Animal Shelters Are Becoming Full As More People Are Giving Up Pets

Why Crufts and Westminster Will Never See a Dog Named Rover

Ever wonder how those pure-bred dogs got their lofty names?

Food Allergies vs. Sensitivities in Cats: What’s the Difference?

You know your cat better than anyone. You’ve memorized the way they nap in their favorite sunspot, the sound of their little meow asking for breakfast, and the gentle purr that starts when you scratch under their chin. But recently, something has been off. Maybe you’ve noticed they are scratching a lot, their usually glossy coat is starting to look dull, or they are struggling with a digestive issue that seems to come and go. Whatever the concern, your first instinct is to find out why. If you’re here, you likely suspect the recent changes in your cat might be related to their food. That’s a great start – but what next? It’s easy to get lost in the sea of information, especially when you start hearing terms like “food allergy” and “food sensitivity” tossed around with no real definition of what they actually mean. If your cat’s condition is food-related, understanding the difference between these two conditions is the most important step you can take toward a real solution. This post will break down the science behind food allergies and sensitivities, help you recognize the signs of trouble, and outline a plan of action for working with your vet to get your kitty feeling their best again. Food Allergy vs. Food SensitivityTo understand how to help your cat, you need to know what’s happening inside their body after they eat. While the symptoms can often look similar, a food allergy and a food sensitivity are two very different conditions. The key difference lies in the body’s reaction to the food. A food allergy is an immune system reaction.  This happens when your cat’s body mistakes a specific protein in a food as a dangerous invader. This mistaken identity triggers their immune system to launch a defensive attack, creating antibodies to fight off the perceived threat. The result is a chain reaction that releases inflammatory chemicals, like histamine, throughout the body. These chemicals are responsible for the symptoms we see, like intense itching, inflamed skin, ear infections, digestive problems, and other more severe complications. Allergies often develop after being exposed to an ingredient over a prolonged time. For example, a cat who has been eating the same chicken-based food for years might suddenly develop an allergy to the chicken protein. In contrast, a food sensitivity, or food intolerance, is strictly a digestive issue. The immune system is not involved. With a sensitivity, your cat’s digestive system simply struggles to break down and process a particular ingredient. This could be because they lack the specific enzyme necessary to break down the food or because the ingredient itself irritates their digestive tract. Either way, it leaves them feeling “off.” Luckily, because a sensitivity isn’t an immune reaction, the symptoms are generally less severe and are primarily confined to the digestive system. You’ll typically see vomiting, diarrhea, gas, or general discomfort in the abdomen. While a sensitivity isn’t going to affect the entire body like a food allergy can, it can still be very uncomfortable for your cat and significantly impact their quality of life. Food sensitivities can be immediate or can build up over time, gradually getting worse as they are exposed to the trigger. It’s always important to distinguish this from an allergy so you can take the right steps to give your cat much-needed relief. Red Flags to Watch Out For Noticing when something is “off” with your cat is one of the most critical parts of being a responsible pet parent. However, the symptoms of a food allergy or sensitivity can be sneaky and often overlap with other conditions. Knowing what to look for and how to distinguish between the two conditions can make a significant difference. Common Symptoms Shared by Both Many of the symptoms of food allergies and sensitivities are similar, which is why it can be so difficult to tell the two apart. The most frequent signs you may notice include: Skin Issues: This is one of the most common signs of trouble. You might see your cat scratching or licking excessively, which can lead to hair loss, red and inflamed skin, or small scabs, primarily around their head, neck, and ears. Digestive Distress: This includes vomiting, diarrhea, gas, or a general lack of appetite. While these can be caused by many things, when they are chronic and not easily explained, they may point to a food-related issue. Chronic Ear Infections: Recurring ear infections that don’t respond well to treatment or keep coming back are a classic sign of an underlying allergy. Recognizing Symptoms of a True Food AllergyWhile allergies can present with digestive issues, they often manifest with more widespread and intense symptoms due to the full-body immune response. Severity and Specific Location: The itching from a food allergy tends to be more severe and often localized to the face, ears, and neck. Constant scratching can cause damage to the skin, leading to secondary infections. Systemic Effects: In rare cases, a true allergic reaction can also lead to respiratory problems like sneezing or wheezing. You may also notice swelling, particularly around the face. Regardless of the cause, if your cat ever has difficulty breathing, it should be treated as an emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention. Symptoms More Indicative of a Food SensitivityA food sensitivity, or intolerance, may involve some minor skin irritation. However, the symptoms are much more focused on the digestive tract. Gastrointestinal Problems: With a sensitivity, diarrhea and vomiting are often the main concerns. The symptoms are the direct result of the body’s inability to properly digest the specific food or ingredient. These symptoms won’t typically be accompanied by the intense, widespread itching that is often seen with a food allergy. Less Widespread: Unlike an allergy, a sensitivity is generally confined to the digestive issues, meaning you are less likely to see any larger-scale skin reactions or other body-wide symptoms. Many of these signs can also be caused by other problems, such as hairballs, eating something they shouldn’t, or switching foods too quickly. They could also be a sign of intestinal parasites or health concerns, like pancreatitis, colitis, or a blockage caused by a foreign body. While you should avoid jumping to conclusions, the only way to know for sure what is causing your cat’s problems is to make an appointment with your veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis.

