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Italian Greyhound dog with his female owner.

Why You Shouldn’t Bring Your Dog to Festivals

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4 Reasons Not to Bring Your Dog to Festivals

Mardi Gras was months ago, but the buildup of more parades and festivals have since started. I have witnessed pet owners bringing their large and small dogs to these dog-friendly events, but these dogs weren’t enjoying the festivities as much as their owners.

As a huge dog lover, I completely understand why pet owners would want to share fun festivities with their four-legged family members. However, the dog trainer in me quickly intervenes to point out why dogs should be left at home. From what I saw this Mardi Gras season, it’s best not to bring your dog to festivals with you.

It’s Extremely Loud

Festivals and parades are extremely loud. Each parade starts off with a fire truck and ends with a police car blaring sirens and lights. Not only is this scary for small children—I witnessed many clutching their tiny hands over their fragile ears—it’s also frightening to dogs.

Crowds scream, school bands clang as they march past, loud music roars as floats pass by, and people push and shove for beads. Thankfully, I only spotted a few dogs within a 12-foot thick crowd. But from the glimpses between human legs, every dog I saw looked terrified. This isn’t fair to dogs.

Worst Place for Socialization

Dog-friendly festivals and parades are the worst places to socialize a puppy. Dog socialization refers to exposing your puppy to something positively, so he’ll learn that it’s harmless and safe.

Not only are festivals loud, but strangers lumber past and try petting unsuspecting dogs. Pair that with being stepped on or bumped into and your puppy will quickly learn that people are scary during these events. It only takes a single scary incident for your puppy to be frightened of people for years.

Overcoming this fear won’t be a simple “fix” either. Trust me.

Your Dog Will Get Hurt

People will step on and hurt your dog. Festival goers aren’t paying attention, and will accidentally step on your dog’s foot or tail. The chances of your dog being harmed is even higher when you add alcohol to the mix.

Some pet owners think clutching their small dogs in their arms will keep them safe, but even these tiny dogs are at risk too. Rambunctious and drunk crowds will elbow and push their way through a crowd regardless.

Food on the Ground

Festival grounds are littered with dropped ice cream cones, ant-covered hot dogs and spilled beer. It seems disgusting to us, but it’s an inviting buffet for your dog. While some of these food items aren’t necessarily dangerous to feed your dog, ingestion of fatty foods can cause pancreatitis.

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas and an extremely painful illness that can easily become a chronic issue. Plus, pancreatitis can be fatal to your dog. Treating pancreatitis in dogs is expensive too, as most dogs need hospitalization for several days.

This festival season, keep your dog safe at home with soft music and a frozen yogurt stuffed Kong. He will thank you.

Festivals and parades are meant for humans, so keep your dog safe at home.

Reiki for Dogs

Reiki for Dogs: Transferring Healing Energy

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Reiki for Dogs

Due to the overwhelming positive reactions to our article on psychic readings, I’ve decided to discuss Reiki for dogs. 🙂 Reiki is considered an alternative therapy, but it’s a hot research topic lately. Regardless of a pet owner’s beliefs, it’s important to note Reiki certainly has benefits for both dogs and pet owners. Chances are pet owners are probably performing a version of Reiki now.

What is Reiki?

During a Reiki session, one person passes healing, calm and positive energy to another. Energy can be sent remotely or in-person between individuals and animals, and it’s pretty cool to watch the process. When someone is sick, saying a prayer or sending positive thoughts to that person is considered a type of Reiki. Just sitting quietly next to someone for support is another form of Reiki too. Dogs are famous for sitting next to an upset person to comfort him. 🙂

Reiki is more flexible than prayer, as an individual is more focused on sending positive energy than remembering prayer wording. However, there are Reiki practitioners who find peace reciting mantras and positive intentions. Honestly, it depends on an individual’s belief system and what he finds most comforting.

Does Reiki Work for Dogs?

