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Poisoned syringes fired at pet dogs for China meat trade

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Poisoned syringes fired at pet dogs for China meat tradeShanghai – Poisoned syringes that could be fired at dogs on the street to kill them instantly were sold by a gang in China, allowing pets to be snatched and sold for the dinner table, state media said.

Police in the eastern province of Anhui arrested eight gang members, alleging they sold 200 000 of the syringes throughout China filled with a large dose of the muscle relaxant suxamethonium.

The buyers were mainly dog vendors who collect and sell dogs to restaurants for meat, the Xinhua news agency said, citing police who warned that people who ate the meat were also in danger of being poisoned.

The needles were modified by the gang with a spring and tailfin so they could be shot from a distance like a dart.

 After buying the needles, unscrupulous dog dealers would target pet dogs, then abduct them.

Police said that the hunt was on to find more of the syringes, which contained enough suxamethonium to kill the animals immediately.

When police raided the gang’s lair in Enshi City, in central Hubei Province, in October, they found four kilos of chemical powder, 10 000 needles and $15 000.

Source: www.news24.com

 

Everything you never wanted to know about animal farts revealed

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Everything you never wanted to know about animal farts,

Image: Pixabay

The definitive field guide for animal flatulence is finally here.

“Does it Fart?” (Hachette) is an illustrated book about the fart capabilities of the animal kingdom. In the tome, authors Dani Rabaiotti, a London-based zoologist, and Nick Caruso, a Virginia postdoctoral associate in ecology and conservation, discuss whether 80 different animals fart, and if they do, what surprising purposes the gas might serve.

Take herrings: the fish native to the Atlantic and Pacific gulp in air from the surface of the water and store it until it’s time to let it rip. Often, scientists think, they’ll cut the cheese in order to communicate with their fellow fish, especially when it’s dark in the water and they need to stay away from predators.

The more you know!

Here’s a selection of the most interesting fart facts from Rabaiotti and Caruso’s very necessary book.

Termites
“Termites fart a lot,” Rabaiotti and Caruso write. Not only do these little stinkers destroy our wooden structures, but they’re also doing some damage to our environment. Termites are thought to contribute around 5 to 19 percent of global methane emissions, according to the book. Cows, however, take the cake when it comes to that kind of destruction. Cattle expel roughly 220-440 pounds of methane per cow per year, mostly through their flatulence.

Honey badgers
They really don’t give a darn. Honey badgers use their “anal scent glands” to immobilize bees so they can get straight to that honey without interference, Rabaiotti and Caruso write. After a honey badger’s toots, bees have been found “huddled in a corner of their nest, far away from the pungent smell.”

Birds
They actually don’t fart. “Birds don’t have the same gas-producing bacteria in their gut that are found in mammals and other farting animals,” the authors write. Plus, they digest their meals pretty quickly, leaving the food no time to stink up inside them.

Chimpanzees
Just like their human ancestors, chimps fart “loudly and often without shame,” they write. It’s actually the way scientists have located chimps to study in the wild. So, thanks for that, chimps.

Cockroaches
They fart. Great.

Dogs
This should come as no surprise to anyone who has spent any amount of time with the so-called “man’s best friend.” And, unfortunately, they often serve as a scapegoat for anyone who’s ever “flamed it and blamed them,” since the finger-pointing usually lands on the dog, Rabaiotti and Caruso write.

Cats
They’re no angels either. A byproduct of their mostly-carnivorous diet is especially sulfuric farts. But, Rabaiotti and Caruso write, “your cat probably doesn’t care how bad you think its farts smell, and as a result, won’t make any effort to save you from their pungent aroma.”

Manatees
Sea cows use their toots to help them stay buoyant, storing gas within certain parts of their intestines to help them float toward the surface, and passing it to sink.

Octopi
One might surmise that the force of nature propelling octopi in the water are merely a series of forceful farts, but actually, octopi don’t fart “to the best of our knowledge,” the authors write. Octopi expel water quickly through their siphons to escape from predators, sometimes releasing ink that can be filled with mucus — not stinky air. But it’s unclear which is worse.

Lemurs
Farts are just one of the odorous smells lemurs emit throughout their busy days, especially during “stink fights,” wherein, they rub the smells that come out of various glands onto their tails and then wave their tails above their heads at their rivals, “showing off their superior odor,” Rabaiotti and Caruso write. Hippos, similarly, will mark their territory by defecating and farting “while rapidly flailing [their tails] back and forth,” spreading their scent and sending a very strong message to anyone who tries to cross them.

Source: New York Post

 

Germany just shut down its last Fur Farm

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Fur Farm

Germany’s last-remaining fur farm has shut down.

Germany’s last remaining fur farmer has closed.

The Rahden-based farm “now stands empty,” according to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), signaling the end of fur production in yet another EU country.

Germany’s Fur Ban

In 2017, Germany’s government passed legislation that brought a ban to fur farms across the country. PETA credits its heavy campaigning efforts, petitions, protests, and anti-fur ads for helping push the legislation through into law.

“Germany’s last fur farms will close down after a five-year transition. The new bill demands stricter regulations governing fur farming and will effectively make the raising of minks non-viable for farmers,”PETA noted. “Fur farming bans and stricter regulations that inevitably cause facilities to close are becoming increasingly widespread.”

The legislation brought Germany in step with the UK, which introduced a ban in 2000, and Austria, which went fur-free in 2004.

According to PETA, the German farmer shut down ahead of the 2022 deadline as he was struggling under government pressure and frequent, unannounced inspections. He said he also felt the weight of activist pressures — PETA has been campaigning strongly in the country for more than two decades.

According to PETA, the largest animal rights organization in the world, eighty-five percent of the fur industry’s skins come from animals held captive on fur factory farms. “These farms often hold thousands of animals, and the kinds of abuse that the facilities engage in are remarkably similar around the globe.”

Fashion Labels Ditch Fur

Fashion labels across the globe including Armani and Tom Ford have begun shifting to in their collections. Luxury label designers are taking a stand against the practice, too: Donatella Versace announced a shift away from fur last year, saying she doesn’t want to kill animals for fashion. Diane von Furstenberg recently pulled fur and angora from her collections, and renowned designer Jean-Paul Gautier called the industry “absolutely deplorable” last November.

And runway shows have followed suit; Amsterdam Fashion Week (AFW) last month went fur-free as did London Fashion Week (LFW) last fall.

