Why You Should Never Get Your Cat Declawed
Scratching is a form of exercise for cats, and it also helps keep their claws maintained. Though scratching is perfectly normal behavior, some cat owners become frustrated by pets who claw and scratch furniture and carpets. As a quick fix, many owners have their cats declawed by a veterinarian. Once a common procedure, these days declawing is widely known as a dangerous and painful practice that can have long-term effects on the health of your pet. Declawing Defined Many believe that declawing is a simple surgery that can be compared to trimming a human’s fingernails. The actual process, however,...
more infoFive Common Cat Personality Types
Like many animals, cats have unique quirks and personality types. If you own more than one cat, this fact is especially apparent, as even kittens from the same litter can display drastically different behaviors. For example, one cat may love to run amok at all hours of the night, while another refuses to leave his favorite hiding place under your bed. Here are five common cat “personality types” – which does your pet fall under? The Mischievous Cat Also known as the “party animal,” this type of cat is known to have a lot of energy. If your cat...
more infoThe Five Dog “Personality Types”
Dogs are intelligent creatures that are capable of many emotions. As researchers learn more about the way canines interact, the more they uncover about their habits. Many believe that by understanding your dog’s individual personality, you can better comprehend his behavior; from bad habits like begging, to hiding or other defensive actions. Most dogs can be categorized as one of five common “personality types.” Read on for more info and how to properly manage each personality type: Confident and Independent Dominant pups are natural pack leaders and often feel secure with their surroundings. Usually, their confidence is indicated through...
more infoThe Facts About Cats
Cats have been domesticated pets for thousands of years, but many myths about our furry friends still exist. Misconceptions about cats can result in difficulties with owners and visitors who come in contact with them, so clearing up myths about cats can help make life easier for cats and humans alike. Myth 1 – Cats have nine lives: Cats are smart, tough and good at getting themselves out of jams, but immortal, they are not. This is the most common and obviously false myth about felines. Myth 2 – Cats steal the breath of babies: Cats do not do...
more infoThree Top Separation Anxiety Myths
Separation anxiety is a common problem among canines, and it can cause destructive behavior such as chewing, soiling carpets, and aggression. Many dog owners don’t understand canine separation anxiety and there are many myths about the problem. Here are three of the most common: Letting your dog sleep in your bed will cause separation anxiety – Research shows no basis for the theory that co-sleeping with your pup will make him more likely to experience separation anxiety. However, if your dog already suffers from separation anxiety, co-sleeping may exacerbate the problem. For dogs suffering from separation anxiety, a better...
more infoKnowing CPR for Pets Critical for Animal Lovers
Just like feeding your dog nutritious food, installing safety gear like fencing and pet doors, and making sure the pet has gone through obedience training, knowing basic first aid is the mark of a responsible pet owner. Knowing how to respond to emergency situations can help ensure that you enjoy your pet for many years to come. CPR for pets is one animal first aid skill that can come in handy in emergency situations. Should an emergency arise where you are unable to detect your dog’s heartbeat, follow these steps to perform pet CPR on your animal: Place the...
more infoProviding First Aid to Dogs
As much as we strive to keep our pets safe with fences and smart pet door designs, there will always be unexpected dangers we cannot protect them from. Knowing how to provide first aid for our canine friends can make a life-saving difference in emergency situations. Every dog owner should know a few animal first aid basics they can use in the event of an emergency. Here are a few: If your dog has been poisoned, try to find the possible source of the poisoning and get on the phone with your vet immediately. Do not try to induce...
more infoPreventing Dog Shedding
Shedding is a common complaint among pet owners, as it causes an unsightly mess and can contribute to allergies among residents of the home and visitors. Pet owners can reduce or even eliminate dog shedding by taking a proactive approach to the problem. Consider these tactics for preventing dog shedding: Regular brushings – Brushing your dog daily to remove excess hair will improve the health of your dog’s coat and also make the animal less likely to shed hair all over your home. Improve food quality – High quality pet food can help reduce incidences of shedding. Supplements –...
more infoObedience Training Builds Domestic Harmony
Sharing your home with a dog can be a wonderful experience, especially for families, but establishing the proper pet-owner relationship is important. Untrained dogs can cause any number of problems, including chewed up shoes, soiled carpet, and incidents of aggression. Obedience training can help pet owners maintain a happy household, as it will acclimate dogs to their role in the home and also teach them to respond to basic commands. Some basics covered in dog training classes include: Socialization with other dogs and humans. Dogs are taught to respect and obey humans, and to refrain from aggressive behavior with...
more infoCommon Food Allergies among Dogs
Food allergies can show up any time throughout your dog’s life. An allergy occurs when your pet’s immune system registers a food ingredient as harmful and creates defensive antibodies to counteract the intolerance. Allergies can cause itching and discomfort for Fido, so be sure to address any unusual behavior before it gets worse. Symptoms If your dog exhibits behavior that’s out of the ordinary, keep a watchful eye and consider a vet visit before things get worse. The more a dog is exposed to allergens, the more severe the reaction will become. If your pet exhibits any of the...
