If you think of cats and dogs as polar opposites, you’re not entirely wrong.
Dogs are revered for their friendly and loyal dispositions. These qualities have cemented their legacy as “Man’s Best Friend.”
By contrast, cats often carry themselves pompously as if they’re the center of the universe. And yet, cat owners are attracted to this sense of pride and independence.
But to fully understand the “Cats vs. Dogs” rivalry, you must also consider their instincts.
Dogs like to chase smaller animals that flee and cats have a natural instinct to flee from animals that chase them!
What’s more, cats and dogs each come with a list of strengths and weaknesses.
Happy dogs will offer you their unwavering loyalty (strength) but can be a handful to take care of (weakness.)
Cats have a low-maintenance reputation, well-known for their ease of care (strength), but they can be deceitful or manipulative to get what they want (weakness.)
However, the pet owner who can overlook these pluses and minuses can successfully raise a dog and a cat together.
So, how can you get the best of both worlds and create a family environment for your cats and dogs to coexist in harmony?
As you’ll soon find out, how to raise a dog and a cat together isn’t as terrible as you might think.
Below are 5 things that you can do to set your feline and canine friends up for success!
Many wars have been fought over territories.
To ensure peace in your home, and successfully raise a dog and a cat together, give each of them a space that’s exclusively theirs.
For example, a dog crate can be a haven for your canine friend when she wants to retreat to a safe space.
Similarly, cats will find a nook in your home where they feel more relaxed. Once you’ve identified this nook, make it extra cozy for them by keeping their toys nearby.
And don’t worry if you live in a small apartment or studio: cats thrive in a “vertical world!”
Their special nook can be on top of the refrigerator in the kitchen or on the uppermost shelf in the living room.
Cats and dogs rely on their senses of smell to familiarize themselves with their environment.
To raise a dog and a cat together, you’ll need to ease them into a proper introduction.
Before meeting face-to-face, keep your pets in separate rooms and allow them to smell each other’s toys and possessions first, including blankets, beds, and so on.
This can help ease the introduction later on and satisfy their curiosities beforehand.
A good way to forge a bond and raise your dog and cat together is to “break bread,” or eat meals like a true family!
Forging this bond will take some time and patience.
After all, your pets might not want to share the same space while eating their meals.
To begin, feed your cat and dog close to one another, but include a barrier between them so that they can’t see each other.
Either side of a closed door should work or on opposite sides of furniture like a couch or a table.
Then, as they become more familiar and accepting of each other’s scents, move their food bowls closer together until they’re inches apart.
Over time, they should feel more comfortable and not threatened by each other.
Cats and dogs aren’t immune to jealousy.
If either one seeks your attention, make sure to follow up with the other one and show them both some love! This is important when raising a dog and a cat together.
Also, if you’re prone to speaking to your dog in a baby voice when you get home, keep in mind that cats can pick up on this and “act out” or misbehave out of jealousy.
Lastly, make sure that each of your pets has access to roughly the same amount of toys.
Unlike dogs, cats can’t be trained to sit, stay, and fetch.
Therefore, when it comes to following orders, dogs carry the burden of responsibility.
This is why training your dog to follow commands is an absolute must.
If a fight breaks out between your dog and your cat (because families tend to fight!), kindly ask your dog to sit, stay, or “go to bed.”
In short, use any other command that will create some distance between them.
Then, when everyone’s cooled off a bit, allow your dog and cat to come to a natural truce.
Following these five steps can help you raise a dog and a cat together successfully.
And once you’ve created a happy living environment for your cat and dog, you’ll enjoy each other’s companies more than ever!
The first step in our leash-walking program is to keep a flexible mindset.
You’ll need to accept setbacks or regressions in the training program that’ll naturally occur along the way.
After all, it will take time and some degree of trial-and-error to get your dog fully trained to walk on a leash at your side.
Not only that, but you’ll have to set realistic expectations, too.
In other words, don’t expect your dog to start leash-walking like a pro after the first lesson.
Training your dog to walk on a leash takes a great deal of time, effort and patience.
So, hang in there. You got this!
The second step is to prepare for the lesson.
Depending on the age of your dog, you might need to get her into “training mode” before you begin.
For instance, puppies are often energized and easily distracted, whereas older dogs are more relaxed and ready to work.
If your dog hasn’t outgrown her puppy phase yet, you might want to ease her into the lesson by grabbing her attention with a tug toy or a quick game of fetch.
Then, once she’s let off some steam, you can begin the lesson. But before you start, make sure to keep track of time.
You don’t want to exhaust your dog by training over long hours. Otherwise, she could lose interest.
Instead, keep the lessons short and sweet. Ten to fifteen minutes should do.
The third step is to do a trial run of loose leash-walking at home.
By starting your lesson at home, you can lessen the number of distractions that your dog will surely encounter in the outdoors.
By the way, we recommend that you train your dog to walk on a collar clipped to a 6-foot leash.
This leash length provides ample room for your dog to walk beside you, and a collar is optimal for pulling your dog away from harmful outdoor elements, such as trash they might be tempted to pick up with their mouths.
Moreover, dispensing treats to your dog during the lesson is absolutely recommended.
Try bite-size training treats like Zuke’s to keep your dog’s calorie intake in check.
