Best Dog Food

Best Dehydrated Dog Food

Do you want your dog to experience all of the benefits of the raw diet but are concerned about bacteria in raw meat? Dehydrated dog food is a perfect compromise, as it offers the same benefits as raw diets without the risk of illnesses caused by harmful pathogens. Minimally processed, dehydrated dog food is suitable for dogs of all life stages and has an enticing flavor and a nutrient-dense profile, meaning your dog gets the most nutrients out of every bite. Dehydrated dog foods combine the convenience of kibble with the nutritional profile of a raw diet into shelf stable and easy-to-make complete and balanced meals for your pooch.Dehydrated dog food products are becoming increasingly popular, and there are many different brands you can choose from. However, choosing the best dehydrated dog food for your pooch is hard, especially if you aren’t familiar with the nutritional profile of these foods and the way they are made. If you’re unsure what to look for in dehydrated dog food, we are here to help! We handpicked the 10 best dehydrated dog foods on the market that are suitable for dogs of all life stages, including puppies, adults and seniors, and pooches with allergies, sensitive stomachs, and skin and coat issues.

How To Choose the Best Dog Food For Your Dog

5 Steps on How to Pick the Best Dog FoodPicking the best dog food for your pup is no easy choice. There are so many different brands out there. How do you know which one will be the best for your dog?Just like people, every dog is unique. Some foods work well for your dogs, while others won’t agree with her tummy. And because you’re in charge of keeping her healthy, it’s up to you to get all the information you can about what goes into her bowl. Let’s go over a few tips to keep in mind when choosing the best dog food for your dog.Because you’re in charge of keeping her healthy, it’s up to you to get all the information you can about what goes into her bowl.Step One: Know Your Dog’s Needs and Preferences Know your dog. This one’s easy! Is your dog a small or large breed? How old is she? Is she active or does she like to lounge around on the couch all day? These are criteria that will affect the food you give your dog. For example, smaller breeds will need smaller kibble, as they could choke on larger bits of food. Or perhaps your dog has health issues that you need to address. Allergies, such as wheat and gluten, mean that you need to watch your dog’s diet carefully.Step Two: Read the LabelsYou read the nutritional labels on your food before you buy it – you should do the same with your dog’s food. Look at the list of ingredients carefully, especially the first five. These first five should start with high-quality protein or meat. The FDA requires dog food companies to list the ingredients in order of weight. The first ingredients are going to be those that are present in your dog’s food in the largest amount. The number of protein sources listed will depend on the food recipe. While many dog foods will offer multiple protein sources, limited ingredient diets are formulated based on fewer ingredients to reduce the risk of food allergies. Stay away from foods that list ingredients such as corn, rice, or wheat in the top five. Other ingredients that you may see in the top 5 that indicate a high-quality food include beneficial carbohydrates (barley, oats, brown rice) and healthy fats (fish oils, flaxseed, sunflower oils). You can also watch for vegetables packed with key vitamins and minerals. These ingredients add to the quality of your dog’s food and aren’t just fillers. Step Three: The Guaranteed Analysis StatementEvery dog food you buy will have this statement, which offers detailed info on ingredients and their percentages. These accurate details will pinpoint the nutritional ingredient value of the dog food. The Guaranteed Analysis Statement also offers the minimum guarantees for protein and fat and maximum guarantees for moisture and fiber.Step Four: The Category of Dog FoodWhere are you buying your dog’s food? This can say a lot about the quality of the food itself. Basically, there are three categories of dog food: grocery store food, premium food, and health food. Grocery store food can be found at grocery and big box stores and is typically made with lower-quality ingredients. These brands are usually cheaper and will not give your dog the most nutrient-dense ingredients. Premium food can be found in pet stores and veterinarian offices and features higher-grade ingredients, while Health foods provide dogs with the highest quality and most nutritious ingredients.Step Five: Don’t Be Afraid to ExperimentSometimes you’ll have to try a few to find the right one. Keep a journal and record your dog’s reaction to each of the different dog foods. You should introduce a new dog food to her diet slowly – only feed one particular dog food at a time and slowly increase the amount of new food given to avoid diarrhea and vomiting. Be on the lookout for coat appearance and stool consistency. As well, a good indicator of a food preference is an empty bowl – if your dog really likes a certain food, you’ll be able to see the bottom of the bowl.Don’t Be Fooled by Prices and Marketing Gimmicks It’s important to note that price isn’t always an indicator of the best dog food. Of course, dog foods that contain higher quality ingredients will most likely be costlier, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right one for your dog. There is a lot of mixed information available about what your dog needs in terms of proper nutrition. The problem is that a lot of the labels and marketing pushes aren’t regulated, which can create confusion for the average dog owner trying to navigate the options available. While we all try to make the best choices for our dogs, those that fall for these marketing gimmicks may be making a passionate choice based on smoke and mirrors. Dog foods that are labeled as ‘All-Natural’ are free from artificial ingredients, animal by-products, or synthetic chemicals. But another popular label often seen on dog food is simply ‘Natural’. This small change carries a major impact. There is no legal or regulated definition of ‘Natural’ in the dog food industry, so it can be used freely by any company that chooses to. Another popular term used to market dog food that has no real concrete meaning is ‘Holistic’. While products with this label often make claims to offer health benefits, there is no regulation as to when a dog food can make this claim. The label ‘Organic’ is strictly regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Any dog foods that are labeled in this way must meet the same strict requirements laid out by the USDA for the use of the label on human foods. This includes rules regarding how the ingredients are grown, harvested, and processed for use in the food. These foods are free from the use of bioengineering, synthetic fertilizers, antibiotics, and growth hormones.  Any dog food that meets these requirements will be labeled with the USDA Organic Seal. Going back to the discussion of price, dog food brands that use labels like ‘Natural’ and ‘Holistic’ will often charge premium pricing for the benefits that they claim to offer. Unfortunately, the lack of regulation for these terms means that there is no guarantee that you are receiving any benefit for this added cost. When searching for food with a specific benefit, try to find foods that have high-quality studies and research publicly available. If you’re unsure of where to start, ask your veterinarian for some guidance. What do you think the best dog food is? Please share your picks and preferences in the comments section below.

