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Best Dog Advent Calendar

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  November 13th, 2021

A dog advent calendar includes your pet in the holiday fun – filled with treats or tiny rewards, they give your pooch something to look forward to all throughout the month of December. Here is our choice of the best dog advent calendars to make your pooch jolly this Christmas!

The holiday season is fast approaching, and pet owners are always looking for fun ways to include their four-legged friends in the festivities. The feeling of anticipation and the joyous opening of advent calendar boxes or pouches each day in December brings a smile to your face, so why wouldn’t it make your pet’s tail wag, too? A dog advent calendar is a great way to share the holiday spirit with your pet, and to indulge them with a few unexpected treats – and we all know how dogs like those.

A dog advent calendar can either be pet-themed and customizable, so you can pick and choose what rewards to put in. Those can be small treats, toys, or maybe even cars with fun activities your pet likes – get creative! Alternatively, there are also dog advent calendars pre-filled with yummy treats and biscuits to get your pooch in the holiday mood without much hassle required. The choice is yours – and to help you make it, we’ve handpicked the best dog advent calendar options on the market. Enjoy and be merry!

1. Editor’s Choice: DreamBone Holiday Rawhide-Free Collection

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You just can’t go wrong with yummy treats. Ever. All dogs love treats, and a dog advent calendar filled with yumminess is definitely something every pet can get excited about! DreamBone Holiday Rawhide-Free Collection dog advent calendar is a great choice for puppies that are teething or dogs that prefer chew treats over “regular” ones, as it is filled with only the best rawhide-free treats to get that gnawing going. There are 24 treats in the calendar (obviously), divided into 3 different types (8 of each). There are mini canes, mini bones with sweet potatoes, and mini chicken-wrapped sticks. Full of flavor, these treats are a healthy alternative to rawhide – they are enriched with vitamins and minerals, and help keep your dog’s teeth clean and their breath fresh. And if that’s not a reason to be merry, I don’t know what is!

Pros

  • Includes treats that maintain good oral health
  • A tasty and yummy reward for a pet
  • 3 variations to keep your pooch excited

Cons

  • Only for small dogs

2. Runner Up: Best Friend’s Advent Calendar

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So your pooch is a picky eater. A dog advent calendar filled with the same treat for each of the 24 days definitely wouldn’t work for them – even if it was their favorite treat, chances are they’d get bored of it after a few days. Try offering variety instead – all yummy, all different. Best Friend’s Advent Calendar features the classic advent calendar form, with 24 carton flaps to peek under and get your reward, but with a twist: not only are there dogs pictured on it, but the treats inside are made specifically for our canine friends. There are over 10 different flavors your dog will get to experience, including bacon, cheese, peanut butter, chicken, banana, apple, and the different combinations of these ingredients. In addition to the variety of flavors, the shapes and textures also differ from day to day, from crunchy cookies to soft chews. Everything your dog could want and more!

Pros

  • Many different shapes, textures, and flavors
  • Natural ingredients
  • Suited for dogs of all ages and sizes

Cons

  • Can be a bit chunky – you might need to break it into smaller pieces for a petite dog

3. Customer’s Choice: Purina Beggin’ and Busy Dog Advent Calendar Dog Treats Variety Pack

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Let the countdown begin – some drooling and a lot of tail wags are all but guaranteed! Purina Beggin’ and Busy Dog Advent Calendar Dog Treats Variety Pack includes a variety of rawhide-free treats that dogs find simply yummy: Beggin’ Fun Size With Bacon and Cheese, Beggin’ Fun Size Original With Bacon, and Busy Bone Minis. And it’s easy to see why dogs go bananas for these, as there is real bacon and real pork in these tantalizing treats! For each of the 24 days, you get treats packed in convenient on-the-go packs so you can bring them with you on your walk – and not worry about them getting stale while you’re counting down the days to Christmas. These treats are long-lasting and chewy, so they can be given even to the more enthusiastic chewer – as long as they are petite.