“AFW is proud that in collaboration with PETA we will from now on be a fur-free platform,” Danie Bles, CEO of Amsterdam Fashion Week, said in a statement.

PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk applauded the move. “Today, as polls show, most Dutch people would never wear fur, and Amsterdam Fashion Week’s compassionate move represents the growing public desire for animal-friendly fashion,” Newkirk said.

According to PETA “many powerful voices” including Jhené Aiko, Penélope Cruz, Taraji P. Henson, Eva Mendes, and first lady Melania Trump have all lent their voice to anti-fur campaigns, “after learning about the horrific cruelty behind every fur jacket, trim, or cuff.”  

LFW’s council says it made the decision to pull fur from runway shows after a survey of designers revealed fur wasn’t a focal point for the labels.

Speaking to the Guardian, council chief executive Caroline Rush said, “[the fur-free fashion week] highlights a trend we have seen over the past few years, with more and more brands deciding to use alternative materials to fur.”

Fur Farm

Fur Bans In Europe

A growing number of governments are passing anti-fur legislation; in the EU, Norway and the Czech Republic both announced bans on fur farming last year.

Norway says its ban will go into effect in 2025, giving farmers until then to transition away from the practice.

“We welcome the Swedish Government’s proposal to investigate the welfare of minkers on Sweden’s fur farms, but today we see that Norway shows that a ban on fur farming is possible,” Camilla Björkbom, chairman of the Animal Society Right, said after the announcement. “This is great news, not least for all the animals that are now not born and killed for their fur in Norway, but also because it sets a good example for Sweden and the upcoming Swedish investigation.”

Norway is a historically large fur producer with more than 300 fur farms in the country. Collectively, the farmers breed and kill more than 700,000 minks and 110,000 foxes every year.

The Czech Republic’s ban was hailed as a huge success by the nation’s leading animal rights organization, ORBRAZ.

“We are so glad that this unnecessary barbarous practice has come to an end and that a large part of the public stands against it,” Pavel Buršík, an OBRAZ spokesperson, said in a statement.

“It is a huge success not only for foxes and minks but also for other caged animals. People are still indifferent to their hardship, but this change gives us hope and faith in a better future for all animals,” he said.

“We will continue to support organizations from other European countries so that they can enforce the ban as we do. However, the fur situation in Europe is constantly improving,” Buršík added. “This is illustrated by the recently adopted laws against fur farms in Norway, Luxembourg, and Belgium, which have expanded the list of countries with a ban. We believe that these steps will move closer to a pan-European ban.”

Other countries throughout the EU have also instituted anti-fur legislation: the Netherlands, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia all have restrictions or full fur bans on the books.

But despite the growing number of member states shifting away from fur, the EU Parliament has made no formal move to restrict fur throughout the EU. But that may soon change.

“The tide is turning against the practice of fur production within the European Union as concerns about animal welfare and the ethics of breeding animals for luxury products continue to grow,” says the Fur Free Alliance, which is actively working with European countries on fur regulations. “A number of Member States have examined the issues involved very carefully, taken extensive evidence, and have decided to act, believing that fur factory farming cannot be conducted in a humane way.”

Fur Bans In The U.S.

While Europe has had fur bans in place since 2000, the U.S. has been considerably slower in phasing out the industry.

The only cities currently to have bans in effect are in California. Not only is it the most populous state, but it’s often considered the most progressive, too, particularly when it comes to animal welfare. Last November, California voters passed the country’s most progressive animal welfare legislation for farm animals. The bill, called Prop 12, enforces bans on gestation crates for pregnant sows and bans cages for chickens. But its biggest impact may just come in its import restrictions — producers from outside of the state must also meet Prop 12 criteria in order to sell their products in-state. And because of California’s size, this may significantly sway production practices across the country — forcing widespread shifts to animal treatment.

But long before it passed progressive farm animal welfare legislation, the state was already moving toward more compassionate treatment of animals. The Los Angeles neighborhood of West Hollywood became the first city in the U.S. to ban fur back in 2011. “We’ve consistently worked to enact cutting-edge animal welfare legislation,” city spokeswoman Tamara White told ABC after the vote. “This is in line with our values.”

Berkeley, the Bay Area hotbed for progressive thought leaders and legislation (it was the first city to impose a soda tax in 2015, and it appears to be working in reducing consumption) followed suit, enacting a fur ban in 2017. It banned the sale of fur from all fur-bearing animals. The move earned the city recognition in a PETA Compassionate City Award.

Neighboring town San Francisco followed suit, enacting a fur ban in 2018. It went into effect at the beginning of this year. The vote brought a swell of controversy, with dozens of retailers pushing back, saying the ban would hurt their sales. But the legislation prevailed.

“I hope that it inspires other cities and the country to take action. Certainly we need better federal regulations on fur farming,” Katy Tang, the supervisor pushing the legislation said to the Los Angeles Times. “There’s no humane way to raise an animal to peel its skin off.”

Then, in February, the Los Angeles fur ban passed through city council in a major victory for animal rights activists. The vote made Los Angeles the largest city in the U.S. to ban the sale of fur, and its impact is having the ripple effect activists had hoped for.

Earlier this year New York City council announced that it too would take steps to ban the sale of fur.

The legislation was introduced by Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan).

“Increasingly, consumers are looking to make ethical and sustainable purchases — fur is neither of those,” Rosenthal said. “The fur trade has at its core a violence toward animals that is antithetical with our modern views on animals as human companions and sentient beings.”

If passed, as the first cold weather northeast city to approve such a ban, it would be a major victory in the fight against fur sales in the U.S.

According to the Humane Society, 100 million animals, including mink, fox, raccoon, seal, dogs, and chinchillas across the globe are killed each year for their fur. While some are hunted, the majority are raised in factory farms before being killed.

Source: Live Kindly

Neuroscientist Studies Dog Emotions with MRI, Concludes “Dogs are People, Too”

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by ZME Science

Neuroscientist

A study conducted at Harvard University by Gary D. Sherman and Jonathan Haidt says that people who like pets more than people and those who have a conversation with their pets on a regular basis are more intelligent and not a crack- head!

Most dog owners will tell you that their pets are awesome, and if you ask them if they think their dog loves them, most of the time you’ll be met with a positive answer. But do dogs feel love or any kind positive emotion to similar to how a human does? This is a question that has eluded scientists for a long time. It’s easy to put a dog’s tremendous enthusiasm whenever his owner comes home as just as a form of attachment, viewing his owner as a walking, breathing food dispenser and nothing more.

