Dog Training & Care Archives

It’s National Holistic Pet Day! But What Is Holistic Pet Care?

by Amy Shojai | Aug 30, 2023

Have you ever considered holistic medicine for your pets? There are many questions about what is holistic pet care. Is it the same thing as what your regular vet offers? There are many names for offering traditional medicine for pets. Some call it alternative medicine or natural healing. But are there specific definitions, and is holistic pet care a good choice for your cats and dogs? August 30 is National Holistic Pet Day, so it’s a good time to revisit asking these questions.

This gorgeous pup has fun in the “natural” undergrowth…but poison mushrooms are natural, too!

WHAT IS HOLISTIC PET CARE?

Is natural veterinary medicine that different than a conventional approach? Many pet products companies have joined the “natural” revolution including offering herbs for pets, but is this because they truly feel that’s better for our cats and dogs–or is it simply a marketing ploy? And how can pet parents decide what’s best for their cats and dogs, and see through all the hand-waving hype?

National Dog Day, How to Make Dogs Happy & What Dogs Want Out of Life

by Amy Shojai | Aug 26, 2023

At my house, National Dog Day happens every day. The celebration offers a wonderful opportunity to walk a mile in your dog’s paws. What dogs want can differ a bit from what dogs need.

While it’s a given that dog lovers treat canine companions with compassion every day of the year, during this special celebration, taking stock of what your dog wants out of life can offer insight to keep his tail wagging all year long.

WHAT DOGS NEED ON NATIONAL DOG DAY

Companionship

Our dogs want to be part of a family. That includes the humans in the household, but your dog may also count the other dogs, cats, rabbits or other animal friends as part of his extended family group. Karma-Kat adores Shadow, but never misses an opportunity to tease…maybe steal the dog’s new toys or bed!

It’s not quantity, but quality of companionship…

Top 3 Amazing Things You Need to Know About Dog Behaviors

by Amy Shojai | Aug 23, 2023

Dog behaviors seem obvious, but most dog lovers already know a lot about dog behavior. But even for longtime dog lovers, you might feel puzzled or frustrated by some of the weird things dogs do. And dog behavior might be on your mind, wondering what’s normal—and why dogs do what they do. That can help enormously with dog training and solving problem dog behaviors.

I’ve worked with countless pet lovers with questions just like yours. After decades in the industry, studying canine behavior and also interviewing hundreds of veterinary professionals, I’ve learned a boatload about dog training and canine behavior. And there’s some stuff I think all dog lovers should know!

Don’t Go! Canine Separation Anxiety & What to Do

by Amy Shojai | Aug 16, 2023

WIth back to school this month, you may wonder how to deal with dog separation anxiety. Whether the adults change work schedules, kids have less time to play with Fido, or college and classes means routine goes out the window, dog separation behaviors cause stress for everyone. Will canine separation anxiety become a problem for your dog? After summer vacation with the kiddos, dogs left behind at home can mope and feel awful…and so can cats. Any kind of absence might result in canine separation anxiety. Here’s what you need to know.

Check the Chip: All About Pet Microchips

by Amy Shojai | Aug 15, 2023

It’s Check Your Pet Microchip Day on August 15! If you ever wondered how does a dog microchip or cat microchip work for pets, read on! Your cats and dogs are microchipped, right? When he was (ahem) neutered, Shadow-Pup got his microchip. Both Bravo-Dawg and Karma-Kat already had microchips so that if the worst happens, we’d be reunited. I don’t even what to think about losing my pets.

It goes beyond checking for the chip, too. Keep your pet info updated. When I added Shadow to my pet account, I also adjusted for Karma’s weight (he’s shed some poundage, good kitty!). I changed Bravo’s picture once he became a tripawd dawg and then, sadly, let them know he’d passed away.

And of course, I also have tags on my pets, to give ’em every reason to be found. Here’s everything you need to know about microchipping pets.

Spoil Your Dog Every Day: 8 Ways How to Show Dogs You Love Them

by Amy Shojai | Aug 10, 2023

August 10 is National Spoil Your Dog Day. So how do you spoil your canine companion? Or do you pamper your pet too much?

Our dogs give us unconditional love, and never care that we have a bad hair day, forget to change our socks or brush our teeth—actually, they might like that! They greet us at the door like heroes bearing treasures and always offer a happy wag and eager smooch. Whether dogs snuggle to share our joy or pester us out of a blue mood with a game of fetch, they love us 24/7/365.

That’s one of the many reasons dog lovers consider them part of the family. It’s only natural for us to return the affection by spoiling dogs. Dog lovers don’t need a Spoil Your Dog holiday, either–we love them every day of the year. Here are some ways to return the furry favor for your dog.

Recently, I’ve received a boatload of emails with product suggestions for spoiling dogs with healthy fun. So check out some of the offerings–and in the comments, add suggestions of your own! Then share the blog far and wide to spread the puppy love!

