dogs

Dogs are getting uglier and uglier. And science has several reasons to explain why we love that.

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In 1989, journalist Margo Kaufman reported in the Los Angeles Times how a stranger shouted “Hey, ugly!” upon seeing his two pugs walking down the street. It was not an isolated case, in his chronicle he commented that the derogatory comments accumulated day after day. At the time, these dogs were seen as comical anomalies, far removed from the prestige enjoyed by the German Shepherd or the Labrador. Three decades later, the world has turned upside down. What used to provoke ridicule today generates fascination. The networks have been filled with hairless Chihuahuas, toothless Chinese Cresteds, bulldogs that snort like locomotives and identical Brussels Griffons still Ewok. The phenomenon is as visible as it is undeniable: we are falling in love with ugly dogs. The rise of ugly dogs. The most compelling data It is contributed by The Wall Street Journal: As of 2022, the French bulldog is the most registered breed in the United States, displacing the Labrador retriever after 31 years of absolute reign. And it is not an isolated case: pugs, Brussels griffons, Chinese crested dogs and peculiar chihuahuas accumulate searches, followers and adoptions. Although Spain does not have a record as exhaustive as the United States, the trends point in the same direction. Industry platforms place the French bulldog, Chihuahua and other small and striking breeds among the most in demand in big cities, a symptom that aesthetics ugly-cute It is also gaining ground here. As explained by Elias Weiss Friedmancreator of The Dogist account, people look for dogs that stand out, animals whose appearance attracts attention and says something about the owner. Social networks as an amplifier. The aesthetics ugly-cute (translated as cute, but ugly or funny) is a fashion promoted by influencers and celebrities, who boast on Instagram of their pugs (either pugs) either french bulldog (either frenchies), contributing to normalize—and popularize—its extreme appearance. And contests also help: in 2025, the winner of the historic World’s Ugliest Dog Contest It was Petunia, a hairless French bulldog, rescued in Oregon. The contest may sound ridiculous, but its function is to make dogs from shelters and illegal breeders visible and facilitate their adoption. Ugly sells and moves. However, this trend is not sustained by virality alone. There are deep psychological mechanisms. But why? The general health psychologist Alejandra de Pedro González explains to Xataka that the fascination with the “rarest” dogs responds to a very human instinct: taking care of the vulnerable. “We associate certain traits—lameness, hairlessness, deformities—with a need for protection. That activates our most basic prosocial instinct,” he points out. This impulse is not exclusive to our species. Scientist Konrad Lorenz defined in 1943 the baby schema: a set of childhood traits (big eyes, round face, small nose) that trigger caring behaviors. Many “ugly animals” share these exaggerated traits: bulldogs and pugs with flattened snouts, Chinese crested dogs with prominent eyes, chihuahuas with disproportionate heads. The researcher Marta Borgi, in a study published by the scientific journal Frontiers in Psychologyexplains that these traits increase the willingness to protect and reduce aggressiveness towards the individual. Beyond tenderness. According to De Pedro, unusual dogs allow you to project an almost human personality: “With a strange dog you can almost invent a personality,” he details. This fits with what picks up The Wall Street Journal: owners who describe their dogs as elves, babies, literary characters, or even tragic souls. Crooked faces, prominent eyes or disproportionate bodies become emotional canvases. In addition, these breeds require special care—fold cleaning, respiratory medication, constant checkups—which strengthens the bond. For the psychologist, this emotional investment is a form of parentification: “In an individualistic society, people look for someone to take care of. An ugly dog ​​is the ultimate expression of unconditional love, it doesn’t even have to be cute for you to love it.” The dark side of the trend. Brachycephalic breeds—pugs, French and English bulldogs, Boston terriers—suffer from severe respiratory problems, difficulties regulating temperature, eye diseases, and infected skin folds. Veterinarians cited by The Wall Street Journal They describe these extreme cases as “medical nightmares.” Countries clike Holland and Norway have banned the breeding of some breeds for violating the animal welfare law, by perpetuating characteristics that condemn the dog to a life of pain. In fact, studies from the Royal Veterinary College show that English bulldogs are more than twice as likely to suffer from diseases compared to other breeds and have a drastically shorter life expectancy. Even so, owners and breeders resist changes: some people They think it’s “funny” the snoring or noisy breathing of pugs, without understanding that they are clinical signs of suffering. The (im)perfect beauty. Petunia, the hairless bulldog crowned in California, doesn’t know that she has been on the front page of newspapers. Nor has it fueled a global debate on aesthetics, vulnerability or animal welfare. He only wags his tail when someone approaches him. And perhaps therein lies the true explanation of this contemporary obsession. In a time that demands perfection —symmetrical faces, ordered lives, polished bodies—, ugly dogs offer us the opposite: unconditional tenderness. It doesn’t matter if they have a crooked tusk, a milky eye or a snorting snout. His way of loving does not change. Perhaps that is why we look so much for these unlikely animals: because, when we look at them, we recognize that tenderness remains a basic human need that does not understand symmetries. Image | freepik and freepik Xataka | For the first time in thousands of years, we are seeing the domestication process of a species live and direct: that of raccoons.

