Vets Warn: Dry Drowning Is a Risk for Dogs, Too

by Angela Vuckovic

July 18th, 2018 12:00 AM

vets warn dry drowning is a risk for dogs too

Want to take your pooch to the beach for some summer fun? Read this first.

Sunny days on the beach, frozen treats, and vacation time– what’s not to love about the summertime? Unfortunately, while you might enjoy all the lovely things that this season has to offer, your four-legged best friend is exposed to more risks during summer than they are at any other time of the year. The most common issues are those related to the extreme temperatures; heat stroke is oftentimes fatal for dogs, and sunburn can lead to more serious issues in the long run, such as skin cancer. But there’s another lethal hazard you should add to the list of summer risks for dogs, and it’s one that not many people know about: dry drowning.

If you take your pet to the beach to cool off in the ocean or like to refresh your furball with a swim in the lake, you need to make sure you keep an eye on them. OK, that might sound like an obvious advice, but you’d be surprised at how many pet parents rely on their pooch’s swimming abilities, and that, combined with the fact that not many people know about the risks of dry drowning for dogs, can lead to a disaster.

If a dog gets swept by a strong current or tide, or simply gets too exhausted, they are at an increased risk of inhaling water. These near-drowning episodes might not seem like a big deal- after all, what’s the problem if your pet swallows a bit of saltwater?- but the truth is, aspirating water can end up being fatal for your pooch. When a dog inhales water, it can cause a pulmonary edema, and that fluid in their lungs can be deadly, as it can cause a cardiac arrest. To make things worse, it can be hours or even days before any serious symptoms show up.

To ensure your dog is not at risk of dry drowning, make sure to closely watch them during their time in the water. Additionally, you could buy a lifejacket for dogs to ensure their head will always be above water if you have a dog prone to exertion or just don’t want to risk it. Most importantly, if your dog happens to have a near-drowning accident, be sure to watch for dry drowning symptoms in the following days- these include bluish gums, difficulty breathing, crackling sound from the chest, and more.

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Here Are the New Royal Rescues at Buckingham Palace

The late Queen of England was famed for her love of dogs, most namely corgis and their mixes – after her passion, her four remaining dogs were adopted by family members to live out their days with those close to them, even if it wasn’t at Buckingham Palace anymore But, now, as new king and queen are about to make a home in the royal palace, the halls are about to welcome a new pair of rescue dogs.King Charles III and his wife Camilla have two dogs, Beth and Bluebell, who they adopted over a decade ago. In 2011, Camilla adopted Beth, who was then a 12-week-old pup, and Bluebell joined the family a year after that. Both Bluebell and Beth are Jack Russell Terriers, and both hail from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in London, one of the UK's oldest and best-known animal rescue centers, which was first established in the 19th century. While both of the dogs were abandoned and found by a rescue, Bluebell was in a far worse shape: she was found wandering about in the woods, all of her hair had fallen off, she was covered in sores, and, in the words of Camilla, virtually dead. Luckily, Bluebell made a full recovery, and when Camilla decided that Beth would do well with a companion, she became a part of the royal family, too. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Country Life Magazine (@countrylifemagazine) While these pooches are currently residing with their parents in their London home, Clarence House, as soon as the renovations of Buckingham Palace are done, their tiny paws will be roaming all around the royal palace, in the pawprints of many dogs that came before them. They might not be allowed onto the bed, as Camilla claims, but they’ll surely have free roam of the castle, which is not something many rescue pooches can boast!

