How To Protect Hearing Health for Both You and Your Dogs
As World Hearing Day approaches on March 3rd, focus on the auditory well-being of yourself and your beloved pets. Much like humans, pets are at risk for noise-induced hearing loss. Follow these critical steps to safeguard your pet's hearing and engage with the Hearing HERO community:
By: Teresa Barnes Paulus RN - The Voice of Hearing
Raising Awareness on Pet Theft Awareness Day: How to Keep Your Pets Safe
Every year, on February 14th, we observe Pet Theft Awareness Day—an important occasion to raise awareness about the alarming rise in pet theft and what pet owners can do to protect their beloved companions. With the increasing number of pets being stolen for resale, breeding, or illegal purposes, it’s crucial for all pet owners to stay informed and take proactive steps to safeguard their pets.
Understanding Gingival Hyperplasia in Dogs: A Guide for Pet Parents
As a loving pet parent, you want the best for your dog’s health, including maintaining their dental well-being. One common oral issue that many dogs, particularly certain breeds, face is gingival hyperplasia. This condition involves the abnormal growth of gum tissue and can cause discomfort if left untreated. In this article, we’ll dive into what gingival hyperplasia is, why it happens, how to spot it, and what you can do to help your dog if they develop this condition.
Driving with Pets: The Risks and Importance of Safety Restraints
If you're one of the 80% of pet parents who drive with your furry companion, you're not alone. More and more people are taking their pets on the road, whether for a quick trip to the park or a long road trip across the country. However, despite the growing number of pet parents driving with their animals, a staggering 60% admit to being distracted by their pets while driving. Even more concerning, only 16% of pet parents use proper safety restraints for their animals while in transit, putting both their pets and themselves at risk.
What is my dog communicating?
Dogs communicate with us in many ways, especially during walks. When you're out on a walk with your dog, their behavior, body language, and actions can provide you with valuable insight into how they’re feeling and what they’re trying to express.
How a Dog Walker Can Improve Your Dog’s Behavior
Hiring a dog walker isn't just a luxury—it's an investment in your dog's behavior and well-being. With regular walks, socialization, exercise, and training, a dog walker can provide valuable assistance in raising a well-behaved, balanced, and happy dog. Whether you have a high-energy puppy or an older dog with behavioral issues, professional walkers can make a lasting impact on your dog's behavior, ensuring they are calm, confident, and content.
Grieving your best friend
Written By: Pamela Ann Noxon
We know that sharing our life with a pet can give us the most unconditional love
we will ever experience, but it also can be the most unconditional love we ever give. These
friends, guardians, partners, and soulmates enrich our lives with their love and loyalty. It is an
honor and a privilege to sign on to love a pet for their lifetime, be it long or short, knowing in our
hearts that our commitment ultimately leads to the rainbow bridge. We give them our hearts,
and when they pass, our heart and soul goes with them. And until one has lost a Loved One
one cannot understand or fathom the intensity and power of grief. It’s as though all the power of
love and life has inverted and is now pulling us into a reality for which we have no map or guide.
And often we are not prepared for the depth and duration of pain that loss brings, even if we
have fair warning of a Loved One’s death.
Why You Should Consider Removing Your Dog’s Collar Before Putting Them in a Crate
While collars are essential for identification and walking, it's important to consider removing your dog's collar before placing them in a crate. Collars can pose choking hazards, cause injuries from friction, or lead to discomfort, especially during crate time. By removing the collar, you eliminate the risk of entanglement, reduce the chances of skin irritation, and promote a more comfortable, stress-free environment for your dog. Additionally, using a microchip or separate ID tags ensures your dog remains identifiable without the risks associated with wearing a collar in the crate. Prioritizing your dog’s safety and comfort is key to creating a secure and restful crate experience.
Tips to Stay Safe While Walking Your Dog(s)
Walking your dog is a great way to stay active and bond with your pet, but safety should always be a priority. From choosing the right leash and harness to staying aware of traffic and other potential hazards, there are several steps you can take to protect both yourself and your dog. Ensure you’re visible in low-light conditions, stay alert for wildlife and other animals, and always check the weather before heading out. Additionally, make sure your dog is well-trained, hydrated, and prepared for the walk ahead. By following these tips, you can enjoy safe and enjoyable walks that benefit both you and your furry companion.
Understanding the Mystery of Cat Chirping
When cats chatter or "chirp," especially when they’re looking at birds or small animals outside, it’s often a combination of excitement and frustration. Cats are natural hunters, and this behavior may be their way of expressing their desire to chase or catch the prey they see, even though they’re not physically able to. Some experts also suggest that the chattering could mimic the sounds of prey animals, helping them refine their hunting skills.
Pet Safety Alert: The 20 Most Dangerous Plants for Dogs and Cats
Certain plants that are safe for humans can be dangerous, or even deadly, for pets. Cats, dogs, and other animals can be at risk if they ingest, chew, or simply come into contact with certain plants.
How Sound Affects Cats: Understanding Their Sensitive Ears
Cats are often seen as enigmatic creatures, spending hours lounging in quiet corners or hunting silently in the dark. But as any cat parents knows, our feline companions are not always as indifferent to sound as they might appear. In fact, sound plays a significant role in their lives, influencing their behavior, emotions, and overall well-being.
Why Hiring a Dog Walker is the Best Decision for You and Your Dog
As a responsible pet parent, you know that your dog’s well-being depends on more than just feeding, grooming, and giving them love. Regular exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction are crucial to their happiness and health. However, with busy schedules, work commitments, and personal obligations, it’s not always possible to meet these needs on your own. This is where a professional dog walker comes in. Whether you’re dealing with a demanding job, a busy family life, or physical limitations, hiring a dog walker can be a game-changer for both you and your furry companion.
Don’t let food ruin your pet’s holiday!
One of our favorite things about the holiday season is all of the wonderful treats that we get to enjoy during this special time of year. We know you love to share treats with your pets, but it is important to be aware of the foods that are safe for your pets and those that are not. Here is our list of holidays foods that should be avoided and the ones that you can happily share.
Happy Holidays!
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.