Can Cats and Dogs Have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Are You Calling Your Cat Wrong? The Reason Your Cat Isn't Listening

We all want to have a special bond with our cats, one that allows us to connect and communicate in ways that those without pets would never understand. It’s common for cat parents to rely on vocal habits, speaking to our cats as if they can understand some or all of what we’re saying. But is this really the best option? Science says no… A study by researchers at Université Paris Nanterre offered some interesting insight into how cats interpret human communication and, as such, how your cat interprets what you’re trying to say. Led by human-cat interaction expert Dr. Charlotte de Mouzon, the research team visited a cat café to carefully observe how the resident cats responded to different approaches by unfamiliar humans. They tested several communication methods, comparing voice-only calls (like calling the cat by name), visual-only cues (such as reaching out a hand or signaling for the cat to come toward them), and a combination of both. The findings called into question the common myth that cats are entirely independent creatures or uninterested in interacting with humans. Cats responded noticeably faster when the participants combined vocal sounds with physical gestures than when they were using vocalizations alone. Even more surprising, the cats reacted faster to visual gestures than to voice-only calls. This means that calling out to your cat with your voice alone may leave them guessing, whereas pairing your words with a hand gesture can help to clarify exactly what you’re asking. The study also highlighted a crucial point about feline stress: the impact of ignoring a cat entirely. When a human stayed in the same room as the cats but completely ignored them, the cats began demonstrating higher rates of tail swishing, a recognized sign of frustration, uncertainty, or mild stress. Why does this happen? Cats are highly observant, constantly watching and interpreting their environment and the social dynamics of those they are around, including humans and other pets. When a human is physically present but shows no clear intent or body language, it leaves the cat unsure of what to expect. Cats prefer predictable, transparent signals, and the person is failing to give them that. Putting the Science into Practice at Home Learning about how our cats communicate with us is valuable, but it’s only the start. The next step is to identify how you can apply this information to your daily routine to make your home more comfortable and supportive for your best friend. Here are a few easy changes we can make based on this data: Whenever you call your cat, pair your voice with a clear, gentle gesture. For example, you can extend your index finger at their eye level or rest a hand near the floor to help communicate that you want them to come toward you. Allow your cat to bridge the distance between you at their own pace after calling them over. Giving them the choice to approach helps reduce stress and anxiety and builds trust. Avoid completely ignoring your cat if they are nearby, especially if they seem uncertain. It doesn’t have to be anything big. A brief glance in their direction, a soft blink, or a subtle hand movement to let them know you see them can help them feel more comfortable and secure. By making these simple changes in your interactions, you can eliminate confusion, reduce stress, and build a stronger, more meaningful relationship with your cat. At the end of the day, isn’t that the goal? Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here. 

