Designer Nods to Canine Influencers During New York Fashion Week 2025

What to Do If Your Dog Is Behaving Aggressively

If your dog is showing signs of aggression, it can be scary and confusing. But the good news is that you’re not alone, and there are plenty of ways to handle it. Let’s walk through what to do if your dog is acting out aggressively.

San Francisco Animal Shelters Full of Pandemic-Era Puppies and Kittens

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many people became new pet parents or acquired more pets that could provide companionship and bring more joy during a very trying time. Unfortunately, things have changed, with many pandemic-era puppies and kittens filling animal shelters to capacity in California, including in San Francisco. Keep reading to learn about what has happened and why things have changed.

Why Dogs Eat Poop, According to a Canine Behavior Expert

You may not want to admit it, but your dog has probably eaten poop once or twice. While this type of behavior makes dog owners shudder, it’s shockingly common for our four-legged companions to eat poop. But why would dogs, especially those with food bowls full of delicious kibble, choose to indulge in such a nasty habit? You might be surprised to learn that there are several reasons why some dogs eat poop.Also known as coprophagy or coprophagia, eating fecal matter is a normal behavior for many animals, including dogs. In fact, research has shown that 25% of dogs eat poop regularly and that nearly half of all dogs have tried to eat feces at some point in their lives.  Some wild animals, including foxes and wolves, will eat their puppies’ stools to help keep the den clean and reduce scents that might attract predators. Studies also show that eating fresh feces might minimize the likelihood of intestinal parasites being spread, providing an evolutionary advantage to our dogs’ wild cousins. Like their wild counterparts, domestic dogs also eat their puppies’ poop in the first few weeks of life to keep them clean. This gives puppies a chance to observe and learn this type of behavior. “Puppies are naturally exploratory - and they’ll taste anything,” said Dr Emily Blackwell, lecturer in companion animal behavior and welfare at the University of Bristol. “And feces don’t taste or smell gross to them in the way they might do for us.”As unappealing as it may seem to us, poop still contains many nutrients and can serve as a good food source when times are hard. Experts speculate that Valerie, a miniature dachshund that has survived 529 days in the Australian wilderness did so partly by eating other animal’s poop. Let’s not forget that dogs have different preferences from us when it comes to the taste, smell, and texture of their food. There’s little research about coprophagia in dogs, but so far, it seems that there’s no apparent connection with diet and age. Researchers are looking for links between gut flora, diet, and diseases that may cause dogs to eat poop. An underlying health problem could be the reason why your dog is eating poop. Schedule an appointment with your vet if your pooch has started eating poop all of a sudden. Your vet will run tests to rule out health problems. Poor living conditions that don’t allow the dog to move a lot or explore, like kennels, a lack of mental stimulation, and punishment during potty training have been linked with dogs eating their own poop. Even if there’s no underlying health problem or your pooch doesn’t actually like the taste of poop you might be inadvertently encouraging them to eat poop while trying to discourage that behavior. “Normally, the consequences of this behavior are that owners rush over to any feces during walks, trying to get there first to stop their dog. But this signals to the dog that feces are important to the owner, increasing its value. And that could make the dog ever more determined to reach it before the owner,” explained Blackwell. “In this way, a lot of dogs are actually eating poo because they’ve almost been trained to by their owner. It’s all about how you respond,” she added. While Valerie, the miniature dachshund, may have eaten poop to survive, most poop-eating canines aren’t forced to eat feces to stay alive. The good news is that coprophagia is manageable. Understanding why your dog eats poop - whether it’s the result of a health problem, evolutionary instinct, or poor living conditions - can help you address this behavior with understanding rather than revulsion. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Can a Water Additive Keep My Dog's Teeth Clean?

Canine dental disease, ranging from gingivitis to advanced periodontal disease, is sadly common, affecting a large number of adult dogs. It’s a silent threat, often progressing beneath the gum line with no obvious signs until it becomes painful and seriously impacts overall health. In the most severe cases, it can lead to issues in the heart, kidneys, and liver.While veterinarians agree that daily tooth brushing is the gold standard for preventing plaque and tartar buildup, for some dogs, that feels more like a wrestling match than a bonding experience. If the idea of daily brushing feels overwhelming or impossible for your dog, you may be searching for other options, including the use of dental water additives.This post will explore how these dental products work, their potential benefits and limitations, and what you should look for when considering one for your dog. By the end, you’ll better understand if a water additive can truly help your dog and if it fits into your greater dental care plan.Why Dental Health is ImportantWhile that unpleasant “dog breath” may be your first clue that something’s wrong, halitosis (bad breath) is often just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to dental problems in our dogs. The real concern is usually progressing beneath the surface.It all begins with plaque, a sticky, colorless film that forms on your dog’s teeth and is composed of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. If it isn’t removed, this plaque hardens into tartar. This rough, porous surface provides the ideal environment for bacteria to build up both above and, more concerningly, below the gum line.This buildup leads to gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums that manifests as redness, swelling, and bleeding. At this early stage, gingivitis is reversible with proper dental care. However, if it’s left untreated, it can progress to periodontal disease, a far more serious condition. Periodontal disease involves the infection and inflammation of the structures that support your dog’s teeth, including the gums, ligaments, and bone. As the infection gets worse, it can lead to irreversible bone loss, gum recession, and ultimately, painful tooth loss. The impact of poor dental health can also progress beyond just the mouth. The bacteria thriving in an infected mouth don’t stay put; they can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gums and travel throughout the body. This can contribute to serious health issues in vital organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver.Plus, we must remember that dental disease is incredibly painful for our dogs and life-changing in terms of their overall quality of life. While they often hide their discomfort, dental pain can impact their ability to eat, chew toys, play, and generally enjoy their lives.This is why vets often emphasize that a healthy mouth is essential for a healthy body.The Gold Standard: Why Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth is Still RecommendedWhen it comes to your dog’s dental care, daily tooth brushing stands as the undisputed gold standard. It physically disrupts and removes the sticky plaque and food debris from the tooth surfaces and, most importantly, along the gum line, before the plaque has a chance to harden into tartar. The active scrubbing of brushing is what makes it the most effective solution. If you’re interested in brushing your dog’s teeth, there are a few things you can do to make the process smoother. Always introduce the toothbrush and toothpaste gradually, focusing on short, positive experiences at first. Make sure you use a toothpaste specifically made for pets, as human toothpaste contains ingredients like xylitol and fluoride that are toxic to dogs. Focus your brushing efforts on the outside surfaces of the teeth, paying close attention to where the tooth meets the gum line, as this is where plaque tends to build up quickest. Consistency and making tooth brushing a positive, reward-based routine are key to success. However, we must also face the reality that this isn’t going to work for every dog. Many dogs aren’t comfortable with having their mouths handled this way, leading to resistance, stress, or even fear. Regular, consistent brushing can also be a challenge for pet parents with time constraints in their busy schedules or those who lack the confidence and knowledge necessary to brush effectively. If daily brushing isn’t feasible for your dog, it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on their dental health. Instead, create a plan with other practical tools to prioritize their dental health and prevent the progression of painful oral diseases. Enter Water AdditivesGiven the challenges many pet parents face with daily brushing, an alternative that has been gaining popularity is the use of dental care water additives. Simply put, these are liquid solutions designed to be added directly to your dog’s drinking water, passively improving their oral hygiene with each drink. How They WorkThe active ingredients in the additive target oral bacteria, preventing plaque formation and helping to break down existing plaque before it hardens into tartar. This includes: Antimicrobial agents like chlorhexidine, zinc salts, or cetylpyridinium. These compounds help stop the growth of bacteria in the mouth, reducing the overall amount of bacteria contributing to plaque formation and bad breath. Enzymes such as glucose oxidase and lactoperoxidase function by breaking down components of plaque or creating an unfavorable environment for bacteria to live and grow. Plaque-loosening agents like citric acid or specific plant extracts are thought to help prevent plaque from adhering to the tooth's surface and soften existing plaque, making it easier to remove through activities like chewing. Some products are made to be tasteless, promising your dog won’t even notice the product has been added to the water. Others add a mild flavoring to make it more tempting for dogs, encouraging them to drink more, adding another benefit to their use.

Do You Know How to Read the Ingredients Label of Your Pet's Food?

A decade-old lawsuit, citing the lack of bacon content in Purina's popular Beggin' Strips, failed in the courts, yet heightened awareness of pet food ingredients.

10 Ways to Pay Attention to Your Dog’s Wellbeing During the Summer

A couple of summers ago, I took my dog, Jasper, on what I thought would be a quick walk around the neighborhood. It was warm, but I figured we’d be fine. Five minutes in, he started slowing down, panting harder than usual, and looking up at me like, “Mum, what are we doing?” I scooped him up (he’s not exactly light) and carried him home, feeling like the world’s worst dog parent. Lesson learned: summer is no joke for our four-legged friends.Ever since that day, I’ve made it a priority to really pay attention to how Jasper is feeling when the weather heats up. Dogs can’t tell us when they’re uncomfortable, dehydrated, or overheating, so it’s up to us to notice the signs and stay ahead of any problems. Luckily, can make summer safer and more enjoyable for our pups by making just a few simple changes. Here are 10 ways I keep Jasper happy, healthy, and tail-wagging all summer long!

