Crested Malt

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: December 18th, 2018

About Crested Malt

Height

10-12 inches

Weight

5-10 lbs

Lifespan

10-13 years

Group

Not applicable

Best Suited For

Singles, seniors, families with older children, people who live in an apartment

Temperament

Sweet, docile, affectionate, quiet, friendly, playful, intelligent, eager to please

Comparable Breeds

Maltese, Crested Chinese

Crested Malt Basics

The rare and unusual Crested Malt might not be one of the most widely available designer dogs, but it certainly is a popular hybrid. Developed by crossing the sweet Maltese with the friendly Chinese Crested, this mixed breed pooch can also be a good choice for people with mild dog allergies. As both of the parental breeds are considered to be hypoallergenic, it’s safe to assume that their offspring will inherit the same traits, as well.

Having parents that are bred to be companion dogs also means that the Crested Malt will be ideally suited for the same role. Friendly, laid-back and with a happy-go-lucky attitude, these hybrids are are a real joy to be around. As they’re very adaptable, as well, they can be a great choice for everyone from singles to families with kids to seniors!

This designer dog breed is also known as Crestese, Chinese Crestese, or Crested Maltese.

The Crested Malt is a low-maintenance dog with a friendly, sweet personality that will disarm you in an instant.

Origin

It might be ironic, but the origin of ancient dog breeds seems to be far better documented than that of designer dogs! Even though hybrid breeds are a relatively recent occurrence, there’s not much information available about their creation and development. To make matters even more complicated and convoluted, there’s still a lot of mixed breed dogs that are a product of ‘accidents’ rather than intentional breeding efforts. It’s almost impossible to know when or where a certain hybrid breed was first created.

The same goes for the Crested Malt. There have, undoubtedly, been many Chinese Crested and Maltese mixed dogs through history. It’s just we can’t know when it became a product of deliberate breeding and when it was an unwanted crossbreeding. However, it’s highly likely that the Crested Malt, like all other designer dogs, was first created in the United States, sometime in the last two decades. Don’t let lack of information about this breed’s origin fool you into thinking that they don’t have an impressive and noble ancestry. These designer dogs might be new on the scene, but their parents have been around for centuries.

Pedigree

The family tree of the Crested Malt speaks volumes about the breed’s qualities. The Maltese is among the oldest dog breeds in the world, and the Chinese Crested has been around at least since the 19th century- and there’s evidence to indicate that its history is far longer than that. Throughout the centuries, both of these breeds have been treasured for their great personalities and attractive looks, and not much has changed in terms of their popularity.

However, even though both parents of the Crested Malt are well-respected and recognized by the American Kennel Club, their offspring doesn’t have the same status. The official canine clubs don’t recognize any mixed breeds as breeds in their own right, therefore there will be no official pedigree papers for your new Crested Malt puppy. Don’t let that discourage you, though- their noble ancestry is all the proof of pedigree you need.

Food/Diet

They don’t say ‘let food be thy medicine’ for nothing! A well-balanced, healthy diet will provide a good foundation for your dog’s overall health, so it’s crucial to ensure they get all the nutrients their body needs. To meet the dietary requirements of a Crested Malt, you can’t go wrong with a high-quality dry dog food. Not only that it’s the most convenient way to feed your pet, but it’s also the safest option, as it ensures that ever nutrient is right there in your dog’s bowl. Choose kibble that’s suitable for your Crested Malt’s size (toy or small dogs), age (puppy, adult, or senior) and activity level (low to medium).

Additionally, you can always decide on cooking your pet’s meals or feeding them a raw diet. Of course, if you want to prepare the food for your pet, you’ll have to consult with a veterinary nutritionist. Otherwise, you risk serious deficiencies that could lead to health issues.

It’s also important to note that you shouldn’t overindulge your new pet with treats and yummy meals. Due to their petite frame, the Crested Malt can quickly gain weight- and even a little extra can lead to obesity when you’re this tiny. It goes without saying that overweight dogs have many health issues to deal with, so it’s better to cut back on doggie snacks than to be sorry later on.

A well-balanced, healthy diet will provide a good foundation for your dog’s overall health.

