Greetings, dog lovers! 🌞

This Week's Dog-Centric News and Tips are in: 

• Should You Use AirTags To Track Your Pet?

• How Do “Forever Chemicals” Affect Our Pets?

• Thread: Lead training

• Video: Don’t forget to feed your dog or this will happen to you

Bark Bulletin of the Week

Join some of the most buzzing discussions on our forum!

DOG HEALTH

Should You Use AirTags To Track Your Dog?

Have you ever thought about using AirTags to keep track of your pets? These small devices, made by Apple, weren't made for pets at first. But many people are now using them to watch over their furry friends. Let's look at the good and bad points of doing this.

Good points:

1. AirTags are small and light. They won't bother your pet when attached to their collar.

2. You can find your pet using your phone if they get lost. The AirTag sends out a signal that your phone can pick up.

3. Scientists have checked and found that the signals from AirTags don't hurt pets.

4. They're easy to use and don't need charging.

Bad points:

1. AirTags are so small that pets might swallow them. This could be very dangerous.

2. They only work well in cities or places with lots of people. In the countryside, they might not be as helpful.

3. Some experts say pets shouldn't wear them all the time. It's better to use them only when needed, like on walks or trips.

4. AirTags need to be near other Apple devices to work. If there are no Apple users around, you can't track your pet.

Some pet owners have tried using AirTags:

• Jeff puts AirTags on his cats when he travels or has visitors. It helps him find them when they hide.

• Alexis uses AirTags on her cats because she's worried they might run away in their new house.

• Frank used to use an AirTag for his dog but switched to a different type of tracker. He thought the AirTag was too easy for someone to remove if his dog got stolen.

It's important to remember that AirTags aren't the only way to keep your pet safe. Getting your pet microchipped is very important.

This is a tiny chip put under your pet's skin by a vet. If your pet gets lost and is taken to a shelter or vet, they can scan this chip to find your contact information.

Whether you use AirTags or not, the most important thing is to keep your pets safe. If you do use AirTags, be careful and think about the risks.

Make sure the AirTag is securely attached to your pet's collar so they can't swallow it.

In the end, it's up to you to decide if AirTags are right for your pet.

Think about where you live, your pet's habits, and what makes you feel most comfortable.

Whatever you choose, the goal is to keep your furry friend safe and happy!

Source: KinShip

Playful Picks

1. Don’t know who did it

@pupkidco

It wasnt his fault

2. Don’t forget to feed your dog or this will happen to you

@latorredecontrol20

No quiero asustarte solo Tengo hambre mama ❤️🥰

3. Sometimes dogs might forget they have legs

@beeo2013

He looked at me like he didnt forget he had front paws 😅🥲 #husky #puppyLife

How Do “Forever Chemicals” Affect Our Pets?

What are PFAS?

PFAS stands for per- and-polyfluoroalkyl substances. They're used in many things we use every day:

• Non-stick pans

• Makeup

• Waterproof clothes

• Food wrappers

• Furniture

• Flooring

These chemicals have been used for over 80 years, but only recently have we started to worry about their effects on health.

Why are people worried about PFAS?

Scientists have found that PFAS might cause health problems in humans, like:

• Weaker immune systems

• Changes in how the thyroid works

• Liver and kidney problems

• Some types of cancer

• Issues with having babies

What about our pets?

Researchers are now starting to look at how PFAS might affect our pets. Here's what they've found so far:

1. Pets seem to have similar levels of PFAS in their bodies as humans do.

2. Dogs and cats can have PFAS in their poop, with dogs having more than cats.

3. PFAS might affect pets' liver, thyroid, and blood in similar ways to humans.

4. There might be a link between PFAS and thyroid problems in cats, and cholesterol issues in dogs.

But remember, this research is still new. We need more studies to really understand how PFAS affect our dogs.

How can we protect our pets from PFAS?

While it's hard to avoid PFAS completely, there are some things you can do to lower your pet's exposure:

1. Use a water filter: This can help remove PFAS from your pet's drinking water.

2. Clean regularly: Dust often has PFAS in it, so keep your home clean.

3. Choose natural materials: Try to buy furniture and clothes that aren't treated to be waterproof or stain-resistant.

4. Let your pet outside: PFAS levels are often higher indoors.

5. Be careful with pet food: Some pet food bags have PFAS. Look for foods in safer packaging.

What's next?

Scientists are still learning about how PFAS affect pets. They're doing more studies with more pets to get better information. In the meantime, the best thing we can do is try to reduce our pets' exposure to these chemicals, without worrying too much.

Remember, while it's good to be aware of PFAS, don't let it stop you from enjoying time with your furry friends.

Keep loving and caring for your dog as you always have!

Source: KinShip

Quiz Answers

Unfortunately, dogs lost this battle. A greyhound is not faster than a cheetah.

That’s it for this edition of Dog Forum’s newsletter.

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