Bacon and Cheese Dog Muffin Recipe
Two irresistible ingredients in one incredible muffin. Make our Bacon and Cheese Dog Muffin Recipe and become the most popular human at the dog park!Now, don’t you wish these treats were for you? Sorry human – these are Bacon and Cheese Dog Muffins, which means you can’t lay your paws on them! Crispy bacon and sharp cheddar cheese combine perfectly in a muffin that smells so good, you’ll be enviously eyeing up your pooch has he gets his nom on!Bacon and Cheese Dog Muffin RecipeMakes 15 muffinsIngredients:
Harvest Apple Dog Muffin Recipe
Before you even take them out of the oven, the scent of these Harvest Apple Muffins will make your mouth water. But paws off – these muffins are for dogs only!
Apple Ginger Muffin Dog Treat Recipe
Want to fill your home with the scents of apple, ginger, and cinnamon? Our Apple Ginger Muffin Dog Treat Recipe is better than a scented candle.
Cherry Muffin Dog Treat Recipe
As a morning nosh or a reward for a job well done, these Cherry Muffin Dog Treats will have your dog begging for another bite.
Bacon and Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe
When all else fails… BACON!Let’s get one thing straight – I know that bacon isn’t an everyday food. As a bacon connoisseur, I limit my pork intake to a couple times a year, on special occasions… or when I’m stopping at a greasy diner and I just got to get my nom nom on! The same goes for Oscar. He’s a lover of bacon, but I rarely add this delectable tidbit into his bowl. He gets it as a treat – or even better, as a Bacon and Pumpkin Dog Treat! This dog cookie has a little sizzle and a lot of taste. With pumpkin puree and peanut butter thrown into the mix, it’s like a 5-course breakfast packed into convenient treat form.Bacon and Pumpkin Dog Treat Recipe
World’s First Dog-Fox Hybrid Dies Under Mysterious Circ*mstances
The death of the first-ever confirmed dog-fox hybrid in Brazil is under government investigation. The São Braz Conservation Center, which took care of this unique hybrid species since its discovery in 2021, failed to notify the officials about the animal’s death. To make matters even stranger, the exact time and cause of the hybrid’s death are still unknown. The unusual creature, named “dogxim” was discovered after being hit by a car in 2021 and taken to the hospital in Rio Grande do Sul. Veterinarians treating the animals were puzzled by its appearance as they couldn’t figure out if the young female was a fox or a dog. Scientists conducted a series of tests to determine the animal’s genetic makeup. Their findings, published in the journal Animals, showed that the animal is a hybrid between a domestic dog of an unknown breed and a pampas fox, native to South America. Scientists noted that “dogxim” exhibited an unusual mix of fox and dog traits. The hybrid looked like a medium-sized dog with large, pointy ears, a black nose, and a long, thin snout. She had brown eyes and a thick, black-brown fur. Researchers were also surprised to discover that “dogxim” refused to eat dog food but accepted live rodents. Although it moved like a fox, the hybrid barked like a dog and sometimes enjoyed playing with dog toys.“She was an amazing animal, really a hybrid between a pampas fox and a dog,” said Flávia Ferrari, a conservationist who worked with the hybrid during its recovery. Ferrari described the hybrid as less aggressive than a wild canid but not as docile as a domestic dog. “She had a shy and cautious personality, generally preferring to stay away from people. Over the time she was hospitalized for treatment, I believe she started to feel safer.” When the scientists who studied and cared for the fox-dog hybrid asked for recent photographs of the animal in August, they were notified that the creature had died six months ago. Dr. Rafael Kretschmer, a cytogeneticist at the Universidade Federal de Pelotas who did the genetic analysis that showed the animal’s hybrid nature, told the Telegraph: “We are very sad about her death, especially because we do not have the answers about the exact date and the cause of her death.”“We only discovered that she died because I called Mantenedouro São Braz to request some recent photos of the hybrid. They informed me that she died approximately six months ago. They didn’t answer me about the exact date and cause of her death,” he added.Flávia Ferrari who studied the hybrid before it was transferred to the São Braz Conservation Center, added: “When she left she was healthy, there were no indications of any health problems. Health check-ups were carried out periodically, including blood tests.”As far as scientists are aware, no autopsy was performed to determine the cause of death.“The Secretariat of Environment and Infrastructure (SEMA) investigates the death of a hybrid between wild graxaim and domestic dog, the target of scientific research which, since 2021, was under the care of the Mantenedouro de Fauna Silvestre São Braz, in Santa Maria, an enterprise registered and authorized by the state,” the spokesman for the Brazilian government told the Telegraph. “SEMA is investigating the circ*mstances of the animal’s death and informs that in the reports sent periodically by the entrepreneur, there was no communication to this department about the animal’s death.”The young female "dogxim" was the first ever recorded case of a fox and dog breeding in the world, and the hybrid was of unmeasurable significance to science.
