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Best Dog Treats

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  September 29th, 2021

Dog treats are much more than snacks for your pooch: you can use them in training, as a supplement, or to keep their teeth squeaky clean and their breath fresh. Whatever your pet’s needs are, you’ll find a perfect match in our list of best dog treats below!

Treat yo’ pooch- they deserve it. Dog treats are not just an always-welcome snack but can be a valuable tool in the training process, a way to supplement your pet’s diet or keep their oral health up to standards. There are dog treats in every flavor, size, and texture out there, and while the diversity is great, it can make it more difficult for you to narrow down your choices. But, it’s important to do your research before doling out goodies to your four-legged bestie. Go for dog treats that have clean ingredients and won’t do more harm than good, as well as those that are appropriate for their size and age category. Sometimes, you need dog treats to be a bit more than a reward for good behavior, and you want a snack-sized goodie that will actually help promote a healthier gut, reduce inflammation, or keep your dog’s teeth plaque-free and their breath smelling less like eau the doggy and more like minty goodness. We got you: our list of 10 best dog treats includes everything from 100% natural dog treats to dog toothpaste in the form of a treat, so read on to pick the best for your pet!

1. Editor’s Choice: Three Dog Bakery Assort Mutt Trio

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Can anyone in the world say no to soft-baked cookies? I didn’t think so. Well, your pooch now gets in to see what all the fuss is about as Three Dog Bakery Assort Mutt Trio offers a wholesome and delicious alternative for pooches. These soft-baked cookies for dogs come in 3 flavors: oats and apple, peanut butter, and vanilla, and all are made from all-natural, nutritious ingredients and slow-cooked in small batches in the USA. Needless to say, these are so good that you’ll be tempted to take a bite yourself! (But don’t- while your four-legged bestie will go bananas for them, they’ll taste too bland to you.) The soft crumbly texture makes these treats suited for dogs of all sizes and ages- even puppies with small teeth and seniors can enjoy munching on Three Dog Bakery Assort Mutt Trio cookies. The best part? They are a healthy treat to boot!

2. Runner Up: Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Dog Treats

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With a simple question- “if you wouldn’t eat it, why would you feed it to your pet?” Full Moon sums up why their dog treats are so great. Made from human-grade ingredients in the USA, these kitchen-crafted treats meet strict USDA standards fit for human consumption and contain no fillers, artificial flavors, preservatives, and colors. Additionally, Full Moon All Natural Human Grade Dog Treats contain no harmful fillers such as glycerine, corn, wheat, or soy- just natural goodness inside. These jerky treats are available in chicken flavor which is made from USA-grown, cage-free, antibiotic-free chicken and beef jerky made from USDA approved beef raised on family ranches. And not only that these human-grade dog treats are made from clean ingredients, but they also have an irresistible flavor and a chewy texture that will keep your pupper occupied for a long time!

3. Customer’s Choice: Milo’s Kitchen Dog Treats

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Bite-sized, wholesome, and yummy- what more could any pooch want? Milo’s Kitchen Dog Treats are made in the USA with real chicken as the first ingredient and meet the applicable standards and specifications of the USDA, the FDA, and the AAFCO, so you don’t have to worry about dubious ingredients lurking from the back of the bag. The treats don’t even contain any artificial flavors or coloring! Thanks to their size, these “meatballs” can be used as a reward in training or to treat your pet to an occasional snack. And if you have a puppy or a small dog, you can easily break the treat in two to make it easier to chew on and to make the bag last longer. Soft, chewy texture makes them a favorite with pups of all sizes and ages, and the savory chicken meatball flavor will have your pooch’s tail wagging!

4. Best for Chewers: Wild Eats Natural Ear Dog Chews

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If you have a dog that’s an enthusiastic chewer, you already know how hard it is to find treats and toys that will last longer than one afternoon- in the best-case scenario. Wild Eats Natural Ear Dog Chews are a great choice for pets that need a treat that’s a bit more challenging to destroy and one treat that they’ll actually get to savor. These one-ingredient chew treats are made from grass-fed, free-range water buffalo ears and contain no preservatives, additives, hormones, or any of that icky stuff. These exotic protein-packed treats boast 14% more protein and 89% less fat than beef rawhide and 28% more protein than pig ears and are not just nutritious, but a good choice for dogs that need to reduce the calorie count in their diet or have food allergies. Not to mention that they are tough and chewy – and will pose a challenge for most pooches!

5. Best for Bad Breath: Perfect Poop Digestion & Health Supplement for Dogs

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Bad doggie breath should be treated at the source and not just masked with fresh-smelling treats. Perfect Poop Digestion & Health Supplement for Dogs relieves digestive issues and establishes a healthy gut flora- which, in addition to clean teeth- is the very thing that can improve your pet’s breath. GI imbalance can lead to foul-smelling breath even if your pet gets their teeth cleaned regularly, so if that’s the case with your pooch, you’ll love these. And your pet will, too- the yummy chicken-flavored bits are tasty and nutritious. These treats are also grain-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, and packed with immune-boosting and digestion-balancing ingredients such as pumpkin and prebiotics.