10 Ways to Celebrate Christmas With Your Dog

If you have a special pup in your life, you obviously want them to be part of the festivities! We’ve got you covered! Here are 10 ways to celebrate Christmas with your dog ranging from easy, budget-friendly plans to more elaborate ways to celebrate. There’s something for everyone!Take Holiday PicturesWhether you’re taking pictures just to share online or printing custom holiday cards, holiday pictures are a fun way to incorporate your dog in your celebrations. Try purchasing a set of matching Christmas pajamas for a cozy picture indoors or bundle up for a fun winter wonderland photo shoot.Bake Christmas CookiesHoliday baking is a part of the season for many people, so why not include your dog? Bake some festive dog treats with seasonal flavors like our Peppermint Holidog Christmas Dog Treats. You can even use your favorite holiday cookie cutters and make some dog-friendly icing to decorate like you would your own holiday goodies.Visit Your Local Tree FarmGet out and adventure with your dog this holiday season. Many Christmas tree farms are dog-friendly, allowing your best friend to join in on all the festivities. Just make sure to check that your dog is welcome before making the trip.Enjoy a Holiday Movie MarathonIs your dog a cuddler? Pull out your cozy blankets and so dog-friendly snacks, curl up on the couch and put on your favorite holiday movies. This is the perfect way to celebrate Christmas with your dog if bad weather is forcing you to stay inside. Plus, who doesn’t love puppy cuddles?Set Up a Doggy Advent CalendarAdvent calendars are a great way to count down to Christmas. Many dog treat and toy manufacturers offer fun and festive dog-focused advent calendars with a new surprise for your pup every day. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, consider making your own advent calendar. All you need is several empty bags or boxes, numbered labels, and a special surprise for each day.Go for a Walk to Check Out the Christmas LightsOne of the best parts about the days leading up to Christmas is the colorful lights and creative decorations that will start to pop up everywhere. Whether you’re just taking a walk around the block or heading out to view the holiday display at your local park, this is a simple way to get exercise and celebrate the season.Build a Snow FortNot all dogs are made for ice and snow. But, if your best friend loves spending time outdoors even when the temperatures drop, there are many fun outdoor activities to enjoy. Make a snow fort, toss around some snowballs, build a snowman, or make snow angels together. Warm up after with some snuggles by the fireplace.Decorate Your Dog’s SpaceDoes your dog have a specific place in your home that is all theirs? If so, you can give it a fun and festive touch with some Christmas decorations. Add a holiday-themed blanket or throw pillow to their bedding, hang some decorations on the walls around their crate, or set up a small dog-friendly Christmas tree next to their favorite place to hang out. You can even take your dog shopping to help pick out the decorations if you want to go all out. Pictures with SantaKids everywhere look forward to sitting on Santa’s lap and sharing their wish list, but what about your dog? Many pet stores will invite Santa to take a break from his workshop and come share some quality time with the local pets. You can do some holiday shopping and get adorable holiday pictures to share with your family at the same time.Get Crafty with DIY Christmas OrnamentsPlan some Christmas arts and crafts time that includes your pup. You can make festive decorations featuring your dog’s paw print, create custom holiday cards, or craft treat-filled Christmas ornaments to enjoy throughout the holiday season. The best part about crafting with your dog is that you are creating lasting memories.

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.

Queen Elizabeth's Corgis To Stay In the Family Following Her Passing

The late Queen’s love for Corgis was widely known – she got her first Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Susan for her 18th birthday in 1944, and has never been without a pooch by her side since then. She owned more than 30 dogs during her 70-year reign, and while Corgis were definitely her favored breed – she didn’t own this breed exclusively. In fact, she is credited for creating the crossbreed Dorgi, when one of her Corgis mated with her sister’s, Princess Margaret, dachshund, producing a litter of cute, short-legged mixed breeds. Even so, in the last few years, as Queen started experiencing more and more mobility issues, the numbers of her pets dwindled, as many of them died from old age and she decided to stop breeding new ones, as she was unwilling to leave young dogs behind when she died. She did, however, receive two puppies from her son, the Duke of York, also known as Prince Andrew, and his former wife, Sarah, Duchess of York, just last year. Muick and Sandy, as the puppies are named, quickly become faithful companions to the Queen and her two dogs, a 15-year-old Dorgi named Candy, and a 4-year-old Cocker Spaniel, Lissy.Naturally, following the news of Queen Elizabeth’s passing, dog lovers all over the world were wondering what will happen to her beloved dogs, now that she’s not around to care for them. A spokesperson for the Duke of York shed a light on the situation by notifying the public that Prince Andrew and his ex-wife, Duchess Sarah, will be adopting Muick and Sandy to live with them at Windsor, a large country estate where they both live. Presumably, as they were the ones to gift the Queen the puppies in the first place, they are the ones to continue caring for them now that she’s gone.As for the elderly Candy and the champion Lissy, it remains unclear what their fate will be. Surely, though, they will spend their remaining days as the Queen would want them to – surrounded by love and pampered like they were by her side. All that remains now is to wait and see which of the Queen family members will be the ones to provide that for these two pooches!