Europe has signed the first agreement to protect dogs and cats. Breeders won’t like it

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The Animal Welfare Law It came into force in Spain two years ago. Among its measures, the law prohibits individuals from breeding and selling pets, allowing only registered breeders. Now, it is the European Union that wants to put an end to abusive breeding. what has happened. On November 25, the Council and the European Parliament reached an agreement provisional agreement which establishes a series of stricter rules for the dog and cat trade. It will affect both breeders, pet stores and shelters. The agreement still has to be endorsed, but a date has already been set for the standards to be met: 2028. Why it is important. It is the first agreement on animal welfare at community level. Until now, the only European regulation that affected pet animals was the one that regulated movements between member countries, but the fact that the fight against abusive breeding is being prioritized is further proof that animal welfare is at the center of public debate. Starting point. It is estimated that the cat and dog purchasing market moves 1,300 million euros a year and 60% of purchases are made online. In Spain, the Animal Welfare Law expressly prohibits direct sales over the internet and requires breeders who advertise in magazines or other media to include their registration number, but in many other EU countries there is no regulation in this regard. animal welfare. Establishments must meet a series of requirements to provide well-being to the animals they house and which will be aimed at covering the diet, physical environment, health, behavior and mental state of the animals. Some of these requirements are: The environment will have good quality, which means that it is comfortable, that they have enough space and a good temperature. The animals will be safe, clean and healthy. Disease or injury prevention measures must be applied. It is prohibited to have dogs or cats in spaces (cages, showcases…), except for transport. It is prohibited to keep dogs tied for long periods. Dogs and cats must have access to the outdoors to exercise and socialize. They must receive water and food in sufficient quantity and quality. Establishments must have sufficient competence to care for dogs and cats, including an understanding of their biological behavior and ethological needs. At least one caregiver per establishment will have to receive official training in animal care. They must ensure veterinary visits at least once a year and record the results. When selling or adopting an animal, the recipient must be made aware of responsible ownership. Breeders. The regulations focus especially on the breeding and reproduction of animals, with a series of requirements that aim to end harmful practices such as mutilations or inbreeding. They are the following: Age limits will be established for the dogs and cats used for breeding, as well as a frequency between litters. Consanguinity will be prohibited, that is, breeding between parents, descendants, siblings or grandparents will not be permitted. If a female dog or cat has undergone two cesarean sections, she should be removed from breeding to protect her health. The creation of hybrids through crossing with wild species, for example dogs and wolves, is prohibited. Mutilations such as cutting ears, tails or removing nails cannot be carried out. It cannot be used to breed dogs or cats with extreme traits. For example, very short noses or “flat faces” typical of breeds such as the French bulldog or the pug. Mandatory identification. All dogs and cats sold or given up for adoption must be microchipped and registered in the national database. Starting in 2028, breeders and shelters will be obligated, but within ten years it will be mandatory for all dog or cat guardians. In Spain, microchipping is already mandatory for both species. The novelty introduced by this regulation is that the databases will be interoperable at the European level. Who it doesn’t affect. There are exceptions and againthe regulations will not affect hunting dogs, guard dogs or cats that live freely in rural areas. The FAADA Foundation regrets this decision and states that “it will leave some 18 million cats and 2 million dogs in the EU without adequate protection.” There is also an exception regarding the prohibition of consanguinity. It will be allowed when it is to “preserve local breeds with a limited genetic pool.” Small establishments will also not have to comply with the rules except for the identification of animals with a microchip. To be considered a small establishment, they must meet these requirements: Breeders who have a maximum of three dogs or cats and produce a maximum of two litters per year. Pet stores that have a maximum of three dogs or six cats. Animal shelters that have a maximum of ten dogs or twenty cats. Images | Pexels In Xataka | Yes, the neighbors on the tenth floor can have chickens at home even if they don’t want to. The Animal Welfare Law says so

After the fried potato or “moon tread” nougat, comes the only possible conclusion of the industry: nougat for dogs

