7 Doggy Dangerous (and Surprising) Things That Contain Xylitol

by Kate Barrington

Published: March 19th, 2017

7 doggy dangerous and surprising things that contain xylitol

Xylitol is deadly for dogs. But did you know that these common household items contain this chemical?

You don’t have to be a dog owner to know that chocolate is bad for dogs – you may also know to avoid things like coffee, grapes, and onions. But there are a number of things that can poison your dog you may not be aware of – xylitol is one of them. Keep reading to learn more about what xylitol is and why it is dangerous as well as seven surprising things that contain this deadly chemical.

What is Xylitol and Why is it Bad?

Over the past decade or so, low-sugar and sugar-free foods have become increasingly popular – particularly for people trying to lose weight. But many people don’t realize that so-called sugar-free foods may not contain sugar, but they still contain sweeteners – sugar alcohols are a good example.

Sugar alcohols are a type of artificial sweetener created by combining sugar molecules with alcohol molecules. Xylitol is a type of sugar alcohol that has the same sweetness as regular white sugar, but 40% fewer calories. It also has a low glycemic index and doesn’t cause severe blood sugar spikes like sugar.

Though xylitol can actually provide some health benefits for humans (such as killing bad bacteria in the mouth and preventing yeast infections), it is extremely dangerous for dogs. When a human ingests xylitol, the body is able to absorb it slowly enough that it doesn’t have a serious impact on blood sugar levels.

In dogs, however, the body mistakes the sugar alcohol for regular sugar and starts producing large amounts of insulin to process it. As a result, the dog’s cells begin to rapidly absorb glucose from the bloodstream but, because the xylitol isn’t actually glucose, it leads to severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and that can prove fatal. High doses of xylitol have also been shown to cause liver failure in dogs. It only takes about 0.1g/kg of bodyweight for a dog to be affected by xylitol.

What Are Some Surprising Things That Contain Xylitol?

Because xylitol contains 40% fewer calories than sugar, you can find it in many low-sugar foods intended for human consumption. You should always exercise extreme caution before feeding your dog anything that isn’t specifically designed for dogs, but you should also try to avoid keeping things in the house that contain dangerous substances – substances like xylitol.

Some of the xylitol-containing foods you should avoid include:

Chewing gum (especially sugar-free gum)
Calorie-reduced peanut butter
Dental health products (like mouthwash and toothpaste)
Gummy vitamins
Liquid medications
Body lotion
Deodorant

Always check the label and keep potentially dangerous items out of your dog’s reach.

Your dog doesn’t know what things are good for him and what things are bad – he just knows that food is food, and he wants to eat it. It is your job, then, to protect him from foods that could be harmful – especially foods that contain xylitol. Do yourself and your dog a favor by educating yourself about the dangers of this substance and don’t keep anything that contains xylitol in your house for safety.

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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Hundreds Wanted to Adopt a Swearing Parrot - Now He Has a Perfect Home

There is no doubt that parrots are masters of mimicking voices and talking. But what they learn from their owners is not always so nice. Pepper, a White-fronted Amazon parrot who now lives in Olean, New York, is a perfect example of that.Recently, Pepper has gone viral on social media, particularly for his foul, R-rated language, and rather… ”colorful” vocabulary. Pepper was known for swearing profusely, much to the amusement of all who met and saw him. However, the parrot recently went up for adoption – and hundreds hurled to provide him with a new home. So now, Pepper is settling in with his new owners.“We checked in with his adopters, Tiffany and Tim, yesterday, and they report Pepper is settling in nicely,” the New York SPCA wrote. “He hasn't cursed at them just yet, but we know it's coming. He loves his veggies and always greets his adopters when they walk in the room.”Interestingly, Pepper’s new owners already own a parrot – an African Grey – who likewise swears a lot, even more than his new friend. “We love that Pepper found his home with adopters who won't be phased by his colorful language, and who know their birds,” the SPCA said. “May Pepper have decades of issuing threats to his new family! Now, go kick some a$$, Pepper!”Trying to find out how exactly Pepper learned all these words, the SPCA learned that his last home was in Buffalo, New York. There he shared a home with a rather naughty dog. The owner often tried to get the doggo to listen by saying things like “Do you want me to kick your a**?” Naturally, Pepper was quick to pick up those words and add them to his growing vocabulary. "We can't wait to read updates on our potty-mouthed friend," the SPCA said in a statement. But the new owners said that Pepper is still staying somewhat polite, and hasn’t cursed at anyone just yet. But there is no doubt it’s coming. Pepper’s new owners created an Instagram page where they could document the everyday moments of their new pet. You can find their adventures under the handle, @twospicyparrots.The SPCA shared that prior to the adoption they received over 300 requests for Pepper, but were very careful about their choice as they wanted the parrot to go to a great home which would be his “forever home”. Now that is a happy ending for this potty-mouthed parrot!

