What To Look For In A Reputable Breeder

by Amy Tokic

Published: January 27th, 2014

Do you know what to look for in a reputable breeder? We talk to the AKC for what you need to know.

You’ve made the decision to buy a puppy. But you want to make sure you’re doing it the right way. You don’t want to support puppy mills and Craigslist scams. The right way means that you’re only looking at ethical breeders. The right way means these dogs and puppies are healthy, well cared for and well fed. The right way means finding a breeder who loves the breed and wants to find their puppies a good home. You want to find a breeder that possesses all of these qualities – but how do you do it and where do you start?

We asked Lisa Peterson, an American Kennel Club (AKC) spokesperson and a long-time breeder, about what to look for in a reputable breeder. If you’ve got your heart set on an AKC breed (or any dog breed, for that matter), Lisa offers these tips on what you need to keep an eye out for before you buy a puppy.

Do your homework on the breed before you start looking for a breeder. Many people see a dog in a movie or TV show, run out and buy the breed. Three months later, the puppy is left in a shelter because the owners had no idea what caring for that particular breed entailed. Don’t just buy a puppy because it’s cute. Write out a list of attributes you’d like in your dog and research what breeds are best known for having them.
Visit the breeder’s home or kennel. A breeder will introduce you to the mother (and father if available) to get an idea of what the future holds for your dog in terms of temperament and appearance. It doesn’t matter if you’re not going to buy a puppy that day – it will give you an idea of how that breeder treats his or her dogs, if the dogs are healthy and happy and watch how the breeder interacts with the dogs.
Take a look around the premises. Is the house/kennel clean and odor-free? Dogs and puppies should be clean, well fed, lively and friendly.
Find out about the health of your puppy and its parents. Responsible breeders will willingly show you proof of health tests, such as OFA and CERF certificates, on the parents. They will also talking to you about the breed’s strengths and weaknesses. They can guarantee the dog’s traits based on the predictability of the breed as well.
Breeders should be willing to answer any questions you have and provide you with references from former customers and veterinarians. And don’t be surprised if they have a few to ask you as well. Good breeders will interview you to ensure that their puppies are going to good homes, with people who know what to expect and have made all the necessary preparations.
If you go with an official AKC breed, the puppy should come with an AKC Registration application (AKC papers). The words “American Kennel Club” and AKC logo should be clearly visible. You’ll need to send in this application form to register your dog with the AKC. If a breeder refuses or hesitates to give you papers, wants to charge you more for AKC papers, offers papers from a registry other than the AKC, or tells you he/she will mail them to you at a later date, you should be wary.
Some breeders will require you to sign a contract that states that you will return the puppy/dog to them if you decide you can’t keep it. This is because the breeder wants to rehome the dog themselves to ensure he goes to a good home. This kind of contract is quite common, so don’t be surprised if you’re asked to sign it before you buy. Read it over carefully and if you do sign, get a copy for your records.

You can also check out our Dog Breed Research articles to learn which breed is right for you.

If you’ve bought from a breeder before, what has your experience been like? Did you learn anything you’d like to pass along? If so, please share your tips in the comment section below.

Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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What Is A Puppy Mill?

