Cats

Fish

Rabbits

Birds

Horses

6 Things to Know Before Bringing Home a Husky 

Sophie
by Sophie
Published:  August 19th, 2026

With their fluffy coats, striking eyes, and larger-than-life personalities, Huskies are easy to fall in love with. But these beautiful dogs come with some equally big needs.


Before bringing a husky home, make sure you're prepared for the exercise, grooming, training, and supervision that come with the breed.

Image via Canva

Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

Table of contents

1. They Need Plenty of Exercise

Huskies are energetic working dogs that do best in active households with plenty of physical and mental stimulation.


My friend’s husky mix, Shusha, needs three walks a day. If she doesn’t get enough exercise, she starts looking for ways to escape, which brings me to my next point...

Image via Canva

2. They’re Talented Escape Artists

That escape story isn't unusual. Huskies are known for digging, exploring, and finding creative ways out of enclosed spaces. 

A secure yard can help, but it shouldn't replace regular exercise, training, and supervision.


Shusha has jumped over fences, squeezed underneath them, and even figured out how to open gates through several versions of her yard setup. 


So while every dog is different, prospective Husky owners should be prepared to devote significant time to walks, play, and other activities.

Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl -Image via Amazon

3. Keep Their Portions in Check

Some Huskies will happily take every meal and treat you offer, but that doesn't mean they need unlimited food. 


The appropriate amount depends on factors including age, size, activity level, health, and the food itself. Measure meals and talk to your vet if you suspect your dog is overeating.

icon Try a fun feeder to slow down an eager eater. The highly rated Outward Hound Fun Feeder comes in different patterns and sizes to help extend mealtime, and it’s made with BPA-free materials.

Outward Hound Fun Feeder Slo Bowl Dog Slow Feeder, Drop, Gray, 11.8"

Buy on Amazon See more options

4. Prepare for a Lot of Fur

Huskies have a thick double coat, which means regular grooming needs to become part of your routine. 


Double-coated dogs benefit from brushing that removes loose hair without shaving away their protective coat.

And yes, huskies have a lot of fur.


So much so that one couple has even found creative uses for shed dog fur: turning it into yarn to make winter hats!

Image via Facebook

5. Take Extra Care in Hot Weather

That thick coat requires some extra thought when temperatures climb. 

Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day, provide plenty of water and opportunities to cool down, and keep up with brushing to remove dead hair and improve airflow through the coat.

icon Stay on top of shedding with a FURminator Large Dog Undercoat deShedding Tool. It gently goes through the topcoat to reach the loose undercoat fur.

FURminator Large Dog Undercoat deShedding Tool for Long Hair

Buy on Amazon See more options

6. Smart Doesn't Always Mean Easy

Huskies are intelligent, energetic, and independent.


Consistent training and plenty of mental stimulation can help keep that cleverness focused on something other than figuring out how the backyard gate works.

Image via Canva

Final Thoughts

A Husky can be a wonderful companion for someone ready for an active lifestyle. 


Before committing, be realistic about whether you have enough time for daily exercise, training, grooming, and supervision. 


And if you live somewhere that’s hot almost all the time, consider bringing home a dog that’s more suited to your climate.


Next, find out 11 essential steps to safely leave your dog home alone.


Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.  

WOW
Sophie
Sophie

More by Sophie

How to Choose the Best Spot for Your Pet’s Food Bowls
How to Choose the Best Spot for Your Pet’s Food Bowls
View Article
Next
Related articles
4 Things Families Should Discuss Before Bringing a New Pet Home

Bringing a new pet into your home is exciting. There’s nothing quite like the joy of a wagging tail or the purr of a happy cat. But before you rush out to the shelter or breeder, it’s important for the whole family to have a real conversation about what this new addition means. Pets bring love, but they also bring responsibility, time, and a bit of chaos. Here are four things every family should talk through before saying yes to a new furry (or feathery, or scaly) friend.

Are All Nuts Good For Your Dog? Not Even Close!

As humans, we’re all about eating healthy, right? Okay, at least whenever we can. And nuts are a great source of healthy protein and good fats that support everything from a healthier sleep and better brain health to antioxidant delivery and anti-inflammatory benefits.But while all nuts are healthy, they do come with a few caveats. And you might be surprised to learn that it’s not just the obvious pancreatitis-triggering fat content. That’s why, while nuts can be a great treat for dogs, they need to be given in moderation and with a few considerations at play. Such as the type of nut and the format.For example, unsalted, unseasoned, and without added oils is the only way to go. For some nuts, such as almonds, a butter format is better than feeding your dog the whole nut due to the possible choking hazard.So, let’s talk about which nuts are safe for your pet and which should be avoided at all costs.If dogs can have a small number of peanuts or cashews, then they can also have the butter format, right? Yes, but only if it does not contain xylitol.Good Nuts for Your DogPeanuts: Shelled peanuts – raw or roasted – are a great treat for dogs. When we say treat, we’re talking three or four nuts a couple of times a day. Remember, no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. Peanut protein is ideal for muscle development, the fat promotes healthy skin and a lustrous coat, with Vitamin E antioxidants and biotin supporting enhanced immune health. If you choose to go the peanut butter route, double-check your options to ensure they do not include the sweetener xylitol, which is highly toxic to pets. Go the organic route if you’re not sure.Cashews: Similar to peanuts, cashews deliver a bounty of antioxidants and Omega-3s as well as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and that all-important fibre every pooch needs. Whether served whole or in pieces, these nuts boost muscle tissue development, heart health, and promote skin and coat health. Choose to offer them in the whole nut format or a non-sweetened cashew butter that can be dobbed into his favourite Kong or puzzle toy.Almonds: Due to the size, shape, and firmness of this nut, you’ll want to be careful when doling them out. Dogs tend to gobble and can easily choke if they don’t chew properly. And if scarfed down whole, an almond can become lodged in his intestine, creating a blockage. That said, the nutritional benefits of this nut are numerous and worth exploring. Rich in Vitamin E (in the form of tocopherols and tocotrienols), antioxidants that promote heart, brain, and skin health. Check out an almond butter format that can add zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium to the mix.Bad Nuts for Your DogPistachios: While nutritionally rich, these nuts are extremely high in fat and calories as well as phosphorus, which can strain the kidneys and, potentially cause mold. Yes, mold. When pistachios are not properly dried or are stored in humid conditions, they can develop Aspergillus mould, which can produce carcinogenic toxins called aflatoxins.Macadamia nuts: Super high in fat, these nuts can easily trigger a serious bout of pancreatitis in dogs that will require medical attention. But there’s more, because a condition known as macadamia nut toxicity is also at play. While it’s uncertain what causes this level of toxicity, within a matter of hours of your pet consuming even a small portion (single nut), they can experience vomiting, tremors and weakness.Walnuts: The walnut tree and similar species, such as the pecan and hickory, produce a natural toxin called Juglone that permeates the tree roots, leaves, bark, and nuts. Guess what? When your dog consumes these nut meats, they can produce seizures and neurological disorders. Now, similar to pistachios, these nuts can be prone to mould and toxins that can prove fatal to your pet.

