FurBabies Hideaway

Ideally, you want your pup to be able to explore the great outdoors without any restrictions. But every time you take your dog outside, you’re taking a risk they’re going to come back dirtier than before. They could jump in a puddle, roll around in mud, or—worst-case scenario—your pup could get skunked.

Dealing with a skunked pup probably isn’t high on your list of fun ways to spend an afternoon. But if you know what to do, that skunky smell will be a thing of the past before you know it.

Here’s exactly what to do if your dog got skunked:

Keep your pup outside

First things first: if your dog got skunked, your first instinct might be to get them inside and in the bathtub. DON’T DO THIS.

That skunky smell that’s sticking to your dog’s fur? If you bring them inside, that skunky smell will fill the air and stick to your sofa, your carpet, your curtains, and pretty much everything else in your home.

Bring all of your cleaning supplies outside and de-skunk your pup before you bring them back in the house.

Check your pup for injuries

The spray produced by skunk contains chemicals called thiols. These chemicals are what make the spray smell so pungent, but they can also cause irritation if they get in your dog’s eyes.

If your dog got skunked, check their eyes for any redness or irritation. If you notice any irritation, immediately flush out your pup’s eyes with cool, clean water.

You should also check to make sure your pup hasn’t sustained any scratches or bites. It’s unlikely (skunks usually spray from afar), but if you notice any injuries, get your dog to the vet.

De-skunk your pup

Once you’ve dealt with any potential eye irritation, it’s time to kick that skunky smell to the curb.
The supplies you’ll need for the ultimate de-skunking bath experience include:

• 1 quart hydrogen peroxide
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1 – 2 teaspoons liquid dishwashing soap
• Rubber gloves
• Old towels

Once you have all the necessary supplies, it’s time to de-skunk:

• Mix the hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and liquid soap in a bucket or large container.
• Once your ingredients are mixed, put on the rubber gloves and immediately work the solution into your pup’s coat. Make sure to avoid your dog’s eyes, ears, and mouth. DO NOT WET YOUR DOG BEFORE APPLYING THE SOLUTION.
• Let the solution sit on your dog’s coat for 5 minutes. (Make sure to remove after 5 minutes; if left too long, the peroxide could bleach your pup’s coat).
• Rinse the solution off your dog.
• If your dog still smells (and they probably will!), rinse and repeat until the skunk smell is gone.
• Use the old towels to thoroughly dry your pup, then get rid of the towels and rubber gloves.

Follow up with some TLC

If your dog got skunked, it’s safe to say you’re not having much fun. But remember—the skunk experience is no fun for your pup, either!

Once you’ve gotten rid of the skunky smell, make sure to give your dog some TLC. Play with their favorite dog toys or throw them an extra treat or two. Or, if you want to do something extra special, treat them to a Super Chewer Box, where they’ll get a carefully curated selection of top quality toys, treats, and chews each month.

And next time you go out for a walk, be on alert for skunks.

TODAY's puppy with a purpose is celebrating his six-month anniversary on the show!

Sunny has been paw-fecting his skills with his Guide Dog Foundation instructor, Olivia Poff, and they both appeared on the show Monday to recap his time on TODAY. (Sunny also received his guide dog harness for the first time!)

Sunny pawed his way into Studio 1A when he was only 2 months old, and he's grown up quite a bit since then. After letting TODAY viewers vote on his name, Sunny got acquainted with the anchors, the plaza and the stars.

But of course, everyone is most impressed with Sunny's new skills.

"True to his name, Sunny is very bright," said Poff. "He's probably one of the smartest dogs I've ever worked with."

Sunny can now safely tuck himself out of the way in public spaces and can avoid distractions, such as food, when he's navigating.

"He's willing and able to learn more than his guide dog curriculum," said Poff. "We're actually teaching him a few service dog tasks, so in case his person has needs above and beyond vision loss, he will be able to answer that call."

Some of those service dog tasks include opening the fridge, getting a water bottle and opening doors.

Sunny is spending a total of 16 months with Poff before serving as a guide dog for a visually impaired teen.