6. Best for Sneaking Pills: Greenies Pill Pockets Natural Dog Treats

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Getting your pet to take their meds can be a daunting task- especially if they are onto you. So what better way to sneak in their pill than in a pocket made out of treats? Greenies Pill Pockets Natural Dog Treats are designed to house tablets and capsules and at the same time, mask the smell and the taste of the medicine so your dog will be none the wiser. The yummy peanut butter flavor is a favorite with all pooches so it will be hard to resist even if your doggo suspects something is going on. Just put the pill inside the pouch, pinch it and give it to your pet- it’s as easy as that. Low-fat and made with natural ingredients, these pill pocket treats can make your life so much easier.

7. Best for Puppies: Wellness Natural Grain Free Puppy Training Treats

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Puppyhood is an exciting time in a dog’s life- it is a period of life where they learn all of the important skills they’ll need throughout their life. For their owners, this means a lot of training, and a lot of treats to be used as a reward for good behavior. Wellness Natural Grain Free Puppy Training Treats are a perfect choice because they are so tasty that they’ll instantly motivate your pupper to put in the work to earn a yummy treat and their small size makes them suitable for puppies to enjoy. They are also a natural source of DHA, which is important for healthy cognitive development, and will make sure that your pooch has no problem catching up with the training. Available in lamb and salmon flavor which are soft treats, or carrot and chicken with a crunchy texture- a little something for everyone!

8. Best for Sensitive Stomach: Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dog Treats

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Dogs with food allergies or sensitive stomachs might have a reaction to generic dog treats, so if you want to avoid gassiness, vomiting, or even rashes, it’s best to go for dog treats with clean and limited ingredients. Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diets Dog Treats contain no fillers, artificial preservatives, flavors, or colors, and no added corn or wheat. The main ingredients in these crunchy dog biscuits are potato and duck, sweet potato and bison, sweet potato and chicken, sweet potato and venison, sweet potato and fish, or brown rice and lamb- there are 6 tasty flavors you can choose from. And the best part is that these are great for all life stages and breeds- any pooch can enjoy them equally.

9. Best for Small Dogs: Old Mother Hubbard Classic Original Assortment Biscuits Baked Dog Treats

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Petite pooches need tiny treats (despite what they may think) and Old Mother Hubbard Classic Original Assortment Biscuits Baked Dog Treats are the perfect size for small breed dogs and puppies. These bone-shaped treats have crunchy texture dogs love and the assortment bag includes 4 flavors so no need to worry your pooch will grow bored of them. Slowly oven-baked and made from natural ingredients such as chicken, oatmeal, sweet apples, carrots, and cheddar, these dog treats don’t just taste good but are good for your pet. Plus, the 3 lb bag goes a long way for a small breed dog, so these are also great value for money!

10. Best for Dental Health: Ark Naturals Dog Brushless Toothpaste Dental Chews

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Teeth brushing can be an ordeal- for the pet and the owner alike- but that doesn’t mean you should neglect your dog’s oral hygiene. A good way to stretch out the time in between brushings for a day or two as well as to boost your regular dental hygiene routine is to introduce dental treats that will help fight away the plaque and keep your dog’s breath fresh. Ark Naturals Dog Brushless Toothpaste Dental Chews are a 4-in-1 dog treat: the outside ridges clean teeth and mechanically reduce plaque and tartar, they freshen the breath, are tasty, and fun to chew, and they have a toothpaste center. Additionally, they are corn-ree, soy-free, wheat-free, and have no artificial colors or preservatives in the formula. A great treat by all accounts!

What to Look For and What to Avoid in Dog Treats

Just because they taste good to your dog, it doesn’t mean that they are good for them! Unfortunately, not all dog treats are made from wholesome ingredients that nourish your pet’s health- many contain additives, artificial substances, or are laden with fat, fillers, sugar, and essentially can be considered junk food for pets. Avoid dog treats that don’t have transparent labeling and those that contain cheap fillers (such as corn or wheat) as well as artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. Go for trusted brands that either have certificates and approval from relevant institutions or make their treats locally in the USA.

Choose treats according to your pet’s size, life stage, and preferences- it might be a crunchy or a chewable treat, or a soft biscuit that gets your pet’s tail wagging and the same goes for flavors. What you need to look for is real meat in the ingredients, preferably natural and human-grade ingredients in the formula, and if your pet is on a diet, a low-fat and low-kcal dog treat should be your first choice.

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Angela Vuckovic
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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Best Dog Treats for Large Dogs

While many treats boast that they are suitable for dogs of all sizes, large dog parents know that their pups have a few specific needs. One of the biggest struggles is finding a large enough treat that our dogs will taste their reward when given. Luckily, many great dog treats on the market were specifically made with larger dogs (and extra-large dogs) in mind. These treats are not only sized right for our dogs, but their nutritional benefits can help improve their health and well-being. It’s the perfect combination for dog owners that want to give their pups the world (and then some). But where do you find the right treats to meet all your needs? Before you spend a few hours scouring through online stores or walking the aisles of your local pet store, we want to help. In this guide, we’re going to share our choices for the best dog treats for large dogs and some tips and tricks to consider while shopping. Let’s get started!

Best Dog Treats

Best Dog Treats Most pet parents love to spoil their pooches rotten and often rely on dog treats to do so. With a plethora of nom-noms to drool for, it can be a bit difficult choosing the best treats for your dog. Going overboard or giving them wrong treats can be extremely counterproductive- and even dangerous for their health, too. Thankfully, you don’t have to wonder anymore: you will find everything there is to know about dog treats here at PetGuide.com. Best Dog Treats Features Available At Checkups Dental Dog Treats

What A Treat: Choosing The Best Dog Treats

Your dog deserves a treat now and then. But how do you pick the best dog treats for your pooch? Every dog comes running at the sound of the treat bag opening – he can’t wait for that tasty little morsel. Treats are a great way to show your dog a little extra love and it can also be used in training your dog. Choosing the right treat is important because you don’t want to give your dog anything that is bad for him. Let’s go over how to choose the best dog treats for your pup and why you should include them in your dog’s diet. Related: Can You Feed Your Dog Table Scraps? Why Offer Treats? Perhaps the most common use for dog treats is as a reward during training sessions – when your dog responds appropriately to your command, you give him a treat to show him that he has done what you asked. Treats can also be a simple way to show your dog a little bit of extra love, especially if you have just done something that he doesn’t like such as trimming his nails or cleaning his ears. Another benefit of some treats is that they may help to clean your dog’s teeth. There are many benefits to dog treats but they should still only be used in moderation. Just like when you have a dessert, dog treats should be an occasional supplement – too many can lead to an overweight pooch! Related: Eat Your Veggies Dog Treat Recipe How to Choose the Best Dog Treats Choosing a quality dog treat is similar to choosing a high-quality dog food. First, you need to read the food label to check on the ingredients listed. If you can’t identify more than half of the ingredients on the list, you should probably choose another treat. In addition to the ingredients, you should also check to see how many calories are in each treat and what the serving size is. You don’t always have to use commercially prepared dog treats – something as simple as frozen green beans can be used as a low-calorie and healthy treat for your dog. Ideally, your dog should get 90 percent of his daily nutrition from his food and only 10 percent (or less) from treats. Choose healthy but low-calorie treats so you don’t significantly increase your dog’s daily calorie intake by offering them. You may also want to select a treat that offers additional benefits such as cleaning your dog’s teeth. Once you select a treat, make sure you follow the storage instructions to keep the treats fresh. If you don’t feel comfortable with store-bought treats, try making your own with human-grade ingredients. Tips for Using Treats Properly When offering your dog treats, it is important that you don’t give him too many. Treats should be an occasional thing, something to use in rewarding your dog for good behavior or as a simple way to say “I love you.” It’s important to realize that even a few treats can significantly increase the daily caloric intake of your dog, so overfeeding could lead to weight gain or obesity. Consider that a 20-pound dog may only burn about 700 calories per day and his regular dog food provides for nearly all of those calories. If a large dog biscuit contains as many as 100 calories, you could be increasing your dog’s calorie intake by nearly 15 percent with one biscuit. Treats are a great way to reward your dog, but they should only be used occasionally. With the above tips, you should be able to select a healthy dog treat that provides additional benefits and only offer them once in a while.

Best Puppy Treats

If you have recently brought a puppy into your home, it’s an exciting time! Especially if this is your first dog. One mistake that new pet owners make is to buy everything and anything that catches their attention, spending far more than needed to meet their new dog’s needs. This often results in piles of dog supplies sitting unused and going to waste. With treats specifically, you may purchase 5 different kinds only to find out later that 4 aren’t recommended for your dog due to the ingredients used, the brand’s recall history, or other factors.If you relate to this, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered!In this guide to the best puppy treats, we have put together a list of our top recommended treats for a variety of different situations and considerations. This includes dental treats, single-ingredient treats for dogs with allergies, and treats to help motivate your dog positively during the training process. We’ve also shared some tips and tricks for your puppy training journey. Let’s get started…

Best Dog Supplement for Shedding

Does your dog shed a lot? Then you already know that cleaning dog hair from furniture, clothes, and carpets can seem like a full-time job when your pooch is a prolific shedder. If you can’t spend one more minute cleaning dog hairs from every corner of your home, you might want to give dog supplements for shedding a try. A quality dog supplement for shedding with the right ingredients can promote your dog’s skin and coat health, which will, in turn, reduce excess shedding. However, there’s one important thing to remember. No supplement is a cure-all, and even the best dog supplement for shedding can’t stop your pup’s shedding completely. Shedding is perfectly normal, and all dogs shed to some extent. Some breeds, like Siberian Huskies, shed a lot of hair all year round, and no supplement can change your dog’s natural hair growth cycle. However, a good quality supplement can improve your pet’s skin and coat condition and help reduce shedding. The only problem is finding an effective supplement for your dog when there are so many different brands and formulas to choose from. If you don’t know where to start, keep reading! To help you find the right supplement for your pooch, we’ve rounded the best dog supplements for shedding on the market. From liquids to soft chews and softgels, there’s the right supplement for your dog on our list!

Why Is My Bird Biting Me?

If you’re a bird parent, you love and cherish your feathered friend – but what do you do when your bird nips or bites? This is a behavior that can be both surprising and concerning, especially for first-time bird parents. But know, you’re not alone!If you’re wondering, “Why is my bird biting me?” This article is for you!We will explore the different factors and explanations for your pet bird’s newly developed biting tendencies, helping you understand the motivations, identify when there is a deeper problem requiring your attention, and learn how to address the behavior appropriately.Let’s look at how to set you and your bird up for a long, happy relationship by addressing problem biting today.Do Bird Bites Hurt?The short answer to this is – Maybe? Whether or not your bird’s bite will hurt depends on a few factors, including how the bird bites, their overall intention, your bird’s size, and your level of pain tolerance.Bird bites can range from a light little nibble that merely tickles to bites that have the capability of causing serious damage, especially to vulnerable areas like the eyes, ears, nose, lips, fingers, and toes.The potential for a bird bite to cause severe or lasting injuries highlights the importance of understanding your bird, why they may bite, and how to prevent this situation from happening. It’s also one of the most important reasons to consider when deciding if a bird is right for your child, elderly, or special needs family member.Even smaller birds can cause a surprising amount of pain. Often, it’s not the initial bite that causes the most pain. Instead, it’s the way that they will dig in or even grind their beaks that will lead to discomfort, stinging, and soreness.

