Upside Down Of The Week – Bim

Upside Down Dog Of The Week – Eddie

Say hello to Eddie, our Upside Down Dog of the Week from Upsidedowndogs.com. Eddie is a 10-month old male Beagle from Yorkshire. Here’s what his owner Rachel has to say about him: “This is Eddie the Beagle. He is 10 months old. He lives in Yorkshire with me (Rachel), my partner Dan and our 7-year-old Maine Coon cat called Smudge. He must think Smudge is a dog as he keeps trying to involve her in play! When he’s not doing that he likes to get comfy on the sofa! Congrats Eddie! Be sure to check back next Tuesday for the winner of our Upside Down Dog of the Week.

Upside Down Dog Of The Week – Lou

Meet Lou, the winner of our Upside Down Dog of the Week from Upsidedowndogs.com. Lou is a 6-year-old male Dogues de Bordeaux (French Mastiff) from Little Saint Louis. His owner, Roi Rozumalski, sums him up in one word: “CLOWN!!!!!” Way to go Lou! Be sure to check out our next Upside Down Dog of the Week every Tuesday.

Upside Down Dog of the Week – Spliffy

What are you lookin’ at? It must be Spliffy, our Upside Down Dog of the Week, courtesy of Upsidedowndogs.com. Spliffy is a 3.5-year-old female American Bulldog from Mandurah, Western Australia. Here’s what her owner Luke has to say about her: “My little girl spliffy may look big and tough, but she is far from that, and more of a little sook! Her nickname is dribbles, because besides the dog in the “Beethoven” movie, I’ve never seen so much saliva come from a single dogs mouth! This is a pic of her on her favourite dooner that she loves to snuggle up to, I guess it’s just more comfortable upside down! Hope you enjoy and get a giggle! Here’s lookin’ at you, Spliffy! Be sure to come back next week to see another new Upside Down Dog.

Upside Down Dog Of The Week – Rio

Meet Rio, our Upside Down Dog of the Week from Upsidedowndogs.com. Rio is a 14-month-old female English Springer Spaniel from Lewes, East Sussex, England, UK. Here’s what her owner Reg has to say about her. “Rio is just amazing in every way. She is so loving, attentive, obedient a well behaved. She loves to play and be mischievous. When she was only 4 months old, she ran into the back garden as fast as lightening. Her eyes scanned around and then she saw the strawberry patch my dad was growing. Well, I saw and said “No Rio, good girl”, which she took absolutely no notice of! I’m sure she turned her nose up at me like; “Woof, really. Mate it’s a strawberry bush, of course I am going to just leave that alone!”. She then darted straight for it, slithering and wriggling all through it until she suddenly stopped and I couldn’t see her. Then I just made out one of her eyes peeking through the leaves. She saw me and sprung like a jack in the box out of the bush. Made me jump out of my skin. The bush was obliterated and she looked at what she had done and seemed very pleased. It was hilarious; the sight of her being so crafty. I knew then that she was going to be such a lovely dog. I took her to puppy obedience classes a couple of months later but to be honest she was already trained, or should I say, she just seemed to do what I asked her to do nearly all the time. I mean, not like go and get my slippers Rio, make a cup of tea etc, but the basics of sit, stand, speak, paw, down, stay, here, heel, no, find it. She is now 14 months old and knows all of her toys names, if I say “Fris” find it, she will get her frisbee “Ropey” she gets her rubber puck on a rope…. She now loves to go for a walk through the woods just next to wear I live. She can run around and do what she likes (without being unruly and damaging anything). She always comes back to me when I call her. She have so many cute vocalisations and sometimes sounds like she’s actually trying to talk. Its so funny to listen to. Friends and family even say, Reg, it sounds like Rio’s talking. Love you baby! Good clever girl!” Congrats Rio! Check back next Tuesday to see the winner of our Upside Down Dog of the Week.

Upside Down Dog Of The Week – Moose

Meet Moose, the winner of Upsidedowndog.com’s Upside Down Dog of the Week. He is a 1-year-old Chocolate Labrador Retriever from Quebec, Canada. His owner Grace says: “Moose is the happiest little hunter there is. He just finished a year of retriever training and he will go bird hunting this fall. We never thought we would let our pup near the couch but this is his reward when he works hard and man does he love the couch. Can you tell?” Congrats to our winner, Moose! Check back next week for another hilarious Upside Down Dog!