Avete mai visto dei salmoni attraversare la strada? Ecco un video che vi sorprenderà!

Avete mai visto un pesce attraversare la strada? Forse in qualche bizzarro cartone animato si, ma dovete sapere che anche nella vita reale potreste imbattervi in una scena del genere. Alcune settimane fa, su Youtube è apparso un video davvero incredibile. Il video che potete vedere in alto è stato girato nello Stato di Washington, recentemente colpito da forti piogge.

http://media.petsblog.it/2/275/aggressione-foca-polpo.jpg" alt="Foca attacca un kayak a colpi di polpo" />

Nel video è possibile vedere dei salmoni che – come avrete capito – attraversano la strada approfittando dell’allagamento. Il fenomeno è stato filmato dagli automobilisti che percorrevano una strada che passa vicino al fiume Skokomish (nella contea di Mason).

Come potete vedere, nel video gli automobilisti attendono pazientemente che i salmoni saltellino sull’acqua che ricopre un tratto di strada, cercando di raggiungere l'altra parte del fiume. La scena è a dir poco stranissima, non trovate?

A spiegare tale fenomeno sarebbe stato l’esperto Alexis Leonard, un allevatore di pesci che spiega che questo tipo di animale si riproduce tra le insenature che sorgono vicino al fiume Skokomish, e quando tali insenature si allagano, il salmone va "dappertutto", rischiando di perdersi. Talvolta l'animale rischia la propria vita, poichè non riesce a raggiungere il fiume dall’altra parte della strada.

Non vi rimane che dare un’occhiata al video!

http://media.petsblog.it/a/a05/maiali-giocano.jpg" alt="Il divertente video dei maiali che giocano nell’acqua" />

via | Blitzquotidiano

By Goodfullness

Fisherman Spots Kitten Trapped On Edge Of Giant Dam & Calls For Help In Daring Rescue.: Click “Next” below!

Jump to comments

Weekly Instagram/Facebook/Tumblr Roundup.

Almanzo better protect his head; I’ve got a feeling Mary’ll be bunny-kicking him in 3…2…

Good night, innernets. (Caroline & Albert)

In case you missed it, Albert (left) and Willie are adoption pending! They’ll go to a wonderful home together in a few weeks after they’ve been neutered. Were you hoping to adopt a Half Pint kitten or Charles and Caroline? Don’t wait! Email Forgotten Felines of Huntsville at info (at) ffhsv.org to inquire.

Here’s a reminder: as mentioned earlier, Willie and Albert are adoption pending (and will go home together in a few weeks), but we still have (left to right) Almanzo, Mary and Laura available for adoption! ALMANZO is a sweet boy with a VERY loud purr who plays like crazy. Loves his siblings, is a bit wary of strangers at first (like his Pa!), and is crazy for feather toys and the laser light. MARY is sassy, sweet, and plays like a wild thing. Loves her siblings, puts on her floof suit at the drop of a hat, and will skitter sideways across a bed like nobody’s business.
LAURA is sweet, sassy and playful like her sister, completely unafraid of anything (like her mother) and a total snuggly lovebug (like her Pa). We are located in Huntsville, Alabama, and Forgotten Felines will adopt out of state BUT you have to be willing to come here to get your kittens in person. If you’re interested in adopting one, two, or even all three kittens, please email Forgotten Felines of Huntsville at INFO (at) FFHSV.ORGto inquire.

Now that two of their five kittens (Willie and Albert) are spoken for and will go home together in a few weeks, it’s time for Charles and Caroline’s forever home to step forward. Is it you? Please email Forgotten Felines of Huntsville at INFO (at) FFHSV.ORG to inquire. (We are located in Huntsville, Alabama.)

**Charles and Caroline are a bonded pair and can only be adopted together.**

Caroline came to us back in February, already pregnant. She and Charles were turned into a shelter by their owner, who had to relocate due to a job loss. They hadn’t been spayed/neutered, so nature took its course, and Caroline was already pregnant. Charles came to us the next day, after he was neutered. I had my doubts as to whether they were bonded, but they’ve shown that they very much are. Caroline is just over 10 months old, but despite her youth has proven to be an exemplary mother. Charles is just over 14 months old, and despite our worries has shown to be a wonderful father. (This is the first time we’ve ever had a father cat involved – I think it’s relatively rare for them to stick around!) They’re both still so young that they play like kittens themselves.

