Fun

December 15 2022

Vet Assistants Talk Turkey About Kittens

melissa Cats, Fun, Lifestyle, Training abc cat training, adopt a cat, adopt a shelter cat, adopting a cat, bringing a new cat home, kitten, kittens

Been toying with the idea of sharing your life with a cute and furry kitten? Fasten your seatbelt–you’re in for an adventure! Kittens are a party waiting to happen, which can be both entertaining and exhausting.

Vet assistants talk to a lot of first-time cat owners and can attest to the pleasures and pitfalls of opening your home to a future cat. In their profession, veterinary assistants get an earful of kitten tales every day, from the comical to the disastrous. For better or worse, though, kittenhood does not last long.

Weigh the Pros and Cons of Getting a Kitten

Before you bring that little fluff ball home you need to consider the pros and cons. It’s always good to go into these things with your eyes wide open.

The pros on the kitten side are strong and play to our emotions.

Kittens are certifiably adorable. It’s pretty much a fact. Under “cute” in the dictionary it should read: see kittens. Only a real Grinch would deny this.
Kittens are the most entertaining creatures on the planet. How else can you explain the millions of hours people spend watching videos of them on social media?
Kittens don’t require a lot of expensive furniture or toys. They’ll sleep in a cardboard box lined with an old towel and play with the contents of your recycling bin.

Those pros are hard to dispute, but anyone thinking of getting a kitten needs to understand every single one of the cons.

Kittens need frequent veterinary visits during the first few months of life. When you first get a kitten, it should be examined by a veterinarian for any signs of disease or parasites. A series of four vaccinations needs to be scheduled during a kitten’s first 20 weeks. Then around six months, spaying or neutering should take place.
You know how adult cats are always sleeping? Yeah, kittens don’t do that. New cat owners should be ready for their new little friend to be a ball of energy. Kittens will usually have spurts of energy and need a lot of play time and attention, broken up by approximately an hour or so power nap in between play sessions.
Kittens are small but fierce. They are learning all about their new world and if there is anything that they can get into, destroy or attack with their newfound claws, it is fair game. Coupling this with the fact that kittens have ‘no fear’ means that new cat parents should be ready to monitor and protect their curious baby at all times.
Kittens have sensitive stomachs and can be prone to diarrhea.
Teething happens from about 3 to 6 months as kittens lose their baby teeth and get their adult teeth.
Like all cats, kittens need to sharpen their claws. And they will. On anything.
Kittens and small children are not a great pairing.
Some cat breeds are higher maintenance than others and will require frequent grooming. Make sure you do your homework and consider if you have time to devote to grooming your cat whether that means dematting long coated fur or weekly bathing for hairless cats.

Is It Better to Adopt an Adult Cat?

If you’re okay spending a few months of your life with a feline version of the Tasmanian Devil from a Looney Toons cartoon, kitten ownership may be for you. Otherwise, here are some reasons to think about skipping the shenanigans and adopting a full-grown cat.

Grown cats will still play, but for the most part they’re pretty chill.
Petting your adult cat has health benefits, such as reducing loneliness and lowering stress. Studies also suggest that cat owners exhibit better cardiovascular health.
An adult cat is a largely independent animal and does not require a big time commitment, although they will still need the essential requirements like food, water, attention and veterinary visits.
Older cats are better at cleaning themselves. They also tend to have cleaner “bathroom” habits than kittens do.
If you have children in the household, adult cats are a better fit. More delicate than mature cats, kittens can be easily injured when a child plays too roughly or steps on them. Adult cats are physically stronger and able to withstand the attention of enthusiastic children. They are also more adept at fleeing for their lives.
Animal shelters have a harder time adopting out adult cats as opposed to kittens, so giving a home to a full-grown cat fulfills a greater need.

Be Prepared for Anything

And by anything, we mean anything. But if you are bound and determined to acquire a kitten, you must be prepared. If you think baby-proofing a home is hard, just try anticipating the trouble a kitten can get into.

If it’s breakable and can be batted off a shelf or table, it’s going to be.
If it’s a dangling drape, bedspread, or a tablecloth, it’s going to be shredded as the kitten climbs it.
If it’s in an uncovered trash can, it’s fair game.

The above list really only focuses on things that are more inconvenient than dangerous. There’s a whole other list of life-threatening hazards that could seriously hurt a kitten.

An open window or door invites escape.
Like human babies, kittens will put anything in their mouths. Sometimes this requires surgery to remove a dangerous object from the animal’s intestines.
Kittens can find their way into high, small spaces or holes and not be able to extricate themselves. This includes squeezing behind furniture or large dangerous appliances.
Blind cords are an irresistible invitation to play and also a strangulation hazard.
Yarn, string, and ribbon can possibly cause trouble if swallowed.
Toilet lids left up tempt kittens to drink. Very small kittens have drowned by falling in.
Dryer doors and washer lids should stay closed at all times to avoid trapping a kitten.
Kittens will chew on your houseplants. Do you know which are poisonous?
Ant traps need to go. Any pesticide, used inside or outside your home, should be animal friendly.

Truly, kittens need all nine of their lives to reach adulthood. The good news is that cats are pretty smart and can be trained.

Take Two?

As crazy as this sounds, adopting two kittens can be better than adopting just one. Instead of being double the trouble, two kittens will amuse each other and be less likely to get into mischief out of boredom. Since they will have each other to socialize with and learn from, less time and effort will be required on your part.

Kittens that are siblings or that have become “friends” (aka bonded) at a shelter will help each other transition into a new home. And kittens adopted together will bond for life. If you think you eventually want to have two cats, it’s far better to go ahead and adopt two kittens at the same time. Introducing a kitten or a new adult cat to a cat that’s been in your home for a long time can be a more difficult scenario. If you already have an adult cat at home who has established their hierarchy, you will need to do your research on how to appropriately, safely, and slowly introduce the new kitten into the home environment.

