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2018 Global Pet Expo Day 3: That’s A Wrap!

Lori Ennis
by Lori Ennis
Published:  March 23rd, 2018
2018 Global Pet Expo has come to an end, but the things we’ve seen and learned here will keep us motivated and excited about the ways that we can take care of our furry family members for years to come.


By the end of the week at The Global Pet Expo, my mind’s thoughts swirl around all the awesome products I’ve seen and the people I’ve met! I’m energized by the passion so many of these companies have for making our pets’ (and our) lives better and I’m so psyched by some of the coolest new products.

Take for instance new technology out of China that is just so neat! One of my favorite finds was this treat robot from iPetRobot. He’s super cool and currently in production for an anticipated release in the next year. He does all sorts of neat things, but what I love is that the treat compartment is divided and individually gives treats out–making it more engaging for your pup!

I also could not get over the Dog TV! If your dog is like mine, she may watch television, but because dogs have far fewer cones and way more rod cells than humans do, they don’t get the same from the screen. Until now…with the dog tv from GoPad. It’s specially created to allow better perception and visualization for your dog, and just like it engages us, it engages and stimulates their brains as well.


Related: Global Pet Expo: Canine Colors Helps You Discover Your Dog’ Personality

While we’re talking about treat dispensers, we came across this company who has an automatic pet food dispenser from HomeRun Pet. That in itself is super cool, but we loved the concept of an engaging toy that looks like a treat dispenser but is actually an electronic toy that you operate with an app and pops out a fluffy toy to get your cat’s attention and engagement. It’s easy enough for your kiddos to operate and have tons of fun and interaction with your pets.

And when it came to cool ways to make sure your pet has fresh water, we loved the Fresco from Petoneer. It can be remotely controlled with an app, and it takes out all the icky stuff that you wouldn’t want in your water–so you wouldn’t want it in your pet’s either! The multi-stage filtration system makes sure that even when you’re not home, your pet has access to the freshest water available and the app is cloud-enabled so you can monitor and control your pet’s water any time and from anywhere you are!

Technology took a different twist with the Kitty Twister I found–made by the folks who made Prince Lionheart’s Twist’r Diaper Disposal pail to stop odor from diapers, this cat litter disposal system is pretty cool. Thoughtfully designed with a scooper that won’t drop litter and really works in sealing up the poop. Plus it looks so stinking cool. (See what we did there?)

Actually, Global was all about the poop–at least the folks at Halo were! A holistic pet care brand, they are committed to making sure your pet’s poop is what it is supposed to be. Yes, there is a way pet poop is supposed to be, and their holistic products help get you there!


Of course, I saw big dogs…

And little dogs…

And even some chickens!

Related: Global Pet Expo: The Lazy Dog Supports Dogs On Deployment


But as always, the passion of the people dedicated to taking care of pets and people is what gets me every time. That’s why I fell in love with Lindy’s Bakery–they are a non-profit division of Daybreak, which is an organization that helps shelter and transition homeless youth into the adult world with support and skills.

Daybreak has been working with homeless youth since 1975, Lindy’s Bakery helps give homeless youth skills and job opportunities to function successfully as young adults. I love that 100% of the proceeds from Lindy’s Bakery go to homeless youth, and I love that their product is a delicious treat that’s made of wholesome, limited ingredients. This passion for pets and people is what makes this industry what it is, and it makes us proud to be part of it.

And so, I high-fived my buddy and high-tailed it home…

Jazzed by the ever-growing pet product industry and psyched for the awesome things that people have and are planning for our furry family members. And though I didn’t bring a dog home from this one…I’m not sure that I won’t be heading back to Florida very soon to add on to the family. Doesn’t this guy look like he was made for us?

‘Til next year, Global!

