What do you think of the idea of brushing your dog’s teeth? More importantly, what does your dog think of the idea? Dogs, like people, can suffer from gingivitis (gum disease) and other dental problems, including plaque and tartar build up, cavities and, as we all know, bad breath. Brushing your dog’s teeth a few times a week can prevent these and other serious problems. But how do you go about it? Read on for important dental care tips.
There is a perception, especially among anti-cat people, that felines are unfriendly, unsociable, and highly independent. The independent part is right, but many cat owners argue that their cats are as affectionate and sociable as dogs. While cats are individuals with different characters and levels of attachment, there are certainly affectionate cat breeds out there.
Most dog parents know about ‘bad ears’, an unpleasant condition that causes pain, itchiness and a yeasty smell that lets you know whenever you dog is within a 10-foot radius. It’s often caused by allergies, mites and water in the ears after swimming, but it can also occur when you’re lax about your routine to ensure your dog has clean ears.
Dogs love toys: That is undisputed. The dog toy industry is booming: That is also undisputed. Sadly, there is no regulation in the dog toy industry. This means the materials don’t have to meet safety requirements, and neither do the finished toys. So there are safe and unsafe toys out there, and it’s up to pet parents to become savvy shoppers. We’ve got some great tips so you can find safe toys that are also fun for your dogs.
We looked at how to introduce new cats to resident dogs and cats in a previous post. Today we’re going to look at how to introduce new dogs to resident dogs.
Think about what it would be like to be taken from your home and deposited in a strange place surrounded by strangers, some of whom may not be entirely nice. It’s pretty intimidating and overwhelming, isn’t it? That’s how your new pet feels when you bring them home and put them face-to-face with resident pets. This is why it’s important to introduce new pets slowly and carefully.
Play is an important part of your dog’s life, but sometimes playing with Fluffy is easier said than done. Some dogs are reluctant to play. They may simply not like it, or they might never have learnt how. Shelter dogs (especially puppies) who don’t get much contact with people, often don’t learn how to play. In fact, human play behavior and people-operated toys are a scary mystery. Don’t stress, because it’s never too late to teach your dog to play.
Last year a kitten made headlines when it nearly died because its owner had it on a vegan diet. It survived but only because it was given a steady diet of meat. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need to eat meat to survive. They cannot get the protein and nutrients they need from a plant-based diet. However, it’s not as simple as stocking up on beef, chicken and tuna to keep kitty well-fed as they have complex dietary needs. Fortunately, it needn’t be complicated to meet them. Read our guide on cat food and good cat diets to keep kitty healthy.
Cats might not be as popular as dogs when it comes to family pets, but they are a favorite among city dwellers who want furry companionship but don’t have the time for dogs. Unfortunately, a large percentage of pet parents are allergic to cats, and if they aren’t chances are good that someone in their family or social circle is. Cat allergies are twice as common as allergies to dogs, but that still doesn’t mean you can’t live happily with your kitty.
When bath time looms your dog either turns into a pile of quivering jelly, hides under a tree, or goes stiff as board at the first sight of dog shampoo. If your dog resists bath time with every fiber of her being, you may go to extremes to hide her fate. But even if you think you’ve got every base covered, your dog is always one step ahead of you.
Pet obesity is an epidemic, which is bad, but obesity also causes other serious diseases, which is worse. Diabetes is a growing concern among vets in the UK, and USA and dogs and cats are fairly equally affected. Diabetes is a chronic disease that can’t be cured. It requires lifelong treatment, and close management and monitoring.
Hip dysplasia in dogs is a condition in which the hip joint doesn’t develop sufficiently to support the leg bone. This results in gradual joint deterioration over time as the leg bone bumps and grinds against it.
Terriers are working dogs, bred to root vermin out of holes. They have more energy than most people can conceive and can going long after other dogs want a nap. Bear this in mind before you welcome a terrier into your home. They can be small, but they don’t always make good lap dogs. They’re far better suited to active lifestyles that include dog sports and activities.
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’re going away on a business trip or holiday that is not going to be pet-friendly then you have two options:
A pet sitter is the better option because your pets can stay in their comfort zone and enjoy a mostly unchanged routine.
We use herbs and spices daily not only to add flavor to our food but also for their health benefits. If basil, turmeric, fennel and cinnamon can aid our health, why can’t they help our dogs too? The truth is that some herbs are good for dogs – great, in fact – and some herbs aren’t. In this post we look at herbs for dogs that promote good health, as well as how to use them.
While it’s easy for us to put on another jersey or crank up the heat if we get cold, our pets’ options are more limited. It’s up to us to ensure that they stay comfortable and warm during the long, cold winters, especially if they happen to live outside. Here are some tips to keep your dogs, cats and even your rabbits warm in winter.