Pros

  • Packed in on-the-go bags
  • Three delicious types of treats
  • Rawhide-free treats

Cons

  • Contain artificial preservatives and ingredients

4. Best Customizable: S-DEAL Burlap Christmas Advent Calendar

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In case your picky pooch doesn’t like the treats usually available in dog advent calendars, or you want to personalize their holiday gifts as much as possible, you’ll love this customizable dog advent calendar. It is just the calendar – no rewards in it – so you can go wild coming up with the best advent countdown rewards for your dog. S-DEAL Burlap Christmas Advent Calendar is made from burlap and will perfectly fit in with your traditional Christmas decor: the design features a black dog in a Santa hat, accented with snow, Christmas trees, and embroidered “Merry Christmas” around the scene. There are 24 spacious pouches sewn on, in your typical festive green, red, and white color combinations, in which you can place your treats of choice or any small goodies you like. This dog advent calendar measures 36” in height (an additional 9.5” if you count the string it hangs on) and 16” in width. The best part is that it is durable and timeless, so you can reuse it over and over in the following years!

Pros

  • A beautiful timeless design inspired by pets and Christmas
  • Spacious pouches can hold anything you want
  • Can be reused over and over again

Cons

  • Pockets will hold treats but are too small for toys or anything bulkier

5. Best Classic: Vermont Christmas Company Puppies Advent Calendar

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Not all dog advent calendars are made for dogs per se – some of them are inspired by our four-legged best friends. If you are a fan of classic Christmas traditions and love doing things old-school but still want a way to show off how much you cherish your pet, Vermont Christmas Company Puppies Advent Calendar is the dog advent calendar for you. The classic approach to design means that there are no treats or gifts behind the flaps, but rather pictures and verses. Both the main calendar picture and the tiny pictures behind the flaps are retro dog illustrations that reminisce of times past, and the verses tell a story of a doggie Christmas – each verse is from A Puppies Christmas poem. Talk about nostalgia and holiday spirit! Made from sturdy cardboard, this dog advent calendar measures 11 ¾ “ by 8 ¼ “.

Pros

  • Vintage-inspired classic design
  • Perfect gift for dog-lovers
  • Glitter accents

Cons

  • Can’t put treats in it

6. Best Wooden: Byers’ Choice Dogs Christmas Advent Calendar

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Sturdy, classy, and with a timeless dog-inspired design, this advent calendar is made to become a quintessential part of your future holiday celebrations. It is ideal if you want something that will last and will become a recognizable part of your family’s Christmas tradition for years to come! Made from wood, this dog advent calendar features 24 beautifully painted dogs in a Christmas scene, with hand-sculpted and painted faces to bring out the expression in those adorable doggie characters. The festive scene hides 24 numbered doors that lead to small compartments in which you can hide rewards and treats for the Christmas countdown. Perfect for any dog-loving family! This dog advent calendar measures 15” by 18”.

Pros

  • Sturdy and made to last
  • Beautiful holiday scene with hand-sculpted and painted accents
  • Reusable – can become a part of your Christmas tradition
  • Boxes are spacious enough for all kinds of treats

Cons

  • A bit pricey

What’s a Dog Advent Calendar?

An advent calendar is a part of cherished Christmas tradition – it is a preparation for the celebration of Christmas and lasts for the first 24 days of December. There are various types of advent calendars out there, but the gist is the same – each day, you open a flap, a box, or a pouch that contains a treat or a verse, or a small gift. Many families have upheld this tradition for generations back, so it’s only natural that many pet parents want to do the same with their dogs. It’s fun and gets you in the holiday mood – who wouldn’t want their pet to be a part of something like that?

That’s where dog advent calendars step in. In recent years, more and more people are looking for customized Christmas products that they can gift to their pets, and it’s the same case with advent calendars. As a result, we now have various pet-friendly advent calendar options to choose from, the most common being a dog advent calendar filled with dog treats. Treats are small and all dogs adore them, so they make the perfect little reward in an advent calendar! There are different options to choose from, of course, from chew treats to handmade dog biscuits, all to make sure you find the right match for your pet’s preferences. Of course, there are other kinds of dog advent calendars, as well, such as those that are refillable and made to allow you to fully customize the rewards that go inside of it. Lastly, there are also dog advent calendars that are designed for pet parents rather than their furbabies: these feature cute pooch photos or fun facts about dogs behind every flap. Nothing better than to start your day with a bit of puppy cuteness, am I right?

