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Best Dog Multivitamin for Seniors

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  November 28th, 2022
Liudmyla Guniavaia/Shutterstock

As dogs age, they go through many internal and external changes. Some changes, like weight gain, graying hair, and slowing down, are easier to spot than decreased immune function and a slower metabolism. By the time your pooch becomes a senior, they’ll have a set of new nutritional needs. Transitioning your dog to a senior dog food and including multivitamin supplements in their regime is a great way to minimize the effects of aging and ensure your four-legged bestie gets the nutrients they need to stay healthy.


Multivitamins for senior dogs are essential for healthy aging and are formulated to enhance the quality of your dog’s life. Designed to be taken daily, a dog multivitamin for seniors contains different essential nutrients to support all areas of a dog’s health, from antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, to glucosamine and other beneficial nutrients. But with so many different multivitamins for senior dogs to choose from, picking the best one for your pup can feel like an impossible feat! To help you buy the best dog multivitamin for seniors, we’ve researched and considered a variety of different formulas. From soft chews and chewable tablets to liquid and those in powder form, we’ve selected the best multivitamins for seniors of all breeds and sizes.

Editor’s Choice: Pet Honestly 10 in 1 Senior Dog Multivitamin with Glucosamine

Check Price $28.99

When dogs become seniors, they need extra help in maintaining joint health, digestion, immune system, and energy levels, and that’s where this multivitamin can come in handy. Formulated to support 10 different health areas for senior dogs, this multivitamin supplement contains essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients your pooch needs to stay healthy. It includes glucosamine and chondroitin to improve joint health and mobility, an organic mushroom blend to support a strong immune system, omega-3 fatty acids to promote joint, brain, and skin health, and probiotics to support healthy digestion. Best of all, these beneficial nutrients are packed in duck-flavored chewables your pooch will love to eat.

Pros

  • Made with natural ingredients
  • Provides 10 health benefits to senior dogs
  • Soft chewables that dogs with dental problems can eat
  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • Not for dogs with sensitive stomachs

Runner Up: VetriScience Canine Plus Multivitamin for Senior Dogs

Check Price $10.75

Formulated by veterinarians, VetriScience Canine Plus Senior Multivitamin is suitable for geriatric dogs and supports heart, eye, liver, brain, and immune health. This formula contains vitamin A to support healthy eyes, skin, and coat, vitamin D3 to help regulate the retention of phosphorus and calcium, and vitamin E to provide defense against oxidative stress. Besides vitamins, this tasty chewable multivitamin also contains essential minerals and omega-3 fatty acids with DHA to improve cognitive function in senior dogs dealing with doggy dementia.

Pros

  • Contains essential nutrients for overall health
  • Supports brain health in senior dogs
  • Made in the USA
  • Tasty duck flavor most dogs love

Cons

  • Chews can crumble during transport

Customer’s Choice: Zesty Paws Senior Advanced 11-in-1 Bites

Check Price $34.17

This 11-in-1 multifunctional supplement supports hip and joint, urinary tract, skin and coat, heart, immune system, eye, liver, gut, and brain health of senior dogs. It contains Qmin and curcumin from turmeric, OptiMSM, glucosamine, and chondroitin to ease joint pain and stiffness and support mobility in older pooches. Each chicken-flavored chewable has psyllium and niacin to support digestive health and gut function, vitamins A and C to support immune function, and B complex vitamins to support the normal function of the urinary tract. Zesty Paws Senior Bites are made using natural ingredients and don’t contain artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors.

Pros

  • Supports 11 areas of health
  • Soft chews are suitable for older dogs with dental problems
  • Made in the USA
  • NASC quality seal

Cons

  • Can cause diarrhea in some dogs

Best Liquid Dog Multivitamin for Seniors: Golden Paw 10-in-1 Multivitamin for Dogs

Check Price $24.99

Whether your senior dog has dental problems and can’t munch chewable tablets or is a picky eater, a liquid supplement is the best way to go. A daily serving of this multivitamin contains vitamins C, D, B, B2, B3, B6, B9, and B12 to support skin and coat, brain, eye, immune and respiratory system health. To boot, this multivitamin contains glucosamine to help stimulate cartilage growth and thicken synovial fluid, improving mobility and reducing pain in senior dogs with arthritis. Made using only natural ingredients, this formula contains organic cranberry that helps with adaptation of organs. Boost your pup’s overall health by adding this multivitamin to their food or water, or apply a few drops directly in your dog’s mouth.

