Cats

Fish

Rabbits

Birds

Horses

Grande Bleu De Gascogne

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
Published:  January 2nd, 2018
fast facts

About Grande Bleu De Gascogne

Height
23-28 inches
Weight
80-110 lb
Lifespan
10-12 years
Group
UKC Scenthound
Best Suited For
active singles, house with a yard, experienced dog owners, hunters
Temperament
calm, noble, friendly, affectionate
Comparable Breeds
Basset Bleu de Gascogne, Bluetick Coonhound
Grande Bleu de Gascogne Basics


If you’re looking for a strong and dependable hunting breed, the Grande Bleu de Gascogne may just be the breed for you. Descended from a long line of French hounds, this breed is actually more common in the United States than in its homeland of France. While these dogs were originally bred to hunt large game and they continue to be used for hunting, they can do well as pets as long as they are kept by an experienced dog owner and the dog’s exercise needs are met.


The Grande Bleu de Gascogne is a strong and dependable hunting breed.


Origin


The Grande Bleu de Gascogne is a French hound of the Bleu de Gasgogne type. The breed is thought to have descended from dogs kept by Phoenician traders – breeds like the St. Hubert Hound and the English Southern Hound. During the 14th century, Comte de Foix kept a pack of these hounds and Henry IV of France kept a pack of his own during the 16th and early 17th century. In the United States, the Grande Bleu de Gascogne breed were first bred in the 18th century and there are currently more specimens of the breed in the U.S. than in France. The breed is renowned for its hunting skills and excellent focus as well as is deep, sonorous howl. Though originally used to hunt large game like wolves, deer, and boar, it is now primarily used to hunt hare.


Pedigree


The Grande Bleu de Gascogne was developed from the Bleu de Gasgogne type which is one of the oldest purebred dogs in the world, hailing from France.


Food/Diet


As a large-breed dog, the Grande Bleu de Gascogne should be fed a high-quality dry food formulated for large-breed adult dogs. Because the breed was developed for hunting, he may do well on an active or working breed formula as long as you are careful about overfeeding to prevent obesity.


The Grande Bleu de Gascogne is a pack hound that generally responds well to training.


Training


The Grande Bleu de Gascogne is a pack hound and an intelligent breed that generally responds well to training. When properly trained, this breed can be used to hunt large game as well as smaller game and it generally does well hunting with other dogs. The Grande Bleu de Gascogne can be affectionate with family, though he does best when one person handles the training and he is recommended only for experienced dog owners.


Weight


The Grande Bleu de Gascogne is a large dog, standing between 23 and 28 inches tall and weighing 80 to 110 pounds at maturity. Females of the breed tend to be a little smaller, standing 23.5 to 25.5 inches tall, but both breeds usually stay within the same weight range.


Temperament/Behavior


The Grande Bleu de Gascogne was developed as a hunting dog and it displays the typical pack hound temperament. These dogs get along well with other dogs, though they can sometimes exhibit dominant behavior, and they are generally affectionate and friendly with people. This breed is most commonly kept for hunting, so little is known about its temperament with children, but other breeds similar to the Grande Bleu de Gascogne are good with kids, so this breed may be as well. Though these dogs do get along with other dogs, they are likely to chase cats and other small pets. They also need plenty of training and socialization from an early age.


Common Health Problems


Generally speaking, the Grande Bleu de Gascogne is known to be a healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 years – this is fairly long for a breed of its size. Because it is such an old breed, it may have greater genetic diversity than newer breeds which may reduce the risk for inherited health problems. Some of the conditions to which the breed may be prone include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, ear infections, allergies, and dental problems.


Life Expectancy


The average lifespan for the Grande Bleu de Gascogne is thought to be about 10 to 12 years which is fairly long for a breed of its size.


Exercise Requirements


As a hunting breed, the Grande Bleu de Gascogne has high exercise requirements. Ideally, this dog needs at least two 30-minute walks at a brisk pace. These dogs also need plenty of room to run and play outdoors, in addition to regular training.


The Grande Bleu de Gascogne is generally affectionate and friendly with people.


AKC


The Grande Bleu de Gascogne is not currently recognized by the AKC but he is recognized by the FCI and the UKC. The FCI classifies him in Group 6 as a Scenthound and the UKC as a Scenthound. He is also recognized by the Kennel Club in the Hound Group.


Coat


The Grande Bleu de Gascogne has the typically French hound appearance with a large build, long ears, and wrinkled skin. The coat of this breed is almost completely mottled with black and white, giving it the appearance of having a blueish coat. Some dogs also exhibit black patches around the ears and cheeks. Many dogs have tan markings on the eyes, cheeks, ears, legs, and tail. The coat itself is short and smooth.


