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How to Keep Your Cat Hydrated

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  August 29th, 2024

Keeping your cat hydrated is an important part of maintaining their overall health, but your kitty might not be drinking enough water, and that could lead to dehydration. The good news is that you can encourage your feline to drink more, and there are ways to sneak more moisture into their daily diet. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

Sergio Photone/Shutterstock

Set Up a Pet Water Fountain


If you find that your cat doesn’t drink much water out of their bowl, you aren’t alone. Your cat might even want to drink from the faucet whenever they get the chance. The reason for this odd behavior is that cats generally prefer to drink from water sources that are flowing. Basically, they think running water is safer to drink than stagnant water. And this is when a pet water fountain can come in handy.


There are a host of water fountains designed for dogs and cats these days, so you can find the one that has the features you want. Many run quietly so they don’t make a lot of noise, and those that have good filtration systems will ensure your cat has a steady source of clean, fresh water at all times.


When shopping for a pet fountain, consider how easy it will be for your cat to drink from it, and how easy it will be for you to clean it. Keeping the fountain clean can help it run smoothly and prevent it from breaking. And changing out the filters on a regular basis will also be necessary, so that’s an expense that you should consider as well when browsing the products that are available. Of course, opting for products made from high-quality materials like stainless steel and ceramic is always a good way to go.


A great example is the Pioneer Pet Raindrop Premium Stainless Steel Drinking Fountain, which can hold 60 ounces of water. Because it’s made of 18/8 stainless steel, this fountain is durable yet lightweight so it’s easy to pick it up when you need to empty it out and refill it with fresh water. This fountain is also easy to clean and dishwasher safe, and it has a replaceable filter.

Feed Your Cat a Moisture-Rich Diet


Cats can get a lot of the moisture that they need from the foods that they eat. When fending for themselves, they get moisture from the raw flesh of their prey, but when living the domesticated life with you indoors, they can get moisture from various types of wet foods that are made for cats. Some people even opt to feed their cats a balanced and vet-recommended raw food diet, which also provides moisture.


If your cat eats nothing but dry food, it may be harder to ensure that they are getting the right amount of moisture and maintaining the right level of hydration every day. So, consider introducing wet food into their diet. These days, you can find wet foods in a variety of textures, from the well-known pate texture to minced and flaked varieties, mousses, and more. Trial and error will help you figure out which types of wet food your kitty prefers.


Even if your cat doesn’t go for any type of wet food, you can add water to their dry food. Alternatively, you might consider adding a bone broth that’s safe for cats (there are ingredients that cats shouldn’t eat, so be careful). A good example is Open Farm Bone Broth, which comes in multiple flavors and is easy to add to your pet’s wet or dry food for extra flavor, moisture, and nutrition.

Make the Water More Flavorful


Yet another way to entice your cat to drink more is by making their water more flavorful and making it smell more appealing. Some people add cat-safe broth to the water (bear in mind that this may not work well if you’re using a water fountain). 


Instead of adding anything to your cat’s water, you can offer them a product like Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements Hydra Care. All you have to do is open the pouch, pour it into a bowl, and offer it to your kitty. The water is enriched with nutrients and has a flavor that cats love. Plus, its ingredients help your cat’s body absorb water on a cellular level. And the brand says that it can decrease urine specific gravity, too. But if you aren’t sure if this would be right for your cat, just consult with your veterinarian first.

Bottom line: making sure your cat consumes enough water through their food and water bowl or fountain is essential. If your pet isn’t drinking enough or is showing signs of dehydration, see a veterinarian to get answers. Simple changes to your cat’s routine and diet may make a big difference and help your kitty feel good.


