Please note that some posts contains affiliate links & I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links Find out More

How to Give Old Dogs A BrightMind

How to Give Old Dogs A BrightMind

This post is sponsored by Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network. I am being compensated for helping enrich the lives of senior dogs, but we only share information we feel is relevant to our readers. Pro Plan BRIGHT MIND is not responsible for...

read more

Bright Mind Feeds Dog Brains Betterwithpets

This post is sponsored by Nestle Purina® and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the BetterWithPets campaign but Bling, Bitches & Blood only shares information relevant to our readers. Purina is...

read more
Make Hide & Seek Fun and Safe with Nuzzle Smart Collar

Make Hide & Seek Fun and Safe with Nuzzle Smart Collar

UPDATE: The collars were originally to be delivered March 2016. A year ago, the company pushed back delivery to September 2016. Several more delays have been shared since then. On January 23, 2017, I received tracking information that the collar has now been shipped....

read more
Cat Nutrition & Animal Shelter Adoptions

Cat Nutrition & Animal Shelter Adoptions

This post is sponsored by Hill’s. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about Hill’s® Science Diet® and Food, Shelter & Love™ Program, but BLING, BITCHES & BLOOD BLOG only shares information I feel is relevant to my readers. Hill’s Pet Nutrition,...

read more

Book Thrills, Summer Reads & Pet Safety

It's been a way-busy week and I have a lot to share to catch up with all the "doings." 🙂 This week there were six stops on the HIDE AND SEEK blog tour. WRITER-ICITY SCHTUFF! The Book Divas Read shared an EXCERPT from the thriller, click here to read. Dakota's Den...

read more

National Pet Week!

Well, here at Shojai Central, it's all about the pets 24/7/365. But in case you needed an excuse, this week has been named in honor of pets. My friends at PET360 have even got a special deal going: How do you celebrate National Pet Week? I'm curious how many of y'all...

read more

Recent Posts

Dog Taste Buds: What Flavor Do Dogs Love?

Do dogs have taste buds? Yes! But do dogs care about taste? Again, they clearly have flavor preferences. Of course, we know some of the odd and nasty weird stuff dogs eat—I really do need to record an Ask Amy about why dogs drink out of the toilet—but do they actually taste such things? How dogs taste remains a mystery in many ways.

Dogs taste sense mirrors that of humans, one reason your dogs beg for yummies from the table. For young dogs, smell of the food seems to trump taste. With some dogs, dirty socks might be a flavor enhancer . . . Read on, to learn what tastes dogs love, hate, and more!

National Love Your Pet Day: 15 Ways How Pets Show Love

At my house, I see how pets show love every day. If you wonder, how do I make my cat love me, it’s easy! February 20 is National Love Your Pet Day, but Valentine’s Day comes in just a few days. At my house, pet love happens EVERY day. Whether you love your pet with special attention, treats and toys or lap snuggles, pet love has become a given in our pet-friendly society.

In mid-2020, we multiplied our pet-love quotient by welcoming Shadow-Pup into the house. He arrived at a time when we really had no plans for another pet and struggled with the reality of dealing with Bravo-Dawg-s cancer (sadly, he lost his battle, but his love lives on). And Karma-Kat welcomed the pup, too–but for Bravo, the added attention/distraction helped enormously as he went through scary treatment, losing a leg, dealing with pain, and more. So I’m adding another way pets show love–by showing up when you need them!

Valentines Pet Dangers: TOP 5 Pet Safety Tips for Valentines Day

I’m often interviewed by media about various cat behavior and dog training issues, and of course, Valentine’s pet dangers top the list this week. Pet hazards are common when our normal routine goes out the window, so pet parents are vigilant around the holidays. Refer to this post about Easter dangers for pets.  And don’t forget that pet safety issues for Christmas are similar to those for Valentine’s Day but it’s always good to refresh our watch list.

6 Cat Exercises to Keep Kitty Fit and Strong for Life

It’s time to get physical! Love it or hate it, exercise is just as important for your cat as it is for you. I have a desk treadmill so I can get in some steps while checking and answering email. The Pet Health Network points out that pet obesity can lead to future health issues like diabetes and arthritis, and that cats can really benefit from three 5-minute intense play periods every day. It’s good for your cat’s mental health, too. On PETMD, Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM advises that exercise can reduce anxiety and destructive behavior.

As a certified animal behavior consultant for cats (and dogs), I know that an active pet also has fewer objectionable behaviors. Some cats gobble their food, and pack on the pounds. Crash diets, though, pose risks for cats. If your cat already has a weight problem, check with the veterinarian for healthy tips on how to slim down a tubby tabby.

If you decide to jump into extra daily exercise for your feline family member, start slowly and check with your veterinarian for an all-clear, especially if your cat is overweight, on medication, or is in their senior years.

Perfect Pairings: Picking the Pet with the Right Personality for You

Just like humans, every pet has a particular personality. Some are naturally active, ready for adventure, and eager to see what you’re up to. Others are more laid back and offer all the chill vibes. Puppy personality and development changes over weeks, too. But because every pet is unique, it’s important to look for a furry partner who shares a love of your lifestyle!

Before you rush out and adopt the cutest pet you find, think about what kind of pet personality would be a great match so you can share lots of love and fun times for years to come. Sometimes puppy temperament tests can help you predict the perfect puppy match.

National Cat Health Month: 11 Ways to Promote Kitty Purrs

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!

5 Quick Tips for Saving Puppy Love Memories

Did you know instantly that your dog was for you as soon as you saw them? When I first met Bravp-Dawg, I knew we were meant for each other! Out of a huge litter, he was the only red boy and the smallest at 30 pounds at 12 weeks old. Bravo sat on my lap during the car ride home–and vomited all over me. Yep, we were meant for each other.

Our first few months together flew by. Just like all new dog parents, those early puppy-love days with Bravo were joyous and frustrating, as we introduced him to Karma-Kat (thank doG the cat loved dogs!), and dealt with a pony-size pup. We didn’t know our life together would only last a few short years, so I still treasure all the memories of those early days.

Here are some of the things I did (and some I wish I did) to celebrate those first few months and develop our lifelong bond.

4 Kinds of Cat Aggression, and How To Keep the Peace

Cat aggression? Yikes! When a snuggle-puss turns into a snarling ball of claws, owners are at a loss to understand or deal with cat aggression. You wonder, why does my cat bite me? Besides hurt feelings, cat aggression can cause injuries or cause the cat to lose a loving home.

Health issues including pain or hyperthyroidism can cause aggression. Any sudden personality change demands a veterinary exam. But cats don’t aggress because they’re mean—they always have a good reason, whether or not it makes sense to humans. Recognize these 4 common types of cat aggression and learn how to keep the peace.

Why Do Pets Suck? Dog & Cat Nursing Behavior

Do your pets suck? I mean, do your cats nurse on your clothes, or dogs suck toys?

Now you negative-thinking folks out there, just STOP IT! I’m not talking about anything negative about cats, just that some like to–well–use fuzzies as pacifiers. Dogs do it, too.

Pet Chiropractic Care & Back Problems: Home Treatment Tips

Chiropractic care…do you use it? In the past I’ve had back issues and got relief after visiting my chiropractor. Chiropractic care works as well in pets as in people, too. In fact, many people with performance dogs regularly schedule chiropractic treatments for their canine athletes..

Cat chiropractic care may not happen as often. After all, felines practice their own form of yoga to stay limber. They’re also much lighter weight than many dogs, and perhaps that puts less strain on their bodies. Read on for some home care techniques that can help your pets.

Visit Amy’s Website

Amy Shojai CACB is an award winning author.  You can find all her publications and book her to speak via her website. 

On Demand Writer Coaching

AmyShojai.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com http://amazon.com/.

Awards

Memberships