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Best Paw Balm

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  December 17th, 2021

Paw balm can help prevent damage to your pet’s paws, but also heals and softens already dry and cracked paws. Read on to learn which are the best paw balm and paw wax products on the market!

Your dog’s paws are always exposed to wind, cold, hot, road salt, and anything they come across on their daily walks. Naturally, this leaves a mark on the gentle skin of the paw pads: dryness, cracks, and even wounds can appear in no time. Paw balm is both a preventative and a remedy for these situations. Made from natural oils such as jojoba, coconut oil, shea butter, and beeswax, paw balm doesn’t just nourish and moisturize dry paws, but also forms a temporary protective film over them, making sure that nothing can irritate or damage your dog’s paws.

There are many different formulations out there, from those with a higher content of wax to be more protective to those enriched with skin-softening or healing oils to soothe and repair damaged paws, and it can be difficult finding the right match for your pet’s needs. To make your choice easier, we’ve rounded up the best paw balm products on the market- read on to make your pick!

1. Editor’s Choice: Bodhi Dog Organic Paw Balm

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Soothe, heal, and protect – this paw balm does it all. No more scaly paws and irritated pads! Made from all-natural, USDA-certified organic ingredients, it contains paw-nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, hemp seed oil, jojoba oil, and beeswax, enhanced with naturally anti-inflammatory and antiseptic calendula. There are no chemicals, parabens, sulfates, or artificial dyes, fragrances, or alcohol in this cruelty-free formula. It spreads easily and doesn’t leave a greasy residue – it passes our list with flying marks! As it is fully natural and pet-safe, this paw balm is suited for use on dogs (and cats!) of all sizes and ages. It comes in 2 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz, and 16 oz packages for your convenience.

Pros

  • USDA-certified organic ingredients
  • Doesn’t leave a greasy residue
  • Healing calendula extract

Cons

  • Dogs get tempted to lick it off

2. Runner Up: VetPro Complete Dog Paw Balm

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Hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and made fully from natural ingredients, this nurturing paw balm is suited for dogs of all sizes and ages. It is made from truly moisturizing and protective ingredients and it is a fantastic choice particularly for dogs that already have cracked paw pads. The ingredient list includes sunflower oil, coconut oil, shea butter, white beeswax, carnauba, and candelilla wax, all enriched with vitamin E and Aloe Vera, known for their beneficial properties to the skin. Made in the USA without any parabens, phthalates, GMOs, sodium lauryl sulfates, petrolatum, mineral oil, artificial colors, or fragrances in the formula, it will both soften and protect your pet’s paws. The 2 oz pack is practical even on the go, so you can pack it for your next camping trip with ease!

Pros

  • Natural hypoallergenic formula
  • Very moisturizing
  • Practical packaging

Cons

  • Can leave your pet’s paws oily

3. Customer’s Choice: Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Wax

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If there ever was a dog paw wax that needed no introduction, it’s this one. A tried-and-true staple in many a pet owner’s first aid kit, this paw balm will keep those squishy pads from getting cracked, dry, or damaged by road salts and elements. The formulation is simple but effective and includes a blend of food-grade waxes and oils carefully selected for their nourishing properties: beeswax, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, white and vegetable oils, as well as vitamin E, all come together to keep your pet’s paws soft and form a barrier against outside damage. Quick to absorb and even faster to dry on the skin, this non-allergenic formula contains no toxic or harmful ingredients. It comes in a large 7 oz packaging that will go a long way.

Pros

  • Effective and natural
  • Fast-drying formula
  • Generously sized packaging

Cons

  • Can stain carpets or furniture when not fully dry

4. Best for Winter: Four Paws Healing Remedies Paw Guard for Dogs

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Cold weather can be particularly tough on your dog’s paws – not only that the ice and snow can irritate and dry out the paws, but road salt is an issue, as well. If your pet is not a fan of dog boots, a good paw balm wax can help protect their paws to a degree and prevent cracking and little icicles and snowballs forming on the hair growing between the paw pads. The “magic” ingredient in this paw balm is lanolin, an oil that’s extracted from sheep’s wool – this waxy substance both moisturizes and protects (it is a natural water repellant, too). This protective paw balm comes in handy 1.7 oz metal container and it’s easy to apply on paws.

