West Highland Doxie

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: February 15th, 2019

About West Highland Doxie

Height

8-10 inches

Weight

12-25 lbs

Lifespan

12-14 years

Group

Not applicable

Best Suited For

Families with older children, singles, seniors, people who live in an apartment, people who live in a house

Temperament

Lively, friendly, affectionate, intelligent, energetic, sweet, stubborn, jealous

Comparable Breeds

Dachshund, West Highland White Terrier

West Highland Doxie Basics

Smart, energetic, and quite the sweetheart, the adorable West Highland Doxie is stealing hearts left and right. In the diverse world of designer dogs, this hybrid stands out for its loving and lively personality, as well as adorable -if completely unpredictable- appearance. These mixed breed dogs have two purebred parents; the Dachshund and the West Highland White Terrier. The combination of these two dogs, which are wildly different at first glance, results in a compact canine companion that has the attitude of a big dog and an outgoing, curious nature.

Owing to his parentage, the West Highland Doxie can be a bit stubborn, so this might not be the best breed for absolute beginners. You’ll have to have some patience to be able to train them, and they must have basic training and socialization to be well-behaved pets.

The looks of these designer dogs completely depend on which parent the puppy favors. The Doxie and the Westie have no similarities in appearance (except small size), so pretty much everything goes when these crossbreeds are in question. Scruffy, long-haired, short-legged, white or tri-colored, you name it- the West Highland Doxie can pull it off. However, even though the unusual combination of parents results in unpredictable looks, there are certain things you can expect with this breed. Read on to find out more about the rare yet popular West Highland Doxie!

Sweet, smart, and loyal to his owners, a West Highland Doxie is a great choice for families of all shapes and sizes.

Origin

There’s not much information about how each of the designer dog breeds came to be, West Highland Doxie included. We do know the basics, though, as the phenomenon of hybrid dogs is an extremely popular one- both for good and bad reasons. The majority of dogs we now know as designer breeds had its start sometime in the last 30 years. It all started with the Labradoodle, which was developed by an Australian breeder who wanted to produce a hypoallergenic seeing eye dog by crossing purebreds. When his litter of puppies made a big splash in the world of dogs, a lot of breeders wanted to try out their luck and create a new hybrid dog that would have the same success. The West Highland Doxie probably had the same origin story. Someone wanted a spunky, smart small dog that looks like the combination of a Westie and Wiener Dog, and this adorable designer breed was born.

Pedigree

The West Highland Doxie is the offspring of the Dachshund and the West Highland White Terrier. Even though both of his parents are purebred dogs, this breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club or any of its international counterparts. After all, in the eyes of big canine organizations, these are still mixed breed dogs- so don’t count on your West Highland Doxie puppy having pedigree papers.

However, even though the West Highland Doxie has no recognition or paperwork to “prove” his worth, his parentage tells you all you need to know. Both the Dachshund and the Westie are breeds with long histories and qualities that have been proven time and time again. The Doxie originates from 16th century Germany, where it was a successful badger hunter before becoming the compact companion and pet we all know and love. Westie, as his full name suggests, had its start in the highlands of Scotland, and this breed also started out as a small game hunter. Even now, when these dogs are bred for the roles of companionship, that tenacity and high prey drive still remain. Naturally, you can expect the mix of these two dogs to inherit those same qualities, too.

Food/Diet

Having a healthy, well-balanced diet in place for your pet will help their wellbeing in the long run. Proper nutrition can minimize the risk of many dangerous conditions dogs get with age, such as diabetes, and ensure your pet has a great quality of life. However, there are still some opposing theories as to what constitutes perfect dog food- but the majority of experts agrees that high-quality dry dog food is the best choice.

For your West Highland Doxie, pick a premium brand of kibble that consists from natural, high-quality ingredients that will promote good skin and coat, prevent plaque buildup on teeth and meet all of their nutritional needs. To do so, you must also make sure that the food you’re getting them suits their unique needs, such as age (puppy adult or senior), size, and activity level ( kibble for small breed dogs usually makes an ideal fit).

