Teaching Your Animal How to Use the Doggie Door
Some dogs love to bathe in the sun, while others are content to sleep on the couch all day. They can’t stay where they are forever, as much as they’d like to; getting exercise and going to answer nature’s call is a must for a healthy pet. Yet, we’ve all experienced that moment where the dog wants to go out, then come in, then go out, then come in again—much to your personal frustration. If you have an indecisive dog who loves her freedom, it might be time for you to invest in a small or medium dog door....
more infoThings That Are Poisonous to Your Pets
If you have a small dog door for your pet, you know the convenience of this item. You give your pet the freedom to soak in some sun and fresh air throughout the day while also having the peace of mind that your pet won’t use the bathroom inside of the home. While pet doors are convenient for pets and owners alike, they also create the risk of unsupervised time outdoors. We all know that dogs and cats can be quite mischievous and, before you know it, your furry friend is into something he shouldn’t be. Here’s what you...
more infoTips on Flying with Your Pet
The amount of preparation that is needed for traveling, especially when it comes to flying with pets, can often be stressful and overwhelming. We all want the best for our furry friends, so it is important to consider your pet’s needs and safety. Air travel can be dangerous for pets, especially those with brachycephalic or “pushed in” faces such as pugs, bulldogs, and Persian cats, whose short nasal passages put them at greater risk for oxygen deprivation and heat stroke.1 If you have the option of keeping your pet at home, consider obtaining a small dog door or cat...
more infoTips for Walking Your Cat
While you may have a small cat door that allows your cat to go outside at his discretion, there’s nothing better than being able to breathe in the fresh air and soak up some sun by going for a walk. While dogs are usually the pets that are trained to walk using a leash and harness, cats are just as capable (and fun!) to take on a stroll. Here’s everything you need to know about walking your cat. Use a Harness Cats are known to be able to fit into the smallest of places. This often makes traditional collars...
more infoWhy Puppies Play and the Purpose of Playing
Puppies and adult dogs like to socialize. One important aspect of learning for puppies and how they fit in a multi-dog household is playing with other dogs and their pet parents. Playtime allows them to determine what boundaries there are in their household. In addition, play allows puppies the ability to test what is and is not appropriate behavior, such as chewing on a shoe versus chewing on a toy. Other purposes of play provide puppies with additional benefits, including: Strengthening the bond you and your puppy share. Establishing a strong bond between you and your puppy makes it...
more infoThe Best Exercise for Older Dogs Is Right in Your Own Backyard
As our dogs age we strive to find the right balance of exercise and relaxation. Moving from the living room to the backyard in comfort, and quickly if nature calls, requires extra attention from pet parents. A dog flap for free access to the outdoors is ideal for this time of life, and even installing a dog door in a glass door is easier than you might think. Elder dogs benefit from the same activities they have always enjoyed, but in smaller doses. Regular gentle exercise prevents heart problems, arthritis, and obesity.1 Exercising in the backyard may help prevent...
more infoWhy Do Pets Itch Their Ears?
Itches happen! When a dog or cat uses their hind foot to reach a scratch, this is usually normal. On the other hand, if your pet is pawing or scratching at their ear constantly, chances are that there’s an underlying health issue that may be causing discomfort. Keep reading to learn what could be causing your dog or cat itching ears and treatment options to consider. Causes of Ear Scratching Constant itching of the ears in pets is a telltale sign that there’s something going on. Your pet’s diet, breed, and lifestyle all play a role in the health...
more infoHow to Help Your Pet with a Stomach Ache
Treating an upset stomach in humans typically involves bland food, ginger ale, and medicine to settle things down—but do you know what to do if your dog or cat has an upset stomach? Here are the signs and symptoms of a stomach ache in your pet, as well as treatment options and helpful tips such as installing a dog or cat door. What Causes a Pet Stomach Ache? In pets, there are all sorts of factors that can cause a stomach ache. More likely than not, your pet ate something that he shouldn’t have. Dogs are notorious for eating...
more infoCan Cats and Dogs Get Along?
In the movie Ghostbusters, Dr. Peter Venkman said, “Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together … mass hysteria!” People often use the phrase “fighting like cats and dogs.” Our culture seems to peg the two as polar opposites, destined to be adversaries. However, it is possible for the two to get along. The idea of dogs living with cats isn’t so far-fetched, especially if they’re introduced in their youth. Puppies are far less aggressive than adult canines, in most cases, and keener on learning a cat’s boundaries. A feline is then less likely to go scurrying through the cat...
more infoHoliday Gifts for Your Pets
With the holiday season here, many families are planning their gift giving. That includes the pets. In fact, a National Pet Owners Survey from the American Pet Products Association reveals 48% of dog owners purchased pet Christmas gifts for their pooch in 2016, as did 38% of cat owners. Aside from pet doors, there are nearly limitless ideas. In case you need pet gifts ideas, here are a few: Ideas for Dog Gifts Rawhide, plastic, or plush bones Squeaky toys in any color, shape, or size Ropes with attached squeaky toys or balls Personalized dog collar with name and/or...
more infoBrushing Your Pet’s Teeth
Many pet owners leave out an important aspect of dogs’ and cats’ health—dental care. In addition to annual visits to the veterinarian, you should consider brushing their teeth daily. It can make their lives easier—like pet doors can. You may prevent disease, tooth extractions, and even avoid dog teeth cleaning by vet technicians. Shopping for dog and cat doors may be simple, but how do you go about getting your pet to cooperate with toothbrushing? First, your dog must be calm and relaxed. Try to brush pets’ teeth daily so they get used to the routine; it can prevent...
