Dog Activities, Health, Nutrition

Do Sled Dogs Need Lots of Carbs Before a Race?

When we humans prepare for a marathon, we eat lots of carbs in the days before the race to increase stored muscle energy. But sled dogs have much different metabolic needs. For them, fat content is far more important, with fats making up as much as 60 – 70% of their diets.

How do I know this? Because the Iditarod has launched a new Ask an Iditarod Vet feature, answering all your questions about sled dog health.

I know there are people who think these endurance-based sled dog races are cruel, but these athletic dogs love their jobs and are probably treated better than yours and mine. And it’s not just about racing; I heard today that some of Alaska’s ballots were delivered to their election boards by sled dog!

You can send questions for Iditarod veterinarians to Krystin at [email protected]

Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!

Dog Activities, Training

COVID19 Sniffer Dogs

Although the virus reportedly makes you lose your sense of smell, it apparently gives you a particular odor dogs can sniff out.

The airport in Helsinki, Finland, is testing passengers for Covid-19 by using trained dogs to sniff out the virus. NBC’s Kelly Cobiella joins Shep Smith on CNBC to discuss what could be a new way to detect for Covid-19.

Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!

Dog Activities

Please Vote!

Photo: WJAR
Photo: WJAR
If you’ve been living under a rock and somehow haven’t seen the news, tomorrow is Election Day. If you’re not one of the more than 95 million people who voted early, please let your voice be heard tomorrow.

Can’t stomach any of the mainstream candidates? You can always write-in Oliver Winston Churchill Finelli, a 2-year old Golden Doodle who is running “because people suck.” Continue reading Please Vote! →

Dog Advocacy, Shelters

Shelter Sunday: Yara / Island Pacific Dog Rescue Society / Qualicum Beach, BC

Yara BC

Meet Yara! This Australian Cattle Dog mix is a beauty. Here’s what her rescuers have to say about her: This beautiful girl is a sweetheart and will love you unconditionally! She absolutely adores people, is good with kids and is looking for an understanding family to make her own. Yara is a 45lbs Australian cattle dog, spayed, housetrained and estimated to be 2 years old.

She is almost completely deaf. She does respond well to visual cues, so with training, her lack of hearing could be easily managed. A home where she can be the center of attention would be ideal! She does like playing with well matched dogs, so one 4-legged companion might work (she can get overwhelmed around too many dogs and get defensive). She has no known history with cats, but is probably best suited to a home with no small animals. Continue reading Shelter Sunday: Yara / Island Pacific Dog Rescue Society / Qualicum Beach, BC →

All Dog, all the time! News, photos, reviews, guides and more.