You may stop to ask how much is that doggy in the window, but do you ever stop to think about how he got there? Chances are, that pet store pooch is from a puppy mill. If you are thinking about buying a dog, you need to be careful where you get it. It may be tempting to simply stop in to your local pet store and purchase one of the puppies available, but this not an educated and responsible choice. You don’t know where the puppies in that store came from and it’s highly likely that they were bred in a puppy mill. Let’s talk about what a puppy mill actually is, why they are bad, and what you can do to stop them. Related: Help The Puppy Mill Project Shut Down The Puppy Production Line What is a Puppy Mill? A puppy mill is a commercial breeding facility where large numbers of dogs are bred for sale primarily in pet stores, and also on the Internet. It is estimated that about 90 percent of puppies sold in pet stores come from puppy mills. These stores typically do not look into the facilities where the puppies are born, they simply take the wholesaler or supplier at his word that the puppies were raised in a safe and healthy facility. In many cases, the dogs used for breeding in puppy mills are kept in cramped cages and forced to produce litter after litter for as long as they live. Conditions are squalid with overcrowding being one of the main issues – dogs in puppy mills are also frequently malnourished or forced to suffer from medical conditions with no veterinary care. In short, puppy mills are designed to maximize the wholesalers profits at the expense of the dogs used for breeding. Related: Help The Puppy Mill Project Shut Down The Puppy Production Line Things You Can Do to Help While you alone may not be able to stop puppy mills from churning out puppies, there are a few things you can do to contribute to the fight against these horrible facilities. The number one thing you can do is to be responsible about where you buy your puppy. Do not buy from a pet store unless you are able to make direct contact with the supplier and can confirm that it is a reputable breeder who follows safe and responsible breeding practices. The only exception to this rule is for pet stores that only offer puppies and dogs from local animal shelters or rescues. It is still possible that these dogs were bred in a puppy, but removed by a shelter or surrendered by the original owner. However, you will be supporting the shelter in adopting the dog rather than supporting the puppy mill in which it was bred. Related: What To Look For In A Reputable Breeder When searching for a reputable breeder from which to purchase a puppy, make sure you do your research. Not only should you call and speak to the breeder directly but you should visit the facilities to make sure that both the puppies and the breeding stock are housed in safe, sanitary facilities and that they are in good health. If the breeder fails to answer your questions, doesn’t want to give you a tour of the facilities, or if he offers puppies less than six weeks old, these are all red flags and signs of a breeder who chooses his own profit over the welfare of his animals. In addition to purchasing your puppy from a reputable breeder, you can also support local, state, and national legislation that aims to protect animals from cruelty. Write to your local council in support of laws that limit the number of animals a person is allowed to keep and breed. Vote for laws that aim to ensure proper treatment for animals including access to clean food and water, proper housing, and veterinary care. You can also urge (by petition, boycott or peaceful demonstration) your local pet stores to supply pets from local shelters instead of buying them from questionable sources. Puppy mills are a huge problem in this country, but there is something we can do to get them shut down. Join forces with other pet lovers who share your belief, spread the word about how cruel this mills are and stand up for the rights of helpless animals. Together, we can put an end to puppy mills for good.

