I’ve often before about pet loss, the grieving process for both owners and pets, and even whether we can expect our animal friends to be with us in heaven. Whatever your personal belief system, the universal commonality is if you love pets, it hurts to lose them.
About the same time as Bravo's cancer diagnosis, a stray puppy showed up. Shadow answered prayers we didn't know we made. Sometimes God answers prayers in advance. So we once again needed to puppy proof the house. When we lost our 11-year-old German shepherd...
Does your veterinary clinic routinely take your pets to the back for treatment, out of your sight? Why do vets take your pet to the back? Years ago I worked as a vet tech and we didn’t routinely “take pets to the back” for treatment. Emergency visits, or pets not easily handled, were the exceptions. But more often than not, dogs and cats had their temperatures taken, vaccines administered, routine blood and stool samples procured, all while in the presence of the owners. Today, that may not be true…and here’s why.
Owners fill bowls with nutritious food to keep dogs healthy. So what’s up with all the weird stuff dogs eat? Why do dogs eat rocks, eat dirt, eat poop, and even eat dangerous stuff?
It’s that time of year here in N. Texas for storms, rain, hail and (eeek!) tornadoes. Today we’re under a weather alert with forecast for lots of rain and possible hail and wind. That could turn into a might big wind that could cause Dorothy to shake in her ruby slippers.
When I grew up in North Indiana, we also had tornadoes, and those events were exciting times for us kids. It meant camping out in the basement…with our parents! How fun is that?
Well… maybe fun for clueless kids. But don’t be clueless. Protect yourself and your pets. Here’s how.
Pet tail talk goes beyond happy dog tail wagging. Today is National Dog Day and it's appropriate to talk about how dogs show happiness. It's not always about a wagging tail, either. Dogs and cat tail movement meaning speak volumes with their tails, from happiness to...
April 8th was DOG FIGHTING AWARENESS DAY, and I’ve written about dog aggression and stopping dog fights before. It’s a good time to review the 5 common kinds of dog aggression and what to do.
According to the ASPCA, dog fighting happens all over the country and in all kinds of communities–rich, poor, middle class, it doesn’t matter, it’s there festering just beneath the surface. When fight rings are located, cases are built, offenders are prosecuted, and abuse survivors find loving homes.
You love your dog, and he adores you back. But why does your dog hates hats? Our Magical-Dog acted confused and barked at my husband when he wore a hat–until he heard his voice. But Bravo-Dawg didn’t seem to care. Some dogs act fearful, while others become aggressive when faced with hat-wearing people. What’s up with weird hat hate behavior? Has he become a fashion critic?
Do dogs have taste buds? Yes! But do dogs care about taste? Again, they clearly have flavor preferences. Of course, we know some of the odd and nasty weird stuff dogs eat—I really do need to record an Ask Amy about why dogs drink out of the toilet—but do they actually taste such things? How dogs taste remains a mystery in many ways.
Dogs taste sense mirrors that of humans, one reason your dogs beg for yummies from the table. For young dogs, smell of the food seems to trump taste. With some dogs, dirty socks might be a flavor enhancer . . . Read on, to learn what tastes dogs love, hate, and more!
Yes, there’s a hero HORSE in the next thriller TRICK OR TREAT! Share and vote often–voting closes SEPT 28. Who will be the hero CAT, hero DOG, and hero HORSE? It’s up to you!
Vote NOW for your favorite for HERO PETS in the next thriller TRICK OR TREAT! Share and vote often–voting closes SEPT 28. Who will be the hero CAT, hero DOG, and hero HORSE? It’s up to you!
Voting is now open for the HERO PETS in the next thriller TRICK OR TREAT! Vote for your choice for hero CAT, and hero DOG, and hero HORSE! Share and vote often–voting closes SEPT 28.
When Shadow-Pup bounds over for one of his close-up cuddle sessions, nose to nose, tail wagging, I want all the love without the “eau de doggy” aroma. Sweet as those snuggles are, they’re also a reminder that fresh breath matters just as much as shiny coats or wagging tails. Doggie dental care is one of those things pet parents know is important, but not every pup is a fan of toothbrushes or dental wipes…
It’s never too early to take precautions. Pets often get into poisons by accidentally eating the wrong plant, or other dangerous toxins. With the pending change in the weather and when temperatures fall, cat and dog antifreeze poisoning becomes a danger.
You’ll find antifreeze in surprising places, not just in the garage. For instance, the liquid in snow globes can poison pets when the toy breaks. Not long ago, social media shared many stories of antifreeze poisoning cats from the liquid in broken snow globes. The liquid tastes sweet, so it’s very appealing for sweet-loving dogs to drink or lick up spills on the garage floor. Puppies are the worst, eating anything that doesn’t move faster than they do. Cats also are at risk when they walk through puddles and lick/groom the liquid off their body. Here’s what you need to know to keep your pets safe–and maybe save their life!
We love our cats but still complain about their “behavior problems," but did you ever think why your angry cat might behave badly? Our blood pressure goes off the charts when Sheba and Tom scratch the furniture, baptize the bed, and caterwaul at 5:00 a.m., even though...
Shadow-Pup loves every outdoor adventure. Whether he’s bounding through tall grass, splashing in puddles, or chasing a breeze that carries the scent of squirrels, he’s all in. But seasonal change can sometimes cause him to feel less comfortable during and after outdoor play. The signs are clear – a little extra paw-licking here, a scratchy ear there – all show that his immune system is working harder when pollen and other irritants are floating around…
Every year, we take trips to visit family over the holidays. Our cats are not the happiest travelers, so what’s a loving pet parent to do? Is it safe to leave your cat alone at home? That’s a topic I’ve meant to cover for some time, and now guest blog writer Maya Kinsley provides you with lots of great information to consider.
Doggy DNA Misconceptions About Nature vs Nurture
Dog DNA tests today are popular because it influences both looks and behavior. Some dog breeds are known for specific tendencies. But socialization and training, and even mom-dog’s nurturing influence, also impact dogs.
Some dogs have to deal with a “ruff” reputation based entirely on dog dna and what breed they are – or just look like. Pit Bulls for instance seem to get lots of bad press for dog-on-dog aggression, but we also call them the “Nanny Dog” because they’re so darn good with kids. Other muscular dogs, big dogs like Rottweilers, Dobermans, German Shepherds, can get called out as aggressive, dangerous or problematic based entirely on their looks, before they ever show signs of a snarl. Of course, ALL dogs have teeth that can do damage, so understanding dog communication keeps you (and your kids) safe…
Moving With Pets to a New Home: Getting Pets Used to a New Place
Moving with pets raises human stress levels and your cats and dogs are no different. While many dogs enjoy adventure and visiting unknown places (and smells!), cats bond closely with their home territory. Any change can put their tail in a twist when moving disrupts routine. An unfamiliar location, smells, and sounds raise levels of fear, anxiety, or stress (FAS).
With proper care, though, you can reduce or even eliminate the angst. Here are tips for moving with cats and dogs and helping them quickly acclimate to their new home.
Amy Shojai CACB is an award winning author. You can find all her publications and book her to speak via her website.
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