Best Couch Covers for Dogs

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Published:  July 28th, 2022
Africa Studio/Shutterstock

We love our four-legged besties to bits, but the truth of the matter is that they can be dirty little gremlins. Grime and stains on your furniture, floors, and in the care are not uncommon things when you are a doggo owner. Luckily, there are ways to minimize the wear and tear your pet is responsible for in the house, at least when it comes to your furniture. These couch covers for dogs are ideal for protecting your bed, armchair, or sofa, while still allowing your dog to take a well-deserved nap on them!


Thanks to these unique couch covers for dogs, you don’t have to be worried about your dog sleeping on the sofa. We all know that it can be a favorite place for them to snooze, but when they are done – at the very best, you’re left to deal with stray hairs embedded in the upholstery. This can be a nightmare to clean, especially if you have brand new furniture. So take a look at these great designs that won’t ruin your carefully-built interior design – but complement it and preserve it at the same time.

Editor’s Choice: Ameritex Waterproof Dog Bed Cover

Check Price $24.99

When it’s time for a quality nap, your doggo will almost always prefer your own couch or armchair instead of his own bed. But that can mean dirt, drool, or loose hair on your precious furniture! Luckily, unique designs such as this Ameritex couch cover for dogs will help keep everything pristine, without taking away your pet’s special furniture privilege. This couch cover is made from a quality, waterproof microfiber material, and it features a multi-layered design. It is quite soft and breathable, but still thick enough to provide support and protection for the furniture. It is waterproof, so any accidents that could happen won’t damage your couch. Another great feature is the quilted appearance – it gives it that classic charm! You can also choose from a variety of sizes and colors, which allows you to match the exact color of your living room furniture and the type of your sofa.

Pros

  • Waterproof and layered
  • Great choice of colors
  • Various sizes
  • Classic, timeless design

Cons

  • Only covers the seats

Runner Up: RHF Diamond Sofa Cover

Check Price $24.99

If your dog’s hair manages to end up everywhere – on the armrests, set, between the pillows… You need sofa protection with plenty of coverage. This fantastic design will completely cover the couch: from the backrest, the seating, to the armrests. That way, no part of the furniture is exposed, and your doggo can snooze and relax with no worries. Made from durable and comfortable material, it is ideal for protecting the sofa from hairs and nasty stains. It can be machine washed so it is always clean and fresh, and it can also be reversed for a different look. The cover features handy elastic straps that help you fasten it to the sofa more securely. It also has a soft down filling, which makes it super comfy to sit on, for both dogs and owners. And although it is not fully waterproof, this cover makes for a great protective measure that will give you some peace of mind.

Pros

  • Soft and comfortable
  • Elastic straps
  • Reversible design

Cons

  • Not fully waterproof

Customer’s Choice: OstepDecor Sectional Couch Cover

Check Price $36.99

Every dog adores sleeping on the couch. But in these cases, you need to be prepared ahead of time. These superb couch covers from OstepDecor will be the ideal solution for preventing wear and tear. One great feature will be obvious from the get-go: these covers are sectional! This means that they come in a variety of dimensions - from small to large - and thus they can fit virtually any piece of furniture in your home. These covers are breathable and extra stretchy, while still being durable, thanks to the high-quality fabric that is used. They also have a soft velvet finish, making them extra comfy and snuggly – something all dogs love. Add to that the quilted pattern, and you got yourself a stylish couch cover that will not only protect your sofa but enhance its looks also!

Pros

  • Stretchy and durable
  • Amazing choice of dimensions
  • Soft velvet outside

Cons

  • Limited choice of colors

Best Stretchy Couch Cover for Dogs: Petrilife Thickened Sofa Cover

Check Price $19.99

This practical stretchable sofa cover allows you to cover virtually all open surfaces and keep your couch as pristine as it was on the first day you got it. The cover is very durable and protective – it is made from 95% polyester and 5% spandex, which perfectly combines that elasticity with durability. Even so, the material is skin-friendly and durable, as well as breathable. It is ideal for protecting a couch from loose hair and stains, but also from scratches – those claws can do some serious damage to the upholstery. Thanks to elastic bands and its design, this cover will stay firmly in place and will look just as if it was a part of the sofa to begin with!

Pros

  • Great design combines stretch with durability
  • Good choice of colors
  • Breathable material

Cons

  • Perhaps a bit challenging to fit over the sofa

Best Stylish Couch Cover for Dogs: ROOMLIFE 5 Cotton Sofa Covers

Check Price $52.90

If you want to spruce up your home and make sure your furniture is stylish and unique, you might struggle with the plain old couch covers for dogs. But this design really hits home! A stylish, statement piece blanket design will look modern and elegant in any home, but will also protect the sofa from stains, hair, and accidents. This thick throw blanket features a unique selection of patterns and colors, and any choice will not fail to impress any guest. Made from cotton, the blankets are durable, soft, absorbent, and quite protective. The cover is also machine washable, making it easy to maintain and keep fresh - with minimal shrinkage. Simple and efficient, it provides a classy look while keeping everything protected and clean.

Pros

  • Simple design requires no fitting
  • Various modern patterns
  • Thick and protective

Cons

  • Not waterproof

Best Protective Couch Cover for Dogs: Furhaven Furniture Cover for Dogs

Check Price $46.99

Furhaven offers a well-made concept that covers the seating area, the backrest, and the armrests while complementing your living room decor. Made from high-quality polyester fabric, it ensures durability, breathability, and water resistance. All this is ideal for homes with dogs that love to snooze on the bed but leave a mess afterward. Thanks to its multilayered and durable design, it is considered water resistant, and won’t allow dirt or hairs to end up on the bed. With its unique cushion anchors, this cover won’t slip and slide all over the place but will stay just how you placed it. Of course, it is 100% machine washable, making it super simple to keep hygienic, soft, and smelling fresh.

Pros

  • Simple but efficient design
  • Cushion anchors
  • Water-resistant

Cons

  • Dull and limited color choices

Best Sectional Couch Cover for Dogs: Deep Dream Sectional Couch Covers

Check Price $25.99

Thanks to these sectional couch covers, you can easily adjust to any piece of furniture in your home, be it standard or totally unique. Made from durable polyester fiber and finished with soft crystal velvet, these covers are very tough and will easily protect your home from loose hair, stains, or dirty pupper paws. They come in a variety of sizes, and you can cover anything you think of: combine smaller pieces to cover a couch or use a large size piece for your bedroom – the choice is yours. Besides durability, these covers also have comfort: the velvet is soft to the touch and great to snooze on. Best of all, they are machine washable and can be kept fresh and hygienic at all times!

Pros

  • Great quality and design
  • Fantastic choice of dimensions
  • Good durability
  • Anti-slip design

Cons

  • Limited choice of colors

Best Plush Couch Cover for Dogs: Dekeyoo Pet Couch Protector

Check Price $53.99

There is nothing that dogs love more than a plush, fuzzy, furry, and snuggly spot to snooze on. Thanks to this plush couch cover, your sofa or armchair can quickly become that favorite spot, without having to deal with pet hair or scratches in return. It is made from 100% polyester and features a shaggy surface that dogs naturally love. Another unique aspect of this design is a half-circle raised edge that will give your pet a place to rest their head on. This also makes the design very versatile, allowing you to use it on the sofa, the armchair, bed, or even on the floor! And it is this versatility that really makes this design stand out.

Pros

  • Protective raised edge
  • Great for puppies and adult dogs alike
  • Shaggy fuzzy design

Cons

  • Leaves part of the bed uncovered

Best 3-Cushion Couch Cover for Dogs: BESTSWEETIE Couch Cover

Check Price $32.99

For a quick and stylish solution, blanket-style couch covers are ideal. Whenever you want to protect your couch or armchair in a second, just use a blanket cover and you’re done! This design is simple, elegant, and above all – efficient. Its smooth and soft surface, simple design, and stylish frilled end will look amazing in any home, and accentuate your good taste. But more importantly, it will cover the entire sofa and keep it safe from loose hair, dirt, and stains. It is made from durable and soft suede material and can be fully machine washed, keeping hygiene top notch. Simple, unique, elegant - and efficient design. What’s not to love?

Pros

  • Stylish tasseled ends
  • Soft suede fabric
  • Doubles as elegant decor

Cons

  • Might be a bit too thin

Best Reversible Couch Cover for Dogs: PureFit Reversible Quilted Sofa Cover

Check Price $29.99

Good designs always allow versatility – such as these nifty reversible couch covers for dogs that can be changed whenever you want. They are made from durable polyester and microfiber and are ideal for protecting the couch from hair, stains, and dirt. Thanks to the special elastic bands, this quilted cover can be securely fastened to the couch and will not move. The quilted design makes it comfy and soft and gives it that classic look that everyone loves. Besides all this, it is important to know that this cover can be easily machine washed for fresh and hygienic daily use.

Pros

  • Unique reversible design
  • Secure and ideal fit
  • Plenty of colors and sizes to choose from
  • Soft and durable

Cons

  • Doesn’t stay in place on leather

What to Look for in Couch Covers for Dogs?


When purchasing your couch cover for dogs, you need to take a lot of things into account. Throwing a classic blankie over the couch won’t do the trick – you’ll need something more reliable and customized to reap the benefits. Before buying, consider these main features of quality couch covers for dogs.


  • Water-resistance


No dog owner can escape drool, pee, or vomit – it is just something that dogs can’t really control and it’s bound to happen at some point. If you let them sleep on the sofa, these things can be a big issue. Thankfully, couch covers for dogs will keep them at bay. Look for water-resistant designs that will keep liquids from penetrating down to the sofa beneath it.


  • Stylish design


Just because it’s practical, it doesn’t mean it has to look frumpy! You can still keep your home looking stylish and elegant while still protecting the couch. This can be a challenge with common designs, so look for something unique. Designs with tassels or bold patterns can be just the thing you need and will add a real breath of fresh air into any living room.


  • Durability


Durability is by far the most important feature of couch covers for dogs. Look for classic high-quality materials such as polyester or cotton as they can take a lot of wear and tear which is common with dogs around. Tossing, turning, “digging”, drooling, chewing – all these are common quirks of pooches, and they can have a toll on furniture. But not with a couch cover! Of course, machine washing also requires durability, so keep that in mind.




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Angela Vuckovic
Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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Can I Teach My Hamster to be Quiet at Night?

