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Welcome back to this week’s edition of Sustainable Tails where we’ll be exploring some fun and interesting pet topics. Have an idea for a topic or something you’d like to add, please send us a message and we’d love to tackle topics of your choosing, as well! This week we’re looking at dog dander and hypoallergenic dog breeds, cats in boxes, and Petunia. Let’s dive right in and see what we have in store for you this week…
Doggone Dog Dander - Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Dog dander consists of tiny, airborne particles of skin shed by dogs. These particles contain proteins that can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. When inhaled or come into contact with skin or mucous membranes, these proteins can cause symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and respiratory issues.
Several dog breeds are considered hypoallergenic, meaning they produce fewer allergens and may be suitable for people with allergies. Some of these breeds include:
Poodle (Toy, Miniature, Standard): Poodles have hair that grows continuously and sheds minimally, reducing the spread of dander.
Bichon Frise: These small, fluffy dogs have a single coat of curly hair that produces less dander.
Maltese: Maltese dogs have a long, silky coat that doesn't shed much, minimizing the spread of allergens.
Shih Tzu: Shih Tzus have a dense, double coat that sheds minimally and produces less dander.
Portuguese Water Dog: These dogs have a waterproof coat that produces minimal dander and sheds very little.
Schnauzer (Miniature, Standard): Schnauzers have a wiry coat that sheds minimally and produces less dander.
Yorkshire Terrier: Yorkies have a long, silky coat that sheds very little and produces less dander.
Havanese: These small dogs have a long, silky coat that sheds minimally and produces less dander.
It's important to note that while these breeds are considered hypoallergenic, no dog is completely allergen-free. Additionally, individual dogs within a breed may vary in their allergen-producing potential, so it's essential to spend time with a dog before bringing them into your home if you have allergies. Regular grooming and cleaning can also help reduce allergens in the home.
Canine Curiosities
Did you know that, according to a survey performed by the American Kennel Club (AKC), roughly 45% of dog owners in the US let their dogs sleep in bed with them on a regular basis? Dogs and their owners share an incredible bond, where not only is a dog a companion and something simply to take care of, but a dog is truly part of the family dynamic. For people with allergies, it is suggested to create a sleep environment as allergen-free as possible, so this may include not having your Snoopy snuggle in bed with you.
Cats In Boxes and Kitty “Presents”
Cats' affinity for boxes stems from their natural instincts as ambush predators. Boxes provide a safe and secure hiding spot where cats can observe their surroundings while remaining hidden from potential threats. This behavior is deeply rooted in their need for security and the desire to control their environment.
Who doesn’t like walking out the front door in the morning to a pile of gooey and grimy rodent guts? The allure of your cat bringing a "present" to its owner's doorstep, such as a small animal or toy, is an instinctual behavior that stems from their hunting instincts. Cats are natural hunters, and bringing their owner a gift reflects their instinctual drive to provide for their family or share their bounty.
While these behaviors may seem puzzling to humans, they are deeply ingrained in a cat's genetic makeup and serve as a reminder of their wild ancestry. Understanding and appreciating these behaviors enriches the bond between cats and their owners, fostering a deeper sense of connection and mutual understanding.
Pet Poem Place
Nikki In Two Ways
By Emily, Age 10, England
I have a dog called Nikki,
With food she is very picky,
One day for a treat,
She nicked all my sweets,
Now you know why we call her Nikki!
Pet Of The Week - Petunia
Petunia's remarkable journey began way back in 2003, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, where she was last seen outside her family’s barn in Virginia. Her disappearance left her family devastated. They tried everything they could think of to find Petunia, putting up flyers, posters, checking the local shelters, and placing announcements in the local papers. Petunia was simply there one minute, and gone the next.
Eight long years passed, and hope waned as they searched fruitlessly for their beloved pit bull. Then, a miracle occurred. Petunia was found safe and sound, albeit hungry, thirsty and tired, not in Virginia, but clear across the country outside of Sacramento, California. A woman visiting from Oregon found Petunia walking down the middle of the rural road, her tail wagging.
The key to her incredible reunion 2,800 miles from her family? A tiny microchip implanted beneath her skin. This minuscule device held Petunia's ticket home, providing a vital link to her family despite the vast distance. Thanks to the dedication of animal control officers who scanned her for a microchip, Petunia's microchip was traced to a veterinary office in Fredericksburg, VA, who then contacted Petunias owners to give them the news they thought they'd never hear: their long-lost companion had been found.
Petunias family eagerly made arrangements to go to California and bring Petunia back home to Virginia. The tales that Petunia could share with her owners and the world are things only she would know, but no doubt she had a journey and a reunion that a rare few pets and their owners get to experience. This Pet Of The Week with Petunia is a stark reminder of the importance of microchipping our pets for the unfortunate moments if a pet happens to become lost.
Just For Fun
Well, that’s a wrap for this week. Please be sure to share this growing community of pet lovers from around the world with your friends and family. We send you an unobtrusive email once a week right to your mailbox. That’s all there is to it! We welcome any and all input from all of our subscribers. Send us topics you’d love to know more about, or just drop a line to say hello. There are exciting things coming as Sustainable Tails grows in popularity!
Sustainable Tails is dedicated to helping you create a harmonious and eco-friendly life for you and your pets. By embracing zero-waste and pet-friendly grooming products and sustainably exploring the outdoors together, you're not only enhancing the well-being of your furry companions but also contributing to a healthier planet.
Thank you for joining us on this weeks adventure. Continue to spread the word on what we are doing here, and always know your comments and participation in our community are welcomed with open paws. We’ll see you right here next week, so continue making sustainable choices and cherishing each and every day with your beloved pets!
Joshua McCarty
Founder, Sustainable Tails
P.S. Have a topic you’d like us to cover in our next newsletter? Share your ideas and questions with us. We’d love to hear from you!
P.P.S. Take a peek over at our partner website for an ever growing list of sustainable and eco-friendly pet supplies and accessories, as well as many other pet friendly products!
