Shelter Spotlight: Adopt-A-Bull Rescue, Inc.

by Amy Tokic

Published: February 27th, 2014

shelter spotlight adopt a bull rescue inc

Adorabully cute and noble, Adopt-A-Bull Rescue helps Bulldogs in need

We’re so pleased to present a new feature here on PetGuide.com – our Shelter Spotlight. Our purpose is to highlight some of the shelters that don’t make it into the spotlight and the public’s attention, even though they fight the good fight each and every day. This month’s Shelter Spotlight shines on Adopt-A-Bull Rescue, Inc.

Based out of South Florida, Adopt-A-Bull Rescue is a 501c3 not-for-profit English Bulldog Rescue organization in South Florida. Made up of Bulldog lovers and volunteers, these passionate people step in when Bullies need an “intervention.” The dogs that come into their re-homing and rescue program are from animal shelters where they would otherwise be facing euthanasia. Other Bulldogs are strays, while others are surrenders. They all share a common need – the need for a loving forever home that can accommodate the special needs of a Bulldog.

Just one of the struggles Adopt-A-Bull Rescue is faced with is raising the funds to properly care for and rehabilitate the dogs in their custody. Some of these dogs arrive in bad shape and need medical care and training therapy before they can be placed with an adoptive home.

As well, these Bullies don’t just go to anyone. This organization is committed to giving their rescue Bulldogs with the highest quality of life, so families are chosen based on if the household in question can allow the dog to thrive.

If you’d like to learn more about Adopt-A-Bull Rescue, Inc. or would like to help this organization, please visit the official website. You can also see a list of Bulldogs that are available for adoption or fill out an application to be a foster parent. If you can’t adopt, you can always donate or buy one of their fundraising items, like Bulldog-Opoly, Adopt-A-Bull mousepads and T-shirts, and Bulldog Tattoo sunglasses.

Way to go Adopt-A-Bull! Keep up the good work!

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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Holiday Gifts for Your Cats: Tips and Recommendations

Your cat is a member of your family, so why not include them in the gift giving tradition of the holidays by getting them something special? With a wide range of pet products on the market, you can find an item that your kitty is sure to love, and you can make sweet memories in the process. Whether you have a stocking for your furbaby or you plan on wrapping a little gift for them, here are some holiday gift ideas for cats to help you get started.

Watch This Brave Cat Save Her Dog Sibling from a Coyote Attack

Who said that there is no love between cats and dogs? This touching story proves that some bonds between a cat and a dog are so strong that one would risk their life for the other! The event took place in Edmond, Oklahoma, where a tiny pooch was miraculously saved from a vicious coyote attack– by none other than a feisty cat. At first glance, Oakley, a white Havanese dog, and Binx, a black cat, seem to belong to completely different worlds. But even so, they are family. Lane Dyer, the owner of the two, explains for Oklahoma News how the attack - and the daring rescue - came to be.“I was kind of inspired by it, quite frankly,” she said. The event occurred on November 30th, when the 6-year-old Havanese dog, Oakley, was let outside to go to the bathroom. “Out of nowhere she was attacked by a coyote,” said Dyer. Soon enough, another coyote came rushing.

