How Long Can Your Expect Your Dog to Live? Look to Their Nose!
The lifestyle magazine for modern dogs and their companions
GUESS BREED MIX!
SPRING · SUMMER 2024
THE
We tested the DNA. Can you correctly guess the mix? p31
The Best Gear for Outdoor Fun
Publications Agreement Number 40743013 Return Mail Dept, Suite 101 – 2930 Arbutus St., Vancouver, BC V6J 3Y9
E: INSID YS WA GIVEA E! GALOR
p14
Why You Should Baby Talk to Your Dog
P 22
PUPPY ESSENTIALS GUIDE moderndogmagazine.com DISPLAY UNTIL AUG ‘24
$7.95
p62
The Superfood Secret to Canine Longevity 12 Ways to Improve Your Senior Dog’s Life Expert tips & tricks to
extend your dog’s healthspan
The 15 Best Breeds for First-Time Dog Owners
America’s Favorite Pet Competition Winner, Destiny!
Your Backyard Could be a Money-Making Private Dog Park. Find Out How on p38
R I G H T P H OTO
L E FT P H OTO
SPRING • SUMMER 2024 V O L 2 3 N O 1
FEATURES 26
12 Ways to Improve Your Senior Dog’s Life
Extend your dog’s healthspan with these tips and tricks. 31
Guess the Breed Mix!
We tested the DNA of a crossbreed cutie. See if you can correctly guess the mix! BY TEOTI ANDERSON
38
Your Backyard Could be a Money-Making Private Dog Park
An Airbnb-type app for renting out your backyard is proving a fun and lucrative side hustle for property-owning dog lovers.
16 READ YOUR BREED 12
Get to know the Lancashire Heeler, the 201st dog breed to be recognized by the AKC.
BY TRACEY TONG
50
Dog Reiki: The Antidote to Dog Anxiety? What IS reiki, anyway? Does it actually work? My dogs, I think, would say it does.
BY YAUNNA SOMMERSBY
88
The Great Pyrenees
Big, beautiful, and brave— is this striking gentle giant the breed for you?
BY SONIA JONES
66
Meet the New Breed on the Block
Undiscriminating Dogs and Feline Foodies: Why Cats Are Pickier Than Dogs
BY KELLY CALDWELL
Dogs will devour pretty much anything while cats turn up their noses. Experts explain why. BY SHERI RADFORD
76
How Long Can You Expect Your Dog to Live? Look to Their Nose!
New study suggests that smaller dogs with longer noses live longer than their larger, flat-faced counterparts. BY CAMILLE LEMOS
88
THE GOODS 24
Dog Gear Look Book
Staff favourites and current obsessions. 74
Puppy Essentials Guide
We’ve rounded up our favourite puppy products, Modern Dog tested and approved! 80
Let’s Play!
Get outside and have a ball: the best gear for outdoor play.
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LEFT PHOTO NICK1841/SHUTTERSTOCK; R I G H T P H OTO B R YA N R E I SB E RG ; I N SE T P H OTO T H E L ACE R AT I N G LY N X / SH U TT E R STO CK . COV E R I N SE TS J A N K R AV TS OV / B I G STO CK ; K I T R E E L / SH U TT E R STO CK .
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96
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Healthy Paws
Solutions for everything from sore joints to stained coats!
DOG LIFE 22
We’re giving it away! We’ve got awesome dog stuff up for grabs—from a deluxe dog bed to dog gear prize packs—and winners every two weeks. See what you can win on page 22.
BODY & SOUL It’s Tick Season
54
How to properly remove a tick from your dog’s body.
62
The superfood secret that promotes canine longevity.
New Drug Offers Dog Fountain of Youth
58
The 15 Best Breeds for First-Time Dog Owners
These biddable breeds are a great match for people who are new to dogs. Did your favourite breed make the list?
Sardines
56
Great Giveaways
64
Unchained
Beloved MUTTS character gets happy ending after nearly 30 years.
Longevity drugs for our canine companions are around the corner. Could they extend the life of your dog?
