What You Don’t Know About Addison’s Disease In Dogs

by Amy Tokic

Updated: March 3rd, 2022

what you dont know about addisons disease in dogs

Get all the info you need to know regarding Addison’s Disease in dogs

You’ve just been handed a diagnosis from the vet – your dog has Addison’s Disease. Don’t panic! We’re going to go over Addison’s Disease in dogs, so you can better understand it and help your dog live a normal, active life.

What is Addison’s Disease in Dogs?

Also known as hypoadrenocorticism or adrenal insufficiency, Addison’s Disease in dogs comes with a host of symptoms that can also be similar to other illnesses. This can make diagnosis difficult, but once it has been singled out, your dog can get back to living his life.

This is an endocrine system disorder that is caused when the adrenal glands can’t produce enough hormones for normal function. There is one adrenal on each kidney and each is comprised of two layers: the cortex and the medulla. The cortex is the outer area and it secretes corticosteriod hormones such as cortisol and aldosterone. The medulla, which is part of the sympathetic nervous system, secretes adrenaline (epinephrine), which is usually not affected by Addison’s Disease. These hormones are critical to your dog’s health. If there is an increase or decrease of these hormones, it can lead to serious health problems if not addressed in time.

There are three types of Addison’s disease: primary, secondary and atypical. In the cases of primary and atypical Addison’s Disease, these are generally the cause of immune related damage to the glands. The secondary type is the result of the pituitary not being able to stimulate the adrenals with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

What Dogs are Susceptible to Addison’s Disease?

Addison’s Disease is rare in dogs. However, it is most often seen in young to middle-aged dogs and female dogs. Breeds that are more susceptible to Addison’s include Rottweilers, Wheaten Terriers, Bearded Collies, Standard Poodles, Portuguese Water Dogs and West Highland White Terriers.

Symptoms of Addison’s Disease in Dogs

The following is a list of common symptoms of Addison’s Disease:

Lack of appetite
Weight loss
Lethargy
Vomiting and diarrhea
Shaking
Increased thirst and frequency of urination
Dehydration
Weak pulse
Low temperature
Blood in feces
Hair loss
Abdomen pain

Treating and Living with Addison’s Disease in Dogs

Addison’s must be treated immediately upon discovery. Depending on the type and severity of symptoms, the treatment for this disease will vary. If your dog is dehydrated, he will need to be given intravenous fluids. As well, a diagnosed dog will need hormone injections for the rest of his life.

Once your dog has recovered from his initial treatments, management of Addison’s Disease will begin. You will have to visit your vet on a weekly basis for at least four weeks for hormone therapy. After that, you’ll only have to go in once a month for injections. As long as you follow the vet’s orders and follow up with treatment, there’s no reason why your dog can live a happy life.

Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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What You Don’t Know About Ringworm in Cats