Scientists Finally Identify Mystery Dog Illness Sweeping America

If you are a dog owner in the United States, you have likely already seen the news reports about the mystery illness responsible for the deaths of several dogs, prompting veterinary professionals to caution pet parents about taking their pets out to public spaces. But we may finally be able to spot the light at the end of the tunnel… Dr. David Needle, pathology section chief at the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture at the University of New Hampshire, reported that scientists have finally identified the cause of the illness. While this doesn’t mean that life for our dogs can return to normal immediately, it does mean that they are one step closer to finding a cure and moving past this nightmare. The research article has yet to be published, but the team is sharing their initial findings to provide hope for pet parents and the veterinary community. The pathogen responsible for the mystery respiratory illness is described as “a funky bacterium.” “It’s smaller than a normal bacterium in its size and in the size of its genome,” explained Needle. “Long story short, it’s a weird bacterium that can be tough to find and sequence.” Searching for the cause of this illness wasn’t easy for researchers. Initially, there were no known bacterial, viral, or fungal pathogens, meaning they were searching blind. However, after testing 30 samples from New Hampshire, genetic material from an atypical bacterial species was discovered. The next step in understanding the cause of the illness and working towards a cure (and possible preventative) is to compare these findings to samples from dogs in other states to verify that it is, in fact, the same pathogen in all reported instances. States with possible cases of the disease include: CaliforniaColoradoFlorida Georgia IdahoIllinois IndianaMarylandMassachusettsNew HampshireOregonPennsylvania Rhode IslandVermontWashingtonOne challenge faced by veterinarians is the fact there is no test to confirm that all reported cases are, in fact, the same illness. What Are the Warning Signs?Common symptoms resemble respiratory infections like canine influenza and kennel cough, conditions usually seen in higher numbers at this time of year. Luckily for the human members of our family, there are currently no reports of the illness being transferred to humans. Veterinarians recommend watching out for the following symptoms: Coughing or sneezing WheezingDifficulty breathingNasal or eye dischargeDehydration Loss of appetite Weight loss FeverLethargyHow Can You Keep Your Dog Safe? Until a cure has been identified, dog parents are encouraged to focus on preventative measures. Ensure your dog’s vaccinations are current, protecting them against known respiratory problems. Avoid public spaces like dog parks, doggy daycare, and grooming establishments where dogs may be exposed to the illness. If you must go to a public space, steer clear of shared food and water dishes. Your dog will be just as happy to spend this time playing with you as they would with another dog!If you notice any signs of respiratory trouble or illness, don’t panic. Contact your veterinarian to share your concerns and make an appointment.

What Happens if Dogs Eat Cat Food?

A multi-pet household is always full of adventures, and even more so when you have both cats and dogs. While there are many fun aspects to sharing your life and your home with multiple pets, there are quite a few challenges, as well – such as making sure everybody’s keeping their nose in their own food bowl. We all know that dogs tend to have healthy appetites and are not picky, which means they’ll often try (and succeed) in eating cat food when given the chance.While not the  worst thing a dog can eat when sharing a home with a cat (litter and its contents seem to be irresistible to some canines), kitty kibble certainly isn’t the best type of food for your dog, either. But what happens if dogs eat cat food? Can it be harmful to them? And are cat and dog foods really that different? Here’s what you need to know.What Happens if a Dog Eats Cat Food?Let’s face it: if a dog eats cat food occasionally, it's usually not a cause for concern. The worst that can happen is an upset stomach or a bit of diarrhea. The main cause is the fact that cat food is formulated differently from dog food, containing higher levels of protein and fat, which can be harder for dogs to digest. If a dog eats cat food regularly, however, it can lead to digestive issues such as upset stomach, diarrhea, or even  pancreatitis due to the higher fat content. In other words, sneaking food from the cat’s bowl once or twice won’t be an issue – but repeated consumption most definitely will. What is more, cat food lacks certain nutrients that dogs need in their diet, such as adequate levels of vitamin E and taurine. So, while an occasional nibble might not harm your dog, it's best to prevent regular access to cat food to avoid potentially considerable health problems.Another reason why doggos should steer clear of cat food on a regular basis is weight gain. Cat food has a quite higher fat content, which can lead to weight gain in dogs. All the excess weight (which can pile up quite quickly) will lead to a lot of health issues, like diabetes or joint issues. If your pooch likes to sample cat food, they might also experience an upset stomach, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea. This is because cat food contains much more protein than the usual dog food. Higher levels of protein are harder to digest for dogs, and this results in gastrointestinal discomfort. A home remedy for an upset tummy in dogs – if it’s due to eating a bit of kitty food – could be providing  dog probiotics in combination with a bland diet for a day or two, until they’re feeling better. 

How Often Should I Clean My Bird's Cage?