Puppies


The average litter size for the Grande Bleu de Gascogne is 4 to 7 puppies. Because these dogs grow to over 100 pounds at maturity, it is important that you prevent your puppy from growing too quickly – excess growth may increase his risk for developing musculoskeletal problems as an adult. Feeding your puppy a large-breed puppy recipe is a great way to prevent overgrowth and you can switch to a large-breed adult formula when he reaches 80% of his maximum size.


Photo credit: pixshots/Shutterstock.com

WOW
Kate Barrington
Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

More by Kate Barrington

Give Your Cat a Purr-fect Treat
Give Your Cat a Purr-fect Treat
View Article
Next
Related articles
Petite Bleu De Gascogne

Petite Bleu de Gascogne Basics Though the name might suggest the Petite Bleu de Gascogne is a small-breed dog, that isn’t the case. This medium-sized breed is a scent hound of French origin, named for its proficiency in hunting small game. These dogs are particularly skilled in hunting rabbits and, while more common than its larger relative the Grand Bleu de Gascogne, the Petite Bleu de Gascogne is still fairly rare outside of France and is not yet recognized by the AKC. The Petite Bleu de Gascogne is a scent hound of French origin, named for its proficiency in hunting small game. Origin The Petite Bleu de Gascogne is one of several French scenthounds descendant from the St. Hubert Hound. This breed is of the Bleu de Gascogne type which is one of the oldest purebred dog breeds in the world and a rarity even in France. The breed type was developed during the Middle Ages and hunting became popular among French nobility and it was bred in different sizes for different types of game. The Petite Bleu de Gascogne was specifically bred down in size from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne to hunt smaller game. This began sometime around the 1500s and the breed continues to be used for this purpose today. A talented pack hunter, the Petite Bleu de Gascogne is thought to have been used in the development of other hound breeds which may include the Petit Griffon Bleu de Gascogne and the Basset Bleu de Gascogne. Pedigree The Petite Bleu de Gascogne is descendant from the St. Hubert Hound and bred down in size from the Grand Bleu de Gascogne. Food/Diet As a medium-sized breed, the Petite Bleu de Gascogne should do well on a high-quality adult dog food with high protein and moderate fat content. Because the breed is typically used for hunting, however, he may fare better on an active or working breed formula made with quality animal proteins, healthy fats, and digestible carbohydrates. The Petite Bleu de Gascogne is a hard-working breed. Training The Petite Bleu de Gascogne is a hard-working breed like others of its type and it has the typical pack hound mentality. This means that these dogs are bred to hunt with other dogs and that requires a certain degree of independence. This breed is not necessarily difficult to train, but you do need to understand that the breed will be fairly independent-minded and is generally not a good fit for inexpeirneced dog owners and for purposes other than hunting. You’ll see the best results if you execute a firm and consistent hand in training this breed, knowing that the breed is unlikely to be completely compliant at all times. Weight The Petite Bleu de Gascogne is a medium-sized breed, standing 20 to 23 inches tall and weighing an average of 40 to 50 pounds. Temperament/Behavior The Petite Bleu de Gascogne is by no means an aggressive breed, but you should expect some dominance behavior with other dogs if you’re adding him to an existing pack. This breed is generally good with other dogs once they get used to each other, but he may not be a good choice for homes with cats or other small animals due to his hunting instincts. These dogs are friendly with people and can be devoted to their owners, but their stubborn nature requires a fair bit of obedience training and socialization. This breed does best when trained for hunting, though he may be adaptable to family life as long as his exercise needs are met, and he still has an opportunity to use his hunting skills. Common Health Problems For the most part, the Petite Bleu de Gascogne is a healthy breed. One thing you should be wary of, however, is the risk for ear infections that comes with pendulous ears. Other potential health problems may include hip and elbow dysplasia, tooth decay, allergies, and bloat. Life Expectancy The average lifespan for the Petite Bleu de Gascogne is 10 to 12 years. Exercise Requirements As a hunting breed, the Petite Bleu de Gascogne has high needs for exercise that need to be met on a daily basis. If this breed doesn’t get enough exercise, it is likely to develop problem behaviors such as becoming destructive and becoming very vocal. These dogs are also smart and trainable, so mental stimulation should be part of their daily exercise as well. The Petite Bleu de Gascogne is by no means an aggressive breed, but you should expect some dominance behavior with other dogs if you’re adding him to an existing pack. Recognized Clubs Though it is not currently recognized by the AKC, the Petite Bleu de Gascogne was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1991 as a scent hound. Coat The Petite Bleu de Gascogne has a short coat that is not difficult to groom – weekly brushing is generally enough to control shedding. In terms of coloration, these dogs are white mottled with black, having a slate-like appearance. They also exhibit black patches on the sides of the head and across the back, often with tan markings above the eyebrows. Puppies The average litter size for the Petite Bleu de Gascogne is 4 to 7 puppies. As a hunting breed, puppies should be started with training as early as possible. If you hope to keep this breed as a pet, early socialization is extremely important – especially for homes with children and non-canine pets. Start your Petite Bleu de Gascogne puppy with a high-quality puppy food and switch to an adult or working breed formula after 12 months of age.

