Mellerud Rabbit

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: March 19th, 2017

About Mellerud Rabbit

Size

Medium

Weight

6.6-7.7 lb

Lifespan

5-8 years

Body Shape

Compact

Best Suited For

Rabbit owners of all experience levels

Temperament

Good-natured, calm, lively, curious

Comparable Breeds

Gotland Rabbit

Mellerud Rabbit Breed History/Origin

Sharing part of its history with the Gotland Rabbit, the Mellerud Rabbit is an old breed of farm rabbits that had been common throughout Sweden. The rabbits became known as farm rabbits around 1881, and they were primarily kept for their fur and their meat. However, the farm rabbits disappeared from a majority of Sweden in the 1900s, causing many people to believe that they had gone extinct.

In the latter part of the 1990s, though, a few of the old farm type rabbits were found in Mellerud at the home of an older woman known as Edith i Sjöskogen, who had kept rabbits since around 1937. This line of rabbits was believed to be older than 1937, and the only time an outside breed was added to this line was in 1968, with the addition of one male and one female black and white rabbit. In the early 2000s, as this population started to dwindle, Edith gave up seven rabbits that would provide the foundation for a breeding project directed at preserving the breed.

It was not until 2011 that the Mellerud Rabbit finally received official landrace status by Jordbruksverket. Today, the Gotland Rabbit Society is also responsible for preserving the Mellerud Rabbit, as it is a rare breed. Only about 160 rabbits were registered as of 2013, so breeders are working on increasing that number for high genetic diversity.

The Mellerud Rabbit is a rare breed.

Overall Description

When it comes to this breed’s conformation, it is similar to that of the Gotland Rabbit. Bucks are typically a bit more compact and will feature a thicker muzzle and rounder head. The does have a body that is relatively elongated, and they also feature a fine head. However, the bucks and does weigh the same amount.

The eyes should have an alert expression and be somewhat large, while the ears should be medium in length, as well as relatively thin. The ears should also be pointed instead of rounded.

Coat

The coat of the Mellerud Rabbit should be short and fine.

Colors

A Mellerud Rabbit’s fur will either be black with spotting, known as Dutch rabbit markings, or albino. There’s a high degree of variation when it comes to the white markings on the Mellerud then there is in most traditional show breeds because the breeders never made it a goal to standardize the Mellerud Rabbit’s markings.

Also, most of these rabbits will have white on the front of the chest, along with a white muzzle, white front paws, and blazes to varying degrees. The white markings might even extend to the back, shoulders, hind legs, and sides of the face.

Eye colors include blue, brown, or a mix of those two colors.

Overall, the Mellerud Rabbit is considered strong and hardy.

Care Requirements

You can house your Mellerud Rabbit indoors or outside, as the breed is hardy and adapted to all climates. However, you should provide your outdoor rabbit with a large enough hutch that is safe from the elements, dry, and protected from harsh sunlight, drafts, and predators.

Always ensure that your pet has access to fresh, clean water. These rabbits can be fed high quality hays, fresh grass, and a variety of vegetables. While pellets might be too high in calories for the Mellerud and other landrace breeds, you can provide them to your pet as a treat or in small amounts, rather than as a main part of his diet.

Health

Overall, the Mellerud Rabbit is considered strong and hardy. Be sure to provide your pet with a safe, stress-free, and clean environment in which to grow and explore, whether indoors or outside, and check your rabbit’s teeth regularly to ensure that they are not becoming overgrown. Giving your pet plenty of fibrous vegetables and gnaw toys will help keep the teeth at the appropriate length and prevent problems.

You should also make it a point to feed your rabbit the appropriate amount of food to prevent excess weight gain. When rabbits gain too much weight, they find it difficult to groom themselves, and that makes them vulnerable to flystrike.

Finally, you can talk to your vet about vaccinations for your rabbit, as well as the option to spay or neuter your pet if you are not planning on breeding your rabbits.

The Mellerud Rabbit is known for being lively and curious.

