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September 13 2017

Happy Cats

melissa Lifestyle, Pets abc cat training, cat enrichment, cat health benefits, cat training, happy cat, Happy Cat Month, healthy cat tips, how to keep my cat happy, is my cat happy, keep cat healthy

Show how much you love your felines during Happy Cat Month.

There’s an old saying that goes something like this: “Happy wife, happy life.” But as most cat owners know, one of those words can easily be swapped out to give the phrase even more meaning. After all, if you have a happy cat, you are bound to have a happy life.

Each September for the last several years, the CATalyst Council has celebrated Happy Cat Month as a means to help educate and inform cat owners about ways to make sure their pet cats are happy—and healthy. The organization created the event to counteract stereotypes that depict cats as being “self-reliant, aloof and less in need of medical care than dogs,” according to the group’s website. “The aim of this event is to…ensure cats are well cared for, enriched, and receive the preventive care they require.”

Local animal shelters and pet welfare organizations are encouraged to participate in the event, which in the past has focused on several cat health and welfare topics: feline health, cat life enrichment, multiple cat households, and ensuring cats are valued as companions. Can’t find an official Happy Cat Month event near you? Hold your own month-long event with the ideas listed below—and then continue to help your cat live his happiest life throughout the rest of the year!

Cat Trees — Providing your cats with a new tree can provide them with hours of climbing, perching and observing fun.
©Tetsuya/Adobe Stock

Healthy Cat Tips

Schedule your cat’s annual health exam with your veterinarian.
Make sure your cat is up to date on his vaccinations.
Be aware of any changes in your cat’s behavior—they may indicate a health issue.
Feed your cat a high-quality food formulated specifically for a cat’s nutritional needs.
Provide plenty of fresh water for your cat every day.

Cat Life Enrichment Tips

Consider keeping your cat exclusively indoors to protect him from wildlife, other cats, cars and insect-borne diseases.
Make sure your cat gets plenty of exercise. While cat toys will definitely encourage your pet to play, the best way to make sure your cat moves around is to play with him yourself. Wand toys that feature feathers or other dangling toys are great for interactive play between cats and their owners.
Place cat beds or cat trees near sunny windows so your cat can have a safe view of the outdoors.
Brush or comb your cat regularly. The grooming sessions will help you identify any medical issues concerning your cat’s skin, and the time together will help you strengthen your bond with your cat.
Grow a small pot of catnip so your cat can experience fresh catnip now and then.

Multiple Cat Household — If you have multiple cats, you will need to provide each one with his or her own feeding bowl.
©kozorog/Adobe Stock

Multi-Cat Household Tips

Have room in your house for one more? Consider adopting a new cat from your local animal shelter. If you work long hours away from home, a new cat may be just the companion your cat needs.
Encourage continued appropriate use of the litterbox by providing multiple boxes for your cats. A general rule of thumb is to provide one box for each cat, plus one more. In other words, if you have three cats, make sure to provide four litter boxes.
Likewise, make sure each cat has his own food bowl, and provide plenty of water bowls, too.
And still again—provide multiple scratching posts with the goal of providing one post for each cat. Cats scratch, in part, to mark their territory, so each cat in your home will want his own post to mark.

Petting a Cat — Research shows that petting a cat is beneficial to both owner and feline.
©Nailia Schwarz

Lastly, you can help other people appreciate the value of cats as companions and pets by sharing the scientific benefits of being cat owners. Some of those include:

Petting a cat is shown to help reduce stress and even lower blood pressure.
Several studies have shown that people report sleeping better when they sleep with their cat.
One study showed that small children (under a year of age) who were exposed to cats were less likely to develop all types of allergies—not just pet allergies.

Share your wonderful experiences with your cat with your friends, and help dispel myths about cat ownership. When others see how happy you are as a cat owner, they may want to spend their lives with cats, too—which will lead to more happy cats!

About the Author: Stacy N. Hackett is an award-winning writer with more than 25 years’ experience in the pet industry. She is the former editor of Pet Product News and a former staff editor with Cat Fancy, Cats USA, Critters USA and Ferrets USA. To learn more about her work, visit stacynhackett.vpweb.com.

