Media Maven Martha Stewart Gets Push Back Over Dog Food Recipe
Use of "home-grown" meat draws ire from followers and falls on the heels of last year's negative press.
Up At The Cottage Cheese Chicken And Rice Dog Food Recipe
I love that spring is finally here. That means summer is right around the corner and it’ll soon be time to head up to the cottage for a little R&R. Chillin’ on the boat, grillin’ on the BBQ and hangin’ on the dock with my buddy Oscar. So until I can make it up north, the Up At The Cottage Cheese Chicken And Rice Dog Food Recipe will have to do!Up At The Cottage Cheese Chicken And Rice Dog Food RecipeIngredients:1 lbs ground chicken1 tablespoon olive oil1 cup cooked brown rice1 cup cottage cheese1 egg1 clove garlic, minced (optional)1 cup spinach½ cup frozen carrots and peasDirections:Cook brown rice in small sauce pan on stove or in rice steamer. Set aside once cooked.Heat olive oil in a medium pan. Brown ground chicken on medium-high heat with the optional minced garlic.Once chicken is browned, turn heat to medium and stir in rice, egg, and vegetables. Mix well for three minutes.Stir in cottage cheese. Mix well for three minutes. Let cool to room temperature. Sort out portions, refrigerate and freeze in airtight bags or containers.I feed Oscar a mixture of homemade food and kibble – I just mix a tablespoon of the homemade recipe in with the dry food. And all of the ingredients I use are human grade, which means it’s the same food I buy for myself at the grocery store. I even tried this recipe before I fed it to Oscar. It’s usually a little bland for my taste buds, but Oscar never complains. He’s a wonderful taste taster.Benefits of Adding Fresh Food to Your Dog’s KibbleWhile your dog’s kibble has been created with a specific nutritional balance in mind, it’s not always the most interesting or appetizing option available. This isn’t to say that he can’t enjoy a happy life eating kibble, many dogs do! However, if you’re looking for a way to add a special spin to your dog’s usual meal, you may consider adding a homemade food topper like the Up At The Cottage Cheese Chicken and Rice Dog Food Recipe. The individual ingredients in any recipe that you choose will also provide their own nutritional benefits. For example, cottage cheese is rich in both protein and calcium.In addition to adding a fun new flavour to your dog’s food, a food topper can contribute to your dog’s overall health and wellness. The biggest benefit to adding fresh food to your dog’s food is the way that it aids hydration. Kibble is a very dry meal choice, void of water content. To maintain proper hydration levels, our dogs are often left trying to drink enough water to compensate. Fresh food like the ingredients in this recipe provide your dog with much-needed hydration, even if he isn’t a huge fan of drinking water regularly.
Quinoa Dog Food Recipe
This is the first time I’ve used quinoa in a dog food recipe. I’m a big fan of this super seed that’s high in protein. To cook it, I used my rice cooker and it worked just as well as it did on the rice. As well, I added some Calcium Carbonate tablets that I crushed before adding to the mixture, but you can replace with your own preferred supplements. You’ll also see that I added a clove of garlic to this recipe, which you can take out if you want without affecting the outcome of the dish.First Things First: Is Quinoa Safe For Dogs?The American Kennel Club says that not only is quinoa safe for dogs, but it’s actually an ingredient in many high-quality dry dog foods. It makes a nutrient-dense addition and alternative to some starches like weaht, soy and corn that may not agree with your dog. They’re often used in kibble, but they don’t offer the same protein that a quinoa can. High-energy/high-protein foods benefit from quinoa inclusion without concern about the allergen issue there is for wheat, soy and corn.Why Put Quinoa In Dog Food?There are several