3 Fun Facts About Your Dog's Nose

3 Fun Halloween Costumes for Your Dog

Halloween isn’t just for humans, our furry friends deserve to join in on the spooky fun too! Dressing up your dog can be a delightful way to celebrate, and there are plenty of creative and adorable options to choose from. Here are three standout Halloween costumes that will have your pup stealing the spotlight this season.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

3 Fun Games to Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer

Long walks and high-energy fetch sessions are generally off the cards when temperatures soar, but that doesn’t mean playtime has to take a backseat.Here are three fun, simple games that help your dog stay active and cool when the weather’s blazing.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

The Facts About Microchipping Your Dog

Tags might not be enough – here’s why your should be microchipping your dog. According to the ASPCA, over 8 million animals wind up in animal shelters each year and, of those 8 million, only about 15 to 20 percent are ever reclaimed by their owners. Though some of the pets accounted for in this statistic are abandoned or homeless, many of them are simply pets that have gotten lost and their owners never found them. If your dog ever gets lost, you will be glad that you invested in a microchip, one of the simplest ways to protect your pet if you get separated. What is Microchipping? A microchip is exactly what it sounds like – a tiny chip that contains a number that can be used to identify your dog if he becomes lost. The chip is embedded directly under your dog’s skin between the shoulder blades using a needle. The process is very quick and simple and it can be performed by a qualified veterinarian or at an animal shelter. For the most part, microchipping your dog is relatively inexpensive, generally costing no more than $50 per chip. Once your dog is microchipped, the number is stored in connection with your contact information and, if your dog becomes lost, the chip can be scanned to retrieve the number and to contact you. Related: Britain Passes Dog Microchipping Law Pros and Cons of Microchipping The main benefit of microchipping is, of course, the fact that it makes your dog easy to identify in the event that he becomes lost. Every microchip is given a unique number and that number is tied to the contact information you give at the time of the procedure. If your dog gets lost, the microchip can be used to contact you so you can be reunited with your pet. Another benefit of microchipping your dog is that it is a quick and relatively painless process. The process for injecting a microchip only takes a few seconds and it won’t hurt your dog any more than a simple blood draw. If you are concerned about the pain for your pet, have the procedure done at the time as your dog’s spay/neuter surgery so he or she will already be under anesthesia. Of course, you always want your dog to have an ID tag. That’s the easiest and fastest way for someone to get your information and get your pet back to you when he or she is lost. A microchip scan can be a bit more work. But, sometimes tags and collars fall off (more often than not) and microchipping means someone will ALWAYS be able to get in touch with you. We like to think that teaching our pets to come when called is a good idea (and it is) but the truth is, they may not. Sometimes, that stinking squirrel is just too alluring a temptation and he can’t help but run after. Having tags is great, but there is no guarantee that they’ll stay on. A microchip is really forever, even if it’s not kept up (though we recommend you always keep them up-to-date). The bottom line is that studies have shown pets with microchips have much greater chances of being reunited with their pawrents. The return-to-owner rate is about 2.5 times higher than the return rate for all stray dogs when the dog was microchipped, according to researchers from The Ohio State University School of Veterinary Medicine. It’s a good idea and it can save your doggo’s life and bring him home when he’s lost. Related: What To Do If Your Dog Gets Lost How a Microchip Helps you Find a Lost Pet Unfortunately, there is no way to track your pet using a microchip – it will only work if someone finds your dog and turns him in to a shelter of a veterinarian’s office. When this happens, the chip can be scanned and the company that produced the chip will be contacted to get your information. Another thing to keep in mind with microchipping is that it is essential that you keep your information current. If you have a change of address or phone number, you must contact the company and update your registration. If your pet has a microchip but the information on file is out of date, it won’t help you. Losing your dog can be a heartbreaking and traumatic experience and, unfortunately, not all lost dogs are reunited with their owners. Performing a manual search for your dog and posting flyers may work in some cases, but that is not always the case. The best way to ensure your pet’s return is to have him microchipped so that anyone who finds him can have him scanned and reunited with you as soon as possible. If your pet isn’t microchipped, ask your vet for the best and fastest way to make it happen–for the safety of your furbaby!

