Indoor Enrichment Essentials: Science-Backed Dog Boredom Busters
The lifestyle magazine for modern dogs and their companions FALL · WINTER 2024/25
DOG SMARTS
PUPPY
STAGES
What To Expect
The Unique Intelligence of Dogs p68
BRAIN FOOD FOR
DOGS
gear guide
Publications Agreement Number 40743013 Return Mail Dept, Suite 101 – 2930 Arbutus St., Vancouver, BC V6J 3Y9
e - test
dprove p a d &
Does Your Dog
Understand You?
Science Says Yes. p66
p64 The 15 Smallest Dog Breeds
DOG TATTOOS WOLFDOGS
moderndogmagazine.com DISPLAY UNTIL JAN 31 ‘25
$7.95
FASCINATING DOG FACTS
p26 Expert Tips for Anxious, Fearful or Reactive Dogs
INSIDE: Great Giveaways + Pet Products That Will Actually Complement Your Home Decor
R I G H T P H OTO
L E FT P H OTO
FALL • WINTER 2024/25 V O L 2 3 N O 2
30 FEATURES 22
Mental Stimulation for Dogs: Activity Ideas for Happy Pups!
Indoor enrichment essentials: 7 great ways to make your dog happier, smarter, and less bored! 26
Expert Tips to Help Your Anxious,Fearful or Reactive Dog
18
Easy steps to take your dog from shy or scared to safe and confident!
34
Puppy Milestones
Development milestones, expected behaviours, and experiences your pup should have at each age.
READ YOUR BREED 64
These adorable, diminutive breeds pack a lot of personality into a small package!
BY TEOTI ANDERSON
38
Brain Food for Dogs
Help keep your dog’s mind sharp and prevent cognitive dysfunction syndrome with these brain games and foods!
88
The Coton de Tulear
From the jungle to the lap of luxury: meet the Royal Dog of Madagascar
BY ELIZABETH PASK & LAURA SCOTT
58
The 15 Smallest Dog Breeds
End-of-Life Pet Doulas
64
BY KELLY CALDWELL
How a death doula can help bring peace at the end of your pet’s life. BY SHERI RADFORD
66
How Your Dog Understands Language
You say, “go get your Frisbee.” Does your dog really understand, the way a person would? A Hungarian study says yes.
THE GOODS 43
A gift guide for dogs and dog lovers.
BY CAMILLE LEMOS
68
Dog Smarts: The Unique Intelligence of Dogs BY JENNIFER HOLLAND
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Gift Guide
72
Home Is Where the Dog Is
88
Pet products that will actually complement your home décor
TOP LEFT PHOTO GRAY MALIN; TOP RIGHT PHOTO JEANETTE D'MELLO; TOP INSET KOLDUNOVAAA/BIGSTOCK; BOTTOM INSET IMAGESBAVARIA/BIGSTOCK
BY ZAZIE TODD
26 Dog Gear Look Book
78
Your at-a-glance guide to the coolest finds for you and your dog.
Healthy Paws
86
Solutions for everything from sensitive stomachs to sore joints.
14 56
Recovery Essentials
Speed recovery post-surgery or after injury with these recommended products!
BODY & SOUL Do I Need to Clean My Dog’s Ears?
A guide to when and how to clean your dog’s ears.
Pet Hacks
52
How to use baking soda to tackle all manner of pet problems
DOG LIFE 20
We’re giving it away! We’ve got awesome dog stuff up for grabs—from food and treats to fun gear—and winners every two weeks. See what you can win on page 20.
Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs
54
Cancer fighting, immune system boosting mushrooms show promise in promoting health and longevity in dogs 48
Editor’s Letter Contributors Stuff We Love The Scoop Smile! Photo Contest Marketplace
I’m a Divorce Lawyer: Who Gets the Dog in a Divorce? Family lawyer shares who gets the pet in the event of a divorce
REGULAR FEATURES 6 8 10 12 18 94
Great Giveaways
74
Inked: A Love that Lasts Furever Find your dog tattoo inspiration here.
78
80
Do Wolfdogs Make Good Pets?
A canine behaviourist and wolfdog expert weighs in. BY NICOLE WILDE
84
Connie’s Book Club
Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s current selection of must-read books for dog lovers.
ON THE COVER Adorable Rafe, a sixmonth-old Shepherd mix, was adopted through Social Tees Animal Rescue in East Village, NYC (socialteesnyc.org). Photographed by the amazing Shaina Fishman.
