How to Rabbit-Proof Your Home

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: September 12th, 2022

Olga Smolina SL/Shutterstock

Pet rabbits are lively and fun animals, and very entertaining to be around. When not snoozing and huddling, they will love to explore, hop about, and discover new nooks and crannies around your home. However, they have an affinity for chewing, nibbling, digging, and crawling into any space they find interesting – and interesting doesn’t necessarily mean safe, as well. Because of this, you will have to rabbit-proof your home, both to keep your rabbit safe, but also to preserve your furniture, gadgets, and any other valuables your bunny might find tempting to nibble on. But if you are a first-time rabbit owner, you might be clueless as to what exactly needs to be done to successfully rabbit-proof your home. Here are some classic tips and tricks from experienced rabbit owners – do these, and you’ll keep both your pet and your home safe and sound.

Protect wires, cords, and cables

We all know that bunnies simply love to chew and nibble on things. It is their way of exploring and getting to know their surroundings. However, in a modern home setting, this instinct isn’t only bad in terms of material damage, but it can also be dangerous for your bunny. One of the first things you will have to take care of is wires. Our homes have plenty of cables all around the floor – if a rabbit nibbles on them and reaches the wires, the outcome can be fatal. There are several ways you can rabbit-proof cables, and the best (and the easiest) way is to purchase special flexible tubing. Most hardware and electronics stores keep them. This tubing can encase several cables at once, making things neater – but also perfectly protected from your pet’s chompers. Of course, any other reliable solution is accepted, as long as you try keeping all cables out of a rabbit’s reach, whether somewhere higher or tucked away.

Use pet-safe material to conceal and protect furniture

Of course, there are also things in your home that won’t harm your rabbit, but should also be protected nonetheless. Sofa legs, table legs, elaborate door frames, baseboards, and anything else that is close enough to the floor – all of it can be nibbled and chewed down to scraps. If you want to keep your possessions pristine, you should find ways to rabbit-proof them. In this case, anything goes, as long as the material isn’t toxic to bunnies. Cardboard tubes from paper rolls, flexible tubing, and premade protective solutions supplied by pet shops – anything can help prevent a rabbit from chewing his way through.

Restrict access to certain areas

Of course, one of the simplest solutions is simply blocking off certain areas you don’t want your pet to go in, whether the space is unsafe for them (e.g. floor level plants that can’t be moved) or if you don’t want to risk them ruining something that you can’t conceal or protect. You can opt for classic pet or baby fences that can be found in any pet store or general store and can effectively block doorways, staircases, and such. Keep your bunny safe in the room of your choosing, and keep the next room out of bounds. Efficient and simple! As long as they have plenty of room to hop about and explore, it doesn’t matter which room of your home they are in.

Don’t forget about the flooring

In some cases, you might have to remove a carpet or get rid of your fancy rugs. Bunnies love to dig, and might find your carpet a suitable digging ground – or even realize that a carpet could be fun to chew on. In no time, your precious rug might end up all torn and tattered. It is best to keep your rabbit in a room with hardwood floors, tiles, laminate, etc, but make sure the surface isn’t too slippery, either. Rabbits don’t feel safe on surfaces that are slippery and can actually injure themselves if they happen to slip.

Remove any toxic/poisonous items from your home

Last, but not least, is the danger of poisonous houseplants. That exotic flower or that spider plant you always loved might not be so harmless after all. Some common houseplants can be poisonous to rabbits, so make sure you keep them out of reach. The same goes for foods that are yummy to you but might kill or seriously harm your bunny – things such as avocado, chocolate, potatoes, and mushrooms (to name a few) are all dangerous for rabbits.

In the end, try to be around when your bunny roams free around the house. With your supervision, everything becomes safer, and you don’t have to worry about your pet getting into trouble while you weren’t looking.

