The Bichon Frise originated in the Canary Islands but it was in France that the breed came into its own as favored companions. There the aristocracy lavished them with love and affection and after the revolution the “commoners” did the same.
The West Highland White Terrier hails from Scotland, where the white coat was bred specifically so that the dogs could be easily seen while they hunted vermin among the rocks and grass in the countryside. As typical terriers, Westies are full of spunk and energy.
The Hungarian Vizsla is an excellent hunting dog and is capable of fulfilling many roles, including tracking, pointing and retrieving. Having so many talents means that Vizslas are intelligent working dogs with high energy levels and demanding exercise needs.
English Springer Spaniels were bred in Great Britain to “spring” or flush game from cover. They are working dogs, but these days the English Springer Spaniel is also a show dog and family companion.
The Shetland Sheepdog (Sheltie) was bred on the Shetland Islands of Scotland as a hardy little herding dog. Shelties are tough, active, intelligent and devoted dogs, and are great family pets. Provided they get enough love and exercise, of course.
Welsh corgis are wonderful dogs with a long history that goes back over hundreds of years. There are two types of corgis: Cardigan Welsh Corgi and Pembroke Welsh Corgi. They are livestock herders that nip at livestock’s’ heels to get them moving. These days, some corgis are still working dogs, but many more enjoy the good life as human companions.
Shih Tzus are related to the Lhasa Apso. They were originally bred in Tibet, but it was in China where they came into their own as pampered lap dogs, living the high life among royalty.
Miniature Schnauzers were bred in Germany primarily as ratting dogs, so they’re feisty, hardy little things. Some schnauzers are fiercely independent, which is sometimes translated as aloof. But, they can also be friendly and affectionate once they get to know you.
Siberian Huskies were bred in northeast Asia as sled and hunting dogs. Working huskies run all day with loaded sleds behind them. Pet huskies also need a LOT of exercise. For this reason they are best suited to active families who will take their Siberian husky running, cycling and hiking and who will spend a lot of time engaged in interactive play and training.
The German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP) was bred in Germany as an all-round hunting dog. Its talents include tracking and retrieving in water and on land. Their loyal and affectionate temperament also earmarked them as beloved family pets. GSPs are intelligent and love to learn, so puppy classes and ongoing training will help develop their talents and personality.
Up until recently, the act of puppies pricking up their ears to human voices was simply cute. Now we know that it’s actually a form of communication between humans and their new pups. It’s not the sort of language that can be learned, however. Puppy-talk comes naturally to humans and puppies (but not adult dogs).
Yorkshire terriers look dainty and delicate but they’re working dogs who used to control vermin in the mines and textile mills of Yorkshire. So they’re pretty tough. Working yorkies are bigger and more robust than their modern companion lap dogs. They have their loveliness and cuteness to thank for that.
Beagles were bred in the UK as hunting dogs to drive small game back to hunters. They are ranked 5th on the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular dog breeds in the USA. They’re boisterous, playful and fun-loving dogs who like nothing more than a good romp with their family.
Cockapoo dogs are a cross between poodles and American cocker spaniels. They first made an appearance in the USA in the 1960s but have become increasingly popular as ‘designer dogs’ over the past few years. Cockapoos are bred specifically for temperament; that is, playfulness, loyalty, affection, gentleness and friendliness, and make wonderful family pets.
Border Collies were bred as sheepdogs along the borders of Scotland, England and Wales. With their black and white coats, they’re one of the most instantly recognizable of the dog breeds. They’re also considered one of the most intelligent, not to mention one of the most high-energy breeds.
Turkish Angora cats nearly went extinct in the 1900s but thanks to a concerted breeding effort at the Ankara Zoo, the breed was been saved, although it is still very rare. Now Turkey takes conserving its ‘national’ cat very seriously and won’t even consider mixing it with other breeds, no matter how similar in looks.
Somali cats are, in essence, longhaired Abyssinians and they share many characteristics. These include intelligence, playfulness, energy and desire to be the center of attention. Somalis first came about in 1963 but it wasn’t until 1979 that they were recognised by the US Cat Fanciers Association.
Ragdoll cats come from an entirely unpedigreed stock. They originated in North America in the 1960s and were bred from different longhaired and semi-longhaired cats. It was generations before Ragdolls were officially recognised as a breed by cat fanciers.
