5 Tips to Keep Your Dog From Digging in the Yard

by Kate Barrington

Published: October 8th, 2016

TopFeatures

5 tips to keep your dog from digging in the yard

Digging up your yard might be one of those dog habits you don’t dig! But is there any way you can cover up this natural dog behavior?

One of the most common behavior problems dog owners face is digging. A small hole in the yard may not be a big problem, but what do you do when your dog destroys your flower beds and leaves dozens of craters all over the yard? Let’s go over the basics about why dogs dig and how to curb this behavior.

Why Does Your Dog Dig?

Each dog is an individual but most dogs share a few common traits or behaviors – one of them is digging. Some dogs only dig in certain areas where it won’t do any harm, but others will completely destroy your yard, covering it with holes and destroying your flower beds. Before you can attempt to stop your dog from digging up the lawn, you first need to understand why he does it. Many dogs dig simply for entertainment – you may already be familiar with the saying that a bored dog is a destructive dog. Digging is a perfect example! Sometimes dogs will dig for comfort or protection as well; they may dig a hole in the ground then curl up inside it for comfort or to escape the heat. In some cases, dogs dig for attention or they may be chasing after some kind of prey.

Related: Why Do Dogs Hump?

Tips to Stop Your Dog from Digging

Digging is a completely natural behavior for dog. Even so, it can become a problem if your dog exhibits it at the wrong time or in a way that you don’t like. The important thing to remember is that you should not attempt to completely eradicate natural behaviors like digging or chewing – your best course of action should be to redirect these kinds of unwanted behaviors toward a more appropriate outlet. Here are 5 tips to help you put an end to yard digging:

Supervise your dog outdoors. In many cases, dogs dig out of boredom or as a means of seeking attention so you may be able to curb this behavior simply by keeping an eye on your dog while he is outdoors. Let him outside to do his business but don’t let him dally.
Make sure your dog is properly exercised. For many dogs, digging is a means of working up pent-up energy. One of the best ways to discourage destructive behavior as a whole is to make sure your dog’s needs for exercise are met on a daily basis.
Provide shade for your dog. Some dogs dig holes in the yard as a means of escaping the heat during the summer – the dirt is cool so they dig a hole and curl up in it. To prevent your dog from digging for this reason, just make sure your dog has a comfortable, shaded place to rest outside.
Create a safe digging space. For many dogs, digging is not just something they like to do – it is something they have an instinct for. If your dog comes from a breed that was developed to flush small game, it may be an ingrained behavior. Try setting aside a small area of your yard where digging is allowed and encourage your dog to use it.
Redirect digging behavior. When you find your dog digging somewhere in the yard where you don’t want him to be, clap your hands or make a loud noise to startle him so he stops. Once you have your dog’s attention, lead him to the safe digging space and encourage him to dig there. Once he does, praise and reward him – it shouldn’t be long before he learns where he is and is not allowed to dig.

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.

More by Kate Barrington

Is Dog Poop Compostable?

View Article

10 Training Tips for Eager Greeters

Who’s at the door? I bet it’s a new friend – I must greet them accordingly! If your dog is an eager greeter, try these training tips that will tone down their welcome. When the doorbell rings, does it send your dog into a barking frenzy? Does he jump up on your guests as soon as they walk through the door? A friendly dog is a wonderful thing, but there comes a point when your dog’s friendliness can be too much. Here’s how to stop your dog from jumping up on and barking at your guests. Additionally, an overly excited dog can lead to a dangerous situation. Your dog may accidentally knock guests over, especially children, or escape through the door during the excitement. This is why it is important to address this behaviour sooner rather than later, to keep everyone safe. Related: 5 Tips to Keep Your Dog from Digging in the Yard Teaching Your Dog Not to Bark at Guests Many dogs have natural protective instincts that drive them to bark at anyone or anything that encroaches on their perceived territory. This can be a good thing if you are looking for a guard dog, but it can become a nuisance if your dog barks at the drop of a hat (especially if you live in close quarters such as a condo or apartment building). One of the most effective ways to stop your dog from barking at guests is to first teach him to bark on command and then teach him to stop barking on command. Here is a sample training sequence you might try: Have a friend or family member stand outside the front door of your house while you wait inside with your dog (have some treats on hand as well).Ask your friend to knock or ring the doorbell in order to get your dog excited enough to bark.As soon as your dog barks, mark the behavior by saying “Good” or using a clicker then reward him with a treat.Repeat this sequence a few times then start giving a verbal command before ringing the doorbell – something like “Speak” usually works well.Keep working with your dog, saying “Speak” just before ringing the doorbell and only rewarding him when he speaks on command. Once your dog has gotten the hang of this training sequence you can adjust it to teach him to stop barking on command. Go through the training sequence as listed above but do not reward your dog for barking – instead, after you tell him “Good”, give him a “Hush” command. Wait for him to stop barking then say “Good” again and give him the treat. Repeat as necessary until your dog responds consistently to the “Speak” and the “’Hush” commands. Related: Why Do Dogs Hump? Teaching Your Do Not to Jump Up on Guests Another problem many dog owners have with overly eager greeters is their dog’s habit of jumping up on guests or licking them. Many dogs develop this behavior because their owners unknowingly reinforce it when they are young and small. Here is a simple training sequence to remedy this problem: Have a friend or family member stand outside the front door of your house while you wait inside with your dog (have some treats on hand as well).Ask your friend to ring the doorbell and then enter the house, ready to respond as soon as the dog jumps up.When your dog jumps up, have your friend immediately turn around and ignore the dog, keeping his arms held close to his body.Wait for your dog to calm down and to stop jumping up then tell him “Good” and let your friend turn around and pet him calmly for a few seconds.Repeat this training sequence as needed until your dog gets the hang of it. Related: Should I Train My Dog With A Clicker? Using the Place Command to Allow Guests Through the Door If your guests are trying to enter your home while your dog is overly excited about their arrival, he or she may create an uncomfortable or unwelcoming experience. Just the act of getting through the door can quickly become a challenge as your dog proceeds to jump on them, smell them all over, bark, give them kisses, or even tries to escape. Not only is this less than ideal for your guests, but it could also be dangerous if your dog were to get loose. A simple command that can turn this whole situation around effectively is the ‘place’ command. The command instructs your dog to go to a specified place such as a blanket or dog bed and remain there until released. If you have guests knocking on your door, you can then send your dog to their ‘place’ before opening the door, giving everyone time to get in and close the door before giving your pup permission to come greet the visitors. Here is a simple training sequence to teach ‘place’: Select a dog mat, dog bed or blanket that you will be using as your dog’s designated place. Set it out and allow your dog to explore, praising and rewarding them with treats and/or the clicker anytime they show it any attention such as sniffing it. State ‘place’ just before rewarding each time to start introducing the command.Lure your dog onto the bed, rewarding them when they step onto it. Eventually, move to luring them into a down on the bed and offering a reward or click. Offer a ‘release’ right after rewarding them, giving them the okay to get up and leave the bed once again.Slowly add time between laying down on the mat and the release.When your dog is willing to stay, add distance between you and the mat when you give the command.Add distractions to your training such as other people moving in the room and, eventually, having a friend at the door when you give the command. If you have already done basic training and taught the ‘down’ command, this whole process will go a lot smoother. If you have multiple dogs, train each dog separately without the other dog in the room so that they can focus on the command. You can bring the dogs together when you reach the stage of adding distractions. This command can also be used if your dog starts to become overwhelming when your guests are in the house. For example, if your dog has a habit of getting up on the couch to sniff and kiss your guests after they have sat down, this is a great option. Simply send your dog to their place until they have calmed down. Even if most of the people you have over to your house are dog lovers, not everyone likes to be attacked by a ball of friendly fur as soon as they walk through the door. A well-trained and well-behaved dog is a wonderful thing and, by utilizing the training tips provided above, you can make it a reality!

Why Do Dogs Dig in Their Beds?

