Ways to Exercise Your Dog Indoors When It’s Very Cold Outside
When cabin fever sets in, it doesn’t just apply to humans. Cats and dogs also feel the effects. While you can take a trip or find other creative ways to get your energy out, your pets only have the option of walking out the pet door in the hopes of getting some fresh air that doesn’t hurt their faces. The good news is that you can both get some sense of satisfaction by finding a few unique ways to give your dog some exercise inside the house. Hide and Seek Does your dog love treats? Of course he or...
more infoHelp Your Pets Have a Healthy 2016
Whether you made a resolution to get in shape or not, your pet may be ready for some workout time. Perhaps you have noticed that your pup is having a hard time squeezing through the dog door, and it isn’t because he’s still growing in the way puppies do. Maybe your cat has a bit more of an attitude than usual. These are signs that your pet needs some play time. Even if they don’t show these signs, prevention is the best method by which to maintain good health. Visit the Vet Your pet needs wellness checks just like...
more infoList of Unusual Pets that Are Legal to Own
Not everyone wants a cat or a dog. Some people prefer something a little more exotic. Even so, many pet owners find that some exotic animals can use the same tools as average pets, like litter boxes and dog or cat doors. While there are many exotic animals that are legal to own, not all of these animals are legal to own in every state. Even if they are legal in your state, local codes and ordinances might prevent you from owning an exotic pet. In fact, they might prevent you from owning an average pet, depending on where...
more infoWhat You Need to Know about Pet Insurance
When it comes time to buy pet insurance, think of it much the same way you would think of buying coverage for yourself. You’re dealing with a business that is supposed to help cover the costs of healthcare, but it’s still a business. Be prepared to ask and answer a lot of questions, even if they seem odd. For example, your insurance company might ask if you use pet doors that open into a fenced in area. They aren’t being nosy; they just want to assess the type of potential risk they are going to be involved in. The...
more infoSmart Homes and Pets
Technology has made it possible for pet owners to take even better care of their pets than ever before. Not only can items like dog doors allow owners to focus on quality time with their pets instead of multiple trips to the front door, but it also means that pets know what to expect and when to expect it. With people leading such hectic lives today, it’s nice to know that smart homes can help manage the things that pets need so the owners can enjoy what the pets want. Auto-Feed and Water For those who work odd schedules...
more infoHoliday Pet Hazards
For many pet owners, watching their dog or cat walk out the dog door or cat door is much the same as watching a child walk out the front door. You want them to be safe, and yet you want them to be able to enjoy life at the same time. This holiday season, you can help them do both by taking a few precautions with the holiday elements. Edibles If you think you have problems with all the amazing treats that are such a temptation for you, your pet is even more tempted. That’s because humans pretty much...
more infoHow to Care for Cats in the Winter
Like humans, cats are prone to become sick of the indoors over the winter season. They may venture out the cat door every now and then, but they can’t wait for spring any more than you can. Even if your cat is normally an indoor cat, there are some adjustments you can make so that your kitty has a more pleasant winter than they might otherwise have. It doesn’t take much effort, and it can make both you and your cat happier during the cold season. Groom Frequently Cats tend to put on an extra layer of fur during...
more infoWinter Exercises for Dogs
The cold season means that both you and your pet are indoors more often, but don’t rely on the dog door to be the only means by which your dog sees the outdoors or gets exercise. Remember that fresh air and exposure to sunlight has numerous benefits for both you and your pet. Of course, it’s also a great idea to plan some indoor exercises as well, for those days when it’s just not sensible to be outside. Practice Scent Training This is an exercise you can do both inside and outside. Let your dog sniff something, and then...
more infoGrooming Pets in the Winter Season
The winter season might make you extra grateful for your dog door, but how is your dog feeling about it? Cold weather brings some added issues for dogs, issues that not every pet owner realizes. From nail trimming to brushing the coat a little more often, it’s important to put a little more focus on grooming your pets when it is cold outside, especially if you live in an area that sees any kind of snowfall. Use the tips below to help your dog enjoy the winter season this year. Take Care of the Coat Many people think that...
more infoFun Ways to Exercise Your Dog
We all love our dogs, but, let’s face it, sometimes we’re a bit apt to overindulge them. Couple that with the fact our lives are always busy, and it can make for an unhealthy dog. If your dog doesn’t have a pet door so he or she can get outside during the day, these fun exercises will help you both get the exercise you need. Doggy Tag Just as you may have played tag as a child, you can play this great game with your dog. Head out to the local dog park or to the backyard and teach...
more infoHow to Keep Your Pets Warm in Cold Weather
With winter on the way, remember that cold weather can have a serious effect on pets. It’s best to place dogs and cats indoors for the majority of the season, except for necessary exercise. Before you head outside for playtime with your pet, follow these tips to keep them warm. Provide Shelter The best way to protect your dog or cat during the winter months is to bring them inside – period. You should never leave your pet outside for extended periods of time without supervision, especially if there’s a chance of inclement weather. However, if your dog or...
