In today's issue:

-Meet our 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

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10 Weird Little Hacks Costco Shoppers Should Know

Do you shop at Costco? Then you know the thrill of saving money. But you might be missing other smart ways to stretch your dollars. Check out our list of genius money hacks—almost as good as that $1.50 hot dog!

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Why Dogs Yawn So Much

It’s undeniably charming, but if you pay close attention, you’ll notice dogs yawn at the strangest times. They might yawn while getting petted, right before a walk, or when you’re talking to them in that high-pitched "good boy" voice.

So what is your pup actually trying to tell you? As it turns out, canine yawning is a fascinating emotional language. Here are the main reasons behind those big open-mouthed sighs.

The "Reset Button": Managing Stress and Anxiety

Unlike humans, who primarily yawn when exhausted, dogs frequently use yawning as a calming signal. In canine body language, a yawn releases tension and signals peace.

If your dog yawns at the vet, during a bath, or when an unfamiliar person leans in for a hug, they aren't bored—they are subtly saying, "I’m feeling a little overwhelmed right now, and I’m trying to stay calm." It’s their way of taking a deep breath before a situation escalates.

Contagious Yawning: Deep Emotional Empathy

Have you ever yawned, only to look down and see your dog yawn seconds later? It’s not a coincidence. Research shows that contagious yawning in dogs is connected to empathy and social bonding.

In fact, dogs are significantly more likely to catch a yawn from their human family members than from a stranger. When your pup yawns back at you, it’s a subtle sign of emotional alignment—a little echo that says, "I'm in sync with you."

Pure Anticipation and Excitement

Sometimes a yawn is just dynamic energy looking for an outlet. When you pick up the leash or grab the food bowl, your dog’s heart rate jumps. To regulate that sudden burst of adrenaline and self-soothe while waiting for you to open the door, they might let out a big yawn. Think of it as a pre-walk pep talk!

Defusing Tension Between Dogs

If two dogs meet on a walk and one feels slightly nervous, you might see them yawn while averting their gaze. In dog-to-dog communication, this is a friendly gesture that translates to: "I'm peaceful, no trouble here!" It’s an innate way to keep social interactions cool and friendly.

Decoding Your Dog's Yawn

To figure out what your pup is feeling, look at the rest of their body language:

• Relaxed Yawn: Soft eyes, loose posture, maybe a stretch -> Just sleepy or comfortable.
• Stress Yawn: Tense jaw, licked lips, turned-away head -> Needs a little space or comfort.
• Excitement Yawn: Wiggling tail, bright eyes, pacing -> Can't wait to go outside!

Quick Tip: If you notice your dog yawning in a new or crowded environment, offer them a calm moment to step back. Recognizing their subtle signals is one of the best ways to deepen the trust between you and your furry best friend.

Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• Pedigree - High Protein Chopped Chicken & Duck Flavor Wet Dog Food: Potential plastic contaminants
• Steve's Real Food - Freeze-Dried Chicken Recipe Cat and Dog Food: Possible Low Thiamine Levels (B1)
• Raaw Energy - Dog Food: Potential Listeria Contamination

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