Why Are Some Dogs Brains Growing in Size, & How Do Wolves Fit In?
According to a recent study, our canine pals’ brains are growing in size as compared to their ancestors. On average, dogs’ brains are 24 percent smaller than wolves’ brains, but research now suggests modern breeding efforts may have increased their size. Compared to early canines, modern breeds developed over the last 150 years have larger noggins compared to their body size. Scientists still haven’t figured out exactly why, though. The curious part about the new data is that multiple studies have shown that...
Pandemic Dogs and Puppies: Socialization and Behavioral Issues
You may have heard dogs born in 2020 called pandemic puppies or dogs. These dogs developed behavioral issues related to growing up on lockdown. If this describes your dog, he may need help navigating a world outside COVID lockdown, since he did not get to socialize with other dogs during that important formative time. This resulted in adult dogs who struggle with socialization, overreactivity and separation-related issues. What is a pandemic dog? Commonly known as “pandemic puppies,” these young dogs were brought into homes during...
Escalating Human-Wildlife Conflicts Threaten Lion Survival in Sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa, known for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes, is home to one of the world’s most iconic and majestic creatures—the lion. However, the king of the savannah is facing grave challenges that threaten its very existence. Lions in this region are being targeted by poachers and herders, resulting in devastating consequences for their populations. Lions as Targets: Poachers and Herders In a tragic incident that unfolded in Kenya recently, one of the country’s oldest wild lions, >Loonkiito, met a...
Black Pit Bull Has Spent 4 Years At Kentucky Shelter Waiting For Someone To Look Past Stereotypes
Tall, dark and handsome are what many women want in a partner. Donatello is all of these things and more, but he has been overlooked for the past 4 years at Woodford Humane Society. The adult pit bull arrived at the Kentucky shelter on May 13, 2019, and just passed his four-year anniversary making him the shelter’s longest resident. The sweet boy has watched nearly 1,200 dogs and puppies find homes and wonders when it will be his turn. The shelter shared more about Donatello on their Facebook page in hopes that he would go viral and...
Couple Is At An Impasse Because One Is Extremely Allergic To Cats While The Other Is A Cat Mom
What would you do if your significant other asked you to give away your beloved pet? Of course, it always depends on the circumstances, but most people would immediately shut the idea down, even if it’s for the sake of your partner. “AITA for asking my girlfriend to give away her cat?” PHOTO: Pixabay/Daga_Roszkowska I feel like I can hear people giving their verdicts as soon as they read the title… Oh, boy. I fear it will only get worse from here, folks. So OP and his girlfriend have been dating for almost 2 years and...
Solutions to Frequent Cat Ear Infection Issues
A cat ear infection is one of the most commonly diagnosed cat issues at veterinary clinics. Given that cats are such stoic creatures, however, an infection often becomes advanced before you even really notice it. As a result, serious health issues – including hearing loss – may ensue. All this to say, it’s important to recognize the signs of an ear infection in your cat and know what to do and how to treat them. Recognize the signs of an ear infection in your cat Some obvious signs of cat ear infections? Your cat’s...
Research study: Foster care has an impact on dogs’ welfare and adoption
This post was originally published in 2019. We are republishing today as foster care is as important as ever. Button had been at the Kansas City Pet Project for about a month, and he wasn’t doing well. He was displaying alarming signs of kennel stress, including pacing, spinning, vocalizing and jumping up and down over and over. The shelter has an excellent enrichment program that includes play groups, walks, puzzle toys and more, but this didn’t seem to be making a dent in Button’s stress levels. When Button was...
Cat Who Loves to Scream Provides a ‘Lot of Audio’ and Lots of Laughs
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! It was a beautiful spring day, and I had opened the front door to let in some fresh air. My son and I suddenly heard this high-pitched yowling coming from outside. CAT. PHOTO: PIXABAY / MICHELLE RAPONI We found that one of the stray cats we care for had chased a small gray tortie cat up a neighbor’s tree and had her trapped there. The panicked little cat was screaming like a maniac....
Abandoned Corgi Found Wandering, Woman Finally Catches Him After Multiple Attempts
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! My story always seems a little unreal, but it is nothing but truth. My husband was coming home from a church event when he called and asked me to bring a leash to the Mobile station. There was a little Corgi, he said. So I grabbed a leash and collar and drove the 1.5 miles. DOG. PHOTO: PIXABAY / ELENA ROGULINA By the time I got there, this little guy was climbing the hill to our road. He...
5 Dog Training Tips for Beginners
Gone are the days of strict obedience dog training, so unless you aspire to compete in obedience, relax. Cues like sit, come and manners are important, but first, you need to establish a solid foundation. This includes teaching your dog to exist harmoniously with you and your family and fit comfortably into our human-centered world. How do we do this? Here are 5 dog training tips for beginners to point you (and your dog) in a zen-like direction: Become versed in dog speak Dogs are nonverbal, constantly communicating how they feel and what...
