What trouble can your cat get into this winter holiday season?
Written By: Dr. Lauren Demos DVM (Veterinarian)
We’ve all heard the apocryphal statement that “if you build it, they will come”. Great movie, although there could be more cats…
But as we head through the winter holiday season (think New Years, Valentine’s Day, cold weather and snow days, and hey, even President’s Day and the Super Bowl probably fit some definition of upcoming holiday), I’d like to propose a new seasonally-themed statement of “if you don’t think they will eat/chew/swallow/get it stuck/play with it, they will”.
So, this article is a heads up on some of the more common opportunities that cats seem to find, that cause trouble around this time of year: cold weather, winter holidays, you name it. And hopefully, it might save you a trip to the vet (you know, so you can make a scheduled visit for their annual wellness, rather than an unscheduled visit on New Year’s Eve at 11:59 pm. Believe me, vet clinics are not a fun place New Year’s Eve- I’ve been there (working) far too many times.
So, in no particular order, Pancake, Tiller and I put our heads together (really, they slept, and I made the list), and came up with a list.
How Dogs Understand Us
Written By: Animal Wellness
Have you ever wondered how your furry friend understands what you’re saying? Let’s dive into some fascinating research that sheds light on how dogs process human speech!
Keeping Your Dog Safe from the Dangers of Fentanyl and Opioids
The opioid epidemic, especially with the rise of fentanyl, has extended its impact beyond humans, posing significant risks to pets, particularly dogs. In addition to the dangers within the home, pets can be at risk while out in public spaces, such as parks, sidewalks, or on walks. Here are key points for pet parents about opioids, including fentanyl, and how to keep your furry friend safe both inside and outside the home:
Great Horned Owls May Attack Your Small Pets
Great Horned Owls are among the most formidable and stealthy predators in North America. With their large size, keen vision, and powerful talons, they are capable of hunting a wide variety of prey, including small mammals, birds, and even reptiles. But what many pet parents might not realize is that these owls, though primarily hunters of wild animals, can sometimes target small pets like cats and small dogs, especially if they are left unattended outdoors. While attacks on domestic pets are relatively rare, understanding the behavior of these nocturnal hunters can help pet owners take precautions to protect their furry friends.
Minimizing Risk: Keeping Pets Safe
Written By: Heather Vandemark
When things go wrong unexpectedly, we often say, "Accidents happen." However, many accidents are preventable. Sometimes, distractions or a false sense of security can create opportunities for disaster.
I’ve experienced the anxiety of receiving the phone call that my dog had run away. My dog was 11 years old—typically not an escape artist or a runner. But as we know, a pet’s behavior can change due to factors like a new home, a different caregiver, the loss of a family member, or even something as simple as a change in diet.
Why should Pet Parents Download the Time to pet app
Why Your Pet Should Wear an AirTag: The Ultimate Solution for Pet Safety
As pet parents, we all want what's best for our furry, scaly, or feathered companions. Whether it's a dog, cat, rabbit, or even a bird, keeping your pet safe is a top priority. One of the most innovative ways to ensure your pet's safety is by using an Apple AirTag. Originally designed for tracking personal belongings, AirTags have quickly become an essential tool for tracking pets as well. Here’s why you should consider having your pet wear an AirTag.
Thanksgiving Pet Safety Tips: Keeping Your Furry Friends Safe This Holiday
Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings, delicious food, and celebration, but it can also pose various risks to our beloved pets. As we prepare for the festivities, it’s crucial to ensure that our furry companions are safe and happy. Here are some essential Thanksgiving pet safety tips to keep in mind this holiday season.
Reiki for Pets: A Gentle Approach to Wellness
Written By: Chelsea McGuire
Have you been thinking about ways to support your pets’ wellness? Just like humans, animals can experience stress, discomfort, and even emotional turbulence. Reiki, a gentle form of energy healing, offers a unique, non-invasive way to help our furry friends feel calm, balanced, and comfortable, so they can feel their best! Here’s everything you need to know about why pets love Reiki and how it can make a positive difference in their lives!
Quirky Facts About Cats
Cats are enigmatic creatures that have charmed their way into our homes and hearts for centuries. From their impressive jumping skills to their unique ways of communicating, there's so much more to these furry companions than meets the eye. In this article, we’ll explore a collection of fun and fascinating cat facts that highlight their quirky behaviors, incredible senses, and the deep bonds they share with us. Whether you're a lifelong cat lover or a curious newcomer, you'll discover something new about these beloved pets!
Unleashing the Truth: Amazing Dog Facts You Didn’t Know!
Dogs have earned their title as "man’s best friend" for countless reasons, from their unwavering loyalty to their remarkable intelligence. These beloved companions bring joy, comfort, and a sense of connection to our lives. But beyond their playful antics and cuddly appearances, dogs are filled with fascinating traits and abilities that often go unnoticed. In this article, we’ll explore a collection of fun dog facts that highlight their unique characteristics, behaviors, and the special bond they share with humans. Whether you’re a proud dog owner or simply an admirer of these incredible animals, you’re sure to discover something new and delightful about our furry friends!
Let Them Sniff
Written By: Holly Stephens ABCDT, ABCCT, FF
You are visiting your favorite theme park. Every sense is on high alert—the stunning architecture transports you to another time and place, vibrant gardens burst with color, and the delicious aromas of tempting treats fill the air. You hear laughter and screams from joyful riders, and your eyes are drawn to captivating merchandise in the window displays. You're ready for a day of fun and adventure. But then, out of nowhere, someone grabs your arm and shouts, “NO! You’re here to watch only.”
Why You Should Hire a Pet Sitter Instead of Taking Your Pet on Vacation
Planning a vacation can be both exciting and stressful, especially when it comes to deciding what to do with your beloved pets. While some pet owners might consider taking their furry friends along for the ride, hiring a pet sitter can often be a better choice. Here are several reasons why opting for a pet sitter may be the way to go.
Planning for the Future: Why Dogs On The Run Should Be Part of Your Pet Succession Plan
When it comes to our furry family members, planning for their future is just as important as planning for any other aspect of our lives. Pets depend on us for their care and wellbeing, and it’s crucial to ensure they will continue to be loved and looked after should anything happen to us. That’s where Dogs On The Run comes in. In this blog, we’ll explore how Dogs On The Run can be a vital component of your pet succession plan.
Emergency Planning Guide for Pet Parents
As a pet parent, your furry, feathered, or scaly companions rely on you for their safety and well-being, especially during emergencies. Natural disasters, health crises, and other unforeseen events can happen without warning, making it essential to have a well-thought-out emergency plan. This guide provides pet parents with the necessary tools and strategies to prepare for various emergencies, ensuring that both you and your pets are ready to face challenges together.
Tips for Making Halloween Less Spooky for Pets
Written By: Alison Huntley
Ahh, Halloween! A fun filled day for children and adults alike. But pets? Not so much. Strange costumes, constant outdoor commotion, and an abundance of dangerous candy in the house can make Halloween a stressful night for our four-legged friends.
“A dog’s natural instinct is to protect their home or to alert you that a stranger has arrived,” reminds Amy Nichols, Vice President of Companion Animals and Equine Protection at the Humane Society of the United States. “And cats typically prefer a quiet environment with their family. Trick-or-treaters continually knocking on the door or ringing the bell can be very stressful to both dogs and cats.”
Your Dog Wants You to Know This: The Importance of Recognizing and Preventing Bloat
Written By: Selena R. Price
Hey there, dog parent! Your furry friend has an important message about a serious condition called bloat. If you have a large dog—especially those deep-chested breeds like German Shepherds or Great Danes—this is especially vital.
Bloat occurs when the stomach fills with gas and can twist, leading to a life-threatening situation that can escalate quickly. Unfortunately, it has a staggering 95% fatality rate if not treated immediately. But don’t worry! By understanding the signs and taking preventive measures, you can help keep your dog safe.
How One Nonprofit is Helping End the Cruelty of Dog Chaining
Written By: Lady Freethinker
Some days, Dana, a husky from the Philadelphia area, was tethered to a leash draped from an apartment window, Fox 29 reports. Other days witnesses say she was chained to a cinder block. The husky was photographed by a concerned neighbor chained outdoors mere hours before her body could no longer take the heat and she tragically died. Witnesses report she was restrained for hours at a time in the hot sun – and Dana’s guardian didn’t refute this.
Stories like Dana’s inspired animal protection nonprofit Lady Freethinker to launch their Break the Chain campaign – advocating for an end to the dangerous and cruel practice of tethering dogs and urging people to bring their companion animals indoors.
THE BARE-BONES BASICS
Written By: Courtney Roberts
“Dogs do speak, but only to those who know how to listen.” - Orhan Pamuk
As our dog’s stewards, it’s our job to learn their language, be keen observers, and really get to know them for the unique individuals they are. Ask questions like: What do they move towards? Move away from or avoid? Do they have treat preferences? When and where do they like to sleep? How do they like to be pet? What’s their favorite toy? When do they have the most energy? When we make note of their daily activities and preferences, it is much easier to create routines that will optimize their overall welfare and ultimately eliminate undesirable behaviors. Behavior is never purposeless. Dogs simply do what works best for them at achieving their desired outcome.
The Real Deal on Itchy Pets!
Written By: Megan Stoll
You know that old saying…If I had 10 cents for every time somebody told me “x” (insert: my pet is itchy) I’d be a millionaire! Well, it might actually be true for me!
It’s safe to say that at one point or another almost every pet parent has experienced the torture of having an extremely itchy pet. In some cases, it seems like an easy fix and for others it can feel like a lifelong battle. As a holistic pet store owner, I am seeing more and more pets who seem to be fighting an ongoing war with the “itchies” WHYYYY??