Can You Really Calculate Your Dog's "Human Age"?

You know that whole theory that if you multiply your dog's age by seven years, then you get his equivalent "human age"? Well, it apparently doesn't work that way, according to Daily Kibble. They say "there is no precise formula" but "what veterinarians do know is that large dogs tend to have shorter life spans than smaller dogs."

Think about it this way...Each human year for a Mastiff is going to count more in dog years than it does for a Pekignese. Says Daily Kibble: "As a guideline, a dog whose ideal adult weight is at least 50 pounds will generally be considered to have reached his senior years at about 7 years old. A dog whose ideal weight is between 20 to 50 pounds is generally considered geriatric at about 9 years old, and a dog who weighs below 20 pounds is usually considered geriatric at about 10 years old."

Make sense? I don't know about you, but I find it a little sad that any dog would be considered "geriatric" at just seven years of age.

Looking for the Perfect Stocking Stuffer?

Yeah, well, this is not it. But if you're looking for a gift for the dog owner who has everything, you're in luck. Yes, they're dog butt(hole) covers. I'll let the Etsy seller of these little gems do the talking: "Is your pet feeling left in the dirt because of his/her unsightly rear? I’ve got them covered... Rear Gear is handmade in Portland, OR and offers a cheerful solution to be-rid your favorite pet’s un-manicured back side."

For just $5, you can get designs including a disco ball, air freshener, heart, flower, biohazard, smiley face, number one ribbon, cupcake, sheriff's badge, or dice. And if you're feeling really inspired? You can even custom design your own.

The seller's tagline? "No more Mr. Brown Eye." I'll be honest with you: I don't spend too much time worrying about the aesthetics of my dog's...um, anus. But this made me laugh harder than I have in a long time. Enjoy.

(For more information, click here.)

Holiday Gifts for Dogs (and Dog Owners)

A new Associated Press-Petside poll found that 52 percent of pet owners are planning to get their animal a holiday gift. (This is up from 43 percent last year.) To be more specific, that's six out of ten dog owners. If you're looking for any dog gifts for friends or family members who own dogs—or need inspiration for what to buy your own pet—check out these ideas. They're all pretty affordable, and they're definitely unique.

Harry Barker Jingle Gift Bucket
$47.00
This set contains so many cool gifts for the value!

Deck the Dog Collar
$24.75
This collar is super cute, and let's be honest: You'll always know what your dog's up to in the house.

DNA Dog Breed ID Kit
$69.00
It's on the expensive side, but I can honestly say that this was one of the best gifts I've ever received. If you have a mixed breed dog, you can learn more about his background, and it's a hilarious conversation piece.

Reindeer Antlers for Dogs
$5.00
For a measly $5, think of all the photo ops for your pet!

Dog Breed Needlepoint Stocking
$40.00
I've given this as a gift in the past, and while it's admittedly a little kitschy, people tend to love these. They feature 12 different breeds.

Hannukah Hound Spa Collection
$20.00
This contains Comfy Dog Oatmeal Shampoo, Fur Butter, Dog Smog Remedy, and Fur Breeze.

Holiday Gift Set for Dogs
$29.00
Includes a stuffed gingerbread toy, a holiday-bulb chew toy, and a paw sticker (yes, kind of random), all in a collapsible bowl that can be used for food or water.

Lily Needs a Home...Now

I'm posting this for a good friend who is trying to place a dog as soon as possible. The dog's owner can no longer take care of her, and she will unfortunately have to be surrendered to a shelter in the next week.

Lily is a 10-year-old Golden Retriever mix. She's much smaller than a Golden, though, and is about 40 pounds. She's in very good shape, and she has many years ahead of her. Lily would do best in a home with no other dogs as she's a little bit "socially anxious," but she is perfectly fine with cats. She isn't aggressive around food at all. Here's some info from Lily's current caretaker:

"Lily has the sweet, affectionate Golden Retriever qualities...she leans in for loving pats and bonds strongly with her immediate family. Since she is an older dog, she is happy to spend the day indoors snoozing while you're at work (and I can honestly say, she has never chewed anything in the process. She's the least 'destructive' dog I have ever known!) While she loves walks, she does not need as much exercise as a younger dog."

Lily's main limitation is that she is simply anxious upon first meetings with other dogs. Lily has not spent time around children, so she'd be best in a home without them.

More from the woman trying to place her: "In my visit with her today, I am reminded what a sweet dog she is. She was so happy just to go for a brief car ride! Her face was just beaming the whole time. :) So I really do believe she's a good pup (though not a perfect one!). I'd be happy to talk with anyone who would like to hear more about her."

If you are interested in giving Lily a home or you know someone who would be, please email nina.e.carbone@gmail.com. Thank you so much!

First Dogs Get H1N1

Over the weekend, Chinese media reported that two dogs in Beijing tested positive for the H1N1 virus. According to China's agriculture ministry, the strain was 99 percent similar to that found in humans and was most likely transmitted from the animals' close contact with human Swine Flu sufferers.

China Daily/Reuters

But before you go getting all panicky, keep in mind that "scientists said there is no evidence to suggest pets are already spreading the illness."

To read the entire China Daily story, click here.