What Do Ferrets Eat? A Guide to Feeding Your Pet Ferret

Treating Dog Cancer. Is Chemo A Good Choice?

Unlike human-grade chemo, the options for your dog may be just the ticket to improving his life.

Want to Intro a Dog-Friendly Culture to Your Workplace? Read On.

Here to stay, those workplace pooch-perks are turning once staid organizations into GenZ-savvy employers.

How to Support Your Senior Dog This Winter

Thoughtful comfort, easier mobility, and purposeful play for pets in their golden years.As temperatures drop, many senior dogs slow down even more. Colder weather can stiffen aging joints, reduce mobility, and make everyday routines feel harder than they used to. So, as winter approaches, many pet parents look for ways to help their older dogs stay comfortable, active, and content.And that’s where Petmate steps in as a thoughtful solution. Known for practical, well-designed pet products, this brand is focused on supporting aging dogs with comfort-driven essentials. Their senior-focused winter collection is curated specifically to meet the needs of older pups when they need support the most. 

5 Easy Tips to Make Litter Training Your Cat a Breeze

Bringing home a new cat or kitten is exciting —but one of the first things they need to learn is where to go to the bathroom. The good news? Most cats naturally prefer using a litter box, so training is usually easier than most new pet owners expect. Here are five simple tips to help make litter training smooth and stress-free.

How Often Should You Really Bathe Your Dog?

Ever wondered if your dog actually needs another bath, or if you’re just overdoing it with the shampoo? Between muddy paws, that unmistakable “dog smell,” and advice that seems to change depending on who you ask, it can be hard to know what’s best. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. How often you should really bathe your dog depends on a few key factors, including their breed, coat type, lifestyle, and skin health. Let’s break down what vets and groomers generally recommend so you can keep your pup clean and comfortable.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Pet Bird

Though they make wonderful pets, birds have specific needs, and because there are so many different bird species you can keep as pets, it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you. Plus, many birds can live 10 years or more, so they’re a long-term commitment. Before you dive in and become a bird parent, ask yourself plenty of questions, like the following.

How to Introduce a Cleanse to Your Dog's Health Regimen

Tulip Festival Tragedy Sparks Urgent Warning for Dog Owners

After a beloved spaniel’s sudden death, pet parents are reminded that some spring blooms can be more dangerous than they appear.Spring outings with our dogs are one of the season’s simple joys—fresh air, colorful blooms, and plenty of opportunities for nice photos.But a recent tragedy in the UK is a sobering reminder that even the most picturesque settings can carry hidden risks.

Are All Nuts Good For Your Dog? Not Even Close!

