Dog Breeds Banned By Home Insurance Companies

Aside from natural disasters and water, the three things that give home insurance companies agita are dogs, pools and trampolines. Basically anything fun.

The problem with dogs is the expensive liability claims against the dog owners. Homeowners insurance pays out for dog bites or other dog-related injuries—such as a fall when a dog jumps on someone or runs at them. The average dog bite claim has been around $44,760, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

To rein in costs, many home insurance companies have lists of banned dogs—cases where the insurer won’t provide coverage if a customer owns the breed. Not all home insurers have strict lists of banned dog breeds. Some take dog bite problems on a case by case in deciding whether to offer insurance to the owner.

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Calculate Your Dog’s Age With This New, Improved Formula

A study of the epigenetic clock in Labradors shows calculating a dog’s age is much more complicated than just multiplying by seven

One dog year is not equivalent to seven human years, despite widespread use of the ratio for calculating the age of canine companions. Presumably, the ratio is based on the average lifespan of dogs being 10 years and humans being 70 years, it’s not quite so simple. The formula is not based on any real science and it was debunked by veterinarians years ago.

To read more on this story, click here: Calculate Your Dog’s Age With This New, Improved Formula

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Family returns home to find their walls and floors covered in blood after pet dog attacks intruder

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A Chesterfield family recently opened their door to find a scene from a horror film. There was blood covering the walls and floors of their home.

The family said there have been several break-ins recently in the Ashbrooke neighborhood where they live. The family came home Thursday night to find they too had been the victim of a break in. They say thanks to a family pet, the would-be robber got away with nothing. In fact, he was lucky to get away with his life.

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Dogs can differentiate between familiar and unfamiliar human languages

 

They are the first non-human animals to be able to tell the difference between human languages.

If you were to move to a new country with a different language and bring along the family dog, your pet would likely have a hard time understanding commands from the locals, according to a new study looking at how dogs' brains react to different languages. 

MRI scans revealed that dogs' brains can distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar languages, making them the first-known, and so far only, non-human animals to be able to tell the difference between human languages.

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Hong Kong dog causes panic – but here’s why you needn’t worry about pets spreading COVID-19

A Pomeranian dog in Hong Kong grabbed the international media’s attention this week after scientists found traces of coronavirus in the canine. Following confirmation that the dog’s owner was positive for the virus causing COVID-19, the dog was taken from Hong Kong Island to a nearby animal quarantine facility. Subsequent tests performed on swabs collected from the dog’s nose and throat unexpectedly revealed coronavirus.

These results have raised many questions and concerns. Can our dogs really catch the virus? Should we be worried about our pets getting sick? Could dogs spread coronavirus between people?

To read more on this story, click here: Hong Kong dog causes panic – but here’s why you needn’t worry about pets spreading COVID-19

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I’ll Believe We’re Getting a White House Cat When I See It

President Biden has a problem with expectation-setting. He has yet to fulfill lofty promises on the pandemic, voting rights, and Build Back Better. Most egregiously, his administration has toyed with America by promising a White House cat that has yet to materialize.

Monday appeared to finally bring an end to this Long National Nightmare, but as always with this White House and cats, nothing was straightforward.

It was a big day for presidential pet news. At 4:52 p.m., the White House announced that the Bidens had adopted a puppy named Commander.

To read more on this story, click here: I’ll Believe We’re Getting a White House Cat When I See It

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Hansel the Pit Bull Barely Escaped Euthanasia. Now, He's Investigating Arson Cases With His Partner

The fact Hansel the pit bull is still alive is a minor miracle, but the hero dog is doing more than just living—he's working to help his local fire department save lives all while chipping away at the stereotype surrounding his breed.

Hansel was rescued from an alleged Canadian dog fighting ring when he was just 7 weeks old. He'd never fought, but he was still scheduled to be euthanized. Thankfully, a shelter in Florida took him in before he was plucked by the Throw Away Dogs Project, which trains dogs to become K-9 officers in the Philadelphia area.

