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Daily Record
6 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Record
11 longest-living dog breeds for pet owners who want a life-long companion
No one wants to say goodbye to their fluffy friend, so it's an idea to choose a breed with a long life expectancy. Choosing the right breed of dog for you and your family can seem impossible, especially because each type of pooch comes with their own set of characteristics. But one thing most pet parents can agree on is that they want a dog that will live a long time, particularly families with children, because no one wants to tell their kids that their pooch ran away to live on a farm. We've previously rounded up some of the worst breeds to have as a first time owner, the most sociable breeds that get on with other dogs, and some independent pooches that can be left alone in the house for a few hours. But which breeds of dog will live the longest? PetMD has shared an extensive list of long-living dogs that are perfect for those who are looking for a life-long four-legged friend. And some of them may surprise you. 11 longest-living dog breeds 1. Chihuahua It may surprise you that this little yapper is one of the longest-living dog breeds, with a life expectancy of 14-16 years. If you're after a small dog but don't want one with life-shortening health problems, then the Chihuahua may be a perfect option for you 2. Shih Tzu These little furballs can live 10 - 18 years, meaning families can invest in one without worrying about them passing away while the children are still young. They're also known for being gentle and affectionate. 3. Yorkshire Terrier These happy pups live between 11 and 15 years. They are known for being a healthy breed that love adventure- though they can be bossy. 4. Bichon Frise These cute fur balls not only live a long life of 14 - 15 years, but they're one of the best breeds for those with allergies. 5. Shiba Inu The Shiba Inu typically lives between 13 and 16 years, according to PetMD. This internet-famous breed are independent and active, though they are known for their high-pitched and whiny 'Shiba scream', which they use to voice their more negative feelings. 6. Australian Cattle Dog These pups live 12 - 16 years, and they love being put to work outside. They are a hardy breed but may suffer health problems as they age. 7. Miniature Pinscher With the same life expectancy as the Australian Cattle Dog, the Miniature Pinscher is usually a mix between a Dachshund and Italian Greyhound. 8. Dachshund One of the most popular breeds of recent years, the sausage dog also boasts a long lifespan of 12 - 16 years. 9. Maltese Another small and white fluffy dog, the Maltese can live anywhere between 12 and 15 years. They are also considered a good choice for pet parents with allergies. 10. Miniature Schnauzer Living 12 - 15 years, the Schnauzer is a great choice for families, as they love going on walks and cuddling with their owners. But be careful not to overfeed them as they are prone to obesity. 11. Affenpinscher These special-looking pups have a long life ranging between 12 and 15 years, but they need to be kept out of hot weather as they can be prone to overheating and breathing issues. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.


Newsweek
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Goldendoodle Has 'Summer Haircut'—Internet Not Prepared for Result
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. A dog's grooming transformation has wowed the internet. A dog mom called Jeannely (@jeannely_24) shared her goldendoodle's summer cut, which garnered 231,200 views and 13,400 likes on TikTok. "When it's time to get your annual summer haircut," she wrote as the text overlay on a clip of her shaggy poodle. "Goose is that you?" she captioned the video. The video shows Goose before his trim, sporting a long, curly, fluffy coat. Then it cuts to the after shot, revealing a dapper pup with a smooth, straight, and silky-soft finish. Goldendoodles, a cross between golden retrievers and poodles, are known for their friendly temperament, intelligence, and hypoallergenic coats. They're a popular choice for families and allergy sufferers alike, thanks to their minimal shedding and affectionate nature, according to PetMD. However, their coats require consistent care. As PetMD notes, goldendoodles need frequent brushing and regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles from forming. Without proper maintenance, their thick, curly fur can become uncomfortable and even painful for the dog. The Doodle Trust also stresses the importance of grooming, recommending doodles be brushed thoroughly at least three times a week and professionally groomed every 6–8 weeks. They warn that failing to keep on top of coat care can lead to matting that may only be resolved by shaving the coat short. A stock image showing a Maltipoo puppy on a dog groomer's table. A stock image showing a Maltipoo puppy on a dog groomer's table. SeventyFour/iStock / Getty Images Plus TikTokers were quick to weigh in on Goose's glow-up—some with admiration, others confused by the phrase "annual summer haircut." "All doodles should be groomed every 6-7 weeks. If you can't afford the grooming then don't buy doodles," said one user. "ANNUAL SUMMER = because last time I checked summer is once a year.. I don't understand why so many people can't comprehend that statement. Clearly you can see from the doodle he gets multiple haircuts yearly," explained another user. The original poster replied: "Thank you! Lol I need to pin this comment!" Other commenters were more focused on Goose's transformation itself. "He's like my dog, twins," said JC. "The groomer did amazing on the face," said another user. "My doodle has this same coat. We brush him with a metal wire brush and he still looks like a matted ball," said Alejandra. "Awww new man," said Bruno. "Nice and cool cut for the summer!" said another user. Newsweek reached out to @jeannely_24 for comment via TikTok. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.