Ringworm can pass from animals to humans, and make both extremely ill. Take the necessary precautions to ensure it stays away from your cat. If you’ve worked in pet rescue, you’re probably already pretty familiar with ringworm. But if you’re new to rescuing cats and kittens or you’re a pet owner who wants to be more informed about the various ailments that might impact a cat, you may not know a lot about ringworm. Well, we’re here to help, whether you’ve never heard of ringworm before or you want to know more about it. Below is some information on what ringworm is, the symptoms that it can cause, and the treatments that are available to get rid of it. Armed with more information about this fungal infection, you can take the appropriate precautions to prevent it, as well as implement the best strategies to combat it right away. What Is Ringworm? Ringworm is a fungal infection that can occur in both people and pets, including cats. Even though “worm” is in the name, it is not caused by a worm; instead, a group of fungi called dermatophytes is to blame. Knowing what ringworm looks like will help you spot it sooner rather than later so you can get your kitty the treatment she needs to get better, and so you can reduce the odds of the fungus spreading to the humans in your family and your other pets. The Symptoms and Appearance of Ringworm Ringworm is usually detected when cat owners notice skin lesions, typically occurring on the forelimbs, ears, and head, or bald, flaky patches of skin that could be red in appearance. Related: Tell-Tale Signs Your Cat May Be in Pain Mild cases could result in dandruff or localized redness of the skin. Severe cases could spread to multiple areas of the pet’s body. Other symptoms include rounded, knotty, raised lesions that can ooze, and there could also be inflammation within the folds of the skin. However, some kitties might carry the ringworm spores without showing any symptoms. In terms of the length of time it typically takes to see symptoms after a cat has been infected with ringworm, the incubation period might be anywhere from one week to two weeks, but it might even take as long as three weeks before you start to notice any signs on your kitty’s body that she has ringworm. How Ringworm Is Spread Coming into direct contact with ringworm can cause it to spread from one animal to another. This can occur by petting a cat with ringworm or by touching objects or surfaces that have been contaminated with ringworm spores. The spores can remain on objects and surfaces for as long as 18 months, but you can kill them with a mix of water and chlorine bleach. Related: What Is Toxoplasmosis? It’s important to note that contact with the fungus doesn’t always cause infection, as the amount of contamination is a factor in the development of an infection. Also, healthy adults are typically resistant unless there’s a break in their skin. Young children, adults with skin sensitivities or compromised immune systems, and the elderly are more susceptible. A cat with ringworm will be contagious for roughly three weeks, provided that aggressive treatment is pursued. If treatment is not administered properly, the fungus could remain contagious for longer and the infection will likely last longer. How Ringworm Is Diagnosed If you notice symptoms of ringworm on your cat, bring her to the vet right away. Your vet may use a Wood’s lamp, which is a UV light, to see if the ringworm glows under the light in a dark room. This might be all it takes to diagnose ringworm, but it may not work every time at providing accurate answers. Another method that your vet may use to diagnose ringworm involves taking a culture and sending it to a lab for testing. Your vet might take a sample of your cat’s skin or fur to test it and see if ringworm is indeed the problem. Note: Other tests might also be used to be sure that other conditions aren’t to blame for your kitty’s symptoms. Treatments for Ringworm Once diagnosed, your vet will likely prescribe topical treatments and/or oral medications that will kill the fungus. It is also necessary to thoroughly clean the environment that your cat spends time in in order to remove the spores there. To prevent the spread of ringworm to the people and other pets in your household, your vet may also recommend quarantining your infected cat for a period of time while she is being treated. Treated properly, your cat may recover from this fungal infection in a few weeks. In the event that it does not clear, your vet might try other antifungal prescriptions. Also note that the lesions might not change in appearance too much during the first week of treatment, but within two or three weeks, you should notice improvement. Just be sure to continue the treatment for as long as your vet prescribed, as stopping it too soon could cause the symptoms to recur. The symptoms might also recur if the prescription wasn’t aggressive enough or your cat is suffering from an underlying condition that is compromising her immune system. After you have started treating the infection, your vet should see your cat again to determine if the ringworm has been completely eliminated. Again, knowing what ringworm looks like is your first step in being able to recognize it as soon as possible. And because this fungus can spread to humans, it’s important to get treatment right away, follow your vet’s advice closely, and practice good hygiene and environmental disinfection until your cat recovers. How to Keep Your Home Clean During a Ringworm Infection As mentioned above, thoroughly cleaning the environment that an animal is in is part of the strategy of getting rid of ringworm and preventing it from spreading. Your vet can guide you when it comes to what you should be doing to keep your home as clean as possible until the ringworm is gone. If your cat has spent time on anything that can be washed, such as bedding, you can put those materials in your washing machine. You might want to run them on a long cycle before drying them in the dryer. When it comes to floors, furniture, and surfaces, it’s best to work on removing hair and other debris by using a vacuum and/or damp mop. And you can use a disinfecting cleaner that could get rid of fungus too (just read the directions on a cleaning product to use it properly and safely). A Ringworm Diagnosis Isn’t as Bad as You Might Think A lot of people get frazzled when they learn their fur baby or a kitty that they’re rescuing has been diagnosed with ringworm. But this is something that’s treatable, so there’s no need to feel like you don’t have any control over the situation. Working closely with your veterinarian, and taking steps to treat your pet and clean their environment to avoid the spread of ringworm, can make a big difference in how quickly you can tackle this problem.