To read more on this story, click here: Hansel the Pit Bull Barely Escaped Euthanasia. Now, He's Investigating Arson Cases With His Partner

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These Are the 15 Longest Living Dog Breeds, Because You Want as Much Time as Possible with Fido

Dogs live forever, right? Right!? Unfortunately, like humans, dogs are mortals. Anyone who has lost a pet knows how heartbreaking it is to say goodbye. They are truly family members. If you’re someone who hates goodbyes or simply wants a companion for as long as possible, look into the longest-living dog breeds. On average, domesticated dogs live about ten years, but the dogs on our list have been known to live well into their teens. You’ll notice most of these pups are on the smaller side. While breed alone isn’t going to tell you how long your dog will live, it can give you a pretty good idea.

To read more on this story, click here: These Are the 15 Longest Living Dog Breeds, Because You Want as Much Time as Possible with Fido

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The Capitals have a new team dog. His name is Biscuit and he’s freaking adorable!

Popular Capitals’ team dog, Captain, officially graduated from training earlier in the year and was matched with retired U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Mark Gwathmey to be a service dog. Selfishly, that made us sad because that meant there’d be no more pups around the rink.

To read more on this story, click here: The Capitals have a new team dog. His name is Biscuit and he’s freaking adorable!

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Recent discoveries reveal how dogs are hardwired to understand and communicate with people - even at birth

• Recent findings reveal that dogs are born ready to communicate with and understand people.
• Studies show puppies can reciprocate human eye contact and follow gestures to locate food.

• Research also suggests puppies raised with little human contact can understand gestures without training.

Dogs often seem uncannily shrewd about what we're trying to tell them.

A handful of recent studies offer surprising insights into the ways our canine companions are hardwired to communicate with people.

To read more on this story, click here: Recent discoveries reveal how dogs are hardwired to understand and communicate with people - even at birth

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Do Dogs and Cats Recognize their Owners? The Many Ways Pets Tell Us Apart

Dogs and cats have many cues to help them recognize us. Learn about all the different ways our pets know who we are.

When you watch your dog bounding across the dog park, or when you see your cat perched atop her scratching post, you recognize your pet by her shape, the color of her coat, and the way she moves. You may find yourself wondering, “Does my cat know me?” or, “Can my dog tell me apart from everyone else?” Our pets certainly know who we are, but they often know us in ways that humans, with our different set of senses, can only imagine: scent, sound, and subtle cues of movement and touch.

To read more on this story, click here: Do Dogs and Cats Recognize their Owners? The Many Ways Pets Tell Us Apart

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Remembering the Hero Dogs of 9/11

When the World Trade Center collapsed on September 11, 2001, nearly 10,000 emergency rescue workers joined in the efforts to help. More than 300 of those heroes were dogs.

We remember and honor the Hero Dogs of 9/11 along with the countless people who had their lives irrevocably changed by man’s best friend. From search and rescue dogs to comfort dogs to bomb detection dogs, these canines’ stories of courage and healing are a long-lasting legacy that must never be forgotten.

Always remember.

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The benefits of owning a pet -- and the surprsing science behind it

(CNN)Snuggling next to my kitties while their furry chests softly rumble is a proven antidote to the day's stress.

For me and millions more, having a pet brings a circle of love into our lives -- they give affection, we give it back and all of us are the better for it.

Science agrees.

"I have a list of 10 health benefits [that] studies have shown pet owners have," said psychologist Harold Herzog, a pet-loving professor at Western Carolina University who has long studied the human-animal connection.

To read more on this story, click here: The benefits of owning a pet -- and the surprsing science behind it

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Dog trainer Cesar Millan’s pit bull killed Queen Latifah’s dog, tried to cover it up: lawsuit

A young gymnast’s suit claims a dog owned by famed canine trainer Cesar Millan attacked one owned by the rapper-actress.

The details of a lawsuit from a young woman named Lidia Matiss allege that a dog owned by famed canine trainer Cesar Millan previously attacked another.

