How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Too Fast

How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Your Cat's Food

If your dog keeps sneaking bites from the cat’s dish, you’re not alone. Many dogs are drawn to cat food because it smells and tastes richer than their own.While an occasional nibble might seem harmless, regularly eating cat food can actually lead to health problems for your dog and cause tension with your cat. Here’s how to handle it.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

How Do I Stop My Dog From Eating Everything?

We often hear about the importance of getting out and walking our dogs. But what do you do if your dog is determined to eat everything in sight every time you are out and about? Not only is this behavior frustrating, but it can also be very dangerous. There is the risk that your dog will eat a toxic substance or swallow something that causes a life-threatening gastrointestinal blockage.If this concerns you, you’re not alone! It’s a struggle faced by many dog parents. In this article, I will share 8 solutions to stop your dog from eating everything. Proper management is the key to keeping your pup safe.Why Does My Dog Eat Literally Everything?For most dogs, the desire to scavenge and eat everything they can find is nothing more than an instinct. In the wild, your dog’s ancestors had to find enough food daily to meet their nutritional needs. This often meant eating things that may have been less than desirable to get through from one solid meal to the next.While your pup has the guarantee of a full food dish waiting for them, they may still pick up anything they believe is edible without giving it a second thought.There is a chance that your dog is trying to tell you that there is something bigger going on. A dog that is missing something in their diet may eat items they find to meet this need. This could also indicate that they are still hungry for medical reasons. If they are suffering from a condition preventing them from feeling satisfied or absorbing the nutrients they need, this could lead to scavenging for food.Finally, there is a small chance that your dog is suffering from a condition known as Pica. This disorder is when a dog compulsively eats or chews on non-food items. This may present as an obsession with eating rocks, dirt, plastic, cloth, or cardboard. This behavior must be addressed for your dog’s health and safety.These unusual eating habits could also result from boredom, anxiety, or a need for mental enrichment.

How to Stop Your Dog from Watching You While You Eat

Most dog owners are familiar with the feeling of being watched during meals. The steady gaze, the quiet presence, and the hopeful expression are all part of a behavior that can become a daily challenge. Some dog owners might not mind it, but, for others, it can make mealtimes less enjoyable. With a few adjustments and consistent training, you can help your dog learn to give you space while you eat.

How to Stop Your Dog From Barking During the Night

If your dog keeps you up at night with constant barking, you should know it’s not just you. It’s one of the most common frustrations for dog owners, especially when all you want is a good night’s sleep. The good news is that with a little patience and consistency, you can help your pup settle down and stay quiet through the night.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Looking for Ways to Stop Your Dog From Mouthing?

If your pooch is no longer a welcome visitor because of his playful mouthing, a little patience and training can turn that around.

Why Is My Pet Bird Losing Feathers?

Feather loss in pet birds can be alarming. Their vibrant plumage is part of what makes them so striking - and when feathers start falling out unexpectedly, it’s often a sign that something’s wrong. While some feather loss is completely normal, other cases may point to a health issue, environmental stress, or behavioral problem.Here’s what you need to know about the most common causes.Molting: Normal Feather LossThe most common reason birds lose feathers is molting, which is a natural process where old or damaged feathers are replaced by new ones. Most pet birds molt once or twice a year, and it can last for several weeks.During molting:You’ll see feathers at the bottom of the cageNew “pin feathers” may poke through the skinYour bird may seem a bit less active but should still be eating and behaving normallyWhen to worry: If the feather loss seems uneven, happens outside of molting season, or is focused in certain areas, it could be a sign of something else.Stress and Environmental FactorsBirds are highly sensitive to changes in their surroundings. Stress can lead to a behavioral issue called feather plucking, where the bird pulls out its own feathers.Possible stressors include:Loud noises or sudden changes in routineBoredom or lack of enrichmentA new pet or person in the householdInadequate lighting or poor cage placementDrafty rooms or fluctuating temperaturesBirds need a consistent day/night cycle, a quiet and safe environment, and regular mental stimulation to stay healthy - both physically and emotionally.

How Do I Keep My Bird Entertained?

Birds are smart, social animals that need regular stimulation to stay mentally and physically healthy. Without enough enrichment, birds can become bored, stressed, or even develop behavioral and health issues. The good news is that there are many simple, effective ways to keep your bird engaged every day.Provide a Variety of ToysToys are one of the easiest ways to keep your bird busy and entertained. Birds love to chew, shred, and explore, so choose toys made from bird-safe materials like wood, rope, or plastic. Items with moving parts, bells, or textures can be especially engaging. Puzzle toys and foraging toys that encourage problem-solving are excellent for mental stimulation.

Do You Know How to Read the Ingredients Label of Your Pet's Food?

A decade-old lawsuit, citing the lack of bacon content in Purina's popular Beggin' Strips, failed in the courts, yet heightened awareness of pet food ingredients.

It's a Dog Fight as PETA Takes on AKC

Citing the iconic organization's "blueprint for breeding unhealthy dogs" has the American Kennel Club (AKC) pushing back.