Is he looking for something or is he nesting? Learn the reason why your dog digs in his bed before he’ll climb in. Dogs have a natural desire to dig. As natural as this behavior is, it can be a little annoying at times – especially when your dog does it in your newly planted flower bed. But dogs don’t just dig outside – sometimes they do it indoors when there is nothing to dig up. Sometimes they do it in their beds. As a dog owner, you’ve undoubtedly seen your dog do some pretty strange things but digging in his bed is near the top of the list. Keep reading to learn more about why dogs exhibit this behavior. Related: 5 Tips to Keep Your Dog from Digging in the Yard 7 Reasons Why Dogs Dig in their Beds When your dog does something strange, you probably just laugh it off but sometimes you may find yourself wondering the reasoning behind it. The truth is that sometimes dogs just do things for no reason, but most of the time there is a reason behind it. Here are X reasons why dogs sometimes dig in their beds: Temperature Control – Sometimes your dog will dig at his bed to cool off certain areas that he feels are too warm so he can be more comfortable.Scent – Dogs have a natural desire to spread their scent and giving their bed a couple of good scratches is one way to deposit that scent.Comfort – Many dogs turn in circles before lying down and scratching or digging at the bed is part of the process.Camouflage – In nature, many dogs will dig out an area before lying down to hide themselves.Making Room – Female dogs dig in their bedding to prepare a comfy nest for themselves and their puppies. You may notice this behavior in your dog when she’s feeling broody.Hiding – The most obvious reason anyone digs is to find something – if your dog is digging in his bed it might be because he hid something there and is trying to find it.Nerves – Scratching and digging can be nervous behaviors for dogs, so ask yourself if your dog might be stressed by something. Now that you have a better understanding of why your dog might be digging in his bed, you may be wondering if it’s a behavior you should try to curb and, if so, how. Keep reading to learn more. Related: Why Do Dogs Circle Before They Lie Down? Tips for Changing Your Dog’s Behavior Generally speaking, if your dog is digging in his bed for any of the reasons above, it is probably not something you need to be particularly concerned about. If your dog frequently displays nervous behavior, it’s worth talking to your vet, but the other reasons are fairly harmless. When your dog’s digging and scratching behavior starts to extend to your own furniture, however, it could be a problem. Here are some options for dealing with your dog’s behavior: Give your dog some new, more durable bedding that won’t be ripped to shreds if he digs in it from time to time.Keep your dog’s nails trimmed or filed down so he can’t do as much damage.Distract your dog with a new toy or an interactive toy to help him work off his nervous energy in a different way.Put your dog’s bed away during the day and bring it out only at night so he doesn’t destroy it. Dogs are silly – that is simply a fact of life. If your find your dog digging in his bed, you probably don’t need to be concerned about it. Just consider whether one of the reasons listed above might be applicable and, if you’re still worried, talk to your vet.

Why Do Dogs Tilt Their Heads?

Are they confused? Did they hear a strange sound? It’s just one of the adorable things our pooches do – but why do dogs tilt their heads? Dogs have a way of staring straight into our souls – all they have to do is open up their big puppy dog eyes, tilt their heads, and we are ready to give them anything they want. But why exactly do dogs tilt their heads? Is there a practical reason or is it just a quirk that some dogs have and others don’t? Are Their Practical Reasons for Tilting the Head? If you think about human body language, you may notice that head tilting behavior is common. In many cases it is something we do when we are listening intently or as a sign of compassion and understanding. For dogs, body language is everything because they cannot communicate with words. Related: Why Do Dogs Hump? One of the practical reasons dogs sometimes tilt their heads is so they can hear better. Dogs have such a strong sense of hearing and they are constantly being bombarded by sound – tilting their head helps them to pinpoint exactly where a certain sound is coming from. There is also research to suggest that dogs tilting their heads could be a sign of empathy. Dogs have a way of knowing exactly what it is we are thinking and feeling, and they can connect with us on a deep level. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that they use body language to communicate with us in the same way that we use it with other humans. There is also the possibility that your dog has learned that people think this behavior is cute and that they will reward him for it. Is Head Tilting an Indication of Disease? Though there are many practical reasons why your dog might tilt his head, it is important to remember that head tilting is also a common symptoms for a variety of diseases. One potential medical cause for head tilting is vestibular disease – a disorder of the sensory (vestibular) system which controls the dog’s feeling of balance. In addition to head tilting, this condition may also cause stumbling, lack of coordination, frequent falls, erratic eye movements, and turning in circles. This condition can be caused by injury to the ear, brain disease, abnormal tissue growth, nutritional deficiency, toxicity, upper respiratory tract infection, and various metabolic diseases. Related: 5 Tips to Keep Your Dog from Digging in the Yard Perhaps the most common medical cause of head tilt in dogs, however, is inner ear infection. Ear infections can cause balance issues as well as other symptoms such as scratching the ear, buildup or discharge in the ear, odor in the ear, redness and swelling, hair loss around the ear, and shaking the head. Head tilting is not necessarily a sign of disease but if your dog suddenly starts to exhibit this behavior out of the blue (especially if he doesn’t usually do it) it may be worth having it checked out. The worst that can happen is that you catch a disease in the early stages when it is still treatable. The next time your dog tilts his head at you, take it as a complement – your dog is just trying to tell you how much he cares about you!

