Keep in mind that not all dogs are suited for visiting bars and restaurants. Dogs should be well-behaved and know basic commands – sit, stay, down. If your dog is reactive to either dogs or people, take them for a walk in an uncrowded area instead of going to a bustling restaurant. And if you do take a dog to a public venue, always keep them on a leash. 

Here’s a roundup of the best dog-friendly restaurants and bars in Manhattan catering to both humans and their four-legged companions.  

1. Barking Dog Restaurant 

Located on the Upper East Side near Central Park, Barking Dog Restaurant is a beloved spot for dog lovers with a 5-star review on the site BringFido. This casual eatery features classic American fare including wraps, sandwiches and salads, and a full brunch menu. Don’t forget to try their famous “Pupcakes” — a special treat made just for your furry friend. Dogs are welcome to relax on the dog-friendly patio while their owners indulge in a hearty breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. 

2. The Wilson 

If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, The Wilson in the Fashion District is ideal. With an outdoor dining space (heated in winter) adorned with colorful flowers, artwork, and floating umbrellas, this modern restaurant welcomes dogs of all sizes. The menu boasts a mix of traditional Northeastern coastal cuisine, plus unexpected dishes such as brussels sprout tacos. You can sip on creative cocktails while your pup lounges by your feet. The restaurant even has a dog menu with grilled steak, pupsicles and homemade dog biscuits.  
 

3. Amity Hall 

Amity Hall in the West Village offers a laid-back atmosphere and a nice outdoor patio for dogs to enjoy. A popular place to watch sports, they also host trivia nights and cornhole contests. They serve classic pub fare, craft cocktails, and offer an extensive beer selection. With happy “hour” running from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., it’s a perfect place for a casual hangout after a long walk in nearby Central Park.  

4. Cookshop 

A longtime neighborhood favorite in the Chelsea neighborhood, the Cookshop serves consistently excellent New American fare using local and fresh ingredients, reviewers say. Dogs can join if dining outdoors since there’s lovely, expansive sidewalk seating with ample greenery near the iconic High Line trail. Dinner offerings include meat, seafood, pasta and pizza, and they have an extensive brunch menu.  

5. Dog & Bone Tavern 

With a name like Dog & Bone, you have to be pet-friendly. Indeed, this popular British-themed neighborhood restaurant and bar was inspired by an English Bulldog named Winston. Its “Sit, Stay, Eat” slogan aims to encourage diners to come in and catch up. Dogs are welcome on a sidewalk café that stretches onto a beautiful pedestrian plaza. They advertise “feel good” pub fare, plus a full English breakfast, a wide range of beers, and tasty cocktails.  

6. d.b.a. 

This New Orleans-themed bar in the East Village specializes in a large, rotating variety of craft beers (100 brews), whiskey and wine.  Since the bar does not serve food, dogs can hang out on the roomy back patio, and they’re often allowed indoors. They feature many canine visitors on their Facebook page.  

7. Pete’s Tavern

 At 160 years old, Pete’s Tavern is NYC’s oldest continuously operating restaurant and bar, in Gramercy Park. Pete’s welcomes dogs in its outdoor seating area, which is heated in the winter. The menu focus is on Italian-American bar food, including burgers, salads and appetizers. The Tavern embraces its historic past, with old photos and fixtures. In the winter, the tavern becomes a cozy hangout as it is decked out with wreaths, Santa figurines and strands of red lights. 

8. Shake Shack 

No list of dog-friendly dining spots would be complete without mentioning Shake Shack. With multiple locations throughout Manhattan, this iconic burger joint is a favorite among humans and dogs. Every Shake Shack has a specially created dog menu, with homemade treats such as Pooch-ini – a pup-friendly vanilla custard, and red velvet dog biscuits. The company also cares for the welfare of livestock – they require humane treatment of the animals that make up their products. 

Conclusion  

Manhattan’s dog-friendly dining scene is vibrant and full of options, ensuring you and your pet can enjoy delicious food and drinks together. Whether you’re in the mood for casual fare or a more refined dining experience, these establishments welcome pups with open arms. So next time you plan a meal out, don’t forget to include your socialized dog in the adventure. 

The post The Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants and Bars in Manhattan  appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Kendra, a Healthy Paws customer, had suffered from gastrointestinal discomfort and other issues for years, not knowing the cause. When she cut out obvious gluten, her condition improved, but she was still getting sick every time she ate meals outside of her home. She needed to become extremely strict about eliminating all gluten to feel healthy.

Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and other grains, is contained in many foods, such as bread, but also in less obvious items, such as soy sauce, salad dressing, and soups. Far more serious than the common gluten insensitivity, celiac disease can cause the sufferer to be sick for weeks or even months after ingesting even a trace of gluten, Kendra said.

“For me, a reaction to gluten causes stomach upset, body aches, a rash and brain fog. It looks different for everyone. There are up to 200 symptoms that people with celiac might experience,” Kendra said.

As you can imagine, living with celiac disease in our gluten-filled world can mean navigating a minefield of social situations and tricky food choices.