WOW
Lori Ennis
Lori Ennis

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Global Pet Expo Day 3: Until Next Year

Global Pet Expo Day three may be last day, but we certainly still found a ton of great pet products, pet parents, and of course–pets. After two days of perusing the best things the pet product industry has to offer, we were geared up for the last day and found it just as full of fun, furry (and not so) and fabulous pets. Because after all, our pets is what it’s all about. We saw more dogs…some revved up and raring to ‘ruff…

Global Pet Expo Day 3: Breaking Records With Man’s Best Friend

Global Pet Expo’s industry spending trends are out, and according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), Americans spent nearly $100 billion on their pets in 2019! And, as we all know that pets are family, we’re not surprised by that number at all! Here at Global Pet Expo 2020, we listened to APPA CEO Steve King as he shared that Americans spent $95.7 billion dollars on the pet industry in 2019. Folks, read that again: it’s billions of dollars we’re talking about. The spending categories include Pet Food & Treats ($36.9 billion); Supplies, Live Animals & OTC Medicine ($19.2 billion); Vet Care and Product Sales ($10.3 billion) and Other Services ($10.3 billion). King said that pet parents are more educated than ever about what goes into their pets’ foods and treats, and that we’re willing to pay more for quality ingredients. They’re family, after all, right? He also shared scientific information from the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) that showed a correlation between investing in our own human health when we’re investing in our pets’ health. Pets bring improved physical health as well as reduce our feelings of loneliness and depression. In addition to the trends of more organic and natural pet products, King said that there are more innovative pet toys, high tech and enrichment products and habitats. Lucky us, we’ve gotten to see the best the industry has to offer for our pets, and the love for pets (and their humans) is as evident as ever! As we walked the floors of day three at Global Pet Expo, evidence of those trends was alive and well! We found plushy dog toys that were eco-friendly and made from recycled water bottles, saving the planet and enriching our furry friends’ lives at the same time! Spunky Pup makes all their toys from recycled bottles, actually, so they’re good for the earth and your pet!

Wrap-Up Of Global Pet Expo Day 3: Best Day Of Them All!

The three days of Global Expo have flown – and I wish I had an extra day or two to properly cover all of the amazing things that are featured! One of the coolest new tech products I dug was the PawScout collar that will be releasing this summer. Working similarly to the concept community tracking like Waze or Tile, you can monitor your pet’s location with this collar and contact people around should he get lost. It’s a really reasonable price point and can make a huge difference when you get separated from your pet.

2018 Global Pet Expo Day 1: Hanging With Doug the Pug

Day One of 2018 Global Pet Expo in Orlando, Florida, is a wrap, and it couldn’t have ended in a more fun way–hanging with canine celeb Doug the Pug! One of the best things about 2018 Global Pet Expo is all the adorable and amazing pets I get to meet. Many celebri-dogs and celebri-cats I follow and love make it here and I go all fan-girl. And this year, I squeed over Insta-Star, Doug the Pug. “‪Never settle for less than two scoops” -Doug A post shared by Doug The Pug (@itsdougthepug) on Mar 18, 2018 at 8:50am PDT No, seriously–when I met Doug the Pug and his mama/Momager Leslie Mosier, it was like I was at a New Kids On The Block concert! If you think he’s adorable online, you should see him in real life! I got to ask Doug what he loved about the Global Pet Expo and he said he’s loved all the butt scratches, the belly rubs and tons of attention! Related: Pugs Go Crazy When Military Dad Returns From Training [Video] Doug calls Nashville, Tennessee his home and has since his mama brought him home from an Ohio breeder in March 2012. He’s been all over the world for his book tour; that’s right, he’s an author–Doug the Pug: The King of Pop Culture and has been featured in Cosmopolitan, TIME and more! He’s followed on social media as the most followed pug on the Internet with over 3.3 million Instagram followers, 2.53 million Twitter followers and a whopping 6.1 million Facebook followers! He’s so big he calls celebrities like Ed Sheeran, Justin Bier, Meghan Trainor and even Katy Perry friends! He’s been in music videos and songs, and has a crazy popular line of merchandise that is all about him, or follows the themes of his Stranger Things parodies. He’s talked fashion with Cassadee Pop and ‘beer’ with LoCash. “‪Does my booty look ready for the beach?” -Doug A post shared by Doug The Pug (@itsdougthepug) on Mar 14, 2018 at 8:09am PDT Related: Kyoto Pug Cafe Offers Plenty of Perks! Essentially, Doug has claimed the Internet as his, and we don’t mind at all! Still, as famous as he is, at the core, he’s just Doug–a pup with the most adorable, squishiest face and who likes to make people happy! Leslie says that in the years that Doug has been on social media, he’s touched the lives of many people who’ve followed him for laughs and giggles, and that’s what keeps them going on their whirlwind adventures. He’s got big plans ahead, Leslie says, with an upcoming tour and tons of new products he loves. In the meantime, he’s just hanging out with regular old people like me, which makes ME happy because is there anything better than famous dog snuggles? No, not really!

