Dog Scooting: The Sad, Scratchy Story Of Oscar’s Ichy Butt

by Amy Tokic

Published: August 9th, 2021

dog scooting the sad scratchy story of oscars ichy butt

Sure, it’s the butt of many jokes, but dog scooting can be a pain in the ass… just ask Oscar!

Oscar has the art of dog scooting mastered. He’s been practicing this graceful dance of his people since I can remember. My hardwood floor gives him little relief, so when Oscar spies rugs and carpeting, he will unashamedly sit down, kick his hind legs forward and drag his arse until satisfaction has been achieved. This isn’t so much of an issue when we’re at close friends’ and family’s houses – they think it’s hilarious. But if it’s at the home of someone new or we’re out in public (the pavement gives him amazing ass-wiping traction), let’s just say that Oscar always makes a lasting impression.

I’ve taken him to the vet numerous times about his dog scooting issues, and as of yet, there’s no solid answers. It’s not his anal sac – that was my first guess. But after an unwelcome finger probing, infection and a full sac was ruled out.

Sure, the vet had plenty of “maybes” and “try this,” but no definitive results or cures. Because there’s no bleeding and he’s not doing it all day long, I get the feeling that Oscar’s derriere dragging is more of a nuance we’re going to have to live with. It’s a bit red at times, but not raw. He licks it occasionally – I’m not sure if he does it to soothe his bum or as a douche move to gross me out (he’ll try to kiss me after a thorough cleaning).

Does your pooch engage in dog scooting? Here are just a few reasons why dogs scoot:

Allergies: When I mentioned the dog scooting issue to the vet and he ruled out anal sac problems, he thought that it could have something to do with Oscar’s diet. If he is allergic to something in his food, it could be causing a bum irritation – as they say, what goes in must come out.

Anal Sac: You know how dogs get to know each other by sniffing butts? That’s because of the anal sac giving off a lovely doggy odor. But sometimes the anal sac can become full, infected or inflamed, which causes an overwhelming urge to itch.

You see, dogs anal sacs release a foul liquid when they poop. Now, that sounds gross, but it’s really important. That’s THEIR smell–their territory marking. It’s like a biomarker that lets other dogs know, “Hey. I was here.”

When your dog has a healthy gut, he’s going to have healthy poop. Simple as that. And that’s important because it’s your dog’s bowel movement that makes sure his anal sacs empty. If the poop is the right consistency and form, it’ll be the perfect pressure to gently express your dog’s anal sacs each time he poops. Perfect pooping means your dog’s anal glands shouldn’t get inflamed. It’s that inflammation that makes the liquid in their sacs get a bit more goopy and glumpy solid, and that means they don’t empty as easily. More, they can get infected, which can lead to itching and scooting to relieve the pain and itch. They can even get so inflamed and irritated they bleed. That’s a ruh-roh you need to address immediately.

Resolution: Work on ensuring your dog’s poop is like it needs to be. One supplement we like a lot is Bernie’s Perfect Poop. Yes, it’s designed for just this reason–to be perfect poop that can help express anal glands each time your dog does his doodie duty. It’s a combination of fiber, pre- and probiotics and digestive enzymes that work together to ensure that your dog’s digestive system moves his poop along as it should through the digestive system. The big, important factor in Bernie’s Perfect Poop for anal gland issues is its fiber content. Perfect Poop is over 50% fiber–premium Miscanthus grass. That fiber helps firm your dog’s stool as it moves through his intestines and that firmness is what will help your dog’s anal glands naturally release. Think of that perfect log of poop being an anal gland massager every time it leaves the shoot. Sounds super glamorous, we know, but the bottom line is that Bernie’s Perfect Poop helps anal glands express on their own because of all the fiber and that’s what you want.

Visit your veterinarian if the problem continues and seems serious. Antibiotic ointment and warm compresses may also be recommended.

“If your dog’s glands look very enlarged or they’re having bloody discharge, it’s time to see your vet,” says Sara Ochoa, DVM. “If the anal glands are very full, we express them. When they are infected, dogs get a round of antibiotics and sometimes pain medication.”

