Best Dog Cake Mix

Angela Vuckovic
by Angela Vuckovic
Updated:  August 27th, 2022
Melianiaka Kanstantsin/Shutterstock

You don’t have to be a baking whiz to whip up some homemade yumminess to treat your pooch! Whether it’s your pet’s birthday and you’re looking to make them a special cake to enjoy without breaking the bank, or you want to treat your pet to a yummy delicacy without worrying about artificial ingredients, dog cake mix is the way to go.


Easy to use and yielding mouth-watering results, dog cake mix usually takes minutes to prepare. Simply mix the dry powdered ingredients per instructions – sometimes with water, other times with water, and oil or eggs – and bake or microwave for the required amount of time. Let cool, top with icing if provided, or decorate with your pet’s treat or a dollop of PB and you’re all set. A cake that will have your doggo wagging your tail without breaking a sweat!


We’ve handpicked the best dog cake mix options on the market, with recipe variations to suit any dog’s taste preferences – and any pet parent’s cooking skill. All of these are super easy to make, prepared with healthy, natural ingredients, and most importantly, tend to be an instant hit with our four-legged besties. All you have to do is scroll on and choose one!

Editor’s Choice: Puppy Cake Mix

Check Price $9.99

Easy to make, super delicious (according to doggos, that is), and available in different flavors to make any pooch happy, this dog cake mix will make any special occasion even more special. Made with natural, food-grade ingredients, it can be made into a birthday cake for your pooch (it even comes with an icing mix), 8 cupcakes, or 24 mini cupcakes – the choice is yours! You can either microwave or bake the cake and the icing just mixes with water, so you’ll have a cake ready in no time. There are six flavors available: peanut butter, carob, banana, pumpkin, red velvet, or sprinkles.

Pros

  • All natural ingredients
  • Made in the USA
  • Easy to prepare
  • Variety of flavors

Cons

  • Can cause diarrhea if your pet has a sensitive tummy

Best Dog Cake Mix for Birthday: PetCakes Birthday Cake Kit for Dogs

Check Price $10.99

It’s your pet's birthday, so it’s only natural that you’d want to mark the occasion with a dog-friendly birthday cake as a special treat! With this kit, you can make your pooch a yummy birthday treat, start to finish, in under half an hour – perfect if you’re tight on time. What’s even better, this dog cake mix is made with healthy, natural ingredients that are good for your pet and contains no corn, wheat, soy, salt, sugar, or preservatives. Who said that healthy can’t be convenient? You’ll get a reusable patented bone-shaped pan, carob cake mix packet, yogurt frosting packet, and a party candle, so all you have to do is mix the ingredients as instructed and microwave it for a couple of minutes. All set for a pooch party!

Pros

  • Healthy recipe with natural ingredients
  • All the ingredients and tools included in the set
  • Bone-shaped pan that can be reused over and over again
  • Takes minutes to make
  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • Not for picky eaters

Best Dog Cake Mix With Frosting: The Lazy Dog Cookie Co. Bake-at-Home Birthday Cake Mix

Check Price $12.99

What’s a cake without frosting? Whether you just want a dog cake that looks as close to “real” birthday cakes as possible or to ensure your picky eater will be enticed enough to give the cake a try, this bake-at-home birthday cake mix for dogs is just the thing. Wheat, corn, and soy free, this dog cake mix makes a round 8-inch cake but it can also be used to make cupcakes if you prefer it. The sponge is vanilla flavored, and the yogurt frosting has sprinkles to make it festive enough for any special occasion.