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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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New Study Reveals The Best Time To Spay or Neuter Dogs

We all know the importance of spaying and neutering our pets – it can prevent life-threatening diseases, improve their behavior, and it is generally more humane. But what is the ideal time for spaying or neutering your four-legged bestie to ensure they get to reap all those benefits without any of the risks? Not all sources agree on the ideal time, but most experts agree that it should be done around 6 months, just before the first heat cycle. However, a new study sheds more light on the timing for pet sterilization – and the dangers that premature spaying or neutering could hold.A research team based at the University of California in Davis released their latest neutering guidelines in the Frontiers in Veterinary Science journal. Original research on the matter was begun in 2013, and it showed that neutering dogs too early in their lives can increase the risk of cancer and specific joint disorders. And now, a decade later, the research has expanded to include more dog breeds and to offer better results. The team leaders, Lynette Hard and Benjamin Hart of the School of Veterinary Medicine carefully analyzed data that was gathered for over a decade, on all dogs treated at the University of California Veterinary Hospital. Five dog breeds were the focal point of the research process: German Short / Wirehaired Pointer, Newfoundland, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Mastiff, and Siberian Husky. They were analyzed for the effects of neutering and spaying before the first year of age. What was discovered is that early neutering greatly increases the risk of joint disorders in German Shorts and Wirehaired Pointer breeds. Similar was found for males of the Mastiff breed and Newfoundland females. Early neutering in female Rhodesian Ridgebacks, however, found an increased possibility of cell tumors. The Siberian Husky showed somewhat better results, with no significant risks for males, while the females showed the possibility of some disorders. "It's always complicated to consider an alternate paradigm," Lynette Hart, department vice-chair and professor, said. "This is a shift from a long-standing model of early spay/neuter practices in the U.S. and much of Europe to neuter by 6 months of age, but important to consider as we see the connections between gonadal hormone withdrawal from early spay/neuter and potential health concerns."The team emphasized the need for “personalized decisions” when it comes to neutering and spaying dogs. Each owner should take into account their dog’s breed, age, and sex before going on with the procedure. Of course, advice from the vet is also crucial. It was also emphasized that early neutering can lead to an increased risk of cancer, especially cancer of the blood vessels, lymph nodes, and mast cell tumors. The connection between cancer and neutering was traced down to the removal of sex hormones in dogs. These are crucial for the later development of the dog, such as the closing of bone growth plates.Yet even so, it was noted that neutering your pet at the right time can greatly reduce the risk of other health issues in the future, most importantly uterine infections and prostate cancer. Similarly, neutering can help with dog behavior, especially for males. They are less prone to roaming, violence, aggressive behavior, or marking territory. Ultimately, neutering also helps regulate the dog population, which reduces the number of strays and decreases the pressures on animal shelters. "We're invested in making contributions to people's relationship with their animals," said Benjamin Hart. "This guidance provides information and options for veterinarians to give pet owners, who should have the final decision-making role for the health and well-being of their animal."

Are Bengal Cats Really That Wild? Here's What Science Has to Say.