Pros

  • Easy to swallow for dogs with dental problems
  • Made with natural ingredients
  • Supports overall health and mobility
  • Can be mixed with food and water

Cons

  • Somewhat expensive

Best Soft Chew Dog Multivitamin for Seniors: PetLab Co Senior Vitality Multivitamin for Dogs

Check Price $20.86

This multivitamin supplement is formulated to provide your furry companion with the vitamins and minerals they need to age comfortably. It contains vitamin B12 to support a healthy nervous system, vitamin D3 to regulate phosphorus and calcium, vitamin A to promote vision and eye health, and vitamin E to support strong immunity and skin and coat health. These liver-flavored chews are very soft and easy to munch on, even if your oldie is missing a few teeth. Made using natural ingredients, this tasty multivitamin is safe for daily feeding and will ensure your pooch is aging gracefully.

Pros

  • Offers cognitive support and helps with aging
  • Full of essential vitamins and minerals
  • Tasty liver flavor most dogs love
  • Made in the USA using natural ingredients

Cons

  • Strong smell

Best Powdered Dog Multivitamin for Seniors: Only Natural Pet Senior Ultimate Daily Vitamin Powder

Check Price $29.99

This all-in-one multivitamin powder is formulated to provide daily health support to senior dogs. It’s formulated using natural ingredients and essential nutrients that promote health and vitality throughout senior years. This powdered multivitamin contains green-lipped mussels that are high in omega-3 and other fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and other naturally occurring compounds that improve mobility by reducing inflammation, stiffness, and joint pain that often affect senior pooches. To boot, this multivitamin also contains chondroitin, glucosamine, and MSM to promote joint health and mobility and all essential vitamins and minerals that promote overall health and wellness. Mix this turkey-flavored powder with your dog’s food or use it as a tasty topper.

Pros

  • Made with human-grade ingredients
  • Provide complete health support to senior dogs
  • Easy to administer
  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • Not for picky eaters

Best Dog Multivitamin with Glucosamine for Seniors: NaturVet Vita Pet Senior Daily Vitamins

Check Price $23.99

Whether your pooch has already slowed down or is just reaching senior years, they can benefit from taking a dog multivitamin for seniors with added glucosamine. Formulated for older dogs, Vita Pet Daily Multivitamin provides a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals your pooch needs but might be missing from their daily diet. It contains vitamins A, D3, E, B1, B2, B6, B12, and K, and all essential minerals, like calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, and zinc. The added glucosamine and omega fatty acids support joint health and reduce the aches and pains associated with old age. To boot, these soft chews are formulated with a breath aid that can get rid of your pup’s nasty halitosis once and for all.

Pros

  • Soft enough for dogs with dental problems
  • Support overall health and increase mobility
  • Made in the USA and cGMP compliant
  • 100% wheat-free and suitable for dogs with wheat sensitivities

Cons

  • Not for picky eaters

Best Dog Natural Multivitamin for Seniors: Paramount Pet Health 100% Natural Liquid Multivitamin for

Check Price $39.97

If your pooch has a habit of spitting out tablets and turning up their nose at chewables, a liquid multivitamin offers a hassle-free way of administering supplements. This all-natural multivitamin is made with human-grade ingredients and is formulated to support skin and coat, vision, thyroid, digestive, joint, and immune system health. This all-natural multivitamin is made with human-grade ingredients. It contains omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids, with EPA and DHA to support heart, brain, skin, and coat health. Glucosamine and chondroitin support joint health and relieve aches and pains associated with old age, while digestive enzymes and probiotics support overall digestive health and prevent diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. Mix this bacon-flavored multivitamin in your dog’s food daily.