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

Enigmatic Respiratory Illness Targets Dogs – These Are The Symptoms

A mysterious and seemingly quite dangerous dog respiratory illness is spreading across the United States– and has veterinarians perplexed. This illness is compared to pneumonia, as it starts with coughing and gradually worsens. To make matters even worse, the illness seems to be resistant to common antibiotics.Officials are now releasing  statements that say dogs are most likely to contract this enigmatic illness directly through contact with other dogs. What this means is that the danger lurks in dog parks, grooming salons, kennels, and any other place where a lot of dogs can be found.While there are some enigmatic aspects to the disease, there are ways, luckily, to recognize it quickly. The most common symptoms to keep an eye out for are coughing, trouble breathing, wheezing, sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, fatigue, lethargy, and so on. According to the Oregon Department of Agriculture, dogs who exhibit these symptoms may also test negative for common causes of respiratory illnesses. Needless to say, owners who spot these symptoms in their dogs should go to the vet immediately. In the meantime, vets are advising owners to avoid places with a lot of dogs for the time being, and also to make sure that their pets are “up to date” with all the necessary vaccinations. And although it is a new illness, officials at the Oregon Department of Agriculture have said that three main categories of cases can already be observed.Chronic mild-moderate tracheobronchitis with a prolonged duration (6 to 8 weeks or longer) that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics. Chronic pneumonia that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics.Acute pneumonia rapidly becomes severe and often leads to poor outcomes in as little as 24-36 hours.Checkups are advised, of course, and vets urge owners to schedule visits before exposing their dogs to potentially dangerous environments. According to officials, the illness had been reported in the following U.S. states: Washington, Idaho, Illinois, California, Indiana, Florida, Georgia, Colorado, Oregon, and New Hampshire.“Reduce contact with large numbers of unknown dogs.” the officials advise. “Just like with other respiratory pathogens, the more contacts your dog has, the greater the risk of encountering a dog that’s infectious.”While experts advise dog owners to be careful, but not to worry too much without a reason. Needless to say, you should avoid contact with dogs that look sick or exhibit symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or runny nose and eyes. Do your best to keep your dog away from them. Another thing to avoid is communal water sources from which many dogs drink. And if your four-legged friend exhibits these symptoms, make sure to keep them at home in order to keep other dogs safe – and of course contact a vet to make sure they get the right treatment on time.

A New Four-Legged Robot May Soon Replace Guide Dogs

Robots aren’t only taking human jobs! Our four-legged colleagues may soon need new jobs because there’s a new AI-powered robot guide dog in town. Named RoboGuide, the four-legged robot guide dog was born and bred at the University of Glasgow. The research team that created the robotic pooch, says that RoboGuide could help blind and visually impaired people move more freely in indoor spaces. Their new design solves some of the most common problems in assistive tech.“One significant drawback of many current four-legged, two-legged, and wheeled robots is that the technology which allows them to find their way around can limit their usefulness for the visually impaired,” said Olaoluwa Popoola, the project’s principal investigator. “Robots which use GPS to navigate, for example, can perform well outdoors but often struggle in indoor settings, where signal coverage can weaken. Others, which use cameras to ‘see’, are limited by the line of sight, which makes it harder for them to safely guide people around objects or around bends.”To overcome these limitations, the RoboGuide uses a series of sensors that analyze its surroundings. Software created by the team allows the robotic pooch to find optimal routes between locations and interpret sensor data in real-time, so it can avoid hitting obstacles while guiding a blind or visually impaired person.This robotic pooch also obeys its owner. Thanks to large models, RoboGuide understands speech, and can even talk to its handler. The RoboGuide was showcased at the university’s Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Center. The team working on the prototype said that the robotic pooch uses several innovative technologies and that their goal is to release a complete version in the following years.Professor Muhammad Imran, dean of graduate studies at the James Watt School of Engineering and co-investigator on the project said: “Our assistive technology project for the visually impaired embodies innovation, fostering inclusivity.”“In Glasgow, we’re pioneering world-changing technologies that hold the potential to transform lives and reshape societal norms. This achievement was made possible through collaboration with industry and charity partners and co-creating the design with the invaluable input of end users.”The prototype was tested for the first time with volunteers at the Hunterian, Scotland’s oldest museum, in December. During the trial,  the robotic pooch guided the volunteers around the museum and provided interactive speeches on six different exhibits. With an estimated 2.2 billion people in the world living with some form of vision loss, the team hopes to create a commercial product to help guide visually impaired people indoors.“Ultimately, our aim is to develop a complete system which can be adapted for use with robots of all shapes and sizes to help blind and partially sighted people in a wide range of indoor situations,” said Wasim Ahmed, who’s also a co-investigator on the study.  The RoboGuide project is backed by two leading charities. Both the Forth Valley Sensory Centre Trust (FVSC) and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) are supporting the development of RoboGuide. “Mobility is a big issue for the blind and partially sighted community,” said Jacquie Winning, the chief executive of FVSC. “RoboGuide is a wonderful solution to that problem, and we are delighted to help test this innovative and creative robot.”James Adams, the director of RNIB Scotland, added: “We’re delighted to be supporting the research and development of technology that could be part of making the world more accessible and empowering blind and partially sighted people to live their lives confidently.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Lost Dog Rescued After Surviving Six Years Alone in the Woods