What You Need To Know About Inflammatory Bowel Disease In Dogs

Painful and dangerous, Inflammatory Bowel Disease is a serious condition that can affect dogs. Know the signs and symptoms – it could save your dog’s life. Not only is inflammatory bowel disease a condition that can affect humans, but it can actually affect dogs as well. Dogs with this condition may develop nutritional deficiencies and, if the problem isn’t treated, they could become very sick. To protect your dog from this horrible condition, take the time to learn about its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Related: Tapeworms In Dogs Are More Than A Sticky Situation What is Inflammatory Bowel Disease? Also referred to as IBS, inflammatory bowel disease or syndrome is a condition in which portions of the dog’s digestive tract become inflamed. When the digestive tract becomes inflamed, it becomes less efficient at absorbing nutrients – this can result in vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea, and signs of poor growth. There are several different types of IBS but the overall cause has not yet been identified. Researchers believe that diet, genetics, and intestinal infections all play a role in the development of IBS and that common antigens like preservatives, parasites, and foreign objects can exacerbate the condition. These antigens may be responsible for causing the initial inflammation but often in cases of IBS the inflammation continues even after the antigen is gone. Related: The Low-Down On Roundworms In Dogs Symptoms of IBS in Dogs Unfortunately, it can be difficult to diagnose IBS in dogs because the symptoms may not be persistent. In many cases, dogs with IBS exhibit occasional diarrhea and vomiting over a period of weeks, months or years. Initially, these symptoms could be a response to a change in diet or to the administration of antibiotics, but the symptoms eventually return after the initial cause is no longer a factor. Other symptoms of IBS may include weight loss, lethargy, fatigue, straining to defecate, and bloody stool. In many cases, dogs with IBS do not appear to be sick. Diagnosis of IBS typically involves a chemistry panel, blood count, fecal exam, urinalysis, and x-rays or ultrasound. Treatment Options for IBS The most common treatment for IBS in dogs involves a combination of dietary changes and medication. Dogs with IBS should be fed easily digestible foods to minimize diarrhea and to maximize nutrient absorption – fiber supplementation may also be recommended. Medication options for IBS may include corticosteroids, antibiotics, and other anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases the dog may be given antacids, anti-nausea, or anti-diarrheal medications as well. Unfortunately, IBS cannot be cured but it can be managed for the long term using a combination of dietary changes and medications. If you suspect that your dog is suffering from IBS it is essential that you seek veterinary attention. Without treatment, your dog could develop severe nutritional deficiencies that could impact his health and wellness.

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.

Can You Get Worms From Your Dog?

Sharing your life with a dog is such a joy – but sometimes, you end up sharing a bit more than you'd want to. And no, we’re not talking about your bed. One common concern among pet owners is the possibility of contracting worms from their dogs. But this, in turn, raises more questions: how are worms transmitted, what types of worms are there, what are the symptoms, and what preventive measures can owners take? Read on to learn more about best practices to ensure your and your pet’s safety when it comes to intestinal parasites.Can You Get Worms From Your Dog?The first thing owners need to know is the types of worms that can affect their pets. While doggos can contract these worms through various means, such as ingestion of infected feces or soil, flea bites, or through their mother’s milk, the risk of transmission to humans varies with each type.Roundworms:These are the most common intestinal parasites in dogs. They can be transmitted to humans, especially children, through accidental ingestion of contaminated soil or feces. The larvae of these worms can migrate through the body, causing a condition known as visceral larva migrans.Hookworms:These parasites can also infect humans through direct contact with contaminated soil. The larvae penetrate the skin, leading to a condition called cutaneous larva migrans, which manifests as itchy, red trails on the skin.Tapeworms:These are usually transmitted to dogs through the ingestion of fleas that carry tapeworm larvae. While direct transmission from dogs to humans is rare, it can occur if a person accidentally ingests an infected flea.Whipworms:These worms are less common and primarily infect dogs through the ingestion of contaminated soil. Human infection is rare but possible.Human infection with dog worms primarily occurs through accidental ingestion or skin contact with contaminated soil or feces. Children, due to their tendency to play in the dirt and their less stringent hygiene practices, are at higher risk. Adults can also be infected, particularly if they handle soil or dog feces without proper precautions.Preventing worm transmission from dogs to humans involves a combination of good hygiene practices and regular veterinary care for your pet. Here are some key preventive measures:Ensure that your dog is regularly dewormed according to your vet’s recommendations. This helps reduce the risk of your dog contracting and spreading worms.

