From chewing your favorite shoes to digging through the trash, dogs, sometimes, let mischief take over. However, this does not suggest that they do not feel some sort of remorse.

As a matter of fact, after a little bit of mischief, dogs often exhibit behaviors suggesting that they’re sorry and wish to make it up to you.

These behaviors, no matter how small or big, are our dogs’ way of expressing regret and seeking reconciliation with their hoomans.

And understanding these behaviors when they apologize deepens our understanding of our pooches and strengthens our bonds with them.

So, continue reading and learn everything you need to know about the art of dog apology.

Understanding Canine Behavior: Do Dogs Really Feel Guilt?

Even though dogs are considered “man’s best friend”, their behavior and the way they communicate is world’s apart from ours.

While we mostly rely on words to communicate, dogs rely on body movements, vocalizations, chemical signals (such as body odors and pheromones), and physical contacts to convey their thoughts and intentions.

Dogs have evolved in so many ways because they typically learn through association. They act in particular ways after observing people’s response.

And throughout the years, they have developed sophisticated communication strategies and behaviors to enable them to maintain harmony.

But do they really feel guilt? Well, a 2009 research examined the canine “guilty” expressions. And it discovered that dogs only display “guilty” behavior more frequently when their owners scolded them than when owners remained natural.

Dr. Alexandra Horowitz, the author of the research said, “A better description of the so-called guilty look is that it is a response to owner cues, rather than that it shows an appreciation of a misdeed.”

Furthermore, guilt is a complex concept to grasp for a dog and no study have proven than dogs fully understand the weight of their mischief. And we can say that their actions are a reflection of our response to what they have done.

So, dog apology serves more than just moral remorse. It is more of a response to our reaction to their misdeeds, to make us feel better, and to prevent us from getting angry at them.

And as a dog owner, it is important that we understand canine behavior and body language. It helps us better understand each other and gives both parties room to effectively communicate, despite not “speaking the same language”, and resolve conflicts.

10 Signs Of Dog Apology

Dogs may not fully comprehend the concept of guilt or apologizing, but they still try their best to make things right with their hoomans. From subtle body language to more grand gestures, dogs have their own ways of expressing regret and seeking for forgiveness.

So, without further ado, here are 10 signs your dog is trying to say sorry to you:

1. Lowering Their Head And Making Airplane Ears

A dog trying to apologize to you will lower their head and make airplane ears. When they do this, we might assume that they feel bad and are afraid to be punished.

However, these behaviors are a sign of acknowledgment of the misdeed and submission to their owner. By showing submission and appeasement, they communicate the desire to alleviate tension and avoid confrontations.

2. Avoiding You At All Costs

Dog apology may also come in the form of avoidance behavior. When they sense our displeasure in them, they may avoid eye contact, hide somewhere they deem safe (like their crate), or retreat to a corner.

While this behavior may seem like a dog is showing guilt, it’s more about them understanding the negative response they got, and removing themself from the intense situation to try and de-escalate it.

You can say that it’s their way of saying, “I know I did wrong. And I’m going to give both of us time and space to calm down.”

3. Tucking Their Tail And Making Puppy Eyes

Dogs use their tail to express a lot of their feelings. And when a dog tucks its tail in between its legs, it means they feel scared or anxious. But it can also be a sign of submission in the presence of another dog or human.

So, if you scold your dog and it tucks its tail, it’s another way of them saying “I know I did something wrong.”

Similar to tucking their tail, dogs also make “puppy dog eyes” to express a lot of things. And one of them is when they express their regret.

If you ask us, this seems like a dog’s trump card when trying to apologize, because who can resist a dog so adorable when they make those eyes?

4. Lying Down And Exposing Their Belly

When you scold your dog for doing something mischievous and they start rolling over and exposing their belly, that’s another form of dog apology.

While we always associate an exposed dog belly as a sign of trust, this behavior can also mean a lot of things. But in the context of dog apology, it can mean that they feel afraid, want to avoid any confrontation, or don’t want to be in any trouble.

5. Licking

Dogs who are trying to apologize tend to lick their fur, their nose, or even your face, hands, or feet! After a mistake, dogs will try to do this gesture on themselves to express their nervousness and awareness of their misdeed.

But when they do it to you, it actually is a little sweet gesture to soothe you and reduce the tension. A study has shown that licking releases endorphins in a dog’s brain. It makes dogs and us feel a lot calmer and more relaxed.

It’s also their way of trying to mend the bond between the both of you, show you affection, and reinforce and reassure their loyalty to you despite their mistake.

6. Sticking Close To You

Along with licking, another intimate gesture dogs do to express their sorry is by nuzzling or sticking close to you.

When they know they’ve been naughty, they will try to come close to you and press their whole body against you, like a little kid seeking comfort.

7. Placing A Paw On You

Another form of dog apology is when they place a paw on you. Like the puppy dog eyes they make, pawing is an effective way for dogs to apologize and be immediately tended to, because we hoomans find it adorable and irresistible.

By putting their paw on your arm, lap, or leg, they’re acknowledging their mistake and asking for reassurance that you still love them even after a misdeed.

8. Whining

When or after reprimanding your dog for doing something bad, have you ever heard them softly whining? Well, that’s another form of dog apology!

Whining is another submissive behavior that dogs do as a way of apologizing. This behavior comes from dogs’ ancestors, the wolves.

It is rooted in the pack dynamics where wolves can be shunned from the pack when they break the rules. They whine, lower their head, and put their tail in between their legs as a sign of submission.

9. Bringing Their Favorite Toy To You

Some mischievous dogs resort to playing when they try to appease and apologize to you. So, as a form of dog apology, they bring you their favorite toy so the both of you can play.

This might be a bit different from their other apologetic behavior but this can be interpreted as them giving you a peace offering for their mistake. It’s their way of saying “This is my prized possession, and I’m giving it to you as a token of my apology.”

Furthermore, a study found that adult dogs like to use play time to encourage emotional bonds between humans and dogs, a trait they adapted as they became domesticated.

10. Yawning

You might notice some dogs yawning when they’re being reprimanded. When they do this, it’s another way of them saying sorry to you.

Yawning in dogs can signify a lot of things. But in the context of doing a misdeed, it can signify stress or a dog’s intentions to avoid conflict or de-escalate an intense situation, especially if you scold them after they dog something bad.

In dog apology, yawning is usually accompanied by other submissive behaviors such as tucking their tail and airplane ears.

Responding To Your Dog’s Apology

Responding to a dog’s apology is key to maintaining a great relationship with them. Since they communicate differently and process guilt and remorse differently from us, understanding this is crucial to responding to their apology with compassion, rather than with punishment.

When you see them doing any of the abovementioned behaviors, it’s important to acknowledge their actions. But it must be in a calm and soothing tone, so they can feel reassured and safe.

Furthermore, physical touch such as kissing or petting can help reinforce that you still care for them and love them.

As mentioned above, avoid anything negative such as punishment or yelling as much as possible. Raising your voice makes your dog scared and anxious.

Conclusion

A dog’s body language is worth a thousand words, quite literally. Dogs communicate their thoughts and intentions through a wide range of behavior and body language cues.

And by paying attention to these, you’ll be able to better understand your dog, especially when they’re apologizing to you.

It’s also worth remembering that every dog is unique, and their apologies will vary from one another.

How does your dog apologize to you? Let us know in the comments below!

The survey, conducted by the Talker Research for the pet food brand, The Pets Table, had 2,000 dog parents participate in it between July 5 and July 9.

The survey sets the record straight for “pet rules” that dog parents and lovers alike have been debating.

Other than the fact that majority of the participants thinking of their pooch as their child, the survey also found that twice the number of respondents (41%) think of their dog before anyone else after a stressful day – and yes, more than their partner!

70% of fur parents also said it’s perfectly acceptable for dogs to be on the couch, while 67% said beds are not off-limits to their precious pooches.

While beds and couches are dog parent-approved, the dinner table is apparently where dog parents draw the line. As a matter of fact, 70% said they don’t want their dogs at the dinner table.

Ironically, while majority of dog parents consider their dogs as their children, 56% of them do not like the idea of using strollers for their dogs.

However, while strollers are a no-no, dog parents spoil their beloved “children” in other ways.

When 76% of dog parents think of their pup as the “main character” of their family, they’re bound to prioritize their pooches over anything else.

That’s why the survey also reveals that nearly half (48%) of the participants said they’d rather cut some of their own expenses than those of their dogs, particularly when it comes to going out, shopping, or traveling.

The respondents favorite way to spoil their dog is with premium dog food and treats (62%), birthday presents (40%), and clothes (21%).

Co-founder and chief marketing officer of The Pets Table, Dovas Zakas, said, “We believe that pets are part of the family and deserve to live life to the fullest.”

“While pet parenting styles may differ between families, finding that a majority of households think of their pets as children reinforces our core values of health, quality and happiness for our pups,” he continues.

You can find the full data of the survey here.

While previous studies have revealed that dogs can indeed smell human stress, the effect it has on them hasn’t been studied yet.

The study, published on Scientific Reports on July 22, involved using odor samples from different people during stressful and relaxing activities and letting dogs sniff the odors and see how they would react to the scent of stress.

Dr. Zoe Parr-Cortes, a veterinarian and Ph.D. student at Bristol Veterinary School and the lead author on the study tells WLIW-FM, “Some people have looked at, can dogs actually detect differences in odor. And they have. But nobody had really looked at how that affects the dog’s emotions.”

The human volunteers were put through a stress test and were later rewarded with relaxation time. And their odor samples were collected by sticking pieces of cloth under their armpits during both test.

It also involved 18 dogs that were put under their own test. The dogs were trained to learn that a food bowl on one side of the room always had a food reward (referred to as a “positive” location in the study), while the other was always empty (referred to as a “negative” location).

Over time and expectedly, the dogs approached the bowl with food in it.

The researchers then removed the two bowls in their locations and created an “ambiguous” location in the middle.

The dogs’ owners then opened a jar using one of the rags with odor samples and had the dog sniff it, before a bowl was put in front of them.

“Do they approach quickly, optimistic that there’s going to be a food reward in there, or do they approach more slowly, with a more pessimistic outlook that there might not be food in that bowl?” Parr-Cortes says of the dogs.

Researchers ran this test many times, with both stressed and relaxed odor samples and in different orders.

After the test, they found that the relaxed scent didn’t yield much of a result. However, when the dogs smelled the stress odor, they became more hesitant to approach the bowl in the ambiguous location, meaning they were a lot pessimistic that the bowl had any food in it.

Parr-Cortes explains, “It basically shows that the stress smell might affect how [dogs] respond to ambiguous situations. They might be less likely to try something risky if they think they’re going to be disappointed.”

The researchers concluded that these findings may indicate that human odor can affect how a dog perceives risks and rewards.

Molly Byrne, a Ph.D. student at Boston College who studies comparative cognition but isn’t affiliated with the study thinks the same way too and was impressed with the new findings.

She said that dogs think a reward is less likely to come if their owner is in a bad mood, which makes a lot of sense. “When your owner is training you, they’re probably not giving you maybe as many treats if they’re really stressed.”

“These findings highlight the need to consider dogs’ training and working environments from an olfactory perspective,” the researchers wrote.

John Bradford, Founder and CEO of Fido Alert tells Texoma’s News, “Years ago, I’m like, why isn’t there a more instantaneous process to connect pet owners with lost pets?”

So, here’s how Fido Alert works: You register your pet’s information on their website – including their name, breed, photos, and any features that will easily help identify the dog.

You can then add up to 10 emergency contacts, with their email address and phone number, to your dog’s profile.

After registering, your dog will then receive a tag with their name and a unique ID on it. “Our website and a QR code make it easy for the finder to quickly alert you that your fur baby has been found,” Fido Alert explains in a video.

After the QR code is scanned, Bradford further explained, “We collect their (the finder’s) name and number and we text it to all ten people and all of them get an instant text message.” 

What sets Fido Alert is that it is straightforward, and doesn’t require an app or any special software for both the owner and finder – all you need is a smartphone with a QR scanner.

Another noteworthy feature is Fido Alert’s “Digital Flyer”. Once you mark your pet as lost, Fido Alert will create a dedicated web page for your pet that includes necessary information such as their name, photos, time and location they were last seen, etc.

This web page’s link can then be quickly shared to family and friends through text or email, and can be easily posted on social media platforms.

While Fido Alert dog collar tags aren’t a replacement for microchips, they offer an easier and more straightforward way of finding your lost dog.

So, if you’re looking for an extra layer of protection for your dog on top of their microchip, then Fido Alert might be what you’re looking for.

However, fireworks can be terrifying and can pose a serious danger to our four-legged friends. So, as dog parents, we must find ways to pawsitively celebrate our country’s independence without compromising our dog’s wellbeing and safety.

In this article, we’ll list down some safe and dog-friendly alternatives to fireworks that you can enjoy with the whole family, including your four-legged friends. Continue reading to find out!

Understanding The Impact Of Fireworks On Dogs

Fireworks can have a negative impact on dogs because they can affect their physical and emotional wellbeing. And understanding this is important, especially for dog owners, to ensure we can keep dogs safe during the 4th of July celebrations.

