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Best Small Dog Dresses

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  February 25th, 2022

Small dog dresses make petite pooches look super cute on special occasions – whether it’s a wedding or just a walk to the park if your furbaby is a lil’ bit extra. Take a look at our selection of the prettiest small dog dresses around!

Dressing up your pet can be loads of fun if they don’t mind wearing clothes – and most don’t, especially when they know they’ll get a tasty treat as a reward. Small dog dresses are designed to suit toy and small dog breeds, making sure that they are both comfy and looking their best. There are small dog dresses that are designed for cold days of the year and those that can offer protection from harsh UV rays in the summer, dresses for special occasions, and those casual enough for a walk to the park. Here is our pick of the 10 best small dog dresses – read on to find a match made in heaven!

1. Editor’s Choice: CuteBone Dog Dress

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Comfy and adorable, this pretty pink dress will make your pooch look even cuter than usual! Made from soft, lightweight, and stretchy material with a lace trim detail on the skirt and a pretty tulle bow on the back, the dress will fit snugly on any small breed dog – it comes in 5 different sizes catering to petite dogs, starting with a chest girth of 10″ up to 18”. This design is quite versatile as it is casual enough for a walk around the block but fancy enough for a special occasion, as well. To boot, the dress is machine washable on the cold cycle – just don’t put it in the dryer and your pooch will get to rewear this cute outfit many times.

Pros

  • Cute pink details such as lace and bow
  • Comfy and stretchy
  • Lightweight and soft material
  • Plenty of size choices for small and toy breeds

Cons

  • No leash hole

2. Runner Up: MSNFOASM Puppy Dog Dress

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Pretty summer dresses such as this one will ensure your pooch is the belle of any ball! Made from thin, light, and soft cotton fabric with a dainty floral print, this dress comes in three color options: light pink, blue and yellow, and light purple. The whole girlish look is tied together with eye-catching bow detail on the back – the bow is made from satin, with a faux pearl in the center, and corresponds with the overall dress color. The dress fastens on with two velcro straps on the chest and the belly, so it’s an excellent choice for dogs that are not used to wearing clothes. The dress is available in 3 sizes: XXS for dogs with a chest girth of 10”, XS for 14” chest girth, and S for a chest girth of 16”.

Pros

  • Velcro straps
  • 3 color options
  • Lightweight and soft cotton fabric

Cons

  • The sizing is a bit off

3. Customer’s Choice: Fitwarm Valentine’s Day Dress

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For the romantic at heart, this little number is just the thing. Made from soft, stretch velvet material, this pretty dress features plenty of luxurious designs such as embroidery and a satin bow with rhinestones and pearls. Despite the elegant design, this is a comfy dress thanks to the elasticated band on the chest that ensures a snug and unrestricted fit and a high belly cut for easier potty time. The dress comes in pink, blue, or red to match any preference, and in 6 sizes that cater to toy and small breed dogs of all body shapes. The smallest size will suit Teacup Chihuahua, Teacup Yorkie, or tiny puppies and the largest is more fitting for breeds such as Spaniel Westie, Pug, or Boston Terrier.

Pros

  • Elegant design
  • Well-made
  • Luxurious materials
  • Variety of sizes

Cons

  • Sizes run small

4. Best Casual: PETPUBGNZS Cherry Dog Dress

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If your pooch is not into tulle, glitz, and the glam – no problem! Casual dresses such as this one will make sure your petite princess still rocks a cute outfit without being over the top overdressed. Made from soft, breathable, and stretchy ribbed cotton, this striped summer dress is easy to put on and comfy to wear. The cute design is available in two color combos – pastel pink or vibrant red – and each features the trademark embroidered cherry on the back. The dress is available in 5 sizes, the smallest suited dogs that weigh 1 to 3 pounds and the largest for pets between 15 and 22 pounds.

