Kevin the Gentle Giant Crowned World’s Tallest Dog

by Angela Vuckovic

Published: June 20th, 2024

Photo credit: The Guinness World Records

Some dogs are simply born to be famous! Some do it with their accomplishments, others with their latest tricks, but Kevin the Great Dane did it with nothing else but his size. He is officially recognized as the world’s tallest living dog, and he is described as a true gentle giant.

Named after the main character from the movie “Home Alone”, Kevin officially claimed the world record title after he was measured at 3ft 2in (0.97 meters) from his feet to his withers. For comparison, that is the average height of a three-year-old child. An average Great Dane, on the other hand, is around 2ft 6in (0.76 meters) to the withers.

The record was previously held by another Great Dane, Zeus, who tragically died at the age of three this past year, leaving the title to Kevin. Living in West Des Moines, Iowa, USA, Kevin is in the loving care of his owners – Tracy and Roger Wolfe, and their children, Alexander (12) and Ava (10). He is not the only pet in the family: he is accompanied by three other doggos, four cats, and a multitude of chickens, horses, and goats.

And, besides being so tall and majestic, Kevin is just an ordinary pooch. He loves to snooze on the couch and won’t hesitate to protest if his favorite spot is taken. Still, his owners describe him as a real gentle giant. According to Tracy Wolfe, he is a true fan of snuggles and is very afraid of the vacuum cleaner.

He was similarly spooked by the officials who came to measure him for his record. The measuring tape really gave him the heebie-jeebies.

“Kevin is the epitome of a gentle giant,” Tracy said. “In fact, he is scared of most things. He is terrified of the vacuum. He won't let it come within 6 feet of him! He will jump and run to get away from it.”

Kevin’s owner Tracy, herself employed at a vet clinic, says that he is just a big baby, and often acts as if he has no idea how big he is.

“When Kevin, or any of my dogs, come to my clinic, I put a baby gate up in the door of my office. That way I can keep my door open, but keep the dogs in,” she added. “Kevin is hilarious. He will be in there and stay whenever I am in there. However, if I leave, he just steps right over the baby gate like it's nothing! I don’t think he’s aware he is as big as he is. He’s continuously trying to squeeze into small beds and sit on top of us, and do everything that the smaller dogs do.”

Of course, as all dogs do, Kevin also has his naughty side. He is adept at snatching food off of counters, aided by his great height. “Kevin can be stubborn,” Tracy said. “He can be naughty. It’s usually food-related. Otherwise, he’s usually a pretty good kid.”

Angela Vuckovic

A proud mama to seven dogs and ten cats, Angela spends her days writing for her fellow pet parents and pampering her furballs, all of whom are rescues. When she's not gushing over her adorable cats or playing with her dogs, she can be found curled up with a good fantasy book.

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World's Tallest Dog, Kevin, Dies Unexpectedly at Age Three