Best Canned Dog Foods

Today’s pet food market is vast, with more offerings regularly coming out. You may be overwhelmed when it comes to choosing the best canned dog foods. You want to find something your dog will enjoy eating, but will also benefit from in health and nutrition. But that’s why we’re here! We’ve scoured ingredients and labels, as well as reviewed and tested tons of wet dog foods in search of what you might need for your furry friend. Not every dog parent will have the same needs when it comes to finding the best canned dog foods. Some are looking for specifics due to an age or stage in life. Others may need to pay attention to diet restrictions or weight management as well. Others still may want something delicious and budget-friendly, and we’ve done all the work for you to find the best canned dog foods for your pups. Why Look For The Best Canned Dog Foods? Did you know that from a nutrition standpoint, water is even more critical to a dog’s diet than what ingredients are in his dog food? It’s true. Dogs naturally lose water all day long–they sweat through their paws and lose water as they pant. When they do their business, whether it’s the tinkle or the poop, they lose water. Generally, experts suggest about an ounce of water a day for every pound your dog weighs. That means that your 50-pound Lab mix ought to get at least 50 ounces of water a day. That’s almost a liter and a half of water (think of soda bottles) and without enough water, dogs can get very sick and die. Canned/wet dog foods help replace and maintain water in your dog’s diet. Particularly useful if your dog doesn’t seem to drink as much as he or she should (and you really should keep track of how much a day they drink), canned dog foods are a great way to keep your dog hydrated. And, because canned dog foods have a high water content, dogs can eat more substantial portions with fewer calories. This will leave them feeling more satiated than if they were to just to eat dry kibble and can help with weight management as well. Picky, Picky, Picky: Canned Dog Foods To The Rescue And, if you have a picky dog, you know that canned dog foods can be miracles in that they can be used as toppers with dry foods. In our house, we call the canned dog food toppers ‘sprinkles,’ and our dogs love them. Canned dog foods as toppers are great because they can help break the humdrum of the same daily kibble up in ways that are easy to vary and delicious for your dog. Plus, if you have multiple dogs with multiple dietary needs, you can easily meet each need with specifically targeted canned foods. Picky dogs prefer canned dog foods too simply because they smell better. If your dog is picky, an enticing smell may encourage eating, and if you have older dogs who may not have keen senses of smell any more, canned dog foods may encourage them to eat too. What To Look For In The Best Canned Dog Foods When you’re looking for the best canned dry dog foods, you need to become a label investigator. Not every canned dog food is created equal, and you don’t want to waste hard-earned money feeding your dog something that doesn’t have good nutritional content or value. Worse, you don’t want to feed them things that aren’t good for them, as we want them to be with us as long as they can be. Look for canned dog foods that have meat as one of the first and main ingredients. Look for real meat–those that have real meat as a primary/first ingredient will most likely offer your dog the right amounts of lean protein they need for fitness and health, as well as energy and strength. When looking at the labels, try to stay away from anonymous meat ingredients and generic animal fats. Good canned dog foods don’t have to use them, and your dogs won’t really benefit in the long run if you’re not sure about the transparency. As well, you want to pay attention to the fat-to-protein ratio and the carbohydrate content. A moderate fat-to-protein ratio is desirable and carbohydrate content should be modest. And while many fear grain-free diets these days, experts say that there’s simply not enough evidence to support that grain-free diets are harmful to dogs, so don’t shy away from a good canned dog food simply because it isn’t grain-free. That said, there are plenty of offerings on the market now for grain-free, so there really is a canned dog food for every pet parent. Also, watch out for coloring agents and chemical preservatives. To a degree, canned dog foods need preservatives to make them shelf-stable, but they certainly don’t *need* high-risk coloring chemicals, nor do they need preservatives that