Welcome to the Rover Roundup, your one-stop tour of all the weird, wonderful, must-read pet news that crossed our social feeds and made the headlines recently. What’s better than all this heartwarming pet-centric content in one handy place? We can think of literally nothing.
Read on for tips to keep your furry friends safe during the Fourth of July, new research on why cats go crazy for catnip, an adorable skateboarding Bulldog who is taking over TikTok, and more.
A little PSA for the 4th of July pic.twitter.com/4rgKUbbyhd
— The Oatmeal (@Oatmeal) July 3, 2015
1. May the fourth be with your pet
We love The Oatmeal because: They. Get. Pets. Remember to keep your pet’s safety and comfort top of mind this time of year, when things can be really scary for pets. For tips how, check out our article for cats and this one for dogs.
2. Daily meow-tivation
Bobbie the Persian has got a lot to say! Bobbie goes on plenty of adventures, from zooming around her house to taking walks outside with her human, and tells the world about them with her unique meows and trills.
View this post on Instagram
3. Faithful guide dog graduates college alongside her mom
Boston-native Isabella Scott and her guide dog, O’Hara, have a special bond. Scott, who is blind, spoke with The Dog People about O’Hara’s impact on her journey to achieving a biology degree with honors. The pair celebrated their hard work by walking the stage together at graduation!
Photo courtesy Isabella Scott
4. Research finds (again!) that kids do better because of pets
Recent research found that kids who worked with a therapy dog had significantly lower levels of cortisol (the hormone that helps our bodies regulate stress) than kids who engaged in other relaxation methods. Children who grow up with pets in the home reap this benefit too, and experience a host of other mental health benefits (including a fascinating link between early childhood exposure to dogs and a lessened risk for schizophrenia).
5. It’s foxtail season
As you spend more time outdoors this summer, make sure you know how to identify the dangerous foxtail grass that can lodge its seeds into your dog and be deadly. Our foxtail guide provides information on where this grass is most prevalent, instructions on how to remove a seed, and the best paw-protective shoes that may help your pet.
iStock/gorodenkoff
6. Nature or nurture?
In last month’s roundup, we featured a study that claimed breed type does not necessarily account for a dog’s behavior. The study created a lot of conversation in the pet world, so we talked to pet experts for their take, and took the conversation to the blog. Read the article here.
7. Therapy dogs provide support to Uvalde survivors
In the wake of the second worst school shooting in history, members of the Uvalde community were comforted by a group of therapy dogs from the CARE Program. This crisis animal response team sought to support survivors and family members of victims with animal-assisted therapy.
8. Happy Husky rides in style
A popular Reddit thread shows a Husky preparing for a bike ride. Sweet, right? It gets sweeter. According to user HimeTheHusky, pup Hime used to pull her human’s bike the whole way home. Now, the favor is returned, and she gets to ride in style!
9. Hey, I know that cat
Just as they know their own name, a new study reveals that cats may be able to recognize the names of fellow felines in their household, too. Whether they care or not may never be fully known…
10. Chowder the Bulldog rolls on
When Chowder’s mom first adopted the bulldog pup, she knew something was different. The canine wasn’t all that thrilled about dog toys but, after a chance encounter with a skimboard, Chowder found his passion. Now, he safely skates with parental guidance and can’t be stopped!
@chowderthebulldog Hi TikTok friends! Wow! Where did 4 years go? So many special memories with the pups🥰. We’re so happy Chowder found his joy! Pls see dog skate safety info in pinned comments. #thisiswhatdreamsaremadeof #family #familytime #joy #love #skateboarding #skater #skate #dogtok #petsoftiktok #memories #weekend #shredding
11. Did we mention pets hate the Fourth of July?
While the holiday weekend means carefree fun for many, our pets are often less thrilled. Explore our guide to keeping your cat calm and safe during fireworks and our guide on the best ways to soothe your dog during these noisy celebrations. Hint: Classical music is a good idea.
Nando Martinez/iStock
12. Should you get a kiddie pool for your dog?
Lots of canines love to beat the summer heat by playing in the water. While a kiddie pool can be a fun way to let your dog splash around outside, dog-friendly pools are designed with your pet’s safety and enrichment in mind! Check out Rover’s list of dog pool recommendations.
13. Why cats love catnip
Recent studies reveal that one reason cats are drawn to the plant is that it gives off insect-repelling properties. The next time your cat gets high off of catnip, just know it’s probably nature’s way of warding off bugs.
14. Employees (and their dogs) are returning to the office
Now that none of us are capable of getting through the day without our pets, pet-friendly workplaces are on the rise. Check out some of our resources on the topic, including 5 Companies Hiring Right Now Where You Can Bring Your Dog to Work, Rover’s Guide to Becoming a Dog Friendly Company, and our list of The Best Dog Friendly Companies.
15. Vets say don’t buy or breed Bulldogs
Yes, Bulldogs, Pugs, and other squishy-faced breeds are adorable, but some experts are urging pet parents and breeders to consider “the lifetime of suffering” that these breeds can experience. Read about it in the BBC here: Dog health: Don’t buy a bulldog until breed is reshaped, vets plead
16. Custom canine couture
Joining the likes of Versace and Louis Vuitton, CELINE has launched a collection of dog accessories that range from designer collars to leashes to doggy bag holders. Ranging from $300 to $2,500 in price, these runway-ready pieces make for a fun browse…