Top 10 Best Gentle Horse Breeds

Those who are new to the world of horses, and looking to take their first steps as proud horse owners, will often have issues finding the right breed to start with. Some horses can be hot-tempered, full of energy, and difficult to handle – not good for first-time owners. The ideal horse should be hardy, calm, loyal, and gentle, embodying all the positive traits that every owner will learn to appreciate and cherish. To that end, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 best gentle horse breeds that are fantastic for beginners in every way. If you are looking to lay a good foundation with your very first horse, one of these breeds is bound to be a perfect choice.

5 Tips on Dealing With Aggressive Rabbits

Ideally, rabbits make wonderful pets - fluffy, friendly, goofy, and affectionate companions that are a joy to be around. But these traits will only come to the surface if you work with your pet and offer them a friendly and loving environment to thrive in. Fail to do so, and some negative characteristics might be displayed – rabbits can be straight out nasty in some cases. A lot of different things can influence aggressive behavior in rabbits, but hormones play the foremost role. If your rabbit is not spayed or neutered, chances are that there will be some aggression present. But no worries - here are our most important tips on dealing with aggressive rabbits. 1. Spay or NeuterAs we said, aggression in rabbits can be frequent in bunnies that are not spayed or neutered. If they are not fixed, rabbits can be dominated by their natural hormones, which results in heightened levels of aggression, especially towards other rabbits. Males can get quite territorial – and not only will they mark their area with pee, but they can also bite or physically attack other rabbits and even you. Females are no better when driven by hormones, either, so don’t hope that your fluffy gal won’t scratch or bite if she’s unspayed. It’s easy to see how spaying and neutering can be important and can remove aggression altogether, but it’s not the only benefit – it can also drastically reduce the chance of some severe health conditions, such as cancer.2. Look for a Source of PainOn the other hand, if your bunny has been altered on time, but you still notice levels of aggression, try searching for some other underlying cause of their unusual behavior. Perhaps your pet is in pain – rabbits that are hurting can lash out and bite as a method of self-defense. This can become evident when you try and pick them up – if they lash out, there might be a sore leg or a hurt back in question. If you suspect this, book a visit to the vet at once.3. Socialize and Connect with Your Pet RabbitSometimes, rabbits that were not properly socialized, can become aggressive when you try to handle them. The cause for this is usually fear. Rabbits are prey animals by nature, and will often fear many things. Before you go to pick them up and cuddle them, spend a period getting to know one another, and slowly socializing. Take baby steps and gradually increase the level of interaction. As your pet gets used to you, handling won’t become a problem, and thus aggression stemming from fear won’t be an issue.4. Reduce the Number of your Pet RabbitsSometimes, aggression in rabbits can result from simple overcrowding. Rabbits, mostly males, will get territorial, sometimes even after castration. If you have a number of rabbits all sharing the same space, fights, bickering, and aggression can become common. Females too can be aggressive, especially if nursing their young. Try and limit the number of pet bunnies you are going to have in advance – anything more than three or four can be seen as too much to handle effectively. In case your pets suddenly start to get aggressive with each other, consider housing them in different rooms to limit the amount of contact they get with one another.5. Find Company for your Pet RabbitOn the other hand, some rabbits won’t thrive as totally solitary animals either. If you neglect them, spend too much time at work, or are often out, your pet rabbit might develop strange behavioral problems. This is the result of loneliness and lack of interaction. Aggression is one of those problems, as is anxiety. Every creature is social and will require love and company – in whatever form it’s offered. As an owner, you are there to provide that, and if you’re not around enough for your pet to be happy, consider getting them a bunny companion they could play and socialize with while you’re at work.