Global Pet Expo 2018: Top 10 Cool New Products From Global Pet Expo

The New Product Showcase at the Global Pet Expo always brings out some of the pet industry’s best and brightest. Here are some sneak peak of our favorites. The New Product Showcase is one of my favorite places to check out all the cool new releases and I was so excited about some of the things I found!

Amazing Wiener Dog Gives Birth to a Record Breaking Puppy Litter

Puppy litters can certainly be large, but in the case of this brave Wiener dog mom, everyone was taken by surprise! This extraordinary female dachshund brought to the world a litter of no less than 11 puppies – there is definitely potential for a world record here. Winnie, a three-year-old female dachshund, was seemingly a normal pregnant dog, and nobody expected her litter to be this big. Normally, this breed of dog delivers between one and six puppies, but Winnie delivered nearly double that number in September.

Lost Service Dog Survived 2 Months Alone in the Colorado Mountains

It’s every dog parent’s nightmare. 14-month-old service dog in training Nova Riley slipped out of her harness and bolted out of a Safeway parking lot in a panic. After several sightings by the community as they searched tirelessly alongside owner Robynne Simons-Sealy, Nova continued to run in fear from anyone who attempted to catch her. After two long months of worrying and searching, Simons-Sealy was reunited with her beloved Bernese Mountain Dog. Nova was discovered injured in the woods of Meyers Ranch Park by two hikers on November 19th. The hikers recognized that she was injured, frightened, and needed help. They tried to carry her out to safely, but due to her high anxiety (understandable, given the situation), she bit one of her rescuers. Refusing to leave the poor dog behind, they decided to bring in help. One hiker stayed with Nova to keep her calm and assure her they weren’t giving up on her. The other hiker descended the trail to ask the park rangers for help and guide them, along with Animal Control Officer Kylie Rupe, three miles back to her position. “When we first got up there, I had brought treats and food up with me, knowing she would probably be very food-motivated at that point,” explained Rupe. “I used food to make friends, and she was very friendly but skittish.” With the help of both the rangers and animal control, Nova was carried to safety on a tarp. One of the rangers had recognized Nova from a lost dog poster, allowing her to be reunited with her worried and ever-grateful owner.

Scientists Finally Identify Mystery Dog Illness Sweeping America

If you are a dog owner in the United States, you have likely already seen the news reports about the mystery illness responsible for the deaths of several dogs, prompting veterinary professionals to caution pet parents about taking their pets out to public spaces. But we may finally be able to spot the light at the end of the tunnel… Dr. David Needle, pathology section chief at the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture at the University of New Hampshire, reported that scientists have finally identified the cause of the illness. While this doesn’t mean that life for our dogs can return to normal immediately, it does mean that they are one step closer to finding a cure and moving past this nightmare. The research article has yet to be published, but the team is sharing their initial findings to provide hope for pet parents and the veterinary community. The pathogen responsible for the mystery respiratory illness is described as “a funky bacterium.” “It’s smaller than a normal bacterium in its size and in the size of its genome,” explained Needle. “Long story short, it’s a weird bacterium that can be tough to find and sequence.” Searching for the cause of this illness wasn’t easy for researchers. Initially, there were no known bacterial, viral, or fungal pathogens, meaning they were searching blind. However, after testing 30 samples from New Hampshire, genetic material from an atypical bacterial species was discovered. The next step in understanding the cause of the illness and working towards a cure (and possible preventative) is to compare these findings to samples from dogs in other states to verify that it is, in fact, the same pathogen in all reported instances. States with possible cases of the disease include: CaliforniaColoradoFlorida Georgia IdahoIllinois IndianaMarylandMassachusettsNew HampshireOregonPennsylvania Rhode IslandVermontWashingtonOne challenge faced by veterinarians is the fact there is no test to confirm that all reported cases are, in fact, the same illness. What Are the Warning Signs?Common symptoms resemble respiratory infections like canine influenza and kennel cough, conditions usually seen in higher numbers at this time of year. Luckily for the human members of our family, there are currently no reports of the illness being transferred to humans. Veterinarians recommend watching out for the following symptoms: Coughing or sneezing WheezingDifficulty breathingNasal or eye dischargeDehydration Loss of appetite Weight loss FeverLethargyHow Can You Keep Your Dog Safe? Until a cure has been identified, dog parents are encouraged to focus on preventative measures. Ensure your dog’s vaccinations are current, protecting them against known respiratory problems. Avoid public spaces like dog parks, doggy daycare, and grooming establishments where dogs may be exposed to the illness. If you must go to a public space, steer clear of shared food and water dishes. Your dog will be just as happy to spend this time playing with you as they would with another dog!If you notice any signs of respiratory trouble or illness, don’t panic. Contact your veterinarian to share your concerns and make an appointment.