Pros

  • Protective and moisturizing
  • Practical packaging
  • Keeps away road salt, ice, and snow from paws

Cons

  • Can be slippery on hardwood floors

5. Best All-Weather: Petpost Paw Protection for Dogs

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Contrary to popular belief, paw balm can’t protect your pet’s paws from scorching hot sidewalks – only booties can do that, as balms and waxes melt. However, it doesn’t mean that paw balm isn’t useful in the summer: the heat is drying, and moisturizing and protecting paw pads during hot weather is a must. This waxy formula isn’t just nourishing, but it also forms a film over the paws for prolonged protection, as it contains beeswax, lanolin, mango butter, sunflower oil, and a range of essential oil extracts. Made in the USA with certified organic ingredients, this paw balm comes in a handy 0.64 oz stick that’s super easy to apply.

Pros

  • Soothing and protective
  • Handy stick for easy application
  • Organic ingredients

Cons

  • Somewhat expensive

6. Best Scented: Pet Head Oatmeal Natural Paw Butter

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No one likes stinky paws – so why not use the chance to get rid of the smell while you’re protecting your pet’s paws? This lovely scented paw balm has a light and pleasant fragrance of oatmeal – pet parents agree that it smells yummy! A blend of shea butter, oatmeal, mango, vitamins E and F, coconut oil, olive oil, and aloe vera will keep those pads soft, nice-smelling, and protected from any damage. Pet-safe and pH-balanced, this formula is safe even if licked, so don’t worry too much if your pooch gets tempted by the awesome smell. The packaging contains 2 oz of this yummy-smelling butter.

7. Best Stick: Natural Dog Company Paw Soother Trial Stick

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Applying paw balm can be a messy business, but when it’s stored in a stick, the task at hand is so much easier! Formulated to heal rough, chapped, dry dog paw pads, this vegan dog paw wax is formulated with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil, coconut oil, hemp seed oil, cocoa, and mango butter, and vitamin E, and contains no artificial preservatives or harmful ingredients. The formula spreads easily across the paw pads and contains only natural and organic ingredients, so it’s perfectly safe even for those sensitive pooches.

Pros

  • Practical stick packaging
  • Organic and natural ingredients
  • Soothes, nourishes, and protects paws

Cons

  • Small size (2 oz)

8. Best Natural: Petsmont Organic Paw Balm for Dogs

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Fully natural and made from USDA-certified organic ingredients, this paw butter makes a difference after the first application. The power of nature! The proprietary formula includes shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil, beeswax, vitamin E, aloe vera, and plant-based collagen – needless to say, all organic. You can use this natural balm on cracked paws or dry noses, as it soothes, moisturizes, and protects your pet’s skin from damage. The 2 oz can go a long way thanks to the efficiency of the formula!

Pros

  • All-natural, organic ingredients
  • Plant-based collagen
  • Can be used anywhere on the body

Cons

  • The smell doesn’t suit everyone

9. Best Healing: Vets Preferred Advanced Pad Protection

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Veterinarian-grade and made from high-quality ingredients to a specific formula, this advanced paw balm soothes, protects, and speeds up the healing of dry and cracked paws. The proprietary formula includes all the classics such as beeswax, coconut oil, and olive oil, and a few beneficial ingredients such as carrot seed essential oil, patchouli essential oil, and benzoin essential oil. These cold-pressed natural oils and waxes not only soak up and soften the pad, but also coat it with protective layers that prevent further damage. Packed in a 2 oz metal tin, this paw balm is easy to apply and use.

Pros

  • Natural waxes and cold-pressed oils for protection and softening
  • Essential oils for scent and holistic benefits
  • Spreads easily

Cons

  • The scent could be too strong

Dog Paw Wax vs Dog Paw Balm: Is There a Difference?

Many people use the terms paw wax and paw balm interchangeably, but are these two products the same thing? Well, yes and no. The ingredients are mostly similar, based on natural, nourishing oils and their purpose is to nourish, soften, and protect your pet’s paw pads (and, in some cases, their noses and elbows). However, dog paw waxes are usually formulated to be more protective and form a tougher layer of coating that will protect your pet’s paws from drying heat or road salt and ice, whereas paw balms are usually more moisturizing, penetrating deep in the pads and softening them back to their soft and squishy original state.