Wish Your Dog Could Understand You? New Study Says They Can!

You don’t have to be a dog owner to know that dogs can learn and understand commands like “sit” or “come”. But, a new study has made a groundbreaking discovery that dogs also know that certain words stand for specific objects. This finding won’t come as a big surprise to any dog owner who has ever asked their pup to “go get your toy” and, a minute later, been handed a chewed-up rubber ball or slobbery stuffed animal. Scientists have long been interested in learning whether dogs can truly associate words with objects. However, researchers couldn’t figure out whether dogs and other animals get a mental image when they hear an object's name. This would suggest that dogs have a better understanding of language than believed before. Researchers in Hungary have discovered that in addition to being able to respond to commands such as “sit”, “roll over”, or “stay” dogs can also grasp the essence of nouns. This relationship with language is called referential understanding, and it has been unproven in dogs until now. “When we are talking about objects, objects are external to the dogs and dogs have to learn that words refer, they stand for something that is external to them,” explained the study’s co-lead author, Marianna Boros, of the Department of Ethology at the Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.To get some answers about what is happening in the dog brain when it processes words, Boros and her colleagues asked 18 dog owners to bring their pooches to the lab along with five objects the dogs knew well. The objects included balls, slippers, leads, rubber toys, frisbees, and other items.Researchers instructed the owners to say the words for the items before showing their dog either the correct object or a different one. For example, the owner might say “Rover, look, the ball”, but hold up a lead instead. During the tests, the researchers measured the dogs’ brain activity using non-invasive electroencephalography, or EEG. The idea was to see whether EEG could offer a better insight into dogs’ understanding of language. The brain recordings showed different patterns in the brain when the dogs were shown an object that matched or didn’t match the owner’s spoken word. The difference was even greater for the words owners believed their dogs knew well.The same results were seen when humans performed these tests and are widely accepted as people understanding the word well enough to form a mental image of the object they were later shown. “We expected that if a dog really understands the meaning of the object’s word, it will expect to see that object. And if the owner shows a different one, there will be a so-called surprise reaction in the brain. And this is exactly what we found,” said Boros according to ABC News.Lilla Magyari, also of Eötvös Loránd University, and the other co-first author, said that although some other animals have shown some degree of referential understanding of language, they have typically been trained to do so. In dogs, she explained, such capacities seem to be inborn and don’t require any particular training or talent. Researchers stress they aren’t claiming that dogs understand words as well as humans. Future studies are needed to determine whether dogs can generalize in the same way humans learn to as children.This study raises an interesting question of why, if dogs understand nouns, more of them don’t show it. One possible answer is that dogs know more than they are willing to show us.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Neutering Rottweilers May Shorten Their Lifespan, Study Finds

Increased lifespan is often cited as one of the main benefits of neutering a dog. But is that true? A recently published study found neutered Rottweilers may have a shorter lifespan than their intact counterparts. Neutering is a commonly performed surgical procedure that prevents unwanted puppies, controls the pet population, and eliminates certain health problems in dogs. It offers significant health benefits, such as reduced risk of pyometra and mammary tumors in female dogs. However, in recent years, concerns have been raised about the possible side effects of neutering. A recent study aimed to shed some light on this topic by comparing the lifespans of neutered and intact male and female Rottweilers. Scientists analyzed available clinical records of 3,085 intact and 4,100 neutered Rottweilers from July 1994 to June 2021. These records were collected by VetCompass Australia. The analysis provided surprising results. Scientists discovered that Rottweilers that were neutered before one year of age had a shortened lifespan of one-and-a-half years in males and one year in females when compared to intact Rottweilers. The analysis showed similar results for dogs neutered before the age of four-and-a-half years. “Most other studies have found that neutering dogs increases their longevity but ours is the first that went against that,” said Dr. Caroline Joone, the study’s lead author and senior lecturer at James Cook University in theriogeneology. “It was a bit of a shock when that wasn’t what we found,” Dr. Joone added. “We were fortunate with the data we had because we could determine when a dog was desexed and when they died.” Despite the study’s findings Dr. Joone strongly encourages owners to neuter their four-legged companions to prevent unwanted litters, as well as, serious health issues. “There are serious consequences for not neutering a dog, such as the risk of life-threatening uterus infection known as pyometra, mammary tumors, and unwanted puppies,” Dr. Joone explained. At this time, it’s unclear whether there is an ideal age to neuter a Rottweiler that doesn’t influence their lifespan. The study also highlighted several factors that could affect the lifespan of any dog, including nutrition, exercise, health care, genetic predispositions, and environmental factors. These factors may be reduced by screening for genetic health conditions. Selecting healthy breeding pairs may also help reduce the occurrence of hereditary disorders and support longevity. Let’s not forget that overweight dogs have a shorter life span than lean dogs. “There’s a strong suspicion that the reduced lifespan is more to do with weight issues than the neutering itself, so I would encourage owners to go ahead and neuter their dog but make sure you keep it at a good, healthy weight.”Dr. Joone explained that a balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for maintaining a healthy weight in neutered dogs.Do these findings apply to all neutered dogs or just Rottweilers? Scientists aren’t sure yet but plan to extend their research to other popular breeds, such as golden retrievers and greyhounds, to determine whether these results are widely applicable. The role of weight gain post-neutering and other underlying causes of reduced lifespan in neutered dogs are worth investigating further. Additionally, this study also showed that the time of neutering a dog may affect its lifespan. Dogs are often neutered between six months and one year of age, but mounting evidence has suggested that this may not be the best time to neuter a dog. Based on this analysis, neutering Rottweilers early, especially before the age of one, reduces lifespan, highlighting the importance of determining the optimal neutering age. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Study Shows These Dog Breeds Most Likely To Have an Extra Row of Teeth