more infoHelping Your Pet with Seasonal Allergies
Tis the season of sniffles, sneezes, and sore sinuses. That’s right. Springtime seasonal allergies are back, once again, and they affect many Australians. What many forget is that cats and dogs can experience seasonal allergies and often need treatment to ease their suffering, too. Natural remedies are available to help alleviate cat and dog allergies so that they can get back to their old selves. If your dog gets itchy during spring, summer, and autumn, he or she is most likely reacting to seasonal environmental allergies. If the symptoms continue year-round, it could be a sensitivity to a certain...
more infoHow to Identify and Remove Ticks from Your Cats and Dogs
Many pet owners anticipate the discovery of a tick in their cat or dog’s fur with trepidation— and for good reason. Ticks are dangerous parasites that can transmit diseases to animals and humans alike. When your dog or cat is running through the pet doors from the outside, it’s worthwhile ensuring that it hasn’t picked up any ticks. Signs Your Pet Has Ticks Stay alert! If you notice any of the following signs, your dogs or cats may have ticks: You find a tick in your home. Your pet has a fever. There are unexplained scabs on their skin....
more infoGot Allergies? Here Are Five of the Top Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
If dogs are man’s best friend, then it is simply unlucky that there are those who are allergic to these four-legged companions. Many people want to become pet parents but suffer from allergies. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, as much as 10 percent of the population in America is allergic to dogs. If you long for a dog to run through that dog door, then hypoallergenic pets can help! Usually, the hair and dander are what cause sufferers to start sneezing. Common pet dander allergy symptoms include: Coughing and wheezing Red, itchy eyes Running,...
more infoPopular Pet Names of 2017
Whether you’re picking up your puppy from the shelter or your cat is of what makes the companionship so special is building a relationship that will last for years. If you have pets already, you’ll know that their names speak volumes about their personalities. Traditional names such as Spot, Fluffy, and Patch that described the look or personality of the pet seem to have been taken over with a variety of new names for our four-legged friends. While names like Kitty and Tiger are still high on the list of popular names, there are new ones coming to the...
more infoPet Priority: Dealing with Dog Separation Anxiety
As any dog owner will tell you, a dog is part of the family—its own human pack. Australia Pet Doors, the leading provider of pet doors in Brisbane, knows that these highly sociable animals prefer living in groups and often become anxious when separated from their owners. Pet parents may feel guilt over leaving their dog home alone, especially a new dog adopted from the local pet shelter, but there are dog separation anxiety solutions to ensure your dog can look forward to or, at the very least, tolerate being left alone. What Are the Symptoms of Dog Separation...
more infoTranslating Different Dog Barks
Bark! Woof? Growl?! Do you know what all these “dog language” words mean? Whether your furry friend is leaping through pet doors for dinner or trying to alert you to a dreaded squirrel in the yard, he has his own language, too. Savvy companions often grow to inherently know their dog’s barks and what they mean, but, as it turns out, your dog’s barks really do have different and identifiable meanings. Let’s paw at the truth and get to know our pups a little bit better with this translation guide. Repeated Mid-Range Barks The repeated, mid-range bark is your...
more infoHow to Cool Down an Overheated Dog
Dogs love to play outside, but it can be dangerous for them during the summer. Our furry friends burn a lot of energy, and it’s easy for them to heat up quickly with little warning. Keep your pup cool, comfortable, and collected with these overheated dog recovery tips. Overheating: Causes and Symptoms Dogs only have sweat glands on their paws, so they remove most of their excess heat by panting. Thus, it’s harder for them to release heat when they become warm. Dogs with thick or long coats, short noses, high activity levels, or advanced age are more susceptible...
more infoWhen and How to Trim a Cat’s Claws
Trimming your cat’s claws is about more than just saving your furniture; it’s good for your cat, too. Keeping those nails trimmed reduces the chance of your cat getting his claws stuck in the carpet or other fabrics, and that can prevent costly vet visits. Most importantly, the occasional trim will also foster an enjoyable experience instead of a pain-inducing exercise in wincing. It’s far healthier (both mentally and physically) for your cat to keep their claws intact, so, even if it’s tempting, don’t entertain the idea of declawing. Not only can it cause devastating side effects like chronic...
more infoTricks & Treats: How to Train Your Dogs to Do the Basics
If you’ve been to the dog park, chances are you’ve seen people cavorting about with their well-trained dogs, prompting them to do all manner of neat tricks in exchange for little baked bone-shaped biscuits. Undoubtedly, you love your own sweet dog, but maybe you can’t help but feel a little twinge of jealousy when you consider that all your dog seems to know how to do is eat, sleep, use the dog door, and remind you of when it’s time for feeding. But, fear not! Teaching a few basic dog tricks is a rather simple task, and you’ll soon...
more infoDoes My Dog See in Black and White? Myths and Facts About Your Pets
There are many myths out there pertaining to our beloved pets—so many, that it can be downright impossible to determine what’s true and what’s not. One of the most common myths states that dogs can only see in black and white; this is actually false. Despite what some may say, when your dog dashes through that dog door to the yard, he or she really can see color—at least some of it, anyway. The Facts The reality of the situation is that, as far as we know, all dogs see color, but they don’t see all of them in...
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