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Best Low Calorie Dog Treats

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  February 24th, 2022

Low calorie dog treats are a great way to reward a dog that’s on a weight management diet or needs to maintain a leaner body weight. Take a look at our selection of the very best low calorie dog treats that will have your pooch drooling!

As a responsible dog owner, it is your duty to look after your pet’s diet. Neglecting this can cause a slew of health problems, obesity being the main one. In order to keep your pet in prime health and their figure slender, you will need to rely on a healthy, balanced diet. And treats are equally a part of that diet as are the main dishes! Thankfully, treats don’t have to be a guilty “cheat meal”. These are some of the healthiest treats around: they are low in calories, fats, and cholesterol, and are rich in fibers and proteins! If you are looking to train and treat your four-legged friend – choose one of these low calorie dog treats!

1. Editor’s Choice: Pupford Freeze-Dried Training Treats

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A chubby doggo is an unhappy doggo – that much is certain! No matter how much your pet loves to munch, sometimes it is in their best interest to go on a low calorie diet. And thanks to these Pupford freeze-dried low calorie treats, they can enjoy the usual training rewards without putting on extra weight. Pupford relies on a special recipe that takes the best and healthiest ingredients from nature and delivers them to your pet in the form of a yummy treat. You can choose from meats such as rabbit, chicken, liver, or salmon, or you can opt for healthy veggies such as sweet potato. Each treat is less than 1 calorie, which is ideal! Of course, there are no added chemicals in this – just plain simple meat or veg, freeze-dried and ready to use. Can’t get healthier than that!

Pros

  • Over 475 treats per bag
  • No added ingredients
  • Good flavor selection
  • Tasty

Cons

  • Sweet potato can come crushed

2. Runner Up: Fruitables Skinny Mini Dog Treats

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Finding the very best low cal treat for your pet is no easy task – especially if you have a finicky dog. Thankfully, these Fruitables are hard to resist, even to picky eaters. Mixing fruits, veggies, and healthy lean meat, these are the ultimate low calorie treats designed for dogs. You can choose from a variety of tastes, including apple bacon, grilled bison, rotisserie chicken, watermelon, pumpkin and mango, and pumpkin and berry – yummy and healthy to boot! These crunchy treats are irresistibly tasty, and each one has less than 3 calories. Just like their name suggests, the Skinny Minnies are ideally bite-sized! That makes them great as a reward for positive reinforcement training. When your pet knows that one of these healthy treats is coming their way, they’ll eagerly learn all you want.

Pros

  • Great for training
  • Yummy and unusual ingredient combos
  • No artificial flavors

Cons

  • Not really suited for large breeds due to the small size

3. Customer’s Choice: Buddy Biscuits Training Bites for Dogs

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With 500 treats per pack, these Buddy Biscuit snacks are a great choice when you want to stock up on low calorie treats for dogs. Not only are they great for training and positive reinforcement, but are ideal for day-to-day snacking as well. With just 1.5 calories per treat, they make one of the leanest dog foods out there. These treats come in three varieties: bacon, chicken liver, and chicken meat, and can be considered a good choice for all dog breeds. To boot, thanks to their soft and chewy texture, they can be given even to senior dogs that have sensitive gums and teeth. Best of all, these treats contain no soy, grain, or artificial flavors. Just a healthy, delicious, low cal snack for your furbaby to munch on!

Pros

  • Extra-large pack
  • Soft texture
  • Strong taste

Cons

  • Just three flavors

4. Best for Weight Maintenance: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Lite Snackers

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Purina has long been a household name for the finest dog foods and treats, and their veterinary diet line is particularly popular with pet owners. If you are looking for moderately low calorie dog treats to help your pet to stay in good shape, consider these crunchy, oven-baked treats – they are low in calories, high in fiber, and low in fats. As such, they are easy to digest without being calorie-dense. The high fiber content will enhance digestion, while the low calories and fats will tone down the figure. These treats are made with quality chicken meat, and are delicious! Still, since each one of these biscuits is quite large, no more than a couple per day will be enough!

Pros

  • Delicious and crunchy
  • Cleans teeth and freshens breath
  • High in fiber

Cons

  • Just one flavor

5. Best Grain-Free: Nulo Puppy & Adult Freestyle Trainers Dog Treats

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Not all doggos will react the same to grain in their food. What is more, some dogs can’t really deal with it at all. And when you are opting for a healthy and low cal diet for your gluten-sensitive dog, grain-free is the best choice. Nulo low cal treats are ideal for both puppies and dogs, and they are a real superfood. That’s thanks to the variety of healthy tastes and ingredients. Choose from duck, turkey, and salmon, all boosted with honey, blueberries, and cherries for an added dose of vitamins. Each one of these tasty treats has just 2 calories and a soft chewy texture ideal for all dogs. And, considering that they are free of grains, soy, and any artificial ingredients, these Nulo treats come out as one of the best choices on the market!

