Viral Puppy Video Confirms the Best Way to Protect Young Joints

by Britt

Published: September 28th, 2025

Photo credit: OlgaOvcharenko / Shutterstock.com

Exploring the great outdoors together is one of the great joys of sharing our lives with a dog. Fresh air, new scents, and challenging trails are a great way to build a strong bond between a dog and their person. But as a recent video reminds us, giving our pups a great lie means carefully balancing the thrill of adventure with the need for safety and rest – especially when they’re young.

An adorable video featuring Apollo, a young Australian Cattle Dog, on his first hike, went viral on TikTok. With over 7 million views and 1.5 million likes, the clip captured the hearts of dog lovers everywhere.

The video highlights pure puppy enthusiasm and joy, followed by an immediate need to recharge.

Instead of sprinting down the path, the young pup is seen settled comfortably on the trail, leaning against his owner as if she’s his personal, portable sofa. According to his mom, this was Apollo’s “first little hike.” While the experience was a fun adventure with new scents, the actual walking distance was short. In fact, Apollo spent much of the time being carried.

His mom noted that seeing him grow comfortable in nature, exploring and sniffing everything, was “such a beautiful treat.” It was more about experiencing the great outdoors in a positive way than achieving distance goals.

This truth is that this video is more than just an entertaining look at life through a puppy’s eyes. It’s also a valuable lesson for all loving dog parents, particularly those with energetic breeds like the Australian Cattle Dog.

Regardless of the breed, a puppy’s bones and joints at this young age are still developing. Their growth plates don’t fully seal until a dog reaches maturity, which can be around 12 to 18 months, or even up to 2 years for larger breeds. Engaging in too much strenuous, repetitive, or high-impact activity before these plates are closed can cause damage that leads to long-term health and mobility issues, like arthritis.

For this reason, experts recommend a careful, conservative approach to exercise and conditioning.

A good rule of thumb is the “ Five Minute Rule.” A puppy should get about five minutes of formal exercise per day for every month of age, twice a day. According to this rule, a four-month-old puppy would be walked for around 20 minutes at a time. This low-impact approach allows them to explore and build muscle without stressing their developing joints.

Of course, this can vary from dog to dog. For personalized advice tailored to your pup, contact your veterinarian.

For now, Apollo’s “like hikes,” which involve short bursts of walking and plenty of carrying time, are the perfect way to build his confidence in nature safely. It’s a great reminder that giving our dogs the best quality of life means prioritizing their long-term health over immediate milestones.

By starting slow and steady, we can ensure that a young pup’s first adventures are just the beginning of a lifetime of happy, healthy trail adventures together.

Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 3 cats – Pippen, Jinx, and Theia. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

More by Britt

Designer Nods to Canine Influencers During New York Fashion Week 2025

View Article

Here’s Why Your Dog Loves to Say Hello to Strangers

If you’ve ever walked down the street with your dog and watched them enthusiastically greet every passerby, you’ve probably wondered why they do that. While it can be a little embarrassing at times, this behavior is rooted in some surprisingly interesting aspects of canine nature.

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.

Is It Safe to Keep Fish in a Small Bowl?

Fish can be peaceful, mesmerizing pets, perfect for those looking to add a bit of calm to their daily routine. But when it comes to setting up the right environment for them, the classic image of a lone goldfish in a clear, round bowl raises an important question: is it actually safe to keep fish in a small bowl?The short answer? No - not really.While fish bowls are often marketed as a simple, low-maintenance solution (especially for beginners), they fall short in several critical ways when it comes to keeping fish healthy and happy. Let’s explore why.Why Small Bowls Are Problematic for Fish1. Poor Water QualityOne of the biggest challenges in fishkeeping - especially in small containers - is maintaining clean, safe water. In a bowl, fish waste builds up quickly, causing harmful levels of ammonia and nitrates. Without a filtration system to remove these toxins, the water becomes increasingly dangerous for the fish. Even frequent water changes often aren’t enough to keep up in such a small volume.