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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Kittens get into everything – they’re curious, playful and can’t help themselves! Get down to their level and kitten proof your home! Kittens are high-energy pets who tend to get themselves into just about everything in your home, crawling low and climbing high as they search and attempt to destroy whatever gets in their path. To a kitten, dangerous, delicate, and expensive objects can be viewed as toys. Before your new fur baby joins the family, it’s a great idea to take steps to kitten proof your home to keep her out of trouble and out of harm’s way. Related: How to Bond with Your New Kitten Remove Potentially Hazardous Objects There are a variety of seemingly harmless objects around your harm that could actually cause harm to a small kitten. Thread, ribbons, plastic bags, dental floss, strings, yarn, rubber bands, hair ties, cat toys with strings, and even the cords that hang from your window treatments are just a few examples of objects that can serve as playthings but that can also lead to strangulation and choking. Your kitten may also end up swallowing these, which can lead to a deadly obstruction in the intestines. Remove potentially dangerous objects from your kitten’s environment by storing them away in an area that she can’t access. Tie the cords on window treatments, and only allow your cat to play with potentially dangerous toys, such as wands with strings, when you’re there to supervise and lead the way. Avoid Electrocution and Fire Your kitten is likely to find your electrical cords and start chewing away, and this alone could kill her, as well as potentially cause a fire. To prevent accidents, organize and tuck away electrical cords or cover them with thick, chew-proof plastic casing. If your kitten is teething, purchase some toys specifically designed to help her chew in a safe manner until she feels better. It’s also a good idea to not light candles when your kitten is around because she could knock them over and cause a fire. Either place them in a high, inaccessible area, or just avoid having open flames anywhere in your home. Related: The Stages of Kitten Development Put Medications and Cleaning Products Away Medications and cleaning products may contain ingredients that are toxic to felines. First off, only give your kitten medications that are prescribed to her by her veterinarian. And when it’s time for you to take medicine, make sure you don’t drop any on the floor where your kitten can accidentally ingest it. Pick up any pills that you drop, make sure all bottles are closed tightly, and store the bottles in a cabinet that your kitten can’t access instead of than leaving them on the countertop. In the same way that you carefully close and store medications, you should do the same with cleaning products. When using these products, especially if you have to spray a product and let it sit for a few minutes, make sure your kitten is kept out of the area. Remove Toxic Plants and Pesticides from Your Home There are many common houseplants that are toxic to felines, and kittens really enjoy chewing on plants. Castor beans, rhododendrons, sago palms, lilies, and oleander are just a few examples of some of the many dangerous plants that people may bring into their homes when they have cats. In addition to keeping certain plants out of your home, you should also get rid of things like potpourri that your kitten might be tempted to chew on, as scented oils may be deadly when consumed by cats. Also, avoid using harsh pesticides and opt for natural alternatives so that your kitten won’t be exposed to the toxins that can lead to illness. Keep the Toilet Lid Closed If you don’t make it a habit of keeping your toilet lid down, you should start as soon as you bring your kitten home. Kittens that jump into the toilet when you aren’t around can drown. And if you use chemical-based cleaners in your toilet, your kitten may also be poisoned if she ingests the water. Always Know Where Your Kitten Is Kittens like to hide quite a bit, so try to always have an idea of where your kitten is. Because they’re so small, they can easily get stuck somewhere, and even your furniture can be hazardous. So before you open or close your recliner, as an example, make sure your kitten isn’t under there. A little bit of common sense goes a long way when it comes to keeping your new kitten safe. Before you know it, she’ll be a full-grown adult who isn’t as energetic and knows her boundaries. But in the meantime, kitten proof your home to keep her happy and healthy.

