The Best Doge Meme Knick-Knacks

by Diana Faria

February 1st, 2022 12:00 AM

A classic Internet staple, the Doge meme hasn’t lost any of its hilarity. If you didn’t know this famous Shiba Inu before, we’re pretty sure you’ll get a kick out of such smart, much wow Doge items.

1. Editor’s Pick: Macbook Sticker

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What better way to make some new friends on your first day of college or university than to put this sticker on your laptop and wait for the flood of friends to compliment it? It’s the easiest way to lure future best friends into knowing you exist. Talk about the perfect ice breaker!

2. Runner Up: Notebook

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Satisfy your inner troll with this nifty notebook, available with four different paper options so everyone can take notes in style. Such write! Very student.

CafePress is calling your name!

3. Customer’s Choice: Wrapping Paper

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We guarantee you that as soon as you give your friend their gift in doge-covered wrapping paper, they’ll already be dying of laughter. They may not even want to rip the paper to shreds to get to their gift – you might as well give them the leftover roll of paper!

Give the gift of laughter from Zazzle.

4. Best Pillow: Doge Galaxy Throw pillow

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Let everyone who walks through your threshold know that you have an undying love for all things doge. Step one: doge pillows! Much versatile. Very comfort.

RedBubble has all the doge pillows you could possibly desire!

5. Best Stationary: Smooffly Funny Doge Mousepad

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This is the perfect and only logical addition to the Doge Computer Sticker mentioned earlier. If you love this cheeky face and want to see it day in and day out, a mousepad is a perfect choice. Not to mention it’s covered with sarcastic quips.

The mousepad itself features a non-slip rubber base, a fine-textured surface for smooth gliding and measures 7.9″ by 9.5″.

6. Best Blanket: YIRONGCG Mr Doge Meme Print Flannel Throw

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For those of you with a great sense of humor who are also wanting to stay warm, why not cover yourself with a blanket plastered with your favorite dog? The blanket is available in two different sizes, and is made from a soft, lightweight and breathable flannel. Keep in mind, some users said this blanket was smaller than they thought, so don’t expect this bad boy to cover your whole bed.

7. Best T-Shirt: Your Tee Co. Doge T-shirt

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Doge meme AND the deal with it sunglasses?? Could a shirt be any better? What we love about this shirt, aside from the obvious, is that you can buy it in men’s, women’s and youth cuts, in addition to a variety of sizes ranging from small to XXL. Oh, and if black’s not your color, you can choose from three other shades.

8. Best Hat: CHOK.LIDS Doge to The Moon Dad Hats

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Complete your outfit or subtly show off your love of the meme with this cute and simple “Dad hat”. It’s natural relaxed fit and cotton materials paired with the adjustable buckle will ensure a comfortable fit on your head. This trendy hat is also available in 16 – yes, 16 – different colors, so you can find the right cap to match your personal style.

9. Best Poster: Haus and Hues AstroDoge Funny Poster

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If you want to take things to the next level, or rather, the next universe, this stunning poster from Haus and Hues is a great statement piece for any room. This unframed 12″ by 16″ poster shows that our favorite furry friend has made it to the big leagues and is proudly displaying her astronaut suit in space. The hilarious image is printed on 100% natural solar white linen paper and uses a giclée printing to create a vibrant finish.

10. Also Consider: The Carefree Bee – 7 Meme Enamel Pins for Backpacks

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Now although this isn’t solely Doge meme merch, we figured if you’re a fan of the classic dog, you’re most likely familiar with some of these other memes as well. These fun pins come in a set of 7, so you’ll get all of the images seen above, and are perfect for attaching to your backpack, hat, or any other item you see fit.

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Diana Faria

More by Diana Faria

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Adoptable Dog of the Week - Marvin

Sweet, cuddly, and effortlessly adorable, this charming fella will knock you off your feet! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Marvin, a 1.5 years old Golden Chinese Shar-Pei, or in other words – a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Shar Pei breed. He even has that trademark blue-black spotted tongue of a Shar Pei! This cutie pie is currently in a shelter in Valley Falls, Kansas, and he is neutered, microchipped, and up to date on his vaccinations. Marvin is a kind-hearted guy that gets along great with other dogs and can be a great companion for families with children.Marvin’s Tale Marvin has been waiting for the right people to come for some time now – but through no fault of his own! He’s a big guy but he has an even bigger heart, and he’s the friendliest dog you’ll ever meet – he has such a loveable personality, and adores getting cuddles and being showered with love. Of course, in return, you’ll get a bunch of pooch smooches and snuggles every day! Marvin is also a high-energy dog that will need regular walks and exercise to burn off his extra energy, so he’d love an owner with an active lifestyle that is looking for a four-legged companion for their adventures.As a friendly, sweet dog, Marvin does well with other canines, too, especially if they are as friendly and nice as he is – but it would be best to do a meet and greet if you already have a pet just to see if their personalities hit it off. He also likes kids and does well both with teenagers and children under the age of 10, but have in mind that he is a large breed dog with a lot of energy so very young and small kiddos might not be the best match – he might accidentally knock them over during playtime.If Marvin sounds like the perfect pet for your family, contact Jefferson County Humane Society Inc to learn more about him and the adoption process.

Products That Help Keep Your Senior Cat Happy

What you might realize, however, is you need to switch to products designed with older felines in mind. Keep reading to see what we mean. An Orthopedic or Heated Cat BedYour senior kitty might need a little extra softness and support when napping, and a regular pet bed might not cut it. The good news is there are a lot of orthopedic pet beds that come in various shapes and sizes to ensure your cat will be totally comfortable. And, in addition to that, you can get your pet a cozy heated cat bed that may be ideal for the colder months of the year. Some beds are self-warming, so you don’t even need to plug them in. Plus, you may be able to find beds that combine orthopedic support with warmth so your cat can get the best of both. A Water FountainAll kitties need to get enough moisture from their food and clean, fresh water. In addition to feeding your senior cat a high-quality wet food, you could also encourage them to drink more water by switching to a water fountain for cats instead of relying on a bowl of water. The movement and sound of the fountain might entice your kitty to take a few sips, and that may help ensure they remain properly hydrated. Elevated Food DishesIf you’ve noticed that your senior kitty experiences some difficulty or discomfort when eating food out of a bowl or dish on the floor, switching to an elevated one might be beneficial. You can find bowls that are designed to be a few inches off the ground, or you could instead buy a stand for your cat’s bowls to elevate them. And you can do the same for their water bowls. No matter what, just be sure the bowls are placed at the right height for your cat’s comfort while eating and drinking. Pet Stairs and RampsSenior cats who have trouble jumping may benefit from pet stairs and ramps. Some kitties prefer stairs while others do better with ramps, so it might take some trial and error to figure out which product your kitty likes using most. Set these up next to your bed, the couch, the cat tree, a window, and anywhere else that your feline friend likes to spend time but can’t get to easily because it’s too high. A Litter Box with Easy EntryIf a litter box is hard to get into and out of, such as a top entry box or one that has a high entry, your senior cat might end up eliminating outside of the box. So, you might need to switch to a box that is low in the front, even if the other three sides of the box are high and the box is covered. Grooming Brush and Nail ClippersFinally, consider that your senior cat might have trouble grooming themselves thoroughly. So, take some time to regularly groom your cat with a high-quality brush or comb for felines, and use a pair of nail clippers to keep their claws from becoming overgrown.

