Olive, the adorable house farm pig from Australia, acts a little like a dog.
That’s because she shares a house with a British Bulldog, a Frenchie and a Boston Terrier.
Watch the adorable house pig and his dog siblings in the cute video below.
How to Choose the Best Flea Protection for Your Dog
Everyone knows that dog is man’s best friend, so it’s only obvious that you want to give your dog the best life that you possibly can.
Protecting your fur baby against flees is one of the most important things that you can do for pet and for your own household as well. While there are many methods in which to eliminate flees once they arrive, it is better for everyone to prevent them from coming into your life all together!
When you are choosing the best flea protection for your dog, there are a few considerations that you need to make to ensure your dog’s safety and the safety of the rest of your family as well. The best flea prevention treatment will be age-appropriate for your dog, the location that you live, and if there are any small children around your dog should all be considered when looking into the many different flea treatment options available.
While all flea prevention products are different, they all work by entering your dog’s bloodstream and killing the fleas from the inside out. This means that your dog is protected when they go for that swim at the beach, or take a bath, giving you the owner some peace of mind. The three most commonly recommended flea treatments by veterinarians on the market are flea/tick collars, topical treatments, or oral treatments. Each of these options have their own positives, but your situation will best determine what is right for your dog.
Flea/tick collars
Flea/tick collars are coated in chemicals that work to kill fleas (and ticks) at all stages of life. They last for several months, when not in contact with water. While flea/tick collars are largely effective at removing fleas, they should not be used around small children. Regardless of the brand, all flea/tick collars leave traces of the chemicals both on the collar itself and on the dog’s fur, making it dangerous to use around young children in particular.
Topical treatments
Topical – or spot-on – treatments are highly effective at protecting your dog from fleas and other dangerous worms. These treatments do not work against ticks, however. It is important that dogs cannot lick the site where the treatment has been administered, and you should ensure that no one, particularly children, touch the toxic chemicals. If you have a cat also, you should seek council from your doctor before using topical treatments as the chemicals used within these treatments can be fatally harmful to felines.
Oral treatments
Oral treatments come in the form of a pill or a chewable treat for your dog. These typically last between 8-12 weeks and protect your dog from everything from fleas to ticks to heartworms. Oral treatments are available from puppy to adult ages and for all weight ranges and are available at any pet shop or vet. Oral treatments such as Nexgard Spectra are the most recommended option for households with children and other pets as they work internally and do not allow anyone else to come into contact with the chemicals used within.
30+ Quotes for Dog Loss to Help You Through a Dog Death and Grief :(
If you landed here, you’re probably dealing with a dog loss.
… or you’ve dealt with one before.
…. or you’re anticipating one.
Whichever the case, I’m sorry 🙁
It’s hard to lose a family member we love so much and who loved us so unconditionally. It’s even harder because many people don’t understand the loss.
But our pets are people too. Their lives matter. Their deaths matter. And how we feel about their deaths matter.
When I was putting together these dog loss quotes and sayings, I was extremely emotional.
I cried.
A lot.
It made me think about the day I’ll lose my dog. And I’m already devastated.
If you’re going through a dog loss, I hope these quotes help.
I hope they make you reminisce about your dog. I hope they bring some therapeutic tears (if necessary). I hope they make you feel less alone.
We’re here for you if you need.
30+ Quotes for Dog Loss and Grief
VIDEO: Dog-Like Kitten Raised By Huskies Takes a Stroll
Rose the kitten used to be malnourished but luckily, she was nursed back to health by 3 caring huskies.
They take her on walks and more.
See Rosie and her huskies in the cute dog video below.
VIDEO: Golden Retriever and Piglet BFF Enjoy Life Together
This golden retriever has a BFF for life.
He plays around with his piglet friend, dressing up for Halloween together, taking walks and playing around.
Watch their adorable friendship in the cute dog video below.
5 Cool Cocktail Recipes for Doggy Drinks
You’re about the celebrate the end of a long work week by cracking open a cold one.
Can Fido have one too?
After all, she’s been such a good girl all week.
While dogs shouldn’t have alcohol, there are a few other dog drink recipes you can make at home. They won’t get her drunk, but we guarantee, she’ll be safer and enjoy the taste a lot more.
In this post, we’ll discuss why beer is bad for dogs and give you 5 DIY alternatives. They’re perfect to make whenever you want to celebrate alongside your four-legged friend.
Is Beer Bad for Dogs?
Yes, beer and alcohol in general are bad for dogs. Just as you wouldn’t feed a child alcohol, you should never give it to your dog.
Even if you’ve seen other people pour a little beer for their dog, or your dog likes the smell, you should resist.
Hops are Toxic to Dogs
As you may know, beer contains hops. Hops are acids and a basic ingredient in beer that help give it flavor and smell. Although it’s not exactly known why, hops can cause a variety of issues of in some dogs.
If a dog has hops, problems can include::
- Vomiting
- Problems breathing
- Kidney damage
If you have a beer making kit or make your own, you should keep hops up high and in a spot unreachable by your dog.
Can Dogs Drink Alcohol?
Another strike against beer: It contains alcohol. It’s not too difficult to imagine why that’s bad for dogs. Think about it: Alcohol is bad for humans and we’re often 1.5-10 times their size. In humans, alcohol can cause anything from headaches to vomiting or actual alcohol poisoning. Just like us, it’s also terrible for their kidneys. Now consider the weight of your dog compared to you. It will likely take a lot less for them to get drunk and feel the effects. Also, many of us build up a tolerance for alcohol over time. Dogs don’t.
You should avoid giving your dog any type of alcohol (wine is also bad for dogs because they’re made of grapes, another poison). Even in small amounts, it can affect your dog. This includes soaked fruits, desserts or smaller amounts in “non-alcoholic” beers, wines or coolers.
In summary, alcohol is bad for dogs because it can cause:
- Stomach issues
- Diarrhea
- Intoxication
- Vomiting
- Kidney damage
- Heart failure
- Coma
Dog Drink Recipes
Just because dogs can’t have alcohol doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy a nice dog-friendly mocktail.
Why would you want to give your pup a drink? Here’s a few ideas:
- As a liquid an easy DIY dog treat
- During holiday gatherings when everyone else is drinking
- To cool down during a hot summer’s night
- To celebrate with you safely
- For their birthday (in dog years, the legal drinking age is 3 😉
- As a Friday/Saturday night tradition
What you should know before making a DIY dog cocktail recipe:
- More Bathroom Breaks. Whichever recipe you choose, remember that your dog will likely need additional bathroom breaks. If he’s drinking more than he’s used to, you’ll need to let him out after he’s finished. If not, you can expect accidents.
- Consider Your Dog’s Diet. You should also consider how each recipe factors into your dog’s diet and health. For example, don’t choose a high-sugar recipe if your dog has diabetes.
- Your Dog’s Size. Larger breeds can drink/eat more per serving. If you have a smaller dog, these recipes may be multiple servings.
BarkTail Broth
Barktail Broth
If you eat chicken, you probably already have all the ingredients to make this now. Canines love the meat bits found floating throughout this glorious barktail.
- <br />Cooked or raw chicken bones<br />
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tsp Parsley or oregano
- Water<br /><br />
-
Put bones in pot and pour water until it's covered by 3 inches extra. Add apple cider vinegar. Boil and simmer for 3 hours or longer.
-
Alternatively, follow these instructions but make it in a crockpot. Turn on high for about an hour and then turn to low for up to 20 hours.
-
Pour mixture through a strainer and into a container. You may choose to pick out any meat bits, but make sure you don’t include any sharp bones! Add parsley or oregano.
Muttgaridas
Muttgaridas
While you sip your Margarida, it’s only fitting that your pup also have a muttgarida.
- Chicken broth ((Use the recipe above to make broth. You can also use store-bought broth. Look for healthy, low-sodium versions))
-
Pour broth into an ice cube tray and freeze. Blend in a blender. To be fancy, pour in a plastic margarida glass or to ensure no spillage, pour into a dog bowl.
Doggy Daiquiri
Doggy Daiquiri
Perfect to beachside furbabes.
- 1/4 cup Strawberries
- 1/4 Banana
- a c Water
-
Blend ingredients in a blender. Serve fresh in a plastic daiquiri glass to be fancy or in a dog bowl to ensure no spillage.
Doggie Daiquiri Popsicles
A super easy adaption of the Doggie Daiquiri recipe above.
- Follow recipe above
-
Follow the recipe above, but pour blended ingredients into an ice cube tray. Pop out into a bowl on hot days to cool down your canine.
Pupslide Mudslide
Pupslide Mudslide
You may be sipping on your mudslide, but since chocolate is another big doggy no-no, your furbabe can only dream. That is until they try this DIY dog-friendly mudslide.
- 1/4 c Plain/Natural Greek yogurt
- 1/4 c Water
- 2 tbsp Peanut butter or soy butter
-
Blend ingredients in a blender. Serve in a bowl for a delicious doggy dessert.
Summary on Beer For Dogs
It’s not okay to give your dog beer or any other type of alcohol. The substance is toxic to humans (think hangovers and alcohol poisoning), so it’s easy to understand why it would also be bad for our four-legged friends. Also, consider that most pets weigh a lot less than us, making them even more susceptible to the effects of alcohol. Even if you see someone else do it and their dog looks fine and seems to enjoy it, don’t try it. Keep beer, wine and liquor out of reach.
If you want your dog to get in on the celebration, consider making them a doggy mocktail. Our recipes above combine dog safe ingredients for a yummy treat. Just remember: If she drinks more than usual, she will need to go to the bathroom more often than usual. Let her out or take her for an additional walk afterward.
VIDEO: Silly Golden Retrievers Try Slippery Jello for the First Time
These golden retrievers love to taste test different food.
This time, it’s Jello. Their furmom gives them a few cubes and they try to devour it but it keeps slipping from their mouth.
Watch these canines catch some Jello in the cute dog video below.
Dogs and Coronavirus (COVID-19): Everything You Need To Know
ATTENTION: Information about coronavirus and pets continues to be updated as experts learn more. To see the most recent and updated information, visit the CDC’s Info Sheet on COVID-19 and Animals or World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).
With new information about coronavirus and dogs coming out daily, you may wonder what it means for your dog.
Can your dog get it? Can you pass it on to them? Can they pass it on to you?
And what precautions should you take?
We’re answering all those questions in this guide on coronavirus and dogs/pets.
FAQ on Dogs and Coronavirus 2019
These are the most frequently asked questions when it comes to coronavirus and dogs. The answers reflect the best evidence we have at the time of writing, according to official sources. We’re covering:
- What is Coronavirus?
- Did Coronavirus Originate in Animals?
- Can Dogs Get Coronavirus?
- Can Dogs Pass on the Coronavirus to Me or My Other Pets?
- How Can I Prevent My Dog From Coronavirus?
- How Can I Stop My Dog From Coming Into Contact with Coronavirus?
- Should I Buy a Mini Mask for My Dog?
- What Do I Do With My Dog If I Have Coronavirus?
- What Do I Do With My Dog If THINK I Have Coronavirus?
- What Do I Do If I Think My Dog Has Coronavirus (And I Don’t)?
- I Have Coronavirus 2019. Should My Dog Be Tested?
- My Dog Has Coronavirus. What Do I Do?
- Should I Hoard Dog Supplies?
- I’m Self-Isolating with My Dog. We’re Bored. What Can We Do?
What is Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses refer to a certain type of virus. There are many different subtypes of coronavirus. The one causing a pandemic in 2020 is referred to as a novel (AKA new) coronavirus or COVID-19. It’s important to note that because this is a new virus, we don’t have all the information yet. Experts are learning new information daily—that includes how the illness affects your dog. Since we don’t know exactly how it works, experts are basing advice on how the virus has spread in other countries and how previous similar viruses have acted. As the virus continues to spread, experts update their advice and make clarifications. To see the most up to date information, see the CDC’s Info Sheet on COVID-19 and Animals.
The novel coronavirus is currently classified as a pandemic. It’s a respiratory illness with symptoms in humans including:
- Runny nose
- Sore throat
- Cough
- Fever
- Breathing problems
Although the illness is typically mild, it can result in severe cases and in more rare cases, death. Typically, people most at risk for severe and fatal cases are those with severe chronic medical conditions and older people. Even if you’re not at risk, you could pass the virus onto someone who is. So what makes it that much different from the regular seasonal flu? Hospitalization and death rates are higher and it’s spreading quicker. That’s why it’s classified as a pandemic.
The best way to prevent the illness is to avoid being exposed to it by washing your hands. Some countries have gone on “lock down” to avoid going into the public and spreading the virus. In many states in the U.S. and Canada, experts are advising people to work from home if they can and self-isolate.
If you are sick, contact your health provider. Since tests are limited and if the health system gets stressed, you may be asked to monitor your symptoms and self-isolate. For constantly-updated advice on precautions to take, check the CDC.
Did Coronavirus Originate in Animals?
It’s believed that the coronavirus originated in animals. However, it’s believed that it’s transmitted from human to human. That means it appears that your pet can’t transfer it to you. There is currently no evidence to suggest that anyone takes precautions to avoid getting COVID-19 coronavirus from a pet.
Can Dogs Get Coronavirus?
You may have seen information circulating on social media claiming that dogs can’t get coronavirus. That isn’t true.
The WHO before said that there was no evidence that dogs could be infected with the virus. A day later, they seemingly retracted that, telling Quartz that there’s no evidence that dogs have infected humans with COVID-19. That remains true as of this writing, there’s no evidence that infected dogs can spread the disease to humans.
What’s changed is that dogs can be infected with the novel coronavirus. However, it doesn’t seem to affect them in the same way. In other words, having the virus doesn’t necessarily mean they’re ill or at risk. However, more research needs to confirm whether this is true.
Hong Kong has reported infected dogs, calling their results a “weak positive.” These dogs were found to have the virus after their owners also tested positive. However, the dogs weren’t showing any symptoms, according to World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) With more research, that finding could be confirmed or disproven.
We should also consider that we don’t know exactly how the disease works in humans. We know even less about how the coronavirus affects dogs. Testing for COVID-19 in the U.S. and some other countries is limited for humans. Since we are not testing our pets, it is possible we don’t have an accurate picture of how many pets could potentially be infected and what (if anything) that means to their health. You should be checking this page for updates on how coronavirus affects dogs.
Can Dogs Pass on the Coronavirus to Me or My Other Pets?
The only way to know if your dog has coronavirus is to get them tested and testing is unavailable to dogs in most cases. Even if your dog is infected, there’s currently no evidence that they can pass it onto you or your other pets. However, you should keep yourself updated as more information becomes available.
How Can I Prevent My Dog From Coronavirus?
The best way to prevent your dog from getting COVID-19 is to:
- Avoid getting it yourself
- Not allowing them to come into contact with anyone who’s sick
To avoid getting coronavirus, you should work from home if your job permits. If it doesn’t, follow any precautions your workplace has set out. If you take public transit, take extra caution by washing your hands.
In any case, you should practice self-isolation until the disease stops spreading. That means staying home except for necessities (groceries or medical care). Don’t visit public areas. In some places, restaurants and entertainment spaces are forced to close to prevent this. Check your local organizations for expert advice in your area.
How Can I Stop My Dog From Coming Into Contact with Coronavirus?
Even though the virus may not affect dogs, some dog parents may be worried about their dog getting it and passing it onto them. There is currently no evidence that dogs can pass on the coronavirus, according to the CDC.
People may wish to take extra precaution. In this case, you can take the same advice many experts are giving us: self-isolate. That means while dog walks are okay, you may limit going to a dog park or any dog gatherings.
Should I Buy a Mini Mask for My Dog?
No. Since dogs don’t appear to sick from COVID-19 and or pass it on, masks are unnecessary. Plus, this is great news to him. He probably would hate that pesky face cage anyway.
What Do I Do With My Dog If I Have Coronavirus?
If you have tested positive to coronavirus, you may be quarantined in a hospital. You may also be told to stay home and self-quarantine, which includes staying away from other family members and pets. Since it may be possible to transfer it to your dog, you should limit contact. Although there may not be a high risk for your dog, many dog parents would rather be safe than sorry.
If you live with family or roommates, you can ask them to take care of your dog while you get better. Tell them when you usually feed your dog and how much. Ask if they can take your dog out for walks when they can.
If you live alone, you have a few options:
- Ask a friend or family member to take care of your pet at your place or at theirs
- Get a dog sitter
- Hire a dog boarding agency (but you may wish to take caution as large facilities may be at a higher risk for spreading the virus if it turns out to spread amongst animals)
- Dog hospitals— Some hospitals are available to take care of pets if their owners are sick with coronavirus
What Do I Do With My Dog If THINK I Have Coronavirus?
Right now, testing is limited in the United States and Canada. Since not everyone is being tested, it’s possible to have the virus and not know it. If you have the symptoms listed above, the best practice is to self-isolate. Although you may not have it, staying away from others prevents it from spreading. It also prevents your pet from getting it in case it affects them.
If possible, ask a family member or roommate to care for your dog until you get better. If you live alone and want to take extra precaution, you may ask a friend to take care of your dog or hire a dog sitter. If that’s not possible, you may simply limit contact and hire a dog walker or have a friend come over for walks. You may also consider wearing a mask if you suspect you’re infected. (Remember: Masks are only effective if you are infected. If you don’t suspect you’re infected, you don’t need to wear one).