September 13 2017

Family-Friendly Dog Breeds

melissa Breed Spotlight, Dogs, Lifestyle, Pets, Training beagles, best dogs for children, best dogs for kids, best family dogs, boxers, bulldogs, dog breeds for family, family friendly dog breeds, Family-friendly dogs, golden retrievers, labrador retrievers, poodles, yorkshire terriers

Some of the best canines for children

There’s nothing better than being able to give children the opportunity to grow up with dogs in the home. They can become best friends from an early age. Having a dog teaches children how to responsibly care for others, how to share and to be kind to animals in general.

Every year, the American Kennel Club puts out a list of the most popular dog breeds in America. Being family-friendly, fun and easy-going are just some of the criteria that put certain breeds in the top half of the popularity poll and keep them there year after year.

Just as important as selecting a family-friendly breed, is teaching children to respect every dog and to never pull a dog’s tail and ears, jump on or ride them, or interfere with them at meal times.

What follows are some of the top breeds from the AKC list that have a reputation for being particularly family- and kid- friendly.

The Labrador Retriever has been America’s top dog for 26 consecutive years. They have an excellent reputation for being good with children and they also enjoy the company of other dogs. Labs love playing games and going places.

The Golden Retriever is another family favorite. They are very intelligent, friendly and devoted to family members. Goldies are very energetic and will happily play games with children and often initiate playtimes.

Bulldogs might not be very sporty but they are very friendly and love being around people. They have very calm and easy-going personalities.

Beagles also love people and other dogs. They are friendly, curious, and very energetic. Beagles are also very smart and consequently easy to train.

French Bulldogs, or Frenchies, also love children and have very endearing personalities. They are smart, playful and easily adapt to different situations.

Poodles have a great reputation for being enthusiastic walkers, runners and swimmers. They’re eager for all kinds of activities and enjoy keeping busy. Consequently, Poodles make great family members whether they are toys, miniatures or standards in terms of their breed size.

Boxers love to keep busy. They are intelligent, fun loving, active and loyal. Boxers enjoy both physical and mental challenges.

When it comes to small dogs, Yorkshire Terriers, aka Yorkies, pack a lot of personality into a little, energetic package. As members of the Terrier group, they are brave, determined, investigative and active. Despite their small stature, Yorkies love going for long walks and will enthusiastically enjoy family outings. And, at the end of a long day, they will happily curl up next to a family member on the couch to watch TV.

About the Author: Sandy Robins is the 2013 winner of the “Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contribution to the Pet Industry Award.” Her work appears on many of the country’s leading pet platforms, such as MSNBC.com, MSN.com and TODAYShow.com. She is a regular contributor and columnist in multiple national and international publications, including Catster, as well as the author of the award-winning books “Fabulous Felines: Health and Beauty Secrets for the Pampered Cat” and “For The Love of Cats.” Learn more about Sandy on her website or Facebook page. #welovecats

September 12 2017

Buyers Guide: Tasty Cat Treats

melissa Cats, Pets, Products, Resources, Training cat food, cat treats, healthy cat treats, training with cat treats

Tempting and tasty morsels for discerning felines

Owners around the world know the benefits of healthful treats for cats. Fortunately, there are a wealth of new (or new-ish) yummy products designed specifically for rewarding our feline friends.

Cats thrive on positive reinforcement and keeping treats on hand is the perfect way to train them. A cat has a hunter mindset that operates very well in a reward-based system. You can use treats to entice cats into a carrier, distract them during grooming sessions and even help to offset negative behavior (such as keeping your cat off the counter). Cat treats are perfect for any situation that requires a little feline finesse.

When selecting a treat, be sure you count the calories as part of their regular healthy diet. Feline obesity can result in many serious health and behavioral conditions. For that reason, I’m focusing on treats that taste great, but are naturally low in calories.

Pure Bites offers a selection of premium, freeze-dried treats for your obligate carnivore. I especially love the flavor varieties, such as chicken, salmon, beef liver, shrimp, ocean whitefish, duck, tuna and turkey. Made in the USA, they are also low-calorie (less than 3 calories a nibble) and very high in protein, which is what your cat needs.

A new type of treat that has the added benefit of helping to save the environment is the GoBare River Bites and Fillet Bits with Asian Carp from BareItAll Petfoods . As an invasive species, the Asian carp is wreaking havoc on local U.S. ecosystems. These treats not only help to remove it from our waterways, but provides a delicious and novel U.S.-based cat treats. The fish also has a high percentage of omega 3s. With the slogan, “Saving the environment – one pet at a time,” you know it’s a win-win situation.

