• 🐶 Are campfires safe for your pup?

• 🥰 Where to check your dog for ticks

• 🐾 Vet costs have risen 60%

• 🦴 DOTD - Birmingham, Jersey, and Georgia

• ❤️ A special word from our pups

Did you know…

Why do dogs have whiskers?

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Now that those brisk fall nights are here, campfires are coming back as the way to gather with friends, share stories, and stay warm. Some of us even bring our pups along for the fun! But have you ever wondered if campfire smoke is safe for them? Let’s find out.

We’ll start by saying—yes, campfires can be safe for dogs, as long as you take a few simple precautions. We’re not here to take the fun out of enjoying a cozy fire with your pup! While your dog can join you around the fire, it’s important to keep them at a safe distance.

Make sure they’re sitting upwind to avoid smoke and ash, and always have fresh water on hand. Just like us, dogs can find smoke irritating, so be mindful of their comfort. If the smoke bothers you, chances are it’s bothering them too!

Some dogs, especially puppies and seniors, may be more sensitive to smoke. If your pup seems uncomfortable or stressed, it’s a good idea to let them relax farther away from the fire. Watch for signs like coughing, red eyes, or wheezing—if you notice any of these, it’s best to move them to a smoke-free zone where they can feel safe and comfortable.

Do you love campfires this time of year? Do you bring your pup along? We’d love to hear your stories!

I try to love all creatures, even the spiders I find in my house, which I carefully catch and release outside. But there’s one creature in this world that I despise: ticks. I’ve even looked up their purpose to soften my hatred, but nothing’s convinced me. While opossums do eat ticks, they have plenty of other snacks, so I think we’d be fine if ticks disappeared altogether.

Until then, we have to live with them—and, more importantly, protect our pups! Fall is prime tick season, so let’s talk about where to check your doggo for those little parasites.

Head and Ears: Ticks often latch onto your dog’s head or ears. Be sure to check deep inside the ears, and don’t forget to inspect those adorable curls around the ears (if your pup has them!)

Toes: Ticks love small crevices, making the spaces between your dog’s toes prime hiding spots. If your pup is licking or chewing their feet, it might be worth checking for ticks.

Tail: The underside of the tail, especially near the base, can be another hidden spot. Comb through thick fur and lift their tail to check their cute bum.

Eyelids: Ticks near the eyes are often mistaken for skin tags (my senior pup has several here, so I always have to do a double-take!). Be sure to take a closer look, especially if something seems off.

Under the Collar: Ticks can easily hide under your dog’s collar – remove it for a thorough check.

Under the Arms: Ticks like to settle where the front legs meet the body, so check your pup’s "armpit" area for any hidden ticks.

Have you had any unpleasant tick encounters? If you’ve ever had to remove one from your pup, we hope it was quick and easy!

Thank you to Money for sponsoring Daily Dig.

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 have whiskers, or "feelers," to help them navigate and make sense of their surroundings. These special hairs act like little sensors, giving them extra information about their environment, kind of like antennae on an insect!

🐶 DOTD: Give your pup the spotlight by submitting them for the dog of the day! This month's theme is pawsitive pups. Reply to this email with the best pics of your dog happy, smiling, or just having an all-around great time. Be sure to include a short description and their name to 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 if your pup loves campfires for a surprise in your inbox!

Welcome to Daily Dig! We’re a small team of dog lovers who strive to bring a pawsitive dose of pup content to your inbox every morning. Join our pack of over 180,000 paw pals when you subscribe today!