Bengal cats are a truly stunning feline breed, in many ways. According to the International Cat Association (TICA), they hold the title of being the most popular cat breed globally, and it doesn’t really come as a surprise. Their unique and exotic appearance, their unavoidable charm, and their slender physique are certainly the reason for this prestigious title. But even though they are popular, Bengal cats are a relatively new breed in the field of domesticated cats. While most ordinary domestic cat breeds have been around for thousands of years, Bengal cats have been around for less than a century, which comes as a stark contrast. They are a hybrid breed as well, having been created in the 1960s. They came about from the crossing of the domestic cat (Felis Catus), and the Asian Leopard cats (Prionailurus Bengalensis), which are a small, spotted, wild cat species living in Asia. What makes the combination unique is the fact that these two cat species had a common ancestor about 6 million years ago, which means that the genetic differences between them are incredible. The differences are even greater than between humans and chimpanzees!The resulting breed is the Bengal cat, and it is adored for its exotic appearance. It has special spots, just like ocelots or leopards. But most folks ascribe the unique coloration and patterns of these felines to the DNA they received from their wild and distantly related ancestors. And that’s why scientific folks paid special attention to the ancestry of Bengal cats. Greg Barsh, MD, Ph.D., Faculty Investigator at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and Professor of Genetics at Stanford University,  himself an expert in the genetics of feline coat coloration and patterning is a key figure in the research process of Bengal ancestry. Together with his team, which is led by Chris Kaelin, Ph.D., and Kelly McGowan, MD, Ph.D., Mr. Barsh is working hard towards unraveling Bengal ancestry through the genetics of popular color traits."Cats are wonderful companions," he explains for  Phys.org, "but our interests go beyond their beautiful and exotic appearance. Like the amazing variation among different dog breeds, artificial selection can be a very powerful engine to create morphologic diversity. What's different about Bengal cats from dogs is the raw genetic material–dogs trace their heritage to wolves from tens of thousands of years ago.""In contrast, Bengal cats trace their heritage to completely different species from millions of years ago. Understanding how these distantly related genomes interact is a general question that applies to any situation when different species exchange genes, from crops to aquaculture to humans and Neandertals."And even though this is a relatively new breed, started about 60 years ago by a few cat enthusiasts, it has grown incredibly during this time. Today, there are hundreds of thousands of registered Bengal cats, which are produced by about 2,000 breeders. Chris Kaelin, the leader of the Bengal cat DNA study, said “Cat fanciers and breeders are very interested in the research, in part because they want to know more about the science behind artificial selection, and in part, because they want to know if our results can help them produce cats with rosettes, stripes, or other exotic markings.” He also added "This is a great example of citizen science–our work has been enabled by the willingness of breeders to participate, and we share our results with the community."One of the surprising discoveries that was produced from the study is that Asian Leopard DNA contributes no more than a few percent to the overall Bengal Cat DNA. In fact, it is revealed that there isn’t one or even a few Asian leopard genes that are causing the unique spotted Bengal appearance. "One of the original motivations for bringing together DNA from the two species was to select for Asian leopard DNA that would recapitulate the appearance of an exotic wild cat in a companion animal," said Kaelin. "It turns out that some of the most striking examples of selection in the breed are for traits that were already present, but very rare, in domestic cats."So, the study reveals that the Bengals are in many ways totally unique. Mixing the two very unique breeds resulted in a cat that is exotic, elegant, charming, and above all loveable. And now, the results published are providing valuable information to all the enthusiasts in love with the Bengal breed. 

A Cat With a First-Person Camera Shows World Through Feline Eyes

I always say, that if I could live one day as one of my cats, I’d jump at the opportunity – and get some much-deserved beauty sleep. But while we can’t switch places with our pets, thanks to new technologies, we can get a glimpse into their world. With the help of the  Insta360 Go  camera, one innovative cat owner got to see what his four-legged bestie sees – and he’s sharing it with the world on TikTok, where the videos quickly went viral.The little cat cameraman is named Mr. Kitters, and the footage he made was uploaded to the TikTok channel Mr. Kitters the Cat  (@mr.kitters.the.cat). All the videos feature a “cat’s-eye” view of the world explored by little Mr. Kitters. This POV experience will really show you how it is to be a cat and adventure the wide expanse of the yard on a daily.One video, titled “Places to go and people to meet”, garnered more than 110 million views on TikTok, an incredible number in itself! The scenario of this video is pure feline fun: Mr.Kitters explores his environment, meeting critters on the way – including a squirrel, whom he seemingly has a conversation with.  

What Can I Do If My Dog Runs Away During Fireworks?

