How to Welcome Your Adopted Senior Dog: 7 Must-Have Essentials

All 700+ Cats Survive as Hurricane Rips Through Hawaiian Sanctuary

When Hurricane Lala tore across the Hawaii islands, staff at the Lānaʻi Cat Sanctuary had one overriding mission: get every single one of their 700-plus cats through the storm alive — and they did.Now, have you ever met a wet cat that was happy? Me neither! So, one can only imagine what it was like for shelter staff to return following the powerful winds and heavy rain that hammered the small Hawaiian island of Lānaʻi, and immediately be tasked with calming and caring for the 700 felines that had called the site home before nature's fury ripped it apart.But once the worst of the storm had passed, word quickly spread among the santuary's team that despite the ferocious weather, the secure habitats and perimeter fencing remained intact. Meaning that happily, all of the Lānaʻi Lions - as they're affectionately dubbed - were safe and accounted for. Methinks likely wet, frantic, and seriously ticked off... but alive and safe.Undoubtedly, that outcome alone brought the shelter workers enormous relief in that moment... however the surrounding wreckage soon revealed just how much work still lay ahead.You see, the floodwater had pushed through parts of the property, tree limbs had fallen and debris was scattered everywhere. Several structures also took a beating including their newly built carport, storage facility, and around 30 cat houses that would now need to be replaced. Staff advise that the damaged houses play a key role in the cats' daily lives by providing them with places to rest, retreat, and feel secure throughout the day. No surprise, replacement and repair will represent real time and expense for the small island refuge and that's estimated to come in at between $15,000 and $20,000.But sweat equity is never in short supply at an animal rescue and the relieved workers were just happy that their most critical protective systems worked exactly as they should, when they should. Heartened by the survival of their furry charges, they confirm that progress is already being made with the sanctuary having reopened to visitors at time of writing.For those of us who share space with a feline, a canine, or any other companion critter, having a natural disaster emergency plan in place can help keep all family members safe.

What Are The Risks Of Posting Your Pets On Social Media?

It’s easy to see why people love sharing pet photos online, but even a simple post can come with risks you might not expect.Before you hit “share,” it’s worth thinking about what you’re putting out there and how it could affect you and your pet. Let’s get into it.