BY ROSE FROSEK
BY DR. CAROL OSBORNE
72
Three Simple Things That Will Vastly Improve Your Dog’s Quality of Life
Easy to execute ideas that will make a big difference to your dog. BY KATHY CALLAHAN
REGULAR FEATURES 6 8 10 12 20 94
Editor’s Letter Contributors Stuff We Love The Scoop Smile! Photo Contest Marketplace
82
Hook Up and Chase Tail
The growing dog sport of Canicross is winning dog lovers with an alluring blend of the outdoors and social interaction.
74
BY ROSE FROSEK
84
Connie’s Book Club
Editor-in-Chief Connie Wilson’s current selection of must-read books for dog lovers. 92
Dog love in short form: miniature, reader-submitted dog stories of no more than 100 words.
ON THE COVER Say hello to Destiny, winner of the 2024 America’s Favorite Pet Competition, photographed by Sydney Cisco. Read all about Destiny’s inspiring story on page 46!
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Tiny Dog Stories
96
Interesting Dog Facts
Fascinating dog trivia and little-known canine facts.
In USA: MODERN DOG (ISSN 1703-812X) Volume 23, Issue 1. 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 KS U KSA / B I G STO CK ; TO P R I G H T P H OTO VO LO DYMY R S CH E R B A K / B I G S TO CK ; L E FT I N SE T CO U RT ESY O F D O O G .
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EDITOR'S LETTER
Social icon
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
Handsome Readers
T
We think we are worthy of a contract! We love posing for the camera! —@_kingsleyandprince_ his just might be my favourite issue to date. There is so much to learn and discover about our canine companions, from fascinating dog trivia to the latest behaviour science. And, of course, the pages are packed with tips, tricks, and ideas for bettering your dog’s life and improving your relationship. Let’s dive in, shall we?
For starters, we explore 12 ways to dramatically improve your senior dog’s life. Golden oldies hold a special place in my heart, and these easy tips and tricks will help you extend your dog’s healthspan. Next up, Guess the Breed Mix! We tested the DNA of a crossbreed cutie. See if you can correctly guess the mix on page 31. Did you know your backyard could be a money-making private dog park? An Airbnb-type app for renting out your backyard is proving a fun and lucrative side hustle for property-owning dog lovers. Find out how much they’re making on page 38. We look at reiki for dogs (does it really work?), investigate the new longevity drugs for our canine companions, and unpack a new study correlating dog size and nose length with lifespan. See where your dog falls on this list (p 76).
A Tiny Dog Story Hero
Thank you for printing my story! I love you for doing that. This one meant a lot to me!—Submitted by Jean B Yates
We also share the 15 best breeds for first-time dog owners—did your favourite breed make the list? These biddable breeds (p 62) are a great match for people who are new to dogs. Interested in getting outside with your dog? Discover a new dog sport blending the outdoors and the social! And as usual, you’ll find the coolest dog-approved toys, gear, and more, from modern, minimal furniture to puppy essentials, tested and approved! You’ll also get to know the newest recognized breed, discover solutions to canine health problems, and find months of incredible giveaways. It’s all here. We hope you enjoy the issue as much as we loved putting it together for you. Thank you for being a part of this amazing community of dog lovers! With love,
Modern Dog in the Wild Connie Wilson, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
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Catching up on the latest issue of “Modern Dog” while waiting for my annual checkup @vca_canada.—@erniesjernie
C ON TRIBU TO R S SPRING • SUMMER 2024 • VOL 23 NO 1 Publisher
Sonia Jones is a writer from
Modern Dog Inc. Editor-in-Chief
Vancouver, BC, telling the story of her three Huskies and the humans they rescued. She credits them for saving her life amidst an eight-year chronic illness struggle. In return, she was hell-bent on giving her remaining two seniors, including 16-year-old Ice, the best life she possibly could. Turn to page 50 to read about their experience with reiki for dogs.
Connie Wilson Editor & Creative Director
Jennifer Nosek Design & Production
Megan Carpick Comptroller
Cecilia de Roca Chan, CPA, CGA Marketing & Sales Coordinator
Yaunna Sommersby Subscriptions & Office Administration
Anna Regino Administrative Assistant, Sales & Marketing
Aly Stamper Administrative Assistant
Award-winning journalist Tracey Tong is a lifelong dog lover. She wrote her first story for Modern Dog in 2017 and has been a regular contributor to Modern Dog and Modern Cat since. A magazine editor and professor of journalism at Algonquin College, she lives in Ottawa, Canada with her husband and two daughters. In this issue she explores how thanks to an Airbnbtype app, dog lovers are turning their backyards into lucrative private dog parks on page 38.
Angelie Hizon
GET YOURSELF A SUBSCRIPTION!
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 1. 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 1. 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 (
Modern Dog’s very own
Yaunna Sommersby
is our Audience Development Coordinator and an award-winning photojournalist. A lifelong animal lover and dog nerd, she currently competes and trains in a variety of dog sports with her Miniature Longhaired Dachshund, Pippin Took. More often than not, you will likely find her with a camera in her hands or with a spoiled hound or tuxedo cat on her lap. Check out her photography on Instagram: @yaunnaraephotography. Turn to page 12 for Yaunna’s overview of the newest AKC-recognized dog breed, the Lancashire Heeler!
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FAX (604) 734-3031 OR TOLL FREE (866) 734-3031
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 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
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P H OTO O F T R ACE Y TO N G BY A N A STA SI A K R AC H KOVSK AYA ; P H OTO O F S O N I A J O N ES BY CI N DY H U G H ES , M U D DY LOV E ; P H OTO O F YAU N N A S O M M E R SBY BY J E N N I F E R S O M M E R SBY / S O M B E R B E E P I C T U R E S
Simran Parekh Audience Development Coordinator
! E L I SM
ADAM
Border Collie
ROSIE
Awww !
Maltipoo
NALA
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
COCO
Maltipoo
TEARA
English Bulldog
ELWOOD
Chihuahua
PRINCE
RUBY
DUG
JACKIE
STEVIE
Milly
Yorkiejack
TURBO
French Bulldog
THOR
Poodle
Long-Haired Dachshund
Mini-Cattle Dog
Cockapoo
Labrador Retriever
Pitbull
OREO
Miniature American Shepherd
ASTON & NOVA
Australian Shepherd
PEANUT
DUCKIE
Corgi
WINNIE LOU
Cocker Spaniel
NASH
Pug
Golden Retriever
cutie!!
ROCKY
Australian Shepherd
CHARLIE
MAVIS
CHIEF
Boston Terrier
Golden Retriever
Terrier Mix
TEDDY
Welsh Terrier
ROCKY Mixed
NERO Husky
Frankie
Think your dog ought To be in Modern Dog?
French Bulldog
KODA Pomsky
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 May through October. Go to moderndogmagazine.com/giveaways to enter! Lucky readers will win every two weeks.
May
June
1st -14th
Win 1 of 2 dog care gift baskets from J.R. Liggett! Includes dog shampoos, a conditioner bar, a grooming glove, a cozy dog towel, a dog toy, and poop bags.
15 -31 th
st
Win a trip to Pacific Sands Beach Resort Tofino! Spend two nights in a dog-friendly Oceanside Suite on Cox Bay beach and spoil your pet with a doggie prize pack.
July
1st -14th
Win a stylish and sophisticated Signature Collection prize pack from Bowsers! Includes a medium Signature Scoop bed, an Urban Home and Travel Mat, and an Artisan Raised Feeder!
15th -30th
Win 1 of 4 $100 food and treat vouchers from Northwest Naturals! Vouchers can be redeemed for a Northwest Naturals frozen treat, frozen bone, and one 25 oz bag of FD diet for dogs.
August
1st -14th
Win 1 of 3 apparel sets from K9 Wear! Includes the K9 Wear Tommy Bahama Everyday Harness and Hawaiian Shirt that attaches seamlessly to the harness.
September
1st -14th
Win the ultimate dog adventure gear pack from Wildebeest! Includes a stylish belt bag with treat pockets, fold up travel bowl, padded soft harness, waterproof leash, baggie holder, and biodegradable poop bags.
15th -31st
Win the ultimate pet prize bundle from Odie Pet Insurance! Includes a custom tote bag, an Odie branded Springer Dog Travel Water Bottle, additional Odie treats, and a $200 Chewy gift card.
15th -30th
Win 1 of 4 dog gear prize packs from Pawfit! Includes their Pawfit 3 pet location and activity tracker, a six-month subscription voucher, and a leash and collar set!
1st -14th
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.
15th -31st
Win 1 of 8 dog gear prize packs from Dexas! Includes a medium MudBuster paw washer and a Snack & Distract licking mat.
October
1st -14th
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 -31st
Win an extra small cashmere dog sweater from Canine Cashmere! Available in six vibrant designs, these luxurious and cozy cashmere sweaters are made in Italy.
No purchase necessary to enter or win. Beginning May 1, 2024 at 12:01 AM (PST) through October 31, 2024 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: BOSS SUBMITTED BY MONICA
s y a w a e v i G t a Gre
SPECIAL PROMOTION
Cool New Finds Keep your pet safer with the 100% waterproof Pawfit 3s! This smart GPS location and activity tracker with a 30-day battery life finds your pet in real-time, wherever they may go. pawfit.com
Turn any dog leash into a water bowl with Spleash! No more collapsible or unsanitary community bowls. Spleash attaches to your leash, holds 12oz of water, and sprays at least 14 feet. spleash.com
Northwest Naturals single ingredient raw frozen treats are highly palatable and easy to feed. Pets love them because they are individually quick frozen to lock in the aroma, texture, and the freshness they crave. nw-naturals.net
Mattie, Milo, and Me is a heartwarming memoir. A survivor of abuse battling depression, Anne mourns the loss of a cherished family pet and unwittingly adopts an aggressive dog. Both dogs teach her unexpected lessons in love, strength, and healing along the way. anneabelauthor.com
Introducing WizSmart’s new and innovative Essentials Charcoal XL Dog Pads! Equipped with Stay-Put Tabs, they ensure a mess-free experience. Activated charcoal technology effectively absorbs odours and prevents unsightly stains, providing the ultimate convenience for pet owners. wizsmart.com
Marvel’s Spider-Man is ready to take flight with the Spider-Man Rope Gliderz toy from ZippyPaws! This lightweight flyer is the perfect toy for heroic tossing and tugging fun! zippypaws.com
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
Cool New Finds Avoid making pet urine smells worse with DIY approaches or steam cleaning! The Pet Urine Removal Treatment (P.U.R.T.) by Chem-Dry attacks pet urine odors on a molecular level, eliminating them. md.chemdry.com Step into the spotlight with the BB Sport Vibrant Collection! Featuring five bold new colours for the adventurous pet. Weather-resistant, durable, neck-safe, and stylish, Buddy Belts is where fashion meets function! buddy-belts.com
Want a healthier dog? Add Smart Earth Camelina Oil to their diet! This anti-inflammatory Omega 3 supports joint mobility and skin & coat health and may reduce itchiness, shedding, dandruff, and allergy symptoms. Use Moderndog15 to get 15% off at smartearthcamelina.com
Is your dog suffering from itchy skin, hot spots, ear infections, or ringworm? Banixx Pet Care checks all the boxes! No sting, no smell, fast-acting, and safe. banixx.com
Furvor Pet’s new bone broth is 30x more nutritionally dense than most traditional bone broth for dogs! Naturally concentrated with nutrients to support your pup’s mobility, gut health, skin and coat, and immunity. furvorpet.com
Introducing Ancaster Food Equipment’s innovative Dog Washing Station! Revolutionize pet grooming with their user-friendly, hygienic solution. Pamper your furry friend with ease and convenience. A must-have for every pet owner and dog groomer! ancasterfoodequipment.com
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SARDINES The Superfood Secret that Promotes Canine Longevity
Sardines are incredibly nutrient-dense. Sardines are a rich source of selenium, which promotes thyroid health and helps neutralize free radicals, protecting the organs from damage. Not only that, but sardines are an incredible source of CoQ10, a powerhouse coenzyme renowned for its antioxidant properties and a favourite supplement of longevity scientists. Multiple studies show that CoQ10 can increase your dog’s lifespan by
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Sardines are also an excellent source of vitamin B-12, supporting healthy methylation and nerve function. Sardines also supply a rich foodbased source of vitamin D. Dogs must consume vitamin D in their diet for overall health because, unlike us, dogs can’t make vitamin D from sunlight! Sardines supply the lowest levels of mercury and the highest levels of EPA and DHA of any fish. These essential fatty acids decrease inflammation and promote healthy skin function in dogs. Human studies involving hundreds of thousands of participants eating sardines twice a week found consumption reduces the risk of dying from heart disease by 36%, notes Dr. Becker. Dr. Aleix Sala-Vila’s research group concluded regular consumption may increase life expectancy in humans by five years. Sardines are also sustainable and have low levels of contamination compared to other fish. Plus, dogs love them!
One sardine for every 20 pounds of body weight, 2-3 times per week. Buy sardines packed in water or fresh if you can find them! (Avoid farmed fish).
R I G H T TO P I N SE T A N KO M A N D O / SH U TT E R STO C K ; R I G H T B OTTO M I N SE T L I F E O N W H I T E / B I G STO CK .
Sardines are packed with Omega-3s and vitamin D, both of which are cancer preventatives.
protecting mitochondria from damage and increasing cellular energy. TO P P H OTO B I SWA P H OTO G R A P H Y 93 / SH U TT E R STO CK ; B A CKG RO U N D P H OTO T H A I I CE DT E A / B I G STO CK ;
A
dd this longevity topper to your dog’s dinner, recommends Dr. Karen Becker, author of Your Forever Dog. This food secret comes from the world’s longest-lived people, the centenarians of the “Blue Zone” island of Sardinia. Sardines are one of the staple fish regularly consumed there.
SPECIAL PROMOTION
HEALTHY CANINE Products to enhance a healthy canine lifestyle
ALL-IN 1 contains Glucosamine, Chondroitin, Fish Oil (Omega 3), Collagen, Biotin, Calcium, vitamins, minerals, and much more! Powered by a nutrient-rich organ meat complex and enhanced with a gut health blend to maximize absorption, it’s lifelong health for your lifelong friend! vetericyn.com Each recipe of Wisdom Air-Dried Jerky is made with Earth Animal’s sustainably sourced Exclusive Protein Blends for superior nutrition and taste. They’re enriched with quinoa, which provides all 10 essential amino acids for dogs. It’s then air-dried and cut into strips which can be broken into pieces for a healthy, tasty treat. earthanimal.com
Spectra Therapy’s LASERwrap Dog Coat automates the delivery of coherent laser therapy over the entire dog with repeat treatments relieving pain and tension by dynamically improving circulation, reducing IVDD inflammation, speeding up recovery, and extending a dog’s life by 2 to 3 years. LASERwrap’s patented hands-free delivery makes treatments practical and safe– anytime, anywhere. spectratherapy.com/mdm
Warmer weather means longer walks & hikes and achy joints for our canine companions! That makes it a perfect time to learn or begin a new career in canine massage. Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure and Massage offers a comprehensive Introduction to Canine Therapeutic Massage course! Details at rmsaam.com The Herbal Healing Pet Skin Salve from Simply Sage Dog Treats is specially formulated for dogs and cats dealing with a variety of skin issues. Helps hot spots, lick granulomas, skin infections, rashes, bug bites, dry skin, burns, and more. Provide relief for your furry friend's skin ailments! simplysagedogtreats.com Sam’s Yams Veggie Rawhide Sweet Potato Dog Chewz are made from 100% U.S.-sourced sweet potatoes, expertly slow-dried in Wisconsin. Featuring patented ridges for dental health, these chews are high in fiber for digestive health and Beta-Carotene for healthy vision. Suitable for pets with dietary restrictions. Grainfree, gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO. frontporchpets.com
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SPECIAL PROMOTION
Ingenious solutions to common dog-life problems 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: HAVE A DOG THAT LIKES TO GET DIRTY? SOLUTION: 4Knines Seat Covers and Cargo Liners have unrivaled durability and convenience for adventure enthusiasts and their dirty sidekicks. Quick installation, easy cleaning, and adventure-proof protection! 4knines.com
PROBLEM: TOUGH PET STAINS AND ODOURS
SOLUTION: The Oxyfresh Advanced
Pet Stain and Odour Remover outperforms the leading competitors in eliminating the toughest pet stains and odours on all surfaces! The fragrance-free formula works fast, helps to prevent remarking, and is family and pet-safe. oxyfresh.com
PROBLEM: IS YOUR DOG BORED?
