Having a Pet Influences How and If People Travel

Having a Cute Pet Could Attract People to Your Airbnb

If you own an Airbnb and want to generate more income by attracting more renters, consider getting a pet. According to Lu Lu, who is an associate professor at Temple University, having a cute pet may influence people to book a stay with you. Keep reading to learn about this interesting research.

Study Confirms Pets Are Better Social Media Influencers than People

Social media accounts of cats and dogs promoting products have an upper hand when it comes to trustworthiness, a new study shows. In recent years, our four-legged companions have become extremely popular on social media. Some are so popular that they have amassed millions of followers on their social media accounts. This trend has created a new word - petfluencer, a domestic animal that has a dedicated social media account where its owner posts about it. Some petfluencers have become famous, generating an impressive income. The world’s richest cat, Nala, is probably the best example. With 4.4 million followers on Instagram, Nala Cat has an estimated net worth of $100 million.But what makes cats and dogs better influencers than people? A new study found that petfluencers have an unexpected edge over human influencers in terms of trustworthiness. The study, published in The Journal of Advertising Research, examines how animals’ endorsements of brands, as seen in petfluencer accounts, affect consumer response. Researchers from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland analyzed what makes petfluencers successful by comparing them to human influencers. For this study, researchers created fictional advertisements for products like peanut butter and wine. When these advertisements were shown to an audience, the results were surprising, but clear - petfluencer has surpassed the human influencer in terms of consumer response.The study also found petfluencers to be even more effective when their message matched a consumer’s focus on immediate satisfaction and pleasure. Researchers also discovered that the number of sponsored posts affects an influencer’s perceived sincerity. As the number of sponsored posts by human influencers increases, their perceived sincerity is declining, likely because of “influencer fatigue”.Human influencers are often seen in a negative light if their persuasive intent is clearer if people believe they endorse products and brands they don’t use or believe in just to get paid. According to the researchers, this is most likely the reason why petfluencers could be a good alternative for more sincere endorsements. On the other hand, pets aren’t obsessed with material things and offer a more genuine alternative to human influencers, and brands have started to notice their value. More advertising agencies are turning to petfluencers to promote brands, and they often earn as much as their human counterparts. “Petfluencers offer distinct advantages compared to human social media influencers,” said Dr. Laura Laverty, study author and lecturer in Marketing at the University of Strathclyde. “While the persuasiveness of human influencers often stems from their relatability or aspirational appeal, petfluencers are seen as more genuine and sincere. Because they are pets, they have no hidden agenda,” she explained.Pets don’t come with the baggage or scandals that follow some human influencers, which makes them seem more trustworthy. Although petfluencer accounts may appear like they are managed by the pets themselves, they are often run transparently by the pet’s owner. Like human influencers, petfluencers often work with advertising agencies to handle brand partnerships, while staying in charge of the type of content they post. Famous petfluencers like Nala Cat are in high demand and endorse a large number of products. For example, Nala the cat recommends an array of products, from cat food to mobile games. The research team believes future studies will validate their findings and explore the growing presence and influence of pets in social media. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Your Must-Have Purchase When You Plan to Travel With Your Pets

Want to bring your furry pal with you on a trip, but don’t want to muck up your vehicle? Canvasback has your back (seat) with high-quality, custom-designed cargo liners with a tailored fit for almost any vehicle.

How to Clean Your House Safely When You Have a Furry Friend

Living with pets brings joy, companionship, and a healthy dose of chaos. Between shedding, paw prints, and the occasional accident, keeping a clean house is important, but so is keeping your pets safe. Many everyday cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to animals, even in small amounts. Understanding what to avoid and how to clean safely can help you create a home that’s both tidy and pet-safe.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

How to Safely Welcome a Skittish Rescue Cat into Your Home

Dog Breeds with High-Maintenance Grooming Needs

All dogs need to be groomed on a regular basis. This includes bathing them, brushing their coat, trimming their nails, cleaning their ears, and brushing their teeth. But certain breeds are more complicated than others. For example, some dogs also need to have their wrinkly skin cleaned and kept dry, while others can have tear stains that need to be wiped away, and many breeds have coats that need to be clipped often.

Your Work May Be Stressing Out Your Pet!

For many of us, our pets are more than just animals; they are cherished members of our families. We do everything possible to give them the best quality of life, from high-quality food and treats to regular vet check-ups and plenty of love. But what if one of the biggest stressors in your life is actually contributing to your best friend’s anxiety? A recent study suggests that your work-related stress could be taking a toll on your dog’s mental health. A new study published in Scientific Reports, led by Tanya Mitropoulos and Allison Andrukonis, reveals a fascinating, and perhaps concerning, example of the human/animal bond. Their research found that when dog owners dwell on work problems after hours, their dogs also exhibit more signs of stress.  The phenomenon is known as “work-related rumination.” The study involved 85 working dog owners. Researchers measured their job stress levels and how often they continued to think about work during their free time. Each owner was asked to complete a survey with questions about their professional life, such as: “Are you irritated by work issues?”They then assessed the owners’ perceptions of their dogs’ stress. Plus, they tracked actual behaviors associated with stress and anxiety in dogs, like whining, pacing, panting, having their tail between their legs, leaning into people, or restlessness. The findings were clear: owners with higher job stress had dogs who showed more stress-related behaviors. This connection held strong even when other sources of stress in the home were considered. Interestingly, many owners were unaware that their dogs were experiencing high stress levels; it was identified mainly through the dogs’ behaviors. So, how does this stress transfer happen? Dogs are incredibly sensitive to their owners’ moods, a concept scientists call “emotional contagion.” Dogs can pick up on human feelings through subtle cues like tone of voice, body language, and overall demeanor. A dog notices when their owner is preoccupied, irritable, or distant due to work stress. Over time, this consistent exposure to their owner’s negative emotional state can significantly impact the dog’s happiness and mental well-being. Beyond emotional contagion, the study also suggests another explanation. When owners are consumed by work problems, they may become less patient, more withdrawn, or less consistent with the daily routines that dogs thrive on, like walks, playtime, and feeding schedules. These changes in care and interaction can trigger higher stress levels. This research underscores the importance of understanding how our own emotional states and behaviors can impact our pets. “ Playing with your dog is a great way to pull your thoughts away from work,” explained study author Dr. Mitropoulos. “Plus, if your dog is stressed due to not receiving enough attention because you’re busy mulling over work issues, playing with your pet is a great way to give him the attention he needs while also pulling your mind away from work.” The takeaway is clear: consciously putting work aside when you walk through the door doesn’t just benefit your own health and peace of mind. It also plays a crucial role in prioritizing your pet's mental and emotional well-being, allowing them to truly enjoy the best quality of life. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

5 Common Bunny Health Issues and How to Prevent Them

Rabbits are adorable, affectionate, and popular pets, but like any animal, they can face health challenges. Understanding common bunny health issues and taking steps to prevent them is key to keeping your furry friend happy and thriving. Here are five common health problems in rabbits and practical ways to prevent them.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Dog with Grapefruit-Sized Tumour Gets Help From UK Rescue

Charity urges other pet owners to seek out treatment and financial support rather than ignoring medical issues.

How to Prepare Your Anxious Dog for Your Vacation

Vacations are fun for us, but they can be hard on our dogs, especially if they get anxious when routines change or you're not around. If your pup tends to get nervous, a little extra planning can make a big difference. By helping your dog feel safe and comfortable before you leave, you’ll make things easier for both of you. Here’s how to get your anxious dog ready for your time away.

5 Common Home Decor Items That Are Risky to Keep Around Dogs

When decorating your home, it’s easy to focus on aesthetics and forget that some popular decor choices can actually be dangerous for your dog. While many items seem harmless to us, they can pose serious health or safety risks to our four-legged friends. Here are five common home decor items that dog owners should be cautious about.

Why Does My Dog Lick Everything?

Dogs have a whole toolbox of quirky behaviors - some funny, some irritating, and some that leave us scratching our heads. One of the most common? Licking. Whether your dog is licking the floor, the couch, your hands, or even the air, you might find yourself wondering: Why does my dog lick everything?While licking is often harmless, excessive licking can sometimes point to underlying physical or behavioral issues. Understanding the why behind this behavior can help you decide if it’s just another one of your dog’s endearing quirks - or something that needs closer attention.#1 It’s Instinctive and ComfortingLicking is a natural, instinctive behavior for dogs. From the moment they’re born, puppies are licked by their mothers to clean, soothe, and bond. As they grow, licking becomes part of their communication and connection toolkit.For many dogs, licking feels comforting. It even releases endorphins that help them feel calm and secure. So when your dog licks your hand while you’re watching TV or lounging on the couch, they may just be looking for affection or attention. After all, licking often earns them a scratch, a sweet word, or some eye contact - so they quickly learn it works!#2 It’s a Way to ExploreDogs don’t explore the world with their hands - they use their noses and tongues. If your dog is licking the floor, furniture, shoes, or walls, they’re likely investigating a scent or taste that piqued their interest. Maybe there’s a crumb under the table, a hint of salt on your skin, or an intriguing smell on your bag from your day out.While it might look strange to us, for your dog, licking is just another way of figuring out what’s going on.#3 It Could Be Boredom or AnxietySometimes, licking is more than a habit - it’s a coping mechanism. Dogs that don’t get enough physical or mental stimulation may develop repetitive behaviors like licking to self-soothe. Like people who bite their nails when they’re bored or anxious, dogs may lick when they’re trying to calm themselves down.This is especially common in:Dogs left alone for long hoursHigh-energy breeds not getting enough exerciseDogs with separation anxietyIf your dog seems to lick excessively, especially when bored, alone, or after changes in routine, it may be time to introduce more play, enrichment toys, or calming strategies.#4 It Might Signal a Medical IssueIn some cases, excessive licking is your dog’s way of saying, “Something’s not right.” Dogs may lick themselves or objects if they’re feeling pain, itchiness, or discomfort.Possible medical causes include:Allergies (environmental or food-related)Skin infections or hot spotsArthritis or joint painNausea or GI upset (licking the floor or carpet is common with tummy trouble)If your dog is licking a specific area repeatedly, appears distressed, or shows other symptoms (like vomiting, limping, or loss of appetite), it’s best to schedule a vet visit to rule out health problems.The Bottom LineLicking is a natural part of being a dog, but context and frequency matter. If it’s just the occasional affectionate lick or curious sniff of the furniture, there’s probably no cause for concern. But if it becomes constant, targeted, or obsessive, it’s time to take a closer look.A mix of physical health, emotional well-being, and curiosity drives this behavior. By understanding the root cause, you can help ensure your dog is not only safe, but also happy and thriving.

