Did you know…

Dogs can hear sounds up to ______ times farther away than humans.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

If winter walks have turned into a slow shuffle, constant paw-licking, or a sudden refusal to move, snow salt could be the culprit. The same ice melt that helps humans avoid slipping can be surprisingly harsh on dog paws. Many products contain chemicals like sodium chloride or calcium chloride, which dry out paw pads and can cause irritation.

Dogs often show discomfort through red or cracked paw pads, swelling, limping, or nonstop licking once they’re back inside. Some pups may even try to nibble at their paws, which raises another issue: salt residue can upset their stomach if ingested.

The good news? A few small habits can make a big difference. Wiping paws with a damp cloth after walks helps remove leftover salt. Paw balms or waxes create a protective barrier, while dog booties offer full coverage for especially sensitive paws.

If you use ice melt at home, switching to pet-safe alternatives can also reduce risk. These products skip harsh salts and are safer if a dog steps where they shouldn’t.

Winter walks don’t have to end in sore paws. With a little prep and post-walk cleanup, dogs can keep enjoying snowy strolls without the sting afterward.

Meet Bodhi, the beloved granddog of a Daily Dig reader. With that sweet, curious look over the shoulder and cozy spot on the couch, Bodhi clearly knows how to steal hearts. Whether posing for photos or relaxing at home, he brings plenty of charm to his family.

Want to see your dog featured as a future Dog of the Day? Reply to this email with your dog’s photo, name, and a few fun facts. We’d love to feature them!

Hollywood actor and leading pet advocate Rob Lowe recently went on camera to reveal 3 "forbidden" foods he feeds his 6 rescue dogs.

These are foods most owners think could harm their dogs—but they might actually help your pup live healthier, move more easily, and feel years younger.

The first food on Rob’s list is something you’ve probably been told is "unhealthy" for dogs—but it’s the ONLY thing his pickiest eater will touch when she’s sick and refusing everything else.

The second food hides in your grocery store’s freezer aisle and is one of Rob’s favorite "low-budget hacks" for dogs’ joints, skin, and digestion.

The third food is so controversial that most people would lose their minds if you suggested it… but top veterinarians now say it might be one of the most beneficial things you can add to your dog’s bowl.

Click here to see the 3 "forbidden" foods to feed your dogs daily.

Thank you to Ultimate Pet Nutrition for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Dogs might live the good life now (comfy couches, gourmet kibble, and cozy naps), but deep down, they’re still carrying some very wolfish instincts. That’s why trash can be so irresistible. To a dog, yesterday’s takeout container or crumpled paper cup isn’t gross.

Dogs inherited an incredible sense of smell and scavenging habits from their wolf ancestors. In the wild, sniffing through discarded food or unfamiliar scents helped wolves survive. Modern dogs don’t need to hunt for dinner, but that instinct to investigate strong, weird smells never went away. Trash offers layers of scent information, from what you ate to where it’s been, making it endlessly fascinating.

Some dogs take it a step further by rolling in especially pungent items. Wild wolves do this to mask their scent while hunting, and dogs may still feel that same urge. It’s gross, sure, but it’s also very on-brand.

If your dog is obsessed with the trash, it’s not misbehavior so much as biology. Securing bins, limiting access, and offering scent-based enrichment like sniff games can help redirect that ancient curiosity and save you from a very smelly cleanup.

Here are our favorite picks of the week, social butterflies and barking basics included:

• 🚨 If your dog licks their paws, stop feeding them this

• 🐶 What your dog’s 5 common barks really mean

• 🤔 6 surprising ways dogs boost your social life

Hollywood actor and leading pet advocate Rob Lowe recently went on camera to reveal 3 "forbidden" foods he feeds his 6 rescue dogs.

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

🤔 Did You Know: Dogs can hear sounds up to four times farther away than humans.

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