Also, offer your dog a few treats as you introduce her to the leash. Let her sniff at it and encourage her curiosity by telling her “Yes!” in a happy tone of voice.
Now that you’re ready to begin the lesson, ask your dog to sit while holding the handle on the end of the leash with one hand and a few treats with the other.
Then, face your puppy (keeping good eye contact) and back up a few paces.
As you're walking backward, encourage your pet to follow you by offering her a treat. When she complies, feed her the treat and keep pacing backward while facing her and maintaining eye contact.
This exercise teaches your dog to follow your lead and it’s crucial when you’re leash-walking outdoors.
After all, you don’t want your dog to walk you. That’ll certainly take away from the pleasure of a leisurely stroll with your dog.
Once your dog show’s a willingness to learn, it’s time to take the lesson outside.
This is when you’ll need to apply a lot of patience and determination in perfecting your dog-walking technique.
Why?
Because the outdoors are teeming with distractions, including blaring sirens from police cars and squirrels darting up trees. Not to mention other dogs that you’ll encounter on the sidewalk during your training sessions.
Thus, the key to successfully training your dog to walk on a leash outside is to command her attention.
Let her know “where the party’s at” by distracting her from the distraction.
For instance, if she suddenly lunges at a half-eaten sandwich on the curb, gently pull her away from it, asking her in a happy voice to “come.”
Get her attention by making eye contact and brandishing the treat close to her nose.
She may prefer the half-eaten sandwich to her usual treats. But you can do something that the spoiled sandwich can’t: you can offer your dog an experience while walking with you on a leash.
Remember: dogs aim to please and many of them love to work.
If you can convince your dog that your “walk party” is the best in town, she’ll ditch the sandwich faster than you can say “good girl!”
Apply this technique to all other distractions and you’ll be loose leash-walking like a pro in no time!
Our fifth and final step is to stay consistent with your training program and troubleshoot your dog’s shortcomings when they occur.
After all, the fruits of your labor can easily be undone by breaking from consistency.
What’s more, you could lead your dog astray by failing to troubleshoot areas in her dog-walking technique that need improvement.
For instance, if your dog pulls on her leash to remain slightly ahead of you, and you allow this behavior, she’ll want to lead the remainder of the way, taking routes that you may or may not want her to.
This can be aggravating, especially when your dog stops and refuses to move in the direction that you’d like to go in.
To avoid this common dog-walking blunder, stand still as your dog pulls on the leash.
Then, show your back to her by turning around in a 180° motion, and begin to walk in the opposite direction. Be mindful not to pull or tug on the leash too hard, especially if your dog still refuses to move.
If this happens, “get the party started,” so to speak, by encouraging her to follow you to a more “exciting” place down the road.
If you have treats in your pocket, offer them to her. Do whatever you can to command her attention pleasantly.
You’ll soon find out that your dog values your leadership more than she values distractions.
And, finally, your ability to remain calm, patient and consistent throughout your dog’s training program will ultimately determine your success.
Good luck!
Dogs are praised for their intelligence. Some breeds, like Poodles and Border Collies, get major brownie points for how trainable they are.
But as you’ll soon find out, cats can be just as ingenious.
After all, you can teach them to pee and poop in the toilet (take that, dogs!)
Our white ceramic friends were created to capture human waste and to flush it out of sight.
As you can imagine, teaching a cat to do the same will require a great deal of effort.
Similar to dog training, using positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding good behavior with treats and verbal praise, will set your feline friend up for success.
To toilet train your cat, you’ll need to take a systematic approach from beginning to end. You’ll also need to incorporate kitty litter into your training program.
For a streamlined procedure, we recommend the Litter Kwitter 3-step toilet training system. And this quick video can show you how effective the product is for yielding stellar potty results!
What the video doesn’t show you is that you’ll want to start by introducing the bathroom to your cat as a “safe haven.”
In other words, your goal is to show Kitty that your bathroom is a place for her to feel comfortable and at ease.
If you notice that Kitty’s suddenly confused, try moving the litter box further away until she feels more comfortable approaching the litter.
Then, as you notice her easing into this “new environment,” you can once again move the litter box closer to the toilet.
You can achieve this by laying the litter box on a stack of old phone books, a wide footstool, or whatever household item you deem appropriate.
As your cat successfully relieves herself in the litter box over time, you’ll want to gradually increase the height of the box until it’s level with the toilet seat.
These basics steps on how to toilet train your cat (before starting the Litter Kwitter program) will ensure that you and Kitty are on the right track to victory!
But not all cat owners love the idea of toilet training. In fact, some caution against it.
This all depends on how well your cat adapts to the bathroom environment (Kitty may not like it) and the amount of effort you put into the training program.
Below are some pros and cons to keep in mind as you toilet train your cat.
Pros:
Cons:
(For a detailed list of pros & cons, click here.)
Ultimately, you know your cat better than anyone else.
Therefore, you should ask yourself, “Is Kitty up for the challenge?”
And while you’re at it, you might want to ask yourself if you’re up for the challenge, too.
Remember, toilet training your cat is no easy feat. It requires a deep level of commitment on your part.
If things go as planned, Kitty will look to you for guidance, reward and consistency above all else.