researchers are finding could cause cancer. While it is dog food you’re considering, it’s for your best friend, so if you don’t feel safe with the ingredient for your family member, it’s most likely not great for your furry ones either. Last, look for what you need in a canned dog food for your dog’s specific needs. If you have a puppy, many canned puppy foods will have DHA supplementation for the healthy development of eyes and puppy brain, while canned dog foods for senior dogs often contain glucosamine or CoQ-10 to help those old bones and joints. You can find canned dog foods that have probiotics in them if you’re looking to bulk up robust immune systems, and there are some companies who cater to specific sensitivities and allergies in their canned dog foods too. To Store Or Not To Store–How Is The Question? Storing canned dog foods obviously is different than how one would with dry kibble. If you have medium-to-bigger sized dogs, you most likely will go through a can or two (or more) each feeding and you may not need to store them. But, if you have a smaller dog, or you use canned dog foods as toppers, you want to be careful about a few things for protection against bacteria. You can freeze canned dog food, in a freezer-safe bag for typically up to six months. When you do so, you’ll want to serve in portion sizes, so that you can take it out of the freezer and thaw it to room temperature before you serve it to your dog. Some pet parents even warm canned dog food up, and this is okay to do but obviously do so in a warming-approved dish (never use the can as a container if warming food up). After a can has been opened, however, if you don’t freeze extra, you can typically store it in the refrigerator for about seven days. Most dog food manufacturers advise against keeping it in the fridge for any longer than that due to the risk of bacterial contamination. It’s okay to store it in the can it came in–there are nifty little covers for doing so–but honestly, experts advise that if you have leftover food in the cans, you should transfer to a refrigerator-safe dish until the next use. And, once the canned dog food has been served to your dog, it’s important not to let it sit out for more than about four hours. Just like our food, it is subject to spoiling and contamination if left out for longer, and so when feeding picky dogs, you may just want to dish out small portions at a time so you don’t waste any. Always wash your dog’s food bowl after serving canned dog food with hot soapy water to be sure there are no wet tidbits left that can become contaminated and make your dog sick. But Won’t It Rot Their Teeth? That seems to be the question that pet parents ask all the time; won’t wet food rot their teeth? There seems to be the myth that dry kibble tends to be the best food for a dog’s teeth because it will help keep tartar from building up on their teeth. But think about this–do you think it’s better to brush your teeth with Oreo cookies or an organic superfood smoothie? While that’s not exactly comparing apples to apples, it’s somewhat archaic thinking when we assume that dry kibble is better for the dental health of a dog’s mouth and teeth. The reality is that proper dental care can come from good habits like chewing on dental toys/bones and brushing your dog’s teeth. Dry kibble can sit on a dog’s teeth just as easily (and get smeared across) as wet food can, and since the water content of a canned dog food is so much higher, your dog has a better chance of dissolving more wet food and removing from their teeth with saliva and swallowing than they do with dry. Best Canned Dog Foods For Every Dog Parent We looked at ingredients and reviewed several different canned dog foods to find the best canned dog foods we could. We spoke with experts about what makes the best canned dog foods, and we looked at the ingredients, flavors and options for different ages and stages of dogs. We also talked to dog parents from all over and got their picks, as well as high Amazon reviews and have compiled the only list you’ll really need! 1. Vet Pick: Hills Science Diet Wet Dog Food

Choose High-Quality Nutrition for Your Dog With Rachael Ray Nutrish

As pet parents, we’re always on the search for the perfect food for our canine companions. This includes choosing food that supports their nutritional needs and offers a delicious taste they can’t resist. There are many different dog foods to choose from, but we prefer to feed a high-quality natural dog food free from unnecessary fillers and additives. That’s why we love Rachael Ray Nutrish’s Whole Health Blend.