How to Protect Your Senior Dog from Progressive Joint Damage

Watching your best friend start to slow down with age is a bittersweet milestone that every dog parent eventually faces. It starts subtly: a slight hesitation before they climb the stairs, a bit of stiffness when they stand up after a nap, or skipping a jump onto the couch that they used to navigate without a second thought. While it is natural to assume these changes are an inevitable part of growing older, they are often the direct result of manageable joint issues. Your dog’s mobility has a major impact on their quality of life, and slowing down does not mean they have to live every day with aches and pains. By understanding the underlying biology of aging joints and taking proactive steps today, you can protect your dog’s comfort and enthusiasm for life well into their golden years. Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article, but at no cost to you.The Biology of Aging Joints To support your dog’s mobility as they get older, it helps to understand what is actually happening inside their body. In a young, healthy dog joint, the ends of the bones are capped with a smooth, rubbery tissue called articular cartilage. This cartilage, lubricated by a thick fluid known as synovial fluid, acts as a natural shock absorber, allowing the bones to glide over one another seamlessly as they run or play. As dogs move into their senior years, this finely tuned system begins to change. Over time, the wear and tear of daily life causes this protective cartilage to thin and dry out. At the same time, the body produces less synovial fluid than it did during their younger years, and what remains loses its lubricating efficiency. Without these protective layers, the surfaces of the bones start to rub against one another, triggering an inflammatory response, which releases enzymes that further degrade the remaining cartilage. It’s a painful, vicious cycle. While general wear and tear is the most common culprit, there are several factors that can speed up this joint degeneration: Osteoarthritis (OA): This is the most common diagnosis for stiff senior dogs. It is a progressive, chronic condition that is characterized by the gradual breakdown of joint cartilage and the development of underlying bone spurs. Past Injuries or Structural Stress: A torn ligament or a minor joint trauma from years ago can permanently impact how a joint moves today. Similarly, developmental conditions like hip or elbow dysplasia cause poor skeletal alignment, placing uneven pressure on specific joints. The Muscle Loss Connection: As joint discomfort sets in, dogs naturally slow down to avoid pain. This lack of activity leads to a loss of muscle mass, a process known as sarcopenia. Because strong muscles are required to support and stabilize the skeleton, this loss leaves the weak joints bearing even more stress, compounding your dog’s discomfort. Prevention and Early Detection One of the greatest challenges in managing your dog’s joint health is recognizing that dogs are instinctively programmed to hide pain and discomfort. In the wild, showing vulnerability or pain makes an animal a target, and today’s domestic dogs still carry that evolutionary trait. Because of this, waiting until your dog is noticeably limping or whimpering usually means the joint damage has already progressed to an advanced stage. Protecting your senior dog’s quality of life means looking beyond the obvious signs of pain and watching for subtle behavioral and physical warning signs.  Changes in Daily Routines: Your dog might hesitate for a moment at the bottom of the stairs, require a small boost to get into the car, or choose to sleep on the floor rather than climbing into your bed. Post-Rest Stiffness: You may notice that when your dog first stands up after a long nap, their back legs look stiff, or they walk with a shortened, uneven stride for the first few minutes as they warm up. Shifting Weight: Watch your dog while they eat from their bowl. If they are constantly shifting their weight from side to side, lifting a paw, or arching their back slightly, they are likely trying to relieve pressure from a sore hip or knee. Withdrawal: A dog dealing with chronic joint pain often becomes less interactive, even with their favorite family members. They might choose to rest in a quiet, isolated room rather than be involved in daily family activities, or they might show uncharacteristic irritability when touched near their lower back and hips. Taking action the moment you notice these minor changes, rather than dismissing them as your dog just “getting old,” completely changes how they will experience their senior years. Early intervention helps protect the cartilage your dog still has left. By addressing joint health before severe degradation sets in, you can stop the body’s inflammatory cycle in its tracks. This not only keeps your pup comfortable and active for much longer, but it also minimizes their reliance on heavy, prescription-strength pain medications further down the road. Treatment is always more effective when it begins as a preventative approach rather than a damage-control strategy. Steps to Protect Your Dog’s Joints Today Managing your senior dog’s joint health will require you to take multiple small steps that work together toward a greater management plan. No single treatment works as a magic cure. The most effective approach will combine daily lifestyle habits, targeted nutrition, and home adjustments to ease the strain on their body.  Weight Management and Nutrition Of all the things you can control, keeping your dog at a lean body weight is the single most impactful way to protect their joints. The reason is simple: every extra pound puts exponentially more stress on already weakened hips, knees, and elbows. However, excess weight isn’t just a heavy burden to carry. Fat tissue functions like an endocrine organ, continuously releasing pro-inflammatory chemicals into your dog’s bloodstream. These chemicals travel throughout the body and speed up the breakdown of joint cartilage, meaning an overweight dog experiences significantly more physical pain regardless of how much more they move. Keeping your senior dog at a healthy weight requires a careful balance of portion control and high-quality nutrition. Because older dogs generally have a slower metabolism and a less active lifestyle, they need fewer calories. Transitioning your pup to a senior-specific formula or reducing their daily kibble portions, while filling their bowl with low-calorie, fiber-rich toppers like green beans, helps reduce body fat without leaving your dog feeling hungry.