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92
Tiny Dog Stories
Dog love in short form: miniature, reader-submitted dog stories of no more than 100 words. 96
Interesting Dog Facts
Fascinating dog trivia and little-known canine facts. In USA: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 23, Issue 2. Published semi-annually by Modern Dog Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington CT 06111-4003. Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 4767 Blaine, WA 98231-9901.
TO P L E FT P H OTO N ATA L I A B OSTA N / SH U TT E R STO CK ; TO P R I G H T A RT BY A L I S O N F R I E N D ; I N SE T B I G M O U T H P E TS
50
EDITOR'S LETTER
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Circle Only use blue and/or white. For more details check out our Brand Guidelines.
CO N N I E W I L S O N W I T H P E N N Y, P H OTO K H A R E N H I L L
OUR READERS WRITE
Spotted
D
Just a little light reading in the doctor’s office.—@cosmothecutiecavapoo ogs: our endearing, adorable, and devoted best friends. We go way back. Early signs of domestication date back 33,000 years, while unambiguous archaeological records of domesticated dogs are common as of 15,000 years ago. Undeniably, our interspecies partnership runs deep.
Despite our long history together, we’re still learning to truly understand our remarkable best friends. Certainly, they’re a quick study of human behaviour. Wondering if your dog really understands what you’re saying? Turn to page 66. (Science says yes.) In this issue, we delve into the unique intelligence of dogs—and the many ways we can engage their incredible cognitive abilities. Dogs are smart and will find ways to keep themselves busy if you fail to! For tested and approved dog boredom busters to keep your dog mentally stimulated, check out page 22. (Studies show puzzle toys stave off canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome!). We also reveal brain boosters for dogs—turn to page 38 for games and foods to keep your dog’s mind sharp. You’ll also discover expert tips for anxious, fearful or reactive dogs and uncover fascinating dog facts.
Out and About
We’re modern pups doing our thing. —@small.dogs.rule
Find too-cute puppy photos and corresponding development milestones on page 34. Fall in love with adorable, diminutive breeds—turn to page 64 to get to know the smallest of dogs. Find your dog tattoo inspiration with the cool dog tats on p 74, then discover the facts about Wolfdogs and whether they make good pets. (p 80) As usual, we have all the best product recommendations, and we’re giving away loads of cool dog stuff—turn to page 20 to see what’s up for grabs! We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we loved putting it together. Thank you for being a part of our amazing community of dog lovers. With love,
Happy Reading, Everybody! Connie Wilson, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
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It’s a great morning to enrich my mind with the summer 2023 edition of Modern Dog Magazine—@lambodoodlelove
C ON TRIBU TO R S FAL L • W I N T E R 2 0 2 4 / 2 5 • V O L 2 3 N O 2
Kelly Caldwell is a writer,
Publisher
Modern Dog Inc.
photographer, and regular Modern Dog contributor based out of Guelph, ON. Her articles and photographs have appeared in a variety of print and online magazines. An avid doglover, Kelly is a member of the Dog Writer’s Association of America and has been honoured by the DWAA with a Maxwell Award for her canine photography. Here, she’s pictured with the current canine love of her life, a Boston Terrier named Chuck. Turn to page 88 for her look at the fascinating history of the Coton de Tulear.
Editor-in-Chief
Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director
Jennifer Nosek Design & Production
Megan Carpick Comptroller
Cecilia de Roca Chan, CPA, CGA Sales
Simran Parekh Audience Development Coordinator
Yaunna Sommersby Subscriptions & Office Administration
Anna Regino Marketing & Sales Assistant
Aly Stamper Marketing & Sales Assistant
Mina Zivkovic Administrative Assistant
Angelie Hizon
Shaina Fishman is a
GET YOURSELF A SUBSCRIPTION!
commercial photographer who specializes in pets. Her work graces everything from the cover of this issue (how adorable is our Shepherd mix cover pup?!) to advertising campaigns and packaging. Her favourite, though, is pro bono work for animal rescues. Using a graphic and modern approach, Shaina's playful, humorous images personify her animal subjects. Shaina has published two beautiful books, Between Two Dogs and Puppies and Their Parents. To see more of her work visit shainafishman.com or @shainafishman on Instagram.
Give us a call at 1-800-417-6289 or subscribe online at moderndogmagazine.com/subscribe Advertising inquiries call (866) 734-3131 or email advertising@moderndogmagazine.com In Canada: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 23, Issue 2. Published semi-annually by Modern Dog Inc. at Suite 101–2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9 POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, Suite 101–2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9 In USA: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 23, Issue 2. Published semi-annually by Modern Dog Inc. at 142 Churchill Drive, Newington, CT 06111-4003. Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, CT and additional offices. POSTMASTER: send address changes to Modern Dog, PO Box 4767 Blaine, WA 98231-9901.
