5 Popular Designer Dog Breeds

These are the Most Popular Dog Breeds In Different US Cities

There’s no doubt that dogs are by far the most popular pets in the U.S., with roughly 65.1 million homes having one or more dogs as pets. But not all breeds are loved equally, according to the latest studies from the American Pet Products Association. Certain dog breeds seem a bit more loved by Americans than others and these rankings are a great insight into their popularity in different cities. The North American Pet Health Insurance Association also reports that the number of insured pets in the U.S. has increased around 22.6% annually since 2020, which indicates that doggos are continuing to steal the spotlight as the most famous pets around. In fact, the vast majority of insured pets in the country are dogs.  U.S. News & World Report analyzed all this data to reveal the five most popular dog breeds in 25 major U.S. cities, indicating some very unique dog ownership trends. 1. Austin, Texas:GoldendoodleFrench BulldogLabrador RetrieverGolden RetrieverSiberian Husky2. Boston, MassachusettsGolden RetrieverGerman ShepherdShih TzuBichon FriseCavalier King Charles Spaniel3. Charlotte, North CarolinaGolden RetrieverGoldendoodleEnglish Springer SpanielBrittany SpanielFrench Bulldog4. Chicago, IllinoisGoldendoodleGolden RetrieverGerman ShepherdFrench BulldogMiniature Dachshund5. Columbus, OhioGolden RetrieverRottweilerAustralian ShepherdBernese Mountain DogSilken Windhound6. Dallas, TexasFrench BulldogLabrador Retriever (Yellow)Cane CorsoGolden RetrieverPembroke Welsh Corgi7. Denver, ColoradoGolden RetrieverFrench BulldogGerman ShepherdMalteseAmerican Pit Bull Terrier8. El Paso, TexasShih TzuGerman ShepherdFrench BulldogSchnauzerLabrador Retriever9. Fort Worth, TexasGoldendoodleGerman ShepherdMaltesePugBeagle10. Houston, TexasGoldendoodleGerman ShepherdFrench BulldogChihuahuaPomeranian11. Indianapolis, IndianaShih TzuChihuahuaAmerican BullyAmerican Pit Bull TerrierGoldendoodle12. Jacksonville, FloridaGolden RetrieverFrench BulldogBoxerToy PoodleAmerican Bully13. Las Vegas, NevadaFrench BulldogGolden RetrieverGoldendoodleAustralian ShepherdShih Tzu14. Los Angeles, CaliforniaFrench BulldogGolden RetrieverChihuahuaEnglish BulldogGoldendoodle15. Nashville, TennesseeGoldendoodleGolden RetrieverLagotto RomagnoloLabrador RetrieverSiberian Husky16. New York, New YorkGolden RetrieverYorkshire TerrierGoldendoodleShih TzuFrench Bulldog17. Oklahoma City, OklahomaGerman ShepherdEnglish BulldogGreat PyreneesMiniature SchnauzerYorkshire Terrier18. Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaGolden RetrieverYorkshire TerrierChihuahuaShih TzuAmerican Pit Bull Terrier19. Phoenix, ArizonaGolden RetrieverGerman ShepherdChihuahuaAustralian ShepherdFrench Bulldog20. San Antonio, TexasLabrador Retriever (Yellow)PugFrench BulldogChihuahuaGerman Shepherd21. San Diego, CaliforniaGolden RetrieverPugFrench BulldogLabrador Retriever (Yellow)Labrador Retriever22. San Francisco, CaliforniaGoldendoodleChihuahuaShih TzuGerman ShepherdPomeranian23. San Jose, CaliforniaGerman ShepherdGoldendoodleGolden RetrieverPembroke Welsh CorgiToy Poodle24. Seattle, WashingtonGolden RetrieverFrench BulldogDachshundGoldendoodlePoodle25. Washington, D.C.French BulldogPoodle Golden RetrieverSoft-Coated Wheaten TerrierGoldendoodleIt's clear that in many of America’s largest cities, certain breeds are more popular than others, like the Goldendoodle, Golden Retriever, and French Bulldog. Poodles, Pugs, and German Shepherds are also close at the top. We can also spot some regional trends as well. For example, the German Shepherd is quite popular in Texas, mainly for its role as a working and service dog.What about you? What is your favorite dog breed and why? Does your personal fave align with your city’s most popular breeds? Tell us in the comments!

