Cat & Dog Behavior & Care Advice
Amy Shojai, CABC, Pet Expert & Award-Winning Author
DWAA Hall of Fame & AVMA Veterinary Media Award Winner
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6 Easy Fresh Breath Tips & How to Brush Doggy & Kitty Teeth (Without Getting Bit!)
Do you brush dog teeth? How about brushing cat teeth? The AVMA sponsors National Pet Dental Health Month every February to help prevent pet dental problems.
According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3.
But it’s never too late (or too soon) to get your pets’ pearly whites checked out by your veterinarian. Often the doctor has some great tips for keeping cat teeth clean and dog breath at bay, including how to brush doggy teeth.
Does the thought of brushing dog teeth make you cringe, roll your eyes, whimper, slink away–and feel guilty? You’re not alone. But once that puppy-sweet breath morphs into curl-your-eyebrows stench, it’s long past the time to address that stink-icity.
Pet Grooming At Home: 8 Tips for At-Home Dog Grooming
Caring for and grooming your dog or cat grooming can be daunting. This is especially true if you have a Poodle that needs specialized grooming, a Persian that easily matts, or a pet who objects to hair care attention.
Every dog and cat has different grooming needs. Here are 8 tips to help you keep your fur-kids in top fur condition.
Here’s How To Bathe Cats
Bathe cats, are you INSANE?! Well…not really. Besides, I found that picture and just had to share. But just because the cat says, “No way!” doesn’t mean it’s not possible. And you don’t need a special kitten bath tub to properly groom cats. Here’s how to give a cat a bath….
Thoughty Thursday: Do-Over…Would You?
With the new year starting, and the kiddos heading back to school soon, that conjures up a mixed bag of memories. Have you ever reinvented yourself? Or staged a do-over? What does that “door” mean–a lost opportunity, or does it open into new possibilities? I’m revisiting an older post with some new thoughty-thoughts.
2026 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!
Fear of Fireworks & Thunder? How to Calm Pet Noise Fears
Does your dog fear fireworks? What can you do for a cat or dog scared of fireworks? What about earplugs for dogs? Cats aren’t immune so New Year’s celebrations, Memorial Day (or graduation hijinks), July 4th fireworks, and thunderstorms can turn pets into shivery bundles of fur when BOOMS, bright lights, or even wind and rain noise fill the sky. Pets can be scared of all kinds of loud noises, and I get asked for advice all the time.
I share this information twice a year in time for July 4 fireworks, and the New Year fireworks. No matter the time of year, always pay attention to pet safety. . .
Merry Christmas! A song for the holidays!
Here’s your musical Merry Christmas wish! Yes, that’s me singing…may all your holidays be bright!
How to Eliminate Pet Smells with Pet Stain Removers
Anyone who lives with pets benefits from an effective pet smell eliminator. With changes in weather keeping pets indoors for longer periods, pet potty accidents may increase. But be careful your pet accident cleaner doesn’t cause more problems. Here are my top 7 pet stink solvers!
Puppy Diarrhea, Home Remedies & When to Call The Vet
We love snuggling baby dogs with sweet puppy breath, Frito-smelling toes, lap snuggles, and then–OH NO, puppy diarrhea! What’s a pet parent to do about dog loose motion? We’ve already had this issue with our new pup, Shadow, and had to deal with it.
Of course, adult dogs also suffer from the occasional loose stool as well or they pass gas (flatulence). At any age, dog diarrhea can be a sign of something serious that needs immediate attention. This is not about puppy accidents during house training, but an illness your dog can’t control. Knowing home remedies, dog first aid, and when to call the vet about puppy diarrhea could save your pet’s life.
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