In addition to choosing a high-grade diet for your pet, you will also have to make sure you are not inadvertently overfeeding them. West Highland Doxie is prone to obesity, as are most small dogs. Even a small weight gain can influence their health, as their petite frames don’t handle extra fluff well. Follow the feeding recommendations from the kibble bag (usually, a cup-cup and a half will do the trick), and don’t free feed them. Split their daily dose of food into two smaller meals- this will also prevent bloating.

With the right approach and a bit of patience, the West Highland Doxie is a highly trainable dog.

Training

These hybrids might be impressively intelligent, but they are still not an ideal match for the dog owner newbie. The reason? All that smarts tend to go to their heads (pun intended) and these designer dogs can develop a stubborn streak that will require an experienced handler. With the right approach and a bit of patience, though, the West Highland Doxie is a highly trainable dog. Once you find their “weak spot” (hint: it’s usually their favorite treat), you’ll have no trouble getting them to become invested in their learning sessions. Rely on positive reinforcement training methods for best results and be consistent with it, and the results will be apparent. However, reward-based training doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be firm and let your pooch who runs the show. West Highland Doxie needs a confident owner who positions himself as a pack leader- otherwise, he’ll go straight to bossy mode.

You should start with basic training and socialization as soon as your new pet arrives home. Regardless of their age, you should start with the basic stuff: walking on a leash, going potty outside, and basic commands such as sit, stay or drop it. If you West Highland Doxie shows promise and likes his training, you can move on to tricks or even train them for some of the dog sports- they sure have the energy and the brain for it!

Weight

The West Highland Doxie is a small breed dog. On average, thus hybrid weighs between 12 to 25 pounds.

Temperament/Behavior

Since this is a mixed breed dog, a lot about their personality traits will depend on the parents directly. West Highland Doxie can inherit more traits from the Doxie parent or favor the Westie mom or dad more, but he can also end up being a perfect blend of both. Ideally, you would get the chance to meet the parents of the puppy to see what to expect, but if that’s not possible, don’t fret. Even though it might not be apparent at first glance, his two parental breeds share a lot in common, so there are some behaviors and traits you can expect for sure.

Sweet, smart, and devoted to his family, the West Highland Doxie has a friendly, positive attitude when brought up in a healthy environment. Training and socialization directly contribute to their level of openness to strangers or friendliness with kids, for instance. They are a better fit for families with older children as they usually don’t have the patience for toddlers trying to pinch them or pick them up. There are lively, curious dogs, and will love to explore and play around before curling up with you for a session of cuddles before bed.

Coming from breeds who were initially hunters, the West Highland Doxie will have a high prey drive. Sometimes, early socialization with small animals can curb this, but more often than not, these designer dogs will always chase critters who are smaller than them. This is also one of the reasons why you shouldn’t let them off leash in unsecured areas- they would bolt after the first squirrel or bird they see!

Common Health Problems

As it is usually the case with all mixed breed dogs, their health will largely depend on their parents. If the puppy comes from a reputable breeder and had healthy parents, it’s likely there won’t be any major issues to worry about. However, you still need to consider the possibility that your West Highland Doxie could be at risk for two sets of breed-specific issues, owing to his ancestry.

Some of the common health problems that affect the Doxie and the Westie and that could, in turn, affect their offspring, include Krabbe’s disease, craniomandibular osteopathy, canine disk disease, epilepsy, Legg-Calve-Perthes, and eye issues.

Life Expectancy

The life expectancy for an average West Highland Doxie is between 12 and 14 years.

Exercise Requirements

Even though West Highland Doxie is an energetic, lively dog, he is still not high-maintenance when it comes to his activity needs. After all, how hard can it be for a 20-pound pooch to tire himself out? Of course, even with the fact that most of them can burn off extra energy simply by playing with toys inside the apartment or by having a tug of war with a willing owner, it doesn’t mean they won’t need any exercise at all. On average, 30 to 60 minutes of deliberate exercise will do your West Highland Doxie good. Take them on a few brisk walks or to the doggie park for a healthy dose of zoomies with friends. Either way, you will have to afford them a bit of time outside on a daily basis.