More Dogs Than Ever Euthanized as Shelters Hit Capacity
Each year millions of cats and dogs enter shelters and rescues nationwide. Almost a million more animals have entered and lingered in the nation’s shelters in the last three years, resulting in an ongoing capacity crisis. Last year, 3.2 million dogs entered shelters and rescue organizations nationwide. More than 359,000 dogs were euthanized in 2023, compared to 330,000 cats that were euthanized last year. This marks a four-year peak in non-live outcomes for dogs and the first time the number of dogs euthanized has surpassed the number of euthanized cats. These heartbreaking findings were published in an annual report of shelter populations compiled by Shelter Animals Count, an Atlanta-based nonprofit organization founded in 2012. “Everywhere you turn, the shelters are in crisis,” said the organization’s executive director Stephanie Filer. “It’s truly about an imbalance of animals coming in at faster rates than they’re leaving.”According to Filer, for years cats were considered most at risk because they entered shelters at high rates, but faced low adoption rates. However, focused efforts to reverse these trends are giving results, and the newest data shows a positive shift.“We have seen major positive change,” said Filer. “Adoption rates are high and intakes have decreased, and there are efforts to keep cats at home or in their communities.”Unfortunately, dog programs are suffering, with adoption rates significantly lower than in recent years. “Too many dogs are entering shelters and being left behind,” added Filer, according to USA Today. “Unlike cat adoptions, which continue to increase, dog adoptions have essentially flatlined.”When people think of animal shelters, most imagine scores of large-sized mixed breeds and pit bulls. But in reality, there are purebreds like huskies, French bulldogs, Labradors, and even designer dogs.The one thing no animal advocate thought possible happened - the rates of dog euthanasia surpassed the rates of cat euthanasia for the first time in a long time. “The real reason we’re saying, ‘Wow,’ is that it wasn’t that way for a lot of years. And now it is,” said Filer.More than 6.5 million cats and dogs ended up in U.S. shelters and rescues in 2023. While the number of intakes remained relatively steady, this was the fourth consecutive year of overpopulation. While more dogs were adopted in 2023 than in 2022, the adoption rates were insufficient to meet the demand.The high cost of living, job loss, and housing cost challenges are the main reasons adoption rates aren’t keeping up with animal intake. At the end of 2023, an additional 70,000 cats and 107,000 dogs are waiting for a forever home in one of the many shelters and rescues nationwide. “With more animals entering shelters than leaving, animal welfare organizations and their communities need to continue working together to keep pets in loving homes and out of shelters, including finding ways to increase access to veterinary care and advocating for pet-friendly housing policies,” said Matt Bershadker, president and the CEO of ASPCA.Experts agree that the promotion of shelter adoptions is the best way to solve the ongoing capacity crisis. Adopting an animal from a shelter saves a life, but it also supports the struggling shelters and their staff. Although adopting a cat or a dog from a shelter isn’t possible for everyone, there are other things you can do to help. Volunteering in your local shelter, fostering a pet, or donating are great ways to get involved and help alleviate the shelter crisis.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.