more infoA Balanced Pet Diet
Following a healthy diet is just as important for pets as it is for humans. Pets need a complete mix of protein, fats, vitamins and minerals, and carbohydrates in order to stay fit. Revamp your pet’s diet with the following tips. Health Matters Feed your pet a mix of the below nutrients for good health: Protein: Cats and dogs are carnivorous and require more protein than humans. Sufficient protein in the diet will keep your pet strong and active. Fat: High in energy, fats are an essential part of your pet’s diet. Limit over-consumption, however – especially by avoiding...
more infoFood Trends in the Pet industry
With humans taking strides to consume healthier food, this trend has started to spread to the world of pets as well. Many owners now seek the best possible diet for their pets, whether this means optioning for premium pet foods, or seeking organic feed for their furry friends. Here are some of the food trends that are taking the pet store by storm: Increased Interest in Sustainability and Processing Methods Recently pet owners have been dedicated to learning more about the ethics of their favorite pet food manufacturer. It is now common for owners to ask about a company’s...
more infoCommon Pet Names in 2015
If you’re having trouble picking a great name for your new dog or cat, why not try one of 2015’s most popular pet names? For Male Animals Hudson: This name has recently become popular for human babies, so it’s no wonder puppy parents are using it for their little ones, too. Max: Simple, no-frills names are big for 2015. Max works well for both kitty and canine companions. Rocky: Perfect for the pet who is strong and playful, yet a touch mischievous. For Female Animals Molly: This name has always been popular for dogs that are native to Ireland,...
more infoTips for Raising a Well-Mannered Dog
All you really need to know about raising a well-mannered dog can be summed up in one statement: Your dog thrives on your positive attention. Yes, your dog might have a dog door to go outside while you have to turn a handle, but, in the eyes of your pup, you’re the pack leader, and your positive attention is the goal for the day—every day. Be the Leader Dogs are pack animals and, as far as they are concerned, so are you. They follow your lead, but they don’t do well with punishment, and it isn’t necessary. All you...
more infoDifference between Human and Canine Vision
Humans and canines have very different vision, but it probably isn’t different in the way that you imagine it to be. After reading this, you’ll think differently about the way your dog sees the world when he or she heads out through the dog door. You may even better understand your pet’s behaviour. Myth Busted There is a myth that dogs only see in black and white. While they do only see in a two-color spectrum, it isn’t black and white. Humans see on a three-color spectrum that includes blue, red, and green shades. Dogs see on a blue/green...
more infoVisiting the World’s Top Dog Parks
Dog parks give dogs a place to play and socialize in an environment that’s designed specifically for them. Cities around the world are building dog parks, many with their own unique features. When taking your beloved dog for a vacation, consider checking out one of these great dog parks: The Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill in London has a huge dog park for four-legged visitors to Great Britain’s capital city to enjoy. Human visitors will also like the sports facilities and famed rose garden at the park. Sarphatipark in Amsterdam offers a spacious park for dogs, and plenty of...
more infoCommon Pet Diseases and How to Prevent Them
All pet owners want their beloved animals to live healthy, happy lives. Unfortunately, many pets fall victim to illness and injury. Many pet diseases are preventable and, with just a minimal investment of time and money, pet owners can extend their animals’ lives and improve the quality of them by staving off illness. Some common pet illnesses include: Rabies – This pet disease affects the central nervous system and can cause death to humans if they are infected. The best prevention is an annual rabies booster that will prevent the illness. Heartworms – Parasites that can slowly destroy a...
more infoHow to Raise a Healthy Cat
A healthy cat is a cat that feels safe and secure. As such, it is well-mannered and can be very affectionate. As a cat owner, it’s up to you to keep your cat healthy. You can do this by using common tools, like your pet professional, as well as things like cat doors. Visit a Vet To learn the details about proper cat care, visit your vet so that your pet can be inspected for things like mites, worms, and so forth. Make sure to get your cat on a vaccination schedule, and keep up with it. Let your...
more infoTricks You Can Teach Your Cat
Cats may seem a bit less excited about social situations than dogs are, but they can still be trained to do simple or even complex tricks. Timely, positive reinforcement is the key here, and it is best done with treats. You can get your cat to do something as simple as a high five, or as complex as going out the cat door and meeting you at a specific spot. Start with something simple and move forward. Gestures One of the easiest things to train your cat to do is a high five. This is because you can use...
more infoWhen to Bathe Your Dog
If your dog loves to play outside, then you know that the cleanup process is never quite as fun for dogs as getting dirty seems to be. Here are a few stress-relieving tips and techniques to try the next time Fido is due for a wash: Timing How often you should wash your dog largely depends on the breed and the level of activity of each dog. For example, if your pet spends most of the day outdoors, frequent baths may be necessary. A bath once a month is a good rule of thumb for most breeds. Bathing your...
more infoTraveling: Should Your Pet Stay or Go?
If you’re going on vacation this summer, you may question whether bringing your pet along for the ride is a good idea. Though there are many advantages to having your furry companion by your side, take some time to think about what’s best for their needs, or how to plan for your time apart. Put Your Pet’s Interests First It can be great to travel with your pet, but question whether the trip is the best option for their health, happiness, and safety. For example, if your dog whines during drives around town, he or she might not make...
more info