Best Dog Multivitamin for Seniors

As dogs age, they go through many internal and external changes. Some changes, like weight gain, graying hair, and slowing down, are easier to spot than decreased immune function and a slower metabolism. By the time your pooch becomes a senior, they’ll have a set of new nutritional needs. Transitioning your dog to a senior dog food and including multivitamin supplements in their regime is a great way to minimize the effects of aging and ensure your four-legged bestie gets the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Multivitamins for senior dogs are essential for healthy aging and are formulated to enhance the quality of your dog’s life. Designed to be taken daily, a dog multivitamin for seniors contains different essential nutrients to support all areas of a dog’s health, from antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, to glucosamine and other beneficial nutrients. But with so many different multivitamins for senior dogs to choose from, picking the best one for your pup can feel like an impossible feat! To help you buy the best dog multivitamin for seniors, we’ve researched and considered a variety of different formulas. From soft chews and chewable tablets to liquid and those in powder form, we’ve selected the best multivitamins for seniors of all breeds and sizes.

Smart Pet Travel Over the Holidays With PetSmart

Don’t make holiday travel with your pet stressful. PetSmart has everything you need for a road trip with your pet or if you need a trusted sitter while you’re away. The holidays are all about spending time with your loved ones. And because your pets are a part of your family, you might not be thrilled with the idea of leaving them behind when you need to travel. But don’t worry; PetSmart has all of your holiday pet travel needs taken care of. The five travel products below will help make any road trip or flight a lot smoother for you and your furry travel buddy. Kurgo Pet First Aid Kit

#PuppyBra: Instagram Models Go Topless For A Good Cause

Mowgli Rescue’s new social media campaign, features Instagram models who switched their lingerie for pooches, and all for a good cause! Instagram celebrities garner a lot of attention, but not all of it is positive. They often get a bad rap, for not being good role models to younger generations, and are portrayed as superficial and self-obsessed, traits commonly attributed to all millennials. But, is all that negative feedback justified? Stephanie Kay Meyer, a former model, animal rights activist and the founder of Mowgli Rescue doesn’t seem to think so. Her non-profit organization, which was founded in 2016, wouldn’t be where it is today without the support of young adults in her community. “[…] It has been really cool to watch how optimizing our social media platforms have carried the entire organization’s efforts. About 80% of my fosters, adopters, supporting brands, and opportunities come through Gen-Y reaching out and wanting to be involved through Instagram. And that is what Mowgli Rescue is really about – promoting the importance of animal welfare and rescuing animals to the next generation of pet owners, policy makers, and leaders.”, Meyer says. Mowgli Rescue aims to educate millennials about animal welfare and encourage them to promote it themselves, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that this social-media-driven campaign speaks most to Generation-Y. Meyer teamed up with photographer Frankie Mark (published in Vogue Italia and C-Heads Magazine) and model Destiny DeLisio, co-founder of Models of Compassion, to help spread the word about adorable dog rescues. Over 30 Instagram models participated in the campaign, posing topless with puppies that, as the name suggests, doubled as bras. Meyer created this campaign to shed some light on the problem of homeless dogs, and dispel stereotypes that surround social media celebrities: “[…] I thought this is the perfect opportunity to show how these young women can still be fun and flirty, while also promoting positivity at the same time.” You can check out the campaign on Instagram, or have a peek at the behind the scenes video of the photoshoot here!

Study: Dogs Lick Their Mouth in Response to Angry Human Faces

If you believe your pooch doesn’t understand you, think again! A new study indicates that dogs can interpret our body language, and lick their lips when they see an angry human face. Every dog owner knows how attuned canine can be to our emotions. When we’re sad, they’ll come and cuddle, make guilty faces when they sense we’re irritated, and come to play when we’re a good mood. But, how do they do it? Is it a matter of instinct, something they learn along the way, or are they some kinds of four-legged wizards? The answer is simple: they are reading our body language. As dogs primarily use their noses to explore, it’s often believed that they rely on their sense of smell for getting a better understanding of the world around them. However, when it comes to getting a sense of their owners, it seems canines respond to visual cues more. Animal behavior researchers in the United Kingdom and Brazil examined the reaction of dogs who were exposed simultaneously to visual expressions and audio cues of both other canines and humans. They focused on the mouth-licking behavior and found that it occurs most commonly when dogs were shown a picture of an angry human face. Lead author of the paper, Natalia Albuquerque from the University of Sao Paulo, said: “Mouth-licking was triggered by visual cues only (facial expressions). There was also a species effect, with dogs mouth-licking more often when looking at humans than at other dogs. Most importantly, the findings indicate that this behavior is linked to the animals’ perception of negative emotions.” The study, published in the scientific journal Behavioural Processes, suggests that dogs have a functional understanding of emotional information, and that exploring this matter further may help us finally figure out what our four-legged best friends are trying to tell us.