The Honest Kitchen manufacturers one of my cat’s favorite treats: Wishes. Made from dehydrated Icelandic haddock, these compressed fish treats have only 1.1 calories each, making them perfect for enticing a cat to do your bidding.

Ciao Churus from Inaba are the most unusual cat treats I’ve seen and my cats can’t get enough. The long, slim packages contain a paste made with real deep-sea—and dolphin-safe— tuna or farm-raised chicken. Grain-free, they can be used as a treat or food topper. You can choose from eight different varieties: Tuna, Tuna with Chicken, Tuna with Salmon, Chicken, Chicken with Scallop, Chicken with Cheese, Chicken with Crab, Chicken with Shrimp. Inaba also offers grilled fillets in tuna and chicken. These perfectly sized hand-cut treats come in a variety of flavored broths, including tuna, chicken, squid, scallop, crab and shrimp.

If your cat isn’t a fan of tuna, Orijen offers 100-percent meat-based treats that will have your cats clawing for more. These freeze-dried treats contain unique combinations of responsibly sourced novelty proteins, including: Regional with Angus beef, Romney lamb, wild boar and Yorkshire pork; Six Fish with wild caught fish (flounder, pacific pilchard, rock sole, rockfish, mackerel and pacific hake) from North Vancouver Island; Original with free-run chicken and turkey and wild-caught monkfish; Grass-Fed Lamb; Wild Boar; and Tundra with wild boar, goat, venison and arctic char.

The cat treat market is exploding with new flavors and healthy new alternatives for cats who love to snack. When selecting a treat, do your best to identify the source of the proteins and don’t be afraid to ask the manufacturer for documentation on how the proteins were sourced. Your cat relies on you to stay healthy.

About the Author: Stacy Mantle is a fulltime freelance writer, bestselling author and founder of PetsWeekly.com. She resides in the deserts of the Southwest with a few dogs, several cats and a very understanding husband.

August 10 2017

Dogs and Cats: Frenemies or Life-long Friends

melissa Lifestyle, Pets bringing home a new cat, cats vs. dogs, dogs & cats, introducing cat to dog, introducing dog to cat, multi-pet homes

Despite popular (mis)conceptions, they can live together in harmony.

I’ve had dogs and cats for the better part of 35 years. Most would consider many of them incompatible, such as wolf hybrids and feral cats, or pit bulls and kittens. I’ve even successfully combined a home with birds and cats. That’s why I’m so easily riled when someone says cats and dogs don’t get along.

I have many different animals and while some get along, others do not. I have one cat who cannot get along with any species, including human. I have two dogs who think two of our cats run the home, while the other felines are considered fair game. My point is, every animal is different and you will not know how any will get along until you give it a try. There are many things you can do to create a happy, multi-species home.

The Introduction

First impressions are critically important with animals. One of the worst things you can do is “let the animals work it out.” This will more often than not result in a hefty veterinarian bill or other tragedy. It’s not safe for your pets, your family or you.

Instead, focus on slowly introducing the new cat or dog into the house by keeping them confined in a room. Give your pets plenty of opportunity to interact with sight, sound, smells. This initial introduction may go on for hours or days. In many cases, your pets will let you know when they’re ready to meet the new arrival. It’s up to you to give them plenty of time and opportunity to create their territories and boundaries.

Using pheromone-based products can be very helpful in allowing pets to adjust. Adaptil, DAP, Feliway and ComfortZone are excellent ways to diffuse a situation as they can help calm your pets.

Take it Slowly

Leashed Dog With a Cat — Whether you opt for leashing your dog or not, you should always ensure your cat has an escape route during their first supervised meetings.
© badiyu/Adobe Stock

Eventually, your pets need to learn to get along and that means getting to know one another during supervised, controlled visits. There was a time when I would never introduce a cat to a dog without the safety of a leash on one or both parties. However, I then learned about leash aggression. Not all dogs become more aggressive on a leash, but it’s up to you to know your pet.

Whichever way you choose to restrain the parties involved, be sure you always have control over the dog. In most cases, the dog will be larger than the cat and will be more inclined to chase her. The cat, on the other hand, should always have a safe place to escape.

