Behind the Breed: Weimaraner

Posted on November 30, 2023 - 2:30 pm by
An interior graphic detailing three quick facts about Weimaraners.

Weimaraners get the nickname “Gray Ghost” because of their silvery-gray coat color, light-colored eyes and sneaky hunting abilities. The grand duke of Weimar, in Germany, developed Weimaraners (we see what he did there) in the early 19th century by crossing bloodhounds with other hunting dogs.

Weimaraners are a large, long-legged breed that can weigh as much as 90 pounds (males). Their deep chests make them at a higher risk of bloat, so any food-gobbling behaviors should be discouraged. They are obsessed with their people, which is why they’re often given the “Velcro dog” label. If you want a dog who’s by your side for every activity you do, a Weimaraner is the perfect dog for you — and they’re great with kids, too.

Much like German shorthaired pointers, these athletic and intelligent dogs make excellent running and hunting partners. Their abundant amounts of energy make them well suited to both a morning spent pointing at and retrieving game birds and an evening run in the woods.

To reiterate, exercise is life for Weimaraners. So unless you want a dirt track in your lawn because your Weimaraner is channeling their inner greyhound, it’s important to use up all of that energy with daily (or even twice daily) walks or runs. And because they’re also very smart, you need to provide plenty of mental enrichment, too. Weimaraners excel at agility, tracking and other dog sports, which is a good way to get them to exercise and use their brains.

One of the Weimaraner breed’s claims to fame is their “nooking” behavior. Weimaraner Planet explains that nooking is where the dog suckles on a blanket or soft toy without destroying it. They may also knead while they suck. It’s thought to be a self-soothing or calming behavior since they tend do it before going to sleep — although not all Weimaraners “nook.”

An interior graphic detailing three quick facts about Weimaraners.

RELATED POST: Behind the Breed: Brittany

A Taste of the Wild Guide to Dog Obesity

Posted on November 27, 2023 - 10:50 pm by
A man rubbing the belly of a dog lying on a bed.

Dog obesity is a serious issue facing dogs and their owners, and it’s only becoming more prevalent. A 2022 survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevalence revealed that 59 percent of dogs in the U.S. are classified as overweight, a 3 percent increase from 2018. Since only 36 percent of dog owners think that their best pal is overweight, the issue of dog obesity does not appear to be going anywhere anytime soon.

But how do you tell if your dog is overweight, or worse? What can you do about your dog’s body weight? And how much does it matter if your begging buddy is classified as obese? Our Taste of the Wild Guide to Dog Obesity can help answer some of your questions, but when in doubt about obesity in dogs, dog diets or any other health issues, consult your veterinarian.

How to Tell If Your Dog Is Overweight

A man rubbing the belly of a dog lying on a bed.

As proven by the survey we mentioned earlier, many dog owners don’t know if their dog is overweight. How do you tell if a little baggage around the belly is natural or if it’s excess for your dog? First, an adult dog’s weight isn’t the only thing you need to measure. You should start by consulting a Body Condition Score System (BCS) chart and comparing it to your dog’s ribs, waist and hips. Veterinarians recommend monitoring and evaluating your pet’s BCS once a month to make sure you stay ahead of the increasing pounds.

READ MORE ABOUT BODY CONDITION SCORING AND YOUR DOG

Do Overweight or Obese Dogs Really Need to Lighten Up?

A small dog standing on a scale.

If you determine that you do have an overweight dog on your paws, is that such a bad thing? Someone coined the term “fat and happy” for a reason, so is it really necessary that your overweight dog slims down? Well, yes. Extra pounds unequivocally mean extra health risks for your dog, and researchers have proven that dogs with an ideal BCS live an average of 2.5 years longer than overweight dogs of similar size and breed. If less weight means more years with your best friend, why wouldn’t you work toward that long and happy dog life? Here’s more information about that research along with some tips for getting started slimming down your overweight dog.

READ MORE ABOUT WHY OVERWEIGHT DOGS SHOULD SLIM DOWN

6 Tips to Stop Your Dog’s Begging and Help Them Lose Weight

A small dog begging with its front paws up on its owner's legs.

Talking about helping your overweight dog slim down is easy; actually doing it is much harder. Have you tried staring into those big begging eyes when they’re pleading for a sliver of sausage or a bite of bacon and saying “no”? Easier said than done.

We often can’t resist slipping them just a tiny bite of our dinners. But those bites add up, and when the scales start to tip, you need to shut them off cold turkey. It might be time to have them help you by training them not to beg in the first place.

Need some tips on curbing your dog’s begging habits? We have the blog for you.

READ MORE ABOUT TRAINING YOUR DOG NOT TO BEG

How to Tell If Your Dog Has Diabetes

An overweight older dog standing in front of a soccer ball outside.