Blood in Your Cat’s Urine? What Every Cat Parent Needs to Know

Discovering a spot of pink or red in your cat’s litter box is a moment that stops you in your tracks. It triggers an instant wave of concern, and for good reason! Seeing blood in your cat’s urine (a condition known as hematuria) is a clear sign that something in their body needs attention. Because cats are so skilled at masking their pain, any visible signs of discomfort, illness, or distress should be taken seriously. This guide will walk you through the most common explanations for blood in your cat’s urine, the red flags and subtle behavioral shifts to watch for, and how to determine when a situation requires a routine vet visit versus an immediate trip to the nearest emergency clinic. Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article, but at no cost to you.What Causes Blood in Cat Urine? The Common Culprits It is easy to assume that seeing blood in the litter box points to one specific problem, but hematuria is actually a symptom of many different conditions. These issues are often grouped under the umbrella term “ Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease” (FLUTD). Think of FLUTD not as a single disease, but as a way to describe any medical condition that affects your cat’s bladder or urethra. Each of these conditions has its own underlying triggers and best practices for treatment. Understanding what your cat is dealing with is the first step in helping your cat feel better. Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)The most common cause of urinary distress in young or middle-aged cats is Feline Idiopathic Cystitis, or FIC. The word “idiopathic” means that there isn’t one clear, simple cause for the inflammation. In cats with FIC, the bladder wall becomes inflamed and painful, leading to bleeding and an urgent need to use the litterbox. While there isn’t always a bacterial infection, there is almost always an environmental or emotional trigger. Cats are very sensitive creatures; changes in their home or routine, like a new pet, a move, a change in work schedules, or even the placement of furniture, can trigger enough stress to manifest physically in the bladder. If your cat is otherwise healthy but suddenly starts having urinary issues, stress is often the root cause. Bladder Stones and Crystals For some cats, the issue is physical rather than stress-related. When minerals in the urine (such as magnesium, ammonium, and phosphorus) concentrate too much, they can form microscopic crystals. These crystals act like tiny shards of glass, scraping the delicate lining of the bladder and urethra and causing pain, inflammation, and bleeding. If these crystals are left to accumulate, they can bond together to form bladder stones (urolithiasis). These stones range in size from grains of sand to large pebbles and can cause significant pain, blockage, and bleeding. Certain dietary habits and lower water intake can significantly increase the risk of crystals forming, which is why hydration is such an important part of long-term urinary health. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)It is a common misconception that every cat with blood in their urine has a bacterial infection. In truth, true urinary tract infections are actually quite uncommon in young, healthy cats. Their urine is naturally very concentrated, which usually discourages the growth of bacteria. However, UTIs become much more prevalent as cats age or if they suffer from other chronic health issues. Senior cats are at a higher risk because their immune systems aren’t as strong as they were when they were younger, and they may have underlying conditions that impact the chemistry of their urine, creating a more welcoming environment for bacteria. Broader Systemic Health Concerns Sometimes, the urinary symptoms are a red flag for a condition affecting the entire body. For example: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Common in senior cats, this affects how the kidneys filter waste and concentrate urine Diabetes: High blood sugar can spill into the urine, which changes its pH and makes the bladder more susceptible to infections Hypertension and Hyperthyroidism: Both conditions can put additional stress on the urinary system and influence your cat’s overall healthBecause these issues are complex, a vet will often recommend bloodwork along with a urinalysis to ensure the bladder is just the site of the symptom, not the only part of the body that will require treatment for your cat to be healthy once again. Physical Trauma and Other Factors While far less common, we must also consider physical causes. Trauma, such as a fall or impact, can occasionally cause a bladder injury. In older cats, the presence of blood or abnormal tissue in the urine can sometimes be a sign of benign polyps or, more rarely, malignant tumors within the bladder lining. Additionally, exposure to toxins or certain household chemicals can sometimes cause severe irritation to the urinary tract. This is why, regardless of how mild the symptoms may seem, a vet appointment is needed. It allows you to move past guesswork and identify whether you are dealing with a lifestyle-related issue, a dietary concern, or a more serious underlying medical condition. Warning Signs to Watch ForIn the wild, showing signs of pain or weakness makes an animal vulnerable. For this reason, your cat’s natural instinct is to go about their day as if nothing is wrong, hiding any signs of discomfort. We must look beyond the obvious signs to spot the more subtle behavioral shifts that occur when a cat is dealing with urinary problems. Visual Changes in the Litter BoxThe most direct indicator is a change in the color of the urine itself. You don’t always need to see bright, deep red pools to know there is a problem. Urine mixed with blood can range from a faint pink hue to a dark, tea-colored brown.  If you use a traditional clay or clumping litter, look for a pinkish tint around the edges of the clumps. If you use a light-colored paper or pine pellet litter, the discoloration will be much easier to spot, which is why many senior cat parents shift to these options. You might also notice small drops of blood left on the floor or the rim of the litter box after your cat steps out.

Shelter Dogs Beat the Heat in the Coolest Way Possible!

As summer temperatures climbed and shelter kennels grew stifling, dogs waiting for their forever homes finally got a chance to splash, play, and cool off — all thanks to the generosity of a canine advocacy group and their members.If you're like me during those blazingly hot days of summer, you're always purusing the weather app to find that sweet spot of time when you and the fur kids can get a few steps in. But for those sititng in a kennel, waiting for their forever family to show up, the summer heat can be relentless. Even with plenty of water and a sheltered sleep space.What to do? Well, workers at The Animal Protection League, MidSouth Animal Welfare Foundation, and Karl's Canine Crew decided to take advantage of a Beat the Heat Care Package Campaign that would bring relief to the dogs in their care. As a result, said pooches enjoyed swimming adventures, shaded playtime, donated sock monkeys, rope toys, and even doggie ice cream cones sprinkled with healthy toppers. I'm loving this!So, let's meet a few of these playtime participants. According to The Animal Protection League, Lola arrived as a stray on February 24. Just over a year old, she is playful and spirited with the people she trusts, though meeting strangers away from the shelter remains difficult, and she may tense or growl when approached. A volunteer took her to a local state park for a lake day where she waded through the water carrying a bright pink toy, cooled off, and even paused to investigate a curious bug. Awww... For a young dog still learning that the wider world can be safe, that carefree afternoon meant everything.Then there's seven-week-old Quest from the MidSouth Animal Welfare Foundation who report that he and his seven siblings were rescued from a Mississippi home after their roaming mother became pregnant and the family could no longer care for them. They arrived covered in fleas, ticks, and with worms. Finally, they were surrounded by people ready to help secure a better future. Hand me a tissue!Lawson came after an equally terrifying ordeal. Per MidSouth Animal Welfare Foundation, a woman driving past a rural northern Mississippi property in late March saw two large dogs attacking tiny puppies and stopped to save five of them. Lawson arrived trembling, bruised, and severely underweight. MidSouth volunteers stepped forward with medical care, food, and affection.Karl's Canine Krew crowned Pickle their water-loving king after he embraced the campaign's pools with abandon — remarkable, given he once needed full oxygen support as a stray puppy. According to the rescue, they believe a mild neurological condition may trace back to that critical period, but it barely slows him down. Meanwhile Spike, a pit bull mix who spent seven months waiting after being returned, and Panther, rescued from the streets of Texas, both got the joyful attention every good dog deserves. Small treats. Big difference.This just goes to prove that all dogs know how to play in the summer. Just add water!!

Are You Accidentally Neglecting Your Pup's Paws?

Most dog owners are great at keeping up with brushing, bathing, exercise, and a healthy diet. But could you be accidentally neglecting your dog's paws? Your pup relies on their paws every single day, yet they're often one of the most forgotten parts of a regular grooming routine.The good news is that a quick paw check takes less than a minute. Catching small issues early can help prevent discomfort, injuries, and more serious problems down the line.

Enrichment Tips for Happy Guinea Pigs

All pets, from cats and birds to ferrets and hamsters, benefit from environmental enrichment, so if you share your home with adorable guinea pigs, implement enrichment strategies to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. The right products, enclosure setup, and play area can help prevent boredom and negative behaviors while keeping your guinea pigs happy and calm.  

Heat Stroke in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention Tips

Cats can experience heat stroke, and because this condition can be life-threatening, pet parents should be aware of the risks, as well as the symptoms and treatments for it. Here’s a brief guide to heat stroke in cats so you can better understand what it is and how to prevent it.  

Why Do Dog Anal Glands Get Impacted? (And How Supplements Can Help)

Dealing with dog anal gland issues can be one of the most frustrating and uncomfortable parts of being a pet parent. Often, you find yourself caught in a reactive cycle of frequent, stressful trips to the vet for manual expressions. But did you know that this nuisance doesn’t necessarily have to be managed as it happens? In fact, your dog’s anal glands are directly connected with their underlying digestive health. When these small, fluid-filled sacs fail to empty naturally, it’s usually a sign that their body lacks the physical triggers (specifically, consistent stool firmness and good gut health) it needs to complete the process on its own.By shifting our focus from temporary fixes to a proactive wellness strategy, we can address the root cause of the issue. By understanding your dog’s anatomy and introducing targeted, high-quality supplements, you can naturally support their digestive system and help them live long, happy, and comfortable lives. Let’s talk about it… Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article, but at no cost to you.Understanding Your Dog’s Anal GlandsBefore learning how to prevent discomfort, it helps to learn about the simple mechanics of how your dog’s body is designed to function. Dogs have two small, grape-shaped sacs called anal glands (or anal sacs) located just inside the rectum. If you imagine a clock face over your dog’s rear, these glands sit at approximately the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions, hidden underneath the skin. These glands serve an important role in canine communication. They produce a distinct, strong-smelling fluid unique to each dog, serving as a chemical calling card. In the wild, this fluid is used to mark a dog’s territory and share information with other animals about a dog’s identity, health, and stress levels. This is exactly why dogs greet one another by sniffing each other's hind ends. Under normal circumstances, your dog’s body is designed to empty these sacs automatically. Every time they have a normal, healthy bowel movement, the stool passes through the rectum and naturally presses against the walls of these sacs, causing them to release a small amount of the fluid. Why Anal Glands Become Impacted When everything is working smoothly, the natural elimination cycle takes care of itself. However, when that trigger fails, the system breaks down. If the anal sacs are not regularly emptied by firm stool, the fluid inside them stays trapped. Over time, the body absorbs the liquid portion of the fluid, causing the remaining materials to thicken, dry out, and become pasty. Once the fluid thickens into a paste, it can no longer pass through the tiny, narrow ducts it usually uses to leave the body. This state is known as impaction. If left unaddressed, the trapped material can become infected, leading to painful swelling, abscesses, and potentially a painful rupture through the skin. Anal gland issues are rarely an isolated problem with the glands themselves; instead, they are almost always a symptom of an underlying issue. Soft Stools and Chronic Diarrhea: These are the most common causes of impaction. Soft, loose, or watery stools lack the physical bulk and firmness needed to push against the sacks. Without that pressure, the glands are never triggered to empty. Inflammation and Allergies: Food sensitivities (such as reactions to specific proteins or grains) and environmental allergies can cause widespread inflammation. This inflammation often targets the lining of the digestive tract and the sensitive skin around the rear, causing the tiny exit ducts of the anal glands to swell shut. Even if the stool is firm, the fluid cannot escape a swollen duct. Anatomical Variations and Weight: Some dogs are genetically predisposed to narrower ducts or glands that sit slightly deeper inside the rectum. This makes the natural process more difficult. Additionally, carrying excess weight can create issues, such as extra fat tissue in the pelvic region that cushions the glands and prevents the stool from making effective contact with them. Poor Muscle Tone: Dogs that lack proper muscle tone in their hindquarters (often due to age, lack of exercise, or structural imbalances) may not be able to generate enough force to empty the sacs during elimination.Signs of Trouble: Spotting the Early Warning Signs Because dogs instinctively hide pain and discomfort, anal gland issues often go unnoticed until they become highly painful. However, if you know what to look for, your dog will give you several clear signs that their system needs a little added support. Catching these early warnings allows you to make adjustments before a minor buildup turns into a severe infection. While some signs are obvious, others can easily be mistaken for standard grooming or behavioral quirks. Pay close attention if your dog begins displaying any of the following signs of trouble: Scooting: The most classic and recognizable sign. A dog will drop their hind end to the floor and drag themselves forward using their front paws. This is an attempt to apply pressure to the area to relieve the itchiness and discomfort caused by full or impacted glands. Excessive Licking or Chewing: Unable to reach the source of their discomfort, they will often obsessively lick, bite, or chew at the root of their tail, their lower back, or even their hind paws. A Sudden, Distinct Odor: Healthy anal gland fluid is occasionally released during a bowel movement, but it shouldn’t linger. If you notice a sudden, pungent, metallic, or fishy odor while your dog is resting, it is a strong indication that the glands are overly full or leaking under pressure. Straining or Restlessness: Watch your dog during bathroom trips. Straining, pacing, or turning around suddenly to look at or bite at their rear end immediately after passing stool is a sign of localized discomfort. They may also appear restless, pacing around the house or hesitating before fully sitting down.  When it Becomes a Veterinary EmergencyThere is a distinct line between a mild impaction that can be resolved with adjustments to your dog’s diet and a serious medical issue that requires immediate vet intervention. Watch for the danger zone. If the trapped fluid becomes infected, it will form a painful abscess. The skin near the anal sacs will look swollen, red, or purple. If left untreated, this abscess will eventually rupture, leaking blood and pus through the skin. If you notice swelling, discoloration, visible blood, or if your dog yelps in pain when their rear is touched, skip the home remedies for now and head straight to your veterinarian. Once the immediate concern is addressed, you can then start working on a plan to ensure that it never happens again.