What Are Cat Zoomies and Why Do They Happen Late at Night

Every cat parent knows the feeling when a quiet evening turns into an impromptu racetrack. One minute, your cat is resting peacefully, and the next, they are launching off the back of the couch and sprinting down the hallway with wide eyes and a puffed tail. This sudden explosion of energy is incredibly common, yet watching your cat transform into a blur of motion without warning can leave you wondering what exactly caused the outburst.Known scientifically as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), or more commonly as “the zoomies,” this behavior is completely natural. By understanding the instincts and triggers behind these sudden sprints, you can learn how to safely channel that extra energy, protect your home, and ensure your cat is living their best life.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article, but at no cost to you.The Science Behind the Blur To truly understand why your cat experiences these bursts of speed, it helps to look at their evolutionary blueprint. Even though today’s domestic cats live comfortable indoor lives with full food bowls and cozy sleeping spots, they still hold on to the biological wiring and predatory instincts of their wild ancestors. When it comes to hunting, cats are solitary ambush predators. In the wild, their survival depends on short, explosive releases of energy to stalk, chase, and capture their prey. Because they don’t hunt in packs or run long distances over hours, their bodies are designed for short, rapid sprints rather than endurance running. With no need to hunt for their food, an indoor cat conserves this energy all day long. Between napping for up to 16 hours and lounging in their favorite spots, a massive build-up of both physical and mental power accumulates. When they can no longer contain that energy, the cat experiences a FRAP. In short, the zoomies are a safe, efficient physical release valve for that stored-up power. When an episode is about to begin, you can often see the physical signs of this energy starting to take over your cat’s body. Their pupils will dilate significantly, allowing them to absorb more light and focus on their surroundings, and their ears may twitch forward or pin back slightly. They will often crouch low, and their tail may quiver briefly just before the launch, signaling that the pressure valve has opened and the sprint is underway. Understanding this helps reframe the behavior entirely. It’s not a sign of a behavioral problem or a lack of discipline, but rather a reflection of a healthy animal responding to excess energy and their biological programming. Common Triggers for the Zoomies While a zoomie episode can happen at any time, you have likely noticed that your cat tends to sprint around the same time each day. These episodes are rarely random. Instead, they are usually sparked by specific shifts or environmental cues that signal it is time to move. The Post-Litter Box Rush One of the most common triggers for this behavior is the post-litter box sprint. Many cats will do their business and immediately launch into a high-speed lap around the house. This is a daily routine in our house for my youngest cat, Theia. There are two primary reasons for this sudden burst of movement: Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Passing waste stimulates the vagus nerve. In cats, this stimulation can cause a brief drop in blood pressure followed by a sudden rush of endorphins, leading to a physical feeling of high energy or mild euphoria. Survival Instinct: In a wild environment, waste leaves a distinct scent trail that could give away their position to larger predators. Sprinting away from their elimination site is an instinctual survival mechanism to put immediate distance between themselves and the spot. The Twilight Hour Cats are crepuscular, which means that they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. This is the exact time their wild ancestors would naturally hunt, as prey animals are active and the lower light provided them with natural camouflage. When dusk hits, your indoor cat’s biological clock signals that it’s time to hunt, often resulting in a severe case of the evening zoomies. Environmental Triggers Sometimes, a minor shift in your cat’s environment can trigger an episode. The scent of fresh air from an open window, the sound of a bird outside, a sudden shaft of light moving across the floor, or even a brief, playful interaction with another pet can provide just enough mental stimulation to set off a physical burst of energy. Distinguishing Play from Signs of Trouble  For most cats, a quick sprint around the living room is a sign of a thriving, happy animal who feels secure enough in their environment to let loose. However, it is important to understand when hyperactive behavior crosses the line from a healthy release of energy into a sign of discomfort or stress. Healthy zoomies generally last for a few minutes before the cat settles back into a relaxed state. Your cat’s body language afterward should be calm, with normal breathing resuming quickly. These bursts of energy typically align with the triggers discussed earlier, such as the dawn and dusk hours or a successful trip to the litter box. When the frantic behavior becomes frequent, prolonged, or is accompanied by other unusual warning signs, it warrants a closer look. Signs of Anxiety or Frustration: If your cat is pacing constantly, vocalizing with loud, distressed meows, or sprinting away from a specific spot in a panicked way, the zoomies may actually be a manifestation of chronic boredom, environmental stress, anxiety, or frustration from an unmet need. Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome (FHS): This neurological condition can cause sudden, painful nerve sensations along the spine. A cat with FHS might suddenly bite at their tail, ripple the skin on their back, and bolt across the room as if they are trying to run away from their own skin. Underlying Health Conditions: Flea infestations, severe skin allergies, or an active thyroid ( hyperthyroidism), which his particularly common as cats age, can all cause sudden, uncharacteristic bursts of energy. If your cat’s zoomies appear to be frantic, painful, or out of character, a thorough exam with your veterinarian is always the best step. They can rule out physical discomfort or medical conditions that may need medical help to resolve.