What’s The Deal With Designer Dog Breeds?

Should you bring home a designer dog? Learn more about these breeds to see if they are a match If you spend much time on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, you have probably seen your fair share of posts about the cutest new dog breeds. In reality, there are few “new” breeds – in most cases, they are actually a hybrid of two or more parent breeds that are grouped under the heading of “designer dog breed”. So what is the draw of designer dog breeds and what are some of the most popular examples? What are Designer Dog Breeds? As was previously mentioned, the term “designer dog” is often used interchangeably with the term “hybrid dog” because most designer breeds are nothing more than a crossbreed of two different purebreds. A purebred dog is one that has been bred over several generations from parents belonging to the same breed – this is also referred to as “true” breeding because the puppies all exhibit similar characteristics and temperaments to the parent dogs. Purebred dogs also typically have a published breed standard that indicates the desired characteristics of that breed – these standards are typically published by breed enthusiast clubs or larger bodies like the American Kennel Club (AKC). A hybrid breed is typically a cross of two purebred dogs – this is what distinguishes a hybrid from a mutt, because mutts have uncertain ancestry. Hybrid dogs typically exhibit a combination of the characteristics and personality traits of the parent breeds which can vary greatly depending on the breeds used for the cross. It is also important to note that designer dogs are not always a 50%/50% cross of the two breeds – if the parents are not 100% purebred, the resulting hybrid may have a greater percentage of one breed than the other. Registering Designer Dogs Because a designer dog is, by definition, a cross of two purebred dogs it is not technically a distinct breed. For this reason, designer dogs are generally not recognized by the AKC. There is, however, another governing body that was established purely for the purpose of registering and promoting designer dog breeds – the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR). This registry was established in 1995 and currently provides registration services for breeders and pet owners throughout the US, Canada and all over the world. In fact, the IDCR is one of the fastest-growing canine registries in the world. Registering dogs is very important because it helps to track the ancestry of not only an individual dog but of the breed as a whole. This is essential for tracking and eliminating inherited medical conditions such as hip dysplasia and other diseases. Popular Designer Dog Breeds What makes designer dog breeds so popular is the fact that the options are virtually unlimited – you can breed any purebred dog to another purebred dog to create a designer dog breed. The first designer breed is thought to be the Cockapoo, a crossing of the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle, which first appeared during the 1960s. Some other popular designer breeds include: Goldendoodle: Golden Retriever and Poodle Yorkipoo: Yorkshire Terrier and Poodle Puggle: Beagle and Pug Labradoodle: Labrador Retriever and Poodle Maltipoo: Maltese and Toy Poodle Shihpoo: Shih Tzu and Toy Poodle Cheek: Chihuahua and Pekingese Pomchi: Pomeranian and Chihuahua Schnoodle: Schnauzer and Poodle Goldador: Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever As is true with any dog, you need to be very careful with breeding to reduce the risk of proliferating inherited diseases. Hybrid dogs/designer dog breeds are particularly at risk for certain inherited conditions because if both parent breeds are carriers, the likelihood that the pups will develop the condition is greatly enhanced. With responsible breeding, however, designer dogs can actually be very healthy and may in fact exhibit fewer health problems than the purebreds used to create them.

Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds

What makes a pup popular? There are many reasons why these dogs made it onto the Most Popular Dog Breeds list. Here are the top 10 breeds that the AKC named as very good dogs! Show us someone who doesn’t love dogs and we’ll show you someone who doesn’t have a heart. These loving and lovely animals are beloved by humans everywhere. They remain the best of all possible pets (sorry cat-lovers, but you know it’s true!). Yet, there are so many different doggos out there. It can be hard to choose which one to bring into your home. Still, people do it every year by the millions. Dogs are everywhere and in all shapes and sizes. But which dogs are the most popular? Which breeds always find themselves at the head of the pack? We’re just as curious as you! So to uncover that answer, we’re going to rely on the American Kennel Club. No one would know better than them which pups are selling in record numbers. Every year the good folks at the American Kennel Club (AKC) run a survey of dog registrations to determine which breeds rule our hearts. The data is gathered, tabulated, and out comes AKC’s listing of the Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds. Now we all know the Labrador Retriever has continued to top the charts for the past 26 years. That’s just a fact. The Lab is loved. However, what about those breeds who will be forever the bridesmaid and never the bride? Let’s take a look at those breeds that made the coveted Most Popular Dog Breeds list… but from the bottom up. These are the ten most popular dogs, other than the perpetual crowdpleaser: the Labrador Retriever. We’ll get to them. Just wait. 10. Boxer

