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What is a Double Coated Dog?

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
Published:  October 26th, 2021

Double Coated Dogs. It’s a thing. But what are they? Two times the coat, two times the fur? If you’ve got a double coated dog, here’s what you need to know about this type of fur.

There are so many dog breeds out there and every dog breed is just a little bit different from the others. These differences take on many forms (size, shape, personality, color, and on and on). One of the most simple ways in which one dog differs from another is in its coat. If you’ve ever run your hand over a variety of dogs, you’ll know what we are talking about. Those furry exteriors are rarely the same.

Dog coats can be divided into two main categories: single coat and double coat. You’ve probably got a good idea of what a single coat might be, but the double coat? A mystery, right? Well, that’s what Pet Guide is here for. We’re hear to explain away all of these pet related mysteries. So if you’ve longed been vexed by these strange concept known as the double coat, you’ve come to the right place!

Within each of these two main categories of dog coats, there are some variations. However, these are still the two basic categories you should know before grooming your dog. Let’s go over the basics about double coated dogs including which breeds have double coats and how to properly maintain this type of coat. Worthwhile information if you’ve got a dog with a luscious double coat.

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Two times the coat, two times the fur – double coated dogs have a two-layer coat that can be quite a handful. From seasonal blowouts to regular coat care, there’s plenty of work to put in to keep your double coated dog looking their best. If you opt for leaving that job to the professionals, Vital Care can help keep the grooming costs down. Petco’s Vital Care offers you an affordable solution to take care of your pet’s routine wellness needs. In addition to covering the costs of unlimited preventative vet exams, this plan also provides unlimited 30% discounts on full-grooming services and monthly rewards that can be used to buy food, toys, and more. Unlike traditional pet insurance plans, this pet care program helps you reduce the chances of health issues occurring in the first place, rather than treating them after the fact. Their complete wellness care makes sure your pet is being taken care of, head to tail, with regular checkups and grooming. Easy to sign up for and economical, this pet care plan will make sure your dog gets only the best care even when you’re on a strict budget.

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So, What Exactly Is A Double Coat?

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Simply put, a double coat is a type of coat that consists of two layers. Double coated dogs have a dense undercoat full of short hairs. These short hairs typically with a wooly texture. Meanwhile, the top coat of longer hairs are called guard hairs. The denser the undercoat, the fluffier the coat will appear to be and the more grooming the dog will require. These dogs require more work. The undercoat serves mainly to keep the dog protected from extreme temperatures – both hot and cold – while the top coat helps to repel moisture and dirt. Each has a vital use, so there’s a reason why these pups have such a different form of fur.

Related: All About Hand Stripping

This isn’t too difficult to figure out. For the most part, you can tell just by looking at a dog whether it has a double or single coat. The difference is notable. This is especially true for Spitz-type dogs and other breeds with thick and fluffy coats. There are also some small-breed dogs that have double coats including several terriers (however, these pups have a wiry rather than a soft top coat). Some examples of double-coated breeds include the following:

If you own a dog with a double coat, there are more differences than simply the appearance. These coats also behave differently. To explain, double coated dog breeds also go through what is known as coat blow. It’s important to know specifically what coat blow is because this is something else that you should be aware of if you are thinking about introducing one of these canines into your family.

Coat blow is different from the regular shedding that happens with dogs throughout the year. When a dog blows his coat, it’s basically because he is transitioning from his winter coat to his summer coat. The process is similar to shredding, but different enough to be worth exploring in detail.

A double coated breed (such as a Malamute or a Siberian Husky to name just a couple of examples) will have an undercoat that is soft, and this will lie underneath the top coat of coarse guard hairs which are noticeably longer. Thanks to this soft undercoat, your dog can stay nice and warm even during the coldest winter months. But, as you probably guessed, something has to change when the weather warms up so that he can continue feeling comfortable underneath all of his fur. This is where blowing the coat comes in. It is a process in which the undercoat is released in big clumps. If you thought shedding was bad, you will reconsider your stance when you see what coat blow looks like! Some dog owners fill up entire garbage bags with all of the hair that comes out. It’s not a pretty sight.

Do you need to rush to the groomer when your double coated dog is blowing his coat? No. Surprisingly, you actually don’t. All of the unwanted hair will end up falling out on its own. Now, just how sever, and how frequent your dog’s the coat blow might be will depend entirely on your dog’s breed (as well as your pet’s gender). There are a number of unexpected factors involved in coat blow.

Even though you don’t need to take your dog to a groomer to take care of their coat blow, you can at least help it along at home. Just take a few minutes each day to brush your dog. Fifteen minutes is a good place to start and will become clear if you need to stick at it for longer. You’re also going to need specific tools to help with the process, like a slicker brush, a Greyhound comb, and an undercoat rake. These tools will all come in handy. Removing that undercoat, which has already come loose, with these grooming tools can help you get the hair out before it ends up all over the house. On top of all of that, your dog will likely feel better too. As the coat blow progresses, your dog might even up with patchy areas throughout his fur, so helping him out with a little at-home grooming will help keep him looking his best.

In addition to brushing your dog (and then brushing some more, obviously!) during coat blow season, it is also a good idea to bathe your dog a bit more often than you typically might. This will also serve to help speed up the process. That’s because the bathing will help further loosen your dog’s undercoat. It’s best to stick with a canine-appropriate shampoo that contains natural ingredients and will not irritate your dog’s skin (especially because you will be bathing him more frequently, which inevitably causes a little irritation). You can even use a coat conditioner made for dogs to add moisture to any mats or tangles that have developed. Then, you can more easily remove the matting with a mat breaker grooming tool. Dealing with coat blow is certainly a bit of an aggravating process, but ultimately it will make such a difference for your dog (and the cleanliness of your home) that it will be worth it. Trust us.

It’s clear by now that any old brush won’t do the trick for your pet’s thick fur. Double coated dogs require special hair care, and that means grooming tools powerful enough to tackle their layered fur. This is especially true during the coat blow season as they’ll need help to get rid of all that dead hair. And if you don’t want your whole home to be coated in pet hair (even more than it usually is), you’ll want to invest in some quality grooming tools for a double coated dog. Luckily, you don’t have to break the bank to get some great gear- when you know where to look, you can get fantastic quality at an affordable price. To help you find what you need to keep your pet’s fur under control, we’ve rounded up the best grooming tools for a double coated dog on the market- take a look and make a pick!

Double Wide Mars Coat King

If quality is of utmost importance, then you’ll want this premium grooming tool in your arsenal. It features a contoured wooden handle to ensure your comfort and rake-style blades that will remove hair without pulling or pinching. Made in Germany, this stainless steel stripping comb will help strip and comb out all of the dead hair in your pet’s undercoat, as well as detangle and de-mat their fur.

Miracle Coat Slicker Dog Brush

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They don’t call it the miracle brush for nothing! The classic slicker brush design works great with a fluffy double coat as the angled flexible pins can reach through the first layer of hair into the undercoat to remove the shed hair that’s trapped underneath. And with a cushioned and ergonomic designed grip, you’ll be comfortable while brushing out all that dead fur!

JW Pet Company GripSoft Double Row Undercoat Rake

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Easy to use and comfortable to pets, this unusually designed grooming tool is ideal for double coated dogs. With two rows of round-tipped teeth, this rake brush loosens the lightly matted parts of the coat to lift out loose hair from the undercoat. But the best part is that the brushing process is not only extremely efficient but it is also very pleasant for your pooch who’ll get a soothing massage while you brush the dead hair away.

Furminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool for Dogs

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Furminator is one of the most popular grooming tools on the market- and many owners of double-coated dogs sing it praise, too. The densely-packed teeth penetrate through the top coat and completely remove all dead hair in the undercoat with superior efficiency.

Pixikko Double Row Undercoat Shedding Rake

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With 13 long and 12 short stainless steel pins distributed in two rows, this handy little tool will remove shed hair from all coat layers but it is especially efficient for undercoats. The size makes it a great choice for small and medium breeds- but it can be used on pooches of all sizes and even long-haired cats.

