Cat & Dog Behavior & Care Advice
Amy Shojai, CABC, Pet Expert & Award-Winning Author
DWAA Hall of Fame & AVMA Veterinary Media Award Winner
Pets & Sunburn: What You Need to Know About Sunburn Pain and Solar Dermatitis
Long sunny days can bring misery for people—and their pets. You can keep them safe with these tips. Yes, pet sunburn is real, and can not only cause painful nasal dermatoses in cats and dogs, but sometimes leads to skin cancer. ..
Shadow-Pup Tries PetLab Co.’s Allergy & Immune Probiotic Chews
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…
How To Leave Your Cat Alone At Home
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 & Nature vs Nurture
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…
10 Tips for Moving With Pets to a New Home: Getting Pets Used to a New Place
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.
Dog Lover’s Guide & Cat Lover’s Guide to Edu-tainment: Must Know Resources List
Many years ago (in dog years, I should be dead!) I began this journey to guide pet parents by writing about dogs and cats. Basically, I created dog lover guides and cat lover guides to help folks make informed decisions about their fur kids’ health, care, fun, and partnership. Here are some of my favorite resources.
What to Do About Symptoms of Cat Separation Anxiety
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.
Don’t Go! Dog Separation Anxiety & What to Do
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.
Why Does My Dog Paw My Arm
I’ve recently had a couple of requests for some insight into a very common dog behavior–one my own Shadow-Pup indulges (see picture above). That is, why does my dog paw my arm? Here are two requests…and then we’ll get into the reasons behind the behavior.
Lordosis in Cats: What does elevator butt mean
For cat lovers, one of the most common feline poses can be puzzling. We know that cats communicate not only with meows and purrs, but also scent and body position. A comical posture of happy, healthy cats, something I call “elevator butt,” actually communicates different information.
The pose looks similar to the canine play-bow, and in some circumstances, has a similar meaning. The cat lowers her front end toward the ground, while elevating her nether regions and tail. Kitty looks sort of like a race car revving her engines…
Awards
CWA Muse Medallion Award
Dog Writers Association of America Maxwell Award
Fear Free Certified
CWA Muse Medallion Award
Cat Writers Muse Medallion Awards
Memberships