In breakthrough research which might change the way people view dogs forever, neuroscientist Gregory Berns found “dogs are people, too.” He reached this conclusion after performing MRI scans on over a dozen dogs and found the same brain region responsible for positive emotions in humans is activated in dogs as well.

To infer animal sentience and other neurological traits, scientists rely on animal behaviorism. You can’t ask a dog how it feels, or what its thinking about. As such, it’s been considered an extremely difficult area of research. By using brain scans, however, one can bypass having to directly ‘talk’ to an animal. Instead, you let the brain do all the talking.

Performing MRI on animals is extremely difficult. The machines are racketing, claustrophobic and generally unpleasant even for humans, and for them to work you have to stay completely still. You can imagine how difficult it is to get a hyper Labrador stay put while all kinds of machinery are diverting its attention. Typically, veterinarians perform anesthesia on dogs whose brain scans they need to perform, but this renders any kind of emotion monitoring useless.

Dog emotions, not too different from ours

Berns tackled this issue by training dogs using painstaking reward exercises to stay still when inside the operating MRI, and in doing so he has performed the first wake dog MRIs. Inside the scanner, the dogs’ brain activity was measured for a two hand signal (which they learned to associate with food), as well as for scents of familiar and unfamiliar dogs and humans.

Both the human and dog brain are strikingly similar in function and structure in one key region: the caudate nucleus. Located between the brainstem and the cortex, this dopamine-rich caudate plays a key role in the anticipation of things we enjoy, like food, love and money. Positive emotions.

“Many of the same things that activate the human caudate [part of the brain], which are associated with positive emotions, also activate the dog caudate. Neuroscientists call this a functional homology, and it may be an indication of canine emotions,” Berns wrote in an article for the NY Times.

In response to hand signals indicating food, as well as smells of familiar humans, the canine caudate activity increased. And in preliminary tests, it activated to the return of an owner who had momentarily stepped out of view. Neuroscientists call this a functional homology, and it may be an indication of canine emotions.

“The ability to experience positive emotions, like love and attachment, would mean that dogs have a level of sentience comparable to that of a human child. And this ability suggests a rethinking of how we treat dogs.

DOGS have long been considered property. Though the Animal Welfare Act of 1966 and state laws raised the bar for the treatment of animals, they solidified the view that animals are things — objects that can be disposed of as long as reasonable care is taken to minimize their suffering.

But now, by using the M.R.I. to push away the limitations of behaviorism, we can no longer hide from the evidence. Dogs, and probably many other animals (especially our closest primate relatives) seem to have emotions just like us. And this means we must reconsider their treatment as property.”

So, do dogs truly love us? We can’t be sure, but next time you see your dog wag his tail you can be sure he’s happy, scientific proof included.

Gregory Berns is a professor of neuroeconomics at Emory University and the author of “How Dogs Love Us: A Neuroscientist and His Adopted Dog Decode the Canine Brain.”

This article is shared with permission from our friends at ZME Science.

Source: Healthy Holistic Living

Animal Rights: Victory For Activists As China Reclassifies Dogs As Pets In New Guidelines

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Victory For Activists As China Reclassifies Dogs As Pets In New Guidelines

Lead image courtesy of World Dog Alliance.

China’s agricultural ministry has just removed dogs from the national list of livestock, and has reclassified dogs as pets. The new set of guidelines comes as part of the broader nationwide crackdown on the wildlife industry after the coronavirus pandemic. The move has been welcomed by conservationists who have long campaigned for greater protection of dogs, but some critics have pointed out that legal loopholes for eating dogs may still exist. 

Dogs have been dropped from the updated National Catalogue of Livestock and Poultry Genetic Resources list, and have been reclassified as pets. The species listed in the directory fall under the jurisdiction of the Animal Husbandry Law, which means it is legal to raise them for food, wool or fur. 

A notice on the ministry’s website said: “There’s a long history of domesticating dogs, in the past they were used for guarding houses, hunting and herding. Now they are raised as pets, for search and rescue, for aiding the blind and have a closer bond to humans.”

No longer included in the livestock list, the measure means that restrictions on the dog meat trade – the selling of and serving dogs as food – will come. Conservationists hope that this means that a crackdown on the controversial and cruel annual dog meat festival in Yulin city is on the way. 

Victory For Activists As China Reclassifies Dogs As Pets In New Guidelines

Source: Animals Asia

According to animal welfare organisation Humane Society International (HSI), 10 million dogs and 4 million cats are killed for meat in China. 

Just weeks earlier, local authorities in the southern city of Shenzhen became the first city in the country to completely ban the consumption of dogs and cats. Zhuhai also banned the consumption of dog meat, but other cities have yet to take such a move.

For many conservationist groups who have been campaigning for change for years, the new regulations are a cause for celebration. Hong Kong-based animal welfare charity Animals Asia, for instance, have been running a Cat and Dog Welfare team on the ground for decades to encourage responsible dog management in China, working with local deputies and submitted investigations about the dangers and cruelty of the industry. 

Jill Robinson, the founder and CEO of Animals Asia, told Green Queen that the organisation is “grateful to the authorities for coming to this groundbreaking decision that will now better protect consumer safety and save dogs and cats in the community from the terrible consequences of what has been a largely illegal trade.” 

“It’s wonderful to see dogs recognised so positively by the administration in their description. Now, the use of dogs is more diverse, embodying the functions of pet companionship, police search and rescue, accompanying the blind and so on, and their relationship with humans is closer,” she continued

Robinson and her team have been campaigning for over twenty years, and have at various moments worked closely with the Chinese authorities to advance animal welfare laws: “Over the course of many years we have worked with a number of deputies to the National People’s Congress (NPC) on proposals relating to the protection of companion animals, such as the proposed legislation to ban the slaughter and sale of cats and dogs. We submitted four in-depth investigation reports to a number of national and local governments to help departments and officials understand the violations and dangers of the cat and dog meat industry chain. Our efforts were acknowledged by an official reply letter from the State Food and Drug Administration in 2017, which mentioned that they would protect consumers’ food safety by strengthening supervision and inspection of restaurants and other cat and dog meat sales across the country, collaborate with relevant departments to crack down on the illegal cat and dog meat practices, and increase publicity and guidance to the public, amongst other measures.”

