5 Fun Ways To Celebrate Your Pet's Birthday

Ways to Celebrate National Love Your Pet Day

National Love Your Pet Day is on February 20, and it’s a day set aside for celebrating your companion, no matter which species you share your home with. Whether you celebrate this occasion every year or this is your first year recognizing the day, there are a lot of fun and creative ways to give your pet extra attention and affection.

5 Easy Ways to Stop Pet Odors Taking Over Your Home

Living with pets means accepting a certain level of mess, but persistent odors don’t have to be part of the deal.Most “pet smells” come from a few predictable sources: accidents, fabrics that trap odor, pet hair buildup, air stagnation, and your pet’s own coat. Once you know where the problem starts, it becomes much easier to control.Below are five practical, product-led ways to keep your home smelling clean without constant deep cleaning.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

5 Cool Ways To Keep Your Pet Safe This Summer

From grape poisoning to insect bites, here are some need-to-know tips to keep your four-legged best friend’s tail wagging this summer. The sun is out, temperatures start to rise and layers of clothes are coming off. While your dog can happily spend a few more hours outside to take advantage of the delightful weather, there are some things you should watch out for. According to Petplan insurance, pets are six percent more likely to visit the vet out of the blue during the summer compared to the rest of the year. “While many pet owners are relaxing and having some fun in the sun, the summer season is no vacation for pets,” says Petplan staff veterinarian, Dr. Kim Smyth. “There are a number of common summertime hazards that can rain on your pet’s health, which could put a serious damper on your getaway fund and turn a trip to the beach into a trip to the vet.” Here are some seriously easy (and cool) tips to keep your summer stress-free: 1. Keep Cool As the temperatures soar, there are various heat-related conditions that can seriously harm your pet, such as heat stroke, heat rash and dehydration. Brachycephalic breeds such as Bulldogs, Boxers and Pugs are twice as likely to visit the vet due to these heat-related conditions compared to non-brachycephalic breeds. Signs include heavy panting, a staggering gait, and lethargy. Never leave your dog inside a hot car and always make sure to keep your pooch hydrated and in the shade as much as possible. Related: Top 10 Summer Essentials For Your Dog 2. Beware The Buzz Insects bites have a knack of putting a damper on an otherwise gorgeous summer day, even when it comes to pets. Compared to the rest of the year, pets are twice as likely likely to suffer from an insect bite and bee sting; they account for 25 percent of these incidents. Mild symptoms include swelling and redness, but if your dog has difficulty breathing and is vomiting, they are experiencing anaphylaxis – a serious allergic reaction that needs immediate veterinary attention. Purchase pet-safe insect repellent to protect Fido from these insects and steer clear of places that have a heavy mosquito presence. 3. Keep an Eye on the Barbecue A whopping 70 percent of all corn cob ingestions occur between the months of June and August. And it’s no wonder – it’s a barbecue staple! Corn cobs can get lodged in a dog’s intestines or stomach if eaten, and sometimes requires surgery in order to remove it. To keep Rover’s stomach cob-free, remember to clear your plates at the end of lunch/dinner and keep trash bags somewhere where your pets cannot reach it. 4. Monitor Your Dog’s Skin Health The risk of skin infection is 16 percent higher during the summer months in comparison to the rest of the year. Common causes include allergies, humidity, pests (such as fleas), and extra moisture from swimming. Symptoms include itchy, irritated skin or lesions, and watch out for scratching (more than usual), as it could indicate a problem. Should you suspect your dog has an infection or allergic reaction, bring them to your local veterinarian as soon as possible. Related: 4 Cool Tips On How To Avoid Hot Dogs This Summer 5. Steer Clear of Grapes Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs and because it is such a refreshing fruit, it’s often seen during parties (most common in the summer). According to Petplan data, grape and raisin toxicity are 40 percent higher during the summer. The average cost to treat this particular form of poisoning is $756. Signs of grape/raising poisoning include vomiting, increased thirst, and diarrhea. Remember to always clear your plates at the end of supper and never feed your dog anything grape-related (such as oatmeal raisin cookies, wine, etc.), and if they happen to swipe anything from the table, call your local vet.

Should Evacuation Pre-Work Be Part of Travel Planning With Your Pet?

Crisis in Dubai highlights need to prepare your furry travelling companion for foreign evacuations.