Everyone has a different belief system, which can cloud perspectives. Many pet owners with strict religious beliefs may deny the power of Reiki despite alternative belief systems describing its effectiveness. In short, there’s no wrong or right answer, depending on your belief system.

With that said, there’s a sense of peace when a person quiets his mind while praying or focusing on positive thoughts. Simply sitting in a room with a quiet, calm and positive person can bring immediate relief to a worrying individual sitting close by. Research has proven sitting still and taking deep breaths while petting a dog can improve one’s well-being.

Reiki Sessions for Dogs

Sitting still and sending quiet therapeutic energy to your dog is calming. Not only will Reiki calm an anxious dog, but it will quiet an anxious pet owner too. Find 10 minutes in your evening schedule and sit in a quiet part of your home. Turn on soft music, sit on the floor (if able) and slowly pet your dog.

Similar to massaging your dog, moving slowly and taking slow deep breaths are key. Close your eyes and visualize healing energy emanating from the palm of your hands. Now lay your hands on your dog, and envision this healing light and energy radiating into your dog. Continue to take deep breaths and focus. If your dog has trouble spots, such as arthritic hips, lightly hover over or lay your hands on both of your dog’s hips.

Continue to send positive energy to certain areas for 2-5 minutes, and then move to another troublesome area for a couple of minutes. Reiki sessions can last 10-90 minutes. It depends on the individuals giving and receiving Reiki. Most dogs fall fast asleep during the process, and pet owners are usually relaxed and a bit tired afterwards too. Honestly, there’s no wrong or right answer to how long or often you do Reiki. It depends on both individuals.

Regardless if you believe in Reiki or not, quieting the mind is greatly beneficial. Take a moment and include your dog in the process too. It can heal you both. 🙂

7 Tips for Bringing Your Dog to the Beach

7 Tips for Bringing Your Dog to the Beach

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Beach Tips for Dogs

Summertime means fun in the sun, so why not bring your dog too? Beach vacations provide plenty of opportunities to relax in the sand, splash in the ocean, work on your suntan and spend precious time with your dog. To ensure your beach vacation is enjoyable for both you and your dog, check out these tips for bringing your dog to the beach.

1. Check If Your Dog Likes the Beach

Before planning an amazing beach getaway with your dog, make sure she likes walking in sand and water. While it may seem like all dogs love the beach, some dogs really don’t like sand and water at all.

If you’re not sure, take a half-day trip to a local dog beach or lake, and try it out first. Over the last two decades, only two of my dogs enjoyed swimming while the other six refused to step one foot in the water. If your dog loves to swim and frolic on a sandy beach, then start planning your dog-friendly beach getaway now!

2. Beware of Loose Dogs

Most dog-friendly beaches allow dogs to play off-leash, which can become an issue quickly. Dog park-type beaches are not the safest place for dogs, as many are allowed to bully dogs.

More than 90% of my dog aggressive clients have been bullied at dog parks, and now we need to address the issue. If your dog is not dog-friendly, or you would rather skip a dog beach, then find a secluded dog beach vacation spot where dogs walk on-leash.

3. Use a Long Leash

Speaking of leashes, it’s best to use a long leash (10-foot) and harness to keep your dog safe during beach walks. Your dog can still swim with the safety equipment on, but you’ll be able to pull her back to shore if she swims out too far or waves become rough. While it’s cute to imagine your dog chasing seagulls, many dogs run away and get hurt chasing animals and birds. Leashes are safety lines, so keep your dog safe.

4. Beware of Hot Sand

Hot sand is painful—very painful. If a surface is too hot for you to stand on, then it’s too hot for your dog too. Carry your dog to wet sandy areas to prevent paw burns. Or place rubber bottom booties on large dog paws until you reach your shaded beach lounging spot. Check your dog’s paw pads frequently for burns or irritations from sea creatures or salt water.

