When you and you dog are out and about, your dog’s collar is an important part of keeping them safe. It holds their tags, which has vital info that can help you reunite if your dog gets lost, is a convenient place to hold onto if the leash breaks, and it lets other people know that your dog isn’t a stray if they get lost.

However, some dog owners take their dog’s collar off while they’re at home. For some, this sounds like the perfect opportunity to give their dog some time to relax. For others, this might sound like a safety hazard. So which is the truth?

Is it better to leave your dog’s collar on or should you take it off and allow them to have a breather? Do dogs like collars, or are they a nuisance? Here’s what you need to know.

 Do dogs like it when you take their collars off?

Every dog is different, which means each one reacts differently to wearing a collar. Experts say their response depends on a variety of factors:

• What happens after you remove the collar? There may be a flurry of excitement when you remove your pup’s collar if something desirable — such as playtime with other dogs — follows immediately after its removal. Likewise, they may resist having his collar removed if something undesirable happens, such as going into his crate before you leave the house.
• How the collar fits. If your dog’s collar is too tight, it may have irritated the skin and be a painful area for you to touch. If it’s too big, it might get caught on objects easily, which can create panic and anxiety.
• Skin and neck sensitivities. If your dog has skin allergies, the collar may be aggravating them. Additionally, if your dog has an injury on their neck — like a cut or muscle strain — they may not appreciate having anyone touch their neck.

When should you remove your dog’s collar?

Accidents happen and pets get lost, which is why it’s advisable to keep your dog’s collar on whenever possible, especially when you’re walking him on a leash, moving households, or traveling. Still, there are times when it’s perfectly acceptable (and safe) to remove your dog’s collar:

• When your dog is in their crate. Even the best-fitting collars can become choking hazards when identification tags catch on the bars of a crate. It’s also possible for your dog to get their leg caught in the collar when they’re scratching their neck, which can result in a fracture or other leg injury.
• At bedtime. Removing your dog’s collar after the day’s last potty break can give the fur and skin beneath their collar a welcome breather. If your dog moves around frequently at night or scratches and shakes their head a lot, removing their collar might make nighttime quieter for the human members of the household. (Keep the collar on if your dog has access to a doggy door.)
• When they’re playing with other dogs. Dogs are rambunctious when they play with each other. Whenever possible, let them enjoy their romp (in an enclosed, supervised area) without their collar, which will help minimize the risk that it will accidentally catch on another dog’s collar or limb. Every play area is different, so be sure to note the rules. Many pet-sitting facilities remove dog collars during group play; some dog parks require that your dog wear their collar and ID tags at all times.

Should your dog wear a collar and a harness at the same time?

A harness isn’t a complete replacement for a collar, so it’s important for your dog to keep their collar on, even if you use a harness to walk them. Harnesses are great for keeping pressure off your dog’s neck if they pull, extra control on walks, and can even keep your dog calmer or warmer. However, they don’t typically have a place to attach your dog’s tags. This means that if your dog gets lost while wearing only their harness, whoever finds your dog won’t know how to contact you!

After the walk is over, though, there’s no reason for your dog to wear both the harness and collar. Harnesses are more restrictive than collars, so your dog may experience more discomfort trying to sleep in them.

Let common sense guide you

Without question, a collar is the most logical place to attach your dog’s identification tags. It’s also the first place someone will look if, heaven forbid, your dog gets lost. And, provided you don’t use a harness when you go for a walk, a collar is the best place to attach a leash.

Besides collaring your dog, experts say, you can keep your dog safe by making sure they get enough exercise and mental stimulation, securing cabinets and other areas in which you keep toxic materials, supervising them when they’re outside, and putting decals on your windows that alert emergency personnel that you have pets.

All things considered, does your dog need to wear their collar at night? Probably not, especially if your dog is secured inside your home with no unsupervised access to the yard through a doggy door; however, every situation is different. The key is to consider your dog’s behavior and your lifestyle to create the safest possible environment for your pet.