Training

Teaching your pet some basic manners is a must- but it’s not always an easy feat. Luckily, the Crested Malt is a highly trainable dog. In fact, they are among the breeds that are considered suitable for beginner dog owners. Even if you haven’t had the opportunity to train a dog before, it’s likely that you’ll have no issue training a Crested Malt!

Owing to its intelligence and docile, obedient personality, this hybrid won’t have any problem learning where to do their business or how to behave in a dog park. Actually, as they’re very eager to please their humans, these designer dogs can be trained to perform tricks or understand a variety of commands. Use positive reinforcement methods of training to ensure your pet enjoys the learning process- and that it’s not stressful or tiring for them.

In case you have a Crested Malt puppy, don’t wait until they grow older to begin teaching them. Start with the basic training and socialization as soon as possible. While they have a friendly and docile personality by default, these pooches still need to learn how to feel relaxed around strangers and other pets- not to mention get the proper potty habits.

Weight

The appearance of designer dog breeds is often very unpredictable. Due to the differences between parental breeds, puppies can look dramatically different one from another, even across the same litter. When it comes to the Crested Chinese and the Maltese, they might not look alike, but at least their size is very similar. As the offspring of two toy dog breeds, the Crested Malt will weigh 5 to 10 pounds when fully grown.

Temperament/Behavior

You would be hard-pressed to find a sweeter, kinder pooch than the Crested Malt. These mixed breed dogs really have hearts of gold, and they’re widely known for their friendly, affectionate temperament. Owing to their parental breeds, these designer dogs make ideal companions to seniors, singles and even families with children. If they are socialized on time, they will love kids and enjoy being their playmate- as long as the young ones are respectable and gentle to them.

In case your Crested Malt puppy favors their Chinese Crested mom or dad, you’ll notice that they’re very quiet and bark very rarely. This, in addition to their small size and modest exercise needs, makes them a perfect match for apartment-dwelling pet owners.

Common Health Problems

Due to poor breeding practices of puppy mills, people tend to think that designer dogs are ridden with genetic issues. While dogs brought up in these horrible conditions do tend to be sick. It’s not something related to their mixed breed ancestry. However, if you get your puppy from a reputable source, there’s no need to worry. With the right care and attention, hybrids get to be as healthy as any other dog. In fact, some people even claim that crossbreeding dog leads to so-called hybrid vigor, an improved resilience, and fewer genetic conditions. While there are no studies to back this up, it can be said that the Crested Malt certainly is a healthy pooch.

These Maltese and Chinese Crested mixes are prone to some eye and bone issues as they grow older, but there are no significant congenital conditions to worry about.

Life Expectancy

All things considered, the Crested Malt is a breed that’s just too rare and too recent for anyone to know what their actual lifespan is. Thankfully, by analyzing the parental breeds and their own longevity, a lot can be guessed about their offspring. With good care, you can expect your designer dog to live for at least 10 to 13 years.

Exercise Requirements

Considering their small stature and laid-back attitude, it’s no wonder that the Crested Malt is not high-maintenance when it comes to exercise. These petite pooches don’t need much physical activity throughout the day to stay content. As a rule of thumb, 30 minutes of walking or playtime each day should do the trick for the Crested Malt. Take your new pet to the dog park or play fetch with them in your yard to get them to stay fit and happy!

The Crested Malt is a highly-trainable breed that’s suitable for beginner dog owners.

Recognized Clubs

Even though official canine clubs and organizations such as the AKC don’t recognize hybrids as official breeds, there are plenty of them that do. Those of them that recognize the Crested Malt include the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, and International Designer Canine Registry.

Coat

When it comes to the hair of a Crested Malt, there are a lot of possibilities. One of the defining traits of its Chinese Crested parent is that it has an unusual coat- or, to be precise, doesn’t have one. These dogs can come in two varieties: hairless and powderpuff, which flaunts gorgeous long and silky fur.

Mixed breed puppies can either look more than one parent or end up looking like a perfect blend of both mom and dad. In case the Maltese has been bred with a hairless Chinese Crested, their puppies can either be hairless of have medium to long white coat. And, if one of the parents was a powderpuff Chinese Crested, the litter of Crested Malt puppies, it’s more likely that the puppies will sport stunning long locks. But, in both breeding situations, all bets are off: fully coated parents can give birth to adorable hairless babies and vice versa. Expect the unexpected!