As humans, we’re all about eating healthy, right? Okay, at least whenever we can. And nuts are a great source of healthy protein and good fats that support everything from a healthier sleep and better brain health to antioxidant delivery and anti-inflammatory benefits.But while all nuts are healthy, they do come with a few caveats. And you might be surprised to learn that it’s not just the obvious pancreatitis-triggering fat content. That’s why, while nuts can be a great treat for dogs, they need to be given in moderation and with a few considerations at play. Such as the type of nut and the format.For example, unsalted, unseasoned, and without added oils is the only way to go. For some nuts, such as almonds, a butter format is better than feeding your dog the whole nut due to the possible choking hazard.So, let’s talk about which nuts are safe for your pet and which should be avoided at all costs.If dogs can have a small number of peanuts or cashews, then they can also have the butter format, right? Yes, but only if it does not contain xylitol.Good Nuts for Your DogPeanuts: Shelled peanuts – raw or roasted – are a great treat for dogs. When we say treat, we’re talking three or four nuts a couple of times a day. Remember, no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. Peanut protein is ideal for muscle development, the fat promotes healthy skin and a lustrous coat, with Vitamin E antioxidants and biotin supporting enhanced immune health. If you choose to go the peanut butter route, double-check your options to ensure they do not include the sweetener xylitol, which is highly toxic to pets. Go the organic route if you’re not sure.Cashews: Similar to peanuts, cashews deliver a bounty of antioxidants and Omega-3s as well as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and that all-important fibre every pooch needs. Whether served whole or in pieces, these nuts boost muscle tissue development, heart health, and promote skin and coat health. Choose to offer them in the whole nut format or a non-sweetened cashew butter that can be dobbed into his favourite Kong or puzzle toy.Almonds: Due to the size, shape, and firmness of this nut, you’ll want to be careful when doling them out. Dogs tend to gobble and can easily choke if they don’t chew properly. And if scarfed down whole, an almond can become lodged in his intestine, creating a blockage. That said, the nutritional benefits of this nut are numerous and worth exploring. Rich in Vitamin E (in the form of tocopherols and tocotrienols), antioxidants that promote heart, brain, and skin health. Check out an almond butter format that can add zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium to the mix.Bad Nuts for Your DogPistachios: While nutritionally rich, these nuts are extremely high in fat and calories as well as phosphorus, which can strain the kidneys and, potentially cause mold. Yes, mold. When pistachios are not properly dried or are stored in humid conditions, they can develop Aspergillus mould, which can produce carcinogenic toxins called aflatoxins.Macadamia nuts: Super high in fat, these nuts can easily trigger a serious bout of pancreatitis in dogs that will require medical attention. But there’s more, because a condition known as macadamia nut toxicity is also at play. While it’s uncertain what causes this level of toxicity, within a matter of hours of your pet consuming even a small portion (single nut), they can experience vomiting, tremors and weakness.Walnuts: The walnut tree and similar species, such as the pecan and hickory, produce a natural toxin called Juglone that permeates the tree roots, leaves, bark, and nuts. Guess what? When your dog consumes these nut meats, they can produce seizures and neurological disorders. Now, similar to pistachios, these nuts can be prone to mould and toxins that can prove fatal to your pet.

The Top-Performing Breeds in Westminster Dog Show History

The energy in New York is shifting as the purple and gold banners announce the arrival of the 150th year of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, starting this weekend. For those of us dedicated to the health and happiness of our favorite dog breeds, it is the event of the season.While many view this as a high-stakes competition, it’s also a masterclass in breed history and preservation.This year, the action starts at the Javits Center with the Masters Agility and early breed judging, before moving to Madison Square Garden on February 2-3 to crown the “Best in Show.” But before we go all in on the 150th year, let’s look back at the history of the show and the breeds that have stolen our hearts.The Dominance of the TerrierIf you’ve ever wondered why certain breeds seem to have a permanent spot in the winner’s circle, look no further than the Terrier Group. Throughout the show’s 150-year history, Terriers have secured 47 Best in Show titles, far more than any other group.Leading the pack is the Wire Fox Terrier, a breed that has claimed the top prize an impressive 15 times. Other notable winners include: Scottish Terrier: 8 titles English Springer Spaniel: 6 titles Standard Poodle and Pekingese: 5 titles eachInterestingly, the Herding Group (which includes favorites like the Border Collie and Corgi) remains the least represented, with only two wins in history. Many enthusiasts are watching closely this year to see if a new or unexpected breed rises to take the title this year, like the Berger Picard or the Xoloitzcuintli.What Are the Judges Looking For?It is a common misconception that dogs are competing against each other in the show to determine the winners. In reality, each dog is being judged against a written breed standard. This document outlines the ideal physical and mental traits for that specific breed, rooted in their original historical purpose.For a dog parent, understanding these standards can be incredibly educational, especially if you have fallen in love with a specific breed. For instance, a judge isn’t just looking at a Terrier’s coat. They are looking for that characteristic “terrier fire,” the feisty temperament required for their original job of hunting rodents. When you see a working dog, like a Doberman Pinscher, the judge is looking for an alert, watchful presence.Watching these dogs perform helps us recognize the natural instincts and physical needs of our own furry companions. A dog bred for high-speed agility or deep-scent tracking will be happiest when provided with outlets for those specific behaviors.Beyond the “Best in Show”While the main event that most people associate with Westminster Week is a celebration of purebred excellence, the event has expanded to include the Masters Agility and Obedience Championships, where dogs of all backgrounds (including mixed breeds) gather to showcase their intelligence and the special bond they share with their handlers.Whether your dog is a championship athlete or a beloved rescue, watching these events can offer insight into your dog’s natural instincts and new ways to offer breed-specific engagement. From specialized “Dog TV” segments designed to new training techniques, there is always something new to learn to improve your dog’s life!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here. 

