A second chance saves a life—and gives you a companion who needs you. Tens of thousands of dogs and cats—including puppies and kittens—are killed daily in animal shelters. One large city shelter can euthanize up to 300 cats and kittens in one day. Many shelters across the U.S. still use gas chambers, heart sticks, [...]
Puppies go through major developmental changes quickly. They need calories and good nutrition for physical and mental health. All puppies should be able to eat when they are hungry and stop when they are full. Exercise, how much mental and physical stimulation the dog has, and stress all contribute to how well a dog [...]
Christmas is around the corner and the New Year is quickly approaching. You might be thinking about some New Year’s resolutions to start off 2019. Here are a few tips and ideas to make your cat happier. Of course, your cats will be happy if you start implementing some of these New Year’s resolutions [...]
Christmas is around the corner and the New Year is approaching. You might be thinking about some New Year’s resolutions to start off 2019. Here are a few ideas for making your dog happier. Start passive training. Reward your dog for behaviors you like — without giving a command. Passive training is happening all [...]
Many cats develop arthritis, especially after age twelve. Animals can't tell us when they feel pain, so we have to watch subtleties in their behavior and body language. Older cats often hesitate before jumping down from surfaces. Although cats can climb, jump, and leap onto higher surfaces, most prefer walking up and down using [...]
These are essentials to have before getting a puppy. Toy Bin A toy bin is a must. It should be large, wide, and shallow, and your puppy should have access to all the toys. Include plush toys, rotate them, and keep them varied. The toy bin should be a “centerpiece” or placed in a [...]
Recently, I read a study on the relinquishment of animals in shelters and rehoming. It looked at demographics and the reasons people give up their dogs and cats or rehome them. Of course, since the research was based on people surveys, it may not be completely accurate — as people often make up reasons for [...]
If you have a dog who gets overly excited and jumpy when you attempt to clip on the leash or put on a harness, try some of these tips. These tips can also help if your dog excitedly or submissively pees, cowers, or backs away when you reach for him or try to put [...]
Please note: Declawing is a painful and invasive procedure. It is an amputation. Botched surgeries are not uncommon. Pain and complications can last for months, if not years—and sometimes for the entire lifetime of the cat. Declawing can create behavioral problems such as timidity, avoidance of owners, hiding and retreating, biting (especially associated with play [...]
If you have a cat who doesn't like to be picked up or held, try these tips. Position yourself next to or slightly behind your cat. Place your outer arm underneath the cat's chest (and belly), and your other hand in front of the cat's chest to control the front legs. Pick up your [...]