Comfort Dogs Are Changing Lives of Ugandan War Survivors

After 25 years of war that ravaged their country, citizens of Northern Uganda are left struggling to overcome traumas the conflict caused. Now, they have found unlikely allies that are helping them heal–rescue dogs. The war between the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and the Ugandan government didn’t just lead to the collapse of the national economy and stumped the country’s progress. It ruined countless lives. Over two decades, Ugandans have suffered through unimaginable tragedies that left many scars, most of which can’t be seen with a naked eye. It is estimated that 7 out of 10 Ugandans have some form of the post-traumatic syndrome. Suicide and substance abuse rates are skyrocketing, and the much-needed help for the survivors of the war is still missing. That is, until The Comfort Dog Project came to be. The people behind the organization recognized the profound effect canines have on people, particularly those affected by trauma, which led to creating a program that promotes the human-animal bond as a therapeutic aid to war trauma survivors. Dog owners all over the world know that four-legged companions have the power to transform lives. For decades, therapy and service dogs provide invaluable help in assisting people with disabilities lead wholesome lives. Unfortunately, in Uganda, dogs don’t enjoy the same status they do in the Western world. Here, canines are to be distrusted, as they’re most often used as guard animals rather than pets, which is why The Comfort Dog Project is quite unconventional for the region. The program rehabilitates stray dogs, spays and neuters them, and place them with one of the war survivors that were selected for participation in the project. The guardians commit to caring for their canine companions throughout their life, and receive free weekly training sessions that educate on the importance positive reinforcement techniques. In the two years that the project is running, it has already made significant advances. The stray dogs they were able to rehabilitate got a second chance at a happy life and now help their human companions get the same opportunity. Each team that graduated from the program pays it forward, as well, as they visit schools and villages across the country, educating their fellow men on the importance of being kind to animals and serving as an example of how it looks when that kindness is repaid. No one can deny that the road to healing is a long one, but it seems that Ugandans and their canines are heading in the right way. To find out more about the project and hear moving stories of people whose lives it changed, visit The Comfort Dog Project Facebook page. If you want to support the project with a donation, you can do so here.

5 Apartment Hunting Tips for Pet Parents

Looking for a place to live with that allows pets can be tough. For better luck landing an apartment for you and your pet, follow these five tips on being the perfect renter. When I moved into my first place, there was no question that my dog would be coming with me. She was a medium-sized poodle, and she was my best friend. I sat down with the classified ads and began to make a list of places that I could afford – and as a student, that was not a long list. As I began to call potential landlords, a familiar pattern emerged. The conversation went along well enough, until I told them I had a dog – you’d think I was a telemarketer calling at dinner, the times I got hung on! Finding a place to live with a dog was proving to be a near impossible task. Related: 7 Verified Tips for Landlords Renting to Pet Parents That’s when I altered my approach. I called up potential landlords and told them I had a small, well trained, non-shedding dog. At least this time they didn’t hang up on me! I went into detail of our routine each day, and the training that I had done with my dog. Upon demonstrating that I was a responsible owner, I was able to prove that I could also be a good tenant. Here are a few tips I learned from being a tenant in the apartment hunting game: Present your best self. In order to find the best tenants, landlords have a big job of weeding people out. That means from the very first contact they have with you they will be assessing you, and your pet as potential tenants. First impressions are everything.Skip the big guys. Big leasing companies have policies that are already set. Smaller landlords have the flexibility to bend the rules if they want to. If they like you, they’ll be more willing to give you the key. (See Number 1!) Related: 5 Important Tips On Dog Proofing Your Balcony Have references for your pet. These may include references from your current neighbors who can attest to your dog being a good neighbour, as well as your doggie daycare or your veterinarian. Be sure to include the fact that your pet is up to date on their shots. Bonus for including any training you have completed together.Arrange a meeting. Offer to arrange a meeting with your landlord to meet your pet. Some landlords may not have time for this, but if they do, ensure your pet is well groomed and on their best behavior.Money talks. Offer to include an extra damage deposit for your pet. Many municipalities already have legislation outlining how much a landlord can charge. Offering to pay a damage deposit helps show your landlord that you are a responsible tenant. As pet owners, we understand that our pets are our families. Landlords may not understand the special bond you have with your pet, and that’s okay. It’s up to you to show them that you are responsible pet owner. You are an ideal tenant because you take care of your responsibilities; this includes taking care of your rental home.

