5 Tips to Safeguard Your Furniture from Your Pets

5 Tips to Stop Your Cat from Scratching Your Furniture

Scratching is a natural and necessary behavior for cats, it helps them stretch their muscles, sharpen their claws, and mark their territory. Unfortunately, this probably means that your couch and dining chairs are frequent targets. Here are five effective tips to protect your furniture without stressing out your feline friend.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

5 Bathroom Items To Always Keep Away From Your Pets

Bathrooms can be full of hidden hazards for our pets. Curious cats and dogs can easily get into things that could make them sick, or worse, if left within reach. Here are five common bathroom items you should always keep away from your furry friends.Please note that this isn’t an exhaustive list, just a few key items to be aware of.

5 Tips to Prepping Your Pet For Tornado Season

If the siren is sounding, it’s too late to prepare your pet for a tornado warning. With storm season approaching, keep these five tips in mind to keep your pets safe the next time you need to take shelter.. Living in the Midwest, we never make it through a spring without heading down to the basement at least once. A year ago, a rather benign-looking storm dropped a twister just a mile from our house. My kids and I ran downstairs, wondering too late what to do about our two house cats, a snake, a couple rabbits outside, and caged birds. Fortunately, while the local school didn’t fare so well, our home was spared. But the whole experience was a little too close for comfort. I resolved to be ready next time. Here are my five tips to preparing pets for a possible warning when a tornado watch is issued: 1) Know where your pets are A pet that spends most of its time in a cage or tank is easy to locate. But cats, rabbits, and other animals that roam free in the home can find tight spaces to sleep. And pets that spend part of their day outside in the backyard, like dogs, cats, tortoises, and rabbits, are safer if they’re inside with you when the clouds darken. Related: Do You Have An Emergency Plan For Your Dog? 2) Keep emergency pet supplies in your storm shelter Just as your family should have bottled water and snacks available in the shelter area, so should you do the same for your pets. If you live in an apartment or trailer home where you will need to leave your home to find shelter, pack a designated bag with emergency items to bring with. Otherwise, just keep your in-home shelter stocked. Must-have items include: Pet first aid kit, which will vary depending on your pet speciesBottled waterPet food and treatsDisposable bowlsSanitation items, such as a litter box or puppy padsPlastic bags for poop pickupFavorite blanket or toyHarness, leash, and muzzleAny medicationsVeterinary vaccination recordsCrate, unless you will be bringing your pet in a travel carrier 4) Have appropriate travel carriers on hand for your pets Some cats or dogs become nervous during storms and may not do well being carried by hand or called to the shelter. Know your pet! Also, for other pets — from snakes to parrots to fish to tarantulas — plan ahead about whether you can bring the animal’s entire habitat into the shelter or if you will need to use a travel carrier. Related: Phone Numbers Every Pet Parent Should Have On Hand 4) Hold mock tornado drills It’s helpful for humans to practice the drill for when a tornado siren sounds. When pets are involved, it’s crucial to practice the process of not only gathering emergency supplies ahead of time but also how you will be getting your pet, yourself, that emergency kit, and any other items you deem necessarily in your shelter. Review what part of the process you can do ahead of time, when a tornado watch is first issued, and what has to wait until a warning is sounded. Consider how you would change the process depending on how much warning time you’re given for a specific storm. 5) If your home is damaged by a storm Hope for the best, and plan for the worst. I hope you are never the victim of a tornado. But if your home is hit by a twister, its important to be ready for that. Your emergency supply bag should have enough items to tide you and your pet over until help arrives. Once you’re free of the shelter: Keep your pet on a short leash. Don’t allow your pet to roam free. A storm can turn a familiar landscape upside-down, and your pet can get lost easily. Debris, such as broken glass and downed power lines, can also injure your pet or worse.Comfort your distressed pet. Animals, like us, desire the familiar. A home damaged by a storm may look nothing like the home they were used to. Plus, the emergency situation may necessitate transportation to a temporary emergency shelter. In the least, your pet’s routines will be disrupted. This will be unnerving for your pet, which will be expressed through problem behaviors. Try to be patient and understanding at this time. Aim to get your pet to its normal routine as soon as possible.