So, with that said, are you ready to embark on a toilet training adventure?
]]>Many dog owners understand the importance of training not only a well-behaved pet but one that can thrive in social environments with other dogs.
Paying a visit to the dog park can be a rewarding experience not only for a dog but for her owner as well.
It’s fun to witness a variety of breeds rolling on the grass or chasing each other through sand-filled runs. And then there’s the dog that likes to dig a massive hole in the ground or the one that likes to spread out on a bench made for humans.
We find these behaviors to be endearing. They’re part of the reason why we love visiting the dog park more often than not.
But even though the dog park is a happy place to visit, keep in mind that not all dogs will be suited for this environment, especially breeds that have been trained to respond aggressively to the behaviors of other dogs, even when those behaviors are harmless.
What’s more, smaller breeds are often kept to their exclusive patches of green grass or dirt terrain, which are separate from those that host larger breeds. This is because smaller dogs can act timidly at the sight of a larger dog and retreat to sheltered areas of the park, such as underneath a park bench or behind a bush.
It takes some effort and training on the dog owner’s part to get their pooch ready for a first visit to the dog park.
With that goal in mind, below are a few tips that can help ready your pet for the big trip to the dog run and help him thrive alongside other dogs.
Puppies are cute, but they can also be a handful.
Older dogs can be easily annoyed with puppy behavior. As a result, they snap back at these cute, unassuming puppies that simply wish to play until they’ve used up their bountiful source of energy.
More importantly, puppies that haven’t been properly vaccinated yet can be exposed to diseases. For a complete guide of pet inoculations, you can check out this article by the American Kennel Club.
If you’ve gone through this checklist and marked each one as completed, then congratulations! You’ve obliterated one obstacle that was standing in your way to the dog park.
Now you need to know when to go.
Overprotective dog owners might cast a menacing glance at your unspayed or unneutered pet. That’s because this group of pets likes to exhibit unruly behaviors such as “humping,” lunging, or over-barking at other dogs.
From the perspective of an “aggressive” breed, these behaviors are taunting and can provoke a strong counter-response, such as a deep growl or bared teeth — common signals that convey a clear message: “Don’t mess with me.”
So, it’s safe to say that for your pooch to thrive best at the dog park, she might need to outgrow her puppy phase, come well-equipped with a full suite of vaccinations, and be fully healed after having been spayed.
For this trajectory of progress, we’re now looking at six to eight months of age before he or she is ready to hit the dog run.
But this doesn’t mean that social training can’t begin way before the six-to-eight-month timeline.
In fact, you should strive to expose your pup to as much external interaction as possible.
In other words, go for long walks around your neighborhood (and beyond) and keep a pocketful of treats!
When you encounter other dogs and their owners on walks, ask if it’s okay for your pups to meet and greet each other.
If your dog seems reluctant to approach her new friend, try coaxing her with a tasty treat, or ask the other dog owner if they wouldn’t mind offering the treat to your dog to break the ice.
You can also try organizing small playdates with two or three dogs of varying sizes and ages. Having this variety can help you observe how your dog interacts with older and younger breeds alike, which can be valuable information before you remove their leash on your first trip to the dog park.
Early socialization is an important milestone in your puppy’s life.
The same can be said of basic training skills that will prove to be invaluable as your dog immerses herself in an off-leash environment.
By this point, your dog should already know when to “come” on your command, especially if a dog fight breaks out all of a sudden, or if she is far off chasing a squirrel.
“Drop it” is another useful command to have mastered, especially when your pooch is quite taken with a hardy stick or tree branch that she chews incessantly. When reduced to bits, these sticks can be harmful to your pet’s internal organs, so commanding them to “drop it” can come in handy.
(For other essential training commands, click here!)
Literally.
As mentioned earlier in this article, plenty of dog parks have designated areas for smaller breeds. These are usually posted with signs that will let you know whether or not your pet is welcome in these separate spaces.
Also, plenty of dog parks have a dual-gate entry flow that’s typically adorned with signage advising you to wait until the entry area is clear before opening the gate. This is meant to keep dogs from running away from their owners without first being properly leashed.
In a less literal sense, be sure to supervise your pet and pay close attention to how they’re behaving at the dog park.
So, no, you can’t keep your eyes glued to your phone as you play Candy Crush or check your stocks on the NASDAQ app.
When on a trip to the dog park, your dog’s safety should be your number one priority.
And sticking to these tips will help you make the most of this rewarding experience for years to come!
]]>Some internal factors stem from diseases that inhibit your pet’s ability to function normally in their day-to-day lives.
These diseases include heartworm and intestinal parasites that can cripple even the mightiest of dogs. Other illnesses are FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) and FelV (Feline Leukemia Virus), and these can severely distress cats.
So, to combat these ailments and boost your pet’s mental health, check out the below guide.
These tips will help you understand your pets’ symptoms, take action when needed and maintain a consistent pattern of treatment in the long run.
It’s one thing for your dog to foam at the mouth when she’s excited upon arriving at the dog run.
But it’s an entirely different ball game when she does this out of fear or stress caused by internal or external factors.
That’s why it’s important to grasp the nature of your pet’s discomfort as soon as possible.