Here are a few reasons to give you an idea on how negatively fireworks affect our four-legged friends:

1. Dogs have an acute sense of hearing

Why are our dogs so scared of fireworks? It’s simple. Fireworks have loud, sudden, and unpredictable noise.

And because of a dog’s keen sense of hearing, the loud booms and whistles that fireworks produce are louder and much more intense for them. This can be overwhelming for dogs, and can cause immediate stress and anxiety.

2. Fireworks trigger a dog’s fight-or-flight response

Fireworks are loud AND unpredictable for dogs. Paired with the loud noise, the unpredictability of when a firework will go off triggers a dog’s fight-or-flight response.

Dogs will then perceive fireworks as threats and may bark, hide, run away, whine, or even shake at the sound of fireworks. As a matter of fact, a study showed that up to 50% of dogs are afraid of fireworks.

3. The anxiety dogs get from fireworks can lead to injuries

When dogs hear the loud booms of fireworks and become anxious, they may chew on their paws or fur excessively, leading to injuries and skin infections.

4. The anxiety can also lead to hiding and avoidance behavior

As a direct response to their anxiety and fear, dogs will do everything to get away from the loud noises and seek refuge somewhere.

And due to the deafening noise and huge bursts of colorful light in the sky, more pets go missing on the 4th of July than any other day of the year.

As a matter of fact, the country sees a 30-60% increase in lost pets each year between July 4th and 6th. This also makes these days the busiest times of year for animal shelters.

5 Dog-Friendly Alternatives To Fireworks

Looking to celebrate the 4th of July with your dogs without the fireworks? Worry not! We’ve got some alternatives to fireworks that are as spectacular and will surely ignite joy and keep tails wagging!

1. Drone And Light Shows

Drone and light shows have become one of the most popular alternatives to fireworks when celebrating the 4th of July. As a matter of fact, more and more cities are now replacing their traditional fireworks shows with drone shows.

With drone and light shows, you still get the fireworks’ spectacle and vibrance in the night sky, but without all the loud and unpredictable noise.

Check out below to see if your city is hosting a drone show!

If there are no drone shows in your city or near you, you can always do your own light show in the comfort of your backyard with some LED projectors! Light up your backyard BBQ celebrations by syncing the LED projector to your favorite music.

Here are a few LED projector to help you pull off your very own light show at home:

Preview	Product	Price
	Easeking Star Projector Galaxy Light Projector with Bluetooth Speaker, Multiple Colors Dynamic...	$15.29	Buy on Amazon
	Sunbox Star Projector,3 in 1 Galaxy Projector Night Light with Remote Control,15 White Noise,Music...	$26.99	Buy on Amazon
	POCOCO DJ Disco Stage Party Lights, Sound Activated Laser Light RGB Flash Strobe Projector with...	$35.99	Buy on Amazon

2. Glow Sticks

Here’s another alternative to fireworks that will still light up your 4th of July celebrations! Glow sticks are not only dog-friendly, but they’re also kid-friendly. You won’t have the risk of burns, injuries, or fires while having fun with them.

You can be as creative with them as much as you want – bend them into eyeglasses, necklaces, bracelets, or even attach them to your dog’s collar or leash.

Furthermore, glow sticks can last up to six hours, that’s a lifespan longer than sparklers or fireworks!

Here are some glow stick options for your 4th of July celebrations:

Preview	Product	Price
	SHQDD115 Pack LED Foam Glow Sticks, Glow Sticks Bulk with 3 Modes Colorful Flashing, Glow in the...	$87.99	Buy on Amazon
	30 Ultra Bright Glow Sticks in Bulk - Multi Use Glowsticks for Parties, Camping, Emergency Light and...	$17.99	Buy on Amazon
	100 Ultra Bright Glow Sticks Bracelets and Necklaces - Premium Glow in the Dark Party Supplies and...	$6.99	Buy on Amazon

3. Sparklers and LED Fiber Wands

If you still want a bit of sizzle during your 4th of July celebrations but without the loud noises, then you can always opt for sparklers! Most dogs can handle the crackling noises and bright lights pretty well.

However, traditional sparklers can also be a fire hazard, and some dogs who are extremely sensitive to sound can be afraid of them. So, if this is the case for you, you can always opt for LED fiber wands!

These LED fiber wands are great alternatives to fireworks AND sparklers. They mimic the beauty and light of sparklers but without the fire. So, you can wave them to your heart’s content around your dog and with the kids.

Here are some options for you:

Preview	Product	Price
	Zhanmai 24 Pieces Upgraded Glow Fiber Wands Sticks LED Light Wands Fiber Optic Wands LED Flashing...	$19.99	Buy on Amazon
	Jecery 24 Pieces White Fiber Optic Wands Glow Sticks LED Light up Wedding Wand with 3 Light Modes...	$22.99	Buy on Amazon

4. Movie Night Under The Stars

If you want an old-fashioned alternative to fireworks, then we absolutely recommend an outdoor movie night with the whole family!

Set up a projector and screen in your backyard, get cozy with the kids and the pooches with some blankets, pillows, and snacks to watch some of your favorite movies.

Or if you want to add a twist to movie night, you can choose to watch some of the best patriotic movies out there!

5. Bubbles

Who said you need the spectacular and brilliant lights and fireworks to enjoy 4th of July celebrations? Well, bubbles are alternatives to fireworks that prove you can have fun without fireworks!

Playing with bubbles is a tried and true way to have fun, both with the kids and with the dogs! So, if you want to have the best time during your 4th of July celebrations, then opt for bubbles instead of fireworks.

There are so many different bubble machines to spice up your celebrations. There are some that light up, mimicking the colors of fireworks, and some that come in the form of toy guns:

Preview	Product	Price
	Move2Play USA Themed Bubble Blower | Bubble Machine | Bubble Toy Fireworks for Toddlers, Boys and...	$14.99	Buy on Amazon
	Fireworks Bubble Machine (13 Holes) with Dazzling RGB LED Lights, Automatic Sparklers Bubbles Toy,...	$13.99	Buy on Amazon
	EagleStone 2 Pack Bubble Gun Machine for Kids, Automatic Light Up Bubble Blower with 4 Bottles 10...	$16.99	Buy on Amazon

Keeping Your Dog Safe During The 4th Of July Celebrations

While many have started ditching the fireworks this 4th of July, some still love celebrating our country’s independence the good old-fashioned way – by lighting up fireworks.

So, it’s important to stay vigilant and know how to properly keep our dogs safe during the celebrations.

