Canine Cannabis: Medical Marijuana for Dogs

by Kate Barrington

Published: May 7th, 2016

canine cannabis medical marijuana for dogs

The popularity of using medical marijuana is crossing over into the world of pets. Treats and supplements have proven to be a life saver for many dogs – here’s how it works.

New laws have recently legalized the sale and use of medical marijuana in certain states (and in Canada, the province of Ontario will be legalizing it in 2017), but people have been using cannabis for years. Medical marijuana is an effective treatment for a variety of conditions including glaucoma, loss of appetite, nausea, and pain. It has also been used as a means of alleviating the side effects of cancer treatments. In recent years, however, pet owners have begun to wonder about the benefits of cannabis for their canine companions.

What is Canine Cannabis?

More commonly known as marijuana, this drug comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. This plant has been used for medical purposes for thousands of years and the active ingredient is a type of biological compound called cannabinoids. These compounds have been shown to provide a number of benefits including appetite stimulation, pain relief, reduced inflammation, relief from nausea, and even mood-boosting effects. The main compound responsible for these effects is called cannabidiol, or CBD, a non-psychoactive compound which does not produce a high but does offer certain benefits.

Success Stories for Canine Cannabis

Many pet owners with aging and ailing pets have turned to medical marijuana. One example is Miles, a 12 year-old black Labrador Retriever mix who had developed a number of health problems in his old age. Miles’ veterinarian diagnosed him with a splenic tumor and estimated that he had about two months to live. The vet gave Miles’ owner, Denise, a prescription for Tramadol to help with the pain but the medication knocked the dog out completely.

Denise didn’t want to see Miles spend the last few months of his life asleep or in pain so she followed the advice of a friend who suggested a glycerin tincture of marijuana. This kind of tincture is frequently sold in licensed medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the Los Angeles area, so it was easy for Denise to come by. Within 60 minutes of the first treatment, Miles perked up and he showed an interest in food. Over the next few weeks, Miles began to display a number of his old qualities, becoming more active and energetic than he had been in months. Denise had her old friend back and medical marijuana was the treatment that made it possible.

Canine Cannabis Treats for Dogs

There are a number of different ways that medical marijuana can be administered but the options are a little bit more limited for dogs than they are for humans. One of the newest methods is dog treats laced with cannabidiol (CBD). These treats are made with the powerful, non-psychoactive compound that makes cannabis such an effective treatment for appetite and pain issues (with plants that contain little thc). They do not get the dog high, they simply provide relief from symptoms that enables the dog to resume normal activity. Many pet parents find that after administering the treats their dog shows a significant change almost immediately.

Unfortunately, these canine cannabis treats are not available to everyone and the USDA is cracking down on those who produce and sell them, citing that they are an “unapproved new animal drug [that] violates the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act”. Even in the states where medical marijuana has been legalized, veterinarians are not permitted to prescribe cannabis as a treatment for pets. The FDA suggests that the crackdown is related to the fact that there is insufficient research regarding the use of cannabis for pets, but many who have used the treatments for their own pets decry such a statement.

Though canine cannabis is not currently available to all those who might benefit from it, there is hope that one day it will be. With time and research the FDA may eventually approve the use of CBD as a medical treatment for dogs and it may become available in the mainstream.

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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Pet Owners Turn To Medical Marijuana To Treat Their Pets

More American states are legalizing medicinal marijuana, and more pet owners are now treating their pets with cannabis-based medicines as a source of relief from symptoms. Medical marijuana is legal in 28 states, though still illegal under United States federal law. As more humans turn to marijuana based treatments for their own conditions, some are finding that their pets are also experiencing relief when treated as well. Pet owners are using cannabis-based extracts, ointments and treats for issues that range from anxiety and arthritis to cancer. Related: The National Canine Cancer Foundation: Dedicated To Finding A Cure Because it the use of cannabis based products is illegal under federal law, there has been little research done with regard to its potential for help in humans or animals. Because of this veterinarians say there isn’t enough science to prove that cannabis is safe, or even effective in the treatment of animals, and they cannot recommend, nor prescribe it as a treatment. Ken Pawlowski is the president of the California Veterinary Medical Association and says that vets hands are tied when it comes to the questions and requests they get from clients asking about it for their pets. They just don’t have the answers for them. Even veterinarians in California, like Dr. Karl Jandrey, who also teaches at the University of California, says that he advises clients who insist on using cannabis-treatments to do so knowing there is risk and possible expense involved. Though marijuana is legal for both medical and recreational use in California, veterinarians are legally restricted from prescribing or even recommending cannabis, and could lose their licenses if they did. Yet, even with little science backing the efficacy of cannabis treatments in pets, many owners are still using them on their own, and thankful for the options. Most of the products they use, though not regulated, have cannabidiol, or CBD, which is found in cannabis but doesn’t get pets or humans ‘high.’ Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the compound in cannabis that is known for its psychoactive effects, and there is little to none in these products. Related: Canine Cannabis: Medical Marijuana for Dogs There’s been such ‘success’ among pet owners in the usage that now companies are producing and marketing cannabis products specifically for pets, even though the actual legality of the products is questionable. One such company is TreatWell Health, which is based out of San Francisco. TreatWell sells cannabis tinctures that can be added to a pet’s food or put directly in his mouth. Alison Ettel is the co-founder of TreatWell and she says that a lot of clients are coming to her when there are no other options, particularly when prescribed medications simply don’t work. Ettel says that TreatWell tinctures can help treat things like anxiety, pain, seizures, kidney and liver problems and even cancer and glaucoma. They are also part of end-of-life care routines to make the pets comfortable. What clients say is that the treatments bring their pet’s back to their old selves. TreatWell client Barbara Stein said that when no traditional medicines worked for her aging cats, the cannabis did.