Benefits of Using Paw Balm

All dogs can benefit from using paw balm, especially in extreme temperatures, be it cold or hot weather. To boot, a moisturizing paw balm can help dogs with dry, cracked paws or those suffering from hyperkeratosis. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Here are all the benefits your pet can experience from using paw balm.

Protection in extreme weather

You might not realize it, but constant exposure to the elements damages your pet’s paws, and can even injure them. In the winter, roads are routinely covered with salt to prevent ice from forming, but salt is drying on the paws – a layer of protective balm or wax will keep the salt at bay and your pooch’s paws moisturized. The same is true for ice and snow: wax will prevent snowballs and ice from attaching to your pet’s paws, and keep their pads clean and protected in long winter walks.

Prevent damage

Some pooches have sensitive paw pads which easily get dry and cracked, and a paw balm will make sure that doesn’t happen. It will nourish their paws and form a protective film that prevents damage from harsh elements and long walks on asphalt. However, this doesn’t mean that you should apply paw balm daily – it could prove to be counterproductive. Too much moisturizing will make their paw pads softer and more open to damage, so don’t overdo it.

Heal and soothe cracked paws

If your pet’s paw pads are already dry and cracked, or if they have a condition called hyperkeratosis, paw balm can help heal them and soothe the irritation. The combination of nourishing, moisturizing natural oils in paw balm penetrates the superficial layer of the paw pad and softens it back to its original state. The results can be quite impressive, even if there’s significant cracking present!

Multi-use on the body

Despite being labeled as paw balm, this product is not just to be used on your pet’s paws. You can apply it anywhere where the skin is cracked or dry, such as your pet’s elbows or nose. For dogs with dry skin, this nourishment and moisturization are much-needed, particularly when the weather is cold, and there are harsh, drying winds that promote cracking and dried-out skin.

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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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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.

The Unseen Threat: Dangers of Secondhand Smoke for Your Pet

Most people are well aware of the dangers of smoking. They understand what smoking does to their bodies and know the potential health risks of lighting up a cigarette. But did you know that exposure to secondhand smoke may have serious health consequences for your pets?It’s no secret that smoking is bad for people. In the United States, between 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths are linked to cigarette smoking. Secondhand smoking is also linked with an increased risk of other forms of cancer, such as breast and colorectal cancer, heart and respiratory disease.Studies have shown that more than 50% of bladder cancer cases in humans are caused by cigarette smoking. A recent study involving Scottish terriers found a link between cigarette smoke exposure and bladder cancer. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs, and many pooches are diagnosed with some form of this terrible disease. Although many factors may predispose a pet to cancer, research shows that passive smoking is a main danger.Scientists from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University discovered that Scottish terriers who were exposed to secondhand smoke at home were six times more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who were not routinely exposed to smoke.Passive smoking is also linked with nasal cancer in dogs. This type of cancer is often diagnosed in long-nosed breeds such as collies, greyhounds, and borzois. The increased surface area in their nasal canals traps inhaled particles, allowing carcinogens from tobacco smoke to accumulate in the nasal mucus. As a result, long-nosed dogs are at a greater risk of developing tumors in their snouts. On the other hand, brachycephalic or short-nosed dog breeds, such as pugs and French bulldogs, are more likely to develop lung cancer. Their short noses aren’t as effective at trapping inhaled particles and allow more carcinogens to reach the lungs.Being exposed to smoke increases the risk that your dog will develop cancer, but that’s not all. Pooches that live with smokers are more likely to develop asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.Dogs aren’t the only pets to suffer the consequences of inhaling secondhand smoke on a daily basis. Cats, birds, and small critters like guinea pigs and rabbits are also at risk.Cats that live with smokers are more likely to develop asthma and lung cancer. Felines that inhale secondhand smoke regularly also have a higher incidence of malignant lymphoma.  Studies have found higher nicotine concentrations in the hair of cats living with smokers than those living in smoke-free homes. The same is true for dogs living with smokers, no matter whether their owners smoked inside or outside. Cats are famous for being fastidious groomers, but licking the fur puts them at risk of ingesting even more toxic particles from secondhand smoke than simply inhaling them. Felines that groom excessively can develop oral tumors from licking toxic particles off their fur.Secondhand smoke alone isn't responsible for all health problems seen in cats and dogs. Diet, genetics, lifestyle, and exposure to other potentially toxic substances in the environment combined affect the pet’s overall health.Owners concerned with the well-being of their four-legged companions should be more aware of the air quality in their homes and make necessary lifestyle changes.Choosing to smoke outside can minimize some risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke. Improving ventilation, opening the windows, and using air filters can help too. However, it’s important to note that even a low exposure to secondhand smoke can be harmful to your four-legged companion.Quitting smoking is hard, but knowing how secondhand smoke affects your pet’s health may motivate you to put down that cigarette once and for all!Join the PetGuiJoin 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.

