How Long Do Pet Rats Usually Live?

10 Tips and Tricks for Looking After Your First Hamster

Bringing home your first hamster can be both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. These tiny, adorable pets are low-maintenance compared to larger animals, but they still require proper care and attention to thrive. Here are some essential tips and tricks to help you be the best hamster parent possible.

Dog Cured of Cancer in Clinical Trial

In amazing news, a Golden Retriever named Lola was cured of cancer after receiving a new treatment as part of a clinical trial at UC Davis. Diagnosed in 2023, the 9-year-old dog was originally given less than six months to live, as her aggressive oral melanoma had spread to the lungs. But that prognosis changed after she was referred to the UC Davis William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.  

Doorbell Cam Catches Emotional Moment as Mailman Delivers Dog’s Ashes

When Krysten Klapatauskas opened her front door earlier this month, she wasn’t expecting to break down in tears. But there was her mail carrier, Malachi Knox, standing quietly on the porch with a box in his hands. A small box. The kind no pet owner ever wants to receive.Inside were the ashes of her dog, Stoli, a German shepherd who had been part of her life for a decade.Stoli died on the Fourth of July after a battle with cancer. She was ten years old. Her remains had been shipped back to Krysten’s home in Wausau, Wisconsin, and by some twist of fate, the person tasked with delivering them was the one person outside her family who had known Stoli best.Knox had been delivering mail in the neighborhood for years. He and Stoli had a daily ritual, one that both of them seemed to enjoy. “She’d bark at him, but it wasn’t serious,” Krysten said. “When she was out on the porch, she’d wait for him. She’d roll over for belly rubs. It was their thing.”So when Krysten saw him standing there with the box, it all hit at once. The grief she had been holding back, the finality of what she was receiving, and the unexpected comfort of a familiar face. She broke down and started to cry.The moment was captured by her doorbell camera. In the video, Knox doesn’t rush away. He steps closer, sits down beside her, and places a gentle hand on her shoulder. After a few seconds, she leans into him, and they sit together quietly on the steps. No one says much, there’s not much that needs to be said.“It meant everything to me that it was him,” Krysten said later. “He knew her. She wasn’t just a name on a label. And he didn’t treat it like just another delivery.”Knox later commented on the video, which Krysten shared online. “I know how it feels to lose a fluffy friend,” he wrote. “Please show compassion and kindness. It means the world.”That comment, and the video itself, struck a chord. People from all over started sharing it, sending messages of support, and sharing their own stories of pets they had lost and small moments of kindness that helped them through it.But what made this moment so touching wasn’t just that it was caught on camera. It felt so honest, there was no plan, no performance. It was just a man, doing his job, who understood what that small box meant to the person standing in front of him.Krysten didn’t post the video for attention. She shared it because, in her words, “we need more of this in the world.” More people who pause. More people who show up in quiet, simple ways.She still misses Stoli every day. “It’s a strange kind of silence,” she said. “You go to open the door and you expect her to be there.”But she’s grateful for that final moment and the way it unfolded. And for the person who brought Stoli home one last time.This video is a reminder that kindness doesn’t need to be loud or dramatic to be powerful. Sometimes it’s just sitting down next to someone when they need it most.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Things to Consider Before Getting a Ferret

Ferrets can make great pets, with their high energy level and fun-loving personalities, but they aren’t right for everyone. If you’ve been thinking about bringing a ferret into your family, there are several things to consider before you do. As with any type of pet, you want to be sure you know what to expect, and you want to be certain you’ll be able to provide your ferret with the care they need.

5 Tips to Stop Puppies From Chewing Everything in Sight

Bringing home a new puppy is exciting, but many new dog owners are quickly reminded that puppies have a natural tendency to chew anything within reach—shoes, furniture, cords, and sometimes even your hands. While chewing is a normal behavior that helps with teething, exploration, and stress relief, it can become destructive if it’s not managed properly. The good news is that with the right guidance and consistency, you can redirect this behavior and protect your belongings. Here are five effective tips to stop puppies from chewing everything in sight.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

How Season Changes Can Affect Your Pets (and What You Can Do About It)

Just like us, our furry (or feathery or scaly) companions can feel the shift when the seasons change. While they may not be reaching for pumpkin spice lattes or sunscreen, pets are surprisingly sensitive to changes in weather, daylight, and temperature.Understanding how these changes affect them can help you keep your pet comfortable, healthy, and happy year-round.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

Is Your Picky Pup Turning Their Nose Up Again? Here’s a Tasty Fix

Human-grade, vet-approved meals delivered straight to your door.If you’ve ever watched your dog sniff, push, or even turn away from their bowl, you know the frustration. You want them to enjoy mealtime, get the nutrition they need, and (let’s be honest) stop wasting money on food they won’t touch.Enter The Pets Table, a premium, personalized dog food service designed to make picky pups excited for every meal.

3 Strange Things Your Dog Might Do When They’re Sick

Dogs can’t tell us when they’re feeling unwell, but they often express discomfort in ways that seem odd. As a pet parent, recognizing these subtle signals early can make all the difference. Here are three unusual behaviors that might mean your dog isn’t feeling their best.