Pros

  • Plenty of flavors to choose from
  • Boosted with berries and honey
  • Great for puppies and adult dogs

Cons

  • Somewhat small, pellet size

6. Best Single-Ingredient: Wholesome Pride All Natural Healthy Dog Treats

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It’s no secret: doggos adore meaty treats. But that doesn’t have to be your only choice. These sweet potato-based veggie treats are a healthy alternative that is equally low in calories. Wholesome Pride made sweet potato their main ingredient here and offers a variety of shapes and textures, such as sweet potato fries, bites, and chews. Sustainably made in the USA, these treats are a healthy alternative for your dog. They are rich in fibers and low in fat, which ensures good digestion and a 100% vegan and natural part of the diet. This is a single ingredient treat – making it a real no-brainer: this is sweet potato and not much else! If you want to discover a new and low cal treat without feeling doubtful about its contents, going for the veggie option is a great shortcut.

Pros

  • Single ingredient
  • Sustainably made
  • Healthy

Cons

  • Too chewy and bland for some dogs

7. Best Crunchy: Charlee Bear Original Crunch Natural Dog Treats

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Doggos can be really picky when it comes to texture and taste. Some like it soft, some like it chewy, while others adore that unmistakable crunchy feel. If your dog is in this last category, then they need to try the Charlee Bear original crunch treats! They have the ideal shape and size, being dubbed “pocket perfect”, and they boast an unmistakable satisfying crunch with each bite. Besides this, Charlee Bear prides itself on its unique tastes: choose from cheese and egg, chicken liver, chicken soup & garden veggie, or turkey liver and cranberries. Unusual and super healthy ingredients! Of course, these treats are very low in calories – less than 3 calories in each one. Proudly made in the USA, these treats will put your four-legged bestie in a tail-wagging mood!

Pros

  • Irresistible crunchy texture
  • Healthy ingredients
  • Unusual flavors
  • Great calorie count

Cons

  • Somewhat dry

8. Best Dental: Greenies Weight Management Dental Dog Treats

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Food and dental health are directly linked – if the food is bad, so will your dog’s dental hygiene be! Thankfully, these special Greenies low cal treats are specifically designed to benefit dental health as well as your pet’s figure. These treats are tasty and easy to digest, and they have a low calorie and fat count. Each treat has a specific shape optimized to remove plaque and is boosted with various vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Best of all, its unique taste is designed to freshen your pet’s breath – one of these treats and your dog’s smooches won’t be stinky anymore. One of the best aspects of these Greenies treats for dogs is the fact that they are veterinarian recommended and accepted by the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council)! If you want a low cal and healthy treat to benefit your dog’s oral health, this one is a great choice.

Pros

  • Freshens breath
  • Variety of sizes and package choices
  • Good for dental health

Cons

  • Can be a bit tough for some dogs to chew on

9. Best for Training: IMK9 Organic Peanut Butter Dog Training Treats Biscuits

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When it comes to training your pet, there is nothing as effective as positive reinforcement! A good deed needs to be rewarded, and a tasty treat will motivate your pooch like no other. These organic, low calorie treats are great for rewarding your pet without feeling guilty afterward. And best of all, they have a tasty peanut butter taste – no one can resist that! These are completely natural and healthy without any artificial ingredients, and they are made with real chia seeds, peanut butter, and blueberries. As such, they are rich in proteins, antioxidants, and fibers. These treats are yummy and crunchy, and have a smell that’s near irresistible for doggos –after all, who doesn’t like peanut butter?!

Pros

  • Natural ingredients
  • Delicious and crunchy
  • Rich in antioxidants

Cons

  • Somewhat dry

10. Best for Picky Eaters: Wild Eats Sweet Potato Dog Treats

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Sometimes it’s difficult to feed a healthier diet to a picky dog, but where’s will, there’s a way! Made with sweet potato as the primary ingredient, these treats are rich in proteins and fibers, but also tasty and nutritious. And your doggo will be none the wiser that they’re eating healthy now! Wild Eats gives you more choices as well: you can choose plain sweet potato treats, or a mix of sweet potato and chicken, or a combination of apples, sweet potatoes, and chicken. No matter which one you choose, you are guaranteed a healthy treat for your pet. These treats contain no preservatives or artificial ingredients and are ideal for dogs with allergies. Thanks to the ingredients, they are also low in cholesterol, making them perfect for dogs that need to tone down their figure and better their diet. And contrary to some other sweet potato treats, these ones are neither chewy nor bland!

Pros

  • Healthy ingredients
  • Low in cholesterol
  • Good for dogs with allergies

Cons

  • They can crumble down easily

What are the Main Ingredients of Low Calorie Dog Treats?

The general rule of thumb is that dog treats are based on meat. But if you buy the run-of-the-mill, basic brand treats, you are potentially feeding your pet with commercial treats that are full of additives, preservatives, grains, soy, and artificial flavors. And that’s not ideal. Especially if you are looking for a healthier alternative. That is why it is crucial to know exactly what the main ingredients of a treat are.