In case you live in a house with a yard where a West Highland Doxie could happily play, make sure everything is securely fenced. Double-check, in fact. These pooches are very smart and tend to be escape artists who find the smallest hole (or make their own) in order to go out to explore on their own.

On average, these dogs need 30 to 60 minutes of daily exercise.

Recognized Clubs

The AKC doesn’t recognize West Highland Doxie as an actual breed. There are some smaller clubs that do recognize this crossbreed, though- including American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Dog Registry of America, and International Designer Canine Registry.

Coat

There really is no way to predict how a West Highland Doxie puppy will look like. Visually, the Doxie and the Westie are so different that it opens up a world of possibilities for their mixed breed babies, Even across one litter, some puppies could look more like one of the breeds and other could be something in between. Their coats can range between pure white to merle, and their hair can be short, medium, wiry or long- depending on which of the 3 Dachshund types is your puppy’s parent.

Usually, West Highland Doxie has medium long hair and sheds moderately. Grooming is not high maintenance unless the Westie parent prevails- then the white fur requires a bit more upkeep to look its best at all time.

Puppies

A litter of West Highland Doxie puppies usually has 3 to 5 siblings. Even though it’s highly likely that they’ll all look different from each other, one thing is for certain: you’ll think they’re the cutest thing you’ve seen in your life. To make sure that good behavior and wonderful temperament join their charming appearance on the list of qualities, start with training and socialization as early as possible.

Photo credit: Jana Behr/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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Dogs are no strangers to stress and anxiety. While most pooches are the picture of the tail-wagging, carefree dog whose only stress is that they have to wait for their next meal, some have it a bit more ruff. Anxiety in dogs can vary from mild to severe, triggered by specific and occasional stressors (such as  fireworks, for example) or present on a daily level. Naturally, your pet’s state of mind has a big impact on their overall health, so it doesn’t surprise that dogs with anxiety often have tummy issues. But does that mean that a stressful situation or anxiety can directly cause diarrhea in dogs? Having in mind that, in a way, your pet’s mental health is connected to their digestion, it sounds highly probable.How Stress and Anxiety Can Cause DiarrheaSo how does it work? The connection between the brain and the gut, often referred to as the gut-brain axis, plays a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of dogs. When dogs experience stress or anxiety, it can trigger a cascade of physiological responses, including changes in gut motility, secretion of digestive enzymes, and alterations in the composition of gut microbiota. These disruptions can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.When stress or anxiety takes hold, it's not just a matter of frazzled nerves. These emotional states can set off a domino effect within your dog's digestive system. Rather than a simple list of effects, think of it as a cascade of events:Picture your dog feeling anxious during a  thunderstorm or while being left alone. This emotional response triggers a surge of adrenaline, part of the body's "fight or flight" response. Blood flow shifts away from the digestive organs and toward the muscles, heart, and lungs, hastening gut motility.Meanwhile, the delicate balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, known as the microbiome, is disrupted by stress. This dysbiosis can lead to inflammation, changes in gut permeability, and an upset stomach.Furthermore, chronic stress weakens the immune system, leaving your dog more susceptible to infections and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.Beyond these physiological effects, stress-related behaviors like excessive chewing,  licking, or ingesting non-food items can irritate the digestive tract, exacerbating diarrhea.How To Deal With Stress-Related Diarrhea in DogsIf your dog is experiencing stress-related diarrhea, there are several things you can do to alleviate their discomfort and ensure a speedier recovery.Before anything else, it’s essential to identify and address stressors. Determine the underlying causes of your dog's stress or anxiety and take steps to minimize or eliminate them where possible. This may involve providing a calm, predictable environment, addressing separation anxiety, or using  desensitization techniques for noise phobias.Next, support their digestion with a mild, nurturing diet and the right supplements. Your pet’s tummy is upset, so you shouldn’t neglect the importance of rebalancing their gut biome and helping their digestion. Instead of their usual kibble, offer them a bit of broth, some cooked rice, or boiled chicken breast. Additionally, a digestive supplement such as  Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Powder can work wonders in managing symptoms of diarrhea. With a combination of special probiotics and antioxidants, this powdered supplement will quickly restore your pet’s GI tract and help their stool get back to its normal consistency. And since it’s packed with live microorganisms to benefit beneficial intestinal microflora, it can also help treat excessive gas and other digestion-related troubles, so it’s good to keep stocked in your pet’s first aid kit, especially if they have a sensitive stomach. 