Pros

  • Made in the USA from natural ingredients
  • Frosting with sprinkles for a festive flair
  • Yummy enough for finicky dogs
  • No corn, wheat, or soy

Cons

  • Can only be oven baked

Best Dog Cake Mix for Pancakes: Superberry Snoot Pooch Pancakes

Check Price $12.97

Everybody loves pancakes – including dogs! While the pancakes we make for ourselves don’t exactly make healthy food for our pooches, this dog pancake mix can allow you to treat your furbaby to the yummiest pancakes that are actually good for them. Made only with oat flour, blueberries, and strawberries, these doggie pancakes are as healthy as can be – and yummy to boot! All you have to do is mix the dry powder with water and cook pancakes on a lightly oiled skillet: easy, yummy, and nutritious. Optionally, if you want to swap pancakes for a traditional birthday cake, you can simply stack pancakes and add frosting of your own and you’re all set for a birthday party!

Pros

  • Healthy, clean recipe
  • No sugar, salt, artificial ingredients, corn, wheat, or soy
  • Easy to make
  • Can be given as a treat or stacked to make a birthday (pan)cake
  • Different flavors available

Cons

  • A bit pricey

Best Dog Cake Mix for Cupcakes: High Hopes Celebration Pack Cupcake Kit

Check Price $8.99

If cupcakes are more of your dog’s style, we’ve got you covered. Perfect for small breed dogs or those that need to be moderate with their treats, this cupcake kit contains everything you need to get that tail wagging. Included is a dog cake mix, frosting mix, and 12 reusable baking cups – just gather your dog’s canine friends and the party can get going! The recipe is developed by a pet nutritionist and uses only natural ingredients, with mixes being produced in small batches in the US. And as an additional benefit, High Hopes donates 3.5% of sales and up to 15% of profit to grant awards to pet shelters and rescues each quarter.

Pros

  • Makes 12 cupcakes – perfect for pooch parties
  • Comes with reusable baking cups
  • Natural ingredients and recipe developed by pet nutritionists
  • Bakes in just 10 minutes
  • Part of sales and profits are donated to shelters and rescues

Cons

  • Not all dogs like the taste

Best Dog Cake Mix for Biscuits: King Arthur Baking Company Dog Biscuit Mix

Check Price $9.99

Are crunchy delicacies tastier to your pet than sponge cake and frosting combo? Opt for homemade biscuits when you want to treat them to something special rather than a dog cake. And don’t worry, you don’t have to research recipes and spend hours in the kitchen to make wholesome, yummy treats for your pet – this dog biscuit mix will allow you to make a big batch of biscuits in around 20 minutes (plus the cooling time, of course). In addition to being yummy, these biscuits will also be healthy for your pet: with a blend of ancient grains, fiber-rich pumpkin, and farm-fresh apples, they support healthy digestion.

Pros

  • Makes up to 88 biscuits per bag
  • Supports healthy digestion
  • Natural ingredients
  • Easy to make
  • A great alternative to store-bought treats

Cons

  • A few more steps in the baking process when compared to cake mix

Best Dog Cake Mix for Homemade Treats: Whisk & Wag Bake at Home Natural Dog Treat Mix

Check Price $17.99

If you are concerned with ingredients that could harm your pooch and can be found in certain store-bought treats, or you simply want to save a few bucks while still spoiling your dog – these natural dog treat mixes will help you do so without breaking a sweat. Easy to make, these dry mixes for homemade treats require only water and oil to be prepared and around 20 minutes in the oven before you have a batch of healthy, yummy treats for your dog. This variety pack includes two flavors, apple and cinnamon and oats with honey, and comes with a heart-shaped cookie cutter to make your job even easier.

Pros

  • Makes around two dozen treats per mix
  • No wheat, corn, soy, or preservatives
  • Two yummy flavors
  • Healthy, natural ingredients
  • A family-owned business from Ohio

Cons

  • Somewhat expensive

Best Dog Cake Mix with Pumpkin: Pooch Cake Wheat-Free Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix

Check Price $6.99

It doesn’t have to be Halloween for your pooch to enjoy pumpkin! Pumpkin is very beneficial for dogs, as it provides essential nutrients and plenty of fiber, improving their digestion and soothing their tummies. Unfortunately, not all dogs are too crazy about eating plain pumpkin puree – so why not sneak it in through a cake? This dog cake mix has an irresistible pumpkin and spice flavor and is made from all-natural ingredients to nourish your pet’s body as well as entice their taste buds. The mix can be baked or microwaved for your convenience and makes 8 delicious doggie cupcakes, 24 yummy mini-cupcakes, or an irresistible 6” double-layer canine cake.