great reasons to put quinoa in this recipe. The biggest reason is that it is a protein-rich ingredient. It’s gluten-free and has great fiber content. There are no trans-fats and it’s a good way for your dog to get linoleic acid–an essential fatty acid. It’s also a great way to enrich their diet with quercetin, kaempferol and flavonoids, all high-power antioxidants that add to overall health and immunity. Research continues to show that antioxidants will reduce free radicals in both the bodies of humans and our furry friends, and that can prevent many diseases–cancer included!When it comes to vitamins, Quinoa has B-vitamins like folate and riboflavin as well as the minerals iron and magnesium.Quinoa also makes your dog’s heart happy! In fact, it makes his whole cardiovascular system healthier. Couple some quinoa with exercise and that’s almost like PT for your pup!For dogs who have inflammation–arthritis, immune diseases, etc. quinoa can also help keep that inflammation level down. This is again because of the antioxidants. Reduced inflammation levels in your pupper mean less pain and less risk of disease. Additionally, it means a healthier immune system and that’s definitely what you want for your best friend!What To Watch Out For With Quinoa For DogsNow, while quinoa has LOTS of benefits for your dogs, some pet parents have learned their dog doesn’t really agree with quinoa. This is because the saponin found in quinoa may be upsetting to their tummies. As a protection, the quinoa plant will produce the saponin to keep itself damage-free from insects. BUT, sometimes that saponin can irritate your dog’s stomach. It’s unusual, but just like humans…some dogs are more sensitive than others.You can always wash your quinoa before you cook it. This typically removes the saponin to help make your dog’s stomach happier. If your dog has a really sensitive stomach and just can’t take it, watch for symptoms like vomiting loss of appetite or drooling after eating.That said, the majority of dogs who eat quinoa love it, and why not? It’s delicious AND good for them!Quinoa Dog Food RecipeIngredients:3 cups organic quinoa1 lbs ground turkey1 clove garlic, minced1 cup frozen carrots and peas1 cup spinach2 crushed Calcium Carbonate tablets (or your own dog supplements)1 teaspoon parsley (fresh or dry)1 tablespoon olive oilDirections:Cook quinoa in rice cooker. I used 1.5 cups of water for every cup of dry quinoa.Heat oil in large pot. Cook turkey and garlic until brown on medium high heat. Added cooked quinoa to the pot and stir completely into the mixture.Reduce heat to medium. Add peas, carrots, spinach, crushed tablets and parsley to the mixture. Stir well for three minutes on reduced heat.Store in air-tight containers. You can refrigerate or freeze into larger portions until needed.I usually freeze smaller portions sizes into bags and remove one at a time until needed. Oscar gets a tablespoon at a time mixed in with his dry kibble.
DIY Dog Food: Up at the Cottage Cheese & Chicken Dog Food Recipe
You’ll always see the bottom of the bowl after you make your dog this summer-inspired meal. Watch and learn as I cook up the Up at the Cottage Cheese Chicken and Rice Dog Food for Oscar.This week on Canine Kitchen (aka Oscar’s Nom Nom Hut), we’re making one of Oscar’s favorites, “ Up at The Cottage Cheese Chicken and Rice Dog Food Recipe.” Packed full of healthy ingredients such as ground chicken, cottage cheese and spinach, this dog food recipe is easy to make and delicious to eat… just ask Oscar! And now, you can follow along as I make it in our DIY Dog Treats video series.Since Oscar is so picky about his kibble, this homemade dog food is a hit. There’s always room for seconds. Enjoy the video below and feel free to leave comments or let us know any other recipes you’d like to see us make. And don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel, so you’ll always catch our newest pet-related videos.
