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Best Senior Dog Food

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  December 14th, 2021

Senior dog food is specially formulated to meet the unique needs of elderly dogs. Read on to find out which type of senior dog food is the best choice for your own pet!

When our pets reach their golden years, so much can change. From their activity levels, behavior, all the way to their dietary needs. Many senior dogs require special food in their old age, be it for health problems that dictate their nutritional preferences or simply because the years have taken their toll and your pet needs a bit of an immunity boost from their food bowl. To help you make the best choice for your pet, no matter what their situation is, we’ve rounded up the best senior dog food on the market. Yours is just to choose the one that fits them best!

1. Editor’s Choice: Wellness Natural Pet Food Complete Health Natural Dry Senior Dog Food

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Optimized to suit the needs of senior dogs, this dry food is made in the USA, without any meat by-products, fillers, or artificial preservatives in the formula. The primary ingredient is chicken for a healthy, lean protein source, followed by antioxidant-rich blueberries and spinach for fiber and a boost of antioxidants that will support your dog’s overall immune system. What’s more, the formula is enriched with glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints and essential fatty acids to bring back luster to your dog’s dull coat. Everything an older dog needs to thrive!

Pros

  • Supports joint health
  • Nutritionally balanced
  • Tasty chicken flavor

Cons

  • Not for picky eaters

2. Runner Up: Nutro Ultra Senior Dry Dog Food

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Packed with superfoods and with combined protein sources, this senior dog food is chock-full of body-nourishing nutrients. The trio of proteins includes chicken, lamb, and salmon, and is fortified with a blend of 15 potent superfoods such as kale, coconut, blueberries, and chia seeds. Made with high-quality ingredients, the formula contains no chicken by-product meal, corn, soy, or wheat, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. This formula is formulated to support your pet’s overall health and make their skin and coat soft and glossy again. Clean and tasty – what more could a pooch want?

Pros

  • Non-GMO, clean formula
  • 15 superfoods to support a healthy immune system
  • Three types of protein

Cons

  • Not for picky eaters

3. Customer’s Choice: IAMS Senior Dry Dog Food

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Who says that quality food can’t be affordable? This budget-friendly senior dog food doesn’t break the bank but it offers everything your senior pooch needs to stay healthy and happy. The first ingredient in the formula is real, farm-raised chicken, followed by other wholesome ingredients such as grains, carrots, chicken fat, and beet pulp. There are no artificial preservatives or flavors in the mix, nor are there any cheap fillers, so only what’s best for your precious pooch goes into their food bowl. To boot, there are two specialized formulas available for an even more tailored fit: one for medium size dogs and one for large breeds.

Pros

  • Affordable price
  • Quality protein source
  • Wholesome ingredients

Cons

  • Not for dogs with a sensitive stomach

4. Best for Large Dogs: Eukanuba Senior Large Breed Dry Dog Food

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As they grow older, many big breed dogs develop issues with joints, which is why it’s important to provide proper diet and supplementation to improve their mobility and alleviate their symptoms. This dry dog food is specially formulated for senior large breed dogs so it contains a powerful dose of glucosamine in the formula to lubricate those joints and keep your pet agile. Additionally, as it is enriched with DHA and antioxidants, it will support your pet’s brain function and immune system. The primary ingredient is chicken, so your pooch will definitely love it!

Pros

  • Formulated for large dog breeds
  • Enriched with DHA and antioxidants
  • Glucosamine boost

Cons

  • Not grain-free

5. Best for Small Dogs: Hill’s Science Diet Dry Dog Food

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Petite pooches age gracefully, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t need a nutrient boost from their diet as their golden years approach. Formulated for small and mini breeds over the age of 11 years, this vet-recommended dry food is extra small to make it easier for a small dog to nibble on (particularly if they have teeth issues) and enriched with all the important nutrients. Omega 3-s from fish oil promote healthy joints and improved mobility, a balanced blend of minerals supports heart, kidney, and bladder health, and omega 6 and vitamin E blend nurture their skin and coat.

Pros

  • Nibble-size kibble
  • Enriched with essential nutrients
  • Easily digestible

Cons

  • Chicken meal as the primary ingredient

6. Best Wet: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Natural Senior Wet Dog Food

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Some seniors simply prefer wet food, others require it, be it for poor teeth health or because they need a fattier diet. This natural high-protein contains both turkey and chicken and is enriched with vitamins and minerals your senior needs to be in their top form. And if your pooch isn’t a fan of poultry or has food sensitivities triggered by chicken, there’s a beef-only alternative for them to enjoy. There is no chicken or poultry meal or by-product, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial preservatives and flavors. You can feed this wet food on its own or add it as a topper to dry dog food – it’s good either way!