Temperament/Behavior

Known for being lively and curious, the Mellerud Rabbit is also a bit calmer when compared to the similar Gotland Rabbit. Because they are good-natured and calm, these rabbits make wonderful pets.

Like other rabbits, you should be gentle and calm when handling your Mellerud. Many breeds are not appropriate for young children, but if your older children know how to care for, pick up, and handle a rabbit, this breed will make a good family pet. If you are new to keeping rabbits as pets, though, you should learn how to properly pick up and carry your rabbit so that he does not become stressed or injured.

Photo credit: Galleytrotter/Flickr; Nordens Ark

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Gotland Rabbit

Gotland Rabbit Breed History/Origin The Gotland Rabbit, which related to the rare Mellerud Rabbit, is an indigenous breed from Sweden that is now endangered and, therefore, rare. Unlike so many other pet rabbit breeds, Gotlands were not developed as part of a breeding program. Instead, they developed naturally in the wild over the course of centuries. However, modern breeding programs have been established in order to keep the Gotland Rabbit from going extinct. Since the 1500s, rabbits had been kept on farms in Sweden, mostly for the use of their pelts and meat. Over time, show breeds became more popular and farm rabbits started becoming more rare, but some were discovered on Gotland Island in the 1970s, and today’s Gotlands originated from those rabbits. Today, the Gotland Rabbit Society is in charge of preserving this breed. Only those animals born from parents registered by the Society are considered purebred and can be registered and maintained in the official gene bank registry. Gotland Rabbits are inquisitive and energetic. Overall Description

Are Goldendoodles High Maintenance?

Goldendoodles are undeniably the charmers of the dog world. A hybrid of the elegant Poodle and the friendly Golden Retriever, these dogs boast an irresistible combination of beauty, brains, and a lovable personality. With their fluffy, often curly coats and affectionate nature, Goldendoodles have quickly won hearts worldwide.But for those considering adding one to their family, an important question often arises: Are Goldendoodles high-maintenance? The answer depends on factors like grooming, exercise, training, and overall care. Let’s dive in!Grooming Needs: A Beautiful Coat Comes at a CostThe first thing you’ll notice about a Goldendoodle is its gorgeous, wavy, or curly coat — a hallmark trait from its Poodle parent. This low-shedding coat makes Goldendoodles a favorite among allergy-prone families. However, this comes with a grooming commitment.Brushing: Their coats need brushing several times a week to prevent tangles and mats. Investing in a high-quality grooming kit is essential.Professional Grooming: Regular trips to a groomer every 6–8 weeks will help maintain their coat’s health and length.

Study Finds That Dogs Can Have Upsetting Reactions to Humans Crying

There is no dog owner out there who hasn’t wondered at one point in time: “Can my dog understand my emotions?” While this question has been around for ages, the latest scientific studies reveal that your pet dog can get stressed out when you are sad and cry.The study included both dogs and pet pigs, both of whom were discovered to be able to tell the difference between humans humming and vocally crying. The dogs especially were seen to get more stressed out by the crying, more so than the pigs, according to a new scientific paper in the journal Animal Behavior.This is a breakthrough study, indicating that during the early domestication process, dogs evolved specifically to have a greater understanding of human emotions. Previously, it was also found that dogs were capable of something called “emotional contagion”, meaning that they align their emotional states with that of their owners. "We were curious whether the emotional contagion observed between dogs and humans was related to the well-conserved acoustic structure of some emotional vocalizations across species, or if it was promoted by the dogs' specific selection for cooperation and dependency on humans," study author Fanni Lehoczki, an animal behavior researcher at Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary, said in a statement.To investigate if the stress responses were universal across intelligent pet animals or specific to just domesticated dogs, the research team compared the reactions of both companion pigs and pet dogs to the sounds of humans either humming or crying. The humming sounds were non-negative but still strange sounds while crying was distinctly emotionally negative."For collecting this data we used a so-called 'citizen science approach'," co-author Paula Pérez Fraga, also a researcher at Eötvös Loránd University, added. "The animals were tested remotely at their homes by their owners, facilitating the inclusion of more subjects in the study from various locations worldwide."Interestingly, it was revealed that the pigs were much more stressed when hearing the humming, while dogs reacted stressed to the sound of humans crying."Our study revealed a remarkable difference between dogs' and pigs' reactions to human sounds: dogs exhibited more stress responses and vocalizations to the crying, whereas pigs exhibited fewer stress responses and vocalizations to the crying," it was announced in the study. "To our knowledge, this is the first study comparing the behavioral reactions to human emotional vocalizations of two social domestic species kept as companion animals."The reason for this could be that dogs were domesticated over thousands of years, and there was a strong “selection pressure” for them to cooperate with humans and understand their emotions. And the fact that the dogs were stressed by the sounds of humans crying, definitely indicates that they have the so-called “emotional contagion” from humans. "While we cannot exclude that pigs also experienced emotional contagion when listening to human crying, one explanation for their reaction might be that humming is highly unusual and surprising sounds stress out pigs more than human sadness. On the other hand, one thing is clear, dogs seem to be specially keen on catching the emotional content of differently valenced human vocalizations, even of the more unusual ones," Pérez Fraga added. "Therefore, selection for cooperation with humans might be key in promoting human-sound induced emotional contagion in domestic animals. However, to confirm this suggestion further research is needed involving physiological measurements."