Cannabidiol Soft Chews May Help Dogs With Separation Anxiety

You’ve heard a lot about medical marijuana – it contains phytonutrients that can help inflammation and decrease pain. And increasing, these benefits are available for your dog! Medicinal marijuana is a hot topic. In Canada, a law that will legalize marijuana is set to be passed in spring of 2017. So what benefits does it offer? It contains compounds that affect certain parts of the body differently. Growers of these plants have the ability to use or breed certain stains that contain less compounds. Here’s a short list of some of them: THC: causes the high feeling and may benefit Alzheimer’s disease, MS, Parkinson’s disease, PTSD, cancer, and pain that originates in the nervous system.CBD: called cannabidiol and may benefit cancer, anxiety, chronic pain, psychotic disorders, cancer, epilepsy, and diabetes.CBC: called cannabichromene, and is known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, and antifungal abilities.CBN: called cannabinol, which acts as an appetite stimulant, pain reliever, sedative, and antibiotic.CBG: called cannabigerol, which is helpful against psoriasis, pain, infections (fungal), and tumors. When used medicinally, doctors are able to prescribe a particular constituent of the plant such as CBD to someone with cancer, anxiety and chronic pain. Related link: Canine Cannabis: Medical Marijuana for Dogs In order to get any type of medical marijuana product, the laws in the state you are living in have to be followed. A medical prescription is required and only a certain amount of marijuana products may be purchased at any one time. Medical marijuana and hemp products for dogs are are growing trend. Not only have vets started using it for cancer and arthritis, but also for separation anxiety disorder. Related link: Valerian for Cats: A Safe Alternative to Catnip

Researchers Look To Chinese Herbs To Treat Dog Cancer

A cancer diagnosis for our dogs can mean a shorter lifespan. A Detroit, Michigan pet hospital is looking to use traditional Chinese medicine to treat spleen cancer. A clinical study that began in August is looking to use traditional Chinese herbal medicine to treat dogs with spleen cancer in hopes of prolonging their lives. The study is working with dogs who have canine splenic hemangiosarcoma, which is typically treated by taking the spleen after the tumor has burst and bled. Sadly, the surgery could lead to blood loss that is life-threatening, and because the disease is so aggressive and the survival time after surgery is so short, many dogs only live up to two months longer anyway. The cancer just metastisizes too quickly. Related: Canine Cannabis: Medical Marijuana for Dogs Often chemotherapy is advised after surgery, but the researchers want to see whether or not Chinese herbal medicine protocols will prolong life after surgery of dogs who have no other cancer metasticizing. Dr. Erin Bannink will lead the study and says that they will use Panax notoginseng (San Qi) as the main ingredient in their trial formula. The ginsenosides shown antitumor activity, says Dr. Bannink. She also believes that herbal therapy can help with metastasizing of tumors because they are anti-inflammatory and anti-blood vessel formation. Dr. Bannink believes that dogs who are treated with the herbal protocol after splenectomies will have better survival times and rates over those who only have splenectomies, and can give survival rates that are comparable or even better than others who have splenectomy and chemotherapy treatments. Related: What is Hemangiosarcoma in Dogs? Previously, the hospital has evaluated 14 dogs who had stage II splenic hemangiosarcoma and saw an average survival time of 253 days, along with a 36 percent one-year survival rate. The study will be free to those who have dogs in the trial, and pet owners who are in the Michigan area and have dogs with stage II splenic hemangiosarcoma can volunteer their dogs by emailing info@ovrs.com.