Some Additional Grooming Tips for Double-Coated Dog Breeds

Regular grooming is incredibly important for double-coated dog breeds because these dogs tend to shed a lot (as you would expect for a dog with double the fur). If you do not routinely brush your dog’s coat the shed hairs will become caught up in the coat, causing uncomfortable mats and tangles to form. Grooming is also a great way to keep dog-related allergies to a minimum. While you cannot prevent a dog from shedding entirely, this will at least help keep the shedding under control. If you’re used to grooming a dog with a single coat and wonder how this second layer of fur will affect this process, get ready. Below you will find a collection of tips for grooming your double coated dog. The mystery is about to be revealed:

  • Brush your dog at least two or three times a week to prevent mats and tangles. Consistency is key.
  • Use an undercoat grooming rake to remove loose and dead hairs from your dog’s undercoat. This is the only way to really get in at that bottom layer.
  • Use a slicker brush on your dog’s rump where the fur is thicker and longer. Rump fur can quite easily get out of control, so this is important.
  • Go over your dog with a wire pin brush or comb to remove dead and loose hairs from the top coat. It’s easy to get so preoccupied with removing the undercoat that you’ll forget to spend some time on the top coat. Don’t make this mistake. Both layers of hair deserve your attention.
  • Work through mats and tangles with a wide-tooth comb. If the fur is particularly rough and you have to cut out some tangles, pinch the fur as close to your dog’s skin as possible to prevent accidentally cutting his skin.
  • Go over your dog’s coat with a bristle brush to improve shine. This should always be your last step.

In addition to learning how to groom your double-coated dog, you should also familiarize yourself with a few grooming mistakes that dog owners often make. You don’t want to be one of those unfortunate dog owners who falls into one of these traps. The biggest mistake you can make with your double coated dog is to shave his coat. Why would you do that? Well, some dog owners mistakenly believe that their dog’s double coat makes them hot in the summer and they shave the dog’s coat in an attempt to cool him off. Big mistake. What these dog owners do not realize is that a dog’s double coat acts as insulation, protecting him from the heat. A dog’s double coat is part of his natural cooling system and each layer helps not only to keep the dog cool, but it protects his skin from sun damage as well. If you are worried about your dog being too hot in the summer, consult a professional groomer about the possibility of trimming his coat but in no case should you shave your double coated dog. Some jobs are only meant for the professionals.

Grooming is one of your most basic responsibilities as a pet owner, so it is up to you to make sure you know how to do it correctly. Take the time to put in some research. It will always pay off in the long run.

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Kate Barrington
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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When nature calls, dogs answer. And when dogs answer, so do you – by taking them outside to do their business. In other words, if you have a potty-trained dog, they will rely on you to know when their bladder is full or at least to take them out frequently enough so it doesn’t get full in the first place. This leaves most owners with the question – how often do dogs need to go out to pee? You don’t want them to have an accident inside the home but you probably don’t want to take them out for a walk every hour or so (even if you did have the time for it) so it’s important to find the right balance. Here’s what you need to know so you can make it work for you and your dog.How Often Do Dogs Pee?The frequency at which dogs need to go out to pee can vary depending on several factors, including their age, breed, size, activity level, and overall health. In general, you can use the following guidelines as a starting point, but it's important to pay attention to your individual dog's needs and adjust accordingly. Sometimes, it’s enough to just observe the signs your dog gives you, like nudging you or standing by the door. But at other times, it requires a bit of “intervention”. When it comes to the connection between a dog’s age and their peeing habits, the younger the pooch, the more they need to go out. Puppies have smaller bladders and higher metabolisms, so they typically need to go out more frequently. A general rule of thumb is to take a puppy out every 1 to 2 hours, especially after eating, drinking, playing, or waking up from a nap. Make sure to let them know why you are going out so they’ll gradually relate walkies with peeing time.Adult dogs, on the other hand, can usually hold their bladders for longer periods. Most adult dogs need to go out every 4 to 6 hours. Some larger breeds may have more bladder capacity and can hold it longer, while smaller breeds may need to go out more frequently, so have that in mind too. Of course, as dogs age, their ability to hold their bladders may decrease. Senior dogs may need to go out more frequently, potentially every 3 to 4 hours. What is more, some senior dogs may suffer from incontinence, meaning that they can’t really control when or where they pee. In this case, you could  use disposable dog diapers until their condition improves or in periods when you’re not there to take them out more frequently and prevent accidents.

