Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Dog Birthday Blues

by Hairy Dogfathers

Published: June 29th, 2016

ask the hairy dogfathers dog birthday blues

Birthdays are a time to celebrate… especially for pet parents. But what do you do when you don’t know your dog’s B-Day? The Hairy Dogfathers want to help!

Dear Hairy Dogfathers,

Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you! Guys, we are having a birthday party here for our youngest dog. He is going to be one year old. Time sure flies when you are having fun! Her friends from flyball are coming over, and we are going to have pupcakes, and play some games.

Of course I am looking forward to the party. But I’m kinda feeling weird about it because my other two dogs – I don’t know when they were born! They were both from the same shelter, and even their ages are a guess. I just have no idea when their birthdays are, how do I celebrate and make them included, when I don’t know when they were born!

Birthday Blues

Related: Showing Off My Pooch Pride

André says:

Happy birthday, my furry friend. Celebrating your dog’s birthday can be a hoot, and the best thing is that they are never expecting it.

Believe it or not, we have a similar problem in our house. We know the birthdays of two of our dogs but not the third. Thankfully there are some easy solutions to this.

One of them is to celebrate everyone on the same day. This is great because it’s easy and you avoid the pack politics that arise when you are giving more special attention to a dog that’s lower on the pack order.

If you are set on all of your dogs having their own birthdays, the solution is celebrating their ‘Gotcha Day,’ which is the day that they became part of your family.

Kevin says:

We are lucky enough to know the birthdays of two of our dogs, but not Belle. But, it’s kinda like a dog’s birthday here every day! They get plenty of adventures, playtime and great food. We cuddle them, and they have piles of toys. So I don’t feel too bad that we don’t know Belle’s birthday.

I do like to mark Belle’s “Gotcha Day,” the day I adopted her from the rescue. I feel that it is important to mark the day she entered into our family. We don’t do anything too big or overwhelming, we just celebrate it.

Part of having a multi-dog pack is ensuring that each dog gets some alone time, away from the other dogs. This alone time is really special, and we look for opportunities to celebrate our dogs, each and every day. Birthdays and Gotcha Days are nice, but dogs prefer the day to day chances to celebrate their lives with you!

Hairy Dogfathers

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Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Dog Don’t Got Game

What do you do when your dog doesn’t share your passion for the sport of agility? Instead of being benched, the Hairy Dogfathers have some advice to share. Dear Hairy Dogfathers, I am a crazy dog person. I fully and freely admit this. My first dog, Huey, loved agility so much. Huey got older, and passed over the Rainbow Bridge. My agility friends found me another dog, Gamer. Gamer was bred by someone in the club, and all his family play agility. Gamer doesn’t. His mom does, his dad plays, all his siblings happily play. I have tried all sorts of things, and he just isn’t an agility dog. He doesn’t enjoy it, and I am not going make him do it. But here’s my problem… I would happily keep Gamer as a pet, and get a second dog to do agility with. My husband says that one dog is enough, and there’s no way we are getting a second! Agility was my outlet, my passion! I miss my friends there. What am I to do? From, No more agility!? Related: Exhilarating Workouts For You And Your Dog André says: Dear Agility, Playing a sport with your dog can be so much fun, and can also be a good social outlet for you and your dog. It’s really too bad that Gamer isn’t into agility, total bummer. It’s understandable that you want to continue with the sport, and it’s unfortunate that your hubby isn’t open to getting a second dog right now. While you’re waiting for him to come around, why don’t you try a new dog sport? There are so many to choose from, some of my personal favorites include rally, disc dogging and canicross. Depending on what Gamer is into, I’m sure you can find a human/canine sport that suits the two of you, it may not be what you are used to, but I guarantee it will help you and Gamer grow closer and you will both have a lot of fun. Game on! Related: Dog-Powered Running: Get Fit With Canicross Kevin says: Dear Agility, I hear you! But honey, this isn’t all about you! Your dog is trying to tell you something here: he doesn’t like this sport. So play around with some other training. Perhaps some of your other agility friends are willing to cross over and try a new sport with you as well. Now for the husband thinking you have enough dogs… well, I can relate to that! I certainly don’t understand it, but I have been there. Everyone has their limits, and one dog is his. You have to respect that. You don’t have to like it, but you have to respect it. Perhaps you and the hubby would be willing to foster another dog, just to see if four’s a crowd. Remember, your hubby has to live there too, so be fair to him! Now, if you can’t get a second dog, and another sport doesn’t appeal to you, then consider helping out at your club. Be a super helper with setting up equipment, a timer at matches or take on a more formal role within the club’s organization. Dogs don’t live forever. Enjoy Gamer for who he is. Kevin

Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Dog On A Hunger Strike

What do you do if your dog refuses to eat his food? The Hairy Dogfathers have a few suggestions that will have him licking the bottom of his empty bowl! Dear Hairy Dogfathers, I feel like an awful Mom! My little guy just will NOT eat! I put out his kibble, and when I come home, it’s still all there. I am worried he is going to make himself sick. I have started to change things up for him, mixing his food with wet food, but after a week he tires of that. So then I try another food. Things have gotten so bad that I have been dripping bacon fat on his kibble, but he is picking out only the greasy ones and leaving the rest. Help my starving dog! Related: Daddy’s Puppy Problem André says: Dear Starving Dog, When there is a major change in behaviour like this it’s important to consult your vet ASAP. Hopefully it’s nothing medical, but better to be safe than sorry. Assuming the vet gives you the all clear, the first thing I would suggest is stop free feeding your pup. By doing so you are really de-valuing his food, making it pretty boring. To start, leave it out for minutes, if he doesn’t go for it, put it away for a few hours, and repeat as necessary. If he doesn’t start to catch on after a few days, try doing some training with him by praising him like nuts when he goes near his bowl or eats a kibble. If you make food exciting for him again, he will get back on track quickly. Related: A Dog By Any Other Name Kevin says: Dear Starving Dog, Take a deep breath. Repeat after me: “I got this. I can handle this. This is under control.” Now, take your dog to the vet, rule out any medical concerns that may be causing your dog to not eat. Assuming there is nothing medically wrong with the dog, it’s time to get serious here. Stick to a routine, every day. Take 5 minutes each morning and do some training with your dog. Practice a new trick. Work on “Sit and Stay.” After you have put your dog through the paces, then he may have his food. You may choose to feed about 1/3 of the dog’s food from your hand. The rest can come from the bowl. If your dog doesn’t eat, then put the food away. Try again later in the day. By being consistent, your dog will learn to anticipate when regular meal times are coming. He may miss a few meals in the beginning, but he will quickly learn when meal times are, and I bet within a few weeks he will be excited and ready for his meals!

Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Therapy Dog Fraud?

Just because you can register your pooch as a therapy dog, does it mean that you should? The Hairy Dogfathers have a few thoughts on if a dog should be registered just for a reader’s convenience. Dear Hairy Dogfathers, I have a wedding next winter that I have been invited to. I am close to this niece and I would like to support her. However, it’s a destination wedding and I don’t want to leave my dog at home. I heard from a friend that she registered her pooch as a therapy dog, so she can bring it on the plane with her anywhere she goes. How do I do this? Signed, Not Going to Fly Solo Related: Why Isn’t Service Dog Fraud Against The Law? André says: Dear No Solo, Leaving your dog behind when you go away is never fun. I always do my best to plan road trips instead of hitting the airways for this exact reason. In terms of your current situation, getting your dog some kind of service designation may be an option, you will have to do some research on this as the requirements vary by region. But I caution that before you go through with this, make sure to think it through. Getting your dog on the plane is only part of it; will this vacation be conducive to having your dog with you? Are you planning on spending your afternoons at a swim-up bar or on the beach tanning? If you dog will end up spending more time in the hotel room than with you, you are likely better off finding a good kennel where your dog and stay and play while you enjoy your niece’s wedding. Related: American Airlines Stops Hero Service Dog From Boarding Plane Home Kevin says: No, No Solo! Just don’t do it! People who rely on service dogs, RELY on them! Now we’re seeing refusal of entry to actual service dogs because so many people have had the same thought as you and are trying to get their dogs passed off as “therapy dogs.” This is a growing problems that is jeopardizing special needs people and their dogs. Actual service dogs go through intense training, not so they get on planes, but so they can do a critical job. I get the guilt and you not wanting to leave your pup behind for a wedding. But ask around – there are some really wonderful house sitters and doggy camps out there. The best ones book up early, so start looking now. And my bet is that your dog will have such a good time, he won’t even miss you!

Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Bad Manners At The Dog Park

There’s some serious drama going down at the dog park! What do the Hairy Dogfathers have to say about it? Dear Hairy Dogfathers, Talk about dog park DRAMA! We have all seen it, but I never expected to write to you about it. At our local dog park, we are a pretty tight knit group. We meet every day after work, and most weekends as well. The dogs are like a family, a big happy pack. Recently a new guy has been coming by, and just has his eyes glued to his phone the entire time. His dog is no angel, and needs some supervision. He’s always getting into trouble and starting drama (the dog, not the human). How do I get this guy to put down his phone and deal with his dog? Dog Park Drama Related: The Emily Post Guide To Proper Dog Park Etiquette André says: Sounds like the new dog and the new person is having problems fitting into the pack. Normally I let people make their own stupid decisions but I refuse to let that negatively affect my pack. If the other members of your group feel the same way, I suggest that a few of you approach him individually and talk to him one on one. If he gets the message from a few different people he should either man up and become a better dog owner, or stop showing up. If he ignores this warning, I recommend you use the power of the happy (human) pack to confront him as a group, that will surely wake him up or send him running away with is tail between his legs. Related: Is Poop Getting In The Way Of Picking Up? Kevin says: Okay, I am not a big fan of dog parks, and I am not a big fan of cliques either. So here it goes. You go to the dog park every day, and just stand around in a group? Take some control here and be a better leader for your dog. Standing around yacking with your friends is not much different than standing around and texting. Go to the dog park and walk with your dog. Play. Engage him. Praise him for appropriate play, practice recall and reward good behaviors. Dog parks are great for people and dogs to socialize, but that is only a small part of the equation. Don’t take the easy way out by standing around the park every day, patting yourself on the back for being such a great owner. Your dogs have formed a pack, and some the behaviors you blame on the other dog may be reactions to aggression from the rest of the pack. The dogs have formed a tightly knit pack, and may have hung a “No new members allowed” sign out. Sounds like the humans have done the same.

Ask the Hairy Dogfathers: Grand Day for a Grand-Dog

Your daughter’s big day has arrived… but she’s not the one in white, her dog is! A grandmother asks the Hairy Dogfathers for advice about the big day. Dear Hairy Dogfathers, From the moment our daughter was born, I held her in my arms, and pictured her life. You know, high school graduation, going off to college, getting married, and having kids of her own. Things didn’t really follow that linear plan, but I am still proud of her. We watched as she grew, always more interested in animals than people. After college she saved and bought a house, and with much carefully research and planning she welcomed her first dog. We enjoyed having a gift under the tree for our “grand dog.” But now, things have gone just a tad weird. We received a wedding invitation in the mail for our grand dog. I have no idea how to proceed. As the “grandmother of the groom,” what is my role in all of this? Do people give gifts? Do I wear what I would to a normal wedding? Please don’t laugh. I truly have no idea on how to how to proceed. Signed, Grandmother of the Groom Related: Dog Birthday Blues André says: I apologise, I couldn’t help but snicker, but only because I remember my reaction when I first heard of doggy weddings… but realizing that it wasn’t a joke, I accepted that it’s now a thing people do. It’s nice to see that you have been supporting your daughter in her passion, and I’m sure she has greatly appreciated you making the effort to being so nice to your “grand-dog.” Now buying gifts for special occasions is one thing, but a wedding… I can see how this is a difficult issue for you. My suggestion is to treat the wedding similarly as you other occasions such as Christmas, basically keep the same theme but make it doggy appropriate. Wear something nice, but nothing fancy that may get ruined in dog friendly place. Here’s a gift idea: buy a small gift like his and hers dog bowls. If your daughter has went to the effort of planning this, it’s clear that it’s something she cares about, so support her by making a little effort and ask her if there is anything that you can help with. Related: True-Love Tips for A Woof-tastic Dog Wedding Kevin says: Summer is the time for weddings! I am a little bit jealous, but I will keep checking the mail. I am sure my invite is on the way! Well, honey, this is a party. So act like it! Take this and RUN with it. Call up your daughter and set a date for dress shopping. You don’t need to go crazy and blow the budget, but think of this as a chance to add to your wardrobe. This is a great opportunity for some mother-daughter time. No matter the occasion, it’s going to bring you and your daughter closer together. Perhaps after dress shopping, you two can set a lunch date and go pick out a wedding gift as well. Honey, be thankful. At least it’s a wedding, not a funeral!