5 Things You Should Never Feed to Your Horse

You might be surprised to know that horses are often mischievous and very inquisitive, and will want to take a nibble out of many things. It is one way to get acquainted with the world around them, but it also has to do with them simply being voracious. Still, they will depend on you for food, and it is your responsibility to feed them quality foods and quality foods only. Anything that is not confirmed safe for horses to eat can really harm them in the long run, so you should stick to the rules. But still, a reminder is always handy, so here is the list of five things you should never feed to your horse!1. MeatThis one might come off as too obvious, especially considering that horses are plant eaters – i.e herbivores. As this is natural to them, you should of course stick to a plant-based diet. Don’t get any funny ideas and offer horses meat or meat-based products, for whatever reason. Horses' teeth can’t really deal with sinewy and chewy meat, and their digestive systems can’t handle it either. So, even products that contain small amounts of meat should be avoided altogether. It can do more harm than good.2. Old hayLet’s say that food stocks are running low, so you reach for that old bunch of hay or roughage that has been standing in the corner for ages and feed it to your horse. Doing this would be a fatal mistake. Old hay that stood for far too long and became dusty, dirty, and moldy, can cause irreparable damage to your horse’s respiratory system, and their health. Remember that it is often your responsibility to provide quality foods, as horses will often gulp down on many things even if they are bad for their health. Long term exposure to moldy and stale hay can severely damage your horse’s health, so avoid it altogether. 3. ChocolateSome owners might think that chocolate can be a suitable sweet reward for a good horse. If you enjoy it, why can’t your horse, right? Wrong. Chocolate is bad for horses. Just like cats and dogs, and many other animals, chocolate is dangerous for horses. It contains theobromine, which can make most animals ill. In fact, cocoa in large doses can actually kill horses, and even a bit of chocolate is enough for the negative ingredients to enter their bloodstream. So, even a square off of a chocolate bar can be dangerous to a horse, so best avoid it – always. 4. Lawn mower clippingsSo you mowed the lawn, and you’re left with a bunch of grass clippings. They seem minced and fresh, and easy for a horse to eat. But offering this would be a mistake, and a potential health hazard – even though it is just grass. This bunched up cut grass can often contain unhealthy and potentially poisonous plants, as well as a larger concentration of harmful parasites. What is more, such conveniently “mushed” grass is super easy for a horse to gulp down, and they will eat large quantities – this causes colic and bloating, together with other discomforts. And if the grass has been sitting for just a day or two, it will quickly develop dangerous mold. It is best thrown away or used as compost for your garden rather than being horse food. 5. TomatoesFor us, these are delicious veggies, ideal in a salad or in a sandwich. But this is not the same for horses, for whom the tomato is very toxic. If you didn’t know, the tomato belongs to the family of plants called Solanaceae. This family also includes the Deadly Nightshade, a notoriously poisonous plant. In fact, tomatoes too contain toxic alkaloid elements like atropine, hyoscyamine, and solanine, all of which are part of that nightshade family. Even a single tomato can be dangerous to a horse, causing tomato poisoning whose symptoms are increased heart rate, diarrhea, constipation, and severe digestion issues. Avoid them at all costs. For a balanced horse's diet, you should stick to the classics, and follow the recommendations of your vet. Horses should be fed according to their weight, age, and levels of activity throughout the day. Trying to experiment with odd and unorthodox foods can really cause more harm than good.

Do Mixed-Breed Dogs Shed?

Not to be confused with Designer Dogs, mixed breeds (AKA mutts or Heinz 57s) will typically have a number of different breeds contributing to their DNA profile. And that’s why all those online doggy DNA kits are so popular. Families with dogs who look, sound, and act like a smorgasbord of different breeds want to know what issues (including health-related) they should be watching for down the line.With Designer Dogs, forecasting physical traits and characteristics are much easier because you’re working with just two breeds and both will be purebreds. So no “mud blood” to sort through here. And qualities such as being super-friendly, uber-chill and yes, non-shedding are going to be more predictable based on their known parentage. That’s one reason you see so many Labradoodles, Golden Doodles, Shepadoodles – and on and on - running around the dog parks these days. If it’s an “oodle” or a “poo”, the odds are it’s a Designer Dog chosen for his non-shedding properties.Related: Top 10 Non-Shedding Dog BreedsBut that doesn’t mean your standard little mutt of mixed-breed origin can’t be low-shedding. The gene found in Poodles that makes them non-shedding can also be found in some lines of Terrier and many of the smaller dog breeds such as Maltese, Bichon Frise and Lhasa Apso. So, if your pooch has any of the non- or low-shedding variants of the MC5R gene in his DNA, he may well reward you with a fluff-free house. In fact, my two dogs were labelled Schnoodles yet it’s clear from their physical appearance that there are breeds beyond just Poodle and Schnauzer at play. In their instances, the low-shed gene dominates and they are both non-shedding. Similarly, the genes of dogs known to be heavy shedders can be passed along to any offspring or even offspring of offspring, that share their DNA. Which breeds might those be?Related: Top 10 Dog Breeds that Shed the MostLet’s start with any dog that has a thick double coat. It’s typical of dogs from cold weather climates and it includes coarse outer hair with a soft, downy undercoat that helps keep him warm when temperatures drop. As a result, if you’re considered a dog that is identified as being a “cross” with a Labrador, Husky, Newfoundland, German Shepherd… you get the picture. These dogs are known to “blow” their coats twice a year when the seasons change. So, if you have your heart set on a mixed breed pup that comes from double-coat stock, plan to brush him weekly and splurge on a groomer when seasons change to help de-shed him and save on the lint rollers.But it’s not just the double-coats who shed heavily. Smaller dogs such as Pugs, Beagles, and all the way up to Dobermans and even Dalmatians can leave a pretty impressive trail of tiny hairs throughout the house. So, if shedding is a big issue for you, it may be best to lean toward the mixed breeds with a clear Poodle or Terrier leaning and stay on top of the weekly brushing.