Study Shows Your Dog Is Listening to You Even When They’re Sleeping
For millennia, dogs have been our most loyal companions – naturally, this means that we’ve evolved together and that canines and humans share a special bond like no other. Not only that but they’ve also learned how to communicate with us without speaking, from using “ puppy eyes” to tail wagging, and other body language that’s unique to their species. Their ability to understand us, too, never ceases to amaze us, and it has been further confirmed by a recent study by ethologists at the Hungarian Eötvös Loránd University.A small pilot study that was conducted on 13 dogs revealed that even when in deep slumber, a dog’s brain can still light up in response to human voices and the sounds of other canines - just like when they are wide awake. Eötvös Loránd University’s ethologist Huba Eleőd says that “this finding is significant insofar as it is the first evidence of complex auditory processing during sleep in dogs.”To achieve the most accurate readings, the experts used special devices that measured the dogs’ “event-related potential brain wave responses”. In different stages of the testing, the dogs were presented with the voices while awake, drowsy, and fully asleep. Sounds lasted only for a second and included laughs, sighs, yawns, growls, and yelps. The sounds were carefully chosen so as not to startle the doggos awake. The results surprised everyone. Even when they were not in deep REM sleep, dogs could tell if a noise was coming from a human or a dog, and whether the “communication” was positive or not. Previously, such abilities were only seen in primates, including us humans. The only non-primates to display this ability were mice – and now, dogs as well. That primates possessed such an ability came as no surprise, as we spend plenty of time asleep, and having that ability ensured our continued survival. But dogs, dogs definitely surprised researchers!Luckily, modern studies allowed us to learn a lot of new things about dogs. Their sleep, for example, sheds a lot of light on how exactly they function. While snoozing, pooches process emotion and “consolidate” their memories. They can even dream as well! And now we know that they can hear us as well.While undoubtedly exciting, these findings are just the tip of the iceberg. Important research will continue in Hungary, in search of further similarities between canine and human sleep behavior. We can only eagerly wait to see what new discoveries are made in the coming months and years.
Study Confirms Dogs Prefer Food Over Toys
If someone asked you to pick between your favorite toy or your favorite food, what would you choose? If your answer is food, you’re not alone - researchers have found that dogs prefer their favorite food over their favorite toy. It’s no secret that dogs like playing with their toys, but the goal of this new study was to determine whether toys make an effective training reward.In the first study of its kind, researchers from the University of Florida found that nine out of 10 dogs will choose food over toys. For the purposes of this study, researchers used social media advertisem*nt and word-of-mouth to recruit 10 dogs from the local area. The dogs participating in the study come from a range of breeds, including two German shepherds, a labrador, a German shorthaired pointer, and six mixed breeds. Researchers allowed the dogs to pick their favorite food and favorite toy. Each dog was shown six food items - including a hotdog, cheese, carrot, hard dog treat, soft dog treat, and kibble - and six toys - such as a ball, squeak toy, bone, tug toy, stuffed animal, and empty plastic water bottle. Each dog had an opportunity to pick their favorite food and favorite toy. During the next phase of the experiment, the dogs were given progressively more difficult tasks to get a reward. The dogs were rewarded with either their favorite food or favorite toy. The researchers discovered that nine out of 10 dogs gave up on the task earlier when rewarded with their favorite toy, as opposed to when given their favorite food. These findings show that dogs are more motivated to work for food than toys.Previous studies have shown that dogs prefer human attention to food but, until now, there has been little research into how dogs rank their favorite toys. “I was surprised, but nobody’s looked at how dogs will work for toys versus food before,” said Dr. Nicol Dorey, the lead author of the study.The researchers hope that these new findings could be useful for dog owners trying to train their dogs. “Understanding a dog’s preferred reward can be essential for shaping behavior effectively,” concluded the researchers.Some dog trainers recommend using toys instead of treats while training, to prevent excess calorie intake and to keep the training more fun for the dog. If you decide to train your puppy using toys, the key is not to offer food at any step of the training. “You can definitely train your dog with toys if you start really early,” Dr Dorey said. “This is what’s done with search and rescue dogs, they start really early with toys as a reinforcer.”The researchers noted that more research is needed, especially since human attention acts as a strong reinforcer when training dogs. “I think the next study should look at all three - attention, food, and toys - and what dogs really like the best when training,” said Dr Dorey. Regardless of what the next study finds, I’m sure my pooch would pick food over me and toys any day of the week. What about your dog - are they team food or team toys?
