Cat & Dog Behavior & Care Advice
Amy Shojai, CABC, Pet Expert & Award-Winning Author
DWAA Hall of Fame & AVMA Veterinary Media Award Winner
Dog Digging Disasters: Why Do Dogs Dig Holes & How to Stop Excavations
Dogs excavate for a variety of reasons. Dog digging is a natural canine behavior that developed as a means of survival. With spring coming soon, and digging gardens in my future, my Shadow-Pup wants to help digging and kicking up dirt. Some dog breeds dig holes more than others do, so read on for more details if you have a digging dog.
Learn more about why dogs dig, and how you can manage this normal canine behavior.
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.
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…
Name That Hero Pet for PLAY OR PAY Thriller #8
It’s that time again! A week or so ago I sent a call out to all my newsletter subscribers to nominate their dog and/or cat for a featured role in my next thriller PLAY OR PAY. I had so many wonderful suggestions — and pictures — that I’ve included ALL of the pictures of wonderful pets in this post.
Read about the upcoming book, the HERO PET descriptions, and then VOTE for your favorite cat and dog hero to appear in the book.
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?
Pet Microchip Scanners: Check the Chip in Pet Stores
CHECK THE CHIP advocates installing microchip scanner kiosks in brick-and-mortar pet product stores to help reunited lost/found pets. Read more about it in this press release.
Win Books: James Bond Swag Contest Give Away
Contest to win Swag & Books — extended until August 19, so don’t delay…check it out here!
Dogs and Deafness: Living with Deaf Dogs
Dogs normally hear much better than we do, but some are born deaf, are genetically predisposed to deafness, or lose their hearing as they age. Deaf dogs still make wonderful companions. Learn more in this post about caring for deaf dogs.
Recharge & Recover, Taking an Emotional Health Break…
Usually, I write or re-post at least three blogs a week. And I’m delighted to hear from readers who enjoy the dog and cat care and behavior posts. For a short time, though, I’m taking a break…
Cat Fight? AAFP Intercat Guidelines Released
The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) has announced the release of the 2024 AAFP Intercat Tension Guidelines: Recognition, Prevention, and Management Guidelines. These Guidelines are designed to help you understand social behavior between cats and, more specifically, recognize intercat tension, prevent or minimize its occurrence, and manage stressors.
Oh Baby! Introducing Dogs to Kids–Safely
A colleague called me after someone asked about tips for introducing babies to dogs. The person wanted to know how to teach the dog that the Baby was “alpha.”
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKK!!!
Think about it. There is so much WRONG with that statement I really don’t know where to begin. You bring an infant home from the hospital, a creature that makes funny, weird (scary! prey-like) sounds and moves in a (scary! prey-like) strange way and has enticing (scary! food-like) odors–milk, baby lotion, poopy-treats–
And you expect the dog that’s lived in your house, shared your lap/sofa/bed and received his share of attention and love to suddenly say to this helpless and obviously puppy-esque creature–
YOU DA BOSS!
Oh no no no…read on for the info you need to know!
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