A senior dog found living in the woods in the U.K. has been rescued and is now looking for a loving home.The dog, named Rose, was first spotted near Crawley Down in West Sussex, England. The Lost Dog Recovery UK South shared in a social media post that they’ve received a message from a concerned member of the public about a small black dog running in the road.The person who saw the dog “stopped the traffic” and let the pooch disappear into the woods, knowing it’s best not to follow. After visiting the nearest property, the person learned that locals were familiar with the dog and that drivers often stopped by saying that the pooch had been on the road. The locals explained that the dog was a stray fed by people.The individual who spotted the dog was troubled by the idea of a dog living in the woods and contacted the Lost Dog Recovery rescue organization with this information. Knowing that this could be a case of an “owned dog allowed to roam” the organization decided to investigate by setting out food for the pooch along with cameras to track its movements. The dog was caught on camera five times in two days and by the third day appeared to be waiting for meals.The organization also talked with residents in the area about the dog and were told that the dog was a stray who lived locally for about ten years. The residents also said that the dog should be left alone because was in good condition, fed, and cared for. After talking about this situation with another household, which has been leaving food for wildlife and were allegedly responsible for the dog’s care, the rescue decided to help the dog. Over the following week, the organization established a feeding schedule and confirmed that the pooch was indeed a senior dog. They set a trap for the dog by serving a warm roast chicken and managed to catch her.“Understandably she was shocked and scared, but very gentle, and was taken immediately to the warmth and safety of kennels,” the organization shared.  After taking her to the kennels, the organization made a shocking discovery - the dog was microchipped! Her name was Rose and she had gone missing from her owners less than 24 hours after they adopted her in 2017! A now 12-year-old Patterdale terrier, Rose, has gone missing from Ashurst Woods, located only six miles away from Crawley Down, where the organization found her. Unfortunately, there was no happy reunion for Rose. The organization managed to contact Rose’s registered owners, but they explained that they were in no position to take her back since their circumstances had changed dramatically and they had moved away. “After the initial shock, our absolute joy at finding a long-lost dog is tinged with sadness as there is no happy reunion for Rose; she never got the chance to know the love of her family,” the organization said in a post. They added that Rose is going to need time, patience, and rehabilitation, and being a senior dog she’ll likely need ongoing vet care and medication. Rose is going to be cared for by Last Chance Animal Rescue in Edenbridge, U.K. After sharing Rose’s story, the rescue received several inquiries about her from families willing to adopt her and give her a safe, warm, and loving home.“Please don’t leave a dog straying for longer than they have to be...not only for them and their wellbeing but also for the sake of humans who love them,” the organization added. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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

