"If I can't bring my dog, I'm not coming."

Happy Wednesday! Here's the scoop:

• According to a recent study (that’s gone a little viral), dogs are proven to be good for our health

• A homemade calming spray for your pup

• Reduce your eco pawprint with these human-grade dog products

• Dog mood swings (yes, they have them too)

True or False...
Dalmations aren't born with their spots.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Affection from dogs is medicinal (science says so)
Our dogs basically got us through the pandemic. You may feel that your dog has improved your well being, and it turns out that dogs are, in fact, beneficial for our health.

A recently published study found that just ten minutes with a dog helped reduce pain in emergency room patients.

The research suggests that dogs help humans in a variety of ways, including boosting optimism, motivating us, and keeping us on a regular routine – which can help with anxiety and depression.

If you needed another reason to be grateful for dogs, science backs it up.

What we're digging
Trying to sniff out the best food for your pet can be ruff. These days labels don’t mean much. Muddling through isles of “healthiest”, “all-natural” pet foods can be exhausting. After that, who has time to even consider the environmental impact of these ingredients? Yet, USA pets are the 5th largest consumers of meat in the world!

That’s why our friends at Chippin are reinventing pet food.

Featuring directly sourced human grade proteins that don’t come at the expense of the planet, Chippin is reducing the “eco pawprint” with healthy, veterinarian-backed products.

Do(g)-It-Yourself
Does your pup get anxious from time to time? A dog-safe essential oil spray can really help calm your dog down during stressful situations.

Thankfully, it’s easy to make a calming spray for dogs at home.

Make your own calming spray:

• What you’ll need: distilled water, lavender oil, chamomile oil, sweet marjoram oil, and a small spray bottle.

• Simply combine all the ingredients in the spray bottle and shake well.

• Spray onto a bandana and tie it around your pup’s neck, or spray their bed or favorite blanket for extra calming vibes.

Dog mood swings
Have you ever sensed that your dog is simply in no mood? Just like humans, dogs can experience mood swings.

Mood swings happen in dogs for many of the same reasons that they happen in humans. A change in hormone levels – which tends to happen during puberty – can cause a change in mood. Stress can also cause a mood shift in dogs.

Just like with people, adolescence is a critical time in a dog’s life. Forming a secure attachment to their owner can help a dog navigate the changes they experience during adolescence. Dogs with insecure attachment styles are more likely to show signs of separation anxiety.

While you may not be sure of when your dog’s hormone levels are changing, you can generally pick up on a dog’s mood by observing their behavior. Body language and body position can be a good indicator of when your dog is ready to play and when it wants to be left alone. Physical changes can also correspond with mood, so if you notice a change in your dog’s appetite or their desire to be touched, you should reach out to your vet.

True or False...
Answer: True!

Dalmation pups are born completely white and their spots typically start to appear within 10 days. They continue to develop until the dog is around 18 months old.

Share the puppy love
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