When the celebrations begin and the fireworks are brought out, they can become a source of anxiety and fear for many dogs, and it is not uncommon for them to run away in panic. If your pet happens to run away because of fireworks, it can be a distressing experience for sure – both for you and them – but it is crucial to remain as calm as possible and take action to find them as soon as possible. Here is what you need to know in order to locate your pet quickly and to prevent any future escapes.What Can I Do If My Dog Runs Away During Fireworks?Fireworks are a big part of festivities such as Fourth of July, New Years Eve, and even smaller celebrations, such as people’s weddings and birthdays. Often, you cannot prevent this, as fireworks can be released by neighbors or at the town square. And even if you are near your pooch, one moment can be enough for them to bolt off. Here is what to do if that happens:#1 Stay calm:First of all, it is essential to stay calm and composed. Keep a level head, as panicking won’t help you think clearly or act effectively. Take a few deep breaths and start your search methodically.#2 Check your home and immediate surroundings:Dogs often don’t go far at first. Thoroughly search your home, yard, and nearby areas. Look under porches, in bushes, and any hiding spots they might find comforting. #3 Call and listen:Walk around the neighborhood calling your dog’s name. Pause and listen for any sounds of movement or barking in response. Sometimes, a frightened doggo may be nearby but too scared to come out immediately.#4 Use a familiar scent:Leave out your dog’s bedding, favorite toys, and some pieces of your clothing. The familiar smells can lure them back home. Placing their food and water outside can also help. Remember that dogs have super powerful noses and will pick up scents with ease. To help broaden your search, you can also inform your neighbors about your missing pet. Provide them with a description and your contact information. Neighbors can keep an eye out and may have already seen your pet. Similarly, you can post about your missing dog on local social media groups, such as Facebook community pages, Nextdoor, and other neighborhood forums. Include a clear photo, a description, and your contact details. The more people are aware, the better the chances of finding your dog. If enough time passes, you can also visit the nearby animal shelters, rescue organizations, and vet clinics. Bring a recent photo of your dog with you or easier identification. Leave your contact information and check back regularly.Another great idea is to make flyers with a clear photo of your pooch, a fitting description, and your contact information. Distribute them around your neighborhood, in local businesses, and public areas. This traditional method can still be very effective.Preventing Your Pet Runs Away Or Gets Lost Due to FireworksOnce you find your pet it is important to take steps to prevent this from ever happening again. Here are some basic steps to take:#1 Secure your home and your yard: Ensure that your house and yard are secure. Check for any weak spots in the fence, or find areas where your pet could escape. #2 Microchip:Make sure your dog is microchipped and that the information is up-to-date. In addition to a microchip, your dog should always wear a collar with an ID tag that includes your current phone number.

Wish Your Dog Could Understand You? New Study Says They Can!

You don’t have to be a dog owner to know that dogs can learn and understand commands like “sit” or “come”. But, a new study has made a groundbreaking discovery that dogs also know that certain words stand for specific objects. This finding won’t come as a big surprise to any dog owner who has ever asked their pup to “go get your toy” and, a minute later, been handed a chewed-up rubber ball or slobbery stuffed animal. Scientists have long been interested in learning whether dogs can truly associate words with objects. However, researchers couldn’t figure out whether dogs and other animals get a mental image when they hear an object's name. This would suggest that dogs have a better understanding of language than believed before. Researchers in Hungary have discovered that in addition to being able to respond to commands such as “sit”, “roll over”, or “stay” dogs can also grasp the essence of nouns. This relationship with language is called referential understanding, and it has been unproven in dogs until now. “When we are talking about objects, objects are external to the dogs and dogs have to learn that words refer, they stand for something that is external to them,” explained the study’s co-lead author, Marianna Boros, of the Department of Ethology at the Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.To get some answers about what is happening in the dog brain when it processes words, Boros and her colleagues asked 18 dog owners to bring their pooches to the lab along with five objects the dogs knew well. The objects included balls, slippers, leads, rubber toys, frisbees, and other items.Researchers instructed the owners to say the words for the items before showing their dog either the correct object or a different one. For example, the owner might say “Rover, look, the ball”, but hold up a lead instead. During the tests, the researchers measured the dogs’ brain activity using non-invasive electroencephalography, or EEG. The idea was to see whether EEG could offer a better insight into dogs’ understanding of language. The brain recordings showed different patterns in the brain when the dogs were shown an object that matched or didn’t match the owner’s spoken word. The difference was even greater for the words owners believed their dogs knew well.The same results were seen when humans performed these tests and are widely accepted as people understanding the word well enough to form a mental image of the object they were later shown. “We expected that if a dog really understands the meaning of the object’s word, it will expect to see that object. And if the owner shows a different one, there will be a so-called surprise reaction in the brain. And this is exactly what we found,” said Boros according to ABC News.Lilla Magyari, also of Eötvös Loránd University, and the other co-first author, said that although some other animals have shown some degree of referential understanding of language, they have typically been trained to do so. In dogs, she explained, such capacities seem to be inborn and don’t require any particular training or talent. Researchers stress they aren’t claiming that dogs understand words as well as humans. Future studies are needed to determine whether dogs can generalize in the same way humans learn to as children.This study raises an interesting question of why, if dogs understand nouns, more of them don’t show it. One possible answer is that dogs know more than they are willing to show us.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is Yawning Contagious Between Humans And Dogs? Study Says It Is

