Could Your Dog or Cat Be Protecting Your Brain as You Age?

What is Scent Work for Dogs?

Are you looking for new activities and events to enjoy with your pup? If so, you may want to explore the world of scent work! It’s a fun and engaging activity that allows your dog to tap into their natural abilities. It’s a great opportunity to build your bond and boost confidence through a rewarding game. If you really love it, there are even opportunities to get involved with scent work on a competitive level!In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to get started in scent work today, including a better understanding of what scent work involves, the benefits of this game for your dog, and step-by-step instructions to get started with this activity in your own home. What are you waiting for?What Is Scent Work? To truly appreciate scent work and the benefits it offers for your dog, we first need to understand the basics. This starts with the instrument at its core: a dog’s nose. The Master Tool That Is Your Dog’s Nose Your dog’s nose is more than just an adorable boopable button; it’s a masterpiece of evolution that helps them navigate the world around them. Its power is almost unbelievable! While humans have approximately 5 million scent receptors, our dogs possess 125 million to 300 million, depending on the breed. This means they can experience a world of smells that is far more detailed than anything we can even begin to imagine. They detect odors at concentrations that aren’t even noticeable to us. In addition to the number of scent receptors, the structure of your dog’s nose improves their powerful smelling abilities. When they breathe in, a fold of tissues separates the air into two distinct pathways: one for breathing and one exclusively for those receptors to detect smells. These two pathways allow them to breathe and analyze scents at the same time. They also have a specialized organ called a “vomeronasal organ” (or Jacobson’s organ) at the roof of their mouth, which detects specific scents like pheromones and other chemical signals. When all of this works together, dogs can discriminate and identify individual odors even when they are mixed together with many others. Imagine walking into a busy kitchen filled with the smells of coffee, toast, and bacon. A human nose might just smell “breakfast.” Your dog’s nose, however, can identify the coffee, the specific type of bread, and even differentiate between bacon and sausage. This incredible ability is why scent work is why they are so skilled at detecting specific substances. The Basics of Scent WorkScent work is an activity that leverages this incredible power of smell by turning it into a structured search game. At the heart of scent work is the “target odor.” This is the specific scent that your dog is trained to find. Traditional scent work often focuses on essential oils like birch, anise, or clove, diluted to a specific (and safe to smell) concentration. However, for home-based fun, a target odor can be anything from a high-value treat or specific toy to a unique household item like your car keys. The key is that the dog learns to associate this particular scent with a reward. It’s also important to note that scent doesn’t just sit still; it moves. As air moves through or over a hidden scent source, it can create a “scent cone” or “plume,” a trail of odor that disperses into the surrounding environment. Dogs are masters at finding and navigating these plums, following the scent back to the source. They learn to identify the strongest point of the scent, which leads them directly to the hidden item. An important concept to understand in scent work is the difference between the actual source of the smell (where the target odor or item is located) and contamination (residual scent left behind as the item was moved or handled). Through their training, dogs learn to indicate only at the source, ignoring the weaker contamination, but this precision takes time and practice. At its roots, scent work is a search game. You hide the target odor, and your dog uses their nose to find it. When they do so successfully, they are rewarded. This simple concept is the foundation of all scent work, from casual home activities to competitive trials. The joy for your dog comes from the hunt and the reward. For the handler, the joy comes from watching your dog engage in an activity that is fun and naturally fulfilling. The Benefits of Scent Work for Your Dog Scent work is a great way to keep your dog busy (we all know how important that is, especially if you have a young, active puppy or a high-energy dog at home). But it’s more than that! It impacts their mental, emotional, and even physical well-being, helping to give them the best possible quality of life. Here are some of the benefits it offers: Mental Stimulation and Enrichment Scent work is often described as a “brain game” because it requires your dog to use their mental abilities, including problem-solving, concentration, decision-making, and memory. Unlike physical exercise, which tires the body, scent work is a form of mental enrichment that tires the mind out in a highly satisfying way. In fact, a dog who has spent 15-20 minutes intensely searching for scents will often be as tired, if not more so, than a dog that has had a long walk! Many common behavioral problems people face with their dogs, such as destructive chewing, excessive barking, or digging, can be traced back to boredom and a lack of appropriate outlets for their pent-up mental and physical energy. Scent work gives your dog a constructive and engaging activity to channel their energy into, which goes a long way in preventing these unwanted behaviors.

The Best Hacks for Getting a Sick Dog to Eat

Weird Things Your Cat Might Be Doing to Get Your Attention

Cats are often described as independent, but if you live with one, you know that’s not the whole story. When they want your attention, they can be surprisingly persistent—and sometimes a little weird about it. Here are a few common (and not-so-common) things your cat might do when they’re trying to get you to focus on them.