My Pet Is Destroying My Home: How to Deal With Chewing in Rabbits

There's no doubt that rabbits are wonderful and fun pets. They are sweet and affectionate, often goofy, and endlessly adorable. On the other hand, bunnies can – seemingly all of a sudden – begin displaying their more mischievous side and surprise you with their destructive behavior. They can begin chewing everything vigorously – baseboards, carpets, furniture, cables, curtains, plants… Anything goes! In addition to destroying your valuables, rabbits who chew things they are not supposed to are also putting themselves at risk. Sadly, when faced with this behavioral issue, many owners simply give up and abandon their bunnies, which is devastating. Especially considering that correcting chewing in rabbits is certainly doable – some would even say it’s easy when you know what you’re supposed to do. Just arm yourself with a bit of patience and get to work!Get to the Root of the ProblemBurrowing, digging, and nibbling on things are common and natural bunny behaviors. Dealing with them is just one of the common aspects of rabbit ownership. However, when these behaviors get out of hand and out of scale, it might be an indication of a bigger, underlying issue. Some of the main causes of overly destructive behavior are boredom, anxiety, loneliness, or even signifying your pet is in pain. If the reason for your bunny’s gnawing tendencies is boredom, then enrichment is the fix! Introduce a new play area, new toys, and puzzles, and a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Create little burrows, nooks, and crannies for exploration – anything that can occupy your bunny and give them a chance to play and have fun. Once their time is occupied like this, chewing can become a thing of the past. Your rabbit might be lonely, which is making them turn to bad behaviors, so try providing company as a solution. These are sociable animals that require a companion and plenty of quality interaction, and you might be working long hours – a bunny friend will definitely keep your pet on the right track and away from destructive behaviors.Of course, another reason your pet suddenly started nibbling on your stuff could simply be that they need more hay in their diet. Increase the amount of hay you’re feeding and pair it with natural chewing toys – it can completely shift your pet’s focus from things that are not meant for chewing.In case neither of these solutions helps, it simply might come down to hormones. If your bunny is not spayed or neutered, they can develop a lot of challenging behaviors, due to their strong hormones. It is recommended that all pet rabbits are spayed or neutered, so they can be the wonderful pets they are. If your bunny is not “altered”, this might be the reason for all that destructive chewing around the home.Rabbit-Proof Your HomeTo prevent this behavioral issue from causing any damage to your home or endangering your pet’s well-being, you’ll need to rabbit-proof your home. Protect electric cables with wire tubing, cover your baseboards with plastic guards, or simply fence off certain parts of the home. You should also provide chew toys and divert them from things that can’t be chewed. Once they accept the alternative and chew on approved stuff instead of your property, try rewarding this behavior with a treat. In no time, they will always go for the toys and leave the other things alone. Remember, it’s not only the fact that your rabbit is making a mess that’s the issue – but they might also be harmed if they chew on something they are not supposed to, such as an electric wire, a toxic plant, or a snack you’ve left behind that happens to be poisonous to your bunny (e.g. chocolate or avocado). Keep everything that might be dangerous somewhere they can’t reach it, and protect things that are on their height level from those curious chompers.ConclusionYour best bet, when dealing with a rabbit that suddenly started chewing everything you own, is to rabbit-proof your home and try to get to the underlying problem that’s causing this issue in the first place. Restricting access to items that are not allowed to be chewed on will prevent any unfortunate scenario, from ruined charger cables to emergency vet visits, but it won’t help you solve the problem altogether. To eliminate this destructive behavior, you’ll have to find out what is triggering it – boredom, loneliness, diet issues, health problems – and treat the root issue first.

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Auf Wiedersehen Wiener Dog - Will Germany Ban Dachshunds?