How to Clean Dog Diarrhea From Carpet
Sure, sharing your life with a dog is fun and your days are filled with love, but sometimes, it can get messy. Like, real messy. After all, even though we love them, dogs are not the neatest of animals out there (that title would go to kitties, I’m afraid). In the daily life of a dog owner, there is bound to be a bit of dirt, hair, and - inevitably, poop – to clean up after your pet. And as if picking up poop from the street after your pet wasn’t bad enough, sometimes accidents happen inside your home, and the messes are that much harder to clean. Especially when you’re dealing with diarrhea and not your regular ole poop situation. But even though it’s far from pleasant to clean up after, it’s not the end of the world if an accident happens. While it can be difficult to thoroughly clean dog diarrhea embedded in the carpet fibers, everything can be cleaned if you are persistent enough – and know how to approach the issue. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you clean dog diarrhea from carpet – stains and smell both.How to Clean Dog Diarrhea from Carpet: Step by StepNow, keep in mind that cleaning dog diarrhea from a carpet can be a messy task, but it's important to clean it thoroughly and as quickly as possible to prevent lasting stains and lingering odors. Even if you are disgusted by the sight before you, it is necessary to keep at it until the job’s done. Someone has to do it, right? And we all know it ain’t gonna be your pooch.So, first things first, you’ll need to gather supplies. It is always good to have them handy and keep them stored in a secure cabinet. You never know when an accident can happen and they will be needed, so be sure to be stocked on pet-safe cleaning supplies (if you’re not already, now is a perfect time to pick up all of your basic necessities).
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Halloween Candy?
Dogs will munch on pretty much anything, if they get a chance. Literally, they have no standards – I mean, they do eat their own poop. Sometimes, though, their questionable eating choices are not just weird or plain disgusting – they can be unsafe. Your pooch simply won’t realize that something they are keen on eating can be dangerous for them, so you’ll have to take precautions to keep them away from forbidden snacks. This is particularly true during Halloween! This time of the year, candies are all over the place so you should be extra careful to prevent your dog from accessing your sweet stash. Despite anyone’s best efforts, though, accidents happen and your dog can get some of your Halloween candy. What should you do in this case? Is it a reason for worry? Let’s find out. What to Do If Your Dog Eats Halloween Candy?If your dog eats Halloween candy, it's important to take immediate action to ensure their safety, as many of these candies can be toxic to dogs. They are simply meant for human consumption and can contain chemicals and ingredients that are safe for us but toxic for our pets. In case you notice your pet ate some of your Halloween candy, don’t panic. First, try to assess the situation in a composed manner. Try to determine what candy and how much of it your dog has consumed. Different candies have varying levels of toxicity, and the amount ingested can be a significant factor in the severity of the problem. It will go a long way to examine the wrapper or the box, if possible. It should have all the ingredients listed. If you suspect or know that the candy in question is not safe for consumption by dogs, you should, naturally, call your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control hotline (such as the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435) immediately. They can provide guidance based on the specific candy ingested and your dog's size and breed. Be prepared to provide details about the type and amount of candy your dog ate.Needless to say, you should observe your dog and their behavior. If they consume something that is potentially toxic, there should be telltale signs that something is wrong. So keep a close eye on your dog for any unusual symptoms. Signs of candy toxicity can include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, lethargy, tremors, seizures, rapid heart rate, and even collapse. The symptoms can vary depending on the type of candy and the toxins involved. Remember, do not try to induce vomiting in your dog unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian or the poison control hotline. Some candies, such as chocolate, can be more harmful if the dog vomits.