Do Dogs Sweat?

As the hot summer months roll in with a bang, you might find yourself drenched in sweat. With the climate going haywire, it is a common thing all across the world. While trying to cool down, you might be wondering if your pet is doing the same– do dogs sweat like humans do? To answer this question, it is important to understand how dogs regulate their body temperature and to dive deep into the intriguing aspects of canine physiology. Do Dogs Sweat?Humans have a well-developed system of sweat glands that are distributed across the skin’s surface. These glands are known as eccrine glands and they play a crucial role in thermoregulation by secreting sweat, which cools down the body as it evaporates. Dogs, however, have a totally different “mechanism” for managing heat.Of course, they also have sweat glands, but these are primarily located in their paw pads. They are called merocrine glands and are similar to human eccrine glands but are less numerous and less effective at cooling the body. While doggos can produce a small amount of sweat through their paw pads, it is still not enough to significantly impact their overall body temperature.So how do they cool themselves? Well, the primary way dogs regulate their body temperature is through panting. When a dog pants, it rapidly breathes in through the nose and out through the mouth, allowing moisture to evaporate from the tongue, mouth, and upper respiratory tract. This process effectively dissipates heat and cools the dog down. Panting also increases the airflow over the moist surfaces, enhancing evaporation and heat loss.

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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. 

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. 

Dog Parents Assume Signs of Disease Are Signs of Aging

Being able to recognize the signs of illness in your dog is important, as it can help you get them the care they need sooner rather than later. But, according to researchers at the University of Liverpool, it’s common for pet parents to look at changes in their dogs and assume they’re merely related to normal aging rather than disease. This can cause them to ignore a serious condition that requires veterinary treatment.

Cat Learns to Turn on the Sink Faucet, Causing Cat-astrophic Flood

A typically easy-going cat named Sam surprised his owners by learning how to turn on the bathroom sink, causing some major damage to the house. Alana Matson, asked for some pet destruction stories on TikTok while recalling how her cat, Sam, flooded her house. Like many other felines, Sam discovered how to use the bathroom sink to drink water. Sam’s newfound skill led to utter chaos when he left the water flowing one night, flooding the upstairs bathroom.To make matters worse, Matson was heavily pregnant at the time, and about to give birth to twins. “Sam is normally a really low-key cat. He is an indoor cat, so typically, he’s just lounging or tucked under a blanket somewhere. He generally only makes his presence known when the terror of his food bowl being empty sets in, or he is looking for a pet,” Matson told the PEOPLE.Matson and her husband assumed their kids, 10 and 12 at the time, were to blame for the first few times the sink was left running. The couple thought one of their kids was getting up at night and leaving the water running, but the children denied it. It wasn’t until they caught Sam in the act that they realized it had been him all along.The family tried several things to discourage Sam from turning on the sink, including putting a rubber band around the handle. Unfortunately, nothing could stop Sam from turning on the sink to drink water and flooding the bathroom one night.“Little did I know that after I went to sleep that night, Sam the cat would venture into the bathroom and turn on the faucet and then sit on the drain to close it in the bottom of the sink, causing the Wet Bandits to come into my house and flood the bathroom into the kitchen,” said Matson in a video.The morning of the cat-astrophe, Matson's husband woke up first, only to discover a flooded upstairs bathroom. He cleaned the mess and went downstairs, thinking the problem had been solved. But as soon as he entered the kitchen he discovered water damage on the ceiling and water dripping on the kitchen floor. Although her husband thought he could fix the damage with some paint and towels, the ceiling started to buckle and Matson knew there wasn’t anything they could do to save it.“I immediately knew we had to notify our insurance company and figure out what to do. They are the ones who had a service crew to our house within hours to begin demolition and the dreaded industrial fans,” said Matson.While the crew worked on repairing the damages, Matson went to the hospital and delivered her twin daughters. “When I left, the kitchen floor and ceiling and the bathroom floor had been torn out and three massive dryers were running nonstop. Due to the pandemic, I was only in the hospital for 36 hours, so the house was in the same state when we arrived home.”Meanwhile, Sam was completely unaware that he was responsible for the chaos and even had the nerve to be annoyed by the presence of construction workers and dryers. Eventually, the family had to replace the sink, because Sam couldn’t be stopped. “We tried keeping the doors closed at night, but inevitably, it would be left open from time to time, and Sam would immediately go in and turn the water on. We realized it was more proactive to replace the vessel sink with a traditional model with an overflow valve.” Most TikTok users are happy that the family didn’t get rid of the cat instead of the sink. And although Sam has access to a cat fountain, he still prefers to drink water straight from the tap. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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FIP Treatment Now Available for Cats