In any case, though, you can count on having to do a fair amount of grooming. A Crested Malt will have to be bathed at least bi-weekly and will need to be combed and brushed every day. To boot, if your designer dog is hairless, you can count on them needing creams and products that will keep their sensitive skin in perfect condition.

Puppies

With designer dogs in general, but Crested Malt in particular, you can always expect to be surprised. One litter of Crested Malt puppies can have four-legged babies with no hair on their body besides tufts on paws, head, and tail, or adorable white-coated furballs that are completely fluffy. The only guarantee you’ll have with these dogs is that they’ll be absolutely cute! Of course, while their unusual and beautiful appearance does contribute to their appeal, it’s not the primary reason why this breed is so loved.

The Crested Malt is a low-maintenance dog with a friendly, sweet personality that will disarm you in an instant. These affectionate and devoted pooches will bond deeply with their owners, and love to spend time around their family. Owing to their docile temperament, small stature and low exercise needs, these hybrids are perfect for seniors, people living in an apartment, or singles looking for a loving companion.

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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Relationship therapists have long used the concept of “Love Languages” to encourage better communication among couples. It defines how we express and receive love and sorts these behaviors into five categories – acts of service, physical touch, words of affirmation, gift-giving, and quality time. But did you ever stop to consider how your pet may fit into this framework? The folks at Nulo Pet Food did!Recently, the brand partnered with OnePoll to survey 2,000 cat and dog parents to better understand the secret to your pet’s heart.The survey found that quality time is the most popular love language among cats and dogs (27%). This refers to showing affection by giving your pet your undivided attention, with this increase in attention leaving our pets feeling loved and cared for. For 62% of respondents, this meant allowing their pet to sleep in their bed each night, while 40% reported that they would include their pet in their daily plans whenever possible.Of course, food still scored high in offering a path to a pet’s heart despite not technically being part of the original five love languages.53% of pet parents said they showed love by providing their pets with high-quality meals, which could technically fall under both acts of service and gift-giving. Dedicated to their pets' overall well-being, 47% answered that they showed love by prioritizing their pet’s health and nutrition over all else, and 32% focused on adding variety to their diet.“With 69% of respondents willing to put their pet’s dietary needs before their own, the data clearly shows just how important a role pets plan in their people’s lives,” explained Heather Acuff, Ph.D., Nulo’s Director of Research & Development. “Not only are pet parents speaking their pet’s love language, they’re going above and beyond to provide optimum care and nutrition to ensure the healthiest and happiest lives for their pets.”What inspires us to prioritize our pets so highly in our lives? These furry family members hold an important role in our lives, with 47% of pet owners believing their pet views them as a best friend and 42% stating that their pet sees them in the same way.This data gives us an insight into the dedication that pet parents show in providing quality nutrition to their dogs and cats. When asked why they feed their current diet, 50% said they strongly believed their pet enjoyed the food, 35% chose the diet for its high-quality ingredients, and 29% decided on a diet based on their budget.How important is variety in our pets’ diets? Only 48% of those surveyed believed they could survive eating the same meal every day for three months. It highlights the importance of products like food toppers that allow us to provide variation and make mealtime interesting while still prioritizing feeding a well-balanced diet. This includes commercial food toppers and pet-friendly human foods like pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, and more.Ultimately, the data reveals that food is one of the most significant ways we express our love and affection to our pets – possibly even making it the sixth love language for pets and pet parents!

Drug That Could Extend Lifespan of Senior Dogs Enters Clinical Trial

A new and revolutionary drug that could possibly extend the lifespan of healthy, senior dogs, is now entering a major clinical trial. It also has a first patient - an 11-year-old Whippet named Boo. Going by the codename LOY-002, this drug is designed to provide a few more years to senior dogs of most sizes. It is the product of a startup biotech company called  Loyal and is the fruit of their hard work and arduous research. Celine Halioua, the founder and CEO of Loyal, said that the company is working hard to develop several products aimed at the longevity of dogs. One of their initial projects, the LOY-001, was a drug aimed to extend the lifespan of giant and large dog breeds. In November of 2023, this project received the support of the FDA, paving the way for the company's further successes. The underlying mechanisms of aging were the first focus of the company as it developed LOY-001. The drug works by reducing IGF-1, an insulin-like growth factor that is a key biomarker hormone that drives cell growth. It is believed that this reduced the lifespan of extra-large dogs. Similarly, the LOY-002 project aims to extend the lifespan of normal-sized dogs, by improving their metabolic health and thus delaying the onset and the impact of diseases that come with old age. “LOY-002 is a slightly different mechanism [than LOY-001] for senior lifespan extension. It’s a little bit more of a reversal mechanism. It’s not going to make a 10-year-old dog a puppy, but we’ve seen a rescuing in age-related functional decline in dogs that have been treated with this drug,” said Halioua in an interview with  dvm360.The newest study for LOY-002 is expected to last 4 years, and include one thousand enrolled dogs. “It will be one of the largest veterinary clinical studies that, as far as we know, has ever been run,” added Halioua.The first ever receiver of the drug, Boo, was enrolled into the program in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, at the Animal Hospital of Dauphin County. There, an associate veterinary and STAY study investigator, Coby Rudakewiz, became a part of the program for the first time, witnessing its incredible potential. “I’m genuinely excited to be able to share what we’ve seen as a life-changing product to dogs of all sizes,” he said.“This is what it’s all about - keeping dogs feeling their best to enjoy a long life with their owners who love them.”“The launch of this study brings us one step closer to helping senior dogs have more, healthier years with their families…The scale and complexity of STAY reflect Loyal’s commitment to creating demonstrably effective and safe products,” Halioua added. “This is a massive undertaking that wouldn’t be possible without the partnership of the many veterinarians and technicians operating the study in their clinics, and the participating dogs and owners helping advance therapies for all dogs.”For the time being, the company is working hard to receive conditional approval for its revolutionary drug. This would allow them to begin offering it through veterinarians as soon as 2025. This could mean a world of difference for many senior doggos and their families. Seeing your senior doggo enjoy a few extra years without the issues common to old age is nothing short of true happiness, and would mean that the company’s hard efforts were not in vain. Ultimately, this innovative drug gives us hope for the future and makes us wonder what other ground-breaking drugs could we see in the years ahead.

Should I Bathe My Dog During Winter?

Should your pet forego bubbly baths when the temperatures drop or should you bathe your pooch regularly all year long? There’s no universal answer to this question as situations can be wildly different from one pet or the other – how harsh is the climate you live in, would you bathe your pooch in a well-heated bathroom or not, how thick is their coat, and so on. All of these factors will influence the answer you’re given! To find out what’s the verdict for your own pooch when it comes to winter bathing, read on.Should I Bathe My Dog During Winter?The fact that it’s cold outside doesn’t have to mean your four-legged bestie has to smell funky for weeks on end – at least not in most cases. You can bathe your dog in the winter as long as you follow some ground rules that are meant to ensure your dog's well-being. Here’s what you need to know:#1 Don’t Do It Too OftenDogs don't need bathing as frequently as we do (duh), so if your dog isn't visibly dirty or smelly, you should be able to extend the time between baths to a couple of weeks. Overbathing can strip essential oils from your dog's skin, which can lead to dryness and irritation, so too much bathing isn’t good either. You can probably get through the winter with just one or two baths.#2 Keep The Water ToastyEnsure that the water you use for the bath is warm, not hot. Hot water can dry out your dog’s skin, so don’t be tempted to overly increase the water temperature just because the weather is cold outside. Of course, you should also make sure the bathing area is warm, and have towels ready to dry your dog quickly.#3 Fast Drying Is Key 

Scientists Finally Know Why Cats Love Tuna So Much

No food is more synonymous with cats than tuna. Even the pickiest of cats can’t resist the tuna’s fishy flavor. Finally, scientists have learned why cats love tuna so much. In the study published in the journal Chemical Sense, scientists report that cats, like humans, have receptors needed to detect umami flavor. Along with sweet, sour, bitter, and salty, umami is one of the five basic tastes.Umami seems to be the cats’ favorite flavor. Considering that umami gives food a deep and savory meaty aroma, it’s no surprise that an obligate carnivore like a cat would prefer it over all other flavors.The research team also found that cats’ taste receptors bind to two chemicals found in high concentrations in tuna. These chemicals boost the umami flavor, making cats obsessed with tuna. “This is an important study that will help us better understand the preferences of our familiar pers,” says Yasuka Toda, a molecular biologist at Meiji University. According to Toda, this study could help cat food manufacturers create healthier food and more palatable medication for cats. Previous studies showed that cats have a unique palate. Cats can’t taste sugar, because their sweet receptor gene is dysfunctional. Scientists believe that felines lose the ability to taste sweeteners and carbs because they don’t need these macronutrients to survive. Cats also have fewer bitter flavor receptors than humans. This trait is commonly seen in obligated carnivores. “Since discovering that cats don’t have a functional sweet taste receptor, we did wonder what they would respond to instead,” study lead author Scott McGrane, a sensory science expert at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, told Live Science. Humans and other animals possess two genes - Tas1r1 and Tas1r3 that work together to detect umami flavor. Previous research has shown that cats express the umami-related Tas1r3 gene in their taste buds, but it was unclear whether they possess both genes needed to detect umami flavor. The research team led by McGrane discovered that cats expressed both Tas1r1 and Tas1r3 genes in their taste buds. To learn this, the scientist biopsied the tongue of a six-year-old male cat that had been euthanized for health reasons unrelated to this study. However, a closer look at the protein sequences encoded by these genes showed that they are very different from human genes. As it turned out, the main amino acids that activate umami flavor in people - glutamic and aspartic acid - were mutated in cats. “So I began thinking, maybe cats can’t taste umami,” said McGrane. But, as it turned out, amino acids don’t bind to the cat umami receptor alone. Nucleotides, which are common in meat and yeast, bind to the cat receptor and glutamic and aspartic acid then have an enhancing effect. “That’s the exact opposite of what we see in people,” explained McGrane. Cats love tuna because it contains the nucleotide inosine monophosphate. Tuna also contains large quantities of L-histidine, an essential amino acid for cats, that enhances umami flavor. “The L-histidine content of tuna is much higher than of other fish species and meat sources.”These new findings could be used for the development of tastier cat food and pharmaceuticals. Although cat food manufacturers already knew that cats prefer meaty flavors, they now have much more details about the compounds they can start working with. It’s essential for manufacturers to ensure that animals want to eat the food they formulate and find it appealing. “I think umami is as important for cats as sweet is for humans,” said Toda. Dogs, she explained, can taste both sweet and umami, which may explain why they’re not such fussy eaters. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Often Should I Clean My Bird's Cage?

Parrots and small birds are exceptionally vulnerable when their cage is left unkempt and dirty – proper hygiene and a clean space to rest and eat in are a must for the good health of all avians. What is more, a bird cage that is left unclean can become a threat to your health as well, with airborne bacteria and pathogens flying all over the place. All in all, it’s clear that regular cleaning of your bird's cage shouldn’t be seen as just a dull chore but as a necessary task to protect everyone’s health and wellbeing. However, while it’s obvious that you need to do it regularly, just how often should you clean your bird’s cage? Is it on a check-and-see basis or is there a recommended frequency of cleaning? Let’s find out.How Often Should I Clean My Bird's Cage?The frequency at which you should clean the cage depends on several factors, including the size of the cage, the number of birds you have, and the species of bird in question. For example, a smaller cage will get dirty in no time, while a large one that houses a single, bigger bird will remain cleaner for longer. While these are good starting guidelines, things are not that simple.The best approach to take is to clean the cage daily, weekly, and monthly. Of course, the amount of cleaning you do each day will differ from the one you do on a monthly basis – here’s how it should look like:Daily Cleaning:Change the  food and water dishes daily to ensure fresh food and clean water. This is imperative and a major part of caring for your bird. Don’t allow water to remain unchanged and food to go stale.

Why is My Rabbit Eating Poop and How Do I Stop It?

It’s a weird and uncomfortable habit, but if your rabbit is eating poop, it may not be a sign of health issues! In fact, for rabbits, eating poop may actually be a healthy decision (even if we’d prefer not to see it).In this article, we’re diving into the mystery of why rabbits eat poop, including why you may want to let your rabbit engage in this “cringey” habit. Plus, we’ll look at the warning signs that something is, indeed, off and when you should contact your veterinarian.Let’s get started…Is it Normal for a Rabbit to Eat Their Poop?Obviously, seeing your rabbit eating their own feces isn’t something any rabbit parent enjoys. If this is your first time seeing your rabbit engaging in this behavior, it may even cause serious concerns. What could possibly be so wrong with your rabbit’s system that they would feel tempted to do that? You may be surprised to learn that this is incredibly common and, in many cases, a regular part of their digestive process. By eating a specific type of poop, they ensure that they are getting (and keeping) all the nutrients that they need to support a healthy, happy life. The idea of chowing down on our own waste is disgusting to us. But for our furry friends, this is a normal part of their daily routine. Rabbit Poop vs Cecotropes To better understand the connection between poop eating and your rabbit’s health, we need to learn about the different types of rabbit waste. More specifically, we need to know about cecotropes. When we go to the bathroom, we have one type of solid waste – a material we couldn’t imagine getting near, let alone making into a meal. Rabbits, however, pass two different types of droppings. The first is fecal waste or poop. If your rabbit has a healthy, functioning digestive system, these will be small, round, dry, ball-like pellets that are light brown. This is often found in your rabbit’s litter box (if they are litter-trained) or the bottom of their cage.The second and the most important type of droppings are cecal pellets or cecotropes. These have the appearance of a small bunch of grapes with several round pellets clumped together. They are shiny, coated in mucus, and usually dark brown/mulberry color. The mucus is sticky, which could cause the cecotropes to pick up a layer of hay, wood shavings, or fur from their environment. While feces is the body’s way of discarding everything your body doesn’t need from your food, aka the ‘waste,’ cecotropes are a little different. These pellets contain partially digested foods that passed through your rabbit’s system without the nutrients being absorbed the first time. They are packed with nutrients as well as helpful bacteria and fungi that support a healthy gastrointestinal system. When you see a rabbit eating their waste, they are usually eating these cecotropes. This allows them to absorb the much-needed nutrients that would otherwise be lost.

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Watch As Adorable Shelter Dogs Pick Their Own Christmas Toys

The holiday season is associated with traditions and festivities as we gather with family, put up festive decorations, and exchange holiday gifts. For pet parents, these traditions often carry over to spoiling our furry companions. But what about the thousands of pets sitting in shelters and rescues around the world, waiting for their forever home?One rescue based in Ireland has embraced a heartwarming tradition since 2017. Each year, Dogs Trust Ireland collects donations from the public. Hundreds of donated toys are placed in a room, and the pets are brought in one at a time to select their perfect holiday gift. They record the selection process, sharing the adorable footage on their YouTube channel for animal lovers worldwide to enjoy. “The reason we love making the video so much is that it’s so special to witness each dog’s individual reaction. Some burst in the door and scatter toys everywhere in an excited frenzy, and when they choose ‘the’ toy, they do excited zoomies,” explained Corina Fitzsimons, Public Relations and Communications Manager. “For dog lovers, it doesn’t get much better than seeing dogs doing Zoomies! Others prefer people and, after a sniff, will come over for cuddles. Then there are those who test every toy three or four times before picking, and many of the Collies who find a plain ball, throw it at our feet, and look at us as if to say, ‘Please throw human,’ which we are happy to oblige with.” This year, a total of 54 dogs were recorded as they carefully made their selection. While some dogs quickly found that perfect holiday toy, others took as long as 20 minutes to settle on a favorite. The organization promises that every one of the 264 dogs in their care will receive at least one toy during the holiday season, thanks to the generous donations they received.

Dog-Killing Flatworm Discovered in California

Fleas and ticks aren’t the only parasites that dog owners have to fear in southern California this summer. Scientists from the University of California, Riverside, are warning dog owners to keep their pooches out of the water this summer after they have discovered a potentially deadly parasite.A deadly flatworm species that has previously only existed in Texas and other Golf Coast states, has made its way to the west coast and is now present in the portion of the Colorado River that runs through California. The worm, Heterobilharzia americana, is a flatworm commonly known as the liver fluke. The parasite can cause canine schistosomiasis, an illness that affects the liver and intestine of dogs. Although treatment options are available once the dog becomes infected, they aren’t always effective leaving vets no other option than to euthanize the dog. “Dogs can die from this infection, so we are hoping to raise public awareness that it’s there,” said Adler Dillman, a nematology professor at the University of California, Riverside. “If you’re swimming in the Colorado River with them, your pets are in peril.” After learning about several cases of infection in local dogs, professor Dillman and his research team headed to Blythe, a border town in Riverside County. All of the sick dogs have spent time there, swimming in the river.Since snails are responsible for transmitting the infection, researchers collected more than 2,000 along the banks of the Colorado River. The team used DNA testing to identify the snails and the flatworm.The team was astonished to find not one, but two species of snail that can carry the parasite!“We actually found two species of snail that can support H. americana in the river in Blythe and we found both snails actively shedding this worm,” said Dillman, according to UC Riverside News. “Not only was it a surprise to find H. americana, we also didn’t know that the snails were present here.”The flatworm first makes its way into the snail's body, traveling through its system. Once transformed, it moves out to find a mammal host to infect. Without a host, the parasite can’t survive more than 24 hours on its own. Dogs and raccoons are particularly susceptible to becoming infected after coming into contact with water, whether from drinking or swimming in it. The worm gets inside the veins of the intestinal lining, where it develops into an adult and mates. The presence of adults in the veins isn’t as problematic as the eggs that get into the lungs, spleen, liver, and heart. The dog’s immune system reacts by forming clusters of cells, called granulomas. In time, the organ tissues stop functioning.It may take several months for a dog to show any signs of the infection. Symptoms start slowly and include loss of appetite, and progress to vomiting, diarrhea, profound weight loss, and signs of liver disease. “If your dog has these symptoms after swimming in the Colorado River, it’s a good precaution to ask your veterinarian for a simple fecal test,” said Emily Beeler, a veterinarian with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “Treatment typically involves use of multiple medications and close monitoring of the dog by a veterinarian.”Although potentially deadly for our canine companions, this parasite can’t cause the same issues in humans. “ It can cause swimmers itch, a red rash where it penetrates human skin. But it’s not able to cause an infection,” Dillman explained.Steer clear of bodies of water that could contain infected snails to prevent your pooch from catching flatworms. If your pooch can’t resist taking a dip, monitor them for symptoms of flatworm infection in the weeks afterward. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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How Can I Prevent My Dog From Barking When They’re Home Alone?

Dogs are very affectionate beings, and can form incredible bonds with their owners – but this also means that they would love to be by their side at all times. Sometimes, however, this is just not possible. Their owners have to  work, go to the store, or finish chores out of home and they can’t always take their pets with them. And when you leave your pooch all by their lonesome, they often think it’s the end of the world – you’ve abandoned them for good, even when you’re away for like 25 minutes. This can result in anxiety, restlessness, and a lot of barking. Some dogs – in fact – just won’t stop barking or howling until you come back. How can you bring an end to this behavior, and prevent all the excess barking? And how can you let your pet know that leaving for a little bit is no big deal? Let’s find out. Battles with Barks: Why Dogs Bark When Alone and How to Stop ItExcessive barking when a dog is home alone can be a common issue for a lot of owners, and addressing it requires a combination of training, environmental management, and sometimes, the help of professionals. Above all, it requires patience. However, there are a number of factors that come into play when such situations occur. To make your dog calmer, quieter, and ready to accept your absence, you should take a closer look at the daily routine the two of you share.First, consider if you're providing enough physical and mental stimulation. Physical exercise is crucial for a dog's well-being. Keep in mind that a tired dog is generally a content and quieter dog. So, before you leave, make sure that they have ample exercise, fun, and outside time. If they “emptied their batteries”, they are more likely to remain calm and just snooze while you are out. Of course, to make sure you always fulfill these exercise requirements, you will have to establish a consistent daily routine. Just like humans, doggos too depend on the routine they can follow. This routine helps them feel secure and understand when to expect certain events like meals and walks. If they get used to a daily chain of events, they will expect you to leave and be okay with it.  Interactive toys that provide mental stimulation or dispense treats are also a great thing to utilize when battling anxiety or boredom-induced barking. They can help your dog stay occupied during your absence. As they get involved in playing with the toy, dogs will tire out, keep themselves busy, and not make such a big deal about your absence. With a toy, alone time can actually be enjoyable for a dog.

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