After Running a Dog Fighting Ring, Vick Set to Receive 'Courage' Award

Animal lovers all across the nation are outraged at the news that the former Philadephia Eagles quarterback, Michael Vick, is up to receive the ‘Courage’ award after being convicted for animal cruelty crimes in his leading role in running a dog fighting ring.In 2007, the (at the time) Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick was convicted for running a dog fighting ring. The police found over 70 dogs on his estate, many of them with visible signs of injuries and abuse, and only 48 survived the ordeal and went on to live in sanctuaries or foster homes. Dogs that have been deemed too aggressive towards other canines were sent to a sanctuary, and those that could have been rehabilitated were in foster families, some of them even got adopted eventually. In December of 2021, Frodo, the last of the dogs from Michael Vick’s dog fighting ring passed over the rainbow bridge at the age of 15. Needless to say, the story shook the nation and outraged animal lovers across the world – a professional athlete secretly running an operation of cruelty and abuse, admitting to even killing dogs – but he only received a 23-month sentence for his crimes.It’s been a while since the scandal, and Michael Vick even got his quarterback job and sports carrier back after being released from prison, but animal lovers are getting another slap in the face – not only that Vick got a light sentence and the chance to get his life back, he is now being honored for his “commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and courage.” There’s no further explanation about what actual principles of sportsmanship and acts of courage a person who pitted dogs against each other to fight to the death and later killed those that didn’t live up to expectations could have shown, though.The Ed Block Courage Award, which was named for a former Baltimore Colts trainer who was an advocate for abused children, is traditionally given to a player on all 32 NFL teams, which is selected by his teammates.

How to Train Your Cat to Sit in a Stroller

But before you buy a stroller for cats, consider that your frisky feline might not be too keen on the idea—at least not at first. It may take some time to train your kitty and get her comfortable with being inside a stroller.Start Inside the HouseAfter buying a pet stroller, it isn’t a good idea to immediately put your kitty in it and go outside. Instead, set it up and let your cat inspect it, but don’t force her to spend a lot of time in it. Instead, let her decide when she’s had enough. To entice your cat to stay in the stroller, you could use treats, catnip, and toys. Be there while she’s in the stroller so you can pet her, give her some food, and tell her how good she is. That way, she can start to see it as a safe and happy place. Then, take additional steps to prepare for going outside. For example, get your cat accustomed to wearing her harness little by little, especially if she’s never worn one. And get her used to having the top of the stroller closed around her—you might close it for mere seconds the first few times, depending on how she reacts. The next step is to start moving the stroller around the house. The motion might be jarring for your kitty at the beginning, so be patient and consistent. Take It OutsideIt might take days or even weeks for your cat to feel totally at ease in an enclosed, moving stroller. Once that happens, you can start taking her outside. It’s best to go slow again, as this will be a new experience. Calming pheromone sprays, treats, and plenty of reassurance may help at this stage of the training process as well. Stay close to home, such as by only going into your backyard. A few minutes might be all that she’ll tolerate at first. Do this often and consistently, keeping an eye on your pet’s reaction every time. When both you and your cat are ready, you can take it to the next level by going for short walks near your home. If you live near a park, you might even walk there and sit for a while as your cat takes in the surroundings. Take Your Time and Consider Your Cat’s PreferencesAlthough you might really want to take your cat for a walk in a stroller, the truth is not all kitties will enjoy the experience. If you find that your pet just isn’t having a good time, and no amount of training is making a difference in how she feels, it may be best to let go of the idea of taking her outside. Or, there might be other things you can try, such as using a catio to give her the opportunity to spend time outdoors safely. Ultimately, it’s all about working with your unique kitty so you and your pet can be happy.

