Cat & Dog Behavior & Care Advice
Amy Shojai, CABC, Pet Expert & Award-Winning Author
DWAA Hall of Fame & AVMA Veterinary Media Award Winner
Dog Scooting On Butts Points to Anal Gland Problems
Does your dog “scoot” across the carpet, ground or grass? Is there an unpleasant aroma clinging to your feline friend? The culprit may be problem anal glands. (Hint: if you’re eating breakfast, you might want to wait and read this later).
Magic never did this, but Bravo frequently scooted, and now and then Shadow indulges. Eww! The behavior does vary somewhat by breed. Cats more typically clean themselves without scooting. Here’s what you need to know.
Stages of Puppy Development: How Puppies Mature
Puppy development is fascinating, and one of the most popular dog topics. Every time we get a new puppy, I learn new things about new puppy development. Did you know that the adult incisors (next to the canines) erupt at age 16 weeks? That’s a way to help age your new baby dog.
Along the way, puppies tend to get into all kinds of things–we laugh, but then we might cry if they hurt themselves. On May 31st we celebrate Shadow-Pup’s gotcha day–he arrived in 2020 when we needed him most.
Did you ever wonder about the stages of puppy development? Some of this has to do with the dog breed, but all newborn puppies (whatever the breed) look surprisingly similar. They also develop along the same period of time. Look no further, I’ve got you covered! Oh, and enjoy the SQUEEE! cute puppy pictures, too!
Carbon Monoxide Danger for You and Your Pets
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, tasteless gas. It’s a natural by-product of fuel combustion present in car exhaust and improperly vented furnaces, space heaters, water heaters, fireplaces, and tobacco smoke. It can quickly kill people as well as their pets. Children and pets have died in as little as 15 minutes inside running cars while parents shoveled snow outside the vehicle, unaware of the blocked tailpipe.
Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself…and your pets.
2025 New Year Goals–from the Pets
It’s another circle around the sun. How did that happen? New Years comes faster each time, and for me provides a time to reflect, remember, savor the “wins” and explore the “not greats” and make plans for the next 12 months. Rather than making New Year resolutions, I make new year goals—and hope that the journey along the way proves equally rewarding.
Here’s my annual yearly recap, plus New Year Goals…from the pets!
Happy Holidays!
I’m taking the rest of the week off…and hope you can, too. May you have a marvelous holiday season, no matter how you celebrate. Click the picture (above) or this link for a quick and fun animated holiday greeting — I’m so glad you’re part of my world! Click the link (inside) for a fun dog and cat holiday card.
Holiday Sparkles, A Cat-Mas Story
Seren arrived at a time we’d been pet-less for many years. A friend called to tell me she’d found a kitten–and could I help? The wannabe Siamese baby climbed up my leg, wrapped her chocolate paws around my neck, and purred her way into my heart. It was, indeed, Serendipity that we found each other.
That was more than two decades ago. She inspired my cat writing, hated and finally tolerated “that !@#$%!!!-dawg” when Magic arrived (and outweighed her even as a pup!). And Seren tolerated and ultimately loved her pesky cat brother, Karma. Seren’s tiny frame packed a powerful presence for over 21 years. She lives on in our hearts…
But at Christmas time, we remember and we smile. You see, Seren had a way about her, to win over even the most reluctant cat lover–with holiday sparkles. Read on!
Tis the Season…For Holiday Gifts
If you’re like me, last minute shopping for holiday gifts has me scurrying around like Shadow chasing squirrels. Shipping delays also often mean gifts come AFTER the celebration, urk!
So, I’ve set up these digital gift cards (you choose $10, $40, $50, or $100) that email directly to your recipient (or, you can print out and stuff in a stocking!). Also, check out the discounted book bundles for yourself. *s* Merry holidays, and Happy Christmas!
Lost Cat Finder Tips: Prevention & Prep
Would you know what to do if your cat slipped out during a party or pet sitter visit? Statistics show that one in ten cats will go missing. Learn how to be ready for an emergency when every hour counts. If your cat does go missing, learn the details on “How to find a lost cat” from the lost cat expert Kim Freeman.
How Cats See: Do Cats See In Color
Cat vision and how cats see directly relates to the position of feline eyes. Situated at the front of the cat’s face, the design helps cats to hunt in low light.
While cat eyes work similarly to human eyes, feline vision evolved to make the most use of available light and tiny movements. Vision brings the cat a finely tuned understanding of spatial relationships, and that coupled with superb motor skills—as well as hearing and scent sense—make Kitty an exceptional hunter. How cats see and feline eyes also play an important role in silent feline communication. But…how do they see? Can they see color? Yes–and take a look at the video that shows color perception in cats AND in dogs!
Counting Thanksgiving Blessings, the Pet Writer Way in 2024
Time for my annual Count My Blessings post. The past year has meant change, change, and more change, and that’s good and also challenging. But some things never change…I’m thankful to you—yes, those who read this blog, the cat book lovers, and the dog book lovers, and folks who have “adopted” my thriller series. And those who offered awesome applause and support any of the other venues mentioned…
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