Those Little Tubes of Creamy Cat Food Are Actually Good For Your Pet

(photo credit: 69 F Stop Photography / shutterstock.com)While we typically associate those nifty little tubes of creamy cat food as being along the lines of a really special treat that can only be doled out from time to time, they do serve other purposes. Particularly if your pet is ill, aging, or dealing with dental issues, that can make them super-picky eaters when it comes to their regular food and/or ability to eat harder kibble.In fact, you may be surprised to learn that these handy little lickable treats can actually be good for your pet. Especially, if you look at some of the low-calorie, high-protein, low-carb options out there.Let’s start with this. Did you know that on average, cats should consume 20-30 calories per pound of body weight? So, if you have a 10-pound cat, you’re looking at 200 to 300 calories per day. Like humans, this can vary based on age and activity levels. For context, a 3-ounce can of something like Fancy Feast has around 70 calories, a 5.5-ounce can of Friskies (in gravy) has around 130 calories, and a 1-cup portion of Meow Mix dry kibble comes in at 310 calories.So, let’s look at how adding those popular wet cat food tubes to your pet’s diet can benefit your pet without adding a lot of empty calories.Benefits to Your CatHydrationWet foods are super-high in moisture. Where dry food/kibble contains 10% moisture, wet foods provide closer to 85%. Making them an easy way to ensure your feline gets her daily hydration needs, which is typically around 8 ounces of water (1 cup) for a 10-pound cat and around 3 ounces more for every five pounds over that. Hydration is crucial to proper kidney and urinary tract function, and if your feline is older, ill, or recovering from surgery, meaning less inclined to want to drink, it’s a great way to induce her.DigestibilityTaste and texture factor large in how well your cat enjoys their meal. And the savory smell and texture of wet food along with her ability to easily consume and digest make it an easy enticement when age, illness or dental issues have you concerned about dehydration. While some are loyal to dry food it’s important to ensure that your kibble-loving feline is squeezing sufficient moisture into her diet to prevent constipation or dehydration. Adding one or two wet food tubes to her kibble meal – either squeezed across the top or used as a treat – is an easy solution.Weight ManagementWet food tubes are a great solution to managing your cat’s weight. Rich in protein, low in carbohydrates and with just a handful of calories, the wet texture makes your cat feel full sooner and keeps her satisfied for longer. And those rich nutrients ensure she’s getting everything she needs to stay fit and healthy on fewer calories.How to IntroduceStraight out of the tube as a treatSqueezed over your cat’s kibble as a topper/supplementSpread across a licking mat to engage and encourage soothing stimulationPresented on your finger when delivering medicationDispensed into a portion-control spoon to encourage interaction

How to Set Up the Perfect Feeding Area for Your Cat

Sometimes, it might seem that your cat is being picky about their food when, in fact, it’s a matter of them feeling uncomfortable in the area of your home where they’re fed. If you know that their food preferences are being met, and there isn’t a health concern that’s causing them to eat less than they should, you might need to tweak their feeding area to solve the problem. Keep reading to learn about a few of the things to keep in mind when deciding where your cat will have their meals.

Poor Air Quality Impacts the Health of Pets, Too

Experts warn that poor air quality caused by wildfires can have serious effects on animals, so pet parents should be aware of the risks and take steps to protect their pets when air quality drops.

Front-Load Dog Carriers Keep Him In On All the Action

(photo credit: Net Vector / shutterstock.com)It’s that awkward size. A dog that’s not quite big enough for the endurance of a long hike, but not so small that you can tuck him neatly into a pet sling and effortlessly tote him around on all those outdoor adventures. When your dog loves to get a front-row seat for all the action, when his spirit is willing but his little legs aren’t up to a marathon trek, a front-load dog carrier may just be the ticket. Alternatively, when your primary mode of transportation leans towards the two-wheel variety, and you want to include your pooch in all those fun outings, finding the right travel gear is essential.Designed for dogs weighing upwards of 12 pounds but typically less than 30, this type of carrier safely secures your pet so that you can comfortably transport him for short (or long) periods. And today’s new harnesses are strategically designed to prevent you from experiencing shoulder fatigue – meaning all parties remain comfortable.Not only is your pooch front facing to receive the smiles and accolades of the passing public, but for wilderness hikes, he gets to enjoy the flora and fauna from an entirely new vantage point – five feet off the ground. Now, for older pets or those with limited mobility, a front-load dog carrier is perfect for keeping them close, warm, comfortable and engaged in their surroundings. And as we all know, mental stimulation is critical for dogs of any size or age. Best of all, because these carriers are constructed for a quick load/unload process, your pet can easily resume his walk or take a comfort break as frequently as needed.

Having a Pet Can Improve Well-Being As Much As Having a Spouse

If you’re hoping to improve your life, bringing home a canine or feline companion might be just what you need. Continue reading to learn about a study on the value of pets and their impact on well-being.

Why Dogs Eat Poop, According to a Canine Behavior Expert

You may not want to admit it, but your dog has probably eaten poop once or twice. While this type of behavior makes dog owners shudder, it’s shockingly common for our four-legged companions to eat poop. But why would dogs, especially those with food bowls full of delicious kibble, choose to indulge in such a nasty habit? You might be surprised to learn that there are several reasons why some dogs eat poop.Also known as coprophagy or coprophagia, eating fecal matter is a normal behavior for many animals, including dogs. In fact, research has shown that 25% of dogs eat poop regularly and that nearly half of all dogs have tried to eat feces at some point in their lives. Some wild animals, including foxes and wolves, will eat their puppies’ stools to help keep the den clean and reduce scents that might attract predators. Studies also show that eating fresh feces might minimize the likelihood of intestinal parasites being spread, providing an evolutionary advantage to our dogs’ wild cousins. Like their wild counterparts, domestic dogs also eat their puppies’ poop in the first few weeks of life to keep them clean. This gives puppies a chance to observe and learn this type of behavior. “Puppies are naturally exploratory - and they’ll taste anything,” said Dr Emily Blackwell, lecturer in companion animal behavior and welfare at the University of Bristol. “And feces don’t taste or smell gross to them in the way they might do for us.”As unappealing as it may seem to us, poop still contains many nutrients and can serve as a good food source when times are hard. Experts speculate that Valerie, a miniature dachshund that has survived 529 days in the Australian wilderness did so partly by eating other animal’s poop. Let’s not forget that dogs have different preferences from us when it comes to the taste, smell, and texture of their food. There’s little research about coprophagia in dogs, but so far, it seems that there’s no apparent connection with diet and age. Researchers are looking for links between gut flora, diet, and diseases that may cause dogs to eat poop. An underlying health problem could be the reason why your dog is eating poop. Schedule an appointment with your vet if your pooch has started eating poop all of a sudden. Your vet will run tests to rule out health problems. Poor living conditions that don’t allow the dog to move a lot or explore, like kennels, a lack of mental stimulation, and punishment during potty training have been linked with dogs eating their own poop. Even if there’s no underlying health problem or your pooch doesn’t actually like the taste of poop you might be inadvertently encouraging them to eat poop while trying to discourage that behavior. “Normally, the consequences of this behavior are that owners rush over to any feces during walks, trying to get there first to stop their dog. But this signals to the dog that feces are important to the owner, increasing its value. And that could make the dog ever more determined to reach it before the owner,” explained Blackwell. “In this way, a lot of dogs are actually eating poo because they’ve almost been trained to by their owner. It’s all about how you respond,” she added. While Valerie, the miniature dachshund, may have eaten poop to survive, most poop-eating canines aren’t forced to eat feces to stay alive. The good news is that coprophagia is manageable. Understanding why your dog eats poop - whether it’s the result of a health problem, evolutionary instinct, or poor living conditions - can help you address this behavior with understanding rather than revulsion. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Can Food Puzzles Boost Your Cat's Overall Well-being?

