Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: New Year’s Resolutions

Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: 2016 New Year’s Resolutions

The Hairy Dogfathers are all about starting the New Year off on the right paw. Here are a few resolutions that are easy to keep and involve your dog. If there one thing we love more than our dogs, it’s telling people what to do. New Year’s seems to be the perfect time to share our combined knowledge, so we’re pleased to present our list of New Year’s Resolutions for you and your dog! Get out more together. Working late, Netflix marathons and inclement weather are no excuse for skipping the daily walk. Your dog relies on this for mental stimulation and overall wellbeing. But guess what? Walks are good for you as well! Daily walks reduce stress and increase your cardio. Make it a plan to get out, every day. No excuses! Taking 365 walks this year? You bet! Related: 6 Sparkling Ways to Ring in the New Year With Your Dog Stoop and Scoop. Whether it’s in your yard or out on a walk, stoop and scoop. Don’t bend and pretend! Dog waste on public or private land is a major biohazard, polluting watersheds and just in general being a big gross no-no. What about poop in your yard, surely you can leave that a day or two? Not so much. If your backyard serves double duty as your dog’s playground and bathroom, do your dog a favor and clean it up, before it gets into your house!Eat better. This one goes for both of you. Brush up on your label reading skills to learn what goes into the food you are both eating. Most green, leafy vegetables have health benefits for dogs and humans. Add in some healthy homemade treats for variety and added health benefits – if you need some inspiration, check out Amy’s recipes! Related: New Year’s Resolutions Play More. Everyone benefits from a play session. You’ll enjoy a boost of endorphins, and quality time will increase the bond you have with your dog. Make a point to get down and play with your dog. We keep a few toys out of reach of the dogs, and they only come out for quality time. Nothing delights the dogs more than seeing that special toy, because they know it means we are going to have fun!Do some good. This can be as simple as going through your dog’s old collars and toys and donating them to a local rescue group. Or downloading an app, such as ResQwalk, and raising money when you walk together. Doing good things feels good, and doing good things when you are with your best furry friend feels even better!