Why Learning Your Dog’s Play Style Matters for Their Quality of Life

We often view playtime with our furry friends as a way to burn excess energy or enjoy a few moments of laughter after a long day. However, for our pups, play is so much more than that! It’s a fundamental need driven by their natural instincts that directly affects their cognitive health. By shifting our focus from “playing with our dog” to “understanding how our dog plays,” we unlock a new level of communication and connection. Every leap, tug, and search tells us about their unique personality and physical needs for a happy, healthy life. Recognizing your dog's play style and incorporating it into your daily routine will do more than just provide entertainment. It can truly improve their quality of life! Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article, but at no cost to you.The Science of Play To really understand why your dog gravitates to specific activities, toys, and games, we must look beyond the backyard and into the evolutionary history of dogs in general. For them, play is rarely random. It is actually a way of practicing their hunting skills. In the wild, this sequence of behaviors involves a specific order of operations: orient, eye-stalk, chase, grab-bite, kill-bite, dissect, and consume. In addition to practicing and perfecting their hunting skills, play also serves several critical roles in their development and mental health. Motor Skill Refinement: Play allows dogs to practice more complex movements, such as pivoting, sprinting, and grasping, in a safe environment. Stress Regulation: Engaging in these play behaviors triggers the release of dopamine and endorphins, which help lower cortisol levels and make it easier for your dog to recover emotionally after an anxious or stressful event. Social Communication: Through play, dogs learn the nuances of communicating with one another (and with you) using body language. For modern domestic dogs, selective breeding and individual personality have altered this sequence. While some dogs are wired to find the “chase” most rewarding, others find the “dissect” (ever seen your dog tear their toy apart) or “grab-bite” phase more satisfying. Identifying which behaviors resonate with your dog is the first step in providing the enrichment they crave. Factors Influencing Your Dog’s Play Preferences While every dog is an individual, with their own personality, their preferred play style is typically shaped at least partially by three main factors: Genetic PredispositionHerding breeds (like Border Collies) often prioritize the eye-stalk and chase phases, skills used in herding. Terriers typically have a strong drive to grab-bite and kill-bite (often seen as vigorous shaking of a toy) because they have been bred to hunt rodents and other small prey. Over generations, their focus on these specific behaviors has been nurtured and refined, making them better at the job their breeds are expected to perform. Life Stage and Physical CapabilityOf course, as our dogs age or experience physical changes in their bodies (such as the result of an injury or illness), their ability to carry out some of these behaviors can be affected. This, in turn, can lead to a change in their play style. An enthusiastic wrestler as a puppy may grow into a searcher or dissector as they get older, seeking activities that are lower-impact but still mentally fulfilling. Early SocializationThe types of play your dog was exposed to during critical developmental periods as a puppy can directly impact their “comfort zone” as an adult. For example, if a puppy grew up playing fetch regularly and was rewarded for it, they may internalize that positive association and show a preference for fetch as an adult. The Most Common Dog Play Styles Once we understand the “why” behind our dog’s behavior, we can begin categorizing their behavior into specific play styles. While most dogs have a favorite style, many are “multimodal,” meaning they enjoy and happily engage with different styles depending on their environment or the toys they have been given. By learning these categories, we can not only plan targeted playtime but also buy the right toys to meet their needs. The Chaser (Fetch & Movement) For these dogs, the thrill is entirely in the pursuit of their “prey.” They are often high-energy pups who prioritize the orient, eye-stalk, and chase portions of the predatory sequence. Our boy, Lucifer, falls into this category, thanks to the herding instincts that he inherited as an Australian Cattle Dog mix. You may notice your dog hover or stare intensely at a ball, wait for the slightest hand movement, and find more satisfaction in the run than in actually holding or engaging with the toy. This is great for cardio exercise and building focus; however, you need to be careful with repetitive high-impact stops and turns. Varying the terrain and distance during games of fetch can help protect their joints over time. Preferred Toys: Balls, discs, or “chuck-it” style launchers that allow for long-distance fetch and high visibilityThe Wrestler (Physical Engagement)Wrestling is a highly social and physically interactive play style. It is characterized by body-slamming, “mouthing,” and pinning one another. This style is less about external objects and more about connection with a play partner, whether that’s a dog or a human friend. You may notice deep play-growls, play bows, or your dog rolling onto their back during play. This is the category our Anatolian Shepherd mix, Willow, falls into. This play style is great for building social confidence, as it is so deeply ingrained in the body language communication between playmates. It’s also a great opportunity for younger pups to learn inhibited biting (the ability to control the pressure of their mouth to “play bite” without actually causing harm). But keep an eye open for signs of over-arousal. Healthy wrestling should include frequent pauses, allowing both parties to rest before continuing. Preferred Toys: Large, durable plush toys or oversized heavy-duty balls that the dog can lean into, wrestle with, or kick at with their hind legs

Living with a Tiny Dog? Here's How to Snuggle Up Safely

This Robot Vacuum Handles the Job Every Pet Owner Hates—Now on Sale!

Meet the smarter way to clean floors—no scrubbing, no stress.Most robot vacuums handle the everyday stuff—dust, crumbs, pet hair. But when it comes to dried spills, muddy footprints, or stubborn stains, people usually end up back on their hands and knees.And that’s not a rare scenario. Research shows people spend nearly an hour a week cleaning floors, with kitchens alone getting attention close to 20 times a month.Even with that effort, tough stains remain one of the biggest frustrations—especially in busy households or homes with pets where mess is constant.That’s where the ECOVACS DEEBOT X12 OmniCyclone changes the equation—raising the bar for what a robot vacuum can actually take off your plate. Get yours today for a limited-time promotional price of $1,249 (down from $1,499.99)!

Poochmaxxing is Really a Thing.

Nope, its not about hoarding dogs or overfeeding your pooch. It's a bit more complex...