Upside Down Dog Of The Week – Kiaya

Say hello to Kiaya, our Upside Down Dog of the Week from Upsidedowndogs.com. Here’s what her owner, Aurelia, has to say about her: “This is Kiaya, my 9 year old female German Shorthaired Pointer. We live in Pullman, WA in the attic of a house built in the late 1800s. It gets pretty hot here in the summer and almost as hot in the apartment! Today was 100 degrees outside and Kiaya was miserable… Until I put her cool coat on. This is the happy result.” Congrats to our winner, Kiaya! Check back next week for another hilarious Upside Down Dog.

Top 10 Purrfect Gifts For Cat Lovers

What do you get your crazy cat lovin’ friend for the holidays? Well, take a look at our Top 10 Gifts for Cat lovers and take your pick!

Best Spectacular Stocking Stuffers for Dogs

When you hang your stockings on the fireplace mantle this Christmas Eve, don’t forget to fill one for your furry friend. Here are a few of our favorite stocking stuffers your dog will love.

Top 10 Cool Finds From SuperZoo 2013 – Part 2

Oxytocin’s Role In Dog-Human Bonding May Lead To Autism Therapies

Swedish researchers believe the genetic foundation for social actions in dogs is similar to that of humans, thanks to the “love hormone.” Swedish researchers fromm Linkoping University in Sweden believe that there is a common genetic link or social behavior in dogs that humans have figured out and has helped lead to the domestication of dogs, focusing on the relationship that oxytocin plays in such behaviors. Oxytocin is also known as the ‘love hormone’ and Professor Per Jensen, who coordinates the GENEWELL project, said his team looked at stress responses in dogs, particularly looking at oxytocin’s relationship and how it affects the bond between humans and dogs. Related: Therapy Dogs Help Children With Autism More Than We Thought Professor Jensen said that oxytocin plays an important role in contact between dogs and their owners, and they came to this conclusion using saltwater and oxytocin sprays. The researchers sprayed one or the other on the dogs’ noses and then watched as they approached different tasks. Many of the dogs who were sprayed with oxytocin looked to their owners to help them if a task was too difficult, and many quicker than the dogs who just received sprays with saltwater, though the time it took for dogs to look for help was still inconsistent in the oxytocin-sprayed dogs. The researchers saw that some dogs, all of whom who had a particular brain receptor, were strong responders to the oxytocin spray. They were the ones who looked to their owners quickly for help, compared to the other dogs. For oxytocin to work, the brain must allow it to attach to a receptor. Dogs have different types of oxytocin receptors based on their genes. In other research that has been done on wolves, the wolves almost never turned to any human to help, regardless of task complexity. When researchers looked at the DNA samples of the wolves, they found some of variants of the oxytocin receptors that dogs are known to possess. This makes the researchers believe that wolves who possess these types of oxytocin receptors may lead them to be more engaging with humans, and therefore more easily domesticated in past time. While it may not be the reason that wolves first became domesticated, the researchers believe that it could have been a contributing factor. Once the researchers discovered the receptor gene connection, they analyzed the dogs’ genomes. They found five that were most stronly associated with a dog’s behavior to seek help. Professor Jensen says that in humans, these genes are also associated with schizophrenia, autism and ADHD. He believes that this knowledge may lead to using dogs to help study social disorders in humans. Related: Study: Therapy Dogs Help ASD Children Improve Social Skills It’s already thought that giving oxytocin to people with social disorders can have therapeutic effect. For instance, oxytocin increases lead to a greater chance that a dog (or person) will look someone in the eyes, which is often an uncommon trait in those with autism. Dopamine also has a correlational effect as part of the reward system in the brain and researchers believe that together, those two chemicals help encourage social and cooperative behavior traits. An EU-funded genetic project, BIOSOCIOCOG, is using this information to see whether drugs for social disorders should look at using both dopamine and oxytocin now, in order to develop new and effective treatment methods.

