Springtime Safety Tips for Pets

Spring Cleaning Tips for Pet Parents

Spring is a season of renewal, so it’s the perfect time to do some cleaning around the house to freshen things up, get rid of things you no longer need, and make space for new things. But if you share your home with pets, it’s important to take a few steps to ensure their well-being while you do your spring cleaning. Check out the information below to see how spring cleaning could potentially have adverse effects on pets, and what you can do to keep everyone happy.

Pet Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

The holiday season is here, and you’re probably excited about everything that this festive time of year has to offer. But even though you might be focused on being with the people you love, eating delicious food, and sharing gifts, it’s important to also consider the effects the holidays can have on your pets.To help you enjoy a safe and happy holiday season with your furbabies, here’s a list of holiday safety tips for pets.

4 Springtime Fresh Safety Tips For Dogs

Helpful spring safety tips for dogs and pet parents What is that we finally see? Could it be? Yes, it is! A patch of grass! The snow is melting, the sun is shining, spring is here! We are so happy to see winter go so we can spend more time with our dogs outside. But before you put away those heavy winter jackets and woolly hats and head outdoors, we’re got a few spring safety tips to pass along. Dog Poop: This is a big pet peeve of mine. People think that just because it’s cold, they don’t have to pick up their dog’s poop. They believe that since it’s a poopsicle, it’s not going to hurt anyone. I think that’s wrong on a few different levels. 1. Poop is gross, fresh or frozen; 2. It’s even grosser when it unfreezes three months later and you can’t clean it up. Now, this poopy mess becomes part of the landscape and people and dogs walk through it (most likely, dogs). It comes it your home, gets tracked all over the floors and furniture and your dog licks it off his paws. This old poop is full of parasites and bacteria that have been festering in it for months, some of which include giardia, coccidian, roundworm, and tapeworm. These nasty bugs can make your dog pretty sick and are easy to pass along to other animals. Keep a towel, cloth or cleaning products (like the PawPlunger or Soggy Doggy Super Shammy) at the door to wipe off the muck and possible poop off your dog’s paws before he brings it into the house. It’s a couple of extra minutes that won’t put your dog through the anguish of a painful illness and you through the anguish of a painful vet bill. Standing Water: Everything is melting and there sure is a lot of water. On long walks, your dog is going to find it tempting to lap it up. But those puddles can be filled with harmful bacteria (such as giardia). This can cause upset stomach or diarrhea. To make sure that your dog resists the urge to drink this water, bring your own bottled water from home, along with a portable water dish. Broken Bottles/Garbage: With spring comes spring cleaning. Everyone is cleaning out their closets, getting rid of the old to make way for the new. And they’re not always careful when they’re throwing out their garbage. Garbage bags break, sharp objects get loose and make their way out onto lawns where our dogs are sniffing around. A piece of broken glass can easily become embedded in the paw. As well, it seem like during the winter, quite a few people seem to have forgotten that garbage cans exist and have just thrown cans and bottles wherever it was convenient. The snow has melted, reveling an eyesore of a mess, which also has the potential of being a landmine to tender paws. If your dog happens to step on something sharp and cuts himself, get him home as soon as possible so you can clean out the wound. It needs to be sanitized and possibly dressed. If the wound is deep, you’ll need to take him to the vet for stitches and antibiotics. Fleas and Ticks: Oh, those nasty pests! As soon as the temperature starts to go up, these little buggers come out of hiding and hop onto our dogs for a free meal. It’s time to start thinking of flea and tick prevention. Whatever you decide to do – veterinarian-prescribed medication, holistic treatment, or over-the-counter products – you need to start applying them now. Flea and ticks are active in North America anywhere from April to November, which are also high-risk months for Lyme Disease. To ensure your dog is protected, talk to your vet. Do you have any spring safety tips to add to this list? If you do, please add them in the comment section below. We want to hear from all of the pet parents out there!

