Health & Nutrition

Whistle 101

Looking for the best way to track your dog? Microchips and GPS trackers are both common tools used by dog owners. Both options offer their own unique benefits, find out which is best for you.

Vet Insights

Discover how to spot seasonal allergies in dogs during the Fall and explore effective treatments. Learn to recognize symptoms and the latest treatment options available.

Whistle 101

Even though Kenneth and Cameron had no immediate plans to adopt a dog, the couple often scrolled through the adoption profiles on the Muttville Senior Dog Rescue website to delight in the photos and descriptions of the adoptable senior dogs.  “They are so deserving of love [and] you get to spend the golden years with them,” says Kenneth. “It’s as if they can sense that they are getting a new beginning and are thankful for it.” The first time they saw a photo of Beep Beep Jeep (BBJ), a 13-year-old Chihuahua who landed in rescue when his owner could no longer care for him, the connection was immediate. “It was love at first sight,” Kenneth recalls. “I could not get him off my mind after I saw him. When you know you know.” The couple adopted BBJ from Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco one year ago.   Although Kenneth and Cameron grew up with dogs, this was their first pet together; they enjoyed bonding over his care and watching their once-nervous Chihuahua start to feel comfortable and loved in his new home. But there were a few hurdles to overcome.  For starters, BBJ tipped the scales at 25 pounds, which is a big number for a little dog. His target weight was 15 pounds. For dogs, even being just 10% overweight can decrease their lifespan and predispose them to health issues like heart, kidney, and liver disease, arthritis, and cancer. “A lot of daily activities such as moving and eating appeared painful,” Kenneth recalls.  Being overweight didn’t just affect BBJ’s mobility; it also put him at risk for anesthesia complications, which meant Kenneth and Cameron had to delay treatment for painful dental disease. The goal: Help BBJ lose at least 10 pounds so he could get the veterinary care he needed to thrive in his golden years. Kenneth and Cameron learned about the ways Whistle devices could help overweight dogs from an ad on social media. They purchased the Health 2.0 Smart Device to start tracking BBJ’s diet, exercise and weight loss. At first, friends made fun of a “big boy with a fitness tracker” but his dads were undeterred. Establishing a plan  To make sure that BBJ stuck with his new weight loss plan, Kenneth and Cameron used their Whistle device to monitor his food intake. They kept detailed accounts of his calorie intake, adjusting the size of his daily meals as his weight loss progressed. Kenneth and Cameron also discovered that Whistle was the best way to track their dog’s activity level. At first, BBJ would growl and snip when they put his harness on, which Kenneth believes may have been because his weight made walking uncomfortable. The gamification element incorporated into Whistle devices helped keep them motivated. Kenneth believes the streaks feature, which awarded virtual badges when BBJ achieved his activity goals, was especially helpful for ensuring the dog got enough exercise. “We would get up to make sure he always met his goal before bed,” he says. Kenneth admits that the changes were so gradual that it might have been hard to miss progress without the Whistle device. The tracking device helped the couple recognize some big steps, including the fact that BBJ went from struggling to walk a few blocks to adding distance. “We can now see that he walks further, faster than in the beginning,” says Kenneth. “The first time he walked four blocks to the park was a big victory.” Celebrating success The ultimate goal for BBJ was weight loss, so Kenneth and Cameron weighed their senior pooch every Sunday. As the number on the scale went down, BBJ’s comfort and happiness went up. “In the beginning he would try to run away from us when the leash came out,” Kenneth recalls. “Now he is happy to go on walks.” BBJ had his first dental procedure when his weight reached 18 pounds. He’s had two additional dental surgeries over the past year and it’s helped him feel much better. “We saw a major boost in his vitality once the bad teeth were gone,” Kenneth says. “He had really heavy crusted tear stains as well [and] those went away when the infections in his mouth were cleared.” Losing weight not only allowed BBJ to have much-needed dental work done, it also led to other improvements in his health. When he was overweight, BBJ had a reverberating snore and the Whistle device showed that he had multiple sleep interruptions every night—and the loud snoring woke his dads up, too. Weight loss improved BBJ’s sleep and gave him a new lease on life. BBJ is much more active now. The Whistle device has recorded him playing, which never happened before he lost weight. Kenneth notes that BBJ is more pleasant toward strangers and eager to spend time with his dads. “He even sometimes runs; the other day he jumped up on the couch for the first time and we gasped!” he adds. “In the case of BBJ, we really saw some reverse aging, so he could be a puppy again any time.”  A bright future Even though BBJ has lost 40% of his body weight and reached his goal weight of 15 pounds, Kenneth and Cameron continue tracking his food, weight and activity with the Whistle device. Their goal is to stay accountable to make sure BBJ maintains his good health. The process has led to some unexpected outcomes. The friends who teased BBJ about being a big dog with a small fitness tracker have started admiring his new, sleek physique and asking about the secrets to his weight loss.  Helping BBJ lose weight and start living his best life has also been a bonding experience for Kenneth, Cameron and BBJ. “It’s been a really wonderful experience to care for someone else and see him do better [and] it’s a much more meaningful endeavor than anything else we could have spent time on,” Kenneth says. “I’m sure BBJ wishes he could have lounged and eaten a bit more, but I’m pretty darn sure he feels better now…[and] it’s much more fun for everyone now that he is more excited to go out and be active.”

Vet Insights

Now that we’ve made it to summer, we have something else we have to contend with besides the heat and humidity: ticks.

Health & Nutrition

You probably wear an activity tracker, set a daily step count goal and monitor essentials like calories, heart rate and sleep. You can do the same thing for your dog.

Whistle 101

Whistle is back with a new feature, your pup's very own food pantry. Now you can keep tabs on what their eating to better understand how diet changes affect health and weight.

Vet Insights

it isn’t always so easy to know what your pet is up to all hours of the day and night. This is where technology can help to make being a pet parent easier!

Vet Insights

Because of how common skin and coat issues are, and because of the impact on quality of life, we’ve been hard at work figuring out how to interpret your dog’s scratching and itching patterns with the goal of empowering you with information about your dog’s skin health.

Vet Insights

We sat down with Dr. Aletha Carson, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine to discuss how to tell the difference between seasonal scratching and a chronic skin problem.

Whistle 101

Your dog’s companionship might be priceless but their vet care can come at a cost. Even if you have savings to cover unexpected vet bills, treatment for emergencies or serious illnesses like cancer can take a major toll on your bank account. Pet insurance can help.

Vet Insights

Scratching. Every dog does it. But, did you know that it can be seasonal, meaning your dog may be more affected in the warmer months? That’s right. Your dog may have allergies.

Whistle 101

Identifying patterns in your dog’s behavior can provide important clues about their health—and that’s where Whistle comes in.Back in the fall of 2022, Whistle introduced journaling in the Whistle app to allow you to rate how your pet is feeling and log information about their daily mood; you can even leave optional notes with more information.

Vet Insights

Scratching. Every dog does it. But, did you know that it can be seasonal, meaning your dog may be more affected in the warmer months? That’s right. Your dog may have allergies.

Whistle 101

Learn how to spot the signs of an ear infection, what may be causing it, and how modern technology like Whistle and QSM at-home tests are helping pets feel better faster.

Whistle 101

Whether you've had your pet for two weeks or 12 years, staying ahead of routine pet care and planning for the growing expenses as much as possible is always the goal. By pairing modern tools like a Whistle smart device with a Wagmo Wellness Plan you can do just that.

Whistle 101

You depend on your Whistle device to provide accurate information about all aspects of pet health from eating, drinking and sleep habits to changes in licking and scratching behaviors. The information isn’t just helpful for tracking dog habits; the dog health tracker also provides valuable information about pet health to your veterinarian.

Health & Nutrition

There is no denying that your pup has packed on the pounds. You love your dog regardless of the number on the scale but know that obesity in dogs could put them at risk for serious health problems.

Tips & Tricks

New Year’s resolutions don’t last long, but Whistle is ready to help you make things stick for your pet. Explore dog friendly places and events for New Year's.

Tips & Tricks

Your dog is eager to get outside and explore the neighborhood but frigid temperatures, icy sidewalks and steep snowbanks can make it challenging to take daily walks in the winter.

Vet Insights

From the “fresh from the salon” smell to those big puppy eyes, there is nothing cuter than a freshly groomed pup, but professional grooming is not just for looks (and smells!) Grooming with a pro also helps reduce licking and scratching. And the pros do it best.

Tips & Tricks

Whether you’re making them a special feast, shopping for the best presents, taking them on your vacation, or making sure the festivities aren’t causing extra stress, follow these tips for a very merry holiday season.

Whistle 101

Dogs are living, breathing, feeling creatures, with changing emotions and moods just like us. To help you better understand how different factors affect their emotional and physical health Whistle has launched a new daily check-in feature.

Tips & Tricks

You might think a fat rotund Rottweiler, chubby Chihuahua or plump Poodle are adorable but pet obesity is a big problem.

Health & Nutrition

As your dog ages, their joints may start to feel stiffer and creakier than they used to. The good news is that Whistle is here to help.

Tips & Tricks

Whether you leash up your pup for a walk around the block or go off road and explore local trails, there are some doggone big benefits to walking your dog.

Vet Insights

Whistle knows that small devices can deliver big insights.

The Wildest

Though paw licking is a common behavior in dogs, a history of excessive licking could be an indication of a more serious problem.

Tips & Tricks

Whether you already share your life with a dog or want to adopt, here are seven ideas for how to celebrate National Dog Day 2022.

The Wildest

When it comes to gross behaviors, your dog scooting their butt across the floor (or on your new rug), definitely tops the list.

The Wildest

If your dog loses their sh*t over anything from a squirrel to a guest, dog behaviorist Trish King has some tips.

Whistle 101

You asked, we listened: Whistle’s Find My Pet feature is now even more comprehensive and easy to use than before, so you can find your pet faster, whether you’re at home or out on an adventure.

