Toy Rat Doxie

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: December 31st, 2018

About Toy Rat Doxie

Height

14-20 inches

Weight

10-30 lbs

Lifespan

15-18 years

Group

Not applicable

Best Suited For

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

Temperament

Lively, friendly, energetic, feisty, spirited, strong-willed, intelligent, loyal, affectionate

Comparable Breeds

Rat Terrier, Dachshund

Toy Rat Doxie Basics

You’ll never be bored with a Toy Rat Doxie by your side! These unique and adorable designer dogs were developed by crossing the short-legged Dachshund with the spunky Rat Terrier. The combo of two small dogs makes for a feisty, lively and amusing canine companion that does great with singles and families alike.

The Toy Rat Doxie is a loyal, affectionate dog that bonds strongly with his owner. Although they have a strong prey drive and can have a mischievous behavior at times, they are couch potatoes at heart. These petite pooches love nothing better than to cozy up to their owners and get some ear scratches before they take a nap. If you think that this one-of-a-kind mix of laziness and animation, as well as sweetness and mischief, would perfectly suit you, read on to find out more about the Toy Rat Doxie!

The Toy Rat Doxie is a loyal, affectionate dog that bonds strongly with his owner.

Origin

The origin of all designer dog breeds is somewhat mysterious. For a lot of people, it’s still unclear what makes a designer dog and which mixed breed pooches are good old-fashioned mutts. (Hint: adorable mutts usually have a much more colorful family tree that includes more than two breeds, whereas hybrids are offspring of two purebreds). In general, the majority of what we today know as hybrids or designer dogs, has been developed sometime in the last 20 to 30 years, in the United States.

The same goes for the Toy Rat Doxie. This Rat Terrier and Dachshund mix was probably first created in hopes that it will have fewer health issues and present improved qualities of the parental breeds. And, it seems that these hybrids have managed to do it both!

Pedigree

If you think about pedigree in terms of official papers, you shouldn’t expect your Toy Rat Doxie puppy to have any. The American Kennel Club registers only purebred dogs, and hybrids and designer dogs don’t fall under that category. Therefore, these mixed breed canines won’t be eligible for official certification that offers proof of their lineage.

However, pedigree is much more than just a piece of paper. The family tree of the Toy Rat Doxie consists of two well-known, well-loved breeds- the Dachshund and the Rat Terrier. The Doxie or the Wiener Dog can trace its origins to hundreds of years ago, where it had its starts as a hunting companion in Germany. In the 1800s, the breed evolved to become a family pet, a role it still has today. Similarly, the Rat Terrier was also initially a hunter, but in this case, it wasn’t badgers or foxes that were the prey, but rather- rats. No farm in England during the 19th century could go without a Rat Terrier to help catch the vermin. While both of the breeds are now purely companions, their hunter genes still show generations after.

Food/Diet

Although it’s highly likely that your Toy Rat Doxie pet wouldn’t say no to anything you offer them to eat, it doesn’t mean that their greedy appetite should be your guide. Dogs are omnivores, and most of them have no real standards when it comes to their food, so it can be hard to narrow down the list to items that they actually should and need to eat. Fortunately, even if you’re a newbie dog owner, it won’t take much to get the hang of it. For a Toy Rat Doxie, premium dry food for dogs is the best choice. Pick out any high-quality kibble that’s suited for your pet’s age (puppy, adult, senior), size (small), and activity level (low to moderate).

As a small breed dog, the Toy Rat Doxie is prone to obesity. Gaining even a little extra weight can quickly put a strain on their petite frame, so make sure to avoid overindulging your pet. This means to table scraps, no excessive treats, and no large portions. Follow the feeding guide recommendations for your pet’s unique needs- most brands have it printed out on the back of the kibble bag.

As a small breed dog, the Toy Rat Doxie is prone to obesity.

