Oftentimes when we consider adding a dog or puppy to our household, we focus on the excitement of a new pet and start planning all the fun things we’ll be able to do with our four-legged friend: have a tireless running partner, a new friend with whom we can throw the Frisbee, or even an excuse to go to the local dog parks. Hopefully, new owners first ask themselves if they have the time and resources to commit to caring for another creature. Once they are sure they can properly handle a new pet, the real fun begins. [Read More!]
Every so often, no matter what kind of dog you have, chances are you will find yourself with the messy task of giving your dog a bath. Of course, as many of us know, giving your dog a bath at home is not always ideal. For example, if you live in an apartment with a smaller than normal bathroom, giving a larger dog a bath will hardly be your favorite chore. If you would rather not bathe your dog at home, there are some businesses that offer self-service tubs and brushing tables. Or, if you would rather not participate in the bath process at all, you might consider a dog groomer. [Read More!]
Much like running errands and leaving your dog in the car, taking your dog for a walk downtown and tying him up outside while you pop in to your favorite boutique or grab a bite of lunch with some friends, there are dangers to leaving your beloved canine tied up and unattended. [Read More!]
As pet owners, we are well aware of the dangers of heartworm and how those nasty little parasites can seriously threaten the lives of our dogs and cats. Being constantly aware of this, veterinarians do everything they can to spread the word about heartworm to both new and seasoned pet owners. Sometimes, however, we hear about it so often that we become immune. We do not stop and think about the danger our pets could be in if it is not caught and treated. [Read More!]
When getting a new cat, pet owners often debate whether or not the cat should be strictly an indoor cat or outdoor cat. Some cat owners take the middle road and let their cats outside occasionally. Unlike dogs, which, even if strictly outdoor pets, are usually fenced in or enclosed somehow, cats are typically allowed to roam. As much fun as this may be for adventurous felines, they do face more dangers such as disease, injuries, and sometimes even death. [Read More!]
As Halloween fast approaches, we notice all the pet costumes that would look perfect on Fido or Fluffy. Our pets are adorable in their own right, but a costume would be the icing on the cake—and Halloween is the perfect excuse. Although some pets give us pitiful looks whenever we put them in their winter sweater or new costume, we cannot seem to resist. [Read More!]
As cat owners and non-cat owners alike know, kittens are too cute for words and nearly impossible to resist. For those who already have a cat or two in their household, but who are looking to add another to the family, there are a few steps to take when introducing a new cat into your feline family. [Read More!]
If you have seen Animal Planet’s show, “Confessions: Animal Hoarding,” you know that hoarding animals is a serious issue that can quickly deteriorate into animal neglect, albeit unintentional. Many animal hoarders have the best intentions, but are oblivious to the harm they are inflicting on the animals in their possession. Often folks who take in more animals than can be properly managed believe that they are saving them and only they can care for them, despite the evidence to the contrary. [Read More!]
Each of my dogs has been a challenge in their own special way. Whether it’s chewing, leash pulling, furniture “marking” or barking, my canine companions have each demonstrated certain dog behaviors that I wanted to correct. Our biggest challenge has been an explosion of barking and leaping whenever a visitor rings the doorbell. As I’m sure any dog owner will appreciate, opinions about behavior training abound. Everyone from my neighbor, to my vet, to the woman who had her nails done beside me, had an opinion about how to train my dogs. With so many opinions, it’s easy to become confused. Here is a quick overview of your dog training options. [Read More!]
With all the adorable puppies and kittens out there, as well as their adult homeless counterparts, it is awfully tempting to adopt a new pet, even if you have one or two at home already. Though some pet owners assume their current pets will automatically welcome the new dog or cat with open paws, the majority of us understand that an adjustment period will be necessary. We cannot simply take our dogs to the beach and expect them to play together right away. [Read More!]