He’s a great big goofy lug who hates a closed door, loves rattly toy mice, loves being around people, and adores his Caroline. She’s a feisty little muffin (about half the size of Charles!) who also hates a closed door, loves catnip toys and the laser light, loves being carried around and petted, and adores her Charles. They play-fight a lot, and she more than holds her own!
They have been neutered and spayed. I would love it if they could go straight from here to their forever home without having to spend time at Petsmart. If you think these two sweethearts would be the perfect addition for your home, please email Forgotten Felines of Huntsville at INFO (at) FFHSV.ORG to get the ball rolling.

Good night, innernets. (Caroline & the kittens)

“That’s right, son. Knock the toy under the closet door – really get it under there! – and then look sad and pitiful so the humans will open the door to get your toy. I’ll run into the closet and hide in the back so she can’t get me!” Works every time.

Line ’em up! (Willie was elsewhere, hanging out with Ma.)

Good night, innernets.

Line ’em up! Left to right: Willie, Almanzo, Mary, Albert & Laura.

YouTube link
Almanzo keepin’ the toebeans clean.

“I am not a sofa, child.” (Caroline & Albert)

Good night, innernets. (Almanzo)

� (Almanzo)

YouTube link
Caroline doing milk bar duties.

Laura’s holdin’ paws with Pa.

Good night, innernets. (Albert & Willie)

YouTube link
Family portrait.

Caroline had her spay surgery yesterday, and when she got home, Charles was like “Why do you smell like that?” and kept sniffing and sniffing her. (He eventually got over it, and today Caroline is racing around as usual.)

Good night, innernets.

YouTube link
Pa went huntin’.

Laura’s all “Innernets, innernets, look! I gots a foot!”

It’s a 4-kitten nap. (Mary’s in the other room ruining my dream of having a 5-kitten nap ’cause she’s mean. Ma and Pa are with her, I think.)

Nap update. I wish they could relax.

YouTube link
Caroline leapin’ into Caturday.

Good night, innernets. (Laura, Almanzo & Albert)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

YouTube link
Friday we took 4 permanent residents to the vet for their yearly exams. 2 of them � (pooped) on the way there and the same two � (vomited) on the way home. It’s been a lot of fun and now I need a Silkwood shower and a nap. (That’s Newt with the loud howl, Archie stomping around the room, Kara in the top carrier, and Khal Drogo was present but not in this video. All 4 are healthy-ish, Newt will be getting a dental in the near future and we’ll do this all again with the other 4 in 6 months yayyyy.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Previously
2018: No entry.
2017: “Watchin’ you, lady. Watchin’. YOU.”
2016: Bert Macklin was feeling very hoppy-skippy-jumpy. So he hopped, skipped, and jumped.
2015: “Gonna come over there and slap that camera outta your hands, lady.”
2014: Livia sniffs out the situation.
2013: “I SAID I’M BUSY GROWING MY WHISKERS.”
2012: No entry.
2011: No entry.
2010: “Are there hate rays boring into the back of my head, or am I just imagining that searing pain?”
2009: ::slurrrp::
2008: And Mister Boogers lives to het again.
2007: No entry.
2006: No entry.
2005: No entry.

Comments

There are several good reasons to know how many calories your dog needs each day. You don’t want to overfeed your dog – obesity can lead to several health problems for your pet. And you definitely don’t want to underfeed him, because that can cause issues for him too and leave him suffering from both hunger and a lack of energy. But finding the right number can be tricky, and it’s not as easy as that little chart on the back label of his food may make it seem.

There’s a way to calculate how much you should be feeding your pet – and it’s not measured in volume. Veterinarians have a formula they use to figure out the number of calories your dog needs to eat. It takes into account his current weight and activity level. The number will be unique to him and only him. It is:

RER=X(weight in kg)0.75

or

RER=X(weight in lbs/2.2)0.75

(Don’t fret if your math is rusty – we have a cheat for you!) 

