Shortleash
Newsletter
Podcast

Issue #146

11 stories

Did you know?

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month! Just like us, dogs can benefit from anti-cancer strategies, and nutrition plays a huge role. One of the best ways to support your dog's long-term health is through a diet rich in fresh, minimally processed foods, limiting carbs and avoiding environmental toxins.

Curious to learn more? Dive into our guide on cancer-fighting nutrition for dogs and tips on keeping your pup healthy and res ilient.

Box 118 - Watch the unboxing here!

Available until November 24th ONLY, here’s the current lineup:

🐮 Green Tripe

🐏 Lamb Spleen

🐟 Anchovies

🐄 Beef Aorta

🐷 Pig Skin

🦃 Turkey Neck

🐏 Lamb Foretrotter

🐖 Pork Meatballs

🐮🐄 Beef Liver/Beef Spleen Kibble Topper

Exciting News! We've revamped our referral program, bringing you even more exciting perks when you refer a friend.

Introducing Real Dog Coin and FREE treats!

For every new referral, your friend will receive a free bag of treats with their first box, and you'll earn 10 RDC. If you’re a wellness member, you will receive 20 RDC!

Each RDC is valued at $1, and you can easily convert these coins into dollars! 🤑These coins can be applied towards your next order, membership, add-on purchases, or even in our exclusive Secret Shop!

Every subscriber has a unique referral link and our referral program is open to everyone! Don’t know what your link is? Text member services 858-348-5954 or email us at help@real.dog

Learn more about Real Dog Coin here!

Why Dogs ‘Shake It Off’ After a Dip.

Ever wondered why dogs give that intense shake after getting wet? Scientists recently traced this behavior to specific neurons in mammals’ necks, called C-LTMRs, that respond to light touch. When triggered, these neurons signal the brainstem to initiate the full-body shake, helping animals shed water efficiently. It’s a fascinating example of nature’s built-in solutions for animal comfort and survival.

Pup Saves Owner with CPR After Heart Attack.

Bear, a Siberian Husky-Golden Retriever mix, became an unexpected hero when he saved his owner, Darren, from a heart attack. In the middle of the night, Bear sensed something was wrong and wouldn’t stop pouncing on Darren’s wife, Janice, until she followed him downstairs. There, she found Darren unconscious, and Bear had already started performing chest compressions. Thanks to Bear’s quick instincts, Darren survived the life-threatening heart attack.

Family Dog Tragically Lost in Pasadena Fire.

A devastating fire in Pasadena has left six properties damaged and displaced ten people, but the most tragic loss for one family was their beloved seven-year-old English bulldog, Roxy. As flames quickly spread, family members tried desperately to reach her, but she was unable to escape. Firefighters fought through the night to control the blaze and prevent further destruction, though the cause remains unknown. Despite their heartbreak, the family remains determined to rebuild.

How Canines and Their Owners Sync Heart-Rates.

A new study shows that dogs and their owners share a synchronized heart rate during relaxed moments, highlighting the emotional bond between them. When owners feel calm, their dogs’ heart rate reflects this state, suggesting a mirrored sense of relaxation. Larger dogs displayed higher heart rate variability, indicating deeper relaxation, while owners with higher concern for their pets felt an even stronger connection. This physiological link reveals how deeply dogs and humans can bond on an emotional level.

Loyal LabraDoodle Helps Solve Murder Mystery.

Titan, a labradoodle, helped solve the murder of his owner, Mandy Reynolds, by staying at the scene and refusing to leave. After police found him near the burned body, they discovered Titan was microchipped, leading them to Reynolds and ultimately to her killer, Derek Daigneault. The microchip connected the dog to Reynolds, providing crucial evidence that helped secure Daigneault's arrest and life sentence. Titan’s loyalty and his microchip were key in solving the case.

Brain Size Doesn’t Equal Smarts in Dogs.

A study of 1,682 dogs from 172 breeds found that larger brain size in dogs doesn’t mean greater intelligence. Toy breeds, bred primarily for companionship, have larger brains relative to body size, and show more fear and attention-seeking behaviors, while trainable working breeds, like Huskies and Rottweilers, have smaller brains. Rather than predicting intelligence, these differences suggest that brain size in dogs may relate more to behavior. These findings suggest brain size in dogs reflects behavior rather than intelligence, shaped by selective breeding.

Pet Owners Demand Withdrawal of Arthritis Drug Linked to Deaths

A growing number of dog parents are calling for the withdrawal of the arthritis drug Librela after reports link it to hundreds of pet deaths. Over 800 adverse reactions, including paralysis and death, have been submitted to the FDA, yet many veterinarians fail to warn about these risks. While Zoetis insists the drug is safe, the situation highlights how pharmaceutical drugs can have unexpected adverse effects. For a deeper dive into natural ways to manage arthritis in dogs, check out our article!

Learn to Feed Real Food!

Whether you're a dog parent exploring fresh food or a vet professional aiming to deepen your understanding of raw diets, Feed Real’s courses offer everything you need!

Our Dog Parent Course helps you transition mindfully to fresh feeding, while our Veterinary Professional Course empowers you to support others confidently.

Start your journey to feeding real food with practical, expertly crafted guidance! Explore our courses here.

Dog news, minus the nonsense.

Shortleash is very boring for non-dog people, or people without dogs.

Latest: Episode #146