Basset Bleu De Gascogne

Basset Bleu de Gascogne Basics Also known as the Blue Gascony Basset, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a hound-type breed known for its short legs and spotted body. These dogs are an old breed, similar in appearance to the Basset Hound. In fact, these two breeds share many similarities and the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is considered one of six Basset Hound breeds by the FCI. If you are looking for a friendly and affectionate breed that is also talented for hunting, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a great option to consider. Also known as the Blue Gascony Basset, the Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a hound-type breed known for its short legs and spotted body. Origin The Basset Bleu de Gascogne is a direct descendant of the Grande Bleu de Gascogne and its origins can be traced back to the 14th century. The exact origins of the breed are unknown but it is thought to be the result of a crossing between the Grand Bleu de Gascogne and the Saintongeois Basset. The Basset Bleu de Gascogne breed was reserved for hunting by the upper class prior to the French Revolution. After the Revolution when hunting became more common among the lower classes, the need for a slower, short-legged hunting dog became apparent. The breed nearly went extinct during the 19th century but it was revived by Alain Bourbon. Pedigree

Give Your Cat a Purr-fect Treat

A lot of emphasis gets put on treats that help keep your dog’s teeth clean, but it is also an important consideration for your cat.

Is Rock Salt Toxic to Dogs?

As winter comes, the roads become icy and treacherous and rock salt is used to make them less slippery. While roads covered with rock salt are common in the chillier months of the year, dog owners are wondering if it is safe for their pets to walk on rock salt or accidentally ingest it. After all, dogs are known to be inquisitive and eager to lick or nibble on anything and everything so the idea is not as far-fetched as some might think at first. So, without further ado, let’s find out if rock salt is toxic to dogs and how you can best protect your pet in the winter months.Is Rock Salt Toxic to Dogs?Sadly, the answer is yes – rock salt, commonly used for de-icing roads and sidewalks in winter, can be toxic to dogs if ingested in large quantities. Rock salt, or sodium chloride, can cause salt poisoning or hypernatremia in dogs. Ingesting excessive amounts of salt can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, excessive thirst, increased urination, and in severe cases, it can even result in tremors, seizures, or death.And that is not all. In addition to the risk of ingestion, rock salt can also cause irritation to a dog's paws if they walk on treated surfaces. The salt can cause dryness, cracking, and discomfort, and dogs may try to  lick their paws to alleviate the irritation, leading to ingestion of the salt. After all, the roads are meant for cars and tires, so it was sadly never taken into account that pets would walk on them as well. Still, as a caring owner, there are a number of precautions that you can take in order to ensure that your dog doesn’t ingest rock salt – here are some of the most popular ways.Clean their paws after walks:Wipe your dog's paws with a damp cloth after walks to remove any salt or de-icing chemicals. Do this after every walk and as soon as you get home. Remember to take care of your pet’s paws and paw pads. When injured or unkempt, they can cause great discomfort. Furthermore, you can consider using  dog boots if your pet doesn’t mind it – they’ll keep their paws safe and warm.