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There was a time when if you went to the supermarket to buy nougat you could choose between soft and hard, chocolate, toasted yolk, almonds or maybe (if you were lucky) caramel. The offer was more or less limited, as was the ability of the nougat makers to surprise us. Not today. In recent years the sector has launched experiment with flavors as unexpected as ham, potatoes, wine or mojito, between a long (lengthy) etc. of flavors and textures. Now that spiral of experimentation has led one of the best-known companies in Spain to go one step further and sell nougat for pets. Nougat for dogs? Nougats for dogs. That is the bet that just launched Confectionary Holdingthe company behind such well-known Christmas dessert brands as 1880, Doña Jimena or El Lobo. In the midst of fever nougat experimentation (a phenomenon that dates back several years) the firm has decided to go one step further and take risks in a different way. Their bet is not only looking for new flavors or textures, but also for a different audience than usual: pets. Hence, its catalog has just expanded with a line of Polvorones and Nougats made specifically for dogs. The sweets can be consulted now at the web from El Lobo, where 85 gram nougat tablets are sold for 4.99 euros, the same price as the 120 g box of Polvorones. And what are they like? The company has launched three products. Two varieties of nougat crunchymade with coconut or carrot, and some arrozrones based on rice. In all three cases, the company insists that the snacks are cooked with natural ingredients, do not include added sugars and (in the case of nougat) are designed with a crunchy texture designed precisely for dogs. Efe precise that they only include a small amount of honey and that the packages specify the amount that each dog can ingest, depending on its size. But… Why? Because, says Rubén LópezCEO of Confectionary Holding, during Christmas “we get together with friends and relatives and the pets are part of the family.” The idea is simple: transfer the experience of parties and Christmas sweets to the pet market, a niche that other companies in the sector have been exploring for some time. The Wolf may have just tried his luck now (marketing started in October), but there are specialized companies that already sell panettones for dogs, wet food cans for cats decorated with Christmas designs or special nougats for pets. The striking thing is that one of the most popular traditional nougat manufacturers in Spain is now exploring this line of business. How have you done it? The idea, López emphasizes, is that the consumption experience is “as humane as possible”. For this purpose, the company has resorted to a very recognizable format: 80 g tablets, pre-cut and which can be purchased both in pet stores and in supermarkets. Previously, the company had to spend two years developing the product, between studies and formulations, together with veterinarians. He has also had to do pedagogy in the sector. Recently José Manuel Sirvent, president of the Confectionary Holding group, recognized that the throwing of the nougat pet friendly It has been one of the most complicated decisions he has made throughout his career. The other was to dedicate itself to the manufacture of private labels. “It’s not very orthodox,” admits the manager about the new pet treat. So unconventional is it, in fact, that Sirvent confesses that the decision has not been liked by part of the traditional sector of Jijona. Does it make sense? S. There are two ways to look at El Lobo’s bet. One is the innovation that the nougat sector is experiencing, which has led manufacturers to explore new flavors and ways to expand their market with an eye on a more select clientele. In recent years this has led him to sell nougats that incorporate such curious ingredients as black beer, plankton, fried potatoes, ham, pine, popcorn or strawberries with gin. The bet doesn’t seem to have gone wrong. With the rising prices of cocoa and eggs as a backdrop, in recent months manufacturers have shared data that suggests an increase in turnover, in line with the rest of the sector. What data? In July the Spanish Sweets Association (Produlce) published a report which reveals that in 2024 all categories of the sector experienced growth in terms of consumption. In its balance sheet, chocolate and cocoa lead the segments (2,106 million euros), followed by cookies (1,428 million), pastries and pastries (€1,310M), baking (€954M), candies and chewing gum (€809M) and nougat and marzipan (€290M). At the beginning of the year, the nougat sector with designation of origin (DO) in Spain, Jijona and Agramunt, also revealed that its sales volume had increased 12% in 2023led by Sanchis Mira and Torrons Vicens. And beyond the nougat sector? That is the other big key. Spain is increasingly a country of pets (even more than babies) and that places the pet food and care sector in a privileged position. Both in our country and in others. According to the Grand View Horizon platform, the global pet care market will exceed the 236.1 billion of dollars thanks to a compound annual growth rate of 5.1%. There are those who believe that the sum will be elderly thanks to the trend of “humanizing” pets. In Spain, the industry dedicated to feeding pets had a turnover of something in 2024 more than 2 billion of euros, 5% more than in 2023. The largest volume of business (around 790 million euros) was generated by sales focused on dogs, which is precisely the niche on which El Lobo has now focused to sell its nougat for pets. Images | Baptist Standaert (Unsplash), DAP, Anfaac and The Wolf In Xataka | We knew that Suchard nougat had become more expensive since 2020, but we did not suspect how much. The reason: redflation