The world’s tallest male dog, Kevin, has died unexpectedly just days after his record-breaking accomplishment was announced to the world. According to a statement issued by the Guinness World Records, the gentle giant, who was only three years old, passed away after falling ill and undergoing an unexpected surgery. In March, Guinness World Records officially recognized Kevin as the world’s tallest living male dog.“Our whole family is devastated about Kevin. He was just the best giant boy,” said Kevin’s owner, Tracy Wolfe, in a statement. “We are so glad that he was able to break the record and have that light on him. He absolutely adored the attention. I wish these giant breeds, and all dogs, could live longer than they do. It’s never enough time.” Kevin secured his record after measuring 3ft 2in (0.97 meters) tall from his feet to his withers, or the ridge between the shoulder blades. However, when he stood up on his hind legs, Kevin was around 7ft tall, which is a foot taller than the average American man.The gentle giant got the title of the world’s tallest living male dog after the crown remained unclaimed for six months following the death of another American Great Dane. The previous record holder, Zeus, was 3ft 5.18in (1.046 meters) tall. Zeus had his right front leg amputated while battling bone cancer. Like Kevin, Zeus was only three years old when he suddenly died after developing a severe case of pneumonia. Just a few weeks ago, Guinness World Records published an interview with Kevin’s family, about how their pooch would act like he was clueless about his size. Wolfes described Kevin as a “gentle giant” who loved nothing more than snoozing on the sofa.“Kevin’s favorite activity is probably taking naps. Holding the couch down is his favorite pastime, I think,” said Tracy Wolfe. “Kevin is funny, and he is super duper friendly. In fact, overly friendly. You don’t want to keep your mouth open too much when he’s around,” she added. Named after the leading character in the Home Alone film series, Kevin was petrified of the vacuum cleaner. “He won’t let it come within six feet of him,” said Tracy adding that he would jump and run away from it. Many cats and dogs are terrified of vacuum cleaners because of the loud noises they produce. But Kevin’s fear of the vacuum cleaner was comical, considering how he towered over most things around him and was often mistaken for a small horse. The Wolfes welcomed Kevin into their family when he was just a puppy and couldn’t imagine that he would grow so big as to claim the title of the world’s tallest dog. The pooch was close to all members of the family but had developed a special bond with the Wolfes’ son Alexander, who took him to training classes.Despite his imposing size, Kevin was a scaredy cat. The first time Alexandar took Kevin to a training class at a youth development and monitoring organization, the pooch got so afraid that he soiled himself in the middle of the class. Kevin attracted attention wherever he went and he enjoyed every second of it. Sadly his stint as the world’s tallest living male dog was unexpectedly cut short. A spokesperson for the Guinness World Records said: “We are deeply saddened to learn that Kevin suddenly passed away after unexpected health complications. Tracy and the team at the vet clinic she works in did everything they could to save Kevin after he became ill. Our thoughts and support are with the Wolfe family as they navigate this difficult time.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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How Much Playtime Does My Cat Need?

Sure, cats tend to spend a lot of their day seemingly lazing about, basking in the sun, meticulously cleaning themselves, and snoozing away. However, that doesn’t mean that cats are not active animals that need daily exercise – they have an instinct to hunt, explore, and engage in different activities that stimulate their minds and bodies. Without adequate mental and physical stimulation, cats can become bored, stressed, and even develop behavioral issues. This is why playtime is not “just” a matter of playing for felines. It meets their most basic needs and it's an essential component of their overall well-being.What Are the Benefits of Playtime for Cats?Engaging your cat in interactive play stimulates their cognitive abilities, keeping their minds sharp and active. Activities like chasing toys, solving puzzles, or hunting for treats mimic their natural hunting instincts, providing mental enrichment. Enrichment is crucial to prevent destructive behaviors, aggression, and other behavioral issues that stem from boredom and lack of mental stimulation. In addition to keeping your kitty’s mind sharp, playtime will keep them fit as a fiddle and in their top form. Regular play sessions help cats balance extra energy, maintain a healthy weight, and prevent obesity-related health issues. It also promotes muscle tone, flexibility, and overall physical fitness, reducing the risk of joint problems as they age.Last but not least, interactive play presents a unique bonding opportunity. Playing together with your cat will strengthen your relationship, fostering trust and affection. It's a chance to spend quality time together and will provide your cat with a sense of security and happiness.How Much Playtime Does My Cat Need?The importance of your cat having regular playtime is indisputable, but how much playtime do they need? Well, as it usually goes with these things, the answer will largely depend on your pet’s specific traits, such as their age, breed, and health status. However, for most cats, that “magic” number ends up being between 20 to 30 minutes of playtime each day. This could be your starting point to determine the right amount of play for your pet, just tailor it to their needs – for instance, younger cats and kittens will need longer and more frequent play sessions to burn off excess energy and engage their curious minds. How To Make Playtime Engaging for Your CatAs intelligent and sometimes finicky animals, cats can be a bit hard to please. A new toy might bore them in a matter of hours, or they might prefer scratching your couch rather than the new cat tree you bought them – but if you rely on the following tricks, it’s much likelier that your kitty will enjoy playtime.#1 Rotate ToysKeep your cat's interest piqued by rotating their toys regularly. Introduce new toys periodically to prevent boredom and stimulate their curiosity, but don’t overdo it – bringing home new toys too often will ensure they get bored of each one too quickly. #2 Variety is KeyExperiment with different types of toys, such as wand toys, laser pointers, puzzle feeders, and interactive play circuits. Cats have unique preferences, so observe what activities your cat enjoys most and tailor playtime accordingly. Usually, a safe bet is going for a catnip-filled toy such as the well-loved  Yeowww! Catnip Yellow Banana Cat Toy. Popular for its shape that makes it perfect for cats to grab onto and forcefully scratch with all fours, this toy will keep your kitty engaged thanks to the organic catnip stuffing that fills this banana-shaped toy to the brim.

