10 Best Rabbits for Beginners

10 Best Rabbits for Apartments

When you live in an apartment and want to keep a pet, your options are often limited – not all types of pets are allowed in an apartment, and even when they are, the living environment might not be best suited for their needs. Luckily, that’s not the case for most rabbits! Generally small, well accustomed to life indoors, and quiet enough not to disturb your close neighbors, rabbits make great apartment pets. However, not all breeds of rabbits are the same – some might thrive in a farm-like setting and others get depressed when cooped up for long, so apartments tend to be a no-go for these bunnies. However, there are plenty more that won’t mind being your roommate – these are the 10 best rabbits for apartments, based on their size, personality, and requirements. 

Top 10 Best Rabbits for 4H

Participating in 4-H clubs and programs can be an experience that will be cherished for life – especially when a child gains a pet best friend thanks to it. One of many programs that 4-H has is the so-called rabbit project, which is supposed to provide experience with “the selection, feeding, husbandry, and exhibiting of rabbits” to young people. There are various rabbit projects within the 4-H, including breeding, pet, and market projects, but we’ll focus on the best rabbits for 4-H programs that are meant for raising pet rabbits.While bunnies might seem like an easy animal to care for, that might be misleading – rabbits require care, love, and attention as much as any other pet. Even within 4-H guidelines, it is emphasized that the bunnies that are raised for the project should be well taken care of, or the so-called five freedoms rule: freedom from hunger and thirst, from discomfort, from pain, injury or disease, from fear and distress, and freedom to express normal behavior. With that being said, the 4-H rabbit program can be an excellent way to introduce your kid to the responsibility of taking care of a pet. What starts off as a project, can become a beautiful friendship – but only if your child is serious about keeping the rabbit and providing them appropriate care. When it comes to the choice of rabbit breed for 4-H projects, any of the 50 rabbit breeds officially recognized by ARBA are accepted. Here is our choice of the 10 best rabbits for 4-H in terms of ease of care, personality, and showmanship potential.Top 10 Best Rabbits for 4H

10 Best Rabbits for Kids

Kids grow up so fast – before you know it, they are asking for a pet, and you might be considering that they are grown enough to accept the responsibilities that come with having a pet, in addition to cuddles and playing. A dog or a cat might seem like too much of a responsibility, or you might not be able to adopt one where you live, so you might be considering a rabbit as a first pet for your child instead. Luckily, rabbits make wonderful pets for kids, and some breeds are particularly suited for the role of a child’s companion. Gentle, affectionate, playful, and friendly, these rabbit breeds make the perfect pets for kids!

10 Best Rabbits for Pets

The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes 50 unique rabbit breeds, but there are over 300 breeds currently in the world – so how do you decide which bunny should become a part of your family? Keeping rabbits as pets can be so rewarding, as they are smart, affectionate, and make good companions without requiring much in return. However, not all rabbits are bred for the role of house pets – there are simply some breeds more suited than others, thanks to their great personalities and ease of care. Read on to see which 10 breeds make our list of best pet rabbits out there and find your new friend!

10 Best Rabbits for Showing

Rabbit shows are an excellent way to meet like-minded people, have some fun with your pet rabbit, and enjoy seeing thousands of different bunnies in person – what’s not to like? Additionally, you’ll get the chance to talk to rabbit experts and more experienced rabbit owners and learn more about properly caring for your pet. To show a rabbit, it has to be one of the 50 accepted ARBA breeds and to have show-quality features, which differ from breed to breed. Shows can be local to your area or state, and there are various categories your pet can compete in, from breed-specific ones to best overall in certain categories, e.g. best youth rabbit. You could go home with a lot of nice memories, and even a ribbon or an award!Rabbits usually enjoy shows, too, if they are properly socialized, as they’ll love the attention they get and won’t mind the crowds. If you are looking into getting a pet rabbit you’d like to show as well, here are the most popular rabbits for showing, both for their lovely looks and calm temperaments that make them easy to train and adapt to the show life.