In saying this, here are some tips to help your dogs deal with their anxiety and ensure they are safe during the 4th of July:

• Keep them indoors with you. The best way to ensure your dog is safe and sound is by keeping them indoors. Don’t forget to securely shut any and all windows and doors and block any exits that your dog could escape through, including pet flaps. Furthermore, ensure they have access or have a designated space in your home where they can hide.
• Drown out the loud fireworks with background noise. Turn on music or play a movie in the television to drown out the noise of fireworks outside.
• Make sure your dog is wearing a collar and identification tag at all times. It doesn’t matter if they’re safely indoors with you, some pets can become so scared and will take desperate measures, like breaking through windows, to escape the noise. So, in case they go missing, they can be returned to you with the information on their tags.
• Make sure your dog is microchipped. There have been so many missing dogs that have been returned home thanks to their microchips. So, make sure your dog is microchipped!
• Speak to your dog’s vet about using calming medications. If your dog gets extremely anxious over fireworks, try speaking to your dog’s vet on what calming medications would be most safe and effective for your pooch.
• Use a calming vest. Alternatively, you can buy your dog an anxiety relief vest like the ThunderShirt.

Conclusion

Fireworks do ignite joy and light up the night sky like no other. However, they can pose a real danger, not only to our dogs, but also to other animals and pets.

So, this 4th of July, let us prioritize the safety and wellbeing of your pets. With the above mentioned alternatives to fireworks, you can have fun and enjoy the celebrations while keeping your dogs’ health and safety in check.

The new study, published in PLos ONE, talks about shelter dogs and how social isolation is a stressor for them, knowing how social they can be.

In a shelter setting, dogs are often housed alone to reduce issues like injury and the spread of diseases. However, the study finds that co-housing shelter dogs actually has actual behavioral and physiological benefits.

For this study, the researchers collected behavioral data on 61 dogs, 30 of them being “single-housed”, and the rest being “pair-housed”, for seven days.

The research found that pair-housed shelter dogs engaged in stress-related behaviors, such as lip licking, whining, and ears back, less frequently than those that are housed alone.

Furthermore, the researchers also collected the dogs’ urine for cortisol:creatinine level analysis. And they found that pair-housed dogs showed a greater decrease in cortisol:creatinine levels.

Erica Feuerbacher, an associate professor of applied animal welfare and behavior at Virginia Polytechnic and State University, and senior author of the paper, tells Cosmos Magazine, “Dogs housed in shelters can face chronic levels of stress due to noise, confined kennel spaces, and limited access to social interaction.”

According to the research, the effect of pair-housed dogs was apparent because of the length of their stay in the shelter. They said pair-housed dogs had a shorted stay by four days on average as compared to those without a companion.

“Pair-housed dogs also had significantly shorter lengths of stay, but we did not detect any effect on dog-dog skills,” the researchers wrote.

“Many potential adopters might already have a dog or would like to engage in social activities with their dog,” Feuerbacher said, talking about the impact on adoptability.

“Clearly exhibiting that a dog can successfully interact with other dogs might highlight those dogs as good matches – leading to more successful adoptions.”

The results of the study’s findings add to the evidence that shelter dogs’ overall welfare benefit from pair-housing.

The researchers also note that pair-housed dogs showed more affiliative behaviors and interacted with each other positively.

However, the researchers also talked about concerns over aggression, and while it can happen, closely monitoring pairs during the first few days is key to finding compatible pairs.

However, dogs and summer water activities don’t always mean a fun time. Because while many dogs enjoy swimming in the beach or any body of water, there are some that are afraid of even going near it.

But if you introduce your dog to water the right way, they can learn to embrace the fun of it and build their love of the water!

Continue reading to make a splash and safely dive into summer with this guide on how to introduce your dog to water.

Understanding Your Dog’s Relationship With Water

Before we dive into introducing your dog into to water, we first must understand their relationship with water.

While we see a lot of dogs making a splash in the water, especially during summer, not all dogs are the same. Like us, hoomans, some may not love being near it, or even become anxious when in any water.

By understanding your dog’s relationship with water, you’ll be able to introduce them to it with the right attitude that will make a positive and enjoyable experience.

Here are ways to help you understand your dog’s relationship with water:

• Consider their breed: Breed traits can play a significant role in a dog’s affinity for water. Water breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Cocker Spaniels have a natural liking for water. On the other hand, breeds with physical characteristics not made for swimming, like Pugs or Dachshunds, will need more time and patience during water introductions.
• Assess their individual temperament: You’ll be able to better understand your dog’s relationship with water through their individual characteristics. There are dogs that are playful and naturally gravitate towards water, while others may seem more anxious around it.
• Think about any positive or negative past experiences: Think about your dog’s past experiences with water that you think might impact their love or hate for water. Most of the time, negative experiences such as being thrown in the water unexpectedly will shape their overall relationship with water.
• Recognize any signs of comfort and/or discomfort: Observe your dog’s body language and behavior around water. Signs of comfort include a relaxed posture, a wagging tail, and their curiosity to explore further. Meanwhile, signs of discomfort includes whining, whimpering, trembling, and just trying to get away from water.

What To Prepare For Your Dog’s Water Introduction

Most of us would love to spend our summer having fun in the water and are excited to enjoy it with our dogs. However, when preparing your dog’s introduction process with water, you have to make sure you are well-prepared.

Here are a few points to consider when preparing:

Positive Association With Water

Before formally introducing your dog to water, you have to create a positive association with water into their every day lives. For example, you can include water-based games during training, give them water-based toys, provide them access to shallow water with a kiddie pool, or play recordings/sounds of gentle waves and running water.

The Right Equipment

1. Life Jacket

A well-fitted life jacket is recommended if you are unsure of your dog’s swimming abilities or if your dog is a bit hesitant. Furthermore, with the use of a life jacket, you can safely and calmly save your dog for any possible accident.

However, make sure to get your dog used to the life jacket before you go to the beach, lake, or any body of water.

Here are some life jacket options that come in a variety of size and can help your pooch stay afloat:

Preview	Product	Price
	Outward Hound Granby Splash Orange Dog Life Jacket, Medium	$34.99	Buy on Amazon
	VIVAGLORY Ripstop Dog Life Jacket for Small Medium Large Dogs Boating, Swimming Vest for Dogs with...	$19.99	Buy on Amazon

2. Leash

A leash provides additional safety for your dog when they’re in the water with you. It also provides you more control over their movements, ensuring they are always at a safe distance from you and away from potential danger.

And just like a life jacket, a leash can assist you in safely and calmly saving your dog from any possible accident.

If you’re looking for a leash to use for water activities, you can check out these long leashes:

Preview	Product	Price
	Hi Kiss Dog/Puppy Obedience Recall Training Agility Lead - 15ft 20ft 30ft 50ft 100ft Training Leash...	$6.97	Buy on Amazon
	Vivifying Floating Long Dog Leash, 20FT Dog Training Leash, Lightweight Dog Check Cord Rope Leash...	$9.99	Buy on Amazon

3. Treats

Of course, if you truly want the water introduction to be a positive experience, then treats are a must! Do not forget to reward them when they get into the water or show any improvement, no matter how small or big, so they can associate the experience with something positive.

The Right Location

For their first time, it’s always best to choose a body of water that is calm and comfortable. It can be a shallow swimming pool, a designated safe swimming area in a lake, or a quiet beach.

Furthermore, take the water’s temperature into consideration. Make sure that the water is not too cold or too warm for them. Dogs that are introduced to water with a comfortable temperature will also associate the experience with something positive.

Proper Basic Obedience Training

To ensure a safe experience, ensure that your dog knows how to respond to basic obedience commands such as “sit”, “stay”, and “come”.

These may be basic commands, but they are very important and will help you maintain control over your dog and keep them at a safe distance at all times during their water experience.

Dogs And Summer: 10 Steps To Safely Introduce Your Dog To Water

Dogs and summer don’t always go well together because some dogs aren’t as enthusiastic to be in the water. But a proper introduction will play a very important role in how they react to water now and in the future.

So, without further ado, here are 10 steps on how to safely introduce your dog to water:

1. Use A Life Jacket And Leash

Before your dog makes a dip in the water, make sure they are wearing a life jacket and a leash. Since this is an introduction, their reaction can be unpredictable. With safety equipment, you’ll be able to maintain your control with them and ensure they are always safe.

2. Start In Shallow And Tepid Water

Introducing your dog to water is a gradual process. They do not automatically learn to enjoy everything water has to offer. So, it’s best to start in shallow and tepid water.

Bodies of water that are shallow do not have strong currents, a lot of distractions, and loud noises. Usually, this will give your dog all the time it needs to get accustomed with the water.

3. Go At Their Own Pace

Let your dog slowly approach the water and enter it at their own pace. Never force them to do anything they don’t want to.

Similarly, if your dog wants to get out of the water, let it swim out of the water. Avoid scolding them or pushing them to do anything they don’t want.

Do not assume that your dog will love the water during the introduction. So, be patient with them and make sure they are comfortable with the experience.

4. Offer Support

Do not assume that your dog will go into the water alone. Instead, go in the water together with them and offer them the support your need.

When they look scared or hesitant, give them some much needed encouragement and support by holding them tightly while in the water with them.

5. Turn It Into A Positive Experience

Along with encouragement and support, you can also offer your dog some treats while in the water with them. This way, they can start associating the experience with something positive.

You can also use toys to encourage them to play in the water as well. For example, you can toss them a ball and let them fetch it.

6. Monitor Your Dog’s Reaction

Pay attention to your dog’s body language and behavior while in the water. If they ever show signs of distress, give them space or let them get out of the water.

However, if you don’t see any signs of hesitancy and they start to feel a lot more comfortable, encourage them to explore the water and play with toys – all at their own pace, of course.

7. Gradually Increase Exposure

Once you see that your dog is comfortable in shallow water, you can gradually move them to deeper areas. When you do this, don’t forget to continue providing support and encouragement as needed.

8. Take Breaks

Swimming or just simply being in the water can be exhausting for dogs. So, if your dog starts panting and is looking tired, take breaks in between or simply call it a day.

9. Practice Regularly

Make water introduction a part of your dog’s routine until they become more confident and comfortable. With the right mindset, a lot of patience and positive reinforcement, most dogs will learn to enjoy the water.

Furthermore, practicing regularly will greatly improve your dog’s swimming skills.

10. Dry Them Off After The Activity

Of course, it’s important to also look after your dog after introducing them to water. While water activities with your dogs are usually enjoyed during the summer season, always remember to dry your dog off with a towel to warm them up.

Taking care of them before, during, and after the water introduction will ensure a positive experience for them.

Common Mistakes Dog Parents Make When Introducing A Dog To Water

We should remember that just like hoomans with any skill, dogs learn things progressively, and with the right encouragement and support, they will slowly become more confident in their skills.

However, there are some people who make mistakes that leads to negative water experiences. So, in saying this, here are some common mistakes dog parents make when introducing a dog to water:

1. Throwing a dog into the water. The most common misconception is that the best way to teach a dog how to swim is by throwing them into a body of water, which is not true at all. As a matter of fact, this does the opposite and can cause a traumatic experience that will result in a fear of water. Furthermore, this can be dangerous and a dog can drown because of this.
2. Disregarding safety precautions. Going into any body of water can pose its own dangers. So, going into deep water, not using a life jacket nor a leash can increase the risks of accidents and injuries to your dog.
3. Letting a dog in the water unsupervised. When introducing your dog to water, their safety and comfort are your top priority. So, do not leave your dog unsupervised in the water, no matter how shallow it is.
4. Assuming all dogs are good swimmers. A lot of people believe that all dogs are naturally good at swimming, but this is far from the truth. As mentioned above, there are dog breeds that do not have the physical characteristics for swimming.

Conclusion

Every dog is unique and not all water introductions will be the same. But one thing is for sure – the introduction must be tailored to their comfort and safety.

So, if you want to have a soaking fun summer with your dog, the water introduction must only consist of safety precautions and positive reinforcement so your dog can slowly build confidence in its swimming skills and find the fun in it.

And if your dog learns to love the water, then congratulations! However, if they still don’t like the water even after you have safely introduced them to it, you have to understand and respect this decision.

And while there are pesticides to help us keep them under control, using traditional snail bait can become a problem, especially if you have a dog that likes to hang out in your garden.

As a dog owner trying to keep snails out of your garden, it’s best to find effective yet dog-friendly alternatives.

So, in this article, we’ll provide you with safe options to control snails without harming your four-legged best friends!

Understanding The Dangers Of Snail Bait To Dogs

Snail bait is a type of pesticide used to control snail and slug populations in gardens. This pesticide comes in the form of pellets, granules, or liquid formulations, with the pellets being the most common form.

But what makes this pesticide dangerous to dogs? Traditional snail bait’s active ingredients include metaldehyde and methiocarb – two ingredients that are harmful (fatal, even) to other animals, including dogs.

The pesticide is so harmful that it only takes less than a teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight to cause poisoning in your dog.

Due to their pellet form, and sometimes the scent they emit to attract snails and slugs, dogs also find them tempting and tasty.

Furthermore, snail bait in the form of granules and liquid formulations may pose a threat to your dog when it comes into contact with their paws or skin.

And due to the danger of traditional snail baits to dog, more and more dog owners are looking for safer alternatives to the pesticide.

Symptoms Of Snail Bait Poisoning In Dogs

When a dog ingests this pesticide, symptoms can develop rapidly. And these include:

• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Anxious behavior
• Excessive panting
• Diarrhea
• Muscle tremors
• Seizures

If left untreated, symptoms of snail bait poisoning will worsen and will also include:

• Collapse
• Hyperthermia
• Liver failure
• Respiratory failure

Snail Bait Poison Treatment For Dogs

Since symptoms of snail bait poisoning occur rather quickly, it is very important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.