This Vlogger Helped His Golden Retriever Welcome Her Adorable 11 Pups

Joey Graceffa had quite the night when his golden retriever, Monty, went into labor and eventually welcomed 11 puppies into the world!Check out this gorgeous video he shared.

How to Enjoy a Comfortable Camping Trip with Your Dog

There is nothing quite like waking up to the sounds of birds singing and a fresh pot of coffee brewing over the campfire with your best friend by your side. Camping with our dogs is truly one of the best summer experiences, but as responsible and loving dog parents, we know that a successful trip often comes down to one big factor: our dogs’ comfort. New surroundings, hot summer days, dropping nighttime temperatures, and shifting routines can easily mess with your dog’s ability to relax and enjoy their vacation. Plus, if they aren’t cozy and settled, nobody is getting a good night’s sleep! Whether you’re taking your dog camping for the first time or looking to improve your outdoor setup, ensuring your dog feels safe, warm, and well cared for makes all the difference. Here are tips and tricks from my years of experience camping with dogs to help you create the ideal home away from home among the trees.  Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article, but at no cost to you.Sticking to the Daily Mealtime Routine Outdoor adventures bring plenty of new sights, smells, and experiences, but your dog’s diet shouldn’t be one of them. A dog’s digestive system thrives on consistency. Making sudden changes to what your dog is eating, or even when they are being fed, can cause stomach upset or other problems, especially if you’re miles from the nearest veterinarian. It might be tempting to treat your pup to extra table scraps around the campfire or switch to a high-calorie food just for the trip; after all, you’re planning on plenty of activity hiking, swimming, and exploring together. But sudden changes in food can trigger gastrointestinal problems. That’s why it’s so important to transition any food-related changes gradually over time. Instead, the best approach is to keep their main diet exactly the same as what they eat at home. If you practice rotational feeding, stick to a protein source that they are fully adjusted to rather than introducing a new ingredient at camp. This also means resisting those pleasing puppy eyes and sticking to familiar treats. Adjusting Portions for Your Dog’s Energy Needs While their food shouldn’t change, the amount they eat may need a slight adjustment based on their activity levels. Hiking, swimming, and simply staying warm in cooler evening temperatures, especially during shoulder-season adventures, can burn significantly more calories than a typical day hanging out at home. If this is the case for your trip, you can increase your dog’s daily serving slightly (typically by 10% to 20% depending on the intensity of your activities) to support their energy needs without overfeeding. Avoid giving your pup a large meal immediately before or after any heavy physical activity to lower the risk of bloat or stomach cramps. Give them 30 to 45 minutes to settle down before serving up their meal. Safe Food Storage Another important point to consider is how to properly store your dog’s food to keep it fresh and safely out of reach from curious local critters. One approach we use when backpacking is to measure out individual meals into reusable food-grade storage bags before we leave home. Not only does this save space (as you’re only bringing what you need), but it also makes mealtime quicker and easier so you can focus on enjoying your vacation. Moisture and heat can spoil dog food quickly. If you aren’t using storage bags, consider storing their food in airtight containers. Finally, always practice wildlife safety. Pack your dog’s food, bowls, and treats inside your bear canister, bear bin, hard-sided vehicle, or food hang alongside your own food. Dog food scents are just as enticing to wildlife as human food, and that smell can linger on their dishes long after your pup is done eating. The Importance of Proper HydrationStaying hydrated is just as essential for your dog’s safety and comfort as it is for yours. Between the extra physical activity and the time spent outdoors in the elements, your dog will naturally drink more water than usual. However, managing their hydration at camp will require a bit more thought than simply filling up a bowl at home. Hidden Risks of Natural Water SourcesIt can be tempting to let your dog drink freely from a stream or quiet lake, but natural water sources carry hidden dangers that can quickly ruin your camping trip. Stagnant water, streams, and lakes can harbor microscopic parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Ingesting these can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, or intense stomach cramps. Warm weather can cause cyanobacteria ( blue-green algae) to bloom in stagnant or slow-moving water. These algae blooms produce toxins that can be fatal to dogs, often within just hours of ingestion. Rule of Thumb: If you wouldn’t drink water without filtering or boiling it first, don’t let your dog drink it either! Packing Fresh Water To keep your pup safe and hydrated, always pack or account for enough clean, drinkable water to cover both of you, plus some extra as an emergency reserve. A general guideline is that your dog will need about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day under normal conditions. On an active camping trip, they may require double that to compensate for exercise and heat. If safe drinking water isn’t available at your campsite, carry enough bottled or filtered water for the full stay, or bring a reliable water filtration system that works for both you and your pup. We love the simplicity of the Grayl GeoPress bottle. Dog Not Drinking? Some dogs get anxious or distracted by new environments and drink less than they should. Dehydration isn’t something you want to play around with. The risks to your dog’s health and well-being are too great. If your dog is reluctant to drink, you can try splashing a little dog-safe bone broth into their water bowl to entice them.

