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THIS WEEK'S TOPICS:

• 😃 Make $127K/yr being a dog nanny

• Are tennis balls actually safe for dogs? 🎾🤔

• Unleashing a dog’s dream 🐶💭

😃 MAKE $127K/YR BEING A DOG NANNY

We know what you’re probably thinking…dog nannies are a thing?

Apparently so, and this billionaire family in London is paying six-figures for one!

What exactly does it entail?

This job is certainly not a walk in the park (unless that park is filled with luxury doggy day spas), but if you've got the skills and the passion, it could be your dream job.

If you think you have what it takes, apply HERE.

Not located in the UK?

Well, believe it or not we found a similar role based in Miami, that claims to also pay generously!

A quick snippet from the job posting…

Check out the full job posting on LinkedIn.

ARE TENNIS BALLS ACTUALLY SAFE FOR DOGS? 🎾🤔

The tennis ball is probably the quintessential dog toy that most people think of.

They aren't expensive, dogs love chewing and gnawing on them, and fetch is one of the best games to play with your pup.

However there have been recent rumblings from vets that one of our favorite dog toys may not be so great for our pooches 😔.

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), tennis balls pose a number of different hazards for dogs.

Does this mean we should rush and throw away all of ours and never play fetch again?

Well, let's run through the concerns first and see what makes sense.

Choking Hazard ⛔️

Dogs have strong jaws and tennis balls aren't indestructible.

A dog can easily break a ball into multiple pieces which can become a serious choking risk. Add in the yellow fuzz they can gnaw off, and there are some additional gastrointestinal risks to worry about.

Emergency Surgery ✂️

Vet clinics have had to surgically remove pieces of tennis balls on numerous occasions as they’re not able to to pass through the dog’s intestines.

Dental Wear 🦷

That outer coating on a tennis ball can actually be a bit abrasive, and continued chewing on the ball can act like a brillo pad, sanding down the enamel over time.

This can lead to pain and increase the possibility of a break.

Mystery Material ☣️

As far as we know there isn't a standard for the materials used to manufacture tennis balls. So there are possibly toxic chemicals in the rubber, fuzz or glue used.

Should We Cancel Fetch Forever?

Well let's not be so hasty. The AKC and vets do bring up valid concerns, they also aren't saying to cancel all tennis balls forever.

There are some ways we can still play safely:

• Only use the ball for fetch - leaving old tennis balls lying around increases the chance they will chew on it throughout the day. So make sure to use it then put it away.

• Throw away any older balls that are wearing down - this reduces the chance of them breaking the ball into smaller pieces that could be choked on.

• Get your dogs teeth checked regularly to make sure there aren't advanced signs of wear.

We also looked for good counter points to these concerns, and found that some veterinary dental specialists aren't concerned with the potential wear or materials.

They point out that the amount of wear will likely be minimal, and the fact that there is more regulation for products made for humans than those for dogs.

Our stance on the whole thing is that while you don't need to stop fetch and throw out your old tennis balls, a little extra supervision to avoid destruction, and potentially switching to a dense rubber ball or a reinforced synthetic fabric frisbee are safe steps to take.

UNLEASHING A DOG’S DREAMS

Ever catch your fur baby twitching, woofing, or even growling in their sleep?

They might be chasing squirrels, fetching balls, or protecting you from that scary vacuum cleaner in their dreams.

Yes, you heard right - dogs dream too, and their dreams might not be so different from ours!

Let's set the stage: it's nap time. Your dog curls up in their favorite spot (which could be anywhere from their plush dog bed to your dirty clothes pile - no judgment here!).

Within moments, they're off to dreamland, their little paws twitching as they race through fields, their soft woofs and whimpers echoing through your home.

As you watch them, you can't help but wonder:

What's happening in that adorable furry head of theirs?

Let's dive into the science of it!

A Dog's Dream Diary: From Daytime Adventures to Nighttime Narratives

Just like us, dogs dream about their daily experiences.

That's right! That intense squirrel chase at the park? It might be the action-packed blockbuster in your dog's dream cinema tonight.

Researchers recorded the electrical activity of dogs' brains for 24 hours and found that they spend about 12% of their time in REM sleep - the sleep stage in which dreams occur.

They also discovered that the brain wave patterns of dogs are similar to ours, especially during sleep, all of which is consistent with the idea that dogs dream.

Dream Statistics: 🐩 Poodles vs. Labradors

Ever wondered if breed affects a dog's dreams?

Research suggests that small dogs, like poodles, may dream every 10 minutes, while large dogs, like Labradors, may dream once every 60 minutes.

The length of dreams varies too: the poodle's dreams may last a minute, while the Labrador's dreams may last 10 minutes.

Furthermore, it's possible that breed-specific activities may show up in dreams.

So, if your Labrador spent the day chasing tennis balls, there's a good chance that's what they're dreaming about!

On the other hand, your pug might be dreaming about... well, eating and more napping, probably.

The Woof of Nightmares 👻

Unfortunately, not all dreams are sweet.

Just like humans, dogs can have nightmares. If your furry friend seems distressed in their sleep, it's best not to wake them up immediately.

Dogs can react aggressively when woken abruptly from a deep sleep, especially from a nightmare.

Instead, wait for them to wake naturally and then offer comfort - a gentle stroke, a calming voice, or a favorite toy can help.

Sweet Dreams are Made of This

Want to help your dog have more pleasant dreams?

The formula is simple: a happy dog = nice dreams.

Ensuring they have positive daytime experiences and plenty of sleep in a safe and comfortable environment is the way to go.

While the occasional nightmare might still creep in, a healthy, happy dog is more likely to have sweet dreams.

Pawing Forward 🐾

While there's compelling evidence that dogs dream, there are still many mysteries to uncover.

For instance, we don't yet know the full range of dog dreams.

As studies progress, we might discover more about what our canine companions experience when their eyelids flutter and their paws twitch.

So, next time your dog drifts off to sleep, remember: they could be about to embark on a thrilling adventure, replay their day's activities, or even have a date with a chew toy!

KIBBLE BITS:

Every week we love to shoutout a pooch that has made another trip around the sun.

However, this time we’re wishing Dr. Robert Moore a Happy 100th Birthday 🎂.

He’s an avid dog lover and had over 200 dogs from his neighborhood come by and say hi 👋.

That's all there is to bark about this week.

If you want more, be sure to follow our Twitter (@dogonomist).