Pros

  • Turkey and chicken or beef combo
  • Rich in protein
  • No grains, fillers, or artificial flavors and preservatives

Cons

  • Not for sensitive stomachs

7. Best for Sensitive Stomach: Solid Gold Young At Heart Dry Dog Food Seniors with Sensitive Stomachs

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If your senior pooch easily gets an upset tummy, their diet might be to blame. This dry dog food is formulated to cater to the needs of seniors with sensitive stomachs, with its natural, holistic blend of high-quality ingredients. Made with real chicken and enriched with a blend of 20 different superfoods to support your pet’s wellbeing, this kibble is easy on the stomach and easily digestible thanks to its high fiber content. Manufactured in the USA, this senior food contains no corn, wheat, soy, artificial colors, or preservatives. This food is appropriate for dogs over 7 years of age and breeds of all sizes.

Pros

  • A high fiber content for easier digestion
  • 20 superfood ingredients
  • Real chicken as the first ingredient

Cons

  • Not suited for dogs sensitive to chicken in their food

8. Best Natural: SOJOS Complete Turkey & Salmon Recipe Senior Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Raw Dog Food

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If you have been feeding your pet raw or home-cooked food for most of their life, there’s no need to switch to kibble as they grow old. This particular freeze-dried raw dog food contains ingredients optimal for the wellbeing of seniors, it is easy to prepare, and pooches love it. It is made with turkey and salmon, and as such, is rich in essential fatty acids, DPA, EHA, and chondroitin, and glucosamine essential for good joint health. All of the ingredients are USDA-approved and human-grade, and freeze-dried to preserve their nutritional quality to the fullest. All you have to do is add water and serve to your senior!

Pros

  • USDA-approved, human-grade ingredients
  • One pound of mix makes 5 pounds of food
  • No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives

Cons

  • Somewhat expensive

Do Senior Dogs Need Special Food?

As dogs age, their nutritional needs change. Throughout each life stage, a dog should eat food that is appropriate for their current needs – puppies need to grow big and strong, adults need to maintain their good health and form, and seniors need wholesome food to support their immune system, and possibly address some health issues that they got along the way, such as diabetes, obesity, or aching joints. Even if your pooch has a spark of a young dog even in their golden age, that doesn’t mean that you should continue giving them food that isn’t formulated for their age if it doesn’t help with certain issues that many senior dogs face. And in case your senior dog doesn’t have any illnesses or signs of their old age apart from a few grays on their snout, you may continue to feed them the same food they have been eating so far – provided that it’s a high-quality, nutritionally complete and balanced diet.

What to Look for in Senior Dog Food

Your senior pet needs the best diet possible to stay healthy and vital in their old age. Whether they are still healthy and in good health or have a chronic condition that is affecting their quality of life, you will have to make sure that they get exactly the right nutrients for their specific lifestyle and situation. These are some of the most important things to keep an eye out for when choosing senior dog food:

Protein, fat, and fiber content

Despite the popular belief, older dogs do not need less protein – in fact, it’s the opposite of that. Seniors could benefit from a high-protein formula based on real meat and quality ingredients, as muscles start to deteriorate in old age and protein helps maintain them in optimal form, not to mention help build them up again. With fat, on the other hand, the situation is different: you want your senior to be on a low-fat diet as their metabolic rate changes and they start burning fewer calories and storing more fat, which can lead to obesity and a whole host of other health issues. However, if your pet is on the thin side and has a weak appetite in his old age, fatty food could help them regain their strength back again.

As for the fiber content, it should be a healthy level of it in the food you are serving to your senior – not too much, but not too little, either. Fiber promotes better digestion, it can help with constipation and sometimes even regulation of glucose levels in the blood, but if you go overboard with it, it could decrease the digestibility of some nutrients and reduce their absorption rate, as well as promote weight loss in senior dogs that don’t really need it.

