27 Affordable Dog Products From Amazon
Promising reviews: "My Maltipoo's paws were starting to feel dry and rough, especially after long walks, but this balm worked wonders. The texture is smooth and easy to apply, absorbing quickly without leaving a greasy residue. I noticed a difference within a few days — her paws became noticeably softer and more moisturized. Plus, it's made with natural ingredients, so I feel confident using it regularly. I highly recommend this balm for anyone looking to protect and heal their dog's paws from dryness, cracks, or rough surfaces. It's a must-have for every pet owner." —Gizem Aktan"It immediately helped alleviate my Siberian Husky's dry and cracked foot pads. I love this product so much that it's now part of my auto-subscribe! Thank you for helping her!!" —StanPrice: $6.49+ (available in six sizes)
A bottle of enzyme-activated Angry Orange stain remover for tackling those tough-to-get-rid-of accidents on most surfaces, including carpets, tile, concrete, fabric, and more. Plus, it leaves a nice citrus smell behind.
Or! A spray bottle of this stain and odor remover that's *so* helpful if you don't want your house to smell like a urinal after pet accidents. My 14-year-old dog has a health condition that makes her pee all the time, and this spray has been a total game changer for when she has accidents inside.
Promising reviews: "This spray is amazing. I have a senior diabetic dog who lost control of her bladder when she was hyperglycemic. I thought my gorgeous wool rugs would have to be thrown out, but this removed all trace of her urine." —GCJ"Our dog has diabetes and has accidents from time to time. This is the BEST product I've tried for this issue. ABSOLUTELY removes stains and odor from the carpet...just put it on my monthly Subscribe & Save for delivery every few months. Don't hesitate...this product is the BEST!!" —Christine J. WarrenPrice: $23.92
A rubber broom with 78,000+ 5-star reviews to pick up hair, dust, dog fur, and more off of your carpets and rugs. You will be ASTONISHED by how much is embedded in there, even after you vacuum!
A pack of 20 Bissell Stomp 'N Go carpet cleaning pads you just need to place on top of the mess, stomp on, and toss once you're done. It makes cleaning up not become a whole to do!
Promising review: "I had a big stain on the bedroom carpet that I couldn't remove with other cleaning products, but I tried the Stomp 'N Go, and it worked perfectly. I always keep these on hand now — they've made cleaning so much easier for me. After having my hips replaced, I couldn't bend down to scrub carpets, which is sometimes necessary with pets. Now, I don't have to worry. It's much easier than using a carpet cleaner and dealing with water and all the setup." —Juliet SierraPrice: $27.48
A nose balm that uses natural ingredients like shea butter and aloe vera to moisturize, soothe, and heal dry snoots in need of a little extra TLC.
Promising review: "My dog had a disgusting dry nose that was bumpy with weird scales sticking up. I had no idea what it was and thought I might need to take her to the vet. After some googling, I found it looked like hyperkeratosis, so I decided to give this product a try. It has worked wonders! After two weeks of (mostly) regular application, my dog's nose is totally back to normal. I love that it comes in a twist-up stick, so you can just rub it on their nose without getting it all over your hands. This is an awesome product!" —Lacey BeanPrice: $6.49 (available in seven sizes)
A water additive made with peppermint oil and apple cider vinegar for the pup who just loves to give you kisses (and you can't stand the smell of their breath). It also helps cut down on plaque, so hopefully, you'll save some money on dental bills down the line.
Promising review: "This was recommended by my veterinarian to reduce tartar, plaque, and bacteria from my fur baby's teeth. It really helps with her breath, and overall dental health. If you start using this when your dog is a puppy, you may never have to have their teeth professionally cleaned. That, in and of itself, is worth using this daily without fail. Dental cleaning for dogs costs over $1,200, which is unaffordable for most of us. Do yourself a favor to help with your dog's dental hygiene and buy this for them. You add 1 tablespoon per quart of cold water and pour it into their freshly washed bowl every day. I keep her solution in the refrigerator so it's nice and cold. It has no flavor or scent. Buy it!" —~NancyPrice: $8.84+ (available in five sizes and a formula that's safe for both dogs and cats)
A paw cleaner because your doggy tends to track in some dirt when they come inside. It features a gentle rubber brush head and a foaming, no-rinse solution. All you gotta do is scrub a bit of the solution on, wipe their paws off with a towel, and send them on their way!