How the Pet Wellness Boom Is Changing the Way We View Health

Caring for a pet isn’t always easy (or budget-friendly). Wanting the best for our furry family members, we invest in organic diets, orthopedic beds, and specialized trainers. But according to a recent report by Future Marketing Insights Inc, a new frontier in pet longevity has arrived, and it’s happening on the grooming table! The pet grooming industry is currently undergoing a massive transformation. No longer seen as a simple “haircut and a bath” service, grooming is being rebranded as a pillar of preventative health. The result? Experts project the industry will reach a staggering $19.5 billion this year, nearly doubling over the next decade! This shift is driven by the increased humanization of pet care. As we prioritize our own wellness through routine, self-care, and prevention, we are extending those same values to our furry family members. Sam Cheow, a dedicated dog parent to four Norwich Terriers, told The New York Times that he spends upwards of $11,000 annually on grooming costs alone. To some, that number is enough to make their stomachs turn. To Cheow, it is an investment in longevity. His dogs require a specialized technique called hand stripping, which involves removing dead hair by hand to maintain their skin and coat health. “Like human wellness, pet care has moved toward prevention, routine, and emotional health rather than crisis,” Cheow explained. This proactive approach means identifying skin issues, parasites, or unusual lumps during a grooming session, long before they become a medical emergency. At these early stages, treatment is generally less invasive, less uncomfortable, and has a far better prognosis. Interestingly, the rise of the high-end grooming market has highlighted a significant gap in pet parent education. This is highlighted further by the number of groomers who have admitted to “firing” clients for not maintaining a strict enough grooming schedule or home care between appointments. For breeds like Poodles and Terriers, grooming isn’t just cosmetic; it’s a requirement! When we skip appointments, we risk: Matting: Which can pull on the skin, causing bruises and trapping moisture, leading to infection. This is particularly common in curly/wavy, long/silky, and double-coated breeds. Ear Health: Professional groomers often clean ears and pluck excess hair that can trap bacteria. Nail Maintenance: Long nails can change the way a dog walks, leading to skeletal issues over time. Home care is an option, including using nail clippers, a Dremel, or a nail filing board, but some dog parents are more comfortable having this handled professionally. With grooming sessions for some breeds now reaching $500 to $1,000, many pet parents are getting creative. While some travel across borders for more affordable care, others are taking the DIY route. Learning the basics of ear cleaning, nail clipping, and sanitary trims between professional visits can significantly lower your costs while keeping your pet comfortable. Whether you are opting for a spa day with a “blueberry facial” to brighten your pet’s eyes and address eye staining or learning to use clippers at home, the message from this report is clear: grooming is no longer a luxury. It is an essential step toward a long, healthy life. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Abandoned Dogs of Chernobyl Have an Unusually Blue Hue...

The mystery is solved. , and you’ll never guess what the answer is!

