Dog Lost in the Woods? Here's How to Find Him Quickly!

Working from Home? Electronic Pet Toys Are Your New Best Friend.

(photo credit: Elena Yakimova / shutterstock.com)Like many of us who work from home, the call of the wild (our pets) is never far away. Whether it’s an urgent potty break, a quick stroll around the block, a morning snack, responding to a perceived emergency or just a little snuggle, they sure can eat into our productivity.Now, we all know that nothing beats one-on-one time with the fur kids but sometimes duty calls and we just can’t drop everything to be available. Which leads to… wouldn’t we all love to find a way to keep the little guy entertained and busy doing anything other than scratching at the office door or trying to climb onto our lap while we’re on a Zoom call? C’mon, be honest.The good news is that there is relief in sight and it comes in the form of the wide range of electronic toys now available to engage your pet in something other than you. They’re easy to activate, long-lasting and all you have to do is fire them up and let your cat or dog do the rest.

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.

Why Does My Pet Follow Me Into the Bathroom?

It’s a scene pet parents know all too well. You close the bathroom door, sit down for a little me time… and suddenly, there’s a paw scratching at the door. Or worse, unblinking eyes staring directly at you while you’re doing your business.Why, exactly, is your pet obsessed with your bathroom routine?Let’s break down this strangely universal phenomenon.

Why Does My Dog Walk the Fence Line?

Protectively patrolling the perimeter or just looking for a lucky break?

Things to Consider Before Getting a Guinea Pig

There’s so much to like about guinea pigs. They’re super cute, they make a range of adorable sounds, and they’re small enough to fit in your hands. But even though you might be tempted to bring one home, there’s a lot to consider before you do.

Is Your Cat Safer With or Without a Collar?

If you’ve ever wondered whether your cat should wear a collar, you’re definitely not alone. It seems like a simple decision, but there’s actually a lot to consider. While collars can help keep your cat safe and make it easier for them to get home if they’re lost, they can also cause major problems if not used correctly. Here's a clear look at the pros and cons to help you decide what’s best for your feline friend.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

Camping with Cats Really Is That Easy!

(photo credit: Dee Browning/ shutterstock.com)From camping to glamping to a simple road trip to explore the great outdoors, ensuring your feline is comfy, cozy, and totally chill with the experience is a big part of enjoying the adventure. That said, we’ve all heard the expression “like herding cats” when describing a situation that’s almost impossible to get back under control. And that has to be the biggest fear when planning any type of trip that will include the family cat. Because we know her determination to go where she pleases, when she pleases… and to return at her leisure. You’re nodding your head yes..!But it’s particularly concerning when you’re not on the familiar turf of your own backyard. Her wandering off can be not only inconvenient but downright dangerous. So, what to do? Of course, we still want to find a way to have our feline fur kid travel with us and enjoy the mental stimulation that comes with new experiences. That’s why we’re lucky the pet industry has covered off our need for pussy-cat portability, on a number of levels.

How Can I Tell If My Hamster Is Happy?

Hamsters may be tiny, but they’ve got big personalities - and they can bring a surprising amount of joy to your home. But unlike dogs or cats, hamsters don’t always show how they’re feeling in obvious ways. For new owners, it can be tricky to tell if your little buddy is thriving or just getting by.So, how do you know if your hamster is happy? The good news is, there are plenty of signs you can look for, once you know what to watch.1. They’re Active and CuriousHamsters are nocturnal, which means their “day” starts when yours winds down. A happy hamster will be active in the evening and nighttime hours - running on their wheel, digging, climbing, and exploring their enclosure.