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Can You Prevent Joint Pain in Dogs?

As dogs near their golden years, different health issues tend to pop up – sometimes completely out of the blue, and sometimes a little less unexpectedly. One of the more common health problems dogs experience as they age that can be predicted fairly easily and as such prevented on time are joint issues. Providing proper support for your dog while they are still young and agile can dramatically improve their quality of life later on, so it pays to start thinking ahead when it comes to joint health, especially if your pet is in a high-risk group for developing this type of problem (large breed dogs, working breeds, highly active dogs, etc). Here’s what you need to know to make sure your pet doesn’t suffer from joint pain in their senior years.5 Crucial Steps to Prevent Joint Pain in DogsWhile some factors contributing to joint pain are beyond our control, there are different proactive steps we can take to support our pet's joint health:#1 Maintain a Healthy WeightJust as in humans, obesity in dogs exacerbates joint strain and can accelerate the onset of joint problems. A balanced diet will go a long way in helping your pet maintain a healthy weight, so strive to ensure they are getting only quality food that is based mostly on protein and doesn’t contain unhealthy fats and too many fillers such as soy or corn.#2 Provide Regular ExerciseModerate, low-impact exercise helps keep joints limber and muscles strong. However, be mindful of your dog's limitations, as pushing them too far can end up being counterproductive. Activities like swimming and walks are excellent choices, just make sure to tailor the pace to your pet’s capabilities.#3 Quality Supplementation Providing a diet rich in essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine, and chondroitin, supports joint health. However, even when feeding a good quality kibble, it’s not always feasible to rely on your pet’s diet alone to be enough to provide all of these joint-nurturing ingredients in the right ratio. This is where dog joint supplements come in to enrich your pet’s diet with specific nutrients. 