Pet gates are one of the best options tools during the introduction phase. A pet gate can ensure your cat has a means of escape and will slow down a dog should something happen. Tunnel toys, wall shelves and cat trees might also be beneficial, depending on your home situation.

Personalities

Cat and Dog — While your dog and cat might not become bosom buddies, they will at least learn to tolerate each other.
© Okssi/Adobe Stock

I’m sure there are people you don’t get along with and I’m equally sure you have your reasons for not enjoying their company. Animals are the same way and there are just some pets who will never get along as friends, but it doesn’t mean they can’t have a working relationship.

Don’t try to force your pets to become friends. Your job is to provide a safe environment where all parties are equally cared for, and to also provide the tools for your pets to become friends. This might include supervised visits, separation when you’re unable to be on site and/or something as simple as pheromones or toys.

Let’s face it – relationships are hard no matter what the species. Give your pets a safe place to work out their differences and a valid escape route in the event one or the other requires it, and you’ll find that having a harmonious household is not such a distant dream after all.

August 10 2017

Feline Frolics

melissa Fun, Pets, Products, Resources cat activity, cat play, cat toys, wand toys

These new toys will keep your cats entertained for a long time.

It’s been proven that indoor cats live longer, healthier lives. They are safe from predators, speeding cars and many contagious diseases. However, living indoors can be boring for a lot of cats, especially those who are young and active.

Pet owners can do a lot to help their indoor cats get the mental and physical activity they are missing. Myriad cat toys are designed to provide fun and exciting activity to indoor cats. These toys not only encourage cats to exercise, but also keep them mentally stimulated.

Here’s a look at five recently introduced cat toys designed to keep your cat entertained.

Nip-naps & Curly. These cute organic catnip-infused toys by Goli Design LLC come in four designs and four colors. Curly Kitty, Curly Bunny, Nip-Naps Kitty and Nip-Naps Bunny are hand-crafted from colorful cotton fabric, and have a long lasting scent. They range in size from 2.25 in. to 3 in. in length, depending on the style. Goli Design employs villagers of impoverished third world countries to create these toys in an effort to help improve their quality of life. For more information, visit golidesign.com.

Kitty Tippy Track n’ Roll Toy. Made by K&H Manufacturing, Kitty Tippy Track n’ Roll toys features a variety of shapes with a cardboard scratching post in the center, surrounded by an outside track containing two balls for batting. Cats can swat at the balls as they roll back and forth. An optional Tippy rocker can be installed on the back of the toy to make it teeter during playtime. The toy comes with a packet of catnip to encourage cats to play. For more information, visit khmfg.com.

Twin Tail Wand. Cats love to chase after things, and the Twin Tail Wand by Posh Feline gives them two fleece “tails” to pursue. Attached to a 24-inch plastic stick with a comfort grip, the wand comes with replaceable lengths of soft, stretch fleece fabric designed to create cat-enticing movement and action. The wand is assembled in the USA, and all material used in the toy is made in the USA except for the fleece fabric. For more information, visit poshfeline.com.

Turbo Tail Cat Toys. Turbo Tail toys by Coastal Pet Products feature a bright orange tail attached to different toy types designed to attract and keep a cat’s attention. The various Turbo Tail styles include the Pop Up Ball, the Rattle Ball, Turbo Tail Teaser, Catnip Belly Crunk Mouse, Rattle Mouse and Ameba-Bug. Cats bat the toys around, causing the tail to twist and jiggle. All the toys come with a catnip refill pouch. For more information, visit coastalpet.com.

Mix & Scratch Play Stations. This combination scratching post and puzzle by Pet Stages provides encouragement for appropriate scratching along with an opportunity to play. Each puzzle piece is catnip blasted to keep pets interested as they move the puzzle pieces around. The pieces snap together, allowing for variety in play. Pet Stages also sells accessories to add more fun and interest to the play station. For more information, visit petstages.com.

About the Author: Audrey Pavia is an award-winning freelance writer and author of “The Labrador Retriever Handbook.” She is a former staff editor of Dog Fancy, Dog World and The AKC Gazette magazines. To learn more about her work, visit www.audreypavia.com and hollywoodhoofbeats.net/

Dog relaxing on massage table, on light background

August 10 2017

Spoil Your Dog Day

melissa Fun, Lifestyle, Pets pampered pups, spoil your dog day, spoiled dogs

As if owners really need an reason to pamper their pooch.