Canine obesity leads to a plethora of health problems, and diabetes is one of the chief concerns when the walk becomes a waddle. But a dog doesn’t have to be overweight to have diabetes. Knowing the warning signs of diabetes can go a long way toward preventing it or letting the disease get out of hand, but prevention is always the best medicine.

Of course, sometimes your dog has diabetes, and it needs to be managed. The good news is that dog diabetes isn’t a death sentence; with proper care and management, even diabetic dogs can live long, healthy lives.

Here’s our post about the signs of diabetes and everything you should do to prevent diabetes in dogs, and care for those who have the disease.

READ MORE ABOUT THE WARNING SIGNS OF DIABETES IN DOGS

Increasing Numbers of Pudgy Pooches Are Tipping the Scales

Two overweight dogs lying on the floor next to each other.

Despite the best efforts of veterinarians, the number of overweight or obese dogs is increasing faster than the numbers on the scale. Canine obesity is an ever-increasing problem for a number of reasons, but the average dog’s diet is a leading culprit. Of course, diet isn’t just the cause; it’s also the solution. Knowing how to feed a healthy diet is key to keeping your dog healthy for years to come. But that knowledge seems to be lacking in many dog households these days!

Here’s a look at the growing trend of overweight dogs and what pet owners can do to reverse it.

READ MORE ABOUT OVERWEIGHT OR OBESE DOGS IN AMERICA

Excess Body Weight on Dogs Gets in the Way

A dog on a leash walking with its owner through a park.

As dog owners, our main goal is for our best friends to be happy and healthy. Knowing how to tell if they’re pleasantly plump or upsettingly obese is the first step toward fulfilling that goal.

But there’s more to the prevention of excess weight on dogs than simply noticing if the scales are tipping over. A healthy diet, plenty of exercise, regular vet visits and other good habits will help your dog live a long time, with a high quality of life, by your side.

And who could ask for more?

Why We’re Thankful for Our Pets

Posted on November 20, 2023 - 2:26 pm by
A dog lying with its head in its owner’s lap on the floor next to a Christmas tree.

What are you most grateful for this Thanksgiving season? If your pet(s) made the list, you’re not alone! Let’s dive into all the reasons we’re thankful for pets this season and beyond.

We’re Thankful That Pets Bring the Funny

Laughter relaxes our body, boosts our immune system and lowers our blood pressure, epinephrine and glucose levels. We never know what our pets will do next or when they’ll provide us with a good laugh. Just off the top of our thankful, chuckling heads, we’re thinking about:

  • Unexpected zoomies
  • Those times they think they’re ninjas, trying to sneak people food in plain sight
  • Talking to their favorite toy and carrying it around like a baby
  • The endless chasing of their elusive tails

It’s an endless parade of laughs and giggles trying to figure out what goes on in those cat and dog brains. And we love every minute of the comedy fest.

But they offer health benefits beyond the healing power of comedy. Research shows that simply being around our pets decreases levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone), which leads to reduced feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression and/or symptoms of PTSD. Petting an animal for at least 10 minutes at a time can provide us with comfort and pause. That brings us back to the present moment. Simply thinking about our favorite fluff can immediately boost our mood. Did you just think about your pet as you read that? Did you feel that glimmer of joy? We bet you did.

We’re Thankful for the Unconditional Love Pets Provide

Pets provide us with unconditional love, no matter how we look, who we voted for or how many Instagram followers we have. Returning home from a long day at work, our pets are the first to greet us with wet, slobbery kisses or headbutts. When we’ve had a bad day, our pets sense it and snuggle up to help provide us with comfort. They love us for who we are and the care we show them. Pets also show us how deeply we can love another being, too! They’re part of our family, after all.

We’re Thankful For All the Jobs Our Pets Do

Our pets wear many little hats throughout the day, being there for us in ways that they might not even be aware of. With a pet, you don’t have to wonder if the mail has been delivered or if your houseguests have arrived. They’ll be the first to alert you to someone or something in the area. Guard pet on duty!

You’ll also never be without a furry bathroom attendant. They may not have opposable thumbs to fetch you another roll of toilet paper, but by golly they’ll make sure you’re not without company.

If you’re cold in bed, there’s always a fluffy foot (or arm, chest, back and neck) warmer ready to snuggle in and raise the temperatures. Sometimes whether you want it or not!

Lastly, they are great at listening to our problems and comforting us in our times of need; they maybe don’t understand, but they also don’t interrupt when we spill our hearts. They don’t know it, but many pets wear the furry hat of an in-home therapist. We are grateful for each and every hat they wear.

We’re Thankful Our Pets Get Us into Shape

To quote Sir Isaac Newton, a body in motion stays in motion. The more active we are with our pets, the better it is for their health and our health. Between walking the dog or dragging a ribbon around the house for the cat to chase, we’re getting those steps in! Need ideas for staying active with the upcoming cooler weather? We’ve got a blog for that.