Study Shows Your Dog Is Listening to You Even When They’re Sleeping
For millennia, dogs have been our most loyal companions – naturally, this means that we’ve evolved together and that canines and humans share a special bond like no other. Not only that but they’ve also learned how to communicate with us without speaking, from using “ puppy eyes” to tail wagging, and other body language that’s unique to their species. Their ability to understand us, too, never ceases to amaze us, and it has been further confirmed by a recent study by ethologists at the Hungarian Eötvös Loránd University.A small pilot study that was conducted on 13 dogs revealed that even when in deep slumber, a dog’s brain can still light up in response to human voices and the sounds of other canines - just like when they are wide awake. Eötvös Loránd University’s ethologist Huba Eleőd says that “this finding is significant insofar as it is the first evidence of complex auditory processing during sleep in dogs.”To achieve the most accurate readings, the experts used special devices that measured the dogs’ “event-related potential brain wave responses”. In different stages of the testing, the dogs were presented with the voices while awake, drowsy, and fully asleep. Sounds lasted only for a second and included laughs, sighs, yawns, growls, and yelps. The sounds were carefully chosen so as not to startle the doggos awake. The results surprised everyone. Even when they were not in deep REM sleep, dogs could tell if a noise was coming from a human or a dog, and whether the “communication” was positive or not. Previously, such abilities were only seen in primates, including us humans. The only non-primates to display this ability were mice – and now, dogs as well. That primates possessed such an ability came as no surprise, as we spend plenty of time asleep, and having that ability ensured our continued survival. But dogs, dogs definitely surprised researchers!Luckily, modern studies allowed us to learn a lot of new things about dogs. Their sleep, for example, sheds a lot of light on how exactly they function. While snoozing, pooches process emotion and “consolidate” their memories. They can even dream as well! And now we know that they can hear us as well.While undoubtedly exciting, these findings are just the tip of the iceberg. Important research will continue in Hungary, in search of further similarities between canine and human sleep behavior. We can only eagerly wait to see what new discoveries are made in the coming months and years.
Technology Tracking Dogs Really Are a Thing
We’ve all heard of dogs that can sniff out drugs and explosives or locate missing persons from a simple whiff of their clothing… but what’s all this about technology trackers? Can I seriously teach my pooch to hunt down the TV remote that went missing over the weekend? Actually, it’s not that kind of technology. You see, this highly specialized dog is trained to detect a compound called triphenylphosphine oxide (TPPO) and with a dog’s approximately 400 million olfactory receptors (humans have closer to 50 million) these super sleuths can smell that stuff through pocket material, duffle bags, a shoe insole, and even drywall. Now, if you’re wondering what TPPO is, it’s the compound used to cover circuit boards in storage devices ranging from hard drives to USB sticks, memory cards and even those tiny SIM cards that store data on our cellphones. Essentially, it’s the all-important coating that prevents these gadgets from overheating and because of that, it’s a compound that will never not be present on electronic devices.But as to why this specific training is growing in K9 units worldwide you need to consider the increase in cyber-terrorism. From drug and human trafficking to child p*rnography and weapons offences, the need to locate a criminal’s “tools of the trade” such as computers, burner phones, and hard drives is essential to securing a successful conviction. And while internet use and location trackers have made it easy to trail an individual, many perpetrators now work on darknets – an overlay that uses the internet but requires special software for the person to access illicit data.Of course, even a darknet involves a computer system and that’s where the TPPO-sniffing pooch steps up to the plate. Find the perp and let this specially trained K9 agent track down the concealed storage system. I mean, when you’re dealing with something as easily hidden as a SIM card, having a secret furry weapon that detects the scent, then sits, barks and wags his tail saves a heck of a lot of time.Truth is, technology-tracking dogs are becoming more and more common in the execution of this type of warrant because police often get just one shot at finding the much-needed evidence. No surprise that the best dogs for this type of work tend to be the usual suspects – Labrador retrievers because of their heightened sensory skills, innate hunting traits and their gentle disposition – important if there are younger family members present during a search. Other faves include the stately Belgian Malinois and German Shepherd dogs for their tenacity and handler loyalty. I’m not convinced my Schnoodles would rank but as with most family pooches, they’re ace at hunting down an errant chip between the sofa cushions… and that’s good enough for me.