Luckily, these special low calorie treats are made with only the healthiest ingredients. Of course, one of the main options is still meat. This is most often lean chicken meat. This is a popular choice because it is rich in proteins and is nutritious and healthy but doesn’t bulk up the caloric value. Other options include salmon – for the same benefits, and liver. The liver is rich in iron and other minerals and vitamins and is also irresistible to dogs. More rarely, treats can be made with venison, bison meat, or some other wild game. These are very rich in proteins and nutrients, but can also be a bit pricey!

Of course, there are always alternatives to meat. Veggies are popular, tasty, and very healthy. Sweet potato is one of the most common options, being rich in fibers and low in fat and calories. Other options include apples, berries, and fruits. Of course, when choosing any of these ingredients – be it meat or vegetables – you need to ensure that there are no added artificial flavors, preservatives, grains, or chemicals. And that’s the ideal way to guarantee that your pet will get only the best ingredients in low calorie treats!

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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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Best Dog Treats for Large Dogs

While many treats boast that they are suitable for dogs of all sizes, large dog parents know that their pups have a few specific needs. One of the biggest struggles is finding a large enough treat that our dogs will taste their reward when given. Luckily, many great dog treats on the market were specifically made with larger dogs (and extra-large dogs) in mind. These treats are not only sized right for our dogs, but their nutritional benefits can help improve their health and well-being. It’s the perfect combination for dog owners that want to give their pups the world (and then some). But where do you find the right treats to meet all your needs? Before you spend a few hours scouring through online stores or walking the aisles of your local pet store, we want to help. In this guide, we’re going to share our choices for the best dog treats for large dogs and some tips and tricks to consider while shopping. Let’s get started!

Best Dog Treats

Best Dog Treats Most pet parents love to spoil their pooches rotten and often rely on dog treats to do so. With a plethora of nom-noms to drool for, it can be a bit difficult choosing the best treats for your dog. Going overboard or giving them wrong treats can be extremely counterproductive- and even dangerous for their health, too. Thankfully, you don’t have to wonder anymore: you will find everything there is to know about dog treats here at PetGuide.com. Best Dog Treats Features Available At Checkups Dental Dog Treats

What A Treat: Choosing The Best Dog Treats

Your dog deserves a treat now and then. But how do you pick the best dog treats for your pooch? Every dog comes running at the sound of the treat bag opening – he can’t wait for that tasty little morsel. Treats are a great way to show your dog a little extra love and it can also be used in training your dog. Choosing the right treat is important because you don’t want to give your dog anything that is bad for him. Let’s go over how to choose the best dog treats for your pup and why you should include them in your dog’s diet. Related: Can You Feed Your Dog Table Scraps? Why Offer Treats? Perhaps the most common use for dog treats is as a reward during training sessions – when your dog responds appropriately to your command, you give him a treat to show him that he has done what you asked. Treats can also be a simple way to show your dog a little bit of extra love, especially if you have just done something that he doesn’t like such as trimming his nails or cleaning his ears. Another benefit of some treats is that they may help to clean your dog’s teeth. There are many benefits to dog treats but they should still only be used in moderation. Just like when you have a dessert, dog treats should be an occasional supplement – too many can lead to an overweight pooch! Related: Eat Your Veggies Dog Treat Recipe How to Choose the Best Dog Treats Choosing a quality dog treat is similar to choosing a high-quality dog food. First, you need to read the food label to check on the ingredients listed. If you can’t identify more than half of the ingredients on the list, you should probably choose another treat. In addition to the ingredients, you should also check to see how many calories are in each treat and what the serving size is. You don’t always have to use commercially prepared dog treats – something as simple as frozen green beans can be used as a low-calorie and healthy treat for your dog. Ideally, your dog should get 90 percent of his daily nutrition from his food and only 10 percent (or less) from treats. Choose healthy but low-calorie treats so you don’t significantly increase your dog’s daily calorie intake by offering them. You may also want to select a treat that offers additional benefits such as cleaning your dog’s teeth. Once you select a treat, make sure you follow the storage instructions to keep the treats fresh. If you don’t feel comfortable with store-bought treats, try making your own with human-grade ingredients. Tips for Using Treats Properly When offering your dog treats, it is important that you don’t give him too many. Treats should be an occasional thing, something to use in rewarding your dog for good behavior or as a simple way to say “I love you.” It’s important to realize that even a few treats can significantly increase the daily caloric intake of your dog, so overfeeding could lead to weight gain or obesity. Consider that a 20-pound dog may only burn about 700 calories per day and his regular dog food provides for nearly all of those calories. If a large dog biscuit contains as many as 100 calories, you could be increasing your dog’s calorie intake by nearly 15 percent with one biscuit. Treats are a great way to reward your dog, but they should only be used occasionally. With the above tips, you should be able to select a healthy dog treat that provides additional benefits and only offer them once in a while.

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Why Is My Dog Licking and Chewing His Paws?

