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Best Dog Chews

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  November 16th, 2021

Dog chews help occupy your pup, give them an outlet for their innate desire for chewing, and keep those canines sparkly clean. There are tons of options to pick from, though, so we’ve selected the best dog chews on the market to make your choice easier!

Following your shoes or sofa legs, dog chews are the next favorite thing for pooches to gnaw on. But there are soooo many to choose from! Deer antlers, bones, dental chews, rawhide, dehydrated fruits, and veggies, etc- how is anyone supposed to pick the right one? Each pooch is different, so their preferences (and chewing abilities) will vary. Some doggos go bananas for the flavor of rawhide, others get an upset stomach after nibbling it. Natural dog treats are healthy for your pooch, but some picky eaters will simply turn up their noses at a cheese chew or a dehydrated sweet potato. This is why it’s important to start with what your dog really likes and then go from there.

Our guide on choosing dog chews will help you make an informed choice of treats for your pooch- something that’s healthy, safe, and best of all, super yummy for your four-legged bestie. Read on to learn more about the origin, ingredients, and safety of dog chews and our handpicked selection of the best dog chews currently on the market.

1. Editor’s Choice: Mighty Paw Yak Cheese Chews For Dogs

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Guilt-free, healthy, yummy, and made from 3 natural ingredients only- these cheesy chews will have your dog’s tail wagging in no time! Mighty Paw Yak Cheese Chews For Dogs are made from milk (yak and cow), lime, and salt, and there are no chemicals, additives, preservatives, or gluten in them. Not even lactose- the curing process removes it! So if you have a pooch with a sensitive stomach or you are mindful about your dog’s diet and want only natural treats, these are the ones to go for. The hard consistency of these chews makes them quite long-lasting and suited for enthusiastic chewers, as well. Rich in calcium and protein, these healthy dog chews suit pooches up to 75 lbs.

Pros

  • Healthy and protein-rich
  • Only 3 ingredients
  • No chemical additives
  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • Not for power chewers

2. Runner Up: Dingo Wag’n’Wraps

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Made with real chicken and pork, these chew treats are designed for picky pooches that don’t find natural treats appealing. Enhanced with natural smoke flavor, these treats, however, will have your picky doggo salivating at the sight of them! The chewy center with real chicken inside is wrapped with premium rawhide, making for a lasting and delicious chew that will help keep tartar at bay. Available in a slim version that suits all dog breeds and large size suited to bigger dogs, Dingo Wag’n’Wraps has a match for any pet’s needs.

Pros

  • Tasty smoky chicken flavor
  • Help keep teeth clean
  • Will keep your dog occupied

Cons

  • Contains artificial flavors and coloring

3. Customer’s Choice: Rachael Ray Nutrish Soup Bones

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These chews are a favorite with so many dogs for a good reason: the chewy exterior of the treat combined with the tender meaty center simply hits the spot for our four-legged besties. Cooked in the USA with premium quality ingredients- no meat by-products or artificial flavors- these chews come in 3 flavor options. Beef and barley, chicken and veggies, and turkey and rice, and in each case, meat is sourced from farms in the USA. No need to worry about contamination of the meat when it is raised within strict guidelines! These tasty chews are suited to small, medium, and large breed dogs alike- everyone can enjoy these soup-flavored treats.

Pros

  • US farm-raised meat
  • 3 flavors to choose from
  • Meaty tender center

Cons

  • They don’t last very long

4. Best for Dental Hygiene: Whimzees Brushzees Large Natural Dog Dental Treat

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One of the best things about chew treats and chew toys is that they help promote better oral hygiene while being a reward to your pet- the best of both worlds if you please. These particular dental chews are designed specifically to battle plaque buildup by preventing it and helping minimize the damage already done, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that they are veterinarian recommended and VOHC accepted (Veterinary Oral Health Council). To make sure every pooch can reap the benefits of these dental chews, they are made with no artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, gluten, or meat so even dogs with food allergies and sensitive tummies can get to enjoy the taste of these chews- and the sparkly white pearlies that they leave behind.