Karma-Kat #Reviews the Uahpet Wireless Cat Water Fountain

by Amy Shojai | Aug 7, 2023

Cats evolved as desert creatures able to conserve water, but often don’t drink enough to stay healthy. Karma-Kat increased his drinking habit after he got the Uahpet Wireless Water Fountain!

Even better, you can get 15% off ANYTHING in the Uahpet store . . .

Water equals life for our cats. Did you know that water makes up 84 percent of a kitten’s body weight, and 60 percent of an adult cat’s body weight? Water lubricates the tissue and helps distribute electrolytes like salt throughout the body. Water fuels digestion and elimination, and helps regulate the cat’s body temperature. Without enough water, dehydration can cause severe illness. Even a 15 percent loss of body water results in death.

Yet cats get really picky about drinking enough water. We’ve had several pet water fountains here, and Karma-Kat and the doggos enjoyed them. When water sits for a long time, it tastes funny, sometimes taking on the smell or taste of the container. Static water encourages growth of mildew, mold, or bacteria that can make pets snub the bowl. While we hate the idea of pets drinking from toilets, the commode appeals to dogs–AND cats–because each flush fills the cool porcelain with fresh water that churning fills with air (aerates) for improved taste.

A pet water fountain offers a better option. But most cat water fountains require the pump to plug into an electrical outlet. Pets often chew cords and that poses electrocution risks. A wired fountain also limits the places where you can locate the fountain. So when Uahpet reached out offering to send us the Wireless Cat Water Fountain to test and review, Karma meowed with excitement! Well…not really, but I couldn’t wait to try it out. It also works great for small dogs. Learn more . . . and get the discount code!

10 People Food Treats Dogs Can Eat

by Amy Shojai | Aug 5, 2023

Oh, those puppy dog eyes begging for people food…It doesn’t have to be a holiday for us to want to give treats to our dogs. Our cats love people food, too. We love to indulge ourselves—and them—with safe people food and holiday dog treats.

These days, we’re not going out to eat so much but are cooking at home more, so there are additional yummies available. Both Shadow-Pup and Karma-Kat think they deserve some of the table food. We offer only in moderation, and that the choices are safe for pets.

Pet poisons can make our dogs and cats sick and we need to know what to do. Learn more about first aid for common pet poisons here. In fact, there are many high-risk foods for our pets. You probably know about chocolate, but did you know that macadamia nuts, avocados, or raisins/grapes can cause toxicity? Artificial sweeteners keep owners lean but any goodies sweetened with Xylitol could cause canine liver failure…

Why Does My Dog Eat Cat Poop? Stop Litter Box Grazing

by Amy Shojai | Aug 2, 2023

Do you often ask, Why does my dog eat poop? This disgusting habit drives humans nuts, and even cats get upset with dogs eating cat poop. So when you ask, How can I stop my dog from eating poop?” you’ll find the answers here.

Puppy antics delight most new owners, but dogs eating poop prompts anything but smiles. My own darling Magic indulged when he turned six months old. He’d make a beeline to visit his horse buddy next door and find the nifty treats she left on the ground. Or he’d sniff out “bunny eggs” and indulge! After these nasty snacks Magic always tried to kiss everybody on the lips, yuck! Thank doG, he finally outgrew the behavior…

But many dogs indulge, and when access to the cat box provides yummy opportunities, pet lovers need answers. Urk! That’s why I’m offering some insight into the behavior…and thrilled to review The Door Buddy to give pet parents some help.

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Pet Vacation Options: Boarding, Pet Sitters, Stay-Cation?

It’s DOG WALKER APPRECIATION DAY! And maybe you have a regular dog walker (your kid? a company?) that manages when you can’t walk your dog, or go on vacation. Good pet vacation plans depend on the individual pet and your special circumstances. When my mother became ill and then passed away, we need to find a pet boarding place for Shadow-Pup and Karma-Kat to stay. Does your dog love riding in the car, meeting new people at the boarding kennel, hide from pet sitters, or become hyper around strangers? Maybe you’d like to learn about traveling with your pet.

Perhaps Chance the cat enjoys riding in the car but your brother’s dog hates kitties, or Grandma is allergic. Are pets more comfortable at a kennel away from your nephew’s hair-pulling fingers? Or does your pet go on a hunger strike if boarded?

I can’t remember the last time that my husband and I had a vacation together, but I do remember how boarding my dog led to a broken arm (read on for that story!). Since that time, we make an effort to not be gone at the same time. There are times, though, when we must leave them behind, maybe not for vacation but other reasons. Here are some tips for pet vacation issues.

Cat Names for Happy Cat Month

Happy cat, happy life, right? Happy Cat Month should be every month! We celebrate Happy Cat Month in September, and nothing makes a cat happier than hearing his or her special cat name.

