Cat & Dog Behavior & Care Advice
Amy Shojai, CABC, Pet Expert & Award-Winning Author
DWAA Hall of Fame & AVMA Veterinary Media Award Winner
The Top 10 Puppy Proofing Tips to Save Dog Lives
When you have a puppy, every day is puppy day, with puppy proofing a requirement. Whether you plan to adopt a puppy, or already live with a cute puppy-kid, it’s important to know the top puppy proofing tips to save dog lives. Loving a puppy goes beyond teaching them where and when to potty. When Shadow-Pup showed up at our house, we revisited all the must-know puppy issues!
Does Your Pet Have Paunch? How to Know They’re Overweight & What to Do
Ok, who doesn’t love a little paunch on your favorite pet? I have to admit a round puppy or kitten tummy just begs to be cuddled. Adult cats commonly have a pouch–primordial pouch–that won’t go away even when they weigh the right amount. Even wild cats have this extra-belly, possibly as an added protection from tooth-and-claw, or to give more flexibility when running. But more than that and it’s important to recognize when it’s a sign of something serious or is putting your pet at risk of long-term harm.
I get it. The chubby look on some pets can literally melt hearts! 😍But as someone who has been in this industry long enough, I know that a little chubbiness can lead to some pretty large and serious health issues. Paunch and obesity in pets are serious issues that shouldn’t be ignored. Let’s take a closer look at pet paunch and what you can do to help manage your pet’s weight.
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 87% of veterinary professionals surveyed consider pet obesity a disease. But the same survey found that fewer pet owners think their pets are obese versus the general percentages that actually are. This means a lot of pet parents aren’t recognizing that pudge as a potential problem.
8 Ways to Slim A Fat Cat
Is your cat fluffy or a fat cat? Kitty obesity is defined as exceeding ideal body weight by 20 percent. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention’s annual study, 55.8% of dogs and 59.5% of cats are overweight or obese. Fat cats tend to carry a “pouch” of fat low in the tummy but seem of average size otherwise. If you can’t feel the pet’s ribs, and/or she has a pendulous or bulging tummy, your pet is too plump.
National Pet Obesity Awareness Day is observed on the second Wednesday of October each year, so let’s dive a bit deeper.
PLAY OR PAY: Quick Update
Quick update–when paperback, hardcover, and audiobooks become availble…
Rabies: What to Know for Pets
September 28 is World Rabies Day, and a good time for a reminder to keep pets protected. Learn everything you need to know about this horrible disease–and how easy it is to keep your dogs and cats safe!
What Makes Humans Happy? And Where Do Pets Fit In?
When we look at the principles of Positive Psychology (the study of what human wellbeing and fulfillment is made of – including happiness) it’s easy to see why so many of us attribute our happiness and wellness to our pets! I’ve frequently written about how pets show love, and what dogs want out of life. So why not explore what makes humans happy, too?
Read on to learn about th 5 Elements of Human Well-being According to Positive Psychology…
What Cats Want Out of Life & What Cats Need
Whether you share your pillow with a kitty, or care for feral, stray or community cats, always consider what cats want out of life. I’ve written about what makes humans happy, as well as what dogs want out of life, and it’s time for the cats. We love our cats all year long, but sometimes lose sight of what cats need out of life. It’s important to channel your “inner kitty” to learn how to keep the purrs rumbling 24/7 to provide what cats need.
Shojai Preorder Release Thriller #8: PLAY OR PAY
The cover reveal (squee!) on thriller #8 PLAY OR PAY has launched! I’ve also set up Ebook preorder opportunities for y’all on all the regular vendors, PLUS… if you want to get the preorder early, read on!
New Thriller Covers Are Here!
New thriller book covers launch! Same great stories–fresh new look.
Hero Pet Winners Announced: Your Winning Cat & Dog are…
After thousands of votes for dozens of furry nominees, the READERS HAVE SPOKEN. Here are your pick of the litter-ati for HERO CAT WINNER and HERO DOG WINNER for the next thriller PLAY OR PAY.
