Is Your Cat Safer With or Without a Collar?

If you’ve ever wondered whether your cat should wear a collar, you’re definitely not alone. It seems like a simple decision, but there’s actually a lot to consider. While collars can help keep your cat safe and make it easier for them to get home if they’re lost, they can also cause major problems if not used correctly. Here's a clear look at the pros and cons to help you decide what’s best for your feline friend.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

5 Common Garden Hazards to Keep Away From Pets

While gardens may seem like a safe space for pets to roam free, they can sometimes harbor surprising dangers that many pet parents overlook. Whether you're planting a new bed of flowers or letting your dog sunbathe on the lawn, here are five garden hazards that could put your pets at risk.

How to Set Up the Perfect Feeding Area for Your Cat

Sometimes, it might seem that your cat is being picky about their food when, in fact, it’s a matter of them feeling uncomfortable in the area of your home where they’re fed. If you know that their food preferences are being met, and there isn’t a health concern that’s causing them to eat less than they should, you might need to tweak their feeding area to solve the problem. Keep reading to learn about a few of the things to keep in mind when deciding where your cat will have their meals.

Lucky Has Spent 1,500 Days in a Shelter Waiting for a Forever Home

Some dogs get scooped up within days of arriving at a shelter. A few might wait a little longer. Then there’s Lucky, a sweet, misunderstood Labrador mix who’s been in a California rescue for more than four years.That’s 1,500 days of watching other dogs come and go. Of hearing excited voices, footsteps, the rattle of leashes, and none of it for him.Lucky has been living at AGWC Rockin’ Rescue in Woodland Hills since 2021. He came in after being rescued from a rough situation. His background’s a bit of a mystery. But it’s clear he didn’t have much of a foundation, no real training, no one to teach him how to be a pet, and no reason to trust people. Yet somehow, he’s never stopped trying.“He’s not the kind of dog who jumps up and licks your face the second you meet him,” said Fabienne Origer, a staff member at the rescue who’s known Lucky for years. “But once he bonds with you, he’s deeply loyal. He’ll follow you around, he’ll lean in for affection—he just needs someone to give him the time to feel safe.”And that’s been the hardest part. In the chaos of a rescue, dogs who take a little time to warm up often get overlooked. People want an instant connection, and Lucky doesn’t offer that. He’s quiet, he studies people, he waits.As a result, most visitors pass right by.Over the years, the rescue has done everything it can to keep Lucky’s spirits up. He goes on walks. He gets enrichment games. The staff works with him regularly to help him stay mentally sharp and emotionally grounded. And it’s clear he still has so much to give, he's a bright and curious pooch, eager to learn. He just needs a home that’s calm, consistent, and committed.“He thrives when he knows what to expect,” Origer said. “A quiet home, no kids, someone experienced with dogs, that’s all he needs. Just one person who’s willing to go a little slower and let him come around.”Recently, the rescue posted a video of Lucky lying in his kennel, head on his paws, eyes staring off toward the front door. It wasn’t dramatic. There was no music, no narration. Just Lucky, waiting. And somehow that was enough. The comments poured in, some heartbroken, some angry, many asking, how is this dog still here?It’s a good question. Because the truth is, there’s nothing wrong with Lucky; he just doesn’t fit into a box. He’s not flashy or showy, and he doesn’t love everyone on sight. But he does love deeply, once he decides you’re safe. And if you’re lucky enough to earn that trust, you’ll never find a more loyal friend.Shelters do everything they can, but they’re not homes. And after four years, Lucky is starting to show signs of wear. He still has hope—he still perks up for his walks, still chases after a ball, but there’s a tiredness in his eyes that wasn’t there before. A quiet question: Is anyone ever going to come for me?If you’re reading this and thinking, maybe I could be the one, the rescue would love to hear from you. Lucky’s not for everyone. But for the right person, he’ll be everything.He’s not giving up. And neither are the people who love him.But after 1,500 days, it’s time for Lucky to find his person and go home. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How to Plant a Cat-Safe Flower Garden

Creating a vibrant flower garden doesn’t mean compromising your cat’s safety. Many popular blooms are toxic to cats, but with a little planning, you can cultivate a beautiful, colorful space that’s also non-toxic and feline-friendly. Whether your cat enjoys basking in the sun or nibbling on greenery, here’s how to design a gorgeous garden that both you and your pet can enjoy worry-free.

What’s the Easiest Lizard to Take Care Of?