Is It Important to Have a Crash-Tested Harness or Carrier?

We all love traveling with our best friends, creating lasting memories together. However, wherever the road takes us, ensuring their safety is a top priority. While some pet parents are comfortable riding around with their pet seated proudly in the passenger seat, this could be a life-threatening decision in an unexpected stop or accident. Is it worth taking the risk? We don’t believe so! In this post, we will explore the different options for safely restraining your pet during your next road trip. More importantly, we’ll examine what makes a crash-tested harness or carrier different from the non-tested options and how they can offer you, as a pet parent, peace of mind. Do Pets Have to Be in a Carrier in the Car? What Are My Options?When discussing how to keep our pets safe in the vehicle, the most common recommendation is to keep them secured in a crate or carrier. In fact, in some states, laws require that pets be restrained to avoid becoming a distraction when driving. A well-ventilated crate will keep your pet contained and prevent them from being thrown about in an accident. But it’s not your only option. If you have a larger dog, you may not have enough space for an appropriately sized crate in your vehicle. Others may have a pet that is uncomfortable or anxious in a crate. In these cases, a pet seatbelt can keep your pet safe. But it’s important to note that not all carriers and harnesses are created equally. There are a few additional considerations, including whether your gear is crash-tested and how they are secured within your vehicle. What is a Crash-Tested Harness or Carrier? You may be wondering what exactly a crash-tested harness or carrier is and what sets it apart from other travel gear. The products we refer to as crash-tested are those that passed the rigorous independent testing carried out by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS). Not only do these products pass the initial testing, but they also continue to be evaluated. Certification can be revoked if a product falls below the standards and requirements set out by CPS. On the CPS website, you can see details about the testing each product undergoes, including video evidence of the test and the date that it was tested. If you are road-tripping with your pet and searching for a CPS-certified harness or carrier, here are a few options that we highly recommend: Sleepypod Clickit Sport Plus Car Seat Belt Harness Sleepypod Air Airline Approved Pet Carrier Diggs Travel Pet Carrier for Small Dogs and Cats Lucky Dog Kennel A complete list of CPS-certified crash-tested products is on the CPS website.

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What Can I Do If My Dog Runs Away During Fireworks?

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Study Finds That Dogs Can Have Upsetting Reactions to Humans Crying

There is no dog owner out there who hasn’t wondered at one point in time: “Can my dog understand my emotions?” While this question has been around for ages, the latest scientific studies reveal that your pet dog can get stressed out when you are sad and cry.The study included both dogs and pet pigs, both of whom were discovered to be able to tell the difference between humans humming and vocally crying. The dogs especially were seen to get more stressed out by the crying, more so than the pigs, according to a new scientific paper in the journal Animal Behavior.This is a breakthrough study, indicating that during the early domestication process, dogs evolved specifically to have a greater understanding of human emotions. Previously, it was also found that dogs were capable of something called “emotional contagion”, meaning that they align their emotional states with that of their owners. "We were curious whether the emotional contagion observed between dogs and humans was related to the well-conserved acoustic structure of some emotional vocalizations across species, or if it was promoted by the dogs' specific selection for cooperation and dependency on humans," study author Fanni Lehoczki, an animal behavior researcher at Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary, said in a statement.To investigate if the stress responses were universal across intelligent pet animals or specific to just domesticated dogs, the research team compared the reactions of both companion pigs and pet dogs to the sounds of humans either humming or crying. The humming sounds were non-negative but still strange sounds while crying was distinctly emotionally negative."For collecting this data we used a so-called 'citizen science approach'," co-author Paula Pérez Fraga, also a researcher at Eötvös Loránd University, added. "The animals were tested remotely at their homes by their owners, facilitating the inclusion of more subjects in the study from various locations worldwide."Interestingly, it was revealed that the pigs were much more stressed when hearing the humming, while dogs reacted stressed to the sound of humans crying."Our study revealed a remarkable difference between dogs' and pigs' reactions to human sounds: dogs exhibited more stress responses and vocalizations to the crying, whereas pigs exhibited fewer stress responses and vocalizations to the crying," it was announced in the study. "To our knowledge, this is the first study comparing the behavioral reactions to human emotional vocalizations of two social domestic species kept as companion animals."The reason for this could be that dogs were domesticated over thousands of years, and there was a strong “selection pressure” for them to cooperate with humans and understand their emotions. And the fact that the dogs were stressed by the sounds of humans crying, definitely indicates that they have the so-called “emotional contagion” from humans. "While we cannot exclude that pigs also experienced emotional contagion when listening to human crying, one explanation for their reaction might be that humming is highly unusual and surprising sounds stress out pigs more than human sadness. On the other hand, one thing is clear, dogs seem to be specially keen on catching the emotional content of differently valenced human vocalizations, even of the more unusual ones," Pérez Fraga added. "Therefore, selection for cooperation with humans might be key in promoting human-sound induced emotional contagion in domestic animals. However, to confirm this suggestion further research is needed involving physiological measurements."