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

Bella the Cat Breaks the Guinness World Record for Loudest Purr

A 14-year-old cat from Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, UK has broken the Guinness World Record for the loudest purr by a domestic cat (living). Bella produced a purr measuring 54.59 decibels. To give you a better picture, Bella’s purr was as loud as the sound of a boiling kettle and almost as loud as the sound of a washing machine.Bella’s owner, Nicole Spink, explained to Guinness World Records that her cat’s special talent comes naturally: “She purrs all day long. If there’s food around or cuddles, she always purrs.”“Also when watching TV - she likes to be loud with television. My late husband used to always moan about the sound of her purr blocking the sound of the TV in the evenings.”The Spink family has always known that there’s something special about Bella’s purr. “Friends and family always notice Bella’s loud purr, everyone comments ‘what’s that loud noise? Oh, it’s the cat’. It’s just Bella being happy!”One day, while leafing through the Guinness World Record book, Ms Spink and her daughter decided to perform a test. They downloaded a phone app that recorded and measured Bella’s purr, confirming their suspicions.An app can be a good indicator of a purr’s sound level, but a sound engineer is the only person who can measure it correctly. When the day of the official attempt came, Ms Spink was nervous that Bella wouldn’t want to purr. “She’s a stubborn little old lady and she does how she pleases. It’s very much Queen Bella’s world.”Bella’s record-breaking attempt was overseen by Dave Willson, the Official Guinness World Records adjudicator. “It’s always an exciting day when there is the potential for a new record, so we waited in anticipation to see whether Bella would be able to do it.”Mr Wilson and an independent sound engineer prepared the room in Spink’s family home to block out external noises and set up recording devices. The sound level meter used was kept at a one-meter distance from Bella, as well as a one-meter distance from the ground, following certified instructions. To beat the previous world record, Bella had to purr louder than 50 decibels. According to Mr Wilson, “the results were immediately obvious.”It seems that food might be the reason Bella purrs so loudly. When talking about the record-breaking attempt Ms. Spink said: “I fed her a bowl of Whiskas and then brought her into the room, laid her in her bed and she started purring, just like that!”As you can see, Bella is extremely motivated by food. According to her owner, Bella purrs loudly every time there’s a bowl of food in front of her. Despite her advanced age, Bella sprints to her bowl as soon as she sees a package of her food. A typical day in Bella’s life revolves around three things - food, sleep, and cuddles. Bella will wake up in my bed, she always wakes me up early and asks for her food. Then she’ll ask my kids or anyone else who comes into the house for more food. Then she will sleep, and then she’ll want more food and cuddles. Food and sleep is pretty much her life!”And that’s what you call a purrfect life!While Bella’s 54.59-decibel purr was loud enough to break the world record for a living cat, the record for the loudest purr ever belongs to two other cats - Merlin and Smokey. In 2011, a Northampton cat, Smokey, owned by Lucinda Ruth Adams, was recorded purring at a shocking noise level of 67 decibels. That’s more than 13 decibels louder than Bella’s record-breaking purr. Five years later, Smokey’s record was equated by Merlin, owned by Tracy Westwood in Devon. Smokey and Merlin are still co-holders of the record for the loudest purr by a domestic cat. 