Kitsap Humane Society in Washington takes a shelter dog every week to Starbucks for a puppuccino.

Did you know that August 10 is National Spoil Your Dog Day? I’m boggled that we need to designate a day to spoiling a favorite pooch; for most pet owners this is a life-long mission.

Nevertheless, here are some ideas to make your dog feel pampered and extra special any day of the year.

Plan a doggie date at a Starbucks with a friend and their dog and treat the pooches to the coffee chain’s special whipped cream puppuccino.

Book an appointment at the dog groomer and include some special spa treatments such as a blueberry facial. Alternatively, Google establishments such as the Buddha Dog in Los Angeles (buddhadog.com) an animal massage therapy and wellness spa that offers a variety of treatments, such T-Touch and acupressure.

Plan a day at the beach and book a surfing lesson. Surfing and stand-up paddle boarding (SUPing) with your dog are terrific ways to enjoy a great summer day. The Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego offers lessons. And, if one of you straps on a camera, you and your dog will have some fun memories. animalcenter.org/surf-dog-lessons

Surf’s up at the Helen Woodward Animal Center in San Diego.

During the summer, many cities hold movie nights in a community park. Check whether you city offers them and double check to ensure they are pet friendly. You can curl up on a blanket, watch a movie and nibble on popcorn together.

Grab a group of friends and their dogs, and go microbrewery hopping. Microbreweries are popping up everywhere and many have pet-friendly outdoor patio areas. Don’t share a beer with your pooch, though. Take along a special doggie beer such as Bowser Beer instead. bowserbeer.com

Book a weekend away at a pet-friendly destination. There is no shortage of establishments around the country. The AAA Pet Book aaa.com/petbook/ features more than 12,000 establishments nationwide.

If your dog likes to play fetch, consider spoiling him with the PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher. It can launch standard tennis balls between 8 and 30 feet, and features nine0distance and six-angle settings to keep pooches constantly engaged and entertained. There are various safety features to ensure safe play, such as a motion sensor on the front of the unit that prevents the ball from launching if a dog or person is too close. Dogs can also be trained to retrieve the balls and restock the machine themselves. petsafe.net

Finally, spoil your dog by baking him his favorite cookies. A new book, “Doggy Desserts: 125 Homemade Treats for Happy, Healthy Dogs” by Cheryl Gianfrancesco, offers 125 droolicious recipes that are easy to make. Here is the recipe for Chicken and Cheese Biscuits, which makes approximately 90 two-inch biscuits—so you have give some to your dog’s favorite friends, too.

August 10 2017

Uncommonly Good Dogs

melissa Breed Spotlight, Dogs, Lifestyle, Pets, Training different breeds of dogs, dog breeds, dog training, dog training tips, how to train a dog, uncommon dog breeds, Unusual dog breeds

While not large in number, these 14 unusual breeds are mighty in looks and personality.

One of the messages of the American Kennel Club (AKC) is, “a dog breed for everyone.” In other words, everyone can find the right combination of personality, activity level, trainability, body type, hair length, and overall size wrapped up in a canine package. And while most people are familiar with the wonderful traits of popular breeds such as the Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Dachshund and English Bulldog, many less common ones make equally charming and attractive pets. Here are 14 uncommon breeds, most of which are recognized by the AKC, that you might not have heard of before.

English Foxhound

A sweet, affectionate, and friendly dog, the English Foxhound enjoys a lot of exercise and appreciates room to cavort. With a height of about 24 inches and a weight of 60 to 75 lb., this shorthaired breed is good for active families.

Harrier

Some might describe the Harrier as the smaller cousin of the English Foxhound—and the larger cousin of the Beagle. This breed is also gentle and sociable, but not as active as other hounds. This shorthaired dog reaches a height of about 20 inches with a weight range of 45 to 60 lb.

American Foxhound

Described by the AKC as one of the rarest breeds native to America, the American Foxhound is typically an easy-going, friendly breed, but can have a stubborn streak. The medium-sized dog (reaching 21 to 25 inches in height and 60 to 70 lb.) loves running and needs frequent exercise. The tight, short coat requires occasional grooming.