Help The Puppy Mill Project Shut Down The Puppy Production Line

Out to change the world for mill dogs, The Puppy Mill Project works to expose, educate, and offer alternatives in a growing movement to shut down puppy mills once and for all. Who doesn’t love a puppy? Those big brown eyes, that wet nose, a fluffy tail that tickles your toes. It’s hard to imagine these lovable little guys as “products.” But to puppy mill operators, they’re just a commodity. The big problem with puppy mills, aside from the torturous conditions under which animals are kept, is that many people are simply unaware of how common they are, and seemingly reputable puppy dealers, like pet stores, are helping to keep these puppy production lines in business. The Puppy Mill Project (TPMP), a Not For Profit corporation, is working to change that by creating awareness by educating the public. “Ninety nine percent of all pet store puppies are puppy mill puppies,” states the organization’s website. As long as the demand for these dogs exists, puppy mills will continue to operate. By exposing the facts about puppy mills, TPMP aims to point would-be pet parents to alternative sources for furry friends, like animal rescues, adoption and responsible breeders that operate under the “humane model.” By cutting off puppy mills’ business and profits, TPMP hopes to shut down these pitiless puppy factories. Related: From Rescue To Runway: Cavalier Newest Model For Designer Karen Walker The Puppy Production Line How much is that doggy in the window? The price is more than you’d think. When you purchase a puppy at your local pet store, the chances are pretty good that it came from a puppy mill. According to TPMP, approximately 2.5 million puppies are born in puppy mills every year. And more puppies mean more money in the hands of the mill operators. To maximize their profits, puppies are denied medical care, while the breeding dogs (some 400,000 of them) are kept, caged, starved, lack medical care, and many never see the light of day – or another day. The sad truth is that the United States Department of Agriculture, which is charged with monitoring some 3,300 commercially licensed breeding facilities, simply doesn’t have the means to keep tabs on them all, not to mention the unlicensed facilities. Puppy mill operators are literally getting away with murder, and it will continue as long as the orders keep coming in for these “production line puppies.” Related: What To Look For In A Reputable Breeder TPMP on the street The Puppy Mill Project aims to educate people about responsible pet sources, and expose the dodgy ones. That’s why you’ll find TPMP volunteers all across the Chicago land area at community events, festivals and expos. You’ve probably seen the group staging peaceful protests at local pet stores – a weekly event since the organization’s inception in 2009. You may have even seen them at your kids’ preschool, elementary school, high school or college, where they conduct age-appropriate educational programs and lectures. The organization recognizes that kids play a huge role in choosing the family pet, and TMPM teaches these young influencers to make responsible choices. What can you do? If you want to be an agent for change, you need to hurt puppy mill operators where it hurts – right in their profits! Don’t buy your puppies from pet stores. Get educated. First, check out your local shelters for in-need puppies looking for good homes. If you want a particular breed of puppy, research breeders to ensure they are reputable and make sure to visit the breeder at their home and meet both of the puppy’s parents. Spread the word and join The Puppy Mill Project movement. For more information, to donate to the cause or to learn how you can stop puppy mills in your area, visit The Puppy Mill Project website.

Study: Chiari Malformation Can Be Reduced With Cross-Breeding

A Netherlands dog breeder teams up with University of Surrey scientists to find out if there’s a way to reducing the risk of Chiari skull malformations. A Chiari malformation is a serious disorder that develops not only in humans (1 in 1,280), but in toy dog breeds as well. This malformation is characterized by the premature fusion of bones, which forces part of the brain to push through the opening of the back of the skull. Consequently, this causes fluid-filled cavities to develop in the spinal cord, which causes headaches, walking problems or can even result in paralysis. Related: What To Look For in a Reputable Dog Breeder In a newly published study in the PLOS ONE journal, scientists from the University of Surrey worked together with Henny van der Berg, a Netherlands-based breeder, to examine how this problem could be solved. Together, they analyzed how the skull and brain of toy dogs change when a Brussels Griffon with a Chiari-like malformation is cross-bred with another pooch. The breeder introduced the project after an accidental mating between her two dogs, an Australian Terrier and a Brussels Griffon. Together with scientists at the University of Surrey, they took on the challenge of finding out if it was possible to breed a Brussel Griffon dog that is less susceptible to a Chiari malformation. Related: All About the Brussels Griffon Dog The result of the study concluded with great success. The study, which took four years to complete, analyzed traits on MRI scans and how they changed from generation to generation in the family of 29 dogs. After many MRI scans and careful selection of head shapes, the study proves that it is indeed possible to breed a dog which had the external characteristics of a short-nosed Brussels Griffon and reduce the risk of a Chiari malformation by cross-breeding them with another breed. Researchers hope that their findings will improve breeding guidelines and develop more sophisticated ways of screening so that less toy breed dogs develop this painful malformation. [Source: ScienceDaily]

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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.

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

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Study Finds Pets Didn't Make People Happier During the Pandemic