Veterinary acupuncture is becoming increasingly more commonplace as veterinarians and the general public become more aware of the benefits of acupuncture when it comes to treating a variety of medical conditions. Acupuncture can even treat serious conditions, like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) – slipped disc.
Most pet parents know that visiting the vet involves an epic struggle with a reluctant dog or cat. Pets have a kind of sixth sense when it comes to visiting the vet. They always seem know when one is coming, no matter how stealthy or cunning you think you’ve been.
If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, and you feel strongly about the moral choice you’ve made, then you face a conundrum when it comes to pet food. On the one hand, you may be loath to support the meat industry in any way, including meaty dog foods. On the other, you’re concerned about the implications a vegan diet would have for your dog’s health.
Dogs, like people, are vaccinated against certain diseases to prevent infection or minimize the severity of infection. Vaccines are credited with lowering the incidence of certain diseases in dogs. This is one of the reasons why vets are so concerned about any controversy that surrounds pet vaccinations. If people decide that dog vaccinations are overrated, there could be a resurgence of diseases previously under control.
There are 7.5 billion people in the world and an estimated 525 million dogs (cat population estimates are too “fudged” to have value). Approximately 86.4 million cats and 78.2 million dogs call America home. And they all have a significant environmental impact.
Many dogs love water, from romping in mud puddles to swimming in the pool, but some dogs are afraid of water, sometimes to the extent that they won’t walk on wet grass. Paying attention to how your puppy initially responds to water is very important because if there is any indication of fear, you need to ensure you don’t put any pressure on your pup to ‘get over it’. Always be encouraging, understanding, and patient when training your puppy to swim and help her feel safe at all times.
Bad news for dog parents is that summer is snake season, which means that humans and dogs are at risk of snake bites. While the prospect of being bitten, no matter the snake, is not a happy one, the fact that venomous snakes abound across the entire continental US makes it somewhat worse (Alaska is not plagued by snakes – they have the sense to avoid the extreme cold).
Kidney problems are fairly common in domestic cats, particularly as they age. The kidney performs the vital functions of assisting in the regulation of blood pressure, controlling the fluid content of the blood, production of certain enzymes and hormones, and removing waste from the feline system. So they’re not something little Sylvester can do without.
Many of the more energetic among us like to go jogging (or running if they are even more athletic) for fun. And they like to go out with a running companion – of the furry 4-legged variety. In fact, many people get dogs with the aim to go running with them.
Heartworm disease: Doesn’t sound pleasant, does it? Well, it’s not but, unfortunately, it’s a big risk for many dogs in the US, and as global weather conditions change, that risk is growing. Heartworms can be fatal if left untreated or if it goes undetected for a long time. Even with treatment, the risk of long-term damage can affect your dog’s health for the rest of her life.
Who doesn’t like some pretty flowers, shady trees and decorative shrubs? Not many people, that’s for sure. And even if you don’t have a garden, chances are good you still like to have some plants in the house. They brighten things up and give an air of freshness, so where’s the harm? There could be a great deal of harm, actually, if you have pets. Some of the prettiest and most common garden and house plants and flowers are toxic to dogs and cats (and other pets, including horses, rabbits, and hamsters).
How often do you brush your pet? Once a week? Once a month? Never? How often do you trim your dog’s or cat’s nails or brush their teeth? Do you ever take your pet to the grooming parlor? Basically, how important do you think grooming is for your dog or cat?
We’re about to enter summer; great news for all those who hate dressing in so many layers they look like the Staypuft marshmallow man. It’s also good news for pets who’ve shivered their way through sleet and snow and icy winds. It’s important to note, however, that pets, like people, are at risk of dehydration, overheating, sunstroke, sunburn and skin cancer from being outside in hot weather. So it’s important that you take steps to ensure your pet (dogs and cats and rabbits, etc.) keep safe and cool in the hot summer months that are ahead.
Here are some summer safety tips to keep your pets cool!
It’s easy to forget that your pet also has to cope with a new addition to the family when you bring baby home. Your house fills with different sounds, sights, smells and routines, and pooch has to adjust as much as you.
What could be greater than sharing your home with a war hero? Giving them the support they need to cope with life as a civilian? Thanks to the military’s war dog adoption program, you can now adopt a military dog. Thousands of military war dogs (MWDs) are available for adoption every year, including young dogs who don’t complete training, and older dogs retiring from their working military careers.
There are two problems with service dogs: They look very dignified, and we are touched by their dedication and loyalty. Why are these problems, you may ask? Well, When you combine the two, you get a dog who is almost impossible for the general public to resist. When we meet a service dog, we want to reward their heroism with a friendly pat or a treat. And we want to tell the handler that we admire their strength.
What food is best for my dog? It’s become one of the most commonly asked questions by pet parents, old and new, pedigree dog or not. The pet care industry has seen massive advances in nutrition in the past few years, with the result that dog parents are faced with a confusing array to choose from, including food for specific illnesses and conditions, for losing weight, for extra activity, for old dogs, puppies, etc.