Here's Why Your Dog's Nails Keep Splitting

Have you noticed your dog having issues with their nails lately? Broken or split nails aren’t just uncomfortable for your furry friend, they can also lead to infections if left untreated. Understanding why it happens is the first step toward keeping your dog’s paws happy and healthy.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

What To Look For In a Pet Camera

A pet camera will make it possible to monitor your pets throughout the day and night, whether you’re checking in on them in real time or reviewing recorded footage. This can give you peace of mind both while you’re at home and away from home, as you’ll be able to see what your pets are doing and if they need anything. These days, there are a range of pet cameras on the market. The key is choosing the one that will meet your expectations and fit your budget. So, what should you look for in a high-quality pet camera? Here’s a list of features you can focus on as you shop.

Why Your Dog Is Suddenly Grinding Their Teeth

If you’ve noticed your dog suddenly grinding their teeth, it can be worrying. Just like humans, dogs can grind their teeth—something called bruxism. This behavior often signals that something isn’t quite right, and figuring out the cause can help keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Let’s get into it.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Keep an Eye on Your Cat’s Health with the Luma Smart Litter Box

Track bathroom habits and catch potential health issues early.It’s sometimes easy to miss the signs when a cat isn’t feeling well, as many cats instinctively hide their discomfort. The Petlibro Luma Smart Litter Box offers a practical solution. It monitors your cat’s bathroom habits and provides insights that help you pick up on any changes before they become more serious. 

Ontario Dog Beats the Odds After Five Months in Sub-Zero Temps

As a dog parent, our worst nightmare is the sight of an open gate and an empty yard. Our minds instantly run to the worst-case scenario as we panic about our best friend's safety. For Collin, a resident of Stayner, a small town in Ontario, Canada, that nightmare became a reality on October 1, 2025, when his three-year-old Boxer-Rottweiler mix, Daisy, vanished. What followed was not just your typical tale of a lost dog. It was a five-month testament to a dog's resilience and to the incredible dedication of a community that refused to let her freeze. After sneaking out of the yard, Daisy was spotted by a local mechanic’s shop. While they tried to catch the loose dog, she was skittish and afraid, quickly taking off and disappearing from their sight. “Sightings poured in daily,” said Collin. “I lived vicariously through people posting sightings of her all over social media.”However, despite the many sightings, Daisy continued to elude rescuers and members of her local community. Days turned to weeks, and then months. Despite winter temperatures plummeting below -20F, the nervous pup managed to navigate harsh local storms and bitterly cold nights. Luckily, Daisy wasn’t fighting for survival alone. Local businesses like Hoffman’s Meat & European Deli and Rayne Nutrition stepped up, providing high-quality food to keep Daisy’s strength up, while Pet Valu Stayner provided essential supplies. Even the youngest members of the community pitched in. A young boy named Aidan helped shovel snow and sang to Daisy during feeding trips, focused on keeping the environment calm. Pawsitive Ground Search, a local organization dedicated to finding lost pets, brought their knowledge and expertise to the search. When a dog is lost for a long period, they often enter “ survival mode.” In this mental state, even the most loving pet can become anxious and skittish, failing to even recognize their own “people.” Collin experienced this firsthand when he came face-to-face with Daisy on the street, only for her to bolt away in fear. Sue, from Pawsitive Ground Search, introduced the importance of a “safe zone,” working tirelessly to keep Daisy’s frequent hiding spots and hangouts quiet and undisturbed. Changing a trap or making too much noise could cause a lost dog to vanish from sight for weeks. This highlights an important lesson for any dog parent: if a dog is in flight mode, chasing them is the worst thing you can do. The team and the many volunteers focused on consistency, delivering food twice daily to a barn where she had been seen seeking shelter. Finally, after 143 days in the wild, the breakthrough happened just after midnight on February 20. Using a live camera feed and a drop net, the team finally secured Daisy. Within seconds, the dog who had sparked hundreds of social media shares was headed home. Perhaps the most incredible part of the story is Daisy’s condition when she was finally trapped. After a vet checkup, Collin confirmed she is doing well and has settled back into her life of belly rubs and cuddles, as if she never left. Daisy’s story is a powerful reminder: never lose hope. If your pet ever goes missing, remember that the goal is to make them feel safe enough to stop running. Sometimes, providing a quiet place to eat is the most effective way to bring them back to the families who love them dearly. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

New York's Bodega Cats Are a Social Media Sensation

Drawing tourists and followers to more than 10,000 area convenience stores, these hard-working felines are going viral (in a good way).