Caloric value vs activity levels

As dogs age, most of them settle down more and start being less active, either because of painful joints and reduced mobility or simply because they are not as energetic and curious as they were before. This directly influences their diet, as they will burn fewer calories than they used to – in other words, if you keep on feeding them the same food, they might experience weight gain simply because they lack the exercise they had a few years back. Every senior is different in their golden years, so carefully consider your dog’s activity levels, particularly in comparison to their younger years, before picking out a new kibble formula. Dogs that have become less active and are starting to put on some fluff will need kibble optimized for weight management to prevent obesity, whereas thin dogs with weak appetites could need a more fortifying diet to replenish them. If your senior maintains almost the same activity level as they had in their youth and doesn’t have accompanying health issues, you can continue giving them regular food.

Ingredients that support better health

Many seniors struggle with various health issues as they age and the majority of those issues require a special diet to be kept in check. Dogs with kidney disease need a diet low in phosphorus, dogs with heart, kidney, or blood pressure issues require low sodium nutrition, foods rich in glucosamine and chondroitin help dogs with arthritis and joint pain, and so on. If your dog has any health issues, it’s best to consult with a vet – chances are they’ll need either prescription food or special formula that could benefit their overall health.

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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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Naming a new puppy that’s come into the world or thinking of a name to symbolize a new beginning for a rescue dog is a precious moment – but sometimes you need a bit of inspiration to think of a fitting name for your fur baby. Some people prefer names with personal meaning or symbolism, but most just sift through name lists in hopes of finding one that fits our pooch and sounds nice. Well, this list can help you find the most popular names for dogs these days and see if any of them stick!  Sniffspot, the so-called “AirBnB of dog parks”, went through their massive database of 100,000 dog names and through hard work determined the 10 most common boy and girl dog names. The results are very interesting – take a look!Here are the top 10 male dog names:10. Leo:A very unique name that’s quick on the tongue, and very fitting for large and majestic doggos. A lion always comes to mind.9. Ollie:Believe it or not, Ollie is a gender-neutral name, but fits perfectly with energetic and goofy male puppers.8. Moose:Who would think that Moose is such a common dog name? It is fun, that is for sure, and strangely fitting too.7. Zeus:The mighty God of thunder in Ancient Greece has come a long way over the centuries. Nowadays, his name is given to dogs!6. Oliver:A classic, elegant, and fun name that, although used for humans, fits doggos as well. 5. Finn:An old-timey name that belongs on the pages of some good youth novel, Finn is remarkably fitting for puppers.4. Loki:The trickster god of the Old Norse has found his way into the modern age in a rather odd way. Lately, Norse gods are a popular choice for dog names.3. Bear:How adorable would it be to name your tiny little pup Bear? 2. Cooper:A simple but very fun name that works well for male pets of all characters and sizes.1. Milo:A very ancient-sounding name, Milo is the number one choice of many owners. Are you surprised that this is number 1? Well, you saw the most common names for boy dogs, so now it’s the girls’ turn. Let’s see their list!10. Sadie:This adorable female dog name, it brings to mind the summer, flowers, and all things girly.9. Nova:In stark contrast to Sadie, Nova sounds quite futuristic, and strong, and rolls easily off the tongue. Did you know that a Nova is an astronomical term? It is the name given to bright stars that appear suddenly in the sky and release powerful energy. Wonderful symbolism.8. Willow:Back to vintage and cozy-sounding names with Willow, a true classic that belongs to the pages of an old children’s book.7. Nala:Here’s a name that is quite a surprise. It is unique, modern, and not heard that often. But, according to this survey, it belongs with other most common female dog names!6. Stella:A name of Latin origin, it translates to “star”. And what better name to give to your zoomy, fun, and lovely female pup?5. Bailey:This is another fun and homely name that is often given to pets. Any similarity with a favorite drink is pure coincidence!4. Lucy:If you have a kind, loveable, and gentle female doggo, then you cannot go wrong with a name such as Lucy!3. Daisy:This is one of the most popular names given to animals, especially cows. But surprisingly, it works well for dogs too!2. Bella:A classic feminine name, Bella is ideal for all female puppers, no matter their character.1. Luna:And the number one female dog's name is Luna, which is Latin for “Moon”. It is simple and pretty, which makes it an easy choice for many owners!So, were you surprised by this survey? What is your favorite dog name? Let us know!

