Your dog may be delighted to have a few licks of your yogurt, but the lactose may not agree with him. Greek yogurt may be better for dogs. Credit: Wesend61 | Getty Images
Yogurt is often viewed as a wholesome, probiotic-rich food, and many dog owners wonder whether it can be safely shared with their pet. The short answer is yes, yogurt can be good for some dogs, but only when the right type is chosen and fed in appropriate amounts.
Yogurt is not a necessary part of a dog’s diet, but it can serve as a healthy functional treat that provides beneficial bacteria, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. However, because dogs do not process dairy as well as most humans do, understanding the nuances of yogurt types and ingredients is essential before adding it to your dog’s bowl, lick-mat, Kong, or Toppl.
Lactose Is a Problem for Dogs
One of the most important considerations when feeding yogurt to your dogs is lactose intolerance. Adult dogs are lactose intolerant, as they do not produce the lactase enzyme needed to break down lactose, the natural sugar found in milk, past puppyhood. When a lactose-intolerant animal consumes lactose, the sugar cannot be digested and creates gastrointestinal upset including gas, bloating, loose stools, and diarrhea. The severity of these symptoms varies widely between individual dogs, which is why some dogs tolerate yogurt well while others do not.
Traditional yogurt made from cow’s milk contains a moderate amount of lactose, although less than milk itself due to fermentation. The live cultures in yogurt consume some of the lactose during production, making it easier to digest than fluid milk.
Greek yogurt is often a better option for dogs because it is strained during processing, removing much of the whey and lactose. As a result, Greek yogurt is lower in lactose, higher in protein, and thicker in texture, making it one of the most commonly recommended yogurt options for dogs.
There are lactose-free yogurts available, which simply have the lactase enzyme added to them to break apart the sugar into a digestible format for lactose-intolerant people and dogs alike. This is a phenomenal option for pet parents looking to give their dog a fun treat without risking tummy troubles.
Concerns About Lactose-Free Yogurt and Dogs
Ingredient safety is just as important as lactose content when selecting yogurt for your dogs. Many flavored yogurts contain added sugars, flavors, and other ingredients that are unnecessary and potentially harmful.
Low-calorie, sugar-free, or “diet” yogurts are of particular concern as they may contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely toxic and dangerous to dogs. Even very small amounts of xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar causing seizures, liver failure, or death. For this reason, any yogurt given to a dog must be carefully checked to ensure it does not contain xylitol, which may also be listed under alternative names such as birch sugar.
Yogurt can be a safe, healthy, and delicious treat for dogs when chosen thoughtfully. As always, introduce new foods slowly and monitor your pet’s tolerance, keeping an eye out for signs of gastrointestinal upset. Plain, unsweetened, and preferably lactose-free, Greek yogurt is the best option for your pup due to low lactose and high protein levels. When fed sparingly, yogurt can be a simple way to add variety and beneficial digestive microbes to your dog’s diet.
If your dog’s attention-seeking whining is driving you crazy, consider teaching them quieter ways to ask for attention—like putting their head on your leg—instead. instead. Credit: AleksandarNakic | Getty Images
If you’re living with a dog who is constantly whining for attention, you’re not alone. Many loving and attentive dog guardians find this behavior frustrating, especially when it feels relentless. The good news is that when you understand why your dog is whining, and how the behavior developed, you’re in a much better position to respond in a way that is kind, effective, and supportive of your dog’s wellbeing and your relationship.
Why is My Dog Whining All the Time?
Whining is a normal canine behavior and one aspect of how they vocalize. Dogs use it to communicate how they’re feeling (Marx et al., 2021) and this can include emotions like frustration, stress, discomfort, excitement, or anticipation. Whining isn’t “bad behavior.” Rather, it’s information about a dog’s current emotional state. However, when whining becomes frequent, intense, or constant, it needs to be addressed.
If your dog is whining all the time, it’s important to understand why. Dogs don’t whine for no reason at all. Common reasons why a dog might whine all the time include:
Needing to relieve themselves
Hunger or thirst
Feeling anxious, fearful, or frustrated
Experiencing pain, discomfort, or an underlying medical issue
If constant whining is sudden or occurs alongside other behavioral changes, a checkup with the vet should be arranged.
What is Attention-Seeking Whining in Dogs?
Attention-seeking whining occurs when your dog whines and looks to you, often to elicit pats and affection or when they want you to do something (e.g. feed them, play with them, let them outside).
From a learning perspective, dogs repeat behaviors that have a beneficial consequence. If your dog loves attention, then they learn pretty quickly which behaviors result in attention and continue to offer these behaviors. For example, if whining results in being told off, some dogs will continue to do it because, to them, some attention is better than none.
In many cases, attention-seeking whining develops unintentionally, such as when a puppy or newly adopted dog vocalizes and is comforted. It develops when attention is given to a dog more often than not when they whine—even if it’s not every time. This is called intermittent reinforcement and actually strengthens the behavior. This can result in a dog whining more often or for longer as they attempt to obtain attention.
From the dog’s point of view, the escalation makes sense but can frustrate their owner. It doesn’t mean your dog is trying to intentionally annoy you. Rather, they are trying to meet a need for connection.
How To Tell if Your Dog is Whining for Attention
You can usually tell if a dog is whining for attention as they will typically show some of the following patterns:
Whining occurs most often when you’re present
The behavior stops once attention is given
Your dog is relaxed, happy, and healthy otherwise
Whining occurs in predictable situations (e.g. dinnertime, during work calls, when you’re sitting down)
Whereas whining linked to pain or distress often persists regardless of attention and is present alongside other stress signals.
When Whining is a Sign of Something More Serious
Sometimes, whining can be a sign of something more serious, such as separation anxiety (Pongrácz et al., 2017) or illness. Common indicators that this could be the case include the behavior being new or suddenly increasing in intensity accompanied by pacing, trembling, or panting, occurring when your dog is alone or separated from you, and when it’s associated with loss of appetite and changes in sleep or mobility. In these cases, a trip to the vet for a check-up is vital.
What To Do if Your Dog is Constantly Whining for Attention
If your dog is whining for attention, follow these steps to address it:
Step 1: Meet Your Dog’s Needs
Ensure you are meeting your dog’s social, physical, and psychological needs. When dogs are not receiving enough companionship, exercise, and mental stimulation, whining—and other undesirable behaviors—can increase due to boredom and frustration.
Step 2: Teach Your Dog Calm and Quiet Ways to Ask for Attention
Teach your dog that they can “ask” for attention politely by resting their muzzle on your lap or sitting at your side. When you consistently reward these calm behaviors with attention, you teach your dog how to ask for attention in a more desirable way.
Step 3: Change How You Respond to Whining
Rather than becoming frustrated and scolding your dog when they whine, ignore the behavior momentarily then ask for a more desirable behavior such as “sit.” Reward the sit if your dog is not whining. This teaches them that sitting quietly gets attention, but whining doesn’t. Pretty soon they’ll stop whining for attention because that no longer works. The key to making this work is consistency!
Mistakes To Avoid When Dealing with a Whining Dog
When working to address whining, there are several mistakes it’s important to avoid. These include:
Yelling at, or scolding, your dog (still attention)
Giving in “just this once”
Expecting immediate results
Assuming your dog is intentionally trying to annoy you
Behavior modification takes time. Try to be patient and celebrate steady progress.
Why Ignoring a Whining Dog Often Doesn’t Work
You might have been given advice to just ignore your dog’s whining. Whilst well-intended, this does not address the underlying cause and may result in the whining persisting. Removing your attention as a consequence of whining can help. However, it’s also important that your dog’s needs are being met, you are reinforcing desired behavior, and you are consistent for best results.
How Long Does It Take to See Improvement?
This is a common question and the answer depends on several variables including how consistent you are, how long whining has persisted, and whether your dog’s underlying needs are being adequately met. Generally speaking, most dog owners will notice some improvement within a week or two with further improvement seen over time.
When to Seek Professional Help for Whining
It’s time to seek help from a qualified animal behaviorist, veterinary behaviorist, or positive reinforcement dog trainer if whining is linked to stress or anxiety, the behavior is escalating, or if it’s negatively impacting your quality of life or your relationship with your dog.
As discussed above, if you think there could be an underlying medical or health issue, take your dog straight to the vet for a check-up.
Although constant whining can be a frustrating behavior dogs don’t whine for no reason. Understanding and addressing the underlying cause and meeting our dogs’ needs go a long way towards successful resolution.