Have you ever scrolled social media to find viral videos of hamsters running enthusiastically on their exercise wheel? There is no denying that it’s an adorable sight! Unfortunately, it becomes far less cute for hamster parents when their nighttime playtime keeps us awake all night.If you’re wondering if there’s a way to train your hamster to adjust to a more human sleep cycle, you’re not alone.In this post, I will share some key information about hamsters and their sleep habits, including why your hamster is so active when the sun goes down. Plus, I’ll share tips and tricks to create a happy home for both you and your hamster – including gear that has helped me coexist peacefully with my hamsters over the years.With a few minor changes or updates, you can share your life with a hamster and enjoy a good night’s sleep. I promise! Why is My Hamster So Active at Night? Since bringing your hamster home, you may have noticed that they are most active at night, catching up on their sleep throughout the day. If you’ve been searching for answers (which you probably are, if you’re reading this), you may have seen many people explaining that you’re experiencing this schedule because hamsters are nocturnal – meaning they are active at night and sleep during the day. However, this isn’t entirely accurate. Hamsters are actually crepuscular. This means that (according to Cambridge Dictionary), they are “active or appearing at the time of day just before the sun goes down, or just after the sun rises, when the light is not bright.” With pet hamsters, this is often mistaken as nocturnal because we are asleep during that period between dusk and dawn. Therefore, we don’t experience them slowing down or resting during the middle of the night. Returning to the original question: “Why is my hamster so active at night?” The short answer is this behavior is the result of their biological wiring. In the wild, they are active when it is safer to emerge and seek out food. This allows them to hide when predators are more likely to see them in the daylight hours. Are All Hamsters Active at Night? As with any behavior, there are always going to be exceptions. If you were to interview 100 hamster parents, you are likely going to find one or two that “break the rules” and are active during the day. However, this is rare. It’s safe to assume that any hamster you adopt and bring home will be most active at dusk and dawn, not during the daylight hours. Can You Change a Hamster’s Sleep Schedule?It is possible to change a pet’s sleep cycle. However, there is no guaranteed approach that will work with every hamster. It’s also not recommended by experts as this process could cause significant stress and anxiety to your hamster by forcing them to go against their instincts. Rather than changing your new pet’s sleep schedule, it’s recommended that you instead focus on making changes to their habitat to accommodate their natural sleep pattern. Does this mean your hamster will always be active at night? Not necessarily. Over time, you may see your hamster adjusting their sleep schedule to better align with your schedule without trying to make a change yourself. But it should not be forced on them. Influencing Your Hamster’s Sleep Schedule While it’s not recommended that you train your hamster to completely change their sleep schedule, you can take steps to influence it and encourage them to adjust slightly to your routine. The best approach to influencing your hamster’s sleep schedule is to encourage them to stay awake and play when they are already awake, not waking them up if they have fallen asleep. Hamsters are startled easily due to their poor eyesight, which means waking them up could trigger severe anxiety. If your hamster is awake at a time that suits your schedule and routine, take the opportunity to spend quality time together while encouraging them to stay awake longer. This could mean playing with them or giving them lots of affection if they are tame and like to be handled. This should be done gradually, keeping them awake just a little longer each day. As you encourage these changes, watch carefully for any signs of stress and anxiety, such as: Loss of appetite Refusing to drink water Increased vocalizationHiding constantly, especially during hours when they are usually activeLethargy or loss of energyFailing to chew and wear down their teeth, overgrown teethChewing at the cage bars Hair loss, bald spots, overgroomingObsessive behaviors like digging, scratching, or lickingUncharacteristic aggressionIf you notice any of these signs, take a step back. This could indicate that you’re pushing your hamster to make changes too quickly or that they aren’t comfortable changing their sleep schedule at all. Reevaluate your efforts and make a decision that prioritizes their quality of life. If that means abandoning this attempt and focusing instead on changing their habitat to minimize noise, that may be the best solution for everyone.

Why Do Dogs Burrow in Their Blankets?