These Dog Breeds Are at the Most Risk of Overheating

The dog days of summer are upon us. Temperatures are rising across the country and many cities are already faced with record-breaking heat waves. When extremely hot weather rolls in, it’s not only people who struggle to stay cool and hydrated. Our four-legged companions shouldn’t be forgotten during this hot time as they often have trouble cooling down.“High temperatures can affect dogs differently depending on a variety of factors,” said Angela Beal, DVM. “Generally, it’s advisable to avoid taking your dog out when the temperatures exceed 85°F, especially if the humidity is high.”All dogs can get painful burns on their paw pads when they come into contact with hot pavement, but certain dog breeds are more susceptible to overheating in hot weather. “Dogs have sweat glands mainly in their paw pads, so [their] primary way to cool themselves down is by panting…The brachycephalic airway impacts airflow [so] they are unable to cool themselves down effectively in even mild heat,” explained Petco chief veterinarian, Dr. Whitney Miller. She added that dogs with “longer and thicker coats are also more susceptible to heatstroke.”According to veterinarians, breeds most susceptible to heatstroke include, bulldogs, boxers, pugs, Boston terriers, chow chows, Shih Tzus, golden retrievers, huskies, and malamutes. Dogs like bulldogs, boxers, Boston terriers, pugs, Shih Tzus, chow chows, and French bulldogs are classified as brachycephalic breeds. These dogs have short noses and elongated soft palates that predispose them to breathing problems and make it hard to regulate their body temperature. All of these factors combined, make these pups highly susceptible to heatstroke. On the other hand, breeds like huskies, malamutes, and golden retrievers have longer and thicker double coats that can cause these breeds to overheat during the summer easily. These are the two main reasons for heatstroke in dogs, but Dr. Miller adds that young puppies and senior dogs are also at higher risk of overheating. Owners should also keep a close eye on overweight dogs and canines that aren’t in good physical shape. While these factors make some dogs more susceptible to heatstroke, owners should understand that any dog can overheat during a particularly hot summer day. Preventing your dog from overheating is key if you want to keep them healthy and happy during the summer months. “Provide clean, cool drinking water and access to shade. Never leave your pet outside or in a hot car for a long period of time, regardless of the shade,” said Dr. Miller. She advised dog owners to adjust their walking routines during the summer months to ensure they aren’t taking their dogs out during the hottest hours of the day. Walking your pooch early in the morning and later in the evening is a great way to minimize the risk of overheating and painful paw burns. Maintain a regular grooming routine during the summer months, especially if you own a curly or double-coated pooch. Curly-coated breeds, like poodles, can benefit from having their coat trimmed during the summer, while double-coated breeds like, huskies and chow chows, can experience some relief after being brushed by a professional with a de-shedding tool.When it comes to signs that your dog is getting overheated, look for panting, dark, blue, or red gums and tongue, diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, rapid and deep breathing, weakness, disorientation, and collapse. If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms on a hot day, take them to a cool and well-ventilated room and offer them fresh, cool water. If you’re concerned that your pooch is too hot or you can’t cool them down, call your vet right away.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What Is Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?

Reverse sneezing, also known as inspiratory paroxysmal respiration, is a condition that often worries dog owners because of its dramatic presentation. Unlike regular, common sneezing, which involves expelling air out through the nose, reverse sneezing occurs when a dog rapidly pulls air into its nose. This phenomenon is characterized by sudden, repeated, and forceful inhalations through the nose, accompanied by a snorting sound that can be quite alarming to those unfamiliar with the condition. But is it a cause for worry? Here’s the scoop on this weird behavior.What Is Reverse Sneezing in Dogs?What reverse sneezing essentially is is a spasm of the throat and the soft palate. During an episode, the dog’s airway temporarily narrows, causing the dog to extend its neck and make loud snorting noises as it tries to clear the irritation. These episodes are usually brief, lasting from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, and they typically resolve on their own without intervention. There are several key factors that can trigger reverse sneezing in dogs. Here are some common causes:#1 Irritants:Environmental irritants, such as pollen, dust, perfumes, and smoke can all cause reverse sneezing. Dogs with allergies, or those exposed to new or strong scents are particularly susceptible. For dogs with allergies, supplements can be of great help in managing symptoms and even relieving them altogether.

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Can Dogs Suffer From Asthma?