Adventures Await Us When Pets Are Around

Our pets are always up for an adventure, and we can learn from their examples! Cooking in the kitchen, a furry tail is close behind you. Ready to rake a pile of leaves? You know Rover’s nose is pressed up against the back door eager to help. There’s not much your animal won’t accompany you with around the house. Pets who love adventuring outside of the neighborhood also make great companions for running errands or sightseeing. Oh, the adventures that await us!

We’re Thankful to Pets for Helping Develop Our Younger Generations

Pets help teach our younger family members how to be responsible. Whether they’re helping refill the water bowl or they’re being diligent about playtime with Rover, our young ’uns learn to understand consistency and obligations through the power of pets. Caring for an animal gives a child a sense of feeling valued and grows their self-esteem. Pets can also teach children the importance of patience, trust, compassion and respect. These are just some of the many benefits of raising kids with pets.

Did we miss any reasons YOU might be grateful for your pet(s)? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), and let us know why YOU’RE grateful for your animal companion. Your pet photos and stories are something we’re also grateful for.

RELATED POST: Help Homeless Pets Celebrate Thanksgiving

Does My Dog Have Diabetes?

Posted on November 16, 2023 - 1:50 pm by
A dog with its two front paws up on a table sniffing an assortment of pies and other holiday treats.

We may be reaching for the Turkey Day pants soon, but before Rover begins dreaming about a Thanksgiving feast, it’s probably best to discuss their current health status. It’s never a good idea to indulge your pet’s desire for fatty or sugary people food, but if there’s a possibility that your dog has diabetes, ’tis the season for extra precautions. But how do you know if and why your dog might have diabetes?

How Does Diabetes in Dogs Happen?

If your dog has diabetes, it doesn’t necessarily mean you did something wrong like feeding an incorrect diet or not offering enough exercise. In dogs, the cause of diabetes is not well understood. However, it is thought there is a genetic component. Certain breeds, like schnauzers and miniature poodles, are more at risk than others. Most diabetic dogs have insulin-dependent diabetes and insulin treatment is required. They are very similar to humans with Type 1 diabetes in that the pancreas can no longer produce insulin.

Pancreatitis is also a risk factor for diabetes, so if your dog suffers from it, a low-fat diet can be very important. Obesity falls into that category as well. Other risk factors include age, sex and concurrent diseases such as Cushing’s disease.

Warning Signs of Diabetes in Dogs

Early diagnosis is crucial to successfully managing diabetes. If you notice any of these signs of diabetes in your dog,* consult your veterinarian.

  • Increased drinking
  • Increased urination
  • Excessive appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Dehydration
  • Poor haircoat
  • Muscle wasting
  • Cataract formation

*Additional signs may be present if there are concurrent diseases like a urinary tract infection, Cushing’s disease or pancreatitis.

Diagnosis and Care of Diabetes in Dogs

If you suspect your canine has diabetes, make an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. It is best to catch any underlying illness as early as you can. Your dog’s doctor will likely perform bloodwork and a urinalysis to measure the amount of glucose. A diagnosis is only definitive if high levels of glucose are found in both the urine and blood.

Similar to diabetes in people, this illness can be life-threatening to a dog. Keeping the condition regulated will be key in a great life for Rover moving forward. Your veterinarian will visit with you about Rover’s new diet, exercise, insulin and vet visit schedule.

They will adjust the insulin amount you give Rover based upon follow-up testing. It can be an overwhelming time as a pet owner, but rest assured your veterinarian will carefully train you on how to administer insulin or any other medicines necessary to get your canine on a healthier track. They will also provide best-care practices so you go home with a better footing on what Rover needs from you.

Follow the veterinarian’s instructions carefully and continue to monitor your dog between their doctor visits. If your pet’s symptoms worsen or something seems out of the ordinary, do not be afraid to call your veterinarian between appointments. They are there to help! Once the disease is managed, your dog has the potential to live a long, happy and healthy life.

It’s important to note that if Rover does have diabetes, do not forget to take care of yourself, too. You love your dog and want the best for them. It is completely normal if you feel overwhelmed or stressed at times. Don’t forget to lean on your support system and ask your veterinarian questions to understand the situation better.

Holidays Are Not Days for Changing It Up

If your dog is diabetic, the safest move is to not alter their diet or routine because the holidays are upon us. In fact, it’s a time to be extra vigilant that your dog’s food intake stays the same. Make sure no one is slipping them table scraps at the Turkey Day table!

RELATED POST: Thanksgiving Foods You Can Share with Your Pets

What Is Feline Herpesvirus in Cats?

Posted on November 9, 2023 - 2:30 pm by
A veterinarian using a stethoscope on a white cat lying on a table during an examination.

The vet just came in to deliver news that your favorite feline has FHV — feline herpesvirus. Initially, panic might set in as your thoughts are, “How? What does this mean for Mittens? What can I do to give my fur-baby the best life possible?” It can be a lot to take in. But know that Mittens can lead a long, healthy life with proper care. More than 50 percent of cats have FHV, with many of them showing few to no signs throughout their lifetimes.

