November 2025

  • According to Axel Lagercrantz, CEO of Pets4Homes, the UK's largest pet marketplace, more than 56% of Miniature Dachshund owners post about their pets on TikTok - more than double the average across all breeds.

  • Rocco, an energetic Saint Bernard-Boxer mix, boasts acting credits including Veronica Mars, Jane the Virgin, and The Morning Show. But lately he and other four-legged actors are having trouble landing gigs because productions are opting for AI to create animated animals rather than using the real thing. Animal welfare advocates see this as a win, but animal wranglers disagree, saying real animals bring a kind of visceral, emotional truth that can’t be faked.

  • Dr. Emma Scales-Theobald, a canine scientist, nutritionist, and behaviorist, says some dog breeds need more mental stimulation and exercise than the average pup. These include Collies, Belgian Malinois, German Shepherds, Huskies, and working-breed Spaniels.

  • According to research at the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, dogs experience REM sleep patterns and emotional recall similar to that seen in humans. They remember stressful or joyful experiences, may lose sleep when emotionally unsettled, and may even lie awake at night worrying about their problems. Their studies also show that dogs replay emotional moments in their minds, especially arguments, stress, or separation from their favorite person.

  • It is possible for a dog to drink too much water, a condition called water intoxication. It may happen by accident, say, if your dog holds its head down or dives for something like a tennis ball while swimming. Emergency treatment by a veterinarian is needed.

R.U. Steinberg

Mr. Smarty Pants read the above information in a book, magazine, newspaper, or website; heard it on the radio; saw it on television; or overheard it a party. Got any facts? Email them to Mr. Smarty Pants for possible inclusion in the column at MrPants@AustinChronicle.com.

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