Difference 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 infoTips 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...
more infoWays 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...
more infoWhat 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...
more infoCats: 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...
more infoHuman 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’...
more infoThe 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...
more infoCommon 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...
more infoHow 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...
more infoHelping 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...
more infoPet 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...
more infoReasons 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...
more infoThings 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...
more infoHow 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...
more infoThings 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...
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