In This Issue

● More People Are Adopting Senior Dogs
● How To Keep Your Dog’s Heart Healthy
● COVID-19: Pet Questions Answered
● Did Dogs Domesticate Themselves?
● 15 Dog Myths Debunked
● Keep Dogs Busy Indoors

Recent Food Recalls

02/07/20 – UK Happy Hounds Frozen Raw Dog Food
01/16/20 – Black Hawk Dry Dog Food
09/26/20 – Performance Dog Raw Pet Food
08/31/20 – Aunt Jeni’s Frozen Raw Dog Food

FYI

More People Are Adopting Senior Dogs Than Ever Before: Here’s Why

Senior dogs spend nearly four times longer in shelters than younger pups. They are considered “difficult to adopt” by rescuers, and are among the most likely to be euthanized.

But there is reason for hope. The Washington Post noted an upswing in senior pet adoptions over the past several years; a trend they attribute to books, TV, and social media campaigns.

According to a survey conducted by The Grey Muzzle Organization, young people are more open to adopting older dogs than ever before. In addition to a desire to help less fortunate animals, respondents noted senior dogs’ mellow attitudes and potty skills.

For lots more reasons why adopting a senior dog is a wonderful choice, click here.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

There is no need for your dog to wear a face mask. It is unlikely to protect them from disease and may cause breathing difficulties.

HEALTH ALERT

8 Ways To Keep Your Dog’s Heart Healthy

There are several reasons heart disease may strike an otherwise healthy dog. Genetics, obesity, heartworm disease, and more can lead to a weakening of the cardiac muscle.

While heart disease affects dogs differently than humans, many of the precautions are the same including healthy diet and exercise. Additionally, your dog needs you to protect their best interest and prioritize parasite prevention and dental health.

Here’s how to help your dog avoid heart disease and recognize the signs early enough to seek treatment.

QUIZ OF THE WEEK

True or False: Dog mouths are cleaner than human mouths.

1. True
2. False

Not sure? Read on to find the answer!

IN THE NEWS

Coronavirus (COVID-19): What Pet Parents Need To Know

With the current news coverage about COVID-19 and pets, you may be wondering what this means for your fur family. As of now, all reputable sources point to there being no risk for dogs contracting or transmitting the virus.

Regarding the dog in Hong Kong that previously tested positive while under quarantine, the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine says:

“The dog was released on March 14 after negative tests and died two days later. No necropsy was performed on the 17-year-old Pomeranian, but the dog likely died from causes other than COVID-19 as it had never displayed any clinical signs of illness.”

To help allay your fears, we rounded up the current answers to your most pressing questions from reputable sources such as the CDC,the World Organisation for Animal Health, and two of the United States’ finest veterinary colleges.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Help your local shelter by fostering a dog during the COVID-19 quarantine.

BEHAVIOR & TRAINING

Dogs May Have Domesticated Themselves

On the genetic level, domestic dogs are almost identical to wolves, but those of us who share our homes with them know that is where the similarities end.

The long-standing theory is that humans played an active role in slowly domesticating the friendliest wolves into the dogs we know and love today.

However, recent behavioral studies, MRI scans, and DNA tests conducted by a Harvard University evolutionary neuroscientist have called this into question.

So, how did dogs transform from wild wolves into domesticated pups?

VET CORNER

Veterinarians Debunk 15 Common Dog Myths

by Dr. Ann Hohenhaus & Dr. Carly Fox

“One human year equals seven dog years…Certain dog breeds are hypoallergenic because of their fur…Only male dogs hump.”

These are among the common dog myths New York City veterinarians Ann Hohenhaus and Carly Fox seek to debunk in a video from Business Insider.

Many, like the ones mentioned above, you have likely heard before. Others may surprise you.

Find out the truth behind 15 of the most frequently cited dog myths.

TIS THE SEASON

How To Keep Your Dog Entertained When You’re Stuck Indoors

Whether you are social distancing or recovering from an illness, you may be feeling a bit stir crazy. And if you are feeling pent up, you know your dog is too!

Luckily there are several ways to entertain your furry friend from the comfort and safety of your own home.

Try working on training tasks; occupying their senses with nosework games; or set up an indoor obstacle course using everyday objects.

Do you have a question or topic you’d like The Healthy Hound to address in an upcoming newsletter? Click here to let us know!

Quiz Answer:

2. False. According to veterinarian, Carly Fox both dogs and humans have about 200 unique species of bacteria in their mouths.The myth that dog mouths are cleaner stems from the fact that most bacteria are species-specific and cannot be transferred from dogs to humans.

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