Cats Recognize Their Owner's Scent, Study Suggests

Here’s something every cat lover probably suspected but never had the science to prove—until now. Your cat knows exactly what you smell like.A new study out of Tokyo University of Agriculture has found that domestic cats can tell the difference between the scent of their beloved human and that of a total stranger. And how do they show it? By giving the unknown smell the extra sniff test.Researchers conducted a pretty straightforward experiment. They rounded up 30 feline participants and presented them with three tubes. One held a cotton swab rubbed with their owner's scent (gathered from under the armpit, behind the ear, and between the toes), another had the smell of a stranger of the same sex, and the third was a clean, scentless control.So what did the cats do? They barely showed any interest in the tube that smelled like their human. But the unfamiliar scent? That one got the full sniff-and-investigate treatment.The researchers say this shows cats can distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar people based on scent. But it doesn’t necessarily mean they can pick you out of a lineup based on smell alone. In other words, they’re not quite at police-sniffer-dog levels yet.Lead author Hidehiko Uchiyama explained it like this: “The odour stimuli used in this study were only those of known and unknown persons. We still need more behavioral experiments with multiple known-person scents to figure out if cats can really identify a specific individual.”Translation: It’s one thing for your cat to say, “Hey, this is familiar,” and another for them to say, “Ah, yes, this is definitely Steve from Apartment 4B who feeds me chicken treats.”This isn’t the first time science has looked at the mysterious ways cats recognize us. Earlier research has shown that cats can distinguish human voices, read our facial expressions, and even pick up on emotional cues through our body language and smell.The Tokyo team also noticed something else kind of interesting: after giving those unfamiliar swabs a thorough whiff, many cats rubbed their faces on the tubes. Cat owners will recognize this move—it’s scent-marking. So the sniffing might be part of a bigger process of cats getting familiar with new things in their environment.But not everyone’s ready to crown cats as scent detectives just yet. Serenella d’Ingeo, a researcher from the University of Bari who studies animal behavior (but wasn’t involved in this study), had a few notes of caution. She pointed out that we still don’t know how cats are feeling when they’re sniffing these tubes. Are they curious? Cautious? Grossed out? Hard to say.Plus, because the samples were presented by the cats’ own humans, who were standing right there smelling like themselves, there’s a chance the cats were even more interested in the new smells just because of the context. “Of course,” d’Ingeo said, “if owners present other odours that are different from their personal one, in a way they engage the cat more.”Still, the researchers concluded that yes, cats do use their noses to tell us apart from others. So next time, your feline roommate gives you a sniff and a head bump, take it as a compliment. 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

5 Foods You Should Never Feed Your Guinea Pig

Just like cats and dogs, guinea pigs can’t eat everything we can. Some foods are actually dangerous for them. In this article, we’ll look at five foods you should always keep away from your piggy. Please note, this isn’t an exhaustive list so, if you’re ever unsure, it’s best to check with a vet before giving your pet something new.