How often a dog poops depends on the individual dog. Diet, exercise, and age can all make a difference in poop frequency and consistency. Credit: Fotkam | Getty Images
How often do you think about your dog’s poop schedule? You probably fall into one of two categories: You don’t think about it much beyond making sure you’re well-equipped with bags to scoop, or you obsess over the poop’s cadence, color, and consistency.
Neither extreme is ideal, but paying attention to the frequency, difficulty, and form of your dog’s poop does provide insight into her overall health and well-being.
Before you can determine your dog’s baseline poop habits (i.e., what is normal for her) and when to seek medical attention, you need to consider a mix of biology, diet, and lifestyle.
How Often Do Dogs Poop? What’s Normal for Your Dog?
While there’s no single answer to how many times a dog should poop, the number varies based on factors such as age (e.g., puppies go more often older dogs). Other factors include the dog’s level of exercise and overall diet. A sudden change in diet (and what types of human food your dog is getting into) is something to monitor, too, as that can result in diarrhea and altered frequency.
Various veterinary teaching hospitals and other experts—including Tufts University’s Cummings School, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology—concur that healthy adult dogs settle into a pattern of two to three times a day, typically shortly after meals.
Dogs, of course, don’t all follow the same schedule. Several biological factors contribute to how often your dog needs to go. Again, puppies have high metabolisms and small digestive tracts and often need to eliminate almost immediately after eating. However, older dogs who have a slower metabolism may go less frequently.
What Factors Affect How Often Dogs Poop?
According to Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, fiber plays a dual role in your dog’s diet. It’s a little tricky, though: While it helps firm up stool, excessive fiber can also increase the volume and frequency of bowel movements. Other factors include:
Mealtimes: The frequency of your dog’s meals contributes to her daily schedule. A dog fed once a day may poop only once. Conversely, a dog fed three small meals is likely to have more frequent urges.
Exercise: Physical movement stimulates muscle contractions that move waste through the intestines. This is why many dogs poop shortly after starting a walk.
Score 1: Hard, dry pellets indicate dehydration or constipation.
Score 2 (the ideal stool): Firm, segmented, but not crumbly.
Score 3: Moist surface, leaves a mark when picked up, but holds its shape.
Score 4-5: Very soft, moist, beginning to lose shape.
Score 6-7: Watery diarrhea with no texture.
When to Worry About Changes in How Often Your Dog Poops
A change in frequency may be an early sign of an underlying medical issue.
Cornell’s Riney Canine Health Center Veterinary groups suggests you watch for extreme shifts such as diarrhea. Most cases resolve on their own. However, according to Cornell’s Meredith Miller, DVM: “If a pet stops eating, is lethargic, the diarrhea is black or tarry in quality, there is associated vomiting, or the diarrhea doesn’t resolve in 48 to 72 hours then veterinary care should be sought.”
Conversely, if you suspect your dog is constipated you should bring him to a veterinarian if he hasn’t had a bowel movement for three days, displays pain (e.g., pacing, crying, hiding, and licking at the anus when trying to defecate, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
Can Probiotics Help Regulate How Often a Dog Poops?
Research from the Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnologyhighlights the importance of the gut microbiome in canine regularity. A balance of bacteria ensures that nutrients are absorbed efficiently, which stabilizes the frequency of elimination. If your dog has “unpredictable” frequency, veterinarians often recommend a clinical-grade probiotic.
When Should You Call the Vet About Your Dog’s Poop Habits?
While a single day of unusual bowel behavior is no reason to panic, the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine recommends a visit to your vet if you notice:
Your dog tries to go but produces nothing.
Bright red blood in her stool dark or tarry stool an indication of melena.
Diarrhea or constipation that lasts longer than 24 hours.
If the change in pooping is paired with vomiting, lethargy, or a refusal to eat.
If you do decide to make a veterinarian appointment, remember to bring a fecal sample with you. That sample is a key part of truest way of knowing just how healthy your dog is.
The best automatic dog feeders offer precise portion control, easy scheduling options, and good capacity. Credit: Jae Thomas
Whether you work long hours, have a dog who needs to be fed at specific times every day, or want to take some of the guesswork out for your pet sitter, an automatic dog feeder is a convenient and easy way to schedule and portion your dog’s meals.
From smart dry food feeders with app control to automatic wet food feeders that keep your dog’s food refrigerated, here are some tips for how to select the best automatic dog feeder for your pup.
Traits We Want in the Best Automatic Dog Feeders
Portion control: The best automatic dog feeders should offer consistent portion control, so you always know how much food your dog is getting per meal. This will help you keep your pup at a healthy weight and will alert you if your dog isn’t eating as much as they normally do, or if they seem hungrier than usual—potential signs of illness.
Scheduling ability: Our top automatic pet feeder picks offer customizable meal scheduling down to the minute and let you set how many days per week they recur. The best options allow you to schedule multiple meals per day (though some options on this list max out at three schedulable meals per day).
App control: App control can be a pro or a con depending on your preferences. App-controlled automatic dog feeders often allow you to get more granular about the feeding schedule details, while offering you more data on your dog’s mealtime and general habits. Non-app controlled automatic pet feeders can’t be controlled remotely, and often have more complicated on-device controls, but keep you from having to download yet another app onto your phone.
Capacity and portion size: Think about how much your dog eats per meal before selecting an automatic dog feeder. Most automatic dog feeders have granary-type tanks to fill with kibble that max out at a few liters. The serving sizes for many of these feeders are also usually quite small, which is great for small dogs, but not as compatible for large or giant breeds. However, if you do have a large dog, many feeders offer slow feeding settings that will allow you to feed your dog more food over an extended period of time, or schedule multiple “meals” back-to-back to ensure your dog gets their required food allotment.
Is an Automatic Dog Feeder a Good Choice for My Dog?
Some dogs may not be suited to automatic dog feeders. If your pet is sensitive and startles at noises, they may not like a granary-type feeder that drops kibble out of the bottom. Also, highly food-motivated dogs may become obsessed with the feeder and spend a lot of time staring at it or becoming frustrated when it doesn’t dispense additional food.
Both of these types of dogs would benefit from training around the feeder while you’re home, either desensitizing them to the sound, or reminding them to leave the feeder alone after mealtime.
If you’d like to keep an eye on your pet during their mealtimes, the Petlibro Granary feeder has a built-in camera and dispenses food by the cup for an easier measuring process.
If you feed your dog wet food, fresh food, or raw food that needs to be kept cold, the Petlibro Polar feeder keeps dog food cold for up to 72 hours, and allows you to schedule your dog’s meals remotely via a simple companion app.
The Pawsync automatic feeder is best for dogs who need strict portion control, since it has a built-in scale for accurate meal sizes. This is a good option for dogs who need to lose, gain, or maintain their weight and pet parents who want accuracy.
The settings on the PATPET Automatic Dog Feeder aren’t the most intuitive, but this budget-friendly automatic feeder is an app-free option for automatic feeders.
Best Automatic Dog Feeder: Petlibro Granary Smart Dog & Cat Feeder
The Petlibro Granary Smart Dog & Cat feeder is quick to set up, simple to use, and pair with an app that lets dog owners track their pup’s mealtimes. Credit: Jae Thomas
The Petlibro Granary Smart Dog & Cat Feeder is an easy, intuitive automatic dog feeder with a built-in pet camera. This feeder had the fastest setup of all the options we tested and was ready to be used in about five minutes. The companion app is simple and straightforward and allows you to simply set your pet’s food schedule and feeding amount, view the live feed from the built-in camera, and look at your pet’s feeding history.
The built-in camera shows when your dog approaches the feeder for mealtime. My scheduled meal at 9AM failed because I had the device unplugged at that time. Credit: Jae Thomas
Unlike some other options on this list, the Petlibro Granary feeder dispenses food in 1/12 cup portions instead of custom sized portions. You can choose meal sizes from 1/12 cup all the way up to four cups per meal. The one cup portion seems like one heaping cup compared to my food measuring cups, so compare the serving size to your dog’s typical serving size before setting their feeding schedule. You can always reduce or increase their serving amount in the app to match their typical serving size.
The bowl on this feeder is a bit small, so anything more than about two cups would likely overflow from the bowl unless your dog is a fast eater. This is easy to work around though, since you can simply schedule two back-to-back meals of smaller amounts if you have a dog who eats larger servings.
The resolution on the built-in camera is fairly clear and high quality, and it sends notifications to your phone when it detects sound or motion. If you have the feeder in a high-traffic area, you may get more phone notifications than you want, so consider placing it in a quiet corner of your house if possible.