Would you say that your pet help you feel better during the pandemic? Countless pet parents, myself included, would say they experienced less stress and anxiety during lockdown thanks to their four-legged companions. However, a new study led by researchers from Michigan State University suggests otherwise. Researchers couldn’t find a reliable association between pet ownership and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic, even though owners claimed pets improved their lives. The pandemic was extremely stressful for everyone. The research team from Michigan State University theorized that the pandemic created ideal conditions to determine how much happiness and comfort pets actually provide to their families. The study, published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, evaluated 767 people on three separate occasions in May 2020. The researchers used a mixed-method approach, looking at several indicators of well-being. They also asked owners in an open-ended question to think about the role of pets. Unsurprisingly, pet owners reported their pets made them happy. Owners claimed pets help them feel more positive emotions and provide companionship and affection, but also expressed worry about their pet’s well-being and reported their pets interfered with working remotely. But when researchers compared the happiness of pet owners to levels seen in non-pet owners they made a surprising discovery. Shockingly, the data showed no difference in the well-being of pet owners and non-pet owners over time. The research team explained that it did not matter what type of pet people owned, how many pets they had, or how close owners were with their pets. The personalities of the owners weren’t a factor either. “People say pets make them happy, but when we actually measure happiness that doesn’t appear to be the case,” said William Chopik, an associate professor in MSU’s Department of Psychology and co-author of the study, in a university release. “People see friends as lonely or wanting companionship, and they recommend getting a pet. But it’s unlikely to be as transformative as people think,” added Chopik. The research team also explored several other potential reasons as to why there was no difference in the happiness levels of pet owners and non-pet owners. The most likely reason might be that non-pet owners have found ways to fill their lives with activities and interests that make them as happy as owning a pet would. “Staking all of your hope on a pet making you feel better is probably unfair and maybe costly, given other things you could do in your life that could improve your happiness,”  said Chopik. Another study, involving 4,237 people, beginning at the start of the pandemic and ending in December 2021, had similar findings. Although owners grew closer to their pets, especially dogs, during the pandemic, that didn’t stave off stress.In fact, the lowest stress levels were seen in non-pet owners. When you think about it, these results kind of make sense - pet owners had an additional mouth to feed during the lockdown and had limited opportunities to take their dogs out for a walk or play session. The results of these studies are surprising, to say the least. I was positive that I was happier than my poochless friends during the lockdown, but guess that wasn’t the case. After thinking about this a bit more, I realized that maybe we shouldn’t expect so much from our four-legged companions. Yes, there are many benefits to owning a pet, and pets can make us happy, but ultimately happiness depends on ourselves. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

A Six-legged Abandoned Dog Has Surgery to Remove Extra Limbs

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Dogs are so deserving of their title – man’s best friend - and they continue to prove it day in and day out. From being our best friends to providing irreplaceable acts of service to people in need, there’s so much that dogs do that makes a difference and this story only proves it.The fateful event took place in Spring, Texas, where the family Tanner lives, alongside their precious pooch, Axel. Axel is a 1-year-old  border collie, a rescue that quickly became a cherished member of the family and, as life would have it, their savior. It was around 5 am on a calm Saturday morning when Axel – completely out of the ordinary – jolted Amanda and her husband from their sleep. And it was no regular attention-seeking behavior. Something was amiss, and Axel was determined to let the couple know.“He was pawing me more than normal to get me to move,” Mr. Tanner explains for  Today.com. Realizing that the dog was clearly trying to wake them, Amanda’s husband went downstairs to check on things and let the dog outside. Axel refused. It wasn’t the outdoors he was seeking - there was something else. He quickly stopped in front of the closed doors of the 17-year-old Gabriel Tanner. Mr. Tanner went inside to check up on his son but realized what was the cause of the dog’s panic. Young Gabriel was having a stroke, his speech was slurred, and he could not feel his right side. At once they rushed him to the emergency room at the Memorial Hermann the Woodlands Medical Center. Young Gabriel was quickly treated and made a recovery. Dr. Sabih Effendi, who treated him, says that “by waking the parents up, and leading them to the boy, the dog made a “massive” difference in Gabriel’s outcome”. “It’s very amazing that their dog alerted and started this whole process of getting everyone awake and going downstairs,” Effendi continues. “When somebody’s acutely having a stroke, the neurons are dying. … If he was not found and another three or four hours went by, there would have been more and more and more brain injury.”The Tanner family is extremely grateful to have had Axel by their side in this crucial moment. They can only wonder what would have happened if the dog wasn’t there. He practically saved Gabriel’s life. “We wouldn’t have thought to go into Gabriel’s room and wake him up. He’s a teenager. It was a Saturday morning. We went to bed late. We wouldn’t think to go in there until maybe noon,” Amanda says.Nowadays, Axel is a precious member of their family and tends to follow Gabriel wherever he goes. He also sleeps with the teen a lot more, always on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary. A true four-legged friend and proof that dogs can be loyal to no end! 