Training

The Toy Rat Doxie is one smart pooch. These dogs have bright, active minds, but if they’re not engaged at all times, they can quickly become very mischievous to occupy themselves. To steer your pup away from trouble, and make sure they behave well, you need to give them basic training. Fortunately, as this designer dog is a quick learner, you shouldn’t have any problem teaching them commands and correcting their behavior. The trick is to use positive reinforcement methods to train them- after all, what could be more motivating than treats and praise? Even if your puppy turns out to have a bit of a stubborn streak (owing to that terrier ancestry), a bit of coaxing is sure to change their mind about learning.

In addition to elementary things, such as housebreaking and learning how to walk on a leash, you should spend time socializing your pet. The Toy Rat Doxie has a lovely, friendly personality, but if not socialized on time, he or she might not be as amiable towards strangers, young kids, or other pets.

While not prone to any serious breed-specific behavior issues, the Toy Rat Doxie can have a high prey drive and the tendency to bark a lot. Luckily, both of these issues- if present- can be successfully corrected with training and socialization.

Weight

When you have a first generation hybrid, which is the offspring of two different purebred dogs, all bets are off. You never know if the puppies will favor one parent over the other, or inherit traits from both in a balanced ratio. Of course, the same goes true for the Toy Rat Doxie. However, both the Dachshund and the Rat Terrier are similar, size-wise, so there are no dramatic variations in weight with these dogs. On average, a fully grown Doxie and Rat Terrier mix should weigh between 10 to 30 pounds. This leaves room for variety, but all well within the limits of small dog category.

Temperament/Behavior

If you want a small dog with a big personality, you’ll quickly fall in love with the feisty Toy Rat Doxie. Owing to its parental breeds, this designer dog has a fun, lively, friendly temperament. No matter where they are, these hybrids find a way to be in the center of the attention! In addition to being a natural charmer, the Dachshund and Rat Terrier mix is very affectionate, as well. These pooches are cuddly and sweet with their family members but tend to form a special bond with one special human. Their devotion and loyalty truly make them worthy of the title ‘man’s best friend’.

Of course, not everything about Toy Rat Doxie is perfect (although their owners will probably claim otherwise). Like all dogs, these cute hybrids can have a few quirks and traits that are not all that ideal. For instance, due to their hunting genes, they have a strong prey drive and can chase and try to attack other pets and animals that are smaller than them. Additionally, the Toy Rat Doxie can be prone to separation anxiety. As they tend to bond closely to their family members, they can get nervous if they need to be alone at home. Fortunately, these issues can be worked on and corrected with training.

Common Health Problems

When it comes to designer dogs, opinions are divided. Some believe that, because of ‘hybrid vigor’ principle, these canines have far fewer health issues than their purebred parents. Others, seeing sick and neglected pets that come out of puppy mills, tend to think that designer dogs are ridden with disease. In reality, the truth is neither here nor there- but somewhere in the middle. Hybrids, like all other dogs, can win on the genetic lottery and have no major congenital issues, or inherit a condition from one of their parents.

The Toy Rat Doxie is prone to several health problems that are common for its parents. These include intervertebral disc disease, hip and elbow dysplasia, kneecap dislocation ( patellar luxation) and progressive retinal atrophy. Additionally, these petite pooches can be prone to early teeth loss- so make sure to be vigorous about their oral hygiene.

Life Expectancy

As a small breed dog with relatively good health, the life expectancy for the Toy Rat Doxie is optimistic. With proper care, they can live between 15 to 18 years.

Exercise Requirements

When they see a small dog, most people assume that they’re lazy and very low-maintenance when it comes to exercise. While this can be true, it’s not always the case. For instance, the Toy Rat Doxie has parents who both started out as hunting dogs, which does give them a spirited nature. Of course, even being slightly more energetic than your average lap dog, these hybrids are still not high-maintenance in terms of their activity needs.

For most Toy Rat Doxie dogs, 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise will keep them healthy and happy. Take them on a few brisk walks, or play fetch with them in a securely fenced backyard. As long as their active minds are engaged during playtime, too, you can easily tire out your new puppy.

While not prone to any serious breed-specific behavior issues, the Toy Rat Doxie can have a high prey drive and the tendency to bark a lot.