Pros

  • Recommended by veterinarians
  • Easy to administer even to picky eaters
  • Made without sugar, gluten, artificial flavors, and colors
  • Yummy bacon flavor most dogs love

Cons

  • Can cause vomiting in some dogs

Best Dog Multivitamin with Probiotics for Seniors: Strawfield Pets Senior Multivitamin for Dogs

Check Price $26.97

This all-in-one soft chew multivitamin is formulated to support the increased nutritional needs of senior dogs eight years of age or older. Grain-free and made from natural and organic ingredients, this multivitamin is safe for dogs with grain sensitivities and comes in a natural peanut butter flavor most pooches find hard to resist. This senior dog multivitamin contains glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, and hyaluronic acid to provide joint support older dogs need, multi-mineral and vitamin blend to support a strong immune system and overall health. Each tasty chew is packed with probiotics and prebiotic fiber that support gut health and promote good digestion.

Pros

  • Specially formulated for seniors age eight and older
  • Grain-free and suitable for dogs with allergies
  • Supports joint health and mobility
  • Made in the USA using natural ingredients

Cons

  • Strong smell is off-putting to some dogs

Best Dog Multivitamin with Joint Support for Seniors: GNC Pets Ultra Multivitamin for Senior Dogs

Check Price $21.99

Specially formulated for older dogs, this multivitamin for seniors helps maintain healthy immune function and supports joint health and mobility. It includes all essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients senior dogs need to enjoy their golden years. Omega fatty acids are added to the blend to support joint, skin, and coat health, glucosamine to improve mobility and joint health, and biotin to soothe dry and itchy skin and add a healthy shine to the coat. These chicken-flavored soft chews are easy to eat and suitable for seniors with dental problems.

Pros

  • Offer a complete nutrient balance to older dogs
  • Reduce joint pain and inflammation
  • Bite-sized and easy to eat
  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • Some dogs don’t like the taste

What to Look for in Dog Multivitamins for Seniors

Dog multivitamins for seniors are formulated to contain nutrients that help minimize the effect of aging on a dog. A proper diet and multivitamin supplements for senior dogs are essential for healthy aging and will reduce the signs of getting older and enhance your pup’s quality of life. There are many different dog multivitamins for seniors – some contain more of the good stuff your dog needs, while some aren’t so great. But, every multivitamin for senior dogs should have a blend of all essential vitamins and minerals, omega fatty acids, and glucosamine. Some formulas also contain chondroitin to support mobility and help protect cartilage in the joints. Others might contain digestive enzymes and probiotics to support gut health and healthy digestion. Choose a multivitamin according to your dog’s individual requirements. When shopping for multivitamins for your senior pooch, consider how you’ll administer them. Most dog multivitamins for seniors come in the form of chewable tablets, liquid, powder, or soft chews. Some multivitamins might be easier to administer to an older dog than others – if your pooch has dental issues or is missing teeth, a liquid or powder multivitamin might be your best bet. Multivitamins in powder form can be mixed in your dog’s food or be used as a topper and are also suitable for picky eaters. On the other hand, liquid multivitamins can be added to food and water or given directly to a dog’s mouth.


Multivitamins benefit older dogs, but it’s important to consult with your veterinarian before adding any multivitamin supplements to your furry friend’s diet. This is particularly true if your pooch is treated for a specific health problem. Your veterinarian knows your dog and their medical history the best and can tell you whether your pup will benefit from a particular multivitamin formula. If you have any doubts or concerns about including multivitamins in your dog’s regime, be sure to consult with your veterinarian.