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Is It Normal for a Dog to Lose Appetite in Summer?

As the temperatures rise and the hot summer months roll in, some dog owners observe a change in their pet’s eating habits. If you notice that your pet is eating less than usual when it gets really hot outside, it’s only natural if you’re concerned about their health. However, understanding the real reasons behind this “seasonal change” can help you worry less and care for your pet as best you can. Is It Normal for a Dog to Lose Appetite in Summer?The reason why some dogs can lose appetite in the summer is simple: heat. Just like us humans, dogs too can feel lethargic, lazy, and less energetic when the heat is stifling. And, naturally, as their energy levels are decreased, they have a reduced need for caloric intake to replenish it. This is one of their “old” inherent traits from the wild: animals will adjust their food intake based on their energy requirements and the available resources. So, as your pooch doesn’t spend energy, preferring to snooze, they will not need to consume so much food to replenish it.Still, heat can cause some physiological changes that could affect your pet’s appetite. Hot summer months bring high temperatures that will slow the digestive process of dogs, making them feel full for longer. What is more, during this time dogs will drink a lot more water (as we humans do), which can also make them feel full and not hungry. Remember that hydration is important in the summer, as it helps regulate body temperature. Always make sure that your pet has access to fresh water, even when you are not home. This “self-replenishing” dog water dispenser is a great thing to have, as it will make sure that your pet always has access to clean, fresh water even when you’re away at work.

Are Mutts Healthier than Purebreds? New Study Says NO!