Recognized Clubs

Traditional canine clubs and organizations, such as the AKC, don’t recognize designer dogs as “real” breeds. However, there are plenty of hybrid enthusiasts, that have been working on bettering the standards for designer dogs and their breeders for decades. Those of them that also recognize the Toy Rat Doxie include the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Dog Registry of America, and International Designer Canine Registry.

Coat

While there are 3 different types of Dachshund, the type that’s part of the Toy Rat Doxie’s ancestry is the standard, short-haired Wiener Dog. When combined with the short coat of the Rat Terrier, there’s no room for doubt about their offspring’s fur. These hybrids sport a closely cropped coat, shiny and silky to touch. It is also low-maintenance when it comes to grooming: brushing these dogs once or twice a week will keep their hair in perfect form.

As for the possible colors, there are numerous possibilities and combinations. From bi-colored coats to spotted and mono-colored hair, these pooches definitely offer variety.

Puppies

The only thing more mischievous and cuter than the adult Toy Rat Doxie is its puppy version. In their young age, these dogs are very energetic and active and will spend most of their puppyhood sniffing stuff, exploring every nook and cranny of your home, and getting into trouble. Luckily, with basic training and socialization, their “delinquent” tendencies just become adorable playful behavior you’ll learn to love.

As they’re not demanding, neither with their activity needs or grooming, and they have a pleasant, friendly personality, these designer dogs can fit in with families of all shapes and sizes. The Toy Rat Doxie makes a great companion for a single or a senior but can be a good family pet for older children, too.

Photo credit: Cora_Dawn/Shutterstock; Susan Schmitz/Shutterstock; Sharon Day/Shutterstock

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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Satanic partner or independent thinker... tonight the black cats rule!