Kendra, who has become a celiac influencer and educator through her website and channels on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube can’t go out for a spontaneous meal. She must research the restaurant and check reviews. She reads the labels on any food she is considering. She has found that many times, foods identified as gluten-free actually do contain traces of gluten. All it takes is a knife that was used to cut bread and then reused to slice a gluten-free item to set off a reaction.

As part of her job, Kendra attends many conferences and work dinners where she can’t eat the food and must bring her own or go hungry. This sometimes makes for awkward social situations. The debilitating illness she suffers if she accidentally ingests gluten has caused Kendra to miss work in the past, hurting her career and relationships. “If I went out with friends, I rarely would eat with them because I would get sick from cross-contact.  It wasn’t worth the risk of missing out on the time with friends if I got sick,” she said.

Kendra discovers gluten-sniffing dogs

While trying to learn as much as she could about her condition, Kendra listened to a Celiac Project podcast that featured a story about specially trained gluten-detection dogs. Already a pet parent to one senior dog, she thought about getting her own gluten-sniffing dog. But with few trainers who specialize in gluten detection dogs, the cost of getting one already trained was prohibitive.

She adopted a Portuguese water dog puppy that she named Suki because she enjoys the breed. It was the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, so she decided to use the time of isolation to train her puppy herself with the help of a gluten-detection trainer. She said training a dog in such a specialty is no easy task. It takes about two years of diligent work to train a dog to detect gluten, and there is no guarantee of success. Kendra met regularly via Zoom with her trainer and then practiced behavior and gluten- detection skills with Suki. She still does regular “maintenance” training to keep Suki’s skills sharp.

“Unlike a simple task like picking up an item, for gluten detection, I need to know how to read her body language and understand if she is sniffing well or just giving a behavior. As a handler, that is not something you can learn yourself or via a quick tutorial or video. This requires ongoing training with a professional who sees your body language as well as the dog’s body language,” Kendra said in an Instagram post.

Once fully trained, Suki became invaluable to Kendra in helping detect gluten in unexpected places. Now three years old, Suki became certified as a task-trained service dog, allowing her to enter restaurants and stores and travel with Kendra.

“She keeps me well.  She has saved me several times from getting violently ill from gluten,” Kendra said.

How Suki helps Kendra stay healthy

Having a gluten-detection service dog has given Kendra the freedom to live a mostly normal life without fear of getting sick.

“She checks all my food, medicine, and personal care products. I present the item to her, and she sniffs it. Then, she raises a paw if she detects gluten and boops my leg if there is none. She gets a treat for both gluten and gluten-free alerts,” Kendra said. The technique is demonstrated in Instagram posts where Suki indicates that Trader Joe’s gluten-free donut holes really are safe for celiacs, but a lettuce-wrapped taco unexpectedly contained gluten.

Visiting stores and restaurants

When shopping or eating out, Kendra always brings Suki and has her sniff any packaged or prepared food to see if it contains gluten. Living in Southern California, Kendra has rarely been denied access to businesses when she approaches with Suki wearing a service dog vest. She also thinks that restaurants take her condition more seriously when they see she needs a service dog to help.

Even when taking great care to order a completely gluten-free meal, Suki can find that a part of that meal is not gluten-free. This may be something as simple as gluten-free toast that she alerted to on a breakfast plate. Most likely, the source of the gluten is from handling or from some gluten-filled ingredient. Something as simple as a person picking the gluten-free bread up with hands that touched gluten bread would pass the gluten on to the bread. That small amount can make Kendra sick.

The biggest problem in public is when people insist on petting or playing with Suki when she is working or when people bring in pet dogs that are not well trained, she said. “I do my best to educate people that it is not appropriate to pet a service dog as it distracts them from their job,” she said. “This is especially important for service dogs who are the handler’s lifeline like cardiac alert dogs. A quick distraction may mean that dog misses a cardiac incidence, and the handler falls and hurts themselves.”

The rest of Suki’s life

While she has an essential job, Suki’s life is not all work. In fact, she only works about one percent of the time and the rest of the time, she can relax and play. “We walk three times a day, and when we aren’t walking, you can find us at the park with our friends at Yappy Hour every day. Most of the time at home you will find her on the couch or in her comfy bed. She does like to lay under my desk when I am working and put her head on my feet,” Kendra said.

Because she is a service dog, Suki has traveled with Kendra all over. She has played ball on beaches in San Diego, Miami, Honolulu, and Maui.

Kendra signed Suki up for Healthy Paws pet insurance when she was a small pup. Given the outsized importance Suki plays in her life and the time and expense of training her, she doesn’t want to take any chances should she become sick or injured.

Kendra becomes a celiac advocate

Given how much Suki has changed her life, Kendra has become an advocate for people struggling with celiac disease and for gluten-detection dogs. She wasn’t diagnosed with the condition until she was 40 and she wants to raise awareness so other people can be diagnosed sooner and learn to live with it, especially children who may suffer for years with health problems before they are diagnosed. She’s also seen people pay thousands of dollars for training, and their dog is not successful. Because of this, she is developing some courses to help people gain the knowledge they need to determine if a gluten detection do is right for them, and how to go about finding a trainer and starting the process. Instead of going into it blindly, they will be able to make wise decisions and will improve their chances of success in the long term. She personally recommends only two trainers, who both offer specialized training over Zoom.

