Help! My Dog is Aggressive Over Toys! What Now?

Renowned Chelsea Flower Show Gave Back to Dogs This Year

With famed horticulturist Monty Don, prestigious show shares tips on creating dog-friendly outdoor spaces.

These Dog Breeds Are at the Most Risk of Overheating

The dog days of summer are upon us. Temperatures are rising across the country and many cities are already faced with record-breaking heat waves. When extremely hot weather rolls in, it’s not only people who struggle to stay cool and hydrated. Our four-legged companions shouldn’t be forgotten during this hot time as they often have trouble cooling down.“High temperatures can affect dogs differently depending on a variety of factors,” said Angela Beal, DVM. “Generally, it’s advisable to avoid taking your dog out when the temperatures exceed 85°F, especially if the humidity is high.”All dogs can get painful burns on their paw pads when they come into contact with hot pavement, but certain dog breeds are more susceptible to overheating in hot weather. “Dogs have sweat glands mainly in their paw pads, so [their] primary way to cool themselves down is by panting…The brachycephalic airway impacts airflow [so] they are unable to cool themselves down effectively in even mild heat,” explained Petco chief veterinarian, Dr. Whitney Miller. She added that dogs with “longer and thicker coats are also more susceptible to heatstroke.”According to veterinarians, breeds most susceptible to heatstroke include, bulldogs, boxers, pugs, Boston terriers, chow chows, Shih Tzus, golden retrievers, huskies, and malamutes. Dogs like bulldogs, boxers, Boston terriers, pugs, Shih Tzus, chow chows, and French bulldogs are classified as brachycephalic breeds. These dogs have short noses and elongated soft palates that predispose them to breathing problems and make it hard to regulate their body temperature. All of these factors combined, make these pups highly susceptible to heatstroke. On the other hand, breeds like huskies, malamutes, and golden retrievers have longer and thicker double coats that can cause these breeds to overheat during the summer easily. These are the two main reasons for heatstroke in dogs, but Dr. Miller adds that young puppies and senior dogs are also at higher risk of overheating. Owners should also keep a close eye on overweight dogs and canines that aren’t in good physical shape. While these factors make some dogs more susceptible to heatstroke, owners should understand that any dog can overheat during a particularly hot summer day. Preventing your dog from overheating is key if you want to keep them healthy and happy during the summer months. “Provide clean, cool drinking water and access to shade. Never leave your pet outside or in a hot car for a long period of time, regardless of the shade,” said Dr. Miller. She advised dog owners to adjust their walking routines during the summer months to ensure they aren’t taking their dogs out during the hottest hours of the day. Walking your pooch early in the morning and later in the evening is a great way to minimize the risk of overheating and painful paw burns. Maintain a regular grooming routine during the summer months, especially if you own a curly or double-coated pooch. Curly-coated breeds, like poodles, can benefit from having their coat trimmed during the summer, while double-coated breeds like, huskies and chow chows, can experience some relief after being brushed by a professional with a de-shedding tool.When it comes to signs that your dog is getting overheated, look for panting, dark, blue, or red gums and tongue, diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, rapid and deep breathing, weakness, disorientation, and collapse. If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms on a hot day, take them to a cool and well-ventilated room and offer them fresh, cool water. If you’re concerned that your pooch is too hot or you can’t cool them down, call your vet right away.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Meet Finn, the Giant Cat Who is The Size of a 9-Year-Old Child!

The world of domestic cats is about to get a whole lot bigger if this cat has anything to say about it! Although wild cats are pretty big, I’m not talking about lions or tigers. Instead, I’m referring to a loved member of a California family.  Finn the cat was adopted by his loving owner, Natalie Bowman, in 2017 at just three and a half months old. Bowman knew he was going to be a little larger than most domestic cats being a Maine Coon, but she had no idea exactly what she was in for… Maine Coons are well known for their large, impressive size, standing approximately 10-16 inches tall when full-grown. Their long, busy coat and tufted feet are well-insulated and water-resistant, allowing them to survive even in harsh winter climates. After bringing the young kitten home, he started to grow quickly. It wasn’t long until Finn reached then surpassed the typical Maine Coon size. By the time he reached his full-grown adult size, he measured a shocking 51 inches long and weighed 22 pounds.

Is Your Cat a Swimmer? Check Out These Water-Worthy Accessories

UK Dog’s Brush with Death is a Reminder About THIS Holiday Hazard!

The holiday season is usually a time of joy, cheer, and quality time with friends and family. However, for our furry friends, it also introduces some significant hazards. This year, the family of eight-year-old crossbreed Shylah is sharing the pup’s story to remind pet parents everywhere to be diligent around their festive holiday décor. With just days until Christmas, Shylah was rushed to the PDSA Pet Hospital in Wolverhampton, a city in the West Midlands, England. What was the cause of this holiday scare? After being spooked by nearby fireworks, Shylah tried to seek comfort by grabbing a quick snack. Unfortunately, her comfort food of choice was approximately 3 feet of tinsel she found displayed on the mantelpiece. “I wondered if Shylah might have eaten it, but it wasn’t until a bit later, when she went off her food and was sick, that I got really worried,” shared her owner, who wishes to remain anonymous. Recognizing the significant concerns associated with a dog ingesting something they shouldn’t, her owner immediately called the local pet hospital at the first sign of trouble. The hospital told her to bring her right in, worried about the risk of an obstruction. “The x-ray revealed a large mass in her stomach, which we could only assume was the missing tinsel,” explained Jane Cutler, the senior vet at Wolverhampton PDSA. “She needed emergency surgery right away as if it made its way into her intestines, it could cause potentially fatal damage. The operation went ahead, and we were all pretty shocked when we pulled the entire length of tinsel out of her in one piece.” Shylah’s story had a happy ending, much to the delight of her family. Her owner reported that she was back to her normal self within just a few days of the ordeal and has since fully recovered. She added that she is now much more careful with the placement and location of her holiday decorations, ensuring that everything is well out of Shylah’s reach to avoid a similar incident. But not all holiday emergencies have a happy ending like Shylah’s. “As we saw with Shylah, pets can get into all sorts of scrapes and mishaps, and you never know when they might need urgent help,” stated Dr. Cutler. “Many of our teams work throughout the Christmas period to ensure we can always offer help to those that need it.” How Can You Keep Your Pets Safe This Holiday Season? While it’s comforting to know that there are veterinarians willing to dedicate their time, even during the holiday season, to ensure that our pets can get the care they need in an emergency, the best option is to prevent holiday accidents before they happen. Keep all holiday decorations safely out of your pet's reach. Don’t forget to account for the fact that some pets are skilled climbers (cats, we’re looking at you). Beware of any electrical cords and extension cords used to power your décor. Chewing these cords can lead to severe and even fatal injuries. Keep cords covered or out of reach. Steer clear of toxic plants like poinsettias and mistletoe. Instead, stick with pet-safe alternatives or a fake plant. Pay careful attention to your pets during holiday festivities, or secure them in another room. Common elements of holiday get-togethers like alcohol and chocolate are toxic to our pets. With a little planning and preparation, you can ensure everyone (human and pet) has a safe and happy holiday season!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

New Study Sheds Light On The Harmful Effect of Plastics On Pets

We all know how harmful microplastics are – both for the environment and for our health. However, it seems that the effects of plastics are as adverse for our four-legged friends. This latest report by Earthday.org is the result of an extensive study of pets' exposure to microplastics and toxic plastic chemicals and is a follow-up to the recent “Babies vs. Plastics” report. “Pet owners should read this report,” said Aidan Charron, EARTHDAY.ORG, director, end plastic initiatives. “Plastic is derived from a cocktail of oil and additive chemicals, like bisphenol A, PVC, and phthalates. These can leach into our pets’ gums, stomachs, and skin and are associated with a whole host of health issues for our pets. From cancers to embryo development to potential infertility, liver failure, miscarriage, and more. ”In an effort to support this initiative by Earthday.org, the actress Amanda Seyfried and her pet dog Finn took part in a plastic tox test. This was an effort to raise awareness about the many health risks of plastic chemical exposure, for both humans and pets. “I was anxious about the results and when they came back I was definitely upset by my dog Finn’s exposure, he scored in the top 90 percent on phthalates, which is very high,” said Amanda Seyfried. “I feed him a healthy diet but I realize now that the plastic packaging on his food is leaching toxic chemicals directly into it. It was a bit of a wake-up call. If his food is contaminated with phthalates, then that convinces me that all of us are much more exposed than we perhaps realize, including our children.”“Even if you don’t care about your own pet’s health, and we do, our pets act as sentinels,” added Kathleen Rogers, president of Earthday.org. “What impacts them, is almost certainly impacting us and this is yet more evidence that we are all ingesting and inhaling plastics in one form or another. We have to slash plastic production by 60 percent by 2040 and make the plastic industry take responsibility for the harm they are causing.”Of course, this study is important for all pet owners. After all, pets are considered a part of the family. In fact, modern research shows that the majority of global pet owners think of their pets, especially dogs and cats, as family members, or see them as something similar to a child. “We are not trying to frighten pet owners, we just want them to be aware that it is best for your pet’s health to avoid plastic toys and textiles as much as possible, and really be mindful of how their food is packaged,” added Tom Cosgrove, chief creative and content officer for Earthday.org. “We are bombarding our bodies, our families, and our pets with a toxic mix of chemicals and we want people to be aware.”

Cats Crave Carbs, Dogs Love Fat - And That's Okay!

Research suggests our pets know exactly what their bodies need.

New Study Reveals Having A Big Brain Doesn’t Mean Your Dog is Smart

We often associate larger brains with greater intelligence, but a recent study challenges this assumption in our canine companions. The study, published November 13 th in the journal Biology Letters, aimed to explore whether there was any tangible connection between the physical size of a dog’s brain and their mental capabilities. The results suggest we may want to reconsider this common stereotype, at least where dogs are concerned. The idea isn’t entirely out of left field. Previous studies have found that in many mammals, a direct correlation has been found between bigger brains and higher survival odds due to their capacity to effectively process information and make better decisions. Considering this, the findings of the new study surprised many. “The key difference here is that dogs are not in a natural environment,” explained Ana Balcarcel, lead author of the new study. “They are a function of artificial selection… a very directed selection, evolution under human hands.” Researchers compared 14 behavioral traits from the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire and the relative brain-to-skull size of 1682 dog skulls covering 172 breeds housed at the Natural History Museum Bern in Switzerland. They found several patterns, but these patterns went against our previous understanding. Dog breeds known to be most trainable and intelligent, like working dogs bred to perform complex skills, were found to have the smallest relative brain size. This included dog breeds most likely to excel in human-assistance roles, like guide dogs, police dogs, and those involved with search-and-rescue. Meanwhile, toy dog breeds bred mainly to serve as companions, like Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, and Yorkshire Terriers, were found to have larger relative brain sizes. Statistically, these breeds are also more likely to exhibit higher levels of fear, aggression, and separation anxiety. The most interesting thing about this for many researchers is that we, as a society, didn’t just choose breeds that were best suited for these working roles (which happened to have smaller brain ratios). Instead, over generations, they have been bred to be trainable, independent, and better at problem-solving. “We can say that we have really altered the brains – not just the body sizes and the proportions of different dogs, but it looks like we have also changed their brains in a significant way,” stated Balcarcel. Interestingly enough, the difference in brain size may also reflect our impact on the dogs through domestication. The study revealed that the brain of the average domesticated dog is approximately 20% smaller than that of a wild gray wolf relative to body size. However, domesticated dogs must understand and operate with higher social skills than wild dogs. Consider the unique skills your dog demonstrates daily, regardless of their breed. Domesticated dogs are expected to learn how to interpret our gaze, body language, and many verbal commands just to live as a family dog. Moving forward, the research team plans to dig further into the comparison between various dog breeds physically and their function by analyzing other physical differences, like the shape of specific parts of the brain. We’re excited to follow along and learn more about how this information could influence dog training and behavior as we know it! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

Dog Soundboard Buttons - the Jury's Back On Whether They Work

You might just be surprised at your dog's communication skills.

What Collar is Best for My Dog?

When choosing a collar for our dogs, we often focus on elements like the color, pattern, or preferred material. However, there is much more to consider than just the style and aesthetic. Selecting the best collar is essential for your dog’s safety, comfort, and overall well-being.However, with so many different collar options available, deciding which will best suit your dog and their lifestyle can be overwhelming.This guide will break down the different types of collars, their purpose, and the factors you should consider. From standard nylon collars to tick-prevention products, you’ll find everything you need to make a confident decision when shopping for your dog.Choosing the Right Collar for Your DogSelecting a collar can feel overwhelming. There is so much to consider, from functionality to style. So, let’s start at square one. Here are the most common types of dog collars and the situations they are most often recommended for:Traditional Flat Collar This is the most common type of dog collar you will see. Traditional flat collars get their name because they lay flat against your dog’s neck. They come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and materials, including leather, nylon, cotton, and Biothane, among others. The collars usually feature a D-ring or O-ring to attach a leash or hold your dog’s ID tags and a buckle to make it easy to put the collar on/take it off as needed. Flat collars are the most recommended option for ensuring your dog has basic identification on them on a day-to-day basis. Most dogs wear a flat collar around their yard, in the car, on walks, and in other routine situations. Martingale Collar At first glance, a martingale collar looks similar to a flat collar. However, when you look closer, you’ll see an additional loop on the back of the collar that tightens when the dog pulls. The slight tightening can be used to train a dog not to pull when walking, making it a popular training tool. Martingale collars also help prevent a dog from pulling their head out of the collar and escaping, which is an important consideration for dogs who are a flight risk or those with narrow heads roughly the same circumference as their neck, like sighthounds. They are often used in shelters and rescue organizations for this reason.Head CollarMany will argue that these aren’t just a collar. However, they do include a portion that goes around the neck, and they serve a purpose comparable to other collars on the list, so I feel they deserve to be mentioned. Head collars are best described as a horse halter for dogs. One loop of the collar goes around the neck like usual, while a second loop goes around the snout. The leash attaches just below the snout, allowing the handler to direct the dog by guiding their head. These are a popular choice for dogs who pull. If your dog starts to pull, as they would with another collar type or on a harness, the head collar will cause the head to turn and redirect the dog back toward you. They are also recommended for situations where the handler may not have the physical ability to hold back a pulling dog. Head collars are widely used in the service dog community. Unfortunately, if misused, these collars can cause serious damage. This happens most often if the dog tries to bolt, jerking their head suddenly to the side and injuring the neck. The use of a head collar should be paired with proper training. Tracking Collars and GPS CollarIf you plan on traveling or adventuring with your dog, you may want to consider purchasing a GPS collar. They are also commonly recommended for dogs who are escape artists or flight risks. These collars feature a unit that tracks your pet's location and movement using global positioning satellite technology. This can help locate your dog if they wander off or get lost. There are two main types of GPS collars, such as: Basic Tracking Collars: The most common type, these collars rely on a nearby phone or device or the presence of a cellular network to pick up and transmit the collar’s location. Example: Fi Series 3 Smart Dog CollarHunting or Backcountry Trackers: These collars are a bigger investment due to their advanced tracking technology. They are designed to work in remote areas where basic tracking collars fail to connect. Example: Garmin Astro 430/T 5 Dog Tracking BundleAdditionally, tracking devices like the Tractive GPS Tracker for Dogs are separate units that can be attached to any collar, transforming your standard collar into a tracking collar. It should be noted that many tracking collars are not a “one and done” investment. Instead, you will need a monthly subscription for a small fee to keep using their network. For example, the subscription for Tractive devices starts at $5/month. If you cancel this subscription, you can no longer access the collar’s location.Flea/Tick CollarDesigned to help prevent fleas and ticks, these collars contain an anti-parasitic medication that is slowly released into your pet’s skin over time. Like a topical preventative, the active chemical is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. While all collars work by killing fleas and ticks if they bite, others will work to repel the pests from even showing interest. These collars are still a chemical product and should be approached with caution. Some dogs will have adverse reactions. If introducing a flea/tick collar for the first time, monitor your dog carefully for any sign of trouble. LED CollarA growing trend with a focus on nighttime safety, LED collars feature bright LED lights that can be turned on, either as a solid light or with various flashing patterns, to make your dog visible in the dark. They come in one basic size and can then be cut down to fit your dog, making the collar easy to adjust to dogs of any size. Many of these collars are a one-time-use product, needing to be replaced when the included battery dies. However, with a growing interest in sustainability, companies are now selling rechargeable options. Our dogs wear the Nite Ize NiteHowl Max Rechargeable LED Safety Necklace. If you don’t want to deal with a full LED collar or prefer something you can keep safely tucked away in your pocket or purse to pull out when needed, the Nite Ize SpotLit Rechargeable Collar Light is a great option. This little light just clips onto their existing collar or harness.