6 Sparkling Ways to Ring in the New Year With Your Dog

If there was ever a new year we wanted to ring in more than 2022, we’re not sure we’ve seen it yet. The bad news? Probably not wise to hang with people this New Year’s Eve. The good (maybe best) news? That’ll be perfectly okay because it’s way more fun to spend New Year’s Eve with your doggo anyway. Bid adieu to 2021 (FINALLY) and say, “Hello, we didn’t know if we’d ever get here,” to 2022 with your best friend! This is likely to be the most different New Year’s Eve anyone in our lifetime has ever had and who better to go through that with than your furry family member. Just because it’s different, doesn’t mean it can’t be fun and meaningful, so follow these tips for a safe, fun celebration with your dog. Keep it Quiet Fireworks and New Year’s Eve: The two go hand-in-hand, usually to the dismay of our poor furry friends. Find ways to keep the noise down at home. Consider turning on the TV or radio to provide some background noise. If your pet’s anxiety seems extreme, consult with your vet beforehand to decide on a stress-fighting solution. The truth of the matter is that since there are not likely to be large fireworks displays for mass gatherings this year, more neighborhoods will likely celebrate on their own with poppers, firecrackers and sparklers that may sound much louder to our dogs. This may be the time to be sure you use something like Adaptil Calm to ensure your dog’s nerves are not shot before the clock strikes midnight. Related: Dog New Year’s Resolutions Contain Yourself Scared pets can bolt, so keep them contained safely in the house. Even if you’re able to get out or to celebrate in a socially distanced manner outside, you don’t want your dog to take off. While it may be tempting to bring your dog along, it may be safer to keep your dog secure indoors during the New Year’s festivities. Enjoy your outdoor party and save your celebrations with your pup for after your return home or even the next day. It’s better to celebrate at a different time than to risk your dog’s safety. Inside, consider putting a second barrier in place. When loud noises like fireworks are scaring your pup, they may look for the easiest escape route possible. This has led to tragic situations for many dogs as they run out doors or jump through windows. Use a baby gate or exercise pen to add an additional level of security when your dog is overcome with panic. It would be wise to consider something like the Whistle GO Explore tracker just in case he makes a dash. The Whistle GO Explore will give you real-time tracking and priceless peace of mind. Dog-Friendly Treats and Mocktails New Year’s celebrations need lots of tasty treats and cocktails. Don’t leave your pets out of the deliciousness. Whip up a batch of dog-friendly treats like these festive Orange Carob Dog Treats. Cut your treats using festive cookie cutters to celebrate the big day including party hats, noise makers, glasses of champagne, and more. You can even decorate your pup’s treats with dog-friendly icing for the Instagram-worthy snack picture. If you prefer a simpler, more minimalistic approach, you can make your dog something as simple as a cup of frozen Greek yogurt or a “mocktail” of a little Parmesan cheese sprinkled in your pet’s water. For a fun, fruity mocktail option, blend your dog’s favorite fruit such as strawberries or watermelon. In your pup’s dish, mix a little of this blended fruit into a lot of water for a twist of flavor. You can make yourself a matching cocktail by mixing the same fruit mix with champagne or sparkling wine. Just be cautious with alcohol around your dog so that he doesn’t get confused and drink the wrong drink! Related: Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: New Year’s Resolutions Craft Pet-Approved Party Hats Whip up a festive hat (like these mini top hats) to bedazzle your dog. Take tons of social media-worthy pics of your pets in cute party hats. Or, if your dog isn’t the hat-wearing type, a festive collar looks just as cute and can be more comfortable for some pets. Think sequins! Think fedoras and feathers. Think FABULOUS like this hat from Chewy. Pick up a sparkly and eye-catching bandana to give your dog a little bling this New Year’s Eve. You can choose one that announces the year to come or stick with a more generic message like ‘Happy New Year’ that can be used year after year. Set Up a Pet-Friendly Photo Booth If you and your pup are both dressed and ready for the holiday season, why not take some pictures to look back on later and smile? Set up a photobooth space with a bright, sparkly backdrop. However, avoid anything that your dog may be tempted to chew such as hanging strings of tinsel or plastic. You can also put together a basket of photo props to use in your pictures that are also dog-friendly, in case he gets into them to style his own outfit. This is a fun way to get the whole family involved! You don’t need an expensive camera, just set up your computer or cellphone with a timer and enjoy. Make NY Resolutions for You and Your Dog to Do Together Sat around and binged watched Tiger King and Schitt’s Creek this year? Need to work off the COVID-19 (and we’re not talking about the virus)? Want to make 2022 the year you get fit? Sign up for a new dog sport like agility for the two of you to get in shape together. Commit to a daily walk or a weekly adventure like testing out new hiking spots. You’ll be more likely to stick to your resolutions if your best bud is involved, and you can do all of those things relatively safe and physically distanced. Besides, it’s more fun with them anyway. Have A Ball While The Ball Drops While Times Square will look weird and different, the ball is still going to make its famous drop. So, why not have a ball with your pup while you wait for the ball to drop (from the comfort of your television, of course)? Your dog will love the individual one-on-one time with you, and you can even make it an Insta fest and take some fun pics to post for posterity. And you can get ready to pucker up so you can…. Throw a Small Dog-Friendly Gathering Dog lovers that are looking to ring in the new year with family and friends, but still want to stay home to care for your pup, here’s a great compromise! Invite a few other dog lovers to come together and celebrate as a group. This is a great option for those that are worried about how their pup will handle the fireworks and excitement everywhere. Your dog can play with his four-legged friends, distracting him completely from everything that’s going on. Kiss Your Pup at Midnight As the clock strikes 12, give your pooch a smooch to ring in 2022. The New Year’s kissing tradition harkens back to superstitions about love. The midnight kiss can supposedly dictate whether you’ll have a lucky, love-filled year… or not. (Did the whole world forget to kiss someone in 2019? Is that the reason 2020 and 2021 have gone the way they did?) Whatever your beliefs on superstitions, there’s no one better to smooch than your best friend, most loyal companion, and the guy or gal who loves you no matter what. So snuggle up and look forward to a new, brighter, better year!

