Some cross breeds are favored because they have lower energy levels than their parent breeds. Some are favored because they’re bouncy and cute. Unfortunately, bouncy cuteness can lead to behavior problems if the dog’s energy isn’t properly channeled. Fortunately, there are many ways to keep dogs busy and tire them out. Let’s look at some of the best dog games and activities for cross breeds.
The first part of our buying vs. adopting a pet series looked at buying. In this part we look at rescuing pets.
People who adopt usually do so because they believe it’s the right thing to do. After all, you can give an abandoned, neglected or abused animal a second (third or fourth) shot at a happy home.
Once you’ve decided to get a pet, the biggest question is whether you’re going to buy or adopt. Almost everyone in animal welfare will tell you that adopting is by far the better option. But is it really right for you? We look the differences between buying pets and adopting pets, including the pros and cons of each, so that you can make an informed decision. We’re going to approach it in two parts, starting with buying.
Getting pets to take their medication is probably one of the most challenging tasks pet owners face. Cats are especially difficult because they don’t just spit out pills; they also claw and bite and put up a major fight that spills spit, half-dissolved tablets and your blood everywhere. It’s traumatic for both sides, for sure. Here are some tips on how to give your cat tablets and other meds.
If you’ve never had a cat before, but feel like there is a kitty-shaped hole in your life you should think carefully about your expectations. For example, do you expect your cat to sleep on your lap while you read, or to automatically use the litter box, or not to kill the birds who visit your bird-feeder. What do you know or think you know about cat behavior?
Stoners think it’s a hoot to get their pets high (it’s really not, so don’t do it). Anecdotal evidence suggests that cannabis-based products can be good for pets. They alleviate pain, nausea and anxiety in dogs and cats. The key point is that all evidence is anecdotal. There is no scientific evidence to support the use of medical marijuana in pets.
Dog breeders get a lot of flak from animal welfare societies and animal rights activists. Mostly because backyard breeders and puppy mills are terrifying, cruel places that are more interested in profit than ensuring healthy living conditions. They also tend to inbreed dogs which destroys the gene pool and causes severe deformities, poor health and behavior problems.
Breed specific legislation (BSL) refers to laws which prohibit or restrict the ownership of certain dog breeds or breed types. If ownership is prohibited, dogs are forcibly removed from their homes and either destroyed, or especially in the case of mixed-breeds, placed in kennels to establish whether or not they fit the profile of a “dangerous” dog.