Can I Make a Dog Advent Calendar Myself?

Even though dog advent calendars have become increasingly popular in the last few years, the selection is still scarce, and many pet parents decide to go the DIY route to really make something tailored to their pet’s needs and their own budget. Making a dog advent calendar is easy, fun, and gives you greater freedom to really choose each of the 24 rewards – after all, who knows better what gets your pet’s tail wagging than you do?

The first step is to get the calendar itself. You can buy premade fabric, cardboard, or wooden advent calendars with empty slots you can personalize with pet treats or toys. But if you want to make one from scratch, you can always sew one – it takes basic skills and scrap fabric, so it will be inexpensive and beginner-friendly. Alternatively, if you are not sewing-savvy, opt for a more creative approach, such as our DIY advent calendar for pets made with just a few pieces of string, some cardboard, clothespins, and ziplock bags. It’s quick, it’s cheap, and it looks great – and you don’t need any skills whatsoever to make one in under an hour.

Check out our tutorial to make this easy DIY advent calendar for pets!

Once you figure out what will serve as your pet’s advent calendar, it remains to decide what to stuff it with. The go-to choice for most is dog treats. Not only do dogs adore them, but they are usually small and can be easily stored in an advent calendar. Whether it’s tough chew treats, crunchy biscuits, or bite-sized training treats, the choice is yours! An alternative approach is opting for small toys, but that can be pricey and impractical, so advent calendars with dog toys are rarely seen. You can also be creative and write fun activities your pet loves on pieces of paper and hide them under the flap – e.g. an hour of playing fetch, a hike in the woods, or cuddling on the sofa. The goal is to reward your pooch and the way you choose to do it is entirely up to you!

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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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Jolly Pets is the brand behind innovative, durable, and unique pet toys that are made entirely by domestic manufacturers – and every holiday season, they make an effort to spread joy, kindness, and love to all the pooches in need. This season, collaborating with 19 influencer ambassadors, they are once again heading their # WeGiveaJolly charitable campaign. Starting from November 28th until December 25th, Jolly Pets will donate a high-quality toy for every single purchase made. The toys will go to rescue dogs at 19 animal shelters in the USA, each represented by the influencer ambassadors, as announced by the marketing director of Jolly Pets, Louisa Casto. "The holiday season is a time for giving, and what better way to make a difference in the lives of shelter dogs than through the power of play and companionship. Jolly Pets understands the importance of providing joy and comfort to dogs awaiting their forever homes, and # WeGiveaJolly exemplifies our commitment to this cause," said Casto. "We believe that every dog deserves love, care, and happiness regardless of their circumstances. That's why we're excited to kick off our annual # WeGiveaJolly campaign, collaborating with compassionate ambassadors and animal shelters to make a real difference in a dog's life."This campaign will bring true holiday cheer across the country, especially to rescue dogs who are in dire need of some love and compassion.The ambassadors, shelters, and locations are as follows:@guidingeyesfortheblind for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Yorktown Heights, NY@goodasgoldens for Canine Companions, Sacramento, CA@Jack_the_Sleeper for Fort Worth North Animal Care and Adoption Campus, Haslet, TX@moosethegoldenretriever for Rescue Village, Russell Twp., OH@cheriethesurfdog for Frenchies United Rescue, Claremont, CA@incredibullstella for Animal Help Alliance, Las Vegas, NV@iheartpgracie for Animal Care Centers of NYC, New York, NY@2rockstarlabs for Crossed Paws Animal Shelter, Woodsfield, OH@koda.laredo for Hoosier Bulldog Rescue, Indianapolis, IN@posies_pocketful_of_praise for Pickens Humane Society, Liberty, SC@ziggy_loving_life for Home Fur Good Animal Rescue, Phoenix, AR@maligator_apollo for PAWS Chicago, Chicago, IL@remingtonpup for Great Pyrenees Rescue Society, Spring, TX@gvl_golden_girls for Dog Squad, Greer, SC@enzo.and.bella for Friends of Detroit Animal Care & Control, Northville, MI@benny.n.lola for Humane Society Silicon Valley, Milpitas, CA@leuleu_theblue for the Pet Alliance Sanford Shelter, Orlando, FL@the.hero.dogs for Hot Mess Pooches, Homer, IL@fosterkittenhq for The Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Arlington, VA"By participating in Jolly Pets # WeGiveaJolly campaign, our customers are not only providing joy to their own pets but also extending that joy to shelter dogs waiting for a loving home. It's a small act of kindness that can profoundly impact these dogs' lives," Casto said. "We encourage using the hashtag # WeGiveaJolly on social media to encourage friends and family to participate in this heartwarming initiative."To learn more about the # WeGiveaJolly campaign and to shop for Jolly Pets' durable and innovative pet toys, visit  https://jollypets.com/pages/wegiveajolly-annual-toy-drive.