Do Dogs Really Grieve the Loss of Other Pets?

Is it our imagination that our dog is just as upset over the loss of another pet as we are? Read on!

How much Food Does Your Dog Need? Dog Feeding Requirements 101

Figuring out exactly how much to feed your dog is one of the most important yet confusing responsibilities of pet care. While most people rely on the generic charts found on the back of a food bag, these guidelines are just that – guidelines that serve as a starting point before accounting for the unique needs of your dog. Factors like their age, breed, size, and daily activity levels all play a massive role in determining the “right” portion size.This guide moves beyond the standard “one-size-fits-all” approach to help you calculate precisely what your dog needs to support their health and quality of life. Whether you feed a high-quality kibble, a raw diet, or a carefully balanced homemade meal, truly understanding your dog’s caloric requirements will help you ensure they stay fit, full of energy, and by your side for years to come.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article, but at no cost to you.Why the Back of the Bag is Only a Starting Point When you bring home a new bag of dog food, the first thing most dog parents will do is flip it over to consult the feeding table. After all, it’s all spelled out there clearly in black and white. But is it really that simple? While these charts provide a strong baseline, they rely on broad generalizations that may not fully apply to the dog sitting in front of you. After all, like people, every dog is an individual. Relying solely on these numbers without any alternations can lead to subtle underfeeding or, more commonly, overfeeding, causing your dog to put on excess pounds. Feeding charts are typically designed for the “average” adult dog, meaning average size, average weight, and average activity levels. However, the definition of average is incredibly subjective. The chart doesn’t know whether your dog has a high-energy personality that burns calories just by existing, or spends most of the day napping, embracing a couch-potato lifestyle. However, most manufacturers lean toward slightly higher portions to ensure that no dog is undernourished, which can inadvertently contribute to overfeeding and obesity. The Real Impact of Those “Few Extra Calories” In the world of dog health, even a small amount of extra food every day can have a compounding effect. Because dogs are significantly smaller than humans (well, most are), an extra handful of kibble or an unmeasured scoop of raw food represents a much larger percentage of their total daily intake than it would for us. Carrying extra weight puts unnecessary strain on a dog’s skeletal system and joints, which is particularly dangerous for large breeds or seniors with existing mobility issues. But why is this REALLY important? Studies have shown that dogs kept at a lean, ideal body condition can live approximately two years longer than those who are overweight. Identifying the Signs of Underfeeding While overfeeding is a more common concern in many households, underfeeding CAN happen, especially if your dog has entered a high-growth phase or has recently increased their activity level significantly due to a new lifestyle or even seasonal changes. It is important to watch for any physical or behavioral signs that their current portion size isn’t meeting their needs. Signs of possible underfeeding include: Visible hip bones Prominent spineDull, dry coat Flaky skin or “dandruff”Neverending appetite Increased anxiety or food-related aggression Sudden lack of interest in exercise or playIncreased begging or stealing foodWhile these signs may mean that your dog isn’t getting a high enough total calorie intake, they could also be a sign of a more targeted nutritional deficiency (like iron or specific vitamins), or a medical condition causing malabsorption. You should speak with your veterinarian to rule out any potential underlying issues. Identify the Signs of Overfeeding On the other hand (or paw), there is also the concern that you may be feeding your pup too much. While it is often done out of love, overfeeding is one of the most common health challenges facing dogs today. Because weight gain can be gradual, it’s easy to miss the subtle signs of concern. Recognizing these warning signs early allows you to make minor adjustments before they escalate into more serious health issues. Signs of possible overfeeding include: Loss of a visible waistline New or soft deposits of fat over the hips, base of the tail, or the neck Difficulty feeling the ribs Excessive pantingDecreased mobility Digestive problems like consistently soft stools or chronic flatulenceGeneral lack of energy It’s important to remember that a sudden weight gain or a change in body shape can also be linked to hormonal imbalances, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease. If you reduce the amount you feed your dog and do not see a change in their body condition over time, you should reach out to your vet. The Four Pillars of Dog Caloric Requirements To find the right amount of food for your dog, you must look at your pup as an individual rather than just a member of a species. There are four primary factors that influence how much energy your dog burns and, consequently, how much they need to eat to maintain a healthy balance. Life Stage and Age Your dog’s nutritional needs shift dramatically as they move through different phases of life. Their metabolism is highest during times of growth, slowly tapering off as they reach maturity and eventually move into their golden years. For this reason, puppies require significantly more calories per pound of body weight than adult dogs to fuel the development of bones, muscles, and organs. As dogs age, their metabolism slows, and they often become less active, meaning their calorie needs can drop by as much as 20% to 30%. Breed and GeneticsWe all have that one friend who can eat everything and anything without gaining a pound. Similarly, there is a genetic aspect to how individual dogs process the food they eat. Two dogs of the exact same weight can have wildly different caloric requirements based solely on their genetic makeup and breed. Working breeds, such as Border Collies or Belgian Malinois, often have a “higher idle,” causing them to burn more calories even when they are resting compared to more sedentary breeds, like Basset Hounds. Dogs with thick, double coats may burn more energy in the summer to stay cool, while dogs with thinner coats may burn more trying to stay warm in the winter.

