True or False?

Dogs’ ears help them express emotion.

(scroll to the bottom to find the answer!)

Most dog owners already know the feeling. After a long day, your pup curls up beside you, you give them a few scratches, and suddenly things feel a little calmer. As it turns out, there’s real science behind that moment.

A study found that interacting with dogs, whether petting them, sitting next to them, or simply being around them, activates the brain’s prefrontal cortex. That’s the part of the brain tied to emotional processing, decision-making, and social interaction. Researchers even measured participants’ brain activity while they spent short sessions with a dog, and the results showed increased brain activity linked to lower stress and greater sociability.

Dogs benefit from the cuddles, too. As pack animals, they naturally bond through touch, and cuddling releases oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone, in both dogs and humans. In other words, those quiet couch snuggles aren’t just sweet. They’re helping both of you feel more relaxed, connected, and a little happier.

It’s easy to think of vet visits as something you only schedule when your dog seems sick. But wellness checkups are one of the most important things you can do to keep your pup healthy. These routine visits give veterinarians a chance to catch small problems early, before they turn into bigger (and more expensive) issues.

During a typical wellness exam, your vet will check your dog from nose to tail. That usually includes listening to their heart and lungs, examining their eyes, ears, teeth, skin, and joints, and monitoring their weight. Vets also review vaccinations, check for parasites like fleas or heartworm, and talk through things like diet, behavior, and exercise. These visits help create a baseline for your dog’s health so changes are easier to spot later.

For puppies and senior dogs especially, regular checkups are key. Younger dogs need vaccine schedules and developmental monitoring, while older dogs benefit from screenings that can catch conditions like arthritis, dental disease, or organ problems early. Most healthy adult dogs should see the vet at least once a year, though some may need visits more often.

Think of wellness checkups as preventative care for your dog’s whole life. They’re not just about solving problems. They’re about keeping tails wagging, energy high, and your best friend feeling their best for years to come.

Did you know that the average dog parent can spend up to $1,500 a year on routine vet care alone? Vaccines, flea and tick prevention, and annual exams can all add up quickly.

And while most of us think about pet insurance for the big emergencies, everyday care can be just as costly. That’s why Odie’s Wellness Plan is designed to cover the cost of preventative and routine care, helping ensure complete protection for your pet.

Their Wellness Plan reimburses eligible expenses such as vaccines, wellness exams, and at-home dental care, and can be purchased on its own or bundled with Odie’s Illness and Injury insurance plan. Plus, Odie has partnered with Purina and Petivity to give you access to:

• $50 towards your purchase of a Petivity smart device or health kit to track your pet’s health and habits

• $50 cash back on eligible Purina food and supplements to support your pet’s nutrition

• A FREE 3-pack of Petivity At-Home Kidney Health or Oral Health Tests, plus additional discounts through Odie Perks

With Odie, you get all-around protection for your pet's health. Whether it’s for everyday care or the bigger, unplanned expenses, Odie makes sure your dog’s well-being is covered.

They even let you tailor coverage to what makes the most sense for your dog and your budget. Ready to save on vet costs? Get a free quote in seconds with Odie.

Thank you to Odie Pet Insurance for sponsoring Daily Dig.

Meet Captain Toby Burroughs, affectionately known as Capt, the handsome 13-year-old adventurer belonging to Daily Dig reader Krystal. Don’t let his age fool you. Capt still runs, plays, and parties like a puppy. Rescued about 10 years ago, he has grown into the best companion anyone could ask for.

Capt lives life to the fullest. His favorite things include long walks, cruising in his cart behind the bike, boat rides, playing with his giggle balls, and spending time with his favorite people (including his cat buddy, Crushy).

Thank you for sharing Capt with us, Krystal! Have a pup who deserves the spotlight? Submit your dog for a chance to be featured as a future Daily Dig Dog of the Day.

Here are our favorite picks of the week:

• 🦮 Get your free pet insurance quote in seconds

• 🤔 7 things dogs are telling you with their ears

• 🍓 Golden retriever puppy hilariously “fights” a strawberry

Odie’s Wellness Plan is designed to cover the cost of preventative and routine care, helping ensure complete protection for your pet. It can also be bundled with Odie’s Illness and Injury insurance plan.

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

🤔 True or False: True. Ears shift position for listening but also convey moods like alert, anxious, relaxed, or playful.

🐶 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.

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