Your Dog Actually Knows When You Mean Well

Mean-spirited or well-intentioned - our dogs have it figured out.

Bo the Bloodhound Wins American Humane Hero Dog Award

The American Humane Hero Dog Award was given to a very special Bloodhound named Bo. He works as a Police K9 with the Gastonia Police Department in North Carolina, and has been doing so since 2023.

'PrePup' Agreement Helps Owners Co-Parent After a Breakup

When you end a relationship, things can get messy – even more so when you have a pet whose ownership you share with your ex. Your pooch shouldn’t be affected by the new state of things, though, which is why Rover.com created the “ PrePup Checklist”, specifically for this reason – to help couples that want a pet together consider what they would to ensure their dog’s well-being do in case their relationship doesn’t work out. The classic prenuptial agreement requires couples to think ahead and consider what would happen to their shared assets, specifically in the case of the death of a spouse or divorce. Similarly, Rover’s “PrePup Checklist” helps couples to consider how the shared responsibilities of pet ownership would be handled if – somewhere down the line – they were to split up. Of course, in difference to the prenuptial agreement, the “PrePup Checklist” is not a legally binding contract. Kristina Bergsten of The Animal Law Firm advises those who look to protect their pets legally to add “some paragraphs about who any pets belong to or what you're going to do if you adopt a pet during the marriage" to a prenuptial agreement. In August 2023, Bergsten told PEOPLE that if pets are not mentioned in a prenup, “the property settlement agreement will determine who gets the pet” in a divorce. And now, the “PrePup Checklist” wants to avoid making couples rely on property agreements so they can determine what happens to their pets during a divorce. Rover came to the idea of the checklist after conducting a survey that revealed that 56% of pet owners never discussed with their partner who would get the pet if they broke up.Rover’s checklist starts with prompts specifically asking owners to assign responsibilities for each “pet parent”. For example, who would be in charge of the walking schedule, and who would be in charge of the feeding, etc.The second part of this agreement asks new couples to consider “having difficult conversations about the future”, which includes the splitting of financial responsibilities of pet ownership, and deciding who the pet will live with in case of an eventual breakup."It's important for couples to elevate animal well-being and commit to co-parenting in healthy ways for the health and well-being of their dogs. It is widely recognized in animal welfare science that dogs and other animals can self-regulate and find innate strategies for coping with stress and anxiety when they are feeling safe, secure, and familiar with their social relationships," said Philip Tedeschi, a professor, and researcher on the human-animal bond who works with Rover."One of the most prominent indicators of their sense of security comes from their proximity to other members of the family. Having conversations about the future and what may happen if there is a disruption to a pet's life would benefit them, offer predictability, and keep them close to the ones they connect with," he added.The PrePup Checklist also includes a place where the couple’s new pet can “cosign” on anything that was discussed and agreed upon. The ultimate goal of Rover is to strengthen the bond between couples, but also between pets and their new owners.

Animal Activists Push Back on Culling Strays

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What are the Best Dog Stairs for Pets with Shorter Legs?

(Photo credit: Nadia Cruzova / Shutterstock.com)While my Schnoodles aren’t exactly small dogs, they are a little shorter than one might consider to be medium-sized. And as they get older and can’t launch themselves onto my bed with anything close to a modicum of dignity, it’s clear they need a little assistance. In short (no pun intended), I’m thinking stairs that are configured for dogs with slightly shorter legs are in order.To be clear, I don’t mind lifting them up and onto the bed. However, my one pooch gets restless at night and, within 20 minutes, wants to jump down. It’s hard on her joints and is sleep-defying for me as she paces back and forth across my bed looking for that single sweet spot on the floor where she can comfortably land.What to do? Everyone told me to buy a set of those soft dog steps so they can easily ascend and descend. Now, it sounds like a no-brainer, yet I kept hearing from other pet parents that their dogs refused to use them. For me, that means I’m about to start searching for something that isn’t too daunting for my gals to use.Narrowing Down the OptionsWas I looking for plush steps? Or something harder that might offer a greater sense of stability. Maybe a ramp or “ladder” style design? And did I want something I could fold up and tuck under the bed to save space? What about that sloped design that looks like a ramp/step combo? So many options.For dogs unable to jump up but are still cool with stairs, one of the multi-step options might be the golden ticket. I’m thinking it might be a more natural transition for them than say a ramp.