New Survey Ranks America's Top Dog Breeds by State
There’s no doubt about it - Americans love their dogs! We know that your pooch is the best breed, but have you wondered which are the most favored dog breeds in America? Forbes surveyed 10,000 dog owners across the 50 states to find America’s top dog breed. The survey involved the top 25 most popular dog breeds nationwide, according to the American Kennel Club. So, what is America’s top dog? As it turns out, “no breed in particular” is the country’s favorite at 13%.However, if Americans had to decide, they’d pick the Australian shepherd as a favorite, followed by the German shepherd and the bulldog.The highly intelligent and energetic Australian shepherd was ranked as the top dog breed in 10 states, including Alabama, Arizona, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Montana, Missouri, New York, and Virginia. This breed was also voted the second favorite in nine states. Although Aussies won the popularity vote, the German shepherd was the number one pick in 16 states. That’s more than any other breed!Known for its loyal and courageous nature, the German shepherd is the most common breed to serve as a police K9 but also makes a wonderful family companion. They ranked as the second favorite dog breed in nine states. Interestingly, more men than women picked German shepherds as their favorite breed (9% compared to 6%). America’s 3rd favorite breed, according to Forbes, is the bulldog. The English bulldog is a medium-sized dog breed, best known for its stocky build, large head, and wrinkled face. The bulldog ranked as the top dog in eight states, including Illinois, Connecticut, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Utah. Among all states, Nebraska ranked the bulldog lowest, placing this breed at 24th place, The lovable and friendly Labrador retriever ranked as the nation’s 4th favorite breed. Thanks to their affectionate, friendly, and energetic nature, Labs make great companions to people of all ages and families with children. Labrador retrievers ranked as the most favorite dog breed in 10 states, including Louisiana, Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Oregon, South Dakota, and West Virginia. Bernese mountain dog is the 5th favorite dog breed in the United States. Large in size and built for hard work, Bernese mountain dogs are easy to train and make affectionate, loyal, and faithful companions. So, it’s no surprise that this doggo ranked as the most favorite breed in nine states. Compared to four other top-ranked breeds, the Bernese mountain dog had the most varying results, with 10 states ranking this breed in the bottom 10.The beagle is the nation’s favorite small breed. Ranked as the 6th favorite breed overall, the beagle was placed in the top 10 favorite breeds in all but seven states. This breed received the lowest ranking in Utah, where it was voted as the state’s 3rd least favorite breed.The golden retriever comes in at 7th place, after being voted as the most favorite dog breed in Michigan and Wisconsin. Medium in size and best known for their gorgeous golden coats, golden retrievers are loving, loyal, and affectionate companions to active people and families with children. Goldens were the 2nd favorite dog breed in four states, including New Hampshire, North Dakota, Connecticut, and Vermont. This breed ranked the lowest in Alabama, where it received 17th place.These are America’s most favorite dog breeds, but the nation also has the least favorite doggo. This title goes to the Havanese, which was the bottom-ranked breed in 33 states.The Havanese is followed by Pembroke Welsh Corgi which was the least favorite dog breed in 17 states. And what about you? What’s your favorite and least favorite dog breed?Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.
Holiday Gifts for Your Cats: Tips and Recommendations
Your cat is a member of your family, so why not include them in the gift giving tradition of the holidays by getting them something special? With a wide range of pet products on the market, you can find an item that your kitty is sure to love, and you can make sweet memories in the process. Whether you have a stocking for your furbaby or you plan on wrapping a little gift for them, here are some holiday gift ideas for cats to help you get started.