Cymric (kim-rick) cats are part of the Manx group of cats; they’re a tailless breed with the only difference between the two being the length of their coats. Cymric cats have long coats and Manx cats have short coats. They originated in the Isle of Man, where the relative isolation helped to quickly establish the taillessness as a breed trait.
There are two types of Burmese cats, American Burmese and European Burmese. They are largely similar in character, differing primarily with regard to appearance. European Burmese have more rounded heads, less compact bodies, and more coat colors than their American counterparts.
Birman cats regularly rank among the top 10 preferred cat breeds in the world, and it’s no wonder with their good looks and friendly personalities. They originated in Burma (now Myanmar) but came close to extinction before intense efforts saved the breed.
Australian Mist cats are a cross between Burmese, Abyssinian and Australian domestic short hairs. They were originally called Australian Spotted Mist cats. That is, until breeders created a marbled pattern.
American Shorthair cats originated with the cats that crossed the Atlantic with the European settlers. Their good looks and sweet personalities made them a favorite and soon cat fanciers started concentrating their efforts on breeding a representative North American working cat.
Technically, the term companion dogs refers to those bred purely for companionship, like pugs and Pekingese. However, any dog that loves people and is loyal and affectionate to a fault is a companion, even Great Danes and Golden retrievers.
When was the last time you went for a check-up? You know, blood pressure, cholesterol, maybe your blood sugar levels. Or maybe you have recently gone for an eye exam. We have regular checkups because we want to know that we are healthy. We also want to ensure our doctors can pick up any abnormalities as soon as possible. The same applies to your pet. Be it a dog, cat, parrot or rat – all animals need to have regular pet wellness exams to ensure they are as healthy as possible.
Those of us who have canine companions tend to adore them and will do almost anything for them. Well, American TV company CEO Gilad Neumann has taken that devotion a step further. He has created a cable channel specially for pets with a waggy tail. Yes, TV for dogs is a real thing, and it’s actually not a bad idea.
Whoever said, “Bring me a dog who doesn’t like to play and I will stand on my head,” knew the quintessential nature of man’s best friends. We love our canine companions as much as we love our children. In fact, many child-free couples love their dogs as if they were their children. And like children, dogs need to be engaged mentally as well as physically with interactive games and trick training.
As if we needed any more reason to value the companionship of dogs, it turns out that kids benefit from having a dog around in more ways than previously thought. Popular culture is filled with examples of dogs protecting children and rescuing them from danger. Now research shows that Lassie may not have just rescued Timmy from the well physically, but also metaphorically. Find out more about the benefits of a healthy relationship between kids and dogs.
Have you ever seen a monkey in a movie and thought, hey, that’s cute, I want one of those? Maybe you’ve seen celeb with exotic pets, like a lemur or pig, and thought, oh man, I would love to have one of those as a pet.
It’s well-known that chocolates release feel-good hormones in people. So much so that there are those who argue that chocolate could be addictive. Just ask any self-confessed chocoholic. And, while chocolate, especially the dark kind, has proven health benefits for us, the exact opposite is true for dogs. Find out what makes chocolate toxic for dogs.
Worrying is perfectly acceptable when any of your loved ones undergo surgery. It’s not always necessary with routine procedures, but it’s still allowed. Of course, we include our furkids in the loved ones category. So even when they’re just getting sterilized– which is as routine as it gets for pets – we worry. As it turns out, there are some breeds for whom worry is more justified than others. This is because they don’t react as well as to general anesthetic drugs as other breeds.
Cat Stevens once sang “I love my dog as much as I love you. You may fail, my dog will always come through,” and it appears that children take it one step further. A recent study by Cambridge University reveals that children love their family pets more than their brothers or sisters.
If your dog’s ears smell a bit rank or her paws remind you of Fritos whose best before date has come and gone, then you could have a yeast infection on your hands. All dogs have yeast; they have to because it occurs naturally and is as important as all those other healthy flora and bacteria that keep bodies balanced.
Many people consider smoking cigarettes to be a slow form of suicide; even smokers admit that they’re killing themselves, and still it’s not motivation enough to quit the habit. But what if they knew that their second hand smoke was also killing their pets slowly and painfully?
Pretty much the only negative side to having companion animals is their short lifespan. For many people, pets are substitute children, who unfortunately only live for 8 – 16 years. They would do anything to keep their furkids with them for a few more years; a few more healthy years, at least. Advances in medical care for pets could hold the answer.
How often do you let loose and really play with your dog? Most of us don’t play with our dogs as much as we would like – life is just too busy. We can manage a couple of walks a day and some attention whenever our canine kids come looking for it, but finding the time for romping on the lawn is tricky.
As most cat people know, cats are finicky eaters. What they scoff down one day they put their noses up the next and let you know in no uncertain terms that they’re not going to touch what you’ve dished up for them. Don’t be too annoyed because their fussiness is partly inherent, as they need to be careful about which foods cause damage. The system isn’t always perfect, however, because kitty may develop a taste for some people that you definitely should avoid feeding cats, such as canned tuna and sushi.
Summer rolls round every year and every year it means the same thing? Shorts, strappy tops, flip flops, ice-cream and chilled drinks. But what about your pets? What can you do to make summer a fun time for your dogs and cats? It’s easy. Give them lip-smacking summer treats.
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.
Most of us consider our pet dogs and cats as part of the family, so it’s traumatic when they go missing. There are numerous reasons your pet may go wandering. Fortunately, there are a steps you can follow to find lost pets and get them safely home.
What’s the difference between cats and dogs? Cats see us as slaves rather than BFFs. The superior attitude is underscored by cats’ haughty attitude, which made cats equal to humans in the eyes of the ancient Egyptians. Haughty or not, cats and kittens love to play, even if it’s with the leaves outside rather than with you. Whether you have a kitty who thinks you are the bee’s knees when it comes to play, or you desperately want some ideas to make yourself more interesting to your cat, we have some great cat toys and activity suggestions for you.
You’re probably already familiar with dogs who guide the blind, sniff out cancer and warn their owners of an impending threat. But these long-time faithful companions continue to surprise us with their innate empathy. Recently, it’s emerged that dogs are an invaluable aid in comforting trauma victims and patients in nursing homes and hospitals. And so a whole new industry is born, namely pet therapy.
Pet doors have their pros and cons. In addition to their self-service convenience, it can also be argued that they have the potential to be life saving. Consider this: You go away for the weekend and entrust your pets to a friend who comes over twice a day to feed them and take them for a walk. Your friend locks up for the night with your pets snug inside and goes home when a fire breaks out. The sitter has no idea. Your pets have no escape.
At the risk of stating the obvious, cats are not dogs. They’re generally smaller, less tolerant, and have sharper teeth and claws which they keep on a hair trigger. So while you should never leave any pets and children together unsupervised, there are some cat-specific guidelines to follow for everyone’s safety. They are especially important if you have very young kids and cats or kittens.
If you think you just have to get through 6 weeks of puppy classes and a few months of house training before you can kick back and relax with the perfect dog, then you are very much mistaken. In fact, as your sweet pup goes through an interesting dog adolescence, you might yearn for the days when you had to get up 3 times a night to stand outside in the cold while your puppy decided whether or not she really needed a wee.
Most pet parents know how important physical exercise is for their dogs. Without a daily walk, run or cycle, most dogs go stir crazy. They drive their parents insane with barking, chewing, pacing and other destructive behaviors. What many pet parents don’t know is that mental stimulation is as important for dogs as physical exercise. Brain work can calm dogs, tire them out, make them more confident problem solvers. They also meet their innate canine needs and keep canine cognitive dysfunction (dementia) at bay. Interactive toys and puzzles are simple tools to get your dog’s brain working.
Pets, like people, can be injured or contract an illness that results in massive blood loss or contaminated blood. Blood transfusions may be the only way to save their lives. This means that it’s as important for pets to donate blood as it is for people. Your pet can be a hero and that’s a wonderful opportunity for any animal.
Who doesn’t love bulldogs? That cute, squashy face and those sad eyes are enough to melt the coldest heart. But before you go out and buy a puppy, have a heart and consider the health problems that are becoming increasingly common (and increasingly severe) in bulldogs and other brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds.
Cats are famously curious; they love hidden spaces and high vantage points, so it’s not surprising that cat owners love to indulge their cats with gifts that allow them to practice these quirky characteristics. Gifts like funky and versatile cat furniture.
“Ye, who behold perchance this simple urn,
Pass on – it honours none you wish to mourn.
To mark a friend’s remains these stones arise;
I never knew but one – and here he lies.”
Inscription on the monument to Lord Byron’s dog, Boatswain, at Newstead Abbey.
There is very little that can ease the emotional trauma of having a pet go missing, and remain lost forever. Unfortunately, it’s a kind of pain that many people have to deal with. Fortunately, it’s largely preventable, thanks to microchip identification and a host of pet tracking devices that allow pet parents to know where their beloved furkid is at any point during the day.