First-ever Canine Parvovirus Treatment Offers Hope for Sick Puppies
Parvovirus - a single word no dog owner wants to hear. Canine parvovirus is one of the most deadly conditions that affect thousands of puppies in the U.S. yearly.Until now, there has been no specific cure for parvovirus, with treatment relying on supportive care. But that changed in May when USDA granted a conditional license for the first-ever canine parvovirus treatment.Developed by Elanco Animal Health Incorporated, the Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody is a single-dose intravenous injection that has been shown to reduce the length of hospital stay and increase the survival rate of dogs diagnosed with parvovirus. In Elanco’s clinical trials, “zero dogs died when treated with Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody,” said Kristen Zersen, DVM, DACVECC, assistant professor of small animal emergency and critical care at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. That’s fantastic news considering that parvo’s mortality rate is around 91% for dogs not treated with supportive care.While the treatment efficiency study focused on eight-week-old puppies, Zersen said that safety studies have shown that the treatment is well tolerated by puppies as young as six weeks old. “The puppies treated with Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody had significantly faster times to resolution of vomiting, inappetence, and lethargy,” said Zersen. Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody is the first and only treatment available for parvo which affects around 330,000 dogs each year. Administered intravenously in a single dose, this groundbreaking treatment works by binding to the virus directly, preventing it from entering into host cells. Another great thing about this treatment is that it can be given to dogs at any stage of the disease. The effects of the treatment may vary from one dog to the next but according to Zersen, “Overall the treatment makes for less time, less worry, and less labor helping the dog to feel better faster.”That’s a positive change considering how this deadly disease has been treated in the past. “Traditional canine parvovirus treatment can consist of 24/7 care, three to five days of hospitalization, high pet owner costs, and emotional stress with no guaranteed outcome,” explained Zersen. “Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody offers a targeted solution. Dogs are treated with one intravenous dose that’s highly effective and proven to decrease mortality and may provide faster resolution of the symptoms of this potentially deadly disease.”Elanco expects to obtain full USDA approval in 2024, but veterinarians are able to get the medicine in the meantime. An eight-week-old pit bull mix was one of the first to receive this lifesaving treatment and knows exactly how effective monoclonal antibodies are. As soon as Cookie started to show symptoms of parvo, including lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea, her owner brought her to the Fix Project’s Parvo ICU.There, a test confirmed that Cookie has, indeed, contracted parvo. Cookie received Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody treatment and was admitted to the ICU for supportive care. “We gave the injection, placed a catheter, and gave her the rest of our protocol. And the beautiful part about the drug was we had her in and out. We parvo tested her on Friday, and she came back strong positive. By Sunday, she was eating. And then by Monday, we parvo tested her, and she was going home that day,” Dr. Andrew Cabrera, veterinarian and medical director at The Fix Project, told People in an interview. Cookie was one of the first pups to be treated with Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody treatment, but she wasn’t the last. Dr. Cabrera shares he has seen similar results in parvo cases he has treated. “The success rate has been night and day,” he said. “We are able to get them eating a little faster and out of the hospital a little more quickly.”Hopefully, vets around the country will include Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody treatment in current parvo protocols to increase the survival rate and reduce hospitalization time.
Jolly Pets’ Annual “#WeGiveaJolly” Campaign Helps Shelter Dogs
Jolly Pets is the brand behind innovative, durable, and unique pet toys that are made entirely by domestic manufacturers – and every holiday season, they make an effort to spread joy, kindness, and love to all the pooches in need. This season, collaborating with 19 influencer ambassadors, they are once again heading their # WeGiveaJolly charitable campaign. Starting from November 28th until December 25th, Jolly Pets will donate a high-quality toy for every single purchase made. The toys will go to rescue dogs at 19 animal shelters in the USA, each represented by the influencer ambassadors, as announced by the marketing director of Jolly Pets, Louisa Casto. "The holiday season is a time for giving, and what better way to make a difference in the lives of shelter dogs than through the power of play and companionship. Jolly Pets understands the importance of providing joy and comfort to dogs awaiting their forever homes, and # WeGiveaJolly exemplifies our commitment to this cause," said Casto. "We believe that every dog deserves love, care, and happiness regardless of their circ*mstances. That's why we're excited to kick off our annual # WeGiveaJolly campaign, collaborating with compassionate ambassadors and animal shelters to make a real difference in a dog's life."This campaign