Cat & Dog Behavior & Care Advice
Amy Shojai, CABC, Pet Expert & Award-Winning Author
DWAA Hall of Fame & AVMA Veterinary Media Award Winner
Weather Watch, Tornadoes and Pets
It’s that time of year here in N. Texas for storms, rain, hail and (eeek!) tornadoes. Today we’re under a weather alert with forecast for lots of rain and possible hail and wind. That could turn into a might big wind that could cause Dorothy to shake in her ruby slippers.
When I grew up in North Indiana, we also had tornadoes, and those events were exciting times for us kids. It meant camping out in the basement…with our parents! How fun is that?
Well… maybe fun for clueless kids. But don’t be clueless. Protect yourself and your pets. Here’s how.
Heart-to-Heart About Cat Heartworms
Cats get heartworms? Yes, they do! April is Heartworm Awareness Month, so get all the details here to protect your cats.
Prevent Pet Fleas, Heartworm, & Tapeworm Parasites Year Round
When it comes to pet parasites, I just want to unleash the FLYING MONKEYS…except they’re liable to be plagued by fleas, too. Even flying monkeys deserve to be pest free, but there are still many pet parents who may not have all the facts about canine intestinal and external parasites and how to kick the bugs out. Fleas also impact skin conditions and can prompt dog allergies. So…how much do YOU know? Learn more here!
Amy Shojai Appearances: Come & Say Howdy!
My calendar this Spring continues to fill, with all kinds of fun writer-icity and creative endeavors. I hadn’t updated y’all for a while, and wanted to also share that the blog posts may slow down a bit (because…busy).
Read on to learn about book club appearances, book signings, and speaking engagements you may want to attend!
Audio Books on Chirp $1 Day Sale!
Get 100 books for $1 each! You choose your pick of the litter-ati, and enjoy your new favorite audiobooks!
Yes, my first-in-series thriller LOST AND FOUND is part of the deal. To celebrate, I’ve also discounted the rest of the audiobooks in the series on Chirp.
Don’t wait–this sale only lasts TWO DAYS!
Opt for a Chocolate Easter Bunny Instead of Adopting One!
Easter bunny, anyone? Awwww…nothing sweeter than baby bunnies. Well, baby anything, right? Our “Cottontail Mountain” home already has rabbits everywhere, especially in our garden. Shadow-Pup, sadly, wants to hunt them so we must monitor him as the babies appear Easter bunnies appear.
Karma-Kat loves watching “bunny TV” out the back patio windows. I think he’d love to have one come inside to *ahem* cuddle and play. NOT! Just like other animal companions, it takes more than admiration to make bunny love positive for everyone.
Easter is not the time for a spur of the moment furry gift. People purchased chicks and ducklings and baby bunnies by the score each year, some dyed in ridiculous colors, almost as gag gifts although they are living creatures with very specific care needs. A rabbit is more than an Easter bunny joke. Here’s what you need to know when considering a bunny as a pet.
Cats & Easter Lilies Danger, A Deadly Combo!
I know that I’m preaching to the kitty choir when I write about Easter lilies’ danger each year. Lilies cause toxic reactions in pets when eaten, especially cats. The gorgeous lily makes its appearance each Easter, decorating the church, home, and garden. I love lilies and have daylilies and Asiatic lilies outside in the redesigned garden, but I can’t have them in my house. I won’t risk having an Easter lily anywhere near my Karma-Kat or Shadow-Pup. For cats especially, the fragrant blooms can mean death. Learn what lilies pose dangers, which are safe, and how to offer first aid if needed.
Yale Vaccine Improves Bone Cancer Survivability
This past week, I received a press release from Yale (copied in part, below) sharing hopeful information about a new vaccine to treat osteosarcoma. As many readers know, we lost our Bravo-Dawg to that horrible disease. After amputation of his leg, and successful chemotherapy, he ultimately died of another cancer (hemangiosarcoma). So anytime I receive good news about these horrible diseases, I’m eager to share.
You’ll want to watch the video that profiles Hunter, a SAR dog that received this diagnosis. Because of his owner’s prompt attention and insistence and outreach to Yale, the Golden Retriever received the experimental treatment developed by Yale researcher Mark Mamula, and has enjoyed a survival time double that of most dogs with this diagnosis. Read more about this hopeful advance in the blog!
Top 5 Dog Exercises to Keep Fido Fit and Strong for Life
It’s time to get physical! Love it or hate it, exercise is just as important for your dog as it is for you. I walk on my desk treadmill every day to keep my joints loose and muscles toned. The Pet Health Network notes that obesity can lead to future health issues like arthritis, heart and breathing issues, and can even take two years off your dog’s life!
I love sharing pet health tips from other pet professionals. But always check with your veterinarian about your own dog’s specific issues, to make sure they stay happy and healthy. Here are my top five fitness tips for dogs.
How to Promote Cat Purrs for National Cat Health Month
February is National Cat Health Month. In the past, I’ve also written about the CATalyst Council declaring September to be Happy Healthy Cat Month, dedicated to finding ways to keep kitty companions happy, healthy and purring all year long. Keeping cats healthy should be the focus all year long, don’t you think? After all, they offer all kinds of health benefits to us.
Cats love us in countless ways, and we want to return the favor. All cat “parents” want to keep their felines healthy and happy, and I’ve updated my list based on what Karma-Kat demands and I know he needs. Check out the CAT-egorical Enrichment info! In the comments, please let me know which ones you already do — or share some feline favs from your furry crew!
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