604) 734-3131 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3131
PHONE (
FAX (604) 734-3031 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3031
Michelle Simpson is
a full-time illustrator in Ontario. Her speciality is children’s book illustration, and she works with many publishing companies. Her favourite things to draw are animals and the outdoors. Michelle has two furry managers named Freddie and Sushi, though they are often more interested in snack time than helping her with her work. To see more of her illustration work visit michellescribbles.com. For her lovely illustration in this issue, turn to page 58.
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The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, images, photographs or other materials. By accepting and publishing advertising the publisher in no way recommends, guarantees or endorses the quality of services or products within those advertisements. Copyright 2024/25 by Modern Dog Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, electronic or mechanical, including the Internet or photocopying without the written permission of the Publisher. Modern Dog and its logotype are the trademarks of Modern Dog Inc. Modern Dog is published two times a year. Two-year subscription prices: Canada $18CAD, U.S.A. $18USD, foreign $45USD. Subscription orders and customer service inquiries should be sent to Modern Dog Subscription Services, Suite 101–2930 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC Canada V6J 3Y9
PROUDLY PRODUCED AND PRINTED IN CANADA
www.moderndogmagazine.com Publications Mail Agreement Number 40743013 We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. Nous reconnaissons l'appui financier du gouvernement du Canada.
! E L I SM mookie
Pomeranian
Awww ! SISKO Samoyed
WAYLON
moonpie
Dachshund
Great Pyrenees/Labrador
luffy
Pomeranian
GOLIATH
poppy
Lab/Hound Mix
Dachshund
Jack
Wheatie
winston tate Pembroke Welsh Corgi
bynx
Airedale Terrier
nova
lakota
Labradoodle
Australian Cattle Dog
apollo
Border Collie
choca
Labrador Retriever
endeavour Rat Terrier
OWEN
olive grace
Sunny
French Bulldog
Labrador Retriever
freddie Siberian Husky
Pug
torben maddox Rottweiler
frankie
Am. Staff/German Shepherd
cutie!!
sophia
KAIDO
Yorkshire Terrier
Siberian Husky
chloe
Shih-Tzu/Yorkshire Terrier
sky
Bull Terrier
joy
Maltipoo
darwin
German Shepherd/Husky
Think your dog ought To be in Modern Dog?
bolt
Chihuahua
MAVERICK Goldendoodle
Upload your dog’s photo at moderndogmagazine.com/ photocontest. Not only will he or she be entered to be our Dog of the Week, but a selection of the photos entered will appear on these pages!
ENTER TO WIN
We’re giving it away! Enter to win fabulous giveaways every two weeks from November through April. Go to moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways to enter! Lucky readers will win every two weeks.
November
December
1 14 st -
th
Win 1 of 4 prize packs from Banixx! Includes a bottle of the Banixx Pet Care Spray, Banixx Medicated Wound Cream, a WestPaw Bumi toy, and a bag of Sweet Potato Dog Chews.
January
1 14 st -
th
Win 1 of 2 dog gear prize packs from Pawfit! Includes their Pawfit 3 pet location and activity tracker, a one-month premium subscription, a collar, and a water bottle!
15
th -
30
th
Win a dog and human apparel prize pack from Toasty Trails! Includes an Otto Heated Dog Vest for your pooch and a matching Chinook Heated Human Vest for you!
15th - 31st
Win 1 of 2 wellness prize packs from Real Mushrooms! Includes their Daily Dawg, Functional Feline, Calm Chews, and Immune Chews for pets and their Lion’s Mane Powder, Dairy Creamer, and Coconut Creamer for humans.
March
1st -14th
Win 1 of 2 food and treat prize packs from Earth Animal! Includes bags of their Wisdom Air-Dried Dog Food and Wisdom Air-Dried Jerky treats.
February
1st -14th
Win the ultimate dog gear prize bundle from Spot! Includes a large assortment of toys, treats, and accessories for your pup!
April
1st -14th
Win 1 of 4 Large Deluxe Doggie Gift Packs from Chew Works! Includes a Large Hold-a-Chew, Large Natural Collagen Rolls, Large Chicken Collagen Rolls, Jumbo Bully Sticks, Pupcorn, and a Paw-pers bag of treats!
