Patio-Worthy Picks to Keep Your Pooch Chill This Summer

Stocky Swimming Bulldog Raises Questions on Social Media

Ideal solution for joint health or possible danger to flat-faced breed.

Study Shares Quick Trick to Getting Your Dog's Attention

Researchers found the sweet spot that captures your dogs attention and gains the results you're looking for.

Grooming Tools for that Self-Sufficient Feline

(photo credit: lucky_pics / shutterstock.com)Do you brush your cat? Let me rephrase that. Does your cat let you brush her? Because if she’s longer-haired she should be brushed daily – regardless of how annoyed she becomes with you. And for shorter-haired felines, at least once a week to keep both cat and home, reasonably free from flying fur.But there’s more because beyond ensuring your fluffball looks her very best, brushing out all that loose fur stimulates the natural oils for a healthy, shiny coat and reduces the likelihood of her developing those dread hairballs. Yes, due to how frequently a cat licks and preens her fluffy coat throughout the day, hairballs are not uncommon. At best, they pass through her system and straight into the litter box. More typically, they build in her digestive tract until they’re too large to move through her. At this point, she regurgitates them back up as a slimy mass of hair you’re almost certain to step in. And then there are the extreme cases where the mass grows to become a solid blockage that requires veterinary intervention. So, let’s not let it get to that point.If you’re trying to keep your feline well-groomed but she won’t tolerate brushing for more than a few seconds, what can you do? Don’t give up for starters. Choose to move through the process in increments. Start with gentle brushing in the areas she approves of, then gradually increase the coverage while praising and offering treats along the way. At the same time, build the duration up from just a few seconds to a few minutes.Now, kitty may well have plans for primping that don’t include you. When that’s the case, a little hands-off assistance may be just the ticket and thankfully the pet industry has developed some cat-friendly tools your feline will actually enjoy using.

Turning His Back On You? Your Dog May Have a Good Reason.

It's not you. It's him. And his reasons may surprise you.

Trendy New Bicycle Baskets Replace the Backpack for Pets

(photo credit: Stas Walenga / shutterstock.com)Not since the formidable Miss Gulch rode away with wee Toto in tow in that classic Wizard of Oz movie, has the bicycle basket enjoyed such a newfound following. For those conscious of the environment, cycling is a great alternative to hopping into a car to run errands while those who love to push the pedals toward a healthier lifestyle, swear by hitting the open road on a two-wheeler. Now, many of these same people are pet owners and when it comes to heading out without the little guy, it doesn’t have to mean leaving him at home.Today’s bicycle baskets offer a wide range of options that are sturdy, lightweight and perfectly sized to hold any small dog that’s keen to join in on the outdoor adventure. The trick is to find the right basket carrier to suit your needs.What to look for in a bicycle basketThis is an area where one-size-fits-all couldn’t be further from the truth. When it comes to investing in a mounted basket for your pooch, you need to ensure that it’s designed to hold his weight and size. Purchasing something too compact is not only dangerous for you both but downright uncomfortable for him to travel any distance.Comfort is key and seeking out a basket option with a solid, flat base is important. Your pet is going to want to sit while taking in the sights and sounds and if the basket base shifts and folds up on him, he’s going to be inclined to want to jump out.Which leads to safety. You want a basket that not only has a sturdy mounting system that won’t wobble on your bike handles but that also has the ability to secure your pet in place with a leash clip or over-top covering. Distractions such as other dogs, squirrels, or birds can result in him trying to dart. Make sure he can’t.Construction is important. You want a lightweight option that is not only durable but also weather-resistant to protect your pet from the elements while ventilating to keep him from overheating on those warm summer outings.

Chatty Catty? What Drives those Chirpy Vocalizations?

Instinctive yet entertaining, why some feline's love to chatter away.

Camping with Cats Really Is That Easy!

(photo credit: Dee Browning/ shutterstock.com)From camping to glamping to a simple road trip to explore the great outdoors, ensuring your feline is comfy, cozy, and totally chill with the experience is a big part of enjoying the adventure. That said, we’ve all heard the expression “like herding cats” when describing a situation that’s almost impossible to get back under control. And that has to be the biggest fear when planning any type of trip that will include the family cat. Because we know her determination to go where she pleases, when she pleases… and to return at her leisure. You’re nodding your head yes..!But it’s particularly concerning when you’re not on the familiar turf of your own backyard. Her wandering off can be not only inconvenient but downright dangerous. So, what to do? Of course, we still want to find a way to have our feline fur kid travel with us and enjoy the mental stimulation that comes with new experiences. That’s why we’re lucky the pet industry has covered off our need for pussy-cat portability, on a number of levels.

From the LA Fires, New Legislation Expedites Pet Rescue in Disasters

Video of distraught pet owner Casey Colvin kicks new bill into full gear.

Working from Home? Electronic Pet Toys Are Your New Best Friend.

(photo credit: Elena Yakimova / shutterstock.com)Like many of us who work from home, the call of the wild (our pets) is never far away. Whether it’s an urgent potty break, a quick stroll around the block, a morning snack, responding to a perceived emergency or just a little snuggle, they sure can eat into our productivity.Now, we all know that nothing beats one-on-one time with the fur kids but sometimes duty calls and we just can’t drop everything to be available. Which leads to… wouldn’t we all love to find a way to keep the little guy entertained and busy doing anything other than scratching at the office door or trying to climb onto our lap while we’re on a Zoom call? C’mon, be honest.The good news is that there is relief in sight and it comes in the form of the wide range of electronic toys now available to engage your pet in something other than you. They’re easy to activate, long-lasting and all you have to do is fire them up and let your cat or dog do the rest.

The Scoop Behind Those Memes of Cats Grimacing at Stinky Smells

They're funny, popular, and make us think cats share our disdain for all things funky smelling. But there's more to those images that you might imagine.

Front-Load Dog Carriers Keep Him In On All the Action

(photo credit: Net Vector / shutterstock.com)It’s that awkward size. A dog that’s not quite big enough for the endurance of a long hike, but not so small that you can tuck him neatly into a pet sling and effortlessly tote him around on all those outdoor adventures. When your dog loves to get a front-row seat for all the action, when his spirit is willing but his little legs aren’t up to a marathon trek, a front-load dog carrier may just be the ticket. Alternatively, when your primary mode of transportation leans towards the two-wheel variety, and you want to include your pooch in all those fun outings, finding the right travel gear is essential.Designed for dogs weighing upwards of 12 pounds but typically less than 30, this type of carrier safely secures your pet so that you can comfortably transport him for short (or long) periods. And today’s new harnesses are strategically designed to prevent you from experiencing shoulder fatigue – meaning all parties remain comfortable.Not only is your pooch front facing to receive the smiles and accolades of the passing public, but for wilderness hikes, he gets to enjoy the flora and fauna from an entirely new vantage point – five feet off the ground. Now, for older pets or those with limited mobility, a front-load dog carrier is perfect for keeping them close, warm, comfortable and engaged in their surroundings. And as we all know, mental stimulation is critical for dogs of any size or age. Best of all, because these carriers are constructed for a quick load/unload process, your pet can easily resume his walk or take a comfort break as frequently as needed.