Playing with Dogs Helps People Concentrate and Relax, Study Finds

Numerous studies have investigated the bond between humans and dogs, showing that canine companionship offers physical and emotional benefits, such as reduced blood pressure, increased oxytocin levels, and decreased levels of the stress hormone cortisol. However, few studies have looked at what happens in a person’s brain when they interact with a dog. A new study, led by researchers in South Korea did just that!In this study, researchers measured the participant’s brain waves during interactions with a four-year-old standard poodle, named Aro. The team wanted to find out how specific activities affected the participants’ mood.The study involved 30 healthy participants who were asked to engage in eight distinct activities with Aro. The activities included meeting, playing, massaging, feeding, grooming, hugging, photographing, and walking the dog. Before the activities began, the participants were asked to sit and stare at a wall for three minutes to minimize any stimulation that could affect the study’s results. The researchers used headsets of electrodes to measure participants' brain wave activity while they interacted with the dog. The results showed that activities like walking the dog increased relaxation while brushing the dog improved concentration. Interestingly, playing with the dog increased both concentration and relaxation. “Previous studies of the potential benefits of animal interactions often take a holistic approach, comparing people’s mood or hormone levels before and after spending time with a dog,” explained Onyoo Yoo, the study’s lead author, and researcher at Konkut University in South Korea. “It is a significant finding that engaging in certain activities with dogs can increase specific brain activity,” he added, according to NBC News. Yoo’s team asked the participants to engage in eight activities, for three minutes each, while wearing brainwave-detecting headsets. The participants also needed to complete surveys after each activity, describing how they felt emotionally.The team discovered that alpha brain waves, which indicate relaxation and stability, became stronger when participants played with Aro using squeaky toys and when they took her for a walk on a park trail. These results showed that participants were in an increased state of rest and relaxation. On the other hand, beta brain waves, which are associated with attention and concentration, became stronger when participants brushed Aro or gave her a gentle massage. This showed that participants’ concentration improved without an increase in stress. All participants reported feeling less stressed, tired, and depressed after all eight activities. According to the study, activities such as hugging, feeding, and massaging the dog improved the participants’ moods, in particular. “This study demonstrated that specific dog activities could activate stronger relaxation, emotional stability, attention, concentration, and creativity by facilitating increased brain activity,” said Yoo. “In addition, interactions with dogs could decrease stress and induce positive emotional responses.”For example, playing with a dog not only relaxes the mind but also increases concentration. This dual effect shows that dogs could play an important role in therapies designed to reduce stress and improve mental focus. Past studies have suggested that dogs could help ease symptoms of depression or PTSD, but it’s still unclear how effective that type of pet therapy may be. Researchers agree that people need to enjoy being around dogs for this type of animal-assisted therapy to work. More studies are needed to confirm the validity of these findings. But if you already have a dog, there’s now even more evidence supporting interaction with your pet. So go ahead and take your dog for a walk or a play session in the park, you’ll both feel better after it!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Working Dog Gets Stolen and Dropped in a Shelter 700 Miles From Home

We all love our pooches, don’t we? It’s impossible to imagine that someone would be capable of stealing your four-legged companion. But, sadly many dogs get stolen every day. That’s exactly what happened to Hank, a 12-year-old McNab mix, who was working on a ranch in Oregon.The woman who brought Hank to the St. George Animal Shelter told the staff that she had found the dog locally. However, Hank was more than 700 miles away from home!“He was a working dog,” said Animal Service Officer Supervisor Cathy Freitas to St. George News. The pooch was found on a ranch in Oregon and driven to St. George by a woman who lied to the shelter staff and said that she found the dog in the local area. “The dog was absolutely well cared for and happy,” Freitas added. “And the person who saw it assumed otherwise and thought rather than going to the authorities and saying ‘I found a dog,’ she intentionally drove the dog from that area because she didn’t want it to go back to the owner thinking that it wasn’t well taken care of because it was outside… Not every dog is going to be happy lying on your couch and eating snacks.”The shelter posted a photo of Hank on social media, hoping someone would recognize him. Luckily, the post reached the right people, and a person in Idaho recognized the pooch. Soon, everything became much clearer.As it happens, Hanks was with his family for a long time, and they missed him terribly. Unfortunately, Hank’s owners didn’t know where to start looking for him because the people who took him had driven so far away. When the shelter got ahold of the owners, they immediately got into their vehicle and drove 700 miles to get their dog. That’s 1,400 miles round trip - a sure proof of the love and dedication that they have for their pooch.The owners explained that Hank is in the fifth generation of McNab dogs bred to work on the family’s ranch. People should know that there are working dogs, Freitas explained. These dogs are bred and trained to work and that’s where they feel the most comfortable and happy. If you happen to find a dog near livestock, there’s a good chance that it’s a working dog, and it’s best not to approach it. If the dog seems neglected or injured, contact Animal Services or nonemergency dispatch. This way the local authorities can check on the dog and get a hold of its owner. When it comes to Hank, the St. George Animal Shelter wouldn’t be able to hold his owners accountable if he had been neglected or abused because they are outside of the St. George Police Department’s jurisdiction.  The police from the dog’s hometown wouldn’t have been notified, giving the family a chance to adopt another dog.Taking a dog like this is extremely stressful for them and their family, but it can also put their herd at risk, as they would be without a guardian and more likely to become prey. Luckily, this story has a happy ending and Hank is back on the ranch, helping his owners with livestock. His family could press charges against the woman who took him, even though she might have had the dog’s best interest at heart. At the end of the day, she stole Hank and transported him across state lines. If you come across a dog herding livestock, stay a safe distance away and don’t offer any treats or food. According to Freitas, most working dogs aren’t aggressive towards people, but they can be if they sense their herd is at risk. Let’s not forget that working dogs aren’t house pets. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Husky Detects a Dangerous Gas Leak and Saves the Entire Neighborhood