Are mixed-breed dogs really healthier? A new study of more than 27,000 companion dogs discovered that mutts are just as likely to experience health issues as their purebred counterparts. It turns out that a smaller gene pool doesn’t make purebred dogs more prone to common doggy ailments when compared to mixed-breed dogs. The study led by researchers from the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences found that while certain purebreds are prone to specific health problems, both purebreds and mixed-breeds are equal in terms of the overall frequency of health condition diagnoses. “There are several well-known diseases that frequently occur in specific dog breeds,” explained Dr. Kate Creevy, chief veterinary officer of the Dog Aging Project and a professor in the VMBS’ Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences. “This has helped perpetuate the misconception that all purebred dogs are more prone to diseases, but that is not the case.”The study, which surveyed a total of 27,541 dogs, identified 25 breeds that made up around 60% of the purebred dog population within the Dog Aging Project. Those breeds include Labrador retriever, golden retriever, German shepherd, poodle, Australian shepherd, dachshund, border collie, Chihuahua, beagle, Pembroke Welsh corgi, boxer, shih tzu, miniature schnauzer, pug, Havanese, cavalier King Charles spaniel, Great Dane, greyhound, Boston terrier, Siberian husky, Shetland sheepdog, English springer spaniel, Australian cattle dog, and Doberman pinscher. Scientists found that within these 25 breeds, 53 medical conditions make up the top owner-reported medical issues. “The medical conditions reported by owners varied considerably,” said Creevy. “However, some conditions appeared frequently in the top 10 reported health conditions by breed.”The 10 health conditions most reported for purebred dogs include dental calculus (hardened plaque), dog bites, extracted teeth, giardia, osteoarthritis, seasonal allergies, ear infections, heart murmur, fractured teeth, and cataracts. For mixed-breed dogs, the top 10 conditions were nearly the same, with cataracts and heart murmur being replaced with torn/broken toenails and chocolate toxicity. Some maladies, such as dental calculus and osteoarthritis appeared roughly the same in purebreds and mutts. However, some conditions were more commonly seen in one than the other. For example, purebreds had more extracted teeth, and dog bites, while mixed-breeds had more ear infections. Out of 53 owner-reported medical conditions, 26 didn’t differ significantly between purebred and mixed-breed dogs. What’s more interesting is that 22.3% of owners of purebred dogs reported their canine companions having no health issues, compared to 20.7% of mixed-breed owners, meaning that purebred dogs were healthier than mixed-breed dogs. The most important finding of this study is that dog breed is just one aspect of pet health to think about when creating a dog care plan, or researching what kind of dog to adopt. “People should consider many factors when choosing a dog, including environment, lifestyle, social interactions and physical activity that will be available to the dog,” said Creevy. “Planning for both preventative care and medical care as the dog ages is also prudent. Dog owners should also talk with their primary care veterinarians about the kinds of medical problems to which their new dog might be particularly prone based on breed, size, sex, etc.” Researchers think that the main reason people believe mixed-breed dogs are healthier than purebreds is because certain breeds of dogs suffer from well-known health problems. For example, German shepherds and Labrador retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia, poodles are more likely to get glaucoma, and Great Danes are prone to bloat. The fact that some purebreds are susceptible to breed-specific diseases, while mixed-breeds aren’t has contributed to the myth that purebred dogs are more likely to get sick than their mixed-breed counterparts. We now know that’s not the case thanks to this new study. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Scientists Developing AI Technology To Decipher Your Dog’s Barking

There is no dog owner out there who doesn’t wish to understand their pet’s bark! And now that artificial intelligence is evolving and expanding with each new day, it seems that this seemingly impossible feat can now become a reality.A research team at the University of Michigan is now studying how exactly artificial intelligence can be used to help understand the way dogs communicate. The scientists are developing special AI tools that will ultimately help understand whether a dog’s bark is aggressive, or shows playful intentions. And that is not all – AI will help gather crucial information from the bark, such as the breed, age, and sex of the dog. “By using speech processing models initially trained on human speech, our research opens a new window into how we can leverage what we built so far in speech processing to start understanding the nuances of dog barks,” said Rada Mihalcea, director of the University of Michigan’s AI laboratory.Throughout the course of the study, the team studied vocalizations from 74 different dogs, all in various contexts. They quickly realized that AI models that were originally trained on human speech could now be a great starting point to help train new AI systems made specifically to understand animal communication.“There is so much we don’t yet know about the animals that share this world with us,” said Mihalcea. “Advances in AI can be used to revolutionize our understanding of animal communication, and our findings suggest that we may not have to start from scratch.”Mihalcea also adds that all their findings indicate that “the sounds and patterns originating from human speech can form the basis for examining and comprehending the acoustic patterns of other sounds, including animal vocalizations”.But even so, using AI to analyze dog communication is hindered, as there is still a lack of data available publicly.“Animal vocalizations are logistically much harder to solicit and record,” said Artem Abzaliev, lead author of the study. “They must be passively recorded in the wild or, in the case of domestic pets, with the permission of owners.”Besides this, scientists were also able to reuse a model that analyzed human speech. This helped them to “tap into” major voice-enabled technologies that can actually recognize spoken words and those speaking them.“These models are able to learn and encode the incredibly complex patterns of human language and speech,” Abzaliev adds. “We wanted to see if we could leverage this ability to discern and interpret dog barks.”What is more, according to the study the research will also have major implications for animal welfare. If we can understand dog vocalizations, it can help us respond better to the needs of our pets.

Why Do My Betta Fish’s Fins Look Ripped?

