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Human Food That Is Poisonous to Dogs
You may be tempted to feed your pup some scraps from the table as a gesture of love, but you may be doing more harm than good. Like people, dogs will usually eat things that aren’t good for them simply because they like the taste. However, some of the foods that humans consider the tastiest can be poisonous to your canine.
Caffeine
You’ve probably heard that chocolate is bad for your dog, and it is. However, the reason it’s bad is the same reason that coffee is bad. It’s the caffeine in either one that can overload your dogs’ nervous system and cause some serious health problems. One piece of chocolate may not kill your dog, but why even tempt your pup into eating things he or she shouldn’t have when you know they...
read moreThe Beauty of Cat’s Eyes
Cat’s eyes are so notoriously beautiful that many women strive to cultivate the same look, some even going so far as to use cat-like eye contacts. However, there are a lot of myths surrounding cat’s eyes and even more interesting truths.
Colours
Like humans, felines enjoy a variety of eye colours, with some even having two different coloured eyes. Kittens are unable to open their eyes until they are about 8-12 weeks old, depending on the breed. When they do open them, their eyes tend to be blue, but most won’t stay that way. Instead, they will most likely turn brown, gold, orange, or green.
Blue-Eyed Cats
Blue-eyed cats aren’t all that common and, while most blue-eyed cats don’t have any...
read moreCommon Cat Behavioural Problems and Solutions
Training isn’t only for dogs. Many cats also need guidance in order to adapt to their home and environment. Otherwise, common feline problems can crop up, often a result of boredom or lack of stimulation. Luckily, most cat behavioural issues can be quickly adjusted using the following tips:
The Destructive Kitty
If your cat loves to scratch sofas or claw carpets, look into getting a scratching post (or several). You can use catnip to draw attention to their new toy, and be sure to use verbal praises and treats to reward good behaviour. While taking the time to get adjusted to new scratching posts, use a water bottle to gently mist your pet if they return to familiar furniture for scratching.
The Early Riser
Does your cat...
read moreHow to Prevent Dogs from Scratching Doors
Each dog has his or her own way of expressing the need to go outside, from barking to scratching. Habits like scratching are not only a nuisance, but can also cause serious damage to doors and painted surfaces over time. Try these common solutions to prevent door scratching, from installing a pet door, to adjusting daily habits like increasing walks or one-on-one playtime:
- Prevent Access
Blocking the path to a door is the easiest way to stop your dog from scratching. Try putting up a baby gate to limit access. Keep in mind, however, if your pet is unable to scratch, they may verbalize the need to go out in other ways, such as barking or...
read moreHelping Your Pets through the Door
All right, you’ve done your homework and selected the best pet door for you and your furry companion. There’s nothing left to do but install it and let the good times roll, right?
Not so fast. The reality is, cats and dogs often need to get acclimated to pet doors before they’ll use them voluntarily. Feeling the flap hit them as they go through, for instance, can be an unusual and even frightening sensation at first, as can the sound of the door’s operation.
For puppies and young dogs, first acclimate your new friend to your house, and the door that leads outside. Then, once the dog door is installed, hold or tape the flap up, position yourself on the opposite side from your dog, and encourage her to come through the door, either by coaxing her or using tasty...
read morePet Doors: Make Sure They Fit You, Not Just Your Pet
You love your pet, and know that giving your favorite dog or feline the freedom to go outside and come back on her own will help keep her healthy and active. A pet door is the best way to give your special friend that kind of independence, but before you install one keep in mind that since it will change your home, the door should accommodate not just what’s best for your four-legged pal, but you, as well.
First, you’ll want to make sure the door is the right size, not just for now, but in the future: after all, your adorable Doberman pup won’t stay small forever. In general, a small door will work for cats and dogs under twenty pounds, a medium sized door will work for animals under forty pounds, and anything over forty...
read moreReasons to Adopt A Senior Dog
When it comes time to adopt a pet, are you the kind who walks in the shelter and waits for one to just hit your heart the right way? Maybe you are looking for a puppy that you can train from the start. What many people don’t realize is that senior dogs are often the ones who make the best pets, but they sometimes get overlooked for the temporary allure of a fuzzy puppy with floppy ears.
Calmer Demeanor
Senior pets tend to be much calmer than puppies. If the hyperactivity of children and other people irritates you, you aren’t going to like a hyperactive puppy. The puppy will calm down in a couple of years, but what are you going to deal with before then? Senior dogs are more relaxed and have slowed down somewhat—a demeanor that certainly has its...
read moreThings to Consider When Adopting a Cat or Dog
Whether you happened upon a cute picture on Facebook, or your young child has been begging you for a pet to call his or her own, getting a pet of any kind is a huge decision. It isn’t a new toy; it’s a whole other living being to take care of. Before you pick out your fur baby, consider some of the elements below.
Cost
Cost is an enormous factor, because you don’t really know what it will be. You have licensing, bedding, collars, leashes, and ongoing vet care. Even if your pet doesn’t have any health issues, you have to think of preventative maintenance, and possibly even medical grooming, depending on the pet you get. You might want to consider pet insurance as an option, so you can manage costs more easily.
Time
Do the...
read moreHow to Prepare Your Puppy for Staying Home Alone
You’ve picked out that perfect puppy, and you’ve given him or her plenty of love. It’s been a blissful relationship, so far, but the reality has set in. Eventually you’ll have to leave your baby home alone. It’s best to start this process slowly in order to prepare your puppy for staying home alone. Australia Pet Doors has product offerings to assist in this process.
Preparing your puppy for being home alone protects both your puppy and your home. Much like a child, a pet must learn to amuse and calm himself or herself. Teach your puppy to settle down with a toy by taking frequent breaks during play. The process of getting worked up and settling down will help in the self-calming process.
Self-calming is just one part of training your puppy to be alone....
read moreThings to Remember When Leaving Your Pets at Home
Our pets are a vital part of our lives, and we hate to leave them home alone, but unfortunately there are times when we must. There are some key things to remember each time you leave your pet at home, as well as some aids to remember, like pet doors and toys.
First, it’s essential to remember that your pets aren’t able to care for themselves while you’re gone. Everything they may need must be in a place they are familiar with and which they can easily access. The most important of these items are food and water. Make sure that you always leave enough for your dog or cat when you leave the house. For longer absences, be sure to have someone who can replenish these daily.
Leaving a pet home alone is much like leaving a...
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