Top 10 Most Popular Teacup Dog Breeds

The smallest of pooches falls into the category known as teacup dog breeds. Even if you’re name isn’t Paris, these tiny bundles of love will steal your heart! Pinkies up and best behavior needed as we take a look at the tiniest of the tiny dogs – teacup dog breeds. These wee ones are so small they don’t even fall within the American Kennel Club (AKC)’s criterion for their “toy” group (which is to weigh a minimum of 4 to 6 pounds). Yes, this is the controversial under-4-pounds-when-fully-grown group that brings lots of love but also lots of health and care concerns as they come in extra-fragile packaging. Still want to fill up your cup with this teeny pup? Let’s look at 10 of the most popular teacup dog breeds: Teacup Chihuahua

American Kennel Club Announces America’s 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds

Why Does My Cat Rub Against Me?

Cat parents – have you ever wondered why your feline friend seems obsessed with rubbing against you? Do you wonder whether your cat is trying to communicate something important that you may be missing?Head rubbing is a behavior that most cat parents find endearing. However, understanding your cat’s body language and non-verbal communication is an essential part of being a good cat parent. Cats are creatures of habit. This rubbing behavior is rooted in their instincts and learned from their mothers at a young age. It can have several meanings, requiring you to watch for other clues.In this article, I’ll break down the basics of non-verbal communication and help you understand what your cat is trying to tell you. After all, communication is an important foundation for a strong, loving relationship.Cats and PheromonesBefore we discuss the specific reasons cats rub their heads against the people in their lives, let’s take a moment to look at the biological explanation for this behavior. While there are many things your cat may be communicating, this communication largely comes back to one thing – pheromones.Pheromones are natural chemicals produced in your cat’s body and released when they interact with other objects or animals, such as through scratching, rubbing against objects, or spraying. They are colorless and odorless, meaning you won’t notice they are there. However, these chemicals trigger responses in your cat’s brain.The most common pheromones people are familiar with are those used when looking for a mate by triggering feelings of sexual attraction in other cats. We also see calming pheromones gaining popularity due to pheromone dispensers and other products that release synthetic versions of the chemicals to help a cat feel safe, relaxed, and secure.I will reference pheromones and their use in communication several times as we explore the different ways your cat may be using head rubbing to relay messages to you, your family, and other cats in the area.7 Reasons Cats Rub Against Their People If your cat is rubbing against you (or someone else), they are trying to use this movement to communicate a message to you. Often seen as simply a sign of affection, head rubbing is actually a fairly complex behavior with several potential meanings. Figuring out what your cat is trying to say may require watching for other signals your cat is projecting. Here are a few of the most common reasons cats rub against people: Just Saying Hello The most basic reason for head rubbing is that your cat is simply greeting you. This is particularly common if you have just come home (like returning from work) or either you or your cat just entered a room. Cats often use this behavior to greet other cats. Seeing you as part of their family/colony, your cat is telling you they are happy to see you by using the same greeting. Checking You Out As your cat rubs against you, they put their face close to the surface of your clothing or skin. Considering how much your cat relies on their sense of smell to navigate the world they live in, it likely comes as no surprise that, in doing this, they are checking out what smells they can pick up on you. Where have you been? Who have you been interacting with? This is also a common reason cats rub against people they don’t know. For example, if your cat rubs against a new guest in your home, they are trying to learn about this new individual who has entered their space. By rubbing against them, they aren’t showing affection or telling you that they like this person – they are still checking them out to figure out whether they deem them trustworthy and welcome in your home. As such, they may also appear nervous or unsettled with wide eyes, ears flattened back against their head, or a twitching tail. Asking for AttentionThis is the reason most people associate with head rubbing. It’s quite possible your cat is feeling affectionate and asking to be pet. In these cases, your cat will likely show other signs of love and affection, such as: Purring Meowing Slow blinking Licking you (ask grooming or “giving kisses”) Love bites Kneading Rolling on their back before/after to show their bellyFollowing you aroundWhen your cat is being affectionate like this, petting them may not stop the behavior. In fact, giving them attention can encourage further head rubbing as they enjoy this bonding moment. Letting You Know They Need SomethingCats are creatures of routine. They will notice if you are late for something typically scheduled, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they let you know. For example, if you are late filling their food dish, they may try to remind you that it’s mealtime. The head rubbing may be accompanied by little nips demanding your attention. My two cats, Pippen and Jinx, will use head rubbing to ask for many different things, including letting me know they would like a treat, alerting me that their water dish is running low, or asking me to clean the litterbox. Pay attention to whether your cat is just head rubbing against you or if their attention appears to be torn between you and something else. A cat asking for treats may rub against the cupboard where they are kept, while a cat wanting their water dish filled may wander over to check the dish. Marking Their “Territory” As I mentioned above, pheromones are often used to communicate with other cats. When it comes to head rubbing, your cat is leaving pheromones that tell others that you have been claimed. You are their person, and they aren’t afraid to make it known! The truth is that cats are territorial creatures and want to make sure they are marking their territory, even if that territory is another living, breathing being. This head-rubbing approach may also be used to establish ownership over other members of their family, regular visitors/friends they love, or even inanimate objects throughout your home. Be warned, if you have multiple cats in the home, this marking behavior may lead to some fights and turf wars. Whether you are introducing a new cat to the house or seeing territorial behavior arise between two existing cats, you can use pheromones to relieve the tension. Pheromone diffusers have been found to calm conflict, helping create a more peaceful home. In our house, we have had a lot of luck with the Feliway MultiCat Calming Pheromone Diffuser in the early days of introducing new cats, including the foster cats that have come into our home temporarily over the years.

