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National Adopt-A-Cat Month Happening Meow!

5 Tips For Dealing With Bullies

Aaah, a trip to the dog park. Sounds fun, right? But what if there is an ill-mannered dog who bullies and their human pack-member is clueless? Here's how to handle tricky canine social situations like a pro.

1. No Bad Dogs: First of all, there are no bad dogs, just clueless human handlers. As soon as you recognize the signs that your own dog is uncomfortable (no tail wags or play bows), step in. With a firm "No" directed at the bully, along with a motion indicating it should move off, you communicate that your dog is off limits. Lead your own dog away in a calm, controlled manner.

2. Identify Responsibility: Locate the owner of the bully and inform them that your dog is not interested in playing with their dog. Be polite, explaining that you would appreciate cooperation in re-directing their dog away from yours. But don't expect much. Understand that bully-dogs are often shaped by their human. It is still important, however, that they be made aware of their dog's unacceptable behavior.

3. Monitor: Remain close to your pet and monitor any interest by the bully-dog. Ward off any approach before it comes too near. Guide your own dog toward other companions that are more agreeable. Sometimes simply breaking the line-of-sight between a bully-dog and the source of interest is all it takes.

4. Breaking Things Up: If bullying turns full-scale scuffle, of course you want to intervene. To break things up without getting bit there are options. Try dousing involved parties with water or a loud noise distraction, like a training whistle.

5. Rewards: Referring back to number 1, the "no bad dogs" rule, brings us to the final solution. Rewarding good behavior. When the bully-dog backs down and minds its own business, offer a treat. In other words, convert the bully to a friend.

Becoming the hero of the dog park is easy. Shop online for treats today.

Boarding Tips & Tricks for Your Cat

It is quite common for a pet owner to place their beloved pet in a boarding facility in order to eliminate worry over their animal's well-being while away on a trip. It is a responsible way to ensure that your animals are provided for, played with, and looked after while you are away and is most commonly an option taken by dog owners. But what about cats?

There are actually many excellent, trustworthy facilities which accommodate the needs of both owner and their cat . With the right knowledge, you will be able to locate and choose the perfect boarding facility, giving you peace of mind and your kitty companion the best experience possible.

Here are a few tips on how to find the best possible care for your cat while you are away.

• Take a Tour: It is important for your peace of mind and cat's comfort that you are able to see the area where your cat will be housed during his or her stay. If the facility declines tours, this is a major red flag as it could indicate that there are things they may not want you to see.
• Take a Deep Breath: While on your tour, note if there is a strong odor of excrement and urine. This will indicate how well the area is cleaned and how often. If the smell is anywhere from very strong to overpowering, this would not be a good environment for your pet.
• Five Star Accommodation: Always check out the space before booking your cat in. Take note of cage sizes and be sure your cat will have plenty of room to explore, not shoved into a tiny kennel for the duration of their stay.  
• Required Vaccinations: Inquire if it is mandatory that all boarded cats be up to date on vaccinations and tested for diseases. This will greatly reduce the risk of your cat contracting an illness.
• Hands On: Make sure to find out how much attention will be given to your cat on a daily basis. Daily interaction will be crucial in keeping your kitty as comfortable as possible.
• No Dogs Allowed: This is a crucial tip. Ensure the facility is specific to cats and does not house dogs as well. Even if dogs are kept in an entirely separate area, their sounds and smells can cause great anxiety for a cat, especially in new surroundings.
• It's Personal: Inquire whether or not you are allowed to leave your cat some personal items such as a bed, toys, food, or litter. Being surrounded by the comforts of home can help keep your cat calm and happy as being in an unfamiliar place can be frightening to  them.
• On Call: Ask for the name and number of the veterinarian who will be on standby in case of emergency. Find out how the employees will handle the situation if your cat becomes ill. If you are not satisfied with the plan of action, try another facility. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Keeping these tips in mind will help you successfully identify the best boarding option for your kitty the next time you are planning a trip.

The Pros and Cons of Doggy Daycare

Just because you work long hours doesn't mean you can't be a pet parent. Many people think leaving their pet home alone isn't fair. While that may be true, that's a reason doggy daycares exist. While it's a good option for many, it may have a downside that some pet owners don't consider when signing their fluffy buddy up for day stays.

PROS:

-Some pets can be destructive when alone, either as a form of separation anxiety or just plain boredom. They may tear up furniture, clothes, or shoes, dig through the garbage, or look for ways out of the house. Leaving your nosy pup in a daycare where people are around the clock and where they're able to socialize can relieve their gnawing tendencies.