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Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Cats are often known for their laidback and aloof personalities, lounging around the house like true couch potatoes. But just like us, our kitties need regular exercise to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. That’s where your job as a cat parent comes in! In this article, we will explore the importance of exercise for your cat, including how much exercise they need, the benefits of being active, and fun ways to include more physical activity in your cat’s daily routine. Whether you have an energetic young kitten or a calm senior cat, understanding their exercise needs can make a significant difference in their overall well-being. How Much Playtime Does an Indoor Cat Need? When choosing the perfect pet for your family, you have likely heard about how laid back and easy to care for cats can be. After all, they just lounge around the house all day. Right? The truth is that your cat needs daily activity to stay healthy and in shape. The exact amount of exercise your cat needs will depend on several factors, including their age, breed, lifestyle, and individual health needs. For example, a cat that is obese and needs to lose weight to improve their health may need more physical activity than a cat that is already of a healthy weight. That being said, the general rule of thumb is that a healthy adult cat should be engaging in 30 to 60 minutes of active playtime every day, split into shorter 10 or 15-minute play sessions. If you are unsure about your cat’s specific needs, contact your veterinarian. They will be able to provide insight into how exercise and playtime can improve or help to maintain your cat’s quality of life at this stage and as they continue to age. How Do I Know My Cat is Getting Enough Exercise? There are several behavioral signs that a cat isn’t getting enough exercise that you can watch out for. Cats that don’t engage in regular physical activity often suffer from boredom, depression, or anxiety. While our cats obviously can’t speak to tell us this, we can pay attention to their body language and behavior to catch any signs of trouble. Some key signs to watch out for include: Destructive Behavior: One of the first signs people notice when a cat is bored is that they start to exhibit bad habits and destructive behavior. This could include scratching your furniture, tearing apart the toilet paper, ripping curtains or screens, or stealing items they know they shouldn’t. It’s like a young child. They are bored and looking for ways to keep themselves entertained. Excessive Vocalization: Do you have a naturally vocal cat? If so, they may be trying to tell you that something’s wrong verbally. Some cats, when bored, will cry out for attention. This is a behavior we see in our two every time their morning playtime is even 5 minutes late. Change of Appetite: If they are feeling anxious or highly stressed, some cats will stop eating. Others, like humans, will turn to food during times of boredom. Any unexplained changes to your cat’s diet should be considered a sign of trouble – whether it’s a need for more exercise or something health-related.Over-Grooming: Cats are masters of self-grooming, but if a cat is stressed, anxious, or bored, they may take their grooming too far. This can often lead to the development of bald patches or skin irritation. Aggression or Irritation: Some cats become irritable or upset when experiencing stress and anxiety. This could result in uncharacteristic biting or scratching directed towards you, other family members, or other pets in the home. Loss of Energy or Lethargy: This may come as a surprise as most people will associate not enough exercise with having pent-up energy just begging to come out. However, a cat that isn’t getting enough physical activity can become depressed, which may present as being lazy, uninterested, or more aloof than usual. Another important sign to watch out for is unexplained weight gain. Just as humans will gain weight if they aren’t getting enough exercise, so will your cat. Sure, they likely aren’t concerned with “how they look” each morning – but obesity is a growing problem in the United States and can introduce serious health consequences!

What is a Hydrolyzed Protein Diet for Dogs?

Protein is a very important part of a dog’s diet. However, some doggos might have a sensitive digestive system or even allergies. In such cases, a hydrolyzed protein diet becomes essential as it provides important nutrients without being heavy on their tummy. But what is hydrolyzed protein exactly? A hydrolyzed protein diet for dogs is a type of food that is formulated specifically for dogs that have allergies or certain food sensitivities. The protein sources in this diet are all broken down into smaller molecules, thanks to a complex process called hydrolysis. What this process does is reduce the size of the protein molecules, making them less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. So, if your doggo is a bit sensitive, this could be what’s needed!Veterinarians often recommend hydrolyzed protein for dogs that are diagnosed with intolerances or  food allergies. Thanks to this, your pet can receive all the essential nutrients without any adverse reactions being triggered. The most common sources of hydrolyzed protein in these diets are beef, chicken, salmon, or soy. So it’s just like most of the common dog foods - but in a different, better form. 