Otterhound

The Otterhound can reach 27 inches in height and weigh up to 115 lb. This enthusiastic, cheerful, athletic dog loves the water—and needs plenty of exercise. The breed’s thick, double coat needs occasional grooming, and can come in any color or combination of colors.

Cesky Terrier

Reaching not much higher than 13 inches, the Cesky (pronounced “chess-kee”) Terrier resembles the Scottish Terrier in its background. This muscular, short-legged breed likes to play but is not overly active. Its shorthaired coat requires occasional grooming.

Norwegian Lundehund

A smaller breed that reaches 12 to 15 inches in height, the Norwegian Lundehund enjoys an active lifestyle and responds well to training. The breed’s medium-length coat requires occasional grooming, but it’s the dog’s unique characteristics that help him stand out: six toes on each foot, and ears that the dog can fold closed, backward or forward.

Finnish Spitz

This breed stands out right away because of its dense, golden red coat, curved tail, and alert, fox-like expression. At a height no more than 20 inches and a weight up to 33 lb., this friendly, very active breed does well with children because it loves to play. The distinctive coat requires occasional grooming.

Chinook

Described as patient, smart, and eager to please, the Chinook makes a great family pet with its somewhat active personality and devoted nature. The dog can grow up to 26 inches tall and weigh up to 90 lb., and its tawny coat needs weekly grooming to look its best.

Pyrenean Shepherd

As its name implies, the Pyrenean Shepherd hails from the Pyrenees Mountains of Southern France, where it has worked as a herder for hundreds of years. Available in two coat types, the breed can reach 21 inches tall and weigh up to 30 pounds. This dog is used to being active and does well with exercise and games that challenge it mentally.

Skye Terrier

This calm, dignified breed also can have a stubborn streak, but fans of the Skye Terrier praise its loyalty and devotion. Weighing in at 35 to 45 lb. at a height of 10 inches, the breed has a long coat that requires weekly grooming. This somewhat active dog enjoys playtime and walks.

Bergamasco Sheepdog

This Bergamasco Sheepdog’s most unusual trait is its coat—which forms felt-like mats that resemble dreadlocks. This calm, smart, patient dog doesn’t need as much exercise as most of the other dogs on this list. It reaches over 23 inches and can weight up to 85 pounds.

Peruvian Inca Orchid

Also called the Peruvian hairless dog by some, the Peruvian Inca Orchid can actually have hair. This distinctive breed comes in three sizes—small, medium, and large—and is known for being agile, smart, and swift. The dog can trace its history back to 750 CE.

Thai Ridgeback

Hailing from Thailand, the Thai Ridgeback is thought to be one of the world’s first dog breeds. Available in four colors—red, black, blue (gray), and yellow (fawn)—the dog is known for its large upright ears, wedge-shaped head, wrinkled forehead, and long legs. Many of this breed have a “ridge” of hair running down their back in contrast to the smooth coat over the rest of the body.

English Toy Spaniel

The sweet snub-nosed face of the English Toy Spaniel belies the breed’s sweet, joyful personality. A true toy breed, the dog weighs no more than 14 pounds and grows to only 10 inches tall. The somewhat active dog is curious but well-behaved, and gets along well with children and other dogs.

July 11 2017

Canine-Friendly Yards

melissa Lifestyle, Pets canine-friendly yards, dog-proofing yards, stop dogs from digging

A few rules and design features can help keep your landscaping intact.

A puppy might need additional help, such as a screen or fence, to keep him from digging up the garden until he’s trained.
david gartland/Adobe Stock

Given the opportunity, a rambunctious dog can cause chaos in your landscaped garden, tearing paths through the lush lawn, dotting it with yellow pee patches, trampling floral accents and chomping on shrubs. All it takes is a few ground rules and some basic dog-friendly design features to ensure that the garden can be a place that you and your pet can enjoy together.

Dogs should never be left alone for long periods in the garden. When boredom sets in, that’s when they will look for things to dig and chew and possibly look for an escape route.

The secret to successfully sharing your yard is to ensure your dog understands basic training commands such as “No Dig” and “No Play.” Such commands can help teach him the difference between areas designated for dog games and those where he must stay by your side.

The “No Chew” command is another one your pooch needs to know. And if you have a new puppy, or a newly adopted adult dog, consider screening off sections until you have taught him these basic commands so that he understands there are garden rules.