How to Prepare Your Cat for a Weekend Away

With their independent nature, cats might seem like they can fend for themselves for a weekend. However, leaving them alone for more than a few hours can lead to stress and anxiety. So, what is the right answer for you and your feline friend?A weekend away is sometimes necessary. While some cats respond well to an in-home pet sitter, for short getaways, this could introduce more stress than it solves.Proper preparation is key to ensure they are happy and healthy during your absence. In this guide, we’ll break down the essential steps to make your cat’s weekend at home as stress-free as possible. Start planning today.How Long Can Cats Be Alone?While it would be convenient to give you an exact timeline for this question, the truth is that it isn’t that cut and dry. The amount of time your cat can comfortably stay alone at home will depend on several factors, including their personality, overall health, age, and whether you are a multi-cat home.Generally, most adult cats can comfortably handle being alone for 8-10 hours. This is enough time to accommodate a busy work schedule but not a weekend getaway. If your cat is a healthy adult, experts say that it’s reasonable to leave them home alone for 24 hours. However, this is a generic guideline, and in some cases, it could be safe to extend it further.One of the most significant considerations in deciding your cat’s limitations is solitude. Some cats are more independent and happier to spend extended periods alone. Others are more social and struggle if they don’t have some sort of interaction.Of course, if you have multiple cats that are friendly with one another and keep each other company, this can help extend the time that they are comfortable being solo.Other considerations that may impact your cat’s ability to safely and comfortably stay home alone include if they experience anxiety (especially separation anxiety), include:If they must take any medicationsIf they have medical conditions requiring supervisionIf they engage in destructive behaviors when boredIf they are just overly social

Cat Travels Hundreds of Miles to Find His Way Home

In yet another amazing story of a cat being reunited with their owners, a kitty from California made it home by traveling hundreds of miles after getting lost in Wyoming.

Is Your Cat Ready to Chow Down on Carrots and Cukes?

Research is showing your pet may be healthier if they ditch the meat and opt for veggies.

This Dog's Reaction to A Family Camping Trip Has Gone Viral

A heartwarming video sharing a dog’s hilarious reaction to a family camping trip recently took social media by storm.The viral TikTok clip posted by emilygrant946 shares the events of a recent family trip, camping in an adorable cabin. They believed the family dog would love the outdoor adventure, so they included him in the plans. However, it didn’t quite play out the way they anticipated…Finn, the family dog, is apparently more of a homebody.Set to a sound clip from Family Guy, the video revealed the pup hiding in the cabin and sitting at the stairs, asking to be allowed back indoors again. In both cases, he appears to avoid eye contact as if he’s judging the family’s vacation plans.