Should You Get a Slow Feeder for Your Cat?

You have a lot of options for feeding your cat their favorite foods, from basic bowls and dishes to high-tech automatic feeders and the latest slow feeders. But what are the benefits of slow feeders, which are designed to make cats eat more slowly? Here are a few of the main reasons why you might want to give these products a try.

How Do I Get My Dog Used to Car Rides?

Getting your pooch accustomed to car rides can make travel more enjoyable and less stressful for both of you. Whether it’s simply running errands, a trip to the vet, a visit to the park, or a longer journey for a vacation, you will need to make sure that your pet feels comfortable and at ease while driving around with you. Whether you’re looking to train a puppy to be calm and well-behaved during car rides or to help your adult dog feel less anxious when you are driving him, here are some general guidelines you should follow.How Do I Get My Dog Used to Car Rides?First and foremost, you want to take things slow and steady. Begin by allowing your pooch to get used to the car environment while the car is not running. Let them sniff around, explore, and sit in the car when the engine is off. This will help them get familiar with the car’s smells and space without the anxiety of movement. After this, you will want to create positive associations with the car itself, by offering treats, praise, and toys when your dog is in or around the vehicle. This positive reinforcement will help your dog associate the car with good experiences – and nothing says a good experience for a pooch like a yummy snack or being told you’re a good boy (or a girl). Once your doggo is comfortable just being inside a car that’s not moving, it’s time to start driving – but start with short trips first. A quick drive around the block or a short journey to the nearby park can be a good start. Keep these initial trips short to prevent overwhelming your dog.

Can You Leash and Harness Train a Rabbit?

Rabbits, with their adorable faces and curious personalities, are growing in popularity as companions and family members. While setting up a comfortable habitat with your rabbit’s basic needs is essential, we can’t overlook the importance of mental and physical enrichment.There are many great products to incorporate enrichment in their cage or pen. The options are endless, from adorable food puzzles and enrichment toys to climbing structures and tasty chews. One form of enrichment I have heard discussed more lately is using a leash and harness to take your rabbit outdoors safely.Leash training a rabbit is possible, but you must approach it with patience, understanding, and respect for their natural instincts. It’s a delicate process that requires a gentle hand and a deep understanding of your rabbit’s needs and limitations. You want to open the door to enjoyable experiences while keeping them safe.Let’s discuss the steps to successfully leash training a rabbit and how to know if your best friend will be comfortable with this.What Are the Benefits of Leash Training a Rabbit? If you’re hearing about leash training a rabbit for the first time, you may be wondering why you would consider teaching your rabbit to walk on a leash. While this activity is common with dogs, seeing other pets exploring while wearing a harness is less common. Still, it is gaining popularity with a growing number of adventure cats, leash-trained small animals, and even birds and reptiles learning to use these tools to go outdoors safely. Here are a few reasons you may want to consider introducing your rabbit to a harness and leash: Enjoy the Outdoors Safely There are many benefits a rabbit can enjoy from spending time outdoors, from the fresh air and sunshine to grazing on the fresh grass and clover. The new sounds, sights, smells, and experiences are a great way to enjoy mental and physical enrichment, but letting your rabbit run loose could put them at serious risk. Unless you have a secure outdoor cage to keep your rabbit safe, leash training is the only way to take them outside while avoiding danger like potential predators, toxins, traffic, and more. Keeping your bunny on a leash means you can take steps to keep them safe if a problem arises. Get Them Moving Many pets today struggle with obesity. While there are several potential causes of this obesity epidemic, one problem that veterinarians and experts often see is a lack of physical activity. You can incorporate more exercise into your schedule indoors, but this could introduce risk factors like small enclosures that don’t allow enough room to hop around freely or concerns about rabbit-proofing.The outdoors is a literal playground with plenty of space to play. Taking your rabbit out on a leash allows them to enjoy that area freely. Prevent Boredom Can you imagine spending all day, every day, in a small cage or enclosure? Unless you take steps to offer mental and physical enrichment opportunities to enhance your rabbit’s life, they run the risk of suffering from boredom. In time, boredom can lead to behavior problems. Some common signs of boredom in rabbits include: Over-grooming Excessive chewing on cage bars, furniture, or other things they shouldn’tDigging/shredding obsessivelyLoss of interest in usual activities Overeating (eating out of boredom)Weight gain Uncharacteristic aggression (growling, scratching, biting)Taking your rabbit out to spend some time outdoors on-leash is an excellent way to provide the mental stimulation they need. Each new smell and sound expands their world just a little further. The training process is another great way to challenge your rabbit’s mind. We often think of training dogs to sit or roll over, but rabbits can also be trained to do many things. From functional “tricks” like leash training or teaching your rabbit to use a litter box to introducing tricks like “spin” and “beg,” rabbits are intelligent animals who may just surprise you! Controlled Socialization Nothing is wrong with your rabbit meeting and engaging with other animals, but it must be done in a controlled and safe environment. This includes meeting with humans when out and about. That said, an introduction in their cage or habitat can be stressful as they feel cornered or unsafe. It can also create ongoing stress as they no longer see their habitat as a safe place where no one else can put them in harm’s way. Taking your rabbit out on a leash in an open space where they feel they have plenty of escape routes is a great way to approach this (assuming they are comfortable being on a leash by the time you do the introductions). It allows you to control the introductions while giving the illusion of freedom, allowing everyone to move at their own pace. Opportunities for Quality Time  Of course, when we bring a pet into our lives, one of the most significant benefits we experience is the love and companionship they offer us. But that’s a two-way street! Spending time interacting and engaging with you is also incredibly important for your rabbit. It’s not necessary to go outdoors to spend time together. However, if you and your rabbit both enjoy spending time outdoors, it’s a great opportunity to spend some time together and strengthen that special animal-human bond. Are Some Rabbit Breeds Better Suited for Leash Training? Any rabbit has the potential to enjoy spending time outdoors. However, some breeds may have natural personality traits that give them a little edge. For example, an anxious or uneasy rabbit won’t enjoy being forced into a new situation. Instead, you want to choose a rabbit that is calm even when faced with something new and unknown. Plus, some rabbit breeds are said to be easier to train. Based on the most common personality traits of each breed, some options you may want to consider include: Rex Holland Lop Dutch Himalayan Flemish GiantOf course, within each of those breeds will be some who aren’t suited for a life of outdoor adventure. Take time to get to know your rabbit, including their personal quirks and traits. Consider whether this is an activity they will enjoy, adding to the quality of their life, or one that will put them in an unpleasant and uncomfortable situation. After all, like people, no two rabbits are the same – some rabbits are homebodies and introverts, too!