True Leaf Medicine To Offer CBD-Based Dog Treats Made In British Colum

A Canadian company is planning to produce and market products for people and pets that are completely legal wherever the company operates. True Leaf Medicine International, Ltd., is a small Canadian company that makes hemp-seed infused dog products The products help ease joint pain, inflammation and anxiety in dogs, and now, True Leaf Medicine is planning to produce and market products for people and pets that are completely legal wherever the company operates. Related: Canna-Pet Offers Relief to Pets Naturally With CBD-Based Treatments The facility, they hope, will be one that will eventually let True Leaf extract cannabidiol to treat medical issues in humans and in animals. The cannabidiol does not have the psychoactive properties of THC, and Chief Executive Officer Darcy Bomford says that people are looking for alternative ways to treat their pets as they age. Bomford says that a lot of the pharmaceutical drugs available for prescription are effective but they have so many sife effects. Pet parents are looking for more natural remedies, and True Leaf Medicine hopes to fill that search. True Leave launched its hemp-based product line in 2015, and currently sells chews and oils in 1,600 stores in North America and in over 300 European locations. Bomford suggests that the global market for natural pet supplements may be as high as $1.6 billion, and has promises of treating pets with natural options. Related: Canine Cannabis: Medical Marijuana for Dogs True Leaf’s products contain hemp seed, rich in antioxidants that are completely legal in all jurisdictions. They are in the early stages of an R&D program that will investigate the healing properties of the entire cannabis plant, including cannabidiol, but only as one of its components. Bomford says that True Leaf wants to focus on making the quality of life for our pets as good as possible, in an effort to return, even if just a tiny bit, some of the love our pets give to us. They hope that the cannabidiol, which is also known as CBD, will help older dogs’ joints and arthritis pains, as well as possibly ease anxiety and inflammation in all dogs who suffer from those issues. On a personal note, my old golden takes CBD-based supplements and they’ve made her life amazing! So glad to see more options for our furry friends!

Experts: Focus on Quality Of Life For Canine End Of Life Care

What to do for our senior dogs in their end days presents a heart-wrenching dilemma and experts suggest that quality of life should be the focus of any decisions. Puppies and young dogs are adorable and challenging as you train them and they grow into their canine adulthood, but living with and loving a senior dog also has its emotional challenges. Thanks to more research and technology, veterinarians are saying that on average, America’s 70 million dogs are living longer. For those who love their furry family members and agree that a dog’s fault is only his too-short lifespan, that is a good thing. But like all good things…they come to an end, and in doing so, leave pet owners struggling to figure out how to best handle their dog’s last years and days. Related: How To Prepare For Your Dog’s Journey Across The Rainbow Bridge Too often, we who love our pets want to be aggressive in doing whatever needs to be done to extend our pet’s life and keep them with us. My family is facing this now–our 11-year-old golden retriever has a rare tumor inside the bone of her back leg that requires regular pain medicine and vet visits to see if it’s the day we have to make tough decisions. Assistant Professor of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, Dr. Alicia Karas, suggests that a more holistic approach to treatment for end of life care in older dogs may be the more humane way to go. Saying that we sometimes pay more attention to what the obvious issue or the x-ray results say, we often fail to see what an animal’s countenance and behavior are like in the exam room, and pay attention to their quality of life. While the common old-age ailments for humans may be similar to those in dogs, ranging from arthritis to cancer, sometimes veterinarians have to look beyond certain drugs for treatment as other ailments may cause complications. For instance, steroids would be a typical course of treatment for my dog, but because she also has Cushing’s Disease, she cannot take them. We have been limited in the types of pain medications she can have, and for reasons like this, Dr. Karas suggests things other than traditional pharmaceuticals, including massage, physical therapy and therapeutic ultrasound as beneficial for senior dogs. Related: Canine Cannabis: Medical Marijuana for Dogs Oxford, Michigan veterinarian Dr. Stephen Steep also likes to give his clients a selection of treatment plans that include less aggressive methods to ensure a greater quality of life for the remaining days the dog have. For him, the pet’s comfort is the most important thing, and he helps his clients understand that the aging of a dog is not necessarily disease but simply part of the life process. He understands that deep love for pets is what drives their inability to let go of their dog when it’s time, but reminds them that the pet’s comfort is ultimately what it is all about. Dr. Steep gently asks how a dog’s appetite and sleep patterns are, and whether he is still walking normally when taken out. Most times, he says, pet parents realize that the end is there and the best thing to do is to just let go. For us, our vet has recommended that we think of three things our Dixie loves to do, and when it gets to the point that she has difficulty doing two of the three, we need to put her needs and comforts above the ache in our hearts. While we know that day is coming, and dread it, we also agree with the experts that her quality of life is just as important as, if not more than, her physical presence with us, and truly loving her means knowing when to let her go.