Pros

  • Soft and breathable cotton
  • Machine washable
  • Size-inclusive
  • Comfy to wear

Cons

  • Sizes can be smaller than expected

5. Best Fancy: DIAN DIAN Pet Bling Black Dog Party Dress

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Do you want your pooch to look her best for a special occasion? You can’t go wrong with a little black dress. The luxurious design is made from black satin and blinged out with fancy details such as rhinestone sequins, a string of pearls on the back, and an organza-like skirt to tie the whole look. Even though the dress is elegant and fancy, it is still easy to put on and comfortable to wear: it has a velcro band on the chest so you can adjust the fit and take off the dress in mere seconds. There are 5 sizes to choose from, accommodating dogs with chest girth starting at 10.2” to 17.7”.

  • Classic elegant design
  • Perfect for special occasions
  • Fancy but not flashy
  • Velcro opening

6. Best for Birthdays: Kirei Sui Birthday Girl Dress

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It’s your pet’s special day, so why not get them a special birthday outfit in addition to gifts and pup-cakes? This gorgeous birthday dress will make your little princess feel super pampered on her birthday – it features a birthday girl print in glitter on the back, paired with a lilac satin bow, and a pale pink tutu skirt. And to complete the look, this cute dress comes with a vibrant pink, glittery bow hair clip that will be ideal for long-haired breeds. The sizing is inclusive for small breed dogs, starting at XS for Teacup Chihuahua, Teacup Yorkie, or tiny puppies, all the way to L which is suited for Pomeranian, Maltese, Bischon, Shih Tzu, or Miniature Pinscher.

Pros

  • Bow hair clip included
  • Soft, comfy materials
  • Cute details
  • Variety of sizes

Cons

  • Hand wash only

7. Best for Weddings: FLAdorepet Dog Wedding Dress

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It’s only natural that you want your four-legged bestie to be by your side when you say “I do” – and for her to look the part, too! Perfect dog attire for weddings, this white, lacy dress will make some great memories – and look great in photos, too. The top is made from see-through tulle with hollow-out lace with silver sequins and the skirt is a beautiful white tulle, adorned with a white satin bow with rows of pearls and rhinestones. Everything a barking bride needs! For easier putting on and off, the dress has a velcro strip on the chest and a high belly cut so potty time isn’t an issue. This wedding dress for dogs comes in sizes XS (chest girth of 10.2”) all the way to XL (chest girth 17.7”)

Pros

  • Perfect for weddings or other special occasions
  • Made with attention to detail
  • Inclusive sizing
  • Velcro fastening

Cons

  • Runs small

8. Best for Cold Weather: KYEESE Dog Sweater Dress

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Just because the temperature is dropping doesn’t mean your four-legged fashionista can’t strut in style! This sweater dress is warm, cozy, and fashionable to boot. Made from soft, stretchy acrylic with a polka dot print and cute pom-pom balls on the back, it comes in red, pink, orange, or gray to match your pet’s style. It also has a warm turtleneck collar, a ruffle skirt for a playful touch, and a leash hole opening so your dog can wear it on walks without any tweaking needed. It comes in 7 sizes that will suit all toy and small breed dogs and puppies.

Pros

  • Variety of colors and sizes
  • Warm and cozy
  • Has a hole for the leash
  • Machine washable

Cons

  • The material could be better

9. Best with a Leash Ring: Kosiy Dog Harness Dress

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If your pet doesn’t wear a collar, putting a harness over a dress to go out for a walk can be both tedious and ruin the whole look – but this harness dress makes sure your pooch can enjoy walks in style. With a leash ring attached directly to the dress, you can just clip on the matching leash and go out – no additional gear needed. Made from soft and breathable cotton and polyester blend, this dress and leash set is available in two designs: yellow and aqua polka dot print or blue anchor print with chevron details. In each set, the leash matches the design of the dress! It comes in 5 sizes all suited to different body shapes and sizes of small breed dogs, starting from dogs that weigh 2.6 to 4.4 pounds all the way to 13.2 to 17.6 pounds.