What is the Best Litter for My Cat? Understanding Litter Types

The litterbox is often an afterthought for many of us, something that’s obviously necessary, but we overlook that it’s a cornerstone to our cat’s physical and mental well-being. Your cat’s litter box is important, including every detail that goes into it!A positive litter box experience is far more significant than simply a place to do their business. It directly impacts their hygiene, comfort, and even their overall behavior. Just as we appreciate a clean and comfortable bathroom, our cats have their own standards. Have you ever walked into a public washroom only to feel like you should just back away slowly?When setting up your cat’s litter box, there are several factors you should consider, one of which includes the type of litter. It’s easy to assume all litters are created equal, but the reality is that a world of different options, materials, and formulations exist, each with its own pros and cons.This guide will explain the differences between the many types of cat litter and help you find the perfect match for your cat to ensure a happy and accident-free home.Why Does Litter Choice Matter So Much?Choosing the right litter for your cat goes beyond simply providing a place to do their business. From a hygiene and health perspective, the right litter is an essential piece of the puzzle in providing a clean and healthy environment both for your cat and the rest of the household. The right litter choice will efficiently absorb moisture, limiting the growth of bacteria, preventing tracking through your home, and reducing unpleasant odors.Beyond the practicalities of basic cleanliness, there are behavioral impacts of your choices relating to your cat’s litter box. Cats can be surprisingly picky about the finer details of their litter, including the texture and the scent. Providing them with litter that doesn’t fit their personal preferences can lead to litter box avoidance and accidents in the home.For environmentally-conscious cat parents, it’s also worth noting that each litter option carries a different environmental footprint. From production to disposal, they each affect your impact on the environment differently.Finally, let’s not forget your convenience. While your cat’s happiness is the first priority, if you are down to a few options and one works better for you and your lifestyle, it makes sense to go in that direction. After all, a litter that’s difficult to manage or pushes the boundaries of your budget may not be an ideal long-term solution, regardless of how your cat feels about it.Exploring the Different Types of Cat LitterThere are a surprising number of different cat litter materials and formulations to choose from. Standing in your local pet store, looking at all the options, you may be feeling overwhelmed. Let’s look at the nuances of each type, including its pros and cons, to help you better understand the impact on your cat’s comfort and your own convenience, making it easier than ever to choose the best cat litter for your home.Clay Litter The best-known and most widely used liter solution, clay litter is a popular choice among cat parents. It’s primarily available in two types: clumping and non-clumping. Clumping clay litter is made from bentonite clay, a material with an incredible ability to absorb moisture and form solid, scoopable clumps when exposed to urine and feces. This clumping action makes daily cleaning of the box much easier, as you can easily remove the soiled portions while leaving the clean litter behind for future bathroom breaks. This makes it more budget-friendly than other solutions, as you only have to throw away the used litter.   Non-clumping clay litter is similar in that it is made from clay, but while it still absorbs the moisture, the clay does not form clumps. This can make cleanup a little more challenging as there are no easy clumps to remove. However, for young kittens, cats with PICA, or homes with dogs who may get into the box, the lack of clumping makes it a safer option that is less likely to cause a life-threatening blockage if consumed. It's worth noting that when choosing a clay litter, there are different textures, ranging from fine, sand-like litter to coarser particles. Some cats will have strong preferences related to texture, so pay attention to their digging and covering habits. Another variation that could turn your cat off is scented litter. While these scents may help mask odors, we must remember that our cats have a stronger sense of smell and are more sensitive to scents like these. Feeling overwhelmed by it, they may avoid the litter box entirely, leading to more accidents around the house. While clay litters are widely available and generally more cost-effective, they have some drawbacks. These litters can be quite dusty, which can be a concern for cats or cat parents with respiratory sensitivities. They are also generally heavier to carry. Finally, they are not biodegradable, meaning they contribute to landfill waste. Silica Gel (Crystal) Litter This type of litter is composed of small silica gel beads that act like tiny sponges, absorbing a surprising amount of litter while trapping odors. For this reason, one significant advantage of silica gel litter is its ability to control or eliminate odor, often doing so better than any clay litter product. It’s also incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry, handle, and pour. Because the litter absorbs moisture so effectively, you can go longer between full litter box changes. While it may seem that fewer litter box changes would translate to considerable cost savings, this, unfortunately, isn’t the case due to the higher upfront costs. Some cats may also find the texture of the crystals or the slight crunching sound they make when stepped on to be uncomfortable or bothersome, which could turn them off using the box. My overly sensitive cat Pippen refuses to step on any form of silica gel litters I have tried in the past.

Can Heating Pads Be The Right Solution for Your Aging Pet? Yes!

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

Top 5 Toys That Truly Make Your Dog Happy

Dogs, like people, have their own preferences and personalities, but there’s one thing almost all dogs have in common: they love to play. Playtime isn’t just fun; it provides essential mental stimulation, physical exercise, and a great opportunity for bonding. But with aisles of toys to choose from, which ones are actually the most enjoyable for your pup?Let’s explore the top categories of toys that make dogs happiest, and how to pick the best one for your furry friend.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

Are GPS Pet Trackers and Fitness Trackers the Same Thing?