Reptiles are becoming increasingly popular as pets, and lizards are often a top choice for beginners. While they might seem exotic or high-maintenance at first glance, several lizard species are actually quite low-effort and beginner-friendly. The key is choosing a species that’s hardy, adaptable, and not too demanding when it comes to feeding, habitat setup, or handling. So, what’s the easiest lizard to care for? Let’s take a closer look.Leopard Gecko: The Top Beginner PickWhen it comes to easy care, the Leopard Gecko is widely regarded as the best starter lizard - and for good reason. These small, docile reptiles grow to about 7 to 10 inches (17 to 25 cm) in length, which means they don’t require a large enclosure. A standard 20-gallon tank is usually more than enough for one adult gecko.

Hamsters vs Gerbils: Which Pet is Right for You?

If you’re considering a small, furry companion, chances are you’ve thought about both hamsters and gerbils. At first glance, they may seem quite similar, but their personalities, care needs, and lifestyles differ in important ways.Understanding these differences will help you decide which is the better fit for your home and lifestyle.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

3 Strange Things Your Dog Might Do When They’re Sick

Dogs can’t tell us when they’re feeling unwell, but they often express discomfort in ways that seem odd. As a pet parent, recognizing these subtle signals early can make all the difference. Here are three unusual behaviors that might mean your dog isn’t feeling their best.

How Can Food Puzzles Boost Your Cat's Overall Well-being?

Cats are hardwired hunters, problem-solvers, and explorers. While we diligently fill their bowls with the best foods and most nutritious meals, we might be overlooking a crucial aspect of their well-being: those natural instincts. But what if I told you there’s a simple, effective, and enjoyable way to transform mealtime into an enriching activity? This is where food puzzles and interactive treat toys come in.These products are more than just toys; they’re incredible tools for boosting your cat’s physical health, sharpening their minds, and preventing many common behavioral issues. In this post, I’m going to dive deep into why food puzzles are so beneficial for your cat’s overall health and happiness, share the wide range of options available (including our go-to favorites with my 3 cats), and show you exactly how you can incorporate them into your cat’s routine, regardless of your budget.Why Traditional Food Bowls Fall ShortIt’s easy to forget that, despite our cats making themselves so comfortable and cozy in our home, they are still wired with the instincts of their wild ancestors. In the wild, a cat’s day revolves around the hunt. They spend much of their time stalking prey, planning their approach, pouncing, and ultimately, problem-solving to catch their next meal. This entire process, from the mental challenge of finding food to the physical exercise of catching it, is incredibly stimulating. It’s about far more than just filling their stomachs.However, when we feed our cats in a traditional bowl, we inadvertently strip away this fundamental aspect of their natural behavior. The food is readily available, requiring no effort, thought, or physical activity. While this is convenient for us, it can lead to many issues for our cats. Without the challenge of the hunt, many cats will become bored, leading to an excess of pent-up energy that can manifest in destructive behaviors, excessive vocalization, or even aggression.In addition to the loss of mental enrichment, feeding your cat from a traditional bowl can lead to overeating, digestive issues, and ultimately, weight gain. Food puzzles and interactive feeding toys allow you to reintroduce the challenge and engagement that traditional bowls lack. This means we are now fulfilling their need to “work” for their food.The Physical Health Benefits of Food Puzzles for Your Cat Beyond just making mealtime more engaging, food puzzles offer many benefits that can actually impact your cat’s physical health and well-being. This is particularly true when discussing weight management and how to optimize their digestion. Here are a few benefits you can enjoy by incorporating puzzles into your cat’s daily routine: Weight Management One of the most significant advantages of using food puzzles is their contribution to helping your cat maintain a healthy weight. Many indoor cats struggle with their weight due to a sedentary lifestyle and easy access to food. When their food is served in a traditional bowl, it is readily available with no work (hunting) required, and they can often “power eat,” gobbling up the entire portion in just a few minutes. This can lead to overconsumption because their brain doesn’t register that they are full until well after they’ve finished eating, causing them to consume more calories than they need. When they are eating from a food puzzle, it forces them to eat at a slower pace. Your cat must work to get to each morsel, stretching out their mealtime and allowing their brain to catch up with their physical satiety. Additionally, interacting with the puzzle, batting it around, pushing levers, or navigating mazes helps to encourage physical activity. Even small movements through the day add up, burning calories and helping to prevent obesity, a growing problem in the US that is a precursor to serious health issues like diabetes, joint problems, and heart disease. By making them work for their food, you're helping your cat stay active and maintain a healthier body weight.Improved Digestion and Minor Dental BenefitsWeight management isn’t the only physical benefit. Food puzzles can also significantly aid in improving your cat’s digestion. Cats who eat too quickly from a bowl are prone to digestive problems, like regurgitation or vomiting. This happens because they swallow too much air along with their food, or their digestive system can’t handle the sudden high-level intake of food. By slowing your cat’s eating pace, the food puzzles help to reduce the amount of air ingested and allow the stomach to process food more gradually without becoming overwhelmed. Another often overlooked benefit is that a slower eating speed promotes more thorough chewing. Have you ever watched a cat gulp down their food? It’s surprising that they don’t choke on the pieces of kibble they are swallowing without blinking an eye! Not only does slowing them down and encouraging them to chew their food more help to prevent choking, but it can also lead to better nutrient absorption from their food.While your cat’s new food puzzle isn’t going to clean their teeth as effectively as a dedicated dental cleaning routine (like brushing their teeth), some food puzzle designs, particularly those with textured surfaces or nooks and crannies, may offer a minor benefit as part of your greater dental care plan. As your cat licks and bites at the puzzle to access their food, it can lead to gentle scraping of the teeth, helping to scrape away plaque. While this shouldn’t be relied on as a dental cleaning solution, it is an added bonus. Mental Health & Behavioral BenefitsOf course, as I mentioned already, the impact of introducing food puzzles to your cat extends far beyond just physical health. They are powerful tools for boosting your cat’s mental well-being and addressing many common behavioral challenges by getting to the root of the problem. After all, cats are intelligent creators who thrive on mental engagement! Preventing BoredomWithout much-needed mental stimulation, boredom can quickly set in, leading to unwanted and undesirable behaviors. Food puzzles are a great way to provide your cat with mental enrichment by challenging them to tap into their natural problem-solving skill, keeping their brains active and engaged. It transforms passive eating into an active mental exercise, requiring them to think and strategize to get that coveted reward – their meal. By providing your cat with mental enrichment, you can avoid the many problems that often arise from boredom. This includes destructive behaviors like excessive scratching of furniture, inappropriate urination, or persistent vocalization. It’s a great way to provide a constructive outlet for their natural drives, channeling their energy into a positive activity (and not into tearing up your couch).