Gluten detection dogs must have an ability and interest in work, and a good temperament – friendly, social and eager to please, Kendra said. They can’t be aggressive, scare easily or be hyperactive. And while Suki has been successful as a detection dog, Kendra doesn’t recommend the Portuguese water dog breed to others for gluten detection. The breed can be independent and hard to train. The breeds most used for gluten detection are Labradors, poodles, and Golden Retrievers, she said.

Conclusion

Dogs enrich our lives in so many ways, but for people like Kendra and others who rely on service dogs, they are an absolute lifeline. While gluten-detection dogs are a fairly new phenomenon, with patience and training, they can make life much easier for people with celiac disease.

The post Dog Sniffs Out Gluten for Pet Parents’ Celiac appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Logically, neighborhoods can deter crime by their residents being observant—think about the popularity of Neighborhood Watch programs—and developing trusting relationships with each other. However, measuring neighborhood trust and surveillance has been a challenge.

Study measures neighborhood trust and the presence of dogs

The 2022 study from Ohio State University figured out a way to measure surveillance and discovered that areas with a higher dog population experienced fewer homicides, robberies, and aggravated assaults than neighborhoods with fewer dogs, especially when residents had a strong sense of trust with each other.

Lead researcher Nicolo Pinchak attributed much of this to dog walking, which potentially deters criminal activity. Researchers said dog walkers naturally observe their surroundings closely, noticing unusual activities or unfamiliar faces. Imagine you are a porch thief, and people are out walking past with dogs. You might think twice about swiping that Amazon package—or go to another neighborhood.

“We thought that dog walking probably captures the idea of (mutual trust and local surveillance) pretty well, which is one reason why we decided to do this study,” said study co-author Christopher Browning, a professor of sociology.

How the study was conducted

The researchers analyzed crime data from 2014 to 2016 in 595 Columbus, Ohio-area census areas and cross-referenced it with survey data on dog ownership from a marketing firm. They also cross-referenced data from another study on adolescents to assess neighborhood trust levels. The researchers also accounted for other crime-related factors, such as demographic makeup, residential stability, and socioeconomic status.

Residents were asked to rate their agreement with the statement “people on the streets can be trusted” within their community. The findings revealed that neighborhoods with higher trust reported lower crime rates. If you know and trust your neighbors, you are way more likely to help each other when facing a threat or report it to authorities.

How dogs reduce crime

Even within these trusted communities, those with a higher density of dogs saw even further reductions in crime. Specifically, neighborhoods rich in dog ownership had substantially lower rates of robbery, burglary and homicide than those with fewer dogs.

The mere presence of dogs, with their barking and visibility, can act as a deterrent. Areas with many dogs, even those with less neighborhood trust, also showed lower levels of property crimes. Dog walking furthers the impact by having “eyes and ears” all over the community. Dog walkers are essentially patrolling their neighborhoods.

“Trust doesn’t help neighborhoods as much if you don’t have people out there on the streets noticing what is going on. That’s what dog walking does,” Pinchak said. “When people are out walking their dogs, they have conversations, they pet each other’s dogs. Sometimes they know the dog’s name and not even the owners. They learn what’s going on and can spot potential problems.”

Conclusion

Pet parents already know the value that pets add to their lives. Now, there’s one more reason to make a dog part of the family. To paraphrase McGruff the Crime Dog, dogs “take a bite out of crime.

The post Study: Dogs Really Do ‘Take a Bite Out of Crime’ appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Now that most people are back in offices, at least part of the time, employers are looking at ways to make the workplace more appealing. One of the most popular perks is offering dog-friendly offices. Welcoming cats is far less common, but some employers may allow it. Surveys suggest that an increasing number of employees plan their workday routines and their career decisions with their pets in mind, says the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). According to a Live Career poll, 52% of respondents said that pet-friendly benefits and policies are important when considering an employer.

Benefits of a dog-friendly office

Perhaps CEOs have seen research showing that having dogs at work is great for morale, helps alleviate stress, and smooths the way for co-workers to socialize. It might even mean employees are willing to work longer if they don’t have to rush home to feed or walk their pets.

Business News Weekly recently listed the top 20 dog-friendly companies—those that make it easy to bring a dog to work and prioritize their happiness. Most of the top companies were pet-related or tech, with Amazon coming out on top. Amazon has 8,000 employee dogs registered as part of its “Woof Pack.”

The company’s furry-positive culture gets high marks from employees, who say it makes them happier and more productive and nudges them to go for a walk once or twice a day.

“I love being able to bring my dog to the office. The alternative is to have her home alone for more hours than I would be comfortable with, or finding a dog sitter, which is very inconvenient. All of my colleagues have been very welcoming of my dog at work—the culture is very dog-friendly,” said one software engineer.