Raised garden beds can give dogs clear vertical boundaries, indicating that these areas are not for playing or digging.
tamifreed/Adobe Stock

However, when planning your garden, it’s important to keep in mind that dogs don’t understand property lines and flat spaces; they need verticality to designate boundaries and areas. The best way to do this is with shrubs or fencing.

In order to share your outdoor space, it’s a good idea to design adventure paths and areas where your dog can have fun without causing chaos. Start by assessing how your dog uses the garden; notice where he likes to play, where he likes to walk and sniff. And, most importantly, pay attention to the spot he’s chosen as his toilet area. Then, create pathways where your dog can run and call his own. Surfaces such as bricks, flagstones, gravel, cedar chips or wooden steps are paw-friendly and make an attractive feature in the landscape.

Also, be sure not to plant anything thorny along pathways. And if you are unsure whether a plant is toxic, do some homework on line. Sites like ASPCA.org provide lists of toxic and nontoxic plants.

Because dogs love to explore and investigate, it’s a great idea to create special feature spots where they can stop and sniff? A section of log that will decompose over time surrounded by ornamental grasses or perennials creates a wonderful sniff area.

Depending on what you grow in your garden, you might be able to have your dog help with the planting and the harvesting.
gogiya/Adobe Stock

Also set aside a designated toilet area and train your pet to eliminate here. A pheromone-treated garden stake that attracts dogs is a useful training device in helping your dog determine the right spot. Male dogs will appreciate a permanent marking post in their toilet area. You can use anything from driftwood to a fire hydrant garden statue. To keep your doggie toilet hygienic and low maintenance, cover the ground with an easy to clean material such as pea gravel or cedar chips. You can even use synthetic lawn, which is easy to spray down and keep clean.

Finally consider placing a special outdoor dog bed or mattress under your pergola or shade structure so you can spend some special outdoor quality time together.

Close up of catnip, green herb growing in a container and black cat walking around

July 11 2017

Grow Your Own Cat Herb Garden

melissa Lifestyle, Pets cat garden, cat greens, cat herb garden, cat herbs, catnip, herbs safe for cats, silvervine, valerian

The majority of cats love catnip.
Sarka/Adobe Stock

Most animals might benefit from a little green in their diets, even our carnivorous feline friends. While it’s not quite clear why cats enjoy nibbling on foliage, it’s obvious that most like to do so. Your cat might just enjoy nibbling on some fresh herbs for no particular reason other than she likes the taste and/or texture.

Not sure which herbs are best for kitties? Here is my list of a few cat-friendly herbs, grasses and plants.

Catnip

If you have cats, you can’t have an herb garden without catnip, Nepeta cataria. Even if a cat doesn’t respond to the herb (50 to 75 percent have some type of reaction), he might still enjoy gnawing on it. Catnip typically has a stimulant effect on cats when inhaled and, conversely, a sedative effect when eaten.[1]

Valerian Root

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
dutchlight/Adobe Stock

For humans, valerian, Valeriana officinalis, acts as a mild sedative.[2] In cats, it has the opposite effect, acting as a stimulant and making it an excellent substitute for catnip for many cats.[3] You’ll love the delicate white and lavender blooms of the valerian plant and your cat will adore the root. After your cat has dug up the root (and he probably will), store it in an airtight jar away from sunlight to maintain its efficacy (and to enclose its awful smell), or dry it out and crush for some longer-lasting herbs your cats will love.

Peppermint

Many cats will gnaw peppermint plants, Mentha × piperita, down to stubs—and that’s OK, because this hardy plant will just regrow. (Catnip is a member of the mint family, so it makes sense that a cat might be drawn to peppermint as well.) In both people and pets, peppermint is said to have a soothing effect on upset stomachs.[4] I always have planters of this stuff growing around our yard. It smells amazing and attracts all things good (especially cats). When planting this herb, you’ll want to give it its own planter as it will take over any garden rather quickly.