There is no specific antidote available for metaldehyde poisoning, which can make treatment challenging. However, there are other ways to treat the symptoms that the dog experiences when they get poisoned, including:

1. Inducing vomit
2. Monitoring heart rate and blood pressure
3. Stomach pumping to remove remaining poison
4. Absorbing toxic substances with activated charcoal
5. Putting the dog on IV fluids to flush out poison and prevent dehydration
6. Treating muscle twitching and seizure with medication

Treatment for the poisoning will depend on how early you are able to bring your dog to the vet. Usually, dogs who are treated immediately will recover.

However, for dogs that do not receive immediate medical attention and have developed worse symptoms, recovery or survival is low.

7 Safe And Dog-friendly Alternatives To Snail Bait

There is no doubt that snails are one of the many enemies of gardeners. And it becomes challenging to control or get rid of them when you have a pet dog to consider.

So, below we listed down safe and dog-friendly alternatives to snail bait so you can continue enjoying the beauty of your garden and the company of your dog.

1. Coffee Grounds

If you’re a coffee lover, then you’ll be pleased about this safe and dog-friendly alternative. You can use leftover coffee grounds on the plants you want to protect, and snails will naturally steer clear of those plants.

Coffee grounds contain caffeine, something that is toxic to both snails and slugs.

You can choose to sprinkle the coffee grounds on your plants, or you can create a solution by mixing one-part fresh coffee grounds to five parts water and spray it over your plants.

2. Copper Tape

Snails hate copper! So, if you want to deter them from eating your plants, using copper tape around plant pots is another great alternative.

When snails come in contact with copper, it causes a harmless electric shock, so they crawl away or avoid it. Copper with +2 ions are also said to carry charge that interferes with the snails slime, which they do not like.

Here’s a copper tape we recommend that will get the job done:

Preview	Product	Price
	Kraftex Copper Tape [2 Inch x 33ft]. Copper Tape Conductive Adhesive use as Copper Tape for Slugs,...	$9.99	Buy on Amazon

3. Egg Shells

Another good alternative to deter snails on your garden is by spreading crushed egg shells around your plants as a sort of barrier. This is because snails don’t like how sharp they are, so they have a hard time ‘walking’ over them.

Before putting the crushed egg shells, make sure they had enough time to dry. Furthermore, make sure to replace them after they get soaked in the rain.

However, this method might not be suitable for large gardens. Because when using this method, you will need a lot of egg shells in order to protect your whole garden.

4. Organic Snail Bait

There are also a number of organic, and environmental friendly snail bait that do not contain metaldehyde. While organic snail bait do not contain metaldehyde, you have to use them sparingly and not like how you use fertilizer.

Here’s an organic snail bait we recommend that is Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) listed:

Preview	Product	Price
	Garden Safe Slug & Snail Bait, Kills Slugs & Snails Within 3 to 6 Days, For Lawn and Garden, Can Be...	$11.98	Buy on Amazon

5. Beer Trap

Another safe alternative that gardeners swear by is by baiting them with a cup or tub of beer — because snails love beer!

Apparently, snails and slugs love the smell of yeast and malt in beer. And the more yeast and malt is in a beer, the more snail love it! They even prefer the smell of beer to the fresh smell of the plants in your garden.

So, a beer that has more yeast and malt is ideal for your beer trap. You can pour beer over a cup or tub and place it in the garden where you often see snails. They will get tempted to drink the beer, get intoxicated, fall over the cup or tub, and then eventually drown.

You can choose to sink the cup or tub into the ground so it’s easier for the snails to fall in, or you can just put the container on the ground as is.

6. Wool Waste Pellets

Wool waste pellets are not only good for deterring snails, but they also have a lot of benefits for your plants.

Wool waste pellets protect your plants from over watering. They also expand with water, so they will increase oxygen levels, adding aeration and porosity to your soils. And they are also a natural fertilizer because when they slowly break down, they release their nutrients back to the soil.

When the pellets expand, snails find the fibers of the wool annoying to crawl over, so they immediately retreat.

7. Grow Plants That Snails Hate

There are certain plants that snails and slugs just don’t like. If you want to protect your other plants, you can try growing the following plants around them:

• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Fuchsias
• Nasturtiums
• Scabiosa
• Fennel

Note that while snails hate garlic and chives, they are also toxic for your dog, so they’re a big no no.

Conclusion

While snails ravaging your garden can be a real problem, using traditional snail bait is very dangerous and fatal to your dog.

So, for dog owners who are trying to create a snail-free and safe environment in their garden, we encourage you to opt for snail bait alternatives that are safe for your dogs.

And we hope that the seven safe and dog-friendly snail bait alternatives we provided will help you control slimy pests without having to worry about your dog’s well-being.

Have you tried any of these methods? Or do you have any other effective dog-friendly snail bait alternatives? Share them with us in the comments below!

On May 20, American Kennel Club (AKC) Museum of the Dog hosted the very first Pet Gala, regarded as “Pet Fashion’s Biggest Night”, with pet fashion couturier Anthony Rubio.

The now-annual pet fashion event featured 18 dogs wearing designs similar to what celebrities wore at the 2024 Met Gala replicated by Anthony Rubio.

The Pet Gala featured a 21-foot red carpet, a flower wall grand entrance, and different flower stations around the venue — a nod to the recently concluded Met Gala’s “The Garden of Time” dress code.

Rubio tells AP News, “I want people to understand that we’re not making fun of the Met Gala. We’re not mimicking the Met Gala.”

“We’re elevating and appraising and appreciating the wonderful designs that were presented at the Met Gala by the most talented designers of the world,” he continues.

Like its hooman counterpart, the Pet Gala serves as a fundraising event. The tickets cost $300 and all proceeds will benefit the AKC Museum of the Dog, “which houses and maintains the world’s leading collection of dog art.”

The most talked about celebrity 2024 Met Gala looks were also seen during the event. AP News reports, “Daffodil the Pomeranian as Jennifer Lopez, Kimba the chihuahua in one of Zendaya’s looks, Miley-Jo the Chorkie as Cardi B and Bastian the terrier as Colman Domingo.”

Rubio said, “The designers for The Met Gala have months to create their looks for celebrities to shine on the red carpet. I have two weeks to recreate them and for dogs.”

While Rubio was able to recreate some of the most iconic 2024 Met Gala looks, he said that the dogs’ comfort and safety is his top priority, and he welcomes this as “a challenge he’s always up for”.