Rescue Dog Goes on Tour with Pink to Find Forever Home

We often hear about musicians and artists making an impact through financial donations or participating in charitable events. But a new heartwarming story of a dog’s search for his forever home has been capturing the hearts of animal lovers everywhere. Graham Cracker was found by a young girl in the woods of Vilonia, Arkansas, with his mother and littermates. She had been sneaking food to the stray mama dog, trying to do what she could to help. After her mother found out about the dogs, she contacted a rescue team to find them and get the pups to safety. This was when their journey led the pups to The Bond Between, a non-profit rescue organization in Minnesota. But for Graham Cracker, this was just the beginning! On October 17th, an announcement on Instagram revealed that Graham Cracker had found a loving but very unique foster parent. After seeing the young pup’s adorable photos, Grammy-winner Pink invited the pup, who appears to be a Labrador Retriever mix, to join her and her family on tour. She went on to announce the decision to her fans during her St. Paul, MN show:“We rescued a puppy from this awesome organization called The Bond Between. His name is Graham Cracker. He’s currently peeing all over my dressing room,” Pink stated while seated at her piano on stage. “We’re actually – I haven’t told anybody this yet, but we’re gonna foster him for the tour, and he’s gonna go on this big carnival adventure with us.”

Woman Shocked to Learn the Sick Puppy She Paid to Put Down Is Alive

A Maryland woman was stunned to discover the sick dog she took to be euthanized in Mongomery County a year ago, was back at the shelter and up for adoption.Kristie Pereira made a heartbreaking decision to euthanize her dog Beau after two different veterinarians told her that it was the most humane thing she could do for her beloved pup.So you can imagine her shock when she discovered her dog was up for adoption at the same rescue organization she adopted him from. Pereira, who now lives in San Antonio, said she paid $450 in late 2022 to adopt Beau, a two-month-old hound mix, from a Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation.Beau was constantly by her side, and the pair quickly became inseparable. The pup snuggled next to his owner while she slept, stayed by her side while she worked, and tagged along when she left the house.Unfortunately, Pereira soon realized that something was wrong with the pup, as Beau became unable to control his bowels and lift his hind legs. The pup’s veterinarian said that the problem was most likely neurological, and the blood tests showed that the pup might have liver issues. The vet prescribed liver enzymes and told Pereira that she would soon see improvements if the pup’s liver was the problem.The treatment didn’t work, and Beau’s condition became worse, so Pereira took him to an animal emergency veterinarian who agreed with the vet’s original assessment that the pup’s symptoms pointed to a severe neurological problem.The vet explained that further tests might cost as much as $12,000. Regardless of the high cost, Pereira claims she would have found a way to pay for tests if that would have saved Beau.Instead, the vet told Pereira that there was a slim chance of finding out what was wrong and an even smaller chance of it being something they could treat. At that point, the vet suggested it might be more humane to just euthanize the puppy.Pereira wasn’t ready to consider that option, and she spent the next month looking after the pooch, hoping that he’d get better. During this challenging time, Pereira consulted the staff at Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation.“Honestly, I mean, after I talked to them is really when I felt, you know, that I was going to be doing the right thing by putting him down,” said Pereira. “They really gave me that support and that encouragement that, although it’s hard, sometimes that’s the best thing to do.”After spending several sleepless nights with Beau, who was clearly in pain, Pereira made the tough decision. She took Beau to Montgomery County Animal Services in Derwood, Maryland, and paid $15 to have him euthanized. The staff explained to her that the shelter’s policy doesn’t allow the owners to stay with their pets as they are put to sleep, so she said goodbye to Beau and left the office.A year after she said goodbye to Beau, Pereira started thinking about getting another dog. While visiting her mother in Maryland, she decided to check adoptable dogs on the rescue’s website, when she came across Beau’s photo. The pup was bigger now but bore the same markings and had the same name the shelter had given him before she adopted him - Amos Hart.After calling the Montgomery County shelter, Pereira got confirmation that her dog hadn’t been euthanized after vets there determined he could be saved. The shelter called the Lost Dog & Cat Rescue Foundation and returned the pup to them.The rescue confirmed in a written statement that their vets didn’t find any neurological issues with the dog. Instead, they diagnosed Beau with a liver problem, which was cured by a $7,000 surgery. None of this was shared with Pereira, who said she would pay the surgery’s cost to get Beau back. Unfortunately, the rescue organization doesn’t rehome owner-surrendered pets with their former adopters and won’t make an exception in this case.Beau, AKA Amos Hart, remains available for adoption on the rescue’s website. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Are We There Yet? Keeping Your Pup Happy in the Back Seat is Easy!