A tax on tourist dogs

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It cannot be said that Italy is not trying with all its strength to fight against mass tourism. First they were higher ratesthen Input rates That, by the way, they went out so well that folded them. Then they attacked directly to the groups of 26 people (or more) and fertilized one of the symbols of the new times: Keyboxes To make auto check-in. The latest: chase the dogs of the hordes. Record the best friends. In the alpine city of Bolzanoentrance door To the dolomites And fate increasingly pressured by mass tourism, the City Council has decided to transfer the invoice of the cleaning and maintenance overrun to an unexpected group: The dogs. From 2026, visitors traveling with their pets must pay a Daily rate of 1.50 euroswhile residents will pay an annual tax of 100 euros per animal. The plan, driven after the implementation of a canine DNA record aimed at identifying owners who do not collect excrement, aims to finance exclusive green areas for dogs and reduce the impact of their waste on public roads. Controversial measure. The promoter of the measure, the provincial counselor Luis Walcher, argues That cleaning should not fall on the entire community when, in their words, “the only dirt of our streets is that of dogs.” However, associations such as ENPA They denounce That the rate makes animals “taxpayers”, punishes both families and responsible tourists and transmits an opposite message to the hospitality culture that characterizes the region. After the failed project of canine DNAThey point out that the Administration opts again for punitive solutions instead of strengthening civic education and effective control. Other measures in Italy. We have gone counting. The Bolzano initiative joins a Restriction series increasingly common in Italy, where mass tourism He has stressed cities and Natural enclaves. Venice, for example, became the first major city of the world to apply An access ticket Diario for single -day visitors, with the aim of decongesting the historic center and raising funds for municipal services. In Florence, the opening of New tourist rentals In its old town, declared a World Heritage, to stop the expulsion of residents. Cities Like Rome and Milan have hardened the rules of coexistence for tourists, with fines for bathing in historical sources or drag bags with wheels on archaeological areas. On the coast of Sardinia, limits have even been introduced to access to beaches Fragiles like the hairs or Cala Goloritzé, with daily quotas and sanctions to whom you take sand of souvenir. Tourism, coexistence and perverse effect. The measure arrives in a context in which other tourist cities of all of Europe they have opted to tax To visitors to contain The impact of tourism massive in its urban fabric. In Bolzano, however, the decision opens A singular debate: Is it legitimate to transfer animals, an inseparable part of many traveling families, the label of “responsible” for the deterioration of public space? Who criticize the measure alert that, far from improving coexistence, It can discourage a respectful tourism and even foster abandonments. The case thus becomes a mirror of the tensions that are going through European tourism: between preserving the quality of life of residents, sustaining the attraction of destinations and not breaking the delicate confidence link with whom they visit themaccompanied (or not) by their dogs. Image | Dusan Ristic In Xataka | Italy Veta One of the great symbols of mass tourism: the use of keys to make auto check-in is prohibited In Xataka | Venice was so fed up with the hordes of tourists that an entry rate was invented. It has gone so well that he will double the days

An army of robot dogs

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Hong Kong is preparing to combat the increase in cases of the Chikungunya virus, transmitted through mosquitoeswith a strategy taken from the Black Mirror series: with robots dogs. The authorities themselves They are already planning Deploy these four -legged robots equipped with insecticides to deal with the threat in difficult access areas. What is the ‘chikungunya’ disease. In summary, it is an infectious disease that is transmitted through mosquitoes that have the virus inside being the vectors of the disease. The symptoms generally begin four to eight days after the mosquito sting, and mainly will be accompanied by fever and joint pain. At the moment, there is no treatment because it is a virus, and the health system can only focus on treating symptoms. The problem is that the concern for the disease does not stop growing. Recently, nine imported cases have been registered this year and one significant out of the neighboring province of Guangdongwith more than 7,000 cases reported since June. The good news is that this is not a disease with a great mortality rate, being more dangerous only for pluripatological patients, which are normally those of older. The ‘war against mosquitoes’ will begin as a pilot plan. It will be From next month When the city will begin its strategy to fumigate slopes and other places that present difficulties for pest control equipment. In this way, eliminating mosquitoes (which act as virus vectors) can control the spread of the disease. This was confirmed by the Secretary of Environment and Ecology, Tse Chin-Wan, that he pointed out That the initiative seeks to relieve the load of first -line personnel, especially during the hottest months. And in the event that this first strategy works, many more robotic dogs can be deployed. Technology for difficult land. Robotic dogs, popularized by companies such as Boston Dynamics, are designed to operate and perform tasks on irregular land. Their agility makes them a viable solution to reach the habitats of mosquitoes in areas where humans cannot easily access. The potential of this technology goes beyond simple fumigation. By integrating AI, cameras and sensors, these robots can in the future detect stagnant watersmap mosquito hatcheries and send real -time updates to command centers. The AI ​​could also analyze the temperature data, rainfall and outbreaks to predict where mosquitoes are most likely to prolve, allowing preventive and more ecological action by reducing the use of chemicals. Alternatives and concerns. In addition to robots, the Hong Kong government is exploring other alternatives, such as A technique recommended by WHO which introduces a bacterium into Aedes mosquitoes to limit their reproduction capacity and virus transmission. Something that according to the authorities is already taking a result in Singapore. Robotic dogs are not free of controversies. The high cost is one of the problems that part of the population can see to this plan. In addition, there is concern that excessive dependence on technology can weaken basic preventive habits of the community, such as being careful with stagnant waters. Another critical point is The possible damage to other insects beneficial, such as bees and butterflies, which generates long -term environmental risks in pollination processes, for example. Robots begin to be present today. Apart from this idea with robotized dogs in the field of health, in China it is already organizing the Robotic Olympicsbut they are also using Robots to patrol the autonomous wind farms either even install solar parks. And having them at home is also possible Thanks to robots megatiendas that will arrive in November 2025. Images | Andrew Jephson In Xataka | China has gathered more than 150 humanoid robots in Shanghai. Your message is clear: this is no longer about ideas, it goes from industry