How Do I Teach My Cat to Play Fetch?

Unlike dogs, cats aren’t exactly known for their love of fetch. If you dream of tossing a toy with your furry best friend for hours, fear note – with a bit of time, patience, and positive reinforcement, you may just inspire a new love for the game in your kitty. This post will discuss why some cats take to fetch so naturally and how play can benefit your cat’s overall health and well-being. Plus, we’ll share how to teach your cat to play fetch step-by-step with tips for success! So, grab your cat’s favorite toy and get ready for a fun game of fetch…Why Do Cats Love Playing Fetch? There are many theories about why cats enjoy this game. The most accepted theory is that the action triggers natural hunting instincts. When an object is thrown, it mimics their prey moving across the room. The cat then chases the toy, stalking and hunting it. Retrieving the toy and bringing it back to you is similar to cats bringing their freshly killed prey to their owners as a gift. Other experts see the game of fetch as an attempt to spend quality time playing together, bonding like we do with our dogs. However, no research confirms either theory. What Toy Do Cats Love Most? Finding the best toy for your fetch-loving cat can be a fun process. Why? There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Instead, you’ll have to set aside time to play and test which toys your cat connects with most. Think of it as a fun game of trial and error. We have two cats at home, one of whom is absolutely in love with playing fetch. Pippen, our Maine Coon mix, will bring toys to us randomly throughout the day. She drops them at our feet and meows loudly while pawing at our pant legs, begging us to throw whatever she has brought us. Here are a few of her favorite toys to play fetch with: SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Cat Toys: These little mice are not only the perfect size and weight for cats to carry around, but the fact they include catnip makes them even more enticing. If the theory about hunting is correct, they are a great example of mock prey. Catit Eco Cat Toy: Another prey-like toy, this is arguably the top choice in our house. Pippen loves anything with feathers. If you have a tiny kitten, this is a little harder to carry, but Pippen is relatively small, and she has never had a problem. Andiker Cat Crinkle Balls: This is another one I have heard other cat parents raving about. The balls make a fun crinkling sound while the foil-like mylar material reflects the light, making them a fun visual spectacle to hunt down. SPOT Colorful Springs: These toys may not seem special, but the spring design causes them to bounce around the room unpredictably. This keeps your cat on their toes as they hunt them down with each throw. Cat Tube Spring Toys: These toys are made of lightweight mesh material, making them easy to carry around. If you fold them or push down the ends, then let go, they fly through the air. The goal is to find something your cat loves, wants to retrieve, and can comfortably carry back to you to continue the game. Is It Normal for a Cat to Never Play? While you can expect a range of playfulness from cats, with some cats being very playful and others only playing occasionally when they “feel like it,” it’s not normal for a cat to never play at all. A healthy adult cat should get at least 30 to 60 minutes of playtime daily. This can be in one large play session or, ideally, split into shorter play sessions of 10 to 15 minutes. If you have a cat who appears lazy or unmotivated, you should prioritize turning this around and encouraging them to play more. Otherwise, they will be at a higher risk of potential health complications, including obesity, diabetes, urinary tract diseases, arthritis and other joint-related issues, and fatty liver disease.

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Why is My Cat Suddenly Acting Aggressive?