Pros

  • Fun design
  • Comes with a matching leash
  • Snap button fastening

Cons

  • Not for dogs that pull on the leash

10. Best Dress Set: ​​Geyoga 3 Pieces Cute Pet Dress

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Why not revamp your pooch’s closet with a single purchase? This set of 3 summer dresses will give your dog plenty of cute outfit options at an affordable price. All of the designs are fruit-inspired, so you get a pink dress with strawberry print, a white dress with citruses, and a navy dress with cherries – each with a satin bow on the back in a matching color. They are made from soft, lightweight cotton and come in sizes small, medium, and large, all designed to suit small breed dogs such as Yorkies, Toy Poodles, Pomeranians, and similar.

  • Set of 3 dresses
  • Cute fruit prints
  • Lightweight soft material

Is It Cruel to Put Dogs in Dresses?

In case your dog feels anxious and uncomfortable when wearing clothes, forcing them to wear a dress is cruel. There’s no need to expose your pet to stress for something as trivial as wearing a cute dress to a party or for cute social media photos! However, the majority of dogs don’t mind being dressed as long as the outfit is comfortable, breathable, and doesn’t restrict their movement. They can be even enthusiastic about dressing up when they know they’ll get a yummy reward for their effort!

Of course, in some cases, dog dresses are not just a fashion statement, but also serve a practical purpose. Hairless breeds and short-haired breeds with sensitive skin need to have a layer on when it’s hot or cold outside: a comfy cotton dress could shield them from harmful UV rays and a warm knit or flannel dress makes them feel cozier when the temperatures start dropping. Either way, there’s much more to small dog dresses than being cute!

When choosing a dress for your small breed dog, make sure to measure their chest girth, neck diameter, and length of their back to get accurate measurements and get the sizing right from the first try. In addition to proper size, a dog dress should be made from soft and breathable materials, ideally with a bit of stretch to them, and easy to put on and off. Check all of these boxes and you’ll make sure that wearing a dress is an enjoyable experience for your pooch – not a source of stress!

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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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Shelter Cat's Brutally Honest Adoption Ad Goes Viral: She Will Own You

Last month, the Humane Society of Washington shared a brutally honest adoption post in which they introduced a cat who is up for adoption. The adoption post, which went viral, describes the feline in question as “a more lively houseplant.”The three-year-old tortoiseshell cat named Quinn arrived at the Humane Society of Washington County in Hagerstown, Maryland, in August as a stray. According to the post, Quinn is currently the shelter’s longest-term cat resident.This is not the first time the shelter advertised Quinn’s adoption. However, since the first post hasn’t helped Quinn find her person, the shelter decided to change tactics with a brutally honest profile.“Do you want a cat who doesn’t want you? Do you crave the feeling of being judged in your own home? Do you need someone who will slap you back into reality without notice? If you answered yes to any of these questions we have a cat for you!” posted the Humane Society of Washington County on Facebook. “Meet Quinn!” the shelter added.The post went on to say that Quinn’s not for everyone. “But surely there’s someone out there who would appreciate her icy stare and her sudden smacks.”Continuing to highlight all of Quinn’s quirks the post said “She has an uncanny ability to make people feel unwelcome in her presence!” This particular trait makes Quinn perfect for people who are tired of visitors and just want to enjoy the peace of their home. Additionally, Quinn isn’t an overly energetic feline. “Quinn only seems to want to play about once a month,” making her an ideal companion for people who aren’t big fans of physical activity.“Quinn is essentially a more lively houseplant, because all she really needs a human for is food, water, and changing her litter,” said the shelter.“If you adopt Quinn you will not be her owner, because Quinn cannot be owned. She will own you, your house, your belongings, and everything you hold dear.” The shelter also noted that Quinn isn’t on the main adoption floor with other felines and must be asked for by name. The feisty feline has taken up residence in an office where she rules with an iron paw. Anyone interested in being “Quinn’s servant” should not have canines or small children in the house. “Quinn would challenge any dog to a fight. For the dog’s safety, it’s best that she goes to a home without any canines,” said the shelter. The Humane Society of Washington County added - “Quinn is like a more physical version of someone yelling ‘Get off my lawn!’ at small children.” - leaving teens and adults as only suitable housemates. “We originally [shared] a conservative post highlighting Quinn’s strengths, but when no one came for her, we decided the best way to find her a home was to rip off the band-aid and just let her true colors shine,” said Collin A. Berry, executive director of the Humane Society of Washington County, to Fox News Digital. Soon after Quinn arrived at the shelter it became clear that she wasn’t a particularly social feline. She didn’t allow any of the staff to touch her for close to a week. After being sedated for an exam, and given a clean bill of health, it became clear that her behavior wasn’t the result of pain or an underlying health condition. “Everyone thought time and space would help, but as it turns out, Quinn is just Quinn,” said Berry. “She’s a lady who knows what she wants and when she wants it.”We’re happy to report that Quinn has been adopted! It turns out honesty is the best policy! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