Victory For Activists As China Reclassifies Dogs As Pets In New Guidelines

Source: World Dog Alliance

While welcoming the move to crack down on restaurants, markets and slaughterhouses that sell dogs for food, conservationists have also pointed out that the reclassification does not explicitly ban the consumption of dogs or raising them for meat, which may put the trade in an unregulated grey area. 

The new directory also added 16 new “special species” to the livestock list, including reindeer, alpacas, pheasants, ostriches and foxes. Critics point out that this appears to contradict the nationwide ban on the wildlife trade, and could present itself as yet another loophole to allow certain animals to remain freely traded for food, wool or fur. 

Another contradictory policy that emerged over the past few months involved China’s approval of bear bile as a traditional Chinese treatment for coronavirus patients, which has no proven efficacy as a Covid-19 cure. 

Experts have reiterated that without a full shutdown of the illicit wildlife trade as well as greater regulation over the wider animal livestock industry, public health dangers will continue to exist and may become deadlier over time.

Source: Green Queen
By Sally Ho

Can Dogs Get Coronavirus (COVID-19)? What We Know So Far…

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Can Dogs Get Coronavirus

Our furbabies are part of our family, and we worry about them. We wonder if we’re feeding them the right food and giving them enough attention. We’re anxious if we think they’re in pain, and we hope they have a good life. I get it. I feel concern whenever my older pooch seems the least bit out of sorts.

In the midst of all the events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, what about our pups? Can dogs get Coronavirus?

In this article:

  • Can Dogs Get Coronavirus (COVID-19)?
  • What Does This Mean? Can We Pass Coronavirus to Our Dogs?
  • What About Cats…Can They Get COVID-19?
  • What Does Coronavirus Infection Look Like in a Dog?
  • What Can I Do to Protect My Dog From Coronavirus Right Now?
  • Can Our Dogs Pass Coronavirus to Us?
  • Should I Change My Behavior With My Dog Because of COVID-19?
  • What Should I Do Differently With My Dog If I Have Coronavirus?
  • Pet Preparedness Plan in Case of Emergency
  • In the News: Dogs and Coronavirus Across the Globe
  • Stay Tuned…

Can Dogs Get Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

According to the CDC and USDA, pets seem to be unlikely to get the disease or pass it on. But that’s not 100% certain…
Can Dogs Get Coronavirus
  • Health officials in Georgia announced on July 1 that another dog tested positive for the virus. After the owners had positive test results, the pets underwent testing as a precaution. The six-year-old mixed breed had no respiratory signs but was euthanized after developing neurologic symptoms. Necropsy results indicated the animal had a brain tumor. There was a second pup in the household that tested negative.
  • On June 2, the NVSL announced the first confirmed positive dog in the United States. After the owner contracted the Coronavirus, a German Shepherd in the household developed signs of a respiratory infection. The USDA collected samples and confirmed presence of the virus. A second pooch in the household also had antibodies to COVID-19 but is asymptomatic. The infected pup is expected to recover fully.
  • On May 14, scientists released results of genetic sequencing of the virus isolates from the Pomeranian and German Shepherd. The samples matched those found in their infected owners providing evidence that dogs can get the virus from their humans. There was no indication that pooches can infect other canines or their masters. However, further study is warranted. In addition, the researchers confirmed that these two pooches had an antibody response. This finding tells us the animals were infected with the virus and not just carriers. There was no indication that pooches can infect other canines or their masters. However, further study is warranted.
  • On April 28, 2020, reports surfaced that a Pug in Chapel Hill, NC tested positive for Coronavirus. This pooch lives in a household with another dog and cat that had negative test results. It’s the first canine to show mild symptoms of the disease. In his human family, 3 out of 4 members also were positive for the virus. According to Annie Harvilicz, a veterinarian and chief medical officer for Animal Wellness Centers hospitals,“It’s possible that being a pug made him more susceptible to the virus.” This breed has a short nose and a tendency towards contracting upper respiratory tract infections. NOTE: further testing by the National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL), a branch of the USDA, could not verify an infection in this pup. Lyndsay Cole, an agency representative, suggests the original weak positive result, “ may be the result of contamination from the COVID-19 positive household.”
  • There have been two pooches in Hong Kong that showed positive results: The first pup had a very weakly positive result for COVID-19. After the owner contracted the disease, officials tested the Pomeranian, which was asymptomatic. Low levels of virus were detected on swabs from the animal’s nasal passages and mouth.  However, follow-up serology was negative for blood antibody levels. It is possible that the dog picked up the organisms by breathing the owner’s infected respiratory droplets.
  • More recently, a German Shepherd in the Pok Fu Lam area of Hong Kong tested positive. This pooch and another mixed-breed from the same household were placed under quarantine after their owner contracted the novel coronavirus. Results from the canines came back on March 19. The mutt was negative, and neither animal was showing any symptoms of illness.
  • There are conflicting reports that either a third dog or a cat have tested positive for COVID-19 in Hong Kong as of March 30, 2020. Both sources report the pet was screened because its owner has the virus, but the animal is asymptomatic.

What Does This Mean? Can We Pass Coronavirus To Our Dogs?

While it’s pretty unlikely that we can pass the virus to our pups, that one positive result leaves some doubt. So what do we need to know about the virus?
 
According to The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE), “There is no evidence that dogs play a role in the spread of this human disease or that they become sick.” While the dog may have picked up the virus from its infected owner, pet owners that contract COVID-19 shouldn’t abandon their furbabies or panic unnecessarily.
 
As for the tests, Dr. John Howe, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, explains that the tests used on the dogs in Hong Kong were strong enough to detect the presence of a part of a virus on the animals and do not necessarily indicate the pups had an infection.
 

What About Cats…Can They Get COVID-19?

Can Dogs Get Coronavirus
 
In addition to dogs, it appears cats may be able to pick up the virus. A cat in Liège, Belgium showed symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing a week after the owner contracted the virus. The cat tested positive for COVID-19. Veterinary officials continue to believe that the disease can not be spread from pets to their humans. However, there are questions as to whether we should be testing furbabies if their owners become infected.
 
On April 22, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that 2 cats in New York state tested positive for COVID-19. One cat lives with a COVID-19 positive owner, and the other cat had been allowed to go outdoors. Both showed signs of mild respiratory illness suggestive of the virus. They are both expected to recover.
 
On April 5, 2020, a Tiger in the Bronx, NY zoo also tested positive after she and six other large cats developed coughs and other symptoms of COVID-19. All of the felines are expected to recover. On April 22, the zoo released news that follow-up testing revealed a total of 5 tigers and 3 lions were positive for the virus. They believe the animals contracted the disease from an infected zookeeper.
 

What Does Coronavirus Infection Look Like In A Dog?

COVID-19 is a novel form of a class of viruses called Coronaviruses. Even though this new micro-organism doesn’t appear to affect dogs, a few of the other varieties of this microbe can.

 

Canine Coronavirus

Enteric Canine Coronavirus (CCoV) is an infectious disease that affects the digestive system in dogs. Pups pick up the infection when they eat infected feces or come in direct contact with sick animals. Signs of illness can be mild but may include:
 
  • Abdominal pain
  • Sudden onset of diarrhea/loose stools that have a fetid odor
  •  Lethargy
  • Decreased appetite

Symptoms show up 1-4 days after ingesting the virus and they usually last 2-10 days unless there’s a secondary infection.

 

Canine Respiratory Coronavirus

Canine Respiratory Coronavirus (CRCoV) is similar to kennel cough in pooches or the common cold that people can get. This form of coronavirus is very contagious for dogs. It’s transmitted by direct contact with sick animals, aerosol droplets, and contact with contaminated surfaces. Infections can range from subclinical carriers to severe disease. Symptoms may include:
 
  • Cough
  • Sneezing
  • Nasal discharge
  • Pneumonia – usually due to co-infection with other pathogens

Incubation for CRCoV is thought to be a few days, and signs can last 1-2 weeks.

 

 What Can I Do To Protect My Dog From Coronavirus Right Now?

Can Dogs Get Coronavirus

Again, just in case we learn that dogs can get this novel coronavirus, be proactive. Take similar measures for Fido as yourself. If you’re in a community that has active infections:
 
  • Avoid taking your pooch to gatherings with large crowds
  • Keep your furbaby away from any infected individuals
  • Practice good hygiene at home (more below)
  • Have a pet preparedness plan in place (more below)

CDC Guidelines For Pet Owners

On April 27, the CDC updated guidelines for pet owners on. The change was due to positive test results in two domestic cats in New York and eight large cats in the Bronx Zoo. Although Dr. Sandra Newbury, director of the Shelter Medicine Program at the University of Wisconsin believes that it’s probably much harder for a dog to become infected than a cat, she affirms that following these procedures, “during this time is the best way to keep your pets safe.” The CDC recommends:
 
  • Keeping cats indoors
  • Including your pooch in your family’s 6 foot social distancing bubble
  • Walking your furbaby on a leash
  • Avoiding dog parks and other places where groups of people gather
  • Avoid snuggling, sharing bedding, petting, sharing food, and being licked by your pal
  • Arrange for another family member to care for your pup if you become ill
  • If you have no one else to help with your pets when you’re sick, wear a face covering and wash your hands before and after interacting with them.

The FDA Recommends Social Distancing For Pets

On April 30, the FDA released a fact sheet with recommendations for pets during the pandemic. The guidelines include:
 
  • Keeping cats indoors
  • Walking your dog on a leash and including him in your 6 foot social distance bubble from other dogs and people
  • Avoiding dog parks

There is not a call for testing of pets at this time. However, if your furry friend shows symptoms, the FDA recommends that you contact your veterinarian to discuss your next steps.

 

Can Our Dogs Pass Coronavirus To Us?

You may be wondering if it’s possible for dogs to bring the virus to us. The available evidence suggests that the novel virus started from an animal source, possibly bats. However, since its inception, it has spread by human to human transmission.
OIE stresses that there is currently no evidence that pets act as a vector to spread the disease. That’s good news because it means there’s no need to take drastic actions that could endanger your four-footed pal.

In addition to this, Dr. Howe told Marketwatch, “At this time, there is no evidence that companion animals, including pets, can spread COVID-19 to people or that they might be a source of infection in the United States.”

However, you may still be asking:

 

Can Dogs Carry The Virus On Their Fur?

A study published on March 17 revealed that COVID-19 can survive on surfaces like plastic, cardboard, and metal for hours to days. What about dog fur? Maybe. We just don’t know yet. Fortunately, pet hair is porous and more likely to trap the pathogen than spread it.

 

Is It Safe To Pet My Dog/How Can I Pet My Dog During The Coronavirus Pandemic?

If you’re not infected with the virus, the AVMA advises that you don’t need to change the way you interact with your pup. As for other owner’s dogs…if they appear healthy, don’t sweat petting their pooch. Just make sure you keep a distance with Fido’s human. In all cases, practice good hygiene by washing your hands after contact.

 

No Need To Panic

OIE stresses that there is currently no evidence that pets act as a vector to spread the disease. That’s good news because it means there’s no need to take drastic actions that could endanger your four-footed pal.
Dr. Evan Antin offers an excellent explanation of COVID-19 and dogs. He affirms that our greatest risk of getting the virus is not from our furry friends but from people.
 

Should I Change My Behavior With My Dog Because Of COVID-19?

Can Dogs Get Coronavirus

If you’re already practicing good hygiene with your pooch, you may not need to change your behavior. Remember, even though it’s unlikely you could get this novel virus from your dog, there are other diseases that pass between canines and humans. Your routine should include:
 
  • Wash Fido’s bedding regularly
  • Wash your hands after feeding, playing with, or cleaning up after your pooch
  • Store dry foods in an airtight container and refrigerate wet foods
  • Wash food and water bowls regularly
  • Wash toys and replace them when they become damaged
  • Keep outdoor areas clean by picking up feces frequently

 

How Will Social Distancing Affect My Dog’s Behavior?

Some owners are reporting behavioral changes in their pups during the shelter-in-place orders. If you usually leave the house during the day to go to work, your constant presence may impact your pooch. The adjustments will depend on your pooch’s personality. Possible actions include:

  • Hyperactivity or agitation
  • Fearfulness
  • Becoming clingy

If Fido is having trouble adjusting to the “new normal” try to give him some space and alone time unless he wants to stay by your side.

 

What Should I Do Differently With My Dog If I Have Coronavirus?

Because we can’t be 100% certain that you can’t pass the virus to your furry friend, it’s best to err on the side of caution.
 
  • If possible, plan for someone else to care for your special pal while you’re recovering.
  • If you have no one to take your furbaby, wash hands before and after contact with Fido, and wear a facemask to keep your droplets to yourself.
  • Avoid direct contact with pets – sadly that means no petting, snuggles, kisses, or sharing of food.
  •  Have a pet preparedness plan in place (see below).

 

Is It Okay To Take My Dog For Walks?

As long as you’re not infected or under self-quarantine out of caution, walks are good for both of you. Fresh air and exercise help boost our immunity and mental health. Remember to keep a safe distance from other people and dogs to avoid any risk of transmission.
Remember to keep a safe distance from other people and dogs to avoid any risk of transmission. Dr. Howe recommends that you include your canine companion in the recommended 6-foot social distancing bubble.

 

Is It Okay To Let My Dog Socialize With Other Dogs?

According to the New York State Veterinary Medical Society, there’s currently no evidence that dogs can become infected with the virus. That being said, the Pomeranian from China that had a positive test result died of unknown causes on March 16. Even though it’s unlikely that COVID-19 caused the pooch’s death, practice caution. It’s best to minimize contact with other pups and avoid large groups of dogs just in case.

 

Should I Put A Mask Or Booties On My Dog?

You’ve probably seen pictures of dogs wearing pet masks or booties, but it’s not necessary. From what we can observe, the virus passes between people by their respiratory droplets. There are better things to spend your money on than a facial covering for Fido that will probably make him nervous and uncomfortable.

 

Do I Need To Have My Dog Tested?

The CDC does not recommend testing of pets. However, due to public demand, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. in Maine announced on April 20 that it would make a pet test for COVID-19 available to veterinarians. The roll out will start in North America and eventually spread to the world. Based on guidelines, animals eligible for testing must meet the following criteria:

  • The attending veterinarian has consulted with a public health official
  • The pet lives be in a home with a COVID-19 infected or positive patient
  • The animal has already tested negative for common rule-out diseases
  • The pet must have clinical signs of COVID-19

Can Dogs Get Coronavirus

What If My Dog Gets Sick While I’m In Quarantine?

If you’re not infected but following stay-at-home orders and Fido gets sick, call your veterinarian (some clinics are turning to virtual healthcare to make it easier for dog parents). If your pal’s doctor advises you to bring him in, follow their procedures. In our town, clinics are still open but taking extra precautions. Office workers are meeting people at cars and taking Fido into the buildings while owner waits in parking lot.

 

Will I Need To Quarantine My Dog?

If you become infected, the best practice would be to distance yourself from your dog to make sure you won’t pass anything on to him. Under these circumstances, your pooch will probably not need to be quarantined.
In the unlikely event that your pup becomes infected with COVID-19, quarantine is advised. Shelley Rankin, a microbiologist at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia recommends treating infected animals like their human counterparts. Dogs showing signs of illness should be isolated at a veterinary hospital for treatment. For pups that test positive but show no symptoms:
 
  • Keep them at home in a separate room from other animals and people
  • Wash hands before and after handling or feeding them
  • Consider wearing a facemask when you enter their room.

 

Pet Preparedness Plan In Case Of Emergency

Can Dogs Get Coronavirus
Like having supplies and the know-how for basic first aid for pets, owners should have a preparedness plan in place to deal with emergencies such as becoming infected with Coronavirus. Details of your plan to provide proper care for furbaby in extreme circumstances should include:
 
  • Have a first-aid kit for dogs stocked and ready for emergencies and review basic first aid for pets regularly
  • Have an adequate supply of food, medicines, and other products that you need to care for your pooch.
  • Line up a trusted friend or family member who can look after your furbaby if you’re incapacitated.
  • Have food, other supplies, and crates on hand in case you need to move your pup quickly.
  • Keep your special pal up-to-date on all vaccinations required by your boarding facility.
  • Prepare a document detailing all medications, dosing instructions, and prescription information.
  • Make sure your pet has current identification including an ID tag for the collar and a microchip.

 

In The News: Dogs And Coronavirus Across The Globe

Can Dogs Get Coronavirus

Puppies Sold To Testing Labs

In France, officials enacted a decree that allows dog breeders to sell excess stock to testing laboratories. The animal rights organization, France’s One Voice is circulating a petition to renounce the action. It also filed a complaint with the French high court in hopes of reversing the order.

 

Report From Market Data Analytics

In May, Market Data Analytics released an analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on the global anthelmintic market for 2020. The report profiles major market players and covers data from 2015-2019 then forecasts performance from 2020-2026.

 

Cairo Clinic Launches Internet Campaign Against Abandoning Pets

Out of concern for growing numbers of abandoned dogs and cats, a clinic in Cairo, Egypt is taking action. Corolos Majdi and other veterinarians decided to snap pup shots and pictures of kitties bearing signs that tell people they don’t transmit the coronavirus and are safe to keep. You can watch for the pictures on social media outlets.

 

Pups May Join Frontlines In Battle Against Coronavirus

Durham University and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) are working with the charity Medical Detection Dogs to see if trained pooches can detect COVID-19. Some pooches from this charitable organization already help to detect cancer, malaria, and Parkinson’s disease in patients. If trials prove successful, pups could help identify potential carriers of the virus in public spaces and airports.

Initial trials will involve 6 dogs to see if they can detect the virus on facemasks of COVID-19 infected patients. The CEO of Medical Detection Dogs indicates that he believes trained pups could screen up to 750 people per hour. After Canines single out potentially infected people, those individuals would undergo testing.

 

New Zealand Includes Canines In Social Distancing

In an effort to mitigate the risk of passing coronavirus through the vector of pet hair, New Zealand is requiring pets to stay in the “family bubble”. Owners can still walk their pooches, but they need to prevent contact with anyone outside of the household. 

 

Fallout In China

Early misinformation about the role pets played in spreading the novel coronavirus led some dog owners in China to abandon or euthanize their furry friends. In some cities, volunteer-based shelters are overwhelmed with new animals, and stray pets roam the streets.
In response, OIE, CDC, and other health organizations have been stressing that there’s no reason to suspect companion animals can spread the disease. Still, many dog owners in the nation are investing in pet masks to protect their canines from the virus.

 

Canine Quarantine In Italy?

As the nation of Italy locks down on Coronavirus, people wonder if the restrictions apply to their pups. The government’s mandate to restrict all unnecessary movements leaves some people asking if they can take their furbaby for a walk. According to Italian civil protection chief, Angelo Borrelli, “Surely, taking your dog out to do his business is a valid motivation.”

