the life-impacting even that it is. Psychologists repeatedly emphasize that the loss of a pet is difficult for so many reasons similar to losing a human loved one, and that’s because the relationship is real. The relationship is real, the love is real and the loss is real. So the next time someone acts like you’re cray-cray because you’ve bought your dogs Valentine’s Day gifts, tell them to check out the science…and leave you and your dog to love each other as you always have!

Dog Daycare or Dog Walker: Which One Should You Choose?

Does it make more sense to hire a dog walker or put your pup in doggy daycare? Here are some questions to ask before you choose. If you’re going to be spending a substantial chunk of your day out of the house, it’s natural that you don’t want your precious pooch to be alone for this time. However, you have a choice ahead of you: should you send your pup to doggie daycare or should you have a dog walker come to your home to spend time with Fido? The choice is a personal one, and really depends on the needs and circumstances of you and your dog. Ask yourself a few questions to figure out which option suits you best. How Long Are You Out of the House? We all know about dog years, but what about dog hours?! If you work a 9 to 5 job (or an equivalent amount of hours, anyway), this is a long stretch of time for your dog. He’s likely to become bored and lonely, which isn’t fair on him. In this case, it might be best for him to go into a dog daycare, where he’ll have constant human supervision and canine friends to romp with all day long. If you’re only out for 4 or 5 hours a day, having a dog walker come for an hour or so in the middle of this time would probably suffice. Then your faithful hound will only have to be by himself for a couple of hours in a row. Does Your Pup Get On With Other Dogs? This is the main factor that would prevent daycare from being suitable for your dog. If he’s reactive or has any aggressive tendencies toward other dogs, then daycare probably isn’t the right environment for him. Even a friendly dog who’s extremely boisterous or doesn’t have good social skills might not be right for daycare. Sometimes dogs have the best intentions, but end up annoying other canines with their goofy ways. A good doggie daycare facility should carry out an assessment and a trial session before allowing your dog to come for a full day, so you could always see how he gets on. If he’s deemed to be unsuitable, don’t worry, he might be better off in the company of a dog walker. Is Your Dog Nervous? Dogs will be dogs and they often like to play rough and generally goof off. Therefore, if you have a dog with a nervous disposition, he might feel overwhelmed in this kind of environment. Most daycares separate dogs by size and age, so if – for instance – you have a small pooch who’s scared of bigger dogs, this shouldn’t be a problem. However, if your pup is generally nervous, it’s likely that he won’t enjoy a daycare environment. In this case, it could be best that he stays in the comfort of his own home and has a dog walker come to exercise him and give him some love, instead. Does Your Dog Cause Problems When Left Alone? Some dogs have a hard time being left home alone, whereas others are happy to snooze away until you return. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, you may notice that he destroys your belongings, constantly barks and howls, or urinates or defecates while you’re out. While it’s a pain for you, it may also annoy your neighbors and is clearly making your dog unhappy. This kind of dog would probably benefit from spending time in daycare so that he doesn’t get anxious and upset when you’re not in. However, a dog who is perfectly content being alone should be fine with a visit from a dog walker part way through the day.

Survey Says Most People Prefer To Snuggle Their Pets Over Their Partne

A new survey from PetFirst has found that 71% of pet owners would prefer snuggling with their pets over their human partners. Might make Valentine’s Day a bit awkward, don’t you think? It’s no surprise that many humans prefer their pets over interactions with humans, but what may be surprising is that a new survey suggests that nearly 2/3rds of all pet owners would prefer to snuggle with their pets than their human partners. PetFirst Pet Insurance surveyed their policy-holders in January and found that overwhelmingly, pet owners preferred snuggling with their pets. About 10% of their respondents said they’d prefer their pets, but sadly for humans, 19% found the choice too hard to make and couldn’t decide. Related: Sleeping With Pets May Benefit Chronic Pain Sufferers When looking at why, the survey found that 95% of the surveyed said that it was their pet, rather than their human significant other, that they could count on to welcome them through the door with a big sloppy kiss. Or open belly waiting for rubs–same difference.