Scooting helps to relieve the pain and discomfort to the area. A vet can discharge the sac and prescribe a dose of antibiotics if necessary. If your dog does have anal sac problems, keeping a close eye (ha!) on his rear end will help prevent flare ups. Have a vet or groomer express the anal sac – although, Oscar scoots right after he gets probed (I don’t blame him).

Grooming: I find that Oscar does more dog scooting than normal after a trip to the groomer. It may be because that area has just been shaved or the shampoo the groomer uses irritates his skin. He zooms around for a few days after a haircut, but it tapers off once the fur starts to grow back. If this is the case for your pup, make sure the groomer knows. Often, express anal glands is part of the trip to the groomer. If your dog’s poop isn’t doing the trick, the groomer will. Just let them know to maybe try to keep a bit more hair so the itchies of new hair growth don’t make them want to scratch.

Cling-Ons: When you have a furry little butt, no matter how cute it is, poop can get stuck. Those dingleberries can make the fur around your dog’s bottom become matted, and get irritated and itchy. Some warm, soapy water can clean up this issue, or if it’s being really stubborn, you may have to cut the poopy mats out. It’s gross, but it’s gotta be done.

Tapeworms: Not all dogs who have tapeworms scoot, but it is a sign of an infestation. If it is worms, you will be able to see the offending buggers in the anus. The good news is they are easy to treat and get rid of. Tapeworms usually come out in full force in the summer time, so keep an eye out for dog scooting during the warmer months.

Manly urges: It’s no secret that men like to scratch their neither regions. Front or back, guys don’t usually have a preference and seem quite comfortable doing it in public. Hey, I get it – an uncomfortable itch or wedgie can drive the sanest of us mad with that intense irritation. So I’m thinking that perhaps Oscar is just trying to express his manly urges. This makes sense to me. He doesn’t have many testosteroney outlets to express himself. While there’s no scientific evidence to back my claim, until I get some solid results from the vet, I’m keeping this one as a front-runner.

Since my vet doesn’t think it’s a problem, I’m stuck with trying to find some relief for Oscar’s itchy issue. Do you have any recommendations? Supplements, herbs, grooming tips – I’m happy to hear them all, so please leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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Dog Mom Musings: The “Buzz” On How To Know If You’re A Pet Paren

I’d like to share a little story about what it means to be a Dog Mom, and how you know you definitely are one. There’s a fly in the house. I’m sure it got in when I left the door open to chat with a neighbor. It’s not the biggest fly I’ve ever seen. In fact, I would say it’s about average size. It’s been trying to get back outside for three days now, and I’m pretty surprised it’s still alive. The fly is buzzing around, going from the kitchen, to the living room, to the bedroom, and back to the kitchen. It knocks against the windows and heads toward the light. It’s perfectly harmless (albeit annoying), and I probably wouldn’t have noticed its presence if it weren’t for Oscar. You see, Oscar is scared of flies. Related: Dog Scooting: The Sad, Scratchy Story Of Oscar’s Ichy Butt You could say that Oscar wouldn’t hurt a fly. And that’s because he’s cowering in his crate or burrowing himself in a pile of clothes or pillows to get away from it. He shakes, and whimpers, and refuses to join me on the couch for a cuddle. Instead, he looks at me with his huge, imploring eyes, almost asking: “Why aren’t you in this crate with me, woman? Don’t you know that the buzzing monster is on the loose and hunting us? All is lost!” And it’s because of all this that I’ve spent the last three evenings trying to kill the surprisingly cagey fly. This is how I know that I’m a “Pet Parent.” Oscar is petrified of a harmless fly, and instead of making fun of him (okay, made I did chide him a little), I’ve spent the better part of three hours with dish towel in my hand, hunting this annoying creature down. An outsider watching this fruitless exercise in futility might think it looks ridiculous, but all I want is Oscar to stop hiding… and to mount that fly’s head above my mantle. Related: Canadian Canine Oscar’s Chilly Response To Winter, Eh! As a Pet Parent and Dog Mom, I go to lengths one would go to for their human kids. They check for monsters under the bed, let them crawl into bed with them when there’s a thunder storm and make up silly stories to explain frightening experiences. Because I don’t have children of the human kind, I thought I’d be spared this ritual. But now that Oscar’s in my life, I’m performing these parenting rites of passage – for my furry kid. Some may say that I’m taking out my maternal instincts on my dog, and once I have kids, Oscar will fall in the order of the family. But here’s the thing – I’ve never wanted human children. For whatever reason, my “baby alarm clock” never went off (or was never wound up). There was no urge to get knocked up when I held someone else’s baby. Sure, they’re cute, but I didn’t feel the need to procreate another human being. But there’s one thing I knew with certainty since I was a kid – I always wanted a house full of dogs. Even as the Editor-in-Chief of PetGuide, I think I’m pretty moderate in terms of my humanization of dogs. I believe I’m just like other Pet Parents out there who love their dogs and worry over them. I like to think that I don’t judge others for the way they raise their dogs, and I understand to others, their dog is not their fur baby – it’s a pet. As long as your dog is getting the care, food, shelter and affection it needs, you’re good in my books. I also know that others think I’m a bit touched in the head, that I go overboard when it comes to Oscar. I bake for dogs, but not for people. Oscar has a fully stocked winter wardrobe and is the proud owner of a closet of adorable fashions and Halloween costumes. And I drive an hour from where I live to drop him off at his GrandMoe’s house when I’m out of town… just so that he’s comfortable and spoiled while I’m gone. Perhaps humanization isn’t the right word for how I feel about Oscar. I know he’s a dog. I know that he’s not going to be around as long as I want him to. But I also know that we’re our own little family. He’s more to me than just a furry roommate who occasionally drags his butt on the floor and pukes on the couch. He’s more than just a responsibility that makes me look outside of myself and care for another living creature. He’s more than just a best friend who waits at the top of the stairs every day for me to come home so he can perform his adorable happy dance for me alone. And that’s why I’m a Pet Parent – because he is pure joy, happiness and love. Oscar deserves a dedicated Pet Parent for all he gives me… and that’s why I will gladly transform into the Super Fly Ninja to ensure any fly that crosses my doorway will be smooshed.

