Is a Bearded Dragon the Right Pet for Me?

by Britt

Published: August 19th, 2024

Photo credit: kackaborovska / Shutterstock.com

Are you considering adding a scaly friend to your family? Bearded dragons have captured the hearts of reptile experts and casual pet lovers alike with their unique appearance, interesting personalities, and low-maintenance care requirements.

However, owning a reptile is a significant commitment, regardless of what type of reptile you choose!

Before bringing a new pet into your home, you must weigh the pros and cons. This guide will explore the key factors to consider when deciding if a bearded dragon is the right fit for your lifestyle and living situation.

Bearded Dragon Behavior and Temperament

One reason bearded dragons have gained so much popularity as pets is their calm and docile temperament. While many reptiles are resistant to being tamed, bearded dragons are generally highly responsive to their owners. They are attentive pets that enjoy spending time with their person. They tolerate being touched and handled well, rarely biting or scratching in response. In fact, many learn to ride around on their owners’ shoulders, perched happily.

While they enjoy spending time with their person, they also need their alone time. Many owners see this as a positive as it allows them to go to work, run errands, or even participate in social events without worrying about their pet’s separation anxiety (a concern many dog owners know well).

Of course, there are always exceptions – but generally speaking, these gentle and highly social pets are an excellent option for reptile lovers interested in forming a special bond with their new companion.

Choosing Your Bearded Dragon

If reading that description of the bearded dragon makes you excited that you’ve found your perfect reptile companion, it’s time to discuss how to find your new friend. This includes not only finding a pet whose personality is a good match for your own but also ensuring that your new lizard is healthy.

There are two different approaches to finding a new reptile. First, you can connect with a reputable bearded dragon breeder. Purchasing your reptile from a breeder generally involves a contract that is designed to protect both you and the breeder, guaranteeing the health of your new pet on the day it is adopted. Alternatively, you can contact your local shelter or reptile-specific rescue organizations.

Here are a few important considerations when searching for your new pet:

Check all over for any sign of visible injuries, such as scratches, cuts, scars, or burns. While you could take on an injured reptile without any long-term issues, you may also find yourself dealing with secondary complications like infections.
Run your fingers along the tail. A healthy tail will feel round and plump at the base, near the body. If it feels sunken into the body or overly bony, that’s a red flag.
Look into the reptile’s eyes. You want to choose a bearded dragon who is alert and aware of your presence. It should hold its head upright, with its eyes following your movements. Sunken eyes are also a concern.
Check their face for any signs of inflammation or pus. Ensure they don’t have runny eyes.
Assess the quality of the bearded dragon’s skin. Loose or discolored skin is a sign of underlying illness.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the breeder or rescue worker who is showing you the young bearded dragon. Ask about whether they have noticed any sign of illness or injury. You can also ask about the state of their “droppings.” Sure, it’s not the most exciting conversation – but it is a good indicator of a reptile’s well-being.

Most importantly, don’t feel pressured into bringing a new pet home. If you are being pushed to make a snap decision, that is a warning sign that they may be trying to hide something.

Caring for Your New Bearded Dragon

Congratulations on finding the newest addition to your family! It’s an exciting time! Now is when the real work begins. To help you create the best home environment for your new reptile, let’s look at the basics of bearded dragon care:

What Type of Habitat is Best for Bearded Dragons

In the wild, bearded dragons thrive in dry, hot desert climates. When setting up your terrarium, you want to create a similar environment using sandy substrates and heating systems. The ideal temperature is 77 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideally, you want to create a gradient across the habitat, with warmer temperatures on one side for your friend to bask in and cooler temperatures on the other side for them to cool off.

Experts recommend creating the basking space using a heat lamp or ceramic heat emitter instead of a heat mat, as heat mats generally don’t produce enough heat to warm the air around the surface.

When selecting substrates and terrarium decorations, pay careful attention to any products that may retain moisture. This can increase the humidity in the terrarium to dangerous levels. Installing a thermometer and hygrometer will allow you to easily monitor both the temperature and humidity levels.

Pay careful attention to the temperature to keep your bearded dragon from overheating, especially during the hotter summer months or if you’re faced with a power outage.

What Do Bearded Dragons Eat?

Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their ideal diet consists primarily of live food like crickets, mealworms, earthworms, or hornworms, supplemented with vegetables and a limited amount of fruit.

They can safely enjoy many vegetables, especially raw, including (but not limited to) kale, asparagus, butternut squash, celery, peeled cucumber, zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and pumpkins. For an extra treat, consider including small amounts of apples, peaches, strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, pears, grapes, or melons.

Most experts recommend varying your bearded dragon’s diet. This includes each of the three elements outlined here. However, avoid feeding wild insects as there is a chance that they have parasites or diseases that could seriously hurt your reptile.

Photo credit: Martin Erdniss / Shutterstock.com

More Tips and Tricks for Bearded Dragon Care

To set you up for success, here are a few more tips and tricks to set up the ideal living environment and lifestyle for your bearded dragon. After all, the goal of any pet parent is to create the best quality of life for their companion.

Living Space

In addition to providing the right desert-like environment for your bearded dragon, you want to ensure that the habitat is large enough to meet their needs. Bearded dragons can grow to 18 inches, including their tail. You need to provide a habitat long enough to give them the space they require to roam. The minimum recommended size is 48 inches long x 24 inches high x 24 inches wide. Although some experts will argue that a larger vivarium is ideal.

Provide Plenty of Hiding Spaces

While bearded dragons are highly social, they still need their alone time. Adding rocks, branches, and other hiding spaces to the habitat will help your reptile feel secure. If they are ever faced with something they deem a threat (which could be as simple as a friend visiting that sets them off), this will allow them to feel safe and secure.

Ideal Lighting

Although often overlooked when discussing the ideal reptile habitat, lighting is an essential part of creating the perfect home for your new friend. Experts recommend using UVB lightbulbs with a timer to create a 12-hour day/night cycle, allowing your bearded dragon to bask for approximately 12 hours daily.

Shedding and Brumation

Be prepared for the fact that your new reptile friend will shed their skin in large pieces. This is a natural part of their lifecycle and happens more frequently in younger dragons than those who are more advanced in age. While shedding usually occurs without any issues, you should contact a vet with experience handling reptiles if you suspect there may be a problem.

Brumation refers to the hibernation-like state that bearded dragons experience in the cooler seasons. During this time, like hibernation, they slow down, eat less, and sleep more. While brumation is completely normal, pay attention—weight loss and failure to eat entirely are both signs of trouble that require veterinary care.

Plenty of Fresh Water

Often, when people hear that a reptile originates from a desert climate, they assume that they will thrive without water for extended periods – but this usually isn’t true. In fact, many desert-dwelling species survive primarily due to their ability to find regular water sources. Ensure your bearded dragon always has access to clean, fresh drinking water.

But be warned – many bearded dragons will soak, bathe, or soil in their drinking water. So, check their water dish frequently, changing out the water and cleaning the dish as needed.

Enrichment

This topic is often reserved for dogs and cats, but every pet deserves to live a life with proper mental and physical enrichment. For bearded dragons, this means providing an assortment of enclosures, hides, and climbs that they can explore. Try rotating these fixtures to periodically offer a new experience. Feeding live insects can also provide enrichment, as they are encouraged to hunt and catch their prey.

One way to offer enrichment for your bearded dragon is to feed them using a treat ball or feeder toy. Similar to dog treat balls, these products require your scaly friend to move the toy around to release food out of the small holes. They are available in a variety of different styles and colors.

Calcium Dusting

An essential dietary need worth noting is that bearded dragons require additional calcium supplementation. While multivitamins are available, one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways for your new friend to meet their needs is by dusting their insects or vegetables with supplement dust. Simply place the food and some of the calcium dust, like Repashy Calcium Plus, in a bag or container and shake it to ensure the food is fully coated before feeding.

What Species Are Similar to Bearded Dragons?

If, after all of this, you are questioning whether a bearded dragon is the right choice, you may be searching for alternatives. What reptile species are similar to bearded dragons?

Here are a few options you may want to consider:

Chinese water dragon
Blue-tongued skink
Painted agama
Rankin’s dragon
Chuckwallas
Uromastyx
Kenyan zebra skink
Spiny-tailed monitor lizard
Collared lizards

Of course, every pet (reptile or otherwise) has pros and cons. Ensure you take the time to research the pet you are considering to find out if it is a good match for your lifestyle and your family. With so many options, the perfect match is out there for everyone—you just have to find it!

Final Thoughts: Is a Bearded Dragon the Right Pet for Me?

Owning a bearded dragon can be a rewarding experience. These low-maintenance reptiles (compared to some pets) offer a special bond and engaging personalities, making them an excellent option for reptile lovers who want to build a relationship with their new pet. However, proper care is crucial for their health and well-being.

As a new bearded dragon parent, you must be prepared to provide a warm, dry habitat with proper heating and lighting, offer a balanced diet of insects and vegetables, and dedicate time to daily socialization. Remember, responsible pet ownership requires research and commitment.

If, after reading this, you believe a bearded dragon is a good fit, contact a reputable breeder or rescue organization. Ask plenty of questions, both to ensure a bearded dragon is a good fit and to ensure you’re adopting a healthy companion.

With the proper preparation, you can create a happy and enriching home for you and your new bearded dragon friend.

Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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A dog from Colorado Springs is being called a hero after stepping between his owner and a rattlesnake, saving her from a venomous bite.The pup’s name is Rizzo. The loyal and brave lab-mix has a wonderful personality and has been an essential part of his owner’s life, bringing emotional support and company.On Monday morning, Rizzo and his owner, Carrisa Welch, were hiking when a rattlesnake, lying in wait in the middle of the hiking trail, struck. “I heard the rattle, turned around, and instantly yanked him,” Rizzo’s owner told KRDO. Unfortunately, she pulled Rizzo too late, and he was bitten in the face. The poor pooch ended up spending a day and a half in the emergency room.“I wasn’t wearing my boots. Those were my trail running shoes - if he had not taken the bite I feel like it would have been me,” said Welch.Welch’s brother-in-law, Joshua Randall, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the cost of Rizzo’s treatment, which has created substantial expenses for his owner. According to the GoFundMe page, Rizzo has been an integral part of his owner’s life, bringing joy and companionship into Welsh’s everyday life. “His bravery and loyalty deserve recognition, and your contribution will ensure he receives the care he needs to heal and thrive once again,” wrote Randall in the campaign. Speaking with the local news outlet, Welch explained how Rizzo was there for her when she was dealing with mental health struggles in the past and that there’s no amount of money she wouldn’t pay to save her pup’s life. Rizzo is now home after racking up a few thousand dollars in vet bills. He has bald spots on the legs where the treatment was administered but is expected to make a full recovery.“I’m grateful and blessed to have him,” Welch said.Although only a few snake bites prove fatal before the dog receives emergency veterinary help, Rizzo was lucky to survive after being bitten in the face. The severity of the snakebite depends on several factors including, the dog’s size, the type and size of the snake, the amount of venom delivered, and the location of the bite wound. American Kennel Club advises owners to call their veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately if a snake bites their dog. Owners should also inquire whether the vet or clinic carries the antivenom. Antivenom is the best treatment for snakebite and is the most effective when given immediately, but it will also work if administered hours or even days after a bite. Other possible treatments for snakebite in dogs include an opioid injection for the pain.Some veterinarians may attempt to treat snakebite on a dog using other methods, most of which are ineffective. Studies have shown that sucking out venom, antihistamines, ice, corticosteroids, antibiotics, and NSAIDs aren’t effective for treating venomous snakebites on dogs. Don’t take your dog to a vet who advocates the use of any of these methods for treating snakebites. This type of treatment won’t help your dog get better and you’ll also end up spending thousands of dollars for nothing. Eventually, when you decide to take your dog to another vet, you may not be able to afford the effective treatment your pooch needs to recover fully.If your dog gets bitten by a snake, try not to panic and always call the vet to ensure they have a proper treatment plan for venomous snakebites in place. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Survey Finds America’s Most Dog-Friendly Cities, You May Be Surprise