Does My Dog Need Winter Boots?

The days are growing colder and colder, and your pet is more and more hesitant when it’s time to go out for a potty break – who could blame them? It’s not like we owners don’t need to give ourselves a pep talk when it’s time to take our dogs out for a walk when it’s snowing outside or the icy wind is whipping everything in sight.While winter can be very unpleasant for your dog, there are ways to keep your pooch toasty and more comfortable when the temperatures drop, ranging from  cozy winter coats, warm blankets, and protective winter boots. Yes, those cute little booties are more than a fashion statement – if you’ve been questioning their efficacy, read on to find out if your pet could use a pair of nice winter boots to keep their paws snug and warm.Does My Dog Need Winter Boots?You might think that paws are naturally protected from the cold ground and rough terrain thanks to their unique properties, but that’s only partially true. Not all doggos are built the same. As they come in different shapes and sizes, and with different coat lengths, it means that they will experience winter and cold temperatures in different ways. But even so, no dog’s paw should be left to endure the snow, the ice, and the  rock salt on the asphalt streets. That means that dog boots in winter are far more than a simple piece of the outfit. They protect, keep warm, and ensure that your dog’s paws are safe from injuries, irritations, and dangerous substances. Of course, some dogs need winter boots more than others. Small and toy dogs are much more vulnerable to cold and low temperatures, and they will need protection from the elements without a doubt – that means both a winter jacket and boots. The same goes for senior dogs, whose aching joints and paw pads are much more vulnerable to the elements than they were when they were young.Ultimately, however, dogs of all ages and sizes should be accustomed to wearing dog boots. They protect your pet’s paws in any weather, and come with a range of other advantages, too – these are the main five benefits of dog boots:#1 TractionThanks to dog boots, your pet will no longer have trouble walking on icy or slick surfaces. Boots provide grip and traction, and your next wintery outing will be much safer and faster thanks to them. This is especially important to seniors, who can seriously injure themselves and endanger their mobility due to slips and falls on icy surfaces.#2 InsulationThe boots are there to protect from extreme temperatures. This goes for both winter and summer. So whether it’s ice and cold, or the hot summer asphalt, the boots are there to provide safety – no frostbite on the paw pads, no burns on their delicate little beans.#3 HygieneCleaning your dog’s paws after every walk can quickly become a tiring chore – kudos to you if it doesn’t. Winter brings mud and slush with it, and without the boots, all that mess remains on the paws and gets inside your house, so you need to  clean your pet’s paws every single time you come in from outside. `thanks to dog boots, this can be a thing of the past.#4 Comfort and careDogs can have very sensitive paw pads, especially if they are older and cracked. Thanks to dog boots, winter doesn’t have to exacerbate these issues. Padded and comfy, dog boots ensure that walking on various surfaces is smooth and pain-free.#5 Prevention of injuriesWhen it comes to the protection of paw pads, nothing beats dog boots. In winter, there are a lot of hazards on the walking surface. Ice shards, frozen rocks, icy puddles, and rock salt – the list is endless. Thanks to the protection of the boots, your pet will be safe from abrasions, cuts, and frostbite.

Should I Bathe My Dog During Winter?