The lawsuit claims that Junior, Millan’s pit bull, attacked and killed a dog owned by Queen Latifah, and Millan lied to cover it up.

To read more on this story, click here: Dog trainer Cesar Millan’s pit bull killed Queen Latifah’s dog, tried to cover it up: lawsuit

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Grandma Adopts A Puppy For Her Grandson Who Was Saving Up To Buy One

This story speaks about a six-year-old boy called Xander Mellor, whose dream was to buy a pup. So, he’d been saving up for the past 18 months for that. The smart boy from Springfield, Illinois, would always ask his mama Natalie Ellenburg for the change to put it in his savings jar whenever she’d return home from work.

Can you imagine a kid stops buying goodies and sweets? Xander did that as he really wanted a pup! But his dream came true when his grandparents heard about his endearing struggle! So, they visited him with a big surprise!

To read more on this story, click here: Grandma Adopts A Puppy For Her Grandson Who Was Saving Up To Buy One

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6 Tips for Giving Your Dog Pills

A spoonful of sugar might help our medicine go down, but dogs typically pose a bit more of a challenge. While some canine companions dutifully eat their pills with dinner, most tend to need a little encouragement. These tips for giving your dog a pill will make the process more pleasant for everyone involved.

Pill Pockets

Not all medication can be given with food. But if it can, putting the pill in a pill pocket or wrapping it in a piece of cheese makes it easy to slip into your dog’s system. Keep in mind that this approach works best for dogs that wolf down treats without chewing. Dogs that chew soft treats may bite into the unpleasant-tasting medicine, making them harder to trick next time. It should be noted that dogs with food sensitivities or allergies might have issues with the ingredients in pill pockets, so consult your veterinarian if your canine companion has had problems with food in the past.

To read more on this story, click here: 6 Tips for Giving Your Dog Pills

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What to Do If Another Dog Bites Your Dog

Whether your dog got himself into a fight or was attacked out of the blue, he will need prompt care. Learn how to check for damage, clean the wound, and assess the need for veterinary attention.

Most dogs go through their lives without ever being involved in a real fight, but others are not so lucky. Maybe there was a disagreement over a toy at the dog park, or a loose dog went after yours while out on a walk. Whether your dog was the troublemaker or an innocent victim, here’s what to do if a dog bite occurs.

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High Blood Pressure in Dogs (Hypertension): A Brief Guide

 

There are various health conditions caused by high blood pressure in humans, and the same applies to dogs. High blood pressure in dogs can negatively affect how your pooch functions in their daily life. This condition occurs naturally, or may be triggered by an external source or underlying cause. Your dog will experience different symptoms depending on their age and if they have any other ailments.

To read more on this story, click here: High Blood Pressure in Dogs (Hypertension): A Brief Guide

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Military Dog Handlers Reunite with and Adopt Their Former Canine Partners After Pups Retire

American Humane helped reunite Army Veteran Michael Stepnovich and U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Wade Alfson with their canine partners for May's Military Appreciation Month.

May's Military Appreciation Month was extra sweet for two dog handlers from America's armed forces.

American Humane reunited both Army Veteran Michael Stepnovich and U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Wade Alfson with the military dogs they worked with overseas. Not only did each man get a hug from their canine partner again, Stepnovich and Ssgt. Alfson both adopted their former patrol pals since the dogs are retired from active duty.

To read more on this story, click here: Military Dog Handlers Reunite with and Adopt Their Former Canine Partners After Pups Retire

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Canine Coronavirus Disease

What is canine coronavirus disease?

Canine coronavirus disease, known as CCoV, is a highly infectious intestinal infection in dogs, especially puppies. Canine coronavirus is usually short-lived but may cause considerable abdominal discomfort for a few days in infected dogs. The virus is from the Coronaviridae family. The virus gets its name from the fact that when viewed from above under an electron microscope, the virus has a ring of projections that appear like a coronet, or a small crown made of ornaments fixed on a metal ring. There are many types of coronavirus, each affecting different animal species, including humans.

To read more on this story, click here: Canine Coronavirus Disease

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