What to Do Immediately If You Suspect Your Pet Ate Poison

Has Flea & Tick Season Become a Year-Round Event?

(photo credit: Clock Is Ticking / shutterstock.com)If your furry entourage includes dogs (or cats who might venture outdoors), you already know the importance of keeping them vaccinated against diseases such as rabies, canine distemper, parvovirus, adenovirus (hepatitis), and parainfluenza, as well as up-to-date on their flea and tick meds. Now, these last ones not only protect your pet from picking up parasites and subsequently the diseases they spread, but also prevent them from passing such illnesses on to you. The term one would use for fleas and ticks is “zoonotic,” and it refers to any parasite that can be passed from animal to human.If you live in the northern US states or south-end of the Canadian provinces, it used to be that your pet’s flea and tick treatment started in late Spring - usually around early May - with the last dose given mid-September. That’s typically when I would kickstart my dogs’ programs. However, a few years back, my veterinarian suggested beginning a bit earlier. In fact, he was suggesting mid-March, given how warming trends had begun to activate fleas and ticks earlier than normal.Now, vets are recommending protecting your pet from fleas and ticks year-round. And it has less to do with the warmer weather and more to do with the evolving resilience of parasites to colder temperatures. Dubbed an “all-weather” threat to our fur kids, they no longer disappear after the first frost. In fact, they’ve been found to survive under Fall leaves and even snow. And try this for an “ick” factor: fleas don’t just survive in warmth, they thrive. Meaning that if your dog happens to bring one into the house during Fall, that little house guest will lay 40 to 50 eggs each day… hatching to become hundreds of blood-sucking adults.Options for Keeping Fleas and Ticks at BayHappily, staying on top of these parasites is not only easy but affordable. And… you have a number of methods to choose from. Now, before you decide on the best approach, speak with your vet. All treatment options include chemicals with a pesticide component, so including your veterinarian in the discussion is a wise move. You can also narrow the selection by selecting only brands and products that show FDA approval or are vet-recommended.Flea CollarsLet’s go old-school on this one. Once upon a time, the flea collar was the only way to help prevent this type of parasite. It was minimally effective because it essentially protected just the neck area rather than the full body, where fleas typically gravitate once the neck is out of bounds. So, these collars were more of a “gesture” at eliminating parasites, not an actual solution.Fast forward, and today’s options offer full body protection, they tackle both fleas and ticks, and they last much longer than their simpler predecessors.

Your Dog Is Changing Your Brain (And Your Gut) For The Better

Our dogs bring countless joys into our lives. From excited tail wags at the door to comforting snuggles on the sofa, our pups are truly part of the family. But what if I told you that your dog isn’t just making you happier, they may be making you more caring and sociable through an invisible, microscopic link? Recent research from Japan’s Azabu University has revealed a promising possibility: living with a dog might alter our microbiome (the ecosystem of bacteria inside us) in ways that actually promote better mental health and social behavior! The study focused on adolescents aged 12 to 14. Researchers found that teenagers who lived with dogs had significantly lower scores on social problems, aggressive behavior, and social withdrawal compared to their non-dog-owning peers. People who lived with dogs ranked as less socially withdrawn and behaved less aggressively. “Adolescent children who keep dogs exhibit higher mental well-being, and we also found that dog ownership alters the gut microbiota,” said Dr. Takefumi Kikusui, a study co-author and animal behaviorist at Azabu University. “Since the gut microbiota influences behavior through the gut-brain axis, we conducted this experiment.”Saliva samples revealed distinct differences in the microbial makeup of teens, including higher levels of certain bacteria like Streptococcus, which have been previously linked to reduced depressive symptoms. Interested in digging deeper, the research team then conducted a follow-up experiment. They transplanted oral microbes from people who lived with dogs and people who were dog-free into germ-free laboratory mice. The results were fascinating. The mice that received microbes from “dog people” exhibited behaviors that demonstrated greater empathy and sociability. For example, in one test, these mice were more likely to approach and try to assist a trapped cage-mate. They also spent more time sniffing unfamiliar mice, a sign of increased social interest. The gut microbiome is a busy community of microorganisms living primarily in our intestines. This community doesn’t just help us digest food; it also influences our immune system and, crucially, communicates with our brain. This communication pathway is known as the Gut-Brain Axis. The bacteria in our gut can produce various chemicals, including anti-inflammatory compounds and even neurotransmitters, which directly impact our mental state and behavior. The theory is that dogs, through licks and close contact, expose us to their diverse microbial communities. These microbes then travel to our gut, influencing our own microbiome and potentially boosting the production of those beneficial chemicals that support mental well-being and encourage empathetic, social responses. While the researchers agree that more studies are needed, incorporating different geographic locations, the research adds a new layer to the already well-documented benefits of life with a dog. They also acknowledge that adopting a dog isn’t a guaranteed solution for everyone. Bringing a dog into your home is a significant commitment that should be taken seriously. However, these findings also reinforce the idea that the bond between humans and dogs is profound, right down to a microscopic level. It’s a heartfelt reminder that the companionship you share with your dog is good for you, both inside and out! Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here. 