You might think it’s gross, but your pooch certainly doesn’t – canines are known to lick themselves as a way of grooming. While your dog might lick their body thoroughly to keep it clean, sometimes, their self-grooming can be abnormal. If you notice that your pet is licking or even chewing their paws obsessively, it should raise concern. This type of behavior might indicate an underlying medical issue, so here’s what you need to know before you phone your vet.Is It Normal for Dogs to Lick and Chew Their Paws?While some licking of their paws after they get dirty can be perfectly normal, constant licking or chewing of the paws is certainly not usual behavior. There could be several reasons behind this, and it could indicate that your attention and even intervention are needed. Here are some of the most common reasons why dogs lick and chew their paws.Allergies:  Allergies, including food allergies, environmental allergies (such as pollen or dust mites), and contact allergies (for example, from cleaning products or lawn chemicals), can lead to itching and discomfort in dogs. Paw licking and chewing can be a response to this itching. If you suspect that an allergy might be in question, don’t hesitate to visit your vet.Skin irritation or infection: If your dog's paws are red, swollen, or have an unpleasant odor, it may indicate a  skin infection or irritation. Bacterial or fungal infections, as well as foreign objects like splinters or thorns, can lead to serious issues down the road. Again, if you notice any of the above, it’s time to visit the vet.Dry or cracked paw pads: Dry or cracked paw pads can be uncomfortable for dogs. Licking and chewing may be their way of trying to soothe the discomfort. This happens to many dogs, and can be caused by their environment, the surface on which they walk, and many other things. Luckily, you can prevent this with paw wax that will create a barrier between the pads and the walking surface, or treat existing issues with paw butter that soothes and repairs the pads. This particular  2-in-1 paw butter and wax is a favorite of mine because it is made from all-natural ingredients and heals cracked paws in no time – while simultaneously preventing future irritation and dryness. 

Stray Dog Becomes Surrogate for Abandoned Puppies at Texas Shelter

A stray Great Pyrenees dog, found wandering the streets of Fort Bend County, Texas, became a surrogate mother to a litter of six abandoned puppies.In late October, a concerned citizen found an abandoned litter of puppies. After failing to locate the pups’ mother in the surrounding area, the person brought the puppies to Fort Bend County Animal Services. “They were tiny, needing immediate bottle feeding and care, they were just about a week to 10 days old,” said Rene Vasquez, the director of Fort Bend County Animal Services, to PEOPLE.Although the puppies arrived at the shelter in good condition, they were starving and needed nourishment ASAP. The Fort Bening County Animal Services took to social media to look for fosters to take in the puppies and provide them with around-the-clock bottle feedings. Around the same time, another local found a stray Great Pyrenees, named Nova, who was full of milk. While it was clear that Nova had a litter recently, her puppies were nowhere to be found. The woman who found Nova saw the shelter’s online call for help and decided to contact them with a different idea. Instead of using volunteers to do the bottle feedings, she suggested bringing Nova by to see if the dog would accept to nurse the puppies. The shelter loved this idea and decided to give Nova a chance. A few seconds after Nova met the puppies it became apparent that the shelter made the right decision. “Nova was so happy to see the puppies! She took to them right away, and they were very happy to have a mama and food,” Vasquez shared. Although the abandoned puppies aren’t Nova’s biological litter, she accepted them as if they were her own. Acting like a true momma, Nova quickly allowed the pups to nurse and cuddle close to her for warmth. Thanks to Nova’s maternal instincts the puppies are doing well and growing quickly.“We were so happy that Nova was able to step up and be a mom for them. Sometimes, it is difficult to find bottle feeders and fosters for when the puppies or kittens are so little, so to have a nursing mom available to accept the babies is definitely a good day,” said Vasquez. Nova and the puppies, five boys and one girl, are currently living in a foster home. The fosters caring for the four-legged bunch plan to adopt Nova once the puppies are weaned. “The puppies will stay with Nova until they are weaned, and then we will start looking for homes for them. They will also be vaccinated, microchipped, and fixed before going to their forever homes,” the shelter’s director added. The case of Nova and her adopted litter has a happy ending, but not all stories end on a positive note. “As an industry, we are facing a real crisis in animal welfare across the country with an abundance of stray animals and not enough adopters or fosters to help the overcrowded shelters and rescues. Nova and her puppies illustrate the importance of spaying and neutering,” said the Fort Bend County Animal Services director.Shelters around the country are struggling to take in new animals due to a lack of forever homes and overcrowding. Each year, millions of pets end up in shelters across the nation, most of which are never adopted into a forever home. If you’re looking for a four-legged companion, visit your local shelter or rescue organization to see which of their residents would make a perfect addition to your home. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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