“RER” stands for “Resting Energy Requirement” – how many calories your dog should be consuming a day to maintain his current weight. “X” is where you would plug in the number representative of his activity level.

Below is a handy chart from Petnet.io based on studies from the Waltham Center for Pet Nutrition. It can help you estimate your dog’s activity level and give you a number to use in the formula:

So if you were trying to figure out how many calories a healthy, moderately active 60lb. dog should eat, you would work the formula as the following:

1. Divide his weight in pounds by 2.2 to get his weight in kilograms (60/2.2 = 27.27)
2. Bring his weight in kg. to .75 power (27.27(0.75)=11.9) Psst! Need some help with this step? Click here and plug your own number into the search bar!
3. Multiply that number by the recommended number above. Our moderately active dog is (110 x 11.9 = 1,309)

Our dog needs 1,309 calories a day to maintain his weight. 

Try it again, but with a small 12lb. inactive dog.

1. Divide his weight in pounds by 2.2 to get his weight in kilograms (12/2.2 = 5.45)
2. Bring his weight in kg. to .75 power (5.45(0.75)=3.5) Click here if you need that cheat again!
3. Multiply that number by the recommended number above. Our small inactive dog needs (90 x 3.5 = 315)

This dog needs 315 calories a day to maintain his weight.

Remember, your dog is unique, and there may be other factors that will help determine how many calories he should be eating. Does he need to gain or lose weight? Is he sick? Very young or very old? Your veterinarian will be familiar with your dog, his body, diet, activity level, etc. and will be able to help you figure out how many calories he ought to be eating. But that doesn’t mean we can’t use the math for funsies!

Be sure to discuss any concerns about your dog’s weight or changes you’re considering making to his diet with your veterinarian.

By Dr. Karen Shaw Becker

A recent Facebook post by Dr. Jen Gunter of Marin County, California about her Labrador Retriever, Hazel, is a good reminder that marijuana and dogs can be a toxic combination. Gunter and 3-year-old Hazel went for their daily run, and then Gunter went grocery shopping. When she arrived home, she noticed immediately that something was wrong with Hazel.

“She was on the couch,” Gunter told NBC News. “Her head was hanging over and she couldn’t lift herself up. I got out the tennis ball, which she ignored. Normally, you get out the tennis ball and she is just all over it.”1

As soon as Gunter touched Hazel, the dog began to shudder. She couldn’t hold herself upright or even keep her eyes open, and then lost control of her bladder. Gunter, terrified, rushed Hazel to an emergency animal hospital, where the veterinary staff immediately suspected marijuana poisoning.

Sure enough, the dog’s urine toxicity test showed positive for THC (the psychoactive chemical in marijuana). Gunter suspects Hazel scarfed up part of an edible or a joint while they were out for their run. Her Facebook post urges people to properly store and discard marijuana products to protect pets.

Today’s Marijuana Is More Accessible, Comes in More Forms, and Is Much More Potent

A 2012 retrospective study (2005 to 2010) analyzed trends in marijuana toxicosis in dogs living in states with legalized medical marijuana.2 The researchers looked at 125 family dogs in Colorado that had been seen by a veterinarian at one of two veterinary hospitals for known or suspected marijuana poisoning.

Their results revealed a significant correlation between the number of medical marijuana licenses and marijuana toxicosis cases seen at the two hospitals. The majority of dogs recovered, but two dogs who ingested edibles made with medical-grade THC butter didn’t survive.

Fast-forward to 2018, and the emergency vet staff in California that treated Hazel sees 10 cases of marijuana poisonings a week, and they certainly aren’t alone. According to the American Veterinarian journal, vets across the U.S. are reporting a significant increase in the number of pets — mostly dogs — being treated for marijuana intoxication.

Both medical and recreational marijuana have become increasingly available in recent years, and in novel forms such as foods, pills, oils and tinctures. In addition, new hybrids and cultivation techniques have resulted in plants with significantly more THC than in decades past.