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

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

New Tool Detects and Predicts Dog Mobility Issues

Researchers at the University of Liverpool and experts at Dogs Trust have joined forces to create a unique new tool for detecting and predicting dog mobility issues. These veterinary experts have developed the GenPup-M questionnaire. This survey asks dog owners a series of questions to about their dog's mobility. The GenPup-M questionnaire is designed in a way that can help owners determine whether their dog might be experiencing mobility problems, even mild ones. Mobility-related problems are the third most commonly diagnosed disease in dogs. It’s estimated that 200,000 dogs are affected by musculoskeletal disease annually. According to some estimates, 20% of dogs have mobility issues before one year old, but most aren’t diagnosed until they are eight to 13 years old. Current mobility questionnaires are developed for dogs already diagnosed with mobility problems and track their quality of life. This means that many dogs spend the better part of their lives living with a painful condition that negatively impacts their overall health and well-being. A recent study, published in PLOS ONE confirms the validity of the GenPup-M questionnaire. The study involved 62 dogs - 31 with mobility issues and 31 without mobility issues.Scientists obtained the dogs’ clinical history from the owners, and all dogs received an orthopedic exam at the beginning of the study. Next, owners were asked to complete the GenPup-M questionnaire along with a previously validated mobility questionnaire.To determine the survey’s validity and its ability to identify mobility issues in dogs, scientists compared GenPup-M responses with the results of other expert tests, including advanced gait analysis.“Impaired mobility can affect a dog’s ability to engage in daily activities and interactions, move or exercise freely. If an animal is unwilling to or cannot play, exercise, or express normal behavior, this can impact its quality of life,” said Natasha Clark, veterinary surgeon and researcher at the Department of Musculoskeletal & Aging Science at the University of Liverpool. According to Clark, when done over time at regular checkups, the GenPup-M questionnaire can identify subtle changes in a dog’s mobility without the use of expensive and time-consuming gait analysis. This new tool can help vets diagnose and slow the development of mobility problems in dogs. “Our research doesn’t stop here and we will continue to research and develop GenPup-M to refine it as an even more effective tool for vets and dog caregivers,” added Clark.The Deputy Head of Research, Welfare Projects & Grants at Dogs Trust, Dr Jane Murray, said, “We are delighted to work collaboratively with the University of Liverpool on this study which serves to improve the well-being of dogs, as no dog is immune to mobility issues. Generation Pup is a ground-breaking study of the health, welfare, and behavior of our dogs and we hope this research helps more owners detect early signs of mobility issues, leading to veterinary and management interventions that can improve the welfare of the affected dogs.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why is My Cat Suddenly Acting Aggressive?