Cats are well-known for their independent and aloof nature. It’s part of their mysterious and majestic presence. But what do you do when your once docile companion suddenly becomes angry or aggressive?Understanding why your cat may have shown such an abrupt behavior change is important. Why? This could be a sign of much bigger trouble that demands your attention. There are many explanations for this type of change in demeanor, including physical pain or illness. The best solution to create harmony once again in your home is to get to the bottom of it!In this article, we will look at the most common reasons for a cat to suddenly exhibit aggression and what you should do to help your furry best friend.What Does Aggression Look Like in Cats?If you are a first-time cat owner or have never encountered an aggressive cat, you may wonder what aggression looks like. Our feline friends aren’t always as outwardly friendly and affectionate as their canine counterparts, but aggression refers to behaviors that go a step further. Rather than being aloof or disinterested, an aggressive cat outwardly expresses upset, anger, and frustration toward a trigger.Cat parents who seek help with an aggressive cat often refer to their cat biting or swatting, causing physical harm out of nowhere. But there are often other signs of trouble that are overlooked or unnoticed.Early signs of aggression include:Thrashing or fast twitching tailDirect stareDilated pupilsEars flattened back against the headStiff or crouched postureRaised hacklesHissing, growling, or yowlingWhen these warning signs are ignored, a cat may feel they have no choice but to react further to protect themselves from the perceived threat or trigger. It is at this moment that a cat will swat or bite. Learning to recognize the early warning signs will help you prevent the situation from escalating to the point that someone is hurt.How Do You Tell if a Cat is Playing or Being Aggressive?Some cats, especially young kittens, may play in a way that is similar to or mimics the signs of aggression. This can make it harder to identify if your cat is truly upset or simply playing around. Luckily, there are a few minor differences that can help you differentiate between the two.When a cat is being playful, they usually have their claws retracted. This means they may swat at you during play, but they aren’t scratching or causing harm with that action. The same can be said when they pounce on you – landing on you with their paws, nails retracted. If your cat is biting at your hand during play, they often have a threshold they won’t cross. They may bite hard enough that you feel some discomfort, but they aren’t trying to break the skin.There is a grey area that shouldn’t be overlooked between play and aggression, where a cat either didn’t learn where that line exists or fails to acknowledge it. This is known as play aggression, which we will touch on later.

What Shapes Your Dog’s Personality? Harvard Neuroscientists Reveal

No two dogs are the same – each pooch has a personality of their own, complete with unique quirks and traits. But why is your dog the way they are? What shapes their personality and character? Why do they behave in a unique way, even when they belong to a certain breed with a distinct set of traits?This is the question that Erin Hecht, assistant professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard, is trying to answer. She is doing this through  The Canine Brains Project and recently held a  talk - centered on canine neuroscience - that was organized by Harvard’s Brain Science Initiative.According to Hecht, dogs have the potential to teach us so much about brain development, especially considering the fact that they were domesticated about 20,000 to 40,000 years before the present – which, on the evolutionary timeline, is quite recent. “Darwin saw dogs as a window on mechanisms of evolution,” Hecht said. “When we’re looking at dogs, as a natural experiment and brain behavior evolution all we have to do is look at their brains and see what evolution did in order to satisfy those selection requirements.”Hecht’s efforts were benefited by her lab, which performs MRI scans of dog brains – roughly 100 per year. They also conduct owner surveys that examine dogs’ work skills, especially those “ancient” ones, like hunting, guarding, herding, fetching, and so on. All this is then compared to breed parameters, like body size, skill size, and overall shape. “About 80 percent of the dogs living on the planet today are what’s known as village dogs. These are free-ranging animals that live as human commensals. So they’re living within human society, but they’re not pets,” Hecht said.Through such research, Hecht is hoping to determine what exactly shapes a dog’s personality. Through her lab work, she connects personality and skill differences in dogs to six special regions of their brains:-the regions controlling drive and reward -olfaction and taste-spatial navigation-social communication and coordination-fight or flight -and olfaction and vision“There has been very strong recent specific selection in individual breeds rather than founding effects in ancestral founding populations,” Hecht said. “So then we can look at behavior and ask whether the types of behaviors that different lineages have been selected for historically … [explain] each dog’s anatomy and these six brain networks. And it seems like there are some interesting relationships here.”But most importantly, it is concluded that these neural pathways are greatly impacted by the shape and size of a dog’s skull. “It stands to reason that if you’re manipulating the shape of a skull, you’re going to be manipulating the shape of the brain,” Hecht said. “But this confirms that dogs with these extreme skull morphotypes have impacts on their brain anatomy that likely affects behavior.”She also adds that even though some dogs have a brain “makeup” that suggests a unique disposition, it doesn’t “lock” them into a set behavior pattern. This is especially true for working skills. “Training is almost always necessary. I have yet to hear of any particular breed of working dog, where it’s just born knowing how to do its job,” Hecht said.So, a look “inside” your doggo’s brain might reveal why they are just the way they are. Would you be curious enough to let scientists take a peek?

