Fear Free Happy Homes
Reading Time: 3 minutesFor many pets, there is no escaping Halloween. Each year, people dole out more than $370 million in pet costumes so that their four-leggers can join them in celebrating this bewitching holiday, according to the National Retail Federation. This begs the question: do dogs and cats view donning costumes as a welcoming treat or a […]
Reading Time: 3 minutesPlay is an important part of a kitten’s development, and it remains important for a cat’s mental and physical health throughout life. Just a few minutes of exercise and enrichment each day is enough to help cats maintain interest in life and keep boredom at bay. Most important, playing with your kitten or cat builds […]
Reading Time: 3 minutesPet behaviorists say that 10 minutes of mental stimulation is the equivalent of 45 minutes of active play. Fortunately, there are a slew of new puzzles and electronic games offering different levels of difficulty and different challenges to keep dogs engaged and promote their wellbeing. And, of course, if you participate too, you are spending […]
Reading Time: 4 minutesYour long haired dog needs regular brushing to keep his coat healthy, even if he makes regular trips to the groomer. Relax and enjoy some bonding time while you brush and cuddle together. Grooming can be a big job, but you don’t have to brush him from head to toe in one sitting. Teach him […]
Reading Time: 3 minutesWalking one’s dog is extolled as a wonderful social opportunity; it’s fun to spend time with your canine best friend while talking to other dog owners. Plus, you can get some exercise, smell the flowers, and appreciate the sunset. While this is often true, the enjoyment will quickly evaporate if your dog suffers from leash […]
Reading Time: 3 minutesMy four-year-old Karma-Kat easily puts on weight, but is a model for picky eaters everywhere. In contrast, my 21-year-old Seren-Kitty weighs barely six pounds, eats everything, and wants to munch constantly. How does your cat fit in this spectrum? While there are exceptions to every rule, most cats follow in their ancestor’s pawprints. Blame how […]
Reading Time: 3 minutesWhen your pet is fearful, anxious, stressed, or just plain needs extra space, you don’t always have time to figure out how to deal with it. Having an action plan in place is a preventive step you can take to help your pet feel safe, one that can stand alone or be used in tandem […]
Reading Time: 2 minutesAnyone that has ever had a dog will tell you, eventually, something is going to go wrong. Fluffy is going to piddle on the floor. Tank is going to chew up a favored possession. Pipsqueak is going to bark so much you think your head is going to explode. If you are following the rules […]
Reading Time: 3 minutesWhat makes one dog outgoing, friendly, and great with people, while another dog can be shy, timid, or downright unfriendly around strangers? A lot has to do with how and when the dog was socialized as a puppy. The first couple months of a puppy’s life helps to shape his personality and how he will […]
Reading Time: 3 minutesI hope you aren’t in pain as you read this. But if you are, you probably know that pain is one of the most common reasons we go to our doctors. Pain in humans is such a major problem that in the U.S. alone, billions of dollars are spent treating pain and compensating for lost […]