Health & Nutrition

Whistle App Update: Food Pantry - Whistle
June 22, 2023
4 minute read
Whistle App Update: Food Pantry

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.

Dog GPS Trackers Vs Microchips - Whistle Whistle 101
September 26, 2023
7 minute read
Dog GPS Trackers Vs Microchips

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.

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Weight Loss with Whistle: Beep Beep Jeep’s Journey - Whistle Whistle 101
August 21, 2023
5 minute read
Weight Loss with Whistle: Beep Beep Jeep’s Journey

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.”

Whistle App Update: Food Pantry - Whistle Whistle 101
June 22, 2023
4 minute read
Whistle App Update: Food Pantry

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.

Whistle Itch Detection: How We Got Here - Whistle Vet Insights
June 01, 2023
7 minute read
Whistle Itch Detection: How We Got Here

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.

Do I need pet insurance? - Whistle Whistle 101
May 10, 2023
5 minute read
Do I need pet insurance?

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.

Can Itchiness be Seasonal? - Whistle Vet Insights
May 01, 2023
4 minute read
Can Itchiness be Seasonal?

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 App Update: New Journaling Features - Whistle Whistle 101
April 18, 2023
2 minute read
Whistle App Update: New Journaling Features

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 Series: Seasonal Scratching - Whistle Vet Insights
March 29, 2023
11 minute read
Vet Series: Seasonal Scratching

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.

Ready to be even more proactive about your pet’s health? - Whistle Whistle 101
February 27, 2023
4 minute read
Ready to be even more proactive about your pet’s health?

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 Subscription Update: Whistle Health Report - Whistle Whistle 101
January 25, 2023
2 minute read
Whistle Subscription Update: Whistle Health Report

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.

Managing your pup's weight - Whistle Health & Nutrition
January 11, 2023
3 minute read
Managing your pup's weight

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.

New Year, New Pet Wellness Goals - Whistle Tips & Tricks
December 21, 2022
3 minute read
New Year, New Pet Wellness Goals

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.

Staying Active in the Winter - Whistle Tips & Tricks
December 07, 2022
4 minute read
Staying Active in the Winter

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.

Whistle App Update: Introducing Daily Check-ins - Whistle Whistle 101
November 16, 2022
3 minute read
Whistle App Update: Introducing Daily Check-ins

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.

National Walk Your Dog Week - Whistle Tips & Tricks
September 20, 2022
4 minute read
National Walk Your Dog Week

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.

Why Is My Dog Honking? - Whistle The Wildest
July 29, 2022
1 minute read
Why Is My Dog Honking?

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. 

What Puppy Doesn’t Like Walks? Mine! - Whistle The Wildest
July 01, 2022
1 minute read
What Puppy Doesn’t Like Walks? Mine!

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.

Does Your Dog Have Happy Tail Syndrome? - Whistle The Wildest
June 24, 2022
1 minute read
Does Your Dog Have Happy Tail Syndrome?

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 →

Help! My Dog is Scratching A Lot - Whistle Health & Nutrition
June 01, 2022
3 minute read
Help! My Dog is Scratching A Lot

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?

Top 10 Ways to Celebrate National Puppy Day - Whistle Whistle 101
March 23, 2022
4 minute read
Top 10 Ways to Celebrate National Puppy Day

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.

Smile, It’s National Pet Dental Health Month - Whistle Health & Nutrition
February 23, 2022
3 minute read
Smile, It’s National Pet Dental Health Month

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. 

Celebrate National Love Your Pet Day! - Whistle Whistle 101
February 23, 2022
3 minute read
Celebrate National Love Your Pet Day!

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.

Grab the Leash: It’s Walk Your Dog Month - Whistle Health & Nutrition
January 28, 2022
3 minute read
Grab the Leash: It’s Walk Your Dog Month

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: