Ditched at a Metallica Concert? Not Quite!

by Mary Simpson

Published: September 5th, 2023

Photo Credit: Khabarushka/Shutterstock.com

Animal lovers around the world united in distress when word got out that a fan of rock group Metallica, had recently ditched their four-legged buddy at a Los Angeles concert venue. Found sitting comfortably yet solo in the SoFi Stadium’s upper levels, it appeared mix-breed Storm had been left to fend for herself after her owner departed the stadium.

When concerned concert-goers spotted the abandoned canine they contacted a local animal shelter that happily took the pooch in for the night and began a search for that wayward family of hers.

It didn’t take long for Storm’s concerned parents to learn of her excellent adventure and contact animal services to collect her. Of course, they had to convince staff their girl was loved and cared for but a few glimpses of their Facebook snaps confirmed Storm was a much-adored family member that could be released into their care.

This leads to how the heck she could have made her way into the venue in time to hear the last set from the band’s M72 World Tour. According to the family, Storm escaped their backyard and they figure she must have wandered on over to the nearby stadium, found doors open and strolled in.

Of course, social media blew up over this with many (likely non-pet-parents) arguing that no dog could make the trek into the arena on their own. Several skeptics even questioned whether it was a publicity/fund-raising stunt orchestrated by the shelter involved.

What I can tell you from personal experience is that my brother’s aging, blind Sheltie made its way out of his backyard, crossed several streets, and travelled at least six blocks to walk through the sliding doors of a local Home Depot store. Staff were able to contact my brother using the phone number on his pet’s dog collar. Lesson here? Always include your phone number on your pet’s tags. Even if micro-chipped, people are likelier to make a quick call to you than turn your pet over to a vet for scanning.

So, dogs will wander outside of their home environment and according to dog guru Cesar Milan, it is often down to boredom. It’s simply something to do and if they pick up the scent of food vendors, hear other dogs, and sense something more exciting than their backyard is taking place, they’ll find a way out.

But certain breeds are known escape artists including Beagles, Dachshunds, Boxers, and particularly Belgian Malinois who are described as smart, independent, and brave. And judging by the snaps taken of Storm… she may have a touch of the Mal in her and the wanderlust needed to head on over to take in the last of a concert.

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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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.

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Is a Bearded Dragon the Right Pet for Me?

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.

How to Recognize an Overheated Horse

While countries worldwide are recording the hottest summers to date, it’s undeniable that the heat of the sun is becoming unbearable to creatures of all shapes and sizes. Due to this, sunstroke and overheating have become very real threats. Just like humans, horses are also susceptible to overheating, especially during strenuous activities or in hot weather. Overheating, also known as heat stress or heat exhaustion, can pose serious health risks to a horse, even leading to life-threatening conditions if not addressed promptly. Knowing the signs of an overheated horse is crucial for all horse owners, riders, and caretakers to ensure the animal’s well-being. So here are some key indicators that your horse might be overheating.Heavy BreathingOne of the first signs of overheating in horses is rapid, heavy breathing. While an increased breathing rate is normal after physical activity, an overheated horse will continue to breathe heavily for an extended period, even after resting. This is the horse’s way of trying to cool down by expelling excess heat through its respiratory system. If you notice that your horse’s breathing doesn’t slow down after several minutes of rest or if it’s struggling to catch its breath, this could be a sign of heat stress.Excess SweatSweating is a horse's natural mechanism for cooling itself down, but excessive sweating can indicate overheating. You may notice large amounts of sweat, especially in areas such as the neck, chest, flanks, and behind the ears. In some cases, an overheated horse may even stop sweating, which is a critical warning sign. If your horse is sweating profusely or has suddenly stopped sweating despite high temperatures or activity, it’s time to take action.Elevated Heart RateA horse’s heart rate typically increases with exercise, but in an overheated horse, the heart rate remains elevated long after the activity has stopped. You can check your horse’s heart rate by placing your fingers under the jaw or at the horse’s girth area. A resting heart rate that stays above 60 beats per minute for more than 10 minutes is cause for concern.Lethargy and WeaknessOverheated horses often become lethargic and may appear weak or disoriented. They might be slow to respond to commands, stumble, or have difficulty standing. If your horse seems unusually tired or is moving sluggishly, especially after exertion in hot conditions, this is a potential sign of overheating.Loss of Appetite and ThirstAn overheated horse may lose interest in food and water, which is particularly dangerous since dehydration can worsen the situation. If your horse refuses to drink water or eat, it may be because it is already experiencing the effects of heat stress.Dry and Sticky Mucous MembranesCheck your horse’s gums and the inner lining of its mouth. In a healthy horse, these membranes are moist and pink. In an overheated horse, the membranes may feel dry or sticky and appear pale. This is a sign of dehydration and should be treated immediately.Muscle Stiffness and TremorsMuscle tremors, stiffness, or shaking can be symptoms of an overheated horse. These physical reactions occur because the horse’s body is struggling to regulate its temperature. If you notice your horse shaking or its muscles twitching uncontrollably, take immediate steps to cool it down.

