In today's issue:

-Meet our adoptable dog of the day

-Enjoy a laugh with our dog meme of the day

-Get great information in our featured article

-Take our action of the week

-Check out our family photo of the day

Join our Facebook group - Post Your Pooch!

12 Dumbest Things Smart Americans Waste Money On

You’re smart about saving money, like shopping clearance racks, limiting eating out, and choosing affordable streaming services. However, there are still some cost-cutting tips you might not know yet. Once you discover these, you could quickly find extra cash in your pocket.

Learn More

How Canine Anxiety Really Looks

Our dogs are masters at tuning into our emotions. They know the exact moment the coat hooks rattle or a sudden thunderstorm rolls in overhead. Yet, when it comes to communicating their own distress, dogs rarely have the luxury of making it obvious. Though there are exceptions, like one of our staff's senior pups who is a ball of anxiety.

While a human might voice feeling overwhelmed or retreat to a quiet room, a dog's anxiety speaks through nuanced body language, altered daily habits, and quiet behavioral shifts. It's about seeing those (sometimes) small changes.

The Quiet Whispers: Micro-Expressions of Stress

Before an anxious dog paces or whines, they offer subtle cues. Behaviorists refer to these early signals as displacement behaviors. These are normal actions performed out of context to help the dog cope with growing tension.

• The Lip Lick & Nose Flick: If your dog rapidly flicks their tongue to lick their lips when there’s no food in sight, they are likely processing a moment of worry.
• The "Yawn" That Isn't Sleepy: An anxious yawn is often longer, more intense, and tighter around the muzzle than a sleepy morning stretch.
• Whale Eye: When a dog turns their head away but keeps their eyes pinned on a stressor, the white crescent of their eye becomes exposed. This "whale eye" signals that they feel cornered or uneasy.
• Tense "A-Frame" Ears: Ears that are pinned back tightly against the head or held stiffly alert indicate a dog on high alert.

Physical Manifestations in the Body

Anxiety triggers a full-body physiological response in dogs, pumping adrenaline and cortisol through their system just as it does in humans.

Behavioral Changes You Can See Around the House

When stress levels build over time, physical signs transform into broader daily habits.

The Shadow Syndrome (Clinginess)

Dogs experiencing separation anxiety or general fearfulness often transform into "velcro dogs." They follow you room-to-room, watch your pre-departure routines (like grabbing keys or putting on shoes), and show distress before you even leave the house.

Pacing and Inability to Settle

An anxious dog finds it nearly impossible to rest. They may circle their bed repeatedly, walk endless loops down hallway paths, or shift weight back and forth while standing nearby.

Targeted Destruction

Destructive chewing in anxious dogs is rarely done out of spite. Chewing releases endorphins that help self-soothe. When isolated or terrified by noises like thunder, dogs often target points of exit, like scratching door frames or tearing window blinds.

How to Support Your Anxious Companion

Recognizing anxiety is the first step toward comforting your dog. Here is a gentle checklist to help lower their stress levels:

• Create a safe harbor: Set up a quiet, darkened area with their favorite blanket, away from foot traffic or loud windows.
• Keep departures low-key: Avoid dramatic goodbyes or overly enthusiastic reunions, which can validate their fear that departures are a big deal.
• Provide mental enrichment: Lick mats, puzzle toys, or long-lasting chews can channel nervous energy into calming activities.
• Avoid punishment: Never scold a dog for anxious behaviors like barking or accidents. Scolding increases fear and escalates the underlying anxiety.
• Consult a professional: If anxiety interferes with eating, sleeping, or safety, reach out to your veterinarian or a certified reward-based behaviorist. Medical support or tailored desensitization plans can make a world of difference.

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• FI - Pet Supplements: Potential Salmonella Contamination
• Northwest Naturals - Chicken Recipe: Potential Salmonella and/or Listeria Monocytogenes Contamination
• Fromm - Wet Canned Dog Food: Potential Metal Contamination
• Oma's Pride - Canine Food: Contaminated with Salmonella
• Pedigree - High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor Wet Dog Food: Potential Plastic Contaminants

Want to help find lost pets?

Download our RoverAlert app to receive notifications of missing pets in your area.

We want to feature your pup!

We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.