A Pennsylvania Dog Shocked Its Owners After Eating $4000 in Cash

A Pittsburg couple was shocked to discover that their dog Cecil decided to have the most expensive snack of his life, after wolfing down $4,000 in cash. According to Cecil’s owners, Clayton and Carrie Law, the seven-year-old goldendoodle is a well-behaved boy who has never really done anything bad before. The couple had withdrawn cash to do a home improvement project, but Cecil had other plans for the envelope full of money. Less than 30 minutes later, Cecil was caught devouring thousands of dollars. “I walked back into the room and then all this cash was on the ground. He’s just like this, standing there, and I’m like oh my gosh, he ate some of this money and was in shock. I yelled to Carrie ‘He ate the money, he ate the $4,000,’” said Clayton Law to CBS News. After the initial shock, the couple discovered that Cecil ate a lot of the bills, but that some were still on the floor, albeit torn up and chewed into pieces. Carrie and Clayton describe their pooch as laid back, weird, funny, and almost human-like, and say that he is typically more of a snuggly couch potato. “He doesn’t do many dog things, he doesn’t chew furniture or clothing, that’s why we were extra shocked when he decided to do this,” said Clayton Law. “He has never in his life tried to get anything from the counter, even coffee table. We could leave dinner and go to the kitchen and grab wine, and he would not touch the food, and he just doesn’t care. He just took this opportunity and ran with it,” said Carrie Law. Once the initial shock passed, the couple contacted their vet to see if the dog needed any treatment. Given the goldendoodle’s size, there was no risk of bowel obstruction and he only needed to be monitored at home. At first, Cecil seemed fine, but in the middle of the night, the Laws were awoken by the sound every dog owner knows - the retching of their dog about to vomit. “When you hear that, you immediately just react, so I jumped out of bed and just made sure that he didn’t throw up anywhere,” said Clayton. “And then I went to pick it up… and I realized there’s a lot of like half eaten and $100 bills and $50 bills here.”That night marked the start of the Law’s unfortunate mission of sifting through their dog’s vomit and poop in an attempt to recover some of their money. Luckily, the couple was able to piece together most of the bills after carefully washing and sorting all the pieces back together. “There we are at the utility sink washing this shitty money, yelling ‘Yay! Yes! We got one!’ It smelled so bad,” Carries confessed. After piecing together as many bills as they could salvage, the couple managed to recoup $3,550. According to Carrie, the bank was really nice about it and told them that these things happen all the time. “They said it actually happens quite a bit because money just picks up so many scents, especially if it’s used in the food industry. I guess dogs pick up on that - they have such a good sense of smell - and something about it just drove him crazy.”Almost a month after the incident, Cecil is doing fine and is still a good boy. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

“One-of-a-Kind” Cat With Two Noses Searches for Her Forever Home

As rescue cat parents and rescue advocates, we know firsthand that every cat has a unique story to tell. But some cats truly stand out and make their mark on the world. Nanny McPhee, a rescue cat who recently came into the care of the Cats Protection Warrington Adoption Centre. It’s not the way this sweet girl came into the shelter or her life before that has everyone talking… It’s a VERY unique physical feature – her nose, or “noses,” in her case! The sweet kitty lived in a loving home for the first four years of her life. Unfortunately, her previous owner had to make the difficult decision to contact a rescue due to health and financial reasons. When Nanny McPhee first arrived at the rescue, volunteers and rescue workers noticed a few things about the tuxedo kitty. First, she was a very gentle lady with a love for attention.“She has proven to be a gentle lady who adores a fuss and a cuddle, and we are hopeful her new-found fame will mean she will have no shortage of potential adopters,” shared shelter manager Lindsay Kerr. “She really does deserve a home where she can settle down and become the center of a loving family.” Second, they noticed she had a surprisingly large nose. It was this unique feature that led to her being named after the popular children’s character. But that signature sniffer was hiding an even bigger secret. A check-up with a local veterinarian revealed that the cat had not one but TWO noses, creating the appearance of one large snout. When asked about the discovery, senior field veterinary officer Fiona Brockbank explained that it was the first time they had seen this but that the cat’s unique appearance resulted from a congenital malformation. Other more common examples of this include cleft palates or cleft lips. These conditions can be inherited or caused by an incident during development in utero.