SOLUTION: Engage
your dog with this madein-the-USA toy and treat combination from Project Hive Pet Company. Treats are vegetarian, non-GMO, and they fit snugly in the Hive Chew Toy cavity to stimulate your dog’s problem-solving instincts and relieve boredom. projecthivepetcompany.com
PROBLEM: DOG PROBLEM: PET
EXPERIENCING IVDD MUSCLE AND JOINT TENSION AND PAIN
SOLUTION: Simplicity’s
SOLUTION:
HAIR EVERYWHERE!
S65 Deluxe Cordless Stick Vacuum eliminates pet hair from floors, furniture, and cars. With a unique pet turbo tool, this portable vacuum gives ultimate maneuverability and cleaning power in pet-friendly homes. simplicityvac.com
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LASERwrap Dog Coat 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 by 2+ years. spectratherapy.com/mdm
SPECIAL PROMOTION
PROBLEM: KEEPING
YOUR PET’S BOWL FULL OF PROTEIN
SOLUTION: Smokey
PROBLEM: MUDDY PAWPRINTS, HEAVY SHEDDING SOLUTION: The iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ tackles big pet
messes with powerful vacuuming and deep-scrub mopping, cleaning pet hair and floor grime while steering clear of pet toys and dog messes. irobot.com
Crumbles are a versatile meaty option! The beefy and smokey flavor of the crumbles compliment any kibble, adding much-needed protein and moisture to your dog’s diet. Containing the natural grease and fats that are present in beef bones, this topper also aids skin and coat health! jonesnaturalchews.com
PROBLEM: PET HAIR EVERYWHERE
SOLUTION: Try Fur-Zoff! PROBLEM:
FINDING LOST PETS
SOLUTION: Never lose
Fur-Zoff removes pet hair quickly and effectively, saving you time and money. It’s not pretty, but it works! amvllcproducts.com
CO P Y R I G H T © 2024 M E RCK & CO., I N C ., R A H WAY, N J , U SA A N D I TS A F F I L I AT E S . A L L R I G H TS R E SE R V E D.
track of your pet again with the Pawfit 3s pet location and activity tracker! Featuring smart GPS technology and worry-free extended battery life, the Pawfit 3s is designed to protect pets with confidence. Available at pawfit.com or Amazon
PROBLEM: UNINVITED ANIMALS IN THE HOME SOLUTION: Stop intruder animals in their tracks with the
SureFlap Microchip Pet Door Connect. App-connected and only opens for your pets’ assigned microchip. Ideal for small dogs and cats. surepetcare.com/modernproblem
PROBLEM: WORRIED ABOUT YOUR PET GETTING LOST OR WANDERING TOO FAR?
SOLUTION: Tractive’s GPS tracker for pets brings you live
location updates straight to your phone for 24/7 peace of mind. Plus, this innovative tracker has features like Activity/Sleep Tracking, Virtual Fence, Location History, and more. tractive.com
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LOVE LETTERS We adopted an abused dog two years ago. She has a serious heart condition, kidney disease, a back disease, and a BB gun bullet lodged inside her body. Also, the rescue's dentist had to remove half her teeth because they were in terrible condition. She has cost us lots of money which goes to our veterinarian, dog dentist, and a dog cardiologist, but she is alive and happy and the easiest dog we have ever had. Absolutely no training problems of any kind. She's perfect and we love her to bits. It's money very well spent!—Carol Weitz
Dad Remembers Rover
Tiny Dog Stories Dog love in short form: miniature, reader-submitted dog stories of no more than 100 words. Appetite for Life At the adoption center, a Pit Bull mix seemed hungry for love. Jean Luc held onto my husband Jim’s sleeve as if saying, “Take me home.” Unfortunately, he was also hungry for anything remotely edible. Our vet surmised he was insatiable since he’d been starved as a puppy. His food thievery turned nearly fatal when a pair of gobbled socks strangled his gut. He survived risky surgery with a zipperlike scar and his robust appetite intact. 15 years later, when it was time to say goodbye, we handfed our boy his favorite morsels, ensuring he’d never be hungry again.—Lucy Iscaro
The Boss “You’re not the boss. Chelsea is,” the dog trainer said. I protested, “But she did everything I asked—perfectly!” Chelsea, my yellow Lab mix, had come, sat, and lay down. Pretty perfect, I thought. So, what could be wrong? “Chelsea didn’t look at you once,” the trainer said. “A dog who knows that you are in charge looks right at you to see what you want next. Not Chelsea. She knows she’s the boss.” I looked at Chelsea. Now that I didn’t need her to, she gazed at me and held it. And grinned, satisfied we’d got that straight.—Lisa Lambert