Noise phobia is one of the most common behavioral problems in our pets, especially in dogs. Some troublesome noises include thunder, lightning, driving rain, howling wind, fireworks, cars backfiring and even the hiss cold drink cans or bottles make when they’re opened.
If you’ve joined the pet raw food movement and have put your cat on a raw food diet, you may be wondering if you’ve done the right thing. Perhaps you’re still on the fence and aren’t sure which way to turn.
Dog obedience training shouldn’t be seen as a way for a tyrannical human to bend their pet to their will. It’s actually an important part of strengthening the bond between dog and owner, and it will make for a happier dog overall as their new found self-control means that their guardians won’t feel they have to use rigid control to get the behavior they want out of their dogs. The best way to build this relationship is through positive reinforcement training.
Normally, your first assumption when you see your dog scratching is that he is under assault by fleas; but sometimes, there’s more going on than just your typical flea infestation. Hot spots are uncomfortable patches that dogs lick or scratch incessantly.
There is one question that all cat owners ask: Is my cat’s behavior weird or is that actually normal for felines? Most of the unusual behavior we see in our cats is perfectly normal; we just don’t understand what they’re telling us. Fortunately we have the secret that will reveal cat behavior.
If your pup runs circles around you one day and is lame the next, he may have an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury. ACL injuries occur frequently in canines, with estimates of over 1 million dogs suffering ACL injuries per year.
If you’ll pardon the pun, obesity in pets is a growing problem. According to the 8th annual National Pet Obesity Prevalence Survey (2014), 58% of cats and 53% of dogs in the USA are obese. According to the 2014 National Pet Obesity Awareness Day survey, 52.7% of dogs and 57.9% of cats in the USA are obese. Different studies, similar results.
Ear infections are one of the most common medical issues for both cats and dogs. Dogs and pups with floppy ears, like Cocker Spaniels, are more prone to ear infections than dogs with erect ears, like German Shepherds. Outdoor cats have a higher rate of ear infections than indoor cats, although indoor cats are not immune.
Cats are aloof and not as responsive to training as dogs. But offer a cat a treat they love and they’ll be as eager to please as any pup. Cat treats are effective training tools, and they help calm anxious cats forced into uncomfortable situations. These include introductions to an unfamiliar environment, or even worse, a bath.
Plenty of people like to treat their dogs to a gourmet dish once in awhile and some may even be contemplating substituting dog food with human food. However, it’s important to know which foods are safe for dogs and which are so dangerous they’re deadly.
Most pet insurance companies don’t cover pregnancy and breeding. There are simply too many complications that could arise and things that could wrong for a typical pet insurer to cover the risks. However, there are pet insurance companies that offer specialist products for breeders, so that they can give their breeding dogs and cats (and their offspring) the best medical care available.
Despite our best efforts to keep our pets safe, it’s not uncommon for them to sniff out toxic materials, like rat and mouse poisons and help themselves. This is because these types of poison are easily accessible and not just because we don’t always store them as safely as we should.
There is a difference between congenital and hereditary conditions or disorders. Congenital conditions or birth defects onset during fetal development, they can have a genetic or environmental cause (e.g., poor nutrition, stress, injury or illness before and during pregnancy). Hereditary disorders are genetically carried through either of the parents’ genes to the offspring; basically they are inherited medical conditions.
Bath time: Some dogs and cats love it, but most pets hate bathing as much as a mucky toddler, and will do everything to get out the ordeal! However, washing your dog and cat doesn’t need to be a song and dance.
It may seem an indulgence or even an unnecessary convenience for some people, but the importance of good dental hygiene for pets is essential to keeping your pet healthy, happy and pain-free.
There are at least two definitions of chronic conditions: an illness or disease that lasts from at least three months to several years; an illness or disease that can be controlled or managed with medical treatment and/or alternative therapy.
As a rule, pre-existing conditions are defined as any medical condition for which your dog or cat has been treated before your pet insurance plan comes into effect, and that includes any conditions and diagnosis during the waiting period. Most pet insurance providers don’t cover pre-existing medical conditions, period; other pet insurance companies provide limited coverage for pre-existing conditions with specific exclusions.
“What is the best food to feed my dog?” It’s one of the most common questions asked by dog owners as they are increasingly concerned that their dogs are getting the best nutrition they can afford.
Cats are notoriously picky eaters; some love wet food, some love dry cat food and others will only eat raw food. Whichever type of food your cat prefers, you want to ensure that you’re feeding them the best.
To spay or not to spay (or to neuter or not to neuter if you have a male cat or dog): It’s a question many puppy and kitten guardians ask themselves when they bring home a new four-legged buddy.
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