Can Dogs Get Harvest Mites?

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

Does Your Dog Have Funky Smelling Facial Folds? Problem Solved!

(photo credit: WilleeCole Photography / shutterstock.com)We love ‘em to bits but our best buddies can be prone to various funky smells that come from both ends and all that furry space in between. From stinky ears, to bad breath and of course, those gassy intestinal issues. Yes, a wealth of different odours depending on the circumstance.But for pet parents living with brachycephalic dogs – or any dog with heavy folds and wrinkles – there is a whole new layer of smells that come from improperly cleaned crevices. It’s called pyoderma and it’s nasty.You see, the folds capture and retain moisture that, if left untreated, becomes a haven for bacteria. Over time, the skin ruptures because of the ongoing exposure to moisture and this can lead to painful, putrid-smelling infections and hefty vet bills.The Three-Step Solution?Take a targeted preventative approach to your pet’s hygiene. This not only eliminates potential infections but helps ensure your pet is more comfortable and is no longer persona non grata due to that funky odour.And it’s down to practicing these three simple steps on a regular basis:Wipe out all wrinkles, folds, and tail pockets with a warm, damp washcloth or one of the commercial wipes designed for cleaning wrinkly dogs.Once cleaned, use a cotton ball or soft dry towel to ensure each crevice is thoroughly dry.Dust inside each fold with a thin layer of unscented baby powder or grooming powder to help keep moisture out.What Leads to Pyoderma?It could be because your dog was bathed/swam/caught in the rain and never properly dried out. Perhaps his wet food found its way into his facial folds or it may be the build-up of smelly bacteria from a natural accumulation of skin oils. The bottom line is that if not cleaned and fully dried on a regular basis – two to three times a week - it languishes. And that’s when it starts to smell and cause your pet distress.So, prevention is key and there are a number of products that ensure it’s easy, inexpensive, and effective.Where to Start?One of the more basic solutions is to start with a simple wipe-down using scent-free baby wipes to clean between the individual folds. When done, be sure to thoroughly dry.

Cat Travels Hundreds of Miles to Find His Way Home

In yet another amazing story of a cat being reunited with their owners, a kitty from California made it home by traveling hundreds of miles after getting lost in Wyoming.

Using Innovative Cat Treats To Help Keep Your Pet’s Teeth Clean

NOTE: This is sponsored content produced in partnership with PetSmartCats are more than just pets; they're family. As loving cat owners, we strive to provide the best for our feline friends, ensuring they lead happy, healthy lives – and that starts with oral hygiene. Yes, keeping those pearly whites sparkly and that tuna breath less fishy might not be the first thing that came to mind when talking about the overall well-being of cats, but it’s true.Poor oral health can cause a variety of health issues for felines, ranging from gingivitis to serious systemic issues due to bacteria from the mouth entering your pet’s bloodstream. Needless to say, your kitty’s dental health should be taken seriously. That’s why we’re always on the lookout for some great products that can help maintain good oral hygiene without being difficult to use (brushing a cat’s teeth is not the easiest feat in the world, you’ll admit) – and Ark Naturals line of dental products called Kiss Me-Ow checks all of our little boxes.Made with the uniqueness and pickiness of felines in mind, these products cater to their taste preferences while addressing their dental needs. Whether your cat loves crunchy treats or prefers something soft and lickable, Kiss Me-ow has the perfect solution in the form of dental chews or liquid treats. 

A Pot Belly Dog? What’s That About?

That round tummy may need some attention.