Fleas and ticks are common issues with dogs, but they aren’t harmless. These pests attach themselves to a dogs’ body, feed off their blood, and make them extremely uncomfortable, if not ill. It can be a miserable experience — for both you and your pet. Left undetected, fleas and ticks can transmit a host of unsavory diseases. You need to keep a close eye out for the signs your dog has ticks.

So, where does a dog pick up these nasty critters, anyway? And if they do, how will you know? We’ve got the answers plus a few tricks on how to prevent them (and why this matters). These are the sign your dog has ticks or fleas.

What’s the difference between a flea and a tick, anyway?

Both bugs are parasites; however, there are distinct differences between them.

Fleas are small wingless insects that are almost invisible to the human eye. They have six legs and antennae, and they prefer to spend their entire life span (about three months) on one host. Adult female fleas lay as many as 20 to 40 eggs on their chosen victim each day, so they multiply quickly, especially in the warm-weather months.

Because fleas jump on and off their host after feeding, your dog can pick them up almost anywhere — your yard, the dog park, your groomer, or even from friends and family who visit.

Ticks, on the other hand, are arachnids (think spider family) and feed by digging their entire head into the skin. They have eight legs and no antennae, and they are large enough to be seen with the human eye. Ticks spend a week or so on each host and live as long as three years. Since they can’t jump, they must wait for another unsuspecting snack to come by so they can crawl on board.

Unlike fleas, ticks don’t mind cold weather, which basically means your dog can pick them up almost any time of year. Ticks like to hang out in the woods and high grass or on shrubs, just waiting for a new host to brush up against them.

Signs your dog has ticks or fleas

Because fleas are small and jump around a lot, and ticks burrow into your dog’s fur, it’s often hard to see them if you don’t know what to look for. Here are five telltale signs your dog is unwittingly hosting one or more of these parasites:

• Your dog is scratching, biting, or chewing his skin. Fleas bite. When they do, the protein in their saliva creates an allergic reaction that makes your dog itch.
• Your dog is losing hair, especially around the neck and tail. These are common places for fleas to hide. As your dog scratches to relieve the itch, it can cause hair loss.
• You see tiny red bumps on your dog’s skin. Because fleas jump off their hosts after feeding, it’s often difficult to see them. Their bites, however, can irritate your dog’s skin, causing discomfort and dermatitis.
• You find small black specks on your dog’s skin or bedding. This is flea dirt, a mix of blood meal and flea feces.
• Your dog develops a fever, becomes lethargic, or loses his appetite. Ticks carry ugly diseases like Lyme and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Fleas can cause anemia and transmit tapeworms.

Are fleas and ticks on your dog dangerous?

Neither of these parasites is desirable, but in comparison, ticks are far more dangerous than fleas.

Fleas can spread tapeworms and anemia. Additionally, the saliva they leave behind from biting your dog can cause dermatitis. If you suspect your dog has fleas, consult your veterinarian. Because these parasites reproduce so quickly, you can have an infestation in your home in no time. Your veterinarian can recommend treatment for your dog as well as ways to rid your entire house of the fleas and the eggs they lay.

Ticks spread Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, just to name a couple of dangerous diseases. That’s why it’s important to check your dog regularly for ticks, especially if he spends time in heavily wooded or grassy areas.

What happens if you don’t remove a tick from a dog?

Top tips to prevent fleas and ticks on your dog

While there’s no foolproof method to keep your dog from getting fleas and ticks, you can minimize the risk:

• Keep your lawn manicured. Fleas and ticks like to live in tall grasses, on shrubs, and in woodpiles. Both like moist and humid conditions.
• Check your dog regularly for signs of parasite activity. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has contracted an illness as a result.
• Put your dog on a year-round flea-and-tick prevention program as recommended by your veterinarian.
• Schedule regular checkups. Not only can your veterinarian monitor the effectiveness of your dog’s prevention program, but she also can examine him for any signs of illness that might not be obvious.

We should also mention that fleas and ticks are equal-opportunity parasites, meaning they’ll bite just about any mammal, humans included. Fortunately, flea infestations can be eradicated and ticks can be removed fairly easily. Diligence and observation are key. As long as you take the proper precautions and check your pet regularly for signs and symptoms, you can keep all members of your family protected from the discomfort and illnesses these parasites cause.

Awesome news for pet parents: here are 7 fantastic dog training podcasts so you can better know your doggo and keep him happy. There are times every pet parent feels as though they’re the only ones doing “life” with their dog. Whether it’s a behavioral problem, a health concern, or simply how to find the right doggie day care, wouldn’t it be great to have an expert on speed dial to answer your every burning question?

Well, short of spending your life searching online, might we suggest finding a good podcast to listen to? Podcasts are a great way to get free advice from experts in the field, especially as you’re performing mindless chores around the house or settling in for a long plane ride. And when it comes to dog training, podcasts feature a variety of experts who can help any pet parent. Which podcast should you listen to? These are a few of our favorites.

Animal Training Academy

Available on: Spotify, Apple, Stitcher
Professional animal trainer Ryan Cartlidge hosts this show featuring training techniques from experts such as behaviorist Dr. Susan Friedman, experienced guide dog mobility trainer Tony Harvey, and award-winning writer Laura VanArendonk Baugh. If training dogs is your passion or you just need advice on training yours, this podcast covers a variety of positive reinforcement training techniques that apply to animals in every situation.

What Would Jeff Do?

Available on: Apple, Google, Spotify
Jeff Gellman of Solid K9 Training hosts this popular podcast that helps you have fun while gaining a greater understanding of your dog. Gellman believes the most important part of being a dog trainer is helping pet owners stop their pet’s bad behavior to keep them in the house. Tune in to hear him field questions from his live Facebook and YouTube sessions on everything from dog training to business to life in general.

Dog Talk with Dr. Jen

Available on: Apple
Dr. Jennifer Summerfield is a veterinarian and dog trainer who specializes in treating behavioral problems such as aggression, separation anxiety, and compulsive behavior issues. Podcast topics include how to deal with housemate aggression, taking the stress out of vet visits, and how to choose the right dog for your family. Summerfield’s compassionate voice calmly explains the problem, then suggests practical solutions for solving it.

Drinking from the Toilet

Available on: Apple, Google, Stitcher, Spotify
Hannah Branigan hosts this authentic, sometimes hilarious look at the reality of dog training, behavior, and learning. Branigan, who has a background in both sports and biology, applies her knowledge and experience in positive reinforcement training to the training and competing she does with her dogs. Podcast topics include an in-depth look at fear and whether it can be reinforced, how you might be reinforcing your dog’s herding behavior, and a deeper look at learning and memory as it relates to training your dog.

Positively Dog Training, the official Victoria Stilwell podcast

Available on: Apple, Spotify, Google
Dog lovers will recognize Victoria Stilwell from her hit television series It’s Me or the Dog. On her podcast, she teams up with CNN reporter Holly Firfer to discuss dog-related topics and also gives you a behind-the-scenes look at life on the set. Her Positively Dog Training network focuses on humane, force-free, positive training techniques. Podcast topics range from dog education and behavior to intelligence, social learning, and evolution.

Canine Conversations

Available on: Apple, Facebook
Master behaviorist and dog trainer Robert Cabral hosts this well-rounded podcast on all things canine. From training and sport competitions to health concerns and food choices, Cabral brings his years of experience with shelter dogs and competitive obedience and protection dogs to the airwaves. Topics range from daily enrichment, fearfulness, and dominance to how to prepare your home and family for a new puppy.

Your Family Dog Podcast

Available on: Apple, Google, Stitcher
Between them, co-hosts Julie Fudge Smith and Tina M. Spring have more than 60 years of dog training experience. Fudge Smith and Spring believe that “life is better with a dog” and cover a wide variety of topics to help families love living with their dogs. Subject matter includes what you need to know about dog bites, what to look for in a doggie daycare facility, and how to deal with parasite invasions of the flea and tick persuasion.

Why dog training is important

In addition to ensuring that your dog knows how to follow commands, which can keep your pup safe, training helps to build your dog’s confidence. Just like us, dogs sometimes suffer from anxiety and depression, but well-trained dogs are less likely to suffer from mental health conditions. Training your pooch also provides the mental stimulation all dogs crave while strengthening your bond with your fur baby. You can’t beat that.

See? You’re not alone. Consider this: More households have at least one dog in them, making dogs the most popular pet in the world (cat owners, you run a close second!). So, it stands to reason that if you’re wondering about a dog-related topic, there’s probably another dog owner somewhere in the world who is wondering the same thing — and, fortunately, a dog training expert who is talking about that topic on a podcast near you. All you have to do is tune in.

Without a doubt, sharks are the proverbial bad boys of the deep. Their antics have been the focus of major motion pictures, week-long television specials, and classic Rat Pack songs. Although we’re all used to seeing these creatures lurking in big bodies of water, we’ve found a few species that fit your fish tank. Yes, believe it or not, you really can keep sharks at home. First, you’ll need to research and educate yourself on how to care for them. You’ll also need to make sure you have the proper tank to accommodate them. If you’re thinking of adding a shark to your tank, here are the ideal sharks for your home aquarium, as these breeds are small enough to fit.

Can I get a shark for my fish tank?

The best sharks for freshwater tanks

We’ll let you in on a little secret. Except for the bull shark, there is no such thing as a freshwater shark. Most freshwater fish labeled as sharks in pet stores have that name because they resemble sharks with their pointed dorsal fins and forked tails. Regardless, these “sharks” make colorful additions to aquariums for experienced hobbyists who are looking to expand their freshwater tanks.

Redtail sharks

Redtail sharks have black bodies with bright red tails and a white tip on the dorsal fin. They do best in aquariums of at least 55 gallons and have a lifespan of approximately six years. They are semi-aggressive fish that may set up territories in your tank. Although they do well with other fish, they will eat smaller fish when hungry. They can grow to a length of 6 inches and require a water temperature of 72 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Their best tank mates are other redtail sharks as well as similar-sized fish including barbs, danios, angelfish, and tetras.

Rainbow sharks

Rainbow sharks are also known as redfin sharks or ruby sharks. These semi-aggressive fish have bright red fins and make a colorful addition to your aquarium. They do best in aquariums of at least 55 gallons with a water temperature of 75 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit and grow to a length of 6 inches. As aquarium cleaners, they enjoy eating the algae that grows at the bottom of the tank. Good tankmates for rainbow sharks include gouramis, barbs, danios, and rainbowfish, which swim higher in the tank and won’t infringe on the rainbow shark’s territory. Their life span is five to eight years.

Bala sharks

Bala sharks have been described as “gentle giants” because they do well with many other species of fish, including rainbow fish, tetra, and rasbora. These yellow, black, and gray sharks like to travel in schools, so you’ll need to purchase several together if you decide to add them to your tank. Their highly active nature makes them fun to watch, although they appreciate a few good places to hide. Because of their size, they do best in a 120- to 150-gallon aquarium with a secure lid (they like to jump on occasion) where the water temperature is kept near 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Bala sharks can grow to measure 14 inches in length and live as long as 10 years.

The best sharks for saltwater tanks

A saltwater aquarium is where you find the true sharks, although most species are too large to live in a small hobby tank. The following sharks, small compared to their deep-water cousins, flourish best with expert hobbyists who are comfortable managing 180- to 350-gallon tanks.

White-spotted bamboo sharks

White-spotted bamboo sharks are smaller sharks popular with saltwater-tank enthusiasts. Although juveniles can begin their life in a smaller tank (30 to 55 gallons), they will quickly outgrow it and need to be moved to one of at least 180 gallons. They prefer hexagonal or circular tanks with a sandy bottom and plenty of rocks and other cave-like structures where they can hide. They coexist well with other species, such as grunts, snappers, jacks, and goatfish, and can live as long as 25 years. Males reach a length of 2.5 feet; females grow as long as 3.5 feet.

Cat sharks

Cat shark is the name of a large family of saltwater sharks, including banded cat sharks, marbled cat sharks, and bamboo sharks. While juveniles can live for a time in a 100-gallon tank, they need to move to at least a 350-gallon tank as they begin to grow. When properly cared for, cat sharks can live as long as 20 years and grow to a length of 4 feet. They require an open swimming space with rocks and driftwood for hiding along the edges of a sandy-bottom tank. Good tankmates for these aggressive bottom-dwellers include other cat sharks, stingrays, tangs, and harlequin tusks.

Epaulette sharks

Epaulette sharks have long, tan bodies with markings resembling an epaulette on their fins, which they often use to “walk” along the bottom of the tank as they search for food. Juveniles can live in a smaller 30- to 55-gallon aquarium initially, but they will eventually need to move to an aquarium of at least 180 gallons. These sharks can live as long as 25 years and grow to a length of 42 inches. As nocturnal creatures, they prefer a sandy bottom with plenty of hiding places to escape the bright aquarium lights. The water temperature in their tank should be kept at  72 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Good tankmates for epaulette sharks include small moray eels, groupers, and small stingrays.

Final thoughts on sharks for a home aquarium

Adding a shark to your aquarium, whether it’s a freshwater wannabe or saltwater bad boy, is a great way to create a bit of mystery and intrigue. The best choice is a shark that will coexist with your other fish and be able to live comfortably in the underwater environment you’ve created. And while these bottom feeders won’t be spoiling anybody’s boat ride, they will provide years of entertainment and conversation for the aficionado willing and able to give them the right care.

Want to know if you can keep seahorses in your home aquarium? Check out our guide.

Just like with you, drinking water is essential for your dog’s good health. You might be surprised to learn that the cuddly bundle of fur you just welcomed into your home is actually made mostly of water. Among other things, water is an essential part of your puppy’s dietary needs. Even a 10% loss of body water can cause serious health complications. So just as it’s crucial to observe the frequency of feeding your puppy, it’s also important to make sure they are drinking enough. How much water should a puppy drink? It depends on a few factors.

Ideal water intake for a dog

The ideal water intake for a dog depends on their size and activity level. Most experts agree that, on average, a dog should consume 1 ounce of fluid per pound of body weight each day. That means a 45-pound dog should take in about 5.5 cups of fluid on a daily basis. Lactating mothers and puppies need more, as do dogs who are extremely active or live in hot, humid climates.

Why puppies need more water

Water constitutes as much as 85% of a newborn puppy, a percentage that changes to 60% when they are grown. As newborns, they receive the hydration they need from their mother’s milk. After they are weaned and begin eating kibble, water becomes essential in helping them digest their food.

Water is an important part of the overall metabolic process, which includes digestion, brain activity, blood flow, and breathing, as well as kidney and liver function. It also helps young dogs grow big and strong.

And, since a dog cools by panting, drinking water is essential for replacing the moisture that evaporates from their tongues, nasal passages, and lungs during the process. Lastly, a well-hydrated dog has a moist nose, which aids in their ability to smell.

How much water should your puppy drink?

Young puppies who are transitioning from mother’s milk to solid food need 0.5 cup of water every two hours. As they grow, you’ll eventually fall into the recommended 1 ounce per day per pound.

One of the best ways to make sure your puppy is drinking enough water is to set up a schedule. Instead of leaving a bowl out for them to drink at will, ration their intake. Every few hours, measure the appropriate amount of water into their drinking bowl and call your puppy. Encourage your pup to drink the water, and when they do, reward them with praise and a few minutes of playtime.

Most dogs learn to drink enough water all by themselves; however, it’s important to monitor them when they are first learning.

How much water should a puppy drink during potty training?

Signs that your puppy isn’t getting the right amount of water

Not enough water intake can cause dehydration and drinking too much water can be just as dangerous.

Dehydration

Puppies who don’t receive an adequate amount of water may suffer from dehydration, a dangerous condition that can be life-threatening. Overheating and illnesses, especially those that include vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, put puppies at risk of dehydration.

Symptoms of dehydration include:

• Dry, pale, or sticky gums
• Loss of skin turgidity, meaning the skin doesn’t snap back into place when gently pinched
• Loss of appetite
• Sunken eyes
• Excessive panting

If your puppy is reluctant to drink (or more inclined to play), try these tricks:

• Place ice cubes in the water bowl. Chewing on ice cubes adds an element of fun while it aids in hydration.
• Flavor drinking water with chicken or beef broth.
• Put a treat at the bottom of the bowl.

Overhydration

If it seems your puppy is drinking too much water, pay attention. Dogs, and puppies, in particular, are super curious. Your little buddy may just be playing in the water bowl, which is more of a behavioral issue than a medical problem.

But if you think your puppy is doing more drinking than playing, they may have an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Excessive drinking may be signs of fever and infection or more chronic conditions, such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, kidney, and liver disease.

Symptoms of overhydration include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Lack of coordination
• Lethargy
• Bloating
• Dilated pupils
• Excessive salivation
• Pale gums

As you can see, water is an important part of your puppy’s good health (and sleeping well through the night). Remember to supply them with an adequate supply of fresh water every day and take notice of their health frequently. Just as sleep training your puppy is beneficial for their overall well-being in the long run, teaching them good water etiquette while they’re young will help, too. Closely monitor their activity, and you’ll be rewarded with a healthy, active pup and a lifetime of companionship.

Blue-eyed dogs are striking, mostly because they are such an unusual sight. After all, even though all puppies are born with blue eyes, 95% of them will change color within the first eight to 10 weeks of life. And while there’s almost nothing sweeter than staring into the brown eyes of an adoring pet, those dog breeds with blue eyes are, well, a sight to behold.

If you’re lucky enough to own a dog with blue eyes, congratulations. If, like the rest of us, you’re just curious about what causes that beautiful abnormality, read on. We’ll share which dog breeds naturally have blue eyes, why that occurs, and if blue-eyed dogs are at risk for health problems as a result.

What dog breeds have blue eyes?

No doubt about it, dogs with blue eyes belong to a unique club. Scientists say only 5% of dogs have the blue-eye variant as part of their DNA. The blue-eyed trait is recessive and most often related to coat color, specifically in those with merle (mottled patches of color) or piebald (white coat with spots of color).

Dog breeds that naturally have blue eyes include:

• Siberian husky
• Border collie
• Australian shepherd
• Dachshund
• Weimaraner
• Cardigan Welsh corgi
• Great Dane
• Catahoula leopard dog
• Alaskan Klee Kai
• Pit bull

Ironically, blue eyes don’t actually have any blue pigment. In fact, blue eyes indicate a lack of pigment. Additionally, if the fur around your dog’s eyes is white, their chances of having blue eyes (along with a pink nose and skin) increase.

Why do some dogs have blue eyes?

It’s all about the melanin, or the pigment in the iris, that makes up the colored part of the eye. Brown eyes, which are the most common color, have brown pigment in both the front and back layers of the iris. Blue eyes have a small amount of melanin (or none at all) in the front layer and a small amount in the back. The dog’s DNA is the key to how much melanin is produced.

Scientists are still studying the phenomenon. While previous studies indicate that genes that determine coat color play a major role in determining a dog’s eye color, a study from 2018 discovered that another gene important in eye development might also play a role.

Do dogs with blue eyes have health problems?

Pigment isn’t just about color; it’s also a critical element in the development of sight and hearing in our canine friends. And while not all blue-eyed dogs will have problems with their sight or hearing, some are at greater risk for certain conditions.

Cochleosaccular deafness is a hereditary condition linked to the pigment in a dog’s coat and eyes. It’s more prevalent in white dogs with blue eyes, and it usually appears within 1 to 3 weeks of age in one or both ears.

Merle ocular dysgenesis occurs when two merle-coated dogs have puppies. Common vision problems for the offspring include smaller eyes, off-center pupils, light sensitivity, general impaired vision, and a greater risk of developing cataracts.

Albinism occurs when a dog can’t produce sufficient melanin and is completely devoid of color. This rare condition can cause smaller eyes, eyes sensitive to light, and deformities in the lens or iris that can cause poor vision or complete blindness.

If your brown-eyed adult dog’s eyes change color, it may be a signal of eye disease or the aging process:

• Interstitial keratitis: An inflammation of the cornea that can display as a bluish-white film over the eye.
• Cataracts: Often a sign of aging, cast a cloudy and often bluish look to the eye.
• Glaucoma: A disease of the optic nerve, can also give a bluish tint to the eye.

Any change in your dog’s vision should be reported to your veterinarian immediately. Most eye diseases can be treated — with a better prognosis occurring in those that are detected early.

So, as you can see, there’s more to a blue-eyed dog than (has to be said) meets the eye. Regardless of their color, the expression in your dog’s eyes is a great way to know what they’re thinking. Round eyes that show a lot of white indicate your pup is tense. Dilated pupils may be a sign of fear — or excitement. And when your dog is relaxed, they may even look like they’re squinting.

Are all blue-eyed dogs prone to deafness?

While blue-eyed dogs have an increased risk of cochleosaccular deafness, researchers from Louisiana State University concluded this: “Blue eyes, resulting from an absence of pigment in the iris, is common with pigment-associated deafness, but is not, in and of itself, an indication of deafness or the presence of the deafness gene…” That being said, certain breeds, such as Dalmatians, bull terriers, English setters, and English cocker spaniels who have blue eyes are more likely to be deaf. Some researchers suspect an autosomal dominant defect known as incomplete penetrance, but there’s currently no literature to support the theory.

Here’s another fun fact about dog eyes you might like to know. Making eye contact with your dog, even for a few minutes, triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with empathy, trust, and relationship building. A 2015 study by researchers at Azabu University in Sagamihara, Japan, suggests that dogs experience a 130% increase in oxytocin after making eye contact with their owners, while their owners experience 300%. What does that mean? Brown, blue, gray, or green, looking into a dog’s eyes is a mutually beneficial way to strengthen the bond between you and your best friend.

Pet accidents, dirty laundry, stagnant air, and garbage are all common causes of an unpleasant smell. And if you’re a cat parent, managing the kitty litter box can be a smelly proposition in itself. So what’s a self-respecting homeowner to do?

Burning incense is among the various methods you can use to make your home smell nice, but is incense bad for cats? If so, it’s important to learn whether the benefits of having a pleasant-smelling home outweigh the potential health risks that burning incense poses for your cat. If you love the smell of incense but worry that it’s not good for your feline friend, this is everything you should consider.

What is incense? A primer on the centuries-old aromatic biotic material

Incense is made of plant materials and essential oils that are pressed onto a bamboo stick or shaped into a cone or block. When burned, it produces a fragrant smoke that is used for religious ceremonies, meditation, or simple everyday ambiance.

Using incense dates back as far as ancient China, where it was used for worship and prayer. Egyptian priests were also believed to have used it in ceremonies and to fumigate tombs. Today, the world’s main producer of incense is India, where it is a fundamental part of the Hindu religion.

Some of the most popular scents include:

• Sandalwood
• Cinnamon
• Frankincense
• Myrrh
• Palo santo

Today, incense is often used during meditation and yoga, as a way to reduce stress and anxiety, as a sleep aid, and as part of religious practices (Pagans, Christians, and Buddhists also incorporate the use of incense in their rituals and services).

Is burning incense bad for your cat’s health?

Experts at Preventative Vet say incense can be harmful for several reasons:

• A cat’s sense of smell is 14 times stronger than that of a human being, making them more sensitive to strong odors. Burning incense, especially at the source, produces a very intense aroma. Talk about a headache!
• Burning incense produces smoke, which is not healthy for your cat’s respiratory system. The smoke can act as an irritant, which may cause your cat to cough or have an allergic reaction. Rarely, this can happen in people, too.
• Increased smoke in the home puts your cat at risk for developing asthma. Exposure to smoke is one of the leading causes of asthma in cats.
• When incense is burned, it releases polyaromatic hydrocarbons, carbonyls, and benzene, which are suspected carcinogens. This is a fancy way of saying that incense contains allegedly harmful chemicals.

Instead of incense, choose one of these pet-friendly ways to make your home smell nice

Before you reach for the nearest air freshener or light up a candle instead, you should know these methods can be just as unhealthy for your cat as burning incense. As much as possible, stay away from air-freshening activities that contain anything artificial. Don’t let this fool you, though. Like we learned about incense, even natural ingredients can be harmful to cats.

Here are some tips for removing unwanted odors naturally:

• Dust frequently. By keeping dust at bay, you remove its ingredients — dead skin, pet dander, pollen, dirt, and insect droppings. Left unchecked, dust can make a home smell musty and, understandably, affect the air quality in your home.
• Use baking soda to absorb unwanted odors on furniture and carpeting. Sprinkle a bit on problem areas, wait 24 to 48 hours, then vacuum thoroughly.
• Use fragrant plants, such as rosemary, sage, or lemon balm. Even though these plants aren’t toxic, do your best to keep them out of reach of your curious cats and put them in containers that aren’t easy to tip over.
• Use an indoor air purifier. These machines trap and destroy offensive odors before they have a chance to settle into the soft furnishings of your home, namely the furniture, drapery, and carpeting.
• Simmer a pot of water and add cinnamon sticks, apples, or vanilla.
• Bathe your cat every four to six weeks to remove dander and keep her smelling nice.

Other alternatives to incense for you to consider

If you just can’t get past those stinky odors, Preventative Vet recommends other, safer alternatives, such as Febreze, which has been reviewed by the ASPCA poison control center. They also recommend simmering things such as cinnamon sticks, vanilla, cloves, or mint tea to create a pleasant odor in your home. All these scents are safe and non-irritating to cats.

If you must burn incense, here’s how to do it safely

If you burn incense as part of your religious or spiritual practice, try to restrict the practice to one room in your home. Good ventilation is essential. Open the windows whenever possible and invest in a small room air purifier to capture and destroy any particulates that remain in the air once you’ve finished. And, as much as possible, keep that room off-limits to your cat.

It’s also important to keep the incense itself in a safe place. Cats are curious creatures and may want to play with the sticks or ashes. Ingesting either can cause serious health problems, so if you suspect your cat has consumed incense, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Which incense scents and essential oils are toxic to felines?

Whether you’re continuing modified incense use or are looking for other, natural ways to make your home smell nice, be sure to pick your ingredients carefully.

As veterinarian Kia Benson, DVM, explains on Pet Poison Helpline, all essential oils have the potential to be toxic to cats. Not only are these oils extremely concentrated, but cats also lack the liver enzyme to metabolize these ingredients once they’re in contact with the body.

Still, some essential oils are especially poisonous to felines and should never be used in the home. These include:

• Oil of wintergreen
• Oil of sweet birch
• Citrus oil (d-limonene)
• Pine oils
• Ylang Ylang oil
• Peppermint oil
• Cinnamon oil
• Pennyroyal oil
• Clove oil
• Eucalyptus oil
• Tea tree oil

As lovely as these scents may smell, it’s very easy to find cleaning products and air-freshening methods that don’t use any of these essential oils. And if you have to stick to incense — now you know which scents to avoid!

Is incense bad for cats? Yes, but some people may have religious or spiritual reasons for using it. The good news? Cats and incense have coexisted for years. With mindfulness and a few modifications, you can still enjoy the benefits of burning incense while protecting your favorite feline’s health at the same time. Just stay mindful!