How to Set Up the Perfect Feeding Area for Your Cat

Sometimes, it might seem that your cat is being picky about their food when, in fact, it’s a matter of them feeling uncomfortable in the area of your home where they’re fed. If you know that their food preferences are being met, and there isn’t a health concern that’s causing them to eat less than they should, you might need to tweak their feeding area to solve the problem. Keep reading to learn about a few of the things to keep in mind when deciding where your cat will have their meals.

How Often Should You Clean a Rat Cage?

Rats are clean, intelligent pets - but they still need a tidy environment to stay healthy. A dirty cage can lead to unpleasant smells, bacterial buildup, and even health issues, especially respiratory problems. Knowing how often to clean a rat cage - and how to do it right - is a key part of responsible rat care.Daily: Spot CleaningYou don’t need to deep-clean your rats’ cage every day, but daily spot cleaning is essential. This includes:Removing soiled bedding or litterWiping up urine or droppingsCleaning food dishes if neededThese quick, daily tasks help control odors and reduce the buildup of waste, making weekly cleanings faster and more effective. Plus, a cleaner cage helps keep your rats comfortable and less prone to illness.

Study Finds Dogs Really Are Surrogates to Having Children

Research finds pooches are not only a key member of the household, they've become the much-loved child in a childless family.

Shelter Dog Adopted and Returned Twice for Being Too Playful

A North Carolina shelter dog was returned by potential new owners not once, but twice, because he was deemed too playful!DJ, believed to be one year old, was in a high-intake shelter in North Carolina earlier this year, before being transferred to the SPCA of Wake County. Although no one knows what happened to this pooch before, it’s clear DJ has a lot of love to give.According to Samantha Ranlet, communications manager at the SPCA of Wake County, DJ is an adorable goofball who has never had a negative thought about anybody. “DJ lives in a world full of rainbows and sunshine,” said Ranlet. “Our staff spends a lot of enrichment time with him outside in the kiddie pool or playing with the hose - not only to keep him cool in the heat but because he lights up when he gets to play in the water.”Finding DJ a home didn’t seem to be difficult since he was adopted fast. Unfortunately for DJ, his new owners returned him to the shelter because they couldn’t manage his energy and friendliness.It wasn’t long before DJ was adopted again, and the shelter’s staff believed he got a second chance at a good life. However, just two days after the adoption, DJ’s new owners returned him to the shelter.“He’d been in that home for two days during a trial adoption period, which gives families a chance to see how the pet fits into their home before finalizing anything. He was returned because he was trying to befriend their cats, and the cats didn’t appreciate his offers of friendship,” said Ranlet.The Wake County SPCA shared in a Facebook post that DJ was available for adoption after being returned for a second time by new owners.“DJ’s been returned twice for being too playful with other animals in the home. He wants to be friends sooooo badly, but unfortunately, his high energy, goofy antics, and in-your-face play style haven’t meshed well with calmer companions,” the shelter wrote, adding that this spirited pooch isn’t the right fit for everyone. “Now he’s back here with us, and we are on a mission - to find him a forever home and a dork-astic animal friend who can keep up with his little-legged zoomies,” the shelter added. After his second failed adoption, everyone at the shelter was heartbroken to see the energetic pooch back again. However, DJ didn’t dwell on the past and was back outside playing in the pool the same day.Soon after he arrived at the shelter, DJ was prescribed trazodone, an antidepressant medicine often given to people for anxiety and insomnia. The treatment was of great help for DJ, who has struggled with the unpredictability of shelter life.“DJ’s energy and anxiety were in overdrive when he first arrived at the shelter, but we’ve discovered that he’s much happier on a medication called trazodone. These meds help him go from a frightened fella that hunches and startles at the sound of the door opening to a lively, playful pup who loves flopping around in the pool.”While DJ future looked bleak, not all was lost. Following the shelter’s Facebook post, the pooch was adopted again, for the third time. The pup’s new owners renamed him Nova, and with three other dogs in their home, he has plenty of friends to play with.“We explained to his new family the reasons he’d been returned before, so they knew they were signing up for a playful, energetic dog, and that was just what they were looking for,” said Ranlet. Let’s hope the third time is the charm for this lively pup!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

The Best Hacks for Getting a Sick Dog to Eat

Looking for Ways to Stop Your Dog From Mouthing?

If your pooch is no longer a welcome visitor because of his playful mouthing, a little patience and training can turn that around.

How Can Food Puzzles Boost Your Cat's Overall Well-being?