Kobe, a four-year-old husky became an internet hero after saving his home and the entire neighborhood from a catastrophic gas leak. According to his owner, Chanell Bell, the canine started digging a large hole in the front yard of their Philadelphia home. At first, Bell didn’t think much of Kobe’s strange behavior. However, as the hole grew bigger, she became concerned that Kobe was trying to tell her something.“I trust his judgment because that isn’t his typical behavior and he is usually right,” said Bell, according to PEOPLE. “He has great senses and he never digs holes unless he is helping me dig; I knew something was up.”Earlier in the month, Bell had a gas leak in the house, and out of caution, she decided to check the hole Kobe dug with a gas detection device. “I had a reader already in the house to make sure there were no leaks coming from my old heater,” explained Bell. “When I saw the hole, I realized it was odd behavior for my dog. My intuition told me to check it.”Immediately the device detected gas. A potentially catastrophic amount of gas was coming from the hole Kobe dug in the yard!Bell alerted authorities right away and they informed her that the entire neighborhood should be grateful that Kobe detected the leak when he did. “We were told it could’ve caused serious health effects like respiratory issues, brain damage, and even death. They told me that something as simple as a light switch turning on could’ve caused an explosion, too.”As soon as they arrived at the address, the gas foreman and crew turned off the gas and started to work on the pipes. During the repairs, the crew discovered three other gas leaks in the neighborhood, all caused by old pipes. The crew worked for three days to repair the leaks and install new pipes. Workers told Bell that something as simple as turning on a light switch could have caused the gas to ignite and blow up the entire house. While they worked, the crew praised Kobe.“They were so impressed with Kobe and mentioned what a good dog he was,” said Bell, adding that people should always listen to their pets and their senses. The gas company said that it adds Marcaptan to the natural gas it administers to homes to produce a smell similar to rotten eggs to allow for easier leak detection. “Just like this customer, any time anyone smells a foreign odor or egg-like smell, they should immediately call,” said the utility company, in a statement. “It feels amazing to know Kobe saved our block, I am very thankful to have him,” added Bell. “I hope this spreads awareness to others about the dangers and severity of gas leaks and to pay attention to your fur babies!”  Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Pregnant Dog Saved from Shipping Container by U.S. Coast Guard

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston got a big surprise when they found a dog trapped inside a shipping container. While inspecting the containers, Lucas Loe, Bryan Wainscott, Jose Reyes, and Ryan McMahon heard scratching and barking coming from inside one of them. After bringing the container down to ground level—it had been roughly 25 feet up—they opened it to find an adorable dog desperate to get out.A Dog Rescued Against All OddsThe poor dog had been stuck in that container, which had junked vehicles and was set to be shipped overseas, for at least eight days without any food or water. How she got in there in the first place is a mystery, but they think she might’ve been in one of the cars that was put in the container.What makes this story even more incredible is the fact that there were thousands of shipping containers along with the one that the friendly dog was trapped in, so she’s very lucky that the inspectors heard her and rescued her in time. They named her Connie, and her story quickly went viral. She’s even referred to as Connie the Container Dog. A video posted on Facebook shows her rescue.According to a U.S. Coast Guard Heartland Facebook post, Connie was thrilled and grateful to be free, but she was also tired and hungry. She was taken to Pasadena Animal Shelter to be examined before being flown to Forever Changed Animal Rescue (FCAR) in the Washington, D.C. metro area. She was diagnosed with heartworm and was found to be underweight.A New Discovery: Connie the Container Dog Is PregnantAfter her rescuers noticed that Connie’s mammary glands were swollen, they worried that she’d given birth to and lost her puppies while she was trapped in the container. But an ultrasound revealed that she is indeed pregnant.Once she’s healed and ready to be adopted, Connie will be looking for a forever home. And her puppies will also be looking for homes once they’re old enough. In the meantime, she’ll stay with a veterinarian who will keep a close eye on her and make sure that she and her puppies are doing well.To keep up with Connie’s journey, you can follow FCAR’s Facebook page.You can also watch this video to see Connie and her rescuers:

Yoga mat, water bottle,... lint roller?

Furry friends bring a new twist to traditional yoga.