STARS Air Ambulance Welcomes Orion as Their New Therapy Dog

For those of us who share our lives with pets, we know that their very presence can change the energy of a room. Whether it’s a quiet evening at home or a stressful afternoon, our animals help to ground and calm us. Recently, STARS Air Ambulance, an organization known for high-stakes, life-saving missions, decided to bring that same benefit to its frontline crews by welcoming a very special new team member, Orion. Orion is a professionally trained therapy dog provided by the Pacific Assisted Dog Society (PADS). Since joining the team in February 2025, he has become a fixture at the Winnipeg base, though his calming influence and energy extend across the STARS network. His primary role with the team is to support the pilots, paramedics, and flight nurses who work daily in environments and situations that involve extreme stress and trauma.  “What our plan is, to evaluate the first two years with a therapy dog and decide from there to expand the program and whether that will include additional dogs in each province or each of our six bases,” explained Grant Therrien, providing director for Manitoba STARS operations, STARS flight paramedic, and Orion’s handler. While we often use the terms interchangeably, Orion’s role is distinctly different from that of a service dog. A service dog is specifically trained to perform tasks for a single individual with a disability, such as guiding someone with visual impairment or alerting a person to an impending seizure so that they can prepare themselves accordingly. These dogs have specific legal public access rights because they are considered essential medical equipment. In contrast, a therapy dog like Orion is trained to provide emotional and psychological comfort to many people. These dogs must have an exceptionally calm temperament and enjoy being handled by people, especially strangers. Their “job” is presence. By simply sitting with a flight crew after a difficult mission, Orion helps lower cortisol levels and heart rates, helping them back to a calmer state of mind. Orion’s work is not limited to the staff. He has also become a key resource for former patients and their families. When survivors return to the base to meet the crews who saved them, the emotions they experience can be overwhelming. Orion often stands with these families, offering a quiet, reassuring presence that makes a sensitive conversation and difficult memories a little easier to navigate. The addition of Orion to the STARS team is a clear reminder of what pet parents have always known: the bond between humans and animals is a powerful tool for healing. In the world of emergency medicine, where every second counts, Orion reminds the team to take a breath. He proves that sometimes the most effective way to care for those who save lives is provide them with a loyal friend who is always ready to listen. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

White Dog Clean Up! Here's How to Keep Your Pooch Looking His Best

(photo credit: Good Focus / shutterstock.com)Want to know why we don’t furnish our homes in top-to-bottom white? Because, as we all know, darker colors hide the dirt better. Not to say we don’t vacuum and clean regularly… but all those crumbs and dust don’t stare back at us quite so intently on a dark background as they do when sitting atop a stark white surface. You know I'm right!It’s the same with dogs. We bathe them, brush them, clean out their ears and wipe down their paws because even though we can’t see all the bits and pieces they’ve brought back on them from the great outdoors, we know it’s there.And if your dog is white - we’re talking head-to-toe white - how do you stay on top of it? Well, care for white dogs gets a lot simpler if you establish a routine and invest in a few key pet care products for that tool chest of yours.Surface CleaningWhile brushing alone won’t produce the level of "clean" we’re striving for, it is a good first step in eliminating visible dust and debris clinging to your dog's face and coat. For dogs with a curly, wiry, or medium-to-longer coat – thinking Samoyed, Poodle, or American Eskimo - a good slicker brush is the way to go. This type of brush consists of tightly packed wire pins that are great at digging down through thick, dense fur yet angled to prevent contact with skin. Something like this self-cleaning brush (good for both cats and dogs) from Swihauk is perfect for quick touch-ups after walks or outdoor play.And if your pooch is of the finer, short hair variety, you’ll want a good natural or nylon bristle brush. Options such as this ergonomically designed bristle brush are perfect for breeds including Bull terriers, Westies, or Maltese, where your goal is to remove all that surface dust, dander, and loose hair.So brushing quite literally, skims the surface!Deeper CleaningBut in addition to regular maintenance (including that daily brushing), your white dog is going to need to be bathed at a minimum, every six weeks. More frequently, if your pet’s coat becomes stained or they are highly active outdoors, and require a soapy intervention.Now, these baths should include a shampoo that’s been specifically formulated for white dogs - yes, there is such a product – and for that, we’re loving this pear-scented whitening shampoo from Wahl. pH-balanced and paraben-free, its rich lather brightens dull, dirty coats… and who doesn’t want their dog to smell like a ripe pear?For those on the go, tackling dirt, stains, and smells never takes a break, and that’s when something like this dry dog shampoo spray from Arm & Hammer delivers a brilliant solution. It’s a mist infused with baking soda. You simply spray it on, massage it in, and brush it out. Perfect for RV travel when a bathtub full of suds isn’t practical, yet clean still needs to happen.Facial CleaningRegardless of the products you use, daily clean-ups are a must when tackling runny eyes and the resultant staining. Especially on white dogs, where the streaks are highly visible. Tip – keep a soft wash cloth on the ready for a quick overall refresh of your pet’s face at the end of meals when facial fur can become gunky and result in stains.But let’s start with a more in-depth preventative measure. Introducing easy, effective clean-ups into your routine is the best way to stay on top of staining - and pre-moistened dog eye wipe s are just the ticket. This biodegradable option from Opula is loaded with natural extracts including Aloe Vera, Avocado and Dead Sea salts. Used daily, it removes dried mucus (AKA eye boogers), discharge, tear stains and saliva stains from your pet’s fur.