High Levels of Heavy Metals Found in Many Dog Foods

The Clean Label Project has released their Dog Food Category Report, stating many popular dog foods contain high levels of heavy metals, plastic contaminants, and acrylamide. Here’s a breakdown of what they found through their research.

Cat Doesn't Like Clumping Clay Litter? Check Out These Alternatives.

Understanding the Importance of Taurine for Cats

Among the nutrients that keep our cats thriving, few are as critical as taurine. While you might see it listed on the back of a bag of kibble or hear mention of it in the cat community, it often doesn’t get the attention it deserves. Taurine isn’t just an optional supplement; it’s essential for your cat’s heart health.The reason this is so important to discuss is that cats simply cannot produce enough taurine on their own. They rely entirely on their diet to meet their needs. By learning about the specific role this nutrient plays and how to incorporate it properly into your cat’s diet, you can help them enjoy the happy, healthy life they deserve.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article, but at no cost to you.​Why Taurine is Non-NegotiableTo understand why taurine is so important, we have to look at the specific systems it supports. Because cats cannot synthesize this key amino acid in meaningful amounts, it must be present in their diet in order to keep their organs healthy and functioning as they should.Cardiac Function and Heart StrengthThe heart is perhaps the most important factor to consider when discussing taurine levels. Without enough taurine, the walls of the heart can become thin and stretched. This is a condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).It is also responsible for maintaining the overall health of your cat’s cardiac muscles, ensuring the heart can pump blood efficiently throughout the body. It does this by regulating the movement of calcium ions in and out of heart cells, which is the mechanical “trigger” that allows the heart muscle to contract.By supporting a strong heartbeat, taurine ensures that oxygen and nutrients reach every other part of your cat’s body.Vision and Retinal HealthIf you have ever marvelled at your cat’s ability to see in low light, you can thank taurine. It is found in very high concentrations in the retina. Taurine works to protect the photoreceptor cells that translate light into images. A deficiency of this amino acid leads to the gradual breakdown of these cells. Because this happens slowly, many cat parents don’t realize there is an issue until significant, irreversible vision loss has occurred.Digestive Health and MetabolismTaurine plays a behind-the-scenes role in how your cat processes the food they eat every day. Unlike many other animals that can use glycine for digestion, cats almost exclusively use taurine to form bile salts. These are essential for breaking down and absorbing dietary fats. Without efficient fat absorption, a cat can suffer from malnutrition even if they are eating plenty of calories.Immune Response and ReproductionBeyond the heart and eyes, taurine acts as a general protector for your cat’s body. It helps protect cells from inflammation. For breeding cats, it is essential to carry a pregnancy to full term and support the healthy development of the kittens in the womb.Kittens require high levels of taurine during the first year of their little lives to ensure they develop properly. It is especially important in the development of the neurological and muscular systems.Where Do Cats Get Taurine?Since we know that cats cannot produce this essential nutrient on their own, the burden falls entirely on their diet. Because taurine is found almost exclusively in animal tissues, the quality and type of protein in your cat’s bowl are the most significant factors in their long-term health. However, not all proteins are created equal when it comes to taurine concentration! Generally, the more “active” the muscle, the higher the taurine content.Heart: Because the heart never stops working, it is the richest natural source of taurineDark Meat and Organs: Thigh meat (dark meat) contains significantly more taurine than breast meat (white meat). Organ meats, particularly the liver and kidneys, also provide higher amounts.Marine Life: Shellfish (like mussels and clams) and many types of fish are incredibly dense in taurine, which is why seafood is a common staple in high-quality feline dietsThe Absence in Plants: It is important to note that grains, vegetables, and fruits contain virtually zero taurine. This is the primary reason why a vegan or vegetarian diet is not only unsuitable for a cat but also dangerous.It isn’t just about how much taurine is in the food; it’s about how much your cat can actually use. Highly digestible animal proteins ensure that taurine is readily available to be absorbed in your cat’s small intestine. This is why reputable pet food companies perform feeding trials and lab analysis to ensure that the final product meets the minimum standards set by organizations like AAFCO.The Impact of Food ProcessingEven if a raw ingredient is high in taurine, the way that food is prepared and stored can change how much actually reaches your cat’s system. For cat parents dedicated to quality of life, understanding these nuances is key. Some important considerations for how your cat’s food is made include:Heat Sensitivity: High-temperature cooking (such as the rendering process for some kibbles or the sterilization of canned food) can degrade taurine. Manufacturers often compensate for this by adding synthetic taurine back into the food after cooking.The Leaching Effect: Taurine is water-soluble. If meat is boiled and the water is discarded, much of the taurine is lost with that water. In canned foods, the “gravy” often contains a significant portion of the total taurine.Grinding and Oxidation: Exposing meat to air during heavy grinding can lead to taurine loss over time.Fiber and Bacteria: High levels of dietary fiber or certain types of bacteria in the gut can actually interfere with how well your cat absorbs taurine, meaning they may need more of it in their diet if the current source isn’t highly digestible.