The Hairy Dogfathers’ Dogs’ Present: Christmas Gift Ideas For Your

Andre and Kevin have turned their column over to the dogs… more specifically, their dogs. Just in time for the holiday season, the Hairy Dogfathers’ Dogs’ – Burger, Belle, River and Max – have a Christmas list made just for pooches, full of gift ideas that are perfect for your human. ‘Sup Dogs, We understand that most of you have no money. This is likely for the best, seeing as you don’t have pockets, so you wouldn’t have anywhere to carry the money anyway. Hey, we get it – you’re on the lookout for some cost conscious ideas for your favorite human this Christmas. So as a group, we put our furry heads together and came up with a list of gifts you can give your human this year: Unconditional love: You’re most likely doing these things already, but there’s no reason to step up your game. Bound to the door to greet them, cover them in kisses, insist they pet your head rather than click the remote and chew up a pair of their socks – that’s true devotion! Humans say you can’t buy love, so show them how right they are. Related: Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: New Year’s Resolutions Take the blame for any holiday gas: Humans can’t control themselves around the holidays. Leave some food out on the counter and they’re sure to get into it! All the over indulgence is sure to lead to bad gas (and man, do human farts ever smell rancid!). You wanna have your human’s back? If they pass some gas, you’ll be the first to notice, thanks to our delicate noses and sensitive ears. Here’s what you do: look shameful and walk away slowly. Most of the people in the room will blame you, but make sure you give your human the “Who’s your best buddy?” look as you slink out of the room.Speaking of over indulgence: This time of year humans get all crazy about exercise after they’ve stuffed their faces! Take them for a walk, and no matter how long it was, reward yourself with a nice long nap after. No matter how long the walk actually was, a walk followed by a nap always makes humans feel really good about themselves. Like they actually met your exercise needs! Related: Top 10 Holiday Gifts For Pets Act like a puppy: Within reason, of course. If you’re of a mature age, play it up. Put your dignity aside and do something stupid, such as chase your own tail, or bark at your reflection in the mirror. Doing this kinda stuff really gets humans excited and happy! You might feel a bit ashamed of yourself after, but it’s totally worth it when you see that look on their cute, non-furry faces.Consider opening their gifts for them: Humans got stuck with useless hands, with nubby fingers and no claws – how do they even get stuff done?! For some reason, they’re reluctant to use their teeth to tear open the paper and tape covering their gifts. That’s why we say surprise them on Christmas morning. Open all their gifts while they are sleeping and they’ll wake up to conveniently opened presents. They’ll be so impressed that they’ll be talking about that one for years! Happy Paw-lidays, pooches and people! The Dogs of the Hairy Dog Fathers (or should that be the Hairy Dogs who have Fathers?), Burger, Belle, River, and Max

Gen Y Dogma: My Dog-Inspired Resolutions For 2015

Should old resolutions be forgot… Christina Peden has made some new ones. What’s different this year – they all have something to do with her dog, Matilda. Ah, another year come and gone. How does the time fly so fast? And why does it seem to speed up the older we get?! Now there’s a question that will likely never be answered. Like most people, the transition from the old year to the new one brings about a time of refection. What went well, what didn’t, what we’d like to do better or differently next year… you know the drill. I’m not usually too keen on making New Year’s Resolutions for myself because, quite frankly, I suck at keeping them. In turn, I then feel even crappier about not keeping the resolutions! It’s a vicious, unproductive circle. That said, it’s easier for me to stick with things when I know they have a positive impact on people I care about (or in this case, pooches I care about). That’s why I decided to come up with a list of things I’d like to accomplish as a pet parent in 2015. They’re simple and not overly lofty, but they’re things that will make a positive difference in my life and Matilda’s (and Ryan’s!), so I’m actually kind of excited to get started. Read on to see what I hope to accomplish this year! Related: Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: New Year’s Resolutions Obedience Training Ryan and I have been saying for months that we’d get Matilda into some obedience classes, but this is the year we’re finally going to do it. Don’t get me wrong – Matilda isn’t a “bad dog”; she’s just a high-energy breed and technically still a puppy (with pet parents who aren’t also super-great about being consistent with training). She gets excited easily (especially when we run into another dog on the sidewalk), jumps, pulls on the leash and can be a bit “mouthy” when she plays (which is okay with other dogs, but not so much with humans.) She is also incredibly sweet, loving, submissive and so good-natured that she really wouldn’t hurt a fly (though she might chase a squirrel or two). So for us, it’s just working on the finer points of good canine manners, which we know she will learn in a snap, because she’s insanely smart. I swear to Dog, the obedience classes are more for Ryan and me! We need to be trained on how to train our dog. Once we know what we’re doing and we start being consistent, things will be easy-peasy. Related: Why You Should Consider Fostering a Dog Become a (Foster) Pet Parent As much as I would like a second dog, right now I’m probably more in love with the idea of it then truly cognizant of what the actual reality would be like, so I’m kind of tabling the adopting-another-dog notion for now. That said I would really love to foster on behalf of one the many amazing rescue organizations we have in and around Toronto. Collectively, we have a lot of friends who foster, and I’ve also talked to a bunch of people at the dog park who have done it, and they all speak to what a wonderful and rewarding experience it is. And in a way, we’d be helping more dogs than if we adopted just one. Giving a homeless pooch a happy, loving temporary home while they wait for their forever one is an amazing thing and it means one less dog languishing in a kennel at the shelter. Overall, I’d love to be a part of showing a dog who may have gotten a rough start in life what it’s like to live in a home where they are loved, and fostering is a great way to do that. Start Running with Matilda I guess it wouldn’t be New Year’s without making some sort of fitness resolution, right? I keep saying that I want to start running again (and I do, but I’m also great at coming up with excuses not to!). Ryan pointed out that Matilda would make a great running buddy – after all, she has absolutely no shortage of energy. Fittingly enough, we just ran an article PetGuide this week about how to start running with your dog, so I can no longer use the excuse that I “just don’t know how” to run with Matilda. Excuse #1 = destroyed! Excuse #2 I need to destroy is that I “don’t have the right equipment”, which is only partially true. I have the right running equipment for myself, even for running in the winter. I just need a few things for Matilda. For example, I’d really like to get a bungee leash that attaches to the human at the waist. I’ve heard these make running with your pooch a lot easier and of course, they leave both your hands free. I’ve heard that Iron Doggy and RuffWear are pretty good bets, but if you have any personal suggestions, share them below – I’m all ears! Start Making Homemade Things for my Pooch Inspired by Amy, our lovely editor here at PetGuide (and possibly a little Martha Stewart), I would like to start making homemade treats for Matilda this year and maybe even knit her a doggie sweater or two! Matilda has been lucky enough to be a recipient of many of Amy’s amazing creations throughout the last year, and she’s loved every single one of them. And really, there is NO shortage of amazing recipes on PetGuide, so I have no excuse for not trying my hand at some of them. And I really must be getting old, because I’ve recently decided to take up knitting again. I actually used to knit as a child, a skill I’ve lost over time. In a few weeks, I’ll be taking an intro knitting class to learn how to make a scarf; of course, I hope to expand my repertoire to include sweaters as soon as I possibly can! And not just sweaters for me or for Ryan, but for Matilda as well – I can just picture her frolicking around in a little red sweater (so CUTE!). Okay, over to you guys. Have you made any pet-related resolutions for 2015 and if so, what are they? Share them below in the comments!

Dog Finds A Forever Home After Spending 1,007 Days at Delaware Shelter

Tessy, now a 5-year-old black Labrador retriever mix, spent 1,007 days at a Delaware animal shelter before being adopted into a forever home. This cute pooch arrived at Humane Animal Partners (formerly Delaware Humane Association and Delaware SPCA) on January 17, 2021, hoping to be adopted in no time.Unfortunately, finding her people proved challenging for Tessy. Days, weeks, months, and years went by, and Tessy was still living at the shelter with no prospective adopters in sight. “Tessy is loyal, goofy, snuggly, and remarkably smart,” said Leigh McKinley, a director at the Humane Animal Partners, according to PEOPLE. Like many other shelter dogs, Tessy had some trust issues and was wary of new people and experiences. These problems were the reasons for Tessy’s longer stay at the Humane Animal Partners shelter. “Tessy exhibited fear-reactive behaviors in the form of lunging, barking, and growling towards unfamiliar stimuli. Our goal was to help her overcome those fears and learn to trust humans and her surrounding environment, essentially changing her emotional response from a negative to a positive,” McKinley explained.The shelter used a behavioral modification plan, which consisted of positive reinforcement training techniques to help Tessy overcome her fears. Fixing a problematic behavior takes a lot of time, patience, and effort, but the shelter’s staff didn’t give up on Tessy.“Changing an involuntary physiological behavior takes dedication and consistency to be successful, and while we were determined to see this through, the nature of being in a shelter, with different staff members working with her on any given day, and for varying amounts of time, means the change would take time,” said McKinley. “We also needed to make sure her adopters were the right fit for her. We took a very thoughtful and careful approach to introducing her to people, and it took time for the right family to find her.”Then, almost three years later, all of Tessy’s hard work paid off! After 1,007 days at the shelter, this cute pooch has finally found her forever home. The family who adopted Tessy, met her several times to help her feel at ease. For the adopters, it was love at first sight, and Tessy instantly felt safe around them. “When her adopters Jeanine and Jeff first met her, we all tried to keep a level head about it, not getting our hopes up too high. After their third meeting, though, we could tell Tessy had already established a level of trust with them that we had never seen so quickly before,” said McKinley. Jeff and Jeanine adopted the pooch shortly after the third visit, and the shelter’s staff was ecstatic that Tessy had found a loving home.“It was a rollercoaster of emotions leading up to the adoption day, everything from celebrations to disbelief to sadness, excitement, a bit of anxiety, and everything in between. Mostly, though, we felt proud. Proud of her, proud of everyone who helped get her to this point, and proud of the results,” McKinley shared.  “We all know she’d do okay, we are also quite aware that going from three years in the shelter into a loving home is a big adjustment, and it will take her a while to fully acclimate. We tried to instill in her adopters to be confident and patient but never to be complacent.” the shelter’s director added.It’s important to know that not every visit to an animal shelter ends with ‘love at first sight.’ A lot of adoptable dogs have experienced some level of trauma and neglect, and are generally more anxious inside the shelter. Keep an open mind when visiting your local shelter and remember that each of these pups deserves a loving family and a forever home. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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.