Working Dog Gets Stolen and Dropped in a Shelter 700 Miles From Home

We all love our pooches, don’t we? It’s impossible to imagine that someone would be capable of stealing your four-legged companion. But, sadly many dogs get stolen every day. That’s exactly what happened to Hank, a 12-year-old McNab mix, who was working on a ranch in Oregon.The woman who brought Hank to the St. George Animal Shelter told the staff that she had found the dog locally. However, Hank was more than 700 miles away from home!“He was a working dog,” said Animal Service Officer Supervisor Cathy Freitas to St. George News. The pooch was found on a ranch in Oregon and driven to St. George by a woman who lied to the shelter staff and said that she found the dog in the local area. “The dog was absolutely well cared for and happy,” Freitas added. “And the person who saw it assumed otherwise and thought rather than going to the authorities and saying ‘I found a dog,’ she intentionally drove the dog from that area because she didn’t want it to go back to the owner thinking that it wasn’t well taken care of because it was outside… Not every dog is going to be happy lying on your couch and eating snacks.”The shelter posted a photo of Hank on social media, hoping someone would recognize him. Luckily, the post reached the right people, and a person in Idaho recognized the pooch. Soon, everything became much clearer.As it happens, Hanks was with his family for a long time, and they missed him terribly. Unfortunately, Hank’s owners didn’t know where to start looking for him because the people who took him had driven so far away. When the shelter got ahold of the owners, they immediately got into their vehicle and drove 700 miles to get their dog. That’s 1,400 miles round trip - a sure proof of the love and dedication that they have for their pooch.The owners explained that Hank is in the fifth generation of McNab dogs bred to work on the family’s ranch. People should know that there are working dogs, Freitas explained. These dogs are bred and trained to work and that’s where they feel the most comfortable and happy. If you happen to find a dog near livestock, there’s a good chance that it’s a working dog, and it’s best not to approach it. If the dog seems neglected or injured, contact Animal Services or nonemergency dispatch. This way the local authorities can check on the dog and get a hold of its owner. When it comes to Hank, the St. George Animal Shelter wouldn’t be able to hold his owners accountable if he had been neglected or abused because they are outside of the St. George Police Department’s jurisdiction.  The police from the dog’s hometown wouldn’t have been notified, giving the family a chance to adopt another dog.Taking a dog like this is extremely stressful for them and their family, but it can also put their herd at risk, as they would be without a guardian and more likely to become prey. Luckily, this story has a happy ending and Hank is back on the ranch, helping his owners with livestock. His family could press charges against the woman who took him, even though she might have had the dog’s best interest at heart. At the end of the day, she stole Hank and transported him across state lines. If you come across a dog herding livestock, stay a safe distance away and don’t offer any treats or food. According to Freitas, most working dogs aren’t aggressive towards people, but they can be if they sense their herd is at risk. Let’s not forget that working dogs aren’t house pets. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