Best Automatic Dog Feeder for Wet Food: Petlibro Polar Automatic Smart Dog & Cat Wet Food Feeder
Capable of keeping food fresh for up to three days, the Petlibro Polar automatic feeder is a great option for wet, raw, or fresh diets. Credit: Jae Thomas
The Petlibro Polar Automatic Smart Dog & Cat Wet Food Feeder is a genius innovation for folks who feed their dogs wet food. Similar to a dry food granary feeder, this wet food feeder allows you to schedule your dog’s mealtimes while also keeping wet food cold and fresh for up to three days. There’s a protective cover that opens and closes at times of your choosing, preventing your pet from getting into the feeder and keeping your dog’s canned, wet, or fresh food at the ideal temperature.
The Polar feeder is a great option for pet sitters, since it allows you to portion out your dog’s wet food and set the schedule for their meals. This way, you know that your dog is getting fed the right amount at the right time, whether you’re home or not. It’s also a good option for older dogs who need to eat frequently during the day while you’re away at work.
This feeder comes with options for either a plastic or stainless steel bowl (though Chewy only offers a plastic insert even though the stainless steel option is pictured), and is linked to a companion app that allows you to set the meal times and duration. The app also logs how many times your dog visited the feeder and how long your dog ate for, and it sends you a phone notification when an entire feeding schedule is complete and when it’s time to wash out the inner bowls. The device lets out a low, pleasant chime when the protective cover opens and your dog’s food becomes available.
The app-controlled Petlibro Polar tracks how often and how long your dog spends at the feeder. Credit: Jae Thomas
This feeder was one of the easiest to set up of the options we tested, and the companion app is simple and straightforward. The only downside to this feeder that I experienced during testing is that one of my dogs thought it was a puzzle feeder. After the compartment opened and she ate her meal, she pawed and nosed at the device, looking for a way to open it. If your dog is frequently fed using puzzle feeders, you may need to teach them that this isn’t a puzzle for them to solve.
Best Automatic Dog Feeder for Weight Loss: Pawsync Automatic Dog & Cat Smart Feeder
The Pawsync Automatic Feeder dispenses food by weight, making it the most precise feeder we tested. Credit: Jae Thomas
The Pawsync Automatic Dog & Cat Smart Feeder is an excellent option for dogs who need to lose weight, gain weight, or maintain their weight with strict accuracy. This feeder comes with a built-in scale that determines the weight of a single serving of your dog’s specific kibble. You can then schedule meals that are between one and 10 portions of kibble.
For example, one serving of my dogs’ Fromm kibble was about 0.3 ounces according to the Pawsync feeder, and a meal of 7 servings was about three quarters of a cup, which is what my 40-pound dogs normally eat per meal. This feeder was remarkably accurate with serving sizes, and each serving during the testing period was the exact same amount (verified via a food scale and a measuring cup).
You can also select a slow feeder setting, which dispenses your pet’s food slowly to encourage better digestion. If you select this setting, portions will be doled out every 30 seconds.
This feeder maxes out at meals around one cup, so it’s best for small and medium sized dogs. That’s not to say you couldn’t work around the 10 serving limitation by scheduling multiple meals back-to-back, though.
The Pawsync comes with a companion app that’s easy to navigate and allows you to add meals, adjust meal times and amounts, zero out the integrated scale, add pet details, and more. The app keeps track of the amount of food in the tank so you can plan to refill it when it runs low, and you can even record a “meal call” for the feeder, so your dog hears you calling their name or that dinner is ready when the food is dispensed.
This automatic dog feeder runs on power and connects to your home’s WiFi network, but you can also put D batteries in it as a backup power source.
Best Budget Automatic Dog Feeder: PATPET Timed Automatic Dog & Cat Feeder
The PATPET Timed Automatic Feeder is a good budget option but isn’t always the most intuitive to set up. Credit: Jae Thomas
The PATPET Timed Automatic Dog & Cat Feeder is a solid, budget-friendly option that doesn’t require an app to use. The portion amount, mealtime, and slow feed settings are all managed through one single button that cycles through the various settings on the feeder, many of which are abbreviated on the display (i.e. SF for slow feed, and F for feeding portion setting). It’s not the most intuitive setup, so keeping the instruction manual until you memorize how to set each of the functions is a must.
The PATPET Timed Automatic Feeder holds up to four liters of kibble and can dispense up to 50 10-gram portions at a time. The bowl of this feeder holds about 2.5 cups of food, which is likely less than the 50-portion max setting for most kibbles. However, using the slow feed function on this slow feeder could allow you to feed a large dog a fairly large meal over a more extended period of time, instead of pouring the entire meal into the bowl at once.
This option is powered via an outlet, but can also use D batteries for wireless use or as a power backup.
While every individual is different, there are countless examples of dogs recognizing and responding to human illness. Credit: Boris Jovanovic | Getty Images
A doctor told Heather May she had the flu, but the dog she adopted, a big yellow Lab named Scout, seemed to know something more serious was going on.
“I was home resting, and Scout would not leave my side,” May says. “He was on the bed with his head on top of me. He was refusing to eat. I didn’t know what was wrong with him.”
The Dallas, Texas-area attorney says she finally got Scout outside to potty in the backyard.
“I sat in my recliner because I felt dizzy, and the next thing I knew, Scout was scratching at the door, barking and banging,” May said. “I realized I was sitting in a completely different position in my chair than when I had sat down.”
When Scout came inside, he jumped into the recliner with her. “Then I lost time again,” May said. “At that point, I figured out I was having seizures.”
May stood up and tried to call for her husband upstairs, but she couldn’t yell loud enough.
“I got dizzy and grabbed one of the breakfast bar stools,” May says. “The next thing I know, I was on the ground flopping around, and I banged my head. Scout was trying to get underneath me as much as he could, and he was barking like crazy.”
When May’s husband heard Scout’s commotion, he ran downstairs, saw her on the ground, called 9-1-1, and EMTs rushed her to the hospital.
It turned out that the electrical signals in May’s heart were misfiring; she had a complete heart block, a life-threatening condition.
But how did Scout know something was wrong? Do dogs know when you are sick? Can they tell? Can they sense it?
Can Dogs Smell When You’re Sick?
Dogs may very well sense that you are sick because they can sniff out many illnesses and medical conditions.
Dr. Stanley Coren’s dog, Wiz, would bring his favorites toys to his ailing human. Credit: SC Psychological Enterprises Ltd.
“When we are ill, our body chemistry changes, and we know that dogs can sense a good deal of that,” says Dr. Stanley Coren, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia, and an esteemed researcher and writer about the intelligence of dogs.
Researchers are still just scratching the surface when it comes to figuring out all the medical conditions dogs’ extraordinary noses may be able to sniff out.
Cancer, Covid, and neurological disorders are just some of the ailments scientists have confirmed dogs can sense.
Other Ways Dogs May Know You’re Sick
Aside from changes in smell, when a person is sick, they may be in pain or feeling stressed. Dogs may also pick up on that.
Studies have found that dogs can recognize rising cortisol levels, a hormone that increases when someone feels anxious or nervous.
Dr. Coren has witnessed this first-hand. Over the years, he’s trained his personal pups to be therapy dogs. He and his associates have taken them to group mental health counseling sessions, and they have always observed the same outcome.
“The dogs seem to recognize who needs the most care, and they will wander over to them in the group and pay attention,” Dr. Coren says. “We know that dogs can read those kinds of emotions. They can read who’s stressed and who’s afraid.”
Physical cues aside, many pup parents swear dogs “just know” when they need consoling when they’re sick. How do they pull that off?
“I think their disease detection abilities are something which we can train and use,” Dr. Coren says. “But dogs’ overall behavioral response to our illness is because of the emotional changes which the illness produces.”
Can Dogs Really Tell When You’re Sick?
Canines don’t only have incredible noses; they also have keen powers of observation and dogs have spent tens of thousands of years reading humans. It’s clear they’ve gotten pretty good at sensing our emotional states and knowing our habits.
“We have systematically bred [dogs] so that they are more responsive to us, so that they respond to our linguistic cues, and to our emotional cues,” Dr. Coren says. “They become very, very aware of your normal behaviors. So, if your behaviors start to drift from what is normal, dogs may begin to respond, and that seems to be at the basis of a lot of these behavioral changes we see in the dogs. They’re sort of monitoring our behavior and mirroring it, if you will.”
Dogs also become accustomed to their schedule; think of the “crisis” Daylight Saving Time causes when their usual dinner time is off.
“The major thing which triggers a dog’s responses when you get sick is that your routine changes and you aren’t doing all of the usual things that you do,” Dr. Coren says. “So, you may curtail your walks, and you’re certainly moving more slowly, or you might be bedridden, and that causes a problem for dogs.”
The double whammy of changes in a human’s actions and habits when they’re sick can be upsetting for our four-legged family members. “Dogs love the fact that behaviors are predictable and dogs love routine,” Dr. Coren says.
This renowned researcher even experienced this phenomenon with one of his own dogs, Wiz.
“Wiz was like most Cavalier King Charles Spaniels,” Dr. Coren says. “He was incredibly passive and friendly, but the only time that we ever saw him display any sort of possessiveness was over his toys.”
But years ago, when Dr. Coren was sick and stuck in bed, his illness seemed to prompt a change of heart in Wiz’s typical behavior.
“One day, I awakened from a long sleep, and I found that Wiz had taken three of his favorite toys and dropped them on my chest,” Dr. Coren says. “I figured that it was his way of responding to my illness by bringing his most treasured possessions.”
While there are many plausible scientific explanations about how your dog seems to know you’re sick, when they do try to comfort, console, or alert you, it feels like some interspecies canine connection that is nothing less than a miracle.
Canine Connections
In May’s case, luckily, she reached the hospital in time to receive a pacemaker, which is now helping regulate her heartbeat.
But she remains astonished by how Scout knew something was so dreadfully wrong.
Did he sense a change in her heart rate? (Which is also something dogs can detect.) Was it a change in their routine? Or a dog superpower researchers have yet to identify?
May may never know, but she plans to take it seriously if Scout, or any of her dogs, seems to be signaling something is not right.
“Listen to your dog if they start acting out of the ordinary or try to get your attention,” May says. “If Scout starts acting like that again, I will say, ‘Take me to the hospital, and I’m not leaving until you have run every workup you possibly can, because my dog is telling me something is wrong.”
No doubt about it: Finding a vacuum that will pick up all your dog’s loose hair is nearly impossible, but we’ve found two we really like. Credit: Ivan Ozerov | Getty Images
Dogs are fantastic, but let’s face it: Managing dog hair can be a daunting task. This is especially true if you have multiple large, double-coated dogs in your household. And even if your dog doesn’t shed much, he still brings in dirt on his paws (though in my house, my husband’s boots provide the most dirt on the carpet). You need a reliable vacuum for dog hair just to keep up.
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How to Choose a Vacuum Cleaner for Dog Hair
Here are some features to look for when choosing a vacuum for your dog-friendly home.
Powerful Suction: Controlling dust bunnies takes work, and you need a vacuum able to do the job. This is especially true if your home has carpeting that grabs onto dog hair. In general, upright vacuums tend to have the most suction. But modern cannister and cordless vacuums are getting stronger over time and may be sufficient if your home is mostly hard flooring or low-pile carpet.
Beater Bar or Roller: A floorhead with a beater bar or roller will help to loosen and pick up dog hair. Look for a product that has anti-hair wrap or detangling features or is called a “pet hair attachment.” This will minimize the amount of dog hair that gets wrapped around the roller bar instead of going up the hose into the vacuum.
Nylon bristles tend to grab more hair than rubber wedges do. Even if your vacuum has detangling technology, it is still important to check the floorhead and roller bar on a regular basis. Freeing any tangled hair promptly will prevent knots from getting worse and keep your vacuum working properly. If you have multiple dogs, it’s a good idea to check this area after every use.
Large Dustbin: The larger the dustbin capacity, the less often you must stop to empty the vacuum. If you only have one dog and vacuum daily, this might not make a huge difference, but if you have multiple dogs and vacuuming keeps getting pushed to tomorrow’s to-do list, a bigger dustbin is a must. In general, upright and cylinder vacuums tend to have larger dustbins than cordless stick vacuums.
Simple Emptying Mechanism: A vacuum dustbin should be secure enough to keep debris contained but opening it should not be like cracking a safe. Be sure that the vacuum you are considering has a latch system that makes sense to you and that will be easy to maneuver. This is especially critical if you or a family member have limited strength or mobility in your hands.
The emptying mechanism should also minimize dust clouds that poof out upon opening. Bags eliminate this issue, but to use bags you will need to choose a vacuum that is set up for bags and then remember to buy bags on a regular basis.
Some cordless stick vacuums have eliminated this issue with auto-empty docks. When you place the vacuum back into its charging dock, the dustbin automatically empties into a larger chamber inside the dock. Depending on the model, the dock might have a bag or a larger dustbin that can then be emptied manually when filled.
Easy to Clean: No matter how well-designed a vacuum is, there is going to be some hair and dirt that slips through junctions or gets stuck in the wrong spots. Filters and collection chambers should be easy to access for periodic cleaning, and ideally there should be ways to access long hoses to free up any clogs.
Detail Tools: Dog hair gets everywhere, and the vacuum’s floorhead won’t reach everything. We recommend choosing a vacuum with a variety of tools and attachments so that you can tackle corners, creases, upholstery, and stairs with one machine.
Filters to Control Allergens: A HEPA filter is a great way to reduce dust, dander, and allergens circulating in the air after you vacuum. This is especially helpful if a family member or friend who comes over regularly is allergic to dogs or has asthma or any other respiratory disorder. This goes for dogs and cats with respiratory illnesses, too.
Best Vacuums for Dog Hair
Product
Description
Price
Where to Buy
Dreame R20
This lightweight cordless vacuum has good power and performs well on stairs, carpeting, and hard floors. It is versatile with a variety of attachments and converts to a handheld vacuum.
This upright vacuum is a beast, but its heavy weight comes with excellent suction (even on deep carpets) and a large dustbin. It is bagless and includes a HEPA filter. Dyson also offers higher trim models of the Ball Animal that include additional features and attachments.
This cordless stick vacuum tackles hair on all surface types and has an Auto mode that adjusts the level of suction based on the job. It has multiple accessories for different tasks, as well as a HEPA filter.
This canister vacuum is lightweight and does a great job with pet hair on hard floors. Its floorhead does not have a roller, which means you trade lack of tangles for less effective suction on carpet. It uses a bag system, and a long hose.
This upright vacuum uses a bag system and is certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation. It is a bit heavy but has excellent suction and large capacity. It also has attachments that are great for getting hair off bedding and furniture.
This canister vacuum has power to spare and sucks up hair off hard surfaces and carpeting alike. Many users comment on how quiet it is while still having great suction. Its long hose and cord make it easy to use on stairs and in large spaces, and the floorhead has a foam bumper to protect furniture and walls. It uses a bag system with an indicator to tell you when it’s full and includes a HEPA filter.
This cordless vacuum has great suction and can be purchased with an auto-empty dock to quickly and easily empty the dustbin. It has an Auto mode that adjusts the level of suction depending on the level of debris. It performs well on carpeting and hard floors and runs for up to 70 minutes on one charge.
This upright vacuum has a features list as long as its name. It has the powerful suction you expect form a good upright, and the hose and dustbin can lift away from the floorhead to convert to a canister vac for hard-to-reach places. It also has a HEPA filter and self-cleaning brush roll to prevent tangles.
I am quite fond of my Shark upright vacuum. “Sharky Shark” has been serving in the trenches with me for eight years, battling the hair from two dogs for the first couple years and then rising to the challenge of three dogs and a cat. While I am a very dedicated animal caretaker, my vacuum care skirts the line of benign neglect: I do what I need to to keep the vacuum running but sometimes put off maintenance tasks longer than I should. I’ve had a few close calls where I thought it had perished but leaving it to sit in the closet for a few days did the trick.
My vacuum is a Shark Rotator Pet Upright. It has good suction on medium pile carpet and hard flooring but struggles on shag carpet (don’t judge: I rent!). The large dustbin grabs a lot of hair and dirt and is easy to empty. It is an older model, so it has bristles on the roller that trap a bunch of hair, so I check that after finishing each room. I can easily access the different filters, which can be cleaned by shaking them out and then rinsing with clean water and letting them dry before use. Hair does tend to get stuck in the top section of the dustbin before the main compartment, which necessitates emptying the dustbin more frequently. Dirt and dust goes straight through to the primary dustbin. It also has a variety of tools, and I can detach the handle to reach tight or elevated areas.
Shark offers a wide variety of vacuum products, including upright vacuums, cordless vacuums, corded stick vacuums, handheld vacuums, and robotic vacuums. Prices range from $100 to $1,200 depending on the model and features.
Dyson
Dyson has a dedicated following among dog lovers, and Dyson makes an appearance on just about every listicle or forum thread about vacuums. Their products are space-age works of art that get the job done too. Dyson’s cordless vacuums have incredible suction that can match many upright vacuums.
Dyson boasts a wide range of tools and accessories, including Dyson’s Hair Screw Tool to remove pet hair from just about any surface. Vacuum models include upright vacuums, cordless vacuums, handheld vacuums, and robotic vacuums. Prices range from to $300 to $1150 depending on the model and features.
Runners-Up for Dog Hair Vacuums
These companies have all proven their worth in homes and might have the right product for your vacuum needs.
Dreame offers cordless vacuums and robotic vacuums. Prices range from $200 to $2,000 depending on model and features.
Eureka offers upright vacuums, cordless vacuums, corded stick vacuums, canister vacuums, and robotic vacuums for every budget. Prices range from $40 to $1,000 depending on model and features.
Kenmore offers upright vacuums, cordless vacuums, corded stick vacuums, canister vacuums, handheld vacuums, and robotic vacuums for every budget. Prices range from $100 to $450 depending on model and features.
SEBO offers upright vacuums and canister vacuums. Prices range from $650 to $1450 depending on model and features.
Bottom Line
While Shark and Dyson are our favorite choices, we have compiled other standout vacuums for dog hair in our chart. As with any major purchase, watch for sales and special offers to get a great vacuum at a great price.
No one disputes that dogs like vegetables! They do. The question when choosing a vegan diet is whether it is nutritionally adequate to keep your dog health. Credit: Alexei Tm | Getty Images
Vegetarian and vegan dog food is a topic that generates curiosity, debate, and strong opinions among pet owners. Unlike cats, which are obligate carnivores and require meat and animal protein for survival, dogs are biologically classified as omnivores. This means that their digestive systems can handle a variety of foods, including plant-based ingredients.
Dogs have evolved to extract nutrients from both animal and non-animal sources. Because of this flexibility, commercially available vegetarian and vegan dog diets are formulated to meet a dog’s nutritional requirements.
Despite the availability of these foods, deciding whether a dog should be vegan or vegetarian is not a simple yes-or-no answer. It requires careful consideration of nutritional requirements, what the individual tolerates, palatability, and a thoughtful selection of foods that provide complete and balanced nutrition.
In this article, we explain what you need to be concerned about and share brands of vegan and vegetarian dog food we think are top choices if you choose to feed these foods.
What Is Vegetarian Dog Food?
A vegetarian dog food contains no meat but may contain other animal-derived ingredients such as eggs or dairy, depending on the recipe. Vegan dog food, by contrast, contains no animal products and relies solely on plant-based proteins and nutrient sources to meet a dog’s dietary needs. Both categories aim to provide all the essential nutrients a dog needs, which include amino acids (protein), fatty acids (fats), and vitamins and minerals, without relying on meat.
Many manufacturers produce these foods to meet the standards set forth by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), which helps ensure that the diet is complete and balanced for a dog’s life stage, whether that be adult maintenance or for growth and reproduction. Dogs fed vegetarian or vegan diets should be on foods that have been formulated with attention to these standards, as homemade or imbalanced diets can easily lead to nutrient deficiencies or toxicities over time.
Is Vegan Dog Food Safe?
One of the primary concerns with vegetarian or vegan diets is whether a dog can get enough digestible nutrients without meat. Dogs require certain amino acids that are abundant in meat or eggs but tend to be present in lower, or in incomplete profiles, in plant proteins. Because of this, without careful recipe design, plant-only diets can fall short. Modern plant-based dog foods address this by combining a variety of plant sources, each with a unique amino acid profile, along with synthetic vitamins and minerals to achieve a complete and balanced formula.
Can a Plant-Based Diet Help My Dog with Allergies?
Dogs with specific allergies or intolerances to meat proteins, such as beef, chicken, or lamb, may benefit from a vegetarian diet that avoids these proteins entirely. Environmental advocates note that plant-based dog foods may require fewer natural resources and produce a lower carbon emission than traditional meat-based diets, though the implications for canine health are less clear. Despite these potential advantages, a vegetarian or vegan diet is not inherently healthier for your dog simply because it contains no meat. Dog nutrition is complex, and some dogs may tolerate a plant-based diet well while others may struggle with a plant-based formula.
Are There Risks of Disease with a Vegetarian Dog Diet?
When exploring vegetarian or vegan dog foods on the market, several well-known and respected options exist that are formulated to offer complete nutrition without animal products. Royal Canin offers a vegetarian formula under their veterinary line. The benefit of this formula is that Royal Canin does perform numerous feeding trials to ensure the diet is digestible and complete for dogs, which is a luxury many smaller brands cannot afford.
Natural Balance Vegetarian Dog Foods
Another strong choice is the Natural Balance Vegetarian Dry Dog Food and its companion Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Small Breed Dry Dog Food, which are vegetarian formulas that provide balanced nutrition for adult dogs, including small breeds. For those who prefer a wet food option, the Natural Balance Vegetarian Canned Dog Food gives plant-based nutritive support in a different texture that some dogs find more palatable.
Ingredients:
Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Pearled Barley, Peas, Pea Protein, Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Potato Protein, Potatoes... View all
Ingredients:
Brown Rice, Oat Groats, Pearled Barley, Peas, Potato Protein, Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Potatoes, Dicalcium Phosphate... View all
Evanger’s Vegetarian Dog Food
Evanger’s also offers a canned vegetarian food for all life stages, including the growth of large-breed dogs. This formula is also marketed as being low in fat for dogs who suffer from issues with higher-fat diets.
Ingredients:
Sweet Potatoes, Potatoes, Water Sufficient for Processing, Brown Rice, Carrots, Tomatoes, Organic Olive Oil, Peas... View all
Halo Holistic Vegan Dog Food
Many brands have expanded into holistic or plant-based recipes as well. The Halo Holistic Vegan Plant‑Based Recipe with Superfoods Adult food is formulated with superfood ingredients and probiotics to support digestive health alongside complete nutrition.
Ingredients:
Vegetable broth, chickpeas, potatoes, pea protein, carrots, olive oil, peas, spinach... View all
Gradual Switch to Vegetarian Dog Food
Veterinarians generally recommend that any significant diet change, including switching to plant-based food, be done gradually and with professional oversight. Before transitioning, a pet parent should ensure that the chosen food is specifically labeled as complete and balanced and for their dog’s specific life-stage and has, ideally, gone through feeding trials rather than merely meeting nutritional profiles on paper.
Remember, just because a nutrient is present on paper does not necessarily mean it is digestible, and if it is not digestible, your dog’s body cannot utilize it. Regular health checks, including monitoring body condition, coat quality, and having regular blood work performed, are important for detecting potential nutrient imbalances early. For most dogs with pre-existing health conditions, specialized diets or supplementation may be necessary to support long-term health.
Is Vegetarian Dog Food Healthy?
Biologically, dogs technically can be fed vegetarian and even vegan diets when they are formulated to provide complete, balanced nutrition appropriate for their specific life stage. A plant-based diet involves careful planning and veterinary guidance, particularly to ensure that essential nutrients, such as amino acid profiles and micronutrients, are present in the correct quantities.
While some dogs may thrive on plant-based diets, others may require or prefer diets containing animal proteins. Individual health, lifestyle, and ethical considerations all play a role in choosing the correct diet for your dog. With thoughtful selection of high-quality vegetarian or vegan dog foods and close monitoring of their dog’s health, many pet parents can provide plant-based nutrition while maintaining their dog’s wellbeing.
Your best defense against kennel nose in dogs is to start when the dog’s a puppy, properly training so that he learns that a kennel, crate, or ex-pen is not a bad thing. Credit: Os Tartarouchos | Getty Images
Anyone who has had a dog who was stressed in their crate is sadly familiar with kennel nose in dogs. If you have not experienced this condition, that is wonderful, but you will want to better understand what is kennel nose in dogs in case you run into it.
What Is Kennel Nose?
This condition results from a dog rubbing their nose repeatedly against something, which often includes the crate/kennel. It can also be a result of rubbing their nose against other objects such as beds, bedding, fencing, or even while digging, but being kenneled is the No. 1 cause of kennel nose. A dog with kennel nose has a nose that is likely red and inflamed, possibly with scabbing, crusts, and even open wounds. The condition can vary in degrees of intensity from simple irritation to the point of bleeding and scabs that need first aid.
How Do You Treat Kennel Nose?
As far as kennel nose treatment goes, checking with your veterinarian is an important first option, especially if there are scabs and bleeding. You may want to gently cleanse the nose to prevent infection as well as applying a dog-safe antibacterial ointment. Your veterinarian can suggest an over-the-counter product or prescribe one.
If the nose is very irritated, you may need to consider an Elizabethan collar to prevent further damage. This will prevent further nose rubbing. But it will still require you to better determine the root cause of kennel nose in your dog so that you can prevent a repetition of such. Your dog will thank you for that.
Is Kennel Nose Due to Anxiety?
The root cause of kennel nose is anxiety of some sort. What caused the kennel nose will tell you how to prevent it but for actual crate concerns, you can easily prevent this from happening by teaching your dog that their crate or kennel is not a bad thing. If your dog is battling separation anxiety that causes him to rub against the crate, you should address that.
If your dog buries things with their nose situationally in specific contexts, then determine how you can help them relieve their anxiety about that situation. Do you have guest over? Is the normal routine disrupted? Are other household members, whether human or animal, being intrusive towards them? These are all important considerations to resolve the need to bury things with their nose.
Some dogs bury their belongings in their bed or bedding to such a degree that they end up with kennel nose. This type of behavior can be the result of a form of resource guarding that is less obvious as such. This type of resource guarding causes a dog to seem to feel overwhelmed at having certain items. So, they bury them to keep them safe. I have seen dogs do this with high-value items like bones or bully sticks, when they did not appear to feel safe enjoying them. Addressing this issue is a whole other article, however.
Observing your dog when you notice this type of nose burying behavior will help to identify the source of the issue. Identifying the cause will allow this condition to be better prevented.
Is Your Dog Bored?
If your dog is simply bored, then looking at their typical daily schedule with the goal of adding more enrichment should be the first order of business. A mentally enriched dog is a happier dog. Sniffing walks, problem-solving exercises, physical exercise, and even training games can add enrichment to their day and prevent boredom.
When it comes to dog chews, yak cheese sticks are a popular alternative to rawhide. Credit: Petra Richli | Getty Images
Weighing around 80 pounds, Michele McHugh’s Shepherd mix, Doodle, loved to chew.
“She enjoyed her toys and had an assortment of chew toys,” McHugh says. “The more edible type of chews were given as treats on special occasions to keep her entertained.”
But the Houston, Texas area dog mom wasn’t comfortable giving Doodle rawhide bones, so McHugh opted for rawhide alternatives.
“There are so many other choices out there besides rawhide,” McHugh says.
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In recent years, the demand for rawhide alternatives has grown. We found that many pet supply store shelves and online retailers are packed with products promoted as alternatives to rawhide. Good rawhide alternatives include:
Rawhide Concerns: Why Look for Rawhide Alternatives?
Made from dried animal skins, typically beef, rawhide is a popular product for dogs. There are a wide range of rawhide products available; some are made in the United States while others are imported from China, Mexico, and South American countries.
Many companies say their rawhides are digestible, safe, and natural. However, some dog owners and veterinarians opt for rawhide alternatives due to concerns about possible chemicals used to treat some rawhide products, potential bacterial contamination, and health and safety risks.
“I started seeing more problems in practice with dogs getting rawhides stuck in the back of their throat, causing choking,” says veterinarian Brian Collins with the Cornell Riney Canine Health Center. “Some dogs get them stuck in their GI tract, causing vomiting or creating obstructions.”
While any type of chew could potentially cause an issue—like a digestive problem or choking hazard—for your dog, Dr. Collins also worries about how rawhide and other chews may affect your dog’s teeth.
“I’ve seen dogs break off their canine teeth, chewing on rawhide, but other chews can contribute to these problems,” he says.
Since some dogs are hardcore chewers, picking the right product can be challenging. So how do you figure out what’s best for your dog?
Choosing the Right Dog Chew
Dog chews can help keep dogs busy, entertained, and mentally stimulated. For some pups, getting a dog chew is an exciting reward they look forward to.
Look for Rawhide Alternatives that are Flexible and Digestible
To satisfy your dog’s craving to chomp, Dr. Collins has a recommendation:
“My rule of thumb is that whatever your dog chews on should be something that is flexible, and you can indent with your fingernail, or you can break with your hands,” he says.
This helps reduce wear and tear on dogs’ teeth from gnawing on hard chews.
“I often find myself pointing out broken teeth, or a dog will come in with an acutely broken tooth,” Dr. Collins says. “It’s generally not a question of if, it’s a question of when. Treatment of a fractured tooth generally involves removing the tooth or performing a root canal procedure.”
On the flip side, when your dog gnaws away on a chew, it can help keep their teeth clean. The physical act of chewing helps remove food debris and tartar.
One place to look for recommendations is this list on The Veterinary Oral Health Council’s website (VOHC). An independent group within the American Veterinary Dental College, the VOHC reviews dental care products and awards qualifying items its Seal of Acceptance. Products are awarded the seal for meeting the organization’s teeth-friendly standards for dogs (and cats) and helping to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
But having good choppers isn’t the only reason Dr. Collins recommends pliable products; digestibility is also a factor.
“You want to make sure that if dogs do swallow something, that it’s something that’s going to break down fairly easily in their stomach,” Dr. Collins says. “Generally, if it’s indentable, bendable, or breakable, it’s more likely to be safe.”
Pay Attention to Dog Chew Ingredients
Check the label on any chew you choose to make sure your dog isn’t allergic or sensitive to some of the ingredients.
Collagen chews for dogs are typically derived from cows, using an inner layer of skin that is softer than the layer used to make rawhide. Yak sticks are made from yak and cow milk and are dairy products. Some freeze-dried products are made from duck, chicken, lamb, venison, and other animals.
“Some of the chews have rice flour and glycerin, which may not be part of their normal diet,” Dr. Collins says. “If a dog tolerates the ingredients, then it’s OK to be given in moderation.”
Hard rubber chew toys like Kongs and GoughNuts are also an option for dogs who love to gnaw. Avoid anything that splinters or is made from inedible ingredients that break apart into pieces that your dog may consume.
When choosing a rawhide alternative, read the online reviews for any chew or treat you’re considering. Google the name of the product to see if it’s ever been the subject of lawsuits or recalls. It also helps to make sure the country of origin for the chew you choose is clearly stated on the packaging.
Common Sense Chew Precautions
When giving your dog any chew, you’ll want to keep an eye out for a few things:
Choose the appropriate chew for your dog’s chew style and size to avoid a choking hazard. Keep small chews away from big dogs and remove chews when they get small enough to swallow—which may happen fast with an enthusiastic chewer.
Always supervise your dog when they are chomping on any type of dog chew so you can intervene if there’s a problem.
When you give your dog a new type of chew, do a test run the first time. Let the dog have the chew for a limited amount of time and then see how their digestive system reacts over the next 24 to 48 hours.
If your dog is brachycephalic (for example, Pugs and English or French Bulldogs) and has a shorter snout, use caution with any type of chew, as a piece could break off and block their narrow airway.
Make sure your dog has access to plenty of water; chewing can make them thirsty.
If your dog experiences health issues after eating a chew, contact your veterinarian.
McHugh’s dog loved bully sticks, but she says her biggest concern was always making sure she watched Doodle when she had any type of chew.
“I made sure that she didn’t chew the bones down to a chokeable size or split them into a pointy piece that could harm her,” she says. “A lot of it has to do with the human as well. You don’t just give them these chews and walk away. You must have some responsibility as well.”
They best blow dryer for your dog will depend on their size, coat type, and sensitivity to noise. Larger dogs with thicker coats will need a more powerful dryer. Credit: Jae Thomas
I once worked at a Malamute kennel where, in the summer, most of the dogs were bathed weekly. It wasn’t uncommon for me to bathe, blow dry, and brush up to six Malamutes in a day, especially on dog show weekends. Alaskan Malamutes have dense double coats and shed like you wouldn’t believe when it’s time for them to blow their thick, furry undercoats.
If I wanted to go home at a reasonable hour, a powerful dog blow dryer was a must. When being blow dried, dogs should be dried completely down to the skin without any dampness being left behind. Dampness leaves room for hot spots, bacteria, and skin irritation.
While I know my way around a powerful, high-velocity dog blow dryer, I realize that an expensive two-motor dog dryer isn’t a must-have for every pet parent and the best dog dryer for you is largely dependent on your dog’s size and coat type.
As a Rough Collie owner, I personally use a K-9 Fluffer Dryer with variable speeds. It’s strong enough to get my Collie dry in a reasonable amount of time, but isn’t bulky, heavy, or as loud as the stronger double-barrel dog dryers.
Pet parents with shorter-coated or smaller dogs can likely get away with using a much less powerful dryer for their pups.
Here’s what to look for when shopping for a dog blow dryer:
Traits We Want in the Best Dog Dryers
Power: The dog breed, size, type of coat, and spay/neuter status of your dog will determine how strong of a dog dryer you require. Single-coated breeds can be dried quickly with non-powerful dryers, while large, double-coated dogs will require more power to dry completely. Spayed or neutered dogs with long or double coats may also benefit from a stronger dryer, since they can be more prone to tangling and matting due to altered coat texture.
Settings: The settings you need on a dog blow dryer will also depend on your dog. If your dog is noise sensitive, a variable speed blow dryer will be easier to desensitize them to. If you plan on using a dryer to dry your dog’s face and ears, a variable speed dryer also allows you to dry these more sensitive parts of the body with a lower speed.
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need a specific “heated” dog dryer in most cases. Some dog blow dryers rely on air that’s warmed while passing through the motor, while others have no heating element, instead only using room temperature air and air force that’s able to blow water off your dog’s hair, rather than warming it up until it evaporates. Dog dryers also often have protection against overheating, so you don’t burn or irritate your dog’s skin.
Ease of cleaning/replacing filters: Cleaning and replacing the filter on your dog dryer will keep the motor going for longer. We evaluated the ease of cleaning and changing the filters on each of these dryers.
Safety and performance: I once used a dog blow dryer that heated up so much it sparked within 10 minutes of turning it on. I then purchased a second dryer of the same make/model and it did the exact same thing. Dog blow dryers should have strong, safe motors that can not only dry your pet, but don’t heat up or shut off from being overworked.
Attachments: Certain attachments are helpful for certain coats and certain uses. A water peeler attachment is particularly useful to use when your dog is fresh out of the bath, to get rid of excess water sitting on top of the coat. A round tip is good for targeting mats and tangles on longer coats.
Often the top brand choice for dog show folks and double-coated dog owners, K-9 Fluffer dryers are known for being a lasting investment with lots of power behind them.
For small and medium-sized dogs (or large dogs with thinner coats), the Shelandy dryer is a budget-friendly option that offers variable speeds and a heating element, which is especially helpful for small dogs who are prone to getting cold during bathtime.
At such a similar price range to the K-9 Fluffer Dryer (and the slightly cheaper two-speed K-9 dryer), I find that the MetroVac Air Force Commander Dryers generally lack power in comparison.
Best Dog Blow Dryer: Electric Cleaner Company K-9 Fluffer Dryer
They best blow dryer for your dog will depend on their size, coat type, and sensitivity to noise. Larger dogs with thicker coats will need a more powerful dryer. Credit: Jae Thomas
A few of my dog show friends have had their Electric Cleaner Company dog dryers for 10+ years and they’re still going strong. It’s a popular brand amongst show folks because it’s powerful, multi-purpose with multiple speeds, but still small and easy to move around and transport. I’ve had my Electric Cleaner Company K-9 Fluffer Dryer for two years and wouldn’t trade it for another dryer.
This dryer completely dries my Rough Collie down to the skin in about 40 minutes on high. Smaller dogs would be done quicker, while bigger dogs may take longer. I tend to use the brand’s water peeler attachment most often, which unfortunately doesn’t come included and needs to be bought separately.
The variable speeds on this dryer are great for getting dogs used to the sound and sensation of blow drying since you can start them with a quieter low speed setting. It’s also useful for blow drying your dog’s face, head, and ears without irritating them. This dryer has the largest variation of power levels of the options we tested.
Another big perk of this dryer is that it can be plugged into a standard 15-amp outlet without blowing fuses. Some high-velocity dog driers require 20-amp power.
If you don’t care about having variable speeds, this brand also sells a cheaper two-speed version. They also sell multiple more powerful versions for very large, thick-coated dogs (or for groomers who dry a lot of dogs regularly).
Best Budget Dog Dryer: SHELANDY Dog Grooming Dryer
If you’re looking for a budget option, the SHELANDY Dog Grooming Dryer does a good job and offers a warm-air setting that works well for dogs who get cold after bathtime. Credit: Jae Thomas
For dog owners on a budget, the SHELANDY Dog Grooming Dryer is one of the best options you can get for under $100. With a retail price of $89, this option is often on sale at Chewy for less.
It’s lightweight (compared to the K-9 Fluffer dryer) and features variable power settings. The lowest and highest power settings on the K-9 Fluffer are both lower and higher respectively than the Shelandy—the Shelandy’s power settings sit in the middle of the K-9 Fluffer’s.
Some user reviews say that this dryer is overly loud, but when we tested decibels on each dryer, the Shelandy sat right in the middle of the K-9 Fluffer sound range as well, which matches up with the power range that it has. The lowest setting is not as quiet as the K-9 Fluffer, but the loudest setting isn’t as loud as the K-9 Fluffer either.
A great feature the Shelandy dryer has is an integrated heating element. This means that it can blow warm air instead of just room temperature air like other options on this list. Though it’s not always recommended to blow dry dogs with hot or warm air, it can be helpful for small dogs or dogs with low body fat who tend to get cold during bathtime.
Best High Velocity Dog Dryer: Flying Pig Double Grooming Dryer
The Flying Pig Double Grooming Dryer is a great choice for big dogs with thick coats. However, it may be overpowered for small dogs or dogs with shorter hair. Credit: Jae Thomas
If you have a large or giant breed, or a dog with a thick double coat, the Flying Pig Double Grooming Dryer is the way to go. It’s one of the most cost-effective double motor dog dryers on the market, while still offering high enough power to get heavy-coated dogs dry in a reasonable amount of time.
During testing, this dryer got my Collie dry in a little more than half the time of my normal dryer. It will cut your drying time in half in comparison to a single motor dryer, especially if you have a double coated breed (or a very large dog). It’s fairly loud, even on the lowest setting, so it’s best for dogs who are already used to being dried with an electric dryer.
The Flying Pig Double has variable power settings, and despite its strong power, can be used with a normal 120V outlet—as long as there’s nothing else running on the same circuit at the same time. Some other double motor dryers on the market have higher power requirements to function.
This dryer comes with a round nozzle, a flat nozzle, and a wide flat nozzle, and while they’re a little bit thicker/bulkier to hold than other options on this list, they work great for getting your dog dry down to the skin.
The only downsides of this dryer are that it’s quite big and heavy and it will be overkill for dogs who don’t need it. Just because it’s slightly less expensive than a less powerful dryer doesn’t mean that it’s the best pick for all dogs. This dryer is likely too strong for small breeds and sensitive dogs who need gentler settings but it a good pick for Malamutes, Huskies, Collies, Samoyeds, and other bigger, thick-coated dogs.
Something to note is that we had trouble with our first tester unit of this dryer: One of the motors stopped working on the second use. The first use was a short 5-minute test to check for power and settings without a dog. The second use was to actually blow dry a dog with it, and one of the motors stopped working within the first ten minutes of use on medium high power.
However, the Flying Pig customer service was speedy in sending a replacement and the replacement unit had no issues. It easily dried my Collie in about 25 minutes.
Other Dog Blow Dryers We Tested
MetroVac Air Force Commander Two-Speed Pet Dryer
The MetroVac Air Force Commander Two-Speed Pet Dryer works reasonably well on short-coated dogs but lacks power compared to similar models. Credit: Jae Thomas
The MetroVac Air Force Commander Two-Speed Pet Dryer is a fairly lightweight and portable option, similar in size to the Electric Cleaner Company K-9 Fluffer Dryer. This dryer only has two speeds: low and high. It’s slightly cheaper than the K-9 Fluffer, but the power is lacking in comparison. My local dog wash uses MetroVac Air Force Commander Two Speed models and they typically take about an hour to fully dry my Collie while my K-9 Fluffer takes about 40 minutes. This isn’t a bad dryer for smaller dogs or thinner coats but if you have a double coated dog, spend a little extra for the K-9 Fluffer if you’re choosing between the two options.
Picking up watery or loose poop can be a challenge, even your dog may notice it’s taking longer than usual! Credit: Humonia | Getty Images
I honestly don’t know any dog parents who are not obsessed with the quality of their beloved dog’s poop. It only takes a few loose, watery stools to set most of us on the path to a canine Google medical degree with all the research that then takes place to analyze what you are seeing. Right?
The short answer to the question on how to firm up dog poop quickly is to feed quality protein sources with minimal carbohydrate content, easy access to fresh water, and keeping things on hand like the probiotic Purina FortiFlora and canned pumpkin. We explain how these works and what else to try in detail below.
What Is Good Poop?
Ideally your dog’s poop should be various shades of medium to dark brown, but consistency also matters, which is where firming things up comes into play.
The perfect dog poop consistency is like Play-Doh. Not rock hard but not soft. It should pretty much hold its shape when you scoop it up (because you are cleaning up after your dog, like a good dog parent does, right?). Of course, consistency will often change by the day but by only small amounts.
The firmness of your dog’s regular stools is partially determined by their regular diet, just like your own.
Diet Matters To Firming Up Poop
Most dog parents feed dry kibble. The higher the carbohydrate count in such, the larger and less firm the stools. The better the quality of the kibble the better the chance of not only firmer poops, but less volume of poop overall. (Look at the ingredients list for real meat protein being high on the list of ingredients.) Less poop means that your dog’s body is using more of the nutrients instead of getting rid of excess bulk. Understanding this will give you a good foundation for firmer poops.
Those who feed a raw diet also emphasize the reduced quantity of poop with this diet as well as ideal firmness. I feed one of my dogs a raw diet and can attest that this is true, at least in my own giant-breed dog’s case.
I feed my other dog a cooked diet (they each get a dab of the other’s), with an appropriate level of a calcium supplement added. This ensures that this dog has the best possible poops for her diet.
How to Fight Canine Loose Stools
When there is a loose-stool issue that does not present as an emergency, my own go-to for fixing this is Purina FortiFlora. I find this probiotic to be all that is necessary in most cases. I will usually also eliminate any regular addition in my dog’s diet that may add to looser stools until the issue has resolved itself, such as probiotic-enhanced cottage cheese and/or yogurt. While healthy in moderation, when digestive issues are happening, these can add to them.
My own dog’s diet includes a variety of meats varying by the meal, so I will take note of which meals they had immediately preceding a loose-stool incident and skip that protein for a few days.
It’s important to always provide fresh water for your dog but even more so when their stools are loose, especially if loose stools progress to diarrhea.
When Dog Diarrhea Needs a Vet’s Attention
Bloody diarrhea, mucous, vomiting, and stomach pain are all signs that your dog needs to see the veterinarian. You usually can try Pepto Bismol. However, if you don’t see improvement in 24 to 48 hours, you need veterinary help. Watery stools can quickly dehydrate your dog. Puppies are especially vulnerable. Your dog may be battling parasites, bowel disease, bacterial infection, food allergies, colitis, or another serious illness that needs veterinary treatment.
hen it comes to how fast dogs can run, not all breeds are created equal. Much like cheetahs, sighthounds are built to move quickly. Credit: Himagine | Getty Images
When you think of the fastest animals on earth, what do you think of? The cheetah? Gazelle? Peregrine falcon? Maybe a Thoroughbred racehorse? But have you ever thought about including the dog in that collection?
When it comes to how fast dogs can run, one particular breed stands out. Greyhounds have been known to run at an astonishing 45 miles per hour—and it’s not just top speed: many Greyhounds can hit over 43 miles per hour in just four-tenths of a mile, reaching a maximum acceleration of 9 miles per hour in approximately two seconds.
In terms of speed, while the cheetah—considered the fastest land animal—can reach a jaw-dropping top 65 miles per hour, they can only maintain that incredible velocity for very short distances, between 200 and 300 yards. The Greyhound, however, can maintain speeds in excess of 35 miles per hour for distances as great as seven miles.
Since Greyhounds have similar body mass, as well as form, shape, and structure to cheetahs, why can’t they run at similar speeds? Research provides the answer: first, the cheetah’s longer limbs and back allow it to achieve a lengthier stride than the Greyhound. Secondly, the cheetah can achieve faster top speeds because it has the ability to significantly reduce its swing times—the duration a paw spends off the ground during the running cycle—as it speeds up compared to the Greyhound.
The Role of Muscle Fibers in How Fast Dogs (and Other Animals) Run
Both dogs and cheetahs (much as with human elite runners) are equipped with an abundance of what are called fast-twitch fibers: specialized muscle fibers that support rapid, powerful muscle contractions designed for short bursts of activity such as sprinting. On average, Greyhounds have more of these fast-twitch fibers than any other dog breed.
We now know that animals (including humans) who exhibit both speed and power have greater proportion of fast-twitch fibers, while those with exceptional endurance possess a greater number of slow-twitch fibers. Greyhounds typically have fewer than 20 percent slow-twitch fibers, compared to Dachshunds, bred for endurance, who average more than double that amount.
All of us in the animal kingdom face the same issue: being a speed demon on the ground tends to make us unsuited for endurance, and having considerably more endurance is usually at odds with high-speed sprinting. A great example is dogs bred to pull sleds, a task which takes remarkable stamina over prolonged periods: dogs competing in the Iditarod can pull a sled for 6–8 hours a day at speeds of around 10 miles per hour.
How Fast Can Sighthounds Run?
As suggested above, certain dog breeds are built for speed. The fastest overall are the sighthounds, who run with their heads up and their eyes fixed ahead rather than nose to or near the ground like most other breeds. Their aerodynamic bodies make higher speeds possible: they are slightly built, lightweight, with long, well-angled hindlegs. Sighthounds typically have minimal body fat, well-defined muscles, and deep chests, which provide more room for their lungs and large hearts.
There are around 28 recognized sighthound breeds, with variations depending on kennel club recognition. Here are some of the fastest dogs in the sighthound category:
Greyhound—45 miles per hour: The Greyhound is considered the fastest dog breed, known not just for how fast it can run but for its amazingly rapid acceleration. While the Greyhound’s precise origin is uncertain, graves in Mesopotamia containing its bones date back to 5000 BCE.
Saluki—42 miles per hour: Named after the Arabian city of Salu, the Saluki is the world’s second-fastest dog breed. An ancient Egyptian breed dating back to 7000 BCE, Salukis were used by nomadic desert tribes to hunt game such as gazelles. Like the Greyhound, they are known as exceptional sprinters who can also maintain speed over long distances.
Afghan Hound—over 40 miles per hour: The Afghan Hound’s long, powerful legs and flexible spine are keys to their speed on uneven terrain. Originating in the mountainous regions of Afghanistan, the Afghan Hound was bred to hunt large prey such as deer and leopards.
Ibizan Hound—40 miles per hour: The Ibizan Hound is named for the Spanish island of Ibiza and was a hunting companion to Egyptian pharaohs before being brought to the island by Phoenician traders. Unusual for sighthounds, this breed also utilizes hearing, sight, and scent in the hunt. The Ibizan Hound has the peculiar ability to jump six feet into the air from a standstill.
Irish Wolfhound—40 miles per hour: With a size that is rare among sighthounds, the Irish Wolfhound is one of the largest of all breeds of dog, often topping the scale between 120 and 180 pounds. This breed was bred for its ability to kill big game; and while the Wolfhound has a very fast top speed, it can only maintain it in sprints, not long distances.
Borzoi—36 miles per hour: Also known as a Russian Wolfhound (its name translates to “fast”), this tall, graceful sighthound tends to excel as a sprinter. Originating in Russia, the Borzoi can reach high speeds very rapidly, which made the breed ideal for hunting wolves and other fast-moving prey.
Pharaoh Hound—35 miles per hour: The Pharoah Hound, the national dog of Malta, has been found in records dating back to 3000 BCE. Like the Ibizan Hound, the Pharoh Hound is distinctive because the breed often uses its keen nose and hearing in addition to its exceptional sight.
Scottish Deerhound—35 miles per hour: Believed to predate recorded history, the Scottish Deerhound came by its name for being remarkable hunters of deer. While they are not racers, many believe that in their natural habitat, the Deerhound is faster than other sighthounds.
Basenji—30 to 35 miles per hour: Known as a basal breed—one with DNA that predates modern breeds—the Basenji is probably one of the oldest domesticated breeds of dog. A sighthound from West Africa, Basenjis are known for being “barkless”—although they do vocalize with yodels and howls.
Whippet—35 miles per hour: The Whippet is among the smallest sighthounds, but it makes up for that pint-size stature with exceptional speed; in fact, Whippets have been clocked running 200 yards in less than 12 seconds. Resembling a small Greyhound, the breed traces its origins to 1700s England.
Other Fast Dogs
Sighthounds aren’t the only dog breeds that can fly like the wind. Vizslas, originally bred in Hungary for hunting and retrieving game, can reach a top speed of 40 miles per hour, surpassing some sighthounds. Widely known as guard and search-and-rescue dogs, German Shepherds may not be racers but many can run up to 39 miles per hour, with very explosive speeds.
Dalmatians can also be rapid runners, hitting speeds of 37 miles per hour. Genetically, they’re grouped among retrievers, but Dalmatians don’t fit in with any established modern breeds, so their existence is somewhat of a mystery. Originally bred as herding dogs in Scotland and England, Border Collies—deemed by some to be the world’s smartest dog breed—have been clocked at speeds up to 30 miles per hour.
Even the diminutive Jack Russell Terrier, originally developed in England during the mid-1800s to in fox hunting, can reach speeds up to 25 mph in short bursts.
So, the next time you watch your own dog do the zoomies, remember that he’s not alone: some dogs are natural-born, everyday “zoomers”!
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