12-Year-Old Rescue Cat’s Reaction to First Toy Melts Hearts

It’s a heartwarming tale of second chances that will tug at the heartstrings of cat lovers everywhere. From sharing the story of a senior cat finding the love he deserves to revealing his “inner kitten” in an adorable video – The story of “Loaf” will surely bring a smile to your face. As a golden oldie, Loaf appears to have had a rough start to life. The 12-year-old cat was discovered recently by Maria Torres, from Miami, during a mother/daughter beach trip. The two spotted the black cat peaking out from the mangroves, and it was clear that he needed help. A rescue owner herself (Torres runs Love N Light Furever Rescue in South Florida), she knew she couldn’t leave the sweet senior behind to fend for himself. The two took Loaf home to better assess his condition and help him live out the rest of his senior years with the love and care every cat should receive. After addressing his immediate needs, they decided to give the senior cat a little something special to call his own – a catnip-filled rainbow toy, recording his first reaction. But they never could have imagined how it was going to go. “To give him his first toy was pretty extraordinary and kind of scary because I didn’t know how he was going to feel about it,” Torres explained. “The truth is, a cat who lived on the streets for 12 years sometimes doesn’t even recognize toys, so I was actually pretty shocked that he took a liking to it right away.” Torres shared the video on TikTok, and it wasn’t long before the heartwarming comments started to roll in.

Microchip Helps Reunite Owners With a Lost Cat 5 Years Later

No bigger than a grain of rice, a microchip can save a life and help reunite a lost pet with their family. The Hall family understands the importance of microchipping after reuniting with a lost cat. Jeff and Cindy Hall were ecstatic after receiving news that their cat, Sam, was discovered in Arkansas five years after he first went missing. Cindy told the local NBC affiliate KARK that they received a phone call that their Russian blue cat was found at a gas station in Arkansas. The two women who have found Sam, have brought him to Jacksonville Animal Hospital. Using the information from Sam’s microchip, the women contacted PAWSitively Cats, an animal rescue organization, where the Halls adopted Sam when he was just 12 weeks old.  The women who found the feline were a part of the Alone 2 Home pet transport crew and were in the middle of transporting two dogs when they came across Sam. “We had him for seven years and then one day he got out. It is a miracle that he walked up to these two women who were in rescue,” said Cindy, adding that PAWSitively Cats called her and Jeff directly. She described the happy occasion as a “beautiful story” saying that reuniting with Sam, whom they had for seven years before he disappeared, was “surreal.”“This story just can’t underestimate the power of a microchip,” she said. “We are so grateful for everyone that was involved.”Sam the cat is now 12 years old and weighs 21 pounds. The rescue organization documented his entire journey on their Facebook page. PAWSitively Cats wrote that someone had picked up Sam and failed to look for his home when he first disappeared from the Hall residence.Before contacting Sam's family, the organization received a message that a microchipped cat had been found in Brinkley, Arkansas. In the meantime, Sam received the royal treatment at the Jacksonville Animal Hospital in Little Rock. The pet transport crew, Alone 2 Home once again assisted with Sam’s travels and brought him to El Paso, where the shelter’s director met up with them to bring Sam back to PAWSitively Cats shelter.  The feline’s family departed from Nevada and traveled to Tuscon, to finally get their beloved feline back.“Once again, we will do everything possible to be sure our cats are safe and can get back home if that is what is best for them,” the rescue posted on Facebook. “They are safe for life with us, one way or another, as long as PAWSitively Cats can continue. You make that possible by donating and sharing our cats’ stories. It really does take a whole community to save lives,” the post added.The Alone 2 Home transport crew also posted photos of Sam and provided additional updates to the shelter, before PAWSitively Cats updated their followers on Sam’s safe return home. “Sam was joyfully reunited with his family this morning,” the shelter later wrote in a post. “They are on their way home to Nevada now, where Sam will join the rest of the family: cats, dogs, and human sisters.” While talking to KARK, Cindy noted that having their cat home makes their family feel complete once again. No one knows how Sam ended up in Arkansas or for how long he had been there. It would be interesting to hear everything Sam went through during the five years he was away from his family. If only cats could talk!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Are Bengal Cats Really That Wild? Here's What Science Has to Say.