Using Innovative Cat Treats To Help Keep Your Pet’s Teeth Clean

NOTE: This is sponsored content produced in partnership with PetSmartCats are more than just pets; they're family. As loving cat owners, we strive to provide the best for our feline friends, ensuring they lead happy, healthy lives – and that starts with oral hygiene. Yes, keeping those pearly whites sparkly and that tuna breath less fishy might not be the first thing that came to mind when talking about the overall well-being of cats, but it’s true.Poor oral health can cause a variety of health issues for felines, ranging from gingivitis to serious systemic issues due to bacteria from the mouth entering your pet’s bloodstream. Needless to say, your kitty’s dental health should be taken seriously. That’s why we’re always on the lookout for some great products that can help maintain good oral hygiene without being difficult to use (brushing a cat’s teeth is not the easiest feat in the world, you’ll admit) – and Ark Naturals line of dental products called Kiss Me-Ow checks all of our little boxes.Made with the uniqueness and pickiness of felines in mind, these products cater to their taste preferences while addressing their dental needs. Whether your cat loves crunchy treats or prefers something soft and lickable, Kiss Me-ow has the perfect solution in the form of dental chews or liquid treats.

Hilarious Trend Reveals Most Cats Wouldn't Survive the "Quiet Place"

“A Quiet Place: Day One,” the third entry in the popular post-apocalyptic series, took box offices by storm this summer. The film shows the people of New York City as they fight to survive an alien invasion in which blind extraterrestrial beings with a powerful sense of hearing hunt them down by listening for their movements. While the film blew away expectations at the box office, one character truly stole the show – Frodo, the leading kitty. Throughout the movie, Frodo (played by feline actors Nico and Schnitzel) is challenged to stay quiet as he and his human companions (Sam and Eric) try to escape the city and flee to safety. This has raised a question online among cat parents—in the event of a similar alien invasion, would your cat be able to survive? This curiosity has inspired a new trend on TikTok and other social media platforms. In the videos, cat parents pick up their cats and pretend to run for safety. The concept is simple: While either holding your phone camera or strategically setting it up to capture the attempt, pick up your cat and make a run for it. The good news is that no cats were harmed in the making of these videos. There are obviously no real aliens hunting people down as they flee their homes. The bad news? Very few cats would survive if this movie were to become a reality! If you are in need of a good laugh, the videos won’t disappoint. While some cats stayed silent, ensuring they and their beloved owners would flee safely, others were unimpressed that they were even picked up to begin with. Cats of TikTok can be seen vocally expressing their disapproval while others fought to be released, believing they would survive better on their own without the extra “baggage” of a human to hold them back (or at least that’s how the comments describe their response). One TikTok user, @birchcanread, created a video testing each of her six cats. The video, which now has over 7 million views, demonstrated why most cat parents would be doomed in this scenario.

What Can You Learn from a Pet DNA Test?

By now, you have probably heard quite a bit about pet DNA tests. These products are designed specifically for cats and dogs, they are easy to use, and they are affordable. The overall goal of a dog DNA test or cat DNA test is to gain greater insight into your pet’s ancestry, potential health concerns, and more. Here’s a basic breakdown of some of the main things you can learn from a pet DNA test, and how you can use that information to help your canine or feline companion.

Cozy Fall Is Back – And So Are GREENIES Pumpkin Spice Dental Treats!

There is nothing that feels cozier than autumn. As the evenings become chillier and the leaves turn into vibrant shades of orange, we all get into that fall mood and reach for our favorite treats – such as a yummy pumpkin spice latte! And now, thanks to the limited-edition dental chews from GREENIES, your pet can enjoy the same cinnamony, pumpkin flavor you look forward to each year. Specially crafted for the autumn season, these one-of-a-kind chews are designed to give your pet a taste of fall while promoting healthy teeth and fresh breath all the while.

Should My Dog Warm Up Before Playtime?

Our dogs are always up for a good time, whether it’s a game of fetch or a hike on a local trail. But before you unleash your dog’s inner athlete, you may want to consider the importance of a proper warm-up. Physical activity is an essential factor in setting your dog up for a happy, healthy life. However, just like humans, dogs need to prepare their muscles to avoid injuries during exercise. Even a casual game of fetch in the backyard could lead to an unwanted mishap. Let’s discuss the importance of a warm-up routine for your dog, including how to tailor it to your dog’s breed, age, and fitness level. I’ll also share ways to make the process fun and enjoyable for both you and your pup. Discover how a few simple warm-up exercises can prioritize your dog’s health. Do All Dogs Need to Warm-Up Before Exercise? One common misconception about warm-up exercises is that they are only for dogs who engage in dog sports and other high-intensity activities. While canine athletes should warm up before exercise, they aren’t the only ones who benefit from this step.Often, we include our dogs in our favorite activities like running, hiking, or biking (as your dog runs alongside you). These activities can definitely put your dog at risk for injuries if they haven’t stretched or warmed up. There’s a good chance if you regularly engage in these activities, you likely take the time to stretch yourself. Your dog’s needs are no different! What Injuries Can a Dog Suffer from Not Warming Up? If you skip the warm-up before your dog’s physical activity, you are increasing the risk that your dog will experience a variety of injuries, ranging from minor discomforts to significant injuries that could sideline them for weeks or even months to come. In the most severe cases, your dog may suffer an injury that could have a life-long impact on their ability to run around and play like normal. Here are a few of the more common injuries your dog may experience: Muscle Soreness or Cramping Have you ever experienced cramping or sore muscles after exercise? If so, you know just how uncomfortable this can be. While a warm-up isn’t going to prevent muscle pain entirely after rigorous exercise, it can help reduce the pain that develops after their play session. Luckily, these injuries are minor and will subside after encouraging your dog to rest and relax as their muscles recuperate. Sprains and StrainsSprains and strains, the next step up in severity, are injuries that occur when a ligament, muscle, or tender has been stretched too far. There is no set limit on how far is “too far,” but a proper warm-up can extend this limit slightly, reducing the risk of this happening. Like muscle soreness, the treatment is generally nothing more than taking time off and resting. However, more severe cases may require some additional care. Joint Injuries These injuries carry the highest risk for long-term complications. Joint injuries can’t all be prevented with a simple warm-up. However, tight or stiff muscles around a joint will increase the risk of injury. You should also consider doing conditioning exercises to build muscle strength in the muscles around your dog’s joints, protecting them from damage during exercise. If you have a dog that has previously experienced joint problems or is at high risk of joint issues, you may want to consult a certified professional canine fitness trainer or rehabilitation professional to design a set of exercises that will best condition your dog for their lifestyle and favorite activities. How Long Should a Warm-Up Take? One reason why many pet parents may skip the warm-up is due to time constraints. But your dog’s warm-up doesn’t have to be long and overly extensive. The most effective warm-up exercises will take only 10 to 15 minutes. You just need to get your dog moving long enough to get the blood flow effectively circulating through your muscles and increase your dog’s heart rate. Some outside factors can influence this timeframe. On a hot summer day, your dog’s warm-up can be a little shorter than it would be on a colder day in late fall or winter. You can use a sweater or jacket to help reduce that warm-up time during the cool months. I usually outfit my dog Lucifer in the Kurgo Dog Onesie Body Warmer when we’re heading out for winter activities and exercises. Unlike most dog coats and sweaters, it provides coverage to the whole body, including the legs, which is important when considering its use to reduce warm-up times.

Crocs for Pets Are Now a Thing – You Can Get a Matching Pair, Too!

Crocs took the world by storm once they were released. Superbly comfy, good for the feet, and somewhat quirky, these “clogs” were irresistible to some and ugly to others. But love ‘em or hate ‘em, you definitely know what Crocs are! And while they have been around for quite a while, our pets never really got a chance to experience their unique comfort. But that is all about to change. The Crocs brand is now expanding its range of models – to fit pets as well. This October, the brand announced the upcoming release of Pet Crocs, the new version of the iconic clogs that are designed for dogs. Collaborating with the dog products brand BARK, they came up with a new design that incorporates those classic elements of the Crocs, while making them safe and comfy for dogs.According to the brand’s spokesperson, the inspiration for their new Pet Crocs is directly fueled by the numerous fan requests for the design. The pleas for this to be made came for years – and now the time has come for them to be answered.