Pros

  • Only natural ingredients
  • Can be baked or microwaved
  • Prepare as a 6” cake or turn it into cupcakes
  • Frosting mix included
  • Dogs love the flavor

Cons

  • A bit dry

Honorable Mention: Puppy Scoops Dog Ice Cream Mix

Check Price $8.99

OK, this might not be a dog cake mix, but it’s a powdered mix and makes a yummy treat your pooch will adore – so it earned a spot on our list. This unique ice cream mix for dogs simply combines with water before freezing and you get the tastiest dog-friendly ice cream your pet can enjoy on a hot summer day. Nothing beats an icy treat when the weather gets hot! There are 5 flavors to choose from – carob, vanilla, birthday cake, peanut butter, and maple bacon, each equally irresistible to most canines. This scoopable ice cream for dogs is made in the USA from natural and uses human-grade ingredients, so you can rest assured that your little four-legged royal is getting only the best.

Pros

  • Easy to make – just mix with water and freeze
  • Real, scoopable ice cream for dogs
  • Five yummy flavors
  • Human-grade, natural ingredients

Cons

  • Not for sensitive tummies

Is Regular Box Cake Mix Safe for Dogs?


While you might enjoy a slice of cake made from box cake mix, your pet shouldn’t. Box cake mix usually contains ingredients that are perfectly safe for human consumption, but could be dangerous for dogs such as chocolate or raisins. What’s more, box cake usually has high levels of sugar, fat, and artificial additives, which are far from healthy for dogs and can both imitate their stomach and contribute to certain health issues in the long run.


What to Look for in Dog Cake Mix


Instead of sneaking a slice of your own cake to your pet, opt for dog-friendly recipes that are made with your pet’s wellbeing in mind. There are various ready-made dog birthday cakes or cupcakes you can use to celebrate a special occasion for your four-legged bestie, but if you’re looking for a way to make your own, dog cake mix is your best bet, especially if you’re short on time or don’t like to bake. Here’s what to keep in mind when getting a dog cake mix:


  • Ingredients


The most important thing is to ensure that the cake you’ll be making is safe for your pet to eat. Avoid dog cake mixes with artificial ingredients, tons of sugar, or fillers such as wheat and soy. Instead, opt for recipes with natural, wholesome ingredients that won’t irritate your pet’s tummy or affect their health.


  • Flavor


Compared to what we like in cakes, dog cakes are usually a bit bland to our taste buds. That doesn’t mean your pet won’t enjoy it, though! To make sure your dog will be thrilled with their birthday cake, pick a flavor they already love – there are tons of options to choose from, starting with peanut butter to carob (dog-safe substitute for chocolate) all the way to savory flavors such as bacon.


  • Ease of preparation


You might want to spoil your pooch with a homemade treat but that doesn't have to mean you’re looking to spend the whole afternoon in the kitchen! Luckily, most dog cake mixes are quite easy to prepare and take under an hour to be ready. If you’re a baking newbie or want to make a cake as quickly as possible, go for microwavable dog cake mixes which will be done in under 10 minutes. Dog cake mixes that are supposed to be oven-baked take a bit longer, around half an hour on average, but are still simple to make even if you’ve never baked anything before.