Found a Lost Dog? Here’s What to Do Next

Years ago, I was driving through a rural area on a fairly busy road when I spotted a dog out of the corner of my eye. It looked out of place and was standing dangerously close to traffic.I turned my car around, found a safe place to park, and went to check on it. Thankfully, this story has a happy ending, which I’ll share later.But first, if you’ve ever wondered what to do with a lost dog, there are a few important steps that can help keep the animal safe and increase the chances of reuniting it with its owner.With a careful approach, a few simple checks, and help from the right local resources, you may be able to help a lost dog find its way back home.

Should Evacuation Pre-Work Be Part of Travel Planning With Your Pet?

Crisis in Dubai highlights need to prepare your furry travelling companion for foreign evacuations.

Want to Enrich Your Dog's Life? Here's How!

Simple, minor changes that respect daily routines while adding a hint of the unexpected are the way to go.

Things to Consider Before Getting a Rabbit

Rabbits are irresistibly cute and surprisingly smart, so you might be thinking about getting one as a pet. But before you do, it’s important to learn how to care for them properly. Despite being small, they have specific needs and aren’t the easiest pets to keep. To help you make the right decision, we’ve put together a short list of some of the main things to consider before bringing a pet rabbit home.

How to Protect Your Cat from Ticks

Ticks aren’t just annoying, they can be dangerous to people and pets, and tick bites can transmit diseases to cats. According to Cornell, those diseases include bobcat fever, rabbit fever, feline infectious anemia, babesiosis, and ehrlichiosis. Because the diseases transmitted by ticks can cause serious symptoms or be life-threatening to your cats, it’s critical that you become aware of the risks and learn how to keep your cat safe.

The 71-Day Rescue That Proved Patience Beats Any Trap

**For anyone who has ever lost their pet or found another, the story of a frightened stray named Wally, will certainly tug at the heart strings.You see, this little guy kept would-be rescuers at bay for a full 10 weeks. Yes, for 70+ days wee Wally reportedly managed to evade every attempt to bring him to safety. It was a slightly different approach taken by one very patient woman, that ultimately secured the wayward pooch. It seems area resident Jasmine Lawson decided that his fear deserved patience instead of pressure.And that's where the story, as well as Wally's luck, made a 180-degree turn. Because sometimes the fastest way to rescue a frightened dog isn't to outrun him, but to simply build trust and wait him out.What worked in Wally's particular situation is something we should all keep in mind should we ever spot a stray roaming around a busy road or parking lot. Because the logic behind it is that a dog who runs from you is not refusing help, but simply does not yet believe help is safe.Why a Scared Stray Runs From the People Trying to HelpAccording to those in-the-know, fearful Wally had spent more than two months in the Walmart parking lot, surrounded by moving cars, constant noise, and, this caused him to understandably, keep his distance from everyone who tried to approach. Yes, caution was this stray's only form of protection but it was also preventing him from being rescued..But Lawson determined she would succeed where others had failed. She understood that every attempt had to be carefully planned and that moving too quickly on the ever-alert Wally could instantly erase whatever progress had been made..What a Humane Trap Can and Cannot DoSo, after her first rescue attempt failed, Jasmine turned to a specialized device known as the Missy Trap that would allow the nervous dog to enter safely and of his own will. No need to approach him directly. On day 18, it looked like the plan had worked. Wally stepped inside. Then the sound of the magnetic gate startled him before he could be secured. And as dog owners know, a frightened pooch can run like greased lightening, right?That moment revealed the limit of any trap. A device can hold a dog, but it cannot make a dog feel safe enough to stay. And the sudden sound of the mechanism that closes the door can also be the alert that sends a fearful animal running. Yes, rescuing Wally was never going to be about getting him inside a box. It was about changing what that box meant to him.How Trust Turned a Trap Into a Safe PlaceRather than rushing into another attempt, Lawson changed her entire approach. For more than 40 days, she fed Wally inside the trap without activating its mechanism. Meal after meal, he was allowed to enter, eat, and leave without anything frightening happening.As pet parents, we've all learned that patience truly is a virtue and that working at our little buddy's pace (regardless of how painfully slow it may be...), is the only way we're going to reach our end goal.But when a dog is in an unsafe environment to begin with, one can only imagine that a sense of urgency would keep surfacing for this rescuer. Yet slowly, methodically, Lawson used each visit to turn the cage into a safe place for frightened Wally. It became something familiar, predictable, and positive. And, eventually the frightened dog was experiencing something he may not have felt in a long time: a person willing to move at his pace.Reports suggest that it was around day 70 that Wally's rescuer sensed he was ready and the trap was set once more. At 5:03 a.m., the notification she had waited more than two months to receive finally arrived. Wally had been caught safely. She later adopted him, giving the once-wary stray a permanent family of his own.What Wally's Story Teaches YouThe big takeaway from this story is that if you are trying to help a fearful stray, resist the urge to grab, corner, or chase them. Try to bring food at regular intervals, to the same location, and let the animal learn that your presence brings food and nothing scary. Build the routine before you ever spring a trap. As Wally proved across 71 mornings, the dog you cannot catch today may simply be the dog who needs a little more time to believe.

The Stress-Free Guide to Bathe Your Cat (Without Ruining Your Bond)

