Tips to Identifying and Staving Off Feline Dementia

Dogs of Summer! Here's How to Avoid Heat Stroke This Year!

(photo credit: Lindsay Helms / shutterstock.com)For urban dogs, the lack of shade-providing trees and that hot city pavement underfoot can result in a variety of sun-induced health issues you may not have seen coming.While humans are typically diligent about taking steps to minimize the effect of dangerous UV rays and scorching heat – thinking baseball caps, visors, sunglasses, sunblock, and more – our pets are often left to the elements and struggle to cope. We think that providing cold drinking water is sufficient to hydrate and keep their body temperature down, but it’s not enough. Just like the person on the other end of their leash, dogs too, can experience sunburn and skin cancers including squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanomas not to mention the impact of hot pavement, patio stones, asphalt, and even artificial turf that can result in blistered pads and elevated body temperature leading to heat stroke.If your pet has been out in the sun for any period of time and is panting heavily, beginning to drool and his fur feels hot to the touch, it’s time to immediately move him into the shade, provide him with cold water and take steps to lower his body temperature. This can include spraying him with cool water and placing cold towels around his core area. If he has progressed to the stage of vomiting, or collapsing, or his gums have turned pale, a veterinarian intervention is required.So, how do you prevent a good walk on a nice sunny day from turning into a medical emergency? Prepare! Happily, the pet industry has thought through a myriad of options.

3 Things That Might Be Causing Your Dog To Dig Up Your Yard

If you’re a dog owner who’s ever walked outside to find craters scattered across your lawn, you’re not alone. Digging is a natural behavior for dogs, but it can quickly become frustrating. Before you can put a stop to the behavior, it helps to understand why your dog might be digging. Here are three of the most common reasons.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Why Your Dog Hides Their Food

If you’ve ever found a half-chewed bone tucked under your pillow or kibble stashed in the couch cushions, you’re not alone. Many dogs hide their food and treats, and while it may seem odd, this behavior is actually quite common and rooted in canine instinct. Here’s everything you need to know.

China's Latest Bomb Sniffing Dynamo Comes Up a Little Short

New Corgi recruit is sniffing out more than bombs as he snatches food while out on patrol.

This Smart Home Device Solves Every Pet Parent’s #1 Problem

A smart way to keep eyes (and ears) on your pet—no matter where life takes youIf you've ever tiptoed out the door to avoid the heartbreaking whimpers of your dog, or spent your lunch break wondering if they’re safe, you’re far from alone.Over 40% of dog owners report feeling guilty or anxious about leaving their pets home alone. And for good reason: pets are family.That’s where myQ comes in. This all-in-one smart access and monitoring system is designed with pet parents in mind, offering the perfect balance of convenience, and peace of mind, so you never have to feel isolated from your furry family again.It’s the best access and monitoring solution for pet parents, helping them stay connected to their furry friends from anywhere.

Experts Warn That Back-to-School Can Cause Depression in Pets

It’s back-to-school season again, and that means a lot of changes in your family’s routine. But have you considered how these changes can affect your pets? According to experts, it turns out that pets can actually experience depression when the kids start a new school year and they find that they aren’t getting as much attention as they did over the summer break.

How to Choose the Right Pet for Your Lifestyle

Bringing a pet into your life is exciting, but it's also a big decision. Pets aren't just cute companions; they depend on us for their health, happiness, and daily care. That’s why it’s so important to make sure the pet you choose actually fits your lifestyle, your home, and your long-term plans.Choosing thoughtfully can mean the difference between a joyful experience and a stressful one, for both you and your future pet. Here's what to think about before you say yes to a new furry (or scaly, or feathered) friend.Start by Looking at Your LifestyleBefore you even start thinking about breeds or species, ask yourself: what does a typical day look like for you?If you’re someone who loves being outside, running, hiking, or going on long walks, an active dog like a retriever or a border collie might be the perfect adventure buddy.But if your schedule is packed, you travel a lot, or you just love cozy nights at home, a lower-maintenance pet — like a cat, a hamster, or a fish - might be a better match.Be honest about how much time and energy you can consistently offer, not just on your best days, but every day.Think About Your HomeNext up: where do you live?Your living space plays a huge role in what kind of pet will thrive with you.If you’re in an apartment, a giant dog who needs room to run might not be the best fit.Smaller pets like birds, reptiles, or small mammals can often do great in smaller spaces, as long as their setups are thoughtfully designed.