Study Finds Pet Parents Care More About Their Dogs Than Their Cats

Pet parents tend to place themselves into one of two categories. You can either be a dog person or a cat person - there’s nothing in between. This may come as a shock to all cat lovers, but scientists have found that dog owners care more for their dogs than cat owners care for their cats. At least that’s the case with pet owners across Denmark, Austria, and the United Kingdom.Although these findings have been observed in older studies, veterinary scientists from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, wanted to find out whether cultural factors had any effect on the results. Their results were first published in the Journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science. “We and others have found that people are willing to spend much less on their cats than on their dogs,” said Peter Sandøe, professor at the University of Copenhagen and the study’s lead author. “We wanted to find out whether cats could eventually end up having the same high status as dogs do today.”The scientists surveyed 2,117 pet owners, including 844 dog owners, 872 cat owners, and 401 owners who owned both cats and dogs. Participants were asked questions about their pets’ health insurance, their willingness to pay for life-saving medical treatment, and other questions designed to determine how much owners care for their pets. Pet owners from all three countries had a higher attachment score for dogs than for cats. Dog owners were more likely to buy insurance for their dogs, and said they were willing to spend more for life-saving treatment for their dogs. However, the results of the study varied greatly across the countries. The differences were most noticeable in Denmark, where 41% of dog owners said they were willing to pay a high cost of life-saving medical treatment for their dogs compared to 26% of cat owners. On the other hand, the United Kingdom’s results were in favor of dogs, but only slightly. Around 34% of dog owners in the UK said they would pay more for their dogs’ medical treatment compared to 28% of cat owners. According to scientists, such a slight difference isn’t statistically significant. ‘While people care more about their dogs than their cats in all countries, the degree of difference varied dramatically between countries,” said Sandøe. The researchers originally hypothesized that people in Denmark might be more unaccustomed with cats living indoors than people living in Austria and the United Kingdom since Denmark became urbanized much later than these two countries. Thanks to a much more recent rural history, cats in Denmark might be seen as just another farm animal.According to researchers, several studies hypothesize that when cats are more likely to spend time indoors, they tend to become much closer to their owners, who consequently care more about them. This was confirmed by studies in the U.S. and Mexico, where many cats are indoors-only felines.So it comes as no surprise that in Denmark, where just one out of five cats is kept strictly indoors and many have outdoor access, most pet owners care less about cats. Researchers think that pet owners’ level of care for their pets may depend on the level of interaction and dependence, as well as other factors. "There seems to be no natural limit to how much people will end up caring about their cats compared to their dogs,” said Sandøe. “The British are often portrayed as a nation of cat lovers, which is certainly confirmed by our study. The Danes have a long way to go, but they may eventually get there.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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.

Are You A Hugger? Some Dogs Prefer You Back Off!

When it comes to snuggling your pet, the language of love can differ.

Study Confirms Dogs Prefer Food Over Toys

If someone asked you to pick between your favorite toy or your favorite food, what would you choose? If your answer is food, you’re not alone - researchers have found that dogs prefer their favorite food over their favorite toy. It’s no secret that dogs like playing with their toys, but the goal of this new study was to determine whether toys make an effective training reward.In the first study of its kind, researchers from the University of Florida found that nine out of 10 dogs will choose food over toys. For the purposes of this study, researchers used social media advertisement and word-of-mouth to recruit 10 dogs from the local area. The dogs participating in the study come from a range of breeds, including two German shepherds, a labrador, a German shorthaired pointer, and six mixed breeds. Researchers allowed the dogs to pick their favorite food and favorite toy. Each dog was shown six food items - including a hotdog, cheese, carrot, hard dog treat, soft dog treat, and kibble - and six toys -  such as a ball, squeak toy, bone, tug toy, stuffed animal, and empty plastic water bottle. Each dog had an opportunity to pick their favorite food and favorite toy. During the next phase of the experiment, the dogs were given progressively more difficult tasks to get a reward. The dogs were rewarded with either their favorite food or favorite toy. The researchers discovered that nine out of 10 dogs gave up on the task earlier when rewarded with their favorite toy, as opposed to when given their favorite food. These findings show that dogs are more motivated to work for food than toys.Previous studies have shown that dogs prefer human attention to food but, until now, there has been little research into how dogs rank their favorite toys. “I was surprised, but nobody’s looked at how dogs will work for toys versus food before,” said Dr. Nicol Dorey, the lead author of the study.The researchers hope that these new findings could be useful for dog owners trying to train their dogs. “Understanding a dog’s preferred reward can be essential for shaping behavior effectively,” concluded the researchers.Some dog trainers recommend using toys instead of treats while training, to prevent excess calorie intake and to keep the training more fun for the dog. If you decide to train your puppy using toys, the key is not to offer food at any step of the training. “You can definitely train your dog with toys if you start really early,” Dr Dorey said. “This is what’s done with search and rescue dogs, they start really early with toys as a reinforcer.”The researchers noted that more research is needed, especially since human attention acts as a strong reinforcer when training dogs. “I think the next study should look at all three - attention, food, and toys - and what dogs really like the best when training,” said Dr Dorey. Regardless of what the next study finds, I’m sure my pooch would pick food over me and toys any day of the week. What about your dog -  are they team food or team toys?

