Category: Pets

What groomers refer to as “clipping” (and pet parents call “shaving”) a dog’s hair, can keep your dog cooler, but up to a certain length. Taking the coat right down to the skin has the opposite effect as the coat helps to regulate body temperature. It also protects your dog’s sensitive skin from the sunburns and pests.

Which dog breeds should not be shaved

According to Nicole Kalish, education manager at Andis, most double-coated, shedding dogs should not be shaved. These dog breeds include:

• Huskies
• Pomeranians
• Golden Retrievers
• Bernese Mountain Dogs
• German Shepherd Dogs
• Australian Shepherds
• Siberian Husky
• Border Collie

“Often, the coat doesn’t grow back correctly,” she explains. “Consequently, it can look sparse and patchy because the undercoat and guard hairs don’t grow at the same rate. Post-clipping alopecia (baldness) is often seen in these dog breeds, too.

“Instead, a dog with a double coat will benefit from regular baths, blowouts and brushing and combing to remove excess undercoat. You can also trim length from feet, tail and furnishings using a straight or curved shear. This is often referred to as an outline trim,” she adds.

Dogs who have hair instead of fur can be candidates for a summer cut. These include

• Oodles
• Poodles
• Yorkshire Terriers
• Cocker Spaniels
• Shih Tzu
• Maltese

More active dogs, or dogs who love to spend time in the water, can benefit from a shorter hair cut to prevent mats and tangles and constant grooming maintenance.

Grooming tools to clip or shave your dog

Depending on the dog breed, clipping down to a ¼ inch is considered short and best achieved with a #5 blade. A #7 blade will make it fractionally shorter and a #4 blade will leave the coat a little longer.

Shaved dog do’s and don’ts

When shaving your dog at home, follow these guidelines:

• Pull any loose skin areas taught while clipping.
• Take extra care around the armpits and sanitary areas.
• The “flanks” — the skin in front of the rear legs — are the trickiest.
• Bathe, dry and brush your dog thoroughly before clipping
• Protect your dog’s skin with dog-safe sunscreen or light-weight clothing

“Always clip flat against the skin. If your dog has dew claws, know where they are to avoid catching them with the blade,” says Nicole.

When it comes time to using clippers or shears on your dog’s coat, its best to work on a clean coat, advises Julia Blackwell, founder of Pupwell, an at-home grooming education and tools company .

“Bathe your dog with professional grooming shampoo and conditioner, and dry with a high velocity blow dryer. Make sure the coat is brushed out and tangle free. A very matted coat should be professionally groomed to prevent inadvertently cutting into the skin,” she adds.

Shaved dogs and sunburns

If your dog has been shaved down due to matting, protect her skin from sunburn. Doggie sunscreens are one option. Another is a lightweight T-shirt or bodysuit. Goldpaw makes a range of UV protection t-shirts, designed to block 98% of the sun’s UV rays.

Inclement can mean less time outside, so how can we tire a dog out without walking? Or play with a puppy indoors? Being inside with your dog doesn’t have to be dull. Check out these three boredom-busting activities:

Train your dog indoors

Mental exercise can be more tiring than physical exercise! Rewards-based training helps build skills, boost confidence and improve your bond with your dog. Teach puppies or brush up on life skills like:

Check out this video if you need a visual:

Find It is also a great skill to teach that translates to many other activities and games.

Or turn it up a notch and try some trick training.

Mix in Free Work indoors

The concept of Free Work, originated by Sarah Fisher, helps build confidence and can be especially helpful for anxious and overreactive dogs. The idea is to encourage interaction and choice with a variety of objects that vary in size, texture and level of engagement. Use a spare room, basement or even a garage and set up an interactive course with safe things you have around the house; preferably things he’s not seen before or find things at rummage sales or thrift stores. There’s no timeline and your job is to just observe: you can learn a lot about your dog by allowing him the space and time to engage at his pace. Some well-placed treats or kibble can get the party started.

See video here:

Tap into Nose/Scent Work indoors

While hounds are generally nosier than Shih Tzus, all dogs experience much of the world through their noses. Combining brain power with nose power is a win-win for enrichment.

• Start with 4-5 small-ish boxes, flaps open, a yummy treat inside each, your dog out of sight.
• Place boxes in a well-spaced row on the floor in room with minimal/no distractions.
• Be patient and allow him time to show interest in the boxes and get the treats. Mark/click when he does.
• Start with shallow boxes if your dog shows signs of apprehension with deeper ones.

Gradually work up to closing flaps, closing the whole box, increasing the space between boxes, hiding boxes, placing boxes on elevated surfaces. This could take several sessions.

See video here:

No boxes? No problem. Here’s our sister publication’s tips to teach nose work in the house.

Regardless of weather, engaging your dog indoors can be an easy way to add spice to any day. Of course, you can always just play and be silly and go with the flow; spending quality time is always a good time. Life is short — play with your dog!

The key to a successful road trip with your dog is planning and preparation. Here are some road trip tips to help you plan out your big canine-filled travel adventure.

First, start with a basic checklist and then fill in the details.

• Plan your pet-friendly route. Find pet-friendly hotels, restaurants and places to visit with your pet, like hiking trails. Call and confirm they are pet friendly if you can as websites are not always updated. Also make a list of emergency vets along your route.
• Research local vaccination requirements and laws pertaining to pets, as well as common diseases in the area like heartworm.
• Round up pet gear and supplies, including food and car travel accessories.
• Prep your pet with training and car rides.
• Arrange for when you might need to leave your pet while on the trip by securing local pet sitters. If this is not possible and you need to leave your dog at times, rent a house and gate your dog into a section of the home or crate him. (Many hotels and RV parks do not allow you to leave the dog in a room or RV while you are away, especially if you have multiple dogs.)

Dog road trip plan

Plan ahead for any event and double-check that all plans are pet-friendly. Certified Professional Dog Trainer Kate Connell of Calmer Canines in California  recommends a pet travel app and website (she prefers BringFido) for finding hotels, restaurants, activities and services where you can bring your pup. But you’ll still need to contact all locations to verify pet policies, because some may have a weight limit or breed restriction, a limited number of pet-friendly rooms, or only certain trails may be dog-friendly.

“Many dog folk who travel for competitions and conformation shows often stay at La Quinta Inn because the motel chain is very pet-friendly and affordable,” she says. (Note that most have designated pet-friendly rooms but not all. See La Quinta pet-friendly locations here.)

Kate’s taken multiple road trips from California to Nevada and Arizona with her two dogs.

“We have Ruff Land kennels, a training mat and a 6-foot and 15-foot leash for each dog, plus spare slip leads,” she says. “We have planned all of our hiking trails ahead of time and have also looked up pit stops on the way where the dogs could at least potty and stretch their legs about every two to four hours. But, we try to find a hiking spot at each stop whenever possible. Having the dogs crate-trained has made it easy and stress-free to go out to dinner without them, without worrying about them chewing or scratching anything in the motel room if they became stressed for some reason.”

Navigating local dog laws and pests on your road trip

Research if there are any specific laws about traveling with dogs in the states you will be driving in, says Dr. Sarah Wooten, a veterinary expert for Pumpkin Pet Insurance

“For example, Oregon, Rhode Island and Connecticut have bans against dogs being transported unrestrained in the parts of a vehicle that are open, such as a truck bed,” says Dr. Wooten. “New Jersey law enforcement may fine you if you travel with a pet on your lap. Several other states have distracted driving laws that can fine you if you drive with a pet on your lap, and several states have laws against leaving pets in cars unattended.”

She also says to research off-leash dog laws in your destinations, because every city is different.

“Make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and has effective internal parasite (worms) and external parasite (fleas, ticks, mites) control,” she says.