Should your pet forego bubbly baths when the temperatures drop or should you bathe your pooch regularly all year long? There’s no universal answer to this question as situations can be wildly different from one pet or the other – how harsh is the climate you live in, would you bathe your pooch in a well-heated bathroom or not, how thick is their coat, and so on. All of these factors will influence the answer you’re given! To find out what’s the verdict for your own pooch when it comes to winter bathing, read on.Should I Bathe My Dog During Winter?The fact that it’s cold outside doesn’t have to mean your four-legged bestie has to smell funky for weeks on end – at least not in most cases. You can bathe your dog in the winter as long as you follow some ground rules that are meant to ensure your dog's well-being. Here’s what you need to know:#1 Don’t Do It Too OftenDogs don't need bathing as frequently as we do (duh), so if your dog isn't visibly dirty or smelly, you should be able to extend the time between baths to a couple of weeks. Overbathing can strip essential oils from your dog's skin, which can lead to dryness and irritation, so too much bathing isn’t good either. You can probably get through the winter with just one or two baths.#2 Keep The Water ToastyEnsure that the water you use for the bath is warm, not hot. Hot water can dry out your dog’s skin, so don’t be tempted to overly increase the water temperature just because the weather is cold outside. Of course, you should also make sure the bathing area is warm, and have towels ready to dry your dog quickly.#3 Fast Drying Is Key 

Can Counterconditioning Help My Reactive Dog?

Caring for and managing a reactive dog can be incredibly frustrating. Your dog may be a sweet angel at home, but they suddenly evolve into a barking, growling, lunging whirlwind when out in public.Luckily, there is hope!Overcoming reactivity is a process that will not happen overnight. However, dog trainers and behaviorists have seen great success with positive reinforcement techniques like counterconditioning.This article will explore how counterconditioning works, the steps involved in the process, realistic timelines and expectations, and tips for a successful journey toward a calmer, more confident dog. Get started today!What is Counterconditioning for Dogs?Let’s start at the beginning—what exactly is counterconditioning, and why is it recommended for managing and treating reactive dogs?Counterconditioning is a behavioral modification technique that focuses on changing your dog’s emotional response to a specific stimulus.For example, some dogs feel fear and anxiety at the sight of another dog. This could be due to a lack of socialization, meaning they weren’t taught that other dogs can be friendly. It could also be a reaction to a past trauma, like having been attacked by another dog. In these situations, counterconditioning can be used to teach your dog that the sight of another dog leads to a positive experience.Why is this an effective approach for addressing reactivity? Reactivity, by definition, is an overreaction to a trigger. While this is often associated with fear or anxiety, some reactive dogs become overly excited. An overexcited dog may jump all over strangers not because they are trying to cause harm but because they are so excited to see them that they can’t control their response.If you have identified your dog’s triggers, you can use this training approach to teach them to respond in a new (and better) way.What Can Counterconditioning Be Used to Treat?Reactivity isn’t the only behavioral condition that can be treated with counterconditioning. This technique can be used to address a wide spectrum of situations in which a pet may be responding to a situation or trigger in an unwanted way.Some situations where it is commonly recommended include helping dogs overcome specific fears or phobias as well as managing or overcoming behaviors related to obsessive-compulsive disorder.Common fears that may be addressed with counterconditioning include: Fear of car ridesAnxiety when visiting the vetNoises (fireworks, thunder)Babies (especially the sound of crying)Strangers or other dogs in publicAllowing guests to enter their homePhysical triggers like cars or bicyclesDogs who dislike grooming, like brushing or having their nails trimmedIf you believe this approach may be helpful in your dog’s unique situation, we recommend speaking with a behaviorist.You can find professionals in your area by browsing the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists website list or the Animal Behavior Consultants Directory by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.

Do Dogs Experience Grief?

