Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows?

by Mary Simpson

Published: March 9th, 2021

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You’re sitting round the campfire after a full day of hiking and swimming with your pooch. Suddenly, you have the urge to toast up some marshmallows so you can end a perfect day on a sweet note. Like most pet parents, you tend to share your snacks with your good buddy, but now you’re beginning to wonder if tossing him a couple of nice, toasty marshmallows is such a good idea. He’s clearly intrigued by that gooey treat you just pulled off your stick, and you’re starting to think just one won’t hurt, right? So, what do you do?

The answer to whether its okay to feed your pooch a marshmallow, ranges from “its really best not to” to “absolutely do not do it”, and here’s why. Treats should never comprise more than 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake. Add a marshmallow in there, and you’ve just eradicated his entire treat ration for the day. Now, you may think that’s not such a big deal, but when you consider the fact that sugars are one of the quickest ways to rot a dog’s teeth, they will almost certainly increase his girth, and over time, cause health issues that could include diabetes, the decision really is a no-brainer.

In fact, marshmallows are so unhealthy for your little guy, that if he decided to help himself when you weren’t looking, you might find that he pays the price with severe gastrointestinal issues ranging from vomiting to diarrhea. Now, if a small amount of any food has the potential to bring about this type of physical discomfort for your pooch, its not really a treat, is it? And its certainly not one that I’d be offering up to my pups. If you really want to share a bonding moment with your dog that involves food, lets you indulge your sweet-tooth, but keeps him healthy, why not pull out a rawhide or chew treat for him. It will take his focus away from you, will take time him time to break it down, and he’ll be distracted long enough for you to binge to your heart’s content.

But while the tummy-troubles caused by a regular marshmallow made with sugar and gelatin can be concerning to any pet parent, the damage caused by a sugar-free variation of this puffy white treat can end your pooch’s life. Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol used to sweeten everything from toothpaste to chewing gum, candy, and yes, those sugar-free marshmallows. If your pooch consumes even one of these marshmallows, induce vomiting immediately and call your vet. As little as 0.1 grams of Xylitol per kg of your dog’s weight can cause a massive release of insulin from the pancreas and result in dangerously low blood sugars. Seizures, weakness, and even death can be the end result.

So, forget about sharing sugary treats like marshmallows with your best buddy and definitely don’t offer him any type of sugar-free foods. Keep him safe by opting for dog treats you know he enjoys, or go for healthy human treats such as cut up fruits or chopped veggies that you can both share (no dip, please).

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Can Dogs Eat Asparagus?

Are all veggies good for your pet or should they steer clear from certain vegetables altogether? Here’s what you need to know about asparagus and its safety for dogs. Veggies are a very important part of our diet. Packed with important vitamins and nutrients, asparagus is one of the most valuable and important vegetables that we can eat. And, of course, it is totally safe for us. But what about your dog? It’s no secret that dogs will munch on anything that we do, but that might not always be the best course of action. Luckily, asparagus is not toxic to dogs, so it is safe for them to eat it. Packed with vitamins and fibers, asparagus can be beneficial to dogs. However, it might not be so easy to consume. Even for us, raw asparagus is not edible, due to the fact it’s just too tough. In fact, it is so tough that even dogs could have trouble munching it down. If they do happen to get their paws on raw asparagus, it is likely they will swallow it without chewing. This can cause gas and diarrhea. It is recommended that you cook the veggie before you give some to your dog. That way it goes down nice and smooth. A common mistake some owners make when feeding asparagus to their pets is simply cutting it raw into small pieces. This doesn’t make the vegetable any softer, and your dog can quickly choke on it if you are not careful. A peculiar aspect of asparagus can make you wonder whether it’s so important to include it in your dog’s diet. And that is the fact that asparagus makes urine smell a bit…funky! It’s just the way it is – same for humans and same for dogs. So, if your dog sometimes pees where he shouldn’t, the problem might become greater with asparagus. Urine tends to smell overpowering due to it, and that could make stain cleaning much more difficult. It is crucial to keep in mind that raw asparagus can be quite difficult for your dog to digest properly. As we said, it is quite stringy and tough – so you might need to make it a bit more…palatable! To do this, you can lightly blend it, steam it, boil it, or even saute it. Either one of these options will make it into a much more appetizing meal for your dog. What is more, treating asparagus in this way will break the cells down and release all those vitamins and nutrients, making them easier to absorb. Asparagus is filled with goodies. Firstly, it is packed full of healthy fibers. They help with the digestive system and keep your dog’s stool healthy. What is more, soluble fibers support the immune system and are beneficial for the dog’s gut flora. Alongside this, there are tons of vitamins in asparagus, including A, C, E, B9, and K. All of these nutrients combined will contribute to the well-being of your dog. That means that an occasional bite or two of asparagus is much welcome in a daily doggo diet!

