Keeping Ants Out of Your Pet’s Food 🐜
Ants may be tiny, but they can quickly turn your pet’s mealtime into a big problem. From building a moat around food bowls to using ant-proof feeders, pet parents have come up with clever ways to keep these uninvited guests away. Discover simple, effective tips to protect your pet’s food and make mealtime stress-free again.
We Know You Trust DOTR; Here’s Why a Consultation Still Matters
At Dogs On The Run, we carefully vet every professional, but even the best match needs a proper introduction. That’s why we recommend in-person consultations: to ensure your pet feels comfortable, expectations are clear, and your care provider is set up for success. It’s not just about logistics, it’s about building trust from the very first visit.
Pet Licensing: Yes, It’s the Law and Here’s Why It Matters
Did you know that pet licensing is legally required in most California counties? Beyond compliance, a valid license helps reunite lost pets, proves vaccination status, and supports local shelters. Learn why it matters and how to check your pet’s status in just a few minutes.
Buckle Up, Pup: Why Pet Travel Safety Deserves a Second Look
Traveling with your pet? Safety starts before you hit the road. At Dogs On The Run, we encourage pet parents to consider using seatbelts, harnesses, or carriers when transporting their pets — especially when someone else is behind the wheel. This small step can make a big difference in comfort, focus, and safety for everyone involved.
Why Do Dogs Eat Grass?
Does your dog graze on grass like a backyard cow? You’re not alone—and in most cases, it’s totally normal. Veterinary experts say dogs eat grass for a variety of reasons, from instinct and taste to boredom or digestive aid. While the habit is usually harmless, there are times it can signal something more serious. Here’s what the pros want you to know about grass-eating behavior and when it’s time to call your vet.
It’s Pupping Season – Here’s How to Protect Your Pets from Coyotes
As coyote sightings increase during pupping season, it's crucial to protect the ones you love most—your pets. Here’s how to stay vigilant, make your home less inviting to wildlife, and keep every tail wagging in safety.
🐾 How Can I Keep My Pet Safe from Ticks?
Ticks can pose serious health risks to pets, carrying diseases like Lyme and ehrlichiosis. Protecting your furry friend starts with prevention—regular vet-approved treatments, daily tick checks, and a clean yard can go a long way. Learn how to spot, remove, and defend against ticks to keep your pet safe and healthy all year round.
How Earthquakes Affect Pets: Signs of Stress and Ways to Help
When the ground starts to shake, it’s not just people who feel the fear—our pets do, too. With heightened senses, many animals detect earthquakes before we do, often reacting with stress, confusion, or panic. Understanding how these events impact our furry companions and knowing how to comfort them can make all the difference in keeping them safe and supported.
Why Every Pet Parent & Professional Needs a Disaster Plan
When disaster strikes, having a properly sized crate or carrier for your pet isn’t optional—it’s essential. Every pet should have their own carrier that’s large enough to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
In an emergency, a crate isn’t just a transportation tool—it’s your pet’s safe space. It keeps them secure during evacuation, allows access to pet-friendly shelters or hotels, and prevents them from getting lost in the chaos.
Take time now to get your pet comfortable with their carrier. Practice loading them inside with treats and praise so they’re less stressed if you ever need to use it under pressure.
✅ Pro tip for pet parents and professionals: Label each crate with the pet’s name and your contact information in case you get separated.
Spring Is In The Air… Let’s Prepare!
Spring is the perfect time to give your lawn a little TLC, but it’s also the season when we need to be extra mindful of our pets around fertilizers. Whether you’re using a chemical or organic fertilizer, it’s important to take a few precautions to protect your furry friends. Keeping them indoors after fertilizing, using pet-safe products, and cleaning their paws after walks can all help prevent exposure to harmful chemicals. Plus, always be aware of where your pets are walking, especially in public spaces where fertilizer may have been applied. A little extra care can go a long way in keeping your pets safe while you enjoy a lush, healthy lawn this season! 🌱🐾
Reminder to Check and Update Your Pet's Microchip: A Simple Step to Ensure Their Safety
As pet parents, we know how much our furry friends mean to us. Whether it's their joyful bark, a comforting purr, or simply their presence in our lives, our pets become family. But as much as we cherish them, the unfortunate reality is that pets can sometimes go missing. According to the American Humane Society, about 10 million pets are lost every year in the U.S. alone. One of the best ways to ensure your pet’s safe return is by keeping their microchip information up-to-date.
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.
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.
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:
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 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.
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.
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.”