The Pet Poison Helpline reported a stunning 448 percent increase in calls for marijuana poisoning over the past six years, with the majority involving pets who ingested marijuana-laced food products.

Pets Can Ingest High Levels of THC in Any Number of Ways

From the Pet Poison Helpline:

“Cannabis sativa and cannabis indica are members of the Cannabaceae family. Slang terms include pot, weed, grass, and Mary Jane, just to name a few. Marijuana affects receptors in the brain which alter normal neurotransmitter function. Dogs and cats can be poisoned by marijuana from smoke exposure or from eating any type of marijuana/THC plant or laced baked foods (e.g., pot brownies, pot butter, etc.).

Other sources of THC include highly concentrated oil products, like butane hash oil (BHO or ‘dabs’), filtered and purified oil (‘shatter’), or wax made from whipped oil. These products are meant to be smoked via a bong (water pipe), or ‘vaped’ like e-cigarettes in order to give users an instantaneous, powerful high. All of them contain 60 [to] 90 [percent] THC, and small ingestions pose great risk for pets.”3

As veterinarian Dr. Gary Richter of Holistic Veterinary Care in Oakland, California explained to NBC News, dogs have more cannabinoid receptors than humans, which makes them more susceptible to the effects of cannabis than people.

Signs of Marijuana Poisoning

In dogs who’ve ingested marijuana, noticeable symptoms can appear within minutes to hours depending on the type of exposure (inhalation versus ingestion). Typical signs of poisoning include glassy eyes, a dazed expression, slow response times, loss of coordination and dribbling urine.

There can also be vomiting and drooling, seizures, changes in heart rate, decreased body temperature, low blood pressure, tremors, dilated pupils, vocalization, neurological stimulation, hyperactivity and coma. The more THC the dog ingests, the more severe the symptoms usually are.

Treatment is supportive in nature, and depending on the situation may include inducing vomiting and/or administering activated charcoal to minimize the amount of toxin absorbed by the body. For more serious cases, intravenous (IV) fluids may be given and respiration monitored.

Bottom line: Keep all marijuana plants and products stored safely away from pets, and when outdoors with your dog, stay alert for signs he’s picked up something in his mouth. Marijuana isn't the only drug dogs are being exposed to while out and about. If you know or suspect your dog has ingested marijuana, call your veterinarian, the nearest emergency animal hospital, or the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 immediately.

Medical Marijuana for Humans Versus Medical Marijuana/Cannabidiol (CBD) for Pets: An Important Distinction

The legality of treating pets with cannabis products is still a muddle, but that issue aside, it’s important to understand the difference between medicinal marijuana for humans versus pets. It’s primarily about THC levels — humans can tolerate a significantly higher level of THC than is safe for pets.

Meanwhile, there’s an exploding cannabidiol market out there for pets (and people). CBD oil products approved for pets are made from hemp or cannabis plants that contain all the benefits of medical marijuana, but with low-to-undetectable levels of THC. There are also studies underway at some veterinary teaching hospitals and colleges to evaluate the effectiveness of CBD oil in treating a variety of conditions that occur in dogs and cats, including seizures and arthritis.

If you’re interested in learning more about CBD oil for your pet, be sure to consult with a reliable, reputable source. Ask for a “Certificate of Analysis” from the manufacturer that shows how much THC is in the product (it should never be over 0.3 percent), how it’s made, and whether it’s organic and free of pesticides and other chemicals.

I also recommend my friend Dr. Rob Silver’s book, “Medical Marijuana and Your Pet: The Definitive Guide.” It’s written for dog and cat owners to help them understand the benefits and risks of cannabidiol for pets, as well as regulatory issues.

I'm a VISHUS PREDATOR, I am!

Faraday: Are you threatening my...my...cat-hood an' stuffs, Allie?
I 'm not skeered of no burds. I'm a vishus predator!