Can Dogs Eat Yogurt?

Can dogs eat yogurt or is this dairy product another one to be crossed off the dog-friendly foods list? As man’s best friend, dogs can eat a variety of foods from their owner’s diet. Canines evolved alongside us, and as omnivores, they can digest everything from fruits and veggies to meats. In fact, when it comes to dog-friendly human foods, it can be beneficial to include them as a treat: a few bites of vitamin-rich veggies or a protein-packed treat can ideally supplement your dog’s diet, even if it’s based on commercial pet foods. However, when it comes to dairy products, the line between safe and unsafe might not be as clear. While there’s no doubt that, throughout history, our pet’s survived on a diet that was based mainly on the scraps of their human companions, which included dairy products as well, as our furry companions evolved, so did their digestive systems and nutritional needs. This is particularly true when it comes to milk and dairy products. Although, in itself, these foods are safe for dogs and can even be healthy for them, a significant percentage of canines can’t digest lactose properly, which leads to gastrointestinal troubles.

Can Dogs Eat Peas?

If you want to find out can dogs eat peas, this comprehensive guide about the tasty veggie will tell you all you need to know. Today, high-quality dry and wet food for dogs are enough for a well-balanced canine diet. Store bought food is specially formulated to meet their nutritional needs, and, unless there’s an underlying medical issue that requires it, chances are you won’t have to supplement their diet with any additional vitamin and micronutrients sources. However, this doesn’t mean that, just because your pooch’s kibble has synthetic vitamins and minerals, you shouldn’t give your pooch some nutritious fruits and veggies as a treat. For most dogs, having a few bites of a sweet, juicy fruit or a crunchy veggie will be a special treat! Additionally, adding fruits or vegetables that dogs can safely eat to their diet can have its benefits, from improving digestion to supporting their overall health.

Can Dogs Eat Oranges?

Can dogs eat oranges or should you keep them away from this sweet citrus fruit? Unlike cats, who are obligate carnivores, dogs can eat a variety of different foods, including fruit. In fact, a lot of pooches will love feasting on delicious fresh nom-noms and using fruit as a treat can be a great, healthy alternative to store-bought snacks. Of course, this doesn’t mean that all fruits are safe for canine consumption; in reality, there are many fruits that dogs should never eat. So, how about oranges- where do these sweet and juicy treats stand when it comes to our pets? Can dogs eat orange without any risk?

This Special Camera Reveals How Our Pets See the World Around Them

Have you ever wondered how your pet  sees the world around them? We all know that the eyes of dogs, cats, and all other animals are not the same as ours, and they often see the world in a very different way. While all we could do is imagine and theorize up until now, thanks to a new breakthrough in technology we will be able to take a peek through the eyes of animals!Scientists have  invented a special camera that uses a unique combination of state-of-the-art hardware and software, in order to create videos and images that show us exactly how certain animals see. For example, with this latest tech, you will be able to see the vivid world of colors that are seen through the eyes of birds and bees. One of the recent demonstrations revealed how a UV-sensitive vision of a bird renders an orange sulfur butterfly - the result is more than striking, as it doesn’t look like anything related to human vision.

Is Peanut Butter Safe for Dogs?

Ah, peanut butter –who doesn’t love a smear of this sticky butter on their toast? Whether you top it with bananas or jelly or something else altogether, spread on bread, mix in oatmeal, or add to smoothies, you likely enjoy the nutty goodness of peanut butter at least a few times a week. But can you share PB with your dog? While this tasty spread is generally safe for dogs as they have no issue eating peanuts in the form of butter, it’s the other ingredients that may be in the PB you’re eating that could harm them. This is what you should know before giving your pet peanut butter – whether as an ingredient of something else or on its own.Is Peanut Butter Safe for Dogs? To give you a short and straightforward answer, yes, peanut butter is safe for dogs when it’s made only out of peanuts as the single ingredient. However, that’s not always the case with commercially made peanut butter. To tweak its consistency, shelf life, or even modify its flavor, companies can add a variety of different ingredients to their peanut butter products, so it’s crucial to read the label before giving your pet even just a lick of peanut butter – and it wouldn't hurt to do so before eating it yourself, either. The most dangerous ingredient (for dogs) that could be added to peanut butter is  xylitol, or birch sugar, as it is sometimes labeled. This sweetener is highly toxic to dogs as even small amounts of xylitol can cause a rapid release of insulin, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, and liver failure in dogs.Another thing that could be problematic about peanut butter for dogs is not a matter of a sneaky ingredient but the fact that it’s a high-fat food. If not given in moderation, peanut butter can largely contribute to obesity in dogs, and in turn, promote health issues such as  pancreatitis at worst and upset tummy at best. It is also important to note that some dogs may be allergic to peanuts, the same as is the case with us humans. If you are giving your pet peanut butter for the first time, monitor them for signs of allergic reactions, such as itching, redness, swelling, or gastrointestinal upset, and consult your veterinarian if concerns arise.Benefits of Peanut Butter for Dogs and How To Incorporate It In Your Dog’s DietIn addition to being yummy, peanut butter is also beneficial for dogs. It might be high in fat, but it is predominantly unsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health, joint function, and immune system function in dogs. It is also a rich source of plant-based protein and will support your pet's overall health when given in moderation. So how do you ensure you don’t overdo it with PB and that your pet reap only the benefits of this nutty spread? While an excellent reward to utilize when training with positive reinforcement methods, peanut butter should be given sparingly rather than every time your pooch does a good job. Use a small amount – a teaspoon will work well for the job. Alternatively, if your pet loves the taste of peanut butter but you’re trying to maintain their weight, opting for peanut butter-flavored treats is a perfect compromise. My dogs prefer crunchy treats and are big PB fans, so one of their favorites is  American Journey Peanut Butter Recipe Grain-Free Oven Baked Crunchy Biscuit Dog Treats.