What Is Giardia In Dogs?

Does your dog have a belly ache? Learn more about the parasite behind giardia in dogs. We all enjoy watching our dogs run at the local off-leash park, explore a woodland trail or just romp in their own backyard; however free-ranging can incur an unexpected – and unwelcome – outcome in the form of giardia. Giardia or giardiasis is an intestinal infection brought on by ingesting parasites found in the feces of other animals or from drinking contaminated standing water. While it can occur in both dogs and cats, it’s most common in dogs and is considered “zoonotic” meaning it can be passed between animals and humans. That said, pet owners need not worry – while multi-pet households can be at risk of more than one animal becoming infected, the chance of you being similarly affected is quite small. The human strain is different from that of the animal strain and you will typically see it referred to as “Travelers Diarrhea”, a malady more likely to be picked up from drinking contaminated water at vacation hot-spots than from cuddling with Fido. Related: My Dog Has Diarrhea – How Do I Treat It? What Causes Giardia in Dogs? Simply put, dog can contract giardia by consuming – or even just sniffing out – infectious cysts that are either shed in another animal’s feces or are living in a contaminated water source. Once ingested, the cysts open and active forms of giardia attach to the walls of the intestine before reproducing. Eventually they build new cysts around themselves and pass from the pet’s body via feces to begin the cycle again. Symptoms and Types Symptoms are more evident in younger dogs than in older pooches and can be either sudden (acute), temporary (transient), non-continuous (intermittent), or ongoing (chronic) in nature. The most common symptom is diarrhea and if left untreated, serious GI inflammation, mal-absorption and other digestive issues, along with weight loss can occur. Related: Dog Scooting: The Sad, Scratchy Story Of Oscar’s Ichy Butt It is important to note that not all infected dogs display such obvious signs of tummy troubles. Pet parents should be cognizant of sudden lethargy, vomiting or weight loss in their dog and get him in for a good once-over by your vet. Treatment of Giardia in Dogs Your vet will want to rule out other potential causes prior to recommending treatment options, however the therapy for giardia in dogs is typically performed on an outpatient basis and the prognosis is good. The most common drug used to kill the cyst is the antibiotic metronidazole, which is administered for five to seven days. Another anti-parasitic drug, fenbendazole may also be used in conjunction with metronidazole and other drugs may be required as supplemental therapy if dehydration or severe diarrhea is present. To be completely effective, treatment does require thorough follow-up to insure the parasite has been completely cleared from your pet’s body. And it’s important that once your pet has been treated for giardia that you thoroughly wash down and disinfect their bed and sleeping area, allowing it to dry completely before giving your pet access. Because the cysts cannot thrive in a dry environment, care should always be taken to avoid allowing your pet’s bedding/habitat to remain wet or damp for extended periods of time.