5 Signs Your Dog Is Bored (And Easy Ways to Fix It)

Dogs are naturally curious, playful, and social animals. So when they don’t have enough to do, boredom can creep in pretty quickly. And just like us, bored dogs tend to find their own ways to pass the time—sometimes in ways we’d really rather they didn’t.If your pup seems restless or is suddenly acting out, boredom might be the culprit. The good news? Once you know the signs, it’s usually pretty easy to fix.Let’s take a look at five common signs your dog might be bored—and what you can do to help.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Should You Get a Puppy and a Kitten at the Same Time?

Is getting a puppy and a kitten at the same time a great way to help them grow up as lifelong friends, or simply a recipe for total chaos?The short answer is that it can work very well, but it depends on your lifestyle, your expectations, and how much time and patience you’re able to give.Let’s take a closer look at the benefits, the challenges, and how to set everyone up for success.

Pedigree Foundation Rescue Dog of the Year Is a Senior Named Teddy

The PEDIGREE Foundation, a non-profit organization that’s on a mission to help end pet homelessness, has named their 2026 Rescue Dog of the Year, and it’s a senior dog named Teddy. He was adopted by a great family, and proves that senior dogs—who have lower adoption rates and are often overlooked—aren’t only super deserving of forever homes, but also make some of the very best companions.  

5 Adorable Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas Your Dog Will Truly Love

Valentine’s Day isn’t just for humans. Your pup deserves a little extra love too. Whether your dog enjoys playtime treats or looking stylish, these thoughtfully chosen Valentine’s Day gifts are perfect for showing them how much you care. Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Funding to California Homeless Shelters Allowed Them to Accept Pets

Previously challenged to accommodate individuals with their pets, shelters are now equipped to take in animals too. While this encouraged shelter use, did it help reduce the numbers of pet owners living on the streets?

4 Reasons Why a Thief Might Target Your Pet

It’s not something most pet owners like to think about, but pet theft does unfortunately happen. Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons pets are targeted, so you can understand what makes an animal vulnerable—and how to stay one step ahead.

Have We Coddled the Survival Instinct Out of Our Dogs?

You might be surprised to learn that your cute little pooch can rise to the occasion if provoked.