Have you ever watched your dog bury themselves beneath a mountain of blankets, only to peek their head out with a look of pure joy and bliss? It’s a behavior that’s incredibly common. Yet it leaves so many dog parents confused – especially when your dog chooses to disappear into the blankets in the middle of the summer heat!Why are dogs so drawn to burrowing under their blankets? Is this a quirky habit, or is there a deeper reason for this cozy behavior?Let’s take a look at the fascinating world of canine behavior. We’ll talk about the instincts that encourage your dog to dig into their bedding to create that perfect “nest” and other interesting behaviors related to puppy bedtime.Why Do Dogs Love to Burrow?Like many dog habits, burrowing can be traced back to their evolutionary roots and the survival instincts of their wild ancestors. In the wild, dogs burrow in the ground to create a safe space to rest or raise their young. We still see these dens being used by foxes and wolves. Dens not only offered a place to hide from potential predators but also protected them from the elements. Today, domesticated dogs obviously aren’t faced with the same risks. However, this doesn’t take away from the natural desire to keep themselves safe. Burrowing into the blankets to create a den creates a space where your dog feels safe and secure.  It makes sense to snuggle under the blankets in the winter for a little added warmth. But what about the summer? Next time you are outdoors on a hot summer day, dig away a little dirt, and you’ll find that while the surface is warm, the ground a little further down is much cooler. Therefore, they associate this behavior with finding a cooler spot shielding them from the summer heat. Can Dogs Breathe Comfortably Under the Covers? One concern I often hear when people see my dog Lucifer snuggling happily under the covers (his favorite place to sleep) is whether he can breathe safely. When assessing whether your dog’s burrowing behavior is safe, take a moment to consider their survival instinct. If a dog gets into a situation where they can’t breathe, they aren’t going to choose to remain there – instead, they will make an effort to get back out to safety as quickly as possible. A dog snuggling happily under the blankets feels safe and secure, meaning they can clearly breathe well enough to feel comfortable there.  If you’re still concerned about the safety of your blanket-loving dog, take a moment to look at the blankets that are available to them: Are they thick, heavy blankets that can be stuffy, cutting off airflow? Are they thinner or designed in a way that allows airflow? Consider offering multiple blankets of varying thicknesses. This will allow your dog to burrow in and find the blanket (or combination of blankets) that makes them feel the most comfortable. Which Dog Breeds Are More Likely to Exhibit Burrowing Behavior?Some dog breeds are more likely to engage in this behavior. This is usually due to the roles your dog’s ancestors were bred to perform. For instance, Huskies and Malamutes are often burrowers. These are Arctic breeds that lived and worked in subzero temperatures. Creating dens in the snow was a necessary part of their survival when living in those conditions, making it an instinctual behavior.  While your northern dog may no longer live in the land of ice and snow, they still exhibit many of the same instincts. Dogs that were bred to hunt rodents are also natural burrowers. During their hunts, they would often dig to help them squeeze into the small dens and tunnels created by their prey, flushing them out. This includes smaller breeds like Dachshunds and Terriers. Any dog, regardless of breed, may embrace the joy of burrowing – either digging a den outdoors or burrowing into the blankets. Just ask my German Shepherd/Australian Cattle Dog, Lucifer. He loves nothing more than to snuggle comfortably under the blankets!

RSPCA Blames Film and Social Media for Overcrowding in Shelters

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2024 Cannes Film Festival Celebrates All Things Dog

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Dog Who "Cried Endlessly" at Indiana Shelter Gets Adopted

Being in a shelter is extremely stressful for dogs. In most shelters, dogs spend a better part of their day alone, with little to do. The lives of shelter dogs are more stressful and frustrating than is normal and these pooches are often afraid, anxious, and sad.That’s exactly what happened to one Indiana shelter dog. After spending more than 260 days in the shelter, Major, who was once a jolly-ball-loving boy, started to sit in his kennel and cry endlessly. Major, a four-year-old pitbull mix, was brought to the Humane Society for Hamilton County as a stray. Although Major was brought as a stray, the shelter staff discovered he had a microchip. They promptly contacted the pup’s family, who said they would come to pick up their dog ASAP, but they never showed. According to a Facebook post shared by the Humane Society for Hamilton County, Major has become filled with stress and anxiety after spending night after night alone in his room. Although lonely, Major evenings were never quiet as he cried himself to sleep every night.In an attempt to find Major a loving home, the shelter shared a video of a sorrowful Major lying in his bed. The post went viral, giving the staff hope that Major would find a loving, forever home. And that’s exactly what happened! In an updated Facebook post, the shelter shared that Major has finally found a loving family and a forever home.“Today, we are overjoyed to share some MAJOR news with you: After capturing the hearts of people worldwide, Major has found his forever home! As he walked out the door with his new family, we couldn’t help but feel a major-sized hole in our hearts, but it’s quickly filled with happiness knowing that he’s found his perfect match.”The wonderful news reached hundreds of thousands of animal lovers worldwide who have been following Major’s story since the beginning.“To everyone who shared Major’s story, your support and kindness made all the difference. Because of you, Major’s tale reached far and wide, leading him straight to the loving arms of his new family. Thank you for being a part of Major’s journey and for helping us make miracles happen.” The shelter also reminded its followers that many other dogs are patiently waiting for their person and a forever home. The surge in unwanted cats and dogs and low adoption rates are fueling the nationwide shelter crisis. Many shelters, including the Humane Society for Hamilton County, are overflowing with pets and operating at maxed-out capacity. “Every single dog here has their own story,” the shelter added. “They might not all have gone viral, but they are all just as deserving of love, care and a safe space to call home. The shelter is a stressful environment for them and every day they wait for their turn. They have so much affection to give and are waiting for someone like you to change their world.” The shelter’s staff encourages anyone who applied to adopt Major to visit them and meet other adoptable dogs who are just as deserving of love and a place to call their own.“Major, we’ll miss your playful antics and wagging tail, but we know that your new family will cherish you just as much as we have. Farewell, sweet boy, and may your days be filled with endless love and happiness,” the shelter wrote.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Backyard Airbnbs Give Dog Owners A Private Leash-Free Space to Play