Expert Shares Tips on How to Exercise Your Dog on Hot Summer Days

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Scientists Reveal Why Cats Scratch Furniture and How to Stop It

Many cat owners get used to seeing torn cushions, carpets, and furniture that bear their felines’ claw marks. Scratching is normal behavior for cats but is often considered a behavioral problem by cat owners who sometimes turn to painful procedures, like declawing, as a quick fix.This has prompted an international team of researchers to investigate which factors influence undesired scratching behavior in domestic cats. The team surveyed over 1,200 cat owners in France about the daily lives and characteristics, as well as undesired scratching behavior of their cats. Their findings were published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. “Here we show that certain factors - such as the presence of children at home, personality traits of cats and their activity levels -significantly impact the extent of scratching behavior,” explained Dr. Yasemin Salgirli Demirbas, the first author of the study and a veterinary researcher at Ankara University. “Our findings can help caregivers manage and redirect scratching to appropriate materials, which could help foster a more harmonious living environment for both cats and their caregivers.”Researchers discovered a link between certain behavioral and environmental factors and increased scratching behavior in cats. “Specifically, the presence of children in the home as well as high levels of play and nocturnal activity significantly contribute to increased scratching,” explained Salgirli Demirbas. Nocturnal activity in cats consists of behaviors exhibited at night. Heightened vocalization and playfulness during the night are usually the result of poor daytime stimulation or lack of social interactions. But it may also be a cat’s way of seeking attention. “While cats are naturally nocturnal, they can adjust to a human diurnal schedule if provided with structured and engaging activities during the day,” said the survey’s lead author.However, researchers found that stress is the main reason behind increased scratching. For example, the presence of children in the home, especially while they’re small, might increase stress levels and be one of several factors that can cause cats to scratch. Although it may seem unlikely, playfulness is another factor that can be associated with stress. You see, when cats play for a long time without a break, their stress levels can become high because of uninterrupted stimulation. Unsurprisingly, researchers discovered that cats described as aggressive and troublesome also exhibited higher levels of unwanted scratching. Although some factors that contribute to unwanted scratching - such as the cat’s personality and the presence of young children at home - can’t be changed, others can. For example, placing scratching posts in areas a cat spends a lot of time in or near their favorite resting spot can lessen the cat’s urge to scratch the furniture. Using pheromone diffusers and sprays is also an effective way to help your cat feel calm and confident in their environment. Pheromone therapy is often used for cats that show signs of anxiety and can prevent stress behaviors like scratching, crying, and hiding. “Providing safe hiding places, elevated observation spots, and ample play opportunities can also help alleviate stress and engage the cat in more constructive activities,” explained researchers.Engaging a cat in multiple play sessions that mimic hunting behavior is a great strategy to reduce stress and excessive scratching. This type of play will keep the cat mentally stimulated and help deepen the bond between the owner and the cat.“Understanding the underlying emotional motivations of scratching behavior, such as frustration, which seem to be linked to personality traits and environmental factors, allows the caregivers to address these issues directly.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Do Dogs Need Fiber in Their Diet?