Bengal cats are a truly stunning feline breed, in many ways. According to the International Cat Association (TICA), they hold the title of being the most popular cat breed globally, and it doesn’t really come as a surprise. Their unique and exotic appearance, their unavoidable charm, and their slender physique are certainly the reason for this prestigious title. But even though they are popular, Bengal cats are a relatively new breed in the field of domesticated cats. While most ordinary domestic cat breeds have been around for thousands of years, Bengal cats have been around for less than a century, which comes as a stark contrast. They are a hybrid breed as well, having been created in the 1960s. They came about from the crossing of the domestic cat (Felis Catus), and the Asian Leopard cats (Prionailurus Bengalensis), which are a small, spotted, wild cat species living in Asia. What makes the combination unique is the fact that these two cat species had a common ancestor about 6 million years ago, which means that the genetic differences between them are incredible. The differences are even greater than between humans and chimpanzees!The resulting breed is the Bengal cat, and it is adored for its exotic appearance. It has special spots, just like ocelots or leopards. But most folks ascribe the unique coloration and patterns of these felines to the DNA they received from their wild and distantly related ancestors. And that’s why scientific folks paid special attention to the ancestry of Bengal cats. Greg Barsh, MD, Ph.D., Faculty Investigator at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and Professor of Genetics at Stanford University,  himself an expert in the genetics of feline coat coloration and patterning is a key figure in the research process of Bengal ancestry. Together with his team, which is led by Chris Kaelin, Ph.D., and Kelly McGowan, MD, Ph.D., Mr. Barsh is working hard towards unraveling Bengal ancestry through the genetics of popular color traits."Cats are wonderful companions," he explains for  Phys.org, "but our interests go beyond their beautiful and exotic appearance. Like the amazing variation among different dog breeds, artificial selection can be a very powerful engine to create morphologic diversity. What's different about Bengal cats from dogs is the raw genetic material–dogs trace their heritage to wolves from tens of thousands of years ago.""In contrast, Bengal cats trace their heritage to completely different species from millions of years ago. Understanding how these distantly related genomes interact is a general question that applies to any situation when different species exchange genes, from crops to aquaculture to humans and Neandertals."And even though this is a relatively new breed, started about 60 years ago by a few cat enthusiasts, it has grown incredibly during this time. Today, there are hundreds of thousands of registered Bengal cats, which are produced by about 2,000 breeders. Chris Kaelin, the leader of the Bengal cat DNA study, said “Cat fanciers and breeders are very interested in the research, in part because they want to know more about the science behind artificial selection, and in part, because they want to know if our results can help them produce cats with rosettes, stripes, or other exotic markings.” He also added "This is a great example of citizen science–our work has been enabled by the willingness of breeders to participate, and we share our results with the community."One of the surprising discoveries that was produced from the study is that Asian Leopard DNA contributes no more than a few percent to the overall Bengal Cat DNA. In fact, it is revealed that there isn’t one or even a few Asian leopard genes that are causing the unique spotted Bengal appearance. "One of the original motivations for bringing together DNA from the two species was to select for Asian leopard DNA that would recapitulate the appearance of an exotic wild cat in a companion animal," said Kaelin. "It turns out that some of the most striking examples of selection in the breed are for traits that were already present, but very rare, in domestic cats."So, the study reveals that the Bengals are in many ways totally unique. Mixing the two very unique breeds resulted in a cat that is exotic, elegant, charming, and above all loveable. And now, the results published are providing valuable information to all the enthusiasts in love with the Bengal breed. 

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

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

The Whopper of All "Big Fish" Stories

Fishing trio rescue 38 dogs frantically treading water in middle of a Mississippi lake.