Vet School Aims to Dispel Misinformation About Mysterious Illness

News about a mysterious illness has been making dog parents across the country nervous as they seek out available information. While there have been reported advances made in understanding the cause of the illness, many of the details are still vague, and a lot of “data” being shared by the mainstream media seems to be contradicting. How do you know what to believe?To help clarify the sea of information, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine has published an educational hub on their website with information about the illness, Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (aCIRDC).This hub is divided into several categories: Prevalence, Clinical Signs, Pathogenesis, Screening, Treatment, Prevention, Travel, and News. The goal is to share reliable and actionable information for pet parents that will help them make smart, knowledge-driven decisions about their pet’s health, especially as we head into a busy time of travel during the holiday season.Reported Cases of IllnessAccording to the hub, there are currently reported cases of “a chronic respiratory disease with characteristics of aCIRDC” in 16 different states, including:CaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIdahoIllinoisIndianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsNew HampshireNevadaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandVermontWashingtonOne of the most important things to note is the wording used by LSU Vet Med. This list is based on reported respiratory illnesses that have characteristics of the mystery illness, but it does not mean that the disease itself has been confirmed. Many respiratory infections and ailments present with very similar symptoms, including Canine Influenza and Bordatella.How to Prevent Illness in Your Dog This Holiday SeasonWhile there is no guarantee that the above states pose a higher risk of aCIRDC, veterinarians and other professionals recommend that pet parents take precautions to keep their pets safe. This is especially important as many of us plan to travel and visit family for the holidays. The following recommendations (as outlined by LSU Vet Med) will help to prevent your dog(s) from getting sick from any respiratory ailment, not just aCIRDC.Ensure Vaccinations are Up to DateWe currently don’t have enough understanding of aCIRDC for a preventative vaccination, but there are vaccinations for some respiratory illnesses. Check with your veterinarian that your dog is current on all routine vaccinations.Limit Exposure (Where Possible)If possible, avoid or limit bringing your dog to areas that put them at a higher risk of contracting a respiratory illness. This includes dog parks or shelter environments. Have a conversation with boarding and training facilities where dogs socialize to better understand their preventative measures, including cleaning and sanitization efforts. You should also ask about the vaccine requirements for dogs in their care and their plan for handling animals that show signs of being ill.Isolate Dogs with Signs of IllnessIs your dog showing signs that they may be ill? If so, isolation is critical. Don’t bring a potentially sick dog to public spaces, and do your best to keep them safely isolated from any other unaffected dogs in your home.

Pretty Plants that Will Stop Cats from Pooping in Your Garden

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

Is Melatonin Safe For Dogs?

Melatonin is an important hormone, which is naturally produced in the pineal gland of the brain. It has numerous beneficial aspects, such as it can help regulate mood, sleep cycles, and reproduction. However, its production is directly stimulated by darkness, while it is inhibited by light. What does this mean? It means that both dogs and humans will produce melatonin only when it is dark outside. As soon as the dawn arrives with the light of day, melatonin production ceases. This means that many people will supplement melatonin, or use it throughout the day for various reasons. Which brings up the question - is melatonin safe for dogs? Let’s find out. Is Melatonin Safe For Dogs? Melatonin is generally considered extremely safe for dogs, and it is almost always safe to give it to them - when it is used appropriately and under the guidance of a veterinarian. While melatonin is used in humans for the above-mentioned reasons, for dogs it is usually used for treating various skin conditions, anxiety, or sleep disorders. But even with all the positive aspects, it is necessary to first heed the advice of your veterinarian, before giving melatonin to your pet. This is because the proper dosage is important. The dose of melatonin administered depends on your pet’s size, weight, and overall health condition. Generally, veterinarians recommend starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it if necessary. Dosages typically range from 0.5 to 3 milligrams per dog, but this can vary. Mistake the dosage, and you risk a lot of side effects, like digestive upset, lethargy, and changes in mood or behavior.What is more, melatonin might not be suitable for dogs with certain health conditions or those taking other medications. Because of this, it is always crucial to seek professional advice before administering any supplements or medications to your pet. Ignoring this can cause a lot of harm.

What Is Scent Enrichment for Cats?

Your cat has a powerful sense of smell that she uses to navigate her surroundings and make decisions, so it’s important to consider your kitty when using scented products around the house and maintaining a litter box that doesn’t have offensive odors.In addition to considering the fragrances that can be off-putting to your kitty, you can also enrich your cat’s environment and make her daily life more fun with scent. Below are some tips on how to use scent enrichment to keep your furbaby happy.

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Study Shows These Dog Breeds Most Likely To Have an Extra Row of Teeth

Is your pooch more likely to sport a second row of teeth? The so-called “Shark Teeth” is a little-known dental condition that can affect up to 7% of doggos around the world. The “disorder” is officially known as persistent deciduous teeth (PDT) and it means that instead of falling out as you’d expect, baby teeth remain in the gums when adult teeth come through. The condition is not particularly dangerous, but even so, it can be odd or cause slight discomfort to a dog. Recent studies revealed that the dog breeds most likely to suffer from PDT are the Toy Poodle, the Yorkshire Terrier, the Maltese, and the Chihuahua. What exactly is PTD? And what does it cause? The disorder causes  malocclusion, or - in simpler terms - a misaligned bite. In the long run, this can cause your pet’s mouth to bleed, and also increase the risk of periodontal disease, which is considered a serious gum infection.The research team at the Waltham Petcare Science Institute in Leicestershire, led by Corrin Wallis, released their new study that focuses on PDT specifically. “Dogs use their teeth for a multitude of tasks and, as such, it is vital for their health and wellbeing that their oral health is maintained,” Wallis and colleagues  say.  “Persistent deciduous teeth (PDT), those that fail to fall out at the appropriate time, are associated with malocclusion (misaligned bite), soft tissue trauma and increased risk of periodontal disease.”In the course of their extensive study, which has been published in the journal  Research in Veterinary Science, the team from Leicestershire examined medical records from up to 2.8 million dogs in the US, in just a span of five years, from January 2010 to December 2014. The study itself was a major undertaking. Ultimately, it was revealed that the prevalence of PDT was 7%. When it comes to individual breeds, it was revealed that the highest prevalence is amongst the Yorkshire Terriers with 25.1%, followed by the Maltese and the Poodle, both with 14.8%.On the lower end of that spectrum, the lowest prevalence was with the Greyhound, with 0.1%, followed by the Rhodesian Ridgeback with 0.2%. Amongst those breeds with lower percentages were also the English Bulldog, the Boxer, and the Great Dane, with 0.4%. All of this reveals that the smaller the breed, the higher the percentage. The team is not certain why smaller breeds have a higher percentage, but it could be linked to their genetics. The team said that it was crucial for owners of smaller breeds to have a thorough oral examination at around six months of age. This can help them identify and remove PDT in its early stages. “Once identified, PDT can be removed and if this is carried out by six months of age, the chances of problems associated with PDT, such as the development of periodontal disease or malocclusion, can likely be greatly reduced,” they said. 

Auf Wiedersehen Wiener Dog - Will Germany Ban Dachshunds?

Germany’s beloved dog breed, the dachshund, could soon be banned under a new law that prohibits the breeding of dogs with “skeletal anomalies”.The draft of the bill, published in February, is currently being reviewed by the authorities and was introduced as a part of the Animal Protection Act. The new bill aims to strengthen existing laws on “torture breeding” and to regulate the online animal trade. The draft of the protection law said it could ban the reproduction of breeds prone to particular health problems, such as spinal problems linked with short legs and long back which are characteristic of the dachshund breed.According to the German Kennel Club (VDH), the bill could be interpreted as a ban on breeding dogs with any major size deviation from the original wolf type. In addition to dachshunds, other dog breeds like the German shepherd, miniature schnauzer, beagle, and Jack Russell terrier could be affected by the bill. The breeding restrictions could also be applied to flat-faced breeds like the English bulldog, pug, and French bulldog.“Some of the disease characteristics listed in the draft law are too vague and undefined,” said Leif Kopernik, the chief executive of the VDH. “Whether too small or too large, if the Animal Welfare Act were to be implemented in its current form, many popular and healthy breeds could be banned from breeding,” he said, according to the New York Times. The VDH has launched a petition to save “our favorite dogs” saying the proposed bill would leave too much room for interpretation in deciding what can be considered a genetic defect. The German Kennel Club agrees that many of the proposed changes, such as stricter regulations for online animal trade and taking action against illegal puppy trade are good measures that make sense. “However, the animal protection law contains requirements that could mean the end of many healthy dog breeds in Germany,” said VDH on its website.Although the proposed changes could affect several dog breeds, the dachshund is at the center of the discussion. Often called dackel by Germans, the dachshund has been the country’s national symbol for many years. The breed has been around for several centuries and was bred specifically for digging and clawing into underground dens to hunt for badgers. These sausage-shaped dogs have strong claws and sharp teeth which proved extremely useful when hunting. According to Sandra Karthauser, a breeder of rough-haired dachshunds from Munster, there is no evidence that dachshunds are sick due to their appearance. However, she admits that certain breed lines might be predisposed to herniated discs and other health issues.“But to ban the whole breed because of this, that doesn’t make sense to me. Then you can also ban Labradors because some suffer from hip dysplasia along with other breeds that might suffer from debilitating diseases and ailments,”  she added.Germany’s agricultural ministry refuted that the new bill would ban particular dog breeds, including the dachshund. “We aren’t seeking to ban the dachshund. What we are aiming at with this reform is a ban on torture breeding.”The goal of this new regulation is to forbid breeding practices that cause long-term suffering to the dogs. “We want to consistently protect animals from pain, suffering, and damage,” said the ministry adding that the new bill is still being reviewed. Germany’s dachshund lovers and breeders hope the breeding ban won’t happen now or in the future. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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!

How Acupuncture Can Help Cats and Dogs

Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and it can be used on people and pets to address a range of conditions. By balancing the flow of energy in the body, this technique can help reduce or resolve symptoms in a natural way.Many people have used acupuncture for their pets and achieved incredible results. But, like anything else, it might not be right for all pets or all conditions. And working with a qualified veterinarian who’s certified in pet acupuncture is key.Read on to learn more about acupuncture for cats and dogs.What Is Acupuncture for Dogs and Cats?In acupuncture, fine needles are placed in the skin on certain points throughout the body, referred to as acupuncture points or acupoints, in order to do things like restore energetic balance, reduce pain and inflammation, and support healthy blood flow. Based on your pet’s symptoms and condition, an acupuncturist will know where to insert the needles to get positive results.The needles shouldn’t cause any discomfort for your pet. In fact, pet parents often state that their animals become relaxed during their acupuncture sessions.Types of Pet AcupunctureThere are a few types of pet acupuncture, and an acupuncturist will determine which is best for your dog or cat.Dry needle acupuncture is the type of acupuncture that you’re likely familiar with. However, instead of using needles, acupuncturists can simply apply pressure to specific points on a pet’s body to support healing—this is known as acupressure.Other options include electroacupuncture, which combines the use of needles with an electric current, and laser acupuncture, which uses a cold laser to stimulate acupuncture points. The Benefits of Acupuncture for PetsAcupuncture can provide a host of benefits to pets when done correctly and by the right professional. As always, it’s wise to discuss this healing technique with your veterinarian to figure out if it’s appropriate for your canine or feline. And it’s important to discuss the potential risks or drawbacks before deciding if you want to try it.Some of the conditions that may be treated with the help of acupuncture include:Arthritis and joint problemsAcupuncture can be used to help relieve discomfort and pain associated with various conditions. If your pet has been diagnosed with arthritis or hip dysplasia, if they’ve been injured and are dealing with pain, or even if they’re having pain after a procedure, acupuncture might be a good treatment for reducing inflammation and improving mobility.In addition to acupuncture treatments, you can also help your pet feel more comfortable by using a heated bed like the K&H Thermo-Snuggle Cup Heated Cat Bed, which can also work well for small dogs. This product is machine washable and features soft fleece that your companion will love snuggling into. Its circular shape ensures your furry friend will feel nice and secure. Plus, you can use the removable heater to help alleviate discomfort and keep them warm while they relax or nap. 