“When I design for my Fashion Week runway shows, it’s all my aesthetic. For The Pet Gala, I have to figure out how to translate garments worn by humans onto our four-legged stars,” Rubio explains.

The pet fashion couturier also told AP News that the outfits he designed for the dogs will be housed at the Museum of the Dog for the month of June.

Back in April, the dog brand BARK first introduced the airlines designed for dogs first, and hooman companions second.

“Too often, dogs are denied travel, confined to a duffle bag, or endure the stress of flying in cargo,” BARK writes in their April announcement.

“Recognizing these challenges, and the increasing demand for an accessible solution, BARK Air presents a more fun – and humane – option for dogs traveling with their two-legged human companions.”

Staying true to the statement about the airline prioritizing the needs of the dogs first and their hoomans second, dogs on board are offered treats, beds, blankets, noise-cancelling ear muffs, a beverage of their choice, an emergency bag filled with essentials like poop bags, and so much more!

CBS News reports that BARK Air will operate as a public charter service, flying on spacious Gulfstream G5 jets that can accommodate at least 10 dogs and their hooman companion.

While each ticket purchased is for a dog and one hooman companion, BARK Air offers a limited amount of additional human tickets that will come with an additional cost.

Furthermore, dogs of all sizes and breeds are welcome in the flights, and there are no separate seating areas for large and small dogs.

BARK Air said, “No other airline lets dogs be dogs.”

BARK Air also reveals that human children under the age of 18 are not allowed to fly. In one of their Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), BARK Air explains, “According to a recent national poll, 87% of table scraps are dropped by children. Unfortunately, the same poll shows that children are responsible for 100% of tail pulling.”

The dog airlines also addressed other questions such as the limited routes they offer and the ticket prices.

BARK Air said they’ll be adding more domestic and international routes soon. “Please let us know if there’s a particular part of the world you want to pee on,” their FAQ read.

They also acknowledged the fact that the plane tickets, which starts at $6,000, are indeed pricey. But they gave the assurance that their goal over time is to bring the ticket prices down significantly as they slowly expand.

While the first flight from New York to Los Angeles on May 23 was sold out, there are still a few tickets left for their flights for the rest of May.

You can check out all their available routes and flights here.

And like us hoomans, our four-legged best friends can suffer from spring allergies, too. So, continue reading to learn more about seasonal allergies in dogs during spring so you can help your dog enjoy the season without an itchy and irritated skin.

Similar to us hoomans, our dogs also experience different allergies at different times of the year and depending on the triggers.

Seasonal allergies don’t only happen during spring, it can also happen during other seasons, like the summer season. But for most, both humans and dogs alike, spring is the most challenging time of the year.

This is because as trees and flowers bloom during spring, they release pollen in the air. Not only trees and flowers, but shrubs and even grasses release pollen during spring. And these pollens are very common spring allergens that can trigger seasonal allergies in dogs.

Common Spring Allergens For Dogs

Spring seasonal allergies in dogs are triggered by different allergens that are common during spring. Your dog can inhale these allergens or they can get trapped in your pooch’s fur.

Here are common spring allergens for dogs:

• Tree pollen (cedar, ash, oak)
• Grass pollen
• Weed pollen
• Fleas
• Ticks
• Stinging insects (bees and wasps)
• Mold spores
• Dust mites

Spring Seasonal Allergies Symptoms To Look Out For

Hoomans and dogs with spring allergies suffer the same problem but do not suffer the same way. This is because when humans suffer spring allergies, they usually have a runny nose and itchy eyes. But for dogs, their skin is usually the target.

Here are spring season allergy symptoms in dogs that you should look out for:

1. Red, Inflamed, Or Irritated Skin

As mentioned above, when dogs suffer from seasonal allergies, their skin suffer the most. So, dogs that have spring season allergies usually have red, inflamed, or infected skin. And when this happens, a domino effect happens as other allergy symptoms start showing.

2. Scratching

This is probably the easiest way to tell if your dog has spring season allergies. Due to their skin being inflamed, your dog will start scratching and/or biting their skin or coat more than usual while outdoors or right after coming indoors.

They may also start scratching or rubbing their face on surfaces due to itchiness.

3. Excessive Licking

When your dog has an allergic reaction, they will start to excessively lick some parts of their body that they can’t scratch. You’ll notice that they’ll start excessively licking body parts such as their paws and their anal glands.

4. Shedding And Hair Loss

As the allergic reaction progresses, a dog’s hair follicles get affected as well. You’ll notice that your dog will start excessively shedding and losing hair.

Any area of the body can be affected by this. But usually, this can often be seen on the belly, legs, and the tail area.

5. Red, Waxy, Or Inflamed Ears

Spring seasonal allergies in dogs doesn’t only affect a dog’s skin, it can also affect the ears. A dog’s ears can become red, itchy and irritated and this can then lead to waxy and infected ears.

If you notice that your dog shakes their head more than usual, check their ears for any irritation or discomfort.

6. Sneezing more than usual

Sneezing is another sign of an allergic reaction. If you see your dog sneezing more than usual, then it must be the allergies acting up.

Aside from the typical sneezing, reverse sneezing is another symptom you should look out for!

7. Skin Discoloration

Due to allergies, your dog’s skin may turn unusually dark. The skin discoloration usually happens due to other allergy symptoms. Due to excessive scratching, the skin can get damaged and it can disrupt the skin’s pigmentation, resulting to an unusually dark discoloration.

Most Commonly Affected Areas Of Spring Season Allergies

Along with the above mentioned symptoms, remember the most commonly affected areas of seasonal allergies in dogs so you can easily take action. These areas are:

• Ears
• Paws
• Toes
• Underarms
• Groin
• Muzzle

Your vet may also recommend that you take your dog to a veterinary dermatologist for an in-depth skin testing. This test is another accurate method of diagnosing seasonal allergies in dogs.

5 Ways To Manage Spring Seasonal Allergies in Dogs

Sadly, there is no permanent cure for seasonal allergies in dogs. However, that doesn’t mean your dog has to suffer throughout the season.

There are still ways to manage symptoms and help your pooch feel comfortable, including:

1. Avoid Allergens

The best way to relieve your dog from its allergy symptoms is by avoiding what triggers their allergies. This might sound easy, but can actually be tough since you just can’t keep your dogs indoors throughout spring and pollen and other allergens are airborne.

However, you can still limit allergen exposure with the following tips:

• Alter your daily walk routine. Avoid walking your dog in the early morning or late afternoon when pollen levels are usually the highest.
• After walking your dog, clean their body and paws with a moist cloth or hypoallergenic wipes to get rid of any pollen that may have stuck to their coat and paws while they were outdoors.
• Wash your dog’s bedding and plush toys weekly in hot, soapy water and make sure to dry completely to kill dust mites.
• Vacuum soft surfaces, such as the sofa or carpets, more often.
• Use dehumidifiers to prevent mold growth in kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas that can accumulate moisture.