New Treatment Offers Hope for Dogs with Herniated Disks

If your dog suddenly yelps for no reason, starts limping, or, worst of all, begins dragging their back legs, your mind goes straight to panic mode. You Google, you call the vet, and the word surgery comes up faster than you can say “walkies.” It’s terrifying, and not just for your dog. But there’s something new stirring hope at Texas A&M University: a promising clinical trial using a special enzyme injection to treat herniated disks in dogs. No surgery. No long hospital stays. Just a targeted injection and the potential for a new chance at life.“This could change how we treat spinal injuries in dogs,” says Dr. Nick Jeffery, the neurologist leading the study at Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “We’re using a naturally derived enzyme to dissolve the herniated material that’s pressing on the spinal cord. It’s quick, minimally invasive, and so far, the results have exceeded expectations.”Herniated disks, technically known as intervertebral disk disease, or IVDD, are heartbreakingly common, especially in small breeds with long backs: think dachshunds, beagles, French bulldogs, and corgis. One wrong jump off the couch, and suddenly your happy-go-lucky pup can’t walk, can’t stand, and might be in serious pain.Traditionally, surgery has been the only real option. But it’s costly, carries risks, and recovery can be rough. Not every dog is a good surgical candidate, and not every family can pay a multi-thousand-dollar vet bill, even if they desperately want to.That’s where this trial comes in, and it already has promising results.Oscar, a five-year-old dachshund, is living proof. One morning, he just couldn’t walk. “He tried to get up and collapsed,” recalls his owner, Ashley. “He looked confused and scared, and I was a wreck.” Her vet referred her to Texas A&M just in time. Oscar received the enzyme injection less than 48 hours after his symptoms began, and within days, he was wagging again.According to the study, which involved 54 small-breed dogs, the success rate has been remarkable. Nearly all the dogs who still had feeling in their back legs recovered mobility quickly. Even a few with more severe symptoms showed significant improvement. And so far, no dog has experienced any major side effects.Of course, there are caveats. Timing is everything; dogs need to receive the injection within about three days of symptoms showing up. The trial is currently limited to small dogs, and it’s only happening at Texas A&M’s teaching hospital for now. But if the results continue to be this strong, there’s real potential for wider availability in the near future.“It’s not a magic fix, but it’s the closest thing we’ve seen,” Dr. Jeffery says. “We want owners to know that if their dog shows signs of back pain or weakness, time matters. Getting to a vet right away can make the difference between a simple injection and a much more complicated road.”The treatment, called chondroitinase injection therapy, works by dissolving the gel-like center of the slipped disk that’s putting pressure on the spinal cord. Think of it like deflating a balloon that’s gotten stuck in the wrong place. Once the pressure is off, the spinal cord can start to recover, and so can the dog.And while it’s still early days, the results are exciting. Less invasive care, lower costs, shorter recovery time, and a whole lot less trauma for everyone involved. For dog lovers, that’s huge.For now, the team at Texas A&M continues its work, hoping to expand access and gather more data. But the message for pet parents is clear: if something’s off, don’t wait. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Its True! Some Cats Purr More Than Others

Kyoto University determines how nature versus nurture plays a role in how vocal your feline is.

Top 5 Toys That Truly Make Your Dog Happy

Dogs, like people, have their own preferences and personalities, but there’s one thing almost all dogs have in common: they love to play. Playtime isn’t just fun; it provides essential mental stimulation, physical exercise, and a great opportunity for bonding. But with aisles of toys to choose from, which ones are actually the most enjoyable for your pup?Let’s explore the top categories of toys that make dogs happiest, and how to pick the best one for your furry friend.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

What Temperature Does My Gecko Need?

Keeping your gecko healthy starts with one of the most important factors in reptile care: temperature. Since geckos are cold-blooded and rely on external heat to regulate their body functions, the wrong temperatures can quickly lead to serious problems. Too cold, and your gecko may become sluggish, stop eating, and face health issues. Too hot, and they can overheat or dehydrate.Here’s a breakdown of what different types of pet geckos need when it comes to temperature.Leopard Gecko Temperature NeedsLeopard Geckos are one of the most popular pet geckos. Native to the dry, rocky regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan, they’re built for warm days and cooler nights.Basking spot: 88–92 °F (31–33 °C)Warm side ambient: ~84 °F (29 °C)Cool side: 75–80 °F (24–27 °C)Nighttime drop: 68–72 °F (20–22 °C)These geckos absorb heat through their bellies, so an under-tank heat mat with a thermostat is usually better than an overhead light. It simulates their natural behavior and avoids stressing them out with too much bright light.