Do You Need to Clean A Cat's Teeth?

Cats are known and adored for their free spirit, their stubborn nature, their agility, and their cute and cuddly side as well. They are skilled hunters, and as such they have sharp and perfected teeth. But while a cat roaming the outdoors would gnaw and eat prey she previously caught when you have a pet cat, those same teeth are used to eat a very different kind of food. Naturally, this can have a big impact on your cat’s dental health, as the same principles that were true in nature are not applicable for indoor-only cats anymore – which brings up an important question: do you need to clean a cat’s teeth? How important is this for their hygiene? And most importantly, how do you do it? Let’s take a closer look at this question.Do You Need to Clean A Cat's Teeth?Just like for us humans, dental care is important for kitties too. Of course, human and feline teeth are totally different, so dental hygiene is not exactly the same for both. Cat teeth are not brushed as often as our own, but nevertheless, you should provide some level of dental hygiene to your four-legged friend, as it can be a great benefit for their health. Neglect their little chompers for a long time, and their teeth could deteriorate over the years. This can lead to great discomfort, pain, loss of appetite, and from there – many other problems as well. So, in short, keeping your cat’s teeth clean and maintained is an essential aspect of caring for them. Of course, regular vet checkups will give you a good insight into their dental health and will allow you to spot problems early on and tackle them more easily. But it also goes a long way to know the tips and tricks that help maintain a cat’s dental hygiene. Here are just a few:Regular Brushing

Lost Dog Rescued After Surviving Six Years Alone in the Woods

A senior dog found living in the woods in the U.K. has been rescued and is now looking for a loving home.The dog, named Rose, was first spotted near Crawley Down in West Sussex, England. The Lost Dog Recovery UK South shared in a social media post that they’ve received a message from a concerned member of the public about a small black dog running in the road.The person who saw the dog “stopped the traffic” and let the pooch disappear into the woods, knowing it’s best not to follow. After visiting the nearest property, the person learned that locals were familiar with the dog and that drivers often stopped by saying that the pooch had been on the road. The locals explained that the dog was a stray fed by people.The individual who spotted the dog was troubled by the idea of a dog living in the woods and contacted the Lost Dog Recovery rescue organization with this information. Knowing that this could be a case of an “owned dog allowed to roam” the organization decided to investigate by setting out food for the pooch along with cameras to track its movements. The dog was caught on camera five times in two days and by the third day appeared to be waiting for meals.The organization also talked with residents in the area about the dog and were told that the dog was a stray who lived locally for about ten years. The residents also said that the dog should be left alone because was in good condition, fed, and cared for. After talking about this situation with another household, which has been leaving food for wildlife and were allegedly responsible for the dog’s care, the rescue decided to help the dog. Over the following week, the organization established a feeding schedule and confirmed that the pooch was indeed a senior dog. They set a trap for the dog by serving a warm roast chicken and managed to catch her.“Understandably she was shocked and scared, but very gentle, and was taken immediately to the warmth and safety of kennels,” the organization shared.  After taking her to the kennels, the organization made a shocking discovery - the dog was microchipped! Her name was Rose and she had gone missing from her owners less than 24 hours after they adopted her in 2017! A now 12-year-old Patterdale terrier, Rose, has gone missing from Ashurst Woods, located only six miles away from Crawley Down, where the organization found her. Unfortunately, there was no happy reunion for Rose. The organization managed to contact Rose’s registered owners, but they explained that they were in no position to take her back since their circumstances had changed dramatically and they had moved away. “After the initial shock, our absolute joy at finding a long-lost dog is tinged with sadness as there is no happy reunion for Rose; she never got the chance to know the love of her family,” the organization said in a post. They added that Rose is going to need time, patience, and rehabilitation, and being a senior dog she’ll likely need ongoing vet care and medication. Rose is going to be cared for by Last Chance Animal Rescue in Edenbridge, U.K. After sharing Rose’s story, the rescue received several inquiries about her from families willing to adopt her and give her a safe, warm, and loving home.“Please don’t leave a dog straying for longer than they have to be...not only for them and their wellbeing but also for the sake of humans who love them,” the organization added. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Rising Pet Care Costs Lead to More Surrenders