Deaf Rescue Dog Finds New Role on the Family Farm

For many new rescue pet parents, the joy of welcoming an animal into their lives comes with the hope of companionship and connection. But what happens when a beloved pet faces a significant challenge in their new home? One heartwarming story out of Arizona is capturing the attention of animal loves across the globe, showcasing the incredible adaptability and loving nature of a deaf rescue dog who, after a little time and adjustment, found a unique and vital role on the family farm. Evie, a deaf Pitbull, was rescued by Valley of the Sun Dog Rescue after a difficult start to life. Farm owner Allison Thomison initially fostered the eight-week-old pup but soon realized that Evie had no intention of leaving – she was destined to stay. However, being completely deaf presented some initial hurdles when adapting to farm life. As Thomison shared, “I used to say that she served no purpose on the farm as she would dig holes in my garden, escape the fence to befriend the neighbor’s donkeys, swim in the cow water trough, and cause general happy havoc.” Essentially, her new dog parents viewed her as “purely ornamental,” often more of a playful disruptor than a helper. Despite these initial challenges, one of Evie’s strengths from the beginning was her sociability. She had an incredible ability to connect with others, which, in time, blossomed into a new purpose for this next chapter in her life – the sick or orphaned baby animals. When asked about Evie’s role on the farm, Thomison describes Evie’s dedication with pride in the pup’s big heart and love for others. “Evie is always caring for her baby goat, sheep, several cows, ducks, and chickens. She cleans them, follows them around, and keeps them safe.” It seems Evie has a natural talent for understanding which animals need extra attention. She will lie patiently by a sick calf, grooming it for houses, and carefully herd the young animals to safety when needed. In particular, she has a special bond with an orphaned goat named Branch, with whom she shares a particularly close bond. Thomison has shared heartwarming videos on her TikTok account ( @filmofmilkandhoney) documenting Evie’s journey from being a new rescue unsure of her place on the farm to discovering her purpose – a journey that has resonated with pet lovers around the world. One clip showcasing Evie’s newfound purpose went viral, racking up hundreds of thousands of views, over 20K likes, and more than 1K shares. Commenters on the video have been quick to praise Evie’s gentle nature and the crucial role she has adopted.

5 Unusual Small Pets That Might Steal Your Heart

When most people think of small pets, the classics: hamsters, goldfish, maybe a parakeet. But there’s even more to the world of pint-sized companions. Whether you’re looking for something conversation-worthy or simply love the quirky side of nature, here are five unusual small pets that might surprise you.

What Temperature Does My Gecko Need?

Keeping your gecko healthy starts with one of the most important factors in reptile care: temperature. Since geckos are cold-blooded and rely on external heat to regulate their body functions, the wrong temperatures can quickly lead to serious problems. Too cold, and your gecko may become sluggish, stop eating, and face health issues. Too hot, and they can overheat or dehydrate.Here’s a breakdown of what different types of pet geckos need when it comes to temperature.Leopard Gecko Temperature NeedsLeopard Geckos are one of the most popular pet geckos. Native to the dry, rocky regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan, they’re built for warm days and cooler nights.Basking spot: 88–92 °F (31–33 °C)Warm side ambient: ~84 °F (29 °C)Cool side: 75–80 °F (24–27 °C)Nighttime drop: 68–72 °F (20–22 °C)These geckos absorb heat through their bellies, so an under-tank heat mat with a thermostat is usually better than an overhead light. It simulates their natural behavior and avoids stressing them out with too much bright light.