New Dolce & Gabbana Dog Fragrance Is Causing a Buzz

Vets not keen yet thousands of pet owners still opt to spritz away those stinky dog smells.

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.

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.

Six Toes, Nine Lives, and a Famous Author

Key West's Hemingway Home and Museum houses 60 polydactyl cats descended from the author's beloved first six-toed feline.

Dog Soundboard Buttons - the Jury's Back On Whether They Work

You might just be surprised at your dog's communication skills.

Expert Shares Tips on How to Exercise Your Dog on Hot Summer Days

Summer is here, but hot weather shouldn’t be an excuse not to exercise your pooch. Walking and exercising your dog daily is great for their mental and physical health and helps create an everlasting bond between you and your canine companion.But, as temperatures rise, dog owners need to understand the risks of walking their dogs in hot weather and look for alternative ways to exercise their pets safely in the heat. A clinical professor at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Lori Teller, shared some tips on recognizing signs that it may be too hot to take your pooch for a walk and alternative ways to exercise them more safely during summer.When it comes to dogs and summer, the most important thing is to pay attention to your dog and recognize when it’s too hot to take them out for a walk.“When it’s hot outside, many dogs can be adversely impacted and suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke,” said Teller. “Dogs cannot sweat, and panting is not an effective mechanism for cooling off, so dogs don’t have efficient ways of handling excessive heat.”Although there isn’t a specific temperature that is too hot for all dogs, a good rule of thumb is to avoid walking and exercising dogs during the hottest times of the day. Walk and exercise your dog early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperature has dropped. Consider buying doggy booties to protect your pup’s paws from the scorching pavement.Teller advises, that in addition to being mindful of the time of the day they walk their dogs, owners should also be very careful with young puppies, senior dogs, as well as those with chronic medical conditions. Obese dogs, those suffering from heart and respiratory conditions, as well as flat-faced breeds, like pugs, bulldogs, and boxers, are more likely to suffer from heat stroke or heat exhaustion.Another thing to keep in mind is how adapted your dog is to the climate. For example, if your pooch is used to cooler climates and has recently moved to a warmer area, they are less likely to adjust and tolerate warmer temperatures. While hot summer months may prove difficult to keep a dog active, it’s important to stick with a regular exercise routine all year round to keep your dog healthy.Exercise is a great way for more active and working breeds, which can easily become restless, bored, and destructive, to burn off excess energy. It can also ease stress in anxious dogs. Regular exercise also promotes joint and heart health and helps with weight management.According to Teller, there are many alternatives to walking your dog during hot summer days. These activities can get you outside of the house without jeopardizing your dog’s health.“Dog owners can explore indoor areas such as places to participate in flyball, agility, or even doggy social events,” said Teller. “Swimming and dock diving is also a great activity for dogs that enjoy water.” If it seems too hot to take your dog outside, there are many ways you can exercise your pup at home. Use a long hallway to play a game of fetch with your pooch or create a dog-safe obstacle course. Some dogs will also like chasing a laser point, like those used to play with cats. Finding safe ways to keep your pup exercised during summer may seem challenging, but it’s worth it. Regular exercise will keep your furry friend physically and mentally stimulated without putting them at risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. If at any point your dog shows signs of overheating, such as anxiety, restlessness, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive panting, drooling, unsteadiness while walking, and collapse, call your vet right away.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Missing 80-Year-Old Woman Found Thanks to Her Loyal Dog