Germany’s beloved dog breed, the dachshund, could soon be banned under a new law that prohibits the breeding of dogs with “skeletal anomalies”.The draft of the bill, published in February, is currently being reviewed by the authorities and was introduced as a part of the Animal Protection Act. The new bill aims to strengthen existing laws on “torture breeding” and to regulate the online animal trade. The draft of the protection law said it could ban the reproduction of breeds prone to particular health problems, such as spinal problems linked with short legs and long back which are characteristic of the dachshund breed.According to the German Kennel Club (VDH), the bill could be interpreted as a ban on breeding dogs with any major size deviation from the original wolf type. In addition to dachshunds, other dog breeds like the German shepherd, miniature schnauzer, beagle, and Jack Russell terrier could be affected by the bill. The breeding restrictions could also be applied to flat-faced breeds like the English bulldog, pug, and French bulldog.“Some of the disease characteristics listed in the draft law are too vague and undefined,” said Leif Kopernik, the chief executive of the VDH. “Whether too small or too large, if the Animal Welfare Act were to be implemented in its current form, many popular and healthy breeds could be banned from breeding,” he said, according to the New York Times. The VDH has launched a petition to save “our favorite dogs” saying the proposed bill would leave too much room for interpretation in deciding what can be considered a genetic defect. The German Kennel Club agrees that many of the proposed changes, such as stricter regulations for online animal trade and taking action against illegal puppy trade are good measures that make sense. “However, the animal protection law contains requirements that could mean the end of many healthy dog breeds in Germany,” said VDH on its website.Although the proposed changes could affect several dog breeds, the dachshund is at the center of the discussion. Often called dackel by Germans, the dachshund has been the country’s national symbol for many years. The breed has been around for several centuries and was bred specifically for digging and clawing into underground dens to hunt for badgers. These sausage-shaped dogs have strong claws and sharp teeth which proved extremely useful when hunting. According to Sandra Karthauser, a breeder of rough-haired dachshunds from Munster, there is no evidence that dachshunds are sick due to their appearance. However, she admits that certain breed lines might be predisposed to herniated discs and other health issues.“But to ban the whole breed because of this, that doesn’t make sense to me. Then you can also ban Labradors because some suffer from hip dysplasia along with other breeds that might suffer from debilitating diseases and ailments,”  she added.Germany’s agricultural ministry refuted that the new bill would ban particular dog breeds, including the dachshund. “We aren’t seeking to ban the dachshund. What we are aiming at with this reform is a ban on torture breeding.”The goal of this new regulation is to forbid breeding practices that cause long-term suffering to the dogs. “We want to consistently protect animals from pain, suffering, and damage,” said the ministry adding that the new bill is still being reviewed. Germany’s dachshund lovers and breeders hope the breeding ban won’t happen now or in the future. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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Causes of Dry Nose in Cats Your cat’s nose may be a little dry or even cracked for several reasons, ranging from everyday experiences to potentially life-threatening health complications. To identify whether your cat’s dry nose is an issue, you’ll need to watch for other symptoms of trouble. Here are a few of the most common causes of dry nose in cats and what to look out for: It’s Your Cat’s “Normal” I will list a wide variety of reasons to consider here, but first, let’s get this one out of the way. Some cats will have a dryer nose naturally, even when they are completely healthy. You know your cat best. If you have kept up with your cat’s annual vet visits, been given the all-clear, and your cat still has a dry nose, it may be the way it is. Dry Air Conditions One of the most common causes of a dry nose is the air conditions in your home. 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Dehydration Cats are notoriously bad for not drinking enough water, resulting in many living in various states of dehydration. If your cat isn’t taking in as much water as they need, they may not have the moisture to sweat as much, resulting in a dry nose. Unaddressed, this could lead to severe consequences, including organ failure, heat stroke, cardiac problems, or neurological damage. Additional signs of dehydration to watch out for include: Sticky, pale gums Sunken eyesLoss of appetiteDark colored urine ConstipationLethargy Weakness or collapseThere are many potential causes of dehydration, including health conditions that require veterinary treatment. Call your vet and share your concerns. To prevent dehydration, consider feeding canned food or a mix of canned food and kibble to include more fluids in their diet. Try different water bowls, water bowl locations, or water fountains to find your cat's preferred arrangement. 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One of the most exciting milestones in your dog’s puppyhood is the transition from milk and soft foods to solid kibble. This marks a major step in their growth and development and ensures that they receive all the important nutrients for a healthy life. But even so, some owners are uncertain about when exactly kibble should be introduced.Understanding the right timing for this can be crucial for their good development and overall well-being as it helps set a solid foundation for a healthy diet later on in life. So here’s what you need to know before you offer dry food to your puppy.When Can a Puppy Start Eating Kibble?In the early first few weeks of their life, puppies rely entirely on their mother’s milk for nutrition. Nature arranged it so that this milk provides all the essential antibodies that boost their immune system and nutrients that are vital for their early growth. Usually, puppies should stay with their momma and littermates until they are at least 8 weeks old. During this time, they gradually transition from nursing to exploring more solid foods.Around 3 to 4 weeks of age, however, puppies begin showing more and more interest in the food that their mom is eating, and will often nibble on solid foods. These can be softened puppy food or kibble soaked in water. This helps them to become accustomed to all kinds of different textures and flavors, which in turn prepares them for eventually switching to dry kibble and other solid foods.In general, puppies can begin eating dry kibble between 6 and 8 weeks of age. At this stage, their little teeth are developing, and they have the jaw strength needed to chew solid foods efficiently. Still, it is important to choose high-quality puppy kibble formulated specifically for their nutritional needs. Go for a formula that is based on natural, wholesome ingredients and doesn’t contain any nasty filler or artificial substances – meat should be the first ingredient on the list, followed by sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, such as veggies and fruit.

New Bill Will Eliminate Housing Barriers for Pet Owners In California

California tenants with pets rejoice - a new bill that stops landlords from denying housing to pet owners is in the works!The chair of the California Legislative Renters Caucus, Matt Haney, has introduced legislation that would compel landlords to accept tenants with pets. The bill, AB 2216, will insist that landlords have reasonable reason(s) for not allowing a pet in the rental unit. The biggest change, however, is that the bill prevents property owners from asking about pet ownership before the tenant’s application has been approved.The new bill, which is sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States, aims to solve a big problem in the rental world - a surplus of tenants with pets and a lack of landlords willing to rent to them.California has one of the highest number of tenants in the country, and close to 70% of them are pet owners. Alas, under current law, only around 30% of all rentals are pet-friendly. The lack of pet-friendly housing is causing almost a million tenants to keep pets in their rentals hidden from their landlords. This solves nothing. On one hand, landlords are left without adequate coverage for potential damages. On the other hand, pet owners are left living in constant fear of being kicked out of their homes. Andrea Amavisca, a senior legislative advocate at the California Immigration Policy Center, told the LA Times that she and her partner spent over a month looking for a two-bedroom rental in Sacramento that would allow for a small cattle dog mix.“Landlords that initially liked our application would suddenly stop answering our calls once they found out we had a dog. Or others would require a pet deposit close to $1,000 that would put the unit totally out of our budget.”Amavisca added it felt unfair that almost every landlord had a different pet policy with varying fees they could change as they pleased. Some landlords charged only $20 a month while others asked for four-figure cleaning deposits. The new bill doesn’t address fees and doesn’t prevent landlords from excluding certain types of pets. Haney’s legislation defines a common household pet as a domesticated animal, such as a cat or dog, that is kept in the home for pleasure rather than commercial uses. While pet owners are relieved to hear about the legislation, property owners are already expressing their concerns. The biggest issue is that landlords will be forced to take on pets, and the increased risk of potential property damage that comes with pets, without a pet deposit as a safeguard. Haney explained that exceptions would be made for landlords with reasonable excuses for not allowing pets on their property. “What we see too often is just these blanket prohibitions of pets with no good reason for it, with no required justification for it and no protection of pet owners, who represent the majority of California’s renters, to be able to access housing just like anyone else,” said Haney.According to Jenny Berg, California director for the Humane Society of the United States, extra fees and bans add to the overcrowding crisis in animal shelters nationwide. “One of the reasons why people relinquish their pets is because they can’t find affordable housing or housing at all that can accommodate their pets,” she said. Haney’s bill could make a massive change, as it would remove the barriers tenants face when looking for housing for them and their four-legged companions.“We want a renter to be considered first and decision made about whether they meet the requirements for the apartment,” said Haney. “And then, after that fact, they disclose that they have a pet. And only if there’s a reasonable rationale to deny them, that would be allowed.” Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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.

