Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog(s) of the Day:
Asher Ray
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Meme of the day: I can explain!
The first pet rewards credit card with free pet insurance, meet Nibbles
Vet bills aren’t getting any cheaper. Costs have jumped more than 60% in the last decade, and pet owners are feeling it. But one new card is actually helping lighten the load.
The Nibbles Pet Rewards Credit Card offers 3x rewards on pet purchases - from vet visits to toys - and even includes free pet insurance for one eligible pet, with no annual fee. It’s a smart way to save while keeping your best friend happy and healthy.
Nibbles is not a bank. The Nibbles Card is issued by Lead Bank. Fees and T&C apply.
Keeping Senior Pups Playful: Gentle Games for Aging
As our dogs enter their golden years, the high-octane games of fetch and "zoomies" naturally begin to fade. However, the sparkle in an older dog's eyes never truly goes away—it just shifts focus.
While physical agility might decline, a senior dog’s mind and senses remain remarkably sharp. Playing with a senior dog isn't just about passing the time; it’s about maintaining their cognitive health, keeping their spirits high, and strengthening the bond you’ve built over a lifetime.
Here are some gentle, low-impact ways to keep your old friend engaged and happy.
The "Muffin Tin" Puzzle
This is a classic for a reason. It requires zero running and provides a wonderful mental workout.
How to play: Take a standard muffin tin and place a few small, smelly treats in some of the holes. Cover every hole (even the empty ones) with a tennis ball.
The Goal: Your dog must use their nose to figure out which holes hold the prize and then use their snout or paws to nudge the balls out of the way.
Why it works: It’s a low-energy game that rewards problem-solving without putting any strain on their joints.
Gentle "Scent Work" (The Shell Game)
A dog’s sense of smell is often the last thing to age. Engaging their nose is the quickest way to "tire out" a senior dog's brain in a satisfying way.
How to play: Take three plastic cups and hide a treat under one of them. Move the cups around slowly and let your dog "find" the treat.
The Goal: Encourage them to use their nose rather than their eyes. When they paw or nudge the correct cup, give them a big "Good boy/girl!" and the snack.
Why it works: It mimics natural foraging behaviors and provides instant gratification.
The "Name Game"
Senior dogs are surprisingly good at learning new vocabulary, even if they’ve been "sit/stay" experts for a decade.
How to play: Gather three distinct toys (e.g., Mr. Hedgehog, The Blue Ball, and Ropey). Sit with your dog and repeatedly name one toy while handing it to them or playing gently.
The Goal: Eventually, place two toys on the floor and ask them to "Find Mr. Hedgehog."
Why it works: This builds focus and communication. It’s a wonderful way to interact while you’re both relaxing on the rug.
Indoor "Hide and Seek"
If your dog is still mobile but just a bit slower, hide and seek is a heartwarming way to play.
How to play: Have them "stay" (or have someone hold them) while you hide in an easy-to-find spot, like behind a door or a sofa. Call their name once.
The Goal: Let them wander the house at their own pace to find you. When they do, shower them with affection or a small treat.
Why it works: It builds confidence and gives them a sense of "the hunt" without the need for high-speed chasing.
Tips for Senior Playtime
Feature | Advice |
Surface | Play on rugs or yoga mats. Hardwood floors can be slippery and scary for older paws. |
Duration | Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes). Senior dogs tire more easily than we realize. |
Treats | Use "high-value" but low-calorie treats (like blueberries or small bits of boiled chicken) to avoid weight gain. |
Body Language | Watch for heavy panting or stiff movements. If they lie down mid-game, it’s time for a nap! |
The Heart of the Game
At the end of the day, your senior dog doesn't care if they "win" the game or solve the puzzle in record time. What they crave is the quality time spent with you. These gentle activities remind them that they are still a vital, loved part of the pack, even if they spend more time dreaming on their orthopedic bed than chasing squirrels.
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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Bonnihill Farms (Fromm Family Foods) - BeefiBowls Beef Recipe gently cooked frozen dog food, 16 oz. chubs for potential plastic contamination
Foodynamics - Freeze Dried Pet Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Nature’s Own - Pet Chews Bully Bites Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Family Photo of the Day:
Molly and Jaxon!
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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.
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Meme of the day - Instagram: @axelunleashed