Enjoy the Ride!

If you’ve read this far and haven’t gotten discouraged, get out there and find your kitten(s) and enjoy the ride! The kitten you bring into your home now will grow into a wonderful companion to accompany you through life’s ups and downs for years to come. The effort is worth the reward but patience and understanding will help. Having cats as a part of your family can be funny, rewarding and great for all concerned. In fact, a feline/human relationship can develop into a beautiful friendship!

November 16 2022

Why Become a Cat Trainer

melissa Cats, Courses & Career, Dogs, Fun, Training abc cat trainer program, animal care courses, animal care jobs, animal careers, animal training, careers with animals, cat behavior, cat food, cat health, cat training, jobs working with animals

Cat Trainers Extraordinaire

If you don’t believe cats can be trained, take a minute and Google “Savitsky Cats.” These beautiful, athletic animals charmed viewers during the 18th season of America’s Got Talent. Trained cats doing circus tricks may be entertaining, but such acrobatics are not a high priority for most feline owners. The average cat owner would be happy if their pet would just use the litter box or stop scratching the furniture. Let’s face it, as cute and furry as felines are, they can engage in some pretty unwelcome behaviors.

Cats are intelligent creatures and can be trained to become delightful well-adjusted companions. Instead of using proven positive reinforcement techniques, however, all too often frustrated cat owners resort to negative tactics to curb unwelcome behavior. Punishing a cat rarely achieves the desired effect but instead teaches the animal to fear you. Sadly, many cat owners unable to address completely treatable behavioral challenges give up and surrender their pets to a local animal shelter.

The Benefits of Training Cats

Training cats benefits humans, but it is important for the cats themselves. Preventing unwanted cat behaviors makes for a more peaceful household. Additionally, because some behavior problems are caused by stress, learning to address these behaviors from the root cause properly can not only result in successful behavior modification but can also strengthen the bond between cats and the people who love them. Because trained cats can learn boundaries and expectations, they often live happier and safer lives. Animal shelters have learned that training cats makes them more adoptable. Training cats can literally save lives.

Cat Training Is Serious Business

Cat owners who want help training their pets often turn to websites, books, and documentaries on cat behavior looking for help. The Trainable Cat, by biologist John Bradshaw and feline behavior specialist, Dr. Sarah Ellis, was a New York Times Bestseller. Jackson Galaxy, the self-proclaimed “Cat Daddy,” has 1.49 million subscribers to his YouTube channel, “For the Love of Cats.” The Netflix documentary, The Mind of the Cat, skyrocketed into their top 10 this fall.

Cats are big business. According to a 2023-2024 survey by the American Pet Products Association, 46.5 million U.S. households have at least one cat. That figure represents plenty of jobs for talented cat trainers!

Why Consider a Cat Training Gig?

Anyone who is passionate about cats should give serious consideration to earning your cat trainer certification. Whether you want to train cats full time or just need a steady side gig, it’s a worthwhile career for many reasons:

You get to be around cats all the time!
You help pet owners minimize chaos caused by problem cat behaviors.
You can save cats from being surrendered to shelters.
You can set your own hours and be your own boss!
In 2023, the average cat trainer salary is a healthy $53,902 per year.

If you already have a dog training or pet grooming career, you know how rewarding it can be to work with animals. Adding cat training to your skills would double the fun! And since many of your current clients likely own dogs as well as cats, you may already have a built-in clientele list!

Be warned, though, working with cats is very different from working with dogs and calls for a whole new training toolkit!

Dogs have been bred to work for humans for thousands of years and seem to be hard-wired to please. A dog will often sit in front of you, look up adoringly, and wonder what you want him to do. A cat? Maybe not. The vast majority of cats still carry wild genes. Stand in front of a cat and she’ll likely look at you disdainfully and walk away. (Fortunately, cats are highly motivated by food.)

How to Become a Certified Cat Trainer

People may smile at the idea of training a cat, but these intelligent animals can learn just as well as their canine counterparts. Knowing the differences in their learning styles and motivation as well as studying cat training theories can set you up for success. If you love cats and you’re looking for a unique career or side gig that offers a lot of perks, why not explore earning your cat trainer certification? Visit Animal Behavior College online to learn more!

October 5 2022

Best Friends Animal Society’s Strut Your Mutt is Returning to Los Angeles October 22nd

melissa Fun bestfriendsla, dog training, strutyourmutt, working with animals

Step Up, Step Out and Save Lives

October 22, 2022 (Los Angeles, CA) — Best Friends Animal Society’s annual fundraising dog walk, Strut Your Mutt, will return to Los Angeles as an in-person event for the first time since the pandemic. The event brings together communities to raise money to save the lives of homeless pets in an effort to help make the country no-kill by 2025.

Participants of Strut Your Mutt can choose to support and raise funds for Best Friends or their favorite local participating animal welfare organization. Fundraising efforts will be celebrated with a group dog walk on October 22nd at Warner Center Park in Woodland Hills, California, where four- and two-legged participants of all ages can enjoy a stroll to save lives. This year’s fundraising goal for Los Angeles is $350,000.

California-based comedians and co-emcees, Galina Rivera and Julia Austin, will be on site to inspire the participants during the two-hour walk from 9:00 a.m. to 11 a.m. In addition, participants will be competing for Best Kisser, Best Costume and Best Trick contests and winners will strut away with Best Friends swag.

Best Friends Strut Your Mutt in Los Angeles features local animal organizations raising crucial funds needed to save the lives of more pets in their care. Walkers can sign up as individuals or members of a team. Registration is $20 and includes a T-shirt. The event is not limited to dog lovers; many cat organizations have also benefitted from being a part of Strut Your Mutt. For full information on participating rescue groups and shelters, fundraising opportunities, walk information, and more, visit strutyourmutt.org.

Best Friends has been helping local animal rescue groups and shelters for more than 26 years to raise funds for their lifesaving work through Strut Your Mutt walks around the country. Nationally the fundraising goal for Strut Your Mutt 2022 is $1.3 million.

Thank you to Best Friends’ sponsors ACANA, the official Best Friends Credit Card (in partnership with Credit One Bank), Free People, Lagunitas, Limavady, SpeedQueen, Wahl and Aetna who help make Strut Your Mutt a huge lifesaving success.

To learn more, visit: bestfriendsla.org. To learn more about becoming a volunteer, please visit https://bestfriends.org/strut-your-mutt/volunteer

About Best Friends Animal Society

About Best Friends Animal Society Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters by 2025. Founded in 1984, Best Friends is a pioneer in the no-kill movement and has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters from an estimated 17 million per year to around 355,000. Best Friends runs lifesaving programs all across the country, as well as the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary. Working collaboratively with a network of more than 3,800 animal welfare and shelter partners, and community members nationwide, Best Friends is working to Save Them All®. For more information, visit bestfriends.org and check out the Strut Your Mutt Promo Video.

February 1 2022

Extreme Doggie Spawrts

melissa Dog Training, Dogs, Fun, Games animal training, dog sledding, dog sports

By Sandy Robins

Dog sledding is considered the ultimate adventure sport in the dog world. Made internationally famous by the Iditarod course that runs 1000 miles across Alaska’s grueling frozen terrain, this extreme sport is also known as dog mushing, and fast gaining popularity with clubs around the country as well as internationally.

The image of a team of dogs pulling a sled instantly conjures up a picture of barking, excited Huskies dashing through the snow. Indeed, the Alaskan and Siberian Husky are the most common breeds found in this sport. They are both medium-sized dogs with the Siberian Husky smaller in stature but weighing more than the Alaskan Husky. However, this sport is also popular with other dog breeds such as Samoyeds, Malamutes and Canadian Eskimo dogs.

How It All Began

Historians claim that this sport dates back millennia to Mongolia where dogs were used to pull sleds to transport heavy loads. Later, Native American tribes in the frozen regions of north America were known to use dogs too. As the history of America evolved, and the French arrived, they also relied on dogs for transport and the term mushing came about based on the French word marche meaning “to go” or “to run”. However, it was a Norwegian explorer named Roald Amundsen, who in 1911, devised the first race to the South Pole.

Fast forward to this millennium and with the sport now popular across North America, Northern Europe, Russia and even in countries such as Australia and South Africa, associations such as the International Federation of Sleddog Sports and the International Sled Dog Racing Association are making plans to take dog sledding to the Olympics. It was a demonstration sport at the 1932 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, the Winter Olympics in Oslo, and at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, but has not as yet been recognized as an official Olympic sport.

Putting Together a Dog Team

A sled dog team can vary in size, with a maximum of 16 dogs. They are divided into various places and positions in front of the sled with one person at the helm known as the musher.

Lead Dogs: They steer the rest of the team, and set the pace. Currently, it is more common to have two leads instead of a single dog.

Swing Dogs: These are directly behind the leader(s). They are called swing dogs because they swing the rest of the team behind them on turns or curves while on the trail.

Wheel Dogs: These are nearest to the sled and the musher. These dogs need to be very calm in nature. Strength and perseverance are also fought-after characteristics in these dogs.

Team Dogs: These dogs are located in between the wheel and swing dogs, and they add power and strength to the team. If a team is smaller, they may not have any team dogs. And sometimes, this term is lightly used to describe any dog on the team.

Interestingly, the dogs are not driven with reins, but by spoken commands resulting in a very special bond between these sporting dogs and their musher. Thus, the canine leader of the team must understand what has become known as the mushing vocabulary in order to guide the rest of the dog team.

The Musher to Dog Vocabulary

Come Gee! Come Haw! Commands for 180 degree turns in either direction.

Gee: (Pronounced, jee) Command for right turn.

Haw: Command for left turn.

Hike! Means ‘go”.

Line Out! Command to lead dog to pull the team out straight from the sled. Used mostly while hooking dogs into team or unhooking them.

On by: Means go past something.

Mush! Hike! All Right! Let’s Go! Commands to start the team.

Whoa! Command used to halt the team, accompanied by heavy pressure on the brake

According to the Iditarod website, teams travel at an average of 10 miles per hour; some can go as fast as 15 miles per hour!

Note: Although training dog sledding teams require specialized training, you can get your start in basic obedience training in schools such as Animal Behavior College.

Technological Advances in This Sport

Technology and new materials have greatly impacted and improved this sport too. Modern sleds made from composite materials, are lightweight and flexible. There are two sled types, a toboggan style or a stanchion-supported basket style. Both rest on two runners made from plastic, wood, or metal and have a foot brake that digs into the snow with claws to slow the team. It also has a pronged metal claw, called a snow hook, to temporarily keep a team stationary. Similarly, the dogs’ harnesses were originally made from leather or cotton webbing, but have been replaced with lightweight nylon webbing. The harnesses are usually padded around the neck and sometimes the sides with artificial fleece or other material. Dogs may wear booties (rectangular socks made from fleece, cordura, or other durable, lightweight material) that slip over a dog’s paw and are secured with a length of Velcro to protect their feet from adverse trail conditions.

Doggie VIPS

Racing Kennels treat their competitive sports dogs as VIPs. All the dogs have names and team members along with the mushers know everything there is to know about each one; their personalities, strengths and weaknesses, their life history, lineage and family relations. They can recognize them by the sound of their barks too. Naturally their diet is of the utmost importance and they are fed a combination of raw meat and high-performance dry dog food.

Famous Races

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race

This annual long-distance sled dog race is run in early March from Anchorage to Nome, entirely within the US state of Alaska. Mushers and a team of 14 dogs, of which at least 5 must be on the towline at the finish line, cover the distance in 8–15 days or more. The first race occurred in 1973 and currently attracts around 100 teams.

According to James Kari, who was an assistant professor at the University of Alaska Native Language Center when the race started, “the name Iditarod came from an Ingalik and Holikachuk word hidedhod for the Iditarod River. This name means distant or distant place.”

The Klondike Dog Derby

Attending the Lake Minnetonka Klondike Dog Derby in Excelsior, MN is the perfect way to re-live a little piece of local history. Dating back to the 1930s, this historic town has held events with various winter activities from skating parties to dog sled races. This race draws a large crowd every February.

American Dog Derby

The American Dog Derby is the oldest dogsled race and first took place in 1917. In the early part of the last century, it was heavily promoted by Union Pacific Railroad and gained popularity on par with the Kentucky Derby and the Indianapolis 500 in terms of interest and press coverage. It’s held in Ashton, Idaho every February.

The Pedigree Stage Stop Race

This annual January event takes place in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Idaho. It starts in Jackson, Wyoming and is held in stages, making stops in the following Wyoming cities: Alpine, Pinedale, Lander, Big Piney/Marbleton, Kemmerer, and Uinta, and Driggs, Idaho, totaling 302 miles. It’s deemed the second largest sled dog race in the country.

There are lots of regular events held by local clubs around the country too.

Dog Mushing — Alaska’s Official Sport: How You Can Join in the Fun

Tourists to Alaska can suit up in warm layers and board a sled for a truly unique and fun winter experience. There are many tours offered and some include a visit to a kennels and an opportunity to get close and personal with these canine sport dog stars. https://www.anchorage.net. Tours are offered throughout the year.

In particular, around the famous Iditarod race, there are lots of fun events for tourists. There’s the Musher’s Banquet always held the Thursday before the start at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage. Mushers draw their starting order at this gala, which features a plated dinner and plenty of time to meet the mushers. You can chase the race on a special flightseeing tours or snowmobile trips that follows the course of the race. And, possibly the most fun of all, volunteers can help with the dogs on start day and along the course. https://iditarod.com/volunteers/

SIDE BAR

A new App called QPaws is a tool for owners of active dogs to track their health. It is designed for use by a single dog owners or someone running an entire kennel. One bonus feature of the app is the ability to follow global dog competitions via a live function. During winter 2022, users can follow some of the world’s toughest dog sled races, including the Femund race (Norway in February) and the legendary Iditarod in Alaska in March. QPaws-The Dog Activity App is free and from the Apple AppStore and Google Play. Although the app already is geared to a wide spectrum of dog owners, it will be updated in the coming months with a lot of new features tailored for different types of dog owners and their activities (such as hunting dogs, agility training, service dogs and more).

Golden Retriever Exercises in Swimming Pool

July 22 2021

Canine Swimming Safety Tips

melissa Fun, Lifestyle, Safety canine safety, canine swimming safety, dog swimming, dog water safety, water safety

By Sandy Robins

It’s summer, and time to have some doggone good outdoor fun. If your activities include pool parties, trips to the beach or lazy days on a boat, you need to ensure that your dogs are safe and secure both in and out of the water. Here are a few canine swimming safety tips to help you and your dog to get the most out of summertime fun.

Natural-Born Swimmers

Yes, there are dogs that love to swim, but it’s a myth that all dogs are great swimmers. The breeds that helped name the swimming stroke eponymously named doggie paddle include the Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, the Curly-Coated Retriever, Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever and the Flat-Coated retriever.

Spaniels such as American Water, Boykin and Cocker enjoy water fun, too. Other fun doggie participants in pool water games include English and Irish Setters, the Spanish Water Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog and the giant Newfoundland. Despite their size, Newfoundlands have webbed feet and were originally bred to help fisherman with their nets and also perform water rescues.

Webbed paws help dogs swim more efficiently and, in fact, many of the other breeds mentioned above also have webbed feet, such as various retrievers. But it’s not all about webbed feet; Dachshunds have webbed feet but their long bodies and short legs will never make them Olympian class swimmers. Body shape has a lot to do with canine swimming skills.

Flotation Devices

A floatation vest can help ensure your dog
will have a safe and fun time in the water.
©Wasitt

Irrespective of shape or size, any dog can quickly get into trouble in water. Consequently, a properly fitted life jacket is recommended for your dog’s safety and your peace of mind. Look for a design that has a handle on the back that you can grab in an emergency and a chin bumper to keep a dog’s head facing upwards to prevent them swallowing water. This feature is especially important for brachycephalic breeds – flat-faced breeds such as Pugs, Boxers, French and English Bulldogs.

The American Kennel Club suggests introducing your pooch to a flotation device on dry ground and making sure he is really comfortable wearing it before you head to the pool, the beach or go aboard a boat. It further suggests putting it on and letting your dog wear it around the house, including during meal times and even playing a few games of fetch to ensure complete comfort.

Getting Doggie Feet Wet

Swimming pools with wide steps are a really good place to introduce your dog to water. Attach a leash to your pooch’s life jacket and wade in alongside him. Start in shallow water and encourage your dog to follow you. Reward him when he steps in the water, even if he only gets his toes wet. Gradually encourage your dog to step further into the water until he has to start swimming to reach you.

Easy-to-grasp, floatable toys are ideal for retrieving in water. Simply throw them a few feet away and encourage him to retrieve them. Go slow and practice this leashed training over several sessions. Don’t attempt to get your dog swimming alone from the get-go.

Plan B

A kiddie pool can be a great way
to introduce a dog to swimming.
©Krista Johnson

An excellent “Plan B” to introduce a dog to water is a small- to medium-sized kiddie pool—a full-size swimming pool can sometimes be overwhelming. Leave the pool empty and get your dog to jump in, and then reward him when he does. Slowly add water. Reward your dog with tasty treats and enthusiasm, and he’ll soon realize this is fun.

Once your dog is used to the swimming pool and gets bolder and more used to the water, he will still need careful watching. Discourage children from throwing a toy into the pool for your dog to retrieve unless they are supervised by an adult. Kids are often having so much fun that they will not be unaware that their canine companion is in trouble in the water.

You should also never throw a dog into a pool “for fun.” If your dog really is a scaredy cat, don’t force swimming activities. Some dogs will have just as much fun running around the pool.

Make Sure the Water is Safe

Always treat your swimming pool—fresh- or saltwater—well before it will be used to allow the chemicals to circulate in the water. Too much chlorine can burn dogs’ eyes, too. The same goes for saltwater pools.

If your activities are at a pond, lake or river, it’s essential that you check that the water is not infested with waterborne parasites, such as giardia. You should always avoid any water that is overrun with blue-green algae as it is very toxic to dogs. Similarly, a beach day can be spoilt if your dog swallows too much saltwater as it can cause a gastrointestinal upset, resulting in diarrhea.

Whether you are poolside, picnicking at a beach, river or lake location, or on a boat, make sure you have fresh water. Always redirect your dog to the water bowl instead of allowing him to drink from the pool or a river. If necessary, to encourage your dog to use the provided water source, add a little bone broth for flavor. Freeze it in a bowl so it can slowly melt to keep it cool for an extended period.

When it comes to eating and water activities, dogs, just like children, should be allowed to digest a meal before being allowed to jump in and splash about. Waiting an hour after any meal is good idea.

Dogs Can Get Sunburnt, Too

Whereever your dog is enjoying the water, make sure he can access a shady area to cool off in.
©SeagullNady

You also need to ensure there is plenty of shade available for your dog no matter where your outdoor activities are. Dogs with pink skin on their tummies and pink noses are particularly vulnerable to sunburn, which can lead to skin cancer. There are sunscreens formulated for dogs and are a must-have for any sun-filled outdoor activities, both in and out of water.

Shower Down

At the end of the day, it’s important to completely rinse off your dog to ensure there is no chlorine, saltwater or sand remaining on his skin or in his fur. These substances could cause irritation if they are not removed. Giving your dog a light shampooing after a day in at the water is a good idea. If your dog has a thick and/or long coat, a more thorough dog wash might be necessary.

One Final Tip

Never remove a dog’s collar when they are swimming in a public area. If your dog normally wears a leather, bejeweled accessory, consider buying a special collar for water activities made from nylon. And, of course, proper I.D. is a lost dog’s ticket home.

About the Author: Sandy Robins is an award-winning multimedia pet lifestyle expert and author whose work focuses on ways to enhance the human-animal bond. She is equally besotted with both cats and dogs! Learn more about Sandy on her website.

May 28 2021

Summer Fun for Furry Friends

melissa Cats, Dogs, Fun, Lifestyle cats, dog training, pets, summer, train your cat, train your dog

Who doesn’t look forward to fun in the sun during the summer months? Barbeques! Beach time! Baseball games! With a little creativity and careful attention to safety, though, summer can be just as much fun for our furry friends.

Both cats and dogs love spending time in the sun. How many times have you noticed your cat or dog foregoing a comfortable spot on the sofa to curl up in the warmth of a sunbeam on the hard floor? Dogs and cats crave sunshine, so do your best to give them some outside time, too!

Chill Out!

If your pet lives outside, there are all sorts of ways to enrich their summer days. Place a priority on keeping them cool. Spoil them with ice water in their bowls. Make sure they have a shady spot to chill out. A fan might be appreciated on super-hot days.

Like their people, many dogs love water. They enjoy playing in the surf, romping in the stream of a hose or sprinkler, or flopping in a kiddie pool (just make sure to keep it dumped daily to avoid a mosquito infestation). Want to get really crazy? Try flavored bubbles! Even felines, who may not be big fans of water, often fancy a game of “go fish.”

Summer is a great time to get active with your pet. Why not train your dog to play frisbee? Create a dog agility course. Cats can also be enticed to play in a “rooting box.” Gardeners might consider planting catnip as a special treat.

Speaking of training, believe it or not, cats are also highly trainable. Your feline friend can learn to come when called, walk on a leash and to travel comfortably in a carrier. This last behavior makes it much easier to take them for routine medical checkups. Cats can also learn not to scratch up the furniture, use the litter box consistently and more.

Speaking of treats, we all know that popsicles and ice cream are beloved summer coolers for humans, but dogs and cats also enjoy pet friendly frozen treats. A quick Google search will yield tons of ideas. We might not savor frozen chicken broth embedded with peas, but your pet absolutely will! There are also lots of ideas for frozen fruit treats.

Keep Your Best Friend Safe!

To ensure that your pet stays healthy during the hot summer months, there are some precautions to keep in mind.

Dogs and cats–especially flat-faced breeds and animals that are young, elderly, obese, or medically compromised are particularly susceptible to heatstroke. Always make sure your pet has shade and access to fresh water. Avoid overexertion during the hottest part of the day. Also, be cognizant of the fact that your dog’s bare paws have no protection from blazing hot pavement. Finally, never–not even for a couple of minutes with the window slightly open–leave your dog or cat in the car on a warm day; the danger cannot be overstressed.

You probably already have a regimen against fleas and ticks, but in the busyness of summer, it is easy to forget. Don’t! Summer is prime time for these pests and others, so your pet needs protection. Also, allergies flare up in the heat and can cause irritation. Scratching and paw licking often signal allergies. Avoid letting such behaviors go unattended because excessive licking can result in painful, raw sores and infection.

When it comes to pet grooming, you may want to give your dog a close shave, thinking the less hair, the better. However, an excessively short haircut puts your pet at risk for sunburn. If your dog is light-colored, has a naturally short coat, or gets a close shave, you might want to talk to your vet or a veterinary assistant who can advise you on the use of a pet sunscreen.

Share the Joys of Summer

If you think a lot of this advice sounds like it could apply to people, you are right. Enjoying summer to the fullest for you and your pet takes a little planning and common sense, but the memories make it all worthwhile.

December 12 2018

Cat and Kitten Holiday Gift Guide 2018

melissa Cats, Fun cat gifts, cat holiday gift guide

In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, cats are sometimes forgotten when it’s time to open gifts. But there’s no reason to leave your cat out of the fun. Pet product manufacturers offer plenty of items that can make great gifts for your cat this year. Here are a few:

Tiki Cat Tummy Topper—Is your cat a fussy eater? Is it a chore to get him to finish his dinner? Then the Tiki Cat Tummy Topper could be a great gift for your kitty this year. This meal enhancer contains a pumpkin-wheatgrass formula with no added sugars fillers. It not only encourages your cat to eat, but also provides vitamins and minerals, along with fiber for digestive health. www.tikipets.com

Holiday Flicker Fun Birds—If you have a cat that loves to play—and what cat doesn’t—imagine her playing with an assortment of holiday-colored cloth toy birds this year. The Holiday Flicker Fun Bird Assortment, by Ethical Pet, feature enticing feathers attached to the birds that goad your kitty into crazy play. Each toy bird contains catnip, and lights up when it’s tapped. Each package contains three birds. www.ethicalpet.com

Basepaws DNA kit—Does your Domestic Shorthair have a complex because she doesn’t know the breeds in her background? With the Basepaws DNA kit for cats, you can discover your cat’s breed and ancestry markers. The results will help you understand the physical traits in your cat’s genes, along with the specific breeds and wildcats in her background. The at-home kit is easy to use. Just mail in a sample of your cat’s hair, or for hairless cats, a swab from inside the cheek. The results take 2 to 4 months. www.basepaws.com

Lotus Cat Tower—If your cat is tired of the same old boring cat tree, consider getting her a Lotus Cat Tower by the Refined Feline. The Zen-like design of this wooden cat tree features a sleek, organic design blending symmetry, functionality and minimalism into a beautiful flowering tower. The design is meant to accent homes with either modern or eclectic style. The tower is made from plywood with an oak veneer. Brown Berber carpet and sisal are attached to encourage scratching, and the carpet can be replaced when worn. Hide-a-way cubby holes include soft cushions with washable faux suede covers. The towers are available in Mahogany, Espresso and Smoke colors. www.therefinedfeline.com

Catit Flower Fountain—Have you ever noticed that cats love to drink running water? Maybe it’s a throwback to their wild ancestors, who drank from running streams. Whatever the reason behind this love for moving water, providing your cat with a fountain where she can drink will encourage her to take in more H2O and contribute to her overall happiness. The Catit Flower Fountain offers fresh water on top where your cat can drink, and allows three water flow settings. The fountain holds three liters of water, and has a triple action filter and small energy-efficient pump. https://usa.catit.com/shop/flower-fountain/

K&H Self-Warming Cat Beds – These self-warming beds and mats are washable, durable and feature an internal thermal layer that helps your cat maintain their own body heat. They come in several colors and a variety of styles, including Kitty Sack, Lounge Sleeper, Nuzzle Next, Kitty Bed Hooded, Bolster Bed and Pet Pad.

MixMax Cat Puzzles – from Nina Ottossen, are individual puzzle-shaped games that can be fit together to become one big activity board. Each game comes in four difficulty levels and features myriad grooves and holes to hide treats in. You can give your cat one puzzle at a time or mix and match them into different configurations and difficulty levels to keep your cat perpetually entertained.

Catit Senses 2.0 – designed to stimulate cats with sound, touch and sight. Senses offers three different track-ball circuits to choose from, Play, Wave and Super, and each features large openings that enable cats to reach inside and get involved. The circuits can be used alone or combined to create myriad playtime shapes. The circuits can also incorporate a variety of add-on components to create a complete cat amusement center. Choose from the Grass Planter, Digger (for treats and small toys), Food Tree, Oval Scratcher, Scratcher (this one is vertical) and Wellness Center. You can also add motion activated balls that light up as they roll on the circuit track.

Beco Pet Cat Bowl – The Beco Bowl for cats features a low rim that keeps your cat’s sensitive whiskers from brushing up against the sides, making dinner time that much enjoyable. Made from bamboo resin, the inexpensive bowls are durable and eco-friendly, and come in five colors: pink, green, blue, tan and natural.

Doc and Phoebe Indoor Hunting Feeder – is officially a feeding system; however, it can double as a smart toy based on the amount of activity it requires. The system consists of five mice that can be filled a cat’s daily food allowance and then hidden in different parts of the home. The mice’s purpose is to get your cat hunting for her meals. The mice are designed to roll and move, just like live ones do. The system, created by veterinarian Liz Bales, is endorsed by America’s Veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker and certified as a Fear Free Happy Home enrichment product. These are the kind of mice you want in your house. https://docandphoebe.com/collections/indoor-hunting-feeders/products/new-single-indoor-hunting-feeder-1

December 12 2018

Dog and Puppy Holiday Gift Guide 2018

melissa Dogs, Fun, Training dog toys, holiday presents for dogs

What could be more fun than giving your dog a gift during the Holidays? Once your dog discovers wrapped boxes and gift bags contain goodies for him, you’ll be amazed at how quickly he becomes part of the holiday festivities.

Here are a few gift ideas for your dog this holiday season:

Kibble Pet Waterless Shampoo—Does your dog hate baths? Then what better gift to give him than waterless shampoo! Kibble Pet Waterless Shampoo is designed for quick use between grooming sessions, and leaves dogs smelling fresh. This salon-quality product uses organic ingredients, including red raspberry seed oil, jojoba seed oil, organic argan oil and niaouli oil to sooth, nourish and protect coats. www.kibblepet.com

CoCoChews—Ever wonder what Hawaiian dogs like to chew on when they go to the beach? Coconuts! The fiber on the outside of the coconut shell is a favorite of dogs who like to gnaw, and also helps clean their teeth while they are chewing. CoCoChew takes advantage of this double benefit by using coconut husk in their chew toys. Two different durable rope toy designs are available: the CoCoChew Classic and the CoCoChew Junior for smaller dogs. Not only are these toys good for playing tug, but they also don’t get soggy when wet, like standard rope toys. CoCoChews are chemical free and made from sustainably sourced coconut husk. www.cocochewllc.com.

Bark Box—If you like to spoil your dog year-round instead of just at holiday time, consider getting him a subscription to BarkBox for Christmas. Your dog will receive a cardboard box every month containing an assortment of goodies, including treats, toys and other dog favorites. Each month features a particular theme, such as The Knights of the Hound Table, Chewrassic Bark and Sniffin’ Safari. www.barkbox.com

The Original Cricket Cookie—If your dog likes treats and you’re not squeamish about bugs, consider putting a bag of Original Cricket Cookies in his stocking this Christmas. Not only are Original Cricket Cookies healthy, containing more protein than treats made with chicken or beef, but they are also more sustainable than treats made with traditional animal products. According to the manufacturer, cricket protein uses less resources and produces less greenhouse gas emissions than chicken or beef. Original Cricket Cookies come in an assortment of flavors, including peanut butter and blueberry, peas and sweet potato, and sweet potato and apple. Although they are made with cricket protein, the treats have the same look and feel like traditional dog treats. www.jiminys.com
Chuckit! Pro Launcher – A must-have for every parent of a ball-obsessed dog, Petmate’s Chuckit! makes fetch fun for canines and easy for humans. The Chuckit! Pro Launcher lets you throw tennis balls farther and faster, and makes it so you don’t have to bend down to pick up a slimy ball. When you play with your dog using the Chuckit!, the launcher grasps the ball and releases it when you swing. You’ll be amazed at how far the ball will go with just a little effort. It’s the perfect gift for dogs who love to play. https://www.petmate.com/chuckit-pro-launcher/product/248201

UpCountry Collars – Perfect for a night walking with carolers. UpCountry collars come in more than 100 beautiful designs and the company offers matching leads and harnesses to complete the look. Made in the USA THE holiday collection features everything from sweaters to treats. Each year during the holiday season at Up Country, employees collect money for donation to a nonprofit organization. Up Country generously matches the total raised and the company actively participates in fundraisers for a variety of organizations. https://www.upcountryinc.com/our-products/category/holidays

PetSafe Pogo Plush Toys – Looking for a toy that will hold up to the heaviest chewer? PetSafe offers PogoPlush toys that come complete with a migrating squeaker and an inner cage under the plush covering dogs love. Great for any size, this toy can last much longer than your standard plush toys. PetSafe plays a lead role in helping pets become respected citizens and actively participates in community initiatives to create dog parks, as well as offering tuition assistance and supporting pet-friendly communities. https://store.petsafe.net/pogo-plush

Chilly Dog Sweaters – Dogs with short hair need help staying warm during the holidays, and what better way to do it than with a cute, 100-percent wool wintery sweater? Chilly Dog is offering the Black Snowflake Dog Sweater as one of its Nordic dog sweater designs. The sweater is made following the Fair Trade guidelines, and is hand-knit in South America. Available in eight different sizes, from XXS to XXXL, the sweater is suitable for all breeds and sizes. Checkout their website for more fun wintery selections! https://chillydogsweaters.com/

Ruffwear K9 Overcoat – Ruffwear proves it is the king of outdoor wear for dogs. The redesigned K9 Overcoat is great for any climate and the durable material allows it to stand up to even the most active dog. Wind- and water-resistant outer fabric keeps the elements out, while interior fleece layer keeps body heat in. Ruffwear’s Donation Program provides product donations to organizations and events that support outdoor spaces where wildlife thrives and people and dogs recreate. https://ruffwear.com/products/overcoat-jacket

October 30 2018

Do It Yourself Dog Costumes

melissa Fun holiday dogs

Let your canine companion join in the Halloween fun with these ideas for do-it-yourself dog costumes.

Halloween is almost here—have you planned your costume yet? Even more important—have you planned your dog’s costume yet? Don’t worry, you still have plenty of time to fine tune a “do-it-yourself” costume that will make you and your canine companion the talk of the neighborhood. Here are some quick and easy ideas for making a costume for your dog at home, gathered from around the Internet. For more ideas, from the simple to the sublime, type “DIY dog costume” into the search bar on Pinterest or Google.