If you have a cat, you probably know the benefits of having a few cat treats on hand. Treats are useful for a number of reasons, including training, comforting your cat, and distracting him from scratching your furniture.
All puppies are cute, no matter what their breed. In fact, some of the cutest puppies in the world are mixed breed pups. But sometimes the fates conspire to give us adorably cute puppies that love to flaunt their stuff for the camera.
People are often told that it’s not a good idea to give puppies or kittens as gifts. Animals aren’t commodities. There is the very genuine concern that those ‘gifts’ stop being wanted as soon as they stop being cute or some undesirable behavior creeps into the mix. Come April and May, shelters are inundated with teenage dogs who were much loved over Christmas and then became a handful. Having said that, however, many puppies who are given as Christmas presents end up living long, happy lives with families who love them to distraction.
Your adorable little kitten is a full-grown cat, and she’s getting ‘fluffy’. A bit too ‘fluffy’. She’s having trouble moving as well as she used to, and she may even be experiencing joint pain. You have to face it, it’s time to investigate some weight management options.
One of the downsides to having a canine companion is all the dog hair that seems to magnetically attach itself to your clothes, furniture, carpets, floors and even your dish cloths. Unfortunately, all dogs shed. Some shed more than others but no matter what breed you have, you are going to have to find a way to effectively remove dog hair – and learn to live with shedding in between cleaning.
Fleas are the enemy of both pets and pet owners. They have but one goal: To attach themselves to your pet and drain their lifeblood, caring nothing for the pain and discomfort this may cause. Not only that, they also infest your poor pet with eggs, so that their vile spawn can rise up and take their place should you ever succeed in your attempts to eradicate them. They cannot be negotiated with. They must be destroyed. Weapons of choice are chemical and natural flea remedies.
Opinions are divided about vegan cats and the overall health benefits and risks of vegan or vegetarian diets for cats. You might think that the health benefits you’ve experienced from going meat-free will work for your cat. Think again.
Plenty of people love dressing up dogs in clothes. And it’s not just the Paris Hiltons of the world. Dog clothing and accessories is a growing industry with everything from cutesy tutus to goth hoodies available. Then there are the Halloween costumes. Many pet parents put as much thought into their pet’s costumes as their own. Dogs dressed as Superman or rocking spider costumes are cute, but are they happy?
The characteristic aloofness of cats may lead some to believe they don’t need or want anything from us pitiful humans. However, while cats may appear more independent than most pets, they still need certain creature comforts that only their human slave (or guardian, as we prefer to call ourselves) can provide. Comfort isn’t all they need, however, so find out what else makes for happy cats.
Having recently experienced the stress and trauma of being evacuated during a fire – with 5 dogs in tow – now seems like a good time to discuss the importance of having a pet evacuation plan. Some of the tips sound like plain common sense, but you’d be surprised at how seldom common sense comes into something like this, especially when you think you’re safe from most disasters.
In an ideal world, pets and babies would always get along. In reality, there’s no telling how your animal companion will react to the new member of the family. Sometimes, pet owners have reported being delighted with the reaction, as their pet not only welcomes the newcomer, but actually undertakes responsibility for its protection. In other cases, pets appear indifferent, but at least show no intent to harm the child so long as it stays on its side of the fence.
Toys are a vital part of dogs’ lives, so ensuring that you buy the best quality you can afford is important. It’s equally important to be strict about the types of dog toys that you purchase because the wrong toy for your pet’s size or breed can have dire consequences. In fact, some dangerous dog toys can be fatal.
The more scientists learn about dogs, the more we discover that our kinship with them is closer than we first imagined. Psychologically, they share many traits with us. One of these traits is the capacity to experience stress. And, like us, prolonged stress causes them to get gray hair.
The discovery
There are few subjects more divisive than animal welfare, be they wild animals or household pets. For example, the UAE recently banned exotic pets, especially wild cats, and the social media chorus has been in good voice. The core issue is whether any animal can live a happy, healthy and contented life in a family home.
The cost of healthcare for pets and humans has risen dramatically over the past two decades. In pet healthcare, costs have increased by 60% since 1994. Over the same period, the increase in median household income has been less than 10%. So taking care of pets presents a significant challenge to the average American family. And America is a pet-loving country.