We often associate asthma with humans, but have you ever considered whether our dogs can also experience this respiratory struggle? Can dogs suffer from asthma?While less common than in people, canine asthma can occur. If it does, it can significantly impact your dog’s quality of life. Luckily, with effective management strategies and approaches, you can reduce the symptoms and help your dog breathe easily.This post will explore the symptoms, causes, and best approach to managing this often-overlooked condition. Understanding the basics of asthma in dogs is the first step towards providing the necessary care and support to ensure your asthmatic dog lives the best possible quality of life.Can Dogs Have Asthma?Yes! It is possible for dogs to suffer from asthma attacks. This condition can vary significantly from a mild inconvenience to potentially life-threatening breathing problems like it does in humans. However, it is far less common for our canine companions to experience these problems (luckily).The condition is much more common in middle-aged dogs but can occur at any age. It’s also more common in smaller dogs than large or extra-large breeds. Many experts believe this is simply due to the fact that smaller dogs are lower to the ground, meaning they are closer to the allergens and environmental triggers that irritate the airways when inhaled.There are some notable differences between human asthma and canine asthma, which we will discuss in more detail throughout the article. But to answer the question in the most basic sense, yes, dogs can have asthma.What Causes Asthma in Dogs?This is one area where we see a difference between human and canine asthma. Humans may experience asthma due to a genetic predisposition. This means that while their activities or environmental factors may irritate their airways and trigger an asthma attack, their experience with the condition may originate from their genes.Experts don’t believe there is a genetic component to canine asthma. Instead, it is a condition that develops due to exposure to environmental factors that irritate and damage the airways.The most common causes of asthma in dogs include:Pollen and other environmental allergensExposure to mold spores Cleaning productsSecond-hand cigarette smokeAir pollutionHeavy perfumes or air fresheners Candles, wax melts, or incenseDust from cat litter (especially clay litters)Airborne pesticides or fertilizersSmoke from fireplaces and wood stovesLimiting exposure to these elements is critical if you suspect your dog may be suffering from asthma. While this likely won’t reverse the damage and “cure” their condition, you can avoid making it worse.

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When Can a Puppy Start Eating Kibble?

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.

Wish Your Dog Could Understand You? New Study Says They Can!

You don’t have to be a dog owner to know that dogs can learn and understand commands like “sit” or “come”. But, a new study has made a groundbreaking discovery that dogs also know that certain words stand for specific objects. This finding won’t come as a big surprise to any dog owner who has ever asked their pup to “go get your toy” and, a minute later, been handed a chewed-up rubber ball or slobbery stuffed animal. Scientists have long been interested in learning whether dogs can truly associate words with objects. However, researchers couldn’t figure out whether dogs and other animals get a mental image when they hear an object's name. This would suggest that dogs have a better understanding of language than believed before. Researchers in Hungary have discovered that in addition to being able to respond to commands such as “sit”, “roll over”, or “stay” dogs can also grasp the essence of nouns. This relationship with language is called referential understanding, and it has been unproven in dogs until now. “When we are talking about objects, objects are external to the dogs and dogs have to learn that words refer, they stand for something that is external to them,” explained the study’s co-lead author, Marianna Boros, of the Department of Ethology at the Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.To get some answers about what is happening in the dog brain when it processes words, Boros and her colleagues asked 18 dog owners to bring their pooches to the lab along with five objects the dogs knew well. The objects included balls, slippers, leads, rubber toys, frisbees, and other items.Researchers instructed the owners to say the words for the items before showing their dog either the correct object or a different one. For example, the owner might say “Rover, look, the ball”, but hold up a lead instead. During the tests, the researchers measured the dogs’ brain activity using non-invasive electroencephalography, or EEG. The idea was to see whether EEG could offer a better insight into dogs’ understanding of language. The brain recordings showed different patterns in the brain when the dogs were shown an object that matched or didn’t match the owner’s spoken word. The difference was even greater for the words owners believed their dogs knew well.The same results were seen when humans performed these tests and are widely accepted as people understanding the word well enough to form a mental image of the object they were later shown. “We expected that if a dog really understands the meaning of the object’s word, it will expect to see that object. And if the owner shows a different one, there will be a so-called surprise reaction in the brain. And this is exactly what we found,” said Boros according to ABC News.Lilla Magyari, also of Eötvös Loránd University, and the other co-first author, said that although some other animals have shown some degree of referential understanding of language, they have typically been trained to do so. In dogs, she explained, such capacities seem to be inborn and don’t require any particular training or talent. Researchers stress they aren’t claiming that dogs understand words as well as humans. Future studies are needed to determine whether dogs can generalize in the same way humans learn to as children.This study raises an interesting question of why, if dogs understand nouns, more of them don’t show it. One possible answer is that dogs know more than they are willing to show us.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