How Do I Make a DIY Nail Board for My Dog?

Maintaining your dog’s nails is essential to their overall health and well-being, but it can be challenging if your dog is uncomfortable with the nail clippers and other standard tools. While you could pay to bring your dog to the veterinarian each time a trim is needed, there are other options.Our pup Lucifer is nervous anytime someone touches his paws as a result of injuries to his front legs as a young rescue pup. This means that nail trims are a source of extreme anxiety.While we continue working on counterconditioning and helping him overcome his fears, we knew we needed to find a solution for the here and now. Enter the DIY nail board – a simple, budget-friendly alternative to that dreaded nail trim. The board is an oversized nail file that you then train your dog to use at their own pace. It’s a great way to build your dog’s confidence and strengthen your bond while keeping their nails in shape.Can I Use a Regular Nail File on My Dog’s Nails?While you could use a regular human nail file on your dog’s nails, it likely isn’t going to do the job. A dog’s nails are far stronger than our fingernails. Most emery boards and standard nail files will fail to make a dent in their surface, with many falling apart from the wear. If you want a nail file that can be used on your pet, I recommend purchasing a product specifically for dogs, like the Coastal Pet Safari Dog Diamond Nail File.What is a Scratch Board for Dogs?A scratch board is like a nail file; it provides a coarse surface that will help wear your dog’s nails down. The difference is that it is larger in size. Rather than bringing the file to a dog’s nails, the dog is trained to paw at the board and file their nails down. This means they are in complete control over when their nails touch the surface, which is much more comfortable for dogs that may suffer from stress or anxiety. It also means no one will need to handle their paws during nail care.Do Scratch Boards Work for Dog Nails?Yes! If your dog is taught to use a scratch board, they are a highly effective way of filing down their nails. This works much like how their ancestor’s nails would be worn down in the wild. As a dog runs and walks on rough surfaces or digs through coarse dirt, the tiny particles of dirt and stone wear away at the nail.Domesticated dogs may spend some time outdoors running around or digging, but many don’t engage in these behaviors as much as they would in the wild. They aren’t foraging for food daily or running to avoid predators and hunt down prey. This is why domestic dogs need regular nail maintenance, but wild dogs like wolves and coyotes function fine without this additional level of care.As your dog digs at or scratches the board, their nails run along the coarse surface. This allows you to fast-track the wear and tear they would naturally experience.Where Do I Get a Dog Scratch Board?You can purchase a nail board online or at your local pet store, depending on your preferences and budget. You can also DIY your own nail board. Some of the unique commercially made scratch boards you may want to consider for your dog include: Skuun Dog Scratch Pad for Nails: This is a veterinarian-approved board with an anti-slip surface and treat pocket. Zenly Paws Dog Nail File Toy: It combines a scratch pad with a food puzzle toy to make training your dog to file their nails easier and more enjoyable. LovIntry M-Shaped Dog Scratch Pad for Nails: The unique M-shaped design makes it easier to file the nails further back on your dog’s paws if they only file their front nails on a flat board.

Are Dog Bars the New Dog Park?

Socializing with other pet parents over a cold one, just got easier!