will bring true holiday cheer across the country, especially to rescue dogs who are in dire need of some love and compassion.The ambassadors, shelters, and locations are as follows:@guidingeyesfortheblind for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Yorktown Heights, NY@goodasgoldens for Canine Companions, Sacramento, CA@Jack_the_Sleeper for Fort Worth North Animal Care and Adoption Campus, Haslet, TX@moosethegoldenretriever for Rescue Village, Russell Twp., OH@cheriethesurfdog for Frenchies United Rescue, Claremont, CA@incredibullstella for Animal Help Alliance, Las Vegas, NV@iheartpgracie for Animal Care Centers of NYC, New York, NY@2rockstarlabs for Crossed Paws Animal Shelter, Woodsfield, OH@koda.laredo for Hoosier Bulldog Rescue, Indianapolis, IN@posies_pocketful_of_praise for Pickens Humane Society, Liberty, SC@ziggy_loving_life for Home Fur Good Animal Rescue, Phoenix, AR@maligator_apollo for PAWS Chicago, Chicago, IL@remingtonpup for Great Pyrenees Rescue Society, Spring, TX@gvl_golden_girls for Dog Squad, Greer, SC@enzo.and.bella for Friends of Detroit Animal Care & Control, Northville, MI@benny.n.lola for Humane Society Silicon Valley, Milpitas, CA@leuleu_theblue for the Pet Alliance Sanford Shelter, Orlando, FL@the.hero.dogs for Hot Mess Pooches, Homer, IL@fosterkittenhq for The Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Arlington, VA"By participating in Jolly Pets # WeGiveaJolly campaign, our customers are not only providing joy to their own pets but also extending that joy to shelter dogs waiting for a loving home. It's a small act of kindness that can profoundly impact these dogs' lives," Casto said. "We encourage using the hashtag # WeGiveaJolly on social media to encourage friends and family to participate in this heartwarming initiative."To learn more about the # WeGiveaJolly campaign and to shop for Jolly Pets' durable and innovative pet toys, visit https://jollypets.com/pages/wegiveajolly-annual-toy-drive.
Senior Leaves $2.8 Million Estate to Pets, Not Kids
What do you need to consider when planning the future care of your pets?
Homeless Man Rescues a Litter of Orphaned Puppies During a Storm
An anonymous homeless man has become an internet sensation after rescuing a litter of puppies and taking them to the shelter during a storm. In the wake of a recent storm, the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society in North Carolina discovered that a nameless man had dropped off a litter of five puppies at the shelter’s door. The puppies, estimated to be less than two months old, were left with a touching note. “The note was from a kind soul, a homeless man who, despite his own hardships, took it upon himself to rescue these innocent lives after their mother, a local stray he cared for, tragically passed away,” share the shelter in a Facebook post. The shelter also posted pictures of the note left by the homeless man, who apologized for not being able to care for the puppies himself. “Please help,” he wrote. “I found these puppies sadly after noticing a local stray dog that I would often feed when I could, dead by the road. She had been hit by a car.” The man added that he knew she had a litter of puppies nearby and that he searched the area for them, so they wouldn’t starve and freeze to death waiting for their mom to return. “I’m sorry for leaving them like this, but I myself am homeless and cannot afford to care for them,” the man explained. “My heart shatters for them and their mother. I just want them to be given the chance their mother, like myself, was never given.”“Please do not think poorly of me, but it felt wrong leaving them alone in the cold waiting on a mother that would not be coming home. Sincerely, the nameless man.” Touched by this selfless act of kindness, the shelter thanked the nameless man, saying that his good deed hadn’t gone unnoticed. The shelter promised to honor this selfless gesture by ensuring these puppies get all the love and care they deserve. “Your empathy in the face of adversity gives us hope and inspiration,” the shelter wrote. The staff invited the man to come by the shelter to visit the puppies and get a proper thank you. So far, the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society has not heard from the man but noted that many people have offered to help him get back on his feet if he comes forward. To acknowledge the lucky circ*mstances of their rescue, the shelter named the puppies Chance, Kismet, Serendipity, Fortun, and Fate. The puppies were extremely malnourished and small when they were rescued, so the shelter couldn’t yet determine their breed.“We are guessing they are lab mixes and will grow to be about 30 to 40 pounds, but again that’s a guess,” said the shelter. According to the shelter, the applications to adopt these cute puppies will open on February 1. The organization explained that they will only consider applicants from Cumberland County, North Carolina because the puppies are going home on a foster-to-adopt basis until they are old enough to be spayed or neutered. In the meantime, the organization is accepting donations and has a wish list available for anyone willing to assist in caring for these puppies. “Unfortunately, we still don’t have any updates about the kind man who brought these puppies to us. While the puppies have names now, their rescuer remains unknown. We continue to hope he’ll come forward,” the shelter wrote. “Thank you for your continued support and love for these animals. Together we’re making a difference in their lives one puppy at a time.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.