New Survey Ranks America's Top Dog Breeds by State

There’s no doubt about it - Americans love their dogs! We know that your pooch is the best breed, but have you wondered which are the most favored dog breeds in America? Forbes surveyed 10,000 dog owners across the 50 states to find America’s top dog breed. The survey involved the top 25 most popular dog breeds nationwide, according to the American Kennel Club. So, what is America’s top dog? As it turns out, “no breed in particular” is the country’s favorite at 13%.However, if Americans had to decide, they’d pick the Australian shepherd as a favorite, followed by the German shepherd and the bulldog.The highly intelligent and energetic Australian shepherd was ranked as the top dog breed in 10 states, including Alabama, Arizona, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Montana, Missouri, New York, and Virginia. This breed was also voted the second favorite in nine states. Although Aussies won the popularity vote, the German shepherd was the number one pick in 16 states. That’s more than any other breed!Known for its loyal and courageous nature, the German shepherd is the most common breed to serve as a police K9 but also makes a wonderful family companion. They ranked as the second favorite dog breed in nine states. Interestingly, more men than women picked German shepherds as their favorite breed (9% compared to 6%). America’s 3rd favorite breed, according to Forbes, is the bulldog. The English bulldog is a medium-sized dog breed, best known for its stocky build, large head, and wrinkled face. The bulldog ranked as the top dog in eight states, including Illinois, Connecticut, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Utah. Among all states, Nebraska ranked the bulldog lowest, placing this breed at 24th place, The lovable and friendly Labrador retriever ranked as the nation’s 4th favorite breed. Thanks to their affectionate, friendly, and energetic nature, Labs make great companions to people of all ages and families with children. Labrador retrievers ranked as the most favorite dog breed in 10 states, including Louisiana, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oregon, South Dakota, and West Virginia. Bernese mountain dog is the 5th favorite dog breed in the United States. Large in size and built for hard work, Bernese mountain dogs are easy to train and make affectionate, loyal, and faithful companions. So, it’s no surprise that this doggo ranked as the most favorite breed in nine states. Compared to four other top-ranked breeds, the Bernese mountain dog had the most varying results, with 10 states ranking this breed in the bottom 10.The beagle is the nation’s favorite small breed. Ranked as the 6th favorite breed overall, the beagle was placed in the top 10 favorite breeds in all but seven states. This breed received the lowest ranking in Utah, where it was voted as the state’s 3rd least favorite breed.The golden retriever comes in at 7th place, after being voted as the most favorite dog breed in Michigan and Wisconsin. Medium in size and best known for their gorgeous golden coats, golden retrievers are loving, loyal, and affectionate companions to active people and families with children. Goldens were the 2nd favorite dog breed in four states, including New Hampshire, North Dakota, Connecticut, and Vermont. This breed ranked the lowest in Alabama, where it received 17th place.These are America’s most favorite dog breeds, but the nation also has the least favorite doggo. This title goes to the Havanese, which was the bottom-ranked breed in 33 states.The Havanese is followed by Pembroke Welsh Corgi which was the least favorite dog breed in 17 states. And what about you? What’s your favorite and least favorite dog breed?Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Can I Prevent My Dog From Barking When They’re Home Alone?

Dogs are very affectionate beings, and can form incredible bonds with their owners – but this also means that they would love to be by their side at all times. Sometimes, however, this is just not possible. Their owners have to  work, go to the store, or finish chores out of home and they can’t always take their pets with them. And when you leave your pooch all by their lonesome, they often think it’s the end of the world – you’ve abandoned them for good, even when you’re away for like 25 minutes. This can result in anxiety, restlessness, and a lot of barking. Some dogs – in fact – just won’t stop barking or howling until you come back. How can you bring an end to this behavior, and prevent all the excess barking? And how can you let your pet know that leaving for a little bit is no big deal? Let’s find out. Battles with Barks: Why Dogs Bark When Alone and How to Stop ItExcessive barking when a dog is home alone can be a common issue for a lot of owners, and addressing it requires a combination of training, environmental management, and sometimes, the help of professionals. Above all, it requires patience. However, there are a number of factors that come into play when such situations occur. To make your dog calmer, quieter, and ready to accept your absence, you should take a closer look at the daily routine the two of you share.First, consider if you're providing enough physical and mental stimulation. Physical exercise is crucial for a dog's well-being. Keep in mind that a tired dog is generally a content and quieter dog. So, before you leave, make sure that they have ample exercise, fun, and outside time. If they “emptied their batteries”, they are more likely to remain calm and just snooze while you are out. Of course, to make sure you always fulfill these exercise requirements, you will have to establish a consistent daily routine. Just like humans, doggos too depend on the routine they can follow. This routine helps them feel secure and understand when to expect certain events like meals and walks. If they get used to a daily chain of events, they will expect you to leave and be okay with it.  Interactive toys that provide mental stimulation or dispense treats are also a great thing to utilize when battling anxiety or boredom-induced barking. They can help your dog stay occupied during your absence. As they get involved in playing with the toy, dogs will tire out, keep themselves busy, and not make such a big deal about your absence. With a toy, alone time can actually be enjoyable for a dog.