What to do with half a million dogs that can no longer eat

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It happened in January 2024. In a society that changes to the vertiginous rhythm, the youth of South Korea had long been reluctant to a menu that was part of the culture of the nation for centuries: the Dog meat. Then there was a change of legislation, the “Menu with dogs” was prohibited, pursuing the practice With three years in jail. The problem is now numerical: what to do with half a million dogs. Force extinction. I told it in an extensive BBC report. The national prohibition of the consumption of dog meat in South Korea, approved in 2024 and whose implementation will culminate in February 2027, has plunged thousands of farmers in uncertainty and despair. During generations, the breeding of meat dogs was a source of legitimate income and, for some, even honorable. The historical decision of South Korea to ban the sale of dog meat in 2024 marked a point of cultural inflection after centuries of tradition culinary that included dishes such as The Bosintanga soup appreciated for its supposed vigorizing properties. Half a million. Today, however, figures such as Reverend Joo Yeong-Bong (religious leader and president of the Korean Association of Edible Dogs) describe a unsustainable situation: Merchants have disappeared, debts accumulate and the means to subsist fade. Not just that. The Times told That many farmers have hundreds of animals that can no longer sell, dogs whose relocation is complex or directly impossible. The government has offered compensation for Up to 600,000 Wones by dog ​​to those who close their farms before the term, but the measure is perceived as insufficient and poorly structured in front of an industry that still has about 500,000 animals in captivity. An ethical and political storm. The apparent victory of the animalist movement has uncovered a anguishing paradox: Dogs saved from the slaughterhouse could end up being sacrificed anyway due to lack of alternatives. Most of these animals are large, selected for their weight and commercial value, but considered Little suitable for adoption In an urbanized society where the small apartments. Plus: Many belong or are crossed with the Tosa-Inu breedcataloged as dangerous and subject to strict regulation. And if that were not enough, the shelter saturationthe lack of logistics resources and the social stigma that the dogs raised for consumption drag. Although the government ensures that euthanasia is not part of the plan, even leaders of animal welfare associations have admitted that many dogs They will end up being sacrificed. Activists such as Lee Sangkyung, from Humane World for Animals KoreaThey denounce that neither the State nor civil organizations were prepared to absorb the consequences of their own triumph. Partial solutions. Some isolated cases, such as R200 dogs escate In Asan and its shipment to Canada and the United States, they show that international adoption can be an exhaust valve, although limited. He stood out The BBC that testimonies such as former Yang Jong-Tae They reveal an emotional transformation: seeing how rescuers treated dogs with human dignity to him deeply, despite continuing to oppose the veto. For him, as for many in his guild, dog meat is not morally different to that of cow or pork. However, experts like Chun Myung-Sun point out that the consumption of canine meat entails health risks Superiors for not being integrated into the regulated meat system of the country. Although dog meat is still consumed in countries such as China, Vietnam or parts of Africa, in South Korea it has become more and more taboo. In 2024, only 8 % of citizens claimed to have tried it in the last year, compared to 27 % in 2015. From the announcement of the veto, more than 600 of the 1,537 farms They have closed. Ruin and generational emptiness. In addition, cultural progress brings with it a painful social invoice. The Times told that many breeders, especially the elderly, have resigned their future To poverty. Born in times of hunger and war, they say they can survive without income. However, young people in the sector face a much more gloomy reality: indebted, without buyers or clear job exit, and trapped in an activity condemned by law. Cases Like Chan-Wooa 33 -year -old farmer with 600 dogs and all its invested capital, describe the feeling of helplessness when seeing that neither the government nor the animalist organizations have offered them real solutions. Its history illustrates the clash between a moral system in transformation and an informal economy left on the sidelines. What began as a fight for animal compassion now runs the risk of translating A humanitarian disaster unnoticed. The invisible cost. The South Korean government currently invests some 4.3 million dollars Annual in expanding shelters and supporting private facilities, but still lacks a solid plan for the “disposition” of dogs. Animal defenders have relocated thousands since 2015, but warn that they cannot absorb The current volume. The farmers, on the other hand, cry out for an extension of the grace period, although some fear that it is not enough. Joo Yeong-Bong He warned That if a sustainable way is not found to solve the fate of dogs and humans trapped in this forced transition, the consequences in 2027 could be tragic. Thus, while the Fex prohibition From dog in South Korea can represent a moral milestone for the vast majority, it also exposes the ethical, economic and social dilemmas that arise after the approval of the law. Image | Pexels In Xataka | South Korea has eaten dogs for centuries. From now on, this practice will pursue with three years in jail In Xataka | South Korea plans to ban dog meat. So the “farmers” threaten to release two million in Seoul

In full birth crisis, the ice cream industry has found a new reef in Spain: dogs

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No, it’s not yours. For a long time in the parks of Spain (and in the streets, squares, shopping centers and thus a long etcetera of places) it is easier to find pets than with babies. Some calculations They point out that in our country there are already six companion animals for each child under four years. Hence the sector dedicated to your care be growing and tante new business roads, such as Cruises canines or the elaboration of ice cream and “Cafes” Suitable for dogs. In Barcelona there are already a few examples. Pet ice cream? That’s how it is. And we don’t talk about ice cream for pets suitable for pets, but ice cream specifically elaborated For dogs and cats, thinking about the foods that tolerate and advertise as such. One of the most recent examples leaves it Zampa Gelatothat He just launched In Barcelona Tarrinas that are announced with A slogan that leaves a few doubts about his approach: “The ice cream one hundred percent natural that makes your pet happy and veterinarian.” In its catalog it includes watermelon options and red fruits, apple, pear and kiwi or coconut, pineapple and banana, elaborate ice cream, says, based on pasteurized yogurt without lactose without lactose, lyophilized and mineral fruits. “It is not another product within a range, it is our specialization. Zampa Gelato focuses exclusively on developing healthy pets for pets,” They claim From the firm. Is it an isolated case? Not at all. The pet ice cream market is perhaps still far from the centered in humans, but there are more examples. Bibì e Bibò ice cream shops, with a presence in Madrid, have created a Special line “100% suitable for dogs” that elaborates, among other ingredientswith several fruits, ill -free yogurt without lactose and dispensing with added sugars. The newspaper of Catalonia Precise also that one of the partners who has embarked on the launch of Zampa in Barcelona is in turn part of the team behind Il Gelato Dell´amorea “Mixed ice cream shop” which boasts of having ice cream for both humans and their four -legged companions. They are just a couple of examples, but there is more. Now A couple years Barcelona’s Badiani ice cream shop also elaborated a GELATO For dogs. They called him Dog Gelato and in 2023 the magazine Elle I presented it as a sweet refreshing with 96.65% less lactose than the rest of its ice cream and basically made with whipped cream, egg yolk, plant fibers, water, fructose and whole milk and low dust in lactose. In 2024, to give him More visibilityBadiani launched a campaign that offered customers a portrait with their pets. But … why? Basically because there are interested owners and especially willing to pay for those services. “Given the growth and demand of premises Pet-Friendly We did a small market study, “said Nebot recently to The newspaper. “The acceptance by the clients was fulminant. The idea is to go out for something with your pet and that is not under the table sucking an ice or waiting for the last piece of cookie of your ice cream.” As a reference last year Il Gelato Dell´amore sold More than a thousand tarrines Canines in August. Are there only ice cream? No. ice cream are just one more example (perhaps the most summery) of the growing range of pet products and services. The list is wide and includes articles that we so far believed exclusive for humans, such as “coffees”, “cocktails”, “snacks” or even “champagne benjamines”. All this with proper quotes because these are products designed for dogs that play with recognizable formats in the market for their owners. The Ciudad Ciudad has just left another good example. Not long ago opened its doors there Voilà Concept Storean exclusive cafeteria for dogs and that includes in its letter “dogguccinos”, “dogtails”, meat lollipops, donuts (“Woof-Waffle”) or empanadillas and special cakes. The canine capuchino is made, for example, with cream without lactose and puppy milk and TOPPINGS They are used are pork, chicken or fish. In the establishment there are also pet accessories. What shows us? Beyond the concrete articles or businesses, the previous examples tell us about two clear trends: the changes of a society in which it is increasingly common to meet pets than with children and the business that is promoting. In February The country did A poll Between veterinarians and it came out that at the end of 2024 in Spain there were 1.6 million cats and 9.3 million dogs. A sum that far exceeds eight million minors. The first two are data that must be handled with some caution, but still give an idea of ​​the growing weight that pets have in the country’s homes. And it’s not something that happens Only in Spain. With that backdrop in recent years they have launched Nursery, Spas, hairdressers, Hotels And even Cruises For dogs. That impulse explains that in 2017 the pet care sector invoices in the EU 36.5 billion of euros, with clear forecasts Growth. Images | Callum Blacoe (UNSPLASH) and Christian Bowen (UNSPLASH) In Xataka | The broken bones of a dog from 16,000 years ago tell an important story: it was already our pet

A year ago Barcelona began to fine those who walked loose dogs. It has more than 340 fines