The dedication and loyalty shown by “man’s best friend” has been long documented, from tales of heroic police K9s protecting their handlers to dedicated service dogs. But a recent story out of Utah shows just how far a loving dog will go to keep their person safe.The Emery County Sheriff’s Office in east-central Utah received a report of a missing 80-year-old woman. The elderly woman from Colorado had been visiting family when she took the family dog for a walk and never returned. Even more concerning, the missing woman had dementia. Recognizing this was a high-risk situation, a search was quickly organized, including multiple rescue crews, Ralph Mitchell, a local neighbor and friend of the family, James Thomas, a K9 Officer with the Utah Department of Wildlife Resources, and his canine partner, K9 Kip. It was a multi-agency effort to locate the woman quickly. Temperatures in the area rose to nearly 100 degrees during the day and dropped to 55 degrees at night. The situation was dire. The hot daytime temperatures slowed the search, forcing the teams to work when it was safe at night. After searching continuously for two days and two nights, Thomas and K9 Kip heard a dog barking briefly around 3:30 AM. Listening carefully, they tried to follow the sound but were unable to find the dog before it stopped. Thomas wasn’t the only one who heard the barking—Mitchell heard it, too! “When I was out checking the outbuildings, I heard a dog bark, and it was brief,” Mitchell explained. “I was in a very good position to get a direction on where this dog bark was coming from.” While Mitchell wasn’t able to pinpoint the bark's exact location, he was able to determine an approximate zone. On day three, the search crews accessed security cameras in the area, scanning the footage for any sign of the woman. Much to their surprise, they spotted her walking with her dog, heading east. “It was the first evidence that we had of her presence, and it gave us a timeline of when she was out walking and how long she’d been missing,” Mitchell stated. Focusing their efforts on the area they had seen her walking toward, the searchers split up and covered as much ground as they could. Not long into the search, they heard the sound again—barking. This time, they were able to follow the barks over steep, rugged terrain that had already been ruled out as too challenging for a woman of her age. Against all odds, there she was. On day three, they found her lying, fast asleep, with her face down. Her dog, 5-year-old chocolate lab Elsie, was lying beside her, sounding the alarm with her barks to call for help. While the two were dirty and dehydrated, they were in surprisingly good shape. Elsie had shown her loyalty to the family, keeping the woman safe and calling for help. In fact, searchers credited the dog with saving the woman’s life. It was a happy ending and a beautiful example of the true power of the loving bond that exists between a dog and their person. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Pretty Plants that Will Stop Cats from Pooping in Your Garden

Whether you own a cat or neighboring felines like to frequent your backyard, chances are you have come across half-buried cat poop in your flower beds. Cat lover or not, you probably weren’t thrilled to discover these unsightly deposits in your garden.Although cat poop won’t harm your garden, it also won’t add much to the overall appeal of it either, especially if the cats decide to dig their own toilets in the middle of your flower patch. In addition to preserving the aesthetics of your garden, there are several other reasons you may want to stop cats from pooping in your backyard. Keeping cats away will ensure the garden stays clean and safe for young children to play in. Plus, it will help protect wild birds that visit your garden, especially if you have a bird feeder or two.Besides being unsightly, cat poop in the garden can carry a parasite, called Toxoplasma gondii, which is particularly dangerous to pregnant women and unborn babies. For this reason, it’s super important that you wear gloves when you clean cat poop from your garden. As an added precaution against nasty infections, always use gloves when gardening.Are you sick and tired of cats using your garden as their personal toilet? There are several things you can do to preserve your outdoor oasis that don’t include the use of cruel booby-traps or startling devices.All you have to do is buy the right plant - one that cats hate but will look great in your garden. Although technically a weed, the curry plant is one of the best plants to deter cats from pooping in your garden. Scientifically known as Helichrysum italicum, the curry plant is a small, bushy evergreen shrub with linear-shaped silver-gray leaves. The leaves have a strong odor, reminiscent of curry, that acts as a potent cat deterrent. When a cat brushes against a curry plant, its leaves release a strong odor that attacks a cat’s sense of smell. Plus, the curry plant also has a coarse texture that cats hate. Many gardeners agree that curry plants act as excellent cat deterrents saying that cats stopped pooping in their gardens after they planted curry plants. Since the curry plant is essentially a weed, plant it sparingly so it won’t spread and take up too much space. If, for whatever reason, you don’t want to plant curry plants in your garden, plant lavender instead. A popular ornamental plant, lavender has pretty purple flowers and a delicate and sweet smell with herbal undertones. It’s that delicate smell that will help keep cats away from your garden!Cats have more than 200 million odor sensors in their noses and anything that emits a strong smell, like lavender, will be off-putting. Luckily, lavender is easy to grow and you can plant it in any part of your garden or containers. This gives you the freedom to plant lavender exactly where the cats like to poop to deter them. Many cats also dislike the smell of rosemary, rue, pennyroyal, citronella, oregano, geraniums, lemon thyme, and coffee. Any of these plants can act as a natural barrier and discourage cats from entering your garden and using it as a toilet. Although there are other ways to deter cats from pooping in your backyard, planting plants is an entirely natural and non-toxic option that isn’t harmful to the cats or you. It’s also cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Should I Be Worried if My Cat's Nose is Dry?