Dog Park Etiquette Every New Dog Owner Should Know 

Dog parks can be a great way for dogs to exercise, socialize, and burn off energy, but the first few visits can feel overwhelming. Understanding basic dog park etiquette can help your dog adjust more comfortably and lower the chances of tension with other dogs. 

How to Choose the Right Harness for Your Dog

Although many pet parents use a collar and leash when walking their dogs, many pooches are more comfortable wearing a harness that wraps around their torso and attaches to their leash. A collar can put pressure on the neck, especially if your dog pulls on their leash, whereas a harness distributes the pressure across your pet’s back and chest. Plus, you might find it easier to guide your dog on walks when they’re wearing a harness.

This Gorgeous Cow Was a Big Surprise

Fluffy Feather Farm had another surprise up its sleeve, and Mike had absolutely no idea what was coming. In a video shared by the farm, viewers get to follow along as a brand-new cow arrives and is secretly tucked away before Mike can spot her.With Mike out of the way, the plan seemed simple: get the cow into the back pasture, where he rarely goes, and keep her quiet. Easier said than done.

Help! Why Is My Dog Peeing on Himself? Causes and Quick Solutions

If your dog regularly gets urine on his front legs, belly, or chest, it can be messy. In many cases, the problem comes down to his body shape or posture, but occasionally it can signal a health concern.This happens with my dog, Shiloh. He's a pointer mix (mixed with a small breed) and I was caught by surprise when I noticed his seemingly poor aim!Let’s break down why this might happen, what you can do about it and if it bothers your dog.

Survey Finds People Consider Pets Their Soulmates

A survey conducted by Freshpet, a popular pet food brand, found that a lot of pet parents consider their dogs their soulmates. So, if you’ve ever felt this way about your furry companion, you aren’t alone. Check out the information below to learn more about the survey and its findings.

Can Dogs Get Sunburn? 5 Easy Ways to Protect Your Pet

My dog Shiloh is a GSP mix, and I noticed that his skin, particularly under the white portions of his fur, and his elbows often look pink and irritated after a hot day. It got me thinking–can dogs get sunburned? I really never thought about it before since I’ve always had dogs with dark fur.On sunny days, we typically remember protecting ourselves from harsh sun, but it turns out dogs can get sunburned too! Some dogs are much more vulnerable than others, but there are a few tips to consider to keep them safe from the sun.

Ohio Dog Bites Are Putting Mail Delivery at Risk: What You Should Know

A dog doesn’t have to be “mean” to create a dangerous delivery moment. A friendly pup that dashes through a cracked door, explodes with barks at a window, or squeezes past a gate can turn a routine mail stop into a serious injury risk. That’s why the U.S. Postal Service is spotlighting dog bite prevention in Ohio right now. According to USPS, more than 5,200 employees were attacked by dogs nationwide last year, and these incidents can disrupt mail service for an entire neighborhood.Protecting postal workers, your dog, and your daily mail service comes down to making a few small adjustments to your routine. This approach isn't about pointing fingers at pets—it is about practicing proactive dog ownership to keep everyone on the block safe.Why is USPS warning Ohio pet owners about dog bites now?Every year the USPS runs its Dog Bite Awareness Campaign to highlight safety for its employees, and the timing is deliberate. Summer often brings more outdoor activity, open doors and windows, and more frequent interactions at the front door. For postal workers, that means a higher chance of an unexpected run-in with a loose dog.The Ohio-specific messaging stresses that responsible pet ownership is the key to preventing these incidents and keeping mail moving. A single loose dog can force a carrier to alter or suspend a route, which affects not just one household but potentially the whole block. Carriers are trained to stay alert, but one preventable incident can have lasting consequences for everyone involved.Can a friendly dog still be a risk at delivery time?Absolutely. One of the biggest misconceptions pet parents hold is that only “aggressive” dogs pose a threat. But how a dog behaves at the dog park or around houseguests doesn’t always predict how it reacts to a mail carrier. A carrier’s routine (approaching the house daily, wearing a uniform, carrying a bag) can trigger a dog’s natural territorial instincts.Barking at the window (often called barrier frustration), being startled by a quick approach, or getting overly excited can all escalate fast. A dog that rushes the door might jump, nip, or trip a carrier in a split second. So “friendly at the dog park” doesn’t always translate to “calm at the front door.” The goal is to manage the environment, so your friendly dog never has to make a bad decision.What does USPS want dog owners to do before opening the door?The Postal Service’s guidance comes down to one core idea: put physical separation between your dog and the carrier. A verbal “stay” often isn’t enough when a dog is excited or agitated. A real barrier keeps everyone safer.Here are a few simple ways to make delivery time safer:Secure your dog before opening the door. The safest place is another room with the door closed.Keep dogs behind a locked gate or on a leash if they’re outside with you.Don’t accept mail directly from the carrier while your dog is loose or right beside you.Remind children not to take mail from a carrier in front of the dog, since their excitement can escalate the dog’s reaction.Use USPS Informed Delivery to anticipate arrivals, so you can prepare when you know a package is coming.Check your fences, latches, and screen doors for weak spots or easy escape points.USPS consistently points out that placing your dog in a closed room is one of the most effective steps a pet parent can take. That single habit removes risk and makes delivery more predictable for the carrier.What happens if a dog incident disrupts mail delivery?If a carrier feels unsafe because of a loose or aggressive dog, they’re authorized to suspend mail delivery to that address. According to USPS warnings in Ohio, this can affect just your home or even an entire neighborhood route. The carrier may skip the house, hold your mail at the post office for pickup, or require other arrangements until the situation is judged safe again.

