Cute Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Dog

The Hairy Dogfathers’ Dogs’ Present: Christmas Gift Ideas For Your

Andre and Kevin have turned their column over to the dogs… more specifically, their dogs. Just in time for the holiday season, the Hairy Dogfathers’ Dogs’ – Burger, Belle, River and Max – have a Christmas list made just for pooches, full of gift ideas that are perfect for your human. ‘Sup Dogs, We understand that most of you have no money. This is likely for the best, seeing as you don’t have pockets, so you wouldn’t have anywhere to carry the money anyway. Hey, we get it – you’re on the lookout for some cost conscious ideas for your favorite human this Christmas. So as a group, we put our furry heads together and came up with a list of gifts you can give your human this year: Unconditional love: You’re most likely doing these things already, but there’s no reason to step up your game. Bound to the door to greet them, cover them in kisses, insist they pet your head rather than click the remote and chew up a pair of their socks – that’s true devotion! Humans say you can’t buy love, so show them how right they are. Related: Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: New Year’s Resolutions Take the blame for any holiday gas: Humans can’t control themselves around the holidays. Leave some food out on the counter and they’re sure to get into it! All the over indulgence is sure to lead to bad gas (and man, do human farts ever smell rancid!). You wanna have your human’s back? If they pass some gas, you’ll be the first to notice, thanks to our delicate noses and sensitive ears. Here’s what you do: look shameful and walk away slowly. Most of the people in the room will blame you, but make sure you give your human the “Who’s your best buddy?” look as you slink out of the room.Speaking of over indulgence: This time of year humans get all crazy about exercise after they’ve stuffed their faces! Take them for a walk, and no matter how long it was, reward yourself with a nice long nap after. No matter how long the walk actually was, a walk followed by a nap always makes humans feel really good about themselves. Like they actually met your exercise needs! Related: Top 10 Holiday Gifts For Pets Act like a puppy: Within reason, of course. If you’re of a mature age, play it up. Put your dignity aside and do something stupid, such as chase your own tail, or bark at your reflection in the mirror. Doing this kinda stuff really gets humans excited and happy! You might feel a bit ashamed of yourself after, but it’s totally worth it when you see that look on their cute, non-furry faces.Consider opening their gifts for them: Humans got stuck with useless hands, with nubby fingers and no claws – how do they even get stuff done?! For some reason, they’re reluctant to use their teeth to tear open the paper and tape covering their gifts. That’s why we say surprise them on Christmas morning. Open all their gifts while they are sleeping and they’ll wake up to conveniently opened presents. They’ll be so impressed that they’ll be talking about that one for years! Happy Paw-lidays, pooches and people! The Dogs of the Hairy Dog Fathers (or should that be the Hairy Dogs who have Fathers?), Burger, Belle, River, and Max

Is Catnip Bad for Dogs?