One way to do this is by process of elimination. That’s to say, eliminating what you suspect is not contributing to your pet’s anxiety.
For example, if your cat or dog is suddenly trembling like a washer/dryer on high-speed mode, ask yourself if this behavior can be attributed to a new diet, external sounds, or simply the sight of suitcases by the front door, which can trigger your pet’s depression at the thought of you leaving them behind to go on a trip.
If this happens, try consoling your pet with physical contact. You can stroke their coats gently or hug them to your chest. If the shivering won’t subside, try moving them to a different room in your home where they’ll feel more at ease.
Cats and small dogs, for instance, might retreat to a dark space like underneath the couch or bed. On the other hand, larger dogs might need a bit more help in finding solace. This is where a “safe space environment” comes in, and it can work wonders for your medium-to-large canines. Try introducing a crate as a “haven” or a corner in your home where they feel sheltered from whatever causes their distress.
Have you ever learned to swim by jumping into the deep end of the pool and “figuring it out?”
The same principle can be applied to how to boost your pet’s mental health and help them overcome their anxieties.
For instance, some cats might hiss at shadows and dogs might bark at unfamiliar ringtones on your mobile devices.
Rather than ignore the root of their anxieties, you can try desensitizing your pets by exposing them to the stimulus that causes their discomfort. The trick is to gradually increase the level of sensitivity until the element that triggers your dog’s stressful response is removed.
With the example of the unfamiliar ringtone, you can try playing this on your phone at a low volume while conditioning your pet to associate that tune with something positive. You can then gradually increase the volume of the ringtone until your pet no longer shows stressful symptoms.
A great way to accomplish this is to command your pet’s attention by keeping strong eye contact, soothing them in a gentle voice and offering them a few tasty treats while exposing them to the stimulus.
At-home remedies can lead to much success when it comes to boosting your pet’s mental health. But some bouts of anxiety are so drastic that you might be impelled to administer medication to your pets.
But before doing so, consult with your Vet to determine the best plan-of-action and fully understand the side effects of treatment.
It’s important to keep in mind that drugs will only help with one element of the picture: they alleviate the symptoms, not the root of the problem.
Therefore, it’s important to combine medication with other methods to ease your pet’s anxiety. For example, you can play soothing music upon administering anti-depressants or calming CBD oil (if you need help choosing some relaxing tunes, check out Mika Georgia’s Top 5 Spotify Playlists To Ease Your Dog’s Anxiety!)
You can also combine medication with desensitization techniques (like in the ringtone example above) and add more positive reinforcement rewards once you notice that your pet’s feeling more relaxed.
How to boost your pet’s mental health places special emphasis on consistency.
It’s not enough to understand the symptoms causing your pet’s distress, nor to apply desensitization techniques and medicate responsibly.
It’s even more important to remain consistent with all three practices to ensure that your pets can thrive daily.
After all, they might come into contact with new, unfamiliar stimuli that causes them to hide in a dark corner with their tails between their legs!
When this happens, be sure to revisit each process on how to boost your pet’s mental health. More importantly, be persistent in your resolve to promote your pet’s mental health and well-being, no matter what challenges you’ll both face in the future.
By applying these techniques, we hope that you and your pets will live happy, harmonious lives.
]]>For millennia, mankind has looked to the skies for answers.
We marvel at shooting stars that promise a wish, and we make those wishes hastily out of fear that the magic will expire in a matter of seconds.
On a clear, moonless night, a star canopy can be a wondrous thing to behold. Besides the spectacular view it affords us, the endless galaxies in the vast universe are shrouded in mystery. And it’s this mystery that has inspired timeworn lore, tales of extraterrestrial life and constellations that could define our character traits.
Astrology is the belief that the position of the stars and the movement of the planets can influence our personalities and behaviors. Similarly, an astrological horoscope, which is bound to the Earth’s full rotation of the sun, breaks down these personality traits into four elements:
Fire, Earth, Air & Water.
In this article, we pair each of these elements with three dog breeds that reflect the personality and behavioral characteristics of their corresponding signs.
But before we begin, a disclaimer: some of the pets on this list require very specific habitats to thrive. For example, although an Alaskan Malamute would pair well with an Aries, unless that person lives in, say, Alaska, then they should consider other “Fire breeds.”
When we think of elements that complement each other, we think of Water and Earth as a good pair. After all, water feeds the soil. In turn, thousands of flora species are able to thrive, sprouting from the earth every second of the day.
But when it comes to the horoscope, we soon find that opposing signs aren’t really made for each other. In fact, they can come into constant conflict based on their distinct personality traits.
This is why fire signs bode well with other fire signs. The same goes for water flowing well with water signs, and so forth.
Out of the twelve “houses” in the horoscope, Aries is the youngest (and most capricious of all.) His buddies are Leo and Sagittarius, also known for their competitive spirits and unrelenting spontaneity.
For these fiery personalities, Dalmations, Akitas and Border Collies are a great fit!
These breeds are alert, intelligent and bold. And for an active Aries who loves the outdoors, they’re sheer perfection.
The three “down-to-earth” signs are Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn, all of which can be as stubborn as a mule.
In a general context, stubbornness has a negative connotation to it. After all, we don’t want to be known as the stubborn, unyielding person who lacks an open mind and despises change.