5 Things Being a Cat Person Reveals About You

And it turns out that there are some common traits shared by those who love cats and share their homes with them. Here are just five things that being a cat person might reveal about you. How many of the following traits apply to you? 1. You’re Probably Curious and CreativeCats are known for being curious creatures, and it turns out that their owners tend to have qualities of open-mindedness and curiosity too. As a cat person, you might also be quite eager to learn by diving into a variety of subjects, from creative endeavors to intellectual pursuits. Whether it means exploring a place you’ve never been to or going back to school to learn about a topic of interest, cat people tend to enjoy experiencing new things. It’s no wonder that so many cat parents love reading a good book with a warm kitty in their lap, or taking on a new hobby to express themselves. 2. You May Prefer Staying InSpeaking of reading books on the sofa with your furry friend, being a cat person might also make you the type to prefer staying in rather than going out. Generally, dog people are known for being more extroverted and ready to go out to have a good time, while cat people may be introverted and feel just fine doing things at home. Of course, this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule by any means. You might be the type of person who loves to go out and party before coming home to snuggle with your kitty, or you might be one of the many cat parents who take their kitties outside for some exciting adventures. 3. You Might Not Be Afraid to Stand OutAs a cat person, you might not mind standing out against the crowd, and you might not be afraid of doing things your way. Your kitty thinks for herself, and isn’t always willing to be trained, and you may be the same. Combined with their curious nature and open-mindedness, this attitude helps cat people feel confident and unafraid to showcase who they truly are. 4. You May Worry Quite a BitAre you a little neurotic? It turns out that this is another trait that cat people tend to have. What does it mean, though? Well, you might find that you worry quite a bit, or you might get stressed or anxious rather easily. But you may also notice that your furry friend is always ready to help you relax. 5. You’re Likely Patient and UnderstandingIf you’re a cat parent, you know that your pet has certain likes and dislikes. For example, she might not let you rub her belly, or she might only let you pet her for a certain amount of time before she gets tired of the interaction. Because you have to gradually discover what your cat prefers, and because you need patience when it comes to training your kitty, you may be the type of person who can adapt and be totally okay with respecting another’s boundaries. Always Remember, You’re as Unique as Your Cat!While some of the traits above might apply to you, there might be others that don’t. Sure, experts might have noticed some common traits between individuals who identify as cat people, but it’s important to keep in mind that everyone is different.

Ask the Animal Communicator: Why Does My Dog Bark So Much?

Dear Shannon, I just adopted a mixed breed rescue pup. Sandra is 6 years old. She is the sweetest – truly, she loves to cuddle with me and be petted and she follows me around everywhere. But I won’t lie. There is one thing she does that has me losing my patience and that is her barking. She barks at everything. And nothing. Sometimes she starts barking and I go out to see what is wrong and literally she is just sitting in the middle of the floor barking at nothing and no one. I’m at my wit’s end. I really don’t want to relinquish her but she is so loud and nonstop my neighbors are starting to complain. Can you help? Thanks, Brett (who needs the barking to stop)Shannon’s reply:Hi Brett,Your question is one of the most common questions I hear in my line of work. Dog barking can be challenging enough to deal with when it is occasional or coming from the neighbor’s house. When it is constant and coming from your own house, and nothing you try makes it stop, well, I don’t blame you for being at your wit’s end!Luckily, you’ve reached out to an animal communicator. What does that mean? I’m not a pet trainer or an animal behaviorist. Rather, I have access to a different set of language skills to communicate across species boundaries. To make a long story short, I can ask Sandra questions, receive her replies and share them with you. When I reached out to Sandra to ask her about her barking behaviors, she had some very specific feedback to share with me that I think will help you a lot in resolving this situation.The first thing Sandra shared with me is some information about her past before she met you. Her first owner had several dogs and left them all out in the yard for days at a time. Often they didn’t have enough food or water and they never knew when they would get more of either. When a neighbor finally reported the owner to the police, the shelter intervened, and Sandra was rescued. But the shelter was overcrowded and once again her care was intermittent. The only way she could get anyone’s attention was to bark and bark and bark.When she came to you, she was so grateful to find a kind human who wanted her! But she still feels so traumatized – as anyone would after never knowing if they will have enough to eat or drink from one day to the next. And all she knows to do to keep in contact with you is to bark. This is especially true if you leave the room, and she can’t see you. She barks to call you back to her. It probably won’t surprise you to learn that I feel the energetic signature of both trauma and anxiety when I tune in with Sandra. She needs help to let go of her painful past and recalibrate her fight-flight-freeze emergency response system to her safe, calm, and kind new home life with you. So how can we help Sandra calm down and begin to trust that she doesn’t need to bark all the time to make sure you are aware she is there and has needs? I have a few recommendations that have helped many of my pet clients who suffer from anxiety, trauma, and PTSD symptoms.The first resource I want to offer is called EFT tapping, or Emotional Freedom Technique. EFT was developed to assist returning active-duty combat personnel with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. The same EFT sequences that work so well for people can be easily adapted for pets and they work just as well. You can find a free guided series on how to do EFT for pets on my website (link in bio).I also want to recommend using essential oils with Sandra in a very specific way that allows her to choose what essences she needs. This is called zoopharmacognosy, a word that describes what wild animals often do when they have a specific need such as to protect their den from pests or to treat an open wound to keep it from festering. Our companion animals don’t have the luxury of going out into the wild to forage for what they need, so we must bring the options to them.I am not an aromatherapist, so please do seek out a qualified practitioner for customized guidance. However, here are a few tips that will at least give you a place to start. For Sandra, I would start off with a few vials of known calming essential oils such as chamomile and lavender. Make sure the oils are organic and certified pure. Hold the closed vial near Sandra and allow her to sniff it. Notice whether she turns towards the vial or away. Watch her eyes and her body language to see if she tenses and moves away or relaxes into calm. This will tell you which oil she resonates with. Sandra also tells me that she is quiet sometimes. But then she tunes into you, and it feels like you are picturing her barking. She takes that as a sign to start barking again. This is a common feedback loop pets and their people can fall into without even realizing it. So how do you fix it? Instead of using your thoughts, emotions, and mental pictures to reinforce the behavior you do want – a quiet dog – you are always waiting for the barking to start again. You are literally sending Sandra the message, using your mental pictures and emotions, to start doing the thing you don’t want her to do more of – bark! The more you can send Sandra the emotional and visual cues to remain quiet and calm, the more she will begin to trust that she can stay quiet and still get her needs met.Brett, I hope these tips are helpful to you. You are a rescue angel and Sandra is grateful to have a safe and comfortable home with you. There are many, many options for working with traumatized dogs like Sandra and I want to commend you for leaving no stone unturned to help her feel safe and at ease in her new life with you.From my heart,Shannon