5. Provide Shade & Water

It’s hot sitting on a beach, so provide plenty of shade for your dog. Bring a large umbrella, a cooling pad (keep it in an ice-packed cooler), and frozen food stuffed Kongs. Bring a gallon or more of cold water and keep it in your cooler.

Offer your dog cold water often, and keep his water bowl in the shade. Limit your dog’s sun exposure. If your dog starts panting excessively, cool him down with cold water, leave the beach ASAP and find the closest veterinary clinic.

6. Don’t Forget Sunscreen

Short-coated breeds, or freshly shaven dogs, will need sunscreen. Purchase a chemical-free sunscreen with at least 30 SPF and apply often per directions. If your dog swims, choose a waterproof chemical-free sunscreen for maximum protection. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen liberally on your dog’s ear tips, nose and paws!

7. Rinse With Clean Fresh Water

Once back home or in your hotel, wash your dog with a gentle dog shampoo and rinse thoroughly. Sand embedded in hair scratches and irritates skin, which can cause rashes and hot spots. In addition, salt water can damage your dog’s coat. As a best practice, wash and rinse your dog twice, then rinse again.

Enjoy your dog-friendly beach vacay!

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Why I Don’t Walk My Dogs in My Neighborhood

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Don’t Feel Bad If You Don’t Walk Your Dog

This may surprise some pet owners, while others can completely understand, but I refuse to walk my dogs in my neighborhood anymore. As a professional dog trainer, I agree dogs need daily exercise. However, when daily walks become dangerous, it’s time to choose different forms of exercise.

Why I Don’t Do It Anymore

As temperatures cool down, our neighborhood sidewalks are filled with people enjoying the fresh air. Everyone hibernates through the brutal Texas summers, so naturally they will want to shed those extra pounds and exercise their dogs during the fall. The fact that more people are outside isn’t the reason why I don’t walk my dogs anymore. Instead, these are the two major reasons why I stopped bringing my dogs along for walks.

Rude Dogs

Cooler temperatures means more dogs are left outside in backyards unattended. As I walk by a house, these unattended dogs run along fence lines and start barking loudly. Some dogs even bang on windows barking fiercely indoors. These dog behaviors are super annoying and alarming for both my dogs and myself.

I’m forced to navigate sidewalks to avoid rude dog behavior. Plus, seeing rude dogs barking is extremely stressful for my dogs. Think about it this way: Dogs barking and lunging behind fences and windows is equivalent to them screaming, “I’m gonna beat you up fool,” to the passerby dog. Not only is this impolite behavior to other dogs, but it’s downright rude and preventable too. No dog should deal with this nasty dog behavior during a daily walk.

As humans, we understand these dogs are contained, but our dogs don’t understand that. Instead, they feel like they’re walking on eggshells, fearing for their safety. Also, constant exposure to a rude dog while on leash can lead to your dog becoming leash aggressive. Being continuously bombarded with threatening dogs that they can’t run away from may cause them to be threatening back. On the flip side, the dogs doing the barking and lunging from behind the fence learn that their aggressive behavior makes dogs leave, so they in turn become dog aggressive.

Loose Dogs

Today, I encountered two loose dogs within 20 feet of my home. Thankfully, I don’t bring my dogs walking with me any longer, but it still makes me extremely upset when inconsiderate dog owners leave their dogs loose outside. I have a few choice words with owners if they are around. Loose dogs are dangerous and can charge at your dog while walking, which teaches your dog dog aggression. By far, loose dogs make my hackles stand on end.

Neighbors, Contain Your Dogs!

Yes, I’ve screamed this very sentence at the top of my lungs numerous times. Pet owners must contain their dogs! Keep your dogs secured indoors or behind a fence, and never leave a dog unattended outdoors. Additionally, stop allowing dogs to bark and lunge at dogs (or anyone). Crate your window barking dog or keep him in an area with no access to windows. Trust me, while it seems like your dog is just “letting off steam,” your dog is becoming dog aggressive and you can be sued if your dog hurts someone or another dog.