Is your pooch more likely to sport a second row of teeth? The so-called “Shark Teeth” is a little-known dental condition that can affect up to 7% of doggos around the world. The “disorder” is officially known as persistent deciduous teeth (PDT) and it means that instead of falling out as you’d expect, baby teeth remain in the gums when adult teeth come through. The condition is not particularly dangerous, but even so, it can be odd or cause slight discomfort to a dog. Recent studies revealed that the dog breeds most likely to suffer from PDT are the Toy Poodle, the Yorkshire Terrier, the Maltese, and the Chihuahua. What exactly is PTD? And what does it cause? The disorder causes  malocclusion, or - in simpler terms - a misaligned bite. In the long run, this can cause your pet’s mouth to bleed, and also increase the risk of periodontal disease, which is considered a serious gum infection.The research team at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute in Leicestershire, led by Corrin Wallis, released their new study that focuses on PDT specifically. “Dogs use their teeth for a multitude of tasks and, as such, it is vital for their health and wellbeing that their oral health is maintained,” Wallis and colleagues  say.  “Persistent deciduous teeth (PDT), those that fail to fall out at the appropriate time, are associated with malocclusion (misaligned bite), soft tissue trauma and increased risk of periodontal disease.”In the course of their extensive study, which has been published in the journal  Research in Veterinary Science, the team from Leicestershire examined medical records from up to 2.8 million dogs in the US, in just a span of five years, from January 2010 to December 2014. The study itself was a major undertaking. Ultimately, it was revealed that the prevalence of PDT was 7%. When it comes to individual breeds, it was revealed that the highest prevalence is amongst the Yorkshire Terriers with 25.1%, followed by the Maltese and the Poodle, both with 14.8%.On the lower end of that spectrum, the lowest prevalence was with the Greyhound, with 0.1%, followed by the Rhodesian Ridgeback with 0.2%. Amongst those breeds with lower percentages were also the English Bulldog, the Boxer, and the Great Dane, with 0.4%. All of this reveals that the smaller the breed, the higher the percentage. The team is not certain why smaller breeds have a higher percentage, but it could be linked to their genetics. The team said that it was crucial for owners of smaller breeds to have a thorough oral examination at around six months of age. This can help them identify and remove PDT in its early stages. “Once identified, PDT can be removed and if this is carried out by six months of age, the chances of problems associated with PDT, such as the development of periodontal disease or malocclusion, can likely be greatly reduced,” they said. 

Study Reveals the Most Expensive Locations for Pet-Friendly Airbnbs

Are you considering taking a trip to a dream destination in the United States with your best friend by your side? If so, you’re not alone! A growing number of animal lovers are taking steps to include the whole family in their travel plans, with Airbnb reporting that close to 50% of nights booked include pets. But have you ever stopped to consider how much your furry family member is increasing the budget?The team at MarketWatch recently released a guide to pet-friendly Airbnb travel in the US with some startling stats.Data was compiled about the cost of renting 11, 676 Airbnbs and 11,753 pet-friendly Airbnbs located in 46 of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. By comparing the average nightly cost for pet-friendly and pet-free locations, they determined the price premium or the added cost pet parents must pay to include their furry friends.While we’re not suggesting that the cost of accommodations should be the sole deciding factor for your next vacation, this could impact your top choices.According to the guide, the most expensive city is Honolulu, Hawaii, with an average night stay costing $511. This is also the destination where pet parents will face the highest price premium for booking a pet-friendly location at $345.50.If you’re an avid traveler, this likely comes as no surprise. Hawaii is one of the country's more popular destinations for luxury travel. Not only is the cost of living in the state one of the highest, but the state also charges a Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT), further increasing costs.Of the 10 most expensive tourist destinations to book a pet-friendly Airbnb, 7 were in California. In addition to Honolulu, the list includes:Monterey, CA ($509)Sonoma, CA ($488)Napa Valley ($380)Santa Cruz, CA ($339)Palm Springs, CA ($329)Boston, MA ($238)Los Angeles, CA ($226)San Francisco, CA ($226)Yellowstone National Park, WY ($219)Don’t let these costs keep you from planning your next big pet-friendly getaway. Not only did they compile a list of the most expensive destinations, but they also identified the least expensive nightly rates in the US. This list is a great way to travel with your pet without worrying about your budget.They discovered that the least expensive city to book a pet-friendly Airbnb is Oklahoma City, OK, where the average nightly rate is only $110. Other locations that made this list include:St. Louis, MO ($111)Cleveland, OH ($114)Columbus, OH ($117)Houston, TX ($119)Salt Lake City, UT ($119)Detroit, MI ($124)Memphis, TN ($125)Indianapolis, IN ($129)San Antonio, TX ($130)Booking a lower-cost Airbnb is only one of many ways to keep the costs down when traveling with your pet. Pack all your pet’s travel essentials before your trip, including a leash, food/water dishes, grooming supplies, plastic waste bags, and a first aid kit. If you are driving to your destination, you can also pack your pet’s food to avoid shopping for it once you arrive. You can gather these items by shopping local sales rather than paying a premium to get what you need on short notice. Pet Insurance is another great budget-friendly travel tip. This may seem counterproductive, adding the monthly cost of your pet’s policy to your budget. But if disaster strikes, the insurance policy can help to significantly reduce emergency vet bills.Whatever your budget, we encourage all pet parents to get out and explore, making memories with their pets by their side. You won’t regret it!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Often Should I Clean My Bird's Cage?