Why Your Dog Is Suddenly Grinding Their Teeth

If you’ve noticed your dog suddenly grinding their teeth, it can be worrying. Just like humans, dogs can grind their teeth—something called bruxism. This behavior often signals that something isn’t quite right, and figuring out the cause can help keep your furry friend happy and healthy. Let’s get into it.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

How to Socialize Your Pet Ferret

Ferrets are highly social, but without the right training and socialization, they may not want to interact with you and might even be scared of you. Socialization also helps ensure your ferret won’t exhibit bad behaviors like aggressive biting, and it’s a great way to develop a stronger bond with your furry little pet. A well-socialized ferret won’t mind being picked up and held, and can even be trained to do things like walk on a leash. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are some helpful tips.   

New Study Reveals the Secret to a Happier Relationship with Your Dog

As a loving dog mom, I am constantly looking for ways to ensure that my dogs live their happiest, most fulfilled lives. I know I’m not alone! In an effort to care for our best friends, we invest in high-quality nutrition, prioritize annual vet wellness visits, and spend hours working on obedience training. But there may be an even easier step we can take to build a strong bond with our furry family members! A recent study from Linköping University suggests that if you want to deepen your emotional connection with your pup, you might want to put down the treat bag and pick up a tug toy. The study, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, set out to investigate the direct connection between play and the emotional bond between people and their dogs. Researchers divided the participating dog parents into three groups. One group increased their daily playtime, one group increased their training time using food rewards, and the final group served as a control, making no changes to their daily routine. The results were really interesting. After just four weeks of adding only a few minutes of daily play, the dog parents in that group reported a significant improvement in their emotional bond with their pups. Surprisingly, the group that focused on extra training showed no change. According to Lina Roth, a senior associate professor of ethology at Linköping University, play is important for social interactions with dogs. While training does require communication and connection, it is transactional. Your dog performs a behavior and receives a reward. Play is a special shared experience. However, not all play is created equal. The goal is to find a play style that involves give-and-take interaction with your dog, not just physical exertion. Roth explained, “Just throwing a ball isn’t enough. As we were after the social interaction between dog and human, the games we proposed in the study were, for example, tug-of-war, rough and tumble, chasing each other, hide-and-seek, peekaboo, or teasing a dog a little with your fingers. You don’t have to keep at it for long, it’s more about paying attention to your dog’s behavior. A few minutes every now and then seems to make a big difference.” This finding is particularly hopeful for those who have welcomed a rescue dog into their home. When you adopt a dog as an adult, you unfortunately miss out on the early socialization window that occurs in young puppies. Roth notes that the study shows interactive play can bridge this gap, helping dog parents build a strong relationship regardless of their dog’s age or history. For busy dog parents, the study also shows that you don’t need hours of free time to see a difference. Just a few extra minutes a day was enough to move the needle for those participating. The secret to success is being observant, paying attention to your dog, and finding out which activities they respond to most positively. When we share moments of joy, our dogs notice. By prioritizing these positive experiences with our pups, we aren’t just entertaining them; we are building a foundation of mutual trust and affection that lasts a lifetime. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

3 Weird Cat Behaviors Explained

Cats are charming, mysterious, and sometimes puzzling companions. One moment they’re calm, and the next they’re up to something strange. However, most of these “odd” habits actually come from instinct, comfort, or communication. Understanding them can help you build a stronger connection with your feline friend.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.