The Wildest

Your dog probably isn’t stopping to itch just so they can ignore you when you tell them to “come” or “sit.” There is a chance this is exactly what they are doing, but most likely, your dog actually has itchy skin.

Whistle 101

We’ve teamed up with IAMS™ to help pet parents discover actionable ways to help their pets live their healthiest life.

The Wildest

That strange honking noise is called reverse sneezing, and it’s usually harmless. It happens to many dogs and rarely requires medical treatment. Still nervous? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know. 

The Wildest

It’s called sleep startle reflex — and there are easy ways to deal with it.

The Wildest

What’s behind the desire and whether it’s safe to do.

The Wildest

Now that summer is officially here, it’s important to review the signs so you can get your pup to the vet as soon as possible.

Health & Nutrition

Worried about your dog sleeping all day? Learn more about what is healthy and what to watch for. Track your dog’s sleeping habits with Whistle Health.

Health & Nutrition

You know water is important and keep the water bowl full but wonder, “Is my dog drinking too much water?” or “Is my dog drinking too little water?” Whistle can help.

The Wildest

Don’t stress — it’s not at all unusual for puppies to resist going on walks! The good news is most dogs get more enthusiastic about them as they get older. In the meantime, here are some things you can do to get your puppy moving.

Health & Nutrition

Worried about why your dog isn’t eating? Use Whistle to track how much your dog is eating and learn how to get them to eat.

The Wildest

If your pup's exuberant tail wagging has led to injury, they could have this condition. Koen Meershoek / Stocksy Happy tail syndrome is a bit of a misnomer. This frustrating problem makes both dogs and people decidedly unhappy. What is happy tail syndrome, exactly? It occurs when a dog wags their tail forcefully, hitting objects (like walls, chairs, even people), and injures themself in the process. The good news is you can keep happy tail syndrome from escalating if you catch it early. Here’s everything you need to know, including how to treat happy tail syndrome if you think your dog already has it. Find out more on The Wildest →

Health & Nutrition

Excessive dog licking may be a cause of health issues or boredom. Learn how to track, control, and prevent excessive dog licking with Whistle Health.

Health & Nutrition

Your dog has been scratching a lot more often: You’ve noticed him rubbing his front paw across his nose and using his back paw to scratch behind his ears. So, what’s causing all of the dog itching?

Whistle 101

Give a rescue dog a little extra love today. May 20 is National Rescue Dog Day, in honor of the 3.1 million very good doggos waiting in shelters to find their forever homes.

Whistle 101

Whistle believes that every lick, scratch and sip tells a story. Whistle collected trillions of data points collected from more than 100,000 pets around the world to design the new Whistle Health.

Health & Nutrition

Be aware of the signs of these four common causes of allergies in dogs

Whistle 101

It’s National Puppy Day. The joyous day was designed to help you celebrate your love of puppies and these 10 “paw-some” puppy activities will help you celebrate with your new, future, or forever puppy.

Health & Nutrition

It’s tempting to blame dog bad breath on drinking from the toilet, snacking on kitty litter and licking fur but hellacious halitosis could also be a sign of health issues from poor oral hygiene and gum disease to diabetes, liver disease or kidney disease. 

Whistle 101

When it comes to your pet, it’s true love. You make him homemade treats, kiss his wet nose and post selfies of your adventures. Love Your Pet Day is another chance to celebrate your favorite furry friend.

Tips & Tricks

The New Year is the perfect time to make a resolution to prioritize good health. In 2022, follow these four simple strategies for a happier, healthier pet.

Health & Nutrition

January is National Walk Your Dog Month. Leashing up your dog and going for a walk (or hike) can provide a bright spot during the coldest, shortest days of the year. Need more motivation? Here are three reasons to participate in Walk Your Dog Month:

Tips & Tricks

When the Mercury drops and snow starts to fall, it’s important to know how to keep your dog safe from the elements. This winter, follow these five winter safety tips. 

Whistle 101

When you make a list and check it twice, don’t forget to include your pets. We sniffed out the best gifts for all pet parent personalities.

Health & Nutrition

3 common reasons dogs lose their appetites—and what to do about it.

Tips & Tricks

These simple Halloween pet safety tips will ensure you won’t spook your pooch on the scariest night of the year.

Tips & Tricks

With a little preparation and the right gear, you’ll make great memories hiking with your dog this fall.

Health & Nutrition

Because your dog won’t always let you know when they’re parched.

Health & Nutrition

Your dog days of summer will be happy, refreshing, and active with these 4 helpful tips

Health & Nutrition

Here’s how to know if you’re filling the bowl too much or not enough.

Vet Insights

We’re betting on a swimming pool filled with tennis balls, but let’s ask the experts.

Vet Insights

Wondering why your dog’s tongue just won’t quit? We’ve got answers.

Whistle 101

See even the subtlest changes with these colorful graphs.

Vet Insights

Use these tips from our VetInsightTM team to give your pet the longest, healthiest life possible.