5 Tips to Keep Your Dog From Digging in the Yard

Digging up your yard might be one of those dog habits you don’t dig! But is there any way you can cover up this natural dog behavior? One of the most common behavior problems dog owners face is digging. A small hole in the yard may not be a big problem, but what do you do when your dog destroys your flower beds and leaves dozens of craters all over the yard? Let’s go over the basics about why dogs dig and how to curb this behavior. Why Does Your Dog Dig? Each dog is an individual but most dogs share a few common traits or behaviors – one of them is digging. Some dogs only dig in certain areas where it won’t do any harm, but others will completely destroy your yard, covering it with holes and destroying your flower beds. Before you can attempt to stop your dog from digging up the lawn, you first need to understand why he does it. Many dogs dig simply for entertainment – you may already be familiar with the saying that a bored dog is a destructive dog. Digging is a perfect example! Sometimes dogs will dig for comfort or protection as well; they may dig a hole in the ground then curl up inside it for comfort or to escape the heat. In some cases, dogs dig for attention or they may be chasing after some kind of prey. Related: Why Do Dogs Hump? Tips to Stop Your Dog from Digging Digging is a completely natural behavior for dog. Even so, it can become a problem if your dog exhibits it at the wrong time or in a way that you don’t like. The important thing to remember is that you should not attempt to completely eradicate natural behaviors like digging or chewing – your best course of action should be to redirect these kinds of unwanted behaviors toward a more appropriate outlet. Here are 5 tips to help you put an end to yard digging: Supervise your dog outdoors. In many cases, dogs dig out of boredom or as a means of seeking attention so you may be able to curb this behavior simply by keeping an eye on your dog while he is outdoors. Let him outside to do his business but don’t let him dally.Make sure your dog is properly exercised. For many dogs, digging is a means of working up pent-up energy. One of the best ways to discourage destructive behavior as a whole is to make sure your dog’s needs for exercise are met on a daily basis.Provide shade for your dog. Some dogs dig holes in the yard as a means of escaping the heat during the summer – the dirt is cool so they dig a hole and curl up in it. To prevent your dog from digging for this reason, just make sure your dog has a comfortable, shaded place to rest outside.Create a safe digging space. For many dogs, digging is not just something they like to do – it is something they have an instinct for. If your dog comes from a breed that was developed to flush small game, it may be an ingrained behavior. Try setting aside a small area of your yard where digging is allowed and encourage your dog to use it.Redirect digging behavior. When you find your dog digging somewhere in the yard where you don’t want him to be, clap your hands or make a loud noise to startle him so he stops. Once you have your dog’s attention, lead him to the safe digging space and encourage him to dig there. Once he does, praise and reward him – it shouldn’t be long before he learns where he is and is not allowed to dig.

5 Pet Portaging Tips For Canoeing With Your Dog

Here’s something I’ve always wanted to do – go on a canoeing trip with Oscar. For outdoor adventure Kevin Roberts, it’s just another day in the great outdoors. And that’s why I’ve asked him to share his top 5 things you should to do before you get in the canoe. Is the open water calling you?

Is Your Dog at a Healthy Weight? Using the Body Condition Score (BCS)