Cats are hardwired hunters, problem-solvers, and explorers. While we diligently fill their bowls with the best foods and most nutritious meals, we might be overlooking a crucial aspect of their well-being: those natural instincts. But what if I told you there’s a simple, effective, and enjoyable way to transform mealtime into an enriching activity? This is where food puzzles and interactive treat toys come in.These products are more than just toys; they’re incredible tools for boosting your cat’s physical health, sharpening their minds, and preventing many common behavioral issues. In this post, I’m going to dive deep into why food puzzles are so beneficial for your cat’s overall health and happiness, share the wide range of options available (including our go-to favorites with my 3 cats), and show you exactly how you can incorporate them into your cat’s routine, regardless of your budget.Why Traditional Food Bowls Fall ShortIt’s easy to forget that, despite our cats making themselves so comfortable and cozy in our home, they are still wired with the instincts of their wild ancestors. In the wild, a cat’s day revolves around the hunt. They spend much of their time stalking prey, planning their approach, pouncing, and ultimately, problem-solving to catch their next meal. This entire process, from the mental challenge of finding food to the physical exercise of catching it, is incredibly stimulating. It’s about far more than just filling their stomachs.However, when we feed our cats in a traditional bowl, we inadvertently strip away this fundamental aspect of their natural behavior. The food is readily available, requiring no effort, thought, or physical activity. While this is convenient for us, it can lead to many issues for our cats. Without the challenge of the hunt, many cats will become bored, leading to an excess of pent-up energy that can manifest in destructive behaviors, excessive vocalization, or even aggression.In addition to the loss of mental enrichment, feeding your cat from a traditional bowl can lead to overeating, digestive issues, and ultimately, weight gain. Food puzzles and interactive feeding toys allow you to reintroduce the challenge and engagement that traditional bowls lack. This means we are now fulfilling their need to “work” for their food.The Physical Health Benefits of Food Puzzles for Your Cat Beyond just making mealtime more engaging, food puzzles offer many benefits that can actually impact your cat’s physical health and well-being. This is particularly true when discussing weight management and how to optimize their digestion. Here are a few benefits you can enjoy by incorporating puzzles into your cat’s daily routine: Weight Management One of the most significant advantages of using food puzzles is their contribution to helping your cat maintain a healthy weight. Many indoor cats struggle with their weight due to a sedentary lifestyle and easy access to food. When their food is served in a traditional bowl, it is readily available with no work (hunting) required, and they can often “power eat,” gobbling up the entire portion in just a few minutes. This can lead to overconsumption because their brain doesn’t register that they are full until well after they’ve finished eating, causing them to consume more calories than they need. When they are eating from a food puzzle, it forces them to eat at a slower pace. Your cat must work to get to each morsel, stretching out their mealtime and allowing their brain to catch up with their physical satiety. Additionally, interacting with the puzzle, batting it around, pushing levers, or navigating mazes helps to encourage physical activity. Even small movements through the day add up, burning calories and helping to prevent obesity, a growing problem in the US that is a precursor to serious health issues like diabetes, joint problems, and heart disease. By making them work for their food, you're helping your cat stay active and maintain a healthier body weight.Improved Digestion and Minor Dental BenefitsWeight management isn’t the only physical benefit. Food puzzles can also significantly aid in improving your cat’s digestion. Cats who eat too quickly from a bowl are prone to digestive problems, like regurgitation or vomiting. This happens because they swallow too much air along with their food, or their digestive system can’t handle the sudden high-level intake of food. By slowing your cat’s eating pace, the food puzzles help to reduce the amount of air ingested and allow the stomach to process food more gradually without becoming overwhelmed. Another often overlooked benefit is that a slower eating speed promotes more thorough chewing. Have you ever watched a cat gulp down their food? It’s surprising that they don’t choke on the pieces of kibble they are swallowing without blinking an eye! Not only does slowing them down and encouraging them to chew their food more help to prevent choking, but it can also lead to better nutrient absorption from their food.While your cat’s new food puzzle isn’t going to clean their teeth as effectively as a dedicated dental cleaning routine (like brushing their teeth), some food puzzle designs, particularly those with textured surfaces or nooks and crannies, may offer a minor benefit as part of your greater dental care plan. As your cat licks and bites at the puzzle to access their food, it can lead to gentle scraping of the teeth, helping to scrape away plaque. While this shouldn’t be relied on as a dental cleaning solution, it is an added bonus. Mental Health & Behavioral BenefitsOf course, as I mentioned already, the impact of introducing food puzzles to your cat extends far beyond just physical health. They are powerful tools for boosting your cat’s mental well-being and addressing many common behavioral challenges by getting to the root of the problem. After all, cats are intelligent creators who thrive on mental engagement! Preventing BoredomWithout much-needed mental stimulation, boredom can quickly set in, leading to unwanted and undesirable behaviors. Food puzzles are a great way to provide your cat with mental enrichment by challenging them to tap into their natural problem-solving skill, keeping their brains active and engaged. It transforms passive eating into an active mental exercise, requiring them to think and strategize to get that coveted reward – their meal. By providing your cat with mental enrichment, you can avoid the many problems that often arise from boredom. This includes destructive behaviors like excessive scratching of furniture, inappropriate urination, or persistent vocalization. It’s a great way to provide a constructive outlet for their natural drives, channeling their energy into a positive activity (and not into tearing up your couch).