Why Your Dog Keeps Barking at Night (and How to Help)

Nighttime barking can be frustrating, especially when it disrupts your sleep and leaves you guessing what’s causing it.When it comes to dogs barking at night, the behavior is usually linked to specific, fixable reasons tied to their instincts, environment, or unmet needs. 

Getting a New Kitten? Do This to Prepare Your Home

Bringing home a kitten is exciting, but a big commitment too. Before those tiny paws arrive, a little preparation can help make the transition easier, safer, and much less stressful for everyone.

This Major City in China Hopes to Foster a More Dog Friendly Culture

In a country reviled for its “dog meat festivals”, can a single city turn that culture around? Well, if it has the hyped-up energy of Hong Kong, I’d say that’s a pretty safe bet.

7 Bargains Pet Owners Won’t Want to Miss This Amazon Spring Sale

Spring is here, and so are deals that make being a pet owner easier and more enjoyable.From beds that keep your dog off the couch to cleaners that actually get rid of accidents and tasty meals even picky eaters won’t turn down, these bargains are well worth checking out. Let’s dive in.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Why Do Cats Groom Each Other? New Study Reveals Surprising Meaning

If you live with more than one cat, as we do, you have likely seen them licking and cleaning one another. This mutual lick, known as allogrooming, is a peaceful and comforting sight for most cat parents, making us feel like our kitties are the best of friends. But it may not be the happy sign we have been led to believe… A recent study conducted by researchers at Ghent University and the University of Lincoln reveals that the story is far more complex. As it turns out, licking is not always a friendly gesture; sometimes, cats use it as a tool for managing stress, tension, and conflict. To fully understand what our cats are trying to communicate, we have to look closely at the context, interpreting the bigger picture. The study identified two common scenarios where allogrooming occurs, including signs you can watch for to help you recognize which situation you are dealing with. In many cases, mutual grooming does exactly what we think it does: it builds and maintains connections between our cats. The researchers found that in 41% of cases, the cats began grooming each other immediately after enjoying close physical contact, like curling up together in a shared bed. When your cats are in a relaxed state of mind, you will often see them synchronize their body postures, both lying down flat or both sitting up comfortably together. Friendly grooming is generally focused on the head and ears. This is a very sensitive area and packed with scent glands, making the grooming feel incredibly relaxing for the cat receiving the attention. Licking can also be a way of starting a play session. Cats often lick each other’s necks to initiate a friendly wrestling match. However, the study also found that allogrooming is used as a passive-aggressive signal among cats. Because a physical fight comes with a high risk of injury, cats prefer to resolve conflict using more subtle warnings and forms of communication rather than resorting to their claws and teeth. For example, in your home, if two cats both want the prime sleeping spot in a sunny window, one might lean over the other and start grooming their neck to assert dominance. The cat being licked will often flatten its ears, communicating that they are not enjoying the interaction. It is our responsibility as loving cat parents to monitor these interactions and catch when something is going south. The researchers highlighted several subtle signals that occur when grooming stems from tension rather than affection: The cats are displaying mismatched body postures (for example, one cat is standing over the other)The cat receiving the grooming flattens its ears or shakes its headOne or both cats start showing signs of stress, such as scratching behind their ears, yawning, or licking their lipsIf these subtle cues are ignored, the passive-aggressive grooming can quickly escalate to a full-blown fight with swiping, scratching, biting, and potentially serious injuries. Instead, you can step in safely before a disagreement turns into a fight by watching your cat’s body language and the context during these moments. A peaceful multi-cat home is possible, but it starts with you! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here. 

Is the Flesh-Eating Screwworm a Threat to Our Pets?

While we all breathed a little easier thinking that this recurrence appeared to be strictly a farming issue located hundreds of miles south, it’s not quite as remote as one might think.

Viagra for Cats? It’s Not What You Think.

Surprising solution to feline respiratory ailments catches many off guard.

A Simple Weekly Cleaning Routine for Pet Owners

Living with pets brings plenty of joy, but it also comes with fur-covered furniture, stray pieces of litter, dirty paw prints and odors that seem to appear from nowhere. A short cleaning session each week can keep these everyday messes under control before they become a much bigger job. Focus on the spaces your pet uses most, and the routine should remain practical and manageable.

