Wünderdog (2024)

23/09/2021

THE DOGS SNIFFING OUT COVID-19

We know dogs are amazing and have an incredible sense of smell. Well now the UAE have been using dogs to sniff out COVID-19 infections.

The doggie cohort includes a special unit of 38 sniffer dogs made up of German Shepherds, Labradors, Cocker Spaniels and Border Collies. Using human sweat samples they have been able to detect COVID-19 with a whopping 92% accuracy! (of the 3920 samples)

Airports in the UAE were the first to trial canine COVID-19 detection in 2020, and whilst they are no longer used here these Wünderdogs are ready to be deployed wherever they are needed next.

Link to the fur story in bio.

22/09/2021

WHY MY DOG STARTED PEEING INSIDE?

Ever been shell shocked when your toilet trained dog all of a sudden started p*eing in a strange place in the house? Us too!

So here’s a few things to consider if this happens to your special furiend.

1 - Urinary Tract Infections - can cause your dog to become unable to hold their p*e in. Keep an eye on the next time you see your dog p*e, as dogs can sometimes be seen straining or moving as they p*e with little coming out. Be sure to check the colour for any sign of blood too. Seek your vets help straight away if you suspect this as it can lead to much worse medical conditons.

2 - Territorial behaviour - the presence of a new dog or cat can cause your dog to start marking their territory. Introduce new animals slowly and make sure your dog still has their own private space where they can feel relaxed.

3 - Stress - like humans, upset in daily life causes stress. For example, the prolonged absence of their pawrents, a recent move, a thunderstorm or a dramatic change in family schedule. Think about anti-anxiety beds if you are out and try to rebuild a consistent routine to help them feel at ease.

09/09/2021

WORLDS MOST EXPENSIVE DOG BREEDS

Back for part 2 of the world's most expensive breeds of dog. We have to say that looking at all the pictures of these amazing animals, they are so regal and unique we can see how they may have got their punchy price tags. Any guesses for who is number one?

So here they are, the 5 most expensive breeds of dogs in the world.

(Costs are a guide and shown in SGD)

mastiff

07/09/2021

WORLDS MOST EXPENSIVE DOG BREEDS

Rumour has it a man once paid nearly $2m dollars for a Tibetan mastiff puppy in China. Now I know all our dogs are totally priceless to us, but it got us thinking about just how expensive dogs could be.

So here numbers 10 to 5 of the most expensive dogs in the world. Watch out for part 2 tomorrow. Can you guess what number one will be?

(Costs are a guide and shown in SGD)

01/09/2021

CONE OF SHAME

No one wants to see the sadness and hunch that a cone of shame can cause their doggo. And whilst needs must sometimes, depending on the injury you are trying to protect we have tried and tested some more comfortable options that have successfully kept pup happy and wounds clean.

Thanks to Walter and for being today's models.

25/08/2021

PAW & LEG LICKING

Our doggo sometimes decides that feasting on her own paw and leg is more appealing than her dinner. It can be quite concerning as pawrents as you try and understand why this sudden change of behaviour occurs.

✅ They have an allergy - licking paws especially could mean there is something environmental like pesticides in the grass, food such as chicken, dairy or grains or a chemical cleaning product. Elimination tips…

🍃 Environmental - clean their paws straight after walks
🍖 Food - cut out one food at a time, see a vet for allergy tests if this doesn't work
🧪Chemicals - change to natural cleaning products like floor cleaner

✅ They have dry skin - Dogs who lick their paws and legs may be attempting to relieve the itch of dry skin. Their skin may be red or bumpy and they lick to soothe the irritation. Dry skin can often be caused by over bathing or grooming, which like humans can strip their skin and hair of natural oils. Tips...

🛁 Read labels on shampoo you use, look for natural ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals (check out pride + Groom on our website - link in bio)
🧼 Speak to a qualified groomer about how often you need to groom and bath
👩‍⚕️ Vet Speak to your vet about whether your doggo needs any prescribed cream

✅ They are bored or anxious - dogs may lick their paws to make themselves feel better. This would also explain if they do it when they are bored as boredom increases their stress hormones. Tips…

🐕 Ensure you are giving them enough exercise for their size and breed
🧠 Spend time engaging in brain games with them
⚽️ Make sure they have space and toys to play with at home

20/08/2021

DOG SAFE BONES

Give the dog a bone they say. Feels like a natural pairing, however some bones can be dangerous for your dog and we’ve witnessed some really sad examples of pups having surgery to have these bones removed from their tums.

Not all bones are bad though. They can be great stimulation for your dog and also help keep their teeth clean. But before you hand over any old bone, let's look at which ones are safe.

Follow these simple rules to have a happy hound and become a Bona-fide pawrent ;-)

17/08/2021

INTRODUCTION TO SUPPLEMENTS

One of the reasons we believe in supplementation is because prevention is always going to be easier than cure, especially for your dog's long-term health and comfort. So, when it comes to which supplements to give your dog, it's firstly worth researching whether there are any prevalent medical conditions for their specific breed so that you can tailor supplementation to those (check out our previous ‘prevention over cure’ posts to see some common conditions in certain breeds).

However, here is a list of some of the most popular dog supplements and what they are used for, for you to check out.

As always remember to SAVE this post, SHARE with your pawrent friends and COMMENT with any other supplements that have been amazing for your pups health.

Together we can all help our pups lead longer, waggier lives!

03/08/2021

NEW ARRIVAL: NYC BEAUTY FOR DOGS

Exclusive to Wünderdog and all the way from New York, we introduce to you Pride + Groom, the beauty brand for dogs that was born because 4 NYC dog lovers wanted the same level of grooming products for their dogs that they themselves enjoyed.

Ingredients are chosen thoughtfully and with purpose from all across the world—all from nature. All with clear and proven benefits you and your dog can see and feel. Every PRIDE+GROOM formula contains its own unique blend of essential oils and sustainable ingredients chosen for dogs' specific coat and skin types.

We have a plush range of shampoos and conditioners, doggie scent that even smells good on hoomans and some amazing gift sets if you or a fellow pawrent have an upcoming barkday or gotcha day.

Check out the full range of new products now - LINK IN BIO!

30/07/2021

THE PAW LIFT

We love learning about doggie language and today we’re looking at the paw lift. One lifted paw - be it a small or large movement - can have very different meanings.

The anxious paw lift. If there are also other signs of anxiety like low tail or ears back, the lifting of a front paw can be a sign of stress or fear. Use a calm tone and gentle encouragement to help reassure your doggo they are not under threat.

The anticipation paw lift. A paw lift can also have a happy connotation. Your dog may lift a paw when he or she sees a treat in your hand. This gesture means your dog is anticipating something good about to happen.

The ‘play with me’ paw lift. If a paw lift is accompanied by a head tilt and bouncy movements, this is most likely an invitation to play.

28/07/2021

WHY IS MY DOG EATING GRASS?

Ever wondered why your dog is exhibiting behaviours of daisy the cow and chowing down on grass? And some will have seen their dogs eating grass and then vomiting (more on that later).

Well, your dog is in good company as this is actually pretty common and usually nothing to worry about, so long as there is nothing toxic on the grass. Here are the everyday reasons dogs eat grass...

They think it's delish! It's young, green and soft and has a delightful texture in comparison to their usual food if it’s dry or canned. They are also biologically programmed to scavenge for food so when they are out and about millions of grass blades are a superb target!

They’re bored! There are no squirrels to chase or humans to play with, so they turn to the garden to have a grass snack. I think we can all relate to boredom snacking…

They have a nutritional need! The act of eating odd, non-food items is technically known as pica—which may indicate nutritional deficiencies such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber or chlorophyll (both of which aid in digestion)
They have an upset tum! Theory has it, when ancient wild dogs felt nauseous, it triggered an instinct to eat grass, which led to them vomiting to get rid of whatever was causing the problem . Therefore, contemporary dogs come with the instinct to self-medicate with grass to relieve their upset tums.