5 Simple Tips to Make Trips to the Vet Easier

Taking your pet to the vet is one of the most important parts of keeping them healthy. But for many pets (and their humans), it can also be stressful. From getting them into a carrier to keeping them calm in the waiting room, even a routine check-up can feel overwhelming. The good news is, with the right preparation, you can make the experience far smoother for both you and your furry friend. Here are five simple tips to help.

Things You Should Know as a First-Time Cat Parent

Are you planning on sharing your home with a cat for the very first time in your life? Congrats on becoming a new cat parent! But there are some things you should know about kitties so you can take great care of them and understand them better. Here’s a brief guide to get started.  

Why Crufts and Westminster Will Never See a Dog Named Rover

Ever wonder how those pure-bred dogs got their lofty names?

Which State Leads the U.S. in Pet Adoptions?

Have you ever wondered how adoption rates differ between states in the United States? Maybe you’re curious about which states have the highest and lowest adoption rates? These are valid questions, especially since so many shelters are at capacity and desperate to find homes for all of their homeless pets.

Dog Lost in the Woods? Here's How to Find Him Quickly!

(photo credit: StockPhotoArt / shutterstock.com)Don’t you love the heartwarming stories of dogs that are found after being lost for days, weeks, months and even years? Or the ones that travel hundreds of miles to make it home to their families? While they’re definitely upbeat, feel-good stories, make no mistake, I’m determined to avoid ever having to experience the anxious waiting and worry that those pet parents would have had to endure. And unlike losing a dog in a populated, urban area, having them go missing when away from home or worse, in the wild, takes on a whole new sense of urgency.My guess is that many pet owners would be hard-pressed to say their pooch had the survival instincts needed to get through more than a few days without food, water, shelter, and warmth. Not to mention having the innate skills needed to evade predatory wildlife.So, when you’re in the great outdoors, keeping your dog visible and/or within calling range is important, but equally so is knowing how to quickly track him down when he takes off and isn’t responding to your calls.PreventionAccording to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the first step in safeguarding your pet from becoming lost is to prevent it from ever happening, and that includes:- microchipping- using GPS collars- training- leashing or securingWhile micro-chipping is a no-brainer in an urban environment where a good Samaritan can find your little buddy and take them to a local vet or animal services for scanning, it’s not an option when you’re in a heavily rural or wilderness area.

Your Dog Will Love These Easy DIY Pumpkin Oat Treats

Looking for a healthy, no-fuss dog treat that’s gentle on your pup’s tummy? These DIY pumpkin oat dog treats are the perfect solution. Made with just a few pantry staples, they’re quick to whip up and packed with fiber, flavor, and tail-wagging goodness.