Many states and cities also require you to carry your dog’s rabies vaccination certificate at all times as well as your municipal dog license and tag, so keep copies of these.

Ask your vet about specific infectious disease risks at your destination, says Dr. Wooten. For instance, if you are traveling to an area that has heavy heartworm or Lyme disease, then you need heartworm and tick prevention.

“I practice in Colorado, and while we don’t have Lyme disease here, I have had patients who traveled to Michigan and came back with Lyme disease — both the dog and the owner,” she says.

Traveling to national parks with your pet

One of the best things about going on a road trip is finding new, dog-friendly trails to explore.

“Finding a dog-friendly trail is equal parts art and science, navigating features like water access and steep terrain with leash regulations and dog rules,” says Dani Reese, marketing and PR manager for Ruffwear. “One consideration for your next road trip is knowing that typically, national parks have limited options for bringing dogs along. Dogs might not be allowed anywhere in the park or only on specific trails. … Most state parks and national forests welcome dogs.”

Before heading to a national park with your pet, visit NPS.gov to get detailed information about the park and if or where pets are allowed. National Park Service spokesperson Kathy Kupper says that some national parks are great places to visit with pets as long as it’s done responsibly — but there are times when it’s better to leave pets at home. She says for the safety of pets, fellow visitors and wildlife, there are some parks that limit pets to roads and developed areas.

“Four basic principles that will help keep you, your pet, other visitors, wildlife and park resources safe are incorporated into the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program,” Kathy says. “Bag pet waste. Always use a leash. Respect wildlife. Know where you can go.”

Prep for hikes by packing extra water, doggie bags and a leash no longer than 6 feet, says Orange County Parks Park Ranger Annelise Gannaway. Before leaving the house, check the weather and make sure it won’t be too hot for your pet, because dogs can overheat quickly, especially in warm weather.

“Be mindful of the ground temperature, too,” says Annelise. “Pet owners should touch the ground with their hands, and if it feels too hot, it’s best to keep your furry friend home to avoid burnt paws and heat illness.”

Dog road trip essentials

Going on a road trip? Create a checklist of what you’ll need and ensure that you’ve packed it by crossing it off the list once it is in the vehicle. Here’s some things for your dog road trip checklist:

• dog food (your dog’s regular food plus some enticement food or pumpkin if he doesn’t feel like eating or has diarrhea. Travel can make dogs anxious).
• treats (calming treats or treats made for the road for easy giving if you are on a hike, chew treats to keep them busy)
• medicines your dog is on (including any anxiety or nausea meds)
• food and water dishes (lightweight and easy to clean)
• extra water dishes (if you are camping, RVing or hiking, you’ll want one for inside and outside or for the backpack)
• dog beds
• dog blanket if it may get cold
• harness and leash (glow-in-the-dark detailed leashes, collars or accessories are helpful in a dark National Park or campground)
• updated tags (include a tag stating your dog is blind, deaf or has any type of medical condition)
• favorite toys
• crate or doggie gates
• lots of water in easy to carry bottles or containers
• GPS tracker (if your dog is a runner)
• dog seatbelt or carrier that is car-crash tested and approved
• your dog’s records (particularly medical records on shots, an updated photo of your dog if he gets lost, any certifications like the AKC Canine Good Citizen)
• raincoat or coat incase of rainy weather
• grooming wipes, brush
• pet first aid kit
• poop bags and poop bag carrier

How to pack for your road trip with your pet

Use multifunctional products to reduce the number of items to carry, says Michael Leung, Sleepypod co-founder and lead product designer. For example, small pets can use a Sleepypod carrier as a cozy pet bed away from home as well as car safety restraint.

Lack of restraint of pets while traveling in cars increases risk for serious injury and death during an accident, says Dr. Jacqueline Brister, veterinarian and author at Embrace Pet Insurance.

“Injury due to the air bag going off, injury hitting the windshield or falling off the seat, escaping during an accident — and possibly being hit by another vehicle in the process — falling out of a vehicle, injury from having unsecured items fall on an unsecured pet, and injury to pet owners trying to secure an unrestrained pet during an accident are just a few potential means of trauma during an accident,” she says.

She recommends securing dogs while they are traveling in a car — either with a Center for Pet Safety (CPS)-approved harness or seat belt-type restraints, or a kennel/crate.

Also, think ahead when packing food: If your pet has specific dietary needs, bring plenty of his regular food with you.

“Do not abruptly change your pet’s diet while traveling as it can cause pretty severe stomach upset, especially with all the additional stress of traveling,” she says.

Bring at least one extra day’s worth of food, and bring plenty of durable chews to keep your dog occupied during downtime, says Kate of Calmer Canines. If your dog eats raw food, find a freeze-dried version of their food. Some fresh-cooked food brands like JustFoodForDogs have a shelf-stable version. There are also many brands of dehydrated, just-add-water foods. Bring along a powdered pumpkin supplement to keep stool firm just in case. Also, don’t forget training treats.

In case of an emergency, bring at least one extra leash. Kate also recommends bringing a 15-foot leash for walks when pet owners can give their dog a little more freedom.

She also recommends taking a pet first-aid course offered by Pet Tech or the American Red Cross, as well as bringing a first-aid dog kit including:

• Disposable gloves
• Sterile eye wash
• Iodine
• Vetericyn wound spray
• Sterile gauze and gauze wrap
• Paper tape and self-adhesive wrap
• Styptic powder
• A recovery cone
• A very long strip of soft fabric like fleece to make an emergency muzzle
• Paw wax/ointment
• Baby wipes
• Spare towels

And of course, don’t forget the poop bags.

Training help for a dog road trip

Some dogs may have a harder time on road trips than others — but a boost from your veterinarian and/or trainer can help.

“Other than teaching your dog a solid response to ‘come’ and ‘leave it,’ the most important skill to train your dog to do is to settle on a mat anywhere and everywhere,” says Kate. “Mat training can help them both relax and stay out of trouble in new places.”

Taking test drives can help your dog get familiar with car rides. Start small and build up tolerance. Discuss any anxiety or hyperactivity that your pet has with your veterinarian and trainer. Exercise can also help.

“Before you get in the car to start the journey, give your pet some exercise,” Dr. Brister says. “This could mean a really long play session, walk/run, or a trip to doggie daycare/playgroup the morning before you set out. This will help to expend extra energy that you might not want breathing in your face as you try to fight traffic on the way out of town.”

Make plans for pet sitters

Even with skilled planning and solid crate training, there may be times during a trip when you need to leave your dog alone for a longer period of time.

Rover.com offers local pet-sitting services, including at-home overnight stays, doggie day care and drop-in visits. Nicole, who uses Rover, says if you know where you’ll be and when, get the booking process started a few weeks early so you can connect with prospective pet sitters in the area.

“No one knows your dog better than you, so take the time for you — and your dog — to search for and get to know a sitter before booking,” she says. “It’s important that pet parents do their due diligence and invest time in finding the perfect fit that meets their dog’s individual needs.”

Reach out to a few potential sitters, ask specific questions and do a meet-and-greet so your dog can get familiar with the person who will be caring for him or her. Provide your sitter with specific care instructions related to food, bathroom breaks, snuggle or sleep requests.

Visit the vet before a road trip

There’s a lot to think about when planning a road trip with your dog. Regardless of where you go and for how long, one visit you should make is to the vet.

Dr. Brister says to have any of your pet’s prescription medications filled before the trip, as well as any meds your pet will need for car anxiety or car sickness. If your pet has any ongoing health issues, have your veterinarian perform a checkup before heading out. It is also a good idea to have a copy of your pet’s records with you in case of emergency.

Ultimately the goal of this trip is having a good time with your pet.

“Always maintain your sense of chill and adventure,” she says. “It might be a little challenging to travel together —especially at first — but don’t stress. It’ll just make your pets more stressed. Go with the flow and take problems as they come. It’s not going to be perfect, but with practice, it’ll get easier and more fun. Traveling with your pet opens up the whole world to you both. There’s nothing better than having your furry BFF with you when you hit the open road.”

Sandy Robins

Sandy Robins is an award-winning multi-media pet lifestyle expert, published author, and writer whose work documents the wonderful relationship we have with our pets focusing on the latest trends and innovative ideas that can improve a pet’s general health and well-being and ultimately enhance the human-animal bond. She has a grand dog named Riley and is auntie to every dog in the neighborhood.

“Give me two minutes and I’ll give you a new life.” This was the title for a 2020 video about Coco, a young Spanish Bulldog condemned to a government shelter in Spain. Deemed too aggressive for adoption, Coco was scheduled to be euthanized until one man arrived to offer him a second chance.

In the video, which has since racked up over 1 million views on social media, dog rescuer Edwardo Puerta offers viewers a glimpse into his process for calming aggressive dog behavior.

A rescue for aggressive dogs

Edwardo runs the Asproan dog shelter nestled along the rugged coastline of Northern Spain’s city of Santander. Rescued dogs labeled reactive are sent here from all over the country in hopes that Edwardo can rehabilitate them and eventually find these troubled dogs a forever home.

“I’ve been recovering dogs with serious behavior problems for over 10 years now, offering them a chance when nobody else would,” Edwardo says. “This is the one thing I have chosen to fight for the most. Others see hopeless cases while I see opportunity to mend aggressive behaviors before they are sacrificed by the government shelters.”

Coco’s rescue story

Coco, a large Alano Español breed (Spanish Bulldog), was only 10-months old at the time of his rescue, having spent nearly four months locked up in a cell without intervention. “He would lunge and show his teeth in order to protect himself,” says Edwardo. “He was so frightened and no one dared to approach him, thus worsening his isolation and condition,” he adds.

In the video you see Edwardo enter Coco’s cell and lasso a leash as the dog violently struggles to defend himself. “Once we got outside the kennel, Coco began to show his true personality once he knew I was there to help him,”says Edwardo. “Embracing his new found freedom, Coco was reborn on that day.”

Misunderstanding aggressive dog behavior

Hearing that a dog is “aggressive” or “reactive” can strike fear in people that don’t understand what’s driving these behaviors. Many of these dogs have deep-rooted traumas that cause their defensive reactions. Fear and anxiety are two of the biggest components of acting defensive.

A scared dog is suddenly flooded with emotion. He feels unsafe, whether there’s real danger or not. Scared dogs react instinctively, guided by their primal urge to stay safe. So, at the very essence of treating aggression, you need to first find out what’s driving it.

“Give these dogs the chance they deserve,” says Edwardo. “Knowing that many dogs like Coco are alive because someone took a chance and cared enough to help them,” he adds. “For me, this is the greatest gift that life can give me.”

Legal help for aggressive dogs

In January, 2023, the Spanish Council of Ministers initiated a landmark National Animal Protection Law that identifies Spain’s pets as sentient beings, banning the sale of pets in shops, imprisoning animal abusers and converting zoos to wildlife recovery centers. The hope is to encourage a shift in citizens’ relationships with animals. In doing so, animal shelters will no longer be allowed to euthanize pets, like Coco, regardless if they are considered aggressive.

With his gorgeous coat, confident stride and soulful eyes, you just know that your dog was meant for the blue ribbon at a dog show. Too bad his lack of purebred papers prevents you from entering him — or does it?

Can mixed breed dogs compete in dog shows

Your mixed-breed dog can compete in dog shows — many organizations offer events just for them, and others include mixed breeds in purebred competitions. While mixed breed dogs still cannot compete in many conformation shows, a spayed or neutered mixed breed is welcomed in many events.

One club that hosts conformation-style shows for non-pedigreed pooches is the Mixed Breed Dog Club (MBDC). Formed more than 20 years ago to raise funds for a local humane society, the club hosts three types of competitions — conformation, obedience and rally — with entrants placed into one of three classes based on the dog’s size. To find a show near you, visit the club’s website.

Through its Canine Partners Program introduced in 2009, the American Kennel Club (AKC) “welcomes all mixed breed dogs of any age” to compete in AKC sports and events, such as Agility, AKC Rally and Obedience. To enroll, owners of spayed or neutered mixed-breed dogs (with the exception of wolf hybrids) can apply online. The AKC website also provides a list of upcoming events, with an option to search for events in your area.

Dog events for mixed breeds

Your mixed-breed dog can compete in several other types of shows. If your dog is a natural athlete, jump into Flyball or disc events. Is your dog’s coat the envy of all the dogs at the dog park? Your pooch might be an ideal “volunteer” at a grooming contest. Many local animal organizations also host costume contests, beauty pageants and dog parades, which all allow mixed breed dogs to enter.

Excited to get started? Search for local events in your area, and check out Dogster’s monthly “Dug Up at Dogster” feature for a list of dog-related events.

Stacy Nordstrom

Stacy Nordstrom is an award-winning freelance writer and technical editor who specializes in pet, music, and technology topics. Her articles have appeared in Catster, CAT FANCY, and Cats USA, among other publications. Stacy lives in Southern California with a sweet 12-year-old Cocker Spaniel/Labrador mix named Maggie and a 17-year-old gray shorthair cat named Mollie. You can find Stacy on Instagram at @stacy_m_nordstrom, where she posts pictures of her garden, sunsets, sailing adventures, and her pets being cute.

Sun exposure can be harmful to anyone, including dogs. Dogs can get sunburned and sunburns can lead to more serious problems, such as cancer. Also, sunburns can exacerbate some medical conditions like auto-immune disorders. Dr. Dori Calloway of VCA Animal Hospitals says hairless and thin-coated dogs can sunburn if exposed to UV rays. Here is what you need to know about sunburn, dog’s wearing sunscreen and our top picks for dog sunscreen.

How can dogs get sunburned?

• Spending too much time in the sun
• Lying on concrete
• Laying belly up in the sun

What dogs are more at risk for sunburn?

• Dogs experiencing hair loss or dermatitis
• Dogs recovering from surgeries
• Hairless and thin-coated dogs

Can dogs wear sunscreen?

Not only can dogs wear sunscreen, dogs should wear sunscreen or have at least some kind of sun protection, especially if they fall into an at-risk group. But you cannot put just any sunscreen on your dog. Sunscreen made for people is not safe for dogs. Dogs lick their skin and can ingest chemicals included in human sunscreen, making them sick. Look for these criteria in dog-safe sunscreen:

• Does not contain zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic, which are toxic to dogs.
• Vet recommended
• Waterproof
• Low amounts of salicylates

Top picks for dog-safe sunscreen

Quick tip: Don’t leave sunscreen balms in a hot place, like a car on a hot day as they can melt.

How to use sunscreen for dogs

Always read the ingredients to make sure it’s safe for your dog. Find a high SPF, preferably SPF 30 or better. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before outdoor activities and reapply every two hours and after swimming. Dr. Lisa Chimes, Founder and CEO of DOG By Dr Lisa; says apply sunscreen to any areas of skin that are light colored or pink as these spots are more prone to sunburn than pigmented skin and densely haired skin.

Apply sunscreen to:

• the bridge of the nose
• ear tips
• skin around lips
• the groin
• belly
• inner thighs
• anywhere pigmentation is light or where the fur is thin

Avoid the eyes and genitals. Once applied, watch that your dog doesn’t lick it off for about 10 or 15 minutes; occupy him with a treat or toy until it’s fully absorbed.

Alternatives to dog sunscreen include protective clothing, such as a hat, booties or a canine sun shirt, which can protect against the sun and mosquitos.

Provide your dog with penty of shade and avoid direct sun during the hottest parts of the day to prevent sunburns. See your vet if you notice signs of sunburn, which include reddened skin, scabbing, crusty, itchy or dry skin.

The latest trend ruling the dog food bowl is offering your dog food variety so that meals are never boring. Adding different dog food toppers to kibble not only makes meals more interesting and gives a nice nutritional boost but also allows pet parents to feel more involved in their pet’s food preparation. And, this in turn, is a great way to enhance the human-canine bond.

What types of dog food toppers are there?

Dog food toppers, which are sometimes also referred to as mixers, add flavor and texture to your dog’s food and are great for picky eaters. Here are the five main types of dog food toppers and top picks of each kind.

1. Broth dog food toppers. Broths for dogs not only add flavor but can soften kibble or freeze-dried meal nuggets making them a more palatable meal. This is worth considering for senior and ill dogs and is an ideal way of adding much-needed daily hydration. Bone broth for dogs can aid in digestion, boost the immune system and support the musculoskeletal system. Choose a bone broth specifically for dogs or choose a plain bone broth without salt or onions.

• Merrick Pet Care has three grain-free flavors of bone broths —chicken, turkey and beef, with added superfoods and spices including ginger, turmeric and cinnamon to boost flavor and nutrition. They come in convenient 7 ounce and 16-ounce pouches.
• Brutus Bone Broth for dogs has glucosamine and chondroitin, which have been shown to quell inflammation and support hip and joint health. Check the website for serving size recommendations.

2. Freeze-dried dog food toppers. Freeze dried raw chunks boost protein intake, additional flavor and provide added vitamins and nutrients. Because these are freeze-dried, they are easy to serve without any mess and make a great training treat or regular treat.

• Nulo MedalSeries Freeze-Dried Raw Tasty Toppers are made with 80% meat, organs and bone and a special blend of raw superfoods including pumpkin, kale, broccoli and blueberries. They are quickly frozen in the manufacturing process and then gently freeze-dried to support nutrient retention and flavor. They can be added to the food bowl and also served separately as a treat.
• Primal Pet Food Freeze-Dried Raw Toppers come in a variety of meat and veggie flavors. Store in the freezer until ready to mix into kibble and thaw before your dog consumes, or thaw in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

3. Dog food toppers in sprinkle or powder format

are a great way to ensure the mix-in penetrates throughout the food bowl. They also improve meals for finicky eaters.

TV celebrities Antoni Porowski and Jonathan Van Ness “JVN”, stars of the Netflix series Queer Eye, launched a line of dog toppers called Yummers that include a selection of sprinkle mix-ins with both functional ingredients and flavor. The various recipes are geared to promote skin and coat health, digestive health and heart health.

• Because Animals has a line of cultured meat sprinkle dog food toppers that are made from taking the cells of live animals and culturing them until they form animal tissue or meat. Cultured meat is not plant-based and is considered 100 % real meat.
• Bark has several types of toppers, including its Moo Moo Sprinkles — a freeze-dried raw protein boost made of beef liver that Bark says has picky-proof taste. Comes in a 4.2-oz packet. It’s line of toppers also includes the fun Pumpkin Spice Up Your Life powder, made with pumpkin, of course, plus honey, cinnamon, coconut flakes, vanilla and ginger. Sprinkle on top of your dog’s food in powder form or make it into a broth.

4. Wet dog food toppers in pouches.

Looking to add more protein in a meat and gravy way? Then dog food toppers that come in small pouches are for you. Just open the single-serving pouch and empty onto your dog’s kibble and mix it in. It’s easy and dogs love it.

• Blue Buffalo has Wilderness Trail Toppers with Wild Cuts of meat served in gravy in 3-oz pouches. Choose from chicken, duck, beef or salmon.
• Wellness Bowl Boosters fit in five shredded ingredients called Simply Shreds in a 2.8-oz pouch. Comes in four flavors: Chicken, Beef & Carrots; Chicken, Chicken Liver & Broccoli; Chicken, Wild Salmon & Pumpkin and Tuna, Beef & Carrots.
• Stella & Chewy’s Stella’s SHREDRS focuses on protein-only, with shredded meat in a slowly simmered broth. This 2.8-oz packet of meat is boosted with vitamins and minerals. Comes in six flavors: Cage-Free Chicken, Chicken & Duck, Chicken & Turkey, Chicken & Chicken Liver, Chicken & Salmon and Beef & Chicken.

5. At-home fruit and veggies dog food toppers

In addition to store bought dog food mixers, you can add your own fresh toppers by chopping up dog-safe fruits and veggies your pooch enjoys like:

• carrots
• celery
• apples
• green beans
• blueberries

 

For your dog, all meal toppers and mix-ins are a win-win as he’ll enjoy a varied menu. Just remember to add in the food topper as part of his daily calories to keep them from topping off his weight.

All those Chihuahuas you spy in those purses, pet strollers or carryalls are adorable as all get-out, but you might be looking at one of seven popular Chihuahua mixed breeds and not a purebred Chi.

Here are seven Chihuahua mixes, ranked from most common to least based on Wisdom Panel data, and what you what you might expect from each cross:

1. Chihuahua-Terrier: Get ready for adventure and exercise because these higher-energy Chihuahua mixes are up for anything fun and stimulating that includes you.
2. Chihuahua-Poodle. This super-smart, trainable and responsive mix could keep you guessing, but the Poodle’s friendly, fun and loyal temperament provide great balance.
3. Chihuahua-Pitbull. Fun loving, gentle and patient, this little love bug is willing to please, play games and enjoy copious amounts of mutual affection.
4. Chihuahua-Pomeranian. A personality-plus extroverted Chihuahua mix, for sure, with playfulness, energy, liveliness and love to spare — all delivered with a doggy smile.
5. Chihuahua-Jack Russell. Give this whip-smart, busy, energetic and highly spirited mix a job to do, and you’ll both be the happier for it.
6. Chihuahua-Pug. A charming and outgoing mix that lives to please, is easy to train and great for moderate-energy owners or families seeking a laid-back, loving pup.
7. Chihuahua-Corgi. Quick intelligence, strong independence and a forceful will keep these active, animated and large-dog-personality pups in charge, without a need for constant affection.

How common are Chihuahua mixes

Mixed-breed dogs with at least 10% Chihuahua ancestry make up 16% of all ancestry reports, according to Dr. Annette Louviere, Data and Veterinary Genetics Manager at Wisdom Panel.

If you’re thinking about sharing your life with an adorable Chihuahua mix, know what dog breeds are represented to better understand your dog. And it can be hard to tell based on appearance. Visual identification is right only about 25% of the time when guessing a Chihuahua mix based only on looks — even for experts, says Dr. Louviere.

Temperament of Chihuahua mixes

“As with any mixed breed dog, it’s difficult to predict what a specific pup will be like, especially when talking temperament,” says Dr. Louviere. “Chihuahuas are known for their small size and big personalities. They can be quirky, smart and stubborn. They closely bond with their people and will shower them with affection.”

Any Chihuahua mixed breed can make a great companion to a single owner or a family. The keys, as with any dog breed, are patience, positive training and socialization.

Whether you go through a shelter or a rescue to find your perfect mix match, learning as much history as possible can help ensure a lasting match. “Each pup has a unique story, so it’s helpful to find out what you can,” says Dr. Lourviere. “Most likely you will be provided with an assessment of the dog’s behavior and current health status. The more you know the better!”