More Dogs Than Ever Euthanized as Shelters Hit Capacity

Each year millions of cats and dogs enter shelters and rescues nationwide. Almost a million more animals have entered and lingered in the nation’s shelters in the last three years, resulting in an ongoing capacity crisis. Last year, 3.2 million dogs entered shelters and rescue organizations nationwide. More than 359,000 dogs were euthanized in 2023, compared to 330,000 cats that were euthanized last year. This marks a four-year peak in non-live outcomes for dogs and the first time the number of dogs euthanized has surpassed the number of euthanized cats.  These heartbreaking findings were published in an annual report of shelter populations compiled by Shelter Animals Count, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization founded in 2012. “Everywhere you turn, the shelters are in crisis,” said the organization’s executive director Stephanie Filer. “It’s truly about an imbalance of animals coming in at faster rates than they’re leaving.”According to Filer, for years cats were considered most at risk because they entered shelters at high rates, but faced low adoption rates. However, focused efforts to reverse these trends are giving results, and the newest data shows a positive shift.“We have seen major positive change,” said Filer. “Adoption rates are high and intakes have decreased, and there are efforts to keep cats at home or in their communities.”Unfortunately, dog programs are suffering, with adoption rates significantly lower than in recent years. “Too many dogs are entering shelters and being left behind,” added Filer, according to USA Today. “Unlike cat adoptions, which continue to increase, dog adoptions have essentially flatlined.”When people think of animal shelters, most imagine scores of large-sized mixed breeds and pit bulls. But in reality, there are purebreds like huskies, French bulldogs, Labradors, and even designer dogs.The one thing no animal advocate thought possible happened - the rates of dog euthanasia surpassed the rates of cat euthanasia for the first time in a long time. “The real reason we’re saying, ‘Wow,’ is that it wasn’t that way for a lot of years. And now it is,” said Filer.More than 6.5 million cats and dogs ended up in U.S. shelters and rescues in 2023. While the number of intakes remained relatively steady, this was the fourth consecutive year of overpopulation. While more dogs were adopted in 2023 than in 2022, the adoption rates were insufficient to meet the demand.The high cost of living, job loss, and housing cost challenges are the main reasons adoption rates aren’t keeping up with animal intake. At the end of 2023, an additional 70,000 cats and 107,000 dogs are waiting for a forever home in one of the many shelters and rescues nationwide. “With more animals entering shelters than leaving, animal welfare organizations and their communities need to continue working together to keep pets in loving homes and out of shelters, including finding ways to increase access to veterinary care and advocating for pet-friendly housing policies,” said Matt Bershadker, president and the CEO of ASPCA.Experts agree that the promotion of shelter adoptions is the best way to solve the ongoing capacity crisis. Adopting an animal from a shelter saves a life, but it also supports the struggling shelters and their staff. Although adopting a cat or a dog from a shelter isn’t possible for everyone, there are other things you can do to help. Volunteering in your local shelter, fostering a pet, or donating are great ways to get involved and help alleviate the shelter crisis.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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. 