5 Common Horse Behaviors Explained

It shouldn't come as a surprise to learn that horses are very intelligent animals. In fact, they are amongst the smartest out there! But even so, they can’t really speak to us in a language we understand – as most animals, they use different behaviors and body signals to communicate. However, while some nonverbal signs can be easy to decipher, some behaviors are difficult to understand at a first glance, especially if you are a new horse owner. To clear up any confusion and help you improve your relationship with your horse, we’ll go over the 5 most common horse behaviors and their meaning.#1 RollingNo matter if you are new to the world of horses, or an experienced horse owner, you must have seen your horse rolling around the ground, especially if it is strewn with fresh straw or similar stuff. You are bound to see this behavior often, so it is important to address it. Why do horses roll around? Interestingly, there are multiple reasons why horses roll, and they can be both positive and negative. Most of the time, however, they do it out of simple enjoyment and leisure. Think of rolling as a good solid stretch or a scratch. Horses do it as it feels good, but can also help them get rid of excess coat hairs, pesky flies, and can scratch an itch. In the pasture or a field, a horse might eagerly roll around the dirt and the dust. This is a natural inclination that helps lower their temperature or repel insects. However, in some rare situations, rolling can indicate colic troubles, especially after a horse ate too much. If you notice that rolling is out of the ordinary, check it out with your vet. It might be your horse’s way to get rid of that nasty gas buildup in their belly. #2 YawningYawning in horses is not yawning in the usual sense – i.e. they don’t do it because they are sleepy. It has a multitude of reasons, some common, others not so much. In contrast to humans, horses can yawn after they have rested and they feel a new rush of energy. Some specialists say that it can also be a social behavior, especially when several horses are together. But sometimes, however, it may be a sign of gastrointestinal problems, such as colic or ulcers. In these cases, the horse may yawn in relief. If you notice that they do it too often, get in touch with a vet. Likewise, a horse may yawn when they are feeling pain, such as inner ear pain, toothaches, and similar. Again, if you notice it often enough, schedule a check-up. #3 BuckingWe all saw those cowboy movies where horses buck wildly in an attempt to throw off their rider. This behavior, however, is not something you will only see on film – you can spot it often, especially with pasture horses. The most common time when you can spot it is when horses are feeling playful and energetic. Fresh out of the stall and into the field, a horse may buck and jump with that newfound energy. Some situations, however, can cause your horse to become mad or annoyed, and they’ll buck to let you know. If you are an inexperienced rider or do something wrong, the horse might buck to “get rid of you”. In some rare cases, a pasture horse might suddenly buck when bitten by a pesky fly, but also when they are in pain. A strong and acute pain might leave them feeling helpless, so they buck from pain and frustration. Take all these circumstances into account before deducing the cause – it might be innocent lively behavior, but it might be more serious as well. #4 NeighingNeighing might seem like the most common and natural horse behavior, as it is the horse’s “call”, after all. But this is a more complex behavior that can have different meanings. The simplest explanation is that neighing is a horse’s way of expressing their emotions and feelings. It is their “voice”, and they use it in many situations. When happy and excited, a horse might neigh to announce it. But they might do so when frightened, irritated, or uncertain of things. In simplest situations, a neigh might be a simple greeting, either to you, or the horse’s partner. This unique vocalization can also communicate a horse’s confidence. Simply put – it all boils down to the situation and the environment. Facing a ditch or a precipice? The horse might neigh due to fear. But running full speed in a race? That would be a sure sign of confidence and excitement.#5 SnortingIn horses, snorting is a sure way of expressing moods and conveying emotions. Similar to neighing, the “message” of snorting depends on the situation. If a horse snorts in common and relaxing situations, it is their way to communicate a positive mood. But if they do so when hard work is to be done, it might be their way of saying “Not this again!”, or “Do we have to?”. Some experts say that snorting in horses is simply their reaction to various physical needs. But, whatever the case, it is rarely – if ever – a sign of physical discomfort or pain. The most common times to see it are in relaxation and enjoyable situations, which indicates a positive mood in your horse.

When You Should Start Training Your Rescue Dog

So, you’ve just picked up your new family member from the local shelter and you’ve noticed he’s got a few behavioral issues. If you’re concerned that your nervous little pooch may need time to decompress before you start introducing rules and regulations, you’re both right and wrong.Dogs need clearly established boundaries and expectations from the onset. It helps them feel secure, connect with you, and begin learning those all-important ropes when it comes to earning treats. But before you try to train your new buddy, take time to bond and gauge your pet’s comfort level as you move forward. Past triggers can surface and anything from a loud voice to his perception of being scolded can work against you.The 3-3-3 Rule to Welcoming your Dog Plan to spend the first few weeks and even the first few months getting to know and build trust with your new dog. A 3-3-3 rule talks to some of the general timelines you can expect to experience as your dog settles into this new home environment.For the first 3 days, he’s likely to feel overwhelmed, hesitant to eat or drink and may be more content to curl up and hide away in his crate than explore his new surroundings. After 3 weeks, he’ll start to settle in, feel relaxed and comfortable in his routine and start to show a hint of his true personality. By the 3-month mark, your rescue dog will have built trust and be bonding with you in his new home environment.During this time, socializing with any other pets in your home will be important and may take time and supervision. Similarly, leash-free parks will allow your pooch to gradually meet new dogs, but you should plan to keep a pocket full of high-value treats in case you need to coax him back on those initial excursions. And if he becomes aggressive or fearful, plan to leash him and bring him home for the time being.While you won’t be moving into the training phase just yet, it’s important to curb certain behaviors from the onset such as relieving himself on your floors, chewing or clawing furnishings and chasing the cat or other small pets. This can be done by modifying his environment and routine. Take him out for frequent potty breaks and reward him when he delivers.Crate or confine him to a smaller space such as a kitchen or mud room if leaving him to wander the house has proven to be a problem. If he chews, remove the item and replace it with a chew toy. And toss him a little treat when you see him opting for the toy versus the shoe or furnishings.Get him into a routine when it comes to feeding and walks. Predictability helps built trust and lets your pet know that he can count on you to provide food when he’s hungry and to take him out when he needs to stretch his legs and relieve himself.And provide him with his own “stuff”. Food and water bowls, blankets and toys, and a crate or bed that will act as a safe space he can retreat to when feeling overwhelmed.Take this extra time to learn your dog’s hot buttons including those that may cause him to act out in fear or aggression. Does he guard his food, distrust men or children, or become stressed around other dogs? Take the steps necessary to reassure him that he’s now in a safe place and that you’ve got his back.Let’s Get TrainingSo, he’s settling into his new home and routine nicely which means it’s time to start introducing a few more structured requests. This should include the basic commands including Sit, Stay, Leave It, Down, Heel as well as Recall. These will not only ensure your dog responds quickly when company arrives or you need him to stop chewing your shoes but also when you need him to immediately stop and sit when you see him wandering into potentially dangerous situations such as traffic.Plan to use rewards-based training that will encourage new, positive behaviors and (no surprise, here) food and treats will be infinitely more motivating than simple encouragement and head pats.And when training a rescue dog, conduct lessons indoors without potential distractions such as noise and other animals that can slow down the process. When you want to practice recall, do so in a fenced yard until you know for certain that he’ll return on command.1. Name RecognitionFor him to be receptive to learning new commands, you’re going to need his undivided attention. And this starts with getting your dog to respond to his name by either looking your way or coming to you. To begin, call his name and reward him with a treat whether he intentionally looks your way or just happens to glance over. The goal is for him to associate his name and him looking your way, with a reward. Wait a few minutes, allow him to become preoccupied with something else, then call his name again and repeat with a treat when he responds. Practice this step several times throughout the day.For older dogs who may be losing their hearing, clicker training is a great way to capture their attention. The sharp, unique click sound is easily recognizable and when he looks your way and a treat is issued, it’s a sound he’ll soon start to listen for. And it’s easy to train. Simply call his name and hold the treat close to your face. Each time he looks at you, click the clicker and give him his reward. Gradually increase the time between him looking up at you and you providing a treat.2. Respond to CommandsIf you’re now able to gain your dog’s undivided attention on command, it’s time to start introducing the basics. Start by calling his name to draw him over to you. Issue his earned treat, then proceed to the training.Sit, is often a command even rescue dogs will revert to when a treat is held above their head. Your goal is to have him build a strong connection between this command and receiving a reward. So, regardless of whether you’re holding something tasty right in front of him or you’re across the field of a leash-free park, he sits without hesitation when he hears you issue the command.With the Stay command, The American Kennel Club emphasizes the need for a start and a finish to help your dog understand when it’s okay for him to get up and move. So, choose a word that you both understand will release him from the Stay position and will be used exclusively for the release purpose. And avoid opting for something that he already hears frequently or in other situations – including his name, Come, or Treat - because it will confuse him when he hears it in a different context.Lay down is simply luring your dog down from a Sit position. Once seated, slowly move the treat from in front of his face to between his front paws. Your dog’s body will follow and he’ll enjoy a tasty reward for his work. As with the other commands, repeat throughout the day until upon hearing the word, your dog responds with the appropriate action.Again, your first step in training a rescue dog will be in gaining his trust and building a bond that will have him eager and ready to respond to commands to earn his reward. This can take days, weeks, and months to achieve and in these instances, patience really is a virtue.

