November 2024

• According to a recent University of Arizona study, children who play with the family dog have higher levels of oxytocin - a.k.a. “the love hormone" - than if they play with toys and games.

• According to the U.K’s People's Dispensary for Sick Animals, dogs should get at least 13 to 16 hours of sleep or more every day. If dogs do not get enough sleep, they are more likely to display aggressive behaviors.

• Playing with dog toys benefits dogs in many ways, including reducing cortisol levels and increasing oxytocin.

• When you first bring home a puppy, it's likely they've never been left alone before. To acclimate them, the American Kennel Club recommends putting them alone in a crate or exercise pen; then leave the room but remain at home. Begin with very short periods in the crate or pen and gradually increase the time alone as they become used to it. 

• If you're wondering who is trying to make pet food taste and smell better, look no further than Missouri-based AFB International. The company, which works with pet food manufacturers, says dogs rely more on smell than taste. In fact, the ratio for how much aroma matters vs. how much taste matters is 70/30 for dogs, compared to 50/50 with cats. Organ meats such as beef liver, chicken liver, and lamb spleen are dog favorites, with the latter having almost as much vitamin C as a tangerine.