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People Online are Losing it Over Real-Life Rainbow Bridge Memorial

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ACANA™ Pet Food Team Announces Nationwide Kitten Cuddler Promotion

Are you the next champion kitten cuddler? Because ACANA™ is looking for one! Their latest campaign is aimed at supporting  cat shelters, which can be overwhelmed with newborn kittens during increased birth rates amongst cats. In a bid to help, ACANA™ will help both shelters and kittens in the critical stages – from arrival to adoption. ACANA™, the pet food specialists, are preparing for the upcoming “kitten season”, attempting to increase public awareness of just how much work shelters could have during this time. In their latest effort, not only will they be donating cat food to the shelters, but they will also be offering $10,000 to one lucky cat lover to do nothing more but cuddle with kittens at a  Best Friends Animal Society center. They do this in hopes of encouraging others to volunteer as “kitten cuddlers”. Hopefully, their efforts will lead to increased adoptions of kittens, and completely eliminate the killing of unadopted cats and dogs in America, a goal to which Best Friends Animal Society is wholly dedicated to. And now, the help is needed the most. The so-called “ kitten season” spans from May to November, and it is the time of the year when female cats have most of their kittens. During this period, many animal shelters report a great influx of kittens that need care and adoption. It goes without saying that caring for a large number of gentle and fragile kitties is a labor-consuming and very challenging job. A shelter’s resources and staff can be very strained in this period, so all the help they can get is more than welcome. The ACANA™ pet food team is well aware of this and is donating 5,000 cases of wet kitten food in Apri. This is equivalent to about $250,000 at retail prices and comes to roughly 120,000 meals for kittens. Not only this, but the team also encourages everyone to volunteer at their local shelters and help with the many tasks surrounding kitten care. And a very important task is, of course, cuddling! Kitties are fragile and require constant care and all the love and warmth they can get. It is because of this need that ACANA™ will reward one person with $10,000 to cuddle kittens! The lucky winner will spend half a day at a Best Friends Animal Society lifesaving center, or a chosen network partner shelter this June. For their cuddling efforts, they will receive $10,000. "We believe in the total well-being of cats," said Billy Frey, Vice President, Marketing for Champion Petfoods. "ACANA™ pet food helps cats thrive through every stage of life, and a cat's earliest days set the tone for everything that follows. This program demonstrates our commitment to taking care of both the emotional and nutritional needs of kittens."The rules of the contest are straightforward. The prospective kitten cuddlers must be U.S. residents, and aged 18 or over. Needless to say, they must love kittens and have four hours available over one weekend in June 2024. Easy, yes? Additionally, contestants must pass a background check and cannot be in a partnership with a competing pet food brand. For a chance to be selected, you can enter the contest between March 27th through April 10th, 2024. Cuddlers, good luck!

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How Do I Teach My Cat to Play Fetch?