Let's Talk Turkey... and Why the White House Pardons One Each Year

It’s now a Thanksgiving tradition… and we’re not talking about the Macy’s parade, the Black Friday sales or that cranberry chutney Aunt Sally whips up each year. We’re talking about the turkey pardon that according to the White House Historical Association, is rumored to have begun back in 1863 with then-President Lincoln. Whether this tale is fact or fiction is debated. What we know is that more recent history confirms the big bird officially began as a gift made to the White House by The National Turkey Federation back in 1947. Alas, no details on his outcome.This year, President Biden pardoned two 42-pounders, preventing them from being on the wrong side of the Thanksgiving feast when he gave Liberty and Bell, a pass and a certain cushy future.As mentioned, this fun seasonal practice began in 1947 and over the years tended to be rather on-again/off-again depending on the whims of whichever administration was in place. It wasn’t until the Kennedy era in the early ‘60s that Tom Turkey was formally spared and lived to see another day. Since then, the support to spare this fine feathered fowl has ramped up considerably and his well-being post-pardon was carefully tracked by both the media and animal rights groups throughout the country.Was it just for show? Did he really make his exit from the White House intact versus being basted, carved and covered in gravy?Before I answer, let’s just say that the fun spin on this tradition is how it has evolved. Not only did Liberty and Bell enjoy a stay in a suite at the luxe Willard Intercontinental Hotel the night before their widely shared pardon, but following their moment in the spotlight, they returned home to Minnesota where the state’s College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Sciences will oversee their care.So, yes. Beginning with the Bush administration in 1989, the turkey pardon became a tradition that sees one lucky bird truly pardoned and destined for a life of ease and indulgence.In fact, past White House pardons have typically resulted in said turkey being relocated to a local children’s farm where they can live out their remaining years being adored by the junior crowd and noshing down on kibble from a cone. BTW, did you know that a turkey can live to 10 years of age?Of course, now we’re all feeling warm and sentimental about turkeys, the inevitable question arises: Can a turkey be kept as a pet? The short answer is yes, these highly social critters enjoy the company of humans and can be curious, vocal, and entertaining.  So much so that they’re a top pick for hobby farmers and those who have already ventured into keeping chickens.Just a little food for thought!

What Shapes Your Dog’s Personality? Harvard Neuroscientists Reveal

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

The Season of Giving Begins With A Leap

We're excited to announce a special initiative in celebration of the season of thankfulness and November's Senior Pet Adoption Month. Starting today, Leap Years is offering a free bottle of its daily chewable supplement to anyone who adopts a senior dog (over 5 years old) from a shelter or rescue. All you need is proof of adoption, and while supplies last, your senior pup can start benefiting from Leap Years' formula that has already changed the lives of dogs across the country.