Have you recently noticed your dog sniffing around your cat’s favorite toy? If so, you may find yourself wondering why your dog is drawn to something clearly designed for cats. After all, it’s called “cat” nip for a reason, right?This harmless-looking herb drives our cats into a frenzy of rolling, drooling, and playful craziness. But what happens if your dog ingests the leafy green? Does it cause the same “high”? Is it even safe? And, perhaps most importantly, could the herb that’s famous for making cats go wild actually offer any potential benefits for our pups? After all, we want to give our dogs the happiest lives possible, and that sometimes means exploring options outside of the usual dog-specific products.In this article, I’ll answer these questions and more.What Exactly is Catnip?You’ve likely seen catnip mentioned a million times when it comes to cats’ toys, but what exactly is it? To understand how it interacts with your dog, we first need to know exactly what it is. It’s much more than just a novelty for the kitties in our lives; it’s an herb with a long history, even in human tradition.Catnip, scientifically known as Nepeta cataria, is a perennial herb in the mint family. It’s native to parts of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, but it now grows readily around the world. In fact, you can likely buy catnip seeds in your local garden center. Historically, long before it was known for entertaining housecats, humans used it in herbal teas for its calming and mild sedative properties. It was also sometimes used to improve digestion.         The reason catnip attracts so much attention centers on one specific volatile oil: Nepetalactone. This oil is contained within the leaves, stems, and seed pods of the plant.In cats, it’s the nepetalactone that triggers the short-term neurological reaction that we see, aka the crazy burst of energy that they get when they get near it. However, as I’ll explain in the next section, the canine system processes the chemical very differently. It’s unlikely to start zooming around the room after a sniff.Is Catnip Safe for Dogs?Returning to the original question of this article, is catnip safe for your dog? If your pup decides to tear apart a cat toy (as my girl Willow has done several times), should you be worried?When discussing the safety of any substance, we need to address both the potential for toxicity and the risk of discomfort for your pup. While the latter may not be life-threatening, we all want to take steps to keep our dogs feeling comfortable!Catnip is Generally Non-Toxic to DogsFirst and foremost, you can breathe a sigh of relief if your dog has recently tested the waters with the herb. According to organizations like the ASPCA and the Pet Poison Helpline, catnip is not listed as a poisonous substance that can cause severe or life-threatening reactions in dogs. If your dog nibbles a stray leaf or manages to sample the dried herb while chewing a cat toy, there is no need to panic. The plant will not poison them.Understanding “Non-Toxic” vs. “Harmless”While catnip isn’t poisonous, that doesn’t mean your dog should be allowed to eat a whole patch. It’s crucial that dog parents understand the difference between a substance being “non-toxic” (aka not poisonous) and “harmless” or safe to eat without any consequences.The risk associated with catnip exposure centers almost entirely on gastrointestinal problems. The digestive systems of our dogs are not designed to ingest large quantities of plant matter. If they eat too much of any herb or green, including catnip, it can irritate their digestive tract.The most common side effects of eating excessive amounts of plant matter are mild and short-lived, such as temporary vomiting, diarrhea, or general stomach discomfort. Generally, your dog will start to feel better as soon as the material passes. However, if your dog passes the plants and is still showing signs of discomfort, contact your veterinarian, as there may be a bigger problem to address.The Hidden Hazard of the Toy ItselfNow that we’ve clarified that eating some catnip from chewing a cat toy isn’t going to cause any serious harm, there is a danger associated with this situation that I want to highlight. Chewing a non-edible item (like a cat toy) can lead to trouble!Catnip toys are designed to be light, fluffy, and enticing for cats. But they are not durable for a powerful canine jaw, especially if your pup is a power chewer like our two! If they ingest a chunk of stuffing, the fabric or plastic pieces, or even a whole catnip mouse (yes, it happens), it can create a serious choking hazard or, worse, a risk of life-threatening obstruction.Always supervise your dog around cat toys if they share their home with a feline sibling. Immediately take away the toys if you see your pup starting to chew on them.The Impact of Catnip on DogsWe’re all familiar with the hilarious, erratic behavior you might see from your cat after being exposed to catnip, but what about dogs? If your pup does manage to ingest a little catnip, you may be surprised. The key difference lies in the way dogs and cats process the active ingredient, nepetalactone.Unlike cats, dogs don’t get “high” on catnip. Cats possess specialized receptors, particularly in the roof of their mouth, that are sensitive to nepetalactone. This triggers a strong, euphoric response when the scent is inhaled, leading to the reaction we commonly associate with the herb.On the other hand (or paw), dogs lack these sensitive receptors. While they can smell the herb, their brains do not process the nepetalactone in a way that causes the typical stimulation. Instead, they respond when they ingest catnip (either the leaves or the dried herb). For our pups, this acts as a mild sedative or relaxant. It is the same effect that humans expect when they historically brewed catnip tea to calm their nerves or help them sleep.When consumed, catnip has a mild depressant effect on a dog’s central nervous system, helping to reduce general restlessness or anxiety. The response is often very subtle, so don’t expect your dog to suddenly collapse into a tranquil slumber. Instead, you can expect your pup to show a slight easing of tension or an increase in general calmness.While rare, it is worth noting that a very small percentage of dogs may experience the opposite, showing a mild stimulating effect. Always monitor your dog carefully during their first few exposures to see how their unique system processes the herb. If you notice increased agitation or hyperactivity, stop using it.However, for the vast majority of dogs, the primary effect is either a mild calming one or none at all.