Lost Dog Rescued After Surviving Six Years Alone in the Woods

A senior dog found living in the woods in the U.K. has been rescued and is now looking for a loving home.The dog, named Rose, was first spotted near Crawley Down in West Sussex, England. The Lost Dog Recovery UK South shared in a social media post that they’ve received a message from a concerned member of the public about a small black dog running in the road.The person who saw the dog “stopped the traffic” and let the pooch disappear into the woods, knowing it’s best not to follow. After visiting the nearest property, the person learned that locals were familiar with the dog and that drivers often stopped by saying that the pooch had been on the road. The locals explained that the dog was a stray fed by people.The individual who spotted the dog was troubled by the idea of a dog living in the woods and contacted the Lost Dog Recovery rescue organization with this information. Knowing that this could be a case of an “owned dog allowed to roam” the organization decided to investigate by setting out food for the pooch along with cameras to track its movements. The dog was caught on camera five times in two days and by the third day appeared to be waiting for meals.The organization also talked with residents in the area about the dog and were told that the dog was a stray who lived locally for about ten years. The residents also said that the dog should be left alone because was in good condition, fed, and cared for. After talking about this situation with another household, which has been leaving food for wildlife and were allegedly responsible for the dog’s care, the rescue decided to help the dog. Over the following week, the organization established a feeding schedule and confirmed that the pooch was indeed a senior dog. They set a trap for the dog by serving a warm roast chicken and managed to catch her.“Understandably she was shocked and scared, but very gentle, and was taken immediately to the warmth and safety of kennels,” the organization shared.  After taking her to the kennels, the organization made a shocking discovery - the dog was microchipped! Her name was Rose and she had gone missing from her owners less than 24 hours after they adopted her in 2017! A now 12-year-old Patterdale terrier, Rose, has gone missing from Ashurst Woods, located only six miles away from Crawley Down, where the organization found her. Unfortunately, there was no happy reunion for Rose. The organization managed to contact Rose’s registered owners, but they explained that they were in no position to take her back since their circumstances had changed dramatically and they had moved away. “After the initial shock, our absolute joy at finding a long-lost dog is tinged with sadness as there is no happy reunion for Rose; she never got the chance to know the love of her family,” the organization said in a post. They added that Rose is going to need time, patience, and rehabilitation, and being a senior dog she’ll likely need ongoing vet care and medication. Rose is going to be cared for by Last Chance Animal Rescue in Edenbridge, U.K. After sharing Rose’s story, the rescue received several inquiries about her from families willing to adopt her and give her a safe, warm, and loving home.“Please don’t leave a dog straying for longer than they have to be...not only for them and their wellbeing but also for the sake of humans who love them,” the organization added. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Study Reveals the Most Expensive Locations for Pet-Friendly Airbnbs

Are you considering taking a trip to a dream destination in the United States with your best friend by your side? If so, you’re not alone! A growing number of animal lovers are taking steps to include the whole family in their travel plans, with Airbnb reporting that close to 50% of nights booked include pets. But have you ever stopped to consider how much your furry family member is increasing the budget?The team at MarketWatch recently released a guide to pet-friendly Airbnb travel in the US with some startling stats.Data was compiled about the cost of renting 11, 676 Airbnbs and 11,753 pet-friendly Airbnbs located in 46 of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States. By comparing the average nightly cost for pet-friendly and pet-free locations, they determined the price premium or the added cost pet parents must pay to include their furry friends.While we’re not suggesting that the cost of accommodations should be the sole deciding factor for your next vacation, this could impact your top choices.According to the guide, the most expensive city is Honolulu, Hawaii, with an average night stay costing $511. This is also the destination where pet parents will face the highest price premium for booking a pet-friendly location at $345.50.If you’re an avid traveler, this likely comes as no surprise. Hawaii is one of the country's more popular destinations for luxury travel. Not only is the cost of living in the state one of the highest, but the state also charges a Transient Accommodations Tax (TAT), further increasing costs.Of the 10 most expensive tourist destinations to book a pet-friendly Airbnb, 7 were in California. In addition to Honolulu, the list includes:Monterey, CA ($509)Sonoma, CA ($488)Napa Valley ($380)Santa Cruz, CA ($339)Palm Springs, CA ($329)Boston, MA ($238)Los Angeles, CA ($226)San Francisco, CA ($226)Yellowstone National Park, WY ($219)Don’t let these costs keep you from planning your next big pet-friendly getaway. Not only did they compile a list of the most expensive destinations, but they also identified the least expensive nightly rates in the US. This list is a great way to travel with your pet without worrying about your budget.They discovered that the least expensive city to book a pet-friendly Airbnb is Oklahoma City, OK, where the average nightly rate is only $110. Other locations that made this list include:St. Louis, MO ($111)Cleveland, OH ($114)Columbus, OH ($117)Houston, TX ($119)Salt Lake City, UT ($119)Detroit, MI ($124)Memphis, TN ($125)Indianapolis, IN ($129)San Antonio, TX ($130)Booking a lower-cost Airbnb is only one of many ways to keep the costs down when traveling with your pet. Pack all your pet’s travel essentials before your trip, including a leash, food/water dishes, grooming supplies, plastic waste bags, and a first aid kit. If you are driving to your destination, you can also pack your pet’s food to avoid shopping for it once you arrive. You can gather these items by shopping local sales rather than paying a premium to get what you need on short notice. Pet Insurance is another great budget-friendly travel tip. This may seem counterproductive, adding the monthly cost of your pet’s policy to your budget. But if disaster strikes, the insurance policy can help to significantly reduce emergency vet bills.Whatever your budget, we encourage all pet parents to get out and explore, making memories with their pets by their side. You won’t regret it!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Do I Train My Dog to Wear a Muzzle?