Pros

  • No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, gluten, or meat
  • Prevent and reduce tartar buildup
  • They freshen breath

Cons

  • Not for picky eaters

5. Best for Aggressive Chewers: Pawstruck Natural Knee Cap Dog Bones

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You don’t have to have big chompers to be an aggressive chewer- some dogs gnaw on their toys and treats so destructively that rarely anything lasts them more than a few hours. And not just that- they are frequently at risk for an upset stomach or intestinal blockage because they chew off more than they should have- or something that they shouldn’t have been chewing on in the first place. If your dog is too enthusiastic with chews, try this natural alternative: beef knee caps. Made in a USDA-inspected facility from cattle born and raised in the USA, these beefy treats are perfectly safe for your pooch to munch on. Slowly baked, these knee caps are full of flavor but also very tough to destroy into bits- they just might give your aggressive chewer a bit of a challenge.

Pros

  • Long-lasting
  • Completely natural
  • Made from USA-raised cattle in a USDA-inspected facility

Cons

  • High-fat content, can be too greasy

6. Best for Puppies: N-Bone Puppy Teething Ring Chicken Flavor

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Ah, the “beauties” of the teething stage: nothing is safe, not your shoes, not your furniture, heck, not even your legs! A durable chew treat is an excellent way to redirect your enthusiastic puppy to try and soothe their gums on something you approve of, for a change. N-Bone Puppy Teething Rings are designed to entice and engage your tiny doggo into a chewing session: the shape and the chicken flavor make these teething rings irresistible. To make these even better for puppies, they are enriched with calcium, and essential fatty acids such as DHA, which is essential for healthy cognitive development in puppies. Made in the USA, these treats are meant for puppies over 12 weeks of age and 5lbs of weight.

Pros

  • Helps relieve teething pain and soreness
  • Enriched with calcium and DHA
  • Tasty and durable

Cons

  • Not for sensitive tummies

7. Best Rawhide: Pet Factory Beefhide Chip Rolls

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Rawhide treats are somewhat controversial because they can be dangerous if treated with chemicals, but natural rawhide made from locally grown cattle is a good choice for dogs that are not aggressive chewers (as they can bite off larger chunks that could cause intestinal blockage). If your pooch is a moderate nibbler, they’ll enjoy these natural and nutritious chip rolls, made from American beefhide in the USA while following strict GFSI food quality standards to ensure these chews are healthy and digestible. To boot, they are peanut butter flavored- no doggo can say no to that!

Pros

  • Natural, USA-sourced and made beefhide
  • Peanut butter flavored to entice picky eaters
  • Long-lasting

Cons

  • Not for aggressive chewers or dogs with sensitive stomachs

8. Best on a Diet: BRUTUS & BARNABY Sweet Potato Dog Treats

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Not all chews are suited for dogs on a weight management plant- even when they are natural, they can be high in fat or calorie count. These natural treats are a perfect way to reward your pet without worrying about them getting some extra fluff as they are made from a single natural ingredient- sweet potato. Thick slices of sweet potato are dehydrated to preserve all the essential nutrients and antioxidants, but also to give them a chewy texture that will keep your pooch occupied with gnawing. With zero fat or sugar and with plenty of fiber instead, these chews will promote better digestion and won’t mess up your chonky pet’s diet.

Pros

  • Tasty and long-lasting
  • Low-calorie count
  • Single natural ingredient

Cons

  • Can stick to dog’s teeth

9. Best for Small Dogs: Native Pet Yak Chews for Dogs

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Petite pooches need size-appropriate chews- a big bone to gnaw on will be too big of a challenge for their tiny teeth. These cheese chews are an excellent compromise as they are challenging enough so they last a while before your small dog snarfs them up completely, but small enough to allow them to really get in there and enjoy the chewing process. Made from pasture-raised yak and cow’s milk, salt, and lime juice, these chews are completely natural and healthy to boot. Rich in protein but free of grains, lactose, and other potential allergens, these cheese chews make a good choice for small dogs with tummy issues, too.