Cats are hardwired hunters, problem-solvers, and explorers. While we diligently fill their bowls with the best foods and most nutritious meals, we might be overlooking a crucial aspect of their well-being: those natural instincts. But what if I told you there’s a simple, effective, and enjoyable way to transform mealtime into an enriching activity? This is where food puzzles and interactive treat toys come in.These products are more than just toys; they’re incredible tools for boosting your cat’s physical health, sharpening their minds, and preventing many common behavioral issues. In this post, I’m going to dive deep into why food puzzles are so beneficial for your cat’s overall health and happiness, share the wide range of options available (including our go-to favorites with my 3 cats), and show you exactly how you can incorporate them into your cat’s routine, regardless of your budget.Why Traditional Food Bowls Fall ShortIt’s easy to forget that, despite our cats making themselves so comfortable and cozy in our home, they are still wired with the instincts of their wild ancestors. In the wild, a cat’s day revolves around the hunt. They spend much of their time stalking prey, planning their approach, pouncing, and ultimately, problem-solving to catch their next meal. This entire process, from the mental challenge of finding food to the physical exercise of catching it, is incredibly stimulating. It’s about far more than just filling their stomachs.However, when we feed our cats in a traditional bowl, we inadvertently strip away this fundamental aspect of their natural behavior. The food is readily available, requiring no effort, thought, or physical activity. While this is convenient for us, it can lead to many issues for our cats. Without the challenge of the hunt, many cats will become bored, leading to an excess of pent-up energy that can manifest in destructive behaviors, excessive vocalization, or even aggression.In addition to the loss of mental enrichment, feeding your cat from a traditional bowl can lead to overeating, digestive issues, and ultimately, weight gain. Food puzzles and interactive feeding toys allow you to reintroduce the challenge and engagement that traditional bowls lack. This means we are now fulfilling their need to “work” for their food.The Physical Health Benefits of Food Puzzles for Your Cat Beyond just making mealtime more engaging, food puzzles offer many benefits that can actually impact your cat’s physical health and well-being. This is particularly true when discussing weight management and how to optimize their digestion. Here are a few benefits you can enjoy by incorporating puzzles into your cat’s daily routine: Weight Management One of the most significant advantages of using food puzzles is their contribution to helping your cat maintain a healthy weight. Many indoor cats struggle with their weight due to a sedentary lifestyle and easy access to food. When their food is served in a traditional bowl, it is readily available with no work (hunting) required, and they can often “power eat,” gobbling up the entire portion in just a few minutes. This can lead to overconsumption because their brain doesn’t register that they are full until well after they’ve finished eating, causing them to consume more calories than they need. When they are eating from a food puzzle, it forces them to eat at a slower pace. Your cat must work to get to each morsel, stretching out their mealtime and allowing their brain to catch up with their physical satiety. Additionally, interacting with the puzzle, batting it around, pushing levers, or navigating mazes helps to encourage physical activity. Even small movements through the day add up, burning calories and helping to prevent obesity, a growing problem in the US that is a precursor to serious health issues like diabetes, joint problems, and heart disease. By making them work for their food, you're helping your cat stay active and maintain a healthier body weight.Improved Digestion and Minor Dental BenefitsWeight management isn’t the only physical benefit. Food puzzles can also significantly aid in improving your cat’s digestion. Cats who eat too quickly from a bowl are prone to digestive problems, like regurgitation or vomiting. This happens because they swallow too much air along with their food, or their digestive system can’t handle the sudden high-level intake of food. By slowing your cat’s eating pace, the food puzzles help to reduce the amount of air ingested and allow the stomach to process food more gradually without becoming overwhelmed. Another often overlooked benefit is that a slower eating speed promotes more thorough chewing. Have you ever watched a cat gulp down their food? It’s surprising that they don’t choke on the pieces of kibble they are swallowing without blinking an eye! Not only does slowing them down and encouraging them to chew their food more help to prevent choking, but it can also lead to better nutrient absorption from their food.While your cat’s new food puzzle isn’t going to clean their teeth as effectively as a dedicated dental cleaning routine (like brushing their teeth), some food puzzle designs, particularly those with textured surfaces or nooks and crannies, may offer a minor benefit as part of your greater dental care plan. As your cat licks and bites at the puzzle to access their food, it can lead to gentle scraping of the teeth, helping to scrape away plaque. While this shouldn’t be relied on as a dental cleaning solution, it is an added bonus. Mental Health & Behavioral BenefitsOf course, as I mentioned already, the impact of introducing food puzzles to your cat extends far beyond just physical health. They are powerful tools for boosting your cat’s mental well-being and addressing many common behavioral challenges by getting to the root of the problem. After all, cats are intelligent creators who thrive on mental engagement! Preventing BoredomWithout much-needed mental stimulation, boredom can quickly set in, leading to unwanted and undesirable behaviors. Food puzzles are a great way to provide your cat with mental enrichment by challenging them to tap into their natural problem-solving skill, keeping their brains active and engaged. It transforms passive eating into an active mental exercise, requiring them to think and strategize to get that coveted reward – their meal. By providing your cat with mental enrichment, you can avoid the many problems that often arise from boredom. This includes destructive behaviors like excessive scratching of furniture, inappropriate urination, or persistent vocalization. It’s a great way to provide a constructive outlet for their natural drives, channeling their energy into a positive activity (and not into tearing up your couch).