Cats are masters of grooming; there is no denying that fact. However, if you’re reading this, you’ve likely found yourself in a situation where your cat’s legendary grooming routine simply wasn’t enough. Whether they’ve managed to get into something they should, they’re dealing with a medical skin condition, or age has made it difficult to reach those hard-to-clean spots, they may need a little help. My former cat, Pippen, had a knack for getting into our kitchen cupboards, often emerging with her fur full of random substances. I can remember bathing a massive amount of honey off her before the sticky mess could cause matting. But bathtime isn’t something most cat parents are excited about. It’s completely normal to worry that a simple bath could turn into a stressful experience that damages the special bond you’ve worked so hard to build. The good news is that by understanding your cat a little better and mastering a few low-stress techniques, you and your cat can navigate bathtime together while keeping your relationship intact! Let’s break it down… The Power of Self-Grooming To understand why being bathed by a human can feel so uncomfortable for your cat, it helps to better understand their natural daily grooming routine. Cats don’t just groom to stay clean; their grooming habits are sophisticated, deeply ingrained behaviors tied to their survival, physical health, and emotional stability. When they can’t keep up with this routine, it can seriously impact their health and well-being. If you’ve ever been licked by your cat, you know that its tongue feels like coarse sandpaper. The rough texture is caused by hundreds of tiny, backward-facing hooks called papillae. Made of keratin, the same strong protein found in kitty claws and human hair, these hooks work like a built-in comb. As your cat grooms, these papillae reach deep into the undercoat to untangle their fur, pull away loose hair, and lift dirt and dander directly off the skin. Research has shown that these hollow-tipped papillae actually wick saliva from the mouth down to the skin, which is an essential piece of the puzzle for both cleaning and body temperature regulation. How does it help with body temperature? Cats only possess active sweat glands in their paws. They rely heavily on the evaporation of the saliva deposited by the papillae on their fur and skin to cool down during warmer months. It works using a process called evaporative cooling, the same way our sweat helps cool our bodies. The Sebum Balance Directly beneath your cat’s skin is a network of microscopic glands. These glands produce a natural oil called sebum. It plays a vital role, creating a waterproof shield over the coat, trapping moisture to prevent dry skin, and acting as a first line of defense against environmental pathogens and bacteria. Additionally, sebum carries your cat’s unique scent. When a cat grooms, they carefully distribute this oil across their entire body. This scent acts like a comfort blanket; it tells them they are safe, secure, and in their own territory. The Psychological Aspect of Grooming Grooming is as much a mental health practice for your cat as it is a hygiene routine. Cats frequently rely on “displacement grooming” during moments when they are experiencing mild anxiety or confusion. If a cat is startled or experiences a sudden change in their environment (such as moving to a new house, home renovations, or the addition of a new family member), you will often see them sit down and immediately lick themselves to lower their heart rate and soothe their nervous system. Because your cat’s natural grooming routine is so finely tuned and emotionally comforting to them, our goal is never to replace this. Instead, we simply want to step in and help when they are feeling overwhelmed. When Do Cats Actually Need to Be Bathed? Given how well-engineered your cat’s self-grooming routine is, bathing them yourself should be the exception, not the rule. In most cases, you won’t even need to consider this step with your cat. However, a hands-off approach isn’t always possible. Being a responsible cat parent means recognizing when to step in, avoiding unnecessary stress for your cat while still being available when they genuinely need help. Medical ConditionsSometimes a bath is a medical treatment, prescribed by your veterinarian. In these cases, bathing is a targeted treatment to help heal skin issues rather than a simple cleanup. A few examples of this include: Fungal and Bacterial Infections: Conditions like ringworm (a highly contagious fungal infection) require specialized, medicated baths to kill the spores and prevent the infection from spreading to other pets or to you. Severe Parasite Infestations: While preventative flea medications are considered the gold standard, a severe flea infestation on a young kitten, a rescue, or a neglected cat may require an immediate bath to safely wash away the parasites and their debris. Not only is this important for their comfort, but it also helps you address the infestation before it can spread through your home. Chronic Skin Problems: Cats suffering from conditions like seborrhea oleosa (severe oily dandruff) have bodies that produce more sebum than needed, leading to a greasy, irritated coat. A therapeutic shampoo is the only way to give them some relief. Mobility Limitations As cats age or deal with health challenges, their flexibility may change. If your cat physically cannot reach certain areas of their body, you may notice that dirt, grease, and debris quickly build up. Senior cats often suffer from joint pain, spinal stiffness, or arthritis. They may stop grooming the harder-to-reach spots, like their lower back, hindquarters, and tail, during this stage of life, leading to matting and dandruff. Another example of cats who may struggle with mobility limitations is those who are carrying a little too much weight. Overweight cats physically lack the range of motion needed to reach and clean their hindquarters. Without your help, this can lead to urine scalding, fecal contamination, and painful skin infections. Environmental Traumas and Toxic ExposuresThis is the most critical category, requiring you to step in immediately. Because cats ingest everything they wipe off their coats, exposure to external substances can quickly become an internal poisoning. If your cat comes into contact with toxic substances such as household cleaners, motor oil, antifreeze, or toxic plant residues (like lily pollen), they must be bathed immediately. You cannot allow them to lick these substances off themselves. Another example is the “litter box disaster.” Instances of severe diarrhea or long-haired cats trapping soiled litter can quickly overwhelm a cat’s ability to self-clean. Many long-haired cat parents will rely on a sanitary or hygiene trim to help prevent these problems. Left alone, this becomes a major hygiene hazard for both your cat and your home, so it’s better to clean it up quickly.

Dog Bite Claims Have Hit Record Highs. Here's What That Means for You

Every year, roughly 4.5 million people get bitten by dogs in the U.S. But it's the recent spike in severity and cost that's turning heads: ER visits for dog bites have jumped 15% between 2018 and 2023, and insurance payouts topped $1 billion in 2023.