How to Clean Dog Diarrhea From Carpet

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

World’s Largest Cruise Ship Welcomes a Super Cute Dog as a Resident

“Icon of the Seas” might have been known as the largest cruise ship until this year, but now, everybody will know it as the ship with a permanent doggy resident – Rover, a cute Lab with (apparently) four sea legs!Ever since coming on board, Rover has been the focus of social media posts by the cruise ship’s crew members. Based on the posts, the adorable pooch boarded the ship while it was stationed in Ponce, Puerto Rico, just as it was about to finish its journey in Miami, Florida. And soon enough, Rover, who is a young  Labrador Retriever, became the ship’s very own mascot and likely everybody’s favorite resident.After all, Rover was so friendly and loveable that it took only one day for the crew to decide that he would become the permanent resident of the vessel – that takes some serious charm, ya know?“Meet Rover,” one Instagram post said, “the Resident Mascot of the Icon. He just came on board today. He’s a friendly Labrador who’s going to be the permanent resident of the World’s Largest Cruise Ship, Icon of the Seas.”The crew all quickly gathered around to ensure that Rover would be given the best possible care in his new role of “Chief Dog Officer”. Allison, one of the crew members is originally from Australia and has been a member of the crew for five years. She ensures that Rover receives plenty of treats and a ton of love. "As a crew member on Icon, Rover's job is to bring joy to her fellow crew and guests onboard. All the while, she gets to explore the Caribbean shores and beautiful ports," she said. Even though Rover had been on the ship for just a short time, he did not fail to capture everyone’s heart. He enjoyed walks on the “lido” deck and even visited the Captain in The Bridge - a privilege reserved only for the select few. And, in no time, many other crew members chimed in on social media welcoming the doggo onboard. "We are absolutely thrilled to introduce our newest team member, Rover, who has joined us as a permanent resident aboard the magnificent Icon of the Seas," said  @godwin_fernandes2000.So much so, that even Royal Caribbean, the company behind the Icon of the Seas, posted about Rover on their own official account! Now, Rover found his new forever home – in the unlikeliest of all places: a cruise ship. And if you want to follow the adventures of this sea-faring puppy, be sure to check out his Instagram account  @chiefdogrover where they’ll be documented!

First-ever Canine Parvovirus Treatment Offers Hope for Sick Puppies

Parvovirus - a single word no dog owner wants to hear. Canine parvovirus is one of the most deadly conditions that affect thousands of puppies in the U.S. yearly.Until now, there has been no specific cure for parvovirus, with treatment relying on supportive care. But that changed in May when USDA granted a conditional license for the first-ever canine parvovirus treatment.Developed by Elanco Animal Health Incorporated, the Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody is a single-dose intravenous injection that has been shown to reduce the length of hospital stay and increase the survival rate of dogs diagnosed with parvovirus. In Elanco’s clinical trials, “zero dogs died when treated with Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody,” said Kristen Zersen, DVM, DACVECC, assistant professor of small animal emergency and critical care at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. That’s fantastic news considering that parvo’s mortality rate is around 91% for dogs not treated with supportive care.While the treatment efficiency study focused on eight-week-old puppies, Zersen said that safety studies have shown that the treatment is well tolerated by puppies as young as six weeks old. “The puppies treated with Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody had significantly faster times to resolution of vomiting, inappetence, and lethargy,” said Zersen. Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody is the first and only treatment available for parvo which affects around 330,000 dogs each year. Administered intravenously in a single dose, this groundbreaking treatment works by binding to the virus directly, preventing it from entering into host cells. Another great thing about this treatment is that it can be given to dogs at any stage of the disease. The effects of the treatment may vary from one dog to the next but according to Zersen, “Overall the treatment makes for less time, less worry, and less labor helping the dog to feel better faster.”That’s a positive change considering how this deadly disease has been treated in the past. “Traditional canine parvovirus treatment can consist of 24/7 care, three to five days of hospitalization, high pet owner costs, and emotional stress with no guaranteed outcome,” explained Zersen. “Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody offers a targeted solution. Dogs are treated with one intravenous dose that’s highly effective and proven to decrease mortality and may provide faster resolution of the symptoms of this potentially deadly disease.”Elanco expects to obtain full USDA approval in 2024, but veterinarians are able to get the medicine in the meantime. An eight-week-old pit bull mix was one of the first to receive this lifesaving treatment and knows exactly how effective monoclonal antibodies are. As soon as Cookie started to show symptoms of parvo, including lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea, her owner brought her to the Fix Project’s Parvo ICU.There, a test confirmed that Cookie has, indeed, contracted parvo. Cookie received Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody treatment and was admitted to the ICU for supportive care. “We gave the injection, placed a catheter, and gave her the rest of our protocol. And the beautiful part about the drug was we had her in and out. We parvo tested her on Friday, and she came back strong positive. By Sunday, she was eating. And then by Monday, we parvo tested her, and she was going home that day,” Dr. Andrew Cabrera, veterinarian and medical director at The Fix Project, told People in an interview. Cookie was one of the first pups to be treated with Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody treatment, but she wasn’t the last. Dr. Cabrera shares he has seen similar results in parvo cases he has treated. “The success rate has been night and day,” he said. “We are able to get them eating a little faster and out of the hospital a little more quickly.”Hopefully, vets around the country will include Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody treatment in current parvo protocols to increase the survival rate and reduce hospitalization time.