2. Bathing And Grooming

Bathing your dog with hypoallergenic shampoo that are specifically formulated for skin irritations and allergic reactions will help reduce the symptoms. And frequent bathing will also help remove the allergens that get trapped in your dog’s fur and skin.

You can choose from these hypoallergenic shampoo recommendations:

Preview	Product	Price
	Natural Dog Company Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs with Sensitive Skin, Ideal Anti Itch Dog Shampoo and...	$12.94	Buy on Amazon
	Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Hypoallergenic Shampoo for Dogs and Cats, 16 oz – No Harsh...	$14.87	Buy on Amazon
	Vet's Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo for Dogs | Dog Shampoo for Sensitive Skin | Relieves Discomfort...	$16.99	Buy on Amazon

Aside from bathing, keeping their ears and paws clean will also help reduce allergy symptoms and overall discomfort.

You can help relieve itchiness, reduce inflammation and soothe your dog’s discomfort with the following recommendations:

Preview	Product	Price
	Pet MD - Dog Ear Cleaner Wipes - Otic Cleanser for Dogs to Stop Ear Itching, and Infections with...	$14.99	Buy on Amazon
	Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Ear Therapy, 4 oz. – Cat and Dog Ear Cleaner to Help Soothe...	$8.98	Buy on Amazon
	Natural Dog Company Skin Soother, 2 oz. Stick, Allergy and Itch Relief for Dogs, Supports Hot Spot...	$14.95	Buy on Amazon
	Earth Rated Dog Wipes, Thick Plant Based Grooming Wipes for Easy Use on Paws, Body and Bum,...	$9.98	Buy on Amazon

3. Flea And Tick Prevention

Since fleas and ticks are common spring allergens, your veterinarian may recommend using year-round flea and tick prevention medication such as  NexGard^®, Simparica^®, Bravecto^®, Seresto^® collar, and K9 Advantix^™ II.

4. Supplements

Supplements such as fish oil supplements are another way to relieve allergy symptoms in dogs. Omega-3 fatty acid helps protect a dog’s skin barrier and can specifically help with excessive anal gland licking, therefore minimizing allergy symptoms.

However, it takes four to six weeks for fish oil supplement to take effect, so it’s best to put your dog on these supplements all year.

5. Oral Medication

Depending on how severe the allergy symptoms are and what area of the body is affected, your dog’s vet will prescribe oral medication to tackle the problem at hand.

Please make sure to talk to your dog’s vet before using any medication. Some require prescriptions and have side effects that can affect your dog’s overall health.

6. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy in the form of allergy shots or allergy oral drops are formulated based on a dog’s allergy test results. So, this means your dog must be allergy tested by a veterinary dermatologist to determine which allergens cause the reaction.

The way this works is that the dog is introduced small amounts of what they’re allergic to and then gradually increasing the dose over time, until the dog’s immune system builds a tolerance to the allergens.

This form of treatment is a great choice for dogs who have not responded well to other treatment methods. Furthermore, this works better for younger dogs. So, you might want to consider this option if all else fails.

Final Thoughts

While there are no cure for seasonal allergies in dogs, many treatment options are available to help our dogs feel more comfortable.

Especially because we, hoomans, know how difficult and uncomfortable it is to suffer from and deal with seasonal allergies in spring first hand. So, of course we should do the same for our dogs and help address the problem.

And the sooner we do it, the better. Because we can help control the symptoms and prevent the condition from worsening.

However, researchers at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (VMBS) have dispelled this myth with their recent study’s findings.

The new study, published in the Frontiers In Veterinary Science journal, found that while certain dog breeds are prone to specific diseases, both purebred and mixed-breed dogs are mostly equal in terms of frequency of health condition diagnoses.

The researchers collected data from over 27,000 dogs enrolled in the Dog Aging Project (DAP), a nationwide community science research project. Of those dogs, 50.6% were mixed-breeds and 49.4% were purebreds.

According to the study, there are 25 breeds that make up about 60% of the DAP’s purebred dog population, and they’re the following:

1. Labrador retriever
2. Golden retriever
3. German shepherd
4. Poodle
5. Australian shepherd
6. Dachshund
7. Border collie
8. Chihuahua
9. Beagle
10. Pembroke Welsh corgi
11. Boxer
12. Shi Tzu
13. Miniature schnauzer
14. Pug
15. Havanese
16. Cavalier King Charles spaniel
17. Yorkshire terrier
18. Great Dane
19. Greyhound
20. Boston terrier
21. Siberian husky
22. Shetland sheepdog
23. English springer spaniel
24. Australian cattle dog
25. Doberman pinscher

And within these 25 breeds, the researchers found that a total of 53 unique medical conditions make up the top owner-related medical conditions (ORMC).

And among these 53 medical conditions, 10 appeared more frequently than the others. These conditions were:

1. Dental calculus (hardened plaque)
2. Dog bites
3. Extracted teeth
4. Giardia (a parasite)
5. Osteoarthritis
6. Seasonal allergies
7. Ear infection
8. Heart murmur
9. Fractured teeth
10. Cataracts

And these medical conditions were almost the same with mixed-breed dogs – except with heart murmur and cataracts replaced by torn or broken toenails and chocolate toxicity.

Furthermore, there were some conditions that appeared with the same frequency in both purebred and mixed-breed dogs, like dental calculus for example.

But of course, there were conditions that were more common in purebreds than mixed breeds, and vice versa.

For example, extracted teeth and dog bite are more prevalent in mixed-breed dogs, while ear infection and heart murmur were more common in purebreds.

The study’s results found that the lifetime prevalence of ORMC was 22.3% in the purebred population and 20.7% in the mixed-breed population.

The researchers noted that while the difference between the purebred and mixed-breed populations was statistically significant, the difference was only 1.5%.

“This is contrary to the common belief that purebred dogs have a greater risk for developing medical conditions due to breed predispositions,” the researchers wrote.

So, what does this mean for dog owners?

This means that when choosing to buy or adopt a dog, their breed shouldn’t be the only deciding factor.

Dr. Kate Creevy, chief veterinary officer of the Dog Aging Project and a professor in the VMBS’ Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, tells Texas A&M Today, “People should consider many factors when choosing a dog, including environment, lifestyle, social interactions and physical activity that will be available to the dog.”

As the study also revealed the top medical conditions that are prevalent in both the purebred and mixed-breed population, Creevy said, “Planning for both preventive veterinary care and medical care as the dog ages is also prudent.”

“Dog owners should also talk with their primary care veterinarians about the kinds of medical problems to which their new dog might be particularly prone based on breed, size, sex, etc,” she continued.