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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: 

FDA Approves New Treatment for Anxiety and Fear in Cats

It’s no secret that most cats get really stressed out when they have to leave the house, especially for a trip to the veterinarian. And the anxiety and fear that your pet experiences can certainly affect you as a pet parent as well, making you feel awful about having to put your cat through such a scary experience.The good news is there are things you can try to help reduce the stress your kitty feels, and one of the latest solutions is a new treatment recently approved by the FDA.Bonqat for CatsIn November 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pregabalin, also known as Bonqat, for cats.The oral solution is not a sedative; instead, it affects the neurotransmitters that are involved in acute anxiety and fear. Therefore, it can be used to reduce the stress experienced by cats who are being transported for any reason, and it can be helpful for those who get frightened when they go to the vet.To determine if this medicine would be effective, cats were given either a placebo or Bonqat before being transported by car and examined by a veterinarian (the cats had a history of being fearful and/or anxious under those circumstances). The results? While roughly one-third of the kitties who got the placebo had a positive response, just over half of those given the medicine did better while being transported and examined. Also, over the course of two examinations, 77% of the kitties who took Bonqat had less fear and anxiety, while 46% of those given the placebo exhibited an improvement in their fear and anxiety levels.Discuss Bonqat with Your VeterinarianYou can only get Bonqat with a prescription from your veterinarian, so discuss its pros and cons to determine if this medicine would be right for your cat based on factors like age and medical conditions. And bear in mind that side effects, such as ataxia, vomiting, and lethargy, might occur with Bonqat.To reap the benefits of Bonqat, you simply give it to your cat about 1.5 hours prior to transporting them or taking them to the vet. This medicine is a liquid, and it can be given to your pet with a bit of food.Also, there are some precautions that need to be taken while administering this medicine to your cat. For example, it shouldn’t make contact with your eyes, mucous membranes, or skin. So, in addition to talking to your vet about how to use it correctly to ensure your cat gets the best results, you also want to be well-informed about how to handle this medicine safely.For more information about Bonqat and how it works, click here.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Blue Ridge Beef Recalls Kitten and Puppy Food Due to Bacteria

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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.

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Hypothermia in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