Silvervine

This beautiful plant, Actinidia polygama, is native to Japan, but can be grown in zones 4 to 9 in the United States with special care. Silvervine is a great alternative to catnip and considered much more potent, so even if your cat doesn’t respond to catnip, he might respond to this.[5]

Cat Thyme

Teucrium marum is not actually thyme, even though it looks similar to it. Cats, however, don’t care what it’s called; they love if for its pungent scent. Most will roll around in it and if given the chance, squash it flat while taking a nap on I (fortunately, it’s also a hardy plant). Cat thyme is also good for any garden as it attracts pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.[6]

Growing Guidelines

Choose a heavy container: If you’re not planting directly into the yard, select a planter your cat will not be able to overturn. If you have more than one cat, remember that bigger is better.
Decide on the grasses or herbs you would like to grow. There are thousands of safe plants you could grow for your cat (The ASPCA offers a list of toxic and non-toxic plants for cats.)
Enjoy watching your cat as he munches or rolls on his fresh garden

[1] Landsberg, G. M., Hunthausen, W. L., Ackerman, L., & L, G. (2012). Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat (3rd ed., p 144) Oxford: W B Saunders Co.

[2] Vaughan, J. G., & Judd, P. A. (2006). The Oxford book of health foods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

[3] Bol, S., Caspers, J., et al.. (2017). Responsiveness of cats (Felidae) to silver vine (Actinidia polygama), Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and catnip (Nepeta cataria). BMC Veterinary Research, 13(1). doi:10.1186/s12917-017-0987-6

[4] Vaughan, J. G., & Judd, P. A. (2006). The Oxford book of health foods. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

[5] Bol, S., Caspers, J., et al.. (2017). Responsiveness of cats (Felidae) to silver vine (Actinidia polygama), Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), valerian (Valeriana officinalis) and catnip (Nepeta cataria). BMC Veterinary Research, 13(1). doi:10.1186/s12917-017-0987-6

[6] Mountain Valley Growers. (n.d.). Teucrium maru, cat thyme. Retrieved July 10, 2017, from https://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/teumaru.htm

Funny samoyed puppy playing with a brush

July 11 2017

From Head to Tail

melissa Grooming, Health, Lifestyle, Pets bathe your dog, brush your dog, dog grooming, dog grooming tools, groom your dog

Keeping the right grooming tools on hand will help your dogs look their best.

Long-haired dogs, short-haired dogs and those with fur lengths in between—they all need help keeping their coats in top shape. And while every breed of dog will have different grooming requirements, you can help your furry friend look his best by keeping these dog grooming tools on hand.

Comb

Using a comb can help you remove dead hair and stimulate the skin on a shorthaired dog (image right). A comb also can help gently tease out mats that might form in the fur of longhaired dogs. Many different types of combs are available, from all-metal versions to those with ergonomically designed handles, as well as de-matting combs, flea combs, undercoat rakes and rubber curry combs.

Combs can also come with fine or coarse teeth—in other words, with bigger spaces between the teeth (coarse) or with teeth closer together (fine). If you are unsure which type of comb is best for your dog, ask a groomer or an employee at a local pet store.

Brush

Four main types of brushes are available for grooming: slicker brushes, rakes, bristle brushes and pin brushes. Each is designed for different coat lengths and fur types—again, check with your breeder or groomer to determine which is best for your dog.

In general, though, slicker brushes are designed to remove mats from medium to long coats (image right); rakes are meant to remove mats from thick coats; bristle brushes remove loose hair from shorthaired coats; and pin brushes remove dead hair and “fluff” already brushed or combed fur that is free from tangles or mats. Regular brushing will help keep your dog’s coat in good condition.

Shampoo and Conditioner Formulated for Dogs

Just as humans can choose from a range of shampoos and conditioners formulated to address different types of hair conditions, so can dog owners choose from a range of dog shampoos (image right) and conditioners.

Manufacturers offer formulas for sensitive skin, fur that tangles easily, and dogs with allergies. Other formulas are meant for puppies, dogs with black fur or for dogs with fleas.

Additional Tools

For the finishing touches on your dog’s appearance (and to help keep him healthy and happy), make sure your grooming tools include nail clippers designed for use on dogs (image right).

You will also need a toothbrush and toothpaste formulated for dogs. If you are familiar with their use, you mightalso want to keep electric clippers on hand to trim your dog’s coat as needed.

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A few rules and design features can help keep your landscaping intact.

Catnip

Valerian Root

Peppermint

Silvervine

Cat Thyme

Growing Guidelines

Keeping the right grooming tools on hand will help your dogs look their best.

Comb

Brush

Shampoo and Conditioner Formulated for Dogs

Additional Tools

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