What Is Feline Herpesvirus?

Feline herpesvirus is a common, uncurable virus that causes upper respiratory infections in cats. It’s contracted from other infected cats when your cat has come into contact with an infected feline’s saliva, nose or eye discharge. The virus can live on bedding and grooming tools for 1–2 days, so be sure to talk to your local pet groomer about your cat’s health prior to your visit and ensure that bedding is thoroughly cleaned if giving it to another cat owner. FHV is not transmittable to humans or dogs.

Common Signs of FHV

FHV symptoms can lead to upper respiratory infections or cat flu. While the infection can be acute, the virus goes into a latent stage in the nervous system and is only triggered when a cat becomes stressed. A cat with FHV can have mild to severe symptoms, including:

  • Eye discharge
  • Pink eye
  • Sneezing
  • Nasal inflammation
  • Runny nose
  • Drooling
  • Pain or irritation in the throat
  • Exhaustion
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fever
  • Coughing

Rare Symptoms of FHV

In rare instances, FHV can cause keratitis and FHV-associated dermatitis. Keratitis is essentially a chronic infection and inflammation of your cat’s cornea. Symptoms involve increased tearing, squinting or rubbing of the eye. Your local veterinarian can help determine if you’re dealing with an upper respiratory infection that has led to eye discharge or if you’re looking at keratitis. Keratitis requires additional medication to get your pet on a healthy track.

FHV-associated dermatitis is also rare. In addition to the common symptoms of FHV, cats with FHV-associated dermatitis develop lymph node enlargement or ulcers in the eyes, mouth, face, trunk, footpads or knees. Cats with FHV-associated dermatitis can usually expect a good prognosis as well. With the help of your veterinarian, cats can recover from FHV-associated dermatitis within three weeks or less. Keep in mind some cats may remain carriers or be prone to relapses. Veterinarians recommend being mindful of these symptoms and reaching out when signs first appear for the quickest recovery times.

Testing for FHV

Your local veterinarian can perform a thorough examination and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test to see if your cat has FHV. The test is done by swabbing the mouth or nose or taking a swab of your cat’s eye discharge if present. Blood tests are not needed — they are not an accurate way to check for the disease. If you live in a multiple-cat household and one feline tests positive, it is best to get all cats evaluated for the disease.

Life After a Positive Diagnosis

After your cat has been diagnosed, your veterinarian will discuss antiviral or antibiotics options to clear up any infections. If your cat has a severe infection, your veterinarian may recommend hospitalizing your cat so they can receive nutritional support or intravenous fluid therapy they need in addition to antibiotics or antiviral medication.

Once your vet has established a plan to tackle the current infection, they will also discuss long-term care options for Mittens, which might include a change in diet or addition of feline probiotics.

Lastly, lowering your cat’s stress can play a huge factor in their overall health. Did you get new furniture? Change Mittens’ daily routine? Are you preparing for a move? Stressors such as household changes, illness, boarding or travel can reactivate the dormant stage of feline herpesvirus causing them to develop the symptoms listed above.

Talk to your veterinarian about anxiety-reducing supplements or medicines if your cat is persistently stressed and you have made all the positive household changes you can. Those daily options are rather inexpensive as well.

How to Protect Your Cat from FHV

All cats, no matter their age or breed, can contract FHV. Kittens and cats who have a weak immune system are at a higher risk of developing more severe symptoms if infected. The best way to protect your cat from feline herpesvirus is to get the FHV vaccine. Cats eight weeks and older are eligible for the vaccine. It is administered in two to three injections.

Veterinarians then administer a FHV booster every one to three years. These shots do not prevent FHV from being transmitted to your cat if they come in contact with the illness, but they will reduce your cat’s chances of becoming severely sick due to the virus.

Prior to introducing your cat to other felines, it is best to make sure the other cat/kitten has been tested for FHV. If your cat has not been tested, consider the same common courtesy and get Mittens tested before bringing them around other felines.

Along the same lines, prior to boarding, visiting the groomer or establishing care at a new veterinarian’s office, it is best to let them know Mittens has FHV. This will allow the employees to keep your pet, as well as all other cats who visit their establishment, healthy. Remember: FHV is highly contagious among cats.

So, while feline herpesvirus might have been a scary diagnosis to hear during your recent vet visit, you now know ways to keep your furry companion healthy long-term. It’s all about the right care during virus flares, a daily immune system booster and lowering the stress in Mittens’ life.

RELATED POST: Can your pet catch the flu from you?

Can My Dog Eat That? Cranberries

Posted on November 2, 2023 - 1:50 pm by
An interior graphic with text that reads ‘The Verdict: Can my dog eat cranberries? Yes. Plain and in moderation only’.

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat cranberries?” Read on!