We often refer to our cat’s noses as adorable and irresistible, but have you ever stopped to consider what else they can tell us? Those cute “boopable” snouts are complex organs with many vital functions, including breathing, smelling, and regulating body temperature. They can also serve as a barometer of their overall health, warning us when something’s wrong. A persistently dry nose can sometimes indicate an underlying health problem. Understanding the potential causes and when to seek veterinary help is crucial for ensuring your cat is happy and healthy. This guide will explore the common reasons for a dry nose in cats and how to determine if it’s a cause for concern (as not all dry noses are). We’ll also discuss additional factors related to your cat’s nasal health and how to keep your feline friend feeling their best. Why Are Cat Noses Wet? Whether you’re a first-time cat parent or have had cats for years, you’re likely familiar with the wetness that most cats have on their noses. But why exactly are their noses wet?When you touch a healthy cat’s nose, they often feel slightly wet and cool. This wetness could result from several factors, including sweat, licking their noses, drinking water, drainage from their tear ducts, or outside environmental factors (like rain and snow). Their noses are obviously used to breathe and smell things, just like humans. However, there is one significant difference: A wet nose can help keep your cat cool on a hot day. Our kitties don’t sweat all over like we do. Instead, they sweat solely through their noses and paw pads. Luckily for your cat, that wet nose can improve their sense of smell. When scent particles come in contact with the damp surface of their nose, they stick. This allows your cat to get an even better whiff of whatever smell they have encountered. 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. Whether you are running the central heating system excessively during the cold of winter or relying heavily on the air conditioning unit during the summer, you can unintentionally create dry air conditions in the home. While dry air doesn’t require an emergency vet visit, it is something that you should address. Dry air can cause many problems for both you and your cat, including dry skin and respiratory issues. One of the easiest ways to correct the problem is to purchase a warm or cool mist air humidifier. Close Proximity to a Heat Source Do you have a cat who enjoys sleeping on the air vents or in front of your fireplace? Your cat’s dry nose may simply be the result of the moisture drying up while basking in the heat. Given a bit of time, the moisture will return on its own. If you suspect this is the case, keep an eye on your cat to ensure everything returns to normal and no other underlying causes are at play. 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. Our cats use the Catit Flower Fountain, which has significantly increased their water intake!Sunburned Nose Think back to the last time you suffered a sunburn. You can probably recall how dry the damaged skin felt. We often overlook the risks of the sun’s UV rays because our cats are protected by their fur. However, some body parts are still left exposed – including the nose. Other signs your cat has suffered a sunburn include swelling, redness, irritation, or skin flaking. Even if your cat doesn’t enjoy spending time outdoors in the sun, they may still be exposed to sun damage while basking in the hat indoors. You can reduce the risk of sunburn by closing the blinds to keep the sun out, installing a UV protective window film, or using a pet-friendly sunscreen on your cat’s nose.

Plumber's Hilarious Cat Rescue Mishap Goes Viral

It’s every cat parent’s worst nightmare—your cat escaping while work is being done at the house. Luckily for Winchester plumber Scott McKendry and his client, a recent alleged escape attempt had a happy ending. However, a Ring doorbell video of the plumber’s attempt to retrieve the cat has gone viral and inspired more than a few laughs! When arriving to work at a client’s house, McKendry was given strict instructions not to let the cat, Bertie, outside under any circumstances. You can imagine the fear and concern when he walked outside and discovered the cat casually strolling down the road. He quickly acted, catching the escapee and attempting to bring him back indoors. Unfortunately, the cat was less than enthusiastic about this plan. Unable to juggle both the unimpressed cat and the door handle, the plumber is forced to ask for help. It appears that all is well, with the cat safely home, when, in a hilarious turn of events, the door is opened to reveal Bertie already inside. That’s right! The entire ordeal centered around a completely different cat – Bertie’s doppelganger.

Top stories

5 Tips to Keep Your Dog From Digging in the Yard

Is Dog Poop Compostable?

Georgia Non-Profit Gives Shelter Dogs a Second Chance as Police K9s

Top stories

5 Tips to Keep Your Dog From Digging in the Yard

Related articles