New Study Shows Which Dog Breeds Are Most Likely to Get Cancer

When it comes to humans, early detection is key when dealing with different types of cancer, and the same is true for canines. Naturally, a healthy diet, daily exercise, and regular veterinary checkups can all help keep your four-legged companion in tip-top condition.But, wouldn’t it be great if you knew in advance that your pooch is more predisposed to cancer? A new study published in Royal Society Open Science shows that there is a strong link between the dog’s size and their likelihood of getting cancer.Leonard Nunney, a biologist at the University of California, Riverside, and the lead author of the study wanted to understand how cancer starts and how it is initiated in different dog breeds. Nunney explained that while humans have an increased risk of developing cancer as they get older, the same isn’t true for dogs.This new study looked at dogs ranging in size from a tiny Chihuahua up to a mastiff, and a giant Great Dane. Despite the popular belief that larger dog breeds are at a higher risk of cancer, it turned out that bigger dogs are at a lower risk of developing any type of cancer simply because they tend to have shorter lifespans compared to smaller dog breeds, which typically live longer. Breeds like golden retrievers, German shepherds, and Labrador retrievers are considered large dogs and usually live up to 12 years. This study showed that smaller dog breeds, like Chihuahuas, terriers, and Pomeranians are at a higher risk for developing cancer because they tend to live longer, typically around 15 years or more. While doing their research, Nunney and his team made another discovery. They learned that certain dog breeds, regardless of their size, are more predisposed to developing certain cancers.Nunney lists terriers, specifically West Highland terriers, also known as Westies, as having a higher likelihood of developing bladder cancer. Flat-coated retrievers are prone to a rare type of cancer, called sarcoma, which is found in soft tissues and bones. In addition to these two breeds, Bernese mountain dogs are also more likely to develop cancer than other dog breeds. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, one in four dogs will, at some point in their life, develop cancer. Furthermore, almost half of dogs over the age of 10 will develop some type of cancer. But before you rush to get your dog to the vet for a full checkup, know that just because smaller breeds are more likely to develop cancer, that doesn’t mean they will. According to researchers, only a few dog breeds tend to be predisposed to cancer, as this illness is caused by genetic mutations. The researchers also discovered that while ancestry-based interbreeding reduces the breed’s life expectancy, it doesn’t increase the risk of cancer. Thanks to this new research scientists and animal experts can better understand dog breeds and how their genetics play a role in developing cancer. “Dogs are an extremely good model for understanding the genetic changes that may lead to a higher susceptibility of specific cancers,” added Nunney. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Causes Heartworm in Dogs?

One of the most dangerous threats to the health of dogs around the world is the dreaded  heartworm. Most people are not even aware of the illness, until it is too late for  treatment and the damage has already been done. In fact, many dog owners are not at all familiar with heartworm, how it occurs, how it progresses, and what causes it in the first place. That’s why we’ll go into all of the details every dog owner should know about heartworm. What Is Heartworm Disease in Dogs and What Causes It?Heartworm disease in dogs is caused by a parasitic worm, called Dirofilaria Immitis. These are most simply put, heartworm larvae, and are carried within mosquitos. And that’s how they are transmitted – through the bite of an infected mosquito. When a mosquito, carrying a heartworm larva, bites a dog, it immediately transmits the larvae onto the dog’s skin. This is how the heartworm enters the bloodstream, through the teeny tiny mosquito bite wound – yes, that is how incredibly small these larvae are. After this, over the course of several months, the deposited larvae mature and grow into adult worms that nest and reside within your dog’s heart, blood vessels, and lungs. Once they become adults and enter the animal’s system, these worms can really cause substantial damage to the lungs, heart, and even other organs. This damage is then manifested through visible symptoms, such as fatigue, weight loss, difficulty breathing, coughing, and – in the most extreme cases – heart failure. Heartworm needs to be treated. Otherwise, this disease can be fatal to dogs. Of course, your most common precaution is through regular use of heartworm preventatives, as well as minimizing exposure to mosquitoes or mosquito-dense areas. This can help protect your doggo from contracting a potentially deadly disease. Preventing And Treating Heartworm Disease in DogsThis being said, we need to take into account that heartworm disease won’t be common in all parts of the world equally. The disease is prevalent in parts of the world with warm or humid climates, and high populations of mosquitoes. This is not an exclusive rule, however, and the disease can occur in all parts of the world, including temperate zones. As a diligent dog owner, you should get familiar with your region and if needed, take precautionary measures. If you live in an area where there are a lot of mosquitoes, you can invest in things like mosquito repellents for dogs. 