One of society’s hidden crimes is domestic violence. It goes on behind closed curtains and doors and families will go to great lengths to hide the ‘shame’. As traumatic as it is for the people in violent homes, we tend to forget about the other hidden victims – the pets. Abusers threaten, beat and even kill pets for control and revenge.
The evaluation of the effectiveness of pheromone treatments in pets is an interesting field. Artificial pheromones are widely used in the breeding industry to induce heat in female dogs. There is significant scientific evidence that they are effective in this arena. There is also a growing market in the use of synthetic pheromones to calm pets down.
Scary fact: An estimated 25% of dogs and 20% of cats will contract some form of cancer during their lives.
There are various kinds of cancer, and different breeds are associated with higher risks of certain kinds of cancer. It can even pose a higher risk depending on where you live.
There are few things that inject more joy and excitement into a home, particularly if it has children, than the introduction of a kitten. If you want to keep her happy and healthy, it’s preferable to keep her in the house, especially in the beginning. Here are some of the most important things to consider when raising a kitten.
It can break your heart to watch your dog struggling to do things he did with energy and verve only a few years ago. The pup who bounded onto the couch with one leap has suddenly started to do it in three careful stages. You can see a certain stiffness of movement. He doesn’t get up from his bed as quickly as he used to. He’s getting old.
We are all familiar with the basic principle of dog training, based on operant conditioning: you reward the behaviors you want and you ignore the behaviors you don’t want. This is fine if you’re talking about something like jumping up on guests or sneaking onto the couch the moment your back is turned, but some people recommend this strategy when dealing with fear. But here’s the thing: ignoring your dog when she is afraid simply makes the problem worse.
Laser therapy is the stimulation of tissue to promote healing in animals. There are two basic kinds of laser therapy: cold and hot. We’re going to look at both types and how they’re used to treat different conditions.
Everyone knows that it’s necessary to socialize dogs and cats so they respect each other and their boundaries. In reality, this rule applies to all different types of animals – rabbits, birds, reptiles and so forth. This applies to another animal – man, more specifically (for this article), children. It’s essential that children learn to respect pets if everyone in the house is going to be happy – and safe.
Disclaimer: There is a difference between a dog who is traumatized and a dog lacking confidence or who is timid. While some of the techniques below may help rehabilitate a traumatized dog (for example, one with a history of dog-fighting or neglect), it would be better to follow a program of rehabilitation rather than behavior modification for a dog with significant trauma. The steps below top build confidence are not intended to replace such a rehabilitation program.
You are the proud guardian of an older cat. Well done, you’ve kept them healthy this far. But you’ve noticed, as many people do, that the rounded, curvy kitten you adopted now looks a little gaunt, less like the muscular athlete they used to be. Their nutritional needs are changing, so you need to change their diet accordingly.
“Mr Bigglesworth? Mr Bigglesworth! Mr Bigglesworth, where in heaven’s name are you?” Sound familiar? Okay, so maybe your cat is named Munchkin or Felix or Sam. But the bewilderment at how your kitten can disappear after turning away for five seconds is always the same. Why do our kittens like to hide so much?
Animal behaviorists will tell you how socialization is for all animals so they can grow into well-adjusted adults. Kitten socialization is no different. The most crucial time for kittens is between two and seven weeks old, but this can extend up to 14 weeks.
Puppies and kittens spring to mind when people think about enriching their lives with a pet. Their bountiful energy, their playful spirit, and their unwavering wonder at the new world around them are a joy to see. As delightful as that sounds, puppies and kittens are a lot of work. A lot. From house-training and chewing everything to crying and constant vigilance. A lot of work. Getting a senior pet means that someone has already done all of that hard work for you – all you have to do is reap the benefits! It’s paw-fect!
Puppy socialization is the process of letting your dog become habituated or used to the behavior, body language and habits of other dogs and the various other species they will be living with. And it’s more far more important than you think.
Compassion fatigue is fairly well-known in human caring industries, but it’s less well-known – and more common – in animal care and welfare. Veterinarians and shelter workers are particularly vulnerable to compassion fatigue due to the emotional fluctuations between extreme highs and lows that may occur several times per day – every day.
Tail docking is the process of removing a section of a dog’s tail, usually for cosmetic reasons, leaving a stub behind. The practice is banned outright in most of Europe, and the remaining European countries allow it only for special cases, which are defined under law and can only be carried out by a veterinary surgeon. Tail docking is, however, legal throughout North America, although members of certain veterinary associations in Canada are prohibited from performing the procedure, and a total ban is set to follow in 2017.