Latest Studies Find That Aging in Dogs Can Mirror Aging in Humans

In the United States alone, pet owners spend around $1,500 a year on  veterinary care. To be precise, people tend to spend more on dogs than on any other pets – up to 41% of Americans spend $2,000 per year caring about their cherished canine friends. Of course, this is all in the hopes that their pet reaches their senior age with minimal issues and that they get to spend as many years enjoying their company. While providing veterinary care is an important factor that contributes to a pet’s longevity, it’s not always easy to determine when a certain procedure or treatment will help prolong your pet’s life and not their suffering. By comparing the concept they labeled “frailty” in humans and in dogs, a team of researchers hopes that they can help owners make better decisions about their pet’s care.Scientists behind the “ Dog Aging Project” are studying how they could improve your dog’s quality of life for many years to come. The team from the University of Washington is conducting extensive research, based on dogs of all ages, in their attempts to determine how their quality of life is impacted as they age. Dr. Anya Gambino, one of the chief veterinarians working on the project, says: “There's a quantity of life. It's amazing to have a long life, but you always want to have quality of life." The team’s UW Biologist and the Co-Director of the Project, Daniel Promislow, quickly drew a parallel with humans. "Dogs get the same kinds of diseases that humans get. They also show the same kinds of frailty that we see in humans," he said.The so-called “frailty” of dogs, which is the object of the study, is already studied in humans. Dr. Promislow firmly believes that through this study, researchers can gain a much better understanding of life expectancies in dogs and potential disease risks as well. "We hope we'll be able to figure out the relationship between frailty and the disease," Promislow says. But what exactly is this “frailty”? Researchers describe it as "a complex syndrome associated with aging. Because it considers physical, mental and emotional changes associated with aging, it is a better indicator of the body’s condition and overall health than age alone.""If we can do that, we can help vets treat dogs earlier before those diseases are apparent and can also help dogs enjoy their later years to the best degree possible," said Promislow.The study is on a very grand scale and already enrolls over 46,000 dogs across the United States. What is best, researchers believe that humans can also benefit from this extensive study. "The other thing about aging in dogs is that aging in dogs looks a lot like aging in people," said Promislow. "What we learn about aging in dogs is going to help us learn about aging in people, as well."Hopefully, this would mean that many more dogs would get a chance to enjoy their golden years, right by their owner's side. "They provide us with so much unconditional love, joy, and humor," said Dr. Gambino. "We can do something for them that gives them the best chance for living a very happy life with us."

Poll Reveals Biggest Pet Peeves of Dog Owners in the U.S.

We love our dogs endlessly, but that doesn’t mean they don’t occasionally get under our skin. Even the most beloved pets come with a little “extra baggage,” introducing unique challenges and hurdles in our lives.If you have ever had to cancel plans because you couldn’t find a pet sitter or call into work to take your pet to the emergency vet because they ate something they shouldn’t, you understand.Of course, they are worth the effort!But what is the biggest annoyance faced by pet parents? This is the question that Forbes Advisor set out to answer with a recent nationwide poll. They surveyed 10,000 dog parents to uncover their biggest pet peeves, both nationally and state-by-state.Dog parents across the country revealed their biggest frustration was finding a dog sitter when traveling, as shared by 37.3% of those surveyed. This was also the top in 43 states and ranked among the top three responses in all 50.This was followed by:Finding dog-friendly hotels (23.6%)Having to walk/exercise their dog (23.3%)The cost of owning a dog (22.9%)Excessive barking (19.8%)Excessive shedding (17.5%)The answer highlights the importance of finding and creating a list of trusted pet sitters before you need one. This ensures that you’re covered not only when making travel plans but also in the event of an emergency.There are many ways to find a trusted pet sitter. Consider asking your veterinarian, groomer, or friends/family for recommendations. You can also check websites like Fetch and Rover for pet sitters in your area or browse marketplace-style listings on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Kijiji.Just make sure you are doing your due diligence. Don’t leave your beloved pet with a complete stranger. Instead, take time to ask questions, check reviews, and verify credentials.At the bottom of the list, the least reported annoyance was “when my dog jumps up on/lays on furniture or beds,” reported by only 5.32% of dog owners. Delaware and Missouri were the states where this was most often listed as one of their top annoyances, while those in New Hampshire, North Carolina, and Rhode Island reported it the least.Additionally, the following answers were at the bottom of the list:Having to take their dog to the groomer (7.55%)Excessive drooling/slobber (7.56%)Checking their dog for ticks (7.58%)Their dog taking over the bed (7.72%)Are you interested in a state-by-state breakdown? Forbes Advisor also shared a chart highlighting the top three pet peeves for each state, giving you a more detailed look at the opinions of other dog parents in your area.Overall, the survey provides a fascinating insight into the struggles faced by dog parents. For many, it may serve as a reminder that pet ownership isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Adding a dog to your family is a commitment, one that requires a willingness to make changes or sacrifices to meet their needs.If you occasionally struggle with frustration related to these changes, you’re not alone. Thousands of pet parents across the country also feel this way!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How to Get Your Dog to Stop Counter Surfing

Does your dog surf the counters in search of a tasty snack? Counter surfing is a common problematic behavior in dogs, where they jump up on kitchen counters or tables to steal food or other items that would usually be out of their reach. Naturally, that type of behavior is a big no-no, no matter how impressive it is for your pooch to manage to actually do it. Not only that losing perfectly good leftovers is no fun, but most human foods are not good for your pet to eat - some can be downright dangerous. This is why you should make sure to correct this bad habit as soon as you notice it.Your pet needs to know that counter surfing is unacceptable behavior and that it’s something they can’t do. But how exactly to get your dog to stop counter surfing without having to resort to punishments? Here are some tips and tricks.How to Get Your Dog to Stop Counter SurfingThe first and most practical tip is to simply cut access to the restricted area – e.g. kitchen counters. Use baby gates,  pet gates, or crate your dog to prevent access to the kitchen, or simply keep a close eye on your dog at all times while they’re in the kitchen and lock the door (if applicable) when you’re not around. If you don’t do anything to prevent access or to monitor your pet’s behavior when they’re in the kitchen, they might take it as a sign to do as they please. 

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Study Finds That Pet Owners Experience Slower Cognitive Decline

Studies have shown that owning a pet can promote physical health in older people, but there isn’t enough research on the impact of dogs, cats, and other pets on cognitive function. As people age, their cognitive functions and memory decline. Although all people experience some level of cognitive decline as they age, some individuals can maintain good cognitive function well into advanced age. In contrast, others experience a sharp cognitive decline early on. Researchers have suggested various strategies to slow cognitive decline, from treating sleep apnea to improving diet and increasing exercise. In a new study, a team of researchers has set to discover whether pets, mainly cats and dogs, may help slow down cognitive decline in seniors.Scientists from the University of Maryland wanted to examine the link between pet ownership and changes in cognitive function of community-dwelling seniors. The goal of this study was to determine whether pet owners experience slower cognitive decline. They also wanted to see if there’s any difference if the pet is a dog or a cat, and whether dog walking might reduce the rate of cognitive decline. The team analyzed data from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging, the longest-running study of aging in the U.S. Using the data from this study, enabled the research team to analyze the cognitive tests of 637 participants ages between 51 and 101.Of the participants, nearly one-third owned pets, with 11% owning cats and 13% owning dogs. Among dog owners, 69% reported walking their dogs regularly. Results revealed that during 10 years, all participants experienced a decline in cognitive functions as they aged. However, decline was slower in pet owners, compared to non-pet owners. Interestingly, the slower decline was more evident in some but not all tests used to determine cognitive function. Additionally, the results also showed some variations between cat and dog owners. For example, researchers noted that dog owners who walked their dogs regularly experienced even slower cognitive decline than cat owners and dog owners who didn’t walk their pets.This finding showcases just how beneficial walking your pooch can be for your overall health. Owning a dog can increase physical activity, as they need to be taken out for regular walks and daily exercise, which is known to be beneficial for health. “Older adult pet owners experienced less decline in cognitive function as they aged, after considering both their pre-existing health and age,” the study authors said.“Memory, executive function, language function, psychomotor speed, and processing speed deteriorated less over 10 years among pet owners than among non-owners and among dog owners than non-owners.”“Cat owners experienced less deterioration in memory and language function. Dog walking was also associated with slower deterioration in cognitive functioning.”Numerous other studies have shown that pets can provide social support and that interacting with a cat or dog can lower heart rate and blood pressure.This study is important for the scientific understanding of factors linked with cognitive decline. However, this study isn’t without limitations. Firstly, the study doesn’t allow any cause-and-effect conclusions to be made. Secondly, the study sample consisted of people with higher socioeconomic status and above-average cognitive abilities for their age. “Policymakers could use these findings to support the inclusion of pets in care plans, designing housing and neighborhoods for seniors that are friendly for dog walking and developing programs to support pet ownership and care for older adults’ pets while they are temporarily unable to do so,” concluded the authors of the study. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