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Throughout 2024 the agents of the Urban Guard of Barcelona imposed 341 fines For an infraction that has little to do with circular In an incorrect way or dirty the streets. No. The reason that (on average) made them get the ball almost daily was to meet neighbors who walked to their dogs without strap in areas that are not allowed to do so. The figure is interesting because 2024 was the first year in which the new restriction was applied. It is not known how much 341 fines were collected, but the norm provides penalties of Between 100 and 2,400 euros. The data: 341 fines. The figure He has revealed it The newspaper of Catalonia and It is confirmed By Betevé: Throughout 2024 the Urban Guard imposed 341 fines for people who walked their dogs loose through the streets, parks and other public spaces of the city. The data is interesting for two reasons. The first, its number. In Barcelona there are many dogs, it is estimated that Between 102,600 and more than 180,000depending on the source that is handled, but still 341 sanctions continue to assume almost one per day. Premiering ordinance. The second reason is that 2024 was the first year in which Barcelona applied its New Ordinance on pets, in which among other issues it is required when and where dogs can be released. Do not respect it translates into sanctions ranging from 100 to 300 euros or even They reach 2,400 In severe cases, such as walking a dangerous dog without a strap or buzal. The City Council began applying these corrections to offenders in December 2023when the moratorium that had applied until then. New sanctions, old norm. Actually the regulations on the pets of the Catalan capital is quite previous. The ordinance of protection, possession and sale of animals (OPTV) It was approved in Xabier Trias timesbut its application was accompanied by a conditioned moratorium to be resolved by certain slope fringes, such as the famous (and controversial) “Civic and Responsible Tendency Card”. Another pending measures was the creation of what was called “shared use zones” (ZUC), areas in which dogs could be loose certain hours a day. The idea, as its name indicates, is that in them the pets in freedom, their owners and other passersby. And how was it? The “Civic Tenure” card He did not go aheadbut in March 2023 The Barcelona City Council announced the final approval, the decree that defined the 225 spaces in the city for dogs, including the ZUC. Of course, the local government already warned that the new guidelines would take nine months to enter into force, which would not move into practice until December of that year. The exact date was on the 18th. From that moment on the police He started fine To the owners of the dogs that walk to their pets without respecting the ordinance. More than 900,000 m2 for walking. According to the calculations, then by the City Council, in Barcelona there are more than 900,000 square meters for the dog recreation, sum of the 116 “Pipicanes” That already existed, the 109 ZUC areas and the beach of Levant. The result, about 5.4 m2 per dog. “The threshold of a minimal recreation zone in each neighborhood is increased and it is achieved that 95% of the citizens who live with dog can have a space less than 10 minutes from home,” He presumed the session in 2023. In The 109 ZUC Dogs can walk unleashed, but adjusting to certain rules and only during certain time slots. The measure did not completely convince the owners of the dogs, who in 2023 complained that the number of areas without a strap was very limited. “They are poorly thought. There are concentrations of dogs well above the desirable,” He warned to The country A spokeswoman for Spanish. Less complaints. The first year of application of the ordinance and activation of ZUC areas in Barcelona leaves more than that balance of 341 fines. In fact The newspaper Precise that there is another much more positive reading: a sensitive fall in the number of complaints recorded by the presence of feces and urine in the streets. Analyzing equivalent periods of 2023 and 2024 verified that 4,341 to 3,955 was passed. In addition to brand new ZUC, the Consistory has decided to distribute bags and bottles for the urine. And in other cities? Barcelona is not the only city that has regulated how and where to walk pets. In Madrid for example The Ordinance It details that in public spaces animals must be accompanied and “driven by chain or resistant cord.” The norm It allows them to be loose, but only in areas limited by the City Council itself or in parks and gardens, although respecting schedules that change slightly winter to summer. Zaragoza is another example. The general rule It is that the dogs are subjects, although “exceptions” are contemplated, such as the spaces prepared by the Consistory or the landscaped parks and squares with some extension and have the approval of the local authorities. The owners must also respect certain schedules. As for sanctions, Barcelona Nor is it the only city ​​that It has fined Already to pet owners for leaving them loose without respecting the municipal ordinance. Images | Leah Hetteberg (Unspash) and Babak Habibi (UNSPLASH) In Xataka | The domestication of cats remains a mystery. But we are closer to knowing where and why it happened

Chernobyl is full of radioactive dogs. It has nothing to do with the nuclear accident, according to a study