If your dog eats grass and vomits, but then seems fine, they are probably fine and just doing what dogs do. However, if your dog is constantly eating grass and throwing up, do consult your vet!

27/07/2021

TOY ROTATION

Most doggos love toys, and many even have a favourite. But after a while, you may notice that your pup gets a little bored of the same pile of playthings. And, as many pup parents know, boredom can lead to destruction, depression and even problems with weight.
In order to keep your canine happily entertained, it’s important to rotate their toys. Rotate your dog’s toys weekly by making only four or five toys available at a time.
There are 3 main toy types you should look to keep easily accessible, but the wider the variety the better:
Interactive Toys - toys that require your participation. These could be fetch toys such as balls and frisbees, or rope toys for tugging.

Distraction Toys - toys that keep your dog busy when you don’t have time to play. These could be food delivery toys such as kongs, or puzzle toys that require problem-solving to get to a treat.

Comfort toys - toys that make your dog feel safe and comforted, especially if you’re not around. These could be safe stuffed toys or old t-shirts or blankets.

We also keep a selection of seasonal themed toys for CNY, Christmas and Birthdays, although admittedly, these are mainly for our own amusement :-).

All-in-all toy rotation is another small thing pawrents can do to ensure an engaged and contented pup.

23/07/2021

ANTI-ANXIETY BEDS

As dog owners and lovers, I'm sure you have been targeted with all sorts of ‘calming’ pet beds. Our doggo still gets a little unsettled when we leave the house so we always wonder, do they really work?

The answer is, YES! Science says calming beds can work when they incorporate all the parts required to have an effect on your dog, but unfortunately not all beds are created equally.

So what do you need to look for? Calming beds can work when they closely replicate the feelings of safety they remember from being a tiny baby in amongst a pile of puppies (heart melting at the thought). To be the ideal calming bed, it needs to have soft, short faux fur to replicate their littermates, raised sides that give a sense of lying against their mama and a premium filling that they can sink right into, like one giant hug.

04/07/2021

BLINKING EYES

Have you ever felt like your dog was in a mood with you by avoiding direct eye contact, or they start squinting or blinking when you are getting close. Well, your dog might be trying to tell you something.

If your dog is cowering they may be feeling uncomfortable, if something or someone is too intense and it's a signal to take a step back and give them space. If there is frequent blinking it could mean more discomfort and if when are leaning away, there is possibly pain.

It’s important to keep learning our doggies language so we know how to respond to their signals, so they can feel safe and happy!

02/07/2021

FRUITS FOR YOUR FURBABY

We all know fruits and veggies are an essential part of doggie diets, but what you might not know is there are some fruits that should only be given in moderation and others that could even be harmful to your four-legged fur-iend.

If nothing else, please remember this one thing:
DO NOT FEED YOUR DOGGO GRAPES OR RAISINS, THEY ARE HIGHLY POISONOUS EVEN IN SMALL QUANTITIES.

For everything else, check out our naughty & nice list; and as always remember to SAVE and SHARE this post with anyone it might help.

29/06/2021

MY PUPPY WON’T STOP BARKING

As dog owners, we have mostly all been through the puppy stage of non-stop barking. Like with crying babies, it often leaves you feeling hopeless when nothing you try seems to stop the noise. However, there are some things you can do to help train them out of it and remember puppies don’t necessarily grow out of barking so it's important to train them young so be consistent and have patience with whatever methods you choose.

Here are our top 3 tips...

Reward your pup only when they have been quiet

Chances are every time your pup barks your default is to give them attention. By doing this they feel like their behaviour is being rewarded. So ignore them (hard we know) and reward them only when they are quiet to help them create association that not barking leads to a positive outcome.

Give them an activity

If there is nothing happening in their environment and your pup seems to bark out of nowhere they could just be bored. Make sure they have enough physical activity and provide them with a mental activity to engage their brain to relieve them of energy, such as a kong toy stuffed with their fave treats.

Don’t bark back

Don’t yell at your dog to be quiet, to them it can sound like you are barking along with them. Whilst we have to not let our emotions get in the way of training, we can also do so without using harsh discipline and giving positive reinforcement. So use a calm voice body language when addressing your dog.

24/06/2021

NEW ARRIVAL: YOUR DOG ACTIVITY TRACKER IS HERE

We are so excited to launch our very first Wünderdog product partnership in collaboration with the lovely people at . Our mission has always been to bring SG pawrents (and their pups) the very best products and advice to help their dogs lead longer, happier, healthier lives; and the PitPat does just that!

Sometimes it’s hard to know if your pup’s had enough (or too much) exercise, play and rest in a day. That’s why the UK’s #1 Dog Activity Tracker takes the guesswork out of paw-renting by keeping track of their exercise, sleep and calories.

SWIPE now to see how PitPat can work for your pooch.

DM for purchase, launch price of $65 with free SG shipping.

27/05/2021

BITING & BONES

If your pup is anything like ours they love a little nibble on a finger or two. And whilst it’s not an issue when they’re young, it needs to be resolved before they get older or start interacting with young children.

Firstly, nipping is a perfectly normal behaviour and is not generally malicious. It’s usually an act of playfulness or simply a way to get rid of pent up energy. Therefore, the best way is to engage your doggo in the right environment.

Next time your furry friend goes for your fingers, offer a semi-hard rubber bone as an alternative. Hold the bone at a 45 degree angle and engage with your doggo for 5-10 minutes.

Doing this on a daily basis whilst your sat at the sofa will ensure they get rid of all that pent up energy and contain nipping to a safe and appropriate environment.

Post inspired by .al.thehound. If you'd like us to answer your dog queries leave a message in the comments below.

07/05/2021

There are two main reasons you might consider an activity tracker for your dog.

1 - Health-related; whether dogs are overweight, in recovery or have an underlying health issue, an activity tracker can help monitor exercise, rest, distance, calories and weight.

2 - Overall wellbeing; you want to ensure you give your dog the best quality of life and make sure they are getting the right amount of movement as there is such a thing as too much walkies as this varies depending on breed.

Some trackers will also monitor health factors like mobility, anxiety and skin diseases by tracking behaviour changes, so you can respond quickly.

If you’re interested to know more, we will be doing a dog activity tracker comparison soon!

tracker

05/05/2021

How old was the oldest dog that ever lived? According to Guinness World Records, an Australian Cattle Dog called Bluey lived to the ripe old age of 29 years, 160 days before passing in November 1939.

Life expectancy is of course impacted by a number of internal factors such as breed, size and genes. As well as external factors like diet, the right amount of exercise and environmental toxins.

Much less empirical data is available for pups compared with humans, but there are 2 ways you can help:

1. Manage the external and environmental factors as best you can (with a little help from us!)

2. Nominate your dog to contribute to research studies and datasets to help future understanding, such as Darwins Dogs

04/05/2021

Just like when buying food for yourself, reading ingredients labels for our furry friends can be extremely revealing in terms of the quality of ingredients used and the nutritional impact of those ingredients.

Whilst there is a lot of debate around diet, and no one answer is perfect for all dogs or breeds, something there is a little more consensus on is what should NOT be in their food.

Feel free to save these tips and the “naughty” list for the next time you’re thinking of changing things up in the dog bowl.

Tip 1: The fewer the ingredients, the better.
Just as with human food, fewer ingredients are linked to less processing.

Tip 2: Avoid letters and numbers
Unless it’s clearly a vitamin, ingredients with a long letter and number combinations are generally artificial colourings, flavour enhancers or preservatives.

The Naughty List
Melamine
BHA, BHT and Ethoxyquin
Propylene Glycol
Carrageenan
Meat meal
Food dyes or corn syrup
MSG
Sodium Hexametaphosphate

30/04/2021

On Fridays, we celebrate dogs. They give you a trust which is total, so never take it for granted.

29/04/2021

So, my dog vomited yellow bile this morning and whilst it's quite stressful for parents to see it's the most common form of vomit and usually nothing to worry about.

Granted, it's not the most glamorous topic but here’s three top reasons your dog vomits yellow and what you can do about it…

Wünderdog