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The Unseen Threat: Dangers of Secondhand Smoke for Your Pet

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

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Neutering Rottweilers May Shorten Their Lifespan, Study Finds

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

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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. 

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 Rabbit Eating Poop and How Do I Stop It?

It’s a weird and uncomfortable habit, but if your rabbit is eating poop, it may not be a sign of health issues! In fact, for rabbits, eating poop may actually be a healthy decision (even if we’d prefer not to see it).In this article, we’re diving into the mystery of why rabbits eat poop, including why you may want to let your rabbit engage in this “cringey” habit. Plus, we’ll look at the warning signs that something is, indeed, off and when you should contact your veterinarian.Let’s get started…Is it Normal for a Rabbit to Eat Their Poop?Obviously, seeing your rabbit eating their own feces isn’t something any rabbit parent enjoys. If this is your first time seeing your rabbit engaging in this behavior, it may even cause serious concerns. What could possibly be so wrong with your rabbit’s system that they would feel tempted to do that? You may be surprised to learn that this is incredibly common and, in many cases, a regular part of their digestive process. By eating a specific type of poop, they ensure that they are getting (and keeping) all the nutrients that they need to support a healthy, happy life. The idea of chowing down on our own waste is disgusting to us. But for our furry friends, this is a normal part of their daily routine. Rabbit Poop vs Cecotropes To better understand the connection between poop eating and your rabbit’s health, we need to learn about the different types of rabbit waste. More specifically, we need to know about cecotropes. When we go to the bathroom, we have one type of solid waste – a material we couldn’t imagine getting near, let alone making into a meal. Rabbits, however, pass two different types of droppings. The first is fecal waste or poop. If your rabbit has a healthy, functioning digestive system, these will be small, round, dry, ball-like pellets that are light brown. This is often found in your rabbit’s litter box (if they are litter-trained) or the bottom of their cage.The second and the most important type of droppings are cecal pellets or cecotropes. These have the appearance of a small bunch of grapes with several round pellets clumped together. They are shiny, coated in mucus, and usually dark brown/mulberry color. The mucus is sticky, which could cause the cecotropes to pick up a layer of hay, wood shavings, or fur from their environment. While feces is the body’s way of discarding everything your body doesn’t need from your food, aka the ‘waste,’ cecotropes are a little different. These pellets contain partially digested foods that passed through your rabbit’s system without the nutrients being absorbed the first time. They are packed with nutrients as well as helpful bacteria and fungi that support a healthy gastrointestinal system. When you see a rabbit eating their waste, they are usually eating these cecotropes. This allows them to absorb the much-needed nutrients that would otherwise be lost.

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: 

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The Latest Pet Industry Trends from Global Pet Expo 2024