How To Clean A Stinky Dog Collar in 8 Simple Steps

What’s that smell? It’s not dog breath – it’s coming from his collar! We often forget that collars need to be washed to help keep our pooches smelling fresh. Wow! That stinks! How many times has this been your reaction when you smell a strong odor coming from your dog’s collar? This is a common situation that many dog owners often solve by purchasing a new collar. Save your money! The good news is you can easily clean his collar and have it smelling fresh quickly. Whether it’s an already made product or a homemade recipe, you can have that collar going from staaaannnky to stupendous in no time. Why Does My Dog’s Collar Stink? Let’s just face it. Our dogs like being dirty. And that means their collars get dirty too. Obviously–if you know your dog’s been sprayed by a skunk or been rolling around in the local deer poo–you have a pretty good idea of why his neck makes you want to gag. But the reality is that collars are often the least-considered aspect of keeping our dogs groomed and we forget that dirt, mold, bacteria, parasites and a whole host of other ickies like to hang out in our dogs’ collars. Many collars have fibers that hold on to those germies, and then when you mixe that with your dog’s body oils, dirt on fir and even sweat and skin smell? A collar can reek. And it really makes no difference what the collar material is, honestly. Leather, polyester, nylon…they all get dirty and they all need to be cleaned properly (and regularly) to help ward off infection as well as stinky dog smell. How To Clean Synthetic Dog Collars Doing this is probably easier than you may have thought. Every time you clean or bathe your dog, do so for his collar. If you bathe or groom at home, you can use that same dog shampoo you’re using on Fido on most synthetic collars. If there are some stains, you can use an old tooth-brush or soft-bristled brush to get into the nooks and crannies of the collar. Be sure to use hot water for best bacterial cleaning and then hang by the buckle until it’s totally dry. You don’t necessarily want to put it back on your dog until it is (prevents yeast issues), so be sure you have a backup collar for your dog while you’re cleaning it. You don’t want him to run off with no ID! Related: 4 DIY Homemade Cleaners That Are Safe For Dogs What To Do If Your Dog’s Collar Is Badly Stained? Some pet parents like to use vinegar and baking soda on really stained collars. It’s a safe, non-toxic way to get stains (and smells) out, and you can make a solution of this and let a synthetic collar soak (or be brushed) to get the collar clean. You’ll want to rinse with hot water again, and let it fully dry by hanging. This is only for synthetic or cloth collars; leather collars need different care. How To Clean A Leather Dog Collar If your dog’s leather collar just needs some spot cleaning, you can still use a vinegar/baking soda mix and a toothbrush to gently spot clean where it’s needed. You’ll want to rinse gently (but not submerge for extended time) and you’ll want to completely dry it out when you’re done. Leather conditioner after is always a wise move and way to preserve the collar. If your dog’s leather collar needs more cleaning than just spot cleaning, you can buy a leather cleaner to do the job. If in a pinche because poochy got into something raunchy and rolled everywhere, you can use a gentle dog soap or mild cleaner and warm water, but you’ll want to be sure to let it dry fully and condition after if you can so you preserve the integrity of the leather. Easy DIY Recipe For Cleaning Dog Collars If you’re looking for an all-purpose solution for regular collar cleaning, this little diddy takes about 10-15 minutes from start to finish and keeps your dog’s collar clean and stink-free! Items Needed Bowl or bucketRubber glovesBaking sodaToothbrush or similar brushLavender oilTowel Step 1: Fill the bowl or bucket with warm water and add 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Stir until the baking soda has been melted by the water. Step 2: Place the dog collar in the water and let it soak for 10 minutes. Related: DIY Cleaning Solutions For Stinky Pet Stains Step 3: Scrub the collar with a toothbrush or similar type of brush until clean. Make sure you get in all of the crevices of the collar. Repeat step 1, 2 and 3 until the collar is clean and odor has lessened considerably. Step 4: Clean and rinse the bowl or bucket thoroughly and refill the bucket with fresh water, adding 2 drops of lavender oil. You can also use peppermint oil or any other essential oil that you may prefer. Step 5: Soak the collar in the aromatic mixture until the bad odor has disappeared. Step 6: Rinse the collar off by running it under the faucet. Step 7: Pat the collar dry and place it on a flat surface to dry. Step 8: Place the fresh-smelling collar on your dog. Dog collars absorb oils from the skin as well as attracts dirt and grime. Depending on your dog’s activity level outdoors, you may need to clean his collar on a regular basis to keep it clean. Dog’s that enjoy the outdoors, go swimming, roll around in the mud and participate in high-level activities will require frequent cleaning. Keep in mind indoor dogs will also need a good cleaning once you detect the first scent of odor. The above cleaning method is suitable for fabric, nylon and leather collars. You can also add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the baking soda and water mixture if you find that the collar has deep stains. At times, a leather collar may require additional cleaning. If you observe staining or discoloration in a leather collar you will want to use saddle soap to remove deep, set-in stains. Notes For Before You Get Started Always use rubber gloves to protect your hands and arms while cleaning the collar. Avoid submerging your hands in the baking soda and water mixture. It can cause dryness and irritation to those who are sensitive to baking soda. As an alternative you can replace the baking soda with apple cider vinegar. Keeping your dog’s collar clean on a regular basis will prevent odor and keep the collar in good condition, which keeps your dog smelling sweet and saves you money. It will also keep the skin that is nearest to the collar healthy, since dirt buildup can develop into bacteria have a negative impact on the skin. Repeat the steps as much as needed during each cleaning session to reveal a clean, fresh scented dog collar.

Whoodle

Whoodle BasicsThat’s right. The Whoodle. You might have not heard about this designer dog breed, but that’s going to change. Whoodles are becoming popular and loved hybrids that have more than enough to offer to the right owner. These doggos are intelligent, affectionate, friendly and energetic - all of which gives them a dedicated following with good reason. Also known as the Sweatenpoo, Wheatendoodle, Wheatenpoo, or Wheatiepoo, this designer dog breed can thank its impressive lineage for its many impressive qualities. The name might feel a bit weird coming out of your mouth, but trust us - just a few minutes alone with one of these guys will have you screaming “Whoodle” from the rooftops. They’re just that loveable. A Whoodle is a cross between the Poodle and the Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier: the result is a medium-sized dog with a soft, curly coat and a wonderful personality. Of course, because Poodles come in three sizes, the Whoodle also comes in three sizes – miniature, medium, or standard. The size is largely related to genetics, and breeders never know for certain how a litter will come out. So whether you want a large athletic companion, a petite energetic pooch, or something in between, you can find it all in this designer dog breed. The Whoodle is a breed that can truly be all things for all owners. You just have to find the right one for you!While their adorable teddy bear looks and cheerful temperament make Whoodles popular with many pet owners, they do have some specific requirements and personality traits that might not make them an ideal match for your own family. Just like all dogs. Not every dog is meant for every owner, but certainly those who are the right fit for their Whoodles love them. To find out if the Whoodle is your perfect pup, read on!Whoodles also comes in three sizes – miniature, medium, or standard.OriginHybrid dogs have been quite common for many years, so the first crossing of Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier and a Poodle may have occurred long ago. However, it’s not those accidental litters of mixed breed puppies that “count” as first Whoodles. Don’t be absurd. Nope, it’s only the hybrids that were developed intentionally that are thought of as the original Whoodles. Sadly there’s not enough information about their start in the world of designer dogs. Yet, even though it’s unclear when the Whoodle precisely came into existence, we all can be certain that this pup will be around for a long, long time.Like the majority of hybrid breeds, the Whoodle doesn’t have a well-documented history. It’s most likely, though, that breeders first developed Whoodles sometime in the last 20 years. And, since Australia and the United States seem to have produced the most of today’s hybrid breeds, it’s safe to assume that one of these two places was the “birthplace” of the breed. This might not be the most satisfying explanation for where these adorable doggos originated, but unfortunately it’s the best we can do. Fortunately, even though we’ll never now exactly where Whoodles came from, it doesn’t mean that we’ll love them any less - they continue to rise in popularity and are equally loved all across the world. Pedigree

Goldador

Goldador Basics It’s always difficult to decide which breed of dog to bring home. There are too many amazing pooches out there to choose from and every single one of them has amazing qualities. In particular, many people find themselves torn between the equally beloved Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever. If you find yourself facing this impossible choice, you should know that there is another option. Why not have the best of both worlds and get yourself a Goldador?! Also known as Golden Labradors, the Goldador is a hybrid of two of the most popular dogs in North America. A wonderful family pet, an amazing service dog (they’re even used as bomb sniffing dogs) and a superb hunting companion, sometimes we wonder if there’s anything the Goldador can’t do well. Known for its trainability and willingness to please, this designer breed is a breeze to train, as he just wants to make you happy. Having a Goldador in your home guarantees constant smiles. The Golden Retriever and Lab mix is a large, athletic dog that will do best living in a house with a big backyard. However, with enough exercise, they can adapt to apartments as well. These dogs can be happy just about anywhere. Their versatility and easy-going attitude are just some of the many things people love them for! Ideal for a wide range of families and lifestyles, this hard-working dog would be a joy to any household. Whether they are playing, working, or relaxing, your Goldador’s favorite place will be by your side. Their affectionate behaviour and loyalty to owners is truly something special: the Goldador is the living embodiment of the phrase ‘man’s best friend’. While their many impressive qualities make these mixed breed dogs a popular choice for pet owners, they might not be the best match for everyone. There’s only one way to be certain that this is right dog for you. Keep your eyes glued to this page and read on to learn everything that there is to know about the Goldador and find out if you’ll be bringing this adorable doggo home anytime soon. Also known as Golden Labradors, the Goldador is a hybrid of two of the most popular dogs in North America. Origin