How to Safely Exercise Your Dog

Of course, we all need exercise, including our dogs. Remember, mental stimulation is just as exhausting as physical exercise, so keep your dog’s brain busy. Here are a few options to keep your dog mentally and physically fit:

  • Play fetch daily.
  • Enroll in a weekly group class, such as nose work, agility or fly ball.
  • Provide all meals in food puzzles and stuff in toys.
  • Teach your dog to walk on a treadmill.
  • Toss kibble or treats into your backyard.
  • Play nose work games indoors.
  • Go hiking on private property—with permission, of course.
  • Bring your dog on car rides.

Rethink walking your dog around rude dogs. As pet owners, it’s our job to keep our dogs safe. 

Taking Your Dog to the Vet? Try This Tip!

Taking Your Dog to the Vet? Try This Tip!

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Teaching Your Dog to Love Going to the Vet Office

If you could do one thing that would teach your dog to love going to the vet office, would you do it? Even if it’s super easy? Well, all you need are lots of yummy treats!

Let’s face it: going to the vet office is scary for your dog, so make it fun by using plenty of yummy treats! Rewarding your dog often is key, so check out this easy way to give your dog treats quickly. Soon, your dog will look forward to vet visits because when she’s there it rains peanut butter!

Why Give Treats?

Giving your dog treats in a scary situation will positively change her emotional state. In fact, zookeepers have begun adopting similar training methods to slowly teach their animal charges to accept veterinary care such as immunizations. Working with animals in a positive manner, they have learned, is far less stressful than using force or tranquilization–for both humans and animals.

Think about it from a human perspective. If it only rains $100 bills during a blood draw, you would ignore the pain and actually look forward to giving blood. It’s the same way with dogs (and cats). Tossing bits of blue cheese, deli meat, hot dogs, squeeze cheese and peanut butter are excellent ways to keep your dog happily busy during veterinary exams. Don’t be stingy with treats–more is certainly better in this situation.

Quick Treat Dispensing Idea

Delivering treats quickly is essential for success. Stuff a Kong toy to the brim with creamy peanut butter and place it on your dog’s nose. As your dog licks away, pull the toy upward until your dog is standing comfortably. While your dog licks the toy, touch your dog’s body, gently flip her ears back, rub your hands along her sides and touch her feet. It’s best to practice this behavior several times at home first before using this behavior at the vet office. After daily practice for 1-2 weeks, bring 1-2 filled Kong toys to each vet visit going forward. Bringing treats to your dog’s vet visit is just as important as your car keys–you can’t go unless you have plenty of treats.

WATCH: Giving Treats at the Vet Office

Does Exercise Relieve Excess Energy in Dogs?

Does Exercise Relieve Excess Energy in Dogs?

Exercising Your Dog Doesn’t Always Relieve Excess Energy

Living with an easily excited Rottweiler and an always energetic Mini Bull Terrier, I pondered if exercising my dogs would really relieve their excess energy. Group class clients were asking me this exact question too. They would walk, jog or run their adolescent dogs for three to four hours per day (divided up) plus daily sessions at the dog park, yet their dogs still had tons of energy. Hum, what’s going on?

Provide Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Overexercising high-energy dogs can, at times, create a very fit high-energy dog who requires more exercise. With the increase in canine obesity, the pet industry is flooding pet parents with “a tired dog is a good dog” motto, which is a good thing, but this concept needs tweaking for some dogs. I’ve witnessed many pet parents go to extreme lengths to exercise their two-year-old or four-year-old Labs and they still bounced off the walls at home. However, you could bounce a quarter off their thighs–they were that fit!

Exercise is good. We know it’s essential so I’m not saying to put away the leash and turn on the TV. 🙂 Instead of jogging your dog for an hour, take a leisurely walk in a new location and allow your dog to sniff to his heart’s content. Providing mental stimulation (sniffing, puzzle solving or playing games) is mentally and physically exhausting. Allow your dog to walk over, sniff and explore certain spots. It’s almost like your dog is posting on his Facebook page. I know it sounds absurd, but it’s true. Sniffing resembles “reading FB posts,” and some dogs decide to post back by “marking.” Instead of hurrying him along, give him plenty of time to “read and answer” back. 🙂

Teach Self-Settling

High-energy dogs thrive moving at breakneck speeds and can literally go from 0 – 100mph in a nanosecond. This is the essence of the AKC sporting group. They were bred for speed and endurance. Convincing your Labrador or Goldendoodle your living room is not a retrieving field can be quite challenging so teach your young or active dog to self-settle. It may seem challenging in the beginning, but ,trust me, every minute you spend teaching this valuable skill is money in the bank. Your dog will soon be able to walk into the living room, plop down on the floor and nap. Ah, wouldn’t this be awesome?

young woman with ragdoll cat on couch

5 Hacks Every Cat Owner Should Know

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Keeping your feline healthy and happy

As cat owners, there are certain things we should all know how to do to keep our felines happy and healthy, as well as to better communicate with them. Here are five must-know hacks every cat owner should know. These promote feline happiness and wellbeing.

How to Cut Your Cat’s Nails

Trimming Cat Nails
Over time, you should be able to get your cat to accept (but not necessarily like) having her nails trimmed on a regular basis.
© celiafoto/Adobe Stock

Cats who have an indoor lifestyle need lots of feline-approved surfaces to scratch on to keep nails in good shape. Nevertheless, it’s a really good idea to know how to cut your cat’s nails to prevent them snagging and getting caught on things. Ideally, you will have desensitized your cat to having her nails clipped when she was young.

However, if you haven’t and your cat really does not like having her paws touched, using the kitty burrito method is probably the best. To make a kitty burrito, wrap your cat in a towel so that only her head is outside of it. Next, take one paw out at a time to trim the nails. This can be a two person-task; one person to hold the cat and one to handle the mani-pedi.

If you can convince your cat to hold still for a few moments (sans towel), cut as many nails as you can in one session, followed by as many sessions as necessary over the next few days. This will make it less stressful for your cat—and you. Note: You should never use human nail clippers on a cat; always use feline-specific ones.

Cat Tail Signs
This cat is very agitated: her ears are down and to the side, and her tail is thrashing.
©Kristina/Adobe Stock

How to Read Your Cat’s Tail

Cats are great communicators and every cat owner should be able to “read” their cat’s tail, which is a great indicator of their current emotions. An upright, very fluffed out tail is a sign of anger or fear. An upright tail with a curl on its end is a sign of friendliness. A madly wagging or thumping tail is a sign of annoyance. There are tell-tail signs for fear, submissiveness and more.

How to Interpret Your Cat’s Whisker Radar System

Cat Whiskers
Forward whiskers can indicate a cat is intensely focusing on something he wants, such as a dangling toy or a tasty treat.
©fantom_rd/Adobe Stock

A cat’s whiskers are nature’s amazing version of a radar/early warning system that literally guides every step a cat takes. As a result, cats are capable of truly amazing feats such as walking on narrow ledges, gauging and jumping distances and squeezing through narrow spaces. The whiskers are also an indicator of feline mood swings and cat owners will get a better understanding of what is going on by knowing the basic signs.

A cat’s whiskers are immobile when he is sitting or lying and completely content. When they bunch up and flatten against the face, it’s an indicator of potential danger and fear of a pending situation. And, when the whiskers “swivel” and point forward, your cat is about to go into hunting mode.

Cat Static Fur
A steamy shower with your cat in the room or lightly wetting your hand before petting her can help eliminate “static” from her fur.
©Callalloo Candcy/Adobe Stock

How to Remove Static Electricity from Your Cat’s Fur

When the air is very dry, you’re likely to get a slight electric shock every time you stroke your favorite feline. Here is a quick fix beauty tip. Take your cat into the bathroom with you when you shower. The steam from the hot water will remove the static from the fur. You could also lightly wet your hand before stroking your cat; however, you could end up with a handful of hair.

How to Deal with Hypoglycemia

Sadly, diabetes is common in cats and, apart from giving daily insulin shots; their overall wellbeing needs to be closely monitored all the time. Fortunately, there are now devices that allow owners to check their cat’s sugar levels daily at home.

Cats on insulin can suffer from a possible overdose that causes insulin shock, better known as hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. A cat who is about to go into a coma may drool, shiver or appear disoriented, glassy-eyed and sleepy. It’s important to keep a bottle of corn syrup on hand for rubbing on to the gums or under the tongue. This is a temporary fix to get glucose levels to rise and prevent your cat from losing consciousness and give you time to call the vet, or better still, go there.

Chihuahua on a Computer

Famous Dogs of the Internet

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These famous dogs have loyal followings on social media.

Boo the DogThey’re instantly recognizable, garnering fans around the world for their good looks and charm. No, they’re not the latest stars of the Hollywood blockbusters—they’re the dogs of Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, and they’re the most humble and down-to-earth celebrities on social media. If you haven’t seen their latest posts, be sure to check out just a few of the famous dogs we’ve rounded up. (Note: This list is far from all inclusive, so we apologize if we’ve missed your favorite celebrity dog.)

Boo

One of the first dogs on the social media scene, Boo has had a Facebook account since 2009. The Pomeranian has had more than 16 million likes on the social media platform, and now has books and merchandise in his likeness. For many years Boo shared the spotlight with Buddy and occasionally Bluebeary. After Buddy passed away last year, Boo’s owner adopted Benny.

Menswear Dog

 

Menswear Dog

Billed as “The Most Stylish Dog in the World,” Menswear Dog shows the boys how to pop a collar and wear a turtleneck with panache. From bowties to bathrobes, this Shiba Inu models a range of styles for his more than 350,000 followers. Instagram: @mensweardog Facebook: facebook.com/themensweardog tumblr: mensweardog.tumblr.com

Manny the Frenchie

 

Manny the Frenchie

This French Bulldog has more than 1 million followers of his Instagram page (@manny_the_frenchie). Posts share Manny’s day to day life, including his big sister, Leila, and his little brother, Frank. Billed as “the most famous French Bulldog in the world,” Manny also a Facebook account and a website, as well as merchandise and sponsorships.

 

Susie the DogSusie

When her owners adopted Susie and learned what an amazing pet a senior dog could be, they started a Facebook page and Instagram account that shines the spotlight on adoptable senior dogs. Though Susie passed away a few years ago after 5 wonderful years with her owners, the account she inspired continues to match senior dogs around the country with their forever homes. Instagram: @susiesseniordogs Facebook: facebook.com/susiesseniordogs

 

 

Harlow and SageHarlow & Sage

What started as an account to document the relationship between a Miniature Dachshund (Sage) and a Weimaraner (Harlow) soon gained a huge following as Harlow mourned the loss of her friend Sage in 2013, and began “interviewing” potential new friends. Now joined by Indiana, Reese, and most recently, Ezra, Harlow uses her platform (with the help of her owners) to highlight the work of animal shelters and homeless pets. Instagram: @harlowandsage Facebook: facebook.com/harlowandsage/

 

Maddie on Things

Maddie on Things

Maddie the Coonhound stands on things—from a rock in a stream to the hood of a car. She first starting standing on things when she accompanied her owner, photographer Theron Humphrey, on a trip across the country. Now she has a book that shows her balancing on jars and standing on a skateboard. You can also find Maddie on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

 

Mishka the Talking HuskyMishka the Talking Husky

This chatty dog first gained attention when her owner posted a video of her saying, “I love you” on YouTube. After that went viral, more videos followed, with Mishka chiming in to say “Obama” and “Mommy.” Though the popular dog passed away in 2017, her famous videos still gain views on YouTube.

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Water Fountains for Cats

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Encourage your felines to drink more with recirculating water.

Cat water fountains have been around for many years now and I can tell you from personal experience that if you have a cat, one could save you hundreds (possibly thousands) of dollars on veterinary bills each year. This is because Felis catus, a species that originated in the desert, typically needs some extra encouragement to drink water.

Water helps regulate body temperature, assists the kidneys in ridding the body of waste products and keeps the mouth moist and the gastrointestinal tract running smoothly. However, simply putting out a bowl of water isn’t enough for some cats—many prefer to drink from running water sources.

Since cats tend to only drink when they’re very thirsty, they rarely consume enough water for their urinary tract (i.e., renal system). When cats don’t drink enough water, the effects can be immediate: you’re likely to notice a dulling of the coat; if you gently squeeze the back of their neck, the skin will not quickly revert to its original position; and their urine will be highly concentrated. This can quickly lead to problems with their urinary tract and kidneys, resulting in blockages of the urethra which in some cases could be fatal.

The 1:1 Rule: Your cat should be drinking 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight, every day. Which fountains are the best? Any that encourage your cat to drink more qualify. The deciding factors are what your cat prefers and what your budget allows. Below are just a few of the brands and/or styles that could turn your cat into a water lover.

Drinkwell Pet Fountains

Drinkwell Pet FountainsDrinkwell is the first name in pet fountains. Developed by a veterinarian, the company is now owned by Petsafe, which has increased the variety of fountains while offering them at affordable prices. Drinkwell fountains all feature a recirculating pump and carbon filter, which is a good way to remove many impurities in the water and help keep it cleaner for a longer period. Pricing ranges from $20 to $100. The carbon filter will need to be changed at least once a month; however, you can shop around to find less-expensive generic ones that fit. (Images are not to scale) petsafe.net

 

Thirsty Cat Fountains

Thirsty Cat Fountains

These incredible fountains are handmade and are truly a work of art. The ceramic bowl and simple filter system come in two styles: stream fountains or bubble-ups; both types feature a recirculating pump and carbon filter. They are easy to clean and beautiful enough to place in any area of the house. Pricing is on the high side, with bubble-ups ranging from $121 to $190, and streaming fountains from $134 to $280. The carbon filter will need to be changed monthly. To lower costs, I use a generic filter. (Images are not to scale) thirstycatfountains.com

 

 

Pioneer Pet Swan Fountain

Pioneer Pet Swan Fountain

Does your cat love drinking out of the faucet? The latest fountain from Pioneer Pet provides the same experience.  Dishwasher safe and charcoal filtered, the fountain holds up to 80 oz. of water; and it also features a USB connector. Available in premium white plastic and silver stainless steel, it is easy to assemble and clean. The company has other stylish fountains, including the Raindrop, Fung Shui and Big Max; prices range from $27 to $90. (Images are not to scale) pioneerpet.com

 

 

Petmate Fresh Flow™ FountainsPetmate Fresh Flow™ Fountains

These highly functional fountains provide naturally cool, oxygenated water throughout the day for your cat(s).  They feature continuous circulating water, a replaceable charcoal filter and a unique, patented no-splash water-slide. Most plug into a standard AC outlet; however, the Fresh Flow Rain Fountain runs on four D batteries, enabling you to place wherever your cat prefers to drink. Fresh Flow fountain prices range from $25 to $50; sizes from 50 oz. to 216 oz. for multi-pet households. (Images are not to scale) petmate.com

 

Cats Rule Fresh Water FountainsCats Rule Fresh Water Fountains

For those of you who prefer a little whimsy in your daily life, The Watering Hole Automatic Fresh Water Fountain could be what you’re looking for. Available in two styles at $29 each, these functional fountains provide cats with recirculating, filtered water that streams from a frog or a fish’s mouth. The basin is made from BPA free polypropylene; the fish and frog are made of food-safe plastic resin. Each comes with two active carbon filters and holds 38.4 oz. (1.2 quarts). catsrule.com

Water fountains provide the perfect blend of clear, filtered, running water that appeals to cats and adds a relaxing element to the home for you—and your cat(s). Get a pet fountain for your cat – you won’t regret it!

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6 Must-Have Dog Toys

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Whether your pets prefer chewing, chasing, tugging or snuggling, these are sure to keep them entertained.

It’s hard to find a dog who doesn’t like toys. Whether it’s chasing, tugging or chewing, most dogs enjoy interacting with toys designed specifically for them. Pet product companies are always looking for new ways to entertain dogs, and creating fun and innovative toys are at the top of the list. Here are six new dog toys that have recently hit the market and are bound to keep your dog entertained.

Huggle Hounds Naturals

Made of all natural materials, Huggle Hounds Naturals come in a variety of adorable shapes that will entertain both you and your dog. The toys are made from water buffalo leather and cotton rope, and contain a rubber squeaker. Each toy comes in a two-pack paired with a compatible companion. The Duck & Bunny, Moose & Cow and Sock Monkey & Raccoon two-packs will make you laugh, especially when you see your dog carrying them around. hugglehounds.com 

Dawg-Nut

If you’ve got a dog who likes to retrieve, the donut-shaped Dawg-Nut might be for him. This tough retrieving toy from Ruff Dawg is USA-made and constructed out of solid rubber. It bounces in crazy ways when it hits the ground, and also floats for dogs who like to water retrieve. It has a springy texture, and is gentle on the teeth and gums. It comes in bright colors to make it easy to locate after your dog is done playing. It is available in two sizes for medium and large dogs. ruffdawg.com

 

Zooma Chew-A-Ball

So you know how your dog likes to chew on his tug toys? He’s not the only one. The Zooma Chew-A-Ball is designed especially for this kind of treatment. Made from all edible ingredients, the Chew-A-Ball features grooves along the sides so your dog can grip it with his teeth, and a handle meant for you to hold while your dog is tugging. As your dog pulls on the ball, he can also gnaw on it, satisfying both his play and chewing instincts at the same time. zoomachews.com

 

 

Orbee-Tuff GuRu Ball

If you have an active dog in need of both mental stimulation and physical play, the Orbee-Tuff GuRu Ball from Planet Dog is for you. This interactive ball features five different openings that you can use to hide your dog’s favorite treats, bully sticks or his regular kibble. Your dog will have to chew, squeeze and work hard to get them to pop out; the treats won’t release until your dog applies just the right about of pressure. The ball’s soft texture messages his gums while he works. Made in the USA, the material is non-toxic. planetdog.com 

Tuggo Shake-N-Fetch Bowling Pin

This unique, hard plastic toy is shaped like a bowling pin, and can be filled with water, sand or rocks to make it rattle as you throw it for your dog to retrieve. The noise makes your dog all the more excited about chasing after it and bringing it back to you. It is available in red, pink or yellow, and sizes small, medium and large. tuggodogtoys.com

 

 

 

Mutt Hatter Plush Toy Collection

Watch your dog have endless fun as he uncovers all the hidden squeaks and crinkles inside these whimsical hat-themed toys, which include a Viking Helmet, Sheriff Hat, Leprechaun Hat, Gladiator Helmet and Pirate Hat. Sold as set or individually, these plushies feature hand-made craftsmanship, double layer exteriors and double-stitched edges to ensure extra durability. And, for added enjoyment, the toys have two built-in loops so you can secure each hat with a strap and turn your dog’s favorite toy into an Instagram photo-op. petplay.com

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6 Must-Have Dog Toys

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