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Visiting 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 attractions for humans, too. A nearby market is a great place to stop for treats for your pet.
- Sand Key Dog Park in Clearwater, Fla. has spaces for small and large dogs, and a... read more
Common 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 dog or cat’s heart, lungs, and circulatory system. The disease is commonly transmitted via mosquito bite.... read more
How 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 vet know if your cat is going to be an indoor cat or an outdoor cat so he or she can help you plan accordingly. Indoor cats and outdoor cats have different medical needs.
Use a Healthy Diet
Depending on the age of the cat, the...
Tricks 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 the treat to get his or her attention. Hold the treat in the spot where you want your cat to put his or her paw and say “high five.” When they reach for the treat, give...
read moreWhen 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 dog too often could cause skin dryness, leading to scratching and irritation.
Before a Bath
When it comes to bathing, trust is the name of the game for most pets. While some dogs may enjoy the...
read moreTraveling: 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 a great road trip copilot. However, if your dog is calm when crated for travel, it could be a great idea to have him or her along for the ride.
Talk to a Vet
If you have any doubts about...
read moreTips for Pet Friendly Home Decor
Having pets doesn’t mean the interior design of your home needs to be compromised. There are many décor options available that are safe for dogs and cats, yet which appeal to an array of aesthetic sensibilities:
- Buy Visually Appealing Toys: It’s not a décor tip, but it will prevent unwanted damage to furniture and surfaces! Keeping your pet stocked with toys will prevent him or her from getting bored and turning to destructive behaviors, like clawing couch cushions or gnawing cabinet knobs. With more pet options than ever, these days it’s easy to find toys that were created with an eye for design, such as modern food bowls or stylish scratching posts.
- Opt for Hard Surfaces: Accidents happen, and carpets can act like a... read more
Ways to Decorate Your Pet Door
Pet doors are a popular choice for homes with dogs or cats, giving your furry friend the freedom to roam. Many animal lovers strive to make pet doors work for their needs too, seeking ways to customize a dog door or cat flap match their home’s design scheme. With the creative tricks below, a simple coat of paint or transparent paneling can transform a standard dog door into a functional yet attractive pet accessory.
Get Crafty
If your pet uses an outdoor flap that’s comprised of a simple aluminum or wood frame, try a quick coat of paint to blend in with the rest of the door or wall. You can also use stamps or sponges to create a painted design around the opening of...
read moreWhat You Need to Know about Pet Insurance
The cost of veterinarian care can be stressful for many pet owners. Like buying the right food or selecting a comfortable collar, it’s important to be prepared when your dog or cat needs unexpected medical care. Health insurance can help make veterinarian costs more affordable in the long run, often reimbursing up to 80% of common medical or emergency bills. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider buying insurance for your four-legged family member:
Peace of Mind
With costs running anywhere from a mere $5 to $50 a month, insurance is an affordable way to be prepared for medical needs or emergencies. It also opens up a world of treatment options that otherwise may be unaffordable. With insurance, you can rest easy knowing your plan will give...
read moreCats: Man’s Other Best Friend?
Though dogs have long been touted as the most loyal of all domesticated pets, a recent study by Konrad Lorenz Research Station and the University of Vienna1 shows that cats may be more social than previously believed. The relationship between cat and human can often take the form of a child-rearing relationship, complete with nurturing and affection. Here are a few reasons that prove cats make excellent companions:
Cats Can Remember Kindness
In the study, researchers learned that cats have the capacity to understand compassion and courtesy in a symbiotic relationship. This perception is remembered, too. For example, you can negotiate playtime with your pet to prevent them from jumping...
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