Promising review: "This foam is a game changer! My Labs tolerated the wipes on their feet, but this foam and applicator make cleaning faster and easier. The applicator is soft, doesn't get caught on paw pads or fur, and leaves the pads clean and soft. Have a paper towel handy, as so much dirt is removed with just one pump. Amazing product!" —Ron R.Price: $6.24+ (available in three pack sizes)
A TubShroom that will catch all your pet's hair going down the drain during bath time before it can clog up your pipes. And as a bonus, it'll catch your hair in the shower as well!
An all-purpose car upholstery cleaner if you bring your dog with you on fun adventures, but somehow, they always get back into the car covered in mud or dirt. This stuff will help your car look like a dog has never stepped foot inside!
A water-based Folex carpet cleaner that's odorless, so when you clean up your pet's nasty mess, you're not overwhelmed by an overwhelming aroma of something else pungent, like oranges or lavender.
A travel-size hair removal tool that's small enough to take anywhere. Keep one in your car or bring it with you on a weekend trip so your doggo doesn't turn the Airbnb into a furry hellscape.
A bottle of Grandma's Secret that's an under-the-radar solution with serious stain-removing prowess — peep at the couch below if you're still not convinced. Reviewers love this formula for cleaning up doggie messes.
An allergy supplement containing probiotics that will help with your furry friend's immune system, promote healthy skin, and add shine to their coat.
A flea, tick, and mosquito spray to help protect your furry besties from dangerous parasites that can lead to Lyme disease and heart worm.
Promising reviews: "I rarely do reviews, however, I have been using this spray for about a month now and had to come back and write an honest review. The ticks have been really bad this time of year at my property, and I go there often with my dogs. I would be there for five minutes and have several ticks already crawling on me and the dogs. I bought this spray with very low expectations, but it honestly works SO well. I spray it on my shoes and ankles and all over the dogs. 99% of the time, I won't find any ticks on me or them! I would definitely say reapply if you will be somewhere with ticks for more than an hour. I have had a couple of ticks here and there but that is drastically better compared to finding 10+ on me. I will be buying many more bottles to get through the hot months!" —Amanda"I'm so glad I found this natural flea spray. Living in Texas, we are always fighting fleas. The natural oils really help my dogs without all of the poison. I bathed them, then lightly sprayed their backs and legs. I also rinsed a bit off since I wasn't sure how they would react, but they weren't bothered by the smell. Definitely giving it five stars." —Candice WhitePrice: $26.99+ (available in three sizes and four scents)
A dog paw washer so you can quickly and efficiently clean your pup's filthy paws before they come back inside and turn your beautiful carpet into a muddy mess.
A Swiffer you can use with dry *and* wet pads to clean up hair on carpets, as well as urine, vomit, or any other bodily liquids on hard surfaces like wood or tile.
A Pooph pet-odor eliminator so your whole home doesn't stink of pet waste. Plus, this spray is scent-free if you're sensitive to smells!
Promising review: "I recently adopted a puppy who not only had a few urine accidents in the house, but she also had surgery to repair a prolapsed rectum, so sometimes she has poop accidents as well. I have a few area rugs where the accidents took place, and I could not get rid of the odor! I tried everything I could find with no luck. Then I tried this, and it honestly works! No perfume scent, it just worked. I will say that after a few days, I have to spray again, but as long as I keep up with the spray, the rugs smell fresh! I'd rather not replace the rugs yet since she's still a puppy, so this is perfect in the interim." —Dog Mom DaniPrice: $23.95+ (available in seven styles)
A helpful ChomChom pet hair remover boasting over 97,000 5-star ratings for the person who has an especially hairy dog who they love more than anything (but they're not a huge fan of going through lint rollers like they're goin' outta style).
A low-noise pet grooming kit and vacuum so you can literally vacuum the hair directly off your pup rather than waiting to clean it up after shedding. It also comes with hair-trimming tools, brushes, and nail clippers. Basically, it's a professional pet salon at home because your furry friend deserves ~luxury.~
Promising review: "So easy to use and best thing about it is my dog is not scared of it! I for sure thought she would be but she was not! I used the brush on her which worked great on her long fur (I have a German Shepherd) and I proceeded to use the clippers! The suction on it is strong and it's really mess free! Cut grooming time in half! Highly recommend! Not sure how I managed before getting this!" —ShannonPrice: $79.99+ (available in three colors)
Or a hair-removing glove for the pet who absolutely hates getting brushed but loves getting belly rubs and pets. You get rid of future shedding and they get a full body massage. Win-win!
Promising review: "Awesome pet hair remover! I have a Korat mix cat with short hair that's impossible to groom with a brush. I've tried all kinds of combs and brushes and nothing has worked well on him. I took this out of the package, I showed it to him and let him sniff it and then pet him with it. This thing is awesome! With just a few strokes I removed a ton of cat hair. I highly recommend this for hard-to-groom cats." —LB in the OCPrice: $7.99
A portable Pet-Wedge hair remover, ideal if you have your dog in the car with you a lot and are tired of your car basically just being a fur factory on wheels. Also awesome if you travel with your pet and want to keep your hotel or Airbnb a ~ hair-free ~ environment.
A pet-ear cleanser formulated with 1% hydrocortisone that won't stink your pup's ears. It also helps protect against fungal and bacterial infections!!
A waterless pet shampoo if your pup absolutely can't stand bath time but smells like, well a wet dog. Plus, you'll love the scent options of lavender, lemongrass, or oatmeal-and-apple!
A self-cleaning slicker brush if you need a versatile grooming tool for cats *and* dogs of all sizes and hair types. It gently removes loose fur, tangles, and dander while keeping your dog or cat looking their best. When you're done, just press the button to retract the bristles and wipe the fur away — no more digging hair out by hand.
Arm & Hammer odor-buster balls since your pup's bed area is super stinky and you don't want to have to toss it out because it's their favorite place in the whole house.
And finally, a container of ear finger wipes that make cleaning out your pup's ears a breeze. Plus, they're hypoallergenic, so they won't leave their sweet lil' ears irritated.
Promising review: "They're thicker than I expected, which makes them super easy to use without tearing or getting messy. The fresh aloe scent is a nice touch, and it helps deodorize while gently cleaning away wax and buildup. My dog, cat, and even my rabbit don't mind them at all, which is a huge win. It's a quick and natural way to handle ear care, and the 50-count pack lasts a good while. Definitely a must-have for pet parents looking to keep things simple!" —ElenaPrice: $14.59 for 50 wipes
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20-07-2025
- Buzz Feed
27 Affordable Dog Products From Amazon
A paw soother stick to keep your dog's hands and feet comfortable while the two of you are out and about. This is great for helping with dryness and minor scrapes, whether you're hiking a trail, doing some urban exploring, or just hangin' on the couch. Promising reviews: "My Maltipoo's paws were starting to feel dry and rough, especially after long walks, but this balm worked wonders. The texture is smooth and easy to apply, absorbing quickly without leaving a greasy residue. I noticed a difference within a few days — her paws became noticeably softer and more moisturized. Plus, it's made with natural ingredients, so I feel confident using it regularly. I highly recommend this balm for anyone looking to protect and heal their dog's paws from dryness, cracks, or rough surfaces. It's a must-have for every pet owner." —Gizem Aktan"It immediately helped alleviate my Siberian Husky's dry and cracked foot pads. I love this product so much that it's now part of my auto-subscribe! Thank you for helping her!!" —StanPrice: $6.49+ (available in six sizes) A bottle of enzyme-activated Angry Orange stain remover for tackling those tough-to-get-rid-of accidents on most surfaces, including carpets, tile, concrete, fabric, and more. Plus, it leaves a nice citrus smell behind. Or! A spray bottle of this stain and odor remover that's *so* helpful if you don't want your house to smell like a urinal after pet accidents. My 14-year-old dog has a health condition that makes her pee all the time, and this spray has been a total game changer for when she has accidents inside. Promising reviews: "This spray is amazing. I have a senior diabetic dog who lost control of her bladder when she was hyperglycemic. I thought my gorgeous wool rugs would have to be thrown out, but this removed all trace of her urine." —GCJ"Our dog has diabetes and has accidents from time to time. This is the BEST product I've tried for this issue. ABSOLUTELY removes stains and odor from the put it on my monthly Subscribe & Save for delivery every few months. Don't product is the BEST!!" —Christine J. WarrenPrice: $23.92 A rubber broom with 78,000+ 5-star reviews to pick up hair, dust, dog fur, and more off of your carpets and rugs. You will be ASTONISHED by how much is embedded in there, even after you vacuum! A pack of 20 Bissell Stomp 'N Go carpet cleaning pads you just need to place on top of the mess, stomp on, and toss once you're done. It makes cleaning up not become a whole to do! Promising review: "I had a big stain on the bedroom carpet that I couldn't