Unlike dogs, cats aren’t exactly known for their love of fetch. If you dream of tossing a toy with your furry best friend for hours, fear note – with a bit of time, patience, and positive reinforcement, you may just inspire a new love for the game in your kitty. This post will discuss why some cats take to fetch so naturally and how play can benefit your cat’s overall health and well-being. Plus, we’ll share how to teach your cat to play fetch step-by-step with tips for success! So, grab your cat’s favorite toy and get ready for a fun game of fetch…Why Do Cats Love Playing Fetch? There are many theories about why cats enjoy this game. The most accepted theory is that the action triggers natural hunting instincts. When an object is thrown, it mimics their prey moving across the room. The cat then chases the toy, stalking and hunting it. Retrieving the toy and bringing it back to you is similar to cats bringing their freshly killed prey to their owners as a gift. Other experts see the game of fetch as an attempt to spend quality time playing together, bonding like we do with our dogs. However, no research confirms either theory. What Toy Do Cats Love Most? Finding the best toy for your fetch-loving cat can be a fun process. Why? There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Instead, you’ll have to set aside time to play and test which toys your cat connects with most. Think of it as a fun game of trial and error. We have two cats at home, one of whom is absolutely in love with playing fetch. Pippen, our Maine Coon mix, will bring toys to us randomly throughout the day. She drops them at our feet and meows loudly while pawing at our pant legs, begging us to throw whatever she has brought us. Here are a few of her favorite toys to play fetch with: SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Cat Toys: These little mice are not only the perfect size and weight for cats to carry around, but the fact they include catnip makes them even more enticing. If the theory about hunting is correct, they are a great example of mock prey. Catit Eco Cat Toy: Another prey-like toy, this is arguably the top choice in our house. Pippen loves anything with feathers. If you have a tiny kitten, this is a little harder to carry, but Pippen is relatively small, and she has never had a problem. Andiker Cat Crinkle Balls: This is another one I have heard other cat parents raving about. The balls make a fun crinkling sound while the foil-like mylar material reflects the light, making them a fun visual spectacle to hunt down. SPOT Colorful Springs: These toys may not seem special, but the spring design causes them to bounce around the room unpredictably. This keeps your cat on their toes as they hunt them down with each throw. Cat Tube Spring Toys: These toys are made of lightweight mesh material, making them easy to carry around. If you fold them or push down the ends, then let go, they fly through the air. The goal is to find something your cat loves, wants to retrieve, and can comfortably carry back to you to continue the game. Is It Normal for a Cat to Never Play? While you can expect a range of playfulness from cats, with some cats being very playful and others only playing occasionally when they “feel like it,” it’s not normal for a cat to never play at all. A healthy adult cat should get at least 30 to 60 minutes of playtime daily. This can be in one large play session or, ideally, split into shorter play sessions of 10 to 15 minutes. If you have a cat who appears lazy or unmotivated, you should prioritize turning this around and encouraging them to play more. Otherwise, they will be at a higher risk of potential health complications, including obesity, diabetes, urinary tract diseases, arthritis and other joint-related issues, and fatty liver disease.

How Much Water Should a Cat Drink?

Drinking plenty of water is very important for cats, especially in the hot summer months. Of course, it’s up to you to ensure that your feline friend stays properly hydrated, as they are usually not big on drinking water – but it ensures their well-being and good health. Cats can often be picky and peculiar when it comes to their drinking habits, which makes their owners unsure as to how much water a cat should drink in the first place. This amount can vary based on several factors, including the cat’s diet, weight, age, and their health. Taking all these aspects into account can help you provide the best possible care for your furry feline friend.How Much Water Should a Cat Drink Each Day?It has to be said right away that one of the most significant factors that influences a cat’s water intake is its diet. Cats primarily eat either dry kibble or wet food, and each type of food has a very different moisture content. For example, dry kibble contains just 10% moisture, while wet cat food can contain up to 80% moisture. Because of this, kitties that consume dry food will naturally need to drink much more water to compensate for the lack of moisture in their diet. In contrast, cats that eat wet food may drink less water, since they get a lot of their hydration from their food. Incorporating wet cat food into your pet’s diet can increase their liquid intake. Even mixing a small amount of wet food in their dry kibble can help up the moisture content. For those particularly finicky felines, liquid treats are always a good way to entice them into hydrating, the unconventional way – if they are stubborn when it comes to drinking more water, they might be more open to liquids if they have a savory flavor they love.

Is a Bearded Dragon the Right Pet for Me?

Are you considering adding a scaly friend to your family? Bearded dragons have captured the hearts of reptile experts and casual pet lovers alike with their unique appearance, interesting personalities, and low-maintenance care requirements.However, owning a reptile is a significant commitment, regardless of what type of reptile you choose!Before bringing a new pet into your home, you must weigh the pros and cons. This guide will explore the key factors to consider when deciding if a bearded dragon is the right fit for your lifestyle and living situation.Bearded Dragon Behavior and Temperament One reason bearded dragons have gained so much popularity as pets is their calm and docile temperament. While many reptiles are resistant to being tamed, bearded dragons are generally highly responsive to their owners. They are attentive pets that enjoy spending time with their person. They tolerate being touched and handled well, rarely biting or scratching in response. In fact, many learn to ride around on their owners’ shoulders, perched happily. While they enjoy spending time with their person, they also need their alone time. Many owners see this as a positive as it allows them to go to work, run errands, or even participate in social events without worrying about their pet’s separation anxiety (a concern many dog owners know well). Of course, there are always exceptions – but generally speaking, these gentle and highly social pets are an excellent option for reptile lovers interested in forming a special bond with their new companion. Choosing Your Bearded Dragon If reading that description of the bearded dragon makes you excited that you’ve found your perfect reptile companion, it’s time to discuss how to find your new friend. This includes not only finding a pet whose personality is a good match for your own but also ensuring that your new lizard is healthy. There are two different approaches to finding a new reptile. First, you can connect with a reputable bearded dragon breeder. Purchasing your reptile from a breeder generally involves a contract that is designed to protect both you and the breeder, guaranteeing the health of your new pet on the day it is adopted. Alternatively, you can contact your local shelter or reptile-specific rescue organizations. Here are a few important considerations when searching for your new pet: Check all over for any sign of visible injuries, such as scratches, cuts, scars, or burns. While you could take on an injured reptile without any long-term issues, you may also find yourself dealing with secondary complications like infections. Run your fingers along the tail. A healthy tail will feel round and plump at the base, near the body. If it feels sunken into the body or overly bony, that’s a red flag. Look into the reptile’s eyes. You want to choose a bearded dragon who is alert and aware of your presence. It should hold its head upright, with its eyes following your movements. Sunken eyes are also a concern.Check their face for any signs of inflammation or pus. Ensure they don’t have runny eyes. Assess the quality of the bearded dragon’s skin. Loose or discolored skin is a sign of underlying illness.Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the breeder or rescue worker who is showing you the young bearded dragon. Ask about whether they have noticed any sign of illness or injury. You can also ask about the state of their “droppings.” Sure, it’s not the most exciting conversation – but it is a good indicator of a reptile’s well-being. Most importantly, don’t feel pressured into bringing a new pet home. If you are being pushed to make a snap decision, that is a warning sign that they may be trying to hide something.

Can Dogs Have Insomnia?

We all had trouble sleeping, at least once in our life. Some have a more persistent problem, which is called insomnia. This is a sleep disorder that can make it very hard to stay asleep or even fall asleep to begin with. But can dogs suffer from this problem as well? If you notice your pooch having trouble snoozing and staying up all the time, it could be a sign that they have some form of sleep disorder. And it could very well be canine insomnia. Can Dogs Have Insomnia and What Causes It?In short, the answer is yes, dogs can experience insomnia, although it is not as common as it is in humans. Insomnia in dogs can be caused by various factors, including physical discomfort, anxiety, changes in routine or environment, underlying medical conditions, or even age-related issues. If a dog consistently has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, it's essential to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health concerns and to determine the best course of action to help the dog sleep better. After all, it might not be insomnia that is causing the issues, as there could be several factors to cause changes in sleep patterns for doggos. For example, pain from injuries and physical discomfort can affect their quality of sleep. Dogs that are recovering from surgery, or senior dogs with arthritis, can find it difficult to lie down in a comfy position to sleep. So they can’t sleep at all. What is more, chronic conditions such as hip dysplasia or intervertebral disc disease can also contribute to insomnia.Anxiety and stress can also affect sleep in dogs. Things like loud thunderstorms, fireworks, or similar noises can cause great stress for doggos, and completely inhibit them from sleeping. Similarly, changes in their environment or routine, or being in unfamiliar surroundings can make them anxious, as well as being separated from their owners. All this affects sleep. Another common cause of insomnia in dogs is canine cognitive dysfunction ( dementia) which affects senior doggos. Being old, these dogs may experience changes in their sleep patterns due to cognitive dysfunction, which is similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans. They may become disoriented at night, leading to restlessness and difficulty sleeping.But young dogs too can have trouble with sleep, especially if they are hyperactive or have excessive energy levels. Due to this excess energy, young dogs can have difficulty relaxing and settling down to sleep. It is always best to tire out young dogs and help them spend that energy with classic dog toys, so they can sleep “like babies”. By far the best way to tire out a young, active dog is a good ol’ game of fetch – small but sturdy balls such as these tough rubber ones by Chuckit! are the best choice as they can be thrown far and will withstand your pet’s gnawing without any issue.