Many owners claim that when they yawn, their dog yawns, too. And now researchers have confirmed that they are right. Several studies have shown that dogs are more likely to yawn when their owners yawn. This phenomenon is called contagious yawning and is well-known among humans - you’ve probably done it yourself countless times. When we hear, see, or sometimes just think about yawning, many of us yawn. Now, research shows that our four-legged companions exhibit the same behavior.Studies done on humans show that people who catch a yawn from another person have better social skills. Researchers believe that contagious yawns show that we empathize with our fellow yawner. But does the same hold true for dogs?“It’s reasonable to assume that dogs who yawn when their owners do are more emotionally connected to them,” said Dr. Brian Hare, the founder of the Duke Canine Cognition Center at Duke University. Adding that dogs understand us better than any other animal, including primates.In humans, contagious yawning has been considered a sign of empathy. However, researchers are still debating whether this phenomenon may be a sign of a connection between people and their canine companions. A University in Tokyo study found that dogs yawned twice as often after watching their owners yawn than after watching strangers yawn. This finding suggested that a social bond associated with empathy might be behind this behavior. Teresa Romero, an animal behavioral researcher who conducted the study, explained that contagious yawning may be a way for animals who live together to coordinate their activities. This behavior may be deeply rooted in canine history, considering that they have been living with humans for more than 15,000 years. The long relationship with humans may have given the dogs the necessary tools to empathize with us.However, later studies were unable to determine such a connection. A meta-analysis of 257 dogs didn’t find conclusive evidence that contagious yawning in dogs is associated with empathy or familiarity.  “There’s just no strong support for a direct connection between contagious yawning and empathy, despite the fact that the predictions are very intuitive,” explained Andrew Gullap, a psychology professor at SUNY Polytechnic Institute in Utica, New York.  Dr. Hare, who studied dog yawns at Duke Canine Cognition Center has discovered that only five percent of dogs yawn contagiously. However, his findings come from an online, at-home test called Dognition. This test asks the owners to watch their dogs just for two minutes to see if they’ll do a contagious yawn. On the other hand, all other dog yawn studies have watched the dog for as long as five minutes after their owner yawned to see whether they’ll yawn too.“I’m not against the idea that dogs yawn contagiously,” Dr. Hare admitted. “We are just having a hard time demonstrating it. It’s possible we’re doing (the yawn test) wrong. We are going to analyze the data and find out more.” Several studies have concluded that dogs can yawn contagiously when they see or hear a person yawn. However, scientists still haven’t figured out what contagious yawning means. Studying dog yawning is difficult because dogs can yawn for many reasons - some of which have nothing to do with seeing a human yawn. Dogs can yawn spontaneously, and let’s not forget that yawning can be a sign of stress in dogs. A dog’s stress levels may be heightened during laboratory experiments in which the dog is videotaped to see whether they’ll yawn or not, affecting results.Hopefully, scientists will find better ways to study contagious yawning in dogs and discover what this behavior means. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Can I Get a Dog or Cat if I Have Allergies?