Anyone who has ever shared their heart and home with a dog can attest to how deep the emotional connection we form with our best friends is. It is this bond that makes saying goodbye so difficult. But are we the only ones experiencing this pain?If you have recently experienced the passing of a pet or family member and noticed your dog acting a little differently, you may be wondering – Do dogs experience grief, too?In this article, we will dig into the truth about canine emotions and canine grief. This includes understanding what grief means to your dog, learning to recognize the signs that they may be mourning and tips for helping your best friend navigate this difficult time.Do Dogs Experience Grief or Mourning?The short answer is yes, dogs do grieve the loss of a person or animal in their lives. In a 2022 study led by Dr. Federica Pirrone, a veterinary physiologist at the University of Milan, 86% of dog owners reported that they saw a change in behavior in their surviving dog after losing a companion.Our dogs form close bonds with one another and with us. This can be seen both in wild dogs, with the relationships that exist between pack members, as well as the domesticated dogs of today.While they can’t tell us how they are feeling (although we wish they could), dog parents often witness physical and behavioral changes that indicate something is “off” for their dog following a loss. This occurs when a family member (human or pet) passes or even if a family member moves away like a child moving out of the family home.Recognizing that our dogs also go through a grieving process allows us to take steps to help our beloved furry friends deal with this difficult time.

Scientists Finally Know Why Cats Love Tuna So Much

No food is more synonymous with cats than tuna. Even the pickiest of cats can’t resist the tuna’s fishy flavor. Finally, scientists have learned why cats love tuna so much. In the study published in the journal Chemical Sense, scientists report that cats, like humans, have receptors needed to detect umami flavor. Along with sweet, sour, bitter, and salty, umami is one of the five basic tastes.Umami seems to be the cats’ favorite flavor. Considering that umami gives food a deep and savory meaty aroma, it’s no surprise that an obligate carnivore like a cat would prefer it over all other flavors.The research team also found that cats’ taste receptors bind to two chemicals found in high concentrations in tuna. These chemicals boost the umami flavor, making cats obsessed with tuna. “This is an important study that will help us better understand the preferences of our familiar pers,” says Yasuka Toda, a molecular biologist at Meiji University. According to Toda, this study could help cat food manufacturers create healthier food and more palatable medication for cats. Previous studies showed that cats have a unique palate. Cats can’t taste sugar, because their sweet receptor gene is dysfunctional. Scientists believe that felines lose the ability to taste sweeteners and carbs because they don’t need these macronutrients to survive. Cats also have fewer bitter flavor receptors than humans. This trait is commonly seen in obligated carnivores. “Since discovering that cats don’t have a functional sweet taste receptor, we did wonder what they would respond to instead,” study lead author Scott McGrane, a sensory science expert at Waltham Petcare Science Institute, told Live Science. Humans and other animals possess two genes - Tas1r1 and Tas1r3 that work together to detect umami flavor. Previous research has shown that cats express the umami-related Tas1r3 gene in their taste buds, but it was unclear whether they possess both genes needed to detect umami flavor. The research team led by McGrane discovered that cats expressed both Tas1r1 and Tas1r3 genes in their taste buds. To learn this, the scientist biopsied the tongue of a six-year-old male cat that had been euthanized for health reasons unrelated to this study. However, a closer look at the protein sequences encoded by these genes showed that they are very different from human genes. As it turned out, the main amino acids that activate umami flavor in people - glutamic and aspartic acid - were mutated in cats. “So I began thinking, maybe cats can’t taste umami,” said McGrane. But, as it turned out, amino acids don’t bind to the cat umami receptor alone. Nucleotides, which are common in meat and yeast, bind to the cat receptor and glutamic and aspartic acid then have an enhancing effect. “That’s the exact opposite of what we see in people,” explained McGrane. Cats love tuna because it contains the nucleotide inosine monophosphate. Tuna also contains large quantities of L-histidine, an essential amino acid for cats, that enhances umami flavor. “The L-histidine content of tuna is much higher than of other fish species and meat sources.”These new findings could be used for the development of tastier cat food and pharmaceuticals. Although cat food manufacturers already knew that cats prefer meaty flavors, they now have much more details about the compounds they can start working with. It’s essential for manufacturers to ensure that animals want to eat the food they formulate and find it appealing. “I think umami is as important for cats as sweet is for humans,” said Toda. Dogs, she explained, can taste both sweet and umami, which may explain why they’re not such fussy eaters. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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