Hourly backyard rentals provide a perfect alternative to the crowded leash-free environment.

Dog Nurturing Cherry Tomato Goes Viral on TikTok

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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.

Pairing Shelter Dogs Reduces Stress and Helps Them Get Adopted Faster

Dogs are social creatures who rely on companionship, especially in stressful situations. Having a companion doesn’t only diminish loneliness, it can also have a huge impact on dogs’ future, especially those waiting for a furever home.A new study, led by Erica Feuerbacher, associate professor in the Colledge of Agriculture Life Sciences’ School of Animal Sciences found that living with a roommate lowers stress levels in shelter dogs and helps them get adopted more quickly.According to ASPCA, approximately 3.1 million dogs enter shelters nationwide each year. This new study may offer a potential solution for overcrowded animal shelters that are overwhelmed by the surge in unwanted pets and longer waits for dogs needing adoption. “Despite being a social species, dogs are often housed alone in shelters to reduce disease transmission and possible injury from inter-dog conflict. But this social isolation can work against dogs’ behavioral health and adaptability,” said Feuerbacher. “We wanted to examine whether pair housing could be a useful intervention for improving shelter dogs’ welfare.”This groundbreaking study was published in the journal PLOS One. It is the first study to look into how U.S.-based shelter dogs cope when housed alone versus when they are living with a canine companion. This isn’t the first study that researched the benefits of co-housing dogs, but previous studies focused on laboratory beagles and veterinary school dogs. These dogs were housed in kennels long-term, usually for more than six months, for research and teaching purposes. On the other hand, shelter dogs spend an average of 35 days waiting to be adopted, and are, in most cases, used to social interactions prior to entering the shelter. For seven days, researchers studied 61 dogs at the Humane Society of Western Montana. Researchers placed half the dogs in co-housing with roommates who were picked through a compatibility test and brief introduction. The other half of the group was housed alone.Throughout the week, scientists observed the dogs and recorded common stress behaviors, including lip licking, pulling back their ears, and whining. They also took daily samples of dogs’ urine to measure cortisol and creatinine, which are biological markers of stress. “Dogs housed in shelters can face chronic levels of stress due to noise, confined kennel spaces, and limited access to social interaction,” said Feuerbacher adding that this can reduce a dog’s well-being, which may affect a dog’s adoptability. Scientists were happy to discover that dogs housed together showed fewer stress behaviors. Not only that, data showed that these pooches were adopted four days sooner than single-housed dogs. These results show that pairing shelter dogs may be a way for shelters and rescues to improve the quality of dogs’ lives, increase their chances of getting adopted, and shorten their stay in the shelter. Feuerbacher hopes that these findings will encourage shelters to pair dogs with suitable roommates to reduce dogs’ stress and showcase them at their best to potential adopters. “Many potential adopters might already have a dog or would like to engage in social activities with their dog,” Feuerbacher said. “Clearly exhibiting that a dog can successfully interact with other dogs might highlight those dogs as good matches - leading to more successful adoptions.” Dogs who get to have company while they are at the shelter aren’t just happier, they also get to behave more naturally and let their true personality shine through. Co-housing dogs is a win-win situation for everyone and an easy way for shelters to get more dogs adopted into loving homes. 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.

The Whopper of All "Big Fish" Stories

Fishing trio rescue 38 dogs frantically treading water in middle of a Mississippi lake.

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