Your Environment and Pet AllergiesIn addition to responding to allergens directly from the pet, you must also consider how your home environment can contribute to your allergies. This will be particularly important when we discuss ways to reduce the problem and live happily with a pet.Take a moment to consider the surfaces in your home that could collect or transfer allergens. For example, carpets and rugs are notorious for collecting pet dander. They are also more challenging to clean than hardwood or tile floors. Beyond the flooring, this can also include bedding you are using for your pet, furniture your pet is allowed on, and even the toys they are given to play with.This isn’t to say that you must eliminate all surfaces that could contribute to your allergies. However, you should be aware of them so you can strategically reduce the risk. More on that to follow…The Best Pets for People with AllergiesYou may have heard the buzz about “hypoallergenic” pets and wondered if that’s the solution you have been looking for. The idea of an allergy-free dog or cat breed is tempting; I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t. Unfortunately, contrary to what you’ve been told, truly hypoallergenic pets don’t exist. There are, however, some pets that are far less likely to trigger an allergic reaction.Selecting the best dog or cat is easier when you’ve already gone through the process of being allergy tested. That way, you know precisely what to be on the lookout for. Some breeds are known to produce or release less dander into the environment, while others drool less.Dog breeds recommended for people with allergies include: Poodle Schnauzer Portuguese Water Dog Bichon Frise MalteseThese dog breeds are favorites of those with allergies primarily because they don’t shed as much as others. Several have curled coats, like the Poodle and Portuguese Water Dog, which not only shed less but can also trap dander and hair in the coat, reducing the amount released into your home.Mixed-breed dogs that include one or several of these breeds may also offer the same benefits; however, it’s not guaranteed. A poodle mix, for example, may inherit the poodle coat or the coat associated with another breed in the mix. This isn’t to say that a mixed-breed dog won’t be a good fit for your home; you just need to be aware of this to assess whether a dog you plan to adopt has the characteristics you need.Similarly, experts recommend cat breeds with shorter coats when selecting a cat. Some breeds are nearly hairless, reducing the spread of allergens as much as possible. Recommended cats for people with allergies include: Sphynx Devonshire Rex Cornish Rex Bengal Russian Blue

Can Stress or Anxiety Cause Diarrhea in Dogs?

Dogs are no strangers to stress and anxiety. While most pooches are the picture of the tail-wagging, carefree dog whose only stress is that they have to wait for their next meal, some have it a bit more ruff. Anxiety in dogs can vary from mild to severe, triggered by specific and occasional stressors (such as  fireworks, for example) or present on a daily level. Naturally, your pet’s state of mind has a big impact on their overall health, so it doesn’t surprise that dogs with anxiety often have tummy issues. But does that mean that a stressful situation or anxiety can directly cause diarrhea in dogs? Having in mind that, in a way, your pet’s mental health is connected to their digestion, it sounds highly probable.How Stress and Anxiety Can Cause DiarrheaSo how does it work? The connection between the brain and the gut, often referred to as the gut-brain axis, plays a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of dogs. When dogs experience stress or anxiety, it can trigger a cascade of physiological responses, including changes in gut motility, secretion of digestive enzymes, and alterations in the composition of gut microbiota. These disruptions can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea.When stress or anxiety takes hold, it's not just a matter of frazzled nerves. These emotional states can set off a domino effect within your dog's digestive system. Rather than a simple list of effects, think of it as a cascade of events:Picture your dog feeling anxious during a  thunderstorm or while being left alone. This emotional response triggers a surge of adrenaline, part of the body's "fight or flight" response. Blood flow shifts away from the digestive organs and toward the muscles, heart, and lungs, hastening gut motility.Meanwhile, the delicate balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut, known as the microbiome, is disrupted by stress. This dysbiosis can lead to inflammation, changes in gut permeability, and an upset stomach.Furthermore, chronic stress weakens the immune system, leaving your dog more susceptible to infections and inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.Beyond these physiological effects, stress-related behaviors like excessive chewing,  licking, or ingesting non-food items can irritate the digestive tract, exacerbating diarrhea.How To Deal With Stress-Related Diarrhea in DogsIf your dog is experiencing stress-related diarrhea, there are several things you can do to alleviate their discomfort and ensure a speedier recovery.Before anything else, it’s essential to identify and address stressors. Determine the underlying causes of your dog's stress or anxiety and take steps to minimize or eliminate them where possible. This may involve providing a calm, predictable environment, addressing separation anxiety, or using  desensitization techniques for noise phobias.Next, support their digestion with a mild, nurturing diet and the right supplements. Your pet’s tummy is upset, so you shouldn’t neglect the importance of rebalancing their gut biome and helping their digestion. Instead of their usual kibble, offer them a bit of broth, some cooked rice, or boiled chicken breast. Additionally, a digestive supplement such as  Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets FortiFlora Powder can work wonders in managing symptoms of diarrhea. With a combination of special probiotics and antioxidants, this powdered supplement will quickly restore your pet’s GI tract and help their stool get back to its normal consistency. And since it’s packed with live microorganisms to benefit beneficial intestinal microflora, it can also help treat excessive gas and other digestion-related troubles, so it’s good to keep stocked in your pet’s first aid kit, especially if they have a sensitive stomach. 