You should also practice basic hygiene as it relates to your dog. That includes:
- Washing your hands before and after touching them
- Washing your hands before and after touching their food and water or supplies
- Avoiding kissing or licking
What Do I Do If I Think My Dog Has Coronavirus (And I Don’t)?
As we discussed above, there’s no evidence to suggest that coronavirus poses the same risks for dogs as it does humans. Currently, there’s no evidence that the virus makes them sick at all, even if they test positive. Since it appears that they can’t transfer it to humans, some vets may not recommend any action if you think your dog has coronavirus and you (or anyone in your family) doesn’t.
Since dogs with coronavirus 2019 are not known to show signs, your vet may also suggest that it’s likely not the disease. With that being said, this advice could change as experts learn more, so you should always contact your vet in case. Always call beforehand in case the vet has specific instructions before going in.
Usually, dogs will only be considered for testing if their owners have tested positive. In this case, your healthcare provider and experts will do a risk assessment to see whether testing is necessary for your dog.
I Have Coronavirus 2019. Should My Dog Be Tested?
Besides telling you to self-quarantine, if you’ve tested positive for COVID-19, your healthcare provider and experts will do a risk assessment to see whether it’s a good idea to test your dog. According to OIE, it’s ideal for your local health and vet authorities to work together during this process. Since vets fight for animal rights, they make sure no inappropriate measures are taken against animals. They are an important part in the conversation.
If your dog is tested, nasal, oral and/or fecal/rectal samples will be taken, according to the OIE.
My Dog Has Coronavirus. What Do I Do?
From what we know right now, dogs with coronavirus do not show symptoms of it. The only way to know if your dog as the disease if by testing them. Tests aren’t available unless the owner tested positive, and even in those cases, testing may be unavailable. If your dog has tested positive, don’t panic. There’s no evidence that your dog’s coronavirus 2019 can cause illness for them or spread to you or other animals. With that being said, it’s considered best practice to keep them away from other animals if they’ve tested positive.
Should I Hoard Dog Supplies?
No. Actually, you shouldn’t hoard anything. Shortages surrounding the coronavirus are caused by panic buying and not need. In essence, when you buy more than you need, you create a shortage that likely wouldn’t exist otherwise. You are also putting vulnerable populations at risk because they can’t afford to buy in the quantity you do and there is nothing left for them when they need it.
Imagine this: Buddy the Black Lab goes without food because his dad couldn’t afford to mass buy 20 bags like you did and now there’s not a single one left for him. Not cool, right? Prevent these issues by buying when you need, when you need it. There is no need to hoard supplies, food or dog food-making ingredients.
I’m Self-Isolating with My Dog. We’re Bored. What Can We Do?
Many health experts around the world are advising people to stay at home unless out of necessity. Self-isolation doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your time with your best four-legged pal. Without running out into a crowded dog park, there’s still plenty of activates you can do together if you’re not sick.
Also, contact with our dog can help us feel more connected to the world again while we self-isolate away from others. (Plus, dogs are better than humans anyway, no?).
Here’s a list of coronavirus-safe activities to do with your dog:
- Take a hike somewhere not crowded
- Teach her a new trick
- Make her some new dog treats
- Make her a new dog food recipe
- Give the best belly rub you ever did give
- Cuddle up with a movie
- Put on music and dance with your pup
- Have a little photoshoot with your dog
- Make a blanket fort and allow your pup to explore it
- Give your dog a massage
- Realize that masks don’t help unless you’re infected. Use those masks to play “which mask is the treat under?”
- Play a small indoor game of fetch
- Make her a DIY Toy
- Do some dog yoga
Summary of Dogs and Coronavirus 2019
Information on the coronavirus is developing quickly as experts learn more. Based on what experts know now, it appears that dogs can test a “weak positive” for 2019 coronavirus, although they don’t have any symptoms and it doesn’t appear to be a risk for them. It also doesn’t look like they can transfer COVID-19 to humans or other animals. In most places, health professionals will only consider testing your dog if you’ve tested positive. If you’ve tested posited or you think you have COVID-19, you should limit contact with your dog as much as possible as a best practice. If your dog has tested positive, they should also avoid contact with other animals. To see the most recent and updated information, visit the CDC’s Info Sheet on COVID-19 and Animals or World Organisation for Animal Health.