Survey Reveals Cats and Dogs Are More Comforting than Spouses

If you would rather choose to hug your pet than spend time with your partner after a stressful day, you aren’t alone. A new global survey of 30,000 pet owners across 20 countries found that the majority of pet parents (58%) prefer to spend time with their pet when feeling stressed. Data showed that only 32% of pet owners would prefer to spend time with their partners, 23% with family, and only 18% of owners said they would choose to hug their friends or children when stressed.YouGov conducted the new survey on behalf of Mars Petcare and Calm, a leading mental health company. The survey also found that more than half of pet parents (56%) stated that their pets provide company without needing to talk during stressful times. Meanwhile, almost a quarter of pet parents (23%) said their pet creates an atmosphere for them to express worries and concerns without needing a reply.A large majority (84%) of pet owners found the mere presence of their pets relaxing, providing a sense of calm that doesn’t require words. “While we love our pets, we often don’t realize how much they give back,” said Dr. Tammie King, a senior research manager at Waltham Petcare Science Institute. “Reframing your pet’s daily ‘interruptions’ as loving reminders to pause, breathe, and be present can be a powerful wellness tool. Research shows that touch-based pet interactions can boost oxytocin levels in humans,” she said.“The findings of this survey will help more people reflect on and acknowledge the little well-being moments pets nudge us towards on a daily basis.” The survey also revealed how our pets’ simple behaviors can push us towards better well-being habits. Almost eight of ten surveyed pet parents said their pet encourages them to pause and take a break from work, chores, or tasks. Meanwhile, 50% said this happens daily. A majority of pet parents (73%) said their pet reminds them to stop overthinking or worrying, thus helping them feel calmer and more relaxed. The same percentage of pet owners stated that their pet inspires them to spend time outdoors. Even more pet owners (77%) said that their pet inspires them to turn off screens. For half, this is a daily reminder to unplug and unwind from constant scrolling. “We know that small, intentional moments of calm can have a big impact on our overall well-being, and our pets have an incredible way of guiding us there. A quick dog walk, or cat cuddle at our desk when they stroll in front of the screen, can provide a simple moment to reset and recharge,” said Dr. Chris Mosunic, Chief Clinical Officer at Calm. “We’re proud to partner with Mars and bring this data to the forefront to highlight the potential of our bond with pets and help more people discover the wonderful well-being benefits our relationship with pets can bring.”This survey is the first-of-its-kind partnership between Mars and Calm, which strives to explore and celebrate the deep connection between people and pets. The two companies have teamed up to create new content that supports well-being while strengthening the bond you have with your pet.The new Mars and Calm content collection features a series of pet-inspired content to help you relax and recharge. This is Calm’s first collection, created just for pet lovers and inspired by the beautiful relationship people have with their pets. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Loyal Pup's Warning Prevents Potential Disaster on Hike

Comments on the video praise Shona for keeping her mom safe, while warning Palmer to always pay attention when her pup sounds a warning. Aubrey McQue ( @aubreymq) stated, “Ridgebacks were bred to hunt lions originally. Definitely listen to her. She isn’t playing around.” While Chr!st!ine ( @christinehouchens) added, “One thing about me, I may not listen to anyone in the world,but I'm gon alwaysssss listen when my dog says no” Some commentors even shared their own stories of times a dog’s instincts saved a life. For example, ExcelChic ( @excelchic) wrote, “My uncle had a dog that never bared or growled. Until one day, dog wouldn’t get out of the truck and was growling like crazy. Mountain lion came running by. They know when somethings up.” We’ll never know what Shonda was concerned about that day, but we’re happy that Palmer trusted her pup’s instincts and decided to change her plans. We’d trust a dog first any day! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Those Little Tubes of Creamy Cat Food Are Actually Good For Your Pet