more infoTips for Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior
Though they can’t vocalize their feelings, dogs use behavior and posture to give us clues about different states of mind. Watch your dog’s body language to gauge his mood; taking into account how he holds himself, the motion of his tail, and even the way his head is positioned. Posture A dog’s standing position can tell us many things about how he’s feeling: Standing At-Ease: You’ll know when your dog is content by the way he stands. A loose standing position is a sign of relaxation and calm. If he’s feeling especially cheerful, he may even wag his tail....
more infoWays Your Dog Shows Love
From a friendly lick to fast-paced tail wagging, there are many ways that our canine companions exhibit love. Since dogs can’t come right out and tell us how they feel, here are a few telltale signs your pup is expressing emotions of loyalty and happiness: Tail Wagging: Dogs use their tails to express many different emotions, from fear to excitement. You can tell your dog is happy to see you when his tail is wagging so hard that his behind sweeps from side to side. You may even see his tail move in circles! Next time you come home...
more infoHow to Make Homemade Dog Food
Wsith recent consumer trends favoring a move to conscious, sustainably-sourced cuiine, food for pets seems to be following a similar trajectory, especially since many packaged feeds often contain insufficient nutrients, high levels of fat, and low-quality fillers. Due to overwhelming feed options on the market, now more than ever consumers have pledged to make their own quality dog food from scratch. Here is everything you need to get started. The Essentials A balanced diet is crucial to keep your pet happy and healthy. Make sure your homemade dog food includes these important nutrients: Fat and Fatty Acids: Try using...
more infoTop Dog Breeds for Longevity
On average, your pooch is expected to live anywhere between five and sixteen years of age. Though factors like health and lifestyle can affect the longevity of your pet, breed size is often considered the most reliable method of lifespan estimation. Larger dog breeds tend to live only a fraction as long as small dogs do. Though it’s difficult to predict how long your pet will live, here is a list of breeds that are known for having lengthy lives: Corgi: This compact breed is intelligent and friendly, making the perfect pet for any family. Corgis are also known...
more infoWays to Tell Your Pet Is Happy
Like humans, animals are also capable of expressing a range of emotions. Although they can’t use words to say how they’re feeling, dogs and cats wield body language and physical cues that show what’s going on inside their minds. From purring to smiling, here are some of the ways you can understand your pet’s demeanor. Cheerful Canines Here is how to tell when your pup is feeling relaxed and happy: Tail Movement: Wagging is a telltale sign that your dog is feeling loved. The way a dog moves his tail can display a range of emotions, too. A relaxed...
more infoTraining an Obedient Dog
Starting a training program with your dog can help him improve his manners, ability to follow directions, and overall leash control. Even well behaved dogs can benefit from basic discipline. Not only will training help improve your dog’s demeanor, it can also keep him safe from harm’s way in an emergency. Getting Started Training is a continuous process that only improves with time. It’s best to start a regimen with your dog when he’s young – ideally within his first year. Teach in short bursts to start, no longer than half an hour each. Over time, you can increase...
more infoHow to Train Your Kitten to Be an Outdoor Cat
Most cats love having the opportunity to play outdoors, but yours may be an exception. Some cats live in fear of the elements, while others have simply become accustomed to indoor life. If you’d like to give your new cat the chance to spend more time in your yard, try training him using the steps below. Before long, you may even be able to install a cat door to let your feline friend explore your yard whenever he wants. Why Some Cats Prefer the Indoors For some kittens, indoor living is all they’ve experienced in their young lives. Other...
more infoTips for Controlling Shedding
When choosing a pet, many families seek specific breeds for the amount of hair they shed – or lack thereof. Shedding is not always a matter of heredity, however: there are also several environmental factors that can impact the amount of hair animals shed. Here are a few common reasons why pets shed, plus ways to control the amount of hair in your home: Why Pets Shed There are many different factors that affect shedding, such as: Nutrition: Like humans, the food that pets eat can directly affect the amount of hair that they shed. When consuming proper nutrients,...
more infoRemedies for Pet Allergies
A fur or hair allergy diagnosis can be devastating for people who love to own pets. It’s commonly thought that allergy sufferers can’t experience relief without giving their pet up for adoption, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. Luckily, there are many actions for pet lovers to take to ensure that companionship with their dog or cat continues for many years to come. Find Out the Specifics If you think you may be allergic to your cat or dog, see a doctor first. Different people react to separate allergens – like dander or fur – and...
more infoTop Reasons to Have Your Pet Spayed or Neutered
One of the most important parts of being a responsible pet owner is having your cat or dog spayed or neutered before it becomes an adult. Spaying (for female pets) and neutering (the male equivalent) is a form of birth control that prevents unwanted litters. In addition to keeping homeless pets off streets and out of shelters, spaying and neutering can also have long-term health benefits to help your pet live a happier life. Many cities now enforce mandatory spaying and neutering, but read on for additional reasons to help you make the right decision. Prevents Unwanted Pets: Unplanned...
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