2025 Pet Parasite Warning: Lyme & Heartworm Risk Up

As responsible pet parents, we need to stay informed about potential threats to the health and well-being of our best friends. One such threat is the ever-present threat of parasites like fleas and ticks, and the diseases they carry. The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC), a leading authority on these pests, has just released its 2025 Pet Parasite Forecast, and it’s not looking good. The report highlights a growing risk for Lyme disease and heartworm. Based on a staggering 10 million diagnostic tests conducted annually, the CAPC has an impressive 94% accuracy rate in predicting the prevalence of these diseases. Their latest forecast indicates that Lyme disease and heartworm continue to spread across the United States. This isn’t just a static problem in a single area of the country; it’s an evolving one, driven by the shifting populations of ticks and mosquitoes – the culprits behind these nasty diseases. Specifically, the forecast points to a continued southward and westward spread of Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness that can cause serious joint pain, lameness, and even kidney problems in our pets. The upper Midwest and Northeast remain high-risk zones. Another tick-borne disease, anaplasmosis, is following a similar pattern of expansion. Meanwhile, ehrlichiosis, another tick-transmitted disease, is holding strong in the Southeast and creeping further north into the upper Midwest and New England. Meanwhile, the CAPC warns of an increasing spread of heartworm in the southeastern United States, particularly along the Atlantic coast and up the Mississippi River. Much of the middle of the country, stretching from Kansas to Maryland, is facing a heightened risk this year. They also highlight areas of growing concern in New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, North Dakota, and Northern California. While this news likely feels a little unsettling, it does for me, we must remember that knowledge is power. Understanding these risks is the first step in keeping our pets safe. Step two is prevention. The CAPC emphasizes that the risk isn't zero even in areas with a “low risk” designation. That’s why year-round parasite preventative measures are so crucial. This is even more important for pets like dogs and adventure cats who enjoy spending time outdoors where they are more likely to be exposed. Consistent use of veterinarian-recommended preventives for both ticks and heartworm is the best way to shield your pet from these diseases. Beyond protecting your pet, it’s important to remember that we must also consider our own risk factors. Areas with high rates of heartworm and tick-borne diseases in dogs and cats often indicate a greater risk for us humans as well, as we share the same environments. So, what can you do? The first step is to talk with your vet about the specific risks in your area and your pet’s lifestyle. With that information, you can work together to develop a tailored prevention plan. This might include year-round medication, regular testing, and even vaccinations where available (like for Lyme disease). Ultimately, staying informed and taking proactive steps to lower the risk is key to ensuring our pets live long, healthy, and happy lives, free from the burden of these preventable diseases. Your best friend will thank you. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

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.

Could Your Dog or Cat Be Protecting Your Brain as You Age?

As loving pet parents, we’re constantly looking for ways to give our best friend the best possible quality of life, from focusing on high-quality nutrition to engaging toys and plenty of cuddles. But what if the love and care we shower on our pets also comes with a remarkable benefit for us? A recent study has revealed fascinating insights into how owning a dog or cat might actually help preserve certain brain functions as we age. This isn’t just about the joy they bring; it’s about a potential, long-term impact on our cognitive health. Led by Adriana Rostekova, this study used over 18 years of data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe to examine the relationship between pet ownership and brain function in adults aged 50 and older. The findings are not just interesting, they’re surprisingly specific! The study examined two key aspects of cognition: episodic memory and executive functioning. Episodic memory is your ability to recall personal experiences, like remembering what you had for breakfast or where you parked your car. Executive functioning, on the other hand, is a set of skills you use every day to manage tasks, make plans, and solve problems. Both are key aspects of a strong, healthy mind, especially as the impact of aging begins to take hold as we move into our golden years.  Researchers found that owning a pet, in general, was associated with a protective effect on brain health; however, the link was strongest for dog and cat owners. It appears that our furry friends may offer a unique form of mental stimulation. The daily routine of caring for a dog or cat, the physical activity involved, and the rich emotional connection can all contribute to keeping the brain active. Think of the mental workout that comes from remembering your dog’s daily walk schedule or trying to interpret the subtle cues of your cat’s loud meowing. What’s particularly interesting in this study is the distinction it makes between different types of pets. While fish and birds are beloved companions and loving members of our family, their owners did not show the same protective effects. “Several explanations may help explain the absence of this association in fish and bird owners, despite the reports of their ownership’s positive influence on wellbeing in ways that are usually associated with cognitive benefits,” explained Rostekova. “ A fish or bird’s short lifespan may potentially limit the level of emotional connection one is able to develop with the pet first. Bird ownership may negatively affect the owner’s sleep quality due to the increased noise levels, which has been shown to be associated with cognitive decline.”On the other hand, it could be more about what being a dog or cat parent adds to our lives. A dog’s need for daily exercise gets us out and about, often leading to social interactions with other people, which is another well-known factor in cognitive health. A cat, while often more independent, still provides companionship and a comforting presence. It’s important to remember that this study shows a correlation, not a direct cause-and-effect relationship. It’s possible that individuals who are already healthier and more socially active are more likely to adopt a pet in the first place. Further study is needed to get to the truth of the matter. But for those of us who are already committed to giving our animals the best life, this is simply another reason to celebrate that special bond. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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.

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.

Are Communal Water Bowls Safe for Dogs? Not Really!

Why Dogs Circle Before Lying Down

Does your dog turn a few slow circles before finally plopping down to rest? It’s one of those quirky habits that almost every dog does, yet few people stop to wonder why. The truth is, this seemingly odd ritual is deeply rooted in instinct, biology, and comfort. Here’s what you need to know.

5 Helpful Things to Donate to Animal Shelters This Fall

During fall, many animal shelters experience an increase in animals needing care. Whether you’re a lifelong animal lover or simply want to make a difference this season, your donations can have a meaningful impact. By giving even a few essential supplies, you’ll help shelters provide the best possible care for their furry residents. Here are five thoughtful items you can donate to your local animal shelter. Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Fall Activities for Dogs!

With cooler temperatures, this is the best time of year to take the pooch for a long walk, engage in outdoor activity, or simply snuggle in at home.