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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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Handsome Rescue Cat Hamlet Runs His Own Hotel

Move over, Fido! Who needs a guard dog when you have a feline overseeing the place? At least, that’s how the owners and employees of New York City’s Algonquin Hotel seem to believe…Since the 1930s, the hotel lobby has been carefully supervised by a one-of-a-kind employee. But don’t let his small size fool you – the Algonquin Cat, as they are lovingly called, is an important fixture of the hotel with a long history that most are unaware of.The tradition began when the hotel’s owner, Frank Case, welcomed a stray orange tabby cat named Billy into the hotel. It wasn’t long before Billy could be seen walking the hotel’s elegant halls with his head (and tail) held high. Before long, he was renamed Hamlet (a more literary name suitable for a cat with such big responsibilities), and a legend was born.Since that day, the hotel has never been without a feline greeter. All boy cats that serve in this role are orange tabbies named Hamlet while all girl cats are ragdolls named Matilda. The best part? In honor of the first Hamlet’s origin story, all the hotel’s resident cats are rescues.Today, Hamlet the 8th continues to rule the hotel lobby, an incredible step up from the feral cat colony he once called home.When he’s not working, Hamlet is pampered with daily brushing, fashion show benefits, birthday parties, and other perks. Plus, of course, the steady stream of attention that he receives from the many cat lovers who come to see the hardworking kitty.Just a couple of years ago, the hotel underwent a refresh. The oldest continuously operating hotel in the city was starting to look a little worn. In addition to focusing on maintaining the historic architecture and feel of the hotel, the redesign also focused on finding new ways to accommodate Hamlet VIII and the many cats that will follow in his paw prints.A small cat house was installed by the reception desk. “The idea is, hopefully, he likes it in there so the guests can see him when they first walk in, but he also feels safe,” explained Sara Duffy, a principal at the architecture and interior design firm Stonehill Taylor who carried out the hotel’s refresh.The cat-friendly accommodations didn’t end there. A bookshelf in the hotel’s lounge features cat-friendly nooks and ladders, allowing him to easily move around the room while visiting with various guests. A daybed by the window creates the perfect place for Hamlet VIII to relax and soak up the sun’s rays.“He likes to be up high and look down, to observe but not be pet all the time. But sometimes he likes to come down and participate,” said Duffy when asked about the lounge’s design features.If you’re interested in visiting Hamlet VIII while in New York, the Algonquin Hotel is located between Fifth and Sixth Avenues at 59 West 44th Street. Or you can read more about these legendary cats in the book Matilda, the Algonquin Cat.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Can You Tame a Hamster?

With their adorable miniature size and curious eyes, it is no wonder that hamsters have become popular pets. But don’t let their size fool you… These little guys can be a lot to handle. Realizing that their adorable little pocket pet is prone to biting, many new hamster parents have one key question: Can you tame a hamster? Is it possible to build a close bond and relationship with this new tiny friend? The answer is yes! With patience and a few simple techniques, you can build the trust needed for your hamster to not only be comfortable being held but to enjoy it. Keep reading to discover the secrets of training a hamster, from creating the ideal environment to offering tasty treats. Start building a solid relationship and special memories with your hamster today. Do Hamsters Like to be Held? While I wish I could give you a black-and-white answer, the truth is that it depends. Just as some dogs love to be held while others are more independent, the same can be said about hamsters. Some hamsters are overly affectionate and love being given that kind of attention and physical affection. Others may be more resistant. This could be because they are nervous about being held and haven’t been tamed, or they have a more independent personality and simply prefer to be left alone. There is no way to know if your pet will warm up to being held without putting the time into taming them and seeing how they respond. Pay careful attention to your hamster’s body language. If you are working through everything outlined below and they still aren’t interested in being held for any length of time, they may be trying to tell you that it just isn’t their cup of tea. Do Hamster Bites Hurt? This is a common concern among new hamster parents, especially if you are considering a hamster for your child. Like most rodents, hamsters have little teeth that aren’t likely going to do much damage during a bit. However, the lack of lasting damage doesn’t mean it won’t hurt – especially if the one on the receiving end is a young child. Luckily, hamster bites can easily be prevented with a combination of boundaries to keep children safe and training to build trust and acceptance with your hamster. How Do Hamsters Show Affection? Learning to read your pet’s body language is the key to opening the door to communication. This means familiarizing yourself with the signs that they are happy and comfortable as well as the signs they are stressed or anxious. If your hamster is comfortable around you, you may see them stretch and yawn as if tired. This is their way of telling you that they are relaxed. When they stop to groom themselves, they are comfortable and confident enough in their surroundings that they can stop nervously monitoring their surroundings and focus on something else. Hamsters who have bonded with their people learn to recognize their scent and voice. When you reach into their cage to bring them out, a tame and affectionate hamster may come to you happily rather than being reactive or trying to escape. However, this isn’t always true, as some happy, tame hamsters are also shy. You know your pet best.