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Behind him Chernobyl nuclear plant accidentthe areas close to the plant continue to be dangerous for humans. He reactor number four The Vladimir Ilyich Lenin plant exploded on April 26, 1986, releasing 500 times more radioactive material in northern Ukraine than was used in the Hiroshima bomb. It was a natural disaster that, little by little, became a paradise full of radioactive animals and plants. And it is because, beyond the few humans who work in maintenance tasks, the visits and those who installed the New Safe Sarcophagusthe animals roam freely. Among them, there are dogs, so many that they were baptized as “the Chernobyl puppies”. When the accident occurred, the dogs were abandoned, but in recent years, the population has skyrocketed and it is estimated that there are around a thousand dogs roaming freely. Petting one of these adorable little dogs is not a good idea due to their radioactive load, but a new study points out that the genetic differences of these dogs have nothing to do with a radiation-induced mutation. The radioactive dogs of Chernobyl Watching the video above, it seems impossible to resist the temptation of petting these puppies. The problem is that they have radioactive particles in their fur, but the incredible thing about this story is that they simply exist so close to the accident zone. The ionizing radiation It interacts in a curious way with the tissues of living beings: it breaks chemical bonds and modifies the structure of the chains of atoms. It is what causes animals to develop tumors, something that The plants adapted much better due to its particularities. Of that thousand of dogs wandering around Chernobyl302 have been under study for some time by the University of South Carolina or the National Human Genome Research Institute with the purpose of characterizing their genetic structure. The animals belong to three different populations that have lived inside the plant and at distances of between 10 and 15 kilometers from ‘ground zero’. Their research aims to help answer questions about how humans and other species can adapt to survive in such aggressive environments, and researchers are already getting some answers. The first thing is that it seems that these dogs are evolving at a different rate than dogs from neighboring areas. They have some distinctive genetic traits in their DNA that they have developed over the years and a few months ago they already they dropped that the radiation could have nothing to do with them. Now it is North Carolina State University and the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University who have shared a study in which they claim that they have been working with two populations of dogs, separated only by about 16 kilometershave different genetic traits. “We are trying to determine whether exposure to low levels of environmental toxins, such as radiation, lead, etc., over many years could explain some of these differences,” says Matthew Breen, one of the authors. What they did was start looking for differences at the chromosomal level, later in small intervals of the genome and, finally, differences in nucleotides. Reactor number 4 with its current sarcophagus The goal was to find abnormalities and evidence of DNA mutations in reproductive cells, which are passed from generation to generation. “It’s like using the zoom function on your phone’s camera to get more details: We start with a wide view of the subject and then zoom in,” says Breen. And the result is interesting, since it seems that radiation does not have much to do with the changes found: “We know that, for example, exposure to high doses of radiation can introduce instability from the chromosomal level down. Although this dog population is 30 or more generations removed from those present during the 1986 disaster, the mutations would likely still be detectable if they offered a survival advantage to those original dogs. But we found no evidence of that in these dogs.” The work follows its coursesince with what they have found, the researchers cannot rule out the role of selective pressure in explaining the differences between the two populations of dogs. “In human terms, this is like studying a population that is centuries away from the one that was present at the time of the disaster. It is possible that the dogs that survived long enough to reproduce already had genetic traits that increased their ability to survive and, perhaps, what there was was extreme ‘natural selection’ at the beginning,” says another of the authors, Megan Dillon. The researcher points out that it may be that, after this extreme pressure, the nuclear plant dogs were simply kept separate from the city’s population. “Investigating this path is a next step that we are working on,” he comments. Unavoidable disasters Another of the authors is Norman Kleiman, of the Columbia University School of Public Health. Keiman comments that “most people think of the Chernobyl nuclear accident as a radiological disaster in an abandoned corner of Ukraine, but the potential adverse health implications are much broader,” and this is due to many other toxins, such as heavy metals, lead dust, pesticides and asbestos. The curious thing is that most of these toxins were released into the environment during the decades of cleanup that followed and this is something that may also have had an influence on the living beings in the area. “Studying companion animals, like these dogs, gives us a window into the types of health risks that people may face.” “The importance of continuing to study the environmental health aspects of large-scale disasters like this cannot be overstated. It is certain that, given the increasingly technological and industrial nature of our societies, there will inevitably be other similar disasters in the future, and we need to understand the possible health risks and how to better protect people,” the researcher emphasizes. Thus, understanding these genetic variations in dogs is not only the answer to a scientific curiosity, but also something practical in order to better … Read more

The human error that causes anxiety in dogs, according to experts

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Renowned veterinarian Amir Anwary issued an important warning to dog owners: certain seemingly harmless behaviors could be contributing to the development of separation anxiety in your pets. In a recent video posted on his TikTok account, the specialist explained the most common errors and shared key strategies to prevent this problem. The impact of exaggerated goodbyes and greetings One of the most common mistakes owners make, according to Anwary, is making excessively emotional farewells and greetings. These interactions can confuse dogs and cause stress. Separation anxiety in dogs can be avoided by following specialist advice.Credit: Hanna Taniukevich | Shutterstock “Keep calm when you leave home and when you return. When you leave home, You make it a big scene and when you come home, you make it an even bigger scene”explained the veterinarian in his video. Likewise, Anwary recommended avoid approaching the dog during the ten minutes before leaving the house and upon returning. Although this measure could seem “cruel” to some owners, the expert assured that It is one of the most effective ways to prevent separation anxiety. Strategies to reduce anxiety To help dogs stay relaxed during their owners’ absences, Anwary suggested ensure they get enough physical exercise before being left alone. A long walk can help the animal feel calmer and more tired, which reduces its anxiety level. Besides, keeping pets mentally occupied is essential. Leaving them puzzles with treats can be an effective way to stimulate their minds and provide them with a positive task to focus on while they wait for their owners to return. A gradual adaptation system For cases where dogs must be left alone for long periods, Anwary advised implementing a gradual approach. “When you leave the house, start by leaving for five minutes and watch your response.”he explained. This method allows pets to progressively get used to the idea of ​​being alone, minimizing the emotional impact of prolonged absences. In situations where these strategies are not enough, the veterinarian urged you to go to an animal behavior specialist. These professionals can offer a personalized approach to treating separation anxiety and guide owners in managing their pet’s behavior. The key, according to Anwary, is foster an environment of calm and emotional balance for petshelping them face their owners’ absences without anxiety and ensuring them a healthier and happier life. Keep reading: ° Reasons why you should reconsider getting a dog° Michigan dog owners convicted after fatal attack on father of six° Dog steals the show in the Minor Leagues by working as Bat-Dog (Video)

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