Study Finds Link Between Having a Dog and Girls' Physical Activity

A new study finds that having a furry companion at home could help promote healthy physical activity in children, especially young girls. According to research from the Telethon Kids Institute in Australia, getting a new dog or losing a furry companion is linked with a child’s level of physical activity. This new research shows that having a dog could help promote healthy movement behavior in children. The study's lead researcher, Emma Adams, highlights the positive influence of dog ownership on children’s activity levels, pointing to potential benefits that start from early childhood.“We saw a significant jump in daily physical activity in children whose families acquired a dog over the study period, while those whose families experienced the loss of a dog recorded a steep drop-off in activity,” added Adams.The research teams from Telethon Institute and the University of Western Australia followed 600 children aged between two and seven years old, over a three-year period to determine the impact dog ownership (or loss) has on physical activity levels.The results showed that getting a dog or losing a family companion is associated with significant changes in children’s activity levels. Surprisingly, young girls showed the most significant response.“The results were particularly noticeable in girls, with girls who acquired a dog increasing their light intensity activity and games by almost an hour a day (52 minutes).”“On the flipside, there was a marked drop in light intensity activity and games in girls who experienced the loss of a dog, with their activity dropping by 62 minutes a day,” said Adams according to Independant. Children wore accelerometers during waking hours for seven days at a time to measure sedentary time, screen time, and physical activity. Parents were also asked about their childrens’ activity levels. Half of the children participating in the study didn’t own a dog at any point during the study period, 204 children had a dog for the entire three years, 58 got a dog during the study period, and 31 children lost their furry companion during the course of the study.Data showed that girls who got a dog increased their light intensity activities and games by almost an hour a day (52 minutes). At the same time, girls who lost a dog experienced a decrease of 62 minutes a day in the same activities. Researchers observed that unstructured physical activity, such as walking with the dog or playing in the garden saw an increase for both boys and girls who got a dog during the study. “If we excluded dog walking and playing, there were no changes in the unstructured physical activity, so we could see the changes in physical activity were actually from the addition of those dog-related activities,” said Adams. On the other hand, children who lost their dog decreased their unstructured physical activity by 10.2 sessions a week for girls and 7.7 sessions for boys. “Regular physical activity from an early age is essential for children’s physical and mental health development, but few children or adolescents are meeting recommended daily levels. Our findings indicate that having a dog in the family could help promote healthy movement behaviors in children and reduce their short- and long-term risk of chronic disease.”Although this study discovered a positive link between dog ownership and increased physical activity Adams stresses that it’s not a call for everyone to get a dog. “It’s important to note that we’re not telling families to just go out and get a dog - having a dog comes with many responsibilities and won’t be right for everyone.”Instead, this study encourages dog owners to use canine companionship to increase physical activity. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

New Study Reveals Dogs Can Sniff Out Neurodegenerative Diseases

We all know that doggos have incredible noses and a superb sense of smell. It is tens of thousands of times stronger than our own. This makes us wonder – what secrets can such a sense of smell unveil? Many scientists consider the canine sense of smell a great potential to enhance human lives thanks to its accuracy. And that is exactly what was unveiled in a recent study published in “bioRxiv”, by researchers Samuel V. Johnston and Lisa Holt from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. Thanks to their efforts, and the incredible abilities of doggos, it was revealed that our four-legged friends have the potential to detect neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s disease is a terrible condition, affecting primarily seniors. What is even worse is that this disease has many difficulties in diagnosis, which prevents doctors from accurately identifying the disease in the early stages. But the breakthrough study could change all that! Thanks to doggos and their powerful noses, we could be on the brink of completely changing the way Parkinson’s is diagnosed. “Dogs have an extraordinary olfactory capability, which far exceeds that of humans. Dogs’ sense of smell seems to be the main sense, allowing them to not only gather both current and historical information about their surrounding environment, but also to find the source of the smell, which is crucial for locating food, danger, or partners for reproduction.”  writes Agata Kusiak, from the Institute of Animal Sciences, Warsaw University. “Dogs can be trained by humans to use their olfactory abilities in a variety of fields, with a detection limit often much lower than that of sophisticated laboratory instruments.”Utilizing this remarkable sense of smell, scientists trained 23 dogs of different breeds and backgrounds, to successfully differentiate between samples of both Parkinson’s-positive individuals and Parkinson’s-negative individuals. The results were more than successful, with the dogs showcasing 86% sensitivity and 89% specificity in distinguishing the samples. In many ways, this is a revolutionary study and opens new doors and new possibilities in medical diagnostics. What is even better, it offers new hope for the timely detection of Parkinson’s disease. However, it is important to note that the study is still in relative infancy, and is still awaiting peer review. But the potential here is incredible. If validated, the study could help improve patient outcomes, and help with early diagnosis of this troubling disease.