5 Time Saving Tips For Choosing A Pet Insurance Policy

One of the reasons why pet parents forgo dog insurance is all the work that goes into comparing policies. But what if there was a way to simplify the process? If you’re like me, you’re always shopping for the best deal. From wireless plans to cable packages to car repairs, it’s all about the right price and the right features. And while the lowest sticker price is always the first thing to catch my eye, I’ve learned the hard way that it’s important to scratch below the surface because what you see ain’t always what you get. Yes, that dread fine print means we should all do our homework when it comes to any big ticket purchase or long term commitment and that includes insurances. Not just car, home and life, but also when we’re thinking about insurance for our pets. Related: Dog Insurance Rates: What You Need To Know Before You Buy While we’ve all heard the horror stories of pet parents who have paid premiums for years and then been declined when it finally comes time to put in a claim, it’s likely because they didn’t take the time to read up on what was (and wasn’t) covered under their plan. So before you sign on the dotted line, here are some tips to consider when choosing a policy: Decide what type of coverage you need for Rover. Don’t under-purchase, but don’t over-purchase. Does he really need overseas coverage or third-party liability?Take a look at the veterinary fee levels. Are they in line with what you would pay at your local vet clinic or would you need to pull out the plastic to cover the shortfall?Watch for co-insurance elements on the policy which can require you to ensure your pet up to a minimum level.Understand how your premiums will be calculated? Type of coverage will naturally factor into it but not all insurance providers use the same formula to determine your premium. Criteria will typically include the type, breed and age of your pet as well as if he has been micro-chipped. Additionally, your zip or postal code will make a difference as vet fees are usually higher in urban versus rural areas.Read the fine print. Are there time restraints of any type?Does coverage include consultations, examinations and tests?Does your pet’s lineage indicate he may be in need of physiotherapy down the line? Make sure it’s covered.If your vet puts your pet on a special diet to deal with a condition, can the food be claimed on your policy?Accidental damage? If your pet is like a bull in a china shop, do you need to ensure you have coverage should he cause damage to a neighbor’s property?Though we all know our good buddies are irreplaceable, if your pooch has a pedigree, do you need your policy to cover his market value should he pass away from illness or accident. Related: Pet Insurance: Why I Think It’s Worth It, No Matter The Cost Let’s face it, none of us can afford to shell out hard earned bucks on a service that doesn’t match our needs and by now you’re probably starting to feel intimidated by all the options. Don’t be. Just one more reason to love the Internet is that there are sites that will do the work by comparing pet insurance policies and prices for you. One such site is PetInsuranceQuotes.com, which has set up shop in the U.S. and happens to be the only licensed pet insurance agency on the market. Think of it like shopping around for the best car insurance rates, but with PetInsuranceQuotes.com, they understand this specialized type of insurance, the coverage options available and can get you a list of plan and quotes in the blink of an eye. The site is free to use (yay!), it taps into the plans offered by all the top insurance companies, and claims to be able to save you up to 25 percent simply by comparing plans and essentially helping you with your homework. If you have pet insurance, how did you decide on a policy? Did you go to a slew of different sites to find the right policy, did a friend refer you or did you try a comparison site? Share your experiences in the comment section below.

Colorado's Uber Dog Hits Star Status

Riding shotgun with his fave person, this rescue pooch greets passengers in style.

Great Storage Solutions for Wet Pet Foods

(photo credit: sophiecat / shutterstock.com)Over the years, dry pet food – AKA kibble – has become a staple in most households with pets. It’s convenient, easy to store, and quite frankly the quality these days is leaps and bounds over what it used to be. Between breed-specific, grain-free, all-natural, and large breed versus small breed options, the pet food industry has certainly stepped up to the plate on this one.However many pet owners still opt for wet food. Whether it’s out of a tin or it's a special, home-cooked recipe, wet food is a great solution for super picky eaters as well as older or ailing pets who may need the added hydration. It can also be the only choice for elderly dogs or cats who struggle to eat hard foods due to dental issues/loss of teeth.Yet unlike a large bag of kibble that will last for several weeks if not months, wet food has a definite shelf life and needs to be stored properly once opened. Again, manufacturers have embraced the challenge and developed easy, effective ways to keep our wet pet food fresh and safe, for our hungry fur crews.