How to Keep Pet Hair Off Your Furniture

A cute, fluffy pet is one of the most adorable sights for animal lovers. However, that pet hair can quickly turn your home into a furry nightmare. Those pesky little hairs find their way everywhere, from couches and chairs to beds and rugs. I’ve even found it in my morning coffee!But fear not, pet owners. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can keep your furniture looking its best and enjoy a hair-free home while still sharing your space with your best friend.In this guide, I’ll explore a variety of methods to keep your furniture pet hair-free. From regular vacuuming and lint rolling to specialized pet hair removers and preventative measures, I’ll cover everything you need to know to keep your home looking its best. It’s time to learn how to banish pet hair for good…Why is Pet Hair on Your Furniture Such a Concern?For many pet parents, the idea of pet hair being found all over the house is a given. We often refer to it as “puppy glitter” in our home. However, that collection of loose hair building up in the corner of your room or on your dog’s favorite couch may introduce both practical and health concerns.If your pet’s fur is allowed to collect around your home, it could be doing long-term damage to your belongings. Pet hair can become trapped and embedded in many fabrics, contributing to early wear and tear. It may also clog your vacuum when trying to clean larger amounts. This damage may not seem like a big deal at first, but the cost of replacing these items can add up quickly!Additionally, pet hair may negatively impact your and your family's health. The fur can collect and harbor bacteria, allergens, and other contaminants, contributing to potential respiratory problems. By staying on top of the cleanliness of your home, you can ensure it’s a safe and healthy place for family, friends, and other guests.How to Prevent Pet Hair in Your HomeIf pet hair can cause so many problems, it makes sense to try to reduce or eliminate the risk wherever possible. Of course, the only way to completely prevent pet hair would be to shave your pet down and remove all pet hair from coming into the house. I don’t know about you, but I like the soft fur and unique markings my pets each have.Here are a few other steps that will help reduce the amount of pet hair collecting around your home:Keep Up with GroomingFirst (and most importantly), committing to a pet means agreeing to keep up with their grooming needs. What this looks like will vary from dog to dog. For example, double-coated dogs like Siberian Huskies, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and German Shepherds shed considerably more than other dogs of their size due to their undercoat.There are two effective ways to keep up with your dog’s grooming needs – by setting up (and sticking to) regular appointments with a professional groomer or maintaining your dog’s coat completely at home. (Spoiler: Even professionally groomed dogs should be brushed between appointments). I love using a traditional undercoat rake with my double-coated dogs to gently remove all the loose hair that builds up, especially during shedding season. Other dog parents swear by a deshedding brush or a deshedding tool like the FURminator.Don’t forget the cats! While our feline friends essentially take care of their own grooming needs, you can help ensure they are always looking and feeling their best. This is particularly important if you have a long-haired cat, like a Persian or Maine Coon, a senior cat, or a young kitten.Prioritize Good Nutrition Another important consideration as a pet parent is the current state of their diet and nutrition. Are you feeding a well-rounded diet that meets your pet’s needs? If not, you may be experiencing higher shedding levels due to deficiencies. The more fur your pet sheds around the house, the more likely you will find it gathering on your furniture. You can also use your pet’s diet to boost their health and support a healthy coat and skin with supplements. There are commercially available supplements formulated for skin and coat benefits. Alternatively, experts recommend natural supplements to reduce shedding, including fish or flax oils, extra virgin coconut oil, and brewers yeast, in addition to a balanced diet. Our pets (both dogs and cats) get Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil on every meal as a tasty boost of omega-3 fatty acids. Choose Your Furniture Strategically  When shopping for new furniture, take a moment to consider whether your new couch or chair is going to add to the problem. Many fabric options commonly used on furniture, like velvet, chenille, suede, tweed, corduroy, and silk, attract and trap pet hair. Not only does this make the pet hair in your house appear like a bigger problem, but they are also more challenging to clean. Instead, consider choosing a fabric that repels pet hair, such as leather (or faux leather), microfiber, or canvas. These materials are more tightly woven, preventing hair from getting trapped in the fibers. Most can be wiped clean of any fur with limited effort. Another thing to consider is the color of the furniture. The fur will stand out if you have dogs that shed dark fur and choose a white chair or couch. On the other end of the spectrum, if you have a white cat and decide to buy a dark-colored couch, the fur will be very noticeable. Choosing a color closer to your pet’s coat will help hide hair. Vacuum Regularly None of the tips above will magically remove any and all pet hair from your home. You will inevitably find yourself cleaning this magical pet glitter up each day. As you shop for that perfect vacuum for your home, there are two things to consider. First, many cats and dogs are afraid of the vacuum cleaner. While you will need to manage the situation, keeping your pet in a separate room when vacuuming or going through the counterconditioning process to help them overcome their fear, you can start by choosing a quieter vacuum cleaner. Secondly, not all vacuums are created the same when handling pet hair. Take time to read reviews and speak with other pet lovers to find out what vacuum options are up to the job. As a multi-pet homeowner, I have used and swear by the Shark Pet Plus Cordless Stick Vacuum for years. Use an Easy-To-Wash Slipcover or Throw If you have a couch or chair in your living room that is a pet hair magnet, buying a new couch may not be in the budget. That’s okay! Another solution is to purchase a slipcover or throw that can be used to protect the couch from excess pet hair. Choose a cover that is made from an easy-to-clean fabric. I prefer using a pet-friendly waterproof (or water-resistant) slipcover on all furniture that can be tossed in the washing machine when it’s time for a refresh. Not only does this help remove any pet hair, but it also makes it easy to clean up other pet-related messes like bathroom accidents, vomit, muddy paws, and other pet-related odors.