Thanks to a rising cost of living, more people are surrendering their pets to animal shelters or abandoning them on the street. According to Shelter Animals Count, the end of 2023 saw a whopping 250,000 more pets in shelters compared to a year prior. They’ve even seen a rise in the number of purebred dogs and puppies who entered shelters, and there aren’t enough animals being adopted.  Overcrowded Shelters Around the U.S.The stats say it all, and this heartbreaking problem is found all over the United States. For example, compared to 2022, Animal Care Centers of NYC saw the number of abandoned dogs they took in go up 41%, and they’d run out of space as of the start of 2024. Tragically, the shelter also euthanized a higher number of dogs (2% more) in 2023 compared to the previous year.     Animal shelters in Kentucky, such as Franklin County Humane Society, are also struggling to keep up as they deal with more surrenders and strays. The state’s shelters are full, and they’re having a hard time because so many people are giving up their pets as a result of rising costs.The Nevada Humane Society is yet another example of a shelter that has seen a rise in pet surrenders because people are finding it harder to afford their animals or they’re finding it difficult to locate housing that will let them keep their pets. In 2023, the shelter saw a 65% increase in the number of dogs that were surrendered to them.Financial Hardship and Housing Issues Are Driving ForcesWhy are so many people giving up their pets? Financial hardship and difficulty finding places to live that are affordable and accept pets are a couple of the big reasons. Many people struggle with the rising cost of living not only for themselves but also for their pets, as everything from pet food and supplies to veterinary care has gotten more expensive.  Shelters across the United States are doing what they can to encourage people to adopt and prevent people from surrendering their pets. For example, Animal Care Centers of NYC offered pet parents help in the form of training assistance, free food, and temporary boarding, and those efforts worked to avoid nearly 3,000 surrenders in 2023.  There Are Ways You Can HelpYou can do your part to support animal shelters and pet parents that are struggling. In addition to monetary donations, you can donate pet food. Or, you can offer to foster one or more animals who are currently waiting for their forever homes. And you can adopt a pet in need of a home—you might even find shelters in your area that have discounted adoption fees as a means to help people afford their new best friend.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Can You Use Dog Flea Products on Cats?

Final Thoughts – Safe Flea Prevention for CatsWhile flea prevention is an important step to keep your cat safe and healthy, you must ensure that the products you are purchasing are made for use on cats. Many dog flea prevention products include highly toxic chemicals to cats, making them potentially life-threatening.If you suspect you have recently used the wrong flea treatment on your cat, wash the area immediately with soap and water to remove as much of the product as possible. Call your vet for an immediate emergency appointment or make your way to the nearest emergency clinic. These products can be lethal, and time is of the essence.For those concerned about the risks of fleas and flea-transmitted diseases, highly effective products are available that are safe for your kitty. When shopping, read the packaging carefully to ensure it says it is made for use on cats. If you are still unsure, ask your veterinarian for recommendations.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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