First Pet Lounge Launched at Chinese Airport

Flying with pets can be stressful, from navigating security screening and busy airports to keeping your pet safe and settled on the flight. But Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport in China has decided that it’s time to make some changes to pet-friendly travel.After recognizing that a growing number of pets are traveling through the airport, it was decided that there was a demand for pet-specific accommodations. As a result, they created the first pet waiting lounge in the country, offering a comfortable place for pets to wait during layovers, flight delays, or unexpected cancellations.The lounge features 24-hour surveillance, temperature and humidity monitoring with alerts, and location tracking. It is regularly staffed and patrolled by pet specialists and offers both on-demand feeding and remote medical services as needed.The facility is approximately 2260 square feet (210 square meters) and was designed with pets in mind. It offers separate dog and cat zones, a pet entertainment area, and dedicated waiting spaces.“Pets are often treated as ‘live cargo’ in air transport, but the ‘furry children’ have already become members of many families,” explained Zhou Jie, general manager of Shenzen Airport Domestic Cargo Terminal. “The establishment of the pet lounge has changed the mode of mixed transport of pets and air cargo in the past. Based on the digital platform and internet of things technology, a remote medical diagnosis system and epidemic prevention measures have been introduced to provide pets with foster care, nursing, and other services to ensure their safety and comfort.”While this is the first pet-specific lounge in China, it’s not the first to be built worldwide. Several other airports have created specialized services to care for pets traveling through their doors or are near pet-focused accommodations.Directly next to Los Angeles International Airport, Kennel Club LAX provides luxury amenities for pet visitors, including a high-end pet hotel, grooming, spa treatments, training, a play area, and other activities to ensure that furry travelers enjoy the best possible experience during their stay. Soothing music helps to create a relaxing environment, and a dedicated free shuttle will ensure your pet doesn’t miss their flight.Another US-based example is the ARK at John F Kennedy Airport in Queens, New York. Unlike Kennel Club LAX, the ARK is airport-owned and operated – the only such facility currently operating in the country.In addition to dog and cat zones, the ARK offers care for horses, birds, and livestock. The ARK Pet Oasis, dedicated to caring for companion animals, features spacious kennels with 24-hour observation. Pets are provided with food, water, crate cleaning, opportunities for outdoor relief, and, if you choose to add the service, a bath. They are also uniquely qualified to assist with U.S. Customs Clearance.A USDA Level II certified veterinarian is on-site to provide care in the event of illness or emergency. When required, pets can be transported off-site to a nearby veterinary hospital.Dedicated pet lounges and facilities like those listed here are the exception. However, travel-loving pet parents across the country and worldwide can celebrate the fact that new accommodations continue to be developed and opened for pet travelers. We look forward to a pet-friendly future at airports everywhere!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

These Are The Longest Living Cat Breeds, Study Shows

On average, cats have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, and most breeds fit well within these limits. However, it seems that some kitties are built a bit differently – a new study in feline life expectancies has revealed which cat breeds are more likely to live longer than you’d expect. The study analyzed thousands of pet cats across the UK and revealed that some cats, like the Burmese or the Birmans, will live more than twice as long as the shortest-lived cat breeds.“In terms of life expectancy, there has been very little research done on cats,”  said Dan O’Neill, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animal Epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College in the UK. “They’re kind of invisible to science, especially compared to dogs.”O’Neill and his team analyzed data on 7936 cats that died between 2019 and 2021. This was some tremendous work that required plenty of patience. The data has been taken mostly from vets across the UK. And although it sounds grim, this careful data research has helped the team to learn a lot more about cat longevity. The results were interesting, to say the least. It was concluded that, on average, the studied cats had a life expectancy of just over 11.7 years. What is more, female kitties outlived their male counterparts – they had an expected lifespan of 12.5 years, compared to 11.2 years for males. However, the most interesting part of the study revealed that crossbreed cats tend to live longer than purebreds. The former has an average lifespan of 11.9 years, and the latter is at 10.4 years. But which breeds will live the longest? According to the data, the  Birman and  Burmese cats are at the very top of the list, both having an average life expectancy of 14.4 years. At the very bottom are  Bengal cats and  Sphynxes, having life expectancies of 8.5 and 6.7 years respectively. Another key result achieved by this team is known as “life tables”. This helps predict the average remaining lifespan of cats at different ages. It can also be used to help cat owners decide how to treat their ill pets. “If your cat is 11 or 12 years old and is only expected to live another year, then it’s probably not worth doing surgery, for example,” says O’Neill.