We’re just a few short weeks from cranberry season! And by “cranberry season,” we mean “the holidays” because that’s when cranberries suddenly appear everywhere, from on the dinner table next to the turkey to the holiday decorations. So it’s the perfect time to examine whether you can share that can-shaped, sliceable purple goop (and all the other tasty cranberry concoctions, too) with your favorite begging buddy.

In short, unlike grapes, cranberries alone are not toxic to dogs. But as with nearly every other fruit or vegetable, there are preparation methods and other circumstances that make a simple “yea or nay,” not so simple. When fed properly, they’re a tasty, nutritious snack.

Cranberries Are a Superfood

First off, let’s look at any nutritional benefits of the tart red fruit that might benefit your dog. Cranberries are considered a “superfood.” For the uninitiated, a superfood is a food that has particularly high nutritional value. These nutrient-packed foods are key sources of antioxidants, omega fatty acids, fiber, vitamins, minerals and protein. Cranberries are no exception, as they offer high levels of vitamins C, K, E and B, not to mention manganese and copper.

In pet food, superfoods are considered “functional” ingredients. Functional ingredients provide bonus benefits beyond basic nutrition when they are part of a complete and balanced diet. Antioxidants, omega fatty acids and fiber provide some of these bonus benefits.

But Are Cranberries Super Good for Dogs?

You can feed your dog both fresh and dried cranberries without worry, if you do so in moderation. But preparation matters. They have to be plain, with the stems removed, and absolutely NOT from any kind of fruit mix. You see, dried cranberries are often mistaken for raisins, which are extremely toxic to dogs. No trail mix for Rufus!

Check the sugar levels of your cranberry offerings. Many dried cranberries have added sugar to take the edge off the tart flavor, and that sugar adds up quickly in such a little berry. Sugar or not, you should feed a medium or large dog only a small handful at most, and small dogs should only receive two or three in one sitting.

And while cranberry juice is known for helping humans get over urinary tract infections, it won’t help your dog. While a small amount of the tasty beverage won’t hurt your dog, they shouldn’t drink anywhere close to enough to help flush their urinary tract. Most cranberry juices are loaded with sugar so should just be avoided in general.

But Can My Dog Eat Cranberry Sauce?

This is why you’re reading this blog, isn’t it? Everyone at the table, your dog included, is eyeballing that jellied cylinder of cranberry sauce with either delight or disgust. If your dog is one of the delighted ones, should they partake? Just a slice?

Once again, a little bit of festive jellied cran won’t hurt your dog, but it’s probably best avoided since most recipes (canned and the more visually palatable homemade) are loaded with sugar. Too much sugar can cause vomiting or diarrhea in dogs, which is not something you want to deal with under the Thanksgiving Day table. For dogs with diabetes or other sugar-related health issues, it’s a much more serious issue.

Dogs and cranberries mix cautiously. If you absolutely must include your dog in the holiday spread, it’s best to offer up just a few plain cranberries. Fresh is best, and dried is OK if you’re absolutely sure they haven’t been mixed with dastardly raisins. It’s not the most festive answer, but neither is getting out the carpet cleaner at the holiday gathering!

An interior graphic with text that reads ‘The Verdict: Can my dog eat cranberries? Yes. Plain and in moderation only’.

RELATED POST: Can My Dog Eat That? Beverages!

Behind the Breed: Werewolves and Wolf-Dogs

Posted on October 26, 2023 - 1:50 pm by
An interior graphic detailing three quick facts about werewolf and wolf-dog hybrids.

You’re walking alone on a mossy path in a dark, overgrown forest. Up ahead in a clearing, a human figure appears in the moonlight. You take a step closer and… wait, did they just shapeshift into a wolf? Is that a… werewolf?!

OK, so werewolves aren’t real (right?) and they aren’t a dog breed. But we thought we’d expand our realm a little for this Behind the Breed edition by looking “Behind the Werewolf” to learn where and when werewolf folklore began. We’ll also delve into a real wolf hybrid. Read on — if you dare.

Werewolf Lore: The Ancient Origins of Werewolves

Werewolves are not a modern-day creation of horror movie scriptwriters. Descriptions of werewolf-like creatures have been around for thousands of years, including in the “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” one of the oldest written works known to exist. According to History.com, Gilgamesh rejects a potential suiter because she turned her previous mate into a wolf.

History.com editors tell us that humans turning into wolves also occurs in early Nordic folklore and Greek mythology. In the “Saga of the Volsungs,” a father and son become wolves by wearing wolf pelts, and in Greek mythology, an angered Zeus turns Lycaon and his sons into wolves. Lycaon comes from the Greek word lykos meaning wolf, as does the other name for a werewolf — lycanthrope (meaning wolf-man).

So where could these ideas of werewolves have come from? One theory is that rabies may have inspired werewolf folklore because a bite from a rabid canine can cause infected humans to become aggressive and animal-like in their behavior. People have been aware of rabies for at least 4,000 years — so it’s possible that this ancient disease inspired werewolf lore.

Wolf-Dog Hybrids Do Exist

A hybrid of a wolf and a human may not exist, but what about a wolf and a dog? Yep, those are real. Wolves (Canis lupus) and dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are different species, but they are able to interbreed. According to the International Wolf Center, wolf-dog hybrids are different from wolfdogs who are not always a hybrid but usually a domestic dog with a relatively recent wolf ancestry.

Wolves and dogs are genetically very similar — they share more than 99 percent of their DNA. However, the International Wolf Center points out that the genetic differences they do have, due to selective breeding of dogs over thousands of years, have led to distinct behavioral, life cycle and physiological differences between the two species.

There is no way to predict which wolf vs. dog traits a hybrid will have, which makes owning a hybrid as a pet a controversial issue. The International Wolf Center advises that as well as possible legal issues with owning a hybrid (depending on the laws in your state, county or city), rabies vaccines are not approved for hybrids and wolf-dog hybrids can have very different physical and psychological needs compared to a domestic dog.

Dogs That Look Like Wolves

If you love how wolves look but want to avoid the potential problems that owning a wolf-dog hybrid can bring, why not adopt a domestic dog that looks like a wolf? The American Kennel Club lists these ten dog breeds as having wolf-like features. The Czechoslovakian vlcak (or Czechoslovakian wolfdog) has the closest resemblance to a wolf. The breed originated in the 1950s by breeding a German shepherd with a Carpathian wolf. Meeting one of these dogs in the forest would be a much better scenario than meeting a werewolf — or a wolf!

  • Alaskan klee kai
  • Alaskan malamute
  • Czechoslovakian vlcak
  • Finnish lapphund
  • German shepherd
  • Norwegian elkhound
  • Samoyed
  • Siberian husky
  • Swedish vallhund
  • Yakutian laika

An interior graphic detailing three quick facts about werewolf and wolf-dog hybrids.

RELATED POST: Dogs at Work: Samoyeds Kept the Cold and Wolves at Bay

National Barks: How to Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger

Posted on October 19, 2023 - 1:55 pm by
A dog with a ranger vest on walking through a forest.

National parks offer some of the most beautiful places in the United States for you and your dog to explore. It can also be a bit overstimulating for your dog in comparison to a trip to a local trail or park. This is why Healthy Parks Healthy People members created the B.A.R.K. Ranger program,  which helps guide your dog on a safe adventure. To get the most out of your trip taking your dog to a national park, we recommend checking out the B.A.R.K. Ranger program.

Bark or B.A.R.K.

Since each national park offers its own set of terrain, wildlife, layouts and rules, each B.A.R.K. Ranger program is uniquely designed around that specific park — the program is not a one-size fits all approach. The goal of the program is to increase awareness of positive dog behaviors and reduce the number of pet-related accidents within a park.

All breeds and ages are welcome, as long as your dog is friendly and leash trained.

B.A.R.K. stands for:

  • Bag your pet’s waste: many visitor centers offer poop bags if needed.
  • Always leash your pet: a 6’ or shorter leash is a must for your dog at all times.
  • Respect wildlife: no barking, digging, sniffing or chasing.
  • Know where you can go: learn which trails and areas are pet friendly.

Some programs require you and your canine to take a pledge, while others offer a “walk with a ranger” program. We recommend contacting the visitor center of your destination prior to arrival to understand what their B.A.R.K. Ranger Program en-taIls.

Dogs who go through each program are sworn in by park officials near the visitor center. You’ll receive a bandana, a wallet card with the B.A.R.K. Ranger pledge, a certificate and the option to purchase a special B.A.R.K. Ranger tag to add to your pet’s collar. Pets are not allowed inside most visitor center buildings, so plan accordingly.

How to Sign Your Dog Up to Be a B.A.R.K Ranger

You can pick up a B.A.R.K. Ranger booklet at the park’s visitor center upon your arrival, or you can reach out to the park prior to your travels to request a digital copy of the booklet. Complete the activities in the booklet at a pace your dog is comfortable with. If you need to take extra time on some activities over others, we encourage you to do so. It could be the difference between knowing how to safely exit a situation with unexpected wildlife or what trails/areas are safest for your pet to adventure out on.

Prior to the Program

You are responsible for your canine’s safety and the safety of others while taking your pet to a national park. Pets can and will become overstimulated with the many sights, smells and sounds within the park. Make sure your adventure partner is leash trained, in good health and acclimated around groups of people and knows how to walk on a trail prior to enrolling in a B.A.R.K. Ranger program. The program will enhance the positive behavior foundation you’ve set for your dog so you and everyone else involved can enjoy the pet-friendly portions of the parks. Need extra positive-behavior training before planning your National Barks trip? Check out our blog for all sorts of fun training articles.

