Cat & Dog Behavior & Care Advice
Amy Shojai, CABC, Pet Expert & Award-Winning Author
DWAA Hall of Fame & AVMA Veterinary Media Award Winner
Why Does My Dog Drink from the Toilet?
Do your pets drink from toilets? Ew! The behavior comes naturally to dogs and cats. Learn why these toilet lappers indulge!
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.
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…
Sick Pets Won’t Eat? What to Do About Anorexia
Ever wonder why cats won’t eat, or why your dog snubs the bowl? All pets lose their appetite once in a while. It’s normal if pets won’t eat for a meal or two.
Why Do Cats Spray and How to Stop Cat Spraying!
When you live with and love pets, a certain amount of crappiocca comes with the territory. That doesn’t mean you must LIVE with a spraying cat. You need to understand why do cats spray before you can stop the behavior. Here’s what you need to know.
Matchmaking Tips for Cats & Dogs & Introducing Pets
Do you know how to introduce dogs to cats? Or how to choose the right pet for your existing pet home? This past week’s behavior consults included a family with two cats wanting to introduce a young German Shepherd to their life. The couple has had lots of dog and cat experience but wanted specific tips to smooth the transition and keep their kitties happy and safe.
Pet Microchips? Why You Should Check the Chip
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.
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
