Teaching Your Animal How to Use the Doggie Door
Some dogs love to bathe in the sun, while others are content to sleep on the couch all day. They can’t stay where they are forever, as much as they’d like to; getting exercise and going to answer nature’s call is a must for a healthy pet. Yet, we’ve all experienced that moment where the dog wants to go out, then come in, then go out, then come in again—much to your personal frustration. If you have an indecisive dog who loves her freedom, it might be time for you to invest in a small or medium dog door....
more infoThings That Are Poisonous to Your Pets
If you have a small dog door for your pet, you know the convenience of this item. You give your pet the freedom to soak in some sun and fresh air throughout the day while also having the peace of mind that your pet won’t use the bathroom inside of the home. While pet doors are convenient for pets and owners alike, they also create the risk of unsupervised time outdoors. We all know that dogs and cats can be quite mischievous and, before you know it, your furry friend is into something he shouldn’t be. Here’s what you...
more infoTips on Flying with Your Pet
The amount of preparation that is needed for traveling, especially when it comes to flying with pets, can often be stressful and overwhelming. We all want the best for our furry friends, so it is important to consider your pet’s needs and safety. Air travel can be dangerous for pets, especially those with brachycephalic or “pushed in” faces such as pugs, bulldogs, and Persian cats, whose short nasal passages put them at greater risk for oxygen deprivation and heat stroke.1 If you have the option of keeping your pet at home, consider obtaining a small dog door or cat...
more infoTips for Walking Your Cat
While you may have a small cat door that allows your cat to go outside at his discretion, there’s nothing better than being able to breathe in the fresh air and soak up some sun by going for a walk. While dogs are usually the pets that are trained to walk using a leash and harness, cats are just as capable (and fun!) to take on a stroll. Here’s everything you need to know about walking your cat. Use a Harness Cats are known to be able to fit into the smallest of places. This often makes traditional collars...
more infoThe Safest, Healthiest Houseplants for Your Pets
A common priority shared among cat lovers and dog lovers is ensuring the health and wellbeing of furry companions. Whether it be buying the best cat litter for your messy feline or a small dog door for your adventurous pooch, there are many important aspects to pet ownership that one must consider. Which is why it may come as a surprise to pet owners to learn that obtaining the right houseplants could be just as important as the type of feeding bowl you buy. Why Should You Have Plants in Your Home? Plants have always been a staple in...
more infoRecord-Breaking Pets
Your once-tiny puppy may now need a large dog door, and your fabulous feline’s weight may mean a large cat door is in his future—but is being big the only way to get in the record books? These world record pets don’t think so. Norman the Scooter Dog In 2013, a little French sheepdog broke the world record for fastest 30 meters on a scooter. Yes, we said a scooter! It only took Marietta, Georgia native Norman 20.77 seconds to reach his victory, which blew the old record out of the water by around 9 seconds. Smokey the Purrmaster...
more infoWhy Puppies Play and the Purpose of Playing
Puppies and adult dogs like to socialize. One important aspect of learning for puppies and how they fit in a multi-dog household is playing with other dogs and their pet parents. Playtime allows them to determine what boundaries there are in their household. In addition, play allows puppies the ability to test what is and is not appropriate behavior, such as chewing on a shoe versus chewing on a toy. Other purposes of play provide puppies with additional benefits, including: Strengthening the bond you and your puppy share. Establishing a strong bond between you and your puppy makes it...
more infoThe Best Exercise for Older Dogs Is Right in Your Own Backyard
As our dogs age we strive to find the right balance of exercise and relaxation. Moving from the living room to the backyard in comfort, and quickly if nature calls, requires extra attention from pet parents. A dog flap for free access to the outdoors is ideal for this time of life, and even installing a dog door in a glass door is easier than you might think. Elder dogs benefit from the same activities they have always enjoyed, but in smaller doses. Regular gentle exercise prevents heart problems, arthritis, and obesity.1 Exercising in the backyard may help prevent...
more infoCan Dogs and Cats Get Depressed?
When you’re down and out, chances are that your dog or cat senses these feelings and sticks by your side until you seem to be feeling better. Just like humans, pets can also suffer from depression. Has your once bubbly pet become listless and withdrawn? Has a major life event taken place recently? If so, your dog or cat may be suffering from pet depression. Signs of Pet Depression It’s hard to know when dogs and cats are suffering from depression, simply because we cannot ask them, but there are certain symptoms that your furry family member may show...
more infoWhy Do Pets Itch Their Ears?
Itches happen! When a dog or cat uses their hind foot to reach a scratch, this is usually normal. On the other hand, if your pet is pawing or scratching at their ear constantly, chances are that there’s an underlying health issue that may be causing discomfort. Keep reading to learn what could be causing your dog or cat itching ears and treatment options to consider. Causes of Ear Scratching Constant itching of the ears in pets is a telltale sign that there’s something going on. Your pet’s diet, breed, and lifestyle all play a role in the health...
more infoHow to Help Your Pet with a Stomach Ache
Treating an upset stomach in humans typically involves bland food, ginger ale, and medicine to settle things down—but do you know what to do if your dog or cat has an upset stomach? Here are the signs and symptoms of a stomach ache in your pet, as well as treatment options and helpful tips such as installing a dog or cat door. What Causes a Pet Stomach Ache? In pets, there are all sorts of factors that can cause a stomach ache. More likely than not, your pet ate something that he shouldn’t have. Dogs are notorious for eating...
more infoCan Cats and Dogs Get Along?
In the movie Ghostbusters, Dr. Peter Venkman said, “Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together … mass hysteria!” People often use the phrase “fighting like cats and dogs.” Our culture seems to peg the two as polar opposites, destined to be adversaries. However, it is possible for the two to get along. The idea of dogs living with cats isn’t so far-fetched, especially if they’re introduced in their youth. Puppies are far less aggressive than adult canines, in most cases, and keener on learning a cat’s boundaries. A feline is then less likely to go scurrying through the cat...
more infoHoliday Gifts for Your Pets
With the holiday season here, many families are planning their gift giving. That includes the pets. In fact, a National Pet Owners Survey from the American Pet Products Association reveals 48% of dog owners purchased pet Christmas gifts for their pooch in 2016, as did 38% of cat owners. Aside from pet doors, there are nearly limitless ideas. In case you need pet gifts ideas, here are a few: Ideas for Dog Gifts Rawhide, plastic, or plush bones Squeaky toys in any color, shape, or size Ropes with attached squeaky toys or balls Personalized dog collar with name and/or...
more infoBrushing Your Pet’s Teeth
Many pet owners leave out an important aspect of dogs’ and cats’ health—dental care. In addition to annual visits to the veterinarian, you should consider brushing their teeth daily. It can make their lives easier—like pet doors can. You may prevent disease, tooth extractions, and even avoid dog teeth cleaning by vet technicians. Shopping for dog and cat doors may be simple, but how do you go about getting your pet to cooperate with toothbrushing? First, your dog must be calm and relaxed. Try to brush pets’ teeth daily so they get used to the routine; it can prevent...
more infoHelping Your Pet Lose Weight
Pet doors come in many sizes, and so do pets. If you find your dog or cat is showing signs of obesity, it’s time to help them lose weight. In 2016, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention reported about 54% of canines included overweight dogs and 59% of cats in the U.S. are overweight. Thus, fitting through those tight dog doors and cat doors can get tough. Overweight dog health problems include diabetes, arthritis, heart and kidney disease, high blood pressure, and even cancer. If you want your overweight cats and dogs to live healthier, here’s how to help...
more infoHelping Your Pet with Seasonal Allergies
Tis the season of sniffles, sneezes, and sore sinuses. That’s right. Springtime seasonal allergies are back, once again, and they affect many Australians. What many forget is that cats and dogs can experience seasonal allergies and often need treatment to ease their suffering, too. Natural remedies are available to help alleviate cat and dog allergies so that they can get back to their old selves. If your dog gets itchy during spring, summer, and autumn, he or she is most likely reacting to seasonal environmental allergies. If the symptoms continue year-round, it could be a sensitivity to a certain...
more infoHow to Identify and Remove Ticks from Your Cats and Dogs
Many pet owners anticipate the discovery of a tick in their cat or dog’s fur with trepidation— and for good reason. Ticks are dangerous parasites that can transmit diseases to animals and humans alike. When your dog or cat is running through the pet doors from the outside, it’s worthwhile ensuring that it hasn’t picked up any ticks. Signs Your Pet Has Ticks Stay alert! If you notice any of the following signs, your dogs or cats may have ticks: You find a tick in your home. Your pet has a fever. There are unexplained scabs on their skin....
more infoGot Allergies? Here Are Five of the Top Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
If dogs are man’s best friend, then it is simply unlucky that there are those who are allergic to these four-legged companions. Many people want to become pet parents but suffer from allergies. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, as much as 10 percent of the population in America is allergic to dogs. If you long for a dog to run through that dog door, then hypoallergenic pets can help! Usually, the hair and dander are what cause sufferers to start sneezing. Common pet dander allergy symptoms include: Coughing and wheezing Red, itchy eyes Running,...
more infoPopular Pet Names of 2017
Whether you’re picking up your puppy from the shelter or your cat is of what makes the companionship so special is building a relationship that will last for years. If you have pets already, you’ll know that their names speak volumes about their personalities. Traditional names such as Spot, Fluffy, and Patch that described the look or personality of the pet seem to have been taken over with a variety of new names for our four-legged friends. While names like Kitty and Tiger are still high on the list of popular names, there are new ones coming to the...
more infoPet Priority: Dealing with Dog Separation Anxiety
As any dog owner will tell you, a dog is part of the family—its own human pack. Australia Pet Doors, the leading provider of pet doors in Brisbane, knows that these highly sociable animals prefer living in groups and often become anxious when separated from their owners. Pet parents may feel guilt over leaving their dog home alone, especially a new dog adopted from the local pet shelter, but there are dog separation anxiety solutions to ensure your dog can look forward to or, at the very least, tolerate being left alone. What Are the Symptoms of Dog Separation...
more infoTranslating Different Dog Barks
Bark! Woof? Growl?! Do you know what all these “dog language” words mean? Whether your furry friend is leaping through pet doors for dinner or trying to alert you to a dreaded squirrel in the yard, he has his own language, too. Savvy companions often grow to inherently know their dog’s barks and what they mean, but, as it turns out, your dog’s barks really do have different and identifiable meanings. Let’s paw at the truth and get to know our pups a little bit better with this translation guide. Repeated Mid-Range Barks The repeated, mid-range bark is your...
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