Air Travel Planned? Check Out These Top, Airline-Approved Pet Carriers

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.

Can Dogs Get Harvest Mites?

Harvest mites, also known as chiggers or red bugs, are tiny parasitic mites that feed on the skin of various animals - including dogs. That’s right - dogs can get harvest mites too. These tiny pests are common in warm and dry climates and are active during the late summer and early fall. It is because of this that they are called “harvest” mites. But don’t be fooled by their tiny size – these mites can cause significant discomfort to dogs, mostly due to the irritation that their bites can cause.What Are Harvest Mites? Are They Dangerous for Dogs?Belonging to the Trombiculidae family, harvest mites are this subclade’s larvae. They are almost microscopic, measuring only about 0.2 mm in size. These mites are bright orange or red, which makes them slightly easier to spot on a dog’s skin, though their small size still makes them difficult to detect. They tend to live in grassy or wooded areas and attach themselves to dogs, humans, or other animals when they come into contact with the vegetation where the mites live.Now, once a harvest mite attaches itself to a dog’s skin, they will inject saliva into it in order to break down the cells which they consume. Unlike fleas or ticks, which feed on blood, these mites feed on skin cells. It is this process that causes an intense allergic reaction in dogs, leading to inflammation and itching. The dog may develop red, raised bumps or welts at the bite sites, typically in areas where the skin is thinner, such as the paws, belly, ears, or armpits.Your furry friend might scratch or bite the affected area, in hopes of easing the irritation. But this can potentially cause further skin damage or further infections. While harvest mites do not burrow into the skin, their bites can remain itchy and uncomfortable for several days, even after the mites are detached and gone.Symptoms of Harvest Mites in DogsIt is important to note that intense itching and irritation are not the only symptoms of harvest mite bites. If a dog is repeatedly scratching or licking at a particular area, this could indicate the presence of harvest mites, so know what signs to look out for.Red bumps and welts will often appear on the dog’s paws, belly, ears, or between their toes.Itching that is caused by harvest mites can be intense, and if your pet is vigorously scratching this is a classic indicator.In some cases, dogs may lose fur around the affected area due to excessive scratching.Constant scratching or biting may lead to crusty patches or open wounds. This is one of the more advanced signs.Of course, you need to make sure that harvest mite infestation is treated as soon as possible. This typically involves relieving the itching and removing any remaining mites. Of course, you need to seek the help of a vet, who will prescribe the proper treatment for your pet's unique case.

Is a Bearded Dragon the Right Pet for Me?