Snoop Dogg Releases Own Pet Accessory Line on Amazon

Looking fly won’t be difficult for your pet – at least not now when Snoop Dogg himself released a line of pet clothes, accessories, and other pet goodies for canines of all shapes and sizes. Inspired by his own personal style, the Grammy-nominated entertainer and a pop culture icon is the face of the line – he partnered with SMAC Entertainment and Little Earth Productions, a manufacturer of licensed fashion accessories and apparel to bring these designs to life under the name Snoop Doggie Doggs. In fact, not only that these products look like something that you could find in Snoop’s wardrobe, he himself is behind the designs that bear his name.The line includes a range of pet products, such as dog bowls, dog toys, leashes, clothing, and various accessories such as bandanas (which are also available to cats), all drawing from Snoop Dogg’s fashion sense and general philosophy. Or, to quote the man himself – “If my dogs ain’t fresh I ain’t fresh. These dogs and their apparel are a reflection of Tha Dogg himself, so they gotta look the role of a Top Dog, ya dig?!?!” Launching just in time for the holiday season, the Snoop Doggie Doggs brand will include inclusive sizing starting from small to extra large, and the prices will range from $14.99 to $99.99 so there are going to be options for anyone’s budget. Some fun items include the super soft “ Doggie Doobie” toy, the “ Off the Chain” collar, or the “ Mic Drop” hoodie which can be worn by cats and dogs alike. Needless to say, if you’re a fan of the rapper–slash–entrepreneur or know a dog owner that is, run, don’t walk – these awesome accessories are for sure going to be on many a pet parent’s holiday shopping list.The line is available only through the website SnoopDoggieDoggs.com and the exclusive Amazon store, so make sure you visit and take a look at what Snoop Doggie Doggs is all about.

Cranberry and Yogurt Dog Treat Recipe

Does your dog have tummy troubles? Try making this Cranberry and Yogurt Dog Treat Recipe. Great for the digestive system, yogurt can act as a probiotic. As well, it’s high in calcium and protein. Just make sure that you use plain yogurt, as the fruit kinds may contain sugar or artificial sweeteners. Makes 24 cookiesIngredients:1 cup cranberries fresh, frozen, or dried1/2 cup plain yogurt1 1/4 cups whole wheat flour1/4 cup ground flax seed2/3 cup oats1 tablespoon honey3 tablespoons water Directions:1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper. 2. Put oatmeal in a food processor and grind until fine in texture, as well as cranberries. Add to bowl.3. Add flour, ground flax seed, honey, water, and yogurt to bowl. Mix the ingredients together until incorporated and the dough holds together. 4. Lightly flour a large cutting board or clean counter. Flip dough onto surface and roll to ¼-inch thickness.5. Cut out cookies with cookie cutter and place on cookie sheets. 6. Place in oven for 20 minutes. 7. Remove from oven and cool on rack. 8. Store treats in airtight bags or containers and keep in refrigerator or freezer.