(photo credit: 69 F Stop Photography / shutterstock.com)While we typically associate those nifty little tubes of creamy cat food as being along the lines of a really special treat that can only be doled out from time to time, they do serve other purposes. Particularly if your pet is ill, aging, or dealing with dental issues, that can make them super-picky eaters when it comes to their regular food and/or ability to eat harder kibble.In fact, you may be surprised to learn that these handy little lickable treats can actually be good for your pet. Especially, if you look at some of the low-calorie, high-protein, low-carb options out there.Let’s start with this. Did you know that on average, cats should consume 20-30 calories per pound of body weight? So, if you have a 10-pound cat, you’re looking at 200 to 300 calories per day. Like humans, this can vary based on age and activity levels. For context, a 3-ounce can of something like Fancy Feast has around 70 calories, a 5.5-ounce can of Friskies (in gravy) has around 130 calories, and a 1-cup portion of Meow Mix dry kibble comes in at 310 calories.So, let’s look at how adding those popular wet cat food tubes to your pet’s diet can benefit your pet without adding a lot of empty calories.Benefits to Your CatHydrationWet foods are super-high in moisture. Where dry food/kibble contains 10% moisture, wet foods provide closer to 85%. Making them an easy way to ensure your feline gets her daily hydration needs, which is typically around 8 ounces of water (1 cup) for a 10-pound cat and around 3 ounces more for every five pounds over that. Hydration is crucial to proper kidney and urinary tract function, and if your feline is older, ill, or recovering from surgery, meaning less inclined to want to drink, it’s a great way to induce her.DigestibilityTaste and texture factor large in how well your cat enjoys their meal. And the savory smell and texture of wet food along with her ability to easily consume and digest make it an easy enticement when age, illness or dental issues have you concerned about dehydration. While some are loyal to dry food it’s important to ensure that your kibble-loving feline is squeezing sufficient moisture into her diet to prevent constipation or dehydration. Adding one or two wet food tubes to her kibble meal – either squeezed across the top or used as a treat – is an easy solution.Weight ManagementWet food tubes are a great solution to managing your cat’s weight. Rich in protein, low in carbohydrates and with just a handful of calories, the wet texture makes your cat feel full sooner and keeps her satisfied for longer. And those rich nutrients ensure she’s getting everything she needs to stay fit and healthy on fewer calories.How to IntroduceStraight out of the tube as a treatSqueezed over your cat’s kibble as a topper/supplementSpread across a licking mat to engage and encourage soothing stimulationPresented on your finger when delivering medicationDispensed into a portion-control spoon to encourage interaction

New Study Links Dog Breed and Environment to Canine Obesity

Obesity in dogs is no joke, about half of U.S. dogs are overweight. A new study from Texas A&M University and the Dog Aging Project (DAP) digs deeper into why, pointing to breed, environment, and food motivation all working together.The researchers analyzed survey responses from over 50,000 dog families, paired with veterinary body condition scores submitted through the Dog Aging Project (DAP). What they uncovered is a complex tapestry of influences, but with clear lessons for pet owners.First up: breed. Dogs in the sporting group, mostly Labrador retrievers, Golden retrievers, spaniels, and setters, show a roughly 10% higher likelihood of being highly food‑motivated compared to mixes or non‑sporting breeds.In plain terms: these dogs love food, like, really love it, and are more likely to overeat. “Our study confirmed that dogs in the sporting group … have a greater likelihood to have high food motivation,” says Dr. Kate Creevy from Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine.Next: environment. Dogs living in cities, or in homes with multiple dogs, also tended to score higher in the food drive. That may be due to reduced daily exercise in urban settings or the ease of free‑feeding in multi‑dog homes, where meals might be left out all day for convenience. As Dr. Creevy puts it, “Some dogs may seek food out of boredom… owners with multiple dogs may choose certain feeding practices, including free feeding, which can lead to more food being available”.Interestingly, owners are more motivated to act when they recognize the dog is overweight, but often ignore it when the vet does. About one‑third of veterinary records in the study were missing a body condition score (BCS), a nine‑point scale vets use to assess fat coverage. And without that score, it’s harder to motivate real change. “A BCS plays a key role in helping veterinarians communicate with owners about their dog’s weight,” says Dr. Creevy.For sporting breeds like Labs and goldens, owners may need stricter portion control, more structured play and walks, and careful treat habits. City‑dwelling dogs might benefit from enrichment toys and scheduled outings to stave off boredom eating. Multi‑dog households may find individualized feeding routines helpful. And vets can improve outcomes by consistently including BCS in annual health records and educating owners on what healthy looks like.This aligns nicely with related genetic research. For example, Labradors have been shown to carry “hungry genes” like DENND1B, which not only influence hunger but also how many calories they burn at rest, and these genes overlap with similar genes in humans.As Dr. Eleanor Raffan from Cambridge explained: “Your dog’s genes are not their destiny, but it’s really hard work to keep a genetically predestined dog away from its destiny”.Dogs may beg, but science shows that behind those puppy eyes might be genes that push them toward overeating. Combine that with modern lifestyle traps, and it’s easy to see how chubby pups become the norm. But the good news is, it doesn’t have to stay that way. With breed‑aware feeding, thoughtful environment planning, and clear communication with your vet, you can help your dog stay vital, lean, and happy.After all, being a pet parent is all about caring deeply, and that means making choices that honor our dogs’ health, their genetic shape, and their zest for life. This study doesn’t just point out the problem; it empowers us to fix it.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Dogs of Summer! Here's How to Avoid Heat Stroke This Year!