Cat Chattering: What Is It and What Does It Mean?
Cats communicate with each other and their humans in a variety of ways through vocalizations and body language. While you may be able to figure out what your cat is saying when they meow or hiss, you might be at a loss for an explanation when you see them chatter for the first time, especially if you’ve never seen cats do this before.What does it mean when cats chatter? Check out the information below to learn all about it so you’ll be able to figure out what your kitty is thinking and feeling the next time you see them exhibit this odd behavior.What Is Chattering in Cats?Chattering usually happens when a kitty sees something that they want to get their paws on. Many times, they’ll be looking out the window when a prey animal, like a chipmunk or bird, comes into view. Or, if your kitty spends time in a catio or outdoor enclosure, they might start chattering when they see small wildlife. As soon as your cat sees their intended prey, they may be ready to go on the hunt, and might express this feeling by chattering.This behavior doesn’t only happen when your kitty sees wildlife, though. It can also happen when you’re using a toy to play with them. The movement of the toy can get them excited and ready to pounce on their “prey,” and they might chatter as a result.Once you know what cat chattering looks like, you’ll be able to recognize it right away. But if you’ve never seen it before, it can be described simply as your cat making quick movements with their jaw, showing their teeth while staring intently at their target. Sometimes, no sounds will come out, but other times, they’ll make chirping sounds or even little meows. Some people even describe chattering as “ekekek”.To see what it looks like, here’s a compilation of cats chattering:
Enigmatic Respiratory Illness Targets Dogs – These Are The Symptoms
A mysterious and seemingly quite dangerous dog respiratory illness is spreading across the United States– and has veterinarians perplexed. This illness is compared to pneumonia, as it starts with coughing and gradually worsens. To make matters even worse, the illness seems to be resistant to common antibiotics.Officials are now releasing statements that say dogs are most likely to contract this enigmatic illness directly through contact with other dogs. What this means is that the danger lurks in dog parks, grooming salons, kennels, and any other place where a lot of dogs can be found.While there are some enigmatic aspects to the disease, there are ways, luckily, to recognize it quickly. The most common symptoms to keep an eye out for are coughing, trouble breathing, wheezing, sneezing, nasal and eye discharge, fatigue, lethargy, and so on. According to the Oregon Department of Agriculture, dogs who exhibit these symptoms may also test negative for common causes of respiratory illnesses. Needless to say, owners who spot these symptoms in their dogs should go to the vet immediately. In the meantime, vets are advising owners to avoid places with a lot of dogs for the time being, and also to make sure that their pets are “up to date” with all the necessary vaccinations. And although it is a new illness, officials at the Oregon Department of Agriculture have said that three main categories of cases can already be observed.Chronic mild-moderate tracheobronchitis with a prolonged duration (6 to 8 weeks or longer) that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics. Chronic pneumonia that is minimally or not responsive to antibiotics.Acute pneumonia rapidly becomes severe and often leads to poor outcomes in as little as 24-36 hours.Checkups are advised, of course, and vets urge owners to schedule visits before exposing their dogs to potentially dangerous environments. According to officials, the illness had been reported in the following U.S. states: Washington, Idaho, Illinois, California, Indiana, Florida, Georgia, Colorado, Oregon, and New Hampshire.“Reduce contact with large numbers of unknown dogs.” the officials advise. “Just like with other respiratory pathogens, the more contacts your dog has, the greater the risk of encountering a dog that’s infectious.”While experts advise dog owners to be careful, but not to worry too much without a reason. Needless to say, you should avoid contact with dogs that look sick or exhibit symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, or runny nose and eyes. Do your best to keep your dog away from them. Another thing to avoid is communal water sources from which many dogs drink. And if your four-legged friend exhibits these symptoms, make sure to keep them at home in order to keep other dogs safe – and of course contact a vet to make sure they get the right treatment on time.