Scientists Found a New Type of Training that Makes Dogs Better Behaved

Training a dog can seem intimidating, and doesn’t always yield the expected results. Luckily for all dog owners out there, a new study has found another way to train your four-legged companion. Scientists at Aberystwyth University, located in Wales, United Kingdom, have discovered that scent training could improve pet dogs' behavior. The study shows that pet dogs trained to detect scents have a better mental ability and capacity to carry out certain tasks.Previous research only compared highly trained working dogs, like assistance dogs or search and rescue dogs, with untrained pet dogs. Now, for the first time, the researchers have tested the effects of scent training on two groups of untrained dogs. A research team from Aberystwyth University led the study in collaboration with Emma Stoker, owner of Puppy Plus, a dog training company based in Newton, Wales.The study involved 40 dogs of varying degrees of training, whose owners were asked to fill out a questionnaire with basic information about their pet. Researchers gave the dogs two tasks, both requiring impulse control. In the first test, called the “detour task”, the dogs needed to navigate a transparent barrier to get food. The second “A not B task”, tested the dogs’ ability to switch their choice from one pot to another, depending on where food was placed. Researchers separated the dogs into two groups to see whether their ability to detect scents would improve their cognitive ability. The dogs in the first group were given the “detour task” and had to navigate around a transparent barrier to get a treat. In the second group, the researchers said “Look” to the dog to get its attention and then showed it a treat before hiding it under a pot. Dogs in the second group underwent scent training, separated into three phases - familiarization, training, and test phase. In the first phase, only one pot was used. In the training phase, two pots were used, and in the final, test phase, three pots were used.Pate scent was rubbed on all pots to make it harder for the dogs to sniff out where the treat was hidden. If the dog didn’t respond within 20 seconds of being released to find the treat, or if it picked the wrong pot, the dog was shown the treat but wasn’t rewarded. Researchers discovered that dogs who received scent training performed the tasks more efficiently than those who weren’t trained. The study also showed that scent training improved dogs’ inhibitory control and helped them focus on completing a specific task. What’s important for dog owners to know is that poor impulse control is believed to be the main cause of a lot of unwanted behaviors in dogs, such as house soiling and destructive behavior. This new study suggests that scent training could help owners improve their dogs’ behavior. Dr. Sarah Dalesman, the co-author of the study, said: “This research shows that dogs that train primarily in scent work have stronger inhibitory control, suggesting that this training can have a positive effect on their behavior.”“Scent training is offered by a lot of dog trainers, and easy to practice at home. It might offer a great way for owners to improve their pets’ behavior, and we’re aiming to test this theory in future studies.”If scent training isn’t compatible with the way your pup learns, you can try agility or puzzle training. Puzzle training provides mental and physical stimulation and can come in handy when a dog needs to stay home alone or confined. Agility training is another option. Agility is a sport in which you direct your dog through a pre-set obstacle course allowing them to gain problem-solving skills. Try different training activities with your dog to find out what you and your pooch enjoy doing together the most.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Meet the Lancashire Heeler, the AKC's Newest Dog Breed

Say hello to the Lancashire heeler - the American Kennel Club’s 201st recognized dog breed and the newest member of the Herding group. Although small in stature, Lancashire heelers are active and sturdy dogs ready to compete with 200 other dog breeds at thousands of U.S dog shows.“A small, powerful herding dog that thrives on human interaction, this breed would make a great companion for active families that can provide a great deal of love and attention," said Gina DiNardo, American Kennel Club’s Executive Secretary.These small dogs have long bodies and short coats, often black and tan or liver and tan. The Lancashire heeler is a solidly built dog that is around one foot (30 centimeters) tall at the shoulders and weighs up to 17 pounds (7.7 kilograms). Traditionally, Lancashire heelers worked on farms as ratters and herders. Today, these feisty dogs participate in various canine sports and pursuits.“They are gritty little dogs, and they are very intelligent little dogs,” said Patricia Blankenship, who has bred Lancashire heelers for over a decade. “It’s an enjoyable little breed to be around,” she added. The official breed standard calls for Lancashire heelers to be courageous, happy, and affectionate to owner. The owners of these pooches say that happy heelers sometimes pull their lips back and smile. These small but powerful dogs won’t be content to lounge around all the time. They are highly energetic and just as skilled in performance sports as they are in conformation. Lancashire heelers can be found competing in agility, herding, obedience, rally, barn hunt, tracking, disk dog, dock diving, and therapy trials. “There are even a couple that have competed in Earth dog and weight-pull events,” said Sheryl Bradbury, President of the United States Lancashire Heeler Club (USLHC), according to AKC. “It’s a breed that will work hard all day and is happy to curl up at your side and watch the TV news at night.”“The breed is different but in a good way,” said Jeff Kestner, Club Chair of Judges’ Education Committee. “It’s not a run-of-the-mill dog. Its eyes and expression are like magnets. Being a herding breed it's extremely intelligent - it definitely needs a job to do.” According to Bradbury, the biggest misconception about the Lancashire heeler is that it’s adorable and sweet and the perfect size to sit on your lap. “I always caution the buyers to not let a puppy’s cuteness fool you. The minute it is off your lap it may be chewing your shoes or nipping at your heels. Conversely, it will be your loyal best friend.”This cute breed often develops a strong bond with one household member. They will like to interact with the entire family but will pick a favorite person. “It is great with children as long as the children understand how to respect the dog,” added Bradbury. The breed’s origin is packed with mystery but they were first bred in the United Kingdom. The Lancashire heeler is regarded as a “vulnerable native breed” and faces extinction in its homeland. The United Kingdom’s Kennel Club has added an average of just 121 Lancashire heelers to its registry in recent years.Being recognized as a dog breed doesn’t mean that the breed in question is newly created. To officially recognize the Lancashire heeler, the American Kennel Club required proof of a minimum of 20 litters bred with a three-generation pedigree. This guarantees that the breed is established and sustainable. According to Bradbury, there are around 400 Lancashire heelers nationwide but there’s no doubt we’ll see more of these dogs in the future. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Dogs Trained to Detect Ancient Remains Expedite Search for Graves