Determined Beagle Gets a Lift on Her Latest Hiking Adventure

Dogs love a good adventure. Whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood, a trip to the local park, or a rustic hike, our best friends are usually eager to explore by our side. But sometimes, even the best-prepared pup can find themselves in a tricky situation… This was the case for one determined beagle who, despite being fully geared up for a hike, needed a little extra support from her loving dad. The heartwarming and humorous moment was captured on video and shared by user @beagleskiko. The now-viral TikTok shows the determined beagle being gently lifted by her own as they navigate the steep and rocky section of the trail. Hilariously, even while being carried, her little legs continued to move in a running motion. It’s a sight that has led to the laughter and love of TikTok viewers worldwide.

Poor Air Quality Impacts the Health of Pets, Too

Experts warn that poor air quality caused by wildfires can have serious effects on animals, so pet parents should be aware of the risks and take steps to protect their pets when air quality drops.  

10 Ways to Pay Attention to Your Dog’s Wellbeing During the Summer

A couple of summers ago, I took my dog, Jasper, on what I thought would be a quick walk around the neighborhood. It was warm, but I figured we’d be fine. Five minutes in, he started slowing down, panting harder than usual, and looking up at me like, “Mum, what are we doing?” I scooped him up (he’s not exactly light) and carried him home, feeling like the world’s worst dog parent. Lesson learned: summer is no joke for our four-legged friends.Ever since that day, I’ve made it a priority to really pay attention to how Jasper is feeling when the weather heats up. Dogs can’t tell us when they’re uncomfortable, dehydrated, or overheating, so it’s up to us to notice the signs and stay ahead of any problems. Luckily, can make summer safer and more enjoyable for our pups by making just a few simple changes. Here are 10 ways I keep Jasper happy, healthy, and tail-wagging all summer long!

FDA Approves Long-Lasting Flea and Tick Treatment for Dogs

If you’ve ever found yourself flipping through your calendar and panicking over a missed flea treatment, we’ve got news that might change your whole routine. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) just approved a once-a-year flea and tick shot for dogs, and it’s already making waves in the pet world.The product, called Bravecto Quantum, is an injectable medication that protects dogs from fleas and ticks for a full 12 months. Yes, you read that right, one vet visit, and your dog is covered for an entire year.The long-acting shot contains fluralaner, the same active ingredient found in other Bravecto products, but this version is specially formulated for extended release. That means no more monthly chewables, no more oily spot-ons, and no more reminders you snooze and forget. Bravecto Quantum has been used in Australia and Europe, but as of July 2025, it’s now officially FDA-approved and set to become available in U.S. veterinary clinics this August.For busy pet parents, this new option could be a total game changer.“Year-round protection in one easy injection,” said Dr. Christine Royal, veterinarian and executive director at Merck Animal Health. “It’s a convenient and effective option that supports compliance and peace of mind.” And that peace of mind is something pet owners know can be hard to come by, especially when juggling a household, a job, and a dog who absolutely refuses to eat that monthly pill hidden in peanut butter.The shot protects against fleas and three major types of ticks - American dog ticks, black-legged ticks, and brown dog ticks - for 12 months. It also offers eight months of protection against lone star ticks, which are increasingly common in many U.S. regions.Bravecto Quantum is administered by a veterinarian, not something you can do at home, which is actually a plus. It guarantees proper dosing and gives you a reason to take your dog for an annual health check, which many vets recommend anyway.Like any medication, it’s not totally risk-free. Fluralaner belongs to the isoxazoline class of drugs, which the FDA has linked to neurological side effects such as tremors and seizures, particularly in dogs with a history of those conditions. Common side effects may include mild injection site discomfort or lethargy, but these are generally short-lived.Dr. Tina Wismer, senior director at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, says this long-acting option could be particularly helpful for certain pet families. “In areas where ticks are active year-round, or for owners who struggle to remember monthly treatments, having a once-a-year injection simplifies things considerably,” she noted.So what’s the upside of Bravecto Quantum for pet parents?For starters, it reduces the risk of gaps in protection. Skipping just one monthly dose can leave your dog vulnerable, not just to fleas, but to serious diseases like Lyme, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, all of which are transmitted by ticks.It also means fewer products in your cabinet, fewer dosing errors, and let’s be honest, fewer wrestling matches with your dog on the kitchen floor.That said, it’s not a magic fix-all. You’ll still want to maintain a clean home environment, wash bedding regularly, and keep your yard tick-free. Flea and tick protection works best when it’s part of a bigger strategy.If your pup is six months or older and in good health, talk to your vet to see if the new shot might be right for them. It might just be the simplest way yet to keep them safe and give you one less thing to worry about for the next 365 days.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Study Finds Owning a Pet Is As Good For You As Being Married