These Dog Foods Are Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Owners should always be careful about the food that they give to their pet – and it’s only natural that every caring owner will naturally want the best for their pet. But sometimes, even getting the best of the best is not a guarantee as accidents can happen anytime. In this case, the issue is that several popular dog food brands got potentially contaminated with salmonellla. Recently, owners had been shocked to find out that three brands of pet food were recalled - having tested positive for salmonella. And in fact, the past year saw at least seven recalls of dog food brands that were either contaminated with this nasty bacteria, or had harmful elevated levels of vitamins. And, to make matters worse, 2019 saw several dogs get seriously ill after consuming the food. And our dear four-legged friends are not the only ones at risk - handling the contaminated dog food, we too are exposed to salmonella. In 2012, up to 49 people in the United States and Canada fell ill after an outbreak of salmonella that was traced to dry dog food. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 persons were so ill that hospitalization was required.According to the CDC, the pesky salmonella bacteria causes “an estimated 1.3 million infections in Americans every year, resulting in 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths.”As for the latest recalls, a notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, released on October 30th, includes the following foods: “one by Mid America Pet Food of Mount Pleasant, Texas, involving three lots of Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula after random sampling found salmonella, which can sicken pets as well as people who come in contact with it.” Furthermore, it is stated that the food was “Sold by retailers across the U.S., the recalled products come in five-pound, 15-pound and 40-pound bags with a best-by-date of June 12, 2024, and contain one of the following three lot numbers on the back of the products: 1000016890, 1000016891, 1000016892.”The second recall involves TFP Nutrition of Nacogdoches, and their Retriever All Life Stages Mini Chunk Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food, in 50lbs bags, with best-by-dates of October 2024 and production codes of either 3277 TFP or 3278 TFP. Lastly, the third recall in the latest wave is Blue Ridge Beef of Statesville, North Carolina, which is recalling Breeders Choice dog food with the UPC code 8 54298 00193 1 due to possible salmonella contamination.In case you suspect your pet has eaten any potentially infected foods, it is important to know the  symptoms of salmonella poisoning in pets: they can be lethargic, listless, or have diarrhea that is followed by fever and vomiting. If you recognise these in your pet, don’t hesitate to contact your vet. And, if you suspect that the dog food you have is contaminated, make sure to destroy it in a way that children, animals, or people cannot get in contact with it.

Media Maven Martha Stewart Gets Push Back Over Dog Food Recipe

Use of "home-grown" meat draws ire from followers and falls on the heels of last year's negative press.

What Happens if Dogs Eat Cat Food?

A multi-pet household is always full of adventures, and even more so when you have both cats and dogs. While there are many fun aspects to sharing your life and your home with multiple pets, there are quite a few challenges, as well – such as making sure everybody’s keeping their nose in their own food bowl. We all know that dogs tend to have healthy appetites and are not picky, which means they’ll often try (and succeed) in eating cat food when given the chance.While not the  worst thing a dog can eat when sharing a home with a cat (litter and its contents seem to be irresistible to some canines), kitty kibble certainly isn’t the best type of food for your dog, either. But what happens if dogs eat cat food? Can it be harmful to them? And are cat and dog foods really that different? Here’s what you need to know.What Happens if a Dog Eats Cat Food?Let’s face it: if a dog eats cat food occasionally, it's usually not a cause for concern. The worst that can happen is an upset stomach or a bit of diarrhea. The main cause is the fact that cat food is formulated differently from dog food, containing higher levels of protein and fat, which can be harder for dogs to digest. If a dog eats cat food regularly, however, it can lead to digestive issues such as upset stomach, diarrhea, or even  pancreatitis due to the higher fat content. In other words, sneaking food from the cat’s bowl once or twice won’t be an issue – but repeated consumption most definitely will. What is more, cat food lacks certain nutrients that dogs need in their diet, such as adequate levels of vitamin E and taurine. So, while an occasional nibble might not harm your dog, it's best to prevent regular access to cat food to avoid potentially considerable health problems.Another reason why doggos should steer clear of cat food on a regular basis is weight gain. Cat food has a quite higher fat content, which can lead to weight gain in dogs. All the excess weight (which can pile up quite quickly) will lead to a lot of health issues, like diabetes or joint issues. If your pooch likes to sample cat food, they might also experience an upset stomach, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea. This is because cat food contains much more protein than the usual dog food. Higher levels of protein are harder to digest for dogs, and this results in gastrointestinal discomfort. A home remedy for an upset tummy in dogs – if it’s due to eating a bit of kitty food – could be providing  dog probiotics in combination with a bland diet for a day or two, until they’re feeling better. 

Can Dogs Have Sleep Apnea?

If you’ve ever heard your dog snoring, you might’ve wondered if sleep apnea is a condition that can affect canines like it does humans. The answer is, yes, dogs can have sleep apnea, although it is rare, and certain breeds may be at greater risk. Below is some information on sleep apnea in dogs, including research, symptoms, and possible treatment options.

A Six-legged Abandoned Dog Has Surgery to Remove Extra Limbs

A six-legged cocker spaniel found abandoned in a supermarket parking lot in Wales has had surgery to remove her extra limbs. The pooch was named Ariel, after the Little Mermaid, because her extra limbs were fused together, resembling a mermaid’s tail. Greenacres Rescue, a non-profit group from Haverfordwest in Pembrokeshire, Wales, took Ariel in, arranged her surgery, and found her a foster family.  Ariel, who was born with multiple birth defects, was operated on at Langford Vets Small Animal Referral Hospital. Surgeon Aaron Lutchman performed the surgery and managed to save all four limbs amid fears that one hind leg might have to be amputated. “She’s doing really well, she’s bounced back and she’s a happy little dog and we’re hoping she’s going to go on to lead a fabulous little life,” said Lutchman. “She’s got her own little character and even though she’s had a tough start in life she really has done well to come through this as she has… if we can do what we can to help then that’s just absolutely brilliant.” According to Mikey Lawlor, founder and manager of Greenacres Rescue, Ariel was skinny and distressed when she was rescued. “The vet who initially assessed Ariel noted that, in addition to her two surplus back legs, she also had an additional vulva,” said Lawlor. A CT scan later revealed that Ariel was born with only one kidney, which increased the complexity of the medical treatment she required. Unfortunately, the pup’s pelvis never formed properly because she had two hip joints on one side of the body. As a result, Ariel’s normal hind leg had no muscle tone, so there was a chance that that leg had to be amputated as well. “Thankfully, that wasn’t the case though as it’s shown signs of having strengthened a lot in recent months,” Lawlor added.Ariel is recovering nicely after her surgery, having lots of love and fuss from the nursing team. Now that the surgery is behind her, everyone is hoping that she’ll have an easy and quick recovery.“There were two procedures which lasted about two hours, but both went fine. The next day she was up, walking around and eating and drinking.”“Now we just need to keep our fingers crossed she doesn’t get any infections, but she really is in the best of hands,” added Lawlor according to BBC. The brave pooch was discharged over the weekend and has already returned home to her foster family in Wales. According to her vet, Ariel has to rest for the next two weeks to recover completely. The founder of Greenacres Rescue hopes that the organization will be able to find a forever home for Ariel after she completes physiotherapy and recovery. “The response we had to Ariel’s story so far, including calls and emails from as far away as New York and Australia, has been incredible - so I’ve no doubt she’ll be snapped up,” said Lawlor.“I just can’t say enough of a thank you to everyone who’s contributed to helping her.” The organization raised around $19,000 for Ariel’s life-changing surgery thanks to donations from people all over the world.“Ariel was a complicated little dog whose care required close collaboration across a number of our specialist teams, including orthopedics, soft tissue surgery, anesthesia, and radiology,” said Vicki Black, the director of Langford Vets’ Hospital. “As part of the University of Bristol, we are a center committed to career-long learning and are proud to innovate and treat pets like Ariel. We are delighted such a lovely animal has recovered well from her surgery.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Is Pyoderma In Dogs?

The sight of an itchy dog often raises concerns among pet parents. From parasites, like fleas and ticks, to uncomfortable skin issues and irritation, the explanation is rarely a positive one. In some cases, even finding a cause is an uphill battle. One condition you may have read about or heard your veterinarian mention is pyoderma. But what is pyoderma, and what does this mean for your best friend? In this article, we will dive deep into the world of dog skin issues, uncovering not only the warning signs and possible causes of pyoderma in dogs but also the steps you can take to offer some much-needed relief from the itch and irritation. Let’s get started… What is Pyoderma? Pyoderma is a term used to refer to a bacterial skin infection, with the word literally translating to “pus (pyo) in the skin (derma).” It is one of the most common dog skin conditions. Luckily, it is also often easy to treat once it has been diagnosed. Most dogs recover fully with the proper medication. The condition is classified into one of three types based on its location in or on the skin. They include: Surface Pyoderma: infections on top of the skin’s surfaceSuperficial Pyoderma: infections in the outermost layer of the skin, including in the hair follicles (which may be referred to as superficial bacterial folliculitis)Deep Pyoderma: infections in the deeper layers of the skinThe condition itself isn’t always visible, making it sometimes difficult to spot. This is why it is so important for dog parents to familiarize themselves with the warning signs of skin irritation and seek veterinary help. They can do the tests necessary to look beyond what is visible to the naked eye. What Causes Pyoderma in Dogs? Every healthy dog has bacteria on the surface of their skin. When a dog’s skin becomes irritated for any reason, they respond by scratching at the spot. This creates openings in the layers of the skin where the bacteria can move deeper, creating the perfect environment for them to grow and thrive. There are several potential triggers for the initial irritation, including: Environmental or seasonal allergies Food allergies Flea allergy dermatitis Chronic exposure to moisture (like skin folds)Seborrhea Impaired blood flow to the skin Endocrine disorders (Hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease) It can also start when the skin is damaged due to an injury. Even a minor injury could cause just enough of an opening into the skin’s layers to begin the cycle. Is Dog Pyoderma Contagious to Humans? As this is a bacterial infection, it isn’t a risk of transmission like an airborne virus would be. Some strains of the bacteria can occasionally lead to an infection in humans or other dogs. However, the risk is incredibly low unless you have a compromised immune system. You can minimize the risk of transmission by focusing on keeping your home clean as your dog fights the infection. This includes regularly cleaning their food and water dishes as well as any bedding your dog sleeps on regularly. If you have an open wound, keep it covered when spending time with your infected dog.

Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs?

Essential oils have a variety of uses and can be quite beneficial. And that’s not true for human use alone, as these natural oils found their way to the world of pets as well, and can be used to help eliminate a range of issues such as skin irritations, allergies, and fleas, and to boost the overall health of your dog’s coat. But, while there are plenty of pet products that contain essential oils, many owners are wondering: are essential oils really safe for dogs? It is a good question, so let’s try and find the right answer.Essential Oils for Dogs: The BasicsWhile some essential oils can be safe for dogs, it's important to use them with caution. Dogs have a more sensitive sense of smell than humans, so strong scents can be overwhelming, even if they are of natural origin. Certain essential oils, like lavender and chamomile, are generally considered safe in small amounts and when properly diluted. That being said, it is important to know what you are buying and to find essential oils that are made for pets especially. These are likely to be properly diluted and formulated to be safe for dogs. Essential oils can have various effects on dogs, both positive and negative. Some oils, like the aforementioned lavender and chamomile, may help with relaxation and anxiety, and help your pet sleep easier. On the other side, specific oils such as tea tree, citrus, and peppermint can be harmful to dogs and should be avoided.When using essential oils around dogs, it's crucial to dilute them properly. Always dilute essential oils before using them around your dog. Most experts recommend a ratio of 1:50, meaning one drop of essential oil to 50 drops of carrier oil. Of course, you should always observe your dog's reactions. Watch for signs of distress or discomfort in your dog when you introduce a new essential oil. If you notice any adverse reactions, stop using the oil immediately.Ultimately, you should be wary of the application methods you are using. Avoid applying essential oils directly to your dog's skin. Instead, diffuse them in the air or use a diffuser. You can also add a few drops to your dog's collar or bedding if the goal is to deter parasites. Needless to say, it goes a long way to properly familiarize yourself with essential oils and how they are used in the dog world. You can go in-depth with  a book that specializes in this topic, and gain the ultimate knowledge about these helpful oils before utilizing these natural products for your pet’s well-being. 

With Just a Sniff, Dogs May be Able to Curtail PTSD Episodes

Halifax's Dalhousie University finds dogs can identify the adrenaline hormone through an individual's breath.

How to Get Your Dog to Stop Counter Surfing

Does your dog surf the counters in search of a tasty snack? Counter surfing is a common problematic behavior in dogs, where they jump up on kitchen counters or tables to steal food or other items that would usually be out of their reach. Naturally, that type of behavior is a big no-no, no matter how impressive it is for your pooch to manage to actually do it. Not only that losing perfectly good leftovers is no fun, but most human foods are not good for your pet to eat - some can be downright dangerous. This is why you should make sure to correct this bad habit as soon as you notice it.Your pet needs to know that counter surfing is unacceptable behavior and that it’s something they can’t do. But how exactly to get your dog to stop counter surfing without having to resort to punishments? Here are some tips and tricks.How to Get Your Dog to Stop Counter SurfingThe first and most practical tip is to simply cut access to the restricted area – e.g. kitchen counters. Use baby gates,  pet gates, or crate your dog to prevent access to the kitchen, or simply keep a close eye on your dog at all times while they’re in the kitchen and lock the door (if applicable) when you’re not around. If you don’t do anything to prevent access or to monitor your pet’s behavior when they’re in the kitchen, they might take it as a sign to do as they please. 

About Privacy Terms Contact us Copyright
© 2024  VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved.