Why does my dog…

Why does my dog huff or sigh loudly after I tell them “no”?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

You might think your dog loves sniffing every hydrant and trash bag, but their favorite scent? It's you. A recent study out of Emory University found that dogs recognize and respond most strongly to the smell of their humans, even when you’re not in the room.

Using MRI scans on twelve trained dogs, researchers tested brain responses to five different smells, including familiar and unfamiliar dogs and humans. The scent that lit up the emotional center of their brains the most? Familiar humans. Especially those they lived with and loved.

The results suggest that dogs don’t just recognize you and emotionally connect with your scent. That bond was even stronger in service dogs, likely due to extended training and close contact.

So next time your dog sniffs your shirt, your shoes, or your laundry pile, it’s not just curiosity, it’s comfort. You're their favorite smell, and it shows.

Summer means more time outside, which also means more chances for your dog to roll in… something questionable. But now, keeping them clean doesn’t have to mean a full bath every time.

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day for Pets makes keeping the dog smell away simple, with products that are as easy to use as they are nice to smell. And a fan-favorite? Their White Peach scent—both fresh and subtly sweet, it’s designed to smell great for dogs and their humans alike.

• 3-in-1 Dog Shampoo: Cleanses, conditions, and deodorizes in one go thanks to gentle ingredients like oat, chamomile, and aloe. Just lather it into a wet coat (avoiding the face), rinse, and let your pup air-dry into their softest self.

• Dog Deodorizing Spritz: Perfect for in-between baths, this no-rinse spray adds shine and neutralizes odors. Mist lightly from ears to tail, give it a quick brush-through, and you’re good to go.

Made with love (and tested by vets), Mrs. Meyer’s is a must-have for dogs who deserve to smell as good as they feel.

Save $2 on any Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day for Pets grooming product at PetSmart.com with code 2MEYERS (valid 5/15–7/5).

Want to find your dog’s new favorite summer scent? Explore Mrs. Meyers’ full lineup today.

Thank you to Mrs. Meyers for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Daily Dig reader Kelli shared this action shot of Moose, an unstoppable force of joy and pure Labrador energy.

Whether he's splashing through creeks or chasing the next adventure, Moose goes full throttle with ears flying and eyes locked in. He’s the kind of dog who reminds you what fun looks like, every single day. Judging by that happy face, life with Moose is never boring.

Thanks for sharing your adventurous water lover with us, Kelli! Want your pup featured as the Daily Dig Dog of the Day? Send in a photo and a few fun facts. They might be next!

You’ve probably used the phrase “dog days of summer” when the heat feels unbearable, but it turns out, the saying has nothing to do with panting pups or backyard sprinklers.

The term goes back to ancient Greece and Rome, when people noticed the star Sirius, the Dog Star, rising with the sun in late July. Since Sirius means “scorching,” they blamed it for the hottest, most chaotic stretch of summer. Ancient Egyptians even tied Sirius’s rising to the flooding of the Nile, marking it as a powerful celestial event.

Today, we know it’s actually the Earth’s tilt causing those blazing rays. But the nickname stuck. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the “dog days” run from July 3 to August 11, the stretch when summer’s heat is at its peak.

From press tours to pest alerts, here’s what’s trending:

• 🤮 Here’s how to fix that pesky dog smell. See the scents!

• 🎤 Orlando Bloom’s tiny dog is stealing the spotlight on tour. Meet the sidekick.

• 🕷️ Ticks are worse this summer—here’s what every pet parent should know. Get the tips.

Made with love (and tested by vets), Mrs. Meyer’s is a must-have for dogs who deserve to smell as good as they feel.

Save $2 on any Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day for Pets grooming product at PetSmart.com with code 2MEYERS (valid 5/15–7/5).

Daily Dig is inspired and brought to you by our wonderful dogs. Our dogs, and all the other pups out there, make the world a happier, brighter place. ❤️

With lots of love,

Stitcher, Minnie, & Finnegan 🐾

🦴 A Little Treat

🤔 Why does my dog: It’s the dog version of passive-aggressive protest, disappointment expressed with flair.

🐶 DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! Reply to this email with the best pictures of your dog. Be sure to include their name and a short description so they can be featured in an upcoming newsletter.

🥰 Spread positivity: Do you enjoy starting your day off with our community? If so, please consider forwarding this email to help us spread our love of all things dogs!

💌 Reply for a surprise: If you are reading this reply with your dog’s favorite summer tradition for a surprise in your inbox!

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