 

Canine Coronavirus In Australia

Unrelated to the pandemic, Authorities in Australia are dealing with an outbreak of CCoV in the greyhound industry. To help prevent further spread, the following sighthounds will be placed in isolation:
  • Any new animals entering the country
  • Any greyhounds showing signs of disease
  • Any greyhounds that contact infected animals

 

Stay Tuned…

The information above is based on what we currently understand about COVID-19 and our dogs. We’ll update the article if new details regarding the virus come to light. 

Can Dogs Get Coronavirus

Dr. Libby Guise
Dr. Libby Guise earned her DVM from the University of Minnesota in 1994. After working in private practice in Wisconsin for two years, she joined the USDA as a Veterinary Medical Officer. In 2011, Libby came home to focus on raising and teaching her adoptive daughter. She lives in Wisconsin with her daughter, husband, and two furbabies: Charis, a lab-mix rescue pup, and Chesed, a Springer Spaniel.

Source: Fluent Woof

Join me for The Dog Allergy Summit

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Join me for The Dog Allergy Summit

Hi Awesome Pet Parent!

You know I like to share helpful information for pet owners. So, here’s some exciting details about a FREE learning opportunity about allergies for dog owners!

If your dog experiences allergies, scratching, itching, or head shaking – something deeper in their body could be wrong. And it’s up to each of us as loving dog parents to act fast. Seasonal allergies are among the biggest factors that determine daily comfort for our dogs. And with so much conflicting information online from faceless blog posts, articles, and Facebook Groups — how do you really know who to believe?

Dr. Alex Avery has partnered with Pet Summits to bring you the very first Dog Allergy Summit. It’s completely free and online from July 29 – August 3. Dr. Avery has been a veterinarian for 16+ years and founded Our Pets Health: to provide accurate, evidence-based pet health information all designed to help you look after your furry family members to the best of your ability – all so they can live the long, healthy, and happy life you want for them!
Over the years he has helped thousands of animals recover from many diseases including chronic allergy issues. For the first time ever, Dr. Alex Avery has brought all of his colleagues together in order to share what really works when it comes to eliminating your dog’s allergies for good! I’m honored to participate in this summit where I’ll be talking about when to bring your dog’s itching may be an emergency!

You can get started right now by registering here! https://petaffiliates.center/267-10-5-24.html. The line-up of incredible speakers at this summit includes Dr. Chris Bessent, Dr. Cherice Roth, Dr. Margo Roman, Dr. Lisa Chimes, Dr. Jeff Werber, and so many more. It’s absolutely FREE for a limited time (July 29 – August 3). Plus it’s completely online so there’s nothing stopping you from joining! You’ll get to mingle with a community of like-minded dog owners who are committed to improving their dog’s allergies too.

Click here now for registration information so you can join the Dog Allergy Summit today!!! https://petaffiliates.center/267-10-5-24.html.

Cheers,
Christopher G. Byers, DVM, DACVECC, DACVIM (SAIM), CVJ (he/him)
Veterinary Specialist / Educator / Author
Board-Certified Emergency & Critical Care Specialist
Board-Certified Small Animal Internal Medicine Specialist
Founder, CriticalCareDVM.com

Join me for The Dog Allergy Summit

Tips & Methods for Switching Dog Foods

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Tips & Methods for Switching Dog Foods

It is important that your dog switch dog food gradually from his current dog food to avoid digestive upset or tummy trouble.

To transition, mix your dog’s current food with his new food. Over 7 days, gradually decrease the amount of the current dog food while increasing the amount of new dog food.

To help you with the switch and dog food transition, refer to the 7-Day Transition Schedule below.

Remember these tips when switching your dog’s food:

  • Puppies become adults at 12 months of age and should transition to an adult dog food to ensure they are receiving proper nutrient levels for adult dogs.
  • Large breed puppies and small breed puppies should switch to a large breed or small breed adult dog food to ensure that their special needs are met.
  • For small and medium size dogs who are older, about the age of 7, they should transition to a mature adult or senior dog food that ensures that they are receiving the appropriate level of nutrients for that older lifestage.
  • For large breed dogs that are around 5 years of age, their food should switch to a mature adult or senior large breed dog food so that their special nutrient requirements are met.
  • Pregnant or nursing dogs need energy-dense foods with increased calcium content so be sure to transition them during this special time to a puppy food. However, during pregnancy or nursing, large breed dogs should be switched to a regular puppy food, not a large breed puppy food.

If your veterinarian has recommended a therapeutic dog food for a specific health condition, please be sure to discuss transitioning in detail. There could be some special considerations and suggestions to ensure success.

Source: Hills

Website: www.hillspet.co.za

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How to Handle Dogs That Dig

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Dogs that dig

If your dog is slowly turning your garden into a cratered moonscape then try not to despair because dogs that dig are only doing what comes naturally.

The first step you should take is to try to identify the reason why he is digging. Dogs may dig because of a predatory instinct or they may be digging to bury bones or toys. This is instinctual behaviour designed to hide food from other predators.
Digging may also be part of a nesting instinct, particularly if your dog is pregnant. They will also dig a hole if it is too hot because digging exposes cool earth and provides a small, shaded shelter. If your dog is digging under a fence or next to a gate he may simply be trying to get out of the garden. Some dogs dig to alleviate boredom or just for fun. Others may have a genetic predisposition to dig, Terriers for example, are notorious diggers.

What can you do?
Once you’ve identified why your dog is digging it becomes simpler to correct. All you will need is a little patience and persistence. If your dog is digging in order to chase wildlife you need to find a way to keep them apart, perhaps you could construct some kind of shield or obstacle so he won’t be able to see the other animals – after all, if he can’t see them, he won’t be as tempted to chase them.
If the wildlife is on his side of the fence, then chances are, he won’t be fast enough to catch it anyway – squirrels and birds are usually far too speedy for the average dog.

Rats and mice will normally show a dog a clean pair of heels too. Take care if you use poison to deal with vermin such as this, as it could affect your dog as well. Additionally, if you use traps to catch vermin, make sure to keep your dog away from them so he doesn’t get harmed.

Expending energy
If your dog simply seems to be trying to get rid of lots of pent up energy you should try giving him more exercise. Take longer or more frequent walks and try to schedule some ‘playtime’ involving games like fetch that will tire out your dog.
Never punish your dog for digging a hole. Even if you bring your dog to the dig site he won’t be able to associate his digging with the punishment. If you catch him in the act, direct him to another activity and reward him for choosing to do this new activity instead.

Source: Hills

Website: www.hillspet.co.za

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The Science Behind a Dog IQ Test

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The Science Behind a Dog IQ Test

How smart is your dog? If your pooch knows enough to keep from ruining the carpet and generally to keep out of trouble, you might think he’s as smart as he needs to be, and haven’t thought of giving him a dog IQ test. A dog intelligence test can give you an idea about his trainability and problem solving skills. Keep reading for the scoop on dog intelligence, and how you can administer an IQ test to your pup.

The Science of Dog Intelligence
While your dog’s IQ will make no difference to how much you love him, for those looking to adopt a new pooch, dog intelligence test scores can help to indicate traits of temperament and trainability. This can not only help prospective dog owners select a dog that’s a good fit, but also give them an idea of what to expect from their new dog.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that when it comes to the parent/pet relationship, dog intelligence is highly subjective, says Today. While your dog might not excel at the reasoning and problem-solving skills indicative of a high IQ, he might possess other talents that nevertheless convince you he’s a genius. Additionally, obedience is not necessarily a sign of intelligence.

On the other hand, some scientists think that studying dog intelligence can help provide insight into human intelligence. A group of British researchers are working to devise a reliable dog IQ test that they hope will make it easier to study the link between intelligence and health, says Scientific American. While dog intelligence seems to be mapped similarly to that of humans, dogs don’t engage in any lifestyle activities that might hamper their IQ scores, like humans sometimes do. By testing the IQ of a large number of border collies that all came from similar farming backgrounds, the study determined that even within breeds, the intelligence of individual dogs can widely vary. Researchers hope that by developing an accurate dog intelligence test, they’ll be able to study the link between IQ and overall health and life expectancy without any of the variables that hinder similar studies with human subjects.

Different Types of Dog Intelligence
Dog intelligence comes in two basic varieties, says Today. There is “instinctive” intelligence, which is the type of intelligence and natural ability that is inherent to a breed or type of dog. This is the type of intelligence that makes terriers generally good at hunting small animals, bloodhounds good at finding things via scent, and border collies excellent at herding sheep.

The other type is “adoptive” intelligence, which is a dog’s ability to learn. This category includes learning to perform certain tasks, socialization, and language comprehension. A dog may be stronger in one category of intelligence than the other. But just as a human who can rock a Mozart concerto on the piano is no better or worse than someone who can calculate the square root of pi without a calculator, a dog that is stronger in adoptive intelligence is no better or worse than one that shows more strength in the instinctive intelligence category. So, when conducting an IQ test on your dog, keep in mind that he may have natural talents and skills that the test doesn’t take into account.

Dog IQ Test
Below are some tasks that you can do with your dog to test his IQ. These tasks are designed to evaluate a dog’s ability to learn and retain information as well as his capacity for reasoning and problem solving. A scoring system is also provided so you can determine where your pooch falls on the dog IQ scale.

Task One: Place a large towel or blanket over your dog’s head. This task will provide insight into your dog’s ability to solve problems.

Scoring: Give your dog three points if he figures out how to free himself in under fifteen seconds, two points if it takes fifteen to thirty seconds, and one point if it takes more than thirty seconds.

Task Two: Place two or three empty buckets or cups upside down in a row. While your pup watches, place a treat under one of the containers. Distract him for a few seconds before allowing him to look for the treat. This test will help determine how well your dog can learn and retain information.

Scoring: Give him three points if he goes straight to the container hiding the treat, two if he checks one empty container before finding the right one, and one point if he checks both wrong containers before locating the treat.

Task Three: In a room where your pup has a favorite spot to lounge, send him out of the room and then rearrange the furniture. This task is designed to test his reasoning and cognition.

Scoring: Let your dog back into the room. If he goes right to his favorite spot, give him three points. Give him two points if he takes a short time to investigate before finding his spot. If he gives up and picks a new spot, give him one point.

Task Four: Underneath a piece of furniture (low enough to the ground that only your dog’s paw will fit), place a treat within paw’s reach. This task will test your dog’s reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Scoring: Give your pooch three points if it takes him under a minute to reach for the treat using only his paw. If he tries to fit his head into the space first, or uses both his nose and paws, give him two points, and one point if he gives up entirely.

Task Five: At a time when you don’t normally take your dog for a walk, pick up his leash while he’s watching. This task tests your dog’s ability to make and retain associations.

Scoring: Give your dog three points if he immediately gets the hint and becomes excited; two points if you need to walk to the door before he gets the message that it’s time to go somewhere; and one point if he doesn’t seem to understand what’s going on.

Task Six: This one takes a little extra work on your part. With a piece of cardboard five feet wide and too tall for your dog to see over when standing on his back legs, build a barrier by attaching each end of the cardboard to a box big enough to support it. In the center of the cardboard, cut a rectangle about three inches wide that starts about four inches from the top and ends about four inches from the bottom. Toss a treat behind the barrier, allowing your dog to watch where it falls through the window you cut into the cardboard. This task will help measure reasoning and problem-solving ability.

Scoring: Give your dog three points if he takes 30 seconds (or less) to figure out he needs to walk around the barrier to get the treat. If he takes longer than 30 seconds to figure it out, give him two points, and one point if he tries to climb through the window or bulldoze his way through the barrier instead of going around.

  • More than 15 points: Congratulations! Your dog is a genius.
  • 13–15 points: Your dog’s not Einstein but he’s still a smart cookie.
  • 9–12 points: Your dog won’t be the class valedictorian but he’ll get by okay.
  • 5–8 points: Your dog might need some assistance figuring things out and getting things done.
  • 1–4 points: It doesn’t take brains to give cuddles and kisses—that’s all that really matters, right?

Dogs that do well on these types of tasks tend to be highly trainable and make great candidates for service dogs. But again, these tests aren’t infallible. Some dogs are simply stubborn, and their lack of cooperation probably has nothing to do with their intelligence. Some also say the smartest dogs are the ones that wait patiently for their owners to fork over a treat that they don’t have to work for. But even if your dog is not the sharpest tool in the shed, that does nothing to diminish the love and loyalty he has for you.

Source: Hills

Website: www.hillspet.co.za

Written by: Jean Marie Bauhaus

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