Why Is My Dog Licking and Chewing His Paws?

You might think it’s gross, but your pooch certainly doesn’t – canines are known to lick themselves as a way of grooming. While your dog might lick their body thoroughly to keep it clean, sometimes, their self-grooming can be abnormal. If you notice that your pet is licking or even chewing their paws obsessively, it should raise concern. This type of behavior might indicate an underlying medical issue, so here’s what you need to know before you phone your vet.Is It Normal for Dogs to Lick and Chew Their Paws?While some licking of their paws after they get dirty can be perfectly normal, constant licking or chewing of the paws is certainly not usual behavior. There could be several reasons behind this, and it could indicate that your attention and even intervention are needed. Here are some of the most common reasons why dogs lick and chew their paws.Allergies:  Allergies, including food allergies, environmental allergies (such as pollen or dust mites), and contact allergies (for example, from cleaning products or lawn chemicals), can lead to itching and discomfort in dogs. Paw licking and chewing can be a response to this itching. If you suspect that an allergy might be in question, don’t hesitate to visit your vet.Skin irritation or infection: If your dog's paws are red, swollen, or have an unpleasant odor, it may indicate a  skin infection or irritation. Bacterial or fungal infections, as well as foreign objects like splinters or thorns, can lead to serious issues down the road. Again, if you notice any of the above, it’s time to visit the vet.Dry or cracked paw pads: Dry or cracked paw pads can be uncomfortable for dogs. Licking and chewing may be their way of trying to soothe the discomfort. This happens to many dogs, and can be caused by their environment, the surface on which they walk, and many other things. Luckily, you can prevent this with paw wax that will create a barrier between the pads and the walking surface, or treat existing issues with paw butter that soothes and repairs the pads. This particular  2-in-1 paw butter and wax is a favorite of mine because it is made from all-natural ingredients and heals cracked paws in no time – while simultaneously preventing future irritation and dryness. 

Do Dogs Cry Tears?

Perhaps you spotted tears streaming from your pet’s eyes and wondered: do dogs cry tears as an emotional response? Or is there a different explanation for this phenomenon? Well, the answer is pretty straightforward – dogs don’t produce tears because of their emotions like we humans do. They produce tears primarily to lubricate their eyes, and remove dust and other irritants. But, this does not mean that they don’t express emotions in other ways – here’s what you need to know about your teary-eyed furball.Do Dogs Cry Real Tears?If you spot tears running from your dog’s eyes, you are not deceived – they are real. However, they are not tears of sadness or emotion, as dogs simply don’t express feelings the same way as we do. The role of those tears is more of a bodily function. They are there to lubricate the eye, making sure it functions as it should. After all, dogs can just rub their eyes or place a few drops inside when needed. So, their body does the job for them, and hence the tears. Of course, an excessive amount of tears is not natural. And neither are dry and tearless eyes. So, in either one of these cases, you should schedule a visit with your vet. Dry eyes in dogs are also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or "dry eye syndrome," and can lead to discomfort, irritation, and potential complications if left untreated. In many cases of dry eyes, veterinarians prescribe artificial tears or  lubricating eye drops to help moisturize the eyes and relieve discomfort. These drops can help supplement the natural tear production and provide relief from dryness. 

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What is the Best Dog Harness for Senior Dogs?

Final Thoughts – The Best Harness for Senior Dogs Many veterinarians and experts on the health and care of senior dogs will recommend using a harness. However, not all harnesses are created to meet the needs of every life stage. When selecting a harness for an older dog, there are unique factors to consider. This includes the weight and bulkiness of the harness, how easy it is to put it on/take it off, and the padding inside the harness for their comfort. Pay careful attention to ensure the design or fit doesn’t limit or impact movement. There are many great harness options on the market, including those made for regular wear and specialized lift support harnesses with convenient shoulder straps. If possible, visit your local pet store with your senior dog to check out your options firsthand. This will help you better assess the size needed and whether the design suits your dog’s unique needs. Most importantly, remember that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. You may find that you are using two different harnesses with two senior dogs in your home. That’s okay! The goal is to find the option that supports all your dog’s needs and helps you give them the best possible quality of life. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is a Cat Tree Necessary for My Cat?