Dog Poop Incident Grounds a United Airlines Flight

Have you ever been on a flight where your travel experience didn’t go to plan? If so, you’re not alone! From unruly passengers to flight delays and rough weather conditions, so many factors are out of your control.But what about a mid-air doggy disaster?Travelers on an April 5th United Airlines flight from Houston to Seattle learned the hard way just how quickly a traveling pooch, an unfortunate aisle, and the need to “do some business” can create a very unpleasant situation.According to Reddit user James Hobbs, a passenger’s dog had a “messy accident” in the aisle in first class after taking off. He went on to describe the chaotic situation that followed. Since his post, others have shared their experiences on the flight. Additionally, a representative from United Airlines confirmed the event occurred to reporters and larger publications.Unfortunately, this pup didn’t just have a stinky bowel movement. Other travelers described it as being in “very liquid form” with a scent so strong that passengers were given alcohol wipes to sniff to drown out the strong odor.After being diverted to Dallas, ground crews set to work cleaning up the putrid mess for a solid two hours. However, even that wasn’t enough…“The mess was so bad in the first-class bathroom that even after cleaning, they still closed it for the rest of the flight,” described Hobbs. He went on to say, “The cabin crew deserve accolades. They responded well despite having to hop over the mess.”For pet parents, this incident raises concerns that other travelers may question the policies for pets traveling in the cabin. United Airlines allows pet parents to travel with up to two pets. Each pet must fit into a carrier small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. Passengers with two pets must purchase two tickets, side by side, to accommodate the spots needed for each pet. As of April 26th, a $150 fee each way is added to your ticket cost for including a pet.During the flight, pets are required to stay in their carrier. The recent incident has confused many frequent travelers.How could the dog have created such a mess while still safely contained within their carrier? If the dog was removed from the carrier, why did this happen? What could have been done to prevent the mess and inconvenience to all other travelers on the flight?While we will likely never have an answer, here are a few tips for smooth airline travel with your pet:Visit the Vet Before Flying: Book a check-up with your vet before taking your dog on a flight. This will ensure your pup is in good health and help reduce the chance of “accidents” due to sickness or other complications during travel.Stop Feeding 4-6 Hours Before the Flight: Make sure your dog has had a solid meal, then cut off any food approximately 4 to 6 hours before boarding the flight. This gives them time to digest and “pass” their meal before the flight.Take a Final Bathroom Break: Make sure you stop at the airport’s pet relief areas just before boarding. Just as we need a final bathroom break before traveling, so do our pets.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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