Pretty Plants that Will Stop Cats from Pooping in Your Garden

Whether you own a cat or neighboring felines like to frequent your backyard, chances are you have come across half-buried cat poop in your flower beds. Cat lover or not, you probably weren’t thrilled to discover these unsightly deposits in your garden.Although cat poop won’t harm your garden, it also won’t add much to the overall appeal of it either, especially if the cats decide to dig their own toilets in the middle of your flower patch. In addition to preserving the aesthetics of your garden, there are several other reasons you may want to stop cats from pooping in your backyard. Keeping cats away will ensure the garden stays clean and safe for young children to play in. Plus, it will help protect wild birds that visit your garden, especially if you have a bird feeder or two.Besides being unsightly, cat poop in the garden can carry a parasite, called Toxoplasma gondii, which is particularly dangerous to pregnant women and unborn babies. For this reason, it’s super important that you wear gloves when you clean cat poop from your garden. As an added precaution against nasty infections, always use gloves when gardening.Are you sick and tired of cats using your garden as their personal toilet? There are several things you can do to preserve your outdoor oasis that don’t include the use of cruel booby-traps or startling devices.All you have to do is buy the right plant - one that cats hate but will look great in your garden. Although technically a weed, the curry plant is one of the best plants to deter cats from pooping in your garden. Scientifically known as Helichrysum italicum, the curry plant is a small, bushy evergreen shrub with linear-shaped silver-gray leaves. The leaves have a strong odor, reminiscent of curry, that acts as a potent cat deterrent. When a cat brushes against a curry plant, its leaves release a strong odor that attacks a cat’s sense of smell. Plus, the curry plant also has a coarse texture that cats hate. Many gardeners agree that curry plants act as excellent cat deterrents saying that cats stopped pooping in their gardens after they planted curry plants. Since the curry plant is essentially a weed, plant it sparingly so it won’t spread and take up too much space. If, for whatever reason, you don’t want to plant curry plants in your garden, plant lavender instead. A popular ornamental plant, lavender has pretty purple flowers and a delicate and sweet smell with herbal undertones. It’s that delicate smell that will help keep cats away from your garden!Cats have more than 200 million odor sensors in their noses and anything that emits a strong smell, like lavender, will be off-putting. Luckily, lavender is easy to grow and you can plant it in any part of your garden or containers. This gives you the freedom to plant lavender exactly where the cats like to poop to deter them. Many cats also dislike the smell of rosemary, rue, pennyroyal, citronella, oregano, geraniums, lemon thyme, and coffee. Any of these plants can act as a natural barrier and discourage cats from entering your garden and using it as a toilet. Although there are other ways to deter cats from pooping in your backyard, planting plants is an entirely natural and non-toxic option that isn’t harmful to the cats or you. It’s also cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Technology Tracking Dogs Really Are a Thing

We’ve all heard of dogs that can sniff out drugs and explosives or locate missing persons from a simple whiff of their clothing… but what’s all this about technology trackers? Can I seriously teach my pooch to hunt down the TV remote that went missing over the weekend? Actually, it’s not that kind of technology. You see, this highly specialized dog is trained to detect a compound called triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) and with a dog’s approximately 400 million olfactory receptors (humans have closer to 50 million) these super sleuths can smell that stuff through pocket material, duffle bags, a shoe insole, and even drywall. Now, if you’re wondering what TPPO is, it’s the compound used to cover circuit boards in storage devices ranging from hard drives to USB sticks, memory cards and even those tiny SIM cards that store data on our cellphones. Essentially, it’s the all-important coating that prevents these gadgets from overheating and because of that, it’s a compound that will never not be present on electronic devices.But as to why this specific training is growing in K9 units worldwide you need to consider the increase in cyber-terrorism. From drug and human trafficking to child pornography and weapons offences, the need to locate a criminal’s “tools of the trade” such as computers, burner phones, and hard drives is essential to securing a successful conviction. And while internet use and location trackers have made it easy to trail an individual, many perpetrators now work on darknets – an overlay that uses the internet but requires special software for the person to access illicit data.Of course, even a darknet involves a computer system and that’s where the TPPO-sniffing pooch steps up to the plate. Find the perp and let this specially trained K9 agent track down the concealed storage system. I mean, when you’re dealing with something as easily hidden as a SIM card, having a secret furry weapon that detects the scent, then sits, barks and wags his tail saves a heck of a lot of time.Truth is, technology-tracking dogs are becoming more and more common in the execution of this type of warrant because police often get just one shot at finding the much-needed evidence. No surprise that the best dogs for this type of work tend to be the usual suspects – Labrador retrievers because of their heightened sensory skills, innate hunting traits and their gentle disposition – important if there are younger family members present during a search. Other faves include the stately Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd dogs for their tenacity and handler loyalty. I’m not convinced my Schnoodles would rank but as with most family pooches, they’re ace at hunting down an errant chip between the sofa cushions… and that’s good enough for me.

Dog Facial Recognition App Helps Scientists Fight Against Rabies

In countries where dogs aren’t microchipped, don’t wear tags, and usually run free, it’s challenging for authorities to determine which dog has already been vaccinated for rabies. A new mobile phone app could help improve rabies vaccination by identifying dogs using facial recognition technology.A team of researchers from Washington State University tested the app’s effectiveness in a rabies vaccination clinic in Tanzania, where they microchipped, vaccinated, and registered dogs. The idea behind this project is to take a picture of a dog’s face during initial vaccination. Then the picture needs to be entered into the database via the app, along with other important information, such as the dog’s age, sex, and coat color. When veterinarians return to the same area, they will take a facial photo of each dog they come across. If the app finds a close match in the database, it will notify the vet, who can then decide whether the vaccinated dog in the database is indeed the same dog they are currently examining. A vaccination team testing the app visited nine villages in Tanzania, where they photographed and vaccinated 1,420 dogs. After the initial check, 20 images were deemed unusable, leaving exactly 1,400 to work with. All of these photographs were added to the app’s database.Later, a different validation team visited the same villages, assessing 720 dogs via the app, not knowing which dogs were already vaccinated, and entered into the app’s database. Once again, some photos were deemed unusable for the study - 161 were rejected.Using those images, the app helped the team to correctly identify 76.2% of vaccinated dogs and 98.9% of unvaccinated dogs. These findings were confirmed using microchips that were implanted under the dogs’ skin when they were vaccinated, as part of the study.“Because domestic dogs are the main reservoir for human rabies, controlling human rabies globally requires the mass vaccination of dogs,” said Felix Lankester, WSU Associate Professor and the lead investigator of the study. Scientists are working to optimize the app’s registration process to minimize the number of rejected photos. “When carrying out mass vaccination, one of the major problems that we face is trying to identify which dogs have and haven’t been vaccinated. For example, microchips are too expensive to use at the scale needed to eliminate rabies, and collars can be removed by owners. We developed this app to see if facial recognition might work, and it’s showing great promise in helping us achieve that goal,” Professor Lankester added. The facial recognition algorithm used by the app is developed in collaboration with Canadian company PiP My Pet. It identifies a dog by looking at key features of its face and comparing it to previously stored photos of the faces of other dogs. Photos with the highest number of similar features are shown as possible matches, leaving it to the user to pick the right one.The app’s success depends on the image quality and information about each dog being properly recorded. Before unusable images and incorrect information about dogs were removed from the database, users were only able to match around 65% of the vaccinated dogs.For the time being, users must be online to use the app’s facial matching feature, but Lankester and his team are working to make the app operational even offline. “We’re not quite there yet, but I think with the investment, the technology can get there. I am excited by its potential,” Lankester said.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.

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