15
th -
31
st
Win 1 of 3 food and treat prize packs from Northwest Naturals! Winners will get to choose one bag of their freeze dried diet, two bags of Raw Rewards treats, and one Functional Topper.
1st -14th
Win 1 of 2 dog care gift baskets from J.R.LIGGETT! Includes dog shampoos, a conditioner bar, dog toys, and a dog blanket!
15th - 31st
Win 1 of 3 one-year supplies of dog snacks from Noochies! These single-ingredient and protein rich Freeze-Dried Dog Snacks support immune, digestive, and heart health.
15th - 28th
Win 1 of 2 canine supplement prize packs from Imagilin! Includes bottles of MitoMax JH (Joint Health), MitoMax UH (Urinary Health), MitoMax DH and freeze-dried apples MitoMax DHFD (Digestive Health).
15th - 30th
Win 1 of 3 dog wellness prize packs from Vetericyn! Includes ALL-IN dog supplements, FoamCare Shampoo and Eye Care, Ear Care, and Hot Spot Care solutions.
No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning November 1, 2024 at 12:01 AM (PST) through April 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM (PST), enter each day at moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways. Each week’s giveaway ends at 11:59 PM (PST). Each week, the specified number of winners for that week’s giveaway will win the prize featured in the giveaway calendar (ARV: $200). Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Contest is open to legal Canadian and US residents 18 and older as of date of entry. Void in Puerto Rico and where prohibited by law. Giveaway subject to complete official rules available at moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways.
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INSET PHOTO: KODA MAE SUBMITTED BY MICHAEL THIES
s y a w a e v i G t a Gre
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Gift Guide A gift guide for dogs & dog lovers!
Auburn Leathercrafters’ exclusive “Tail-Snap” design keeps the tail of the collar from sticking out and collecting brush and keeps the collar looking great year after year. Biothane and leather options available. Solid brass hardware. auburndirect.com
Pamper your pet this holiday season with Bowsers Franklin Bed! This luxuriously soft Himalayan faux fur bed surrounds your dog in a cloud of warmth and comfort. The perfect gift for your furry friend. bowsers.com/the-franklin-himalayan.html
BetterBone is the ultimate nylon alternative chew toy! Crafted from all-natural, food-grade ingredients, it is designed to promote health and dental hygiene with a softer and natural composition. Available in three densities, three sizes, and two flavours. thebetterbone.com
Made from U.S. sweet potatoes, the Sam’s Yams Sweet Potato Dog Chewz are slow-dried in Wisconsin with patented ridges for dental health. High in fiber and Beta-Carotene, they’re grain-free, gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO. Available for small, medium, and large dogs! frontporchpets.com
Give the gift of relief with the Simply Sage Cleansing Calendula Dog Paw Balm. Perfect for dogs with allergies and skin issues, it soothes and heals rough paws, providing the comfort and care they deserve. simplysagedogtreats.com
Is your dog bored? Dogs LOVE the TRIXIE Flip Board Game because it offers three different tasks to solve to earn tasty treats! Now available in two sizes for any paw! trixiepet.com or amazon.com
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
Gift Guide
Pamper your pup with a gift that cares! The HICC Pet® Favorite Gift Set keeps dogs fresh between baths with vetrecommended dental, ear, tear stain, and hypoallergenic wipes. Perfect for every pooch! hiccpet.com
Dogs and cats love Northwest Naturals single ingredient treats. The convenient pieces break easily to allow for quick and easy feeding while training or crumbled over food for a nutritional boost! nw-naturals.net
Daily Dawg Powder is an organic mushroom blend formulated by Dr. Rob Silver. Supports immune function, vital organs, and cognitive health. Perfect for your dog’s daily and long-term health! NSF certified, gluten-free, and non-GMO. shop.realmushrooms.com
Spoil your dog and yourself with an orthopaedic leather dog bed from Le Dog Company. Specifically designed to be supportive, easy to clean, and look great in your home. ledogcompany.com
The must-have gift for pet lovers! Keep pets safer, healthier, and happier with the Pawfit 3 pet location and activity tracker. Pets love wearing the 100% waterproof, smart GPS tracker, wherever they go. pawfit.com or amazon.com
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These adorable one inch tall sterling silver earrings will make you smile every time you wear them. We all wish we could have a dog that fits in a tote! markpoulin.com
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Gift Guide
Viral on TikTok. Highlighted on NBC Today Show. Voted Best Dog Leash Accessory Brand. The Spleash is making waves by helping dog parents keep their pups hydrated on walks hassle-free! spleash.com
This super-soft round Squishmallows Beula the Octopus bolster pet bed is perfect for cuddly dogs and cats alike. Cushioned bolsters create a natural headrest, and the comfy sleeping area is stuffed with polyester-fiber filling and a unique squishy fabrication. Easy to maintain–spot clean only. amazon.com