Have you noticed a ragged or torn fin on your betta fish? Don’t panic! Ripped fins often look bad, but they are a common struggle betta fish keepers face.This guide will explore the potential causes of betta fin damage, from environmental stress to rough tank mates. I’ll also share treatment options to help your betta look and feel great again and preventative measures to reduce the risk of future problems.Why Do My Betta Fish’s Fins Look Torn?There are several reasons you may notice damage to a betta fish’s fins, all of which require your prompt attention. An actual tear, split, or bite is the result of a physical injury. However, one other condition is often confused with a tear – fin rot.This condition results from poor water quality and excess stress levels, weakening the fish’s immune system. It’s commonly seen in bettas that are adopted from a pet store setting due to the small containers they are kept in and the overstimulating environment. The most significant visual difference between fin rot and a torn fin is the presence of black, brown, red, or white edges to the fin. You may also see small fuzzy growths or white spots on the fin.If you suspect your fish is suffering from fin rot, you will need to act quickly, as the condition becomes more difficult to treat the more it progresses. This includes quarantining the fish if they are in a community tank, cleaning the tank to prevent further problems, careful maintenance of the hospital tank, and the use of medication for more severe cases.4 Common Causes of Torn FinsFin damage or tears result from physical damage. However, this damage could have occurred from several different causes. The first step in helping your betta recover is to identify what happened. Here are a few of the most common causes of torn fins in betta fish:Tank DecorationsTake a moment to look at the decorations in your betta’s tank or aquarium. Run your fingers along the edge and feel for sharp or rough surfaces. Items like fake plants, decorative sculptures, rocks, and driftwood can snag your fish’s delicate fins as they brush against it while swimming past. Additionally, other tank features like heaters and thermometers may develop sharp edges if they are older and have suffered some wear and tear.Rough Tank MatesBettas are commonly known as aggressors but aren’t the only fish species that can get rough with others. Occasionally, even species known to be gentle community fish can bully others in the same aquarium. In these situations, the damage results from the aggressor biting your betta’s fins.There are several reasons why your fish may become aggressive towards one another, including:Poor water conditions causing stressLack of space for the number of fishFood availabilityTerritorial behaviorsIllness or diseaseThe behavior may also result from pairing your betta fish with incompatible tank mates. Not all fish species can live together peacefully.Improper Water ConditionsBetta fish can become stressed quickly from changes to their water conditions, lowering their immune systems and putting them at risk of damage to their fins. This is the result of stress caused by their environment. Check the conditions of your aquarium, including lighting, temperature, and pH balance.Something as simple as allowing the water temperature to drop too low can trigger damaging behaviors. When experiencing cold temperatures, for example, betta fish will often try to burrow into the aquarium gravel as a survival mechanism. The gravel can easily damage their fins during this process.BoredomWe have all seen the small, decorative fish tanks often marketed to betta fish. While these can be found on the shelves of almost every big box pet store, they aren’t suitable for proper betta fish care. If this is the first time you are hearing this, don’t blame yourself – there is a lack of education in the pet space relating to a betta’s needs. You purchased a product marketed specifically for betta fish, which is a well-meaning decision.Unfortunately, these little tanks lack the space needed for your betta to swim around comfortably, leading to boredom and increased stress. As your betta struggles with this feeling of boredom, they may start to bite and damage their fins.Will Torn Betta Fins Grow Back?Yes! If your betta’s fin damage is the result of a tear or bite (not fin rot), it can heal. But first, you will need to identify the cause of the damage and make changes to the aquarium to prevent it from happening again.