6 Things You Can Do to Keep Your Dog’s Heart Healthy

There are a number of issues that can impact your pet’s overall health and his heart in particular. Below, we share some steps to keep your furry little sidekick happy, healthy, and by your side for the long haul.Let’s start with the one that even humans can relate to…1. Keep Your Dog’s Weight in CheckObesity can not only sneak up on an older dog but certain breeds as well. Pugs, Labrador Retrievers and Beagles (to name just a few) are seriously prone to packing on the pounds and regardless of your pet’s general health, extra weight is going to cause joint and back issues over time. It also puts undue stress on this heart and will ultimately compromise your ability to add exercise to his daily routine. If it’s too warm out, too cold out, you’re walking on hard surfaces that stress his joints… you get the picture. Trying to re-establish a healthy weight can be tough when exercise can only be done in short sessions. Best to identify the ideal weight for your dog’s age, breed and gender, then use that as your baseline (or goal). And weigh him periodically to stay on top of those sneaky pounds. Not sure how much he should weigh? Your vet can help you establish the right weight for your particular pooch.Related: Do I Have a Fat Dog? How to Tell if Your Dog is Overweight2. Feed Him Quality FoodsRead the side panel of some kibble brands and you’ll notice that carbs or fillers typically form the basis of lesser-quality dog foods. And just as it is for humans, carbs can be a quick fix when hunger hits but they won’t keep you satisfied for long. That’s why your dog continuously raids the cat’s dish and mooches from the dinner table. It’s also how his weight creeps up. Choose a top-quality, high-protein food and live by the 10% rule cited by the American Kennel Club AKC) - “Treats should not make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet.” And when we say 10%, we’re talking total calories (check your dog’s food bag for details) not volume. So, to keep him lean, satisfied and heart-healthy, you may need to start rationing out those tasty little dog treats and consider other low-cal options such as carrot or celery sticks.3. Provide the Right Level of ExerciseThe average resting heart rate for a small breed is 100 to 140 beats per minute and for larger dogs over 30 pounds, between 60 and 100 beats per minute. That’s a lot of work for an organ that can quickly fall out of shape when not maintained properly. Getting your pet up and moving is both physically important and mentally stimulating for him - whether it be a leash-free dog park or just a quick jaunt around the block. The amount of exercise will vary by breed, age and fitness level, but establishing even a moderate routine that slowly helps strengthen the heart muscle over time, will help keep him trim and healthy. And for breeds prone to obesity, that are older, or are ailing, a regimen tailored to meet their specific needs can be relatively simple to devise. 4. Keep His Pearly Whites, Pearly WhiteAside from the exorbitant costs associated with doggy dental work, keeping your pet’s teeth and gums in good condition is critical for both overall and heart health. And it starts with inspecting his mouth. I just forked over $2800 to have six of my pooch’s teeth removed. There was no tell-tale smell involved, no indication of any type of sensitivity, and she happily crunched away on kibble without missing a beat. But when I opened her mouth for a quick inspection, it was clear she was in need of extensive work. Mouth infections can spread rapidly throughout your pet’s body and lead to serious heart issues. Never assume enzyme waters (which I use), treats that claim to clean teeth, or hard kibble will take the place of a serious, in-depth cleaning by your vet.Related: 6 Ways to Keep Your Dog’s Teeth Clean5. Prevent Parasites Early On With today’s active dogs busy socializing in dog parks, running off-leash through wooded areas, and drinking from stagnant puddles of water, protecting your pooch from parasites and viruses requires diligence. While every dog should be vaccinated against canine parvovirus, distemper, canine hepatitis and rabies, these won’t safeguard him from worms – including the deadly heartworm. That coverage can be gained through monthly oral and topical treatments prescribed by your vet and designed to protect from ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes that can release heartworm microfilariae into your dog’s bloodstream. Although treatable once diagnosed, heartworm disease is serious and results in lung damage and heart failure. 6. Know Your Breed.While keeping your dog’s weight in check, his vaccines up-to-date and his muscles toned goes a long way toward maintaining a healthy heart, there are some genetic conditions that certain breeds may be pre-disposed to. Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) impacts the heart muscle’s ability to move blood through the vascular system and is more typical in larger breeds such as Doberman Pinschers, Great Danes, Golden Retrievers, Boxers as well as Cocker Spaniels. Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease (DMVD) is essentially a leaky mitral valve that causes blood to go back into the heart versus out into the body and it impacts smaller breeds such as Poodles, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Dachshunds. While Sick Sinus Syndrome (SSS) throws your pet’s natural pacemaker out of whack, causing them to feel lethargic or even pass out. It’s typically associated with females and impacts Miniature Schnauzers, West Highland White Terriers and again, Cocker Spaniels.The Bottom LineWere you surprised to learn that most heart-related health issues can be prevented? And even those of a genetic nature can be monitored or treated when caught early. Keeping your pet’s heart in tip-top working order isn’t that dissimilar to how we as humans keep ourselves healthy and fit. So, get out and walk, eliminate the carb-heavy snacks, and see your vet (or doctor) on an annual basis. Easy-peasy, right?