When a dog gets too cold, they’re at risk of hypothermia. But what is hypothermia, what are its symptoms, and what can be done to treat it? Below is a brief guide to dog hypothermia so you can have a better understanding of this condition and why it’s so important to prevent it.What Is Hypothermia in Dogs?Hypothermia develops when a dog’s body temperature drops to 99°F (37.2°C) or lower. A dog’s normal body temperature range is 99.5-102.5°F (37.5-39.2°C).There are three levels of hypothermia: mild, moderate, and severe.Mild hypothermia occurs when a dog’s body temperature is between 90-99°F (32.2-37.2°C).Moderate hypothermia develops when the dog’s body temperature falls even more, to 82-90°F (27.8-32.2°C).Severe hypothermia develops when the dog’s body temperature falls below 82°F (27.8°C).Giving a dog the right treatment to bring their temperature back up is critical, as hypothermia can cause damage to organs, and it could be fatal.  Some dogs may be at greater risk of hypothermia. Puppies, seniors, and dogs who are thin or small are a few examples. Dogs who are ill, including those with chronic conditions, can also be more susceptible. Also, hairless dogs and those with short coats are other examples.What Causes Hypothermia in Dogs?Dogs who are in the cold for too long are at risk of hypothermia. And if they get wet, their body temperature can drop more rapidly. Never leave a dog outside when it’s too cold or windy, or when it’s raining or snowing.It doesn’t have to be extremely cold for dogs to feel the effects either, as a temperature less than 45°F (7.2°C) could put some dogs at risk. Before going outside with your dog, check the wind chill, too, as this will give you a better idea of what it actually feels like out there, and what the risk of frostbite and hypothermia really is.    Also, certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism and shock, could increase a dog’s risk of hypothermia.Symptoms of Hypothermia in DogsAs a dog starts to feel cold, they’ll exhibit changes in behavior. Warming them up right away can prevent them from getting even colder. If hypothermia continues to set in, the situation will become more dire as the symptoms progress.Here are some of the symptoms to watch out for:Mild hypothermia may cause a dog to shiver and experience weakness. They may also be less alert, and may try to find ways to stay warm, such as curling in a ball. If you were to feel the dog’s skin, ears, paws, legs, and tail, they may be cold to the touch.Moderate hypothermia may cause the breathing to become shallow and slow, and the muscles may become stiff, resulting in difficulty moving. The blood pressure may drop, and the dog may be even more lethargic and confused. If you were to check the gums, they may be pale.  Severe hypothermia may cause the pupils to become fixed and dilated, and a dog may have trouble breathing. They may not be as responsive, or they may become unresponsive. Also, they may not be shivering anymore. Collapse and coma may occur.How to Help a Hypothermic DogThe symptoms of hypothermia must be taken seriously. Contact your veterinarian even if you think your dog might only have mild hypothermia, as they can provide guidance on what to do, and they might advise bringing your dog in to be examined and treated.In cases of severe hypothermia, a veterinarian will need to treat your dog, so don’t try to fix this problem yourself.Here are a few steps you can take if your dog has mild hypothermia (again, talk to your vet first to be sure you’re taking the right steps and you can treat this at home):Dry your dog if they’re wet. Bring them to a warm area of your home, such as near a heat source. Wrap them in a blanket—you could even warm it up in the dryer first. Use products like the PetFusion Microplush Quilted Pet Blanket, which is super soft and has a light fill that provides more warmth.

Dogs Could Be Wagging Their Tails Because Ancient Humans Loved Rhythm

Doggos love to wag their tails and we love to see it. It is their way of expressing emotions, from unwavering joy and happiness to see you again after a long day at work to a shy greeting to a new face – there are many things a pooch can convey with a simple  tail wag. But have you ever wondered why they do it exactly? Why didn’t dogs evolve to, let’s say, use their ears for nonverbal communication with us? Researchers were wondering the exact same thing, and their latest studies could provide a key insight into why dogs started wagging their tails in the first place.Believe it or not, the origins of this action could potentially be traced to ancient humans who first domesticated dogs. And the study connects the human love of rhythm, with selective breeding and domestication!Dogs were first domesticated by humans sometime between 15,000 and 50,000 years ago. It was a long time ago when dogs first emerged from domesticated wolves and similar canines but some of their ancestral traits, like tail wagging, remain the same. And researchers could finally have an answer for this behavior.“We may not be able to take a time machine back to the beginning of the dog-human relationship, but we can look at dog behavior today in tandem with human behavior to try and understand what that domestication process looked like,” said Dr. Taylor Hersh from Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics in the Netherlands. “Tail wagging is a very apparent and interesting behavior to start with.”Of course, this is not the first such study, and in the past, many have questioned the wagging of tails. Previously, it was found that hand-reared dog pups will wag their tails far more often than hand-reared wolf pups, showing the clear difference between domesticated and wild animals. Likewise, it was discovered that dogs wag their tails to the right mostly in response to positive experiences, usually when seeing their owners. And they’d wag them to the left in potentially aggressive situations. And now, researchers linked this behavior to the ancient process of domestication. This means that dog tail wagging has developed because dogs have an inherent genetic link towards behaviors that humans want - like tameness and docility. “We put forth a new hypothesis that humans consciously or unconsciously selected for tail wagging during the domestication process because we are very attracted to rhythmic stimuli,” said Silvia Leonetti, another member of the team.Ancient humans had a very distinct attraction to rhythm and rhythmic actions, so there could be a very logical link here. Dr. Holly Root-Gutteridge, a dog researcher at the University of Lincoln, also proposed that tail wagging was developed during the long domestication process as an adaptation by the dogs, as humans likely found barking irritating. “We’re a highly visual species and may appreciate the rhythm, it’s an interesting thought that should be explored, though I’m not sure we’re really responding that much to it,” she said. What is more, she added that wolves too wag their tails in certain situations in the wild. “I suspect ancestral humans saw tail wags as a positive, easy to read sign in wolves, and developed it the way we talk with our hands – as a communicative gesture that we can easily understand.”

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