Seasonal Camping? Here's How to Make Sure Rover is a Good Neighbour

(photo credit: Reshetnikov_art / shutterstock.com)One of the big differences between seasonal camping and the typical “pitch a tent and be gone after a few days” type of camping is duration. Seasonal camping involves a trailer and a site where you may reside off and on for several months at a time. Meaning you have long-term neighbours who, unlike the typical camping scenario, are not just passing through.Now, when you have a dog, maintaining a positive rapport with said neighbours is important. Particularly if your pooch is highly excitable and loves to bark at both two-legged and four-legged passersby (of which there will always be plenty). I mean, it gets really old really quick for those in the surrounding trailers and can actually end with you being evicted from the park if you can’t get it under control.But here’s the upside to seasonal camping: you’re typically working with a larger travel or house trailer and, by just having four walls between your pooch and the outdoors, you help provide a visual and sound barrier between him and the other campers. That said, we don’t bring our pets camping only to have them stuck inside while we enjoy the campfire or morning coffee on the deck… right?So, here are some tactics to help ensure both you and your pet remain chill and stress-free while taking in all that seasonal camping offers.Firstly – and I speak from experience – if at all possible, ensure the entry/exit from your trailer is facing away from high traffic areas. This includes the road, public paths, or the neighbors. You’ll need to coordinate this when you first park your trailer, but it means your dog is not constantly stepping out into a sea of new faces and pets strolling by. And because, all the family action typically takes place on the entry/exit side of the trailer – sitting on the deck, by the firepit, lounging in a hammock – he gets to be front and centre amongst his people.How to Keep Him Corralled to Your Site

Why Does My Dog Keep Eating Grass?

Grass-eating is one of those weird but common dog habits. It’s generally nothing to worry about, but it can be helpful to understand why they do it and when you should keep an eye on them. 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.

Why It’s Time To Change To A New Kitty Litter

Dealing with cat litter isn’t the most glamourous job in the world, but we do it for the wellbeing of our furry family members. It’s essential to provide your loved one with cat litter they can feel at ease in, which is where PrettyLitter comes in. This innovative cat litter promises improved texture, low dust levels and odor control, so your cat can go in comfort.Aside from comfort, what if your cat litter could give you insights into your cat’s health? We’re talking science-backed cat health monitoring offered through innovative silica gel cat litter. We know how much your cat’s wellbeing means to you and that it’s not always easy to interpret their unusual or erratic behavior. To help keep you in-the-know, PrettyLitter is designed to be the most innovative cat litter on the market to enable you to find out if your cat is at risk of conditions like Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disorder (FLUTD), directly from our cat litter.

Things to Consider Before Getting a Rabbit

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

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

Golden Retriever Behaviors May Be Linked to Human Genes

Research from the UK shows our Golden buddies have similar genes to us humans!

Perfect Hostess Gifts for the Pet Lover

(photo credit: Olena Yakobchuk / shutterstock.com)Ditch the flowers, lose the scented candles, and forget about that ho-hum bottle of wine. You’re celebrating the holidays with friends, family, and/or neighbours who have pets. And if there’s ever a way to win the best-ever-guest game, it’s reading the crowd.That, my friend, means you’re about to explore the world of pet-focused hostess gifts. It’s huge, awe-inspiring, and can be intimidating, so we’ve narrowed the scope a little. Shall we begin?Now, common etiquette suggests that this type of offering should be of a size and format that makes it easy to hand over upon arrival. Nothing bulky, heavy, or awkward for your gracious host to grapple with as they welcome you in and try to take your coat. Take note that with critters nipping at your heels the moment you step through the door, heavy scents that send Rover or Fifi into a yapping, yowling frenzy, will not be appreciated.You’ll also need to have done your research. You already know they have a dog, a cat, or (insert other animal name here) , but you’ll need more than that if you’re going to zero in on that one perfect choice. Size, breed, age, and whether there is more than one pet will help steer you in the right direction.

Common Mistakes People Make When Bringing Home a New Kitten

Bringing home a new kitten is exciting, but in the rush to welcome your new furry friend, a lot of well-meaning pet parents make avoidable mistakes. If you’re planning to bring home a kitten or just did, here are some of the most common missteps and how to avoid them.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

New Guidelines for Diagnosing Cognitive Decline in Dogs

Like people, dogs can experience cognitive decline in their senior years. A group of canine cognition experts recently released guidelines that can help veterinarians diagnose and monitor Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, also known as CCDS and canine dementia. The goal is to help dogs who experience cognitive issues, especially since canine dementia diagnoses are on the rise.