Let's Trick Out the Ultimate Cat Sanctuary.

(photo credit: beton studio / shutterstock.com)If you could build the ultimate dream space for your feline buddy, what would it look like? We’re not talking about a cat tree near a window. More, a dedicated space that you could trick out with some fun furnishings that turn a basic spare room into a cat pad where she can kick back and relax - in privacy. Now, not all of us have an extra bedroom that isn’t already serving as a home office or guestroom, so maybe it’s not going to be Fluffy’s exclusive space, but still, something that focuses on her needs while doing double-duty when the time comes.Beyond the fun stuff, tips for creating a safe environment for her may include introducing a baby gate that lets kitty through but keeps inquisitive dogs (and toddlers) at bay. Or, an indoor cat flap that allows her to enter and exit at will. Most feline pet parents can also confirm that Venetian blinds or any type of drawstring closure is a no-go because curious kitties can quickly become tangled. I can personally attest to that, having experienced a blind ripped down and carried through to another room by an ensnared kitty. So, I would heartily recommend any of the trendy new cordless blinds sans dangling bits that can cause your feline to become a little too curious!Now that you’ve created a safe space for your cat, let’s talk décor!

This Easy 3-Ingredient Recipe Makes the Perfect Cat Treat

Looking to pamper your cat with a homemade treat that’s both simple and healthy? This 3-ingredient cat treat recipe is a feline favorite and it takes just a few minutes to make. 

How to Cat-Proof Your Home

Cats are known for knocking things off shelves and getting themselves trapped in nooks and crannies, so if you have kitties, you need to cat-proof your home. That’s right, in addition to kitten-proofing your rooms, you need to consider how your adult cats could potentially hurt themselves, too.  