Is Aquarium Salt Safe for Plants?

All those in love with the fascinating world of aquatics know how sensitive and (sometimes) demanding pet fish and  aquarium plants are. The aquarium plant life in particular can be very vulnerable, reacting to the smallest changes in the tank’s environment. Naturally, this begs the question: could adding salt to your tank potentially kill its plant life? Or is salt beneficial for your aquarium’s flora? These are the questions that need to be answered carefully, as there are different types of salt used, and not all have the same effects on the many different aquarium plants. Let’s dive deeper into the topic!Is Aquarium Salt Safe for Plants? Aquarium salt, when used properly, has many uses in an aquarium setting. It can help with certain issues like treating fish diseases and promoting electrolyte balance in fish. But what about plants? The key to using salt with aquarium plants is moderation and research. There are different types of salt on the market, so you should inquire about their properties and possible effects on fish and plants. Secondly, always use it in moderation. When used in the right amounts, salt can be beneficial. However, the excessive use of salt can be harmful to plants, as it can disrupt their osmotic balance and lead to dehydration or nutrient imbalances. In fact, put too much of it, and you can kill all the plants AND the fish in the tank!But what is the osmotic balance? Like all living organisms, plants maintain a delicate balance of water and salts within their cells. When exposed to high concentrations of salt, such as those found in aquarium salt products, plants can experience “osmotic stress”. This stress occurs because the salt outside the plant's roots creates a higher concentration of solutes in the soil than inside the plant cells. As a result, water is drawn out of the plant, leading to dehydration and potential damage – and even death.Excessive salt in the aquarium soil can also interfere with a plant's ability to absorb essential nutrients. Sodium ions, which are a component of salt, can compete with other positively charged ions like potassium, calcium, and magnesium that plants need for healthy growth. This competition can disrupt nutrient uptake and lead to deficiencies, even if those nutrients are present in the soil.Another confusing factor is that some aquarium plants are much more tolerant than others. Halophytes, for example, are plants that have evolved to thrive in saline environments and can withstand higher levels of salt in the soil and water. However, most freshwater aquarium plants are not adapted to high-salt conditions and can suffer greatly when aquarium salt is introduced to the tank. You should also consider the types of salt available. Sea salt, for example, is much different and more complex than ordinary table salt. It contains sodium chloride, and minerals like potassium, zinc, and calcium. As such, it is only suitable for use in aquariums that have marine fish and  invertebrates, and plants naturally occurring in salt waters. 

How to Clean Dog Diarrhea From Carpet

Sure, sharing your life with a dog is fun and your days are filled with love, but sometimes, it can get messy. Like, real messy. After all, even though we love them, dogs are not the neatest of animals out there (that title would go to kitties, I’m afraid). In the daily life of a dog owner, there is bound to be a bit of dirt, hair, and - inevitably, poop – to clean up after your pet. And as if picking up poop from the street after your pet wasn’t bad enough, sometimes accidents happen inside your home, and the messes are that much harder to clean. Especially when you’re dealing with diarrhea and not your regular ole poop situation. But even though it’s far from pleasant to clean up after, it’s not the end of the world if an accident happens. While it can be difficult to thoroughly clean dog diarrhea embedded in the carpet fibers, everything can be cleaned if you are persistent enough – and know how to approach the issue. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you clean dog diarrhea from carpet – stains and smell both.How to Clean Dog Diarrhea from Carpet: Step by StepNow, keep in mind that cleaning dog diarrhea from a carpet can be a messy task, but it's important to clean it thoroughly and as quickly as possible to prevent lasting stains and lingering odors. Even if you are disgusted by the sight before you, it is necessary to keep at it until the job’s done. Someone has to do it, right? And we all know it ain’t gonna be your pooch.So, first things first, you’ll need to gather supplies. It is always good to have them handy and keep them stored in a secure cabinet. You never know when an accident can happen and they will be needed, so be sure to be stocked on  pet-safe cleaning supplies (if you’re not already, now is a perfect time to pick up all of your basic necessities). 

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.

Plain Jane Dogs Work Harder to Communicate

Studies show dogs without facial markings tend to get the short end of the stick... so to speak.

How Can I Tell If My Dog Has a Fever?