Transform any day into an adventure with Puppy Love Bubbles! Watch your furry friend frolic through non-toxic bubbles in scents like Bacon, Peanut Butter, Pumpkin, Apple Pie, and Birthday Cake. Perfect for holiday stocking stuffers! atomicbubbles.com
Give the gift of peace of mind with Tractive’s GPS Pet Tracker—live location updates, health monitoring, virtual fence, and more! Use code MODERNDOG40 to save 40%. tractive.com
Oxyfresh’s durable dental chew toy features scrubbing ridges to help remove tartar and plaque on your dog’s teeth, making it a fun way to help keep your dog's teeth bright and white. oxyfresh.com
Indulge in the holidays without the guilt with Go! Solutions Booster recipes for dogs, a delicious wet food topper, and Go! Solutions Benefit Chews, soft and chewy dog treats. go-solutions.com
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
Gift Guide The Ubbi Pup and Me Water Bottle is a must-have, modern travel companion for you and your pup! This bottle ensures that both you and your furry friend can enjoy refreshingly cold water. amazon.com
Discover the Stargazer Collection! Custom handmade leather dog collars and leashes. Elegantly designed, durable, and uniquely stylish. Treat your pup to the finest craftsmanship. Visit karmacollars.com
Celebrate the 12 days of Christmas with the ZippyPaws Holiday Advent Calendar! Inside each day’s box you’ll find one adorable Holiday-themed Miniz plush toy for your pup to play with. zippypaws.com
Celebrate your pet’s life by creating one-of-a-kind artwork based on the unique molecular makeup of their ashes. It will warm your heart every time you look at it! everafterart.com
Experience Super Zen Superblend and its power to help keep your dog naturally calm! This unique blend from North Hound Life may help reduce stress and anxiety caused by everyday annoyances your dog might experience. northhoundlife.com
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Woofermen is a Jones Natural Chews meaty treat with festive flair that your dogs will love! They are single-ingredient (beef) and feature an adorable holiday shape. Made and sourced in USA. jonesnaturalchews.com
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Gift Guide
Capture the love with Purr and Mutt’s Pet Portraits– the perfect personalized gift! Celebrate your furry friends with unique art, a gift that can be cherished for years to come. Use MODERN20 for 20% off at purrandmutt.com
The Way of Life Method goes beyond conventional training to help owners design ways of life that foster deep bonds, resolve behaviour issues, and raise healthy and happy dogs. thewayoflifemethod.com
SpectraTherapy’s LASERwrap Dog Coat automates improving circulation by reducing inflammation over the entire dog. Using repeat laser treatments, safely, anywhere, day or night, relieves pain. Perfect for the active dogs in your life! spectratherapy.com/mdm
Elevate your pup’s nutrition this holiday with Wiggly Babies’ all-natural, freeze-dried raw, single human-grade ingredient snacks. Made in Canada with zero additives, these delicious snacks offer perfect raw nutrition on the go for all adventures! wigglybabies.com
#1 ranked, multi-award winning, HandsOn Gloves are the revolutionary allin-one shedding/ bathing/grooming gloves. Animal preferred for the loving HandsOn massage. HandsOn is changing the way we bathe, de-shed, and groom all our animals. Forever. handsongloves.com
For every Pumpkin Spice or Holiday Feast No-Hide chew sold, Earth Animal will donate one No-Hide Strip to shelter dogs through Greater Good Charities. Earth Animal’s goal is to gift joy to 80,000 shelter dogs in need. earthanimal.com
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OUR PICKS MUSHROOM CHEW
for Dogs Cancer fighting, immune system boosting mushrooms show promise in promoting health and longevity in dogs
M
edicinal mushrooms offer an array of potential health benefits for dogs. They have been shown to contain multiple components that have immune-enhancing, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-tumor effects. Primarily, mushroom supplements have sparked interest for their cancer-fighting potential. A study from the University of Pennsylvania found that dogs with hemangiosarcoma had the longest survival time ever reported for dogs with this type of cancer when given a compound derived from the Coriolus versicolor mushroom (aka Turkey Tail). Dr. Katherine Kramer, a veterinarian at VCA-Canada Vancouver Animal Wellness Hospital, has been using mushroom supplements as a component of her veterinary practice for over a decade. “We primarily use a turkey tail (Coriolus versicolor) supplement for senior dogs to support the immune system and to help prevent and treat cancer,” says Dr. Kramer. She notes other types of mushrooms, such as maitake, shiitake, and cordyceps have been shown to have health benefits as well. Dr. Kramer recommends all her cancer patients add a turkey tail mushroom for support and suggests a medical mushroom supplement for middle age to senior pets in general. She notes that research for medicinal mushroom use in dogs is in its infancy and thus lacking in robust data, but what she sees in her practice has made her a believer. “I observe that patients receiving mushroom supplements have longer life spans.” And who doesn’t want that?
Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs and Their Potential Benefits Include:
Reishi Mushroom
(Ganoderma lucidum): Reishi mushrooms are known for their immune-modulating properties. They contain polysaccharides,
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MUSHROOM SPRINKLE
Boost your dog’s bowl with the Mushroom Superblend powder from North Hound Life! A synergistic combination of organic Chaga, Reishi, Turkey Tail, Cordyceps, and Lion’s Mane mushrooms, this powder is formulated to support immune and cognitive health. Simply sprinkle over your pup’s food! ($82, northhoundlife.com)
MUSHROOM POWDER
Formulated for enhanced canine health and longevity, Healthier Pet’s Whole Health Blend mushroom powder is a potent mix of Turkey Tail, Maitake, Reishi, Shitake, Chaga, Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, and Tremella mushrooms. ($46, healthierpet.org)
beta-glucans, and triterpenoids, believed to offer various potential health benefits for dogs, including boosting the immune system.
Turkey Tail Mushroom (Coriolus
versicolor): The Coriolus versicolor mushroom, more commonly known as the Turkey Tail mushroom, is rich in polysaccharopeptides (PSP), particularly beta-glucans. It possesses immune-boosting properties and is often recommended as an adjunct health supplement in cancer and chemotherapy. Dogs that received this compound had the longest survival times ever reported for hemangiosarcoma.
Shiitake Mushroom (Lentinula
edodes): Shiitake mushrooms contain a compound called lentinan, studied for its potential anti-tumor, immuneboosting, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
Maitake Mushroom
(Grifola frondosa): Beta-glucan-rich maitake mushrooms have been studied for their antiinflammatory and immune-enhancing potential.
Cordyceps Mushroom:
Known for their adaptogenic properties, Cordyceps are thought to help the body adapt to stress, support immune and respiratory health and boost energy and stamina. Be sure to consult your vet before integrating medicinal mushrooms into your dog’s wellness protocol to ensure no interactions with other medications or any other contraindications.
P H OTO S O N SE DSK AYA / B I G STO CK
Medicinal Mushrooms
Veterinarian formulated and third-party lab tested, the Mushroom Immune Pet Chews from Real Mushrooms are made from a powerful blend of organic Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Turkey Tail, and Chaga mushrooms, as well as ashwagandha and astragalus herbs to bolster and support immune system response. ($35, shop.realmushrooms.com)
SPECIAL PROMOTION
HEALTHY CANINE Products to enhance a healthy canine lifestyle
Want a happier and healthier pet? Northwest Naturals raw pet food offers the greatest nutritional value for your dog. Northwest Naturals will increase your dog’s vitality, leave a shinier coat, support healthier joints, create less poop, and leave teeth whiter with fresher breath – meaning a lot less trips to the vet. nw-naturals.net/ products/dog-food
Furvor Pet is leading a movement to reimagine dog nutrition — creating bone broths that are 30x more nutritionally dense than traditional broths for dogs. They only use 100% human-grade bone broth that is naturally packed with proteins, collagen, vitamins, minerals, and all 10 essential amino acids to support your dog's health inside and out! furvorpet.com
WellyChef ® “Homemade Dog Food Done Right” ™ makes it very easy to make nutritious, AAFCO-qualified dog food at home! Simply use human food-grade meat from the grocery store and mix it with WellyChef. Made with quinoa, chia seeds, antioxidant-rich veggies and fruits, plus added vitamins and minerals, WellyChef maintains optimal health in your dog. wellytails.com
Vetericyn® Triple-Action Ear Treatment provides healing relief for irritation caused by otitis externa and other serious ear issues. 1% Hydrocortisone relieves itch while helping soothe and reduce redness and swelling. Otizyme enzymatic blend helps flush infection-causing buildup. Botaniplex natural extracts enhance immune response and help restore a healthy balance in ears. vetericyn.com
Give your dog what they deserve with meaty marrow-filled bones by K9 Connoisseur! These treats are 100% natural, made in the USA with just one ingredient, and sourced from grass-fed cattle under 29 months old. They’re a low-calorie, high-protein, nutrient-packed healthy alternative to processed artificial treats. k9connoisseur.com Meet Noochies! A nicer freeze-dried treat. Introducing the world’s first freeze-dried, high-protein, nutrient-rich foods made without factory farming. Because Noochies uses fermented proteins, these nutrient-packed morsels are great for immune, digestive and heart health, while their super-savory taste makes them perfect for training or treating. noochies.co
