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:
Badger and Ray Ray
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Meme of the day: They should count!
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.
The Sound of Silence: Gentle Signs Your Dog Might Be Losing Their Hearing
There is a specific kind of magic in the way a dog reacts to the world—the tilt of their head when you whisper their name, or the frantic scramble toward the kitchen at the sound of a rustling treat bag. Our dogs live in a world of rich sound, so when that volume starts to fade, it can be a confusing transition for both of you.
Hearing loss in dogs often happens so gradually that we mistake it for "selective hearing" or just getting a bit grumpy in their old age. However, recognizing the signs early allows you to bridge the communication gap and keep your furry best friend feeling safe and connected.
The Clues They’re Leaving Behind
Since our dogs can’t tell us things are getting quieter, we have to become detectives. Here are the most common signs that the world is becoming a bit more muted for them:
The "Deep Sleeper" Syndrome: Does your dog sleep through your arrival home? If they used to greet you at the door but now don't wake up until you physically touch them, their "alarm system" might be offline.
Startling Easily: A dog who can't hear you approaching may jump or even snap defensively when touched unexpectedly. This isn't aggression—it’s just the shock of a "stealth" pet.
Directional Confusion: You call them from the backyard, and they look around frantically but run in the wrong direction. They can hear a sound, but they can no longer pinpoint where it’s coming from.
Increased Vocalization: Much like humans who talk louder when they can't hear themselves, some dogs will bark more frequently or more loudly than usual.
Ignoring Common Commands: If your "sit" or "stay" is met with a blank stare rather than disobedience, they likely aren't being stubborn—they simply didn't get the memo.
Simple "Home Tests" to Try
If you’re suspicious, try making a sound while your dog is looking away or napping (but be careful not to create a vibration, like stomping on the floor, which they can still feel).
The Keys Test: Jingle your car keys 10 feet behind them.
The Squeaker Test: Squeak a favorite toy out of their line of sight.
The "Dinner!" Shout: Call them in a normal tone from another room.
Note: If your dog responds to a loud clap but not a whistle, they may be experiencing "partial" deafness, losing certain frequencies first.
A New Way to Talk
The most important thing to remember is that a deaf dog is still the same happy, loving companion. They just need a different "language."
Hand Signals: Dogs are incredibly visual. Start pairing your verbal commands with distinct hand gestures. A flat palm for "stay" or a thumbs-up for "good boy" works wonders.
The Power of Touch: Use gentle taps on the shoulder or back to get their attention before petting them.
Visual Cues: Using a flashlight to signal it's time to come inside at night is a brilliant way to communicate across a distance.
A Quick Safety Tip: If your dog is losing their hearing, keep them on a leash in unfenced areas. They can no longer hear approaching cars or other dogs, so they rely on you to be their "ears."
Watching a pet age or lose a sense can feel heartbreaking, but it’s also an opportunity to deepen your bond. You’ll find yourselves watching each other more closely, relying on eye contact and body language, and discovering that love doesn't actually need a sound.
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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:
Milly!
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: @daisytheminisausage