Creative Ways to Adapt Your Home for Your Senior Dog

Our dogs are family, and watching them transition into their golden years is truly a privilege, but it’s also undeniably bittersweet. We want nothing more than to ensure their remaining time is filled with comfort, joy, and peace. However, this new chapter of their lives introduces potential challenges, such as stiffness, less table footing, and perhaps a bit of confusion. This is where we step in.We have the power to make their home environment not just safe, but a true sanctuary for them as they navigate the changes that come with aging. You don’t need a full renovation; just a strategy focusing on smaller, targeted changes that address key concerns, like mobility, failing vision, temperature sensitivity, and overall safety.  This guide will help you identify creative, practical, and highly effective ways you can adapt your home to your pup’s changing needs.Mobility and Joint ComfortFor many senior dogs, the first noticeable sign of aging is a change in how they move. Arthritis, joint stiffness, and muscle weakness can all make moving through their once familiar and comfortable home into a painful obstacle course. Minor changes throughout your home can help to restore your dog’s confidence and prevent strain and injury. Traction Solutions Hardwood, tile, and laminate floors are comfortable for us, but they can be terrifying for a dog with achy, painful joints. The slippery surfaces force them to splay their legs, putting extreme stress on their hips and knees just to stand up. A single slip on any surface could cause a serious injury. Consider placing floor runners and area rugs in strategic places throughout your home. You don’t need to carpet the entire house; just focus on creating a “traction highway” in high-traffic areas. For example, place non-slip rugs along the path from their bed to the front door, from the living room to their food bowls, and around any area where they frequently hang out or stand up. For my senior girl, Daviana, this included creating a pathway into my home office where she would accompany me during my workday. Even a basic plush rug can be a hazard if it slides out from under them. If your favourite rug isn’t non-slip, consider using a rubber or specialized anti-slip rug pad underneath to give it that extra traction boost. Are new rugs throughout your house out of your budget? Rugs can be expensive! A budget-friendly solution is to place yoga mats in the key areas where traction is needed. Finally, take a moment to consider your dog’s paws and paw pads. Keep the fur between the paw pads neatly trimmed if your pup lets you handle them. Long hair here reduces their natural grip. You can also use paw wax or dog-specific traction socks with rubber grips to help them navigate slick floors more effectively. Ramps and Steps Gone are the days when your dog effortlessly dove onto the couch or flew up the steps with ease. Why? Jumping, especially the sudden impact of jumping down, can be really hard on stiff joints. Eventually, the pain becomes too much, and your dog must make the difficult decision to give up these once-enjoyable experiences. But that doesn’t have to be the case! You can help your pup navigate the same pathways without the strain. For accessing furniture or getting in and out of the car, a low-incline pet ramp is generally safer and easier on the joints than pet stairs. There are adjustable and aesthetic options to suit your home, as well as compact, travel-friendly ramps for your car.  If your senior dog is no longer able to navigate a full set of stairs in your house, you need to block their access entirely. This could be done by closing a door to block a portion of your home, if possible, or by using a safety gate directly at the stairs themselves. If your senior pup must access another floor, a lifting harness may be necessary. This requires physical effort from you and should only be done if the pathway is clear. Elevated Food and Water Bowls When it comes to mealtime, consider switching to elevated food and water bowls. This simple change keeps their head at a comfortable level, reducing the need to strain their neck, shoulder, and pack while they eat and drink. You can purchase a raised feeder, or for a more budget-friendly solution, consider placing your dog’s dishes on a cardboard box and cutting a hole to hold the dish securely in place. Orthopedic Bedding Your senior dog will spend more time resting during this stage of their life than they have ever before. Their old plush bed is no longer enough. If they sink into the overly soft bed, it can lead to stress on pressure points and uncomfortable sleeping positions, making their already stiff, sore joints even more painful. Instead, they need more targeted support. A high-quality orthopedic or memory foam bed is the single best investment you can make for your dog’s joint comfort. It contours to their body, evenly distributing weight and relieving pressure points, while still creating a cozy place to rest. This means less pain and better sleep. Look for a bed that is low to the ground or has a low entry point so your dog doesn’t have to step up or over a barrier to get in. Place several comfortable beds strategically throughout the house in the areas where your pup spends most of their time. This could include near their food dish, beside your favorite chair, or in a quiet corner. This will ensure they are never far from a comfortable resting place, especially when they feel tired, and won’t be tempted to strain themselves by walking long distances to take a much-needed rest.

How to Tell If Your Hamster Is Overweight (and What to Do About It)