Why Prodogi Is Changing the Way We Care for Dog Dental Health

For the first time, dog owners have access to a dental product that reaches every surface in a dog's mouth, stays there long enough to work and has the clinical results to prove it.

Let's Keep Your Tiny Dog Physically and Mentally Healthy,

So, you’ve opted for a smaller, compact breed of dog that you can tuck under your arm or into a handbag when circumstances dictate.Now, even though you can indulge this little buddy with the very best foods and coddle them with designer duds, this furry little critter is still a dog. And as such, they need regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them healthy and happy as they move into adulthood and their senior years. Just like the big dogs do.But unlike the big dogs, a mini mutt needs a more intentional, dare we say curated, style of engagement.Why Your Tiny Dog Needs to Work OutTipping the scales somewhere south of 10 pounds may make you wonder why this tiny little dog needs outdoor exercise at all. Isn’t following you around the house or up and down stairs enough? The short answer is no, it’s not.Taking them outdoors helps them become comfortable with new sights, sounds, and faces. It allows them to socialize, tamp down a fear of anything unfamiliar, and thereby alleviate aggression when faced with the unknown.It also augments their daily indoor activity, helping to keep weight in check and avoid joint issues down the line. Yes, even small dog breeds can struggle with joint pain as they age.How Much Exercise Does a Tiny Dog Need?Unlike larger or highly active breeds, these small dogs (we’re talking Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Maltese… essentially the under-10-pound crowd) don’t need multiple lengthy walks throughout the day. Nor do they require rigorous playtime that will see them bounding and leaping to snatch a frisbee out of the air.What they do need is for you to be cognizant of their limitations and craft activities and walking routes they can keep up with. And that means slower paces, shorter routes, and lots of pauses to sniff and explore.Plan to break these walks into short, 15-minute outings that you can repeat twice a day. Find a route that’s not intimidating – meaning away from heavy car or foot traffic - and that includes a little nature (grassy medians or parks) where they can sniff and explore.Now, my local leash-free park is a substantial 19 acres of forest, trails, and sandy zones. But it also has a smaller, fenced area for small or older dogs. That said, I continually run into owners with their pint-sized pooches in the main area of the park. Their rationale is that their little guy likes to interact with the big dogs. This shouldn’t be your dog’s decision. Dog parks are filled with exuberant pooches that may be running at full tilt to burn off energy. Small dogs don’t stand a chance if they get in the way. Your goal is to keep your pet exercised yet safe. So, choose wisely and never assume you can pull them out of harm’s way when the boisterous ones come charging along.If they tend to wander with little adherence to recall, invest in a leash that allows them the freedom to explore and you the ability to gather them up quickly when situations dictate.When to Choose Indoor Versus Outdoor ActivityRegardless of how cute your pooch looks in that new rain slicker and boots, weather conditions will always dictate when it’s time to forego the walk and opt for a little indoor active time.Because small dogs are vulnerable to cold and heat, you need to have a backup plan in place for when the weather isn’t cooperating. That includes plenty of pee pads as well as plush or squeaky dog toys you can toss around indoors to get your pet moving.For brachycephalic breeds such as Pekingese or Shih Tzu that will immediately have trouble breathing in hot weather, plan your walks for early morning, late evening, or not at all.Quick Tips for Walking a Tiny DogChoose a dog leash that is ultra-slim so it doesn’t sit heavily on their back or neck. Similarly, you’re looking for a lightweight dog harness that holds them securely, yet doesn’t hinder their ability to walk and explore.Engage in those walkies either before mealtimes or no sooner than one hour after meals to avoid digestive issues. Unlike larger breeds, bloat is not an issue with tiny dogs; vomiting up their dinner, however, can mean losing much-needed nutrients.Watch for signs of fatigue. Some small dogs are like the Energizer Bunny; they just keep on going. But not all minis have that level of stamina. The moment your pet starts to slow down or lag, it’s time to go home. And if home is a few blocks away, it may be time to pick up and carry that precious cargo. Tote bag optional!