Here’s How You Can Transform Your Pet’s Life

As devoted pet parents, we understand that our furry friends deserve nothing but the best when it comes to their health. In today’s market, many supplements rely on synthetic ingredients that simply don’t deliver the wholesome nutrition our pets truly need. That’s where Pluto comes in - a company founded in 2023 in Austin, TX, with a mission to extend and enhance the lives of our canine companions through holistic, science-backed, whole-food nutrition.A Fresh Approach to Pet HealthPluto isn’t just another pet supplement brand. Born from the belief that real food is the foundation of true wellness, Pluto’s approach is rooted in rigorous science and the expertise of a dedicated veterinarian team. Unlike many products on the market that rely on synthetic vitamins and isolated compounds, Pluto harnesses the power of whole foods. This method not only improves nutrient absorption - ensuring that every bite counts - but also simplifies pet wellness by combining the benefits of 25 superfoods into a single, effective supplement.The Superfood Softchew®: All-in-One Nutrition

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.

Second-Hand Shopping for your Pet?

Saving a few bucks to splurge down the line, is super-easy.

Air Travel Planned? Check Out These Top, Airline-Approved Pet Carriers

Grooming Tips for Longhaired Cats

Longhaired cats are super soft and gorgeous, but that long fur does require some extra attention and grooming compared to short coats. The hair can become tangled and matted, and when your kitty uses the litter box, let’s just say that things might get a little messy. The good news is that, with the right cat grooming tools and a consistent routine, you can keep your longhaired kitty looking and feeling fabulous.

VetShopMax: The Affordable Solution to High-Cost Pet Medications

Why Pay More? Get the Same Pet Meds for Less—No Vet Prescription Needed!Picture this: You’re standing at the vet’s office, holding your happy, tail-wagging pup, when the receptionist hands you the bill. Your heart skips a beat. That tiny box of flea and tick meds costs HOW much?!It’s a story too many pet parents know all too well. Keeping our pets safe from fleas, ticks, and heartworms isn’t optional—but when vet prices keep climbing, it can feel impossible to afford. Skipping treatments isn’t an option, but neither is emptying your wallet every month.That’s why so many pet owners are turning to VetShopMax—an online pet pharmacy that sells the same trusted flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives without the need for a vet prescription and for way less than what clinics charge.

Dog Banned from Crufts after Losing Tail to ‘Happy Tail Syndrome’

The dream of Crufts glory has been shattered for Welsh dog mom Sophie Scott-Thomas and her Dalmatian/Vizsla cross Gwen – but they aren’t giving up that easily! Scott-Thomas started obedience training with Gwen when she was just a young puppy, and after years of hard work and dedication, the two were selected for the Crufts 2025 Welsh team. Unfortunately, their celebrations were quickly short when, just hours later, they were informed that Gwen wouldn’t qualify for competing due to her tail. Gwen, an overly happy and joyful pup, ran into trouble when her excessive happiness led to medical trouble. The pup suffered from a condition known as “happy tail syndrome,” where a dog’s tail becomes severely injured due to excessive tail wagging. After suffering wounds and dislocations in her tail, her vet recommended having the tail medically amputated to prevent future injuries. Unfortunately, that medical decision would cost Gwen her chance to compete at Crufts. Docking a dog’s tail is illegal in the UK for most dog breeds, leading to a DEFRA (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) placing a blanket ban on dogs with docked tails being shown at a fee-paying event. This means that the removal of Gwen’s tail disqualified her. Now, Scott-Thomas has made it her mission to draw attention to how unfair this blanket ban is for dogs who had their tail docked for reasons other than aesthetics. "It feels like we're being penalized for doing something in her best interests," Scott-Thomas shared. "I now feel as though all the time, effort, and energy we’ve invested has been wasted. This rule is unfair, outdated, and deeply discouraging for dog owners and handlers like me who have worked tirelessly to pursue their passion for competitive obedience."When questioned by the media about the rule, DEFRA officials doubled down, stating that it is in place to discourage unnecessary tail docking for cosmetic reasons. They clarified that the intention with the band isn’t to restrict those who make medical-based decisions but rather to limit the popularity of tail docking for aesthetic or cosmetic reasons. The Kennel Club, organizers of Crufts, emphasized their obligation to comply with the Animal Welfare Act of 2006. "Sadly, there is no provision within the legislation for a dog which has had its tail docked on medical grounds to be shown at an event where the public pay admission fees, unless it is a certified working dog as defined within the regulations," a spokesperson explained.But Scott-Thomas wasn’t ready to give up on her dream. She has now launched a petition to amend the legislation to recognize and make an exception for dogs with medically docked tails, allowing them to compete in shows. The petition has quickly gained support, making it clear that she isn’t the only dog lover feeling this way! While the petition may appear to focus on a very specific situation on the surface, it opens the doors for a much bigger conversation by calling for a more nuanced approach to animal welfare regulations. If you want to show your support for Gwen and believe that dogs with medically necessary tail amputations should be allowed to compete in events like Crufts, you can sign the petition HERE. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

