Shortleash
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episode 159

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Did you know?

We’ll be closed Monday (5/26) for Memorial Day. On Tuesday, we’ll be back — with new support hours: 8am–12pm PST. A little tighter window, but we’re still here to help! 💚

And if you’ve got a friend whose dog deserves better snacks (and fewer fake ingredients)... now’s the perfect time to bring them in:

🦴 New members who sign up for a box with a Super Chew, get their next Super Chew FREE (Valid 5/24-5/26)

💰 You get 10 RDC (or 20 if you’re a Wellness member) to spend on more goodies when they use your referral link!

A bonus for you, and a healthier dog for your friend. Not bad for a holiday weekend 😎

👉 Share your referral link and spread the chewy joy!

Box 125 - Unpack the goodness!

Available until June 9th ONLY, here’s the current lineup:

🐮 Green Tripe

🐷 Pork Liver

🐟 Salmon

🦆 Duck Feet

🐗 Boar Ear

🐄 Beef Trachea

🦬 Bison Scapula

🐮 Beef Meatballs

🐄🦬 Beef Liver/Bison Spleen Kibble Topper

Your Referrals = Real Rewards!

For every friend you refer, they’ll get a free bag of treats with their first box, and you’ll earn 10 RDC—Wellness Members get 20 RDC!

Each RDC is worth $1 and can be used toward your next order, membership, add-ons, or even in our exclusive Secret Shop! 🤑

Every subscriber has a unique referral link, which you can find in your dashboard! Don’t know your link? Text member services at 858-348-5954 or email us at help@real.dog.

Learn more about Real Dog Coin here!

AI-Powered Pet Translator?

Chinese tech giant Baidu is working on AI that could decode barks and meows into human language. Using voice recognition and machine learning, the goal is to interpret your pet’s emotions and needs – kind of like Google Translate, but for your dog or cat. It’s still early days, but the future might hold real “conversations” with your pet. Just imagine your dog finally telling you what they really think of bath time.

How One Dog is Changing Cancer Care

Phina, a 9-year-old bullmastiff, is part of a new clinical trial testing histotripsy—a non-invasive ultrasound treatment—combined with immunotherapy to treat bone cancer. Instead of amputation and chemo, this approach aims to reduce pain, preserve limbs, and activate the body’s immune system. After two treatments, Phina is back to her happy, resilient self with improved quality of life. This research could lead to gentler, more effective options for dogs with osteosarcoma—one of the most aggressive canine cancers. For now, Phina’s soaking up every good day and helping pave the way for other pups.

48 Dogs Rescued from NYC Apartment

Nearly 50 Belgian Malinois were found crammed inside a filthy Queens apartment—hidden in cabinets, closets, and behind furniture—with no sunlight, fresh air, or outdoor access. Rescuers say the dogs lived in total confinement and are now extremely fearful and undersocialized. Neighbors reported constant barking, foul smells, and the owner tossing feces off his balcony. A criminal investigation is underway, though the owner hasn’t been named. The dogs are now decompressing in shelter care, but with NYC shelters at triple capacity, there’s an urgent need for fosters and adopters.

Florida County Enacts New Rule for 'Dangerous' Dogs.

A new ordinance in Volusia County, FL will require owners of dogs deemed “dangerous” to carry $500,000 in liability insurance, plus follow strict rules like spaying/neutering and secure confinement. The change was sparked by a recent fatal attack, though the dogs involved weren’t classified as dangerous. Officials hope it encourages accountability, but high costs may lead some to surrender their pets. While safety is a top concern, this also highlights how responsible ownership and breed misconceptions can collide – especially with strong, intelligent breeds that need proper handling and care.

Pedigree Sued Over ‘Complete & Balanced’ Claim

Mars Petcare is being sued over its Pedigree Complete Nutrition kibble, which allegedly contains dangerously high levels of vitamin D—nearly five times the AAFCO’s maximum limit. The lawsuit claims the product falsely advertised “100% Complete & Balanced” nutrition, misleading consumers. Independent testing by Consumer Reports found the excess, which can cause serious health issues in dogs. Plaintiffs argue the product misleads consumers and fails to meet the nutritional standards it advertises. To learn the truth about ‘Complete & Balanced’ diets, read this article.

Dog Treat Trucks Are On The Rise.

Food trucks for dogs are popping up across the U.S., offering fresh-baked treats, frozen yogurts, and birthday cakes for pups. From Fido to Go in Chicago to The Mobile Barkery in California and the Zilker Bark Truck in Austin, these mobile bakeries are blending community, care, and canine joy. Owners love the handmade, allergy-aware snacks, while dogs love the attention!

Morocco Expands Humane Stray Dog Management Program.

Morocco is scaling up its “Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return” (TNVR) program to manage its estimated 1.2–1.5 million stray dogs humanely. With over $23 million invested and new centers planned across at least 14 cities, the initiative aims to reduce rabies risks and dog overpopulation without mass euthanasia. Each dog is treated, tagged, and released unless deemed aggressive or unwell. While animal rights groups have accused Morocco of dog removal ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, officials deny the claims and say TNVR is the humane, long-term solution they’re committed to.

Become a Certified Canine Nutrition Pro! 🐶🎓

The Feed Real Professional Canine Nutrition Certification Course is designed for vets, dog trainers, wellness coaches, retail pros, and anyone passionate about canine health!

Here’s what you get:

📚 7 units, 60+ articles, quizzes, + a final exam

⏰ 2-hour interactive Dog Food Workshop

✅ RACE-approved for 10 CEs & CCPDT-approved for 21 CEUs

🎖 Earn the CPCN title & get listed in our directory

🎓 Certificate + digital badge

🗓 Monthly LIVE Office Hours with experts

Ready to level up your canine nutrition knowledge and career? 👉 Learn more & enroll here!

Dog news, minus the nonsense.

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

Latest: episode 159
Short Leash - episode 159