How to Tell If Your Hamster Is Overweight (and What to Do About It)

When we bring a hamster into the home, we quickly fall in love with the cute, fluffy little ball of energy. We focus on providing everything they need to live their best little lives, including providing a safe habitat, a healthy diet, and plenty of enrichment. However, there’s one common health concern that’s often overlooked – obesity.While a hamster’s chubby cheeks are part of their charm, being overweight can lead to serious, life-shortening health issues.In this post, we’ll share how to identify if your hamster is carrying a little too much weight, the common reasons for weight gain, and, most importantly, tips for creating a clear action plan to help your furry friend live their longest, happiest, and healthiest life.Why is an Overweight Hamster Concerning? It’s easy to look at a plump hamster and simply think they’re well-fed and happy. But beneath that cute, round exterior lies the potential for health risks that can significantly impact their quality of life and reduce their lifespan. Just like in humans, carrying around excess weight puts a strain on your hamster’s tiny body. This can lead to a long list of medical issues and complications. Understanding these potential dangers is the first step toward preventing them and keeping our little friends safe. Diabetes One of the most significant risks for overweight hamsters, particularly for certain species such as the Djungarian hamster, is diabetes. An unhealthy diet high in sugar and fat can lead to insulin resistance. This disturbance in insulin levels can progress to diabetes. The warning signs can be subtle at first, including increased thirst and urination. If left unmanaged, it can lead to cataracts, kidney failure, and a host of other problems. Strained Joints and Organs That extra padding isn’t just external. It’s also collecting around the vital organs. Over time, this extra fat can lead to heart and liver disease, compromising their function and making your hamster more susceptible to other illnesses. Furthermore, your hamster’s tiny skeleton is not designed to carry a lot of extra weight. An overweight hamster may develop joint problems, making it difficult for them to move around, climb, or even run on their exercise wheel. This lack of mobility and exercise creates a vicious cycle where a less active hamster gains even more weight, further compounding the problem. Shortened Life Ultimately, all of these health issues combine to shorten your hamster’s life and diminish its quality. A hamster that is in pain, out of breath, or unable to move freely is a far cry from the active, curious little creature they are meant to be. The goal of any pet parent is to provide a long, happy life, and addressing their weight issues is a key part of that commitment. How to Tell if Your Hamster is Overweight Determining if your hamster is overweight isn’t just about stepping on a scale (although weighing them could be part of the process). Instead, it’s a process of careful observation, combining what you see with a gentle touch. Think of yourself as a detective, looking for cues that their body is carrying a little more weight than it should. The Visual Check The first and easiest step is simply to look at your hamster. An ideal body shape for most hamster species is a sleek, pear-like shape. From above, you should be able to see a distinct narrowing behind their shoulders, with the body then becoming lightly wider around the hips. Of course, this will vary from species to species. There are also notable differences between hamsters and dwarf hamsters.  An overweight hamster, on the other hand, will have a body that is consistently round from head to tail, with no visible waist. You may notice their sides bulging noticeably when they sit. Keep in mind that a hamster with full cheek pouches can look bigger, but this is a temporary state! The key to deciding is looking at their body shape when their pouches are empty. The Touch Test For a more accurate assessment, you can perform a gentle touch test. Known as palpation, this approach is used by veterinarians and small animal experts. When your hamster is feeling calm and relaxed, gently run your fingers along their sides. In a healthy hamster, you should be able to easily feel their ribs, hip bones, and spine with a thin layer of fat over them. If you have to press firmly to feel these bones, or if you can’t feel them at all because of a thick layer of fat, it’s a strong indicator of excess weight. Of course, there is also the other extreme. If their bones are easily felt without any fat over them, your hamster may be underweight. This is also a serious concern that requires a vet visit. Behavioral CluesBeyond their physical appearance, your hamster’s behavior may also provide valuable clues that something is “off.” Is your hamster’s activity level dropping off? A healthy hamster is an active hamster, and a significant drop in their use of a wheel or their interest in climbing and exploring their surroundings could be a sign that their weight is making it difficult to move. Another sign they may be struggling with their weight is that they fail to keep up with their grooming needs. An overweight hamster may not be able to reach all areas of their body, resulting in a dull or unkempt coat. In more serious cases, you may even notice labored or heavy breathing after even the lightest activity. The Weight ScaleWhile visual and behavioral cues are crucial, you can use a small digital kitchen scale as a tool for monitoring your hamster’s weight over time. Weigh your hamster at the same time each week and record the results. The single number at any one time isn’t the most important data here; it’s the trends over time and the direction their weight is moving. Keep this information in a detailed journal along with any notes about behavioral changes or other signs of trouble. A sudden increase in weight could be a sign of a medical problem. A gradual increase over a few months is more likely to be a sign that your hamster would benefit from a change to their diet or daily exercise.

Is a Pot-Bellied Pig in Your Future? Read On!

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.