Introducing a new tool to your dog can feel like uncharted territory. While some dogs will readily accept whatever is thrown their way, others will become stressed or anxious when presented with something new. Unfortunately, if you are in a position where a muzzle is necessary for the safety of your dog or others around you, forgoing a tool because your dog appears to be uninterested in it isn’t an option. So, what do you do? How do you train your dog to wear a muzzle? This guide will dig into the importance of conditioning when planning to muzzle your dog. This includes explaining what conditioning is, walking you through the process step-by-step, and sharing some helpful tips to set you up for success. What is Muzzle Conditioning? Before expecting your dog to wear their muzzle, it is recommended that you take the time to focus on muzzle training, also referred to as muzzle conditioning. This is the process of introducing the muzzle alongside positive rewards. If each time your dog sees or interacts with the muzzle, they get “good things,” it will create a positive association. Over time, they will not only tolerate the muzzle but happily accept it. Why? They recognize that wearing their muzzle means they will receive good things like verbal praise, pets, and their favorite treats. How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Get Used to a Muzzle? There is no one guaranteed timeline when working on muzzle conditioning. While some dogs will quickly take to the muzzle, adjusting in just a few days, others will take longer. Some factors that can impact this include your dog’s personality, trainability, previous experience (positive or negative) with a muzzle, and their trust/bond with you as the person introducing this tool to them. It’s important to keep in mind that the time it takes does NOT mean you are doing better or failing at your training efforts. We have three dogs, all of which have been muzzle-trained. While two of our dogs took to the muzzle relatively quickly, Lucifer’s nerves and anxiety made the process more challenging. This doesn’t mean it was impossible. With time, patience, and consistency, he is now the dog that is most comfortable in a muzzle out of the three. We just had to move at his pace.

Can Cats Get Frostbite?

When a cat is exposed to extremely cold conditions, they are at risk of frostbite, which may require professional veterinary care. But what is frostbite, what puts a cat at risk of frostbite, and what can be done to treat it? Here’s a short guide to help you better understand this condition and keep your cat safe.

Study Finds Link Between Having a Dog and Girls' Physical Activity

A new study finds that having a furry companion at home could help promote healthy physical activity in children, especially young girls. According to research from the Telethon Kids Institute in Australia, getting a new dog or losing a furry companion is linked with a child’s level of physical activity. This new research shows that having a dog could help promote healthy movement behavior in children. The study's lead researcher, Emma Adams, highlights the positive influence of dog ownership on children’s activity levels, pointing to potential benefits that start from early childhood.“We saw a significant jump in daily physical activity in children whose families acquired a dog over the study period, while those whose families experienced the loss of a dog recorded a steep drop-off in activity,” added Adams.The research teams from Telethon Institute and the University of Western Australia followed 600 children aged between two and seven years old, over a three-year period to determine the impact dog ownership (or loss) has on physical activity levels.The results showed that getting a dog or losing a family companion is associated with significant changes in children’s activity levels. Surprisingly, young girls showed the most significant response.“The results were particularly noticeable in girls, with girls who acquired a dog increasing their light intensity activity and games by almost an hour a day (52 minutes).”“On the flipside, there was a marked drop in light intensity activity and games in girls who experienced the loss of a dog, with their activity dropping by 62 minutes a day,” said Adams according to Independant. Children wore accelerometers during waking hours for seven days at a time to measure sedentary time, screen time, and physical activity. Parents were also asked about their childrens’ activity levels. Half of the children participating in the study didn’t own a dog at any point during the study period, 204 children had a dog for the entire three years, 58 got a dog during the study period, and 31 children lost their furry companion during the course of the study.Data showed that girls who got a dog increased their light intensity activities and games by almost an hour a day (52 minutes). At the same time, girls who lost a dog experienced a decrease of 62 minutes a day in the same activities. Researchers observed that unstructured physical activity, such as walking with the dog or playing in the garden saw an increase for both boys and girls who got a dog during the study. “If we excluded dog walking and playing, there were no changes in the unstructured physical activity, so we could see the changes in physical activity were actually from the addition of those dog-related activities,” said Adams. On the other hand, children who lost their dog decreased their unstructured physical activity by 10.2 sessions a week for girls and 7.7 sessions for boys. “Regular physical activity from an early age is essential for children’s physical and mental health development, but few children or adolescents are meeting recommended daily levels. Our findings indicate that having a dog in the family could help promote healthy movement behaviors in children and reduce their short- and long-term risk of chronic disease.”Although this study discovered a positive link between dog ownership and increased physical activity Adams stresses that it’s not a call for everyone to get a dog. “It’s important to note that we’re not telling families to just go out and get a dog - having a dog comes with many responsibilities and won’t be right for everyone.”Instead, this study encourages dog owners to use canine companionship to increase physical activity. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Dog Bears It Out for Three Days in Cave

A curious hound killed time with a black bear while waiting for rescue.