But when it comes to choosing a dog breed, stubbornness can be an endearing quality. A stubborn dog knows what she wants and can even hint at what’s best for her versus what the owner thinks is best for her.
For example, a stubborn dog might sense danger and refuse to budge from the pavement on a night walk. The next thing you know, you’ve both spotted what appears to be another dog in the near distance, only to realize, upon closer observation, that it’s actually a coyote (can someone ring the alarm, please?!)
Uh, let’s turn around, shall we? You say to your “stubborn” dog who just spared you from an altercation with a wily creature.
For these grounded personalities, Bull Mastiffs, Great Danes and French Bulldogs are excellent pairings.
Sure, these breeds can be super stubborn, but they’re also smart, affectionate dogs who love to spend most of their time getting pampered by their human companions.
In this group of easy-breezy pets, the Alaskan Malamute stands out with its bold strength and long-lasting endurance. But, as mentioned earlier, this breed thrives when it has access to cool, wide-open spaces, so if you’re an earth sign living in a cramped apartment in Los Angeles, it’s best that you choose a different pooch from this group of go-getters.
So may we tempt you with a Chihuahua? This feisty little breed can easily fit in your purse, mini-carrier, and tiny LA apartment!
Air signs like Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are analytical thinkers that make excellent communicators. Perhaps this is why Chihuahuas like to bark at, well, pretty much anything!
The Cavalier King Charles’ Spaniel rounds up our third choice of these airy, curious breeds.
Perhaps the most enigmatic group in the horoscope, water signs like Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are not as easy to read as others.
This is due in large part to their deep sensitivity and emotional prowess. These personalities tend to withdraw into their minds when they’re overcome with feelings and emotions, often choosing to process these in solitude rather than to talk it through with others.
Although this tendency to withdraw from the rest of the world can be perceived as a character flaw, it’s actually an awesome strength: water signs are considered to be the most fiercely loyal of all, and Scorpios takes the top prize when it comes to unwavering devotion.
For these alluring personalities that are as mysterious as the universe, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds and Beagles are the perfect companions.
But whether or not your pups are compatible with your horoscope signs, we hope that you’re enjoying the life-improving benefits of dog ownership and keep vibing with your furry friends!
]]>They can go months without a bath or a good ear-cleaning. But this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t groom them every now and then.
Even when much time has passed, most dogs would rather stay dirty than have to face a bathtub full of bubbles or a q-tip soaked in cleaning solution.
Despite their reluctance to bathe or get their nails trimmed, we lure our pets to the bathroom with tasty treats to ease their anxieties at the sight of doggy shampoo. After all, grooming our pets helps maintain their healthy coats, teeth and nails.
So, to keep your dogs looking and feeling radiant, below are our top 5 dog grooming items that we absolutely love and hope that you will, too!
A dog’s ear canal is much deeper than a human’s, but we needn’t stick a cotton swab all the way down to the eardrum.
Instead, we can apply Virbac’s Epi-Otic Ear Cleanser gently to the inner area of the ear, wiping away excess dirt and debris.
Keep in mind, however, that doggy wax can help capture pollen and dust in the air, which is a good thing, so you’ll want to use this product sporadically.
Excess bacteria in your dog’s mouth can lead to gum disease.
It’s for this reason alone that you should tend to your dog’s pearly whites on occasion.
Some dog owners prefer to tackle this grooming step with Greenies, which is a popular dental chew for pets. Nevertheless, it’s important to monitor your dog as they consume this treat, which could present a choking hazard.
We recommend brushing your dog’s teeth once a week, but check with your Vet on the frequency and use of this product.
To keep your dog treading comfortably on the pavement (or anywhere for that matter), it’s important to trim their nails every three weeks or so.
This item from BOSHEL offers a safety guard to keep you from trimming a little too close to your dog’s cuticles. This is especially helpful if your pet has black nails. If so, you won’t be able to see where the inner cuticle begins.
Be mindful when using the trimmer, but don’t be frightened if you happen to nip beyond the proper amount.
This article from Pet MD can walk you through what to do in case you run into any nail trimming injuries.
For dogs that shed like crazy, this inexpensive Dual-Sided Shedding Blade is a godsend!
One side of the blade can help with coarser hair, whereas the other does wonders on softer, frizzier coats.
You’ll definitely need a dustpan or vacuum cleaner to pick up the loose hair from the ground, or you can take this activity outdoors!
We love this brand for its hypoallergenic qualities and essential oils. It’s one of the few that skip oatmeal and aloe vera, two common ingredients that could trigger an allergic reaction (although this is rare, it’s better to err on the side of caution.)
The cleansing formula in DhohOo’s 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner is gentle on sensitive skin, produces a rich lather that removes dirt and dust from your dog’s coat, and is infused with aromatic oils like cedarwood and lavender.
You’ll also want to use this product with less frequency than, say, the trimmer or the shedding blade. Dog’s produce a natural oil that keeps their coat shiny and healthy. Too much shampooing will strip your dog of this natural oil.
Finally, Mika Georgia’s Throw Blanket can be a great item to use after bathtime, so your dog can lay out in the sun or indoors, protecting your surfaces from excess moisture!