Anxiety in Dogs: Studies Show How Common It Is

Dogs experience a range of emotions, but researchers have found that anxiety, in particular, is surprisingly prevalent among canine companions.

How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need?

Sleep allows all big and little creatures to rest, regenerate, grow, and gain strength for further milestones in life. Dogs, too, need to have enough  sleep to thrive – both during the day and through the night. But some doggos love to snooze more and others, and then there are those who won’t sleep that much at all. So what is the bottom line? How much sleep do dogs need exactly? While there can’t be a general, straightforward answer (after all, not all dogs are identical), there are some general rules and guidelines to follow. How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need Daily?The amount of sleep a dog needs can vary depending on factors such as their age, breed, and activity level. Generally, dogs sleep a significant portion of the day, and their sleep patterns can be quite different from humans. Here's a rough guideline for how much sleep dogs typically need on a daily basis – based on their age, lifestyle, and so on.Puppies, naturally, need a lot of sleep, usually around 18 to 20 hours a day. They have bursts of energy and playfulness, which are followed by periods of deep sleep. Puppies are still growing, and sleep is essential for their development.Adult dogs, on the other hand, are not such sleepy heads. Still, they will sleep more often than not. Most adult dogs sleep around 12 to 14 hours a day, although this can vary. Larger breeds tend to sleep more than smaller breeds. Active and working dogs, such as herding or hunting breeds, may require more sleep to recover from their daily activities. There are also seniors, who get tired more quickly and need plenty of rest during the daytime. Older dogs may sleep more than younger adults, often in the range of 14 to 16 hours a day. Senior dogs tend to be less active and love to snooze whenever there’s a chance. It's important to note that individual dogs can have different sleep needs. Some dogs may sleep more or less than the average, and this can be influenced by their overall health and well-being. It's also influenced by their daily routine, exercise, and mental stimulation. Then again, some doggos are straight-out lazy – they love to snooze, hate to jump around and exercise, and snore as much as they want! This is not something you should worry about unless it comes about suddenly. That’s just how some dogs are. 

Camping Available at Best Friend's Animal Sanctuary

Are you searching for a pet-friendly camping solution for the upcoming travel season? If so, you’re in luck! Located in Kanab, Utah, the Best Friends Sanctuary offers a beautiful getaway for animal lovers.The location offers hiking trails, children’s activities, the Sanctuary store, the Angel Village café, and, of course, the animal sanctuary. Whether you plan on staying for a night or more, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy your trip while making a difference for the most vulnerable.Located on 3,700 acres, it is home to up to 1,600 animals on any given day. The animals in their care include cats, dogs, birds, bunnies, horses, pigs, and others.There are 18 RV sites with 30—and 50-amp power, septic, and water hookups. Free Wi-Fi is also available to visitors. While the sites can accommodate larger RVs and trailers, any over 21 feet may have difficulty navigating the roads within the sanctuary, and it is recommended that these guests have a separate vehicle to get around during their stay.If you don’t have an RV, cottages and cabins are also available on-site. The most significant differences between these two options are the guest capacity and location. Cottages can accommodate groups of up to six, while cabins are designed for only one or two people. Unlike the cabins, which share a group patio area, each cottage has its own dedicated patio or deck.Visitors can reserve a tour of the sanctuary to see the beautiful views and the incredible work the organization is doing or sign up to volunteer. It’s the perfect opportunity for those who want to give back, dedicating a small portion of your vacation to helping around the sanctuary and leaving you with the good feeling of knowing you made a difference.You can schedule a volunteer shift up to a year in advance with tasks including:Walking the animalsPreparing and serving foodQuality time playing with or petting the animalsCleaning (dishes, mopping, etc.)Making toys or treatsGeneral maintenance and upkeep on the groundsThe minimum age for volunteering depends on the task, with the Bunny House and Parrot Garden accepting volunteers as young as eight.If camping isn’t your travel style, no problem. Five minutes down the road, you will find the Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile, a boutique pet-centric hotel. The location offers 40 rooms and suites, a complimentary vegan continental breakfast, an on-site pet grooming facility, and a dog park complete with a seasonal splash pad.With an allowed maximum of four pets per room and no pet fee, the hotel takes “pet-friendly” to a whole new level!Are you traveling without your pet and need to get your “fix” of cuddles and playtime? You can also host a sleepover with a dog or cat from the sanctuary at the hotel. Simply contact the hotel in advance to arrange for a furry sleepover guest.Of course, if you fall in love with an adoptable animal during your stay, you can always apply to add that furry (or feathered) friend to your family before leaving.Make your reservation to stay at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary on their website today!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Dog-Killing Flatworm Discovered in California

