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  • Viticus Expands with Nashville Learning Center and Conference

    Viticus Expands with Nashville Learning Center and Conference


    Editor’s Note: Viticus Group (formerly Western Veterinary Conference) was “the conference where it all happened” — where Goodnewsforpets.com was launched 25 years ago. We were thrilled to visit with Dr. Anthony Pease, Viticus Group’s Chief Veterinary Medical Officer, at this year’s conference in Las Vegas to not only celebrate Goodnewsforpets anniversary but also talk to Dr. Pease about the exciting news of building a second Oquendo Center-type hands-on learning center in Nashville plus the launch of a second WVC conference in 2026.

    First, congratulations on this huge news. What can you tell us about the decision to launch a new learning center PLUS a national conference in Nashville?

    Thank you. We have found that the Viticus Group’s Oquendo Center is the only place outside any academic institution offering a standalone hands-on training facility for the veterinary profession. Here, we can teach all the state-of-the-art techniques and things that you may not have picked up in school or never got to practice enough to feel comfortable. Some examples are fracture repair, soft tissue surgery, and all that sort of stuff.

    What I’ve loved about being the chief veterinary medical officer of Viticus Group is that my whole role is to build confidence. In general, there’s so much information for veterinarians to learn. When you get out into practice, you’ve trained your whole life, and then suddenly, you’re doing that work every day and no longer in training.

    We built the Oquendo Center 15 years ago when WVC needed a place to do hands-on labs during the conference, and then we expanded to an Eastern campus. We have 140,000 square feet of dedicated training facilities here in Las Vegas. We’ve kept going and use it even after the conference. We see about 5,000 veterinary professionals. We even do work with the human health side every year.

    How many labs do you offer?

    When we have conferences, we usually have about 30 hands-on labs, but more people wanted this type of training, so we went up to 44 hands-on labs this time. Amazingly, we have approximately 1400 people doing hands-on training over the next four days. We realized we couldn’t do enough of it, so rather than trying to build a third building in Las Vegas, we said let’s start going someplace else. Andrea Davis, Viticus Group’s CEO, and I searched, and the location selected was Nashville.

    How did you arrive at Nashville as the site?

    As part of our strategic plan, when we talked to the Executive Board, we discussed an East Coast expansion, and everyone was on board. That was back in 2023. In early 2024, we started traveling around. We picked out five different areas that we wanted to look at. We just fell in love with Nashville. It just made a lot of sense. It’s seven minutes from the airport. Our center’s going to be seven minutes from the airport. We said this would be great, and we could do hands-on labs, but we’re good at conferences, too. Nashville also has an excellent convention center. We started talking with them, and it probably took another six months to talk through. We don’t want to bring a little regional conference; we want to do a national conference.

    How did you land on doing the Nashville conference in the fall?

    Back in 2021, during Covid times, we had to move our conference because we couldn’t do our conference in February.  We shifted it to September, and many people felt the timing was excellent. It was a nice time to have it towards the end of the year because people were closing out their CE, and maybe they couldn’t get away in January or February. That resonated with us, too. We decided that if we were to do a second conference, we should do it in Q3 or Q4. We decided to do the 2026 and 2027 conferences in August. The dates are August 16 to the 18th, 2026.

    Goodnewsforpets.com Editor & Publisher Lea-Ann Germinder with Dr. Anthony Pease, Viticus Group Chief Veterinary Medical Officer at WVC Vegas 2025

    How did you decide on the length of the new conference?

    We do four days in February in Las Vegas, so we decided to start with three days. But we have our teaching facility, so we’ll probably do hands-on for four days to keep it moving. The idea is that it’s going to be a 170,000-square-foot exhibit hall. It’s going to be everything that you’re used to in Las Vegas, but we’re going to do much more interactive learning, including innovation technologies. It’s pretty exciting.

    How did you arrive at the type of content you will be providing?

    We want to get the instant applicable stuff for veterinary professionals, whether they are technicians, front office workers, practice managers, or owners of large or small animals. There’s something for everybody.

    What was the exhibitor and sponsor feedback you received?

    We contacted most of the larger companies’ CEOs and Chief Medical Officers, and they were ecstatic. I think it will be such a great time, such a good time of year for them. We want to say, look, there have been many smaller conferences that spring up, and it’s not what this is. There hasn’t been a major national conference created since NAVC created their conference [now named VMX]43 years ago. At that point, they were the Eastern Veterinary Conference and evolved. The Western Veterinary Conference will be WVC Las Vegas, and WVC Nashville.

    WVC will soon celebrate its 100th anniversary. Where are you going to celebrate that centennial?

    We’ve been starting work on that. It will be our hundredth year in Las Vegas, and now we will also be in Nashville to have two parties. We will do something celebrating 100 years—where we’ve been for the last hundred years and where we’re going in the next hundred years. Technology like AI, which we discussed earlier, will play a massive part as technology advances. Thinking back to 1928 and where that conference was versus what we’re learning about now, it’s all very exciting.

    Thank you, Dr. Pease. We wish you a wonderful opening of the facility and conference in 2026—and we plan to be there!

    To stay updated on Viticus Group expansion plans, visit viticusgroup.org and join the Alert List.

    He Still Loves Horses, But Radiology Was His Calling: Dr. Pease Talks About His Career, Viticus Group & More



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  • How Old Can Dogs Be To Have Puppies – And How Old Is Too Old?

    How Old Can Dogs Be To Have Puppies – And How Old Is Too Old?


    This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

    Having a pregnant dog welcome a new litter into the world is one of the greatest things a dog owner can experience.

    If you are ready to experience all the joys of doggy pregnancy, you may be wondering: can dogs be too old to get pregnant, and how old can dogs still have puppies? 

    I was very surprised to discover that dogs are never too old to have puppies!