When you first bring home a new cat, it’s an exciting time – especially if you’re a first-time cat parent. However, amidst the excitement, there are many questions that may be holding you back from fully embracing the joy. Are you prepared to meet all your cat’s needs? Are there “must-have” items you have overlooked? The struggle is real! We have good news… Many of the items that are deemed “necessary” are actually optional. One such item is the traditional cat tree or cat scratcher. Do they offer benefits? Yes! Can they help to improve your cat’s mental and physical health? Yes! But is a cat tree necessary for your cat? No, it’s not. There are other ways you can meet your cat’s needs if your budget or space doesn’t allow for a large piece of cat furniture. Let’s dig into the truth about cat trees and your cat. What is the Point of Cat Trees? If you’re currently standing in your local pet store, looking over the wide assortment of cat furniture available, you may wonder – what exactly is the purpose of cat furniture? Is it just a fancy bed solution for your cat, or are there other considerations when these products are developed? It’s an honest question I often hear from first-time cat parents. After all, these large, elaborate structures often come with a hefty price tag. If they do nothing more than provide a place to sleep, wouldn’t a simple cat bed suffice? Cat furniture is designed to meet many of your cat’s instincts, including their need to scratch, hide, climb, and oversee their surroundings. Each type of cat furniture has its benefits to consider.

What Do I Do If My Dog Eats Wild Mushrooms?

If you hike or adventure with your dog, you have likely encountered wild mushrooms during your travels – especially now that we are entering the autumn season. But here’s the problem: they’re not always safe for our furry friends. As dog parents, it’s our responsibility to learn about the dangers that wild mushrooms may pose to our dogs and how to keep them safe. In this blog post, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about wild mushrooms, including how they could spell trouble for your dog and what you should do if your pup decides to chow down one of these potentially toxic fungi. Recognizing the signs of mushroom toxicity and knowing what steps to act promptly could make all the difference. So, let’s dive into the world of wild mushrooms and get you prepared to protect your canine companion. Can Mushrooms Harm a Dog? There has been a lot of talk recently about the benefits of medicinal mushrooms for both humans and pets. While studies and research are still being conducted to fully understand the impact mushrooms can have as a supplement or alternative treatment option, it’s clear that some fungi can be incredibly helpful. Still, there are also a few that are highly toxic both to us and our furry friends. The challenge when discussing wild mushrooms is that most dog parents aren’t foraging experts with a knowledge of which mushrooms are edible and which are not – and our dogs certainly aren’t educated on the topic! If you are out hiking and your dog discovers a mushroom on the side of the trail, you likely aren’t going to know in advance whether it’s toxic or not. In fact, if you have a high-energy dog like we do with our pup Lucifer, you may not even have the opportunity to see the mushroom enough to identify it before it has been ingested. This means leaving the possibility that it could be a toxic variety up to chance. For this reason, it’s safer to steer clear of wild mushrooms entirely. Does this mean that your grocery store mushrooms are dangerous? No. If you have purchased mushrooms to cook up for dinner and you want to share one with your dog, they are safe. They are healthiest when offered raw, but if you do cook them, ensure they are unseasoned, as the seasoning could upset your dog’s stomach. They can also be found in some foods, treats, supplements, and bone broth products. What Does Mushroom Toxicity Look Like in Dogs? While we have established that allowing your dog to eat wild mushrooms is unsafe, the hard truth is that we can’t always control the situation. Simply looking away for a matter of seconds may be all it takes for your dog to find and grab a mushroom on the side of the road, on a trail, or even in your backyard. For this reason, we must ensure that we are familiar with the signs of mushroom toxicity to recognize the problem and react as quickly as possible. There are four categories of toxic mushrooms: GastrointestinalMushrooms in this category primarily impact your dog’s digestive system. They act quickly, showing signs in as little as 15 minutes after ingestion. These are the most common signs your dog has ingested a gastrointestinal mushroom: Excessive drooling Upset stomach Abdominal pain Vomiting Diarrhea NeurotoxicThese mushrooms cause neurological symptoms and, if not addressed quickly, can often be fatal. Signs often show approximately 30 to 90 minutes after ingestion. The most common signs that your dog has eaten a neurotoxic mushroom include: Digestive upset Weakness Agitation or anxiety Loss of coordination Unsteady gateAppearing confused or disoriented Tremors Seizures HepatotoxicThese mushrooms are significantly more dangerous than the first two categories. They are slower acting, with symptoms appearing as long as 12 hours after eating the mushroom. They begin by upsetting the digestive system and may be initially mistaken for a gastrointestinal mushroom. However, after time, they will start to impact the function of your dog’s liver, leading potentially to liver failure and death if not addressed. Nephrotoxic Finally, this category is very similar to hepatotoxic mushrooms in that it begins as a digestive upset. If unaddressed, these mushrooms can cause kidney failure or acute renal damage. What Do I Do if My Dog Ate a Wild Mushroom? If you notice any of the above symptoms of mushroom toxicity in your dog, contact your veterinarian or the nearest emergency clinic as soon as possible. If there are multiple mushrooms in the area and you can take a sample for identification, it may help provide valuable insight. While no treatment can instantly fix the toxicity, your veterinarian can provide your pup with supportive care. This will begin with inducing vomiting and/or giving your dog activated charcoal to remove or cancel out the poison and prevent further damage. The vet will monitor your dog while providing supportive care to address symptoms or complications of the toxicity, such as IV fluids to prevent dehydration and anti-nausea medications to settle digestive problems. This takes the unnecessary strain off the body, significantly boosting your dog’s chance of survival.