You’ve microchipped your dog and have a securely fenced yard, but there’s still that tiny, nagging fear… What if they get spooked by a sudden noise and slip out the front door? What if your dog slips away when travelling? Or maybe your concern isn’t about them getting lost at all, but about their health. Is your cat getting enough exercise? Is your puppy getting too much?For a long time, we relied on observation and tried to communicate as accurately as possible with our veterinarians. But today, technology has given modern pet parents like you incredible tools to help in this aspect of your dog’s care.In this guide, we’ll dive into the world of pet wearables, breaking down the difference between GPS trackers and fitness trackers, exploring how each of these products works, and highlighting their strengths. You’ll have all the information you need to help you decide which is the perfect tool for your pet’s needs.What Are Pet GPS Trackers?A pet GPS tracker is a small device, typically worn on your pet’s collar, that uses satellite technology to pinpoint their exact location in real-time. Think of it like a personal, portable GPS system just for your pet. This isn’t just a simple tag; it’s a sophisticated piece of technology designed to help pet parents answer one of the most urgent questions that may arise: “Where are they right now?” They were originally used for hunting dogs, but today they are growing in popularity for house pets.The way a GPS tracker works is quite clever. The small unit on your pet’s collar receives signals from multiple satellites orbiting the Earth. By communicating with these satellites, they are able to calculate your cat’s precise position at any given moment. That position data is then sent to a server, where it can be accessed.Most trackers rely on a cellular network, which is why they require a monthly subscription, making it essential to have a cell phone plan for the device. However, others use a more traditional GPS technology that doesn’t rely on cell networks, allowing them to work even where a cell connection isn’t available.Once the information has been received by the network, it is then relayed directly to an app on your smartphone or a handheld receiver, giving you a live map of your pet’s location. This process allows for a virtually unlimited range, so whether your pet is a few blocks away or miles from home, you can see their location.The true value of a pet GPS tracker lies in its key features, which are all centred on providing security and peace of mind. Depending on the product you purchase, this may include:Real-time Location Tracking: The primary and most critical feature. This allows you to see your pet’s location on a map at any moment, so you can track them down if they get lost.Geofencing: This powerful tool allows you to set up virtual safety zones, like your backyard or a local park. If your pet wanders outside of this predetermined area, you’ll receive an instant alert on your phone.Location History: Most apps keep a history of your pet’s movements, so you can see where they’ve been. This can be helpful in identifying common escape routes or understanding their roaming habits.Durability: These devices are built to withstand the elements, often being waterproof and rugged to handle even an adventurous pet’s lifestyle.A GPS tracker is an invaluable tool for certain situations. It’s perfect for the adventurous pet who loves to roam, such as those who enjoy camping and hiking. If they become disoriented or lost in an unfamiliar environment, this will help you bring them home. They are also helpful for known escape artists who are always looking for (and somehow finding) a way out.It’s important to remember that a GPS tracker is not the same as a microchip. A microchip is a form of permanent identification that can be scanned by a vet or animal shelter if your lost pet is found. It can’t actively track your pet’s location.Similarly, it’s also important to note that a GPS tracker is far more reliable and has a greater range than a Bluetooth tracker (like an Apple AirTag), which only works when your pet is within a few dozen feet of your phone or someone else’s.Some examples of highly recommended pet GPS trackers include:Tractive Smart GPS Tracker ( for cats and for dogs) Fi Series 3+ Smart Dog Tracker CollarWeenect GPS Collar ( for cats and for dogs) Halo Collar 3 Garmin T 5X (my personal go-to)Understanding Pet Fitness TrackersA pet fitness tracker is a small device, usually attached to a collar or harness, that monitors your pet’s activity, rest, and overall behavior. Think of it like a Fitbit for your pet, designed to provide insights into their health and wellness. These devices are less about knowing your pet’s location (although some due have GPS capabilities) and more about understanding their lifestyle.Unlike GPS trackers, which use satellites, fitness trackers rely on an internal sensor called an accelerometer. This sensor detects and measures movement. The device’s software then translates this movement into meaningful data points, such as steps taken, distance traveled, active minutes, and calories burned. This information is typically synced to your smartphone app via Bluetooth, meaning there is no need for a monthly cellular subscription.The true benefit of a fitness tracker lies in the health data it provides:Activity Monitoring: Tracks your pet’s daily steps, distance, and time spent being active versus resting. This helps you ensure they’re meeting their exercise needs.Behavioral Insights: Some advanced models can monitor scratching, shaking, or changes in sleep patterns. This data can be a subtle but important early indicator of discomfort or health issues that you might not otherwise notice.Goal Setting and Benchmarking: The app allows you to set daily activity goals based on your pet’s breed, age, and weight. You can also compare your pet’s activity to other pets of the same breed and age, giving you a better understanding of what a healthy activity level looks like.Health Reports: Over time, the data creates a comprehensive picture of your pet’s activity and rest trends, which you can share with your veterinarian during checkups.A fitness tracker is an excellent tool if your main concern is your pet’s health. It’s ideal for managing a pet’s weight, as it provides data to help you create and stick to a weight loss plan. It’s also invaluable for monitoring recovery after an injury or surgery, as it allows you to see gradual improvements in activity.For aging pets, a fitness tracker can help you track mobility and identify potential signs of conditions like arthritis. Ultimately, it’s for any pet parent who wants to be more proactive about their pet’s long-term well-being and ensure they are getting a balanced, healthy life.Some examples of helpful pet fitness trackers include: FitBark Activity Monitor Link GPS Dog Tracker + Activity Monitor PetPace AI Health Monitor Minitailz Health & GPS Tracker for Dogs

Front-Load Dog Carriers Keep Him In On All the Action

(photo credit: Net Vector / shutterstock.com)It’s that awkward size. A dog that’s not quite big enough for the endurance of a long hike, but not so small that you can tuck him neatly into a pet sling and effortlessly tote him around on all those outdoor adventures. When your dog loves to get a front-row seat for all the action, when his spirit is willing but his little legs aren’t up to a marathon trek, a front-load dog carrier may just be the ticket. Alternatively, when your primary mode of transportation leans towards the two-wheel variety, and you want to include your pooch in all those fun outings, finding the right travel gear is essential.Designed for dogs weighing upwards of 12 pounds but typically less than 30, this type of carrier safely secures your pet so that you can comfortably transport him for short (or long) periods. And today’s new harnesses are strategically designed to prevent you from experiencing shoulder fatigue – meaning all parties remain comfortable.Not only is your pooch front facing to receive the smiles and accolades of the passing public, but for wilderness hikes, he gets to enjoy the flora and fauna from an entirely new vantage point – five feet off the ground. Now, for older pets or those with limited mobility, a front-load dog carrier is perfect for keeping them close, warm, comfortable and engaged in their surroundings. And as we all know, mental stimulation is critical for dogs of any size or age. Best of all, because these carriers are constructed for a quick load/unload process, your pet can easily resume his walk or take a comfort break as frequently as needed.

10 Ways to Pay Attention to Your Dog’s Wellbeing During the Summer

A couple of summers ago, I took my dog, Jasper, on what I thought would be a quick walk around the neighborhood. It was warm, but I figured we’d be fine. Five minutes in, he started slowing down, panting harder than usual, and looking up at me like, “Mum, what are we doing?” I scooped him up (he’s not exactly light) and carried him home, feeling like the world’s worst dog parent. Lesson learned: summer is no joke for our four-legged friends.Ever since that day, I’ve made it a priority to really pay attention to how Jasper is feeling when the weather heats up. Dogs can’t tell us when they’re uncomfortable, dehydrated, or overheating, so it’s up to us to notice the signs and stay ahead of any problems. Luckily, can make summer safer and more enjoyable for our pups by making just a few simple changes. Here are 10 ways I keep Jasper happy, healthy, and tail-wagging all summer long!