Fiber is an integral part of a balanced diet for your dog, just like it is for humans. It helps ensure their digestive system runs smoothly and can also play an essential role in weight management (or weight loss if that’s what you’re working toward).But how much fiber does a dog actually need, and what is the best way to add fiber to their diet?In this guide, I’ll discuss why fiber is important for your dog's health and well-being, the different types of fiber, and the best options to boost fiber content in their diet. Let’s get started…How Much Fiber Does a Dog Need?While I would love to say the answer to this question is easy, it’s not as simple as giving a specific amount that will work for every dog’s ideal diet. Instead, the amount of fiber needed will vary considerably based on several factors, including your dog’s age, weight, digestive health, or any conditions they currently live with relating to their digestive system.For example, a senior dog usually needs more fiber than a young, healthy adult dog as their bodies in these later years have a more challenging time with different stages of the digestive process. Our golden oldies often suffer from conditions like constipation that, while not life-threatening, do have an impact on their overall quality of life. Making changes to the fiber they are consuming can offer relief.That being said, experts use some general guidelines to create a foundation for these decisions. Depending on who you ask, fiber recommendations for a healthy adult dog range from 1.5% to 4% of a complete diet.How Can Fiber Help My Dog?As already mentioned, fiber can help support a healthy digestive system. But what exactly does this nutrient do to help keep your dog happy and healthy? Let’s look at some of the benefits of fiber for dogs:Encourage Healthy Bowel MovementsIf you have a dog that suffers occasionally (or regularly) from constipation, you may be searching for a solution to help regulate their system, soften waste, and make doing their business easier. After all, no one wants to live with that discomfort, including our dog! Including the right amount of fiber in your dog’s diet can help move waste through the intestines more quickly, softening stool and allowing it to pass on a more frequent schedule.But be careful – too much fiber can also be hazardous. You don’t want your dog to deal with constipation, but diarrhea can also be upsetting and uncomfortable. The goal is to find a happy medium for healthy bowel movements.Prevent Anal Gland ProblemsThe anal glands are an element of a dog’s health that is sometimes overlooked simply because we don’t understand their function or don’t want to discuss that general area. However, ignoring your dog’s anal gland health can lead to severe complications.These little pouches serve an essential role in communication. When your dog does their business, they release a strongly scented fluid that will share key information with other dogs that discover it, including their age, sex, and overall health. However, if that fluid isn’t released with your dog’s bowel movements, it can lead to pain, swelling, infection, and abscesses.One way to promote better anal gland release is to ensure your dog is passing healthy stools, which can be accomplished with the help of fiber.Regulate Blood Sugar Levels If your dog is a diabetic and has been prescribed a medical approach to manage their blood sugar levels, don’t consider this a reliable alternative. However, for healthy dogs, having their blood sugar suddenly spike can actually lead to diabetes and other health problems. Therefore, one of the best ways to prevent these conditions is by keeping their blood sugar balanced and regular. Fiber works by slowing some stages of the digestive process, which also slows the amount of sugar released into your dog’s bloodstream. This isn’t to say it magically eliminates sugars from your dog’s diet, but it spreads out when they are absorbed into the bloodstream, preventing a sudden sugar spike.

What Are the Top Cleaning Products for Pet-Based Households?

(photo credit: New Africa / shutterstock.com)Living in a home with three dogs and two cats, believe me, I understand the challenges of eliminating funky pet odor. The thing is, I’m a big proponent of cleaning versus masking. I don’t want my house smelling like someone set off a rose-scented Glade bomb to cover up the smell of my fur crew. In fact, I think the only thing worse than pet smells, is a heavy artificial scent layered on top of those smells, thinking it covered them up. You know what I’m talking about.So, when I can find an effective way to actually clean and freshen my shared living space, I’m all in. Especially when I can do it myself by simply rotating it into my usual house-cleaning regimen. And that’s why finding products that are quick, easy and more importantly effective, is the order of the day in my home. Because we all know that our efforts can be thwarted in the blink of an eye if your pet has a dicky tummy or trots something icky into the house and across your carpets and soft furnishings.Location, Location, Location!

When Can a Puppy Start Eating Kibble?

One of the most exciting milestones in your dog’s puppyhood is the transition from milk and soft foods to solid kibble. This marks a major step in their growth and development and ensures that they receive all the important nutrients for a healthy life. But even so, some owners are uncertain about when exactly kibble should be introduced.Understanding the right timing for this can be crucial for their good development and overall well-being as it helps set a solid foundation for a healthy diet later on in life. So here’s what you need to know before you offer dry food to your puppy.When Can a Puppy Start Eating Kibble?In the early first few weeks of their life, puppies rely entirely on their mother’s milk for nutrition. Nature arranged it so that this milk provides all the essential antibodies that boost their immune system and nutrients that are vital for their early growth. Usually, puppies should stay with their momma and littermates until they are at least 8 weeks old. During this time, they gradually transition from nursing to exploring more solid foods.Around 3 to 4 weeks of age, however, puppies begin showing more and more interest in the food that their mom is eating, and will often nibble on solid foods. These can be softened puppy food or kibble soaked in water. This helps them to become accustomed to all kinds of different textures and flavors, which in turn prepares them for eventually switching to dry kibble and other solid foods.In general, puppies can begin eating dry kibble between 6 and 8 weeks of age. At this stage, their little teeth are developing, and they have the jaw strength needed to chew solid foods efficiently. Still, it is important to choose high-quality puppy kibble formulated specifically for their nutritional needs. Go for a formula that is based on natural, wholesome ingredients and doesn’t contain any nasty filler or artificial substances – meat should be the first ingredient on the list, followed by sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, such as veggies and fruit.

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Why Do Dogs Burrow in Their Blankets?

Have you ever watched your dog bury themselves beneath a mountain of blankets, only to peek their head out with a look of pure joy and bliss? It’s a behavior that’s incredibly common. Yet it leaves so many dog parents confused – especially when your dog chooses to disappear into the blankets in the middle of the summer heat!Why are dogs so drawn to burrowing under their blankets? Is this a quirky habit, or is there a deeper reason for this cozy behavior?Let’s take a look at the fascinating world of canine behavior. We’ll talk about the instincts that encourage your dog to dig into their bedding to create that perfect “nest” and other interesting behaviors related to puppy bedtime.Why Do Dogs Love to Burrow?Like many dog habits, burrowing can be traced back to their evolutionary roots and the survival instincts of their wild ancestors. In the wild, dogs burrow in the ground to create a safe space to rest or raise their young. We still see these dens being used by foxes and wolves. Dens not only offered a place to hide from potential predators but also protected them from the elements. Today, domesticated dogs obviously aren’t faced with the same risks. However, this doesn’t take away from the natural desire to keep themselves safe. Burrowing into the blankets to create a den creates a space where your dog feels safe and secure. It makes sense to snuggle under the blankets in the winter for a little added warmth. But what about the summer? Next time you are outdoors on a hot summer day, dig away a little dirt, and you’ll find that while the surface is warm, the ground a little further down is much cooler. Therefore, they associate this behavior with finding a cooler spot shielding them from the summer heat. Can Dogs Breathe Comfortably Under the Covers? One concern I often hear when people see my dog Lucifer snuggling happily under the covers (his favorite place to sleep) is whether he can breathe safely. When assessing whether your dog’s burrowing behavior is safe, take a moment to consider their survival instinct. If a dog gets into a situation where they can’t breathe, they aren’t going to choose to remain there – instead, they will make an effort to get back out to safety as quickly as possible. A dog snuggling happily under the blankets feels safe and secure, meaning they can clearly breathe well enough to feel comfortable there. If you’re still concerned about the safety of your blanket-loving dog, take a moment to look at the blankets that are available to them: Are they thick, heavy blankets that can be stuffy, cutting off airflow? Are they thinner or designed in a way that allows airflow? Consider offering multiple blankets of varying thicknesses. This will allow your dog to burrow in and find the blanket (or combination of blankets) that makes them feel the most comfortable. Which Dog Breeds Are More Likely to Exhibit Burrowing Behavior?Some dog breeds are more likely to engage in this behavior. This is usually due to the roles your dog’s ancestors were bred to perform. For instance, Huskies and Malamutes are often burrowers. These are Arctic breeds that lived and worked in subzero temperatures. Creating dens in the snow was a necessary part of their survival when living in those conditions, making it an instinctual behavior. While your northern dog may no longer live in the land of ice and snow, they still exhibit many of the same instincts. Dogs that were bred to hunt rodents are also natural burrowers. During their hunts, they would often dig to help them squeeze into the small dens and tunnels created by their prey, flushing them out. This includes smaller breeds like Dachshunds and Terriers. Any dog, regardless of breed, may embrace the joy of burrowing – either digging a den outdoors or burrowing into the blankets. Just ask my German Shepherd/Australian Cattle Dog, Lucifer. He loves nothing more than to snuggle comfortably under the blankets!

What is Water Intoxication in Dogs?

Have you ever been warned about there being too much of a good thing? While water is essential for the health and well-being of our dogs, it also presents a surprising and often unknown danger: water intoxication.A serious and potentially fatal health concern, water intoxication (hyponatremia) is a risk that every dog parent should be aware of – especially those with pups who enjoy water-related activities like swimming in the pool, catching water from the hose, or even visiting the dog beach.In this guide, I’ll discuss the causes, symptoms, and prevention of water intoxication in dogs. Take a moment to read it through carefully. This information could save your furry friend’s life. What is Water Intoxication in Dogs?Water intoxication, or hyponatremia, is a medical condition that occurs when your dog ingests too much water in a short time. This impacts the electrolyte balance within the cells—more specifically, the sodium levels. It also causes the cells to swell.When the cells of the brain swell, this can have a severe and life-threatening effect on the central nervous system.Unlike some medical conditions that develop slowly over time, hyponatremia escalates very quickly. Medical treatment is needed as soon as possible. Even with quick action and veterinary care, not all dogs will recover.Can a Dog Drink Too Much Water?One of the first concerns that many pet parents have is the possibility of excessive water drinking in dogs. But is it possible for your dog to actively drink too much water, leading to water intoxication?A healthy dog will not continue drinking water to the point of threatening their own life, although some have been known to gulp down enough to cause stomach upset. This usually happens after being overly active or engaging in heavy exercise.If you notice your dog drinking excessive amounts of water, it could be a red flag of a more significant medical issue. Diseases and illnesses like diabetes, kidney problems, liver disease, and Cushing’s disease are all associated with increased thirst. Contact your veterinarian if your dog is drinking enough water to raise a concern.How Common is Water Intoxication in Dogs?If this information has you panicking or feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Water intoxication is life-threatening for dogs, but it’s also incredibly uncommon. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t familiarize ourselves with the risks, warning signs to look out for, and steps we can take to prevent a problem from developing.

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Veterinarians Warn About Rise in Deadly Parvo Cases