When we bring a hamster into the home, we quickly fall in love with the cute, fluffy little ball of energy. We focus on providing everything they need to live their best little lives, including providing a safe habitat, a healthy diet, and plenty of enrichment. However, there’s one common health concern that’s often overlooked – obesity.While a hamster’s chubby cheeks are part of their charm, being overweight can lead to serious, life-shortening health issues.In this post, we’ll share how to identify if your hamster is carrying a little too much weight, the common reasons for weight gain, and, most importantly, tips for creating a clear action plan to help your furry friend live their longest, happiest, and healthiest life.Why is an Overweight Hamster Concerning? It’s easy to look at a plump hamster and simply think they’re well-fed and happy. But beneath that cute, round exterior lies the potential for health risks that can significantly impact their quality of life and reduce their lifespan. Just like in humans, carrying around excess weight puts a strain on your hamster’s tiny body. This can lead to a long list of medical issues and complications. Understanding these potential dangers is the first step toward preventing them and keeping our little friends safe. Diabetes One of the most significant risks for overweight hamsters, particularly for certain species such as the Djungarian hamster, is diabetes. An unhealthy diet high in sugar and fat can lead to insulin resistance. This disturbance in insulin levels can progress to diabetes. The warning signs can be subtle at first, including increased thirst and urination. If left unmanaged, it can lead to cataracts, kidney failure, and a host of other problems. Strained Joints and Organs That extra padding isn’t just external. It’s also collecting around the vital organs. Over time, this extra fat can lead to heart and liver disease, compromising their function and making your hamster more susceptible to other illnesses. Furthermore, your hamster’s tiny skeleton is not designed to carry a lot of extra weight. An overweight hamster may develop joint problems, making it difficult for them to move around, climb, or even run on their exercise wheel. This lack of mobility and exercise creates a vicious cycle where a less active hamster gains even more weight, further compounding the problem. Shortened Life Ultimately, all of these health issues combine to shorten your hamster’s life and diminish its quality. A hamster that is in pain, out of breath, or unable to move freely is a far cry from the active, curious little creature they are meant to be. The goal of any pet parent is to provide a long, happy life, and addressing their weight issues is a key part of that commitment. How to Tell if Your Hamster is Overweight Determining if your hamster is overweight isn’t just about stepping on a scale (although weighing them could be part of the process). Instead, it’s a process of careful observation, combining what you see with a gentle touch. Think of yourself as a detective, looking for cues that their body is carrying a little more weight than it should. The Visual Check The first and easiest step is simply to look at your hamster. An ideal body shape for most hamster species is a sleek, pear-like shape. From above, you should be able to see a distinct narrowing behind their shoulders, with the body then becoming lightly wider around the hips. Of course, this will vary from species to species. There are also notable differences between hamsters and dwarf hamsters.  An overweight hamster, on the other hand, will have a body that is consistently round from head to tail, with no visible waist. You may notice their sides bulging noticeably when they sit. Keep in mind that a hamster with full cheek pouches can look bigger, but this is a temporary state! The key to deciding is looking at their body shape when their pouches are empty. The Touch Test For a more accurate assessment, you can perform a gentle touch test. Known as palpation, this approach is used by veterinarians and small animal experts. When your hamster is feeling calm and relaxed, gently run your fingers along their sides. In a healthy hamster, you should be able to easily feel their ribs, hip bones, and spine with a thin layer of fat over them. If you have to press firmly to feel these bones, or if you can’t feel them at all because of a thick layer of fat, it’s a strong indicator of excess weight. Of course, there is also the other extreme. If their bones are easily felt without any fat over them, your hamster may be underweight. This is also a serious concern that requires a vet visit. Behavioral CluesBeyond their physical appearance, your hamster’s behavior may also provide valuable clues that something is “off.” Is your hamster’s activity level dropping off? A healthy hamster is an active hamster, and a significant drop in their use of a wheel or their interest in climbing and exploring their surroundings could be a sign that their weight is making it difficult to move. Another sign they may be struggling with their weight is that they fail to keep up with their grooming needs. An overweight hamster may not be able to reach all areas of their body, resulting in a dull or unkempt coat. In more serious cases, you may even notice labored or heavy breathing after even the lightest activity. The Weight ScaleWhile visual and behavioral cues are crucial, you can use a small digital kitchen scale as a tool for monitoring your hamster’s weight over time. Weigh your hamster at the same time each week and record the results. The single number at any one time isn’t the most important data here; it’s the trends over time and the direction their weight is moving. Keep this information in a detailed journal along with any notes about behavioral changes or other signs of trouble. A sudden increase in weight could be a sign of a medical problem. A gradual increase over a few months is more likely to be a sign that your hamster would benefit from a change to their diet or daily exercise.

Designer Nods to Canine Influencers During New York Fashion Week 2025

Iconic gathering of the stylish and celebrated recognize the importance of dogs in our lives.

3 Heartwarming Stories of Rescue Dogs Finding Their Forever Homes

Every year, countless dogs find themselves in shelters, each with a unique story and a longing for a loving home.Luckily, many of these pets find their forever home and today we're going to take a look at three of these heartwarming stories.

Should I Feed My Cat Wet or Dry Food?