Can Dogs Get Harvest Mites?

Harvest mites, also known as chiggers or red bugs, are tiny parasitic mites that feed on the skin of various animals - including dogs. That’s right - dogs can get harvest mites too. These tiny pests are common in warm and dry climates and are active during the late summer and early fall. It is because of this that they are called “harvest” mites. But don’t be fooled by their tiny size – these mites can cause significant discomfort to dogs, mostly due to the irritation that their bites can cause.What Are Harvest Mites? Are They Dangerous for Dogs?Belonging to the Trombiculidae family, harvest mites are this subclade’s larvae. They are almost microscopic, measuring only about 0.2 mm in size. These mites are bright orange or red, which makes them slightly easier to spot on a dog’s skin, though their small size still makes them difficult to detect. They tend to live in grassy or wooded areas and attach themselves to dogs, humans, or other animals when they come into contact with the vegetation where the mites live.Now, once a harvest mite attaches itself to a dog’s skin, they will inject saliva into it in order to break down the cells which they consume. Unlike fleas or ticks, which feed on blood, these mites feed on skin cells. It is this process that causes an intense allergic reaction in dogs, leading to inflammation and itching. The dog may develop red, raised bumps or welts at the bite sites, typically in areas where the skin is thinner, such as the paws, belly, ears, or armpits.Your furry friend might scratch or bite the affected area, in hopes of easing the irritation. But this can potentially cause further skin damage or further infections. While harvest mites do not burrow into the skin, their bites can remain itchy and uncomfortable for several days, even after the mites are detached and gone.Symptoms of Harvest Mites in DogsIt is important to note that intense itching and irritation are not the only symptoms of harvest mite bites. If a dog is repeatedly scratching or licking at a particular area, this could indicate the presence of harvest mites, so know what signs to look out for.Red bumps and welts will often appear on the dog’s paws, belly, ears, or between their toes.Itching that is caused by harvest mites can be intense, and if your pet is vigorously scratching this is a classic indicator.In some cases, dogs may lose fur around the affected area due to excessive scratching.Constant scratching or biting may lead to crusty patches or open wounds. This is one of the more advanced signs.Of course, you need to make sure that harvest mite infestation is treated as soon as possible. This typically involves relieving the itching and removing any remaining mites. Of course, you need to seek the help of a vet, who will prescribe the proper treatment for your pet's unique case.

The US National Park Service is Being Sued Over Stray Cats

The US National Park Service was sued by a non-profit organization due to its controversial plan to remove the famous stray cats of Puerto Rico, a historic district in the US territory. The lawsuit was filed by  Alley Cat Allies, a non-profit based in Maryland, and it comes four months after the radical announcement that left many in shock. The Federal agency revealed that it would contract an animal welfare organization to remove around 200 stray cats that live in Puerto Rico’s historic seaside fortress in Old San Juan. What the organization still hasn’t decided upon is whether the captured stray cats would be placed in foster homes, kept in shelters, adopted, or face a different fate. What is more, the federal agency did not reveal if a third-party organization has been hired yet. The National Park Service also added that it would hire a “removal agency” if the organization it contracted ultimately failed to remove the cats within a six-month period. The news caught many by surprise, as many locals – and tourists alike – loved the cats, and many considered them a delight and a local attraction. Alas, many considered the cats a nuisance too, as the National Park Service stated in a report in 2022 that the cat population in the city had grown out of proportions and that the smell of feces and urine in the area was becoming too strong.The announcement of their plan roused many animal rights activists, who say that six months is not enough to remove such a great number of cats. They fear that, as a result, many cats would be killed. Ultimately, the Alley Cat Allies filed its lawsuit in an effort to ensure the best possible outcome for the felines in question. They requested additional environmental statements from the National Park Service, and asked that “a judge find its actions allegedly violate acts including the National Environmental Protection Act.” It remains to be seen what will be the fate of these kitties – but one can only hope they won’t be harmed in the process. 

Scientists Reveal Why Cats Scratch Furniture and How to Stop It

Many cat owners get used to seeing torn cushions, carpets, and furniture that bear their felines’ claw marks. Scratching is normal behavior for cats but is often considered a behavioral problem by cat owners who sometimes turn to painful procedures, like declawing, as a quick fix.This has prompted an international team of researchers to investigate which factors influence undesired scratching behavior in domestic cats. The team surveyed over 1,200 cat owners in France about the daily lives and characteristics, as well as undesired scratching behavior of their cats. Their findings were published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science. “Here we show that certain factors - such as the presence of children at home, personality traits of cats and their activity levels -significantly impact the extent of scratching behavior,” explained Dr. Yasemin Salgirli Demirbas, the first author of the study and a veterinary researcher at Ankara University. “Our findings can help caregivers manage and redirect scratching to appropriate materials, which could help foster a more harmonious living environment for both cats and their caregivers.”Researchers discovered a link between certain behavioral and environmental factors and increased scratching behavior in cats. “Specifically, the presence of children in the home as well as high levels of play and nocturnal activity significantly contribute to increased scratching,” explained Salgirli Demirbas. Nocturnal activity in cats consists of behaviors exhibited at night. Heightened vocalization and playfulness during the night are usually the result of poor daytime stimulation or lack of social interactions. But it may also be a cat’s way of seeking attention. “While cats are naturally nocturnal, they can adjust to a human diurnal schedule if provided with structured and engaging activities during the day,” said the survey’s lead author.However, researchers found that stress is the main reason behind increased scratching. For example, the presence of children in the home, especially while they’re small, might increase stress levels and be one of several factors that can cause cats to scratch. Although it may seem unlikely, playfulness is another factor that can be associated with stress. You see, when cats play for a long time without a break, their stress levels can become high because of uninterrupted stimulation. Unsurprisingly, researchers discovered that cats described as aggressive and troublesome also exhibited higher levels of unwanted scratching. Although some factors that contribute to unwanted scratching - such as the cat’s personality and the presence of young children at home - can’t be changed, others can. For example, placing scratching posts in areas a cat spends a lot of time in or near their favorite resting spot can lessen the cat’s urge to scratch the furniture. Using pheromone diffusers and sprays is also an effective way to help your cat feel calm and confident in their environment. Pheromone therapy is often used for cats that show signs of anxiety and can prevent stress behaviors like scratching, crying, and hiding. “Providing safe hiding places, elevated observation spots, and ample play opportunities can also help alleviate stress and engage the cat in more constructive activities,” explained researchers.Engaging a cat in multiple play sessions that mimic hunting behavior is a great strategy to reduce stress and excessive scratching. This type of play will keep the cat mentally stimulated and help deepen the bond between the owner and the cat.“Understanding the underlying emotional motivations of scratching behavior, such as frustration, which seem to be linked to personality traits and environmental factors, allows the caregivers to address these issues directly.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Puppy Blues is a Real Thing – Just Like Baby Blues, Study Shows

There is no doubt that puppies are super cute. When you first bring a tiny little bundle of fur into your home, it is a cause of great joy. But sometimes, life can change in many ways as you care for your new pet. A latest scientific study published in Mental Health Research reveals that almost half of all dog owners can experience something reminiscent of the famous “baby blues” – only related to puppies instead of babies.Many owners will experience anxiety, frustration, or weariness during those first steps of their pet’s puppyhood. The study that was conducted at the University of Helsinki confirmed that owners will experience a short-term drop in mood, and great melancholy, while their pet is a puppy - something that is akin to the famous postnatal “baby blues”. This is because caring for a puppy gives rise to a variety of worries and fears, anxiety and frustration, and difficulty bonding."The study found that these so-called 'puppy blues' manifest in three ways: anxiety, frustration, and weariness. These often occur concurrently, but in some cases, one or two of the three may be particularly prominent," said psychologist and doctoral researcher Aada Ståhl.When a puppy owner is anxious, their thoughts “are colored by concerns” about the wellbeing of their pet, and how they are developing. They can also be worried that they are not adequately looking after the fragile little being. If something doesn’t pan out, the owner would often blame themselves for it. What is more, as a result of the strain and the challenges of caring for a puppy, a puppy owner might become frustrated even further. In the initial stages, they might discover that it is difficult to build an emotional bond with the puppy, which would only make everything much more difficult.All of this makes puppyhood exhausting and very taxing mentally and physically. Owners could experience a lack of sleep and increased tiredness and anxiety."Just under half of owners report having had significant negative experiences during their dog's puppyhood phase, with only about a tenth reporting the most severe levels of strain. This is in line with the prevalence of postnatal depression. However, the negative feelings fade relatively quickly," says Professor Hannes Lohi.But the study now offers a key insight – the more time that passed since puppyhood, the more positively owners remembered it. This means that the negative emotional content of these memories “fades” as time passes. All these results were collected by examining the experiences of over 100 different dog owners, all of whom experienced emotional strain after bringing a puppy home. The survey was specifically developed to measure “puppy blues”. It collected specific responses from over 2,000 dog owners, ensuring the reliability of the survey."Capturing the phenomenon in a measurable form is important if we are to better understand its characteristics, prevalence, and duration. This will also allow us to improve understanding of the factors that may predispose owners to or protect them from the 'puppy blues,' which will help us to develop prevention and support measures," added Ståhl.The study offers a crucial new glimpse into the relationship between a pet and an owner. Exploring the puppy blues phenomenon will help raise awareness and prepare future owners for the challenges of puppyhood – as there are quite a few that come together with all that cuteness.

Should You Bathe Your Cat?

We’ve all seen those old-school cartoons in which cats absolutely hate water or taking baths. Is there truth to that myth? Should you even question bathing your feline friend? Well, believe it or not, bathing a cat is a topic of much debate amongst owners. Some believe that it is paramount for maintaining their cat’s hygiene, while others think it is stressful and unnecessary. But what is the final word? There are several factors to consider, so let’s delve into it.Cats – and all felines in general – are well known for their cleanliness. They spend a significant amount of time grooming themselves and will use their tongues to remove dirt, parasites, and all that loose fur. This is their natural behavior and cemented their reputation as clean and orderly animals. Besides this, the behavior ensures that their coat remains clean and it reduces the need for frequent baths. And, in fact, regular grooming is sufficient to maintain a clean and healthy coat – for most cats. And while many cats never really need a bath, there are situations where it might be necessary. For example, if your cat has gotten into something greasy, sticky, or even toxic, a bath might be the only possible way to remove that dirt. Similarly, if your kitty has a skin condition, your vet could recommend medicated baths as part of the treatment.What is more, certain long-haired felines, such as Persian cats, could also benefit from an occasional bath. This will prevent matting and keep their fur in good condition. It should also be noted that cats with certain health issues, such as arthritis and obesity, might have problems grooming themselves. In such cases, you need to help them stay clean with a bath. If you decide that your cat needs a bath, it is important to do it safely and calmly. Cats are not usually fond of water and are often willful. So the experience could be a bit stressful for them. In order to minimize that stress, you should choose a quiet time when your cat is calm and relaxed. Use lukewarm water and a shampoo designed specifically for cats. Remember that human products can be too harsh for a cat’s sensitive skin. 

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