Here is Why Pet Insurance Costs Are at an All-Time High
Many pet owners decide on getting pet insurance for their cat or dog as a way of ensuring their four-legged bestie can get the best help there is in time of need – even if the budget is tight. However, costs of pet insurance have been rising considerably in the United States, with some insurers experiencing rate increases of up to 20% and more, all in the past year. According to the latest insights by Consumer Reports, the average monthly cost of pet insurance is roughly $47 per pet, which can be a hit on some pet parents’ budgets.For example, users of Lemonade Insurance in California received a 22.9% rate increase, while Trupanion – one of the largest pet insurance companies – was authorized to increase premiums in New York up to 25%! In fact, Trupanion officials stated that they were working to raise the rates even more, all in order to offset inflation.It shouldn’t be a surprise to know that dogs represent up to 80% of all pet insurance policies, and they cost more to insure, compared to cats or other smaller pets. And with the costs soaring, owners are asking themselves where it all comes from – and so suddenly at that. But the increase might not be as sudden as we think. Pet insurance is regulated by state government agencies. And when they authorize a rise in insurer costs, there is often a gap period until the rise occurs. Companies need to seek approval to increase their prices, and the entire process takes time. And, of course, there is always an underlying reason for the increase. In the year behind us, insurers have been facing higher costs, which they are now trying to pass along to the customers. The main issue at hand is the rise of veterinary service prices, which are rising at an annual rate of 10.6%. According to the latest consumer price index, the rate far outpaces the overall inflation in the economy. But why are the veterinary cost prices on the rise? One of the main reasons is the recent COVID pandemic – it caused a real pet adoption boom, increasing the demand for veterinary services, resulting in higher labor costs, and so on. Still, not all insurance companies offer the exact same prices and packages. There are at least 20 pet insurance companies in the United States, allowing you a greater freedom of choice. You can always compare prices and conditions, finding the choice best suited for you and your family’s budget. You don’t have to settle for an expensive premium if there’s a better option out there!
How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need?
Sleep allows all big and little creatures to rest, regenerate, grow, and gain strength for further milestones in life. Dogs, too, need to have enough sleep to thrive – both during the day and through the night. But some doggos love to snooze more and others, and then there are those who won’t sleep that much at all. So what is the bottom line? How much sleep do dogs need exactly? While there can’t be a general, straightforward answer (after all, not all dogs are identical), there are some general rules and guidelines to follow. How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need Daily?The amount of sleep a dog needs can vary depending on factors such as their age, breed, and activity level. Generally, dogs sleep a significant portion of the day, and their sleep patterns can be quite different from humans. Here's a rough guideline for how much sleep dogs typically need on a daily basis – based on their age, lifestyle, and so on.Puppies, naturally, need a lot of sleep, usually around 18 to 20 hours a day. They have bursts of energy and playfulness, which are followed by periods of deep sleep. Puppies are still growing, and sleep is essential for their development.Adult dogs, on the other hand, are not such sleepy heads. Still, they will sleep more often than not. Most adult dogs sleep around 12 to 14 hours a day, although this can vary. Larger breeds tend to sleep more than smaller breeds. Active and working dogs, such as herding or hunting breeds, may require more sleep to recover from their daily activities. There are also seniors, who get tired more quickly and need plenty of rest during the daytime. Older dogs may sleep more than younger adults, often in the range of 14 to 16 hours a day. Senior dogs tend to be less active and love to snooze whenever there’s a chance. It's important to note that individual dogs can have different sleep needs. Some dogs may sleep more or less than the average, and this can be influenced by their overall health and well-being. It's also influenced by their daily routine, exercise, and mental stimulation. Then again, some doggos are straight-out lazy – they love to snooze, hate to jump around and exercise, and snore as much as they want! This is not something you should worry about unless it comes about suddenly. That’s just how some dogs are.
Study Finds Pet Parents Care More About Their Dogs Than Their Cats
Pet parents tend to place themselves into one of two categories. You can either be a dog person or a cat person - there’s nothing in between. This may come as a shock to all cat lovers, but scientists have found that dog owners care more for their dogs than cat owners care for their cats. At least that’s the case with pet owners across Denmark, Austria, and the United Kingdom.Although these findings have been observed in older studies, veterinary scientists from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, wanted to find out whether cultural factors had any effect on the results. Their results were first published in the Journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science. “We and others have found that people are willing to spend much less on their cats than on their dogs,” said Peter Sandøe, professor at the University of Copenhagen and the study’s lead author. “We wanted to find out whether cats could eventually end up having the same high status as dogs do today.”The scientists surveyed 2,117 pet owners, including 844 dog owners, 872 cat owners, and 401 owners who owned both cats and dogs. Participants were asked questions about their pets’ health insurance, their willingness to pay for life-saving medical treatment, and other questions designed to determine how much owners care for their pets. Pet owners from all three countries had a higher attachment score for dogs than for cats. Dog owners were more likely to buy insurance for their dogs, and said they were willing to spend more for life-saving treatment for their dogs. However, the results of the study varied greatly across the countries. The differences were most noticeable in Denmark, where 41% of dog owners said they were willing to pay a high cost of life-saving medical treatment for their dogs compared to 26% of cat owners. On the other hand, the United Kingdom’s results were in favor of dogs, but only slightly. Around 34% of dog owners in the UK said they would pay more for their dogs’ medical treatment compared to 28% of cat owners. According to scientists, such a slight difference isn’t statistically significant. ‘While people care more about their dogs than their cats in all countries, the degree of difference varied dramatically between countries,” said Sandøe. The researchers originally hypothesized that people in Denmark might be more unaccustomed with cats living indoors than people living in Austria and the United Kingdom since Denmark became urbanized much later than these two countries. Thanks to a much more recent rural history, cats in Denmark might be seen as just another farm animal.According to researchers, several studies hypothesize that when cats are more likely to spend time indoors, they tend to become much closer to their owners, who consequently care more about them. This was confirmed by studies in the U.S. and Mexico, where many cats are indoors-only felines.So it comes as no surprise that in Denmark, where just one out of five cats is kept strictly indoors and many have outdoor access, most pet owners care less about cats. Researchers think that pet owners’ level of care for their pets may depend on the level of interaction and dependence, as well as other factors. "There seems to be no natural limit to how much people will end up caring about their cats compared to their dogs,” said Sandøe. “The British are often portrayed as a nation of cat lovers, which is certainly confirmed by our study. The Danes have a long way to go, but they may eventually get there.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.