Two Pet Food Recalls Spark Fear of Bacterial Infections

This week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued two separate pet food recalls over fears of bacterial contamination that could cause health issues in pets and, in some cases, death.The first recall notice involves pet food for cats and dogs, and the second notice involves pet food for hedgehogs.A popular online pet food company, Viva Raw LLC of Hillsborough, North Carolina, has voluntarily recalled five of its cat and dog foods over the fears that the products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. According to an announcement on the FDA website, the recalled products include Viva Turkey for Dogs Ground, Viva Turkey for Dogs Chunked, Viva Turkey for Cats, Viva Pure Turkey, and Viva Beef & Turkey for Puppies. All of the recalled products were manufactured under Lot 21244. The products involved in the recall were packed in clear packaging and shipped as frozen, one-pound bricks. The expiration date wasn’t listed on any of the packaging. The recalled cat and dog food was distributed to customers in all 50 states, including the Columbia district. Listeria was discovered in the food after the FDA conducted sample testing on Viva Turkey for Dogs. All pet food products from the same lot should have been destroyed, but the company claims some items were ‘inadvertently released from the warehouse’ to customers. According to the FDA press release: “Viva Raw is notifying all customers who were shipped any Turkey or Beef & Turkey for Puppies products between May 16th and June 28th, 2024. No illnesses related to this lot have been reported to date.” Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that can cause Listeriosis in humans. Listeriosis is a serious infection that causes vomiting, fever, and diarrhea, among other symptoms. Pregnant women, young children, and old and sick people are at most risk of developing severe complications. In cats and dogs, this bacteria can cause diarrhea, anorexia, and fever. Some animals can also experience depression, miscarriage, and death.In addition to becoming sick, pets who consume the contaminated food can also become carriers, spreading listeria through their saliva and feces and infecting people and animals they come in contact with.In its notice, the FDA advises owners not to feed these contaminated products to pets. Also, you shouldn’t touch these products with your bare hands. Use gloves or paper towels to dump the product in a sealed bag and then disinfect all the surfaces that have come into contact with it.The second recall involves various lots of Sun Seed Vita Prima Hedgehog Food and Vitakraft Vita Smart Hedgehog Food. The Vitakraft Sun Seed Inc. of Wisconsin, Ohio, has voluntarily recalled some lots of various hedgehog foods, as they may be contaminated with Salmonella.According to the notice, the recalled products were distributed in many states, including Arizona, California, Georgia, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Massachusetts, Missouri, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause serious infections in humans and animals. In humans, the most common symptoms of Salmonella are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramping. However, this bacteria can cause even more serious issues in people, including arthritis, endocarditis, arterial infections, and more. Pets suffering from a Salmonella infection can experience fever, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, and vomiting. Some infected animals don’t exhibit any symptoms, but can be carriers of Salmonella and spread it to other people and pets. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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Nope, not taken by the famed lake's monster, just ignoring her handler's commands.

How Do I Introduce Cats and Dogs Safely?

There has long been a stereotype of dogs and cats as mortal enemies, constantly at one another’s throats. While becoming a two-pet household can sometimes be overwhelming, there is something so magical about watching your pets form their special bond.Introducing dogs and cats can be a nerve-racking process, but it doesn’t have to be.This post will guide you through a step-by-step approach to introducing your pets safely and carefully, laying the foundation for a positive relationship. Plus, you’ll find tips to ensure a smooth transition for both pets.How to Introduce a Cat and Dog Together: 5 Easy StepsIf you already have one pet in your home, introducing a second involves planning, preparation, and a lot of patience. While there are ways to overcome a rough first meeting, the best possible scenario is to ensure your pets start off on the right foot (or should I say paw).Here is a step-by-step walk-through of how to approach an introduction with the best chance of success.However, it’s important to note that there are some situations where this simply won’t work. For example, if you have a pet with previous negative interactions with other animals, they may be more nervous or anxious, requiring a slightly different approach. Use this as a starting point, but be prepared to be flexible and offer more care and consideration where needed.Step One: Consider PersonalitiesYou may be surprised to learn that the first step starts as early as selecting the right pets. Just as some people mesh better than others, the same can be said for our animals. When adopting a second pet, take the time to try to match personalities.A few important things to consider include:Energy Levels: If you have a laid-back or senior pet, adding a high-energy pet to the mix could be stressful and frustrating. Alternatively, a calm, quiet pet may struggle to settle into your home if your current pet is rambunctious.Outgoing vs. Shy: Some pets show more interest in playing and connecting with other pets, like an extroverted person who jumps right into wanting an interaction. On the other end of the spectrum, a shy pet (or introverted person) will want their space.Play Style: Some pets will play rougher than others. If you have a dog, for example, who plays rougher, a delicate kitten isn’t a good match as they could be injured. Instead, a playful adult cat who shares that play style would be a better match.Previous Interactions: Sometimes, a pet’s previous experiences can offer a glimpse of whether they will mesh well together. A dog that has shown they will chase cats who run wouldn’t mesh well with a cat who tends to run the moment they see a dog.Step Two: Start At a DistanceBefore bringing the two pets together, you must start introducing them at a distance. This means introducing them to one another’s scents while keeping them confined in their own safe spaces. The best way to do this is by keeping your pets in separate rooms and rotating them into a common living area where they can investigate one another’s scent.For example, if you have two bedrooms, you can place a pet in each bedroom. If not, consider blocking off a dining room, laundry room, or bathroom to keep one of your pets safely contained. Alternatively, a crate can be used to keep one of the pets in a hallway or space the other doesn’t have access to.Note: Allowing the pet moving freely in the home to tease or bother the crated pet can create frustration and anxiety. This could destroy any chance that your pets can coexist happily.We have always used the MidWest Homes for Pets Double Door Dog Crate when crate training our dogs. Its dual front and side doors ensure that the crate can easily fit into any space. For containing our cats, we prefer to use enclosures with multiple levels, like the MidWest Homes for Pets Cat Playpen, which allows them to climb and explore.Another great approach to introducing pets to one another’s scent is scent-swapping with blankets. Allow your pets to each sleep with a blanket, then place them in the other pet’s room or space.