Animal Shelters in NYC Hit Record Number of Pets, Suspend Intakes

Like animal shelters in other parts of the country that are overcrowded, those in New York City are desperate to find homes for the many pets who are up for adoption, including dogs, cats, and rabbits. The NYC shelters have hit record numbers of animals and are no longer able to take any others, so they put out a call for help. If you or someone you know are thinking about getting a pet, it’s worth seeing the many beautiful animals available at Animal Care Centers of New York City (ACC).

Tamiflu Might Help Cats Recover from Bird Flu

We’ve covered some cases of cats contracting bird flu and unfortunately dying from the infection. Cases were linked to cats consuming raw food or raw milk, and some pet foods were recalled after they were found to be contaminated with the virus. But now it doesn’t have to be so hopeless: experts have discovered that Tamiflu may help cats recover from H5N1.

7 Important Things to Consider When Getting a Pet Lizard

Lizards can make fascinating pets. With their unique personalities, vibrant colors, and intriguing behaviors, they’re a step away from the typical dog or cat. But before bringing one home, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into. Let’s take a look at some key things to consider. Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Vegan Dog Food? Don't Rule it Out!

Research out of the UK claims that nutritionally speaking, its not that different than a meat-based diet.

New York's Bodega Cats Are a Social Media Sensation

Drawing tourists and followers to more than 10,000 area convenience stores, these hard-working felines are going viral (in a good way).

Top Veterinary Schools Teach Students How to Spot and Report Abuse

Universities in Ontario and Florida focus on animal forensics, identifying the signs of abuse and how to provide expert legal testimony when the time comes.

Why Do My Cats Keep Fighting?

If you live with more than one cat, you’ve probably seen them swat, hiss, or even tumble around the room in what looks like a brawl. Some back-and-forth is normal, but if your cats seem to fight often or it gets intense, it can be stressful for everyone in the house. Let’s look at why this happens and what you can do to keep the peace.

How to Stop Your Puppy from Digging Up Your Yard

Digging comes naturally to puppies. It’s part curiosity, part instinct, and sometimes just a way to burn off energy. While a little dirt on their paws might be cute, constant digging can quickly turn your yard into a mess. The good news? With the right strategies, you can redirect your pup’s digging habit into healthier, yard-friendly behavior.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Simple Fire Safety Tips That Could Save Your Pet’s Life

It’s something no pet owner ever wants to think about, but house fires happen fast, and when they do, our pets rely entirely on us to get them out safely. While most families have some fire escape plan, very few account for the animals in the house. Just ask Melissa Carter, a dog mom of three from Asheville, North Carolina. “A few years ago, we had a kitchen fire while I was at work,” she said. “Thankfully, it was put out quickly, but I kept thinking—if it had spread, what would’ve happened to my dogs? That’s when I realized we had no plan.” According to the American Red Cross, more than 500,000 pets are affected by house fires each year. And while many fires are unpredictable, some are started by pets - accidentally turning on stovetops or knocking over candles. Here’s how pet owners can lower the risk and be ready in case the unthinkable happens. No Open Flames Around Curious Paws Candles, fireplaces, and stovetops are major hazards in homes with pets, especially with curious cats and counter-surfing dogs. “I had a cat once who jumped on the stove and turned the burner on,” said Dr. Hannah Lane, a veterinarian in Portland, Oregon. “Luckily, I smelled the gas in time. After that, I bought knob covers and switched to battery candles.”Many fire departments also recommend using flameless candles, especially in households with pets left alone during the day.Keep Leashes, Carriers, and ID Tags HandyIf you have to evacuate in a hurry, scrambling to find your pet’s leash or carrier wastes precious seconds. Store them near the exit, along with a go-bag that includes food, water, and medication.“During wildfires in California, we saw a lot of people trying to carry dogs in their arms because they couldn’t find leashes,” said firefighter and pet safety advocate Jason McBride. “A little preparation goes a long way.”Microchipping your pet and keeping ID tags up to date is essential. If a frightened dog bolts or a cat slips out during an evacuation, this is what helps bring them home.Pet Alert Stickers Can Make a Big DifferenceYou’ve probably seen those little “Pet Inside” stickers on windows and doors. They’re not just for show; emergency responders really do look for them.“We always check the entryways for pet alert decals,” said firefighter Laura Kim from Denver, Colorado. “If we know there’s a dog or cat inside, we’ll do everything we can to get them out.”These stickers are inexpensive, and many shelters and vet offices offer them for free.Include Pets in Your Escape PlanEvery household should have a fire escape plan, but make sure it includes your pets. Assign one person to be responsible for each pet, and do occasional practice runs so animals don’t panic when it counts.“We’ve trained our dog Rufus to go to the door when the smoke alarm goes off,” said Marcus Hill from Austin, Texas. “It’s not perfect, but he knows something’s up when he hears it.”If your pets tend to hide when frightened, try to identify their go-to hiding spots and keep them accessible.When You’re Not HomeMany fires happen while owners are away, which makes it even more important to minimize risk. Unplug small appliances, keep doors closed to limit your pet’s roaming, and consider using smart smoke detectors that can alert you remotely.“I check our pet cam during my lunch break,” said Melissa. “It’s saved my sanity more than once.” In the end, it’s not about being paranoid, it’s about being prepared. A few simple steps today could be the reason your pet makes it out tomorrow. And for most of us, that’s more than enough reason to act.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