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
Ingenious solutions to common dog-life problems PROBLEM:
STAINED AND STINKY CARPETS
SOLUTION:
Avoid making pet urine smells worse with DIY approaches or steam cleaning. Pet Urine Removal Treatment (P.U.R.T.) by Chem-Dry attacks pet urine odors on a molecular level, eliminating them. md.chemdry.com
PROBLEM: YOUR DOG IS IN PAIN AND FATIGUED
SOLUTION: I’m-Yunity for
dogs is the only clinically proven medicinal mushroom extract of Coriolus versicolor. It helps reduce pain and fatigue while improving energy levels, mobility, appetite, and overall quality of life. Learn more at buyimyunity.com
PROBLEM:
LOST OR MISSING PETS
SOLUTION: Never lose track
of your pet again with the 100% waterproof Pawfit 3 pet location and activity tracker. Smart GPS technology and worry-free extended battery life protects pets with confidence. Available at pawfit.com or amazon.com.
PROBLEM: DOG
EXPERIENCING IVDD MUSCLE TENSION OR MEGAESOPHAGUS
SOLUTION:
LASERwrap Dog Coats & wraps automates improving circulation by reducing inflammation over the entire dog. Using repeat laser treatments, safely, anywhere day or night relieves pain. Dynamically proven to speed recovery and extend life 2+ years. spectratherapy.com/mdm
PROBLEM: YOUR DOG HATES BEING BRUSHED SOLUTION: The Everyday Slicker Brush from PUPWELL was designed to mimic a relaxing back scratch! An enjoyable way to remove knots and tangles from everyday play. Pups and their parents love the experience and fluffy rewards. pupwell.com
PROBLEM: DANGER OF CHOKING AND BLOCKAGE FROM SWALLOWING CHEW STICKS
SOLUTION: Make chewing safer with the Chew Works Holda-Chew. The Hold-a-Chew is a chewable chew stick holder that secures chew sticks to prevent swallowing large pieces that could cause choking. chewworks.com
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LOVE LETTERS
Morning Surprise
The Wolf Pack Hope, Faith, and Charity are three members of a suburban wolf pack. They may not spend their days on the hunt, but they certainly stay busy: going for iced coffee trips, scaring off the rogue chipmunk, and faithfully alerting the entire neighborhood that a terrifying Chihuahua is walking down the street. This little pack never wastes a day.—Nicole Fuechsl
Tiny Dog Stories Dog love in short form: miniature, reader-submitted dog stories of no more than 100 words. Samson the Overcomer Samson, the mighty overcomer, is a handsome Boston Terrier. His life is filled with great purpose. Not only has he engaged in dog sports, created his own games with his hyper intelligence, and outsmarted his owner, he has also been a therapy dog and a sidekick to someone who had brain cancer, providing great comfort. He spreads so much love. Samson had to have both eyes removed a year and a half ago and has navigated it with strength, courage, perseverance. He has taught many lessons on how to overcome adversity, which are now being turned into a book.—Brenda Stewart
My Furry Little Muse Cricket is an older dog who was very withdrawn and had failed his behavioural tests at the city shelter. Fortunately, a senior dog organization came to his rescue! I knew when I first met Cricket that we were meant for each other. As he became more trusting and open to new experiences, I found myself doing the same. Cricket even inspired me to write and publish a children’s book about him, something that I wouldn’t have had the guts to do before we met. If life is all about finding happiness, I accomplished that when I found Cricket.—Michael Angelo Torres
Poppy Poppy was my life, world, and
heart. She was an abused, disabled, deaf, and mentally challenged rescue dog. She was a joy for a little more than three years. She learned how to be a dog. She learned to do things I never thought possible: snuggle in warm blankets and play with toys. She taught me how to communicate without using words and patience when she took longer to navigate stairs. She'd bring a toy to my son to engage in a tug-of-war. Other-able dogs give you so much, asking only to be loved.—Ellen L. Meade