Here Are the 10 Rarest Dog Breeds in America

Dogs are the most popular pets in America – deservingly, they are the most loved and affectionate furry friends, and their popularity as family companions never wanes. We all know what are the most popular dog breeds – and which evergreen breeds have been stealing hearts for decades back, but how about those lesser-known breeds? Which in particular are the rarest among them? Even if touting great qualities, some of these super rare breeds are simply hard to come by, and they are seldom seen. Thanks to a survey conducted by the American Kennel Club ( AKC), we can now find out which dog breeds are as obscure as can be. Out of a list of 199 registered and accepted breeds, the AKC revealed the 10 rarest dog breeds in America. 10.  Pyrenean Shepherd9.  Cesky Terrier8.  Sussex Spaniel7.  Harrier6.  Azawakh5.  Belgian Laekenois4.  American Foxhound3.  Sloughi2.  Norwegian Lundehund1.  English FoxhoundDon’t be surprised if you have never heard of some of these unique breeds. They are rare for a reason! On the other side of the spectrum, looking at the most recent trends, the French Bulldog holds the number one spot as the most popular pet dog breed in America, with the Labrador and Golden Retrievers following close by. That’s a bit of a change, as the Golden Retriever long held the number one spot. Generally speaking, most people tend to go for more known and traditional dog breeds when looking for a purebred dog, but the world of canines is much more diverse, with plenty of unusual and amazing breeds to choose from.Ultimately, the popularity of a certain breed should not be connected with their suitability as pets. After all, many factors contribute to that – a great deal of pet parents, myself included, are proud to share their lives with a mixed breed pooch and the fact that they’re not a certain breed doesn’t make them any less perfect. Your four-legged bestie might be a more popular dog breed, a rare purebred, a hybrid designer dog breed, or a cute mutt – they’ll steal your heart either way!

Playing with Dogs Helps People Concentrate and Relax, Study Finds

Numerous studies have investigated the bond between humans and dogs, showing that canine companionship offers physical and emotional benefits, such as reduced blood pressure, increased oxytocin levels, and decreased levels of the stress hormone cortisol. However, few studies have looked at what happens in a person’s brain when they interact with a dog. A new study, led by researchers in South Korea did just that!In this study, researchers measured the participant’s brain waves during interactions with a four-year-old standard poodle, named Aro. The team wanted to find out how specific activities affected the participants’ mood.The study involved 30 healthy participants who were asked to engage in eight distinct activities with Aro. The activities included meeting, playing, massaging, feeding, grooming, hugging, photographing, and walking the dog. Before the activities began, the participants were asked to sit and stare at a wall for three minutes to minimize any stimulation that could affect the study’s results. The researchers used headsets of electrodes to measure participants' brain wave activity while they interacted with the dog. The results showed that activities like walking the dog increased relaxation while brushing the dog improved concentration. Interestingly, playing with the dog increased both concentration and relaxation. “Previous studies of the potential benefits of animal interactions often take a holistic approach, comparing people’s mood or hormone levels before and after spending time with a dog,” explained Onyoo Yoo, the study’s lead author, and researcher at Konkut University in South Korea. “It is a significant finding that engaging in certain activities with dogs can increase specific brain activity,” he added, according to NBC News. Yoo’s team asked the participants to engage in eight activities, for three minutes each, while wearing brainwave-detecting headsets. The participants also needed to complete surveys after each activity, describing how they felt emotionally.The team discovered that alpha brain waves, which indicate relaxation and stability, became stronger when participants played with Aro using squeaky toys and when they took her for a walk on a park trail. These results showed that participants were in an increased state of rest and relaxation. On the other hand, beta brain waves, which are associated with attention and concentration, became stronger when participants brushed Aro or gave her a gentle massage. This showed that participants’ concentration improved without an increase in stress. All participants reported feeling less stressed, tired, and depressed after all eight activities. According to the study, activities such as hugging, feeding, and massaging the dog improved the participants’ moods, in particular. “This study demonstrated that specific dog activities could activate stronger relaxation, emotional stability, attention, concentration, and creativity by facilitating increased brain activity,” said Yoo. “In addition, interactions with dogs could decrease stress and induce positive emotional responses.”For example, playing with a dog not only relaxes the mind but also increases concentration. This dual effect shows that dogs could play an important role in therapies designed to reduce stress and improve mental focus. Past studies have suggested that dogs could help ease symptoms of depression or PTSD, but it’s still unclear how effective that type of pet therapy may be. Researchers agree that people need to enjoy being around dogs for this type of animal-assisted therapy to work. More studies are needed to confirm the validity of these findings. But if you already have a dog, there’s now even more evidence supporting interaction with your pet. So go ahead and take your dog for a walk or a play session in the park, you’ll both feel better after it!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Study Finds Differences in Pain Sensitivity Between Dog Breeds