The number of Americans embracing a pet-friendly lifestyle is on the rise, and we’re here for it! We read announcements and news articles daily about businesses introducing pet policies and welcoming our furry friends into their establishments.However, if you’ve been traveling with your pup, you know that not all cities are created equally. Some locations truly shine—not only welcoming dogs but also creating an environment where they can live their lives to the fullest. From dog-friendly patios and shops to beautiful park spaces, these cities are rolling out the red carpet.Interested in finding the best locations for our best friends? MarketWatchGuides studied the country's 98 biggest cities, ranking them based on seven dog-friendly metrics, including:Number of pet activities per 100,000 peopleNumber of dog-friendly restaurants per 100,000 peopleNumber of dog-friendly apartments per 100,000 peopleNumber of dog-friendly weather days (days where the high did not exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the low did not drop below 0 degrees Fahrenheit)Number of dog parks per 100,000 peopleNumber of vet offices per 100,000 peopleAverage vet costsUsing these findings, they gave each city a ranking out of 100 in 3 categories—Dog Friendliness, Dog Walkability, and Pet Health—as well as an overall score out of 100, allowing them to rank the cities from most dog-friendly to least dog-friendly. The findings may have you reconsidering what part of the country you call home!According to the study, Raleigh, North Carolina, was the most dog-friendly city in the United States, with an impressive overall ranking of 80.3. While the city did rank low on a couple of factors (namely, the number of dog-friendly weather days and the number of dog parks), it scored high enough in the other metrics to earn the top spot.Most impressively, the city scored 91.2 on the Pet Health Score, which considered the number of vet offices and average vet costs.Other cities that managed to earn a spot in the top 10 most dog-friendly cities included:Nashville, Tennessee (78.2)Madison, Wisconsin (77.4)Lexington, Kentucky (76.7)Boise, Idaho (76.5)Austin, Texas (74.3)Portland, Oregon (73.9)Cincinnati, Ohio (73.4)Seattle, Washington (72.6)Greensboro, North Carolina (71.1)Of course, ranking these cities on an overall score may not appeal to every dog parent. While one may prioritize finding a city with the lowest vet costs, another may be willing to pay a little more to enjoy a location with more dog-friendly restaurants.Recognizing this, they then broke down a few fun stats to consider:The city with the most dog-friendly restaurants per capita was Orlando, Florida. Meanwhile, on the other end of the spectrum, North Las Vegas, Nevada, took the title of the fewest dog-friendly restaurants per capita.The most accessible pet health care in the United States can be found in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.Does your dog love heading out for a “Pup Cup” on a warm day? The Starbucks chain first popularized this tasty treat, referring to the small cup of whipped cream as “Puppuccinos.” If the very mention of a Pup Cup has your dog’s tail wagging, you may want to visit Atlanta, Georgia, where you can find the most locations offering pup cups per capita.Wherever your pet-friendly travels take you, check out our list of Dog Travel Essentials to set you (and your dog) up for success!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Diseases Can Dogs Get From Water?

Nothing beats taking a dip in the cool, refreshing water when the temperatures skyrocket – and your dog knows it. Most pooches will take any chance to take a splash, be it in a pool, a river, or a small pond. However, not all water sources are safe for our canine companions to swim in or drink from. Contaminated water can harbor a variety of pathogens, and it can potentially lead to serious illnesses. That’s why all dog owners should be familiar with the dangers that grimy water brings – here’s what you need to know.What Diseases Can Dogs Get From Water?In the dog days of summer, your pooch will seek out any chance to quickly cool off, and drinking or taking a swim in cool water is the best way to do so. A swimming pool, the river, the pond, or even the sea – most doggos find these bodies of water irresistible for a quick dip or a little sip. But these waters are not always safe. The bacteria that they possibly carry can lead to all sorts of very serious illnesses that affect our canine friends. Here are just a few of the most common ones:#1 LeptospirosisThis is a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria species. Dogs can contract this disease by drinking, swimming in, or coming into contact with water contaminated with the urine of infected animals. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle pain, and jaundice. In severe cases, it can lead to kidney or liver failure, and even death. Vaccination and avoiding stagnant and dirty water sources are key preventive measures.#2 GiardiasisThis illness is caused by Giardia, a protozoan parasite. Dogs typically become infected by ingesting water contaminated with feces from infected animals. Symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, and dehydration. While not usually fatal, giardiasis can cause significant discomfort and requires treatment with specific anti-parasitic medications. Good hygiene and clean water sources are essential to prevent this infection. Don’t take a dip just anywhere!#3 CryptosporidiosisCryptosporidiosis is a disease caused by Cryptosporidium, another protozoan parasite. Dogs contract cryptosporidiosis through ingestion of contaminated water or food. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, weight loss, and lethargy. The disease is often self-limiting but can be severe in puppies or dogs with compromised immune systems. #4 BlastomycosisBlastomycosis is a fungal infection caused by Blastomyces dermatitidis. Dogs can contract it by inhaling spores from contaminated soil or water, particularly in areas with moist, decaying organic matter. Symptoms include coughing, fever, weight loss, and skin lesions. Early diagnosis and antifungal treatment are crucial for recovery. Avoiding known endemic areas can reduce the risk of infection.In order to avoid these water-borne diseases, all owners are advised to take necessary precautions. Naturally, you will want to avoid all suspicious bodies of water and prevent your pet from getting close or taking a swim. These include swamps, stagnant pools, visibly dirty water, forest ponds, and so on. Next, always provide clean drinking water. Fail to do so, and your pet will often try to drink from random pools. To make things easier when you are out and about, carry a special portable dog water bowl filled with fresh, drinkable water. That way you can rest assured that when your pooch is hydrating on a hike, he’s drinking only the safe stuff.