Owning a pet cat or a dog can be as satisfying as being married, or regularly seeing your friends, or family, a new study shows. The study, published in the journal Social Indicators Research, also found that having a four-legged companion offers the same psychological benefits as being married or earning an extra $90,000 a year. Researchers at Kent University used the “life satisfaction” approach, which economists use to measure intangible assets like family and friendship, to calculate a hypothetical income. The study analyzed data from 2,500 British families and found that owning a pet comes with an increase in life satisfaction of 3-4 points on a scale of 1-7. Similar values were acquired for meeting with friends and family regularly.In other studies, economists have shown that marriage, compared to being single, is worth around $90,000 a year. On the other hand, separation is equal to around minus $170,000. The lead author of this study, Dr Adelina Gschwandtner, an economics professor at the University of Kent, told The Times she was inspired by a recent research paper that put a price tag on human friendships. “I thought, ‘well, if it’s possible for friends, why not for pets?’”“I understand why some people may be skeptical,” she added. “Given that pets are considered by many as best friends and family members, these values appear to be plausible… I also suspect that many people don’t actually realize how important their pets are for them.”Numerous studies have shown that owning a pet offers many health benefits. Research shows that spending time with a dog relieves stress, keeps you active, and helps you live longer. Stroking a cat has been proven to lower blood pressure and heart rate. Having a cat at home can reduce the risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis in children exposed to allergens. A simple act of petting a cat or a dog helps lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol, promoting calmness and reducing stress. Dr Gschwandtner added, “This research answers the question whether overall pet companions are good for us with a resounding ‘Yes’.”“Pets care for us, and there is a significant monetary value associated with their companionship. This information can be used for health care practices and policy aiming to increase well-being and life satisfaction of humans involving pets.” This study also shed some light on the personality traits of pet owners, noting that cat owners appear to be more open, while dog owners tend to be more agreeable, extroverted, and less neurotic. The study’s authors also pointed out that pet owners in general appear to be more open, conscientious, and extroverted than people who don’t own a pet.While the mental and physical benefits of owning a dog are well-known, scientists are still debating the overall impact pets have on their owners’ well-being. According to Megan Mueller, an associate professor at Tufts University who studies the relationship between people and animals, things are more complicated than they seem. “A lot of us see our pets as contributing to our life satisfaction, but depending on how you measure that in the research, it comes out different ways.” But rather than comparing pet ownership and life satisfaction, the authors of this study decided to prove a causal link. If the results of this study are correct, and pets improve satisfaction as much as data suggests, Dr Gschwandtner hopes policymakers will make it easier for people to own cats or dogs. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Things You Should Know as a First-Time Cat Parent

Are you planning on sharing your home with a cat for the very first time in your life? Congrats on becoming a new cat parent! But there are some things you should know about kitties so you can take great care of them and understand them better. Here’s a brief guide to get started.  

How Can I Tell If My Hamster Is Happy?

Hamsters may be tiny, but they’ve got big personalities - and they can bring a surprising amount of joy to your home. But unlike dogs or cats, hamsters don’t always show how they’re feeling in obvious ways. For new owners, it can be tricky to tell if your little buddy is thriving or just getting by.So, how do you know if your hamster is happy? The good news is, there are plenty of signs you can look for, once you know what to watch.1. They’re Active and CuriousHamsters are nocturnal, which means their “day” starts when yours winds down. A happy hamster will be active in the evening and nighttime hours - running on their wheel, digging, climbing, and exploring their enclosure.

Is a Cat or a Dog the Right Pet for You?

Choosing between a cat and a dog is one of the most common dilemmas for prospective pet owners. Both animals offer companionship, lots of joy, and unconditional love, but their personalities, care needs, and lifestyle compatibility can be hugely different. Here are important things to consider before making your decision. 

Why Is My Guinea Pig Making That Noise?

Guinea pigs are popular pets for good reason - they’re social, expressive, and surprisingly vocal. If you've ever stopped to wonder what all those squeals, purrs, and clicks mean, you're not alone. Guinea pigs use sound as a primary way to communicate how they're feeling. Understanding these noises can help you care for your pet more effectively and strengthen your bond in the process.Here’s a breakdown of the most common guinea pig sounds and what they usually mean.Wheeking (Whistling or Squealing)Wheeking is one of the most recognizable guinea pig sounds. It’s a loud, high-pitched whistle or squeal, and it usually means one thing: food. Many guinea pigs start wheeking when they hear a bag rustling or the fridge door opening. It's their way of saying, "Hey, don't forget me!"

Here’s Why Your Dog Loves to Say Hello to Strangers

If you’ve ever walked down the street with your dog and watched them enthusiastically greet every passerby, you’ve probably wondered why they do that. While it can be a little embarrassing at times, this behavior is rooted in some surprisingly interesting aspects of canine nature.

Are Communal Water Bowls Safe for Dogs? Not Really!

Dog Cured of Cancer in Clinical Trial

In amazing news, a Golden Retriever named Lola was cured of cancer after receiving a new treatment as part of a clinical trial at UC Davis. Diagnosed in 2023, the 9-year-old dog was originally given less than six months to live, as her aggressive oral melanoma had spread to the lungs. But that prognosis changed after she was referred to the UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.  

How Do Cats Mark Their Territory?

Cats don’t just mark territory for the sake of claiming things - they do it to feel safe, reduce stress, and communicate with other cats. Territory marking can include physical actions like rubbing, scratching, or spraying, as well as more subtle cues like patrolling or lounging in favorite spots.Scent Glands and BuntingCats have scent glands in several parts of their body, including:CheeksChinForeheadPawsBase of the tailWhen a cat rubs its face against furniture, walls, or your leg, it’s not just being affectionate - it’s bunting, a behavior that deposits pheromones onto objects. These chemical signals tell other cats, “I’ve been here,” and help the marking cat feel more secure in its surroundings.Subtle Scent MarkingNot all marking is obvious. Cats also claim territory by:Rubbing their body along walls, furniture, or peopleRolling on the floor in familiar areasSleeping or lounging in favorite spotsPatrolling certain routes in the home or yardThese behaviors distribute their scent and help maintain a sense of ownership and comfort.Scratching: More Than Just Claw MaintenanceScratching isn’t just about keeping claws sharp - it’s also a key way cats mark their territory. Their paw pads contain scent glands, so when a cat scratches a surface, it’s leaving behind both a scent marker and visible signs. These scratches act as a dual message: a warning to other animals and a familiar signal that helps the cat feel more secure in its space. That’s why you’ll often see repeated scratching on furniture, door frames, or posts - those spots become regular territory markers in your cat’s environment.Spraying: A Stronger MessageUrine spraying is a more intense form of territorial marking and, for many owners, one of the more frustrating ones. It’s different from normal urination - when spraying, a cat typically stands upright and releases a small stream of urine onto a vertical surface. This behavior is especially common in unneutered males, but it can happen with any cat, particularly when they’re stressed or feeling territorial. Spraying may be triggered by changes in the environment, the presence of new pets, or even the sight or scent of outdoor cats. Neutering often helps reduce spraying by lowering hormone-driven behaviors, but it doesn’t always eliminate it entirely - especially if the cat feels its territory is being challenged.Visual Marking and PresenceIn addition to scent, cats leave visual signals. Scratched furniture or posts are a clear message to other cats, and simply spending time in a space also marks it. Outdoor cats, in particular, will often follow the same paths and rest in specific spots to reinforce their presence.

What Does Your Cat's Poop Reveal About Their Health?

Every day, countless cat parents do the not-so-pleasant job of scooping the litter box. While this routine task may not be the most glamorous, your cat’s box holds a wealth of information about their inner workings and overall health.Paying just a little attention to what they leave behind may reveal subtle clues that speak volumes about their well-being.In this post, I will share the knowledge you need to decipher the unspoken language of the litter box, including helping you understand what constitutes a healthy deposit and, more importantly, when something may be “off” or warrant a call to your veterinarian.Familiarizing yourself with what to look for and when to be concerned is the key to a happier, healthier life for your best friend.What is Considered “Normal” Cat Poop?Recognizing when something isn’t right based on your cat’s litter box starts with understanding what is considered “normal.” There are several key characteristics that you can expect to see when looking at health cat poop, indicating a well-functioning digestive system.Consistency is KeyIdeally, your cat’s stool should be firm and log-shaped, holding its form well when scooped. The texture should be moist, like the texture of modeling clay or even a well-formed sausage. This consistency is important as it means the food is being properly digested and there’s a healthy balance of water absorption in the intestines, resulting in poop that is easy and comfortable to pass through the digestive tract.The Right ColorThe expected color for healthy cat poop falls into a spectrum that ranges from medium to dark brown. This comes primarily from the natural breakdown of food within the digestive system and the presence of bile, the key digestive fluid produced by the liver.It is worth noting that slight color variations can happen due to the foods included in your cat’s diet. For example, certain foods may cause the poop to be slightly lighter or darker brown, which is usually nothing to be concerned about as long as other characteristics on this list remain normal. If you do notice a slight change of color, take a moment to consider whether your cat has eaten something new recently that could be behind that shift.Size MattersThe typical size of a healthy stool for your cat will correlate with their overall size and the amount they eat, meaning that it will vary slightly from cat to cat. Even within my own home, with three cats, we have three different “normals” to consider.By consistently observing your cat’s waste when cleaning the box, you will familiarize yourself with what is normal for them, allowing you to notice if their waste is slightly smaller or larger than usual, which can be a subtle sign of an underlying issue. Very small stools may suggest that your cat is eating less than usual or they are experiencing a slower digestion rate than normal. Consistently large stools could point towards dietary imbalances or improper absorption of nutrients.Something Smells “Off”Let’s be honest, all poop has an odor, and it’s not an odor we generally get excited about. However, healthy cat poop shouldn’t have an overwhelmingly foul or offensive smell. While you won’t be mistaking your cat’s litter box for roses anytime soon, even if they are 100% healthy, a sudden and significant worsening of that smell can be a red flag. This may signal bacterial overgrowth in the digestive tract or digestive upset. Trust your nose – if the smell seems noticeably different and concerning, it’s worth taking note and investigating further.Frequency and HabitsMost cats will typically have a bowel movement once or twice a day. This is considered “normal” and indicates that their digestive system is operating as it should. Still, it can vary slightly from cat to cat based on factors such as their diet, activity levels, and overall metabolism. Monitoring your cat’s bathroom habits can help you establish what’s normal for them, arming you with the information necessary to recognize if something’s “off.”A significant and persistent change in their usual bathroom habits, whether it’s going much more or much less often, is a red flag worth paying attention to.Red Flags in Your Cat’s Litter BoxWhile understanding what healthy poop looks like will give you a baseline, you will need to fine tune your observation skills to be able to recognize when something has changed, even subtly. Certain changes in consistency, color, contents, odor, frequency, or volume may signal underlying issues that need to be addressed or even a need for a visit to the veterinarian ASAP.Here are a few of the red flags you should be on the lookout for in more detail:Changes in ConsistencyOne of the most common changes you may notice is diarrhea, which can manifest in several forms. It may appear watery, very loose, or have a soft, puddling-like consistency. Several factors can contribute to diarrhea in cats. Often, it is the result of eating something they shouldn’t. However, stress, parasites (such as roundworms, hookworms, or Giardia), bacterial or viral infections, food sensitivities or allergies, and even underlying medical conditions can impact the digestive tract.It's also important to keep in mind that diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, especially in vulnerable populations like kittens and senior cats, making prompt attention critical.On the opposite end of the spectrum is constipation, characterized by hard, dry pellets or infrequent and often strained attempts to go. You may notice your cat making repeated trips to the litter box without producing much or showing signs of discomfort when trying.Dehydration is also a significant contributor to constipation, as is a diet lacking the necessary fiber your cat requires. Hairballs, particularly in long-haired breeds, can also cause blockages. Other potential causes include obesity, pain (making it uncomfortable to get into position to go), neurological issues, and, in severe cases, a condition called megacolon, where the colon becomes enlarged and loses its ability to contract and move the stool along effectively. Constipation can be pretty uncomfortable for your cat and, if left untreated, can lead to serious medical problems.

Avoid Overstimulation When Petting Your Cat

Psycologically based, overstimulation can result in biting and scratching without much warning.