How to Plant a Cat-Safe Flower Garden

Creating a vibrant flower garden doesn’t mean compromising your cat’s safety. Many popular blooms are toxic to cats, but with a little planning, you can cultivate a beautiful, colorful space that’s also non-toxic and feline-friendly. Whether your cat enjoys basking in the sun or nibbling on greenery, here’s how to design a gorgeous garden that both you and your pet can enjoy worry-free.

How Pets Boost Your Immune System?

Living with pets offers many health benefits. From lower blood pressure and reduced risk of heart disease to better mental health, owning a pet can be a key to a healthier you. However, that’s not all; research has shown that living with a cat or a dog can enhance your immune system. One of the strongest scientific arguments that supports the idea that pets boost immunity is based on the “hygiene hypothesis.” Based on this theory, early exposure to a diverse range of microbes, often found on pets and in outdoor environments, helps the developing immune system to distinguish between harmful and harmless agents. Some scientists believe that without this exposure, the immune system may become hyper-reactive, increasing the likelihood of allergies and autoimmune conditions. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that children who grew up on traditional farms or in households with multiple pets had lower rates of childhood asthma and allergies compared to children who grew up in petless urban settings.Another study has discovered that a child’s allergy risk at ages seven and nine lowers proportionally with the number of pets that were kept at home in early childhood. “It’s not a universal cure-all, and every time I give a lecture on this, someone goes ‘Well I grew up on a farm and I’ve got allergies’, but we know that if you grow up physically interacting with farm animals, you have about 50% reduction in your likelihood of developing asthma or allergies,” said Jack Gilbert, a professor at the University of California San Diego.Research also showed that some bacterial strains found on pets get transferred to their owners through proximity or touch. While this may seem unappealing to some people, it’s a type of natural microbiome exposure that can shape the immune system, particularly in early life. Dogs, more than cats, carry dirt and bacteria from the outside, broadening the household’s microbiome. Gilbert believes that our immune systems have evolved to be stimulated by the microbiome pets carry. Although these microbes are not with us all the time, our immune system recognizes the familiar signals as they come through, which helps the immune system develop in the right direction. “Over many millennia, the human immune system got used to seeing dog, horse, and cow bacteria. And so when it sees those things, it triggers beneficial immune development. It knows what to do,” said Gilbert.Another way pets may boost our immune systems is through stress regulation. Research has shown that chronic stress can undermine the immune system by elevating cortisol levels. In turn, a weakened immune system lowers the body’s ability to fight off diseases. Numerous studies found that interacting with pets, whether it’s walking a dog or stroking a cat, lowers cortisol levels and boosts oxytocin. This improves mental health and also supports a better immune response.Owning a pet, especially a dog, often leads to increased physical activity. Adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, and dog owners are more likely to achieve or exceed this objective.Exercise, in turn, has a beneficial effect on your immune health. It’s well-documented that exercise improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and even slows age-related immune decline. This is amazing news for pet parents, and new research continues to show that living with pets throughout our lives can be beneficial for our immune health and overall well-being. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Why Won't My Bearded Dragon Eat?