It is generally not a good idea to keep exotic animals as pets, because they aren’t domesticated and don’t adapt to living in homes. Exotic pets also have special care needs which people aren’t always able to meet, so they end up ill or unintentionally neglected. If you have your heart set on a unique pet, some animals are easier to care for than others.
(Guest post by a concerned bunny mom) I will admit that I was irresponsible when I brought my baby pet rabbit home from the pet shop. I had no idea what raising a baby rabbit entailed. I had no idea about proper feeding, health, housing or care. I got no help from the pet shop and I naively thought that it couldn’t possibly be that difficult.
What is the quintessential image of a happy relationship with your dog? Throwing a stick in a field, right? There’s the joy of your dog bounding to collect the stick, the joy of racing back to you with a goofy grin on her face and the joy of spending time in delicious sunshine with your best friend.
Dogs are our long-time faithful companions, but they can also be mischievous critters if left completely to their own devices. It’s important to realize that you have a responsibility to your dog and anyone who comes close to your dog. This makes training good manners and self-control and providing mental stimulation to keep your dog out of trouble during the day very important. You wouldn’t let your kids get away with not saying please and thank you, after all. So invest in dog training classes and enjoy life with a well-mannered pooch.
Let’s face it, when your dog bites someone, your concern is not solely reserved for the bite victim, but also for your dog. That’s not to say you don’t feel any concern for the person who was bitten, and of course your first priority is to treat the bite as best you can. But a moment of madness from your pooch, who may only have been lashing out in self-defense, can cause problems far beyond whatever injury was inflicted by the dog bite.
If you remember the 80s then you probably remember the days when dogs didn’t have much choice about where to sleep. They could sleep on your bed, on some well-used blankets, in a basket or make do with nothing at all. Boy, have things changed. We look at all the deluxe options now involved in choosing dog beds.
Pets love Christmas. They may not know why they like it, but they know that around this time of year, there’s suddenly a lot of food, a lot of people, and a lot of fun activities – all of the things that pets (especially dogs) generally thrive on. Now pets can also look forward to their own gifts, as people treat them more like family.
The majority of pet owners would love nothing more than to take their pet with them on every trip. Leaving a pet behind makes you feel like you’re excluding a member of the family, and it’s especially hard on the kids. On the other hand, taking your pet with you makes family escapades more fun. No need to go searching around for a sitter or boarding kennel to provide pet care in your absence. It’s important, however, to remember that in the car, safety comes first.
Are pets psychic? It’s a question a lot of people ask when they see their dogs or cats do something remarkable. Typically this includes anticipating their mom or dad coming home by several minutes and pestering a body part until you go to the doctor and get treated for cancer. Then there is the creepy way that cats stare at nothing on the upper corner of the wall with hackles raised.
A little scratching here and there is to be expected from our canine companions, but at what point should you be concerned? If your pet’s itching, scratching and even biting himself to such an extent that he’s pulled out fur and his legs are so raw that it’s only a matter of time before he tears through his own skin, then it may be a sign of something more serious than your everyday annoying itch. Food allergies could be to blame.
We’re in the midst of an exciting digital revolution that is changing the way we live our lives, but why should we be the only species to have all the fun, what about tech for our pets? There’s an increasing number of gadgets on the market that cater to our pets’ needs, whether it’s by keeping them entertained or attending to basic needs like food and comfort. The bonus is that gadgets for pets usually make our jobs easier too.
Puppy school is arguably your most important responsibility as a new pup parent and is without doubt the best thing you can do for you and your puppy. By enrolling your puppy in a reputable training school, you’ll provide her with the basic tools she needs to grow into a well-behaved, sociable dog who will make your heart swell with pride and joy.
It would be great if we could always take our pets with us on holiday. It’s not always possible, however. We need to plan properly when our furbabies can’t holiday with us. That means finding someone to stay with our pets or finding great boarding facilities where our pets can stay.
Off of the top of your head, how much did you spend on pet treats last month? If you’re like a growing proportion of the US population, you spent a small fortune on yummy snacks for your dogs and cats.
A dog with a wagging tail is a dog that’s happy and content, so the story goes. Unfortunately, this story is a myth, and pet experts feel it’s important for dog guardians everywhere to realise that. Once you understand what your dog’s tail is telling you, you can better understand dog behavior.