If you’ve ever stood in the pet food aisle trying to choose between cans and kibble, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions cat owners face is whether wet or dry food is better - and the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. Both options offer their own benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice often depends on your cat’s specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle.Here’s what to know when deciding what to put in your cat’s bowl.Wet vs. Dry: What’s the Real Difference?Both wet and dry cat foods can provide complete and balanced nutrition, as long as they meet standards set by reputable veterinary organizations like the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The key difference between them is moisture content. Wet food contains around 70–80% water, while dry food has about 10% - making wet food a great source of hydration.This is especially important because many cats naturally have a low thirst drive. Descended from desert-dwelling animals, cats often don’t drink as much water as they should. Feeding wet food can help prevent dehydration and may support urinary and kidney health, particularly in older or more sensitive cats. Dry food, on the other hand, is more calorie-dense. Cats eat less of it but take in more energy per bite. That can be a plus for very active cats, but it may contribute to weight gain in indoor or less active pets. Dry food is also convenient, shelf-stable, and easy to store - making it a practical choice for busy households or those with multiple cats.

Working from Home? Electronic Pet Toys Are Your New Best Friend.

(photo credit: Elena Yakimova / shutterstock.com)Like many of us who work from home, the call of the wild (our pets) is never far away. Whether it’s an urgent potty break, a quick stroll around the block, a morning snack, responding to a perceived emergency or just a little snuggle, they sure can eat into our productivity.Now, we all know that nothing beats one-on-one time with the fur kids but sometimes duty calls and we just can’t drop everything to be available. Which leads to… wouldn’t we all love to find a way to keep the little guy entertained and busy doing anything other than scratching at the office door or trying to climb onto our lap while we’re on a Zoom call? C’mon, be honest.The good news is that there is relief in sight and it comes in the form of the wide range of electronic toys now available to engage your pet in something other than you. They’re easy to activate, long-lasting and all you have to do is fire them up and let your cat or dog do the rest.

It's Genetic! Why Some Cats Are Naturally Louder

Have you ever wondered what makes one cat a super chatty communicator and another a silent observer? If so, you’re not alone! New research is now shedding light on this, and their findings suggest that the answer may be deeply embedded in their genes.A study led by wildlife researcher Yume Okamoto and his team at Kyoto University in Japan explored the impact of genetics on feline vocalizations. The researcher asked cat owners in Japan to complete a questionnaire about their pets’ behavior, including purring and meowing directed at humans. At the same time, they collected DNA samples from the cats through a simple cheek swab.To understand the findings of this study, we need to start with an understanding of a specific gene found on the X chromosome: the androgen receptor (AR) gene. This gene plays a key role in the body’s response to hormones like testosterone.What’s particularly interesting about the AR gene is a section within it where a DNA sequence is repeated. The number of repetitions directly influences how responsive the gene is – fewer repetitions mean the receptor is more sensitive to androgen, while more repetitions mean the receptor is less sensitive. Why is this relevant? In previous studies, shorter repeats in the AR gene of other species (including humans and dogs) have been linked to increased aggression and extroverted behavior.To determine whether this connection also exists in cats, the team analyzed survey and DNA results from 280 spayed or neutered cats.They found that cats with the shorter AR gene variant were reported to purr more frequently. Additionally, male cats with this variant scored higher for vocalizations directed at their people, such as meowing to signal they wanted food or to be let outside. Meanwhile, female cats with the same genotype showed more aggression towards strangers.However, cats with the longer, less active version of the AR gene tended to be quieter. The team noted that this longer variant was more prevalent in pedigree breeds, which are often selectively bred for more docile and calmer temperaments.Not only does this information shine a light on the role genetics plays in a cat’s personality, but it also provides a better understanding of the impact being domesticated has had on our feline friends.While it’s generally believed that domestication has led to more chatty behavior in our cats, the study revealed that the gene variant associated with more vocal communication and assertiveness was also found in wild cats, such as the lynx. The team hypothesized that this was because certain traits, such as assertiveness, may be passed on from generation to generation, especially in environments where resources are scarce or competition is high, to give cats a competitive edge. After all, living alongside humans doesn’t always lead to calm and gentle animals. Sometimes a little “pushiness” pays off!What does this mean for us, as cat parents? Understanding that some of your cat’s chattiness or more assertive behaviors may be due to genetics can help us better appreciate their one-of-a-kind personalities. We hope research into this connection continues so that we can better understand our cats and what drives them!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Do Calming Pillows, Beds, and Blankets Keep Dogs Stress Free?