It can be concerning when your bearded dragon suddenly stops eating - especially if you’re not sure what’s causing the change. Bearded dragons are generally good eaters, so a lack of appetite is usually a sign that something’s off. The good news is that most feeding issues have identifiable causes, and once you figure out what’s wrong, you can usually correct it. Here’s what to consider if your bearded dragon won’t eat.Improper Tank ConditionsOne of the most common reasons for appetite loss is incorrect temperatures or lighting inside the enclosure. Bearded dragons rely on external heat to digest their food. If the basking area is too cool, their metabolism slows down, and they may stop eating altogether.Make sure your setup includes:A basking area between 95–110°FA cool side around 75–85°FProper UVB lighting, replaced every 6 to 12 months depending on the typeUVB light is essential for synthesizing vitamin D3, which helps them absorb calcium. Without it, bearded dragons can develop serious health issues, including loss of appetite.

Why Is My Dog Scooting on the Floor?

It starts with a little shuffle. Then a curious drag across the carpet. Maybe even right in front of your guests - and suddenly, your dog is scooting their bottom across the floor, leaving you amused, confused, or slightly horrified.But here’s the thing: while it might look funny, scooting is usually a sign that something’s bothering your dog. It’s their way of saying, "Hey, something doesn’t feel right back there."Let’s take a closer look at what causes this odd behavior - and how you can help your pup feel more comfortable.What Is Scooting, Exactly?Scooting is when a dog drags their rear end along the floor, usually while in a sitting or crouched position. It's not something dogs do just for fun - it’s almost always a response to itching, discomfort, or irritation in the anal area.If it happens once in a blue moon, it might not be anything serious. But if your dog scoots regularly, it’s time to dig a little deeper.Common Reasons Why Dogs Scoot1. Anal Gland Problems (The #1 Culprit)Dogs have two small anal glands located on either side of their anus. These glands naturally release a strong-smelling fluid when your dog poops - part of how dogs mark territory.Sometimes, those glands don’t empty properly and become impacted, inflamed, or infected. This can lead to:Itching or swelling around the anusScooting or licking at the areaDiscomfort when sitting or poopingA groomer or vet can usually express the glands manually. If there’s an infection, your dog may need medication.2. Worms, Especially TapewormsTapeworm segments look like tiny rice grains and may appear around your dog’s rear or in their stool. They can cause serious itching in that area, leading to scooting.Treatment is a deworming medication from your vet that can clear it up quickly, so at least that’s simple!3. Allergies (Food or Environmental)If your dog has allergies, it might show up as:Red or itchy skinFrequent ear infectionsLicking paws or chewing at their feetAnd yes - scooting, due to irritated skin near the rearYour vet can help identify whether food or environmental triggers are at play, and recommend an allergy-friendly diet or medication.4. Dirty Fur or Foreign ObjectsSometimes the cause is just... well, a little mess. Long-haired dogs are especially prone to getting dried feces or debris stuck in their fur, which can cause irritation.A gentle cleaning or a trim around the sanitary area can do wonders.