Pros

  • Small but durable
  • Made only with 4 natural ingredients
  • Good for dogs with food sensitivities

Cons

  • Not for picky eaters

10. Best for Large Dogs: Earth Animal Large No-Hide Dog Chews

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If you have a large or a giant breed dog, you’re probably feeling like you’re in a pickle when it comes to choosing dog chews: what most dogs could gnaw on for hours on end, your big doggo could swallow in a bite. That is why these jumbo-size dog chews are a perfect solution for all those extra-large pooches out there: the chew is 11” long for hours of nibbling and chewing your pet can finally enjoy. To boot, this no-hide treat is a healthier alternative to rawhide and it is made with only 6 natural ingredients- salmon, brown rice flour, agar-agar (vegetable gelatin), organic eggs, olive oil, banana powder, and pineapple stems. Hand-rolled in Pennsylvania, these treats are not just tasty and fun, but they are healthy as well!

Pros

  • Large size- 11” long
  • Made from 6 ingredients only
  • A natural and healthy alternative to rawhide

Cons

  • Could be more durable

What to Look for in Dog Chews

Finding that perfect dog chew can be a daunting task- there are literally thousands of options out there! From rawhides to dental treats to cheese chews and everything in between, there are plenty of options to choose from, but you have to make sure to pick with care if you want only the best for your precious pooch.

Origin

There’s been a lot of controversy about dog treats made in China or from ingredients from China because of adverse effects dogs have been having- from melamine contamination to a possible link to Fanconi syndrome- so most pet parents try to steer clear from treats that are not made in the USA. If you are worried about dubious ingredients and want only treats produced with the highest standards of safety in mind, opt for locally produced ones or those that use meat from South America, Australia, or New Zealand. These countries are strict about producing the highest quality meat so you usually don’t have to worry about chemical processing or contamination.

Type

There are all kinds of chews out there, so it’s up to you to figure out which one is right for your dog. Natural dehydrated chew treats are always a good choice as they are low-fat and healthy, long-lasting chews or durable chews are meant for aggressive chewers, dental chews help keep oral hygiene up to standards, and so on. There are also chews meant for different breed sizes or life stages, so make sure that you get a chew appropriate for your pet’s chompers. You don’t want them breaking off a tooth on a more challenging chew or choking on one that is too small for them to gnaw on!

Ingredients

It’s not only the source of the ingredients that matters. Even if treats are produced locally in the USA, they can still be unhealthy for your dog. Avoid edible dog chews that are full of additives, conservatives, and artificial ingredients that could irritate your pet’s tummy, and rather opt for natural, limited ingredient dog chews that are much healthier and easier to digest.

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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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Why Are Labradors Fat? Scientists Have the Answer

The friendly, playful, and trainable Labrador is one of the most popular dog breeds around the world. But, few canines are as obsessed with food as Labrador retrievers - and now scientists think they have discovered why. According to new research, a quarter of labs are predisposed to obesity due to a genetic mutation.Approximately 25 percent of Labradors face a double-whammy of burning fewer calories and feeling hungry all the time because of an anomaly. Scientists explain that this obesity-causing combination means dog owners must be strict when feeding and exercising their labs to keep them fit.The mutation is found in the gene called POMC, which plays an important role in energy use and hunger, and affects how dogs behave around food. Around 25 percent of Labradors and 66 percent of flat-coated retrievers are affected by POMC mutation, which puts these dogs at risk of obesity and causes increased interest in food.Researchers found that although these dogs don’t need to eat more to feel full, they are hungrier in between meals. The study also showed that dogs with the POMC mutation use around 25 percent less energy when resting than dogs without it. As a result, these pooches don’t need to eat as many calories to maintain a healthy weight. “We found that a mutation in the POMC gene seems to make dogs hungrier. Affected dogs tend to overeat because they get hungry between meals more quickly than dogs without the mutation,” said Dr. Eleanor Raffan, a researcher in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience who led the study. “All owners of Labradors and flat-coated retrievers need to watch what they’re feeding these highly food-motivated dogs to keep them a healthy weight. But dogs with this genetic mutation face a double whammy: they not only want to eat more, but also need fewer calories because they’re not burning them off as fast,” she added.The study found that the POMC mutation alters a pathway in dogs’ brains associated with body weight regulation. The mutated genes trigger the starvation signal that sends a message to the body to increase food intake and conserve energy.The study involved 87 adult pet Labradors, all at a healthy weight or moderately obese. The dogs were subjected to several tests, including ‘the sausage in the box’ test. The dogs were first given a can of wet dog food every 20 minutes until they couldn’t eat any more. All labs eat huge amounts of food, but what’s interesting is that dogs with POMC didn’t eat more food than the dogs without it.On a different day, all dogs were given the same breakfast. Three hours later they were offered a sausage in a box made of clear plastic and a perforated lid, so the dogs could see and smell the sausage but not eat it.Scientists discovered that labs with POMC mutation tried harder to get the sausage than the dogs without it, showing greater hunger. In another test, the dogs were allowed to sleep in a special chamber that measured the gases they breathed out. This test showed that labs with POMC mutation burn 25 percent fewer calories than dogs without it. According to researchers, people are often rude to owners of fat dogs, criticizing them for not feeding and exercising their dogs properly. However, this study has shown that labs with POMC are trying to increase their energy intake by looking for food all the time. Keeping these dogs slim is challenging, but possible. Spreading out daily food rations, by using puzzle feeders to slow down feeding or scattering the food around the yard so it takes longer to eat are ways owners can keep their Labradors distracted from constant hunger. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Britain's Beloved Breed, the Scottish Terrier, Faces Extinction