Are you considering adding a scaly friend to your family? Bearded dragons have captured the hearts of reptile experts and casual pet lovers alike with their unique appearance, interesting personalities, and low-maintenance care requirements.However, owning a reptile is a significant commitment, regardless of what type of reptile you choose!Before bringing a new pet into your home, you must weigh the pros and cons. This guide will explore the key factors to consider when deciding if a bearded dragon is the right fit for your lifestyle and living situation.Bearded Dragon Behavior and Temperament One reason bearded dragons have gained so much popularity as pets is their calm and docile temperament. While many reptiles are resistant to being tamed, bearded dragons are generally highly responsive to their owners. They are attentive pets that enjoy spending time with their person. They tolerate being touched and handled well, rarely biting or scratching in response. In fact, many learn to ride around on their owners’ shoulders, perched happily. While they enjoy spending time with their person, they also need their alone time. Many owners see this as a positive as it allows them to go to work, run errands, or even participate in social events without worrying about their pet’s separation anxiety (a concern many dog owners know well). Of course, there are always exceptions – but generally speaking, these gentle and highly social pets are an excellent option for reptile lovers interested in forming a special bond with their new companion. Choosing Your Bearded Dragon If reading that description of the bearded dragon makes you excited that you’ve found your perfect reptile companion, it’s time to discuss how to find your new friend. This includes not only finding a pet whose personality is a good match for your own but also ensuring that your new lizard is healthy. There are two different approaches to finding a new reptile. First, you can connect with a reputable bearded dragon breeder. Purchasing your reptile from a breeder generally involves a contract that is designed to protect both you and the breeder, guaranteeing the health of your new pet on the day it is adopted. Alternatively, you can contact your local shelter or reptile-specific rescue organizations. Here are a few important considerations when searching for your new pet: Check all over for any sign of visible injuries, such as scratches, cuts, scars, or burns. While you could take on an injured reptile without any long-term issues, you may also find yourself dealing with secondary complications like infections. Run your fingers along the tail. A healthy tail will feel round and plump at the base, near the body. If it feels sunken into the body or overly bony, that’s a red flag. Look into the reptile’s eyes. You want to choose a bearded dragon who is alert and aware of your presence. It should hold its head upright, with its eyes following your movements. Sunken eyes are also a concern.Check their face for any signs of inflammation or pus. Ensure they don’t have runny eyes. Assess the quality of the bearded dragon’s skin. Loose or discolored skin is a sign of underlying illness.Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the breeder or rescue worker who is showing you the young bearded dragon. Ask about whether they have noticed any sign of illness or injury. You can also ask about the state of their “droppings.” Sure, it’s not the most exciting conversation – but it is a good indicator of a reptile’s well-being. Most importantly, don’t feel pressured into bringing a new pet home. If you are being pushed to make a snap decision, that is a warning sign that they may be trying to hide something.

Mars Unveils Results from the World’s Largest Pet Parent Study

There is no arguing that the world of pets is constantly changing and evolving. Once seen as practical tools on farms, while hunting, and in other scenarios, cats and dogs are now considered part of the family. But what exactly does that mean? A new study called the “ Mars Global Pet Parent Study” focused on answering precisely that question. Collecting opinions and insights from over 20,000 cat and dog parents across 20 countries, making it the world’s largest pet parent study. The company has compiled, analyzed, and shared the results for everyone to see – and the findings are fascinating! There is no doubt that pets hold a place of importance in our world today. In fact, 37% of those surveyed considered their pets the most important thing in their lives. The survey found that 56% of people owned either a cat or dog, and 47% of those are first-time owners. Why do we view our pets so highly? Many answers were given for why our pets play such special roles in our lives. Of the dog owners who participated, 50% said they appreciated the unconditional love of their canine companions most, while 49% answered family completeness. Cat owners appreciated the entertainment (48%) and stress relief (44%) of their feline friends. These relationships include pets of all ages. The study revealed Baby Boomers were more likely to share their heart and home with pets over 7 years old. Meanwhile, Generation Z and Millennials statistically had younger pets. Of the pet parents in these age groups that were surveyed, 70% were puppy owners, and 72% were kitten owners. At the time of this survey, these age groups span ages 12 to 43, meaning many are just starting their journey as pet parents by adopting their first pet (not including family pets throughout their childhood). As far as breeds, you may be surprised by the results! The most common dog breed globally was the Labrador (6%), followed by the Chihuahua (6%) and Golden Retriever (5%). As for the cats, the most popular breed was the Persian (16%), followed by the British Shorthair (11%) and the Siamese (9%). Of course, pet parenthood isn’t all sunshine and rainbows! There are some struggles and challenges we all face along the way. 32% of those surveyed reported feeling guilty about leaving their dogs and cats alone at home. This supports a 2023 study that found both pets and owners experience separation anxiety. As we continue to prioritize pets, will we see further changes in our society? The results of this survey indicate that pet parents strongly desire a more pet-friendly world at home and during their travels. Only 42% of respondents shared that they feel their neighborhoods are very pet-friendly. Meanwhile, 25% of dog owners and 27% of cat owners revealed that they find traveling with their pets demanding or challenging. What does all this mean for the pet industry? For companies like Mars, this is a call to continue growing, innovating, and adapting. As our relationships with our pet parents continue to grow stronger than ever, we are searching for products that support this newfound relationship. “Almost half (47%) of those surveyed are first-time owners, signaling a new era of pet parents,” explained Ikdeep Singh, Global President of Mars Pet Nutrition. “We know that pet parents are evolving, and we need to evolve with them, which means embedding pet parent centricity into our DNA to transform the experience and build lifelong relationships with the 455 million pets and pet parents we reach.” We’re excited to see what new products this information will inspire! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