Pets Wanted: PetSmart Hiring Furry Chief Toy Testers

What a life, right? Belly rubs, snuggles and toys galore. At least that’s the life one lucky dog and cat will have if chosen as PetSmart’s Chief Toy Testers. Will Smith is the senior vice president and chief marketing officer at PetSmart. He says PetSmart is recruiting two playful and motivated team members to be part of their pack. The chief toy tester role is new, and will help PetSmart better connect with and serve cat and dog customers in exciting new ways. Oh, and it’s a paying gig, earning each pet $10,000 in human dollars. Pet parents can trust recommended products because they’ll have been tried and true, with the new pet execs participating in lots of PetSmart product unboxings. They’ll also be present at various celebrity events as a VIP (Very Important Pet) throughout the year they hold the job. They’ll test the toys and treats, ensuring that pet parents know all the ins and outs, and their humans will tend to things like their social media platforms to get the words out. The perfect candidate will be willing to sacrifice some afternoon naps in the sun, as well as being able to sniff out the tastiest of treats. They’ll want to put their best paw and tail forward while at VIP events, and of course, they’ll need to be able to direct their pet parents so the best toks and grams can be captured. The new roles will require a commitment to the year from their humans, but hey, not everyone gets to take their Very Important Pet to celeb events and be the first to try toys and treats. Salon treatments and rights given only to PetSmart’s first chief toy testers are also included for the year. If you think your dog or cat has what it takes, you can fill out an application here before February 17. You’ll need to have a 10-30 second video to show your pet’s personality off, and creativity is a bonus. So now on your marks, get set, GO fill out that application. You know your pet is the cutest and would rock this new position!

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.

Scare The Poop Out of Us Halloween Dog Costume Contest

BOO! We love Halloween – the candy, the costumes, the parties, the roaming gangs of brain-hungry zombies… And because we love Halloween so much, we want to see your dog donned in his or her costume drag! Get your dogs dressed up, your cameras out and email us your picture during our Halloween Costume Contest!Just email a picture of your scary cute dog in costume to photos@petguide.com and you’ll be entered. Or send it or post it to our Facebook page. All of the photos sent to us will be featured on our Facebook page.What Do I Do?: Email photos@petguide.com with 1 (ONE) photo that you own of your pet dressed up in costume. The photo can be a current or one that was taken in the past. You agree that we can post the photo on our social media accounts and in conjunction with news about the contest. Send the photo to photos@petguide.com with the subject line HALLOWEEN CONTEST. Please include your name, location, and dog’s name, plus a little story about the picture, if you have one. Only one entry per person. If you submit more than one photo for the contest, we will only consider the FIRST photo you submitted. If you have more than one dog, you are welcome to gather them together in their costumes and submit ONE picture of them together.How Do I Win?: 4 (Four) Winners selected by our panel of three judges, based on theme, photo clarity, and smile-factor.Where Can I See My Photo?: All of the photos can be seen on our Facebook page. We’ll feature the winner on a dedicated post on PetGuide.com.

Are Rabbits Good Pets for Children?

Over the years, rabbits have proven to be a popular choice as pets, for families of all shapes and sizes. They have many wonderful characteristics, certainly, but one has to wonder whether they are the perfect pet for young children in particular? While bunnies seem cuddly, fluffy, and cute – traits that are always attractive to kids – the harsh truth is that they might not be the perfect pet for every kid. There are several reasons why this is the case, and it is important to take a rational look at the rabbit as a pet for your child before you make any rash decisions.One of the most important facts that we need to consider is that rabbits simply require plenty of work and understanding, and a lot of responsible, adult care and supervision. In a family setting, when adults are always near and invested in the bunny’s wellbeing, they can be wonderful pets. But once this is not the case, trouble can soon arise. It should not come as a surprise to know that rabbits are rather skittish and easily frightened, especially if we consider that they are natural prey animals in the wild. Some of that reserved instinct survives in their life as pets as well. They can respond adversely to being handled and cuddled, especially in a carefree manner as young children are known to do. If frightened by sudden moves and stressed, they might lash out and take a bite at your kid. And you might not think so, but a rabbit's bite can be quite serious.This can be an even greater possibility if your rabbit is not properly socialized and used to handling from a young age. Of course, stress that ensues from such situations can cause bigger health problems for rabbits. With all that being said, it should be obvious that rabbits can be demanding as pets to some people – from diet to grooming, and all the way to handling. A young child wouldn’t be suited for a bunny-caretaker role, especially without proper adult supervision. On the other hand, a teenager with a greater sense of responsibility could care for a rabbit in a much better way. Of course, the best environment for a pet rabbit is a loving home where every member of the household would provide ample care.If you are thinking of getting a rabbit pet for your child simply because you think they are soft and cuddly and an ideal “kid’s pet”, you should think twice. Children, especially at a young age, can have a tendency to quickly get “bored” with their new pet, leaving it somewhat deprived of attention and affection. This means that you will be left with a pet that is potentially neglected, and that would require a lot of your daily care. If you are not prepared for something like that, it might be best to choose a different pet that is easier to care for. In the end, the simple truth is that rabbits are challenging pets with a lot of complex needs – contrary to the popular belief – and that adopting one is a big commitment. Be sure you are ready to make one before acting on an impulse!