What is Water Intoxication in Dogs?

Have you ever been warned about there being too much of a good thing? While water is essential for the health and well-being of our dogs, it also presents a surprising and often unknown danger: water intoxication.A serious and potentially fatal health concern, water intoxication (hyponatremia) is a risk that every dog parent should be aware of – especially those with pups who enjoy water-related activities like swimming in the pool, catching water from the hose, or even visiting the dog beach.In this guide, I’ll discuss the causes, symptoms, and prevention of water intoxication in dogs. Take a moment to read it through carefully. This information could save your furry friend’s life. What is Water Intoxication in Dogs?Water intoxication, or hyponatremia, is a medical condition that occurs when your dog ingests too much water in a short time. This impacts the electrolyte balance within the cells—more specifically, the sodium levels. It also causes the cells to swell.When the cells of the brain swell, this can have a severe and life-threatening effect on the central nervous system.Unlike some medical conditions that develop slowly over time, hyponatremia escalates very quickly. Medical treatment is needed as soon as possible. Even with quick action and veterinary care, not all dogs will recover.Can a Dog Drink Too Much Water?One of the first concerns that many pet parents have is the possibility of excessive water drinking in dogs. But is it possible for your dog to actively drink too much water, leading to water intoxication?A healthy dog will not continue drinking water to the point of threatening their own life, although some have been known to gulp down enough to cause stomach upset. This usually happens after being overly active or engaging in heavy exercise.If you notice your dog drinking excessive amounts of water, it could be a red flag of a more significant medical issue. Diseases and illnesses like diabetes, kidney problems, liver disease, and Cushing’s disease are all associated with increased thirst. Contact your veterinarian if your dog is drinking enough water to raise a concern.How Common is Water Intoxication in Dogs?If this information has you panicking or feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath. Water intoxication is life-threatening for dogs, but it’s also incredibly uncommon. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t familiarize ourselves with the risks, warning signs to look out for, and steps we can take to prevent a problem from developing.

Should You Bathe Your Cat?

We’ve all seen those old-school cartoons in which cats absolutely hate water or taking baths. Is there truth to that myth? Should you even question bathing your feline friend? Well, believe it or not, bathing a cat is a topic of much debate amongst owners. Some believe that it is paramount for maintaining their cat’s hygiene, while others think it is stressful and unnecessary. But what is the final word? There are several factors to consider, so let’s delve into it.Cats – and all felines in general – are well known for their cleanliness. They spend a significant amount of time grooming themselves and will use their tongues to remove dirt, parasites, and all that loose fur. This is their natural behavior and cemented their reputation as clean and orderly animals. Besides this, the behavior ensures that their coat remains clean and it reduces the need for frequent baths. And, in fact, regular grooming is sufficient to maintain a clean and healthy coat – for most cats. And while many cats never really need a bath, there are situations where it might be necessary. For example, if your cat has gotten into something greasy, sticky, or even toxic, a bath might be the only possible way to remove that dirt. Similarly, if your kitty has a skin condition, your vet could recommend medicated baths as part of the treatment.What is more, certain long-haired felines, such as Persian cats, could also benefit from an occasional bath. This will prevent matting and keep their fur in good condition. It should also be noted that cats with certain health issues, such as arthritis and obesity, might have problems grooming themselves. In such cases, you need to help them stay clean with a bath. If you decide that your cat needs a bath, it is important to do it safely and calmly. Cats are not usually fond of water and are often willful. So the experience could be a bit stressful for them. In order to minimize that stress, you should choose a quiet time when your cat is calm and relaxed. Use lukewarm water and a shampoo designed specifically for cats. Remember that human products can be too harsh for a cat’s sensitive skin.

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