University's Campus Cat Earns an Honorary Degree in Litter-auture

A cat, named Max, graduated from Vermont State University at Castleton last weekend. The cute tabby has earned a doctorate in “litter-ature” without taking any classes in recognition of his friendliness. The feline, whose full name is Max Dow, has proved himself to be an expert napper and hunter of mice and has been an affectionate member of the Castleton family for years. In a pun ladden Facebook post, the college shared that this year they’ll have a very special honorary degree recipient.“With a resounding purr of approval from the faculty, the Board of Trustees of the Vermont State Cat-leges has bestowed on Max Dow the prestigious title of Doctor of Litter-ature, complete with all the catnip perks, scratching post privileges, and litter box responsibilities that come with it.” “While his adventures may have slowed, Max exemplifies the CastletonWay and we are honored to have him as a member of VTSU’s firstclass.” Once a stray kitten, Max was adopted by Ashley Dow from Fair Haven four years ago. The popular tabby lives with his family in Seminary Street, a few steps from Castleton’s campus. Max’s owner, Ashley Dow told the local news station WCAX “My cat is the emotional support animal” to students and faculty members. Adding that Max has been socializing around the campus for about four years - pretty much the entire time he has been living with the Dow family.The students like to pick Max up, take selfies with him, and carry him on backpacks around the campus. The admission office describes Max as the star of their campus tours to prospective students and visitors. “He comes out and actually greets most of our guests. He’ll follow them over to the old chapel where they get a general welcome, and then when they start their tour, he usually follows right along with them,” said Brandon Kennedy, associate director of admissions. The end of the school year is a confusing time for Max. Dow explained that summer breaks confound Max and throw him off his normal routine. Suddenly the campus is empty, and there’s no one to pick up Max and give him a hug.“He’ll go looking and then come back, kind of disappointed, kind of sad, and he’ll stick around the house more,” said Dow. Max’s family is looking forward to spending more time with him this summer as he patiently waits for his other family to come back to campus in the fall for another school year. The tabby feline likes to stay on campus so much, that he forgot to return home several times. Luckily for his family, Max is such a famous figure that students bring him home if he is ever seen out and about after 5 pm.“Students did actually bring him home,” said Dow. “Or… they have my number, and I’ll get a text message from random students [saying] like, ‘He’s OK, he’s up by the greenhouse,’ and all of that.” Sometimes, Max gets confused and forgets to return to the campus after the breaks. During one of Max’s extended absences from the campus, students erected a shrine commemorating him. They’ve even put candles and printed a picture of Max and put it in a frame. Although his family is excited to spend more time with Max this summer, they know that he’ll head back to campus when students come back in the fall. “The students will come back in the fall and he’ll be gone for three days, and we’ll have to go looking for him, and he’s up there on the campus hanging out waiting for his people.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Are Squeaky Toys Safe for Dogs?

When it comes to dog toys that engage and entertain – squeaky toys are a tried and true classic that fits the bill perfectly. While most dogs love the high-pitched tones these chewable and squeezable toys produce, some owners are not as thrilled and are wondering if there are any potential dangers when it comes to squeaky toys. Could the squeaker come off and pose a choking hazard, or can mold build up inside the hollow center, etc? These are all valid questions, so let’s see what the answers are. Are Squeaky Toys Safe for Dogs? Safety Concerns To Have In MindSafety should always be paramount when it comes to choosing toys for your furry friend, especially when it comes to squeaky toys. Not every squeaky toy is created equal, and some may pose risks to your canine companion. Before selecting a squeaky toy, it's crucial to consider several safety factors.Firstly, pay close attention to the material of the toy. Opt for squeaky toys made from durable, non-toxic materials. Avoid toys with small parts that could be easily chewed off and swallowed, as this could lead to potential choking hazards. Ideally, the squeaker should be highly inaccessible, such as is the case in these  Multipet Loofa Dog Toys with a hidden internal squeaker. The long tubular body of the toy concealed the squeaker and is also super fun for pooches to carry and toss around.

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