Pandemic Puppies Are Behaving Badly, Study Shows

Puppies bought during the COVID-19 pandemic are more likely to exhibit one or more problem behaviors, a new study suggests. Research by the Royal Veterinary Colledge (RVC) has found that four in five (82%) owners of pandemic puppies have resorted to using punishment-based training methods to try to curb their dog’s problem behavior. The study found that moving the dog or shouting at them were the most commonly used aversive training methods. Other owners reported using water pistols, rattle bottles, and choke chains. Only 18% of owners who participated in the study said they didn’t use any aversive training methods or aids. Not only are aversive training techniques such as yelling at the dog or pulling its lead ineffective but they are also linked to further behavioral problems. The survey which was funded by the Battersea animal rescue charity asked more than 1,007 UK dog owners to list problem behaviors exhibited by their dogs. The list consisted of 24 problem behaviors reported by the owners. They ranged from control behaviors ( pulling on the leash) and attention-seeking behaviors, to aggressive behaviors and fear behaviors (anxiety around other dogs or people).Almost all (97%) owners said their dog exhibited at least one problem behavior from the list. At 21 months, owners on average reported five behavioral problems, while 20% of owners reported that their dogs had eight or more problem behaviors. According to owners, pulling on the leash is the most common problem behavior (67%), followed by jumping on people (57%), and not coming back when called (52%).Denise Mariner-Chappell got a Labrador retriever Ted during the pandemic. Strict lockdown measures made it hard to properly train and socialize her new pooch.“He’s a crazy dog when he’s out,” she said. “He’s just manic. He just wants to play and sniff, and everything, but not with humans.” Dr. Rowena Packer, the lead author of the study explained that problem behaviors are very common in pandemic puppies. In many cases, owners exacerbate these issues by using punishment-based training methods. “Although we understand these problem behaviors can be very frustrating for owners, they are often a sign a dog is struggling to cope or that they haven’t been taught an appropriate response in a situation, rather than dogs intentionally behaving badly,” she added.Packer warned that punishing the dog can make it anxious and fearful and cause it to develop further behavioral problems, including aggression. According to Robert Bays, Battersea’s senior animal behavior manager, the charity has seen an influx in dogs with behavioral problems coming into centers. These pups are suffering from separation anxiety and show other problem behaviors, which can be linked to training challenges brought on by the pandemic. “Without the right kind of positive training and support, a small behavioral problem in a puppy or a dog can quickly escalate into a serious issue, so we are deeply concerned with this study’s findings that so many owners are using aversive training methods,” said Bays.This training approach can cause additional behavioral problems in adulthood and also significantly damage the relationship between the dog and its owner. The study found that puppies who were still exhibiting problem behaviors by the age of 21 months were at a higher risk of being rehomed or euthanized. “A key piece of guidance arising from our study is that attending puppy classes is a vital way to support owners in using the best training techniques available.”Although many pandemic puppy owners missed these training classes due to lockdown restrictions there are thankfully many certified trainers who offer training classes for adult dogs. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Jack Russell Terrier Adopts and Nurses Six Abandoned Kittens