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Meet Maverick, the Winner of the 2023 American Humane Hero Dog Award

A six-year-old European Blue Great Dane was singled out from hundreds of other dogs and crowned the 2023 American Humane Hero Dog. Maverick’s job as a therapy dog is to support military members and their families from across the country.Maverick has an extraordinary ability to provide comfort to those who need it with a simple touch of his paw. “A sign of a good therapy dog is a dog that always wants to touch you,” explained Marverick’s owner, Kelly Brownfield, from Saint Robert, Missouri. “He just has a sense of knowing what people need.”Brownfield, who works as a manager at the Fort Leonard Wood United Service Organization, told Fox News that Maverick was born for a purpose. “Maverick’s superpower is his ability to calm people with a touch of his paw, giving them strength to move forward,” she said.This gentle giant supports service members after unexpected deaths in their units, escorts children to military funerals of their parents, and helps service men and women cope with trauma. Each week, Maveric spends time with students at school, offering support to children who practice their reading skills.Tipping the scales at 150 pounds, Maverick can initially seem intimidating, but “he is literally a gentle giant,” said Brownfield. “His whole aura about him is calming.”“He is the perfect size for everything that we do. He is literally their rock; they can lean on him, and he is there for them,” his owner added. “The one thing about this breed is that they have a heart to match.”Each year, people around the country nominate hundreds of dogs in five categories - law enforcement and first responder dogs; service and guide or hearing dogs; therapy dogs; military dogs; and emerging hero and shelter dogs - for American Humane’s Hero Dog Award.Five semi-finalists, in each of the five categories, were chosen from hundreds of dogs. A competitive public vote has cut the list to only five four-legged finalists - one presenting each category. Maverick, who was competing against service dog Moxie, Coast Guard K-9 Buda, police dog Poppy, and emerging hero Raina, was crowned by the panel of judges as the winner. “We are so excited to name Maverick as the American Humane’s 2023 Hero Dog, a distinction that is well deserved for him and his owner Kelly,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, President and CEO of American Humane. “The duo has worked tirelessly to bring comfort and solace to our nation’s military heroes through the United Service Organization (USO), all while they both were facing their internal beatles against cancer. It’s these types of incredible stories about sacrifice, perseverance, and compassion that this award aims to spotlight.”Maverick has also offered emotional support to his owner Kelly, who has been battling cancer for the past six years. “I truly believe he knew before anyone else knew,” said Brownfield, adding that Maverick was particularly clingy, touchy, and protective in the months leading up to her diagnosis. “To have him there, especially on hard days has been just an amazing support.”The six-year-old gentle giant also faced a cancer diagnosis last year but is now cancer-free thanks to a successful surgical procedure. Although Maverick spends most of his time in Missouri, he and his owner sometimes travel around the country for work. Together, he and Brownfield have completed hundreds of special mission requests over the years.Having a therapy dog around “can help change lives,” said Brownfield. “He senses the needs of every person.”Maverick and the four other finalists will be honored at the 13th annual American Humane Hero Dog Awards in Palm Beach, Florida. The award show will air on Thanksgiving Day and November 26 on A&E.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Study Finds That Pet Owners Experience Slower Cognitive Decline