The Training Tools You Actually Need for Your New Dog

There is no arguing that bringing a new dog home is an exciting whirlwind of emotions. One minute you’re staring at the most adorable creature you have ever seen, and the next, you’re frantically Googling how to keep your puppy out of the garbage can. It’s a beautiful but chaotic time, and it is completely normal to feel a little overwhelmed during the first few weeks. Giving our dogs the best quality of life right from the start doesn’t mean you need to buy out the entire pet store. Instead, setting up your household for success comes down to a training plan and a few intentional, high-quality tools that will help clear up communication with your pup and keep everyone safe. Let’s talk about the training essentials that will make your life with your new pup smoother, more focused, and (hopefully) stress-free. Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article, but at no cost to you.Setting Up Your Home for SuccessBefore you even step outside for a walk, your training journey begins inside the four walls of your home. For a dog, an entire house can feel like an overwhelming maze of temptations, from the seemingly chew-worthy electrical cords to the irresistible texture of your favorite rug. The secret to early training isn’t constantly yelling “No!” from across the room, as tempting as that may be in the moment. Instead, you need to manage their environment so they don’t have the opportunity to make mistakes in the first place. Safety Gates and Playpens Rather than giving a new dog free access to your house, safety gates and exercise pens (or “X-pens”) allow you to create a dedicated, puppy-proofed safe zone. This gives your dog a secure, comfortable place where they can relax, play with their toys, and decompress without the risk of chewing on baseboards or getting into household toxins when your back is turned. When shopping for gates, look for sturdy, metal, walk-through models with secure latches rather than basic wooden pressure gates. For X-pens, choose a sturdy design with a built-in door. A solid gate ensures that even a high-energy, larger breed can’t easily knock it over, and the walk-through design means you won’t be tripping over it with full hands. The Right Approach to Crates Crate training offers many benefits, but it should never be used as a means of punishment. Instead, it should be introduced as your dog’s safe space. Dogs are naturally den animals, and a properly sized crate can create a cozy sanctuary where they feel safe and completely relaxed. From a practical standpoint, it is also an invaluable tool for potty training, preventing destructive nighttime chewing, and ensuring your dog can travel safely in the car or stay calm at the vet. Sizing Tip: Choose a crate that is large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around completely, and lie down comfortably, but not so large that they can use one corner as a bedroom and the other as a bathroom. For puppies, consider a wire crate with a divider panel, which lets you adjust the size as your puppy grows. Potty Training Basics Speaking of crates and potty training, teaching your pup where to go to the bathroom (and where not to) is one of the first major hurdles for new dog parents. To navigate this phase with as little stress as possible, you need a clear strategy and the right products for a quick, effective cleanup if needed. If you live in a high-rise apartment or are raising a puppy who hasn’t completed their full round of vaccinations, an indoor potty solution can be incredibly helpful. Reusable and disposable pee pads are convenient, but grass-based patches (like Fresh Patch) can make the eventual transition to going outdoors much easier, as