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

Are Dogs Smarter than Cats?

The rivalry between cats and dogs is an age-old thing. Many pet owners are divided in their affections, as some adore kitties, but others are strictly doggo lovers. And this rivalry poses an intriguing question – could there be a difference between cats and dogs? While both are cuddly and loveable, they are inevitably different. So, could it be possible that  dogs are smarter than cats, or vice versa? This is a popular question in the scientific world, and many tried answering it. Let’s see what they came up with.Are Dogs Smarter than Cats? For ages, the debate on the rivalry between cats and dogs has been ongoing. Ultimately, however, it all depends on how you define “smart”. Dogs are often loved for their obedience, their ability to be trained and follow commands, their unwavering loyalty, and their excellent guardian traits. Cats, on the other hand, are known for their independence, their adaptability and problem-solving skills, their free and restless spirit, and their cuddly nature. So, as we can see, while generally different in personalities, both of these animals possess certain cognitive skills – but is one smarter than the other?Recent studies have revealed that both dogs and cats possess unique cognitive abilities suited to their respective lifestyles and evolutionary histories. Meaning, they are completely different animals. Dogs, for example, originated from domesticated canines, far, far back in history. They were bred over thousands of years to work alongside humans, protect flocks, help with hunting, and guard homes. This, in turn, has likely influenced their ability to understand and communicate with us, and to be so devoted as pets. But cats are different. In stark contrast to doggos, cats have retained more of their wild instincts, allowing them to thrive in a variety of environments and situations.All of this means that you can’t really compare the intelligence of a cat and that of a dog. It’s like comparing apples and oranges – it just doesn’t go. Each animal excels in different areas and possesses different strengths. It's more accurate to appreciate the unique qualities of each species rather than trying to determine which one is "smarter."But even so, scientists tried to reach a decisive conclusion. They studied both cats and dogs and ultimately reached an answer - at least, scientifically speaking. Their research shows that dogs are smarter than cats! Some of you might find this answer surprising but don’t raise a revolt just yet. Cats are super intelligent even so. It’s just that they are likely not as smart as some dogs are. The secret is in “smartness” itself. Dogs are intelligent in their own way. They are generally more reliant on humans for problem-solving tasks, but they are adept at learning from observation and experience. They can also be trained to perform a wide range of tasks, from simple tricks to complex behaviors, such as guiding the visually impaired or detecting explosives. Cats, however, are natural hunters and possess excellent problem-solving skills. They are known for their agility, stealth, and ability to strategize when stalking their prey. In a domestic setting, cats demonstrate problem-solving abilities when navigating obstacles, finding hiding spots, and even manipulating objects to access food or toys. So, both of them have different positive traits and different types of intelligence. But it could be that dogs, with their ability to learn and obey commands, are just a tad bit smarter.

What Should I Do If My Dog is Afraid of Nail Trims?

The dreaded nail clippers – a source of stress and occasional doggy drama in our home as well as for many dog parents. You see, our youngest pup, Lucifer, and I have been on quite the journey to conquer his fear of nail trimming. If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar situation, you know the struggle all too well!But fear not, because in this article, I’m sharing our personal tale of progress and a toolkit of tips we’ve picked up along the way to help overcome your dog’s fear of nail clipping.So, let’s swap nail-trimming anxiety for confidence and cooperation, one paw at a time.Why Does My Dog Hate Nail Trims?The first step to overcoming a fear of nail trims is understanding why the sight of nail clippers is a source of anxiety for your dog. After all, the clippers themselves aren’t frightening or intimidating.For many dogs, the fear of having their nails cut is rooted in a desire to protect their paws. This is a survival instinct, as they need their paws to survive in the wild, both to escape predators and be able to catch food. They haven’t been taught that the process of having their nails cut or their paws handled isn’t going to cause harm.If your dog was previously okay with having their nails trimmed and suddenly changes their mind and lashes out when you try, this is a sign of trouble. Have you recently cut your dog`s nail and accidentally nicked the quick of the nail? If so, your dog may associate the experience with the pain and discomfort they felt at that moment.This could also indicate that your dog feels pain in their leg or paw. Watch for other signs of distress or discomfort, like lameness, limping, or excessively licking the area. If you suspect your dog is in pain or if your dog has shown a behavior change that you can’t otherwise explain, contact your veterinarian. They can run the tests necessary to help diagnose the problem and recommend ways to provide effective pain relief.For us, with Lucifer, we are overcoming a reaction due to previous pain. He suffered injuries to his front paws before he was rescued and adopted out to us as a puppy. While we have worked with specialists to help him heal and move on from these injuries, he is still more protective of his paws and dislikes having them handled. What Happens if You Wait Too Long to Cut Dog Nails?Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed and cared for is an integral part of grooming. How often you need to trim their nails will vary, depending on their breed, age, and lifestyle. Some dogs will naturally wear down their nails from walking and running on rough surfaces, as they would in the wild, while others don’t engage in these activities frequently enough to keep up with nail growth.When a dog’s nails become overgrown, they interfere with their ability to stand and walk properly, reducing traction and potentially causing injuries in their feet and tendons. This is because the nails contact the floor before their paw pads. Over time, this can also lead to long-term injuries, deformities in the paw or leg, or arthritis. This can also cause older dogs to slip and fall due to losing traction and unsteadiness on their feet.

How to Tell Your Cats Are About to Fight, According to Scientists

Have you ever wondered if your cats are play fighting or fighting for real? People living in multi-cat households know that the occasional scuffle or a full-blown cat fight is bound to happen. However, many cat owners have a hard time figuring out whether their cats are fighting or roughhousing. A new study published in Scientific Reports can provide some clues. As it turns out, certain behaviors could indicate whether an interaction between two felines is friendly, aggressive, or something in between. In this study, scientists, including Noema Gajdoš-Kmecová from the University of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy in Košice, Slovakia, analyzed 105 videos of interactions between 210 cats. The videos were obtained directly from cat owners and YouTube. After watching around one-third of the videos, Gajdoš-Kmecová pinpointed six types of specific behaviors, including wrestling, chasing, staying still, vocalizing, interactive, and non-interactive activities. She then watched all the videos again to see which cats exhibited one of these specific behaviors and for how long. After running a statistical analysis, Gajdoš-Kmecová was able to identify three distinctive types of interactions between the cat pairs - playful, intermediate, and aggressive. To confirm her findings, other members of the research team also watched the videos and classified each interaction between cats. Over half of the cats from the videos, 56% to be exact, exhibited playful interactions. According to the study, playful interactions included wrestling and a lack of vocalization. About 29% were labeled as agonistic, meaning they exhibited any type of social behavior that included threatening, aggression, and submission. Cats in this group vocalized and exhibited recurring bouts of inactivity.The cats in the intermediate group were involved in both aggressive and playful encounters. According to researchers, this group showed prolonged exchanges of specific behaviors, like laying on the back with the belly exposed, pouncing, stalking, and grooming each other. Scientists believe that this mixture of playful and aggressive behavior may be a sign of short-term friction between the cats rather than the end of the relationship. “This might escalate into a fully agonistic encounter but does not necessarily reflect a breakdown in their social relationship but rather a short-term disagreement in social priorities,” researchers wrote in the study. This study is the first to apply a scientific approach to cat behavior that can be identified by experienced and first-time owners alike. Thanks to this study, scientists can now classify inter-cat interactions as either playful, agonistic, or intermediate. “Wrestling can be a sign of a fight but if it comes with bouts of inactivity then that often means it is playful,” explained Profesor Daniel Mills, who led the study.“Playfighting is also without vocalizations. That’s the profile of a friendly cat. The agonistic cat, they might not do as much wrestling with inactivity but they do lots of vocalization.”“Owners should keep an eye out on how much they are wrestling and whether or not they’re vocalizing. Vocalizing can be broad and include meowing and also yowling,” he added. We all know when cats are fighting fur real, but it’s important to recognize intermediate interactions, where things could end in play or escalate into a real fight. “A lot of cats end up at cat rescue centers because the owners think that they’ve fallen out. In the clinic, I’ve seen cats that are playing and the owner thinks it’s a real fight,” said Professor Mills. If your cats are really getting along (share food and toys and sleep together), an occasional bout of agonistic play is okay. But if your cats aren’t the best of friends, you should look for signs of agonistic behavior. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Lost Service Dog Survived 2 Months Alone in the Colorado Mountains

It’s every dog parent’s nightmare. 14-month-old service dog in training Nova Riley slipped out of her harness and bolted out of a Safeway parking lot in a panic. After several sightings by the community as they searched tirelessly alongside owner Robynne Simons-Sealy, Nova continued to run in fear from anyone who attempted to catch her. After two long months of worrying and searching, Simons-Sealy was reunited with her beloved Bernese Mountain Dog. Nova was discovered injured in the woods of Meyers Ranch Park by two hikers on November 19th. The hikers recognized that she was injured, frightened, and needed help. They tried to carry her out to safely, but due to her high anxiety (understandable, given the situation), she bit one of her rescuers. Refusing to leave the poor dog behind, they decided to bring in help. One hiker stayed with Nova to keep her calm and assure her they weren’t giving up on her. The other hiker descended the trail to ask the park rangers for help and guide them, along with Animal Control Officer Kylie Rupe, three miles back to her position. “When we first got up there, I had brought treats and food up with me, knowing she would probably be very food-motivated at that point,” explained Rupe. “I used food to make friends, and she was very friendly but skittish.” With the help of both the rangers and animal control, Nova was carried to safety on a tarp. One of the rangers had recognized Nova from a lost dog poster, allowing her to be reunited with her worried and ever-grateful owner.