Studies have shown that owning a pet can promote physical health in older people, but there isn’t enough research on the impact of dogs, cats, and other pets on cognitive function. As people age, their cognitive functions and memory decline. Although all people experience some level of cognitive decline as they age, some individuals can maintain good cognitive function well into advanced age. In contrast, others experience a sharp cognitive decline early on. Researchers have suggested various strategies to slow cognitive decline, from treating sleep apnea to improving diet and increasing exercise. In a new study, a team of researchers has set to discover whether pets, mainly cats and dogs, may help slow down cognitive decline in seniors.Scientists from the University of Maryland wanted to examine the link between pet ownership and changes in cognitive function of community-dwelling seniors. The goal of this study was to determine whether pet owners experience slower cognitive decline. They also wanted to see if there’s any difference if the pet is a dog or a cat, and whether dog walking might reduce the rate of cognitive decline. The team analyzed data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, the longest-running study of aging in the U.S. Using the data from this study, enabled the research team to analyze the cognitive tests of 637 participants ages between 51 and 101.Of the participants, nearly one-third owned pets, with 11% owning cats and 13% owning dogs. Among dog owners, 69% reported walking their dogs regularly. Results revealed that during 10 years, all participants experienced a decline in cognitive functions as they aged. However, decline was slower in pet owners, compared to non-pet owners. Interestingly, the slower decline was more evident in some but not all tests used to determine cognitive function. Additionally, the results also showed some variations between cat and dog owners. For example, researchers noted that dog owners who walked their dogs regularly experienced even slower cognitive decline than cat owners and dog owners who didn’t walk their pets.This finding showcases just how beneficial walking your pooch can be for your overall health. Owning a dog can increase physical activity, as they need to be taken out for regular walks and daily exercise, which is known to be beneficial for health. “Older adult pet owners experienced less decline in cognitive function as they aged, after considering both their pre-existing health and age,” the study authors said.“Memory, executive function, language function, psychomotor speed, and processing speed deteriorated less over 10 years among pet owners than among non-owners and among dog owners than non-owners.”“Cat owners experienced less deterioration in memory and language function. Dog walking was also associated with slower deterioration in cognitive functioning.”Numerous other studies have shown that pets can provide social support and that interacting with a cat or dog can lower heart rate and blood pressure.This study is important for the scientific understanding of factors linked with cognitive decline. However, this study isn’t without limitations. Firstly, the study doesn’t allow any cause-and-effect conclusions to be made. Secondly, the study sample consisted of people with higher socioeconomic status and above-average cognitive abilities for their age. “Policymakers could use these findings to support the inclusion of pets in care plans, designing housing and neighborhoods for seniors that are friendly for dog walking and developing programs to support pet ownership and care for older adults’ pets while they are temporarily unable to do so,” concluded the authors of the study. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Can I Muzzle My Dog to Stop Barking?

Final Thoughts - Can I Muzzle My Dog to Stop Barking?Excessive barking can be frustrating and, if left unaddressed, can put you, as the owner, in a difficult situation. In some places, this can lead to fines or even eviction due to noise complaints. Unfortunately, the process of training a dog to stop barking isn’t one that is usually solved overnight – but it can be done! While you might have seen it recommended to use an “anti-bark” muzzle to stop your dog’s barking, it is not recommended for anything more than a 10 to 15-minute quick fix. Not only does it not teach your dog not to bark in the future, but the muzzle's design could create a dangerous situation. Instead, start by identifying the cause. Is your dog overly excited? Is there a trigger that makes them feel fearful and stressed? Are they trying to protect you when someone walks onto your property? Knowing the trigger will help you not only stop it but also manage your dog’s barking in the short term. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to contact a professional trainer or certified behaviorist to offer guidance and direction. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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