Ready…Set…Woof

Are you and Fido ready to set off to a national park? Your furry companion is ready to become a B.A.R.K. Ranger and embark on a trip to remember. Adventures like these will provide all furry tails with a tale or two to share when they return home. Ready…set… woof — here you come!

RELATED POST: Adventures in the Wild: Proper PETiquette in National Parks

Prepare Your Cat for Moving

Posted on October 12, 2023 - 2:00 pm by
A gray cat standing in an empty moving box.

Moving is a stressful time for everyone, but imagine how stressful it is for your cat who has no idea what is going on. What are all these boxes? Why am I in a new house? Where do I poop?!?! Don’t let Mittens get all their fur in a fluff. We’ll walk you through how to make moving easier on your cat.

Before the Move

In the days or weeks leading up to moving with a cat, there are a few things you should do to prepare kitty for the journey and ease their stress and anxiety.

Carriage of Comfort

No matter how far you’re moving, your favorite feline will need to be safely transported, which usually means that they’ll ride in their carrier. So it’s best to start getting Mittens comfortable with being in the cat carrier prior to the move. Place the open carrier in a central area in the weeks leading up to the move. Add treats and toys to the carrier to encourage your cat to get into it and get reacquainted with the enclosure. If your cat dislikes their carriage, they might need more lead time to get comfortable with their new temporary enclosure. If you suspect that your cat will be nervous about their carrier, you’ll want to start this process earlier. If they’ve ridden in it before with little or no issue, you can likely wait until closer to moving day.

Have Fun with Boxes and Piles of Items

You’ve probably noticed your cat’s love of cardboard boxes. Now that you’re moving, you’re going to have a fortress of boxes for your furry prince or princess. Use all that extra cardboard to take their mind off the big move.

As you’re putting together boxes, let them explore at their leisure. Consider giving them a box or two to play in while you’re packing. Adding treats, toys or catnip to a box can also help them get over any uncertain feelings they may be exhibiting. It may just be unfamiliar smells that deter them at first.

Keep Your Routine When Moving with a Cat

We know getting ready for the big move can be a busy time. However, amid the chaos, it’s important to maintain your cat’s routine. Moving can be stressful on pets due to rapid changes in their environment and schedule. Keeping a routine with meals, play time and kitty cuddles can help Mittens ease into the upcoming changes. Following your normal routine can also provide you with a constant among all the adjustments, too. It’s a comfort for both pet parent and feline alike.

Find a Safe Spot for Moving Day

In the days leading up to the move, scout out a room that Mittens can stay in while you’re loading everything onto the moving truck. Take as much out of that room as possible ahead of time, so it can be the last room to be cleared out. The week of the big move, place your cat’s food, water, toys, litter box and carrier in that room to help get them situated. On the day of, make sure Mittens is OK on all their necessities and close the door to keep them from bolting out of the house while the furniture and boxes get moved. If you or someone in your moving party can sit in that room while everything is being hauled out, that’s great! However, if it’s not possible we recommend checking on your lil’ buddy once an hour to assure them everything is OK with all the racket they may be hearing. Plus, this gives you a great excuse to catch your breath and take a ten-minute break in between hauls.

During the Move

You’ve made it to moving day! As you’re getting your cat ready in their safe space, we recommend feeding them a smaller meal than normal. Stress can induce all kinds of bodily reactions in your cat — including stomach concerns. A lighter breakfast can reduce the chances of your cat experiencing an upset stomach or getting sick during the travels.

Don’t Play “Where’s My Cat?”

Next, let your moving crew know which room Mittens is in so they avoid opening the door and letting them out. You’ll want to load your cat in their carrier right before you’re ready to hit the road. Keep a cool, calm and collected composure as you load them in their carrier and gather all their belongings. If they pick up you’ve got moving stress, they’ll begin to feel uneasy, too.

Moving Time for Kitty

When placing Mittens in your vehicle, secure the carrier with a seat belt or other means to make sure they don’t slip and slide around. Place their favorite toy(s) in the carrier for comfort. Some cats prefer to look out and others do not, so don’t be alarmed if they stay toward the back of the carrier or face the wrong way. Keep a light blanket or cloth handy for the drive because you may want to drape it over the carrier to ease their fears. You may also want to pack some earplugs for your travels since Mittens could meow loudly throughout the drive. Talk to them in a calm tone throughout the trip to reassure them all will be alright.

For long-distance moves, identify pet-friendly hotels ahead of time and incorporate water and bathroom breaks for Mittens along the route. Make sure your pet has a leash or collar on when stopping for potty breaks.

Once you arrive at the new location, be sure to first unload your cat, their box, food, water and other items of comfort. Place them all in a room that you don’t mind unloading last, and let your moving crew know not to open the door so Mittens doesn’t bolt out. You’ll want to check on Mittens a bit more frequently throughout the unloading process since they’re in completely new territory. If someone Mittens is familiar with could sit in the room while everyone else is unloading, that would be ideal.