Once an icon of British culture, the Scottish terrier is now facing extinction. The Scottie has a distinctive silhouette of a short-legged but sturdy dog with furnishings at the beard, legs, and lower body.These mighty pooches decorated everything from the Monopoly board to designer bags, and shortbread tins. However, the Kennel Club has placed the Scottish terrier on its “at watch” list after only 406 puppies were registered by breeders in 2023.The number of registered Scotties has been plummeting for five consecutive years, but this is a record low.The Scottie was the most popular in the 1930s when there were more than 5,800 registered puppies in a single year. Presidents Franklin D Roosevelt and George W Bush enjoyed the company of Scottie dogs, while countless celebrities including Dorothy Parker and Charles Lindbergh owned a Scottish terrier. Originally bred to hunt foxes, badgers, and other vermin in the Highlands, the Scottish terrier has a loyal, fateful, and bold nature, but is never aggressive. Scotties are dignified, self-assured, independent, and highly intelligent dogs that make wonderful companions to people of all ages.Unfortunately, the Scottie isn’t the only dog that has fallen out of favor with British dog lovers. On the Kennel Club’s “at watch” list are also the English pointer, the rough collie, the wire fox terrier, the Sussex spaniel, the curly-coated retriever, the otterhound, the Gordon setter, the Norwich terrier, and the Manchester terrier. “The Scottish terrier has been such an icon and recognizable breed in the UK for decades and means so much to so many different people, so these latest figures are really worrying,” said Bill Lambart, a spokesman for the Kennel Club.On the other end of the popularity spectrum are Bernese mountain dogs and miniature longhaired Dachshunds, which saw the biggest rise in registrations. The English setter, the Jack Russel terrier, and the Yorkshire terrier also experienced a surge in popularity. Brits are lucky to have more than two hundred wonderful dog breeds to choose from. Each of these breeds has unique personality and character traits and make amazing companions. However, most dogs seen in the parks and streets come from the top ten most popular breeds.“People often opt for well-known choices and simply forget to dig a little deeper, with the worrying knock-on effect that not only are some of our most iconic breeds in decline but also that people might not be getting the perfect match for them,” said Lambert. “People simply forget there are so many different dog breeds, with different personalities and characteristics, and it’s not just the well-known ones that could be a great match for our lifestyles.” The Kennel Club is pleased to see that some of the country’s native breeds, like the English setter, are regaining their popularity. However, the organization also stresses that many breeds are at risk of extinction only because they are no longer fashionable. The top ten most popular breeds in the UK, including the French bulldog, Labrador retriever, and Cocker spaniel, account for more than 60 percent of annual puppy registrations for all breeds. Despite the low registration numbers, there’s still hope for the Scottish terrier. Breed enthusiasts and clubs have started to promote the breed’s unique traits, in hopes of increasing the public’s interest in this amazing breed. The plan to educate the public about the Scottish terrier’s character, history, and suitability as a companion pet could be essential for boosting the breed’s registration numbers. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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! 