Back-to-School Ready? What About Rover?
Summer was a blast for the entire family! Road trips that led to the great outdoors, camping, long hikes, plus those backyard barbecues that brought everyone together. But now that it’s over and time to mark the start of another school year, the transition can be particularly hard on one member of the family you may not have considered. Yes, that four-legged kid who was always included in those fun activities and is now left behind to fill time on his own.Not only does your dog miss the kids but also the physical outlet that came from non-stop running, chasing balls and active playtime. Then there was the mental stimulation from all those new experiences and that important one-on-one interaction he enjoyed when hanging with his human pack.Whether your pooch is a new member of your family or a long-time “sibling” to your kids, the sudden change to a busy social calendar that once filled his summer months can be a difficult adjustment. And one that can result in naughty behaviors as he tries to let you know he ain’t loving this new routine.What to do? There are steps you can take to lessen separation anxiety and help ease your pooch into this new family pattern.Late August can be a great time to start extending your dog’s alone time. Heading out for one to two hours (and eventually longer periods) without poochie helps him get used to being on his own. And while it will probably break your heart just a little to exclude him from fun time, bringing him home a treat or toy may ease your guilt.Blink... and just like that we’re into September! If you didn't have the chance to transition him into this new school year, your little buddy may be exhibiting some of those aforementioned naughty behaviors. Chewing, urinating, or incessant barking while you’re out of the house aren't uncommon. Fret not because there are still some basic steps you can take to help curb his anxiety and preserve your floors (and sanity)!For young or high-energy pooches, consider a doggy daycare or dog walker once a day. Aside from the human interaction, a long walk can help cover off that sudden drop in activity levels your pet is now experiencing. It helps establish a routine, keep him mentally stimulated, and tire him out before you get home.For older or physically challenged pets, keep them preoccupied throughout the day with puzzle toys and snuffle mats. Working to release hidden treats not only challenges him mentally but satisfies a dog’s natural instinct to root around and dig. It will also help take his mind off being on his own.And lastly, there is a range of virtual home assistants such as Amazon's Alexa or Apple’s Siri that play music geared specifically to the dog population. Low, soothing tones break up the silence he’s experiencing and sound helps mimic what a busy household feels like when his peeps are around.
Study Reveals a Link Between Mental Health and an Attachment to Pets
We have all been told at one time or another that our pets are good for our mental health. But have you ever stopped to consider how your mental health could also impact the attachment bond you form with your pet? Could your attachment to your pet hurt your mental health?These questions and more were the inspiration behind a new study out of the University of Helsinki.Rather than focusing solely on the benefits of dogs and cats to our mental well-being, researchers went a step better. The goal was to better understand how the relationship we form with our pets could have an impact both on us as well as on the pets themselves. They also dug into how an owner’s attachment style could impact the care they provide and our pet’s behaviors.The research team collected information from approximately 2,500 pet owners and 3,300 pets to gather the necessary data. This included:Personality traits (of owners, dogs, and cats)Owner mental well-being ratingsUnwanted behavior traitsOther potential influences, like children in the householdAttachment stylesIn terms of the relationship, they looked specifically at two types of insecure attachment – anxious and avoidant. Anxious attachment refers to owners who desire to have their pets nearby and are concerned about the risk of losing their pets. On the other end of the spectrum, avoidant attachment refers to pet owners concerned about losing their personal autonomy and, as such, seeking a higher level of independence.The study found that cat owners with lower mental health ratings demonstrated anxious attachment to their feline friends. However, dog owners with similar mental health ratings were split between anxious attachment and avoidant attachment.Interestingly enough, there was a clear division between the attachment styles when categorizing the relationships based on a dog’s mental well-being and potentially “unwanted” or “problem” behaviors. Dogs who demonstrated aggression or ADHD-like behavior were more likely to have avoidantly attached owners, while dogs who demonstrated fear-related behaviors were often connected to anxiously attached owners.What does all this mean? By recognizing the connection, we can better understand how personality and attachment styles can influence one another.For example, if a dog owner demonstrates avoidant attachment, they may not provide the security a dog desires in a potentially threatening situation. As a result, the dog may develop aggression. However, it is also possible that a dog’s aggressive response may contribute to an owner’s need for space and independence from the behavior and its impact on their daily activities.“What made this project unique was that it involved dogs, cats, and owners alike,” explained Professor Hannes Lohi. “We need a deeper understanding of the connections between owners and pets and the associated factors so we can, for example, help people make better decisions when obtaining a pet. It’s important to acknowledge that obtaining a pet while experiencing poor mental well-being may not necessarily meet the expectations of improving it.”Not only is this a big step forward in helping people make educated decisions about pet ownership, but it could also provide valuable guidance for trainers and behaviorists when dealing with unwanted behaviors.