As loving pet parents, we do everything we can to keep our pets safe. From buying the best food we can afford to keeping their vaccinations up to date – we understand that our furry family members rely on us to care for them. Unfortunately, some illnesses make this more challenging. One example is the risk of deadly canine parvovirus (also known as parvo) in puppies. While there is a vaccine to protect dogs from the disease, there is a window of time before your puppy has received the complete series of vaccinations needed to be effective. It is highly contagious and spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces, further increasing the risk during the curious stage of a puppy’s life. The disease was first discovered in 1978. It quickly spread, causing concern among veterinary professionals and dog lovers. During the pandemic, another concerning increase in cases was seen. Now, in 2024, veterinarians in several locations are sounding the alarm. In April, vets in Kansas City released a statement after The Pet Resource Center of Kansas City faced 20 cases in a week. At the same time, San Antonio Animal Care Services warned dog parents in the city that they, too, were seeing a rise in cases. Since that time, the areas of concern have continued to grow.What is Parvo? You may be wondering what parvo is and why veterinarians are so worried about the increase in cases. Canine Parvovirus is a disease that impacts a dog’s stomach and small intestines, disrupting their ability to digest food and absorb much-needed nutrients. It can also impact the lymphatic system, bone marrow, and heart. It is highly contagious and, when contracted, often severe or fatal. “Without treatment, up to 90% of animals will die,” explained Chief Veterinarian Melia Washington of The Pet Resource Center of Kansas City. “Even with treatment, we only tell people it’s a 50/50 shot.” Traditionally, treatment focuses almost entirely on supportive care, relying on the puppy’s ability to fight the virus naturally. However, in May 2023, the USDA granted a conditional license for the first-ever canine parvovirus treatment, which experts hope will change the outcome for many dogs. What are the Warning Signs? If your puppy does contract parvo, time is of the essence. The sooner you see a veterinarian and start treatment, the better their chance of survival. Watch out for these common warning signs: Vomiting Diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea)Loss of appetite Sudden high feverLethargyDepressionYou should seek veterinary care if you notice signs that something is “off” in a young puppy, especially if it occurs before the puppy has completed all recommended puppy vaccines. Puppies are vulnerable, and a minor illness can turn life-threatening very quickly when left unaddressed. How Can You Keep Your Puppy Safe? The most important step in keeping your puppy safe from canine parvovirus is to ensure that you stick to the recommended vaccination schedule. Puppies should receive vaccines at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age, and the vaccine will not be fully effective until all three rounds have been administered. Socialization is crucial for puppies, but you must take extra care before they are fully vaccinated. Avoid high-risk locations like dog parks, kennels, and doggy daycares. If your puppy is being introduced to other dogs, ensure the other dog is fully vaccinated. The best way to socialize a young puppy with other dogs is to do so with dogs you know, like those owned by family and friends. Talk to your veterinarian if you have questions or are unsure if a situation will be safe for your puppy. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Are Symptoms of Heatstroke in Rabbits?

Pet rabbits can be quite vulnerable to extreme summer temperatures. One particular condition that is most threatening and can be fatal to them is heatstroke. Because of their thick fur and limited ability to sweat, rabbits are susceptible to heatstroke, and you will need to know how to spot the symptoms quickly. Here is all you need to know about heatstroke in rabbits and its dangers.What Causes Heatstroke in Rabbits?Unlike us humans, rabbits rely primarily on their ears to regulate their body temperature. When their body temperature rises to dangerous levels, usually above 104 F (40 degrees Celsius), heatstroke can occur. There are several factors that can contribute to it, and the foremost is high temperature. Exposure to temperatures above 80 F (27 degrees Celsius) can be dangerous to rabbits, especially if they are not accustomed to such conditions. Similarly, high humidity levels can make the effects of heat even worse. This is because they hinder the rabbit’s ability to cool itself through evaporation.Poor ventilation in your home can trap heat and increase the risk of heatstroke. Try improving the airflow in the room and lowering the temperature with a classic stand fan. A lack of shade can have a similar effect, especially if the rabbit is kept outdoors. In such cases, you will have to provide ample shade for your furry friend.