More And More Pets Are Having Allergies, Trupanion Reports

The time when spring blooms and summer comes to the doorstep is an idyllic period for most, but a lot of people dread this time of the year because of seasonal allergies that cause s lot of sneezing, headaches, and all-around discomfort. Now, it seems, it’s not just us humans that can experience nasty spring allergies – data indicates that our four-legged best friends are also affected by them. Dogs, in particular, are very susceptible to  spring allergies and are increasingly treated for their symptoms, such as itchy skin.Are All Dogs At Risk for Spring Allergies?It is important to be aware that the trees and flowers that bloom in spring can be a source of allergies for your pet. Not only are spring allergies very uncomfortable for dogs, but they can potentially lead to many secondary issues, the most dangerous of which is a skin infection.And if you think that chances for a spring allergy affecting your dog are low, consider a recent report issued by the pet insurance company Trupanion. They claim that there was a 45% increase in allergy claims for insured pets over the course of four years since 2019. This means that allergies are on the rise, both for pets and their owners. In fact, as  Axios reports, according to the insurer Nationwide, spring allergies are at the top of the list of health conditions that end in vet visits. Another key fact is related to allergy drugs. Since two of the major allergy drugs were released in 2013 and 2018, more than 20 million dogs have been treated by them, in an effort to battle spring allergy effects. Of course, if you suspect that your pet is suffering from a spring allergy, it is key to visit your vet as soon as possible. Depending on the effects, your vet can prescribe topical, injectable, or chewable treatments that help reduce  itchiness and other issues. And, considering that such allergies are seasonal, be ready for them with the arrival of spring and the blooming of trees. Learn to spot the symptoms such as itchiness, and to react quickly!