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Can A Dog's Tooth Abscess Heal On Its Own?

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A Month of TLC Transforms a Practically Feral Dog Into a Loving Pet

A two-year-old Great Pyrenees, named Wesley, arrived at Austin Pets Alive with a nasty-looking neck wound. One look at the fluffy pooch would surely melt your heart, but a month ago Wesley desperately hoped no one would look his way. According to a post from Austin Pets Alive, rescuers found a practically feral Wesley running with a pack of stray dogs. A concerned citizen called Austin Animal Center after they spotted a fluffy dog with a serious-looking neck wound. After receiving the call, Austin Animal Center picked up the injured Great Pyrenees and removed a piece of old rope that was embedded in the dog’s neck. Since Wesley still required medical assistance after the rope was removed, Austin Animal Center transferred him to Austin Pets Alive.   Wesley arrived at the rescue frightened and in pain. “He needed lots of medical care, attention, and his favorite snack, cheese, which he prefers to enjoy when no one’s watching,” said Clare Callison, the director of national programs at Austin Pets Alive. Thanks to donations, the rescue was able to cover the cost of Wesley’s wound care, which totaled hundreds of dollars. “Our community’s love for pets is immense and generous donations help cover Wesley’s medical expenses and ensure he receives the best care possible.”While donations helped heal Wesley’s flesh wounds, Alex, an Austin Pets Alive staff member helped mend the dog’s broken heart. “The fluffy boy was in need of our Medical Triage & Wellness Clinic due to a large wound around his neck, but he was practically feral, so giving him medical attention required some added patience,” wrote Austin Pets Alive in a Facebook post. Over the next several weeks, “Alex showed up for Wesley day in and day out, patiently showing this injured soul that people can be good and offer love. Gradually trust was gained and these two formed a friendship that will last a lifetime,” the rescue wrote in a post. When Wesley first arrived at the rescue, he was shut down and scared. The poor pooch didn’t want to be seen or touched, shying from any physical affection. Over time and thanks to Alex’s continued efforts, Wesley started to open up. Gradually, the pup began to acclimate to love and affection, starting with gentle touches and petting and working up to real play sessions. At first, Wesley was terrified of wearing a harness and walking on a leash. But thanks to Alex’s patience and a lot of delicious treats the fluffy pup is no longer scared of being leashed and enjoys going on long walks. Only a month after he arrived at the rescue in a horrifying condition, Wesley has blossomed into a trusting and loving dog. Soon after, Wesley was deemed healthy and placed in a foster-to-adopt home, handpicked by Alex. The pup’s new family has spent weeks getting to know him and learning about his routine and the things he likes and dislikes. According to Austin Pets Alive, Wesley has settled nicely into his new home and has adjusted to his new family.This pooch made a 180 transforming from a practically feral stray dog to a loving and affectionate companion to his new family. This goes to show that a little patience, love, and determination can make a huge difference in the life of a stray dog.  Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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Can Dogs Get Melanoma?

Melanocytes are special pigment cells that are responsible for a dog’s coat color. Without these cells, canines simply wouldn’t be as diverse and beautiful as we know them. But even though melanocytes can be viewed as a source of a dog’s uniqueness and lovely appearance, they can potentially be harmful as well. Just like humans, dogs can also be affected by melanoma, a type of cancer that originates in the melanocytes. In dogs, however, melanoma can develop in various locations, including the skin, mouth, eyes, and nail beds. While it can be benign in many cases, melanoma can also be malignant and can metastasize to other parts of the body. While all breeds of dogs can get melanoma, it is important to know that certain breeds are more predisposed to melanoma, including Scottish Terriers, Poodles, Golden Retrievers, and Dachshunds. What is more, the sex of the dog is not a factor, as both males and females are equally susceptible to this illness. However, age is a very important factor that owners need to keep in mind. Research shows that most dogs who develop melanoma are 9 years or older, which means that seniors are those predominantly affected by this type of cancer. Still, it’s important to note that dogs of any age can have melanoma, even if it’s less frequent in younger canines.Types of Dog MelanomaIt is also important to know that there are several types of melanoma, and each one affects a different part of the dog’s body and is presented with different symptoms. Skin (Cutaneous) Melanoma: This type of melanoma is found on the skin, often appearing as a dark, raised growth. Look for lumps or masses that might be pigmented or non-pigmented. Oral Melanoma: This type occurs in the mouth and can be particularly aggressive and fast-spreading. Initial symptoms include bad breath, excessive drooling, bleeding, and difficulty eating.Ocular Melanoma: As the name suggests, ocular melanoma affects the eyes and may impair your pet’s vision. Changes in eye color, visible masses, or vision problems are possible symptoms.Subungual Melanoma: A rarer type of cancer, subungual melanoma develops in the nail bed and can be very painful for the dog and prohibit walking. As it progresses, it may cause swollen, deformed, or discolored nails.Can You Prevent Melanoma in Dogs?While there are no guarantees, there are certain steps you can take to minimize your pet’s chances of being affected by melanoma in their lifetime. In addition to regular vet visits and thorough checkups for any changes in skin or fur, the most important thing you can do is minimize sun exposure. This is especially true for dogs with light-colored or thin coats, as they are more susceptible to UV radiation. 

Lyft is Making it Easier Than Ever to Travel With Pets!

Great news! Lyft, the popular ride-sharing app, has now introduced a new feature that’s sure to create excitement for pet parents everywhere: Pet Rides! This feature lets pet parents connect with pet-friendly drivers, guaranteeing your companion can join you on your adventures. Pet Rides officially launched on National Dog Day – celebrating the role dogs (and other pets) play in our lives. The convenient feature provides more flexibility for pet parents on the go.To use the feature, you will need to select “Pet Ride” when searching for ride availability. This will ensure that your options exclusively include drivers who have opted to allow pet travelers in their vehicles. The additional $4 (plus tax) fee for the Pet Ride will be factored into the upfront price shown in the app. However, an extra cleaning fee may be charged if your pet leaves an excessive mess or damages the vehicle during the trip.Of course, this is for companion pets, not service animals. Drivers are still required to accommodate service animals, per the Americans with Disabilities Act.The Pet Ride feature allows for one pet per pet-friendly ride, with no restrictions related to breed or size. Additional pets may be permitted on the ride at the driver’s discretion, but it is not guaranteed. Pet rides are currently only available in the United States.This feature is similar to the Uber Pet feature offered by the most popular competitor, Uber.“At Lyft, we believe that everyone belongs, and that includes our four-legged family members,” stated Audrey Liu, the Executive Vice President and Head of Rider and Community Safety at Lyft. When asked about the feature, she explained that it will make it “easier than ever for pet owners to get where they need to go with their pets.”While there are no specific rules or requirements in terms of how a pet can travel in the vehicle, pet parents are asked to be respectful of the driver and other riders by keeping their pet in a carrier, on a blanket to keep any mess contained (like muddy paws or shed fur), or seated safely at your feet while the vehicle is in motion. If a dog does create an unsafe situation, serving as a distraction and putting the driver and any passengers in the vehicle at risk, the ride may be canceled.Traveling with pets can be stressful, especially if this is your first time. From trying to find pet-friendly accommodations to determining whether public transit options will even allow your pet to ride, a fun adventure can quickly become frustrating and overwhelming.By offering a pet-friendly ride option, Lyft is the latest company to demonstrate its commitment to creating options for pet-friendly travelers. But this isn’t the first time that Lyft has stepped up to create a safe and accommodating solution for a particular population among the app’s users. For example, Women+ Connect allows females and non-binary riders to request a female or non-binary driver, addressing safety concerns they may experience when getting into a vehicle with a stranger. As a pet-friendly traveler myself, I’m excited to see what companies in the travel industry will be the next to revolutionize travel as we know it with our furry (feathered, scaly, etc.) friends in mind!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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The rising costs of veterinary care in the U.S. have spurred a growing number of pet parents to turn to Mexico for more affordable veterinary care for their pets. Valerie Silva of Indio, California, estimates that she saved hundreds of dollars on veterinary bills for her two dogs, Paco and Sunny, in one year. The first time she visited a Mexican veterinary clinic was in 2022, when her Chihuahua mix, Sunny, needed vaccines. Unable to schedule an appointment for Sunny at any of the local veterinary clinics, Valerie has found a pet hospital near her grandparents’ house in Mexicali. She was pleased with the service enough to come back to get Sunny spayed and have her other dog, Paco, vaccinated. Overall, she paid $80 for the spaying procedure and around $200 for eight shots for both dogs.“The price difference is insane,” Silva told USA TODAY. “It’s just so much easier being able to go in there and not have to worry about it being like $70, $100 for a shot.” The huge savings and easy access to affordable pet care have made traveling to Mexico attractive to many pet parents like Silva. Miguel Lazcano of New York City was in a difficult situation when one of his three dogs, a longhaired Dachshund named Henry, needed dental care. “We noticed some of his teeth were loose and his breath was getting worse,” said Lazcano. “They mentioned there was at least four extractions and the cost on the high end was around $5,000. And on the low end, was around $3,500.”Without pet insurance to cover the cost, Lazcano has already paid around $700 for Henry’s bloodwork. After getting Henry’s dental surgery estimate, Lazcano decided to research more affordable veterinary care in Mexico.Lazcano came across MaxiVet Express, a pet courier service that would take his dog to Tijuana, Mexico, for veterinary treatment at a fraction of the price. The owner of MaxiVet Express, Anna Ginsky, started her company after taking her dog to Mexico for dental treatment. Ginsky said she saved over $1,600 on her dog’s procedure in Mexico. “Mexican vets are definitely targeting U.S. pet owners to become their clients. They are making announcements in English. They are advertising more on the internet,” explained Ginsky.Ginsky’s clients travel from all over the country and then her team accompany the pets to Mexico while their owners stay stateside. Most veterinary treatments are finished within a day. Most pet parents opt to take their pets to Mexico for dental care and simple surgeries. The Mexican veterinarians Ginsky works with also offer follow-up appointments, wellness checks, and chemotherapy treatments. “It makes me really fulfilled to be able to offer a service like this. We have people cry when they learn what our prices are going to be and how affordable it’s going to be for them.” Henry, the longhaired Dachshund, traveled around 3,000 miles for his first veterinary appointment in Mexico. The vet performed an echocardiogram to ensure Henry could tolerate anesthesia before moving on with teeth cleaning and extractions.Ginsky called Lazcano regularly to keep him updated about his pooch. This is a standard procedure for Ginsky, who believes pet parents should be kept informed throughout the day, regardless of whether they are first-time clients or have used her services before. “Everybody loves their pet just the same. And they want to make sure that their pet’s doing OK,” she said.Ronald Richards, the owner of the clinic where Henry had his dental work done explained that the main reason veterinary prices are lower in Mexico is because labor costs less. “The doctors just don’t make as much money as they do in the United States. We don’t have medical malpractice insurance or anything like that. So here in Mexico, it’s really kind of buyers beware in regards to when you go to someone’s clinic for service.”Despite all the potential risks, Lazcano is comfortable with his decision and confident that Henry got the best veterinary care. Henry has made a full recovery after his surgery, and his breath is now fresh.  After spending only a third of what he would have to pay a vet in New York, Lozcano is now considering taking his other two dogs for veterinary treatments in Mexico. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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