Keeping Your Cat Safe at Christmas

As a pet parent, it’s important to be aware of those hazards so you can keep your furry friend safe throughout the season. Here are a few things to keep in mind. Holiday Trees and Decorations: Things to ConsiderIf you’re planning on putting up a tree to celebrate the holidays, keep in mind that your cat is likely going to be interested in it, and might be so curious that she ends up trying to climb to the top. Whether you go with a real or artificial tree, you don’t want your kitty chewing on it – and in the case of a real tree, you definitely want to prevent your pet from drinking the water too. Also, setting it securely in place can help ensure it won’t get knocked over by an excited kitty. Ornaments, ribbons, tinsel, garland, and other décor that you use on your tree and throughout your home can also pose a threat to your cat if she ends up chewing on them or ingesting them. Plus, ornaments that can shatter could lead to injuries. So, in addition to figuring out ways of keeping your cat away from the Christmas tree, carefully consider how you’ll decorate it to keep your pet safe. For example, you might opt to avoid certain decorations, such as tinsel, and you might switch from glass ornaments to plastic ones. Avoid Toxic Holiday PlantsYou might be tempted to bring home some holiday plants to decorate for the season, but if you have a cat, you need to consider whether those plants are safe for your pet. Your kitty might be tempted to chew on petals, berries, and leaves, and if a plant is toxic, you might find yourself taking your pet to the emergency vet. So, it might be best to stick with artificial plants to get the look of your holiday favorites without the danger, or just leave plants out of your decorating plans altogether. Some holiday plants that are toxic to cats include:· Holly· Mistletoe· Poinsettia· AmaryllisHoliday Lights: Electrical and NaturalHoliday lights add beauty to your home during this festive time of year, but you need to be sure your kitty won’t end up chewing on the wires. In addition to keeping the wires out of reach and organized (don’t leave them loose and dangling), using cord covers can help keep your kitty safe.If you prefer the natural glow of candles, you don’t want your kitty knocking them over and you don’t want her to hurt herself by getting too close to the flames. Be sure to keep candles out of reach, and only burn them while you’re there to keep an eye on things. Keep Your Cat Away from Toxic FoodsFinally, a lot of your favorite holiday foods and sweets aren’t good for your cat, so you need to take steps to ensure your kitty won’t end up eating anything toxic. In addition to the various everyday foods that cats shouldn’t eat, your pet shouldn’t ingest holiday foods and drinks like eggnog, chocolate, and, of course, alcohol.

Study Finds Yelling At Your Dog Affects Them More Than We May Think

Researchers from the University of Porto found that yelling at your dog can have negative consequences. Dr. Ana Catarina Vieira de Castro was the lead author of the study in which 92 companion dogs took part.The dogs were separated into two groups. One group was trained with positive reinforcements–kind words, games and treats. The other group was trained with ‘aversive’ training–yelling, yanking your dog’s leash, etc.The researchers monitored the stress levels in the dogs and observed their licking, yawning and leg-lifting. They also measured relaxation levels and utilized saliva samples to assess anxiety and nervousness. Additionally, they looked at the dog participants' cortisol levels (as well as other chemicals related to stress).Not surprisingly, the team found that the dogs who were trained with aversive training had higher levels of stress than the dogs trained with positive reinforcement. What was surprising was that the dogs who had been yelled out still showed elevated levels of stress hormones well over a month after the study started. In an interview with European News, the team said, “Our results show that companion dogs that have been trained using harsher methods have poorer welfare than companion dogs trained using reward-based methods, both in the short-term and in the long-term.”Conversely, dogs in the positive reinforcement group were more stable and calmer even weeks after the study was over.This means while it may be second-nature for you to jump and scream when Fido is eating your favorite shoe, take note that your voice becomes his inner voice and may affect him well into the future.Makes you want to go snuggle your pup right now, doesn’t it?

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