Ce n'est pas possible! French Actor Wants To be Buried with Pet Dog

Famed film actor Alain Delon's death triggers uproar over a special request.

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. 

Study Finds Designer Dogs At High Risk of Tick Infestation

If you are regularly finding ticks in your dog’s coat, you might be wondering if there’s something special about your pooch that makes it more prone to attracting these blood-sucking pests than other dogs. Well, a new study can shed some light. Researchers from Royal Veterinary Colledge (RVC) have discovered that some dog breeds are more likely to become infested by ticks. The study revealed that popular designer crossbreeds such as cavapoo, cockapoo, goldendoodle, and cavachon have an increased risk of tick infestation due to their poodle heritage. Researchers identified standard poodles as the second most likely breed to become infested by ticks, suggesting that ticks find the poodle’s curly coat particularly appealing. “There is no single perfect dog breed so it is critical that we fully understand the strengths and weaknesses for the breed we choose to bring into our own family. Owners of dogs that are either poodle or have poodle heritage can now be aware of the need to routinely check their dogs for ticks and to perhaps ensure the coats of these dogs are kept short,” said Dr. Dan O’Neil, lead author of the study. Designer dog breeds have become extremely popular among pet lovers in recent years. Poodles are often crossed with other pure breeds to create designer hybrids, mainly because of their low-shedding coats which are considered hypoallergenic. However, this new study points out that designer dogs are at an increased risk of tick infestations because of the poodle’s curly coat. The RVC’s VetCommpass study analyzed a random sample of veterinary health records of 900,000 dogs in the UK. The results showed that ticks are a common parasite in dogs, with one in every 50 dogs diagnosed with at least one tick infestation during five years. Researchers also looked at possible risk factors to understand what makes some dogs more likely to attract ticks than others. The possible risk factors included traits such as skull shape, breed purity, coat, and body weight. While the study found that newer designer breeds had a higher risk of tick infestation, it also discovered that some pure breeds are also at high risk. These included the cairn terrier, standard poodle, golden retriever, Person Russell terrier, and miniature schnauzer. Interestingly, researchers have established that Staffordshire bull terriers, rottweilers, Chihuahuas, and English bulldogs have the lowest risks of tick infestation. The study also found that male dogs had a 1.24 higher risk of attracting ticks than female dogs. Dogs with medium-length coats and pooches with V-shaped drop, or long, floppy ears also exhibited an increased risk of tick infestation. “Ticks aren’t just pests that feast on your dog and cause them to itch; they can also be carriers of serious diseases. They can be dangerous for any age of dog and indeed any breed - although this paper shows that some dogs can be more susceptible to picking them up due to their coat - so it’s important owners know what to do if they spot one,” said Bill Lambert, Welfare and Breeding Service Executive at The Kennel Club. Ticks are blood-sucking parasites that attach to a dog’s skin and can stay there for up to a week, before falling off when they are full of blood. In addition to feeding on a dog’s blood, ticks also transmit diseases. The most common tick-borne diseases that affect dogs are Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis, babesiosis, hepatozoonosis, and bartonellosis. These are serious diseases that can have detrimental health consequences for dogs if not treated in time. Although ticks normally live in woodlands and grasslands, they can be found in urban areas and popular hiking trails. The best way to protect your pooch is to stay up to date with your dog’s tick prevention. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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