Peekapoo

Peekapoo Basics Whether he’s on your lap or chasing squirrels, the Peekapoo is a delightful designer dog that’s suitable for a wide range of households. Loyal and affectionate, this breed is attached to his family – so much so that he may be quite protective of you in certain circumstances. Naturally, due to their petite size, they don’t make good guard dogs- but their tendency to act like one will definitely amuse you to no end! As their name suggests, Peekapoo is a mixed breed dog whose parents are a purebred Pekingese and a purebred Toy or Miniature Poodle. Both his mom and dad have a lot of impressive traits, and their offspring will inherit a good portion of them- if not all. A wonderful companion to those who have mild allergies, the Peekapoo is a true “Doodle” dog, which means he has a low- to non-shedding coat that won’t set you off into sneezes. But that’s not the only reason why the Peekapoo makes a great pet. Low-maintenance when it comes to their activity and grooming needs, and with a friendly, sweet temperament, the Peekapoo has a lot to offer to many pet owners. Seniors and retirees, as well as singles, will find this designer dog a perfect companion, but families with older children might also enjoy the Peekapoo’s goofy antics and eagerness to please. Whether he’s on your lap or chasing squirrels, the Peekapoo is a delightful designer dog that’s suitable for a wide range of households. Origin Developed in the 1950s in the United States, the Peekapoo is one of the oldest designer dog breeds. In fact, these hybrids had their start even before the term designer dogs was coined in the first place- and their long history is just a testament to their many qualities. Bred to be a low-shedding, hypoallergenic companion dog, the Peekapoo gained popularity by the early 1960s and is still a popular breed today. Pedigree

Top 10 Ginger Dog Breeds

Gingers sometimes get the raw end of the deal. Why is that? Because we’re kinda keen on these orange-hued pooches – aren’t they handsome?! The word “ginger” means something different to each of us. For the health-conscious, it’s likely fresh ginger root while for those who are fans of old movies it may be Ginger Rogers. If you love classic TV sit-coms you may be thinking of the aptly-named redhead from Gilligan’s Island, while for monarchists it is, of course, Prince Harry. So, it should come as no surprise that with dog breeds, it’s no different. There is a wide range of opinions as to what this zesty color palette refers to. Is it a bright, peachy-orange coat, perhaps one with a warmer golden hue or maybe a deeper, rusty tone? At the end of the day, its all in the eye of the beholder and whatever you envision when you put the words “dog” and “ginger” together, you’re right. While not all breeds have that full-flame ginger coat, you might be surprised at the number that have worked a snappy shot of it into their color mix. So, let’s check out the top 10 breeds that we think are, well, peachy keen:

Top 10 Best Water Dog Breeds

Are you looking for a natural born swimmer? If you want a pooch who loves to splash around in the pool, check out our list of water dog breeds! You’re standing at the edge of a lake and decide to throw a stick into the water for your pooch to fetch. Which breeds are splashing down before the target hits the water and which are sneaking back to the car with their tail between their legs? Some dog breeds just can’t get enough of the wet stuff while others are born landlubbers who prefer nothing more than the dry warmth of terra firma. These water breeds below love the water. Why do dogs like the water? Many dogs love to swim. Seriously, think of the term ‘Doggie Paddle’ and wonder where that came from for a minute. The majority of dogs who love to swim do so for a couple of different reasons. One is that a dog’s body is often built to swim. The way their body weight is distributed along with their (sometimes) webbed paws and natural instincts makes them great swimmers. Their tails act like a great rudder to steer them along and their water-resistant coats mean that they stay warm and dry quickly no matter the water they go in. Additionally, dogs with longer legs love swimming because –well, they have the legs that are built for it. Long, lean kicks and movements in the water help keep them afloat and when you combine that with their desire to do smart things for their owners (like hunt and point)? Many dogs just love the water because it allows them to please their owners. Additionally, introducing dogs early on can make them love the water. You shouldn’t ever make your fearful dog get into water if they don’t want to, but take the time to train them and even use life jackets if need be if you’re not 100% sure they’re good. Even though they may be a water breed, they still have normal tendencies that play into their behaviors; be cognizant of that. Now, If you want to go for a dip, here is our Top 10 list of best water dog breeds. Newfoundland

Adoptable Pet of the Week – Dazzler

Popular Pet Guide

What Is Better for Dog Arthritis, Heat or Cold?

Popular Article

Private Airline Lets You Fly With Your Dog (or Cat) for Around $9K

Adoptable Pet of the Week – Dazzler

Popular Pet Guide

Popular Article

Related articles