Canada’s recent discovery of hundreds of tiny unmarked graves attributed to the residential school system has created not only cross-country outrage but also a determination to locate and repatriate the remains of all children who left home to attend these schools but never returned.Within a few weeks, the number of unmarked graves throughout Canada had quickly grown to over 10,000 and the ability to locate and identify additional sites (that would date back decades), had become almost impossible. Particularly since many of the schools had since been razed and pinpointing potential burial areas leaned heavily toward guesswork.The search had to be done respectfully – meaning without the use of large, excavation equipment – however, the need to cover a vast range of land in a timely manner was a challenge.That’s when the search teams decided to bring in the dogs.Part of the Ottawa Valley Search and Rescue Dog Association, German Shepherds, Recce and Taz are proficient in detecting older, archeological remains with drill work that has included using older cemeteries as their training ground. In fact, Historic Human Remains Detection Dogs have been used throughout North America and Europe to identify human remains in archaeological sites that date back hundreds of years… and longer. These dogs can pick up on the much lower scent levels that come from teeth and bones found in ancient graves… and some are even explicitly trained to detect cremated remains where no bones or teeth remain.This switch from bulldozers to the canine duo is a change welcomed by the area’s former residential school students who feel that because dogs have always been part of the Indigenous culture, they offer a natural, more appropriate approach to finding the missing children.According to Archaeology Professor Adrian Burke, dogs make a great option because they are non-invasive. Although it’s not an exact science – they can’t pinpoint an individual grave - they can hone in on a location and this saves time and the need for random digging. Once dogs flag a site, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is used to confirm what lies beneath.By adding Recce and Taz to the search teams, it’s estimated the time needed to cover a couple of acres can be reduced from a few weeks to just a couple of days.While the process is still slow and time-consuming, Indigenous residents confirm it’s about the children’s families understanding what happened to their little ones, being able to bring them home for appropriate burial, and ultimately experiencing a sense of closure and justice.

Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?

When it comes to eating, most dogs will eat just about anything – in fact, if it’s something that’s forbidden for them to eat or something that they really shouldn’t be munching on, their appetite only seems to increase. And unfortunately, that also includes poop. While it is definitely disgusting to see, it actually has a lot of science behind it. The behavior is called  coprophagia, and it is influenced by a lot of major factors. Getting to know them can help you better understand this odd behavior, and help you act accordingly. So let’s learn all about dogs and poop-eating.Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?Believe it or not, eating poop is a fairly common behavior in dogs. In fact, recent studies reveal that it is  in a dog’s DNA to eat poop. It isn’t, however, a behavior that should be ignored completely. Because it can give you insights into the health and mentality of your four-legged friend. If you spot your pet munching on the forbidden fudge, it could signal a major nutritional deficiency. So, basically, if a dog is lacking certain nutrients in their diet, they may seek to fulfill those needs by eating feces. Of course, it can also signal underlying medical issues. It is known that some medical conditions can lead to coprophagia, such as malabsorption disorders or  parasites. Coprophagia can also sometimes stem from behavioral issues, such as stress, anxiety, or boredom. Dogs may resort to eating poop as a way to cope with these feelings or out of sheer boredom. It can also come from simple attention-seeking. Yup, your dog can eat feces as a way to gain attention, especially if they've received a strong reaction from their owners in the past. And, if you notice that your doggo is nibbling on poop in the park or on the street, they could be attracted to the scent. The scent of feces attracts some dogs, especially if it's from another animal. Of course, neglect can also be a viable cause. Dogs that are confined in tight spaces or cages can exhibit unnatural behaviors, such as excessive eating of poop. It can also stem from anxiety, fear, isolation, or from problems related to diet. Either way, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues and to address any behavioral concerns. Of course, ensuring your dog has a balanced diet, plenty of physical and mental stimulation, and positive reinforcement training can help deter this behavior. It can also be wise to supplement your dog’s diet with  quality multivitamins, which can balance their nutritional needs and prevent poop-eating. 