You want your dog to have the best possible quality of life, and that means focusing on both their happiness and their physical health. We talk a lot about the importance of good nutrition and exercise, but one critical piece of this puzzle is often overlooked or misunderstood: maintaining a healthy body weight.Unfortunately, a significant number of dogs are carrying a little too much extra baggage (and I’m not talking about the emotional kind). Many pet parents simply don’t recognize the sign until it’s too late, and their beloved pup is faced with the consequences of the excess weight. This includes health complications that can be life-changing or even life-threatening.The good news is that there is a simple tool available to all pet parents to help figure out if your pup is at their ideal weight. Better yet, it’s free! You just need to learn the basics of the Body Condition Score (BCS). By the end of this post, you’ll understand how to use the BCS like a professional, understand the risks of being too heavy or too light, and know what steps you need to take to ensure your dog thrives at their optimal, healthy body weight.What is the Body Condition Score (BCS)?The Body Condition Score (BCS) is, quite simply, the veterinary community’s gold standard for evaluating how much fat a dog is carrying. Think of it like a scale for body composition, which is much more accurate and meaningful than a traditional weight measurement alone. Why? Two dogs can weigh exactly the same, but because of their body shape, one might be lean and muscular, while the other might be carrying significant excess fat. The BCS focuses on the weight your dog is carrying, not just the numbers on the scale, and assesses whether the weight your dog is carrying is right for their individual body.The BCS isn’t something you can measure with a tape measure or a simple eyeball test. Instead, it requires a combination of visual observation and, most importantly, touch to determine where your dog falls on an overall scale.Visual Assessment: Looking at your dog from above and from the side to check for a defined waistline and abdominal tuck.The Touch Test: Gently running your hands along your dog’s ribcage, spine, and tail base to feel the underlying fat coverage.While both are important, the touch test in particular is crucial because fur, especially on fluffier or longer-haired breeds, can hide a lot. A dog may look slim, but the touch test will tell the true story.The Two Recognized BCS ScalesWhile the goal of both scales is the same (finding the sweet spot of optimal health for your dog), your veterinarian may prefer one of the two recognized BCS scales. For the sake of easily assessing your dog at home, I will focus on the simpler 5-Point Scale, but it’s helpful to know the more precise 9-Point Scale exists as well. The 5-Point Scale: Ranges from 1 to 5. A score of 1 indicates the dog is emaciated, and a score of 5 indicates the dog is obese. The ideal, healthy score is 3.The 9-Point Scale: Ranges from 1 to 9. A score of 1 indicates the dog is severely underweight, and a score of 9 indicates the dog is severely obese. The ideal, healthy range is 4 or 5.The difference between a BCS 4 and a BCS 5 on the 9-point scale is very subtle, which is why I recommend dedicated pet parents use the more practical 5-Point Scale for monthly check-ins. If you hit a clear BCS of 3 out of 5, your dog is in the ideal, healthy range.How to Assess Your Dog’s BCSThe beauty of the Body Condition Score is that it relies on three simple, tangible checkpoints that you can easily test at home. You’re looking for a specific blend of visual cues and physical touch sensations. Get comfortable, call your dog over, make sure you have treats close at hand, and I’ll walk you through the three key areas you need to check: the ribs, the waist, and the abdomen.The Ribs (Touch Test)This is the most crucial part of the entire assessment, as it tells you exactly how much fat lies beneath the skin, regardless of the fur that could be masking it. Place both of your hands lightly on your dog’s side, directly over their rib cage, and gently run your fingers along the ribs, moving back and forth. You should feel them easily, almost like the knuckles on the back of your hand when your hand is flat, but they shouldn’t be protruding, those same knuckles when you’re making a fist.BCS 1-2 (Underweight): The ribs are easily visible and feel sharp, prominent, and bony, with little to no fat covering.BCS 3 (Ideal): You can easily feel the ribs with just a light touch, but you cannot see them visibly popping out (except perhaps on short-haired breeds when they breathe deeply). They should feel like they have a thin layer of velvety fat or “suede” over them.BCS 4-5 (Overweight): You have to press firmly to feel the ribs through a noticeable spongy layer of fat. If you struggle to count them or have to hunt for them, the fat layer is too thick.The Waist (Visual/Overhead Test)Your dog’s waistline is the equivalent of their hourglass figure. It should be distinct and defined when you’re looking down at them from above. Stand directly over your dog while they are standing straight (not slouched or lying down) and look down at their back.BSC 1-2 (Underweight): The tuck-in is exaggerated, and the bones of the spine and hips might be sharply visible or prominent.BCS 3 (Ideal): You should see a clear and discernible waist. Their body should tuck in narrowly just behind the rib cage and before the hips. It should look like an hourglass or a gentle curve inward.BCS 4-5 (Overweight): There is no defined waist. The torso looks broad, oval, or blocky, extending straight from the ribs to the hips like a barrel.The Abdomen (Visual/Side Test)This view checks for the “tuck” under your dog's body, confirms their body shape, and identifies any signs of sagging that could indicate they are carrying excess weight. Stand to the side of your dog while they are standing. Focus on the area between the rib cage and the hind legs.BCS 1-2 (Underweight): The tuck is severe and exaggerated, often making their stomach look concave.BCS 3 (Ideal): You should see a significant abdominal tuck or upward slope of the belly when viewed from the side. This is most pronounced in athletic and deep-chested breeds (like Greyhounds or German Shepherds) but should be present in all breeds.BCS 4-5 (Overweight): There is no abdominal tuck. The belly hangs straight down or even sags. This is sometimes called a “pendulous abdomen” and indicates significant fat is being stored in the area.By putting all three checks together (the feel of the ribs, the view of the waist from above, and the tuck from the side), you can confidently assign your dog a BCS. If you consistently find yourself in the “Ideal BCS 3” category across all three points, congratulations, you’re doing a fantastic job! If your assessment leans toward BCS 4, 5, 1, or 2, it’s time to understand exactly why that matters and what you should do next.