What Should I Do if My Rabbit Stops Eating?

Rabbits are adorable creatures but can also be hard to care for. Why? They are delicate and sensitive creatures that are also masters of hiding when something’s wrong. Often, by the time rabbit lovers recognize there’s a problem, it has already progressed into something much more severe.If you have recently noticed your beloved bunny isn’t munching on their usual hay or rabbit pellets or turning their nose up to their favorite treats, that’s a red flag!In this guide, I will explore some of the most common reasons a rabbit may stop eating, including potential health risks, causes of stress, and more. Plus, I’ll share steps to help your furry friend feel better quickly.What is a Healthy Rabbit Diet? Rabbits are strict herbivores, meaning their diet only consists of plant-based foods. But this doesn’t mean that all vegetables and plants are a healthy option. To provide your rabbit with the best possible quality of life, you should provide them with a balanced diet, including hay or grass, leafy greens, and a small amount of commercial rabbit pellets. Plenty of fresh hay is one of the most essential elements of a healthy rabbit diet. Like water, Timothy grass hay or oat grass hay should be available to your rabbit at all times. Remove and replace your rabbit’s hay if it has been sitting long enough that it no longer looks and smells fresh. But what about vegetables? After all, everyone knows that rabbits love carrots. Right? Many fruits and vegetables can be offered as a tasty treat for your rabbit, but they shouldn’t be a staple of their diet. Some safe snacks that can occasionally be offered to your rabbit include carrots, green peppers, Brussels sprouts, apples (without seeds), strawberries, bananas, and melons. How Will I Know If My Rabbit Isn’t Eating? Feeding a rabbit isn’t quite the same as feeding a dog. You aren’t going to fill a dish full of kibble or pellet, place it in front of them, and watch them empty the bowl. Instead, most rabbits enjoy nibbling at their hay slowly throughout the day. With this routine, how will you know if your rabbit isn’t eating? Will it be noticeable? Keep Track of the Food You’re OfferingPay attention to how much food you are giving your rabbit each day. How much of the food (hay and pellets) being placed in their cage or enclosure is being eaten? How much are you removing and replacing due to it sitting untouched? If you suspect trouble, you may want to limit the food offered, giving smaller amounts and checking or topping it up frequently throughout the day. This can make it easier to spot if anything is being consumed, allowing you to better understand the situation. Pay Attention When Cleaning When cleaning your rabbit’s cage, take a moment to assess how much waste you are removing. The amount of fecal matter being produced and the size/quality of this waste can provide insight into your rabbit's health.Your rabbit’s poop should be small, brown balls that are somewhat dry due to the large amount of hay. Any change in that texture is a sign of trouble, including sticky, rock-hard, watery, soft, or smaller waste. If your rabbit has stopped eating, it will eventually stop going to the bathroom entirely. Other Warning Signs The loss of nutrition that occurs when a rabbit stops eating can lead to other changes. These warning signs include weight loss, teeth grinding, or decreased activity. How Long Can Rabbits Go Without Eating? Rabbits have very elaborate and complex digestive systems that need consistent and regular food to avoid uncomfortable, painful, or even life-threatening illnesses. While some rabbits can, in extreme situations, go without food for a couple of days, the risk of illness increases drastically after just 12 hours. Considering this timeframe, you should contact your veterinarian immediately if your rabbit hasn’t eaten anything in more than eight hours.

Dog Siblings Reunited After 13 Years Apart Thanks to a DNA Test

Labrador retriever golden retriever mixes, Mozart and Maddy have a lot to catch up on. After being adopted into separate homes as puppies, the brother and sister spent 13 years apart.The male pup, Mozart, was adopted by Ann MacLean, a high school science teacher in Freehold,  New Jersey. After losing her previous dog, MacLean started looking for a new pooch to bring into her home. She found a litter of five eight-week-old puppies listed on Petfinder.com. The litter consisted of four males and one female puppy. Two pups were golden in color and three were completely black. MacLean and her family decided to adopt one of the black puppies and named him Mozart. When they went to pick up Mozart, they noticed his sister Maddy, and immediately fell in love with her. But when, two days later, they expressed interest in adopting Maddy as well, they were informed that someone else was already interested in her and was going to pick her up the following weekend.  MacLean believed she would never see Maddy again, but the Universe had other plans! After adopting Mozart, MacLean was curious to learn more about her new pup’s genetic makeup, so she used a dog DNA test. The test revealed Mozart is a mix of Labrador retriever, golden retriever, collie, German shepherd, chow chow, and boxer. Embark test also has a relative finder feature, which informs the owner if a dog related to their pooch submitted a DNA test. “In January 2024, I logged into Embark. I had not logged into the Embark website in over a year. I thought the chance of Mozart reuniting with one of his siblings was becoming small as Mozart was now 13 years old. I was so excited to see ‘immediate family’ listed,” MacLean told PEOPLE. Maddy’s owner, Sheila McNeil, was over the moon to hear from MacLean. “As soon as I saw a picture of Mozart, I told Doug this is definitely her brother as they look exactly alike. I was so excited to find her littermate and even more excited to reunite them,” said McNeil. During their conversations, MacLean and McNeil learned how similar their dogs are. Both canine siblings love the snow, can’t stand the heat, and have hip arthritis. McNeil and her husband Doug, only started caring for Maddy two years ago, when the pup’s original owner, Sheila’s adopted aunt, died. The biggest surprise, however, is that both dogs live near Freehold, and even go to the same vet! The owners had already planned to meet and were committed to getting the dogs together regardless of the distance. “It was a given that these two would reunite once we knew of the other’s existence, but this close distance makes regular meets easier to do. The Universe works in such serendipitous ways,” said McNeil. The siblings were finally reunited on January 14th, nearly 13 years after their separation. The pups met at a local park and needed a few minutes to become comfortable with one another, which was in line with their personalities. “A dramatic reunion of the dogs exhibiting uncontrolled joy was not a realistic expectation, nor was it either Maddy’s or Mozart’s personality,” explained McNeil adding that after only 10 minutes of walking, the siblings seemed like “two old souls who have known each other for years.”Since their reunion, Maddy and Mozart have seen each other three times and have more meet-ups planned for the future. Their owners are happy that the friendship between the canines grows stronger each time they see each other. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Study Finds Pet Pigs Don't Bond with Their Humans Like Dogs

Have you always dreamt of bringing a pet pig into your home? Have you seen any adorable social media videos of cute companion pigs behaving like dogs as they interact with their people? A recent study published in Scientific Reports reveals that these videos may be misleading. Comparing the behaviors of companion pigs and dogs, the researchers discovered that the two species respond with noticeably different behavior patterns when interacting with people, including their owner and a stranger. Most importantly, they found that pet pigs don’t develop the special pet-owner attachment with their humans that we see in dogs. The findings are significant when you consider the role that pets play in society today. Once seen as valuable for their work in farming, protection, and other tangible roles, most pets today are kept instead solely for companionship.

Does My Dog Have Food Allergies?

Does your pup suffer from itchy skin? Are they struggling with digestive issues? As dog parents, when we see our best friend suffer, we want to find a solution – and fast!While food allergies in dogs are less common than environmental allergies, they can still be a frustrating mystery. From identifying the trigger for your dog’s allergies to managing their allergies with a carefully planned diet, there is a lot involved in giving your dog the best possible quality of life. But it is possible.This guide will help you identify the signs of dog food allergies and the steps needed to help your dog feel happy and healthy again.What Are Food Allergies in Dogs?Just like food allergies in people, dog food allergies occur when the dog's immune system reacts to specific foods. This reaction can range from a minor one, like itchy skin, to a more severe or life-threatening one, like anaphylaxis.Common Food Allergies in DogsYour dog could potentially develop an allergy to any food. This makes allergies challenging to identify and manage, especially for those who are new to this concern. However, some foods are more likely to trigger an allergic reaction in our furry friends.Researchers have found that the most common food allergies in dogs include:BeefDairy productsChickenChicken eggsWheat glutenSoyGiven the high rate of allergies to these food sources, they are a great starting point for identifying the allergen responsible for your dog’s struggles. Alternatively, if you have a dog with overly sensitive skin or other health issues that an allergy could escalate, you may want to feed a diet free from these common offenders.Signs That Your Dog Has Food AllergiesSimilar to food allergies in people, dogs may experience several different reactions when coming in contact with an allergen—these range from severe, obvious reactions to much more subtle and difficult-to-spot signs.Some of the more common signs of food allergies in dogs include: Itchy or irritated skinRed, itchy pawsItchy, irritated, or infected earsDigestive upset (vomiting, diarrhea)HyperactivityWeight lossLethargy or loss of energyUncharacteristic aggressionAll of these signs can be attributed to other health issues. If you notice anything is “off” with your dog, the first step is to contact your veterinarian. They will run tests to rule out any medical explanations for the change. If they determine there are no medical reasons for the signs, it’s time to consider the possibility your dog is experiencing an allergic reaction.The Difference Between Food Allergies and Food SensitivitiesFood allergies and sensitivities (also known as food intolerances) are very similar at their root: a reaction to a specific allergen. The difference between the two is the extent of the response. A food sensitivity is an adverse reaction but not too severe. A food allergy makes the reaction more intense and involves the immune system.While food sensitivity may not seem like a big deal (and it isn’t life-threatening), it can worsen in time. Often, a food sensitivity that is ignored or unaddressed will become much more severe and resemble an allergy. However, they still don’t involve the immune system, meaning the most dangerous reactions (like anaphylaxis) aren’t going to occur.

Can Dogs Get Pink Eye?

Eye issues are always a big nuisance, for both dogs and their owners alike. Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is one of the more common ailments that affects the eyes and can happen to any of us. But can it affect dogs as well? Yes – conjunctivitis is quite common in dogs, and it causes red, inflamed eyes. In this case, it is called canine conjunctivitis. It can be caused by various factors including bacterial or viral infections, allergies, foreign objects in the eye, or other irritants, and it is manifested in several different ways – this is what you need to know if you suspect your pet has pink eye.Can Dogs Get Pink Eye?There are different types of conjunctivitis in dogs, and some are more dangerous than others. Either way, all dog owners should be well informed about all the potential issues that this inflammation can lead to, as well as the potential causes behind the different types of pink eye.Bacterial ConjunctivitisThis form of conjunctivitis in dogs is often characterized by a yellow or green discharge from the eye, along with redness and swelling of the conjunctiva, which is the thin, transparent membrane covering the inner surface of the eyelids and the white part of the eye. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be connected to other conditions such as respiratory infections or trauma.Viral ConjunctivitisCertain viral infections such as  canine distemper virus or canine adenovirus can also lead to conjunctivitis in dogs. These infections may cause watery discharge, redness, and inflammation of the eye. Viral conjunctivitis can sometimes be more challenging to treat and may require supportive care to manage symptoms.Allergic ConjunctivitisJust like us, dogs can also experience allergic reactions that affect their eyes. Common allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or certain foods can trigger allergic conjunctivitis in some dogs. Symptoms may include itching, redness, and watery discharge.IrritantsSometimes, foreign bodies and irritants in the eye can cause conjunctivitis. Things such as dust, sand, or grass can irritate the eyes and if not treated, lead to conjunctivitis. The same goes for certain airborne chemicals and smoke which can lead to further problems. Conjunctival HyperemiaSomewhat rare, this condition involves dilation of blood vessels in the conjunctiva membrane, resulting in redness of the eyes. It can be caused by various factors, including irritation, trauma, or systemic diseases.Treating and Preventing Pink Eye in DogsTreatment for canine conjunctivitis typically involves addressing the underlying cause. This may include topical or oral medications such as antibiotics for bacterial infections, antiviral drugs for viral infections, or anti-inflammatory medications for allergic reactions. In some cases, supportive care such as eye rinses or lubricating drops may be recommended to alleviate discomfort and promote healing.Of course, it pays to do anything you can to prevent the inflammation from occurring in the first place. Be wary of potential irritants and things that could hurt your dog’s eyes and lead to conjunctivitis. If you live in an area with plenty of dust, pollen, smoke, or anything similar, it might be wise to invest in  special protective gogg l es for dogs.

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