Pet Obesity Study Shows Promise and Surprising Links With Humans

If you thought that your chubby doggo is incredibly cute, you might want to consider what’s hiding behind that adorable exterior.  Pet obesity is a real thing, and it is a major health hazard that many dogs experience in their lifetime. And, sadly, a lot of it is connected to improper care and diet. To show us just how big of a problem it has become, the latest study from the  Association for Pet Obesity Prevention revealed that in the U.S. alone, around 59% of dogs and 61% of cats were overweight or obese! However, recently conducted research shows that there might be a way to battle the obesity pandemic – with certain strains of probiotics that can help curb pet obesity, especially when dogs are in question. A research team from Seoul National University's Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Science, conducted a study investigating the effects of probiotics on canine obesity. They discovered two strains that appeared to have weight-reducing properties in obese dogs. To assess the probiotic potential of these strains, the researchers employed a lifespan analysis using Caenorhabditis elegans, a genetic model known for its simplicity in genetic manipulation and shorter lifespan compared to other animal models. Their findings were detailed in a  paper published in the Microbiology Spectrum journal.Thanks to the positive outcome of this research, a new hope was discovered for doggos struggling with excess weight. The use of Caenorhabditis Elegans offers “interventions aimed at enhancing metabolic health in various mammals”, according to the research team. What is more, the effects could be applied to cats, humans, and other mammals, since C. Elegans “serves as a human homolog model”. In general, this whole study could prove to be beneficial to several animal species, as well as humans, making its significance multifold. However, the exact way that bacteria affects weight is not entirely understood. Even though some studies show that certain strains will slow weight gain, researchers were still unable to find a connection between bacteria and weight.Nevertheless, the study is proving to be a major leap forward when pet obesity is considered. There is plenty of potential in this study, and further efforts could change the way dog obesity is experienced – or possibly even root it out for good! 

With Just a Sniff, Dogs May be Able to Curtail PTSD Episodes

Halifax's Dalhousie University finds dogs can identify the adrenaline hormone through an individual's breath.

What You Need to Know About XL Bully Ban

American XL Bully dogs will be banned by the end of the year after numerous attacks were reported across the United Kingdom. The term "XL Bully" typically refers to a type of  American Bully breed known for its muscular build and larger size compared to standard American Bullies. These dogs are often selectively bred for their size, strength, and temperament, so while they are not inherently aggressive, they have the means to do some damage if they are reared to be dangerous.The ban has owners of bully breeds across the UK scared and confused, so here’s what you need to know about the details of this edict. Starting from December 31st, all XL Bullies will have to be kept on a lead and have a muzzle while in public. What is more, from this date it will be completely illegal to advertise, breed, sell, exchange, gift, or abandon or let stray any XL Bullies. In short – it is a decisive strike against this breed, as announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, earlier this year.Furthermore, a complete ban on people owning XL Bullies will come into force in the UK from February 1st, 2023. This had owners scared that their pets would have to be put down just because of their breed, but, luckily, that’s not the case. If the owner applies before the end of January, with the wish to keep their pet. With that, the household will receive an exemption certificate, but it will also have to comply with a very strict set of rules related to the breed. UK government department Defra has announced that it received more than 4,000 exemption applications so far and that a “majority” were approved. Their spokesperson said that “ "The majority of applications are successful and the majority of successful applicants are receiving their certificates in less than a week."This only supports the assurances that there will be no “forced” euthanization of these dogs. However, those people that do not apply for an exemption by the end of the deadline, will have to put their XL Bullies down. They will be granted £200 to cover the costs of a vet euthanizing their dog. Rescue and rehoming organizations can claim £100 per animal for the same purpose. The government's website states "the euthanasia must be performed by 31 January 2024" for these financial claims to be successful. Sadly, because of this new law, at least 246 XL Bullies will be put down in the coming period, as their owners did not apply for an exemption, or were not granted one. American XL Bullies are not the first dogs to be banned in the UK. Several breeds were banned in the past, and owning them is now completely illegal. These breeds include the  Pitbull terrier,  Japanese Tosa,  Dogo Argentino, and  Fila Brasileiro. Owning a banned dog breed can get you in plenty of trouble, specifically an unlimited fine and a six-month prison sentence. 

Senior Leaves $2.8 Million Estate to Pets, Not Kids

What do you need to consider when planning the future care of your pets?

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