How to Litter Train a Rabbit

All across the world, rabbits are quite popular pets and make affectionate, sweet companions. They are up there on the list of favorites, with cats and dogs and other small animals, and boast an arsenal of great traits all of their own. And not at all surprisingly – rabbits too can be litter trained and live mess-free with you in your home. That’s because, contrary to popular belief, rabbits are quite intelligent and obedient and respond well to training. Of course, it takes a bit of practice and patience before your bunny will finally take a hold of the whole “potty” concept. But, still, if you follow a few set rules and stay true to the course, you will litter train your rabbit in no time. Here are 4 tips that will make the whole process run smoothly – and ensure you successfully potty train your bunny.#1 Spaying/Neutering Makes a Huge DifferenceBefore the actual litter training begins, you need to consider that spayed or neutered rabbits are much easier to litter train than “intact” rabbits. The latter bunnies are difficult to properly train, and getting them fixed can make all the difference. When their hormones come into play, they can often mark their territory by spraying urine all over the place. Spaying and neutering is a routine procedure that will make your bunnies much happier – and healthier! And, most importantly, this will make them much more inclined to use the litter box as trained.#2 Pick the Right Litter Box and LitterChoosing the right litter box is not all that difficult when you know what to look for. Keep in mind that it will most certainly be different than a kitty litter box for example. Rabbits have different tendencies, and you might see them in their litter box often and for longer periods. You can also place their food bowl and other goodies nearby – this will enhance the sense of safety and security. Luckily, there are plenty of rabbit litter boxes that are designed specifically for bunny’s preferences you can find in most pet stores.Another important thing to consider is that rabbits will often nibble on the actual litter. That is why you need to prepare organic material: hay, wheat grass, oat, pellets, sawdust, or paper. Check out your pet store – there are many options for rabbit-friendly litter. #3 Location Is KeyRabbits have a natural tendency to relieve themselves in certain spots and corners of their choosing. They are not the animals that will just “do their business” wherever. And when litter training is considered, this is the perfect starting point! One of the major aspects of this behavior is the feeling of safety and security. Rabbits are known to poop only in certain nooks and corners where they know they won’t be disturbed or in danger. They love their privacy, after all! And it is up to you to place the litter in a safe and comfy nook where no one will disturb your bunny while they do their thing.If you already spot them peeing or pooping into one of the corners, place the litter box there – easy peasy. Of course, if it just so happens that they miss on their first try and use another corner, just keep moving the litter box – one of the spots is bound to be right. What is more, if you see that your bunny has trouble learning the whole process (after a few days), you can always add another litter box or even a few! Place them into different corners until one of them becomes the “go-to” place. In case you and your pet are successful on the first try, and the enclosure litter box becomes the place they use, you can start letting them run about the house without worrying about accidents. If the process went well, they should follow their instinct and return to the enclosure and the litter box when nature calls. However, if you spot them getting ready to “do the business” anywhere else, use a commanding tone of voice to stop them and to usher them towards the litter box as a gentle reminder. Still, if it happens that they poop somewhere else while you are not looking, just place the poop into the litter box – this is a great reminder. #4 More Is MoreKeep in mind that you are not limited to a single litter box. To help your bunny understand, you can place several boxes in and out of the rabbit enclosure. They’ll probably use multiple litter boxes at first and then gravitate towards a single one that suits their preferences the most, which is when you can safely remove the others without having to worry about your bunny doing their business all over the place.In no time, you will see how easy and straightforward this process can be – especially with spayed and neutered rabbits. They often choose just one place for their needs, and you just follow and put the litter there. Quick and easy. ConclusionWhen rabbits are spayed or neutered, the process of litter training them can be surprisingly successful. Once you pick out the right type of litter and a proper litter box for bunnies, you can start with setting it up in their enclosure or the place you’ve noticed they usually go potty – alternatively, you can place multiple ones around the home until they find the location they prefer the most. In the end, it’s important to remember that it can be a process of trial and error, and it may take you a few turns before you get the exact right type of litter, the environment setup, and the proper pace. Arm yourself with patience and persistence, adjust as needed, and success will follow in no time – you will have a perfectly litter-trained rabbit!

How to Rabbit-Proof Your Home

Pet rabbits are lively and fun animals, and very entertaining to be around. When not snoozing and huddling, they will love to explore, hop about, and discover new nooks and crannies around your home. However, they have an affinity for chewing, nibbling, digging, and crawling into any space they find interesting – and interesting doesn’t necessarily mean safe, as well. Because of this, you will have to rabbit-proof your home, both to keep your rabbit safe, but also to preserve your furniture, gadgets, and any other valuables your bunny might find tempting to nibble on. But if you are a first-time rabbit owner, you might be clueless as to what exactly needs to be done to successfully rabbit-proof your home. Here are some classic tips and tricks from experienced rabbit owners – do these, and you’ll keep both your pet and your home safe and sound.Protect wires, cords, and cables We all know that bunnies simply love to chew and nibble on things. It is their way of exploring and getting to know their surroundings. However, in a modern home setting, this instinct isn’t only bad in terms of material damage, but it can also be dangerous for your bunny. One of the first things you will have to take care of is wires. Our homes have plenty of cables all around the floor – if a rabbit nibbles on them and reaches the wires, the outcome can be fatal. There are several ways you can rabbit-proof cables, and the best (and the easiest) way is to purchase special flexible tubing. Most hardware and electronics stores keep them. This tubing can encase several cables at once, making things neater – but also perfectly protected from your pet’s chompers. Of course, any other reliable solution is accepted, as long as you try keeping all cables out of a rabbit’s reach, whether somewhere higher or tucked away. Use pet-safe material to conceal and protect furnitureOf course, there are also things in your home that won’t harm your rabbit, but should also be protected nonetheless. Sofa legs, table legs, elaborate door frames, baseboards, and anything else that is close enough to the floor – all of it can be nibbled and chewed down to scraps. If you want to keep your possessions pristine, you should find ways to rabbit-proof them. In this case, anything goes, as long as the material isn’t toxic to bunnies. Cardboard tubes from paper rolls, flexible tubing, and premade protective solutions supplied by pet shops – anything can help prevent a rabbit from chewing his way through.Restrict access to certain areasOf course, one of the simplest solutions is simply blocking off certain areas you don’t want your pet to go in, whether the space is unsafe for them (e.g. floor level plants that can’t be moved) or if you don’t want to risk them ruining something that you can’t conceal or protect. You can opt for classic pet or baby fences that can be found in any pet store or general store and can effectively block doorways, staircases, and such. Keep your bunny safe in the room of your choosing, and keep the next room out of bounds. Efficient and simple! As long as they have plenty of room to hop about and explore, it doesn’t matter which room of your home they are in. Don’t forget about the flooringIn some cases, you might have to remove a carpet or get rid of your fancy rugs. Bunnies love to dig, and might find your carpet a suitable digging ground – or even realize that a carpet could be fun to chew on. In no time, your precious rug might end up all torn and tattered. It is best to keep your rabbit in a room with hardwood floors, tiles, laminate, etc, but make sure the surface isn’t too slippery, either. Rabbits don’t feel safe on surfaces that are slippery and can actually injure themselves if they happen to slip. Remove any toxic/poisonous items from your homeLast, but not least, is the danger of poisonous houseplants. That exotic flower or that spider plant you always loved might not be so harmless after all. Some common houseplants can be poisonous to rabbits, so make sure you keep them out of reach. The same goes for foods that are yummy to you but might kill or seriously harm your bunny – things such as avocado, chocolate, potatoes, and mushrooms (to name a few) are all dangerous for rabbits.In the end, try to be around when your bunny roams free around the house. With your supervision, everything becomes safer, and you don’t have to worry about your pet getting into trouble while you weren’t looking.

All You Need to Know About Vet Telehealth

Visiting a vet’s office isn’t always an option, even when your pet is feeling unwell – but there is a way to get much-needed peace of mind and advice from a medical professional without actually going to an emergency room. In situations when you don’t have a veterinarian nearby or when an emergency happens outside of the hours your veterinarian works within, you can always contact a veterinary telehealth service to help with advice in your pet’s time of need. Even though these kinds of exams are not done in person, they have many benefits as they can help ease your mind about your pet’s symptoms or inform you that an issue you thought is minor actually needs further checking up and is worth a visit to your local veterinarian's office. Either way, pet telehealth, and virtual vet services have many advantages, especially in today's fast-paced lifestyles, so read on to learn more about if (and how) you could benefit from such practices.What is Veterinary Telehealth?Veterinary telehealth, also known as pet telehealth, veterinary telemedicine, or virtual vet is a form of a remote veterinary practice – in other words, veterinarian-provided medical advice and services through any available communication technologies, just as call centers, smartphone apps, chats, etc. With the help of these technologies, a veterinarian can consult on your pet’s health by inquiring about their symptoms and behavior, and (if possible) even visually observing potential health problems. By doing so, a veterinarian can offer consultations, emergency first aid, or even a diagnosis, all remotely and without the need for your physical presence in the office.While veterinary telehealth services have been around for a while, their success skyrocketed during the global Covid 19 pandemic, as they allowed pet parents to get immediate veterinary care for their cat, dog, or another animal without having to have in-person contact. Pros and Cons of Vet TelehealthOf course, like any other form of healthcare practice, veterinary telemedicine also has its upsides and downsides. Read on to see what are the pros and cons of virtual vet services and decides for yourself if this practice has merit or is just a passing fad:ProsPet telehealth makes veterinary care accessible. No matter where you are and what time it is, you can get potentially life-saving advice on your pet’s health – even if you don’t have a vet office nearby or if it’s the holidays or the dead of the night.Veterinary telemedicine is convenient and budget-friendly. Before you panic about a minor issue and spend big bucks on exams and labs to determine it’s nothing serious, you can contact a pet telehealth service for a consultation – they can tell you if the issue requires urgent care or not, saving you money and nerves in the process.Vet telehealth eliminates pet stress from the equation. We all know that most pets dislike going to the vet’s office – but for some, it’s downright nerve-wracking. Save your pet the stress and anxiety of unnecessary vet visits by using virtual vet services to determine if an in-person exam is really necessary or if they can be “examined” remotely from the comfort of their home. ConsA virtual vet can’t always accurately diagnose your pet. For some cases and certain health issues, physical examination is the only way to find out what the actual issue is – but if that’s the case with your pet, you’ll be informed that an in-person visit is needed to get a real diagnosis. Your account of the issue might skew the perspective of a virtual vet. When you’re contacting a veterinary telemedicine service, you will need to be the one that relays your pet’s symptoms and condition, and sometimes, you might miss or overlook some crucial details, which can affect the diagnosis and the advice you get from a virtual vet.In conclusion, it’s clear that veterinary telemedicine cannot fully replace in-person visits to the vet’s office – but it doesn’t try to, either. It’s clear that a virtual vet is a good choice when you’re unsure about the severity of the issue your pet is having or in instances where a vet’s office isn’t accessible, but whenever possible, an in-person exam will always be more accurate and trustworthy. Can Vets Write Prescriptions Online?A virtual vet is a licensed medical professional who can offer guidance on your pet’s health care issues, but not all of them can legally write prescriptions online. It’s not about the trustworthiness of a particular service or the professional capacity of the vet you’re talking to, but rather more about the messy legality of it all.Technically, you could get a prescription from a pet telehealth service but only if and when Veterinarian-Client-Patient relationship criteria can be met – and this is only true for some states, not all. However, in light of the rising popularity of such services in the last couple of years, many states are revising their legislation and looking to make this a possibility for more pet parents in the future.Vet Telehealth DirectoryIf you think that a virtual vet is just what you need in your situation – or want to have their contact in case you do need them in the future, here’s a list of all reputable veterinary telemedicine websites – just click on the link to get in touch with professionals and seek advice that could help your pet feel better. Access.Vet Airvet Animoscope Anipanion AskAVeterinarianOnline Bond Vet Dutch DVM STAT Consulting Felcana Fuzzy Hello Ralphie JustAnswer.com Modern Animal Pawp Petzey Treatwell Pet Care VetTriage Vetster whiskerDocsWe’ve included various options, from pay-per-consultation to monthly or yearly membership fees, from virtual vets you can get in touch with through phone, video calls, apps, or text messages – there’s an option to suit anyone’s needs.

US Shelters Overwhelmed With the Number of Guinea Pig Surrenders

Unfortunately, animal shelters all across the United States are noting a rise of abandoned pets this year, but one particular animal is topping the list, with an uptick of 25% when compared to last year’s statistics – guinea pigs. You might be surprised to learn that these small, fluffy animals are being surrendered in such high numbers, but the risings costs of food and gas are obviously having a big effect on the finances of pet parents, which are forced to abandon their pets due to being unable to care for them longer.Guinea pigs are one of those pets that people often think are low maintenance and easy to care for, so it’s not unusual that many of them got adopted during the pandemic – but once people started to realize that basic costs of care for guinea pigs have significantly changed, so did the fate of these furry critters change as well. New York’s Animal Care Centers (ACC) reports that in comparison to last year's 200 surrendered guinea pigs, they’ve already had over 650 cases of abandoned guinea pigs.It doesn’t help that most guinea pigs come from pet shops, either – when they are sold through a store, there’s no vetting process, which makes impulse buys possible. People often get guinea pigs for their kids and end up abandoning them when their children grow bored of their new pet, or decide on having a guinea pig pet thinking it’s low-maintenance and won’t need much attention, care, or space in the house – of course, this is is far from the truth. Once people realize that guinea pigs are an animal with needs like any other, which can live up to 10 years, need veterinary care, a special diet, and daily cleaning and social interaction, they quickly get overwhelmed and regret their decision. To make matters even worse, ACC is the only rescue in the area that actually takes in guinea pigs – pet rescues that accept small animals are generally considered rare. This begs the question what becomes of other unwanted guinea pigs – and how long before those few shelters that take them in become completely overwhelmed?The best way to prevent such devastating situations is to think hard before getting any pet, no matter how low-maintenance or undemanding you think they are. Any pet you pick, no matter if it’s a dog, a fish, or a lizard, will have needs, from a balanced diet to proper housing to veterinary care and beyond. If you are not prepared to fully care for your animal for as long as they live, you shouldn’t even entertain the idea of getting one. What’s more, instead of buying small animals from a pet store, it’s always a better idea to seek out shelters local to your area that rescue small animals and adopt rather than shopping – not only will you help the shelters take in more small animal in need, but you’ll give your new pet a second chance at a happy, fulfilled life by your side.

Why Enrichment Is Important for Rabbits and How to Provide It

It is no secret that rabbits make wonderful pets – they are fun, affectionate, and so sweet. However, when their needs are not properly met, these positive traits never come to the surface and your pet can instead display abnormal behavior such as aggression or apathy. As a responsible rabbit owner, you will need to provide environmental enrichment to your pet to make sure they thrive. Enrichment is a way to increase mental and physical stimulation, provide new daily activities, and make sure that your pet is enjoying their everyday routines. In turn, it keeps your bunny healthy and happy and keeps those negative behaviors at bay.What Is Rabbit Enrichment? Rabbits are intelligent animals, as well as sociable, and in the wild, they display various behaviors, habits, and quirks that are unique to their species. Rabbit enrichment is a way to recreate certain conditions and provide your pet with a safe and engaging environment that stimulates those natural behaviors, puts your rabbit at ease, and contributes to their emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Now, there are a number of ways to provide this enrichment and improve your pet’s quality of life – it’s up to you to find out which works best for your bunny’s needs.Best Ways to Provide Rabbit EnrichmentThe goal of rabbit enrichment is to improve your pet’s quality of life, and, quite literally, enrich it. Provide them with a number of daily activities that will stimulate their natural instincts and promote good behavior. Puzzles, toys, interactive gadgets, and makeshift burrows and tunnels will all entertain them and keep their brains working properly. Rabbits are very curious and intelligent animals, and this type of stimulation is very important in their daily lives. Another important part of enrichment for rabbits is socialization. Rabbits are very sociable and will need interaction on a daily level. Your company is great, of course, but won’t always be enough. Sometimes, rabbits require mates and friends of their own kind, and you might have to provide them. You can also introduce them to another owner’s rabbit, a kind and caring child, a gentle small doggo, and so on. Any form of new and friendly social interaction can really boost your rabbit’s mood and healthy development. A great lack of socialization can cause a string of abnormal behaviors, such as lethargy and violence, and in turn even health issues.The best way to provide proper enrichment to your pet is to build your own special rabbit enclosure that will be equipped with everything needed to provide stimulation. Let your imagination loose as you assemble a true bunny funhouse – a shelter with burrows to dig in, hideouts, nooks to be explored, toys, puzzles, hay to be nibbled, and anything else you might think of. ConclusionEvery rabbit owner should provide enrichment for their pet to stimulate their natural instincts and behaviors, and ensure their mental and physical wellbeing. Whether it’s rabbit toys, hideouts, burrows, or the company of another rabbit – it will depend on your preferences and your pet’s needs.Remember that routine is important in all pets’ lives – rabbit’s too. Knowing that fun times are just around the corner each day will make your rabbit a fun, inquisitive, sociable, and loveable pet to have. A big no-no in rabbit care is lack of enrichment. Keep your pet alone, neglected, or cooped up, and they can become bored, angry, lethargic, and in the end, depressed.

Adoptable Dog of the Week – Hannah

This lovely girl needs someone to give her a second chance at a happily ever after! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Hannah, a six year old Labrador Retriever and Catahoula Leopard Dog mix from Indianapolis, Indiana. She is spayed, current on her shots, and house trained. Hannah doesn’t mind older children and does well with dogs (that have a personality similar to hers), but hasn’t been tested around cats. Hannah’s TaleHannah has been picked up as a stray dog by a local shelter, but has been very stressed out in the shelter’s kennel – she has significantly relaxed since being transferred to a rescue. She is a sweet dog that only wants to have a family of her own, where she could really blossom and show her beautiful personality to the fullest. She is playful (balls are her favorite toy ever), but isn’t too energetic or demanding – she’d do great with a family that leads a quiet lifestyle and wants a mellow companion that doesn’t need daily adventures to be happy.While Hannah can be a bit shy and distrustful at first, once she gets a chance to meet you, she will quickly warm up to you and shower you with affection once she feels safe and relaxed around you. She’ll love to snuggle up to you, kick it back, and simply unwind while she’s getting some much-wanted ear scratches and belly rubs – she really is a loving dog that only wants that love to be returned by someone.Hannah is house-trained, has great leash manners, and has never made a mess or an issue when left alone – she is a very well-behaved gal. She has been around kids in the rescue but has been scared and startled by curious toddlers, so it’s best if she goes to an adult-only home or a family with older children. Hannah is good around dogs but gets really stressed by young, energetic dogs that can be pushy, and it would be better if her canine sibling would be an older dog or a pooch with a similarly mellow character.If you want to learn more about Hannah or adopt her, contact S.O.A.R. Initiative, Inc. for additional information.

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Blizzard

This adorable girl is waiting for her forever family to take her home! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Blizzard, a 2 year old Siberian Husky mix from Pekin, Illinois. She is spayed, up to date on her vaccines, and knows some basic commands. Blizzard could do well with other dogs (but a prior meeting is a must), does well around cats, but hasn’t been yet tested with kids. Blizzard’s TaleIf you want a pooch that will always keep you on your toes, be a perfect companion for your active lifestyle, and be up for any adventure, you’re in luck! Blizzard is definitely your gal. She is full of energy, loves to run, and is a champion at zoomies – she really looks like a blizzard when she gets going. Naturally, this also means that she needs a family that can keep up with her needs and is able to provide her an outlet for all that energy. Ideally, her new home would have a securely fenced-in backyard where she could play and explore safely.Blizzard is also a very smart dog that’s treat motivated to boot, which means she does great with training – with a patient, determined owner by her side, she could learn so much more. She already walks very nicely on a leash, she will sit, lay down, and roll over for a treat, and there’s no saying what other fun and useful tricks she could learn yet. A sweet and loving dog that will shower you with love in return for your affection, Blizzard does well with cats but hasn’t been tested around children yet. She’d probably do well with dogs of her size and similar energy levels, but if you already have a pooch in the family, it’s best to contact her rescuers for more information.If you want Blizzard to be a part of your family, contact T.A.P.S. No-Kill Animal Shelter to learn more about her.

Research Suggests Lifespan In Dogs Varies By Breed

Why do some dogs live to age 18, and others barely reach ten? If there’s one thing we could change about all dogs, it would be their lifespan. We’d of course want them to be with us for as long as they could, and research from the United Kingdom suggests that breed type has something to do with lifespan.The study, published in Nature’s Scientific Reports found that dog life expectancy is closely linked to breed. The researchers analyzed 30,000 dogs that died from 2016 to 2020 and calculated the average life expectancy of 18 breeds and crossbreeds.The scientists claimed that previous research looking into dogs' life expectancies has a few flaws. The researchers decided to construct a life table for their work, as opposed to simply noting the age of the dogs at the time of their death.Insurance companies typically use life tables, and they predict the probability of death at different times for the creatures of the population. According to the research team, a life table gives much more detailed information than a single summary average age of death across all dogs. The researchers found that though dogs' average life expectancy was 11.2 years, that age varied considerably based on breed. Not surprisingly to many veterinarians and those who know and love dogs, smaller breeds generally live longer than larger dogs do. That said, the data should be taken with a grain of salt. For example, Jack Russell Terriers have an average life expectancy of 12.72 years, but French Bulldogs have a low life expectancy–4.53 years. Jack Russell Terriers are typically larger than French Bulldogs, but other factors like brachycephalic features on a bulldog come into play as well. Dr. Dan O’Neill is the study’s senior author. He’s also an associate professor of companion animal epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College in Hertfordshire, England.He said that historical breeding practices between dogs likely disrupt what scientists would generally expect to find. He bases this on the fact that in the natural world, smaller species typically live shorter lives than do larger species–the opposite of the dog world. According to Dr. O’Neill, the sad finding is that many breeds follow a pathway to extreme body shapes with serious health issues linked–brachycephaly for instance. It’s something to think about when going out to buy or adopt a dog.And the study didn’t take into account other factors like whether different diets and adherence to natural or holistic ingredients make a difference in lifespan. He said that the study suggested that the concept of ‘dog years’ is no longer really useful, and instead, paying attention to the dog years of different breeds is much more likely to be an accurate predictor of general lifespan.

Study Proposes Smartest Dog Breed And You May Be Surprised

A new study has found that the Belgian Malinois sits at the top of the intelligent pack when it comes to dog breeds. Researchers from The University of Helsinki assessed 1,000 dogs of 13 various breeds. They assigned seven cognitive and three behavioral tasks to the dogs. The tasks assessed everything from independence, quickness to head to a human for help, ability to read human gestures, and problem-solving to get food rewards. There were a total of 39 points available on the ranking scale and the Belgian Malinois had the highest score of 35. The Belgian Malinois is often used for protection, guarding and investigation, and it’s no wonder with their scores.Coming in second place were Border Collies with 26 points. Not surprisingly, as Border Collies are a breed many think are ‘too smart for their own good,’ Hovawart, an old German working breed, came in third place with 25 points. Interestingly, family favorites like the Golden and Labrador Retrievers were in 13th and 19th places, respectively, as they scored highly on gesture recognition but poorly on others. Dr. Katriina Tiira is one of the study's co-authors. In an article in The Sunday Telegraph said that the Belgian Malinois stood out in many cognitive tasks and had very good results in the majority of the tests. Dr. Saara Junttila is a co-author of the study and said that most breeds had strengths and weaknesses with each of the tasks. For instance, Labrador Retrievers were good at reading human gestures but not as good at spatial problem-solving. The Shetland sheepdog scored pretty evenly in all the tests, as did several other breeds. The breed choices were based on their general interest in working for food and their lack of aggression toward people. The dogs were between a year and eight years old to compensate for youthful and elderly cognitive function. The research was done as part of the smartDOG testing between March 2016 and February 2022. There are over 5000 dogs in the smartDog database and more testing can help give breed-specific information that helps in selecting the best breeds for your needs and wants.

Neabot P1 Pro Professional Pet Grooming Vacuum Kit Review

Starting out as a KickStarter, the Neabot P1 smashed its set goal and is now ready for pet parents and aspiring groomers alike. Promising to instantly capture 99% of pet hair, dust, dander, and mites (thanks to its vacuum suction of up to 9000Pa), the Neabot is marketed as an all-in-one grooming tool kit that is simple to use, effective, and affordable.Let’s take this bad boy for a spin! Here’s what you need to know:What comes in the box:· Grooming brush · Deshedding brush · Electric clipper · Nozzle head· Cleaning brush· Detachable guide combs· Vacuum· Hose· User Manual· Storage BagWho It’s Made For

Dolly Parton Launches ‘Doggy Parton’ Apparel Line for Pooches

The country music star, philanthropist, and pop culture legend Dolly Parton just added another title to her long list of achievements – designer of pet apparel and accessories. And, as Dolly is well known for her humanitarian and charity work, it doesn’t come as a surprise to learn that part of the profit will go to an animal rescue organization! She teamed up with SportPet Designs and the result was a stunning pet product collection of 20 items that will definitely turn heads at the doggie park.Aptly named Doggy Parton, this line of pet products includes everything from toys, clothes, collars, and leashes to fun accessories such as wigs and costumes. Naturally, all of the pet apparel products have that distinct (and universally loved) Dolly flair, so you’ll find an abundance of pink, faux feathers, faux pearls, Dolly-themed merch, and southern country outfits for your four-legged belle or beau! There’s even a Dolly Parton costume that your pet can wear this Halloween – they’ll definitely stand out from the crowd with a guitar and a big blonde wig, that’s without a doubt.Let’s go, @ShaniaTwain! Wearing my new @DoggyParton outfit. Impress you much? Happy Friday, everyone! https://t.co/wF7NULE4lB pic.twitter.com/tApMQa0gDy— Billy The Kid (@btkthefrenchie) September 2, 2022 While Dolly herself doesn’t have a dog, the main model and brand ambassador for this line, a French Bulldog named Billy the Kid is actually her god-dog. He is owned by Dolly’s manager and absolutely adores his godmother, so it was only logical that he’d be the one to try out all the goodies first! In addition to being super adorable, lots of fun, and very well made, these pet products also give back to the community with each purchase. Part of the proceeds go to Willa B Farms Animal Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization that rescues animals of all shapes and sizes, from dogs and cats to horses and pigs, and gives them all a loving home where they can be safe and cherished as they deserve. Happy Labor Day! @btkthefrenchie is ready to show off our Pink Cowgirl Hat with Tiara 💖Get yours here while stocks last https://t.co/Y8dETXxq3o pic.twitter.com/yyX4yA4Yiq— Doggy Parton (@DoggyParton) September 5, 2022 If you’ve been on the lookout for some amusing costumes for your pet to wear this Halloween, want to treat your pooch to some new toys, or you’re simply a fan of Dolly Parton and want your pooch to be one to – head on over to Amazon and grab a few fun items from the Doggy Parton line!

The Best Doge Meme Knick-Knacks

1. Editor’s Pick: Macbook Sticker

2. Runner Up: Notebook

3. Customer’s Choice: Wrapping Paper

4. Best Pillow: Doge Galaxy Throw pillow

5. Best Stationary: Smooffly Funny Doge Mousepad

6. Best Blanket: YIRONGCG Mr Doge Meme Print Flannel Throw

7. Best T-Shirt: Your Tee Co. Doge T-shirt

8. Best Hat: CHOK.LIDS Doge to The Moon Dad Hats

9. Best Poster: Haus and Hues AstroDoge Funny Poster

10. Also Consider: The Carefree Bee – 7 Meme Enamel Pins for Backpacks

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The Best Doge Meme Knick-Knacks

1. Editor’s Pick: Macbook Sticker

2. Runner Up: Notebook

3. Customer’s Choice: Wrapping Paper

4. Best Pillow: Doge Galaxy Throw pillow

5. Best Stationary: Smooffly Funny Doge Mousepad

6. Best Blanket: YIRONGCG Mr Doge Meme Print Flannel Throw

7. Best T-Shirt: Your Tee Co. Doge T-shirt

8. Best Hat: CHOK.LIDS Doge to The Moon Dad Hats

9. Best Poster: Haus and Hues AstroDoge Funny Poster

10. Also Consider: The Carefree Bee – 7 Meme Enamel Pins for Backpacks

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