New Survey Ranks America's Top Dog Breeds by State

There’s no doubt about it - Americans love their dogs! We know that your pooch is the best breed, but have you wondered which are the most favored dog breeds in America? Forbes surveyed 10,000 dog owners across the 50 states to find America’s top dog breed. The survey involved the top 25 most popular dog breeds nationwide, according to the American Kennel Club. So, what is America’s top dog? As it turns out, “no breed in particular” is the country’s favorite at 13%.However, if Americans had to decide, they’d pick the Australian shepherd as a favorite, followed by the German shepherd and the bulldog.The highly intelligent and energetic Australian shepherd was ranked as the top dog breed in 10 states, including Alabama, Arizona, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Montana, Missouri, New York, and Virginia. This breed was also voted the second favorite in nine states. Although Aussies won the popularity vote, the German shepherd was the number one pick in 16 states. That’s more than any other breed!Known for its loyal and courageous nature, the German shepherd is the most common breed to serve as a police K9 but also makes a wonderful family companion. They ranked as the second favorite dog breed in nine states. Interestingly, more men than women picked German shepherds as their favorite breed (9% compared to 6%). America’s 3rd favorite breed, according to Forbes, is the bulldog. The English bulldog is a medium-sized dog breed, best known for its stocky build, large head, and wrinkled face. The bulldog ranked as the top dog in eight states, including Illinois, Connecticut, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Utah. Among all states, Nebraska ranked the bulldog lowest, placing this breed at 24th place, The lovable and friendly Labrador retriever ranked as the nation’s 4th favorite breed. Thanks to their affectionate, friendly, and energetic nature, Labs make great companions to people of all ages and families with children. Labrador retrievers ranked as the most favorite dog breed in 10 states, including Louisiana, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oregon, South Dakota, and West Virginia. Bernese mountain dog is the 5th favorite dog breed in the United States. Large in size and built for hard work, Bernese mountain dogs are easy to train and make affectionate, loyal, and faithful companions. So, it’s no surprise that this doggo ranked as the most favorite breed in nine states. Compared to four other top-ranked breeds, the Bernese mountain dog had the most varying results, with 10 states ranking this breed in the bottom 10.The beagle is the nation’s favorite small breed. Ranked as the 6th favorite breed overall, the beagle was placed in the top 10 favorite breeds in all but seven states. This breed received the lowest ranking in Utah, where it was voted as the state’s 3rd least favorite breed.The golden retriever comes in at 7th place, after being voted as the most favorite dog breed in Michigan and Wisconsin. Medium in size and best known for their gorgeous golden coats, golden retrievers are loving, loyal, and affectionate companions to active people and families with children. Goldens were the 2nd favorite dog breed in four states, including New Hampshire, North Dakota, Connecticut, and Vermont. This breed ranked the lowest in Alabama, where it received 17th place.These are America’s most favorite dog breeds, but the nation also has the least favorite doggo. This title goes to the Havanese, which was the bottom-ranked breed in 33 states.The Havanese is followed by Pembroke Welsh Corgi which was the least favorite dog breed in 17 states. And what about you? What’s your favorite and least favorite dog breed?Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Is Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dates back thousands of years, and both humans and animals can benefit from it. When applied to pets, it’s referred to as Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM).Veterinarians trained in TCM are able to go beyond the use of pharmaceuticals to also incorporate natural remedies like herbs and acupuncture. If you’re interested in learning more about what TCM is and how it can benefit pets, continue reading.Traditional Chinese Medicine for PetsBased on Daoist philosophy, Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach and views an animal’s body as a part of the universe. Energy, referred to as Qi, flows through individuals and through the universe, so TCM practitioners look at more than just physical symptoms. They will consider what imbalances are occurring in the body, and how those imbalances can be fixed to restore the body to a state of harmony.Each pet is viewed as a unique individual who can be affected by various factors beyond the physical body. A veterinarian will ask about their daily life and their home environment. They’ll also consider the pet’s personality and behavior, including the things they enjoy, to figure out what may be causing their ailment and choose the right remedy.In addition, this healing system focuses on five elements of earth, water, fire, wood, and metal, as well as five seasons of autumn, winter, spring, summer, and late summer, to diagnose and treat patients. Each season is linked to an element, and an animal moves through the seasons throughout their life (e.g., spring phase when they’re young and winter phase when they’re old). Also, the organs throughout the body are associated with these seasons and elements, and they affect each other, so all of this is taken into consideration when diagnosing and treating patients.For someone just learning about TCM, it can all be quite complicated. But a practitioner with a lot of knowledge and experience in this area will be able to understand how the body works as a whole and how it is influenced by the external world as well.What Types of Treatments Are Included in TCM?Veterinarians who practice TCM use several types of treatments to address a variety of pet health concerns. Those include:Herbs: A variety of herbs are used in TCVM, and your veterinarian will determine which ones are best for your pet. Your furry friend might need a single herb or a combination of herbs to feel better. Herbs can be potent, and it’s wise to discuss potential side effects with your vet. Also, if your pet is taking other supplements or medications, your vet will determine if adding certain herbs to the mix is safe.Food Therapy: Providing your pet with the right nutrition can be helpful in maintaining and improving their health, and you can receive personalized guidance in this area from a vet who practices TCVM. Certain ingredients, diets, and/or supplements might be recommended based on your companion’s specific needs. Options like Herbsmith Smiling Dog Treats and Herbsmith Sassy Cat Treats can be used to provide warming, cooling, or neutral foods to rebalance your pet’s constitution.

The US National Park Service is Being Sued Over Stray Cats

The US National Park Service was sued by a non-profit organization due to its controversial plan to remove the famous stray cats of Puerto Rico, a historic district in the US territory. The lawsuit was filed by  Alley Cat Allies, a non-profit based in Maryland, and it comes four months after the radical announcement that left many in shock. The Federal agency revealed that it would contract an animal welfare organization to remove around 200 stray cats that live in Puerto Rico’s historic seaside fortress in Old San Juan. What the organization still hasn’t decided upon is whether the captured stray cats would be placed in foster homes, kept in shelters, adopted, or face a different fate. What is more, the federal agency did not reveal if a third-party organization has been hired yet. The National Park Service also added that it would hire a “removal agency” if the organization it contracted ultimately failed to remove the cats within a six-month period. The news caught many by surprise, as many locals – and tourists alike – loved the cats, and many considered them a delight and a local attraction. Alas, many considered the cats a nuisance too, as the National Park Service stated in a report in 2022 that the cat population in the city had grown out of proportions and that the smell of feces and urine in the area was becoming too strong.The announcement of their plan roused many animal rights activists, who say that six months is not enough to remove such a great number of cats. They fear that, as a result, many cats would be killed. Ultimately, the Alley Cat Allies filed its lawsuit in an effort to ensure the best possible outcome for the felines in question. They requested additional environmental statements from the National Park Service, and asked that “a judge find its actions allegedly violate acts including the National Environmental Protection Act.” It remains to be seen what will be the fate of these kitties – but one can only hope they won’t be harmed in the process. 

A Dog is Adopted After 7 Years in Shelter After An Emotional Discovery

One pet shelter in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, has been the home of a darling rescue dog named Ella for 7 long years. But the long wait for a happy ending is finally over – as Ella was recently adopted, and under very special circumstances at that. The staff at  Bloomsburg Animal Resource Center have titled this “an extremely special adoption”, and advised readers that “they might want to grab a tissue real quick for this one”.Ella had been at the shelter for the last seven years, making her the center’s longest resident. But recently, things took a turn for the better, when Ella was spotted by Kaitlyn, a resident who quickly fell in love with the rescue pooch. When coming to the center, Kaitlyn said that her long-time furry friend, Jo, recently passed away, and now she was ready to meet a new dog.And as soon as the two met, the match was made. It was obvious that they were meant for each other. Ella quickly made everyone know that Kaitlyn was her “human”. Usually, it wasn’t so. Ella was a victim of abuse and had a long history of fear and aggression. It would take several visits for her to get relaxed around strangers. But with Kaitlyn, this was not the case. The bond was near-instant. “She immediately walked over to Kaitlyn with no hesitation, allowing her to give Ella scratches and pets right away,” the staff of the adoption center said.At the end of the adoption meeting, when Kaitlyn was about to leave, she suddenly noticed something that made her overwhelmingly emotional. What she spotted was the bandana that Ella was wearing around her neck. Her eyes welling with tears, Kaitlyn said to the staff that it was the exact bandana that belonged to her recently passed away dog, Jo. She said that after the passing, she donated all the bandanas to the center. “This bandana that Ella is wearing, it’s Jo’s. I donated them all here when he passed,” Kaitlyn said, quickly showing a picture of Jo wearing it. The symbolism and the connection were incredible. It was a sign that the two were meant to be together. When they realized what happened, the staff was moved to tears: “Out of the 20 dogs in our shelter right now, this bandana. This specific bandana. Jo’s bandana. It was on Ella.”Later, Kaitlyn said that the bandana is a sign: “I like to think of it as Jo’s stamp of approval.”And so it was, that after 7 long years of waiting, the kind and gentle Ella found her new forever home, and a human friend who would treat her right.“Every morning, Ella used to pop up off her bed and greet you at the door of her kennel right away,” the staff at the Animal Resource Center said. “We’ll miss that tomorrow, it’ll be such a bittersweet moment realizing that as we pause to reflect on a few of our favorites times with Ella — but my goodness the amount of pure happiness we will feel every day knowing Ella finally got what she deserved: ELLA GOT ADOPTED.”

How Do I Train My Dog to Wear a Muzzle?