After the Move

Whew! You did it! You and your feline are all moved into your new place. Once everything is situated the way you want it, place your cat’s food, water and litter box in their permanent designations. Show your cat which rooms everything has been moved to, and allow them to explore at their own pace.

Let Them Explore Their New Home

It’s going to take some time for your cat to get familiar with their new space. Try to keep your routine so they have at least some familiar aspects of life before the move. They may cry, hide or seem a little skittish as they adjust. These are normal cat reactions. You can be there for them in these times of need with extra petting, calm reassuring words and patience.

If you notice your pet is still not adjusting well after a couple of weeks, make an appointment with a local veterinarian. They can provide possible solutions to make the transition easier. Sometimes stress can lead to lack of appetite, gastrointestinal system issues, urinary tract concerns or behaving in a way that owners have not seen before.

RELATED POST: Take the Stress Out of Vet Visits for Your Cat

Can My Dog Eat That? Beverages!

Posted on October 5, 2023 - 1:50 pm by
An interior graphic with text that reads ‘The verdict: Can my dog eat beverages? No. Water is best’.

Welcome to “Can My Dog Eat That?,” our series that answers some obvious (and not-so-obvious) questions about what your dog can and can’t safely eat. Today we answer the question “Can dogs eat (or drink) beverages?” Read on!

Most dogs aren’t shy about trying out a new food, crunchy snack or drink. If the opportunity arises, like a full glass at perfect tongue height, they’re going to take advantage of it. So which beverages should you be concerned about if your dog does lap up a few mouthfuls? Or what about if they drink the whole cup?

The quick answer is that your dog really shouldn’t be drinking anything but water. It’s the healthiest drink for them, and it’s all they need to keep hydrated. But if they do get into one of your cups, there are some beverages that are more of a concern than others.

Can Dogs Drink Milk?

Maybe. Like all mammals, puppies start off life by drinking milk from their mom. During this time, they produce the enzyme lactase which helps to digest the lactose in milk. As the puppies get older and are weaned from their mother’s milk, they start to produce less lactase. Most adult dogs are lactose intolerant because they don’t produce much lactase anymore.

This means that your adult dog may not be able to digest cow’s milk properly and that can cause diarrhea and very stinky gas. You’ll soon know if your dog is lactose intolerant! A little bit of milk may be OK for some dogs, but make sure it’s plain milk. Watch out for potentially toxic additives, like chocolate or nutmeg, and some milk substitutes, like macadamia nut milk.

Can Dogs Drink Sports Drinks?

Water is better. If you’re going on a long hike on a hot day, you might take a sports drink with you to help replace some of the electrolytes you lose through sweating. While this could be a good option for you, it’s best to stick with a flask of clean, fresh water for your dog to stay hydrated. Sports drinks often contain sugar and sodium which can be unhealthy for your dog, especially when all they really need is water. It’s probably OK if your dog does drink some of the sports drink, but don’t make it a regular thing for them.

Can Dogs Drink Soda?

No. If a few drops of soda bubbles out of your can onto the floor and your dog laps it up, that’s probably OK. But you should not purposefully give your dog soda or let them lick up a whole soda-can spill because it can contain ingredients that are dangerous for dogs. Xylitol is commonly used in diet soda as an artificial sweetener — but it’s toxic for dogs. Regular sodas contain a bunch of sugar which, although not toxic, is not healthy for dogs to consume in large amounts. And any cola-based sodas are definitely out as they contain caffeine, which is also toxic to dogs (more on that in the coffee section).

Can Dogs Drink Coffee?

Nope. It doesn’t matter whether you’re an espresso drinker, love a good pumpkin-spice latte or  are obsessed with caramel frappé, you should not share your coffee with your dog. Dogs are more sensitive to caffeine than people and can suffer from caffeine poisoning, causing agitation, vomiting, panting, elevated blood pressure, tremors and worse. Depending on the size of your dog and how much caffeine they ingested, it can be fatal.

If your dog drank some of your coffee (or cola), contact your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (1-855-764-7661) immediately for advice. Make sure you keep the coffee pot out of reach of your dog and dispose of coffee grounds in a place that your dog can’t get to.

Can Dogs Drink Beer?

Beer, whiskey, wine: if it’s got alcohol in it, the answer is a hard no. Dogs can become intoxicated and experience ethanol poisoning, which causes symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, difficulty breathing and seizures. Like most toxins, the severity of ethanol poisoning depends on how much ethanol was consumed (drink volume and alcohol percentage) and the size of your dog. Call your veterinarian or one of the animal poison centers listed above if your dog does drink an alcoholic beverage. And if you really want to share a brew with your canine buddy, try a specially made dog beer instead.

The bottom line is: water is the best drink for your dog. Try to keep that curious tongue out of your beverages. Plus, who wants dog slobber in their drink!

An interior graphic with text that reads ‘The verdict: Can my dog eat beverages? No. Water is best’.

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