On March 20-22, 2024, pet industry professionals from across the globe gathered at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, for the Global Pet Expo. Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and the Pet Industry Distributors Association (PIDA), the exhibit floor showcased 1,100+ companies, including 300 first-time exhibitors. This included 1,000+ product launches, the latest pet industry news, a packed New Products Showcase, and more! But what did we discover while attending the show? Here are some of the hottest trends in the industry, as seen at this year’s show: Mind the BudgetIn the last decade, we have seen a growing interest in spoiling our pets regardless of the cost. However, following the events of 2020, many pet parents are feeling the pinch that is society’s current financial state. So, how do we reconcile the two? Many brands came into this year’s show with a focus on providing high-quality pet care with a budget-friendly mindset. This included two distinct approaches. Some companies focused on finding ways to keep the price point low. This included changes to production, simplified designs, and sourcing quality supplies at a fraction of the cost. They then transferred these savings directly to the consumer, allowing you to spoil your pets without breaking the bank. The other trend we saw was to create premium products that, while requiring an upfront investment, are designed to last for years to come. By not having to replace them repeatedly, you will save money over the product's lifespan. Overall, we were excited to see so many ways pet parents can improve their pet’s quality of life, even when finances are tight. Sustainability for the Future A growing understanding of the impact of our pets on the environment has put pressure on the pet industry to find ways to prioritize sustainability. Some experts say that caring for a medium-sized dog can have a similar carbon footprint to driving a large SUV. How do we address this without giving up our pets? We saw several brands rising to the challenge! There was a growing number of companies creating adorable and functional toys from recycled materials. Snugarooz had a wide assortment of brightly colored, crinkly, and squeaky plush toys made from recycled water bottles. WestPaw added more products to their popular Seaflex line of 100% recyclable toys made with recycled ocean-bound plastic. We also saw a focus on sustainability in pet food and treats. One company that really stood out was Arch Pet Food. The company previously demonstrated their commitment to eco-friendly pet ownership by introducing alternative proteins in their food and treats. One product that we found very impressive was the Dehydrated Copi treats, made from an invasive species in our waterways. Other shifts towards sustainability included changes in packaging to reduce unnecessary plastics, the use of hemp-based bedding for small animals, and more sustainable decisions being made during production.

Dog Ran A Mile to Her Doggy Daycare Center for Help After A Car Crash

A frightened dog ran a mile through heavy traffic to its doggy daycare to get help after she and her owner were in a car crash. Melisa Fickel, the dog’s owner, said that Aries, a three-year-old pit bull mix has always been a smart pooch. The pup, who was adopted in 2020, learns tricks quickly and loves to play in the park. Aries recently got a chance to show exactly how smart she is. The pooch and her owner were heeded to a local park in Detroit, Michigan when another car hit them from behind. Luckily, no one was injured, and both vehicles sustained only minor damages. However, the car accident spooked Aries, prompting her to jump out of the car’s window and run off into traffic. “I had the windows down because Aries likes to hang her head out,” said Fickel to a local TV station. “As soon as there was that smack, as soon as I felt and heard it, almost instantaneously, she was out the window.”Fearing the worst, Fickel was concerned about her pup’s safety. While dealing with the police and her insurance company, her mind was preoccupied with all the ways Aries could be in danger,“I can’t really think about it because so many things could have happened,” she added.What Fickel didn’t know is that Aries ran about a mile down the road, to the safest place she could be in - the Hounds Town Metro Detroid, the doggy daycare she frequently visits. Security footage recorded at the daycare showed Aries arriving at the center during the staff’s noon break when employees usually shut down the lobby to clean and catch up with other tasks. According to Dominic Pace, the daycare’s general manager, he and another employee were in the lobby when they saw something outside. “We noticed something dart past the front door,” said Pace. “It was like a black blur that just went past.”Thinking that they might have seen a dog, Pace went outside and found Aries standing by the sidewalk leading to the daycare’s front door. The pooch was panting and looked scared. Once inside the daycare, Aries has calmed down. Pace thought the dog looked familiar, so he called Travis Odgen, the daycare’s owner. At first, Odgen thought that it might be a stray dog, but as he got a better look, he instantly recognized Aries. “I was like, ‘Oh, that looks like Aries’ and then she walks closer and I’m like ‘That is Aries!’” he said. “I start to pet her and she gives me kisses, and she rolls over for me, recognizing me.”Although happy to see Aries, Odgen was confused to see the pooch without her owner. He immediately called Fickel to find out what was happening and to tell her that her dog was in the daycare.Everything made sense once Odgen learned about the fender bender and Aries’ escape. He assured the pup’s owner that she was safe and sound, minus a small cut on her paw. The staff promised to look after the pup until her owner sorted out everything and was able to pick her up.According to Pace, Aries is a very friendly and sweet dog who loves to flop on her back, expecting belly rubs from anyone nearby. “Dogs do have an intuition of knowing where they are and where they can be safe,” he said. “She knows that she’s safe here, that she has people here that will take care of her and dogs are pretty intuitive when it comes to that kind of thing.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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