-They're surrounded by people who are generally passionate about animals. They've devoted their career to taking care of animals just like theirs and provide care they would want for them, for you and your pet.

-Your pet can get the socialization with other animals that they wouldn't get at home.

CONS:

-Not all pet care facilities can be trusted. Your pet is your baby: your pet care facility should meet the same standards of any care facility you would use for your own child. Being sure that you aren't registering your pet for somewhere overcrowded or neglectful is important. Take a tour of the daycare, inquire what food they're fed, and ask to see some pets that are current clients in their daily routine.

-While socialization is important, some dogs might develop behavioral issues that affect you at home or in your daily routine. Being around other dogs, they may try to be dominant, mark territory, or bark excessively. While this can be fixed with basic retraining, it's something to take into account.

-Just like in a kid daycare, dog daycares might experience outbreaks of illness. Fleas, ticks, and kennel cough can all be spread easily when dogs are kept so close to one another. Being sure your dog is up to date on shots and flea control is important, but not always most preventative.

Doggy daycare isn't for every dog, but for some could be the best option for day to day care. Taking these pros and cons into account when shopping around for your furry buddy's play place is ideal for a wonderful doggy daycare experience.

4 Reasons to Adopt a Senior Shelter Dog

Puppies are undeniably adorable, so it's no surprise that they're generally the first in line to go to their forever homes when potential families come to a shelter in search of their new pet. However, it's far too often the case that the older crowd of dogs are overlooked and left to sit and wait because people assume that they're either there for a reason, or they're just too old and have nothing to offer. It's important to realize that neither concern is necessarily the case, so here are a few great reasons to consider welcoming a senior shelter dog into your family:

1. They're Generally Good Dogs: Many people get the wrong impression that because an older dog is in the shelter, it must have done something negative to push the owners into getting rid of them, and that's simply not true. Most older shelter dogs are very sweet, loving, and obedient dogs that have been removed from their homes for a variety of reasons, such as their owners moving to a location that isn't dog friendly, or the original owner passing away.

1. Previous Training: A great deal of older dogs already know basic commands and leash training. With a senior dog, you'll be able to introduce them into your world much quicker than a puppy, and without having to focus a lot of time on teaching them doggie basics.

1. Calm Personalities: Senior dogs are just like senior people. They've still got life and excitement about them, but they aren't hyperactive little balls of energy that are going to tear up your property and run through the halls when it's time for bed. Older dogs are much calmer, and much more willing to just lounge around and enjoy your company.

1. Instant Companionship: Puppies require a lot of things before genuine bonding can occur, such as general training, constant interaction, and time. Older dogs have had an entire life full of experiences with previous owners, so they are more likely to already possess the basic abilities required for companionship. In addition to all of this, there's simply nothing like the bond formed with a senior rescue dog that understands you've chosen to love it no matter what.

Dogs from all walks of life have varying characteristics that can make them a good fit for you and your lifestyle, puppies and seniors alike. The next time you're at the shelter in search of a furry friend to bring home, don't be afraid to say hello to some of the older dogs in the yard. You just might get lucky and have a senior dog decide to adopt you!

Your Pet’s Pearly Whites: Pet Dental Health Month

Many people believe that pets naturally have bad breath. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Odor from your pet's mouth could indicate serious dental damage. The good news is, there are steps you can take to keep Rover's mouth as clean as a (dog) whistle. There is no better time than the beginning of February to update your knowledge on pet dental health: it is Pet Dental Health Month!

Preventative Care

Just like with your mouth, the first step in maintaining pet dental health is regular preventative cleaning. The best way to do this is to brush your dog or cat's teeth daily, although this is not always a possibility. If you cannot perform regular daily brushing on your pet, the next best thing is to do so several times per week. Dogs are generally agreeable when it comes to brushing, while cats are usually not huge fans. It is important to be patient and reward them afterwards.

There are also products on the market that claim to help with pet dental health, but it is best to talk to your veterinarian to get their recommendation first.

Professional Dental Care

Human dental care and pet dental care share another important aspect: they both require regular professional checkups. Make sure to bring your pet to a veterinarian at least once a year, and be sure that the veterinarian checks on your pet's dental health. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, if you notice any of the below problems with your pet, you should get them checked out more regularly:

• Broken teeth
• Loose teeth
• Bad breath
• Reduced appetite or other abnormal eating behaviors
• Bleeding from the mouth
• Swelling around the mouth

If you have been neglecting to care for your pet's dental health, Pet Dental Health Month is a great time to start.