(photo credit: Lindsay Helms / shutterstock.com)For urban dogs, the lack of shade-providing trees and that hot city pavement underfoot can result in a variety of sun-induced health issues you may not have seen coming.While humans are typically diligent about taking steps to minimize the effect of dangerous UV rays and scorching heat – thinking baseball caps, visors, sunglasses, sunblock, and more – our pets are often left to the elements and struggle to cope. We think that providing cold drinking water is sufficient to hydrate and keep their body temperature down, but it’s not enough. Just like the person on the other end of their leash, dogs too, can experience sunburn and skin cancers including squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanomas not to mention the impact of hot pavement, patio stones, asphalt, and even artificial turf that can result in blistered pads and elevated body temperature leading to heat stroke.If your pet has been out in the sun for any period of time and is panting heavily, beginning to drool and his fur feels hot to the touch, it’s time to immediately move him into the shade, provide him with cold water and take steps to lower his body temperature. This can include spraying him with cool water and placing cold towels around his core area. If he has progressed to the stage of vomiting, or collapsing, or his gums have turned pale, a veterinarian intervention is required.So, how do you prevent a good walk on a nice sunny day from turning into a medical emergency? Prepare! Happily, the pet industry has thought through a myriad of options.

How to Keep Pets Cool and Safe During Heatwaves

As we head into summer, heatwaves are likely on the horizon. A chance to relax in the garden might be something to look forward to, but heat waves can also be dangerous —not only for humans but also for our beloved pets.Animals are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses so whether you have a dog, cat, rabbit, bird, or another companion animal, it’s essential to take proactive steps to keep them safe and comfortable when the weather heats up.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

How to Stop Your Dog from Watching You While You Eat

Most dog owners are familiar with the feeling of being watched during meals. The steady gaze, the quiet presence, and the hopeful expression are all part of a behavior that can become a daily challenge. Some dog owners might not mind it, but, for others, it can make mealtimes less enjoyable. With a few adjustments and consistent training, you can help your dog learn to give you space while you eat.

Hide and Seek for Dogs - Let's Make it Fun!

Keeping your dog mentally stimulated can be a challenge. Especially, I’ve discovered, during heat waves when outdoor activity is curtailed, rainy weather when it’s down to a quick trip around the block, and of course, icy winters when once again, outings tend to be utilitarian versus a day of fun and adventure (unless your pooch is of the Husky variety).What to do? Rather than rely on puzzle games or chew toys that will probably keep him occupied for a little while but are pretty much a solo activity, consider a rousing game of hide and seek (H&S). Yes, just like when we were kids, this seek-and-discover type of fun ticks so many of his sensory boxes. Smell, sight, sound, hunting, capturing… and, of course, the excitement of discovery.Now, if you’ve never done anything more than tuck behind a door, then spring out in front of him (that’s okay, we’ve all done it), it’s time to ratchet up your H&S skills. And have we got some tips for you.Let’s talk rules. It has to be fun (not scary), he needs to have to really work at it, win meaningful rewards, and you have to challenge him by amping up the “seek” portion over time.