What do you call your feline friend? How did you come up with your cat’s name? I’ve got a theme going with my kitty friends. Seren (short for Serendipity) came to me at just the right time. And so did Karma-Kat, when our Magical-Dawg found him. Cats seem to name themselves and there are many popular ones these days. But you don’t have to go with the crowd. Learn how people say “cat” all around the world…plus some naming tips sure to please…

Pet Insurance: What You Need to Know To Choose Insurance For Pets

Do you have pet insurance for your cats and dogs? After what we’ve gone through with Bravo’s health challenges, it seemed a good time to revisit insurance for pets. September is National Pet Health Insurance Month. If you have an aging cat or a dog that’s a golden oldie, it may be a good idea to look into insurance for pets.

A heart-wrenching dilemma arises when treatment is possible, but the owner can’t afford the expense. According to the most recent American Pet Products Association (ABBA) National Pet Owners Survey, the U.S. spent an estimated $123 billion on veterinary care. According to the 2021-2022 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 70% of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 90.5 million in homes.

Jack Stephens, DVM founded the first insurance company, Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) in 1980. He had the support of 750 independent veterinarians. Pet insurance has been slow to be adopted in the US and Canada, but the number of insured pets has slowly increased. A survey showed 3.45 million pets were insured by the end of 2020, according to NAPHIA, the North American Pet Health Insurance Association. Here’s what to look for when shopping for pet insurance…

Today, that’s a great option for many folks, but insurance for pets works a bit differently than human health insurance. Owners of pets must make health care decisions that often are based on financial limitations. Even if it takes ten or fifteen years for you to use pet insurance, you will.

It’s National Holistic Pet Day! But What Is Holistic Pet Care?

This gorgeous pup has fun in the “natural” undergrowth…but poison mushrooms are natural, too!

WHAT IS HOLISTIC PET CARE?

National Dog Day, How to Make Dogs Happy & What Dogs Want Out of Life

At my house, National Dog Day happens every day. The celebration offers a wonderful opportunity to walk a mile in your dog’s paws. What dogs want can differ a bit from what dogs need.

WHAT DOGS NEED ON NATIONAL DOG DAY

Companionship

It’s not quantity, but quality of companionship…

Top 3 Amazing Things You Need to Know About Cat Behaviors

Cat behaviors? How much do you really know about cat behavior? As a new (or even longtime) cat lover, you might feel puzzled or frustrated by some of the weird things cats do. And cat behavior might be on your mind, wondering what’s normal—and why cats do what they do.

I’ve worked with countless pet lovers with questions just like yours. After decades in the industry, studying feline behavior and also interviewing hundreds of veterinary professionals, I’ve learned a TON about cat behavior. And there’s some stuff I think all cat lovers should know!

Top 3 Amazing Things You Need to Know About Dog Behaviors

National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day

August 22, is “National Bring Your Cat to the Vet Day.” The Catalyst Council along with American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), Cat Fanciers Association (CFA), The International Cat Association (TICA), and a major pet food company have partnered in this an opportunity to educate cat owners on the importance of routine check-ups.

I’ve posted about this topic for the past several years. Catalyst Council cites a study by Bayer Animal Health that half of all American pet cats do not see a veterinarian regularly. And of the 1000+ Banfield veterinary hospitals, only one cat is seen by a veterinarian for every five dogs, despite many studies reporting that there are nearly eight million more pet cats than dogs.

My two cats see the veterinarian, despite their reluctance to do so. So…are you ready to get Kitty to the vet? What’s holding you back?

What About Dr. Google?

Now, y’all know I have a boatload of books available about how to care for your furry wonders, from kittenhood to old age, first aid and everything in between. But a book or an Internet search is NOT how best to care for your cat!

There IS a new resource just for pet parents that can help you with some of the objections your cats (and you) have. Many kitties are afraid of changes in routine, so vet visits turn up the fear factor. You can join Fear Free Happy Homes for free–and access lots of tips for taking away kitty angst. I’ve also put together a short award-winning Quick Tips booklet with some helpful advice, too…

Black Cat Appreciation Day: Picking the Perfect Cat

August 17 is Black Cat Appreciation Day to counter black cat negative myths. Of course, those folks who share their lives (and pillows!) with a special black cat know better. Sadly, too many black cats remain in shelters rather than being adopted.

In fact, some evidence supports the notion that black cats (one of the first “mutations” of wild coat color), enhanced what I call the feline friendly factor. Black cats often seem to be much more agreeable and love spending time with their chosen human. Maybe that’s why so many of the so-called witches were associated with black kitties.

People have more difficulty picking cats because they assume all felines are the same. And because usually, cats pick us.

Do Cats Suffer Separation Anxiety? Your Guide to Signs & Tips to Relieve the Angst

Yes, cat separation anxiety affects many felines. When school restarts, and the kids go back to class, your cats (and your dogs) may suffer from separation anxiety. The signs of distress are very different, though. I encourage you to read on to learn about tips for helping your furry family members adjust.

More recently, with more folks working from home, the cats have finally settled into a new routine. But just about the time Kitty gets used to your new schedule, the world changes again if you go back to the office. That may make them more prone to developing separation behaviors when you go back to work or kids return to school and leave them alone.

We very often hear about doggy angst during a beloved human’s absence, but what about cats? Yep, it’s exactly the same—only different. Here’s how.

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