your dog learns to associate the texture of real grass with bathroom time. Accidents are bound to happen, but regular household cleaners aren’t enough to clean them up properly. Dogs have an incredibly powerful sense of smell, and traditional cleaners often leave behind microscopic proteins from urine. An enzymatic cleaner uses live bacteria to literally consume those proteins, completely erasing any scent (even at a doggy level). If a dog can still smell their previous accident, they will instinctively return to that exact spot to go again. Outdoor Safety & On-the-Go Training GearOnce you have your home environment secure, the next step is to consider your adventures outdoors. Exploring the world together is one of the best parts of having a dog, but it also introduces new risks. Between cars, squirrels, and other dogs, the outdoor world is full of unpredictable distractions. Transitioning your training from the living room to the sidewalk requires gear that will keep your pup safe while allowing you to communicate clearly, even from a distance. The Foundation: Collars, Harnesses, and Standard Leashes Your primary physical tie to your dog is through your leash and harness setup. While a collar is perfect for holding ID tags (and every dog should have an up-to-date tag on at all times), relying on it for leash walking can put dangerous pressure on your dog’s neck, particularly if they are prone to pulling. Look for a harness that forms a distinct “Y” shape across your dog’s chest. This design ensures that the straps of the harness don’t restrict their shoulder movement or put pressure on their neck. A harness with both back-clip and front-clip options is great for training leash manners, as using the front clip can gently redirect a pulling dog back toward you without causing discomfort. My harness of choice for both my dogs is the RC Pets Momentum Control Harness. For standard neighborhood walks, a fixed 4- to 6-foot leash is the gold standard for your everyday use. Look for materials like heavy-duty leather or Biothane. They provide a solid grip, won’t fray over time, and give you optimal control in high-traffic areas. We prefer Biothane in our home because it is super easy to clean.

Some Countries Are Seeing a Decline in Popularity of Flat-Faced Dogs

Flat-faced dog breeds are highly sought-after in the United States and Canada—the French Bulldog ranked #1 on AKC’s list of most popular breeds, and it was #5 on the Canadian Kennel Club’s list of most popular breeds in 2025. However, recent statistics show that brachycephalic breeds aren’t as popular anymore in other parts of the world, with some countries seeing a noticeable decline in the number of registered flat-faced dogs.

Pet Allergies at Home? 6 Tips to Keep Your Pet and Stay Healthy

Finding out that someone in your household is allergic to your pet can feel overwhelming, especially when your pet is already part of the family. Before it turns into an “it’s me or the dog” (or cat) situation, a few smart changes can help keep both the allergic person and your pet comfortably under one roof. A few smart changes around the house can help make daily life more manageable for both your pet and the person with allergies.

Research Shows Obesity Linked to Higher Eye Pressure in Dogs

Could dogs who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of high intraocular pressure (the pressure inside the eyes)? That’s a question that researchers wanted to answer, as high eye pressure is associated with glaucoma, which can lead to blindness. So, they ran a study to determine if weight can impact the health of the eyes. Here’s what they found.

About Privacy Terms Contact us Copyright
© 2026  VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved.