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:
Cindy Lou
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Meme of the day: Always a baby!
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.
Ear Licks: Unpacking the Sweet and Sometimes Salty Mystery
Have you ever watched two dogs interact and noticed one gently, or perhaps quite enthusiastically, licking the other's ear? It might look a little strange to us, but this common canine behavior is actually a fascinating and important part of their social lives. It's more than just a peculiar habit; it’s a form of communication, affection, and even a practical grooming routine!
It's All About Love and Affection
The most common reason for an ear lick is simple: social bonding. Think of it as the canine equivalent of a warm hug or a tender pat on the back.
Affection: Dogs that live together or are good friends often engage in mutual grooming. Licking the ear releases pleasurable endorphins for both the licker and the recipient, strengthening their bond and making them feel safe and connected.
Submissiveness/Deference: Sometimes, the dog doing the licking is showing deference to the dog being groomed. It’s a way of saying, "I acknowledge your higher rank, and I mean no harm." This can be a very polite and calming signal in the dog world.
✨ The Practical Side: Hygiene and Health
Let's face it, dogs can't easily clean their own ears, especially those hard-to-reach inner folds. This is where their companions step in as their personal hygiene assistants.
Mutual Grooming: When a dog licks another dog's ear, they are helping to remove dirt, debris, and wax. This is an instinctual behavior, much like a mother dog grooming her puppies to keep them clean and stimulate their circulation.
The Taste Factor (A Little Icky, But True!): Dog ears can have a slightly salty or waxy residue, and sometimes even a faint odor, that some dogs find appealing. This is generally harmless unless the licking becomes excessive, which could indicate a deeper issue.
When to Pay Attention (The Red Flags)
While most ear licking is completely normal and sweet, sometimes it can be a sign that something is amiss.
Excessive Licking: If the behavior suddenly becomes obsessive, directed at one specific ear, or if the dog receiving the licks pulls away or seems uncomfortable, it's worth checking the ear for a problem.
Sign of an Infection: Dogs with ear infections (caused by yeast or bacteria) will often have a change in smell and may have excess discharge. The licking dog might be drawn to this smell, or they may be trying to soothe an area that is irritating their friend. If you suspect an infection, a vet visit is essential!
The Takeaway
So, the next time you witness this intimate ritual, know that you are observing a beautiful moment of canine communication. It's a display of trust, a gesture of friendship, and a helpful hygiene step all rolled into one sloppy, but sweet, package. For the most part, an ear lick is a sign that the dogs in your life are saying, "I love you, and you're worth keeping clean!"
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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:
Bronx!
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Meme of the day - Instagram: @sundaythegoldenretriever