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. 

Yoga mat, water bottle,... lint roller?

Furry friends bring a new twist to traditional yoga.

Dogs Trained to Detect Ancient Remains Expedite Search for Graves

Canada’s recent discovery of hundreds of tiny unmarked graves attributed to the residential school system has created not only cross-country outrage but also a determination to locate and repatriate the remains of all children who left home to attend these schools but never returned.Within a few weeks, the number of unmarked graves throughout Canada had quickly grown to over 10,000 and the ability to locate and identify additional sites (that would date back decades), had become almost impossible. Particularly since many of the schools had since been razed and pinpointing potential burial areas leaned heavily toward guesswork.The search had to be done respectfully – meaning without the use of large, excavation equipment – however, the need to cover a vast range of land in a timely manner was a challenge.That’s when the search teams decided to bring in the dogs.Part of the Ottawa Valley Search and Rescue Dog Association, German Shepherds, Recce and Taz are proficient in detecting older, archeological remains with drill work that has included using older cemeteries as their training ground. In fact, Historic Human Remains Detection Dogs have been used throughout North America and Europe to identify human remains in archaeological sites that date back hundreds of years… and longer. These dogs can pick up on the much lower scent levels that come from teeth and bones found in ancient graves… and some are even explicitly trained to detect cremated remains where no bones or teeth remain.This switch from bulldozers to the canine duo is a change welcomed by the area’s former residential school students who feel that because dogs have always been part of the Indigenous culture, they offer a natural, more appropriate approach to finding the missing children.According to Archaeology Professor Adrian Burke, dogs make a great option because they are non-invasive. Although it’s not an exact science – they can’t pinpoint an individual grave - they can hone in on a location and this saves time and the need for random digging. Once dogs flag a site, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is used to confirm what lies beneath.By adding Recce and Taz to the search teams, it’s estimated the time needed to cover a couple of acres can be reduced from a few weeks to just a couple of days.While the process is still slow and time-consuming, Indigenous residents confirm it’s about the children’s families understanding what happened to their little ones, being able to bring them home for appropriate burial, and ultimately experiencing a sense of closure and justice.

Plumber's Hilarious Cat Rescue Mishap Goes Viral

It’s every cat parent’s worst nightmare—your cat escaping while work is being done at the house. Luckily for Winchester plumber Scott McKendry and his client, a recent alleged escape attempt had a happy ending. However, a Ring doorbell video of the plumber’s attempt to retrieve the cat has gone viral and inspired more than a few laughs! When arriving to work at a client’s house, McKendry was given strict instructions not to let the cat, Bertie, outside under any circumstances. You can imagine the fear and concern when he walked outside and discovered the cat casually strolling down the road. He quickly acted, catching the escapee and attempting to bring him back indoors. Unfortunately, the cat was less than enthusiastic about this plan. Unable to juggle both the unimpressed cat and the door handle, the plumber is forced to ask for help. It appears that all is well, with the cat safely home, when, in a hilarious turn of events, the door is opened to reveal Bertie already inside. That’s right! The entire ordeal centered around a completely different cat – Bertie’s doppelganger.

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