Why Learning Your Dog’s Play Style Matters for Their Quality of Life

We often view playtime with our furry friends as a way to burn excess energy or enjoy a few moments of laughter after a long day. However, for our pups, play is so much more than that! It’s a fundamental need driven by their natural instincts that directly affects their cognitive health. By shifting our focus from “playing with our dog” to “understanding how our dog plays,” we unlock a new level of communication and connection. Every leap, tug, and search tells us about their unique personality and physical needs for a happy, healthy life. Recognizing your dog's play style and incorporating it into your daily routine will do more than just provide entertainment. It can truly improve their quality of 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 of Play To really understand why your dog gravitates to specific activities, toys, and games, we must look beyond the backyard and into the evolutionary history of dogs in general. For them, play is rarely random. It is actually a way of practicing their hunting skills. In the wild, this sequence of behaviors involves a specific order of operations: orient, eye-stalk, chase, grab-bite, kill-bite, dissect, and consume. In addition to practicing and perfecting their hunting skills, play also serves several critical roles in their development and mental health. Motor Skill Refinement: Play allows dogs to practice more complex movements, such as pivoting, sprinting, and grasping, in a safe environment. Stress Regulation: Engaging in these play behaviors triggers the release of dopamine and endorphins, which help lower cortisol levels and make it easier for your dog to recover emotionally after an anxious or stressful event. Social Communication: Through play, dogs learn the nuances of communicating with one another (and with you) using body language. For modern domestic dogs, selective breeding and individual personality have altered this sequence. While some dogs are wired to find the “chase” most rewarding, others find the “dissect” (ever seen your dog tear their toy apart) or “grab-bite” phase more satisfying. Identifying which behaviors resonate with your dog is the first step in providing the enrichment they crave. Factors Influencing Your Dog’s Play Preferences While every dog is an individual, with their own personality, their preferred play style is typically shaped at least partially by three main factors: Genetic PredispositionHerding breeds (like Border Collies) often prioritize the eye-stalk and chase phases, skills used in herding. Terriers typically have a strong drive to grab-bite and kill-bite (often seen as vigorous shaking of a toy) because they have been bred to hunt rodents and other small prey. Over generations, their focus on these specific behaviors has been nurtured and refined, making them better at the job their breeds are expected to perform. Life Stage and Physical CapabilityOf course, as our dogs age or experience physical changes in their bodies (such as the result of an injury or illness), their ability to carry out some of these behaviors can be affected. This, in turn, can lead to a change in their play style. An enthusiastic wrestler as a puppy may grow into a searcher or dissector as they get older, seeking activities that are lower-impact but still mentally fulfilling. Early SocializationThe types of play your dog was exposed to during critical developmental periods as a puppy can directly impact their “comfort zone” as an adult. For example, if a puppy grew up playing fetch regularly and was rewarded for it, they may internalize that positive association and show a preference for fetch as an adult. The Most Common Dog Play Styles Once we understand the “why” behind our dog’s behavior, we can begin categorizing their behavior into specific play styles. While most dogs have a favorite style, many are “multimodal,” meaning they enjoy and happily engage with different styles depending on their environment or the toys they have been given. By learning these categories, we can not only plan targeted playtime but also buy the right toys to meet their needs. The Chaser (Fetch & Movement) For these dogs, the thrill is entirely in the pursuit of their “prey.” They are often high-energy pups who prioritize the orient, eye-stalk, and chase portions of the predatory sequence. Our boy, Lucifer, falls into this category, thanks to the herding instincts that he inherited as an Australian Cattle Dog mix. You may notice your dog hover or stare intensely at a ball, wait for the slightest hand movement, and find more satisfaction in the run than in actually holding or engaging with the toy. This is great for cardio exercise and building focus; however, you need to be careful with repetitive high-impact stops and turns. Varying the terrain and distance during games of fetch can help protect their joints over time. Preferred Toys: Balls, discs, or “chuck-it” style launchers that allow for long-distance fetch and high visibilityThe Wrestler (Physical Engagement)Wrestling is a highly social and physically interactive play style. It is characterized by body-slamming, “mouthing,” and pinning one another. This style is less about external objects and more about connection with a play partner, whether that’s a dog or a human friend. You may notice deep play-growls, play bows, or your dog rolling onto their back during play. This is the category our Anatolian Shepherd mix, Willow, falls into. This play style is great for building social confidence, as it is so deeply ingrained in the body language communication between playmates. It’s also a great opportunity for younger pups to learn inhibited biting (the ability to control the pressure of their mouth to “play bite” without actually causing harm). But keep an eye open for signs of over-arousal. Healthy wrestling should include frequent pauses, allowing both parties to rest before continuing. Preferred Toys: Large, durable plush toys or oversized heavy-duty balls that the dog can lean into, wrestle with, or kick at with their hind legs

Dog Bleeding? At-Home Treatments that Can Help Stem the Flow.

7 Fall Foods That Aren’t Safe for Your Pup

Fall brings cozy meals and plenty of seasonal snacks. While some autumn foods are perfectly fine for dogs, others can cause anything from an upset stomach to a serious health emergency.Here are seven fall favorites to keep well away from your pup.

Meet Jackson, the Cockatoo Who Loves to Dance

In a video shared on the Jackson Huhniverses Facebook page, Jackson the cockatoo proves that he knows exactly how to have a good time.