5 Smart Tricks to Ease Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

Separation anxiety in dogs is more common than many pet parents realize. It can manifest as destructive behavior, excessive barking, whining, pacing, or even accidents in the house. These are all signs that your dog is struggling to cope with being left alone. Luckily, with consistency and patience, you can ease your furry friend’s distress. Here are five smart tricks to help your dog feel more secure when you're not around.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

Can I Keep Two Hamsters Together?

It’s a common question for new hamster owners: Can two hamsters live in the same cage? While many pets enjoy companionship, hamsters are a bit different. Whether or not they can live together depends heavily on the species, their individual temperaments, and how they’re introduced. In many cases, housing two hamsters together can lead to stress, fighting, and even serious injury - so it’s important to know what you’re getting into.Species Matters MostThe first thing to consider is what type of hamster you have. Different species have very different social behaviors.Syrian hamsters (also known as golden hamsters) are strictly solitary. They must be housed alone. Even siblings raised together will usually become aggressive once they reach maturity. If housed with another hamster, they’re likely to fight - and those fights can be severe. Syrian hamsters should never share a cage.Dwarf hamsters (such as Roborovski, Campbell’s dwarf, and Winter White hamsters) are more social and can sometimes live in pairs or small groups, but not always. Even among social species, fights can and do happen.Chinese hamsters are often mistaken for dwarfs due to their small size, but behaviorally they’re closer to Syrians. They tend to be territorial and are usually better off living alone.

FDA Issues EUA for Screwworm Treatment for Cats

To fight the threat of screwworm infection in cats, the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) on November 21, 2025 for Credelio CAT (lotilaner), making it the first drug that has been authorized by the agency for New World screwworm (NWS) in cats. This follows their EUA for Credelio for dogs that was issued in late October.

The Common Dog Anxiety “Trick” That Doesn’t Actually Work

If you’ve ever left the house and turned on the TV or radio so your dog wouldn’t feel lonely, you’re definitely not the only one. It’s one of the most common habits among owners of anxious pooches. But, unfortunately, it might not be as helpful as you think. Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

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.

How Do Calming Pillows, Beds, and Blankets Keep Dogs Stress Free?

Why Do My Cats Keep Fighting?

If you live with more than one cat, you’ve probably seen them swat, hiss, or even tumble around the room in what looks like a brawl. Some back-and-forth is normal, but if your cats seem to fight often or it gets intense, it can be stressful for everyone in the house. Let’s look at why this happens and what you can do to keep the peace.