Cats Grieve, According to Study

Pet parents know how difficult it is to lose a companion, but some people are unsure of whether cats grieve like people do when another pet dies. A recent study has revealed that, yes, cats do grieve. Keep reading to learn about how the study was conducted and what the researchers discovered.

New York State Bans Sale of Dogs, Cats, and Rabbits

Starting on December 15, 2024, retail pet stores will no longer be able to sell dogs, cats, and rabbits in the state of New York. Any stores that continue to sell the animals will be doing so illegally, and will be charged a penalty of up to $1,000 for each violation.

The Whopper of All "Big Fish" Stories

Fishing trio rescue 38 dogs frantically treading water in middle of a Mississippi lake.

New Study Sheds Light On The Harmful Effect of Plastics On Pets

We all know how harmful microplastics are – both for the environment and for our health. However, it seems that the effects of plastics are as adverse for our four-legged friends. This latest report by Earthday.org is the result of an extensive study of pets' exposure to microplastics and toxic plastic chemicals and is a follow-up to the recent “Babies vs. Plastics” report. “Pet owners should read this report,” said Aidan Charron, EARTHDAY.ORG, director, end plastic initiatives. “Plastic is derived from a cocktail of oil and additive chemicals, like bisphenol A, PVC, and phthalates. These can leach into our pets’ gums, stomachs, and skin and are associated with a whole host of health issues for our pets. From cancers to embryo development to potential infertility, liver failure, miscarriage, and more. ”In an effort to support this initiative by Earthday.org, the actress Amanda Seyfried and her pet dog Finn took part in a plastic tox test. This was an effort to raise awareness about the many health risks of plastic chemical exposure, for both humans and pets. “I was anxious about the results and when they came back I was definitely upset by my dog Finn’s exposure, he scored in the top 90 percent on phthalates, which is very high,” said Amanda Seyfried. “I feed him a healthy diet but I realize now that the plastic packaging on his food is leaching toxic chemicals directly into it. It was a bit of a wake-up call. If his food is contaminated with phthalates, then that convinces me that all of us are much more exposed than we perhaps realize, including our children.”“Even if you don’t care about your own pet’s health, and we do, our pets act as sentinels,” added Kathleen Rogers, president of Earthday.org. “What impacts them, is almost certainly impacting us and this is yet more evidence that we are all ingesting and inhaling plastics in one form or another. We have to slash plastic production by 60 percent by 2040 and make the plastic industry take responsibility for the harm they are causing.”Of course, this study is important for all pet owners. After all, pets are considered a part of the family. In fact, modern research shows that the majority of global pet owners think of their pets, especially dogs and cats, as family members, or see them as something similar to a child. “We are not trying to frighten pet owners, we just want them to be aware that it is best for your pet’s health to avoid plastic toys and textiles as much as possible, and really be mindful of how their food is packaged,” added Tom Cosgrove, chief creative and content officer for Earthday.org. “We are bombarding our bodies, our families, and our pets with a toxic mix of chemicals and we want people to be aware.”