Introducing a new tool to your dog can feel like uncharted territory. While some dogs will readily accept whatever is thrown their way, others will become stressed or anxious when presented with something new. Unfortunately, if you are in a position where a muzzle is necessary for the safety of your dog or others around you, forgoing a tool because your dog appears to be uninterested in it isn’t an option. So, what do you do? How do you train your dog to wear a muzzle? This guide will dig into the importance of conditioning when planning to muzzle your dog. This includes explaining what conditioning is, walking you through the process step-by-step, and sharing some helpful tips to set you up for success. What is Muzzle Conditioning? Before expecting your dog to wear their muzzle, it is recommended that you take the time to focus on muzzle training, also referred to as muzzle conditioning. This is the process of introducing the muzzle alongside positive rewards. If each time your dog sees or interacts with the muzzle, they get “good things,” it will create a positive association. Over time, they will not only tolerate the muzzle but happily accept it. Why? They recognize that wearing their muzzle means they will receive good things like verbal praise, pets, and their favorite treats. How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Get Used to a Muzzle? There is no one guaranteed timeline when working on muzzle conditioning. While some dogs will quickly take to the muzzle, adjusting in just a few days, others will take longer. Some factors that can impact this include your dog’s personality, trainability, previous experience (positive or negative) with a muzzle, and their trust/bond with you as the person introducing this tool to them. It’s important to keep in mind that the time it takes does NOT mean you are doing better or failing at your training efforts. We have three dogs, all of which have been muzzle-trained. While two of our dogs took to the muzzle relatively quickly, Lucifer’s nerves and anxiety made the process more challenging. This doesn’t mean it was impossible. With time, patience, and consistency, he is now the dog that is most comfortable in a muzzle out of the three. We just had to move at his pace.

This Revolutionary Drug Could Help Extend the Lifespan of Dogs

In a groundbreaking trial that is set to launch in the United States, around 1,000 elderly dogs will be given a pill – in the form of a sweet treat – in the hope that their lives will be extended because of it. Behind this innovative work stands Loyal, a startup company based in Silicon Valley. They are currently gathering a number of senior dogs through a well-developed network of veterinary practices in all US states. The tests are set to launch before the end of 2023, after four years of complex studies.In this case, all dogs must be over 10 years old in order to be included in the study. The study itself is set to be a “randomized double-blind placebo trial”. The director of veterinary medicine at Loyal, the company behind this trial, Dr. Brennen McKenzie, said for  Telegraph that this will “probably be the largest clinical trial in veterinary medical history”.“We’re hoping to show that we can both increase the length of life and, more importantly, the length of time these dogs live healthy and happy and functional lives,” McKenzie states. “We’re looking at the length of time that dogs live on the drug and the placebo, hoping to show that we can extend their lifespan and also hoping to show that they develop less disease.”What the study will potentially show is that dogs who receive the drug will live one year longer - on average compared to those who are taking the “placebo” drug. Still, the length of life gained is only one aspect, Dr McKenzie said at the North American Veterinary Community’s Veterinary Innovation Summit in Kansas City. McKenzie also added that increasing health was their number one priority.“We think of lifespan as the amount of time that you live but healthspan is the amount of time that you have good health, good function, good quality of life,” Dr McKenzie said. “That’s clearly the most important thing”.All of this sounds quite “larger than life”, no pun intended. And, of course, with such advanced propositions, the trial drug and its contents are a closely guarded secret, especially due to commercial reasons. This will be the situation until the trial of the drug is finished. And if the drug happens to be as efficient as hoped, Loyal plans to place it on the market immediately, offering an affordable daily supplement that can extend the lives of dogs. “If we get through this four-year trial and we achieve our endpoints, the FDA will license us to sell this as a prescription medication and it will be the first medication ever to extend lifespan in any species,” Dr McKenzie said. “We are absolutely interested in a product that is accessible to the majority of pet owners.”It is worth noting that the drug in question was already proven to be safe for consumption, and there is a low risk of this potential supplement causing any unwanted side effects. Loyal is a company that has two other products in the works, and they are also scheduled to undergo extensive tests. However, work is not yet finished, and one of the two is expected to go on trial around 2026. 