Have Another Brewsky, named by college boys, was our adopted heeler mix. At seven, he developed lymphoma. We went from diagnosis to euthanasia in four hours and were devastated. I remembered the "All Creatures Great and Small" vet, James Herriot, said after you lose a pet, get another one soon. Your grief won't help. What will help is saving another life by adopting—it's not so much a specific dog, but dogness that you miss. Four days later, we adopted Gracie, another heeler mix. We loved our boy, Brew, and we love our girl, Gracie, who makes our lives so much richer.—Dinah Swan
A Ragamuffin Named Zoey Ragamuffin. That’s what
my grandma called her. It was a fitting description of the shaggy, straw-coloured furball in front of me. She looked like a cross between the dog from Because of Winn-Dixie and a tumbleweed. The hay bale with eyes peered up expectantly, tongue lolling. I gave her a treat—the first of many. She quickly became part of the family and is now the inseparable shadow of my grandma. She is called by her shelter name, Zoey, but keeps her given nickname, Ragamuffin, for times when grooming is long overdue.—Joely Hart
Get published in Modern Dog! Submit your dog story of no more than 100 words (word count strictly enforced) to tinydogstories@moderndogmagazine.com. By submitting, you are consenting to publication of your story.
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I L LU S T R AT I O N SSSTO C K E R / B I G S TO C K
Middle of the night: wee-wee time. We all (me and the dogs) got up. I took them outside, and then we came back inside to the bedroom. I curled around Shaggy on the big cushion on the floor and cuddled him. We were so cozy-comfy that I fell asleep. I woke up as usual in the morning. What was not 'as usual' was that there I was on the doggy floor-cushion, and Shaggy was snoring happily up on the bed!—Christine Riley
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DOG FACTS
Fascinating dog trivia and little-known canine facts How Many Dog Breeds Are There?
An Ancient, Unlikely Friendship Dogs evolved from a nowextinct species of Pleistocene wolves between 18,800 and 32,100 years ago, after early humans in Europe or western Siberia formed an unlikely partnership with the canines. The dog was the first species to be domesticated by humans, predating the domestication of horses and ruminants by 10,000 years. Social icon
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Toto at Risk of Extinction Experts warn that the Cairn Terrier, which rose to fame as Dorothy’s dog in The Wizard of Oz, has HALVED in popularity over the last 10 years, reports the Daily Mail. In 1930s, the Cairn was one of the top five most popular breeds in the UK. Following the release of the iconic film in 1939, demand for the breed skyrocketed. But in the first quarter of 2023, the fearless little terrier saw a 42 percent decrease in popularity compared to the year previous. Due to the sharp decline in numbers, there are fears the breed will enter The Kennel Club’s Vulnerable Native Breeds list, which highlights British and Irish Breeds at risk of disappearing.
Oldest Dog Breed The Guinness World Book of Records cites the Saluki as the world’s oldest known breed of domesticated dog. Believed to have emerged in 329 BC, Saluki dogs were revered in ancient Egypt where they were kept as royal pets and even mummified after death. Carvings found in Sumer (present-day southern Iraq) closely resemble a Saluki and date back to 7000 BC.
The Tallest Dog Breed The immense yet graceful Irish Wolfhound is the tallest breed of dog, standing nearly three feet at the shoulder and weighing up to 180 pounds. Bred to be big game hunters, this fast and fearless ancient breed gained popularity in 15th century Ireland by helping control the wolf population.
The Smartest Breed The Border Collie is widely considered to be the smartest dog breed. A Border Collie named Chaser famously learned the meaning of over 1,000 proper nouns.
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I M AG ES C LO CK W I SE F RO M TO P L E FT: G O O DST U D I O / B I G STO CK ; L I F E O N W H I T E / B I G STO CK ; L I F E O N W H I T E / B I G STO C K ; A SH VA / B I G STO CK ; M O R P H A RT / B I G STO CK ; M LO R E N Z / B I G STO CK
The American Kennel Club recognized its 201st breed in January 2024 when the Lancashire Heeler was added to the AKC registry. The first breed to be recognized by the AKC was the pointer in 1878. But worldwide, more breeds make the cut. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale officially recognizes 360 breeds. The FCI, also known as the International Canine Federation, is the largest international federation of kennel clubs with members, associates and partners in 98 countries.