These Are the States With the Most Spoiled Doggos in 2023

With the holiday season fast approaching, it is the time for presents, cuddling, yummy meals and, to be honest, spoiling the one you love, including your four-legged bestie. But are there some pet parents that take it a bit too far, and if so, do we know in which states they live? If you are one of those owners who like to pamper their furry friend and spoil them to no end, stick around to find out who’s guilty of overindulging their doggo just like you!An interesting  Forbes Advisor survey estimates that around 22.2% of dog owners in the USA, or one in five, admit to having spent more money on  Christmas gifts for their dogs, rather than gifts for friends and family. This means that there are certainly some pampered and spoiled doggos to be found across the nation, but what is more interesting is that dog owners in certain states tend to spoil dogs more than in others. Now, after a nationwide survey, the results are in!With a score of 100 out of 100, Florida definitely wins as the state with the most spoiled dogs! The Sunshine State is reported to have around 66.5% of owners who spend more money on their dog’s health, grooming, and gifts, than on their own. They are also more likely to pamper dogs by perfuming them, pushing them in strollers, buying them clothes and gifts, or taking them to restaurants. Interestingly, the second place, and right behind Florida, is Alaska, with a score of 98.69 out of 100. Nearly half of all dog owners in this northerly state admit to regularly throwing birthday parties for their pooches, purchasing them special outfits, and even putting cologne on them. They too will spend more money on their pets than on themselves.Behind Florida and Alaska in places 1 and 2 respectively, are the following states:3. Washington - 91.82 out of 1004. Colorado - 82.04 out of 1005. California - 77.96 out of 1006. New Jersey - 77.52 out of 1007. Illinois - 77.23 out of 1008. Texas - 70.80 out of 1009. Delaware - 69.93 out of 10010. Virginia - 69.34 out of 100The survey also offered some indicators and activities that might suggest that you are spoiling your dog. If you regularly do some of these activities, you might be pampering your pooch as well!Taking family photos with the dog Ordering the dog a special treat at a restaurant Bringing the dog on vacationPushing the dog in a strollerSpending more money on the dog’s health and grooming than on their own Buying the dog outfits and accessoriesSo, what’s the result? Are you too on the list of owners who spoil their pets? Let us know!

What Is Pyoderma In Dogs?

The sight of an itchy dog often raises concerns among pet parents. From parasites, like fleas and ticks, to uncomfortable skin issues and irritation, the explanation is rarely a positive one. In some cases, even finding a cause is an uphill battle. One condition you may have read about or heard your veterinarian mention is pyoderma. But what is pyoderma, and what does this mean for your best friend? In this article, we will dive deep into the world of dog skin issues, uncovering not only the warning signs and possible causes of pyoderma in dogs but also the steps you can take to offer some much-needed relief from the itch and irritation. Let’s get started… What is Pyoderma? Pyoderma is a term used to refer to a bacterial skin infection, with the word literally translating to “pus (pyo) in the skin (derma).” It is one of the most common dog skin conditions. Luckily, it is also often easy to treat once it has been diagnosed. Most dogs recover fully with the proper medication. The condition is classified into one of three types based on its location in or on the skin. They include: Surface Pyoderma: infections on top of the skin’s surfaceSuperficial Pyoderma: infections in the outermost layer of the skin, including in the hair follicles (which may be referred to as superficial bacterial folliculitis)Deep Pyoderma: infections in the deeper layers of the skinThe condition itself isn’t always visible, making it sometimes difficult to spot. This is why it is so important for dog parents to familiarize themselves with the warning signs of skin irritation and seek veterinary help. They can do the tests necessary to look beyond what is visible to the naked eye. What Causes Pyoderma in Dogs? Every healthy dog has bacteria on the surface of their skin. When a dog’s skin becomes irritated for any reason, they respond by scratching at the spot. This creates openings in the layers of the skin where the bacteria can move deeper, creating the perfect environment for them to grow and thrive. There are several potential triggers for the initial irritation, including: Environmental or seasonal allergies Food allergies Flea allergy dermatitis Chronic exposure to moisture (like skin folds)Seborrhea Impaired blood flow to the skin Endocrine disorders (Hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease) It can also start when the skin is damaged due to an injury. Even a minor injury could cause just enough of an opening into the skin’s layers to begin the cycle. Is Dog Pyoderma Contagious to Humans? As this is a bacterial infection, it isn’t a risk of transmission like an airborne virus would be. Some strains of the bacteria can occasionally lead to an infection in humans or other dogs. However, the risk is incredibly low unless you have a compromised immune system. You can minimize the risk of transmission by focusing on keeping your home clean as your dog fights the infection. This includes regularly cleaning their food and water dishes as well as any bedding your dog sleeps on regularly. If you have an open wound, keep it covered when spending time with your infected dog.