Costume Ideas

Shaken, Not Stirred. Has your dog recently worn an Elizabethan collar to prevent him from chewing at surgical stitches or for another medical reason? Turn that cone of shame into a martini glass. Just add olives made from Styrofoam balls (but make sure your dog doesn’t chew them!).
Beanie Baby. Need a quick last-minute costume? Cut a heart out of red construction or scrapbook paper, and add the letters “TY” in white. Attach the heart to your dog’s collar, and you have an instant stuffed toy that was all the rage in the 90s!
Garden Variety. Turn your adorable dog’s face into the prettiest flower on the block. Attach handmade petals—made of fabric, paper or poster board—to your dog’s collar, focusing everyone’s attention on her sweet face.
Watch Dog. Another quick and easy idea for your dog’s costume: Draw or print out a clock face and write the words “Watch Dog” across it. Tie it gently around your dog’s torso with a strip of fabric that looks like a watch band.
Super Pet! Is your dog the mightiest in all the neighborhood? Help him proclaim his super hero status with a cape and mask. Use your imagination when coming up with his super hero name. Do you have more than one dog? Perhaps they can be a dynamic duo, or a hero with a sidekick.
Just Add Ketchup. It may be a little punny, but who can resist a hot dog? Make buns the length of your dog’s body from paper or fabric, and affix them comfortably to your dog’s harness. Add paper or fabric condiments such as mustard, ketchup, onions or relish.
Taco About It. Along the same lines as the “hot dog,” you can show your love for tacos by affixing a taco shell made of cardboard or fabric to your dog’s harness, draping the “shell” around your dog’s belly. Complete the look by adding faux lettuce, tomatoes, and hot sauce crafted from paper, fabric, or yarn to the inner edge of the “shell.”
Fan-tastic! Make your dog the No. 1 supporter of your favorite team. Just slip your team jersey over your dog’s head and place his front paws through the sleeves. Instant fan!
Bootiful Bowser. Take your dog’s costume old school. Using a small sheet (crib-sized), cut two small holes for eyes and a larger hole for your dog’s muzzle, and gently drape the sheet over your dog’s head. Voila! He’s an old-fashioned ghost!
Sprouting Wings. Do you have butterfly or angel wings from one of your child’s costumes? Modify the arm holes on the wings to fit your dog’s front legs. Your dog can become a guardian angel or a beautiful butterfly.

Bonus Option

Your dog’s winter clothing—that is, her sweater—can be the starting point for a range of costumes. Attach eight spider legs to turn her into a giant spider or add bat wings to make her into a bat. Let your imagination run wild!

When including your dog in your Halloween festivities, be sure to monitor his comfort level while he wears the costume, keeping his safety in mind. Don’t leave him unattended in his costume, and remove any items right away if they start to interfere with his comfort. Have fun!

October 23 2018

A Buyer’s Guide to Electronic Cat Toys

melissa Cats, Fun, Products, Resources, Training cat activity, cat toys, electronic cat toys

Electronic cat toys offer cats an opportunity to play on their own or with each other and simultaneously hone their instinctive needs to pounce and hunt. There is a fabulous selection to choose from to keep felines in play mode for spurts of 10 to 15 minutes at a time. They beep, blink and make sounds that mimic birds, mice and other critters. Some even have motion sensors to reactivate themselves when some feline stalks by and sets them in motion all over again. So, stock up on batteries and get shopping!

PetSafe® Pounce™

This automatic cat toy features an electronic mouse that zips around a circular track, zooming forward, reversing, hiding under obstacles, and occasionally twitching back and forth. The unpredictable movements stimulate a cat’s natural instinct to hunt, chase and pounce on prey. The game has four speed settings and turns off automatically after 10 minutes, or manually with an on/off button. Cats can even be taught how to activate it—my Ziggy taught himself. Petsafe.net

Petlinks Mystery Motion

This battery-operated toy has a mouse-tail that peeps out from under a plastic cover. It shoots erratically around in different directions, recreating the idea that there is a critter hiding under the covers. Consequently, this toy replicates a cat’s instinct to patiently watch and observe before jumping into hunt mode. It’s excellent for enticing older cats out of snooze mode. It has four different speeds and is ideal for single cats as well as multi-cat households. Petlinkssystem.com

PetSafe Cheese

This “chunk” of Swiss cheese has holes on both sides that allow peek-a-boo mice to pop out on either side. Cats love the surprise and anticipation! The Cheese has a timer that automatically turns the toy off after 10 to 15 minutes. There is also a play-while-you-are-away mode which allows for sessions to be programmed to keep cats engaged throughout the day. Petsafe.net

PetSafe Laser Tail

This interactive laser toy moves by itself across the floor in random patterns and in all directions. The laser is on the back of the toy so the laser light is always rolling away from the cat, encouraging the chase. Sensors help the toy find its way out of corners or out from under furniture. It automatically shuts off after 10-minutes of play. It works well on all kinds of floor surfaces such as wood, tile and short-tufted carpets. While such toys utilize low-powered lasers such as 5mW 3R class lasers that are certified safe around pets and people, laser beams must never be shone directly at a pet (or a person). Laser toys should always be used under supervision. Petsafe.net

Petlinks Pure Commotion™

This spinning wand toy from Petlinks is a fun, interactive toy that simulates a bird in flight. The feather attachment spins and whips through the air in erratic flight patterns to entice your cat to catch it. The speed can be altered by turning a knob on the base from slow, medium, fast and random. There’s a timer that can be set at 15-minute intervals all the way up to a full two hours of uninterrupted fun. Petlinkssystem.com

Petlinks Stir Crazy™

The Stir Crazy from Petlinks is an electronic cat toy with a furry tail that pushes a ball around an electronic track and is spurred on when cats poke their paws through the sides of the track to attempt to catch it. It offers four different play speeds. The ball can be filled with catnip to add to the fun and frenzy. The on-off button is on the top flat surface of the toy so clever cats can be taught to operate it themselves. Petlinkssystem.com

Roaming Runners™

These tiny little battery-operated toys mimic the movements of real prey encouraging cats to chase them, pounce and leap about. There are a variety of shapes – bird, mouse, caterpillar, a cute ladybug. They are small enough for cats to pick up with their paws and fling around. Once back on the ground, they set off on their own again. Petlinkssystem.com

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