Can I Teach A Cat Tricks?

Cats are often stereotyped as being aloof and independent. But beneath that mysterious exterior lies an intelligent and curious being capable of great things – you just have to learn how to tap into it! Whether you’re interested in trick training your cat as a form of mental enrichment or strengthening your bond and creating lasting memories, we have you covered. In this blog post, we will explore the world of cat trick training. This includes debunking common myths, breaking down the process of training a cat, and sharing a list of fun tricks to help you get started. Is it Possible to Train a Cat? Yes! Your cat is just as capable of learning how to perform tricks as your dog. However, there are some differences in how you approach this process. Dogs are often motivated by their bond with their handler and the praise they will receive for performing as expected. This is far less likely to work for your cat. Instead, you will need to find the right inspiration. For many, this comes in the form of high-value treats like diced chicken, sardines, or low-sodium tuna. The smellier the treat, the better. With the right motivator and a lot of patience, your cat can learn a wide variety of fun tricks and useful skills. How Long Does It Take to Teach a Cat a Trick? The time required for a cat to learn a trick will depend on many factors, including the difficulty of the trick, the cat’s eagerness to learn, and the way you approach the training session. We have two cats in our house, and they fall at very different ends of the spectrum. Pippen is highly trainable and quickly picks up tricks, while Jinx is much more stubborn and takes longer to come around. Several of these factors can be influenced by you directly. Have you found the right motivator for your cat? Are you experimenting with different training approaches to find the one that works best? Are you trying to move through the training process too quickly? However, some factors are beyond your control. If your cat is uninterested in training, even your best efforts to motivate them may fall short. Is it Too Late to Teach My Cat Tricks? There is an old myth that states: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” This has been proven to be false by many trainers, with dogs even in their senior years. But what about cats? Is there an expiry date on when your cat can be taught to perform tricks? The best time to start training a cat is when they are young, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only time! Your older cat may be slower to learn or a little more reluctant to get started, but with a little patience and the right motivation, you can train cats of all ages.

Pandemic Puppies Are Behaving Badly, Study Shows

Puppies bought during the COVID-19 pandemic are more likely to exhibit one or more problem behaviors, a new study suggests. Research by the Royal Veterinary Colledge (RVC) has found that four in five (82%) owners of pandemic puppies have resorted to using punishment-based training methods to try to curb their dog’s problem behavior. The study found that moving the dog or shouting at them were the most commonly used aversive training methods. Other owners reported using water pistols, rattle bottles, and choke chains. Only 18% of owners who participated in the study said they didn’t use any aversive training methods or aids. Not only are aversive training techniques such as yelling at the dog or pulling its lead ineffective but they are also linked to further behavioral problems. The survey which was funded by the Battersea animal rescue charity asked more than 1,007 UK dog owners to list problem behaviors exhibited by their dogs. The list consisted of 24 problem behaviors reported by the owners. They ranged from control behaviors ( pulling on the leash) and attention-seeking behaviors, to aggressive behaviors and fear behaviors (anxiety around other dogs or people).Almost all (97%) owners said their dog exhibited at least one problem behavior from the list. At 21 months, owners on average reported five behavioral problems, while 20% of owners reported that their dogs had eight or more problem behaviors. According to owners, pulling on the leash is the most common problem behavior (67%), followed by jumping on people (57%), and not coming back when called (52%).Denise Mariner-Chappell got a Labrador retriever Ted during the pandemic. Strict lockdown measures made it hard to properly train and socialize her new pooch.“He’s a crazy dog when he’s out,” she said. “He’s just manic. He just wants to play and sniff, and everything, but not with humans.” Dr. Rowena Packer, the lead author of the study explained that problem behaviors are very common in pandemic puppies. In many cases, owners exacerbate these issues by using punishment-based training methods. “Although we understand these problem behaviors can be very frustrating for owners, they are often a sign a dog is struggling to cope or that they haven’t been taught an appropriate response in a situation, rather than dogs intentionally behaving badly,” she added.Packer warned that punishing the dog can make it anxious and fearful and cause it to develop further behavioral problems, including aggression. According to Robert Bays, Battersea’s senior animal behavior manager, the charity has seen an influx in dogs with behavioral problems coming into centers. These pups are suffering from separation anxiety and show other problem behaviors, which can be linked to training challenges brought on by the pandemic. “Without the right kind of positive training and support, a small behavioral problem in a puppy or a dog can quickly escalate into a serious issue, so we are deeply concerned with this study’s findings that so many owners are using aversive training methods,” said Bays.This training approach can cause additional behavioral problems in adulthood and also significantly damage the relationship between the dog and its owner. The study found that puppies who were still exhibiting problem behaviors by the age of 21 months were at a higher risk of being rehomed or euthanized. “A key piece of guidance arising from our study is that attending puppy classes is a vital way to support owners in using the best training techniques available.”Although many pandemic puppy owners missed these training classes due to lockdown restrictions there are thankfully many certified trainers who offer training classes for adult dogs. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Signs a Dog Is in Pain

Don’t you wish your dog could talk to tell you how he feels? After all, it can be tough to figure out if your pet is experiencing discomfort. But if you learn more about your canine companion’s body language, you’ll be able to pick up on the signs your dog is in pain. Below are some of the things to watch out for.

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