Dad remembers Rover. This little brown/ black ball of fur came into the family as a puppy from the local ASPCA. He grew into a beautiful Collie mix. Dad would come home from school, ring the doorbell in the vestibule, and Grandma would send Rover down five flights of stairs with his harness and leash. Off they went for a long walk and new adventure. Their favourite time was winter. A local lot was piled high with a mountain of snow; for hours they played. Rover even pulled Dad on a sled. 80 years later, Rover is forever in Dad’s heart.—AnnMarie Massimo
Heart Healer Waiting for another Boston was the longest month ever after losing our 10-year-old to heart failure. Mr. Wilson has healed our hearts and brings much love and fur to everyone he meets. He loves children, pets, treats, and going everywhere with mom, wagging the entire back half of his body at everyone he meets and smiling at everyone who will glance at him. He excels at his law office job as “Senior Director of Stress Relief” and doesn’t mind working for treats! In his spare time, he LOVES to play ball and go boating. He is the best boy!—Brian & Morgan Kohlwes
Haiku for Olive Little ear Up and attentive Just in case —Marika Lilly
Magic They say it’s magic. Nothing less. I first met Benny in hospital. It wasn’t a mutual magic in our case; it was all Benny. Within moments of entering, it was clear he knew I was his person. Just like that, something visibly settled in his bones. He understood his purpose for life. Me! Benny spent his first ten months learning how to heel beside a scooter, pick things up with his mouth, and focus on my wellbeing. He’s always in tune with me. It may be hard to understand but that’s a good feeling—the best feeling.—Mary Newton
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DOG FACTS
Fascinating dog trivia and little-known canine facts
State Dogs
What’s in a Name
13 states in the U.S. have designated an official state dog. Maryland was the first to designate a state dog—the Chesapeake—in 1964. Most states choose a breed that originated in the state, like Alaska’s state dog, the Alaskan Malamute, and Massachusetts’ state dog, the Boston Terrier. Georgia, however, bucked the trend, instead naming “Adoptable Dogs”—not a specific breed—as their official state canine. The choice was made to raise awareness about the plight of shelter dogs in need of homes.
Great Danes originated in Germany, not Denmark. And they are the state dog of Pennsylvania.
Tripping over your dog is the second most likely way to get injured around canines, reports the Washington Post. Bites are the most common.
Unselfish Pups
Smart Puppy Border Collies are the smartest dog breed, followed by Poodles, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers, according to canine researcher and frequent Modern Dog contributor Dr. Stanley Coren, Professor Emeritus at the University of British Columbia.
Feeling Foxy George Washington was a serious dog breeder who had a favourite foxhound named Sweetlips. Hoping to create a superior Foxhound, he bred his own variety, which he called Virginia Hounds. The Foxhound is the state dog of Virginia.
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie According to an AKC survey, 45% of dogs sleep in their dog parent's beds, 17% sleep in a dog bed, 20% sleep in a crate, 14% sleep in various places indoors, and 4% sleep in an outdoor shelter. Social icon
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A 2015 study demonstrated that dogs are among a small group of animals who voluntarily show unselfish kindness towards others without any reward. The study showed that dogs will behave pro-socially, donating food to a partner dog, but only if that dog is familiar.
Scout Skills Scouts have been earning badges for pet care for over 80 years. The Dog Care merit badge, still earnable today, was created in 1938. As of 2021, 449,515 Boy Scouts had earned their Dog Care badge. The Pets badge was introduced in 1958, and over 690,228 badges have been earned to date.
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