Study Shows How Dogs Feel When We Hug Them – And You Won't Like It

Nothing beats snuggling with your pooch – those doggy cuddles are really something special. But do our canine companions enjoy being hugged as much as we love hugging them? A new research study published in the scientific journal “Applied Animal Behaviour Sciences” sheds some light on this topic – with results that will sadden some dog owners.Elizabeth Ann Walsh, from the Cork Pet Behaviour Centre in Ireland, who was the head scientist behind this study on human-dog communication, examined several videos of people hugging and playing with their dogs, in order to better analyze how dogs would react to our displays of affection. The results surprised many dog owners. After all, we love to hug our pets, but it seems that our dogs don’t exactly love being hugged. At all. Walsh states that most of the dogs she examined in the videos responded to being hugged by expressing feelings of extreme physical stress and anxiety.“68% of dogs avoided eye contact and turned their heads. 44% licked their lips or nose and 43% panted, which are both signs of feeling stressed out.” the study points out. “60% of dogs flattened their eyes while being hugged, and 81% blinked, action pups make that expresses high stress levels.”The study found that in 68% of studied cases, the dogs that were hugged either nipped or bit their person as a last resort or a warning when they felt unsafe being hugged. Many dog lovers found these results sad, but they are nonetheless important in understanding dog behavior better. These results tell us that if we misinterpret a dog’s reaction to being hugged, it can be harmful to both owners and their dogs. Researchers emphasize that there can be considerable consequences to reading your pet’s stress levels wrong, including “feelings of discomfort, anxiety, fear, distress, and confusion in a dog.”Elizabeth Walsh further explains that ignoring the discomfort a dog shows can result in a fractured “dog and human bond” along with “welfare issues for the dog and the possibility of a dog escalating to exhibit defensive or agonistic behavior should communication fail”.“There are many causes for concern as humans tend not to necessarily understand the body language or vocalizations exhibited by dogs when interacting with them,” she stated. After all, the way our doggos communicate with us is very different from our own, but they, like us, still foster a bond and avoid overt displays of aggression. The research team takes the results of the study as a way to “advocate for increased education for both adults and children in canine communication, context and co-operative ways of respecting agency in human-dog interactions.” Simply put, even if we love giving our dogs hugs, that doesn’t mean they’ll like it – so we should respect their boundaries.

World's Tallest Dog, Kevin, Dies Unexpectedly at Age Three

The world’s tallest male dog, Kevin, has died unexpectedly just days after his record-breaking accomplishment was announced to the world. According to a statement issued by the Guinness World Records, the gentle giant, who was only three years old, passed away after falling ill and undergoing an unexpected surgery. In March, Guinness World Records officially recognized Kevin as the world’s tallest living male dog.“Our whole family is devastated about Kevin. He was just the best giant boy,” said Kevin’s owner, Tracy Wolfe, in a statement. “We are so glad that he was able to break the record and have that light on him. He absolutely adored the attention. I wish these giant breeds, and all dogs, could live longer than they do. It’s never enough time.” Kevin secured his record after measuring 3ft 2in (0.97 meters) tall from his feet to his withers, or the ridge between the shoulder blades. However, when he stood up on his hind legs, Kevin was around 7ft tall, which is a foot taller than the average American man.The gentle giant got the title of the world’s tallest living male dog after the crown remained unclaimed for six months following the death of another American Great Dane. The previous record holder, Zeus, was 3ft 5.18in (1.046 meters) tall. Zeus had his right front leg amputated while battling bone cancer. Like Kevin, Zeus was only three years old when he suddenly died after developing a severe case of pneumonia. Just a few weeks ago, Guinness World Records published an interview with Kevin’s family, about how their pooch would act like he was clueless about his size. Wolfes described Kevin as a “gentle giant” who loved nothing more than snoozing on the sofa.“Kevin’s favorite activity is probably taking naps. Holding the couch down is his favorite pastime, I think,” said Tracy Wolfe. “Kevin is funny, and he is super duper friendly. In fact, overly friendly. You don’t want to keep your mouth open too much when he’s around,” she added. Named after the leading character in the Home Alone film series, Kevin was petrified of the vacuum cleaner. “He won’t let it come within six feet of him,” said Tracy adding that he would jump and run away from it. Many cats and dogs are terrified of vacuum cleaners because of the loud noises they produce. But Kevin’s fear of the vacuum cleaner was comical, considering how he towered over most things around him and was often mistaken for a small horse. The Wolfes welcomed Kevin into their family when he was just a puppy and couldn’t imagine that he would grow so big as to claim the title of the world’s tallest dog. The pooch was close to all members of the family but had developed a special bond with the Wolfes’ son Alexander, who took him to training classes.Despite his imposing size, Kevin was a scaredy cat. The first time Alexandar took Kevin to a training class at a youth development and monitoring organization, the pooch got so afraid that he soiled himself in the middle of the class. Kevin attracted attention wherever he went and he enjoyed every second of it. Sadly his stint as the world’s tallest living male dog was unexpectedly cut short. A spokesperson for the Guinness World Records said: “We are deeply saddened to learn that Kevin suddenly passed away after unexpected health complications. Tracy and the team at the vet clinic she works in did everything they could to save Kevin after he became ill. Our thoughts and support are with the Wolfe family as they navigate this difficult time.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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