Cats are well-known for their independent and aloof nature. It’s part of their mysterious and majestic presence. But what do you do when your once docile companion suddenly becomes angry or aggressive?Understanding why your cat may have shown such an abrupt behavior change is important. Why? This could be a sign of much bigger trouble that demands your attention. There are many explanations for this type of change in demeanor, including physical pain or illness. The best solution to create harmony once again in your home is to get to the bottom of it!In this article, we will look at the most common reasons for a cat to suddenly exhibit aggression and what you should do to help your furry best friend.What Does Aggression Look Like in Cats?If you are a first-time cat owner or have never encountered an aggressive cat, you may wonder what aggression looks like. Our feline friends aren’t always as outwardly friendly and affectionate as their canine counterparts, but aggression refers to behaviors that go a step further. Rather than being aloof or disinterested, an aggressive cat outwardly expresses upset, anger, and frustration toward a trigger.Cat parents who seek help with an aggressive cat often refer to their cat biting or swatting, causing physical harm out of nowhere. But there are often other signs of trouble that are overlooked or unnoticed.Early signs of aggression include:Thrashing or fast twitching tailDirect stareDilated pupilsEars flattened back against the headStiff or crouched postureRaised hacklesHissing, growling, or yowlingWhen these warning signs are ignored, a cat may feel they have no choice but to react further to protect themselves from the perceived threat or trigger. It is at this moment that a cat will swat or bite. Learning to recognize the early warning signs will help you prevent the situation from escalating to the point that someone is hurt.How Do You Tell if a Cat is Playing or Being Aggressive?Some cats, especially young kittens, may play in a way that is similar to or mimics the signs of aggression. This can make it harder to identify if your cat is truly upset or simply playing around. Luckily, there are a few minor differences that can help you differentiate between the two.When a cat is being playful, they usually have their claws retracted. This means they may swat at you during play, but they aren’t scratching or causing harm with that action. The same can be said when they pounce on you – landing on you with their paws, nails retracted. If your cat is biting at your hand during play, they often have a threshold they won’t cross. They may bite hard enough that you feel some discomfort, but they aren’t trying to break the skin.There is a grey area that shouldn’t be overlooked between play and aggression, where a cat either didn’t learn where that line exists or fails to acknowledge it. This is known as play aggression, which we will touch on later.

FDA Approves New Treatment for Anxiety and Fear in Cats

It’s no secret that most cats get really stressed out when they have to leave the house, especially for a trip to the veterinarian. And the anxiety and fear that your pet experiences can certainly affect you as a pet parent as well, making you feel awful about having to put your cat through such a scary experience.The good news is there are things you can try to help reduce the stress your kitty feels, and one of the latest solutions is a new treatment recently approved by the FDA.Bonqat for CatsIn November 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pregabalin, also known as Bonqat, for cats.The oral solution is not a sedative; instead, it affects the neurotransmitters that are involved in acute anxiety and fear. Therefore, it can be used to reduce the stress experienced by cats who are being transported for any reason, and it can be helpful for those who get frightened when they go to the vet.To determine if this medicine would be effective, cats were given either a placebo or Bonqat before being transported by car and examined by a veterinarian (the cats had a history of being fearful and/or anxious under those circumstances). The results? While roughly one-third of the kitties who got the placebo had a positive response, just over half of those given the medicine did better while being transported and examined. Also, over the course of two examinations, 77% of the kitties who took Bonqat had less fear and anxiety, while 46% of those given the placebo exhibited an improvement in their fear and anxiety levels.Discuss Bonqat with Your VeterinarianYou can only get Bonqat with a prescription from your veterinarian, so discuss its pros and cons to determine if this medicine would be right for your cat based on factors like age and medical conditions. And bear in mind that side effects, such as ataxia, vomiting, and lethargy, might occur with Bonqat.To reap the benefits of Bonqat, you simply give it to your cat about 1.5 hours prior to transporting them or taking them to the vet. This medicine is a liquid, and it can be given to your pet with a bit of food.Also, there are some precautions that need to be taken while administering this medicine to your cat. For example, it shouldn’t make contact with your eyes, mucous membranes, or skin. So, in addition to talking to your vet about how to use it correctly to ensure your cat gets the best results, you also want to be well-informed about how to handle this medicine safely.For more information about Bonqat and how it works, click here.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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.

Organizations Donate Free Food to Help Owners Keep Pets

The high cost of living forces many pet owners to consider rehoming their pets.

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. 

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