Scientists May Have Found a Better Way To Trim a Cat’s Nails

Trimming a cat’s nails is often a daunting affair for everyone involved. Most cats should have their nails trimmed every two to three weeks. Failing to do so leaves you and your furniture at the mercy of your kitty’s sharp claws.Specially designed to be smaller, cat nail clippers or scissors are commonly used to trim a cat’s nails, but they can be difficult to handle, especially if your cat doesn’t want to cooperate or is anxious. Additionally, there’s always a risk that you’ll end up scratched, bitten, and bleeding.This is where science can come in handy! Researchers from the University of California, Davis, are working with Sacramento SPCA to make nail trimming less stressful for cats and their owners. Jennifer Link, a Ph.D. student at the University of California, Davis, Animal Welfare Epi Lab, is working on a multistep protocol designed to desensitize the cats to handling and nail clipping. In mid-July, Link started to visit the Sacramento shelter five days a week for two hours to work on socializing rescued and surrendered cats to help them adjust to new people, situations, and environments. By the end of September, she had worked with more than 70 cats. “When people hear that I study cats, many ask if I can help them with nail trims,” said Link. According to Dan Marple, the animal welfare manager at the Sacramento Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, this research is vital to staff, donors, and volunteers because it can reduce the stress caused by nail trimming.“Any new protocols that increase the comfort and safe handling of the cats in our care will also improve their overall well-being and adoptability,” he added. Link’s research is promising because it incorporates cooperative care. This means that cats are allowed to decide how much they want to interact with the handler during the training process. Depending on their willingness to participate, the cats go through one of three scenarios with Link: a handling-only training protocol, a handling and nail-trimming protocol, or a control with no training and only a nail trim. Each interaction is recorded to be analyzed later. On the days when Link visits the shelter, the cats are removed from their cages and brought to a quiet room where Link is waiting, with a mat laid out before her. If a cat puts their front paws on the mat, they are given treats and cuddles. The idea is for cats to learn that Link interacts with them only when they put their paws on the mat. Once the cat leans this, Link proceeds with training protocols. Slowly, Link touches the cat’s legs, then the paws, and then the paws are gently squeezed. If the cat doesn’t resist, one nail is trimmed. The protocol builds on past steps and works up. When a cat goes through all the steps, they get a nail trim. If a cat doesn’t place their paws on the mat or rejects any step, Link stops the handling.“I think with cooperative care, it does seem to almost improve their trust in me,” Link explained. “They are more comfortable if we let them decide.”This research could make nail trimming at home much more comfortable for the cats and their owners. It can also decrease the number of visits to veterinary hospitals and clinics, where owners often seek help trimming their cats’ nails. The researchers still need to analyze the video sessions to finalize the protocol. And if the protocol is deemed helpful, they will share it with other shelters for more data.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Pet Obesity Study Shows Promise and Surprising Links With Humans

If you thought that your chubby doggo is incredibly cute, you might want to consider what’s hiding behind that adorable exterior.  Pet obesity is a real thing, and it is a major health hazard that many dogs experience in their lifetime. And, sadly, a lot of it is connected to improper care and diet. To show us just how big of a problem it has become, the latest study from the  Association for Pet Obesity Prevention revealed that in the U.S. alone, around 59% of dogs and 61% of cats were overweight or obese! However, recently conducted research shows that there might be a way to battle the obesity pandemic – with certain strains of probiotics that can help curb pet obesity, especially when dogs are in question. A research team from Seoul National University's Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Science, conducted a study investigating the effects of probiotics on canine obesity. They discovered two strains that appeared to have weight-reducing properties in obese dogs. To assess the probiotic potential of these strains, the researchers employed a lifespan analysis using Caenorhabditis elegans, a genetic model known for its simplicity in genetic manipulation and shorter lifespan compared to other animal models. Their findings were detailed in a  paper published in the Microbiology Spectrum journal.Thanks to the positive outcome of this research, a new hope was discovered for doggos struggling with excess weight. The use of Caenorhabditis Elegans offers “interventions aimed at enhancing metabolic health in various mammals”, according to the research team. What is more, the effects could be applied to cats, humans, and other mammals, since C. Elegans “serves as a human homolog model”. In general, this whole study could prove to be beneficial to several animal species, as well as humans, making its significance multifold. However, the exact way that bacteria affects weight is not entirely understood. Even though some studies show that certain strains will slow weight gain, researchers were still unable to find a connection between bacteria and weight.Nevertheless, the study is proving to be a major leap forward when pet obesity is considered. There is plenty of potential in this study, and further efforts could change the way dog obesity is experienced – or possibly even root it out for good! 

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