How Long Can You Leave Your Cat Alone at Home?

Cats are generally considered self-sufficient, independent, and somewhat aloof pets. In many cases, they won’t ask for constant attention, and will sometimes act as if they own you. Still, even though these can be very smart and free-spirited pets, the question remains – how independent are they really? Some owners wonder whether it is a smart decision to leave their cat alone at home even if they are not clingy, and if they will be able to stay safe in that case. Here’s what to know about leaving your feline friend home alone. How Long Can You Leave Your Cat Alone at Home?Sure, cats are independent and quirky. But like all animals and pets out there, they will require your attention and regular care. And even though they are much more independent than dogs, they will still rely on a steady routine that provides them with water, food, and a clean litter box. Usually, adult cats can be left alone for up to 24 to 48 hours, but it's essential to provide sufficient food, water, and clean litter before you leave.

How Much Water Should a Cat Drink?

Drinking plenty of water is very important for cats, especially in the hot summer months. Of course, it’s up to you to ensure that your feline friend stays properly hydrated, as they are usually not big on drinking water – but it ensures their well-being and good health. Cats can often be picky and peculiar when it comes to their drinking habits, which makes their owners unsure as to how much water a cat should drink in the first place. This amount can vary based on several factors, including the cat’s diet, weight, age, and their health. Taking all these aspects into account can help you provide the best possible care for your furry feline friend.How Much Water Should a Cat Drink Each Day?It has to be said right away that one of the most significant factors that influences a cat’s water intake is its diet. Cats primarily eat either dry kibble or wet food, and each type of food has a very different moisture content. For example, dry kibble contains just 10% moisture, while wet cat food can contain up to 80% moisture. Because of this, kitties that consume dry food will naturally need to drink much more water to compensate for the lack of moisture in their diet. In contrast, cats that eat wet food may drink less water, since they get a lot of their hydration from their food. Incorporating wet cat food into your pet’s diet can increase their liquid intake. Even mixing a small amount of wet food in their dry kibble can help up the moisture content. For those particularly finicky felines, liquid treats are always a good way to entice them into hydrating, the unconventional way – if they are stubborn when it comes to drinking more water, they might be more open to liquids if they have a savory flavor they love.

What Are the Top Cleaning Products for Pet-Based Households?

(photo credit: New Africa / shutterstock.com)Living in a home with three dogs and two cats, believe me, I understand the challenges of eliminating funky pet odor. The thing is, I’m a big proponent of cleaning versus masking. I don’t want my house smelling like someone set off a rose-scented Glade bomb to cover up the smell of my fur crew. In fact, I think the only thing worse than pet smells, is a heavy artificial scent layered on top of those smells, thinking it covered them up. You know what I’m talking about.So, when I can find an effective way to actually clean and freshen my shared living space, I’m all in. Especially when I can do it myself by simply rotating it into my usual house-cleaning regimen. And that’s why finding products that are quick, easy and more importantly effective, is the order of the day in my home. Because we all know that our efforts can be thwarted in the blink of an eye if your pet has a dicky tummy or trots something icky into the house and across your carpets and soft furnishings.Location, Location, Location!