This Farm Offers Cuddle Sessions With A Pack Of Adorable Goldens

For decades,  Golden Retrievers have been one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States – heck, in the world. It’s no secret that Goldens are simply everyone’s favorite! Cute, goofy, and cuddly, these dogs are such a wonder and so much fun to be around. And now, thanks to Golden Dog Farm from Jeffersonville, Vermont, the fans of this famed breed can enjoy a very special experience centered around these adorable furballs.This family-run farm launched a special Golden Retriever Experience – a one-hour session allows guests to enjoy refreshments such as cider and snacks, all in the company of a huge group of cuddly golden retrievers called “happy”. The session is usually called the “happy hour” just because of this, and allows anyone to immerse themselves in the company of “at least '' 10 dogs Umm, sign me up for any activity that includes dogs, especially ten of ‘em! The Golden Dog Farm is run by Doug and Becca Worple and in an interview with  USA TODAY, the couple happily exclaimed that the bookings for the experience sold out incredibly quickly. It was certainly not what they expected earlier this year when they came up with the idea and started it all. Not at all surprisingly, it was COVID that caused the idea to come to fruition. During the height of the virus rampage, Doug Worple’s job, based at a travel-oriented global digital advertising agency, suddenly experienced a major hiccup. Trying to get a bearing at this trying time, Doug said he “used the moment to take a step back and consider what was next.” And, together with his partner Becca Worple – herself a photographer and a media representative at a radio station – Doug decided it was best to sell their home in Cincinnati, Ohio, in hopes of moving to a family cottage in Ontario. It was a time of big changes."Then the border closed," Doug Worple said. "Now we're two weeks out of closing on our house and didn't know where to go, so we decided to buy an RV and traveled to 35 different states, 17,000 miles in the RV with two of the dogs."And during this incredible and life-changing adventure, the couple decided to start a golden retriever-based business, and to finally settle in beautiful Vermont. "We've just always loved goldens and always wanted to have a lot of goldens," Worple said. "With what I was doing, I saw the power of influencers and social media and all that and I joked we need to have an Instagram farm full of golden retrievers, and soon we started looking at what that might look like."And once they arrived at Jeffersonville, Vermont, a sign they were looking for appeared – and they were left speechless. While driving through town, they suddenly spotted a truck full of golden retrievers, driven by Dana Menne of Butternut Goldens. It was a match made in heaven. "(Becca told me), 'If God were to send to me a sign we needed to move someplace, it would be a truckload of goldens,'" Doug Worple said.In no time, their idea about a golden retriever “happy hour” began to take some serious shape. And especially thanks to the Butternut Goldens.  "Collectively both of us wanted to do something like this but they didn't have a place to do it and we didn't have enough goldens," Doug Worple said. "But together we could make it happen."At the moment, their “happy hours” are sold out until Dec. 17, but the Worples have plans to extend the dates to April, giving everyone a chance to enjoy this experience. The one-hour experience runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays and costs $75 for adults and $50 for children."People are so happy when they're here, they have this childlike joy on their faces," Worple said. "People cry because they're so happy."What about you? Would you enjoy an hour cuddling with golden retrievers?

What Shapes Your Dog’s Personality? Harvard Neuroscientists Reveal

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

UK Dog Is Recovering After 130+ Coins Were Removed From His Stomach

Missing any cash? An owner from Swindon in the UK did and was shocked when he discovered how his money went missing. The vets were equally shocked because they discovered that Charlie, the little  Bichon Frise, had eaten 133 coins, equalling more than £18!The mischievous little Bichon was taken to Thameswood Vets in Swindon, after the owners became concerned for his health, thinking he was ill. Their doubts proved true. A quick ultrasound revealed an obvious obstruction in the pet’s tummy. At first, the vet thought it was a piece of plastic, and scheduled an operation to remove the obstruction. But the surgery left him shocked. "It was a surprise for everybody,"  said vet Matheus Nerone, who carried out the surgery. Because once the stomach was opened, a “hoard” of 133 coins was discovered, adding up to £18 and 20 pence. "We opened his stomach and found 133 coins inside him," Dr. Nerone explained. "We did find some pieces of plastic there as well - but the owners had no idea that he had eaten the coins."Everyone was left scratching their head, wondering how on earth did Charlie ingest so many coins. "I don't think they had been there that long - maybe the night or two nights before he came in - because of the size of the obstruction there.” the Dr. said. "He felt sick so if he had eaten those coins a few days ago, he would have been sick before then."Of course, the doctor revealed that it is not uncommon for dogs to  ingest all sorts of things, especially loose change. "It does happen but usually they stop after having a couple of them [coins] - but 133 coins is an impressive amount!"Luckily, the surgery went well, and mischievous little Charlie is now making a good recovery. Thanks to the owner’s keen eye, a real tragedy was prevented, as Charlie could have been in big trouble without quick attention. "Many coins contain zinc which can be poisonous and lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and a lack of appetite," Dr. Nerone clarified. "We are monitoring his blood, but we are hopeful that everything's going to be fine."So next time you’re missing some change, consider all the possibilities!

Can Stress or Anxiety Cause Diarrhea in Dogs?

Dogs are no strangers to stress and anxiety. While most pooches are the picture of the tail-wagging, carefree dog whose only stress is that they have to wait for their next meal, some have it a bit more ruff. Anxiety in dogs can vary from mild to severe, triggered by specific and occasional stressors (such as  fireworks, for example) or present on a daily level. Naturally, your pet’s state of mind has a big impact on their overall health, so it doesn’t surprise that dogs with anxiety often have tummy issues. But does that mean that a stressful situation or anxiety can directly cause diarrhea in dogs? Having in mind that, in a way, your pet’s mental health is connected to their digestion, it sounds highly probable.How Stress and Anxiety Can Cause DiarrheaSo how does it work? The connection between the brain and the gut, often referred to as the gut-brain axis, plays a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of dogs. When dogs experience stress or anxiety, it can trigger a cascade of physiological responses, including changes in gut motility, secretion of digestive enzymes, and alterations in the composition of gut microbiota. These disruptions can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.When stress or anxiety takes hold, it's not just a matter of frazzled nerves. These emotional states can set off a domino effect within your dog's digestive system. Rather than a simple list of effects, think of it as a cascade of events:Picture your dog feeling anxious during a  thunderstorm or while being left alone. This emotional response triggers a surge of adrenaline, part of the body's "fight or flight" response. Blood flow shifts away from the digestive organs and toward the muscles, heart, and lungs, hastening gut motility.Meanwhile, the delicate balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, known as the microbiome, is disrupted by stress. This dysbiosis can lead to inflammation, changes in gut permeability, and an upset stomach.Furthermore, chronic stress weakens the immune system, leaving your dog more susceptible to infections and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.Beyond these physiological effects, stress-related behaviors like excessive chewing,  licking, or ingesting non-food items can irritate the digestive tract, exacerbating diarrhea.How To Deal With Stress-Related Diarrhea in DogsIf your dog is experiencing stress-related diarrhea, there are several things you can do to alleviate their discomfort and ensure a speedier recovery.Before anything else, it’s essential to identify and address stressors. Determine the underlying causes of your dog's stress or anxiety and take steps to minimize or eliminate them where possible. This may involve providing a calm, predictable environment, addressing separation anxiety, or using  desensitization techniques for noise phobias.Next, support their digestion with a mild, nurturing diet and the right supplements. Your pet’s tummy is upset, so you shouldn’t neglect the importance of rebalancing their gut biome and helping their digestion. Instead of their usual kibble, offer them a bit of broth, some cooked rice, or boiled chicken breast. Additionally, a digestive supplement such as  Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Powder can work wonders in managing symptoms of diarrhea. With a combination of special probiotics and antioxidants, this powdered supplement will quickly restore your pet’s GI tract and help their stool get back to its normal consistency. And since it’s packed with live microorganisms to benefit beneficial intestinal microflora, it can also help treat excessive gas and other digestion-related troubles, so it’s good to keep stocked in your pet’s first aid kit, especially if they have a sensitive stomach. 

Can Cats Suffer From Depression?

Does your otherwise playful and friendly cat no longer seem interested in their favorite toys? It’s natural to worry when you notice a change in your best friend’s behavior. Changes in your cat’s mood or activity level may signal that something more serious is happening. We often watch for the warning signs of physical illness, but what about depression? Did you know that your cat can also struggle with their mental health? This article will examine the very real risk of feline depression, including the warning signs, what to do if you suspect your cat may be struggling, and prevention tips. Discover helpful strategies to boost your cat’s mental health and help them get back to their usual playful, purring self today. Can Cats Get Depressed? Cats are known for their independence and aloof attitude, but this doesn’t mean they don’t feel things – sometimes very intensely. Just like people, your cat can suffer from mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression. Not only does depression impact them mentally and emotionally, but it can also affect their physical health and well-being. This is why it’s important for us to acknowledge the risks, identify signs that something is “off,” and seek help for our cats when needed. How Can I Tell if My Cat is Depressed? We all know cats are masters of hiding when they aren’t feeling well. This is why physical illnesses and sicknesses can be so difficult to spot. The same is true for cats who are facing challenges with their mental health. The signs are often subtle, meaning we, as cat parents, must be hyper-vigilant. Some of the more common warning signs to watch out for include: Increased vocalization (constant meowing, yowling)Loss of appetite Unexplained weight loss Sleeping more than usual or at times they’d typically be active Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyedDecreased grooming or attention to hygieneDull, matted coat No longer seeking attention or interaction Out-of-character aggression or irritability Hiding or isolating themselves Many of these signs can also be associated with physical illnesses or diseases. If you notice any of these changes, make an appointment with your veterinarian. They will run tests to rule out any physical health problems before discussing recommendations to help manage your cat’s mental health.

Golden Retriever Nurses African Painted Dog Pups Rejected by Their Mom

The Potawatomi Zoo in South Bend, Indiana, recently welcomed a litter of eight endangered African painted dog puppies. After a rough start, only three puppies survived thanks to an unlikely surrogate mother - a golden retriever named Kassy.The Potawatomi Zoo announced that the pair of their African painted dogs, Bleu and Maurice, had a litter of eight puppies born in late September. However, it was soon clear to the care team at the zoo that the pack would not be able to raise the puppies successfully.“Bleu, an inexperienced mother, was not caring for her pups the way she should have, and Maurice was following her lead,” said the zoo. In their natural habitat, African painted dogs live in large packs with unique vocalizations and social dynamics. All adult dogs in the pack work together to help feed and raise the pups. The success of the birth and raising of the pups can be endangered if the pack doesn’t work together as they should. “We knew within 24 hours that we had to separate them,” the zoo’s executive director, Josh Sisk, told the South Bend Tribune. The zoo’s animal care staff consulted with the African Painted Dog Species Survival Plan (SSP), a group of zoo professionals who form the breeding plans for this endangered species in accredited zoos across the United States. The staff at zoos usually try to remain uninvolved, letting the packs raise the puppies as they would in the wild. This approach is often successful and helps the pups learn the complex social structure of their species. However, in this case, the decision was made to intervene and hand-raise the litter. Instead of bottle-feeding the puppies, the SSP recommended finding a surrogate dog to nurse the puppies. Within a few hours, the Indiana Council for Animal Welfare connected the zoo with a golden retriever named Kassy, who recently had a litter of puppies and had milk to spare. Kassy and her litter arrived at the zoo a day after the painted dog pups were born and immediately accepted them. The zoo’s staff watched as Kessy nursed and cared for the pups as if they were her own.“It was a crazy first month,” Sisk said. “Our team was there for four weeks, 24/7. We had a mattress next to the dogs.”The zoo’s veterinarian and care team worked around the clock to ensure that all of the puppies, including Kassy’s litter, were getting enough food and time with Kassy. However, despite everyone’s efforts, not all of the African painted dog pups survived. Four weeks after the litter was born, only three puppies remained. The surviving pups were named Blue, Red, and Orange for the colors staff used to track them since they were born. Originally, the zoo planned to reintegrate the pups with Bleu, Maurice, and Colby. However, the adult dogs didn’t show a positive interest in the pups, so the plan was changed. The zoo decided to build a home for the pups next to adult dogs, so they could still learn how to behave like painted dogs. Once the puppies get older they can either be integrated with Bleu, Maurice, and Colby or moved to another zoo.“Blue, Red, and Orange have had an unusual and challenging start to life, but the zoo hopes they will have a bright and successful future,” the zoo shared in a release. “These three healthy, active pups are just the start of this story and the zoo hopes to share more positive updates of their milestones in the future.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Taters the Cat Streams From Deep Space for NASA

Cat playing with laser pointer is used by NASA to measure band-with between deep space and Earth.

Cat in Heat: Signs and What to Do

If you have an unspayed female cat, it’s just a matter of time before she goes into heat and is ready to mate. But will you be able to recognize that she’s in heat, and will you know what to do? Here’s some basic information on the signs that a cat is in heat and what you can do to make sure your cat doesn’t get pregnant and produce an unwanted litter.When Do Cats Start Going into Heat?A cat can go into heat (known as estrus) at a surprisingly young age. On average, her first heat can occur at roughly 6 months old. But some cats will go into heat sooner, such as around 4 months old, or later, such as closer to 1 year old.Several factors, such as the cat’s breed, her weight and body condition, and the time of year and amount of daylight, influence when a female kitten that hasn’t been spayed will go into heat for the first time. So, it can be difficult to predict when it will happen.Note: A nursing mother cat with a litter of kittens could go into heat and get pregnant again.How Long Is a Cat in Heat?On average, a cat will be in heat for seven days, but it is possible for a cat to be in heat longer, such as for 14 days, or for a shorter period, such as two days. If she doesn’t mate, the heat will end but restart a short time later, such as a couple of weeks later. But if she mates, she’ll ovulate and move out of heat in a couple of days. Note: Cats can be in heat multiple times throughout the year. The environment they live in and the number of daylight hours can affect if they go into heat.Signs a Female Cat Is in HeatBehavioral changes are the main things to look for to determine if your cat is in heat. Here are some of the common signs:Vocalizations – your cat will yowl and meow more loudly and more often than usualAttempts to get outside – your cat will try her best to sneak or dart out the door in search of a mateChanges in posture – your cat will stick her rear end up in the hopes she’ll grab the attention of a male kittyIncreased urination or spraying – your cat may urinate more often, and she might mark spots around the house by spraying urine on themSeeking attention – your cat will be more demanding, seeking your attention and affection, and will rub her face and body on people and objects around the houseRolling – your cat will roll around on the floor more than usualGrooming more – your cat will groom herself more, and you may notice her grooming the genital area moreWhat to Do When Your Cat Is in HeatOnce your cat is in heat, there’s really nothing that you can do about it except wait for it to end. In the meantime, she can easily get pregnant, so it’s important to keep her indoors and away from intact males.In addition to that, you can try calming her down by giving her your attention. If she’s acting restless, you can encourage her to play with a wand toy, which is perfect for interacting with your pet and showing her you care.  A good example is the Our Pets Play-N-Squeak at Night Twinkle Mouse Cat Wand. It features a stuffed mouse that squeaks when hit, along with feathers and a long string so your kitty can chase down or jump up and grab her “prey.”

Is AI Making it Easier to Have a Conversation with Your Pet?

We ask the question: Is there really an app in the works that will help us talk to animals?

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