We hope you enjoyed our selection. Now, let the grooming begin!
]]>If you ask someone who earns a modest living, they might respond, “meh.” And yet, they might consider enrolling their pups in a long-term insurance plan.
Let’s say you ask the proud owner of a cocker spaniel, a toy poodle and a labrador retriever; how might they respond?
Well, that depends on the health plan itself, which factors-in monthly premiums, high deductibles and confusing co-pays. Also, juggling a bundle price for all three pets is a surefire way to rack up some serious payments (and possibly debt!)
More importantly, keep in mind that all three of the aforementioned breeds are on the list of unhealthiest dog breeds to ever walk on all fours.
Cocker spaniels, for one, are notorious for their epileptic spells, and toy poodles develop their unique afflictions, like bladder stones and Addison’s disease. Not least of all is the joyful labrador retriever, who might succumb to a nasty case of hip dysplasia upon a later stage of his lifespan.
This list of ailments goes on and on and yet we still ask ourselves, is pet insurance worth the cost?
In our search for a comforting answer, let’s explore the ups and downs of pet insurance.
If you can find a plan with a low monthly premium, chances are your breed isn’t featured in the list of unhealthiest dogs (congratulations!)
That said, ten dollars a month adds up to $120 a year, which means that if your dog lives a long, healthy life, you’ll be spending upwards of $1,200 — money you could’ve splurged on a trip to Phuket and Koh Phi Phi!
But that’s the thing about insurance: you never know when you’re going to need it.
To figure out if pet insurance is right for you, weigh the pros and cons of coverage based on your dog’s persona.
For example, is your pet a risk-taker?
Imagine that you’ve left the front door open by mistake and dozed off on the couch. While you were snoozing, little Max stepped out of his crate and walked through the front door without a moment’s hesitation.
If he were to arrive at a busy street intersection, would he look both ways before crossing?
Max’s story might sound preposterous, but we can learn something from it: dogs can assess risk as aptly as humans.
And it’s this low-risk/high-risk perspective that can help you decide if pet insurance is worth the cost.
Another way to answer— is pet insurance worth the cost? — is to assess your pet’s personality traits.
Does he or she like to lap around the dog run faster than a speeding bullet?
Does she leap over fences or lunge at oncoming traffic?
Or is she perhaps docile and laid-back?
A pooch who prefers to trot around the dog run rather than sprint like a hungry cheetah in the wild might pose a lesser risk of getting caught in barb wire or ending up with a broken rib.
These are important questions to ascertain your pet’s unique level of risk, just as you would ascertain what health insurance plan is best for you based on your life choices.
If you keep a healthy diet and maintain a consistent workout schedule, you might opt for a low monthly premium despite a high deductible. This plan works for you because you’re actively taking measures to keep your visits to the doctor’s office few and far between.
But who knows?
The unexpected may very well happen, thereby throwing a wrench in your finances and low-risk lifestyle.
With each new claim, your premium skyrockets to outer space like Apollo 13.
So, even with proper assessments, it’s never a guarantee that a low-risk pup will end up saving you some money on monthly premiums in the long-run.
So, back to square one: is pet insurance worth the cost?
In our opinion, yes. But that’s if you can swing it.
Budget yourself accordingly and research which plan might work best for your furry friend.
For starters, check out some of the plans offered by Healthy Paws, Trupanion, Lemonade, and the ASPCA.
Keep in mind that most of these plans won’t cover pre-existing conditions (that’s right, even pets are subject to this medical trend!) and that monthly premiums can rise over time (from $40 or $60 to $80 or $100 a month for the same plan.)
At the end of the day, the best way to care for your pet is to keep them out of harm’s way while still granting them some freedom to kick back with other dogs, whether at the park, the beach, or a random front lawn.
But remember: don’t forget to look both ways before crossing!
]]>Based on your liked songs, genre preferences and recently played tracks, Spotify’s robust algorithm can produce a list of 30 tracks to ease your dog’s anxiety (and make you feel less guilty about leaving them home alone for hours!)
Although Spotify’s automated selection produces an eclectic array of music — from upbeat, bopper anthems to LoFi, chill vibes — it doesn’t quite outperform the below 5 Spotify Playlists to ease your dog’s anxiety that we discovered after much research and trial.
The playlists below feature a combination of melodies, sounds and tonal frequencies that we found to be much more appealing and relaxing than the automated selection.
So, before you head out and leave your furry friend fussing in his crate or clawing at the door, ask Google Home or Alexa (or whatever sound device you have at home) to play one of the lists below (and thank us later!)
Top 5 Spotify Playlists To Ease Your Dog’s Anxiety
With soothing piano keys over a backdrop of nature sounds, including the prominent chirping of birds, Music for Dog’s Ears is a thoughtful mix of ambient, relaxing tunes that will guide your pooch into a peaceful slumber.
Track # 10, “Sleeping and Dreaming,” is a standout in this ethereal collection!
Wait. Xylophone music? Seriously?
Yup!
You might be wondering why a xylophone instrument would ever make its way outside of kindergarten and into a top 5 Spotify playlist to ease your dog’s anxiety.
Well, just give this one a go (ignoring that it was conceptualized for babies) and you’ll soon understand why.