Source: http://www.atonkstail.com/2018/08/vishus-predator-or-not.html

A recent study conducted in Sweden adds to a growing body of evidence that exposure to pets in infancy may have a protective effect against allergies later in childhood.1 The study, published in the journal PLOS One, also suggests that the more pets, the better.

A total of 1,278 children were involved in the study. About 80 percent of the parents completed questionnaires on pet ownership and the incidence of allergic rhinitis (runny nose, itchy eyes), asthma and eczema in their children. Researchers interviewed the remaining 20 percent of parents when their children were 6 to 12 months old, and had clinical evaluations done at 18 months, 3 years and 8 to 9 years.

In both groups, reports of allergies declined as the number of pets in the household increased. About a third of the children without pets reported allergies, while no kids in homes with five or more cats or dogs did. The researchers controlled for many factors for their study, but the link between pets in the home and decreased risk for allergies remained consistent.

“This is the hygiene hypothesis at work,” lead study author Bill Hesselmar, an associate professor at the University of Gothenburg, told The New York Times.2

Allergies and the Hygiene Hypothesis

The theory of the hygiene hypothesis, born in the late 1980s, is that the huge increase in allergic disorders in the last century is due in part to our somewhat obsessive cleanliness standards. Since the advent of antibacterial products for every conceivable use, we’ve become hyper vigilant in trying to avoid every germ in the environment. On the surface this might seem like a sensible approach, but not everyone is convinced.

It is thought that early exposure to bacteria and parasites prepares immature immune systems to fight dangerous infections. Further, this “priming” of the immune system also helps it learn the difference between serious health hazards like a pneumonia infection, and harmless irritants like pet dander and pollen.

According to the hygiene hypothesis, when the immune system remains naïve from lack of exposure to real pathogens, it is more likely to mount attacks against benign environmental triggers. It’s possible then, that exposure to pets in the home during the first years of life helps a child’s immune system become balanced in terms of recognizing the difference between harmless and potentially pathogenic organisms.

Newborn Exposure to Family Pets Is Key in Preventing Allergies

Research conducted by professors in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin suggests that exposure to dogs in infancy, especially around the time of birth, influences immune development and reduces the likelihood of certain allergies.3

The researchers evaluated 275 children who had at least one parent with respiratory allergies or asthma. On an annual basis for three years, the children’s families were asked if they had a dog at home and if the kids had allergic symptoms. In addition, the researchers ordered blood tests to check the children’s immune responses.

The study results showed that children with a dog at home as newborns were much less likely to have atopic dermatitis (itchy skin — 12 percent versus 27 percent) and wheezing (19 versus 36 percent) by their third birthday. And it was all about early exposure, as kids whose families got a dog after they were born didn’t show the same health benefits.

The UW researchers believe exposure to dogs “… may contribute to a critical step in a child’s rapidly developing immune system — a step that may occur shortly after birth.”

Exposure to Pets While in the Womb Increases Healthy Gut Bacteria

A study published in the journal Microbiome suggests babies born into families with pets have higher levels of two types of gut microbes linked to a lower incidence of both allergies and obesity.4

“There's definitely a critical window of time when gut immunity and microbes co-develop and when disruptions to the process result in changes to gut immunity," Anita Kozyrskyj, Ph.D., study co-author, University of Alberta pediatric epidemiologist, and a leading researcher on gut microbes, told ScienceDaily.5

These findings are part of ongoing research using fecal samples from 746 babies registered in the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development study that shows kids who grow up with dogs have less asthma than those who grow up in homes without pets.

For the study, the researchers evaluated infants whose mothers were pregnant between 2009 and 2012. The mothers were asked if they had a pet at home during their second and third trimester, what kind (most had dogs, cats came in second) and whether it was still in the home during the baby’s first 3 months.

More than half the infants were exposed to at least one pet with fur during either the mother’s pregnancy or after birth. Eight percent were exposed during pregnancy only, and around 47 percent were exposed before and after birth. The researchers discovered that exposure to pets while in the womb or up to 3 months of age increased the levels of two strains of gut bacteria — one linked to a reduction in childhood allergies, and the other to childhood obesity.