Benefits of Orthopedic Pet Beds

Pet beds give dogs and cats their own places to sleep comfortably, and there are a range of products to choose from, including orthopedic pet beds that are soft and supportive. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits of orthopedic pet beds so you can decide if one would be right for your furry friend.

Adding a Chameleon to Your Family? Let’s Get You Set Up!

(photo credit: MDigitalArtStudio / shutterstock.com)If your spatial setup and time constraints don’t allow for the maintenance required for a dog or cat, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to live pet-free. In fact, the pet industry has opened up exponentially to those “other” critters that don’t need outdoor walks, training, treats, or even for you to clear space on your bed each night. And, we’re not talking bunnies, hamsters, gerbils, or rats.Think chameleons. Yes, that color-changing lizard is gaining in popularity, and while it does require a little research, appropriate habitat set-up, and dedication to their unique care… they’ll never bark at the neighbours or cough up hairballs on your new rug.Let’s Look at What a Chameleon Is and Isn’tSo, they aren’t warm and fuzzy – physically or personality-wise. Truth be told, chameleons do best when left alone to be observed rather than handled. Yes, unlike puppies or kittens, they are not naturally affectionate, nor do they appreciate your attempts to socialize them by touching or picking them up. In fact, this fascinating lizard is in his happiest of happy places when he’s inside his enclosure… and you’re not.Now, with over 200 species out there, you want to ensure you fall in love with one that has been deemed “suitable for beginners” by those in the know. That’s because the required investment of time, money, and care can be daunting for first-timers and downright overwhelming if you’ve lined up a chameleon species that grows too big or requires a level of care beyond your ability.Finding a Species Compatible with Your LifestyleThose considered to be ideal for the novice lizard owner include the Veiled chameleon, which can grow up to two feet in size and live up to seven years. This big boy is followed by smaller variations, including the Panther and Jackson’s chameleons that will grow up to 12 inches in size and lastly the pint-sized Pygmy chameleon that, while just four inches in length, also has the shortest lifespan of just two to three years.While some are fairly adaptable in terms of temperature and humidity levels, others require much more specific care, so do your homework before bringing your new family member home.Investing in the Right EquipmentLet’s start with finding the perfect enclosure for your scaly friend. Because chameleons are an arboreal species – meaning they spend the majority of their life in trees and forest canopies – you want an enclosure that focuses on vertical space rather than horizontal. Because your little guy is going to want to climb, climb, climb.Not sure how vertical? From a size standpoint, something like a Veiled Chameleon would do well in an enclosure measuring roughly 24 inches square and 48 inches in height.

5 Tips for House Training a Rabbit

Many new rabbit owners worry that house training will be difficult, but rabbits naturally prefer clean living spaces, which makes training much easier than you might think. With some patience, consistency, and the right setup, your bunny can learn great litter habits. Here are five practical tips to help you successfully house train your rabbit.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Why Your Dog’s Coat Feels Drier Than Usual

If your dog’s coat feels rough, brittle, or noticeably less soft than usual, it could be a sign that something isn’t quite right. Changes in diet, environment, grooming routines, or overall health can all affect the condition of their fur. By understanding the most common causes, you can help restore your dog’s coat to its usual healthy shine. Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

The Secret to a Healthier, Happier Dog? It Might Be in Their Bowl

Discover how fresh, raw meals can transform your pup’s health—without the guesswork.If you’ve ever looked at your dog’s kibble and wondered whether it’s truly healthy, you’re not alone. Many pet owners worry about additives, contaminants, and whether their dog is actually getting the nutrients they need. That frustration—wanting the best for your dog but feeling stuck in a sea of processed options—is exactly what We Feed Raw addresses.