What is Red Light Therapy for Dogs?

When your dog gets injured or is recovering from a routine surgery, it can be difficult to keep them comfy and to help heal their injuries faster at the same time. However, innovative red light therapy for dogs proved to be a safe and efficient treatment for a variety of ailments, from skin inflammation to wound healing, and much, much more.Red light therapy is also known as photobiomodulation therapy, and it involves the use of red or near-infrared light to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation. The reason for its effectiveness is the specific wavelengths that are absorbed by the mitochondria in cells, which are considered the cell’s powerhouse. As the mitochondria absorb the “red light”, the absorption stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is popularly called the “energy currency of cells”. The entire process then increases blood flow to the treated area, stimulating faster healing, and pain relief. What’s so great about red light therapy is that it is not invasive, and all that is needed is a specialized device that emits specific wavelengths of light.Red light therapy treatment sessions usually last from a few minutes to around 20 minutes, depending on the condition being treated and the specific device used. The frequency of sessions may vary, with some dogs benefiting from daily treatments initially, followed by less frequent “maintenance” sessions. Of course, your veterinarian can advise you on the appropriate treatment procedure for your dog's needs – if you’re unsure if red light therapy is the right choice for your dog, be sure to consult an expert before taking any steps.Of course, while you shouldn’t do anything without your vet’s approval, a great thing about this treatment is that it is entirely safe. When used appropriately, it has no risks for your dog. The secret is in the light energy that does not generate heat at all, eliminating any risk of burning or tissue damage. Naturally, it goes without saying that you should closely follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the specific device you are using. 

Pregnant Dog Saved from Shipping Container by U.S. Coast Guard

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Houston-Galveston got a big surprise when they found a dog trapped inside a shipping container. While inspecting the containers, Lucas Loe, Bryan Wainscott, Jose Reyes, and Ryan McMahon heard scratching and barking coming from inside one of them. After bringing the container down to ground level—it had been roughly 25 feet up—they opened it to find an adorable dog desperate to get out.A Dog Rescued Against All OddsThe poor dog had been stuck in that container, which had junked vehicles and was set to be shipped overseas, for at least eight days without any food or water. How she got in there in the first place is a mystery, but they think she might’ve been in one of the cars that was put in the container.What makes this story even more incredible is the fact that there were thousands of shipping containers along with the one that the friendly dog was trapped in, so she’s very lucky that the inspectors heard her and rescued her in time. They named her Connie, and her story quickly went viral. She’s even referred to as Connie the Container Dog. A video posted on Facebook shows her rescue.According to a U.S. Coast Guard Heartland Facebook post, Connie was thrilled and grateful to be free, but she was also tired and hungry. She was taken to Pasadena Animal Shelter to be examined before being flown to Forever Changed Animal Rescue (FCAR) in the Washington, D.C. metro area. She was diagnosed with heartworm and was found to be underweight.A New Discovery: Connie the Container Dog Is PregnantAfter her rescuers noticed that Connie’s mammary glands were swollen, they worried that she’d given birth to and lost her puppies while she was trapped in the container. But an ultrasound revealed that she is indeed pregnant.Once she’s healed and ready to be adopted, Connie will be looking for a forever home. And her puppies will also be looking for homes once they’re old enough. In the meantime, she’ll stay with a veterinarian who will keep a close eye on her and make sure that she and her puppies are doing well.To keep up with Connie’s journey, you can follow FCAR’s Facebook page.You can also watch this video to see Connie and her rescuers:

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