World’s Largest Cruise Ship Welcomes a Super Cute Dog as a Resident

“Icon of the Seas” might have been known as the largest cruise ship until this year, but now, everybody will know it as the ship with a permanent doggy resident – Rover, a cute Lab with (apparently) four sea legs!Ever since coming on board, Rover has been the focus of social media posts by the cruise ship’s crew members. Based on the posts, the adorable pooch boarded the ship while it was stationed in Ponce, Puerto Rico, just as it was about to finish its journey in Miami, Florida. And soon enough, Rover, who is a young  Labrador Retriever, became the ship’s very own mascot and likely everybody’s favorite resident.After all, Rover was so friendly and loveable that it took only one day for the crew to decide that he would become the permanent resident of the vessel – that takes some serious charm, ya know?“Meet Rover,” one Instagram post said, “the Resident Mascot of the Icon. He just came on board today. He’s a friendly Labrador who’s going to be the permanent resident of the World’s Largest Cruise Ship, Icon of the Seas.”The crew all quickly gathered around to ensure that Rover would be given the best possible care in his new role of “Chief Dog Officer”. Allison, one of the crew members is originally from Australia and has been a member of the crew for five years. She ensures that Rover receives plenty of treats and a ton of love. "As a crew member on Icon, Rover's job is to bring joy to her fellow crew and guests onboard. All the while, she gets to explore the Caribbean shores and beautiful ports," she said. Even though Rover had been on the ship for just a short time, he did not fail to capture everyone’s heart. He enjoyed walks on the “lido” deck and even visited the Captain in The Bridge - a privilege reserved only for the select few. And, in no time, many other crew members chimed in on social media welcoming the doggo onboard. "We are absolutely thrilled to introduce our newest team member, Rover, who has joined us as a permanent resident aboard the magnificent Icon of the Seas," said  @godwin_fernandes2000.So much so, that even Royal Caribbean, the company behind the Icon of the Seas, posted about Rover on their own official account! Now, Rover found his new forever home – in the unlikeliest of all places: a cruise ship. And if you want to follow the adventures of this sea-faring puppy, be sure to check out his Instagram account  @chiefdogrover where they’ll be documented!

Can You Use Dog Flea Products on Cats?

Final Thoughts – Safe Flea Prevention for CatsWhile flea prevention is an important step to keep your cat safe and healthy, you must ensure that the products you are purchasing are made for use on cats. Many dog flea prevention products include highly toxic chemicals to cats, making them potentially life-threatening.If you suspect you have recently used the wrong flea treatment on your cat, wash the area immediately with soap and water to remove as much of the product as possible. Call your vet for an immediate emergency appointment or make your way to the nearest emergency clinic. These products can be lethal, and time is of the essence.For those concerned about the risks of fleas and flea-transmitted diseases, highly effective products are available that are safe for your kitty. When shopping, read the packaging carefully to ensure it says it is made for use on cats. If you are still unsure, ask your veterinarian for recommendations.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why is My Dog Vomiting White Foam?

Sometimes, our dogs can exhibit behavior that can cause great panic in any owner. After all, they can’t talk to us and tell when something is hurting them, or when they feel ill, scared, or angry. So they let their bodies do the talking. One of these scary behaviors is vomiting white foam. It can happen all of a sudden, and frighten you to no end. But is it really a reason to panic? And what causes a dog to vomit white foam in the first place? Let’s find out more.Why Do Dogs Vomit White Foam?The reasons for white foam vomiting can be many, and the cause might not be clear to you immediately. What’s even more frustrating, there are several possible causes for this occurrence. In some cases, the reason for the vomiting can be complex, but often enough it is super simple. It could end up being a sensitive tummy irritated by a new brand of food on the menu, or just a passing belly ache that’s nothing to stress over. However, you should always consult with a vet to eliminate any underlying health issues, as there are many conditions whose symptom is vomiting. One of the conditions that manifests as vomiting foam is bilious vomiting, which is caused when a dog's stomach is empty for an extended period. This leads to the production of gastric acid, so the stomach contents may include a foamy, white substance. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day may help prevent this.  Gastritis, or the inflammation of the stomach lining can also cause vomiting. This condition may be triggered by various factors, such as dietary indiscretion, changes in diet, ingesting foreign objects, or infections. The vomit can likewise be white and foamy. The same can happen in the case of gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which is often caused by infections, dietary changes, or the ingestion of inappropriate or spoiled food. Be careful of the expiration dates and the quality of food you give to your dog, as an innocent mistake can cause a lot of digestive issues for your four-legged bestie. Another possible reason for white foam vomit can be the  ingestion of foreign bodies. Dogs may ingest non-food items that can cause irritation or blockages in the digestive tract, leading to vomiting. If you notice them dry heaving, this could be the reason why. The same goes for the ingestion of  toxic materials. Ingesting toxic substances can lead to white foamy vomiting. Common toxins include certain plants, human foods (like chocolate, xylitol, or onions), and household chemicals.

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