Before you begin creating a dog-friendly office space

Of course, just opening the doors to workers’ pets will not be a successful approach. Creating a pet-friendly culture requires some adjustments to the workspace and clear communication with employees to alleviate conflict.

Gauge feasibility and interest

The first step in creating a dog-friendly workplace is gauging your employees’ interests. Conduct a survey or meet to discuss the idea and collect feedback. It’s also crucial to consider the feasibility of such a policy in your workplace environment, considering space, safety, and any potential allergies or fears among employees. If you move forward, consider forming an employee office pet committee to monitor how it’s going and suggest adjustments.

Create a pet policy

To avoid conflicts between pets or between pets and office mates, be sure to have a pet policy in place that everyone has read. Have employees fill out and sign an application with basic information about their dog that confirms they understand the office rules and that they will be responsible for their dog’s behavior. The application will also designate a “buddy”—someone who will watch and be responsible for the dog—should the dog parent need to go to a dog-free zone.

A pet policy can address expectations and consequences for possible scenarios. It would be best if you also had a plan for dealing with any issues or conflicts that may arise. When writing your policy, consider:

• Minimum age for pets allowed at work
• Maximum number of dogs one employee can bring
• How many days a week can an employee bring a pet
• Maximum number of dogs allowed each day in the office
• Are they required to be potty-trained?
• Vaccination, flea/tick preventive and hygiene requirements
• Tolerance level for barking, indoor accidents, chewing/damage to property
• Consequences for undesirable behaviors
• Considerations for those who are fearful of dogs or have allergies

Make office changes

First, if you are in leased offices, you must check and see if the landlord allows pets. Once the decision is made to welcome pets, a few adjustments should be made to the physical space.

Here are some questions to ask:

• Are there areas that must stay off-limits for pets?
• Do you need separate work areas for people who don’t like dogs or are allergic?
• Will you have a designated outdoor space? If not, will there be a pet relief area?
• Where will you place water bowls, toys and treats?
• Is the flooring you have now the best for pets?

You may need to replace carpeting for a floor surface that makes it easier to clean up accidents. Consider adding spaces for pets to play, amenities such as dog treats, water bowls, poop bags and signage to remind employees of the rules. Amazon goes a step further and has a dedicated outdoor dog park where pups and workers can romp. Be sure that any emergency plans account for getting pets out safely.

Roll out gradually

Introducing pets to the workplace should be a gradual process. Start with a trial period where pets are allowed on certain days. This will help you identify any potential issues and adjust as necessary. During this period, closely monitor how pets and their pet parents adapt to the new environment and how it affects overall workplace productivity and morale. Regular feedback sessions can help you tweak your pet policy as needed and ensure it continues to meet the needs of all employees.

Offer other pet perks

To really ingratiate your pet-loving employees, consider other pet perks such as:

• Time off to grieve a lost pet
• Time off to adopt a pet
• Pet-friendly company events
• Discounted pet insurance
• Discounts to other pet services such as doggy daycare or pet supplies

Celebrate successes

Remember to celebrate the positive changes a dog-friendly policy brings to your workplace. Sharing success stories and benefits can help maintain support for the policy. Develop an online space for workers to share photos and stories about their pets. For example, Amazon has an internal Slack channel called Amazon Puppers Chat, where employees post pictures of their dogs.

Conclusion

Creating a dog-friendly workplace is a meaningful way to show employees that their well-being is valued. By following these steps and continually refining your approach based on real-world experience, you can create a welcoming environment for humans and canines alike.

The post How to Create a Dog-Friendly Office Space appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

While it may be tempting to try to combine tasks, dog walking requires your full attention and focus. Trying to juggle other activities could endanger you and your dog. Consistency is important to dogs, and if you are not watching them, the walk will be more erratic and confusing to them.

Also, recent research suggests that few people can multitask effectively and that trying to do so will result in less productivity and poor results. Look at dog walking as quality time with your pet and a perfect opportunity to strengthen your bond and work on training behaviors you want to improve. 

Chance of injuries – for you and your dog

You are putting both yourself and your dog at risk of injury if you are not paying attention. One study looked at dog-walking-related injuries from 2001-2020 and found that the number of injuries treated in emergency rooms increased by fourfold during that time. Distracted dog walkers are more likely to be injured by tripping over a curb (or their own dog), getting tangled in the leash, or not anticipating a squirrel or other enticement that could cause a dog to lunge.

The most common dog-walking injuries were in the upper extremities, and the three most common were finger fracture (6.9%), traumatic brain injury (5.6%), and shoulder sprain or strain (5.1%), according to researchers at Johns Hopkins University. Falling when pulled or tripped by the leash was the most common cause of injury.

Dogs with distracted walkers also become injured or sick when they eat garbage, such as chicken bones or dead animals, get into fights with other dogs, or take off when you don’t have a strong hold on the leash.

Traffic-related dangers

One of the biggest risks of not being attuned to your walk is traffic, especially if you live in a city and take walks in an urban environment. Even if you have your dog on a leash, they could easily pull into a busy street. Other pedestrians and bicyclists pose another hazard. If you are looking down at your phone, you could plow into an unsuspecting pedestrian or cyclist. With faster-moving bicycles, in particular, the leash can stretch in front of the cyclist, or your dog may run in the bicycle’s path.

Leash-reactive dog considerations

If you have a dog who is leash-reactive, meaning they react to triggers on-leash (other dogs, humans, bikes, etc.), or are fearful, you will want to avoid walking them in crowded or urban environments, said Danette Johnston, a Seattle-based trainer and owner of Dog’s Day Out daycare. Leash-reactive or anxious dogs need to be trained away from stressful situations to make progress. If possible, try to take these dogs to an area where they are unlikely to encounter people or other dogs for exercise and training.

“We need to ‘work’ the dog when they are under threshold (the sympathetic nervous system is not firing off), so some people, particularly those who live in a busy urban space, will want to stop walking their dog in that environment while they work on training,” she said. “This may include changing their conditioned emotional response (CER) to their triggers as well as learning cues and techniques to exit a situation before reacting.”

Johnston said while they are training, those anxious and leash-reactive dogs still need to be provided with enrichment and exercise with activities such as games, tricks, and nose work.

Harming your bond with your dog

Remember that your dog’s daily walk is probably the highlight of their day. They experience much of their world through their nose, and if they are not allowed to sniff, they can become frustrated. You want to observe and allow them to investigate an especially interesting bush or spot. They also need to stop to pee and poop. If you are just marching forward and looking at your phone, the walk will be more erratic and confusing for your dog, and you could fail to notice if they are hurt or anxious.

Dogs who are bonded to their people tend to look at them frequently for reassurance and direction. So, your dog will notice you aren’t focusing on them. Dogs communicate primarily through non-verbal body language. If you aren’t paying attention to what they are “saying,” you won’t know how they feel.

“Having a connection with your dog is a prerequisite for them to respond to any cues you give them. Building engagement with your dog so you are walking together is the key. It’s not your walk or his walk, it is OUR walk,” Johnston said. “The first thing I want to do is reward my dog for any engagement with me; when he looks at me or orients towards me, he gets a treat. This opportunity is lost if you aren’t paying attention to your dog.” 

Conclusion

To ensure a safe and enjoyable walk, put away your phone, avoid wearing headphones, and keep your hands free. By doing so, you’ll not only keep yourself and your dog safe, but you’ll also have a stronger bond and be able to fully enjoy the experience of walking your furry companion.

The post Walking Your Dog? Pay Attention! appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

They hope the long-term research project’s findings will also translate into medical advances for people. They have already made some fundamental discoveries in our understanding of how dogs age and what influences their longevity.

About the Dog Aging Project

At the Dog Aging Project – a partnership between the University of Washington and Texas A&M University – researchers conduct “rigorous scientific research designed to define, explain, and ameliorate the effects of aging.” The project has built a community of volunteers, veterinarians and researchers united by a shared love for dogs. As of March 1, 2024, the study had 50,000 canine participants, and they are hoping to get to 100,000 dogs. Information provided by dog owners and their veterinarians fuels the research. Pet parents will fill out a survey annually about their dog’s health. Anyone who knows their dog’s approximate age can enroll them in the study on the website.

The Dog Aging Project focuses on healthy aging with a high quality of life, not just extending lifespans. They want to understand the biological and environmental factors that influence aging and intervene to prevent debilitating decline.

Why study dogs’ longevity?

Studying aging in humans is challenging and expensive, but because dogs age more rapidly than humans, experience the same diseases of aging, are genetically diverse, and share our environment, they make ideal research subjects, according to the project website.

“We are studying the dog really for a variety of reasons, but mainly because the domestic dog is the most variable in how they look and act and in terms of age-related diseases,” says Brianah McCoy, a researcher and Ph.D. candidate at Arizona State University. “Dogs are one species, yet Chihuahuas are really distinct from Great Danes. We see the same thing in humans. You and your next-door neighbor look very different.”

Testing a new longevity drug

One of the tasks within the project is the testing of a drug, rapamycin, an immune-suppressing drug, which, at low doses, has been shown to increase lifespan and delay or reverse many age-related disorders in mice. The drug has been used for years for treating people to prevent organ rejection in transplants. The Dog Aging Project is conducting the third and most extensive trial of rapamycin on dogs.

Pet owners can enroll their dogs in the trial if they are healthy, at least seven years of age, and at least 44 pounds in weight. Those owners bring their dogs to a participating clinic regularly for check-ups and testing. They designed the study to test if rapamycin treatment leads to benefits such as better heart health, improved mobility, prolonged cognitive function, and an increased lifespan.

Among other findings of the Dog Aging Project, so far:

• A dog’s size is a significant factor in the risk of various diseases, with large dogs generally experiencing a shorter life span. While small size dogs tend to live longer, some diseases are more prevalent among small dogs.
• Sterilization (spay/neutering) improves life expectancy by 13.8% in male dogs and 26.3% in female dogs. It also decreases the chance of death from infections. On the other hand, sterilization increases the risk of some cancers. They continue to study this effect.
• Purebred dogs do not show a higher prevalence of medical conditions than mixed-breed dogs. However, some individual breeds do tend to develop specific medical conditions. Controlling for sex, purebred vs. mixed-breed status, and geographic region made little difference in all disease categories, they said.
• Environmental factors and economics play a large part in determining a dog’s health. Dogs in lower-income houses or areas with more residential turnover had poorer health and less physical mobility. The researchers attribute this in part to less dog-walking in poorer neighborhoods. On the other hand, social support, such as living with other dogs or frequent socialization, was associated with better health outcomes for the dogs. This suggests that having companionship and interaction with other dogs can greatly contribute to a dog’s overall well-being, the researchers concluded.
• Some dogs experience canine cognitive decline, similar to Alzheimer’s disease, as they age. The project studies whether more physically active dogs are less prone to mental decline. While physical activity was robustly associated with better cognitive outcomes in dogs, they are still looking to determine if exercise was the reason for the improved mental fitness.
• Intermittent fasting is all the rage, with humans looking to lose weight and improve their health. Researchers found that time-restricted feeding of dogs may also have benefits. One study found that dogs who were only fed once a day had less cognitive decline and lower odds of having gastrointestinal, dental, orthopedic, kidney/urinary, and liver/pancreas disorders.

Dog Aging Project shares its data

The researchers take an “open science” approach, meaning they share all their data with other scientists and the public. They house biological samples collected from dogs in the studies at the Cornell University Veterinary Biobank and any researcher can request access. The group hopes this sharing will advance science because it allows testing new hypotheses as new research tools become available.

The post Dog Aging Project Aims to Help Your Pet Live Longer appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

BARK, a company known for BARK boxes, a monthly subscription of dog products, has launched BARK Air, the “world’s first air travel experience designed specifically for dogs first, and their human companions second,” according to a press release. A charter company will operate the flights and be responsible for all aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance.

What is flying with your dog like on BARK Air?

The flight is exceptional from the start. On the day of the flight, pets and their human parents will arrive at the airport 45 minutes before takeoff for an expedited check-in, where the dogs mingle with other canine companions as their pet parents dine on meals prepared by on-site chefs. There are designated relief areas outside each plane for dogs to mark one last time before soaring through the clouds.

Next, a BARK Air concierge will greet dogs and “help them settle into their experience through socialization and dog-centric cabin preparation,” per the release. The canines will also have access to various aids, including calming treats and jackets, and noise-canceling earmuffs to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable flight.

Once on board, there are plenty of beds, blankets, toys, and treats. The planes are designed to fit 15 dogs and people, but the airline says they will never sell more than ten tickets, so everyone has ample room. Dogs are not required to be in a crate unless they want to. They also don’t need to be leashed except for takeoff and landing. They’ll be allowed to sit on laps, seats, beds, or wherever comfortable. Should there be a potty accident on board, trained professionals will clean it up.

Once you land, BARK Air will provide complimentary, dog-friendly car service within a 30-mile radius.

The company welcomes all sizes and breeds of dogs, even the smush-nosed breeds (pugs, Frenchies) that are not allowed in cargo on major airlines. It suggests that dogs who don’t get along with others or are highly anxious should not fly. Human passengers must be at least 18 years old.

The cost and frequency of BARK Air flights

A search for a ticket for May 24 revealed that a flight from New York City to Los Angeles costs $6,000 for one human and one pet. Flying one human and one pet from London to New York is $8,000. The price doubles for two humans. One month out, both flights were half sold – with five seats remaining.

That compares to about $1,800 for a business class seat on Delta Airlines on the same routing or $3,700 on the international flight. The BARK Air flights run out of smaller airports – serving New York from White Plains (HPN), Los Angeles via Van Nuys (VNY), and London via Stansted Airport (STN). 

You’ll have to be fairly flexible to take advantage of these flights – the domestic flights are only offered once a week for now; while the overseas routing is only available once a month. The company says it will be adding more routes soon, and expects to be able to drop prices when it gets more volume.

The post An Airline Just for Dogs (and Their People) appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Health researchers estimate that COVID-19 vaccinations likely saved 2.4 million lives between January and August 2021. Despite this success, an increasing number of people express concerns over the benefits of vaccination.

But that wariness does not just impact humans – a study published in the journal Vaccine last fall revealed that more than half (53 percent) of dog owners hold negative views of canine vaccines. Of that number, 37 percent questioned the safety, 22 percent questioned the efficacy, and 30 percent questioned the importance of vaccines for dogs.

That reluctance is already having tragic consequences for unvaccinated dogs and cats, who are getting sick and even dying of entirely preventable conditions. In addition, pet insurance companies, including Healthy Paws, may not cover treatment of vaccine-preventable diseases – unless a vet recommends against vaccination for a particular pet due to an underlying medical issue – since prevention is considered part of being a responsible pet parent.

“We often see issues in human medicine spill over to veterinary medicine, and that seems to be the case with vaccine hesitancy,” says Cathy Barnette, DVM, a consulting veterinarian for Healthy Paws. “There have always been occasional pet owners who resisted vaccines, but unfortunately, this seems to have become more widespread during the pandemic.”

People who are concerned about over-vaccinating pets worry they may stress the immune system, cause adverse reactions, and contribute to long-term chronic diseases. However, veterinarians overwhelmingly recommend pet parents get animals vaccinated, according to the American Animal Hospital Association’s (AAHA) vaccination guidelines for dogs and cats.

Are vaccinations safe for dogs and cats?

Vaccines can have side effects; that is true. The most common effects include lethargy, diarrhea, and reduced appetite. Fortunately, severe reactions are very rare. The small risks associated with vaccines are far outweighed by the risks associated with vaccine-preventable diseases, Dr. Barnette said. In fact, veterinarians take this risk-benefit calculation into account when making vaccine recommendations. Vaccination recommendations are usually aimed at highly contagious pathogens for conditions with a high fatality rate.

Dogs and puppies frequently die of conditions such as canine distemper and parvovirus, which can both be avoided by keeping dogs up-to-date on vaccines. People who don’t vaccinate their pets also put other people’s pets at risk, as these diseases are highly contagious.

Possible health risks to humans

In the case of zoonotic diseases, or diseases that can pass from pets to people, failure to vaccinate can impact human health. While rare in the U.S., rabies is an especially dangerous disease. A pet with rabies will die, and anyone bitten by the pet can also die if they don’t get treated immediately. Most states require rabies vaccinations for this reason. Rabies is entirely avoidable with a vaccine.

What vaccines does your pet need?

Veterinarians designate core and non-core vaccines for pets. Essential, core vaccines are considered medically necessary for all pets. Non-core vaccines, also called lifestyle vaccines, are recommended when a pet has specific risk factors for that disease.

Here are the recommended dog vaccinations:

Whether you should get the non-core vaccinations for dogs depends on your circumstances; your vet can tell you if they are recommended for your pet. For example, Bordetella vaccination will help prevent kennel cough and is recommended for dogs who have contact with other dogs, such as at a boarding facility or kennel. Many dog daycares will require a shot every six months. The Leptospirosis vaccine is recommended for dogs who spend time outside, as it is carried by wildlife and is found in places they urinate. The Lyme disease vaccine is recommended If you live in an area where ticks are present.

Here are the recommended cat vaccinations:  

The FVRCP vaccine is for three different conditions – Feline Rhinotracheitis Virus/Herpesvirus 1, Feline panleukopenia, and Feline Calicivirus – FCV.

Feline panleukopenia, also known as feline parvovirus, is a highly infectious disease with mortality rates as high as 90% in kittens. Intensive treatment and hospitalization are the only chance for kittens to survive.

The FeLV vaccine protects your cat against feline leukemia virus, which can be transmitted to other cats. Feline leukemia is the most common cause of cancer in cats, and it can also lead to a weakened immune system and other harmful effects.

People with outdoor cats or multi-cat households may want to consider vaccinating for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), chlamydophila, and kennel cough. FIV, in particular, can be devastating to cats and is easily preventable with vaccination.

If you are concerned about your pet’s health, consider enrolling in pet insurance. While vaccines are not covered, accidents and illnesses are common, and an unexpected vet trip can really put a dent in your finances. With pet insurance, you can save up to 90% on vet bills. And with every free quote for pet insurance, Healthy Paws Foundation donates towards a homeless pet’s medical care. Get your quote today.

The post Pet Health Alert: Why Anti-Vax Beliefs Are Harming Pets appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Mushers and a team of between 12 and 14 dogs cover 938 miles from Anchorage to Nome in 8–15 days or more. The Iditarod began in 1973 to test the best sled dog mushers and teams but evolved into today’s highly competitive race.

A famous event in 1925 known as the “Great Race of Mercy” inspired the modern-day race. A diphtheria epidemic threatened Nome and the nearest antitoxin was in Anchorage, nearly one thousand miles away. Twenty mushers and 100 dogs were deployed in a relay to get the serum to Nome.

The Iditarod relies on dozens of veterinarians, pilots, and other volunteers to care for the dogs and ensure the race goes smoothly.

Dr. Zac Pilossoph, a consulting veterinarian to Healthy Paws, volunteered to help care for dogs in the 2023 race. In honor of National Sled Dog Day (Feb. 2), we asked him about the experience.

How did you get interested in volunteering for the Iditarod? 

A close veterinary friend recommended I volunteer for it a couple of years ago since she had been doing it for years, saying it was a very difficult but rewarding experience. I literally looked up nothing about it and applied on a whim, never expecting to be chosen. Surprisingly, I was chosen the first time around, so that is how my Iditarod story began!

What were your daily tasks; how does it work for vet volunteers? 

The daily tasks were a bit different depending on the checkpoint you were assigned to. The primary responsibility of the veterinary team was to visually and, if deemed necessary, physically inspect the racing dogs each time they came through a checkpoint (checkpoints were about every 30-50 miles along the 1,000-mile trail). The mushers often would already be aware of a dog that needed examination or to be removed from the race. Sometimes, they would even take them off the lead line and put them in the sled with them!

Other times, the veterinarians would find something abnormal and need to do a more thorough exam. Overall, the mushers and veterinarians worked very well advocating for the dogs’ health and well-being during this challenging event. If we determined a dog was unfit to continue the race, we would provide medical care at the checkpoint and fly them back to Anchorage as soon as possible to continue their care there.

What did you learn about the dogs and how they are treated? 

First, the sled dogs are some of the nicest and most friendly dogs I have ever met. I would have never guessed that this would be their demeanor. Usually, Nordic-breed dogs are a bit nervous and anxious, so this behavior surprised me.

Second, these dogs genuinely love what they do, and it is incredible to learn this first-hand. Even at checkpoints hundreds of miles into the race, they would pull at the ropes, wanting to continue, and were legitimately frustrated by being forced to stop. The athleticism and perseverance were just amazing.

Lastly, I felt like the mushers were very aware that they only had a chance at finishing the race if working with a healthy group. More often than not, the mushers would volunteer for a dog to be looked at or removed from the race for suspected health reasons. 

What were the working conditions like? How cold was it? 

The working conditions were undoubtedly the most challenging part. It was subject to the checkpoint you were assigned, but you had no idea what you were set out for. In a nutshell, we all start in Anchorage at a hotel, our checkpoint site. Then, throughout the race, we get flown out on tiny seaplanes across the entire state and set up the checkpoints by hand as the race progresses.

The temperatures outside fluctuated from 20 degrees F to -20 degrees F between day and night (and there were MANY nights that we were up throughout the whole time on shift waiting for teams to come through).

Regarding wilderness living conditions, some vet teams had to sleep in tents made for harsh winters for days. Others had to find space in cottages or rest stops owned or run by native Alaskans. I worked at two checkpoints, one a very tiny log cabin with two other people, the other a village with ten other people (both vets and non-vet volunteers), where we slept in the village’s common building on the floor. Although that sounds crazy, I was super fortunate to have lights and heat. Many other vets did not have those basic comforts we take for granted.

The one thing you don’t have once you start getting sent further and further out is hot water for showers or general consumption. We had to boil well water or fresh snowfall to get hot, non-contaminated water in these locations, which was a reality check for me. Nonetheless, the camaraderie, teamwork, and effort every person put in as a volunteer coming from all across the world was truly an unquantifiably rewarding experience. I am fortunate to have been invited back this year and cannot wait to gain more experience and stories.

The post Volunteering at The Iditarod – the ‘Last Great Race’ appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

This article explores why pets are family members that require the same kind of love and care given to humans in your household.

The emotional connection between family and pets

Many pet parents believe their pets give them unconditional love and have human-like emotions that are meant just for them. These beliefs lead people to spoil their pets with special care, provide high-quality food, buy comfy bedding, and offer surprise rewards – perhaps for no reason.

Pets can bring human family members closer together around activities that everyone can share in. Our beloved pets are there for us when no one else is, and they can help us through tough times and challenging situations. They can also help teach children how to be responsible and care for others from an early age.

Unconditional love from a dog or cat

A cat’s or dog’s unconditional love is one of the most rewarding parts of pet ownership. Pets are emotionally attached to their owners and will always love you no matter what. This unique relationship is rare between people but so refreshing and reliable between a person and a pet.

Even though your pet can’t talk, you can sense its unconditional love with tail wags, following you, seeking physical connection, and friendly eye contact.  There’s nothing like the unconditional love from a dog or cat, and you only understand that kind of love if you experience it for yourself.

Mutual health benefits with pets

There have been so many research studies done over the years about the mutually beneficial relationship between humans and animals. People often find themselves healthier because of the increased physical activity involved in exercising a pet, such as walking or running with a dog. The emotional benefits of touching, petting, and cuddling with a pet increase serotonin and dopamine in the brain for greater happiness, calmness, and relaxation.

Treating pets with extra love and care

Animals are family in so many ways and worthy of extra attention whenever we can give it to them. You can return your cat’s or dog’s unconditional love by taking a trip together, rewarding pets with healthy treats, inventing creative games to play, or finding a companion for a pet to spend time with when you aren’t home. You know cats and dogs are family when you let them cuddle with you on your furniture, take them out to play in the park, and keep up with their vet checkups for preventative care.

Looking out for your pet’s long-term health  

Many people purchase health insurance for everyone in their families, from the tiniest newborn baby to the most senior adult. This is a responsible way to be prepared for unexpected health issues that arise so that you can afford medical care and follow the advice of your doctors.

Since pets are family, it also makes perfect sense to buy pet health insurance. Healthy Paws offers top-rated dog and cat health insurance to reimburse you for veterinarian bills and not be financially burdened by pet medical costs. With the rising costs of veterinary care, pet health insurance has become more critical than ever.

What does pet insurance cover? The Healthy Paws plans cover accidents, illnesses, cancer, emergency care, genetic and hereditary conditions, breed-specific conditions, and alternative care. You can submit claims easily and electronically through our mobile app, and we process most claims within just two days.

See pet health insurance rates here to truly solidify your commitment to family and pets.

The post Pets Are Family: Why They Matter and How We Humanize Them appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.