Grooming Tools for that Self-Sufficient Feline

(photo credit: lucky_pics / shutterstock.com)Do you brush your cat? Let me rephrase that. Does your cat let you brush her? Because if she’s longer-haired she should be brushed daily – regardless of how annoyed she becomes with you. And for shorter-haired felines, at least once a week to keep both cat and home, reasonably free from flying fur.But there’s more because beyond ensuring your fluffball looks her very best, brushing out all that loose fur stimulates the natural oils for a healthy, shiny coat and reduces the likelihood of her developing those dread hairballs. Yes, due to how frequently a cat licks and preens her fluffy coat throughout the day, hairballs are not uncommon. At best, they pass through her system and straight into the litter box. More typically, they build in her digestive tract until they’re too large to move through her. At this point, she regurgitates them back up as a slimy mass of hair you’re almost certain to step in. And then there are the extreme cases where the mass grows to become a solid blockage that requires veterinary intervention. So, let’s not let it get to that point.If you’re trying to keep your feline well-groomed but she won’t tolerate brushing for more than a few seconds, what can you do? Don’t give up for starters. Choose to move through the process in increments. Start with gentle brushing in the areas she approves of, then gradually increase the coverage while praising and offering treats along the way. At the same time, build the duration up from just a few seconds to a few minutes.Now, kitty may well have plans for primping that don’t include you. When that’s the case, a little hands-off assistance may be just the ticket and thankfully the pet industry has developed some cat-friendly tools your feline will actually enjoy using.

Are Dogs Ticklish?

Is that a laugh? And is he really enjoying this type of playtime?

Daylight Savings Time. Does Your Pet Notice the Difference?

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Rescue Dog Goes Viral After Demanding Pets from Owner

There are few things as heartwarming online as a heartwarming pet video, and the internet has once again delivered. This time, it comes in the form of a viral video featuring a rescue dog named Cactus and his irresistible way of demanding cuddles from his dog dad. The short clip was posted by user @cactustherescue and has quickly earned nearly 80,000 likes on Instagram and over 81,000 likes on TikTok. It proves just how much a simple act of affection can resonate deeply with an audience of pet lovers. Since capturing the hearts of thousands of pet lovers, it caught the attention of online publications and news platforms, including Yahoo, AOL, DogTime, and more. With a look of determination on his face and the charm of his adorable puppy eyes, he approaches his dad, pawing gently at him as if asking for something. Eventually, after a little persuasion, he falls back into the cuddle position with his head against his dad’s, melting hearts around the world.

5 Ways To Be a More Sustainable Pet Owner

Being a pet owner is a wonderful and rewarding experience that helps you find joy in the little things and enjoy true companionship. However, it also comes with responsibilities — not just toward your furry friends but also toward the environment. Pets and their owners can have a considerable ecological footprint, from food production to waste management. Fortunately, with a few thoughtful changes in the coming year, you can reduce your impact while ensuring your pet thrives. Here’s how:#1 Choose Sustainable Pet FoodYour pet’s diet is one of the most significant contributors to their environmental footprint. To reduce this impact, opt for pet food brands that prioritize sustainability by using responsibly sourced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging.Consider foods made with alternative proteins like insects, which are highly nutritious but require far fewer resources than traditional meat production. Plant-based options are also becoming more available for certain pets, particularly dogs. When purchasing, look for certifications such as MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) for seafood or Fair Trade for ingredients. Buying in bulk can also help reduce packaging waste and transportation emissions.For a more personalized approach, consider preparing homemade meals for your pet using locally sourced ingredients. Consult your veterinarian to ensure these meals meet your pet’s nutritional needs.#2 Opt for Eco-Friendly Toys and AccessoriesPets love toys, but many commercial options are made from non-recyclable plastics and low-quality materials that quickly end up in landfills. Instead, choose toys and accessories made from sustainable materials like hemp, recycled fabrics, or bamboo. Many companies now offer recyclable or biodegradable toys that are as durable as conventional ones.