Pets may have shorter expected life spans than their guardians, but there remains the possibility of a guardian dying before their pet. It’s uncomfortable enough contemplating the possibility of losing a pet, let alone the reverse; but whereas the decision to euthanize an elderly or chronically ill pet is one that need only be made in some (hopefully far) distant future, pet guardians have no way of knowing when is the ‘right’ time to plan for their pets’ future without them.
Many people think that cats are untrainable; that the idea of walking a cat on a harness or teaching them to sit and give paw is the kind of dream dreamed by lunatics. The truth is that training cats is far more challenging than training dogs, but it’s not impossible. Follow these tips to train your kitten and you could be amazed by her skills.
The hunting instincts that drove their ancestors are plain to see in the domesticated dogs of today. Running after tennis balls brings back the thrill of the chase, but meal times are far from exciting. All most dogs look forward to is a bag of dog food with processed pellets poured into a bowl. A raw food diet for dogs is unprocessed and healthy – if you do it correctly.
In general professional grooming services for dogs and cats are a luxury for show dogs and cats or pets with long coats. However, the value of regular brushing, nail clipping and teeth cleaning has benefits beyond best-in-show status. The question is: How to choose a pet groomer?
Walking your dog off property is one of the most important things you can do as a pet parent. Off property walks provide mental stimulation as well as physical exercise – for you and your dog. It’s not always easy to walk your dog, as we shall see.
Some cats are just too classy for cat food. Should you indulge their high-flying ways, or is it too much of a risk? According to vets, the best food for cats is a stable diet of vet-recommended cat food with the necessary nutrients. However, there’s nothing wrong with a little human food every now and then, provided it’s in moderation and it’s safe for cats. There are some food to avoid because they contain toxic ingredients.
For some dogs, treats are an integral part of their daily routine. For some they’re nothing more than a reward for training. Whatever the approach, it’s important to ensure all treats are healthy dog treats. It’s also important to remember moderation, because too many treats, even healthy dog treats, have an adverse effect on your dog’s health.
Did you know that dogs favor one paw over the other, much like people are left-or right-handed? The question is, does paw preference mean anything or is it simply a curiosity?
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to activities that you can do with your dog. Don’t think you’re bound by boring obedience or that because you don’t have a border collie you can’t compete in field trials. Take a look at some of the trendiest and most fun dog sports you can enjoy today.
Pets don’t just play a pivotal role in the happiness of our everyday lives; they have also played pivotal roles in storytelling through the ages. Think of Aesop’s Fables, which were written around 600 BC. Go further back to cave drawings that depict stories of hunters and their animal prey.
Dogs are on the loose in workplaces throughout America, and recent studies show that the workers are reaping the benefits. One such study, conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University, found that there was a 11% reduction of stress among workers who opted to bring their pets to work, and a 70% increase among those who did not. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention cites animal experts who claim that pet friendly workplaces means lower blood pressure for pet owners, and significantly improved morale in the workplace.
Poop, it’s an undeniable fact of life. It’s also an unpleasant aspect of having a pet. There is no skirting around it, however, picking up your pet’s poop is essential whether it’s in your yard or out and about. It’s not just about petiquette (consideration for all the other people who use public places); it’s also a matter of health.
Pets are great to have around, except when they’re destroying your furniture. But never fear, pet experts are on hand to give you helpful tips on making sure your furniture is as pet-friendly – and pet-proof – as possible.
If there’s one thing movies have taught us about robots, it’s that they will one day rise up and annihilate humanity. But recent studies have shed light on a new, even more frightening possibility. What if it’s not humanity’s place the robots seek to usurp, but that of our beloved canine companions?
Getting a new puppy is a big responsibility; it’s much like bringing home a new baby except babies aren’t as cute. Puppies are vulnerable as babies, so you have to take care of your puppy in much the same way as you would an infant and you should have similar expectations regarding their development.
Cats are traditionally seen as easier to have than dogs; they’re seen as more independent and less demanding in terms of exercise, training and even attention. But that doesn’t mean that cats are easy. They can present interesting challenges which require creative thinking and a great deal of patience to overcome. Here are 14 brilliant tips to make life easier for cat owners.
Discover All You Need to Know About the Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise originated in the Canary Islands but it was in France that the breed came into its own as favored companions. There the…
Discover All You Need to Know About West Highland White Terriers
The West Highland White Terrier hails from Scotland, where the white coat was bred specifically so that the dogs could be easily seen while they…