More Pets Are Being Diagnosed with Anxiety

Trupanion, a well-known pet insurance provider, released information regarding anxiety in pets, and it’s quite surprising. They analyzed data associated with claims related to anxiety from 2019 to 2024, and discovered that anxiety is apparently on the rise among pets in the United States. Here’s a breakdown of what they found, including which states seem to have the highest number of pets with anxiety.

Virus-Hunting Cat Helps Scientists, Again

Most cats bring their humans dead lizards, half-eaten mice, or, if they’re generous, a slightly crumpled leaf. But Pepper isn’t like most cats. This adventurous feline has helped scientists discover not one, but two previously unknown viruses, and she’s done it without even trying.Pepper lives a seemingly normal cat life in Gainesville, Florida. She naps in sunny windows, patrols her backyard like a tiny panther, and occasionally brings “gifts” to her humans. But her owner just so happens to be Dr. John Lednicky, a virologist at the University of Florida. So when Pepper dragged in a lifeless shrew one day, instead of recoiling in horror, Lednicky did what any virus researcher would do, he swabbed it.What he found was a new strain of orthoreovirus, a virus typically found in mammals and birds, and one that has occasionally been linked to gastrointestinal or neurological illness in humans. The new virus, officially dubbed Gainesville shrew mammalian orthoreovirus type 3 strain UF-1 (try saying that three times fast), was living in that unlucky Everglades short-tailed shrew. And thanks to Pepper’s keen hunting skills, scientists now know it exists.“We wouldn’t have found it if not for Pepper,” said Dr. Lednicky. “It’s funny, because this is the second time she’s done this. I don’t think she knows she’s contributing to science, but she’s certainly making her mark.”Last year, Pepper brought home a cotton rat, which led to the discovery of another rare virus called a jeilongvirus, the first of its kind found in North America. At this point, her batting average is better than some research grants.The latest find was part of an ongoing project led by Lednicky and researcher Emily DeRuyter, who studies viruses in wildlife. They’re interested in how viruses move through animal populations and what that means for human health. And while no one is saying Pepper is the next big epidemiologist, she has inspired a new wave of curiosity in “backyard biosurveillance.”“We’ve started taking a second look at what comes through the door, whether it’s roadkill or something Pepper drags in,” said DeRuyter. “I never thought I’d be thanking a cat for contributing to my research, but here we are.”Orthoreoviruses are common in many species and typically don’t cause illness in healthy people. Still, discovering new strains helps researchers understand how viruses evolve, spread, and occasionally jump between species.“There’s still so much we don’t know about the viruses living quietly in wild animals,” said DeRuyter. “Every new one we identify gives us another piece of the puzzle.”Back at home, Pepper seems unfazed by her growing reputation. According to Lednicky, she continues to bring in specimens, though not all of them are useful.“Sometimes it’s a frog, sometimes it’s a plastic fork from the neighbors’ trash. You never know what you’re going to get,” he said with a laugh.On social media, Pepper has become something of a folk hero. A tweet featuring her photo next to the words “Virus Hunter” has gone viral, and fans have suggested everything from honorary degrees to a dedicated lab named in her honor.“Someone even asked if she could be part of a research team,” said Lednicky. “I told them only if the pay includes salmon treats.”So, what’s next for Pepper? More prowling, probably. Maybe another rodent-shaped contribution to science. For now, she’s enjoying her status as the most unintentionally helpful cat in Florida.As Lednicky put it: “She’s not a trained lab assistant, but she’s definitely earned her place in the team photo.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

3 Fun Facts About Dalmatians

Dalmatians are one of those dog breeds everyone recognizes instantly. With their spotted coats and energetic personalities, they’ve charmed their way into pop culture and people’s hearts. But there’s more to these dogs than meets the eye. Here are three fun facts that make Dalmatians truly special.

3 Fun Facts About Sphinx Cats

Sphinx cats are undeniably one of the most unique-looking feline breeds, famous for their hairless appearance and striking personalities. Beyond their (seemingly) bald bodies, these cats are full of surprises! Here are three fun facts about Sphinx cats that might make you fall in love with them even more.

Looking for Ways to Stop Your Dog From Mouthing?

If your pooch is no longer a welcome visitor because of his playful mouthing, a little patience and training can turn that around.

How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Too Fast

Watching your dog inhale their meals can be worrying. Eating too fast isn't just messy, it can also lead to digestive issues, choking, and even serious problems like bloat. The good news is there are plenty of ways to help your dog slow down and enjoy mealtime safely.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

5 Tips to Stop Puppies From Chewing Everything in Sight

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but many new dog owners are quickly reminded that puppies have a natural tendency to chew anything within reach—shoes, furniture, cords, and sometimes even your hands. While chewing is a normal behavior that helps with teething, exploration, and stress relief, it can become destructive if it’s not managed properly. The good news is that with the right guidance and consistency, you can redirect this behavior and protect your belongings. Here are five effective tips to stop puppies from chewing everything in sight.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Adding a Degu to the Family? Let's Get You Properly Set Up!

It's Official: Two Golden Retrievers Named as Next Air Bud Stars

Golden Retrievers enter nationwide casting call to be the next Buddy in super-popular Air Bud franchise.

A Clinical Study of GLP-1 for Cats Is Being Conducted at Cornell

Keeping your cat at a healthy weight can help them stay well, and if your veterinarian determines that your kitty needs to lose some weight to be healthier, it’s best to follow their guidelines for safe weight loss. You might’ve seen recent headlines about the possibility of an Ozempic style option being made available for pets. Well, now there’s a clinical study being conducted at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine to see if a GLP-1 therapy can indeed work on cats.

Safeguarding Your Home for High-Energy, Too Curious Pets? We Can Help!

Why Do My Cats Keep Fighting?

If you live with more than one cat, you’ve probably seen them swat, hiss, or even tumble around the room in what looks like a brawl. Some back-and-forth is normal, but if your cats seem to fight often or it gets intense, it can be stressful for everyone in the house. Let’s look at why this happens and what you can do to keep the peace.

Are Ice Melts Safe for Pets?

When winter hits with its ice and snow, you’ll be tempted to reach for an ice melt to keep your walkways safe, but did you know there are a lot of ice melts that are dangerous for pets? It’s important to be aware of the risks and what your options are, as there are products that are safer for furry companions. Keep reading to learn about ice melt toxicity in pets, and products you can consider using instead.

Why Your Dog Can't Sleep Through The Night Lately

If your dog’s suddenly struggling to sleep through the night, it doesn't necessarily mean they’re acting out.Just like us, dogs can have nights where rest doesn’t come easy. Understanding why can help you and your furry friend get back to peaceful nights.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Beginner-Friendly Reptiles: 5 Low-Maintenance Species You’ll Love

Thinking about diving into the world of reptiles but not sure where to start? Don’t worry, not all scaly pets require excessively complicated setups or exotic diets. In fact, some reptiles are surprisingly low-maintenance and perfect for beginners who are ready to try something a little more… cold-blooded.Here are five beginner-friendly reptiles that are generally easy to care for, fun to observe, and make awesome companions for first-timers.

Are GPS Pet Trackers and Fitness Trackers the Same Thing?

You’ve microchipped your dog and have a securely fenced yard, but there’s still that tiny, nagging fear… What if they get spooked by a sudden noise and slip out the front door? What if your dog slips away when travelling? Or maybe your concern isn’t about them getting lost at all, but about their health. Is your cat getting enough exercise? Is your puppy getting too much?For a long time, we relied on observation and tried to communicate as accurately as possible with our veterinarians. But today, technology has given modern pet parents like you incredible tools to help in this aspect of your dog’s care.In this guide, we’ll dive into the world of pet wearables, breaking down the difference between GPS trackers and fitness trackers, exploring how each of these products works, and highlighting their strengths. You’ll have all the information you need to help you decide which is the perfect tool for your pet’s needs.What Are Pet GPS Trackers?A pet GPS tracker is a small device, typically worn on your pet’s collar, that uses satellite technology to pinpoint their exact location in real-time. Think of it like a personal, portable GPS system just for your pet. This isn’t just a simple tag; it’s a sophisticated piece of technology designed to help pet parents answer one of the most urgent questions that may arise: “Where are they right now?” They were originally used for hunting dogs, but today they are growing in popularity for house pets.The way a GPS tracker works is quite clever. The small unit on your pet’s collar receives signals from multiple satellites orbiting the Earth. By communicating with these satellites, they are able to calculate your cat’s precise position at any given moment. That position data is then sent to a server, where it can be accessed.Most trackers rely on a cellular network, which is why they require a monthly subscription, making it essential to have a cell phone plan for the device. However, others use a more traditional GPS technology that doesn’t rely on cell networks, allowing them to work even where a cell connection isn’t available.Once the information has been received by the network, it is then relayed directly to an app on your smartphone or a handheld receiver, giving you a live map of your pet’s location. This process allows for a virtually unlimited range, so whether your pet is a few blocks away or miles from home, you can see their location.The true value of a pet GPS tracker lies in its key features, which are all centred on providing security and peace of mind. Depending on the product you purchase, this may include:Real-time Location Tracking: The primary and most critical feature. This allows you to see your pet’s location on a map at any moment, so you can track them down if they get lost.Geofencing: This powerful tool allows you to set up virtual safety zones, like your backyard or a local park. If your pet wanders outside of this predetermined area, you’ll receive an instant alert on your phone.Location History: Most apps keep a history of your pet’s movements, so you can see where they’ve been. This can be helpful in identifying common escape routes or understanding their roaming habits.Durability: These devices are built to withstand the elements, often being waterproof and rugged to handle even an adventurous pet’s lifestyle.A GPS tracker is an invaluable tool for certain situations. It’s perfect for the adventurous pet who loves to roam, such as those who enjoy camping and hiking. If they become disoriented or lost in an unfamiliar environment, this will help you bring them home. They are also helpful for known escape artists who are always looking for (and somehow finding) a way out.It’s important to remember that a GPS tracker is not the same as a microchip. A microchip is a form of permanent identification that can be scanned by a vet or animal shelter if your lost pet is found. It can’t actively track your pet’s location.Similarly, it’s also important to note that a GPS tracker is far more reliable and has a greater range than a Bluetooth tracker (like an Apple AirTag), which only works when your pet is within a few dozen feet of your phone or someone else’s.Some examples of highly recommended pet GPS trackers include:Tractive Smart GPS Tracker ( for cats and for dogs) Fi Series 3+ Smart Dog Tracker CollarWeenect GPS Collar ( for cats and for dogs) Halo Collar 3 Garmin T 5X (my personal go-to)Understanding Pet Fitness TrackersA pet fitness tracker is a small device, usually attached to a collar or harness, that monitors your pet’s activity, rest, and overall behavior. Think of it like a Fitbit for your pet, designed to provide insights into their health and wellness. These devices are less about knowing your pet’s location (although some due have GPS capabilities) and more about understanding their lifestyle.Unlike GPS trackers, which use satellites, fitness trackers rely on an internal sensor called an accelerometer. This sensor detects and measures movement. The device’s software then translates this movement into meaningful data points, such as steps taken, distance traveled, active minutes, and calories burned. This information is typically synced to your smartphone app via Bluetooth, meaning there is no need for a monthly cellular subscription.The true benefit of a fitness tracker lies in the health data it provides:Activity Monitoring: Tracks your pet’s daily steps, distance, and time spent being active versus resting. This helps you ensure they’re meeting their exercise needs.Behavioral Insights: Some advanced models can monitor scratching, shaking, or changes in sleep patterns. This data can be a subtle but important early indicator of discomfort or health issues that you might not otherwise notice.Goal Setting and Benchmarking: The app allows you to set daily activity goals based on your pet’s breed, age, and weight. You can also compare your pet’s activity to other pets of the same breed and age, giving you a better understanding of what a healthy activity level looks like.Health Reports: Over time, the data creates a comprehensive picture of your pet’s activity and rest trends, which you can share with your veterinarian during checkups.A fitness tracker is an excellent tool if your main concern is your pet’s health. It’s ideal for managing a pet’s weight, as it provides data to help you create and stick to a weight loss plan. It’s also invaluable for monitoring recovery after an injury or surgery, as it allows you to see gradual improvements in activity.For aging pets, a fitness tracker can help you track mobility and identify potential signs of conditions like arthritis. Ultimately, it’s for any pet parent who wants to be more proactive about their pet’s long-term well-being and ensure they are getting a balanced, healthy life.Some examples of helpful pet fitness trackers include: FitBark Activity Monitor Link GPS Dog Tracker + Activity Monitor PetPace AI Health Monitor Minitailz Health & GPS Tracker for Dogs