Tips for Working From Home with Pets

Working from home provides a host of conveniences, one of which is being able to spend all day with your pets, keeping an eye on them and making sure they have everything they need. But pets can also be distracting or cause a commotion when you’re trying to meet deadlines or engage in a virtual meeting with colleagues. To help you out, we’ve compiled a few tips for working at home with your pets so you can take advantage of the perks and ensure everyone, including your furbabies, is happy.

7 Important Things to Consider When Getting a Pet Lizard

Lizards can make fascinating pets. With their unique personalities, vibrant colors, and intriguing behaviors, they’re a step away from the typical dog or cat. But before bringing one home, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into. Let’s take a look at some key things to consider. Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Patio-Worthy Picks to Keep Your Pooch Chill This Summer

Dogs Are Helping People Deal With Stress More Than Expected

If you’ve ever found your shoulders unknotted simply by petting your dog after a long day, you’re definitely not alone. But now science at the University of Denver is showing just how powerful that furry comfort can be.A new study led by the University of Denver’s Institute for Human‑Animal Connection (IHAC) has uncovered something pretty remarkable: pet dogs don’t just reduce stress, they actually help regulate it in a more nuanced, biological way than researchers expected.Researchers recruited 44 dog‑owning participants and randomly assigned them to two groups. One group brought their dog to a mildly stressful lab test, and the other group faced it alone. The test involved giving a job‑interview style speech and doing mental math under pressure.During the study, researchers measured heart rate, salivary cortisol, and alpha‑amylase (a stress enzyme), and had participants rate their anxiety. What they found was pretty fascinating! Although both groups saw increases in stress, those with their dogs present had significantly lower spikes in heart rate and cortisol. Heart rate rose about 14.6% with dogs present vs. 26.7% without. And cortisol responses were more than 50% lower when a dog was by your side.What surprised researchers is that salivary alpha‑amylase actually only rose in the dog group, by 97.6%, suggesting not just suppression of stress, but a healthy, balanced response. Participants in the dog‑present group sometimes ended with cortisol levels even lower after recovery than when they first arrived. A sign of faster stress recovery.According to IHAC communicators, “dogs may be able to support a balanced, intermediate stress response. Instead of just reducing the stress response, a dog can actually help to maintain regular stress levels”.Although participants didn’t report significantly less anxiety in self‑ratings (that metric was about the same whether the dog was present or not), the physiological signs tell a different story. It turns out our heart, our hormones, and even specific enzymes respond better when our dogs are with us, even if our minds think otherwise.This study breaks ground by measuring several biological systems at once, something previous research lacked. IHAC hopes to expand this work, exploring whether dogs might help with chronic stress, anxiety disorders, or recovery from trauma. In fact, upcoming work from DU researchers will look at service dogs with veterans dealing with PTSD, mapping long‑term hormone changes and even protein biomarkers over months of pairing.The goal is ambitious yet relatable: uncovering how dogs, our partners, confidants, and fluffy overlords shape our bodies’ stress responses, not just our minds.So what’s the practical takeaway? Even on hectic days, carve out a few minutes to connect with your dog. Sit on the couch together, take a short walk, or let them curl up beside you while you breathe deeply. It’s not just sweet, it might actually cut your cortisol and keep your heart rate steadier.And if someone ever downplays your pup’s value beyond fetch games or cuteness? Share the facts. Dogs are scientifically shown to be better at regulating stress than parents, partners, or close friends in some respects, and just as helpful on our toughest days.So next time someone says your dog is just a pet, smile knowingly. You're not only living with a furry companion, you might be living with your best therapist yet.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Best Dog Breeds for Those With Anxiety

Time and time again, research has shown that pets can be good for your mental health. Pet parents turn to their animals when stressed, and value their animals as much as family. Pets can improve your well-being, and dogs can tell when you’re stressed. So, it should come as no surprise that dogs can provide benefits to those who experience anxiety. 

Sound Bathing For Dogs is a Thing

This new style of bringing Zen-like calm into your pet's life is surprisingly easy to pull of.

Why Do Cats Love Cardboard Boxes?

If you've ever brought home a shiny new toy for your cat only to find them more fascinated with the box it came in, you're not alone. Cats and cardboard boxes go together like peanut butter and jelly, but why? What is it about these humble containers that make them irresistible to our feline companions? Let’s dig into the science and behavior behind this quirky obsession.