5 Fun Facts About Rabbits You Might Not Know

Rabbits are far more interesting than many people realize. Beyond their soft fur and twitching noses, rabbits have unique behaviors and surprising traits that make them truly special companions. Here are five fun facts about pet rabbits you might not know.

Cancer Warning After Cat Had Her Ears Amputated Due to Sun Damage

Vets are warning owners of cats with light-colored ears to protect their felines from potentially cancer-causing sun damage. Gracie, a seven-year-old white cat, had to have both of her ear flaps amputated after tests showed cancerous cells in both ears. The damage to Gracie’s ears was caused by prolonged exposure to sunlight. Last summer, the Bracknell & Wokingham branch of the Cat Protection charity took Gracie in as a stray. The charity’s vets were shocked by the severity of the damage caused to the cat’s ears by too much exposure to the sunlight.The staff named the feline Crispy because of the damage to her ears. The then-six-year-old feline had both of her ear flaps removed at their base to prevent the cancer from spreading. As it turns out, that decision saved Gracie’s life, as vets are now sure the cancer would have spread all over her body.To compensate for the lack of both ear flaps, Gracie moves her head more to better locate sounds. One year later, and fully recovered after the surgery, Crispy has been renamed Gracy and has been adopted by Beryl and Tom Henry in Bracknell, Berkshire. The fact that Gracie had both of her ears amputated didn’t deter Ms Henry from adopting her. “I fell in love with her as soon as I saw her, and she was absolutely lovely,” Ms Henry told the BBC. “Inside she’s wonderful. Her looks don’t count… I love her to bits.”The Cat Protection charity advises cat owners to keep light-colored felines indoors while the sun is at its hottest. Providing outdoor shade areas and applying sunscreen to a cat’s ears and nose can also help keep vulnerable cats protected against sun damage. Nikki Butcher from the Cat Protection charity said: “Vets probably saved Gracie’s life by spotting the severity of the sun damage to her crispy ears and then treating her so effectively.” “Any cats that are light-furred or have unpigmented ears or noses are particularly susceptible to sun damage. If it’s caught early, it can be surgically trimmed. In Gracie’s case, because it was such extensive damage, then the decision was taken to take the flaps down to the base.”“Additional tests indicated that was a life-saving decision for Gracie as it could have spread to the rest of her body,” added Butcher. Sadly, Gracie isn’t alone. The Cat Protection charity has witnessed too many cats suffering the effects of sun damage that can be easily prevented. When it comes to keeping cats protected from the sun, it’s important to remember that sun protection isn’t just for summer. Light-colored cats can also get sunburns on cloudy days and in snowy conditions where UV rays reflect off the surface.Limiting your cat’s exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day and applying vet-approved sunscreen for cats are the best ways to keep your feline safe and healthy. Keep in mind that not all sunscreens are safe for pets, and some are more effective than others. Avoid sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid, as these ingredients are toxic to pets. To keep your feline protected during hot summer days, apply sunscreen to the most vulnerable areas of its body, including the nose, ears, belly, and areas with thin fur. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Should You Bathe Your Guinea Pig? A Quick Guide to Guinea Pig Hygiene

One common question new guinea pig owners often ask is: Should I bathe my guinea pig? The short answer is probably not.Unlike dogs or humans, guinea pigs don’t require regular baths and it can even be harmful, if it’s not done correctly. So here's what you need to know about guinea pig hygiene.

Best Prime Day Bargains for Your Furry Friends

View Gallery

Top stories

Viral Puppy Video Confirms the Best Way to Protect Young Joints

Designer Nods to Canine Influencers During New York Fashion Week 2025

The Stinky Truth: Can My Dog's Diet Be Making Them Smell Bad?

Top stories

Viral Puppy Video Confirms the Best Way to Protect Young Joints

Related articles