The levels of these two bacteria were twice as high in babies with exposure to a pet in the home. The route of exposure is indirect, from dog to mother to baby during pregnancy as well as the first 3 months of life. This means that even if the dog was no longer around at the time of the baby’s birth, his or her microbiome would still benefit from the exchange of health-giving bacteria.

In addition, the exchange occurred even in higher risk birth situations including a C-section delivery, when the mother was taking antibiotics at the time of birth and when the mother didn’t breastfeed. Yet another protective benefit is that the presence of pets in the home reduced the incidence of transmission of vaginal GPS (group B strep) during birth, which causes pneumonia in newborn infants (and is the reason mothers are sometimes given antibiotics during delivery).

Exposure to Cats Reduces Asthma Risk in Genetically Predisposed Kids

Another recent study concludes that young children with a cat at home have a reduced risk for asthma. The study was conducted in Denmark and involved 377 toddlers born to asthmatic mothers, and was published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.6 Historically, studies evaluating the effect of exposure to cats and dogs early in life on the incidence of childhood asthma have frequently contradicted each other. Some researchers believe exposure is a risk factor, while others conclude it has a protective effect.

These conflicting outcomes point to the likelihood that a genetic component in some cat-owning children triggers a protective effect against asthma. Genetic variation at the chromosome 17q21 locus is the strongest known genetic risk factor for childhood asthma, and kids with this genotype often develop the disease and suffer with frequent episodes and acute severe attacks.7

Almost one in three children in the Denmark study carries the genetic variant, which is thought to be proportionate to the population in general. When the variant is activated, it doubles the risk the child will develop asthma before age 12 and also plays a role in bronchitis and pneumonia. Per the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, which reported on the study:

“Cat exposure attenuated the risk of asthma development during the first 12 years of life in children with the high-risk genotype, but had no effect in children with the low-risk genotype. Increasing levels of cat allergens collected in the children’s homes were associated with increased protection from asthma in these high-risk children.

The researchers found no such effects of exposure to dog. The high-risk asthma 17q21 genotype was also associated with a higher risk of pneumonia and bronchiolitis, and this risk was likewise decreased in children exposed to cat. Replication studies showed similar results on asthma risk.”8

Lead researcher Dr. Jakob Stokholm believes the explanation for the protective effect of exposure to cats may be related to bacteria the animals carry, as well as fungi or viruses they bring into the home.

"It’s very exciting that they find this connection because other studies have struggled to conclude anything final,” said Dr. Arne Høst, study co-author. “Now it looks like the effect is linked to a particular gene-variant, which goes to show just how complex the development of asthma and allergies are. It’s not only about genes and the environment, but how the two interact, and there’s so much that we still don’t know.”9

***Looking for a gift to help your pup get through muzzle training? Try BarkBox on for size! Every month BarkBox delivers 2 original toys, designed in-house, 2 full bags of all-natural treats, and a chew. Sign up here and receive a free extra toy every month. <– This deal is worth up to $120 in value if you sign up for a 12-month subscription! �

Back in the day, muzzle training was synonymous with reactive dogs. Most dog owners thought the only reason you would ever put a muzzle on your dog is if they were at risk of biting or harming themselves, other dogs, or other people.

And it makes sense! Muzzles can look kind of scary. And there’s also the worry of how your dog might feel in a muzzle. Is it uncomfortable? Does it hurt? How can they pant or drink water when they’ve got a muzzle strapped to their face?

But the truth is, while muzzles may look a little unsettling, when used correctly, they’re actually harmless—and muzzle training your dog, even if they’re not reactive, is a must if you want to keep you and your pup safe.

So, what’s the deal with muzzles? What are they best used for? And how can you safely and comfortably incorporate them into your dog’s training?

Why You Should Consider Muzzle Training Your Dog

First things first—why would you muzzle train your dog if they’re not reactive? And the answer is this: because there’s a good chance that at some point your dog will need to wear a muzzle—and if and when that situation arises, you don’t want it to be your dog’s first time wearing one.

There are a number of situations that might require you to muzzle your dog. Those situations include:

• Your dog has a medical emergency. If your dog is overwhelmed with pain or fear (for example, after suffering a traumatic injury), they might bite as a response. Muzzling your dog during a medical emergency will protect you, your pup, and any emergency personnel (like vet techs) your dog may encounter while they’re getting treatment.
• Your dog is getting groomed. Some dogs just hate getting groomed—and might snap at the groomer as a result. Muzzling a grooming-averse dog during the grooming process will make sure that your groomer (and your pup!) get through the grooming process injury free.
• Your dog feels threatened. If your dog feels threatened, they might bite as a way to protect themselves. Putting a muzzle on your dog in situations where they might feel threatened (for example, when meeting a new veterinarian) can help lower the risk of anyone getting bitten.
• Your dog is required to wear a muzzle. Some states, cities, counties, et cetera unfortunately have something called breed specific legislation that requires certain breeds to wear muzzles when they’re out in public.

As you can see, some of these situations are completely out of your control. There’s no way to predict an injury or an issue with a groomer. And that’s why muzzle training—even if your dog isn’t reactive—is so important.

Muzzle training gets your dog comfortable wearing a muzzle. That way, if a situation ever arises where you need to use a muzzle, your pup already know what’s up—and you can easily get the muzzle onto your dog without causing them any distress (or risking you or someone else getting bitten in the process).

How To Muzzle Train Your Dog

Ok, so now that we’ve covered why muzzle training is so important, let’s talk about how to muzzle train your pup.

The goal of muzzle training is to get your dog comfortable with the muzzle—and comfortable wearing the muzzle for longer periods of time. The key? Start slow and work your way up.

Start by letting your dog sniff the muzzle. Don’t attempt to slip it over their nose; just introduce your dog to the muzzle and let them sniff. Once they’re done sniffing, praise them and give them delicious dog treats. Repeat the process a few times.

Then, touch your dog’s nose with the muzzle. Immediately remove the muzzle and give your dog a treat and praise. Repeat this process a few times.

After you’ve touched your dog’s nose a few times, it’s time to actually get their nose into the muzzle. Hold the muzzle in one hand and the treat in the other. That way, your dog has to put their nose into the muzzle in order to get the treat. Again, repeat this process a few times.

Once your dog is comfortable putting their nose into the muzzle to get a treat, it’s time to slowly start working towards fastening and leaving the muzzle on for an extended period of time. First, slip the muzzle onto their nose, give them a treat, and immediately remove it. Then, slip the muzzle onto their nose, fasten it, give them a treat, and remove. Once they’re comfortable with that, slip on the muzzle, fasten, count to five, give them a treat and remove. Keep repeating the process until your dog is comfortable wearing the muzzle for longer and longer periods of time.

It’s all about baby (or puppy!) steps. The more you practice (and the more treats you give your pup), the more comfortable they’ll get with the muzzle. Then, it will be easier to put a muzzle on your pup if you’re ever faced with a situation where you need to.

How NOT To Muzzle Train Your Dog

Muzzle training is a must to keep your dog safe. But, like anything else, there are right ways and wrong ways to use a muzzle.

You should NOT muzzle your dog:

• As punishment. If your dog has a negative association with muzzles—which they will if you use them as a punishment—it will increase their fear around the muzzle. This will make it much harder (and more dangerous) to use one if the situation calls for it.
• To stop them from barking. Technically, putting a muzzle on your dog will keep them from barking because it restricts their ability to open and close their mouth. But muzzling doesn’t address the reason why your dog is barking—so the second the muzzle comes off, your dog will go right back to their barking behavior.
• To stop them from chewing. The same thing goes for chewing. Muzzling is a temporary solution to a long-term issue—so if your dog has an issue with chewing, muzzling isn’t going to solve the problem.
• With a muzzle that’s too tight. It’s imperative to choose muzzle that properly fits your dog. If a muzzle is too tight, it can restrict your dog’s ability to breathe and pant—and can also cause skin irritation.

Bottom line: it doesn’t matter if your dog is or isn’t reactive—muzzle training is a really good idea.

Featured image via Maja Dumat/Flickr

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