Newsweek
a day ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Woman's Cat Is Scared of Thunder, Husband Takes 'Care of It'
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. In a viral Instagram video, a cat owner revealed how her husband took care of their cat during a scary thunderstorm, and internet users can't cope with it. The heartwarming clip, shared in July under the username @lauren_syndi, shows the poster's cat nestled inside his bed, covered with a blanket hanging over him from the armrests of the couch, forming a sort of fortress. The fortress was carefully crated to make the feline feel safe, but also to keep him entertained as his dad put on his favorite cat show on YouTube. "Texts my husband sends me: 'the thunder scared the cat, but I took care of it," the caption says. The poster, Lauren from Texas, told Newsweek that she was out when a thunderstorm rolled through, and her husband, Ben, was home with their green-eyed orange feline, Bugs. From left the poster reacts to how her husband took care of their cat's fear of thunders. From left the poster reacts to how her husband took care of their cat's fear of thunders. @lauren_syndi "When I got back there was a full blown fort for him in the living room with his bed at the center—he also put Cat TV on YouTube—truly a classic lol they have a ton of videos with bird scenes, etc.," she said. "I didn't expect that video to get as much traction as it did, but I saw a lot of 'Green flag' husband comments on there and they're not wrong." It is not uncommon for cats to be afraid of thunderstorms, but what is it that makes these natural events so unbearable to our fur-babies? Thunderstorm phobia in cats is an intense fear response triggered by storm-related elements like thunder, lightning, heavy rain, and wind, according to Pet MD. These sudden and loud events can be especially distressing to already anxious cats. Affected cats may start reacting even before the storm arrives, as they can detect shifts in barometric pressure. Common symptoms include hiding, shaking, drooling, panting, restlessness, bolting, excessive vocalization, inappropriate urination or defecation, loss of appetite, destructive behavior, and increased heart rate (tachycardia). The video quickly went viral on social media and it has so far received over 310,000 views and 24,754 likes. One user, Freeesia13, commented: "Greenest flag ever!!!" Spookyladyyy said: "This is the kind of man I want to marry." Dimsumcats_nyc added: "Omg [Oh my God] that's so sweet! The [boyfriend] also built a blanket for my senior kitty Baobao because she gets really scared of thunder." Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.


Irish Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Cat owners warned that simple sneeze could be sign of grim illness
Countless animal species are recognised for sneezing, from chickens and dogs to elephants and even pandas. Yet, if you've noticed your cat sneezing more frequently than normal, you may be wondering what's behind it. Is it an allergy, a feline version of the common cold, or potentially something more concerning? Whilst sneezing is completely natural behaviour for cats, there are various reasons why they might develop an irritated nose. Specialists at Pet MD have put together a comprehensive list of possible conditions that could be triggering your cat's sneezes. They've also outlined when sneezing becomes worrisome and when a trip to the vet is necessary. Their website states: "If your cat's sneezing occasionally, it may just be part of the normal process to clear their nose and usually isn't concerning." If your cat is sneezing it could be a sign of an illness (Image: Alexandre Morin-Laprise via Getty Images) They continue: "However, if the sneezing is persistent or if other symptoms are present, it may indicate an underlying disease." Yet before drawing any hasty conclusions about your cat's sneezing, remember that distinguishing between a cat sneezing, coughing, gagging, reverse sneezing, hiccupping, retching, or wheezing can be remarkably challenging, reports the Mirror. Consequently, you may need to consult a veterinary professional to establish whether your cat is genuinely sneezing. The experts recommend filming your cat during a 'sneezing' episode to help the vet reach an accurate diagnosis. Five health conditions that cause cats to sneeze 1. Viral Respiratory Infections Herpesvirus in felines is chiefly recognised for triggering upper respiratory problems, including sneezing and discharge from the nose and eyes, with stress frequently exacerbating these symptoms. The feline herpes condition works in patterns, meaning a cat may bounce back from breathing difficulties and remain healthy for a while before becoming unwell again during stressful periods. Veterinary consultation is recommended if your cat displays these warning signs. 2. Bacterial infections Pet MD states that "Bacterial infections almost always play a secondary role in upper respiratory symptoms in cats", noting that yellow or green mucus from your sneezing cat's nose or eyes signals a bacterial infection due to this abnormally coloured discharge. Common bacterial culprits affecting a cat's nasal region include Bordetella, mycoplasma, and chlamydia, typically treated with antibiotic therapy. 3. Inflammation and irritation Cat sneezing can also result from inflammation, which often signals various underlying health conditions in felines. Treatment options may include oral steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation, whilst vets can investigate any additional health concerns that could be causing your cat's distress. 4. Foreign material Specialists have noted that "Inhaling a foreign material, such as blades of grass, can of course cause irritation in the nasal passages". "When these intruders are inhaled by a cat, the body's response is to sneeze to expel the foreign debris. While this approach might work for smaller particles like dust, larger objects are difficult for a cat to remove through sneezing." 5. Dental disease Dental disease can also be a surprising culprit behind your cat's sneezes. The roots of a cat's upper jaw teeth are located very close to their nasal passages. So, if there's an infection or inflammation in the teeth, it can break down the barrier between the tooth socket and the nose, leading to sneezing. However, if your feline friend is sneezing more than usual, it's wise to get them checked out by a vet as it could indicate various health issues. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.


Daily Mirror
17-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Cat owners warned that sneeze could be sign of 'kitty chlamydia' or herpes
If you're concerned about your cat's sneezing, read on to discover five reasons why cats sneeze and when you should be worried about it, according to pet health experts Hundreds of animal species are known to sneeze, including the likes of chickens, dogs, elephants and even pandas. However, if you've observed your feline friend sneezing more than usual, you might be pondering the cause. Could it be an allergy, a common cold in cats, or perhaps something more serious? While sneezing is a perfectly normal behaviour for cats, there are several reasons why they might have a tickly nose. Experts at Pet MD have compiled a list of potential ailments that could be causing your cat's sneezes. They also provide guidance on when sneezing should raise alarm bells and when it's time to consult a vet. According to their website, "If your cat's sneezing occasionally, it may just be part of the normal process to clear their nose and usually isn't concerning." They add: "However, if the sneezing is persistent or if other symptoms are present, it may indicate an underlying disease." But before you jump to conclusions about your cat's sneezing, bear in mind that it can be surprisingly tricky to distinguish between a cat sneezing, coughing, gagging, reverse sneezing, hiccupping, retching, or wheezing. Therefore, it might be necessary to seek a vet's expertise to determine whether your cat is indeed sneezing, reports the Daily Record. The specialists suggest recording your cat during a 'sneezing' bout to assist the vet in making an accurate diagnosis. Five health conditions that cause cats to sneeze 1. Viral Respiratory Infections Herpesvirus in cats is primarily known for causing upper respiratory symptoms, such as sneezing and discharge from both the nose and eyes, with stress often worsening these signs. Feline herpes operates in cycles, which means a cat might recover from respiratory issues and be well for a period before falling ill again under stressful conditions. It's advised to contact your vet if your cat exhibits these symptoms. 2. Bacterial infections According to Pet MD, "Bacterial infections almost always play a secondary role in upper respiratory symptoms in cats". They note that if you observe yellow or green mucus coming from your sneezing cat's nose or eyes, this unusually coloured discharge indicates a bacterial infection. Bordetella, mycoplasma, and chlamydia are typical culprits behind bacterial infections in a cat's nasal area, generally managed with antibiotic treatments. 3. Inflammation and irritation Sneezing in cats can also be triggered by inflammation, which is frequently a sign of various other health issues in felines. Treatments may involve oral steroids or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate inflammation, and vets can further explore any additional health problems that might be causing your cat's discomfort. 4. Foreign material Experts have stated, "Inhaling a foreign material, such as blades of grass, can of course cause irritation in the nasal passages". "When these intruders are inhaled by a cat, the body's response is to sneeze to expel the foreign debris. While this approach might work for smaller particles like dust, larger objects are difficult for a cat to remove through sneezing." 5. Dental disease Dental disease is another unexpected condition that can lead to your cat sneezing. This is due to the fact that a cat's upper jaw teeth roots are situated right next to the nasal passages. Therefore, when teeth become infected or inflamed, the barrier between the tooth socket and the nose can be breached, triggering sneezing. Regardless, if you notice your cat has been sneezing excessively, it's advisable to consult a vet as it could signify a range of issues with your pet.