With Kanye West, Taylor Swift and Maroon 5 covers all done in xylophone, this spunky selection doesn’t disappoint.
This playlist exudes the calming qualities of artists like Enya and Enigma (sidenote: if you were born after 1985, you might need to look them up!)
This album is a definite must-hear in the top 5 Spotify playlists to ease your dog’s anxiety!
The Pet Care Club on Spotify has dozens of playlists to choose from.
Their latest rendition of calming sounds features 50 tracks that may also serve as background music for studying or working from home while your furry friend dozes off on the couch nearby.
A notable entry on this playlist to ease your dog’s anxiety is track # 47, “Sands of Time.” Check it out!
What do “How To Train Your Dragon” “Finding Nemo” and “Up” have in common?
Well, besides being awesome animated films, they also boast incredible music scores that your pooch can enjoy when he’s feeling extra anxious.
Some legendary film composers are featured here, such as Hans Zimmer, Thomas Newman and James Newton Howard.
So kick back, relax and enjoy this eclectic collection of Spotify playlists to ease your dog’s anxiety!
]]>Our four-legged friends sneeze, itch and even gnaw at their paws when they’re feeling discomfort at the onset of allergies.
More often than not, doting dog owners are unaware of these symptoms. And when they are, they either think nothing of them or feel as though their pets’ proneness to itching and sneezing is innocuous.
Meanwhile, pets with severe allergic reactions swipe at their eyes frantically or roll around on the grass to cure an itch (which means that they’re not always doing this to be cute!)
As your dog ages, he or she will develop more intolerances to external stimuli, such as pollen and other particles floating in the air during seasonal shifts.
Therefore, it’s not only important to understand how dog allergies work. It’s vital that you pinpoint exactly which foods, substances and external factors contribute to your pet’s allergic outbursts.
Solving this puzzle can help improve your canine companion’s quality of life and allow him or her to enjoy daily activities without succumbing to a nasty spell of allergies.
So, here’s what you can do:
We all have things to do and places to be. So much so, that we often prioritize these above other aspects of our lives, including paying careful attention to our beloved pets’ behaviors.
If we see them gnawing at their tail, scratching their belly, or heaving their way through a kennel cough, we often dismiss these behaviors, saying that “dogs will be dogs.”
But dogs can feel hot and cold just like their owners, and succumb to illnesses without proper care.
The next time you witness your pet’s discomfort, make a note of the kibble and treats you fed them that day. Also, note if they’ve come into recent contact with any other dog breeds or cats, and how long they might be experiencing these allergic symptoms.
This information can be useful in case you dog’s reactions warrant a visit to the Vet clinic.
To find out what your dog might be allergic to, try changing up their diet by choosing kibble with barebone ingredients.
For instance, the Prey Collection from “Taste of the Wild” is a premium kibble that offers limited main ingredients – four at most – including a few options for cats.
They’re a grain-free food, which has been known to spark allergic reactions in dogs, but not all grains will do this.
By carefully observing your pet’s reactions to newly introduced foods, as well as adding other ingredients over time, like pumpkin and brown rice, you can test which particular foods might be the culprit behind your dog’s allergies.
However, if this is too time-consuming, try the 5 Strands Pet Allergy Kit.
A mere five strands of hair from your dog’s nape, which you can then mail to a lab for analysis, can pull an extensive report of what your pet’s allergic to and to what degree.
The different levels of intolerance are color-coded: Green is Level 1 (some intolerance), Yellow is Level 2 (higher intolerance) and Red is Level 3 (severely intolerant.)
After using the 5 Strands Pet Kit to uncover dog allergies, one of our customers reported that his dog had been allergic to pumpkin – one of the safest, most widely-used ingredients to help with upset tummies – and that he had been feeding this to his pet for years!
Once you have a clearer picture of dog allergies and what might be the root cause of your pet’s affliction, you can take the necessary steps to eradicate all foods and treats that may cause your beloved pooch much unnecessary grief.
Remember, dogs continue to develop intolerances over time, so just because one particular kibble is working now doesn’t mean that it’ll keep working later.
So, keep a close eye on your pet. If you notice a lapse in their diet, you can always start over on your adventure of uncovering his or her allergic reactions.
It’s hard work – to be sure – but we love our pets enough to work hard for their happiness!
]]>From unruly drivers to lost pets, the question as to why leash your dog remains an important one.
As loving dog owners, we want our four-legged friends to experience some of the freedoms we get to enjoy day after day.
If you’ve trained your dog to “come” or “heel” at your side on long walks around the neighborhood, you might be tempted to forego using a leash entirely.
Besides, your dog already roams freely in your home or backyard and you trust that they’ll somehow manage to keep themselves out of harm’s way.
So what’s the big deal if you decide that little Charlie or Bella has “graduated” to an advanced, well-trained pooch and can accompany you to most places without a leash?
Or better yet, why leash your dog at all?
Well, Loving Dog Owner, the below 4 solid reasons to keep your pet safe will show you just how critical a leash is to ensure your pet’s well-being.
Also, you’ll realize that no matter how well-trained or savvy your pooch may be, there are plenty of dangers beyond the walls and comforts of your home that’ll challenge even the smartest of breeds.