Although you might think that all dogs experience pain the same, it turns out that different dog breeds have varying levels of pain sensitivity.

What Shapes Your Dog’s Personality? Harvard Neuroscientists Reveal

No two dogs are the same – each pooch has a personality of their own, complete with unique quirks and traits. But why is your dog the way they are? What shapes their personality and character? Why do they behave in a unique way, even when they belong to a certain breed with a distinct set of traits?This is the question that Erin Hecht, assistant professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard, is trying to answer. She is doing this through  The Canine Brains Project and recently held a  talk - centered on canine neuroscience - that was organized by Harvard’s Brain Science Initiative.According to Hecht, dogs have the potential to teach us so much about brain development, especially considering the fact that they were domesticated about 20,000 to 40,000 years before the present – which, on the evolutionary timeline, is quite recent. “Darwin saw dogs as a window on mechanisms of evolution,” Hecht said. “When we’re looking at dogs, as a natural experiment and brain behavior evolution all we have to do is look at their brains and see what evolution did in order to satisfy those selection requirements.”Hecht’s efforts were benefited by her lab, which performs MRI scans of dog brains – roughly 100 per year. They also conduct owner surveys that examine dogs’ work skills, especially those “ancient” ones, like hunting, guarding, herding, fetching, and so on. All this is then compared to breed parameters, like body size, skill size, and overall shape. “About 80 percent of the dogs living on the planet today are what’s known as village dogs. These are free-ranging animals that live as human commensals. So they’re living within human society, but they’re not pets,” Hecht said.Through such research, Hecht is hoping to determine what exactly shapes a dog’s personality. Through her lab work, she connects personality and skill differences in dogs to six special regions of their brains:-the regions controlling drive and reward -olfaction and taste-spatial navigation-social communication and coordination-fight or flight -and olfaction and vision“There has been very strong recent specific selection in individual breeds rather than founding effects in ancestral founding populations,” Hecht said. “So then we can look at behavior and ask whether the types of behaviors that different lineages have been selected for historically … [explain] each dog’s anatomy and these six brain networks. And it seems like there are some interesting relationships here.”But most importantly, it is concluded that these neural pathways are greatly impacted by the shape and size of a dog’s skull. “It stands to reason that if you’re manipulating the shape of a skull, you’re going to be manipulating the shape of the brain,” Hecht said. “But this confirms that dogs with these extreme skull morphotypes have impacts on their brain anatomy that likely affects behavior.”She also adds that even though some dogs have a brain “makeup” that suggests a unique disposition, it doesn’t “lock” them into a set behavior pattern. This is especially true for working skills. “Training is almost always necessary. I have yet to hear of any particular breed of working dog, where it’s just born knowing how to do its job,” Hecht said.So, a look “inside” your doggo’s brain might reveal why they are just the way they are. Would you be curious enough to let scientists take a peek?

Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Cats: The Basics

Like humans, cats can develop a vitamin B12 deficiency. This water-soluble vitamin is needed for a variety of functions, affecting everything from their digestion to cognitive function, so it’s important to address a deficiency in your pet.Here’s some information on the symptoms and causes of vitamin B12 deficiency, along with what you can do to address it.

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