When To Say Goodbye To Your Dog? A New Survey Sheds Some Light

Deciding when it's the time to say goodbye to a beloved canine companion is the toughest decision you’ll have to make. Even when the pooch in question is sick or old, it’s never easy to choose to euthanize a furry friend. The question for many dog owners remains - how do you know when it’s time to say goodbye?Difficult questions like this one spurred the members of the Dog Aging Project to survey 2.570 dog owners about the details of their companion dog’s death. Researchers asked the owners to list the dog’s cause of death, whether euthanasia was involved, the reason why euthanasia may have been chosen, the dog’s age, the quality of life the dog had before death, and what medical symptoms they exhibited. The survey’s findings were published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. The Dog Aging Project is a collaborative, research-driven project that accepts dogs from various backgrounds to study the effects of aging. The idea behind this project is to get a better insight into what contributes to a long and healthy dog lifespan. Data showed that over 85% of owners whose dogs had died reported choosing euthanasia. Almost half of those owners stated they chose to euthanize their dog to relieve their pet’s suffering. More than half of all respondents listed disease or illness as the cause of their dog’s death.“What this survey shows is that all dog owners struggle with deciding when it’s time to say goodbye, and you’re not alone if you’re facing this decision,” said Dr. Kellyn McNulty, an internal medicine resident in the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biochemical Sciences, who worked on the study. “As veterinarians, we encourage people to consider not just the ‘lifespan’ of a companion animal, but also the ‘health span’  - the portion of your dog’s life when they’re in good health,” she added. “Advocating for your pet is about more than helping them live longer - it’s also about making sure that the time they have here on Earth is a good time.”The interesting thing about this survey is that it has allowed researchers to learn that euthanasia isn’t something that mainly affects older dogs. Many diseases and conditions can affect younger dogs, lowering their quality of life and leading owners to wonder whether it might be time to say goodbye to their companions sooner rather than later. “It’s not a decision that anyone wants to have to make, but the survey showed us that many pet owners face these questions regardless of how old is their dog,” said McNulty.Age may become a more significant factor in determining the quality of a dog’s life as veterinary medicine continues to improve at treating and managing chronic conditions in dogs. One thing dog owners can do is be on the lookout for the signs of aging and talk with their vet to determine whether age or chronic illness is affecting their dog’s quality of life.“If your dog is well-trained and potty-trained and begins soiling the house that’s a possible sign. Others include restlessness at night, new onset anxiety and fears, and arthritic issues.”One thing every dog owner needs to remember - you are not alone when it comes to deciding to say goodbye to your pooch. In addition to family and friends you can turn to, there are many dog owners out there facing the same tough decision. Additionally, your veterinarian can always provide expert advice based on your dog’s condition and answer all of your questions.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What To Do If My Dog Licks or Eats a Toad?

Dogs are curious creatures – as a result, every time your pooch is outside, they will use any opportunity to explore and roam. This wouldn’t be such a bad thing, of course, if they weren’t using their mouths and noses to do all the exploring. This is the way they get around the world, and they will often nibble or lick things that could be dangerous for them. This includes toads, which are common in many areas. While some species of toads are harmless, others can be toxic to dogs. As a caring owner, you should know how to respond quickly and properly, as it can make a big difference for your pet. What To Do If My Dog Licks or Eats a Toad?First, it is essential to know why exactly toads are dangerous to dogs. There are certain toad species, such as the Colorado River Toad (Incilius Alvarius) and the Cane Toad or Bufo Toad (Rhinella Marina), that secrete toxins from their skin and they can cause severe reactions in pets.

If You Have More Than One Cat In The Family, You Need This Product!

One of the foremost global tech brands in the pet market, Petlibro, has unveiled its latest innovation which is set to transform multiple-cat households. Their new product, the Dockstream RFID Smart Fountain is designed for cats and is set to become a real game-changer.Cats can be very sensitive to the quality of the water they drink, and owners often go to great lengths to make sure that water is safe. This, however, creates many challenges, especially in homes with several cats. In fact, research shows that over 30% of all pet owners in the U.S. are having difficulties in monitoring the effective hydration of their feline friends. The Dockstream, however, is set to change all of this. This streamlined RFID smart fountain is a state-of-the-art product that has numerous innovative features. Backed by RFID recognition technology, this fountain will know your cats by name, and can track each individual cat’s volume, frequency, and duration of water intake. And even though that sounds impressive, it is not the end of the list of innovations.

Liberty Dogs Foundation Is Training First 4 Puppies for Veterans

Liberty Dogs in Reno, Nevada is a new training program that will provide service dogs to veterans. Though the facility isn’t expected to open until 2026, they are already training four puppies who will go on to help veterans with various disabilities.

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