There’s a reason why many U.S. States and cities around the world require that pet owners keep their furry friends on a leash.
Each year, more than 1.2 million dogs are hit by cars in the United States alone: a stark number to consider, especially when most of these cases are preventable.
In light of dangerous traffic and reckless drivers, the question as to why leash your dog is pretty self-evident.
Keeping your dog on a leash can help prevent the spread of diseases like Parvo and Distemper. By leading your dog along the sidewalk or roadside, you can keep them from sniffing other animal’s droppings.
What’s more, if your dog’s prone to scavenging (ie. sniffing-out and eating garbage that’s carelessly strewn over sidewalks and gutters), it’s increasingly likely that they’ll contract a stomach virus or an upset tummy.
But that’s not the worst of it. Scavenging can lead to a much-dreaded emergency trip to the Vet, as sharp bones, nails and even toothpicks can splinter one of your dog’s internal organs.
Suddenly, why leash your dog doesn’t sound so bad, right? Especially when you consider this life-threatening possibility.
So, let’s say that you’ve trained Charlie to ignore all inbound sounds when you’re both hanging out outdoors.
Honking horns, exploding car mufflers and other distractions simply don’t phase him, which makes you a proud trainer and Charlie a flawless pet.
Keep in mind, however, that scary, unfamiliar sounds are few and far in between. And that, for the sake of training, these are not easy to replicate at home.
Fireworks, for instance, are notorious for displacing pets from their homes with their loud “booms!” and “bangs!”
In fact, this animal shelter has reported losing about 400 pets on the week of July Fourth alone.
This goes to show that, contrary to your own belief system, your pets aren’t immune to all external factors, no matter how “flawless” you might think they are.
Yet another reason why leashes are commonly referred to as “Your Pet’s Lifeline.”
With the extraordinary amount of big cats being kept across private homes in America and around the world (think lions and tigers), not to mention an ever-growing presence of wily creatures prowling your neighborhood at night (think coyotes and foxes), the question as to why leash your dog shouldn’t be a question in the slightest.
But if you need further elaboration, we can certainly put this into perspective:
This list, for example, breaks down the top 10 animals that attack pets, some of which you might not even suspect as predators (including squirrels!)
By keeping your dog on a leash you can protect your four-legged friend better than if you allow them to roam freely.
The latter, especially when lacking proper supervision, can lead to a hefty bill from your Vet, or much worse: a life-threatening condition.
]]>The word “adoption” can be off-putting, especially when you consider the cost and paperwork involved.
But adopting a dog isn’t as tedious as you’d think. And the long-term rewards of welcoming a new furry member to your family far outweigh the brief amount of work you’ll put into the adoption process.
There are various pure and mixed breeds ready for a new home and you can choose whichever pooch your heart desires.
If it’s your first time at the kennel or shelter, allow us to guide you through how to adopt a dog in 3 easy steps!
How To Adopt A Dog In 3 Easy Steps
Most rescue kennels and shelters have standard dog adoption procedures, but you might also procure a four-legged friend from a private owner.
If the shelters you’re working with have a website, you can browse the available breeds and review their distinctive profiles, some of which will include their names and personality traits. You can also filter for sex, coat color and age. Some shelters even have an Instagram page that you could follow, like this one!
But if you’re not having much luck on the web, you can explore local ads or consult with your veterinary clinic of choice, perhaps somewhere your future pup is likely to be attended by a physician.
Each year, approximately 3.3 million dogs are looking for a new home. So, no matter which path you decide, you’ll find many amazing dogs to choose from.
Once you’ve gathered all the information you need, fill out a formal application to begin the adoption process and become one step closer to joining a worldwide community of happy dog owners.
After the shelter (or owner) has reviewed your application and is satisfied with your qualifications, it’s likely that they’ll invite you for an interview.
The purpose of the interview is to better assess your level of commitment and preparedness when it comes to caring for your prospective pet. Answer each of the questions honestly and with candor to ensure that the application reviewer understands your intentions and has a clear picture of how you plan to care for your future dog.
Be forewarned that some of the interview questions can seem prying or intrusive because the folks in charge of reviewing your application and finding a permanent home for “Buddy” want the very best for him. So, don’t freak out if a question comes off strongly. Remember, they want you to adopt the pet they’re harboring. Take a deep breath, be yourself and we’re sure that you’ll pass the interview with flying colors!
Upon acing the interview, some shelters might charge a small fee for their time while others won’t, so please do expect a cost at the very least.
Now that you’re a brand new dog owner (gulp!) and are in possession of your dog's paperwork, such as immunization records, city dog license, etc., it's time to bond with your newest family member!
It’ll take some time, patience and training to provide your dog with the tools and resources he or she will need to succeed in their new life.
A great beginner’s best-practice is to place your Mika Georgia T-shirt or blanket in your dog’s bed so that he or she can become acquainted with your scent. You should also consider pet insurance, find a trusted Vet clinic for regular check-ups and pay special attention to your pet’s diet (plenty of dogs are allergic to grains, which is a common ingredient in kibble.)
So, now that we’ve filled you in on how to adopt a dog in 3 easy steps, what are you waiting for?!
Man’s best friend is one shelter visit away!
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