remove with other cleaning products, but I tried the Stomp 'N Go, and it worked perfectly. I always keep these on hand now — they've made cleaning so much easier for me. After having my hips replaced, I couldn't bend down to scrub carpets, which is sometimes necessary with pets. Now, I don't have to worry. It's much easier than using a carpet cleaner and dealing with water and all the setup." —Juliet SierraPrice: $27.48 A nose balm that uses natural ingredients like shea butter and aloe vera to moisturize, soothe, and heal dry snoots in need of a little extra TLC. Promising review: "My dog had a disgusting dry nose that was bumpy with weird scales sticking up. I had no idea what it was and thought I might need to take her to the vet. After some googling, I found it looked like hyperkeratosis, so I decided to give this product a try. It has worked wonders! After two weeks of (mostly) regular application, my dog's nose is totally back to normal. I love that it comes in a twist-up stick, so you can just rub it on their nose without getting it all over your hands. This is an awesome product!" —Lacey BeanPrice: $6.49 (available in seven sizes) A water additive made with peppermint oil and apple cider vinegar for the pup who just loves to give you kisses (and you can't stand the smell of their breath). It also helps cut down on plaque, so hopefully, you'll save some money on dental bills down the line. Promising review: "This was recommended by my veterinarian to reduce tartar, plaque, and bacteria from my fur baby's teeth. It really helps with her breath, and overall dental health. If you start using this when your dog is a puppy, you may never have to have their teeth professionally cleaned. That, in and of itself, is worth using this daily without fail. Dental cleaning for dogs costs over $1,200, which is unaffordable for most of us. Do yourself a favor to help with your dog's dental hygiene and buy this for them. You add 1 tablespoon per quart of cold water and pour it into their freshly washed bowl every day. I keep her solution in the refrigerator so it's nice and cold. It has no flavor or scent. Buy it!" —~NancyPrice: $8.84+ (available in five sizes and a formula that's safe for both dogs and cats) A paw cleaner because your doggy tends to track in some dirt when they come inside. It features a gentle rubber brush head and a foaming, no-rinse solution. All you gotta do is scrub a bit of the solution on, wipe their paws off with a towel, and send them on their way! Promising review: "This foam is a game changer! My Labs tolerated the wipes on their feet, but this foam and applicator make cleaning faster and easier. The applicator is soft, doesn't get caught on paw pads or fur, and leaves the pads clean and soft. Have a paper towel handy, as so much dirt is removed with just one pump. Amazing product!" —Ron $6.24+ (available in three pack sizes) A TubShroom that will catch all your pet's hair going down the drain during bath time before it can clog up your pipes. And as a bonus, it'll catch your hair in the shower as well! An all-purpose car upholstery cleaner if you bring your dog with you on fun adventures, but somehow, they always get back into the car covered in mud or dirt. This stuff will help your car look like a dog has never stepped foot inside! A water-based Folex carpet cleaner that's odorless, so when you clean up your pet's nasty mess, you're not overwhelmed by an overwhelming aroma of something else pungent, like oranges or lavender. A travel-size hair removal tool that's small enough to take anywhere. Keep one in your car or bring it with you on a weekend trip so your doggo doesn't turn the Airbnb into a furry hellscape. A bottle of Grandma's Secret that's an under-the-radar solution with serious stain-removing prowess — peep at the couch below if you're still not convinced. Reviewers love this formula for cleaning up doggie messes. An allergy supplement containing probiotics that will help with your furry friend's immune system, promote healthy skin, and add shine to their coat. A flea, tick, and mosquito spray to help protect your furry besties from dangerous parasites that can lead to Lyme disease and heart worm. Promising reviews: "I rarely do reviews, however, I have been using this spray for about a month now and had to come back and write an honest review. The ticks have been really bad this time of year at my property, and I go there often with my dogs. I would be there for five minutes and have several ticks already crawling on me and the dogs. I bought this spray with very low expectations, but it honestly works SO well. I spray it on my shoes and ankles and all over the dogs. 99% of the time, I won't find any ticks on me or them! I would definitely say reapply if you will be somewhere with ticks for more than an hour. I have had a couple of ticks here and there but that is drastically better compared to finding 10+ on me. I will be buying many more bottles to get through the hot months!" —Amanda"I'm so glad I found this natural flea spray. Living in Texas, we are always fighting fleas. The natural oils really help my dogs without all of the poison. I bathed them, then lightly sprayed their backs and legs. I also rinsed a bit off since I wasn't sure how they would react, but they weren't bothered by the smell. Definitely giving it five stars." —Candice WhitePrice: $26.99+ (available in three sizes and four scents) A dog paw washer so you can quickly and efficiently clean your pup's filthy paws before they come back inside and turn your beautiful carpet into a muddy mess. A Swiffer you can use with dry *and* wet pads to clean up hair on carpets, as well as urine, vomit, or any other bodily liquids on hard surfaces like wood or tile. A Pooph pet-odor eliminator so your whole home doesn't stink of pet waste. Plus, this spray is scent-free if you're sensitive to smells! Promising review: "I recently adopted a puppy who not only had a few urine accidents in the house, but she also had surgery to repair a prolapsed rectum, so sometimes she has poop accidents as well. I have a few area rugs where the accidents took place, and I could not get rid of the odor! I tried everything I could find with no luck. Then I tried this, and it honestly works! No perfume scent, it just worked. I will say that after a few days, I have to spray again, but as long as I keep up with the spray, the rugs smell fresh! I'd rather not replace the rugs yet since she's still a puppy, so this is perfect in the interim." —Dog Mom DaniPrice: $23.95+ (available in seven styles) A helpful ChomChom pet hair remover boasting over 97,000 5-star ratings for the person who has an especially hairy dog who they love more than anything (but they're not a huge fan of going through lint rollers like they're goin' outta style). A low-noise pet grooming kit and vacuum so you can literally vacuum the hair directly off your pup rather than waiting to clean it up after shedding. It also comes with hair-trimming tools, brushes, and nail clippers. Basically, it's a professional pet salon at home because your furry friend deserves ~luxury.~ Promising review: "So easy to use and best thing about it is my dog is not scared of it! I for sure thought she would be but she was not! I used the brush on her which worked great on her long fur (I have a German Shepherd) and I proceeded to use the clippers! The suction on it is strong and it's really mess free! Cut grooming time in half! Highly recommend! Not sure how I managed before getting this!" —ShannonPrice: $79.99+ (available in three colors) Or a hair-removing glove for the pet who absolutely hates getting brushed but loves getting belly rubs and pets. You get rid of future shedding and they get a full body massage. Win-win! Promising review: "Awesome pet hair remover! I have a Korat mix cat with short hair that's impossible to groom with a brush. I've tried all kinds of combs and brushes and nothing has worked well on him. I took this out of the package, I showed it to him and let him sniff it and then pet him with it. This thing is awesome! With just a few strokes I removed a ton of cat hair. I highly recommend this for hard-to-groom cats." —LB in the OCPrice: $7.99 A portable Pet-Wedge hair remover, ideal if you have your dog in the car with you a lot and are tired of your car basically just being a fur factory on wheels. Also awesome if you travel with your pet and want to keep your hotel or Airbnb a ~ hair-free ~ environment. A pet-ear cleanser formulated with 1% hydrocortisone that won't stink your pup's ears. It also helps protect against fungal and bacterial infections!! A waterless pet shampoo if your pup absolutely can't stand bath time but smells like, well a wet dog. Plus, you'll love the scent options of lavender, lemongrass, or oatmeal-and-apple! A self-cleaning slicker brush if you need a versatile grooming tool for cats *and* dogs of all sizes and hair types. It gently removes loose fur, tangles, and dander while keeping your dog or cat looking their best. When you're done, just press the button to retract the bristles and wipe the fur away — no more digging hair out by hand. Arm & Hammer odor-buster balls since your pup's bed area is super stinky and you don't want to have to toss it out because it's their favorite place in the whole house. And finally, a container of ear finger wipes that make cleaning out your pup's ears a breeze. Plus, they're hypoallergenic, so they won't leave their sweet lil' ears irritated. Promising review: "They're thicker than I expected, which makes them super easy to use without tearing or getting messy. The fresh aloe scent is a nice touch, and it helps deodorize while gently cleaning away wax and buildup. My dog, cat, and even my rabbit don't mind them at all, which is a huge win. It's a quick and natural way to handle ear care, and the 50-count pack lasts a good while. Definitely a must-have for pet parents looking to keep things simple!" —ElenaPrice: $14.59 for 50 wipes
Newsweek
09-06-2025
- Newsweek
Puppy Started Acting Strange After Walk—Vet's Diagnosis Leaves Owner Horrified
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Pet owners have been left horrified after their puppy began acting strange after a walk, only for his owner to be told he had likely ingested opiates. Daniela, 34, lives in Cincinnati with her 10-month-old Maltipoo, Louis, who, like many dogs of that age, his owner describes as "a vacuum and will eat anything." And while it is possible to puppy-proof your home, and keep a close watch on them to ensure they don't get at anything they are not supposed to, while out in public, it can be much more difficult. Daniela told Newsweek that she and Louis had just returned from a walk when the puppy began acting strange—he was unsteady on his feet, "stumbling, and falling over," she wrote in a post to Reddit's r/DogAdvice. Posting a video of Louis from her account u/sillygoose1415 showing him swaying on the spot, Daniela said she soon had an appointment with the vet, but asked internet users for advice as she was so worried. "We had a regular morning (walk, breakfast, play). He started becoming uneasy on his feet, swaying back and forth, and has stumbled/fallen a few times," Daniela wrote. "He is 'out of it'—zoning out, staring at nothing, and has very little energy. Daniela said: "We live in a downtown metro area. The only thing I can think of was that he could have eaten something he shouldn't have on our morning walk (a cigarette or joint butt, street food, another animal's waste). I've recently seen empty/discarded Narcan in the park in front of our apartment. He is notorious for trying to eat stuff he sees on the street." Reddit users, giving the post close to 4,000 upvotes, were quick to share theories, with some suggesting Louis could have eaten cannabis outside, and another wondering if Louis could be having an epileptic seizure. Others offered no theories, but instead sent well wishes to the owner and her dog ahead of the vet visit. Daniela told Newsweek she noticed Louis acting strange "about 30 to 60 minutes after our morning walk," and at the veterinarian, received devastating news: Louis had likely ingested opiates. "The vet did a urine test on him, [and] mentioned it's the same strip tests they use for humans. "I don't have opiates in the home, the only place he could have ingested anything was at the park in front of our home. We went straight out for a pee and then straight back home." In a comment, Daniela said Louis had vomited and urinated on himself, his eyes were like pinpricks, and his temperature was low. The vet administered Narcan—a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses—gave him IV fluids, and kept him for several hours to keep an eye on him. Daniela's dog swaying and unsteady after returning from their walk. Daniela's dog swaying and unsteady after returning from their walk. Reddit u/sillygoose1415 Narcan is a brand name for medication naloxone, which can reverse the effects of a narcotic overdose, including heroin and other opioids, and prescription pills. A nasal spray version also exists, which requires no special training to administer, according to WebMD. Opiates in dogs causes sedation and weakness, shallow breath, low heart rate and loss of consciousness, according to Ohio State University clinical professor and veterinarian Edward Cooper. Narcan should be given to a dog if it has collapsed, lost consciousness or has shallow breathing, or immediately if it is confirmed the dog has ingested opiates. The use of Narcan can reverse opioid effects in dogs within minutes, but the animal should be kept under close watch for several hours. In an update posted the following day, Daniela shared that Louis had perked up following the Narcan—while she herself had gone to the park and found multiple "needles and other drug paraphernalia," with her vet saying this was an "increasing problem for local pets." Daniela said: "The area has been overrun recently with anti-social behavior. Our car was broken into last night, along with about 20 other cars in the local parking garage for our apartment. The local Chinese restaurant and the local corner shop have also been burgled. The police have told me that the good weather brings out crime." In Louis' case, Daniela said in her update post that he was now "home resting," but still appeared "loopy," and would have a follow-up appointment with the vet. "Please watch all your doggos in public parks this summer," she said. "We are gobsmacked this happened to our little guy." She added that, for now, she had ordered Louis a "soft muzzle for walks, until he learns the command 'drop' and 'leave it'."
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
A 4-foot, 2-inch giant fights against NIH cuts that affect her
NEW YORK (PIX11) – In the past three months, the Trump administration has cut the National Institutes of Health's 60,000 research grants by about 800, and counting. While that represents just over one percent of all NIH research grants, the financial value of those grants far outweighs their number. Community CloseUp: We're in your neighborhood So far, more than $2.3 billion in research has been discontinued, or nearly 5% of the NIH's yearly research budget of $47 billion. The Trump administration this month also proposed slashing the NIH budget for next year by nearly half. This year, meanwhile, it's worth noting that nearly one-third of discontinued grants were for research being carried out in New York. One New Yorker who's taking an active stance to prevent further cuts points out that the value of the research goes far beyond each project's price tag. Lauren Ruotolo, 48, has been a direct recipient of NIH research, as well as a participant. 'I never thought that I was that different,' Ruotolo said in a recent interview at her apartment, with her Maltipoo, Dutchie, sitting beside her on the sofa. In many ways, Ruotolo isn't particularly different from any other author, content creator, public speaker or influencer. She did, however, talk about one way in which she stands out. 'I have McCune-Albright syndrome,' she said. 'It's a very rare disease.' The disease strongly affects bones as they grow, beginning at birth. It creates cysts on bones, which fill with blood. 'At the age of eight, I actually stopped growing,' said Ruotolo about the effect of her condition. That has not kept her from going anywhere or doing anything. Still, she said that she's fully aware of the challenges that she, and other people with disabilities, face. It's transformed her from being only a bone disease patient to also becoming an advocate for people with disabilities. She said that one issue in particular is front and center in her advocacy. 'America's crown jewel is biomedical research,' she said, as she pointed out that most of that research is funded by the NIH, which is the largest funder of biomedical research in the world. 'The amount of cuts that have been made is a significant issue,' said Ruotolo. 'At the end of the day, it affects patient care.' She speaks from personal experience. 'I go and I get poked and prodded in every single test that you can imagine,' she said, describing a process in which she's been involved for more than 15 years. Ruotolo has been one of a variety of patients in studies and treatment of her rare bone disease at NIH headquarters, in Maryland. She said that while it's extremely thorough and time-consuming, it's time well spent – all of the time. 'I got to meet children with [McCune-Albright Syndrome],' she said, 'and they got to see me, and I got to tell them that it's going to be okay,' among the many benefits she said that participating in NIH research on her condition has given her and others. However, during a recent visit to Capitol Hill to advocate for fellow differently-abled Americans, she said, one major development occurred which showed her how under attack many programs are. '[At] the agency at the NIH that my study is in,' Ruotolo said, '17% of the staff was cut that day.' It was part of an effort to cut up to 20,000 jobs ordered by Kennedy, whose department, HHS, oversees the NIH. In explaining the cuts recently, Kennedy said that the point of them is simple. 'We're eliminating redundancies,' he said. 'We're streamlining the agency.' Most of the grants HHS has cut are related to HIV / AIDS; transgender health; diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare; and COVID. Also, while more than two-thirds of the cuts are in states that voted blue in the 2024 election, red states are by no means immune, with the remaining one-third of the reductions. 'It seems like this is just the start,' said Noam Ross, executive director of rOpenSci, a data-science non-profit that has collected and analyzed details from scientists directly affected by the grants' cuts. 'This is going to have huge impacts in the long term,' Ross said about the reductions in research funding. 'These grants are planned out for years, and then can take five years, six years, seven years, to complete this research because it's difficult, complex scientific work.' 'And they can only do that [work],' he continued, 'if the government is going to make a commitment, and keep its promises.' When the Trump administration does not keep the promises that the federal government made to back research, Ross said, the result is something that affects patients like Ruotolo, as well as the rest of Americans who'll need high-quality healthcare at various points in their lives. Ruotolo, who describes herself as being no different than anyone else, is able to be no different – despite her rare disease – because of treatments and innovations made through the NIH. That point is not at all lost on Ruotolo. She said that it's motivated her to increase the number and frequency of her trips to Washington, D.C. to lobby legislators and policymakers, and to try to prevent more cuts. She said that she's also been speaking out on social media, and on other platforms, as well as writing letters and other content, about preserving and restoring NIH research. She's also encouraging as many people as possible to do the same. 'Because I don't want to just sit at home and be upset and be angry and scream at the TV or just scroll on Instagram,' Ruotolo said. 'I can't just sit down, and not do anything.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