People grow up believing that cats and dogs are mortal enemies. Phrases like “fight like cats and dogs" just reinforce that belief.But, is this really true? Is there no way for felines and canines to get along? As it turns out, dogs and cats can be more than friends.A Jack Russell terrier, named Teasel, has become a surrogate mom to six abandoned kittens. Sue Stubley, who lives in the Suffolk town of Newmarket, was contacted after a feral cat abandoned her litter. Ms Stubley, who runs Suffolk Hedgehog Hospital in Newmarket, primarily rescues hedgehogs but has agreed to take the abandoned kittens for the night and take them to the cat rescue center the next morning. However, Ms Stubley’s two-year-old Jack Russell had other plans. According to Ms Stubley, Teasel began lactating the same evening and the hungry kittens latched on to feed. “My dog decided that she was going to look after them. She’s lactating, she’s feeding them, she cleans them, she does everything. So it’s actually been quite easy for me,” said Ms Stubley.At first, Teasel wasn’t making enough milk, and Ms Stubley had to supplement the kitten’s feedings. However, the new mom managed to produce a lot of milk the following morning, and the more she nurses, the more she produces. Apparently, Teasel's maternal instinct kicked in quickly. “If anyone comes in that she doesn’t know and picks one of the kittens up, she’ll march over and go and pick them up and bring them to her back again. She’s adopted proper mum behavior.”Ms Stubley was initially worried about how Teasel might react and thought that she might go after one of the kittens. But that never happened.“By the time they were ready for their second feed, they were sat with her and cuddled up with her. Generally, she is a very gentle dog that loves and adores everyone. She loves children, she’s a great little dog. And apparently, her mum was very similar and was very nurturing so it’s obviously something that’s in her nature.” According to BBC, Dr Rachel Grant, a biologist at London South Bank University, explained that such interspecies adoptions are most likely the result of fixed action patterns in which the adopted animal is reacting to a certain trigger from the adoptee. “This sets off a cascade in the brain that elicits the pattern of behavior,” said Dr Grant. The closer the species are to one another, the higher the chances for cross-species adoption to happen. This means that it’s highly unlikely that you’ll ever hear about an alligator nursing a puppy.“In baby mammals, there will be certain features that mammals share with other mammals,” said Dr Grant. “Cats and dogs, for example, are both mammals and the cues that are driving maternal behavior are very similar. They will be responding to certain cues.”When it comes to baby mammals, they will act on an instinct too. In Teasel’s case, the kittens are instinctively “rooting” - like human babies or puppies - for a nipple to feed on. “These things aren’t under conscious control,” Dr Grant explained. The strong maternal instincts exhibited by Teasel show that she’ll be a wonderful mother to her puppies, in case she one day gives birth to a litter of her own. Ms Stubley has already found loving homes for the kittens to go to when they are old enough, but she says she’ll miss them terribly.“As for Teasel, I don’t know how she’ll feel when they’re gone but I think she’s their surrogate mum for life now.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Here Are the 10 Rarest Dog Breeds in America

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

How Do I Know If My Dog Has Frostbite?

Cold weather affects our pets even more than it does us – dogs are much more sensitive to harsh weather elements and can be especially affected by the freezing winter cold. Depending on their size and the thickness of their coat, dogs can be more or less endangered when the scales go way down below zero, and for some dogs, going out in subzero temperatures can be quite risky. So much so, that they can even get frostbite. While frostbite in dogs can range from mild to severe, it’s a condition you can’t ignore – you need to know how to quickly spot signs of frostbite in dogs and make sure to provide first aid ASAP to prevent any permanent damage. How Do I Know If My Dog Has Frostbite?Exposing your dog to extremely cold temperatures is always risky. While there are certain breeds, like  huskies, who are adapted to extreme weather conditions, dogs are generally not ideally suited for freezing temperatures and as such are at risk of getting frostbite. Frostbite is a result of skin and tissues freezing, and it usually affects the most exposed parts of the dog’s body, like the paws, ears, nose, and tail. However, it can’t always be easy to spot frostbite in the earliest stages – usually, pet owners realize they’re dealing with frostbite when the damage is already done. Try and keep an eye out for the following symptoms if your pet has been out in the cold:Swelling:When frostbite sets in, the affected area will often swell. This happens when the top layers of the skin and tissue become gradually frozen. Likewise, the swollen area could feel firm or hard to the touch.Coldness:The areas that are frostbitten will feel much colder to the touch than the rest of the body. This can be the first and the most obvious sign of frostbite.Skin Ulcers and Blisters:These nasty growths can appear when frostbite has really taken hold of an affected part. As the frostbitten flesh begins to thaw, it also blisters. Limping:When your dog limps in cold weather, it can be the first indication that something is wrong. This is usually due to the soft tissue on the paws being exposed to freezing ground. Discolored Skin:Another tell-tale sign of frostbite is the discoloration of the skin on the affected area. The main cause of this is the reduced blood flow to the area. The skin in this case will appear gray, pale, or bluish.  It goes without saying that frostbite is very dangerous. If you suspect it in your dog, please seek the help of a veterinarian at once. It is paramount that you leave professionals to take care of your pet, rather than to attempt to fix the situation on your own. Things like hot water, direct heat, and other attempts to reheat the flesh quickly will only lead to more damage. Also, keep in mind that the signs of frostbite can take several days to appear. This is mostly true for small areas of flesh being affected, such as the tip of the tail, or the ears. 

Never Scoop Again With Litter-Robot, The Purrfect Gift For Cat Lovers

Cats like a clean litter box just as much as cat owners do, but scooping clumps can be a hassle. Whisker’s Litter-Robot, the highest-rated, self-cleaning litter box for cats, eliminates the need to scoop the litter box. The newest model, Litter-Robot 4, provides a clean bed of litter for your cats after every use. It features patented sifting technology that sifts out waste after every use and deposits it into a tightly-sealed waste drawer, helping to keep odor under control. For Black Friday, you can scoop one up for less, with $75 off bundles with the Purrfect Litter-Robot accessories you will want.What Sets the Litter-Robot Apart? Litter-Robot 4 features an advanced, patented, sifting technology with QuietSift™ for nearly-silent sifting. That’s right, you don’t have to scoop and you don’t hear the litter being sifted. What could be better?

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