Hundreds of Cats and Dogs Saved from an Animal Testing Laboratory
In a groundbreaking action, the Beagle Freedom Project (BFP), a non-profit organization that rescues animals used in testing, has shut down an animal testing facility in Nowata, Oklahoma, and rescued over 200 dogs and cats from certain death.This monumental action closed down one-third of the flea and tick product testing industry in the U.S., ending years of cruel experimentation on an untold number of animals, and saving thousands of cats and dogs from the same dreadful fate.Most of the animals kept in these facilities are bred specifically for testing, meaning they spend their entire lives in terrible conditions. According to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), animals in laboratories are kept alone in steel cages, with little room to move, and devoid of animal and human companionship.More than 200 cats, dogs, and a family of pigs were kept in horrifying conditions in the 30-acre facility in Nowata, Oklahoma. The poor animals were kept outside in the cold, in nothing but small tents to serve as a shelter. Those kept inside were housed inside tiny cages placed on hard concrete. In the past, the Nowata laboratory has been the subject of many USDA citations and violations. The animals kept there had to endure aggravating pain and discomfort caused by fleas and ticks breeding on their bodies. To make matters worse, the cats and dogs were forced to wear cones so they couldn’t relieve the itching and the pain.“We had to end this,” the president and founder of the Beagle Freedom Project, Shannon Keith, said. “Rather than rescue the dogs and cats one by one, while the facility continued its cruel operations, several months ago, we took a chance and approached the owner of the facility about relinquishing his USDA license and ending operations.”And they were successful! Animal Health Innovations Inc. has ceased operations and surrendered its USDA license. “The importance of this monumental achievement cannot be overstated. Not only have we rescued hundreds of animals from being tested on and certain death, we have also created a pathway for others to do the same,” said Keith to Agusta Free Press.But, that’s not the end. The Beagle Freedom Project plans to transform the former laboratory into a rehabilitation and adoption center called the Freedom Fields - a place where the rescued animals will receive medical attention and the love they deserve.“This has never before been accomplished. We are overjoyed that not only will we give more than 200 dogs and cats their freedom and identity, but that we will also transform an animal testing facility into a place of hope, happiness, rehabilitation, and love,” added Keith.The new space should consist of a doggy park, catio, cat cafe, dog dens, groom room, and lots of open space for dogs and cats to run around and play in. Additionally, there will be a barn for farm animals and a visiting center where the visitors can learn about animal testing before meeting the adoptable animals. Extensive renovations are already underway at Freedom Fields, including replacing small metal cages and makeshift outdoor tents surrounded with electrical fencing with warm and sturdy barns for large farm animals. A landscaped dog park and cozy indoor/outdoor spaces will make rescued cats and dogs feel at home. According to Keith, there are safer and better methods of flea and tick control, and these products don’t have to be tested on animals. Currently, the Beagle Freedom Project is arranging the closure of another large laboratory and is working with companies to provide safer and more ethical methods of flea and tick control for cats and dogs.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.