Dog Rescued After Surviving a 60-foot Fall from Michigan Cliff

A family’s trip to one of Michigan’s most beautiful landmarks almost ended tragically, when their dog took a tumble from a cliff. The adventurous dog, named Dancer, was rescued after surviving a 60-foot fall from a cliff and spending a freezing night alone in the wilderness. The three-year-old pooch had escaped her leash and plunged off a steep cliff near Miners Castle, in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore area in Munising, Michigan. The lakeshore runs alongside Lake Superior and is located in Michigan’s Upper Penninsula. The National Park Service (NPS) shared in a news release that Dancer fell 60 feet off a cliff to a ledge below. The dog’s owners spent hours searching the area but were unable to find the dog and were convinced that she didn’t survive the fall. Rangers at the nearby Pictured Rocks Park received a message about the lost pooch and decided to enlist the help of Superior High Angle Rescue Professionals (SHARP), a local rope rescue team, to search for the dog. The following morning SHARP members Erik Olsen, Westley Shaffer, and Tyler Davis went to the area and were able to find Dancer, who was cold, but alive. “Though she has spent the night trying to keep warm, she was excited to see the rescuers,” the service wrote. Dancer, who was described as a “professional troublemaker” didn’t have any reported injuries. The lucky pooch has since been reunited with her family and is recovering well after spending the night alone in the wilderness. The park service noted that Dancer was extremely lucky and although her story has a happy ending, her fall should serve as a reminder to everyone that areas of Pictured Rocks can get very cold and extremely slippery.“With this year’s mild start to winter, many areas of Pictured Rocks are more accessible than they are most years,” Chief Ranger Joe Hughes explained. “It is still important to remember to be prepared for slippery, cold conditions that can change quickly.”Whether you’re planning to hit a local trail with your pooch or are planning a trip to a state park, keep your pooch on a leash. Make sure that your pup’s harness is fitted properly so that your pooch can’t wiggle out of it, even if it tries. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why Is My Dog Licking and Chewing His Paws?

You might think it’s gross, but your pooch certainly doesn’t – canines are known to lick themselves as a way of grooming. While your dog might lick their body thoroughly to keep it clean, sometimes, their self-grooming can be abnormal. If you notice that your pet is licking or even chewing their paws obsessively, it should raise concern. This type of behavior might indicate an underlying medical issue, so here’s what you need to know before you phone your vet.Is It Normal for Dogs to Lick and Chew Their Paws?While some licking of their paws after they get dirty can be perfectly normal, constant licking or chewing of the paws is certainly not usual behavior. There could be several reasons behind this, and it could indicate that your attention and even intervention are needed. Here are some of the most common reasons why dogs lick and chew their paws.Allergies:  Allergies, including food allergies, environmental allergies (such as pollen or dust mites), and contact allergies (for example, from cleaning products or lawn chemicals), can lead to itching and discomfort in dogs. Paw licking and chewing can be a response to this itching. If you suspect that an allergy might be in question, don’t hesitate to visit your vet.Skin irritation or infection: If your dog's paws are red, swollen, or have an unpleasant odor, it may indicate a  skin infection or irritation. Bacterial or fungal infections, as well as foreign objects like splinters or thorns, can lead to serious issues down the road. Again, if you notice any of the above, it’s time to visit the vet.Dry or cracked paw pads: Dry or cracked paw pads can be uncomfortable for dogs. Licking and chewing may be their way of trying to soothe the discomfort. This happens to many dogs, and can be caused by their environment, the surface on which they walk, and many other things. Luckily, you can prevent this with paw wax that will create a barrier between the pads and the walking surface, or treat existing issues with paw butter that soothes and repairs the pads. This particular  2-in-1 paw butter and wax is a favorite of mine because it is made from all-natural ingredients and heals cracked paws in no time – while simultaneously preventing future irritation and dryness. 

Save Big on Ark Naturals Kiss Me-ow Dental Chews and Lickables

Does your cat’s breath make you want to hold yours whenever it gets a little too close? It doesn’t have to be that way.

Can You Use Dog Flea Products on Cats?

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

Is A Wet Dog's Nose Good or Bad?

A dog’s nose is their tool for discovering the world around them through scent, but dog noses are important for much more than sniffing – the state of your pet’s nose can sometimes be indicative of their health. It can be dry and flaky or wet and soft, so what is better? Is a dry nose a bad sign? Or a wet one? Or are they both normal? These are the questions that are often proving to be troubling for dog owners. So let’s try and answer them once and for all!Is A Wet Dog's Nose Good or Bad?A wet dog's nose is usually a sign of good health. Most often, the nose is wet because the doggo is licking it! They do this frequently in order to keep them clean and to enhance their sense of smell. In fact, a moist nose helps them trap scent particles more effectively. The moisture on their nose captures scent molecules from the air, allowing them to better identify and track smells. This ability is crucial for tasks such as hunting, tracking, and even detecting certain medical conditions in humans. 

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