According to a New Study, Crows Can Count Out Loud

It’s no secret that crows are very intelligent creatures, and are capable of some truly stunning feats. However, a new study sheds light on a previously unknown skill of theirs – one that makes them truly unique in the world of animals. According to a team of scientists, crows can count out loud, quite similarly to human toddlers – and are the only other animal except humans to do so.This study is titled “Crows 'Count' the Number of Self-Generated Vocalizations" and was released on May 23rd, 2024 in the popular journal Science. The study found that crows are capable of producing a certain number of “caws” in response to auditory or visual stimuli. This means that they were able to count out loud between one and four. Why is that so important, though?"Producing a specific number of vocalizations with purpose requires a sophisticated combination of numerical abilities and vocal control," the researchers explained. "Our results demonstrate that crows can flexibly and deliberately produce an instructed number of vocalizations by using the 'approximate number system', a non-symbolic number estimation system shared by humans and animals."During the course of the experiment, the research team presented three crows with random auditory and visual stimuli. These included sounds from various instruments and Arabic numbers. "Through trial and error, the birds learned that each cue corresponded to a set number of caws between one and four," the team members wrote. "After crowing the vocalizations out (cawing four times for a sound or symbol associated with four caws, for example), the birds were trained to peck the screen displaying them to signal they had finished."After the training was done, the crows – much to everyone’s surprise – gave correct answers when asked to say “the proper number of caws”. Their counting skills were quickly compared to those of toddlers. "This competency in crows also mirrors toddlers' enumeration skills before they learn to understand cardinal number words and may therefore constitute an evolutionary precursor of true counting where numbers are part of a combinatorial symbol system," the team shared.This goes beyond everything that was known about crows thus far. It just goes to show that crows are much more than regular birds in their behavior and abilities. And they might be much smarter than we previously realized – and we already thought they were exceptionally intelligent to begin with.

What Happens if a Dog Eats a Cicada?

As naturally inquisitive animals, dogs will often explore the world around them with their noses and mouths. However, this curiosity will sometimes lead them to all sorts of trouble, as they can eat things that might not be a typical part of their diet. In fact, they can munch on things that are not even edible! For example, those noisy, flying insects that emerge periodically, called cicadas, can become a tasty target for curious dogs. But what would happen if a dog would eat one of these insects? Here is all you should know.What Happens if a Dog Eats a Cicada?Cicadas are large, winged insects that appear in large numbers, and are known for their distinct sounds. Of course, they are not inherently harmful to pooches, but there are still some things to keep in mind if your pet happens to snack on one. Well, the most important thing to know is that cicadas are not toxic to dogs. Unlike some insects that carry venom or other harmful substances, cicadas are generally seen as harmless. But even so, the ingestion of these insects can still lead to some minor health issues, mostly related to their physical characteristics and the digestive system of a dog. Here’s what could go amiss if your pooch swallows one of these weird little bugs:Upset TummyAfter this unusual “snack”, your pet could end up with a mild case of digestive upset, especially if they already have a sensitive stomach to begin with. The insect’s exoskeleton, being hard and crunchy, is not so easy to digest. As a result, your pooch could experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea or vomiting. Still, they are short-lived and should disappear on their own. If your dog experiences gastrointestinal upset, consider giving them a canine probiotic that could restore their gut flora and help them feel like their old selves in no time.

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