These Dog Foods Are Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination
Owners should always be careful about the food that they give to their pet – and it’s only natural that every caring owner will naturally want the best for their pet. But sometimes, even getting the best of the best is not a guarantee as accidents can happen anytime. In this case, the issue is that several popular dog food brands got potentially contaminated with salmonellla. Recently, owners had been shocked to find out that three brands of pet food were recalled - having tested positive for salmonella. And in fact, the past year saw at least seven recalls of dog food brands that were either contaminated with this nasty bacteria, or had harmful elevated levels of vitamins. And, to make matters worse, 2019 saw several dogs get seriously ill after consuming the food. And our dear four-legged friends are not the only ones at risk - handling the contaminated dog food, we too are exposed to salmonella. In 2012, up to 49 people in the United States and Canada fell ill after an outbreak of salmonella that was traced to dry dog food. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 persons were so ill that hospitalization was required.According to the CDC, the pesky salmonella bacteria causes “an estimated 1.3 million infections in Americans every year, resulting in 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths.”As for the latest recalls, a notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, released on October 30th, includes the following foods: “one by Mid America Pet Food of Mount Pleasant, Texas, involving three lots of Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula after random sampling found salmonella, which can sicken pets as well as people who come in contact with it.” Furthermore, it is stated that the food was “Sold by retailers across the U.S., the recalled products come in five-pound, 15-pound and 40-pound bags with a best-by-date of June 12, 2024, and contain one of the following three lot numbers on the back of the products: 1000016890, 1000016891, 1000016892.”The second recall involves TFP Nutrition of Nacogdoches, and their Retriever All Life Stages Mini Chunk Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food, in 50lbs bags, with best-by-dates of October 2024 and production codes of either 3277 TFP or 3278 TFP. Lastly, the third recall in the latest wave is Blue Ridge Beef of Statesville, North Carolina, which is recalling Breeders Choice dog food with the UPC code 8 54298 00193 1 due to possible salmonella contamination.In case you suspect your pet has eaten any potentially infected foods, it is important to know the symptoms of salmonella poisoning in pets: they can be lethargic, listless, or have diarrhea that is followed by fever and vomiting. If you recognise these in your pet, don’t hesitate to contact your vet. And, if you suspect that the dog food you have is contaminated, make sure to destroy it in a way that children, animals, or people cannot get in contact with it.
Possible Cancer Vaccine for Dogs in the Works
Mark your calendar because May 2024 marks the end of a 5-year clinical trial that may put an end to many canine cancers.
It's a Match! Winnipeg Rescue Intro's Doggie Dates
Prospective owners can sweep their prospective partner away for the night, a weekend, or a week, before deciding to commit.
A Xmas Miracle: Shelter Empty for the First Time in Nearly 50 Years
It was a very merry Christmas for a Pennsylvania shelter whose kennels were empty for the first time in nearly 50 years. Just two weeks ago, the shelter was packed with cats and dogs. However, the staff and volunteers have been working around the clock to make sure the animals in their care got adopted into loving homes. The Adams County SPCA is overjoyed that the shelter is empty, especially during the holidays.“This is the first time in 47 years that the Adams County SPCA is empty let alone on Christmas time, it is a true miracle!” the shelter wrote on Facebook. “To say that we are beyond excited is an understatement! The staff and volunteers have worked very hard to take care of the animals in our care and to make sure they got adopted into the right home.”The organization had a busy year, taking care of 598 animals before adopting them into furever homes. The hardworking staff and volunteers also reunited 125 stay animals with their owners this year alone.Adams County SPCA kennel technician Tanya Hays said that in the last two weeks, the shelter found homes for 20 animals, either as adoptions or strays returned to their owners.“We had to get them all spayed and neutered, vaccinated, and tested for heartworms and thick-born illnesses while also processing a lot of (adoption) applications, so the staff worked really hard,” said Hays to TODAY.“It was pretty cool. It was quite a feat,” she added.The organization took to Facebook to thank their community. “Our community stepped up once again! We thank everyone for their continued support and look forward to new adventures in 2024!”Although it may seem like people are more motivated to adopt animals during the holidays, the shelter actually discourages people from giving pets as gifts because these animals are more likely to be returned to the shelter weeks later. While the staff and volunteers celebrated everything they achieved this year, they are already ready to get back to work. “We will be pulling animals from other shelters in Pennsylvania next week in hopes of relieving some of their stress,” the shelter shared. “Right now we are going to enjoy this accomplishment!”In a follow-up post, the organization shared that it has “received an overwhelming response” from different shelters across the country and also from Canada and Mexico. Members of the public have also reached out asking them to take in abandoned animals. “Even though our hearts break for them and the situation they are in we need to help the members of our community first,” the organization said. The Adams County SPCA is only taking animals from overwhelmed shelters in Pennsylvania and animals surrendered by residents within the county as well as those living in surrounding counties. “We are going to do the best we can to help as many animals and people we can.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.
