Top Dog Breeds for Longevity
On average, your pooch is expected to live anywhere between five and sixteen years of age. Though factors like health and lifestyle can affect the longevity of your pet, breed size is often considered the most reliable method of lifespan estimation. Larger dog breeds tend to live only a fraction as long as small dogs do. Though it’s difficult to predict how long your pet will live, here is a list of breeds that are known for having lengthy lives: Corgi: This compact breed is intelligent and friendly, making the perfect pet for any family. Corgis are also known...
more infoWays to Tell Your Pet Is Happy
Like humans, animals are also capable of expressing a range of emotions. Although they can’t use words to say how they’re feeling, dogs and cats wield body language and physical cues that show what’s going on inside their minds. From purring to smiling, here are some of the ways you can understand your pet’s demeanor. Cheerful Canines Here is how to tell when your pup is feeling relaxed and happy: Tail Movement: Wagging is a telltale sign that your dog is feeling loved. The way a dog moves his tail can display a range of emotions, too. A relaxed...
more infoTraining an Obedient Dog
Starting a training program with your dog can help him improve his manners, ability to follow directions, and overall leash control. Even well behaved dogs can benefit from basic discipline. Not only will training help improve your dog’s demeanor, it can also keep him safe from harm’s way in an emergency. Getting Started Training is a continuous process that only improves with time. It’s best to start a regimen with your dog when he’s young – ideally within his first year. Teach in short bursts to start, no longer than half an hour each. Over time, you can increase...
more infoHow to Train Your Kitten to Be an Outdoor Cat
Most cats love having the opportunity to play outdoors, but yours may be an exception. Some cats live in fear of the elements, while others have simply become accustomed to indoor life. If you’d like to give your new cat the chance to spend more time in your yard, try training him using the steps below. Before long, you may even be able to install a cat door to let your feline friend explore your yard whenever he wants. Why Some Cats Prefer the Indoors For some kittens, indoor living is all they’ve experienced in their young lives. Other...
more infoTips for Controlling Shedding
When choosing a pet, many families seek specific breeds for the amount of hair they shed – or lack thereof. Shedding is not always a matter of heredity, however: there are also several environmental factors that can impact the amount of hair animals shed. Here are a few common reasons why pets shed, plus ways to control the amount of hair in your home: Why Pets Shed There are many different factors that affect shedding, such as: Nutrition: Like humans, the food that pets eat can directly affect the amount of hair that they shed. When consuming proper nutrients,...
more infoRemedies for Pet Allergies
A fur or hair allergy diagnosis can be devastating for people who love to own pets. It’s commonly thought that allergy sufferers can’t experience relief without giving their pet up for adoption, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. Luckily, there are many actions for pet lovers to take to ensure that companionship with their dog or cat continues for many years to come. Find Out the Specifics If you think you may be allergic to your cat or dog, see a doctor first. Different people react to separate allergens – like dander or fur – and...
more infoTop Reasons to Have Your Pet Spayed or Neutered
One of the most important parts of being a responsible pet owner is having your cat or dog spayed or neutered before it becomes an adult. Spaying (for female pets) and neutering (the male equivalent) is a form of birth control that prevents unwanted litters. In addition to keeping homeless pets off streets and out of shelters, spaying and neutering can also have long-term health benefits to help your pet live a happier life. Many cities now enforce mandatory spaying and neutering, but read on for additional reasons to help you make the right decision. Prevents Unwanted Pets: Unplanned...
more infoWhy 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...
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