Study Reveals Some Dog Breeds Are More Likely to Get Diarrhea

Few things are as awful as diarrhea and seeing your pooch in gastrointestinal distress. Unfortunately, most dogs are diagnosed with diarrhea at least once in their lifetime. Like in people, diarrhea in dogs is loose or unformed stool. Dogs suffering from diarrhea usually pass large amounts of loose stool more often than usual. Diarrhea by itself isn’t a disease, but rather a symptom of many different conditions. Loose stool caused by minor health problems is often resolved quickly with a simple treatment and a change of diet. However, diarrhea can also be a sign of serious, life-threatening conditions like organ failure or cancer, so it’s important to take your pooch to be examined by a vet. Even diarrhea caused by a minor illness can get out of hand if not treated in time. A new study, published in the open journal PLOS One, suggests that some breeds may be more prone to diarrhea than others. Researchers from the United Kingdom’s Royal Veterinary College analyzed the health records of more than two million dogs brought to the vet in the U.K. in 2019. Researchers estimate that one in 12, or 8,18%, dogs were diagnosed with diarrhea at some point during the year. The study found six breeds - Maltese, miniature poodle, German shepherd, cavapoo, cockapoo, and Yorkshire terrier - were considerably more likely to be diagnosed with diarrhea. Only two breeds - Jack Russel terrier and Chihuahua - were less likely to be diagnosed with diarrhea. Researchers believe these breeds may have higher and lower susceptibility to diarrhea. However, they can’t rule out the fact that different breeds have different diets, and even owners with different likelihoods of taking their dog to the vet in case the dog gets diarrhea. The study also showed that dogs who were three years and younger, as well as pooches aged nine and over, were more likely to be diagnosed with diarrhea than four or five-year-old dogs. Researchers weren’t surprised by these results, considering that older dogs are more likely to get diarrhea from complications related to aging, and younger dogs are extremely curious and more likely to eat something they shouldn’t, resulting in diarrhea and other digestive issues. Moreover, many dogs with diarrhea were also diagnosed with other issues at the same time. About 44% experienced vomiting, 28% had reduced appetite, and 24% were lethargic. Of all the cases analyzed, 29% were classified as hemorrhagic, meaning those dogs suffered from bloody diarrhea. The good news is that most dogs recover quickly from diarrhea. Over 80% of dogs in the study only needed one visit to the vet. However, researchers also found that 38% of dogs with diarrhea were treated with antibiotics, even though experts advise against using antibiotics in dogs with mild and moderate cases of diarrhea. “Experiencing the dreaded ‘poonami’ with your dog is one of those events any dog owner fears. This new study shows that diarrhea events are very common in dogs but that owners should not panic - no matter how bad the deluge, most dogs will recover in a few days after veterinary treatment,” said Dr. Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor of Companion Animal Epidemiology at RVC and co-author of the study.In most cases, diarrhea isn’t a medical emergency, although it may start to feel like it after you had to take your dog outside to poop for a third time in less than an hour. Even if your dog seems like their usual self, minus the diarrhea, book an appointment with your vet. With a simple treatment, your pup will be back to its usual pooping schedule before you know it. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How to Plant a Cat-Safe Flower Garden

Creating a vibrant flower garden doesn’t mean compromising your cat’s safety. Many popular blooms are toxic to cats, but with a little planning, you can cultivate a beautiful, colorful space that’s also non-toxic and feline-friendly. Whether your cat enjoys basking in the sun or nibbling on greenery, here’s how to design a gorgeous garden that both you and your pet can enjoy worry-free.

5 Tips for Taking Better Care of Your Dog’s Paws

Your dog’s paws help them run, play, and explore the world, but they can also get hurt or irritated if not cared for. From hot pavement in summer to cold ice in winter, paws face many challenges. With a little attention, you can keep them healthy and comfortable. Here are five easy tips to help.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

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.