High fever is no joke, and can be quite serious – both for people and their furry four-legged friends. Yes, dogs can have a fever too, and it can be a much more serious condition for them than it is for us. Unfortunately, fever is not an ailment you can spot with your bare eye. Because of this, you will need to thoroughly observe your pet’s behavior and learn how to spot those little details that indicate a fever. Read on as we go through the basics of dog fever and just how to tell if your pet needs your help.Symptoms of Fever in DogsDogs, like humans, can develop a fever as a response to illness or infection. It’s the body’s natural way to fight off the “intruders” in the body. Fever comes in many forms and for various reasons. You can tell if your dog has a fever by observing their behavior and checking for physical signs. Here are just a few of the most common indicators.Increased Body Temperature: 

World’s Oldest Dog Posthumously Stripped of His Title

Last year, the world’s oldest dog was thought to be Bobi – who was reportedly  31 years old. However, a recent investigation into this claim led to him being posthumously stripped of the title by none other than Guinness World Records. The lofty title was suspended this January, as doubts rose about the dog’s reported age. Bobi lived in Portugal and sadly passed away last fall, and according to his owner, at a grand age of 31 years. However, a recent review by Guinness World Records revealed that they didn’t have the necessary evidence to support that claim."Without any conclusive evidence available to us right now, we simply can't retain Bobi as the record holder and honestly claim to maintain the high standards we set ourselves," Guinness Director of Records Mark McKinley said. "Of course, as with any record, we'll gladly assess any new evidence should we receive any."Before Guinness World Records actually grants a world record, they require ample evidence of a claim. Pictures, videos, statements from witnesses, documents, and anything similar are all required. And when pets are concerned, microchip data can also be examined. "Central to Bobi's evidence was microchip data sourced from the Portuguese government database, the SIAC, which it transpires, when chipped in 2022, did not require proof of age for dogs born before 2008," McKinley said. "With the additional veterinary statement provided as evidence for Bobi's age also citing this microchip data, we're left with no conclusive evidence which can definitively prove Bobi's date of birth."So, who is the real oldest dog in the world? Well, before Bobi’s lofty claim, there was the famous Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who held the record, being 29 years and 5 months old. But with these recent events, the future of this record will certainly change. McKinley claims that microchips need to be widely adopted around the world for serious claims to be made."Until that time, we'll require documentary evidence for all years of a pet's life, we'll continue to ask for vet and witness statements and we'll also consider microchip data as well where available," he added. "It's for this reason that we're not yet in a position to confirm a new holder for the record, although we certainly hope that the publicity around the record title encourages pet owners from around the world to get in touch."Sadly, Bobi died in October 2023, just months after celebrating what was reportedly his 31st birthday. He was a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo, a native Portuguese dog breed that is known for its ability to protect livestock. These magnificent dogs have an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, and it was thought that Bobbi managed to live twice the time expected – but we’ll never know if that’s actually true or not.

Mice Have Passed the Mirror Test: What It Means

The “mirror test” is used by scientists to help them determine if an animal is self-aware—if an animal looks in the mirror and recognizes themselves in it, rather than thinking that there’s another animal looking back at them, they pass the test and are considered self-aware.Several animals have passed this test, such as primates, Asian elephants, and bottlenose dolphins, among others. More recently, a study has shown that mice can also recognize themselves when they look in the mirror.The Experiment That Proved Mice Can Pass the Mirror TestTo figure out if mice can pass the mirror test, scientists put some white ink on the foreheads of black mice. Then, they let the mice look into a mirror. What they discovered was fascinating: the mice recognized themselves in the reflection and started grooming themselves once they realized that there was something on their head that shouldn’t be there.Also, if the mice didn’t realize that something was on their forehead (when black ink was used so it would match the color of their fur or when the spot of ink wasn’t large enough), they didn’t start grooming themselves. This shows that there was a reason the mice groomed their heads after looking in the mirror, and it was an attempt to clean themselves of the ink stain.In addition to looking at their behavior, the scientists also used gene expression mapping to see which neurons in the brain became activated when the animals saw themselves in the mirror.  Findings Shed Light on Self-Recognition in MiceThis research shows that mice may be self-aware, but there are some things to consider. For example, the mice who groomed themselves to remove the ink were already used to mirrors, while mice who weren’t familiar with mirrors didn’t groom themselves. Also, mice who were socially isolated didn’t groom themselves during the experiment with the mirror, unlike mice who lived with other mice that looked like them.There’s still more to discover and learn about these animals, so scientists are planning on doing more research in this area.  Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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