Fleas and ticks aren’t the only parasites that dog owners have to fear in southern California this summer. Scientists from the University of California, Riverside, are warning dog owners to keep their pooches out of the water this summer after they have discovered a potentially deadly parasite.A deadly flatworm species that has previously only existed in Texas and other Golf Coast states, has made its way to the west coast and is now present in the portion of the Colorado River that runs through California. The worm, Heterobilharzia americana, is a flatworm commonly known as the liver fluke. The parasite can cause canine schistosomiasis, an illness that affects the liver and intestine of dogs. Although treatment options are available once the dog becomes infected, they aren’t always effective leaving vets no other option than to euthanize the dog. “Dogs can die from this infection, so we are hoping to raise public awareness that it’s there,” said Adler Dillman, a nematology professor at the University of California, Riverside. “If you’re swimming in the Colorado River with them, your pets are in peril.” After learning about several cases of infection in local dogs, professor Dillman and his research team headed to Blythe, a border town in Riverside County. All of the sick dogs have spent time there, swimming in the river.Since snails are responsible for transmitting the infection, researchers collected more than 2,000 along the banks of the Colorado River. The team used DNA testing to identify the snails and the flatworm.The team was astonished to find not one, but two species of snail that can carry the parasite!“We actually found two species of snail that can support H. americana in the river in Blythe and we found both snails actively shedding this worm,” said Dillman, according to UC Riverside News. “Not only was it a surprise to find H. americana, we also didn’t know that the snails were present here.”The flatworm first makes its way into the snail's body, traveling through its system. Once transformed, it moves out to find a mammal host to infect. Without a host, the parasite can’t survive more than 24 hours on its own. Dogs and raccoons are particularly susceptible to becoming infected after coming into contact with water, whether from drinking or swimming in it. The worm gets inside the veins of the intestinal lining, where it develops into an adult and mates. The presence of adults in the veins isn’t as problematic as the eggs that get into the lungs, spleen, liver, and heart. The dog’s immune system reacts by forming clusters of cells, called granulomas. In time, the organ tissues stop functioning.It may take several months for a dog to show any signs of the infection. Symptoms start slowly and include loss of appetite, and progress to vomiting, diarrhea, profound weight loss, and signs of liver disease. “If your dog has these symptoms after swimming in the Colorado River, it’s a good precaution to ask your veterinarian for a simple fecal test,” said Emily Beeler, a veterinarian with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. “Treatment typically involves use of multiple medications and close monitoring of the dog by a veterinarian.”Although potentially deadly for our canine companions, this parasite can’t cause the same issues in humans. “ It can cause swimmers itch, a red rash where it penetrates human skin. But it’s not able to cause an infection,” Dillman explained.Steer clear of bodies of water that could contain infected snails to prevent your pooch from catching flatworms. If your pooch can’t resist taking a dip, monitor them for symptoms of flatworm infection in the weeks afterward. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Vegan Dogs and Cats? Maybe!

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