    Golden Retriever resting while feeding her puppies

    Yup, you read that right—in fact, there is no such thing as doggy menopause and female dogs go into heat during their whole lives.

    However, although dogs are naturally capable of breeding and having puppies well into their senior years, that doesn’t mean that they should.

    Pregnancy can be tough even for young dogs that are in their prime, but older dogs are at a much higher risk of health problems and stillborn puppies. 

    Whether you want a new puppy or you are a breeder thinking about retiring your dogs, it is important to consider the ages of your male and female dogs before breeding them!

    QUICK TIP: If you’re going to have a litter of puppies make sure you have all the essential puppy supplies. Our #1 puppy product we recommend you send home with all new puppy owners is the Calmeroos Puppy Heartbeat Toy.

    In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about responsible breeding and dog fertility.

    What Is The Oldest Age At Which A Dog Can Have Puppies?

    Before I go any further into the topic of when is a dog too old to have puppies, let’s touch on the subject of when is a dog considered to be a senior in need of special care.

    Knowing that your pooch is an elderly citizen will help you determine whether it is safe and appropriate for your dog to get pregnant in the first place. 

    Most dogs enter their senior years when they are around seven years old; however, the aging process is slightly different for small and large breed dogs.

    A tiny Chihuahua, for example, is considered a senior when they reach 11 years of age. On the other hand, a giant breed such as a Great Dane is considered a senior by the time they are five years old. 

    The aging difference between smaller and larger breeds is mainly due to their size. Several studies have confirmed that larger breeds tend to age much faster than their smaller counterparts. 

    Therefore, how old is too old for a dog to have puppies is directly related to the size of that particular dog.

    Unlike people, female and male dogs technically remain fertile their whole lives. However, their fertility and ability to whelp healthy puppies decrease as they get older. 

    Let’s see at what age dogs can have puppies, starting with male dogs.

    What Is The Oldest Age A Male Dog Can Sire Puppies?

    A healthy male dog can still sire puppies until very old age. In fact, most professional breeders will retire male dogs much later than their females.

    According to AKC rules, you can register a litter of puppies sired by a male dog that was no more than 12 years old at the time of mating.

    In practice, most reputable breeders will retire their male dogs when they are between 10 and 12 years old.

    However, just because a male dog is over 12 doesn’t mean that he is incapable of siring puppies. Older male dogs are still capable of impregnating females, but they aren’t as fertile as they once were and may need more tries to get a female dog pregnant. 

    Age is just one of several factors that affect the ability of a male dog to sire puppies. The age at which a male dog can have puppies also depends on the quality and quantity of its sperm. 

    So, many professional breeders will check the sperm count of their male dogs regularly, at least once a month, to see if they are still capable of siring litters. 

    Additionally, breeders will check many other things to determine whether their male dogs are too old for breeding and ready to be retired. A low conception rate is another sign that a dog is getting too old to sire puppies regularly. 

    This means that a male dog fails to get a female dog pregnant during ideal conditions: one mating per day and a completely healthy female. 

    Furthermore, a breeder may decide that the male dog is too old to sire puppies if their partner continually produces smaller litters, or if the puppies are weak and sick. 

    What Is The Oldest Age A Female Dog Can Have Puppies?

    QUICK RECOMMENDATION: If you’re thinking about having a litter of puppies make sure you get all your whelping supplies well in advance. Our #1 pick is the Deluxe Pro Whelping Kit for puppies. Check out our Whelping Supplies Checklist for more of our favorites.

    You may be surprised to learn that female dogs don’t go through menopause and can technically get pregnant throughout their whole lives.

    This can come as a big shock, especially if you think that it’s safe for your older female pooch to go off-leash and hang out with other dogs in the park.

    According to the AKC rules, a dam must not be more than 12 years of age at the time of mating, if you want to register the litter. However, a lot of breed clubs, including the UK Kennel Club, set eight years as a maximum limit for breeding female dogs.

    When it comes to nature’s order, female dogs can still get pregnant even if they are older than 12 and remain fertile their whole lives.

    However, at this grand age, most female dogs have birthing difficulties, and serious complications are often seen during labor. 

    When they become pregnant, older female dogs may have trouble giving birth, and seeing stillborn puppies in a litter is unfortunately quite common.

    Additionally, older dogs may have trouble producing enough milk to nurse their puppies, who often die if not bottle-fed by their human caregivers. 

    Due to all these risks and complications, most reputable breeders decide to retire their dams when they are around five or six years old.

    To determine whether or not to retire a female dog from a breeding program, the breeders consider the same factors as for male dogs.

    The breeder will compare conception rates, litter sizes, the dam’s health, complications during delivery, and the time needed for recovery.

    Taking all of these criteria into account can give you a good idea of whether it is safe to continue breeding your female dog or not.

    Our Golden Retriever, Raven was a breeding dog. She was retired by her breeder when she was 6 years old at which time we officially adopted her.

    If you own a female dog, the most important thing to remember is that she can get pregnant at any time during her life. Although older dogs are less fertile than their younger counterparts, there is still a risk of unwanted pregnancy. 

    So, you will have to watch your pooch and prevent any unwanted mating or opt to have her spayed if her age and overall health don’t pose any risk for the procedure.

    Now that you know that dogs can become pregnant their entire lives, talk with your vet about the best ways to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

    QUICK RECOMMENDATION: If you have intact male and female dogs a good way to manage them when your female is in heat is with barriers like pet gates and dog crates. We use these tools to help keep our dogs separate.

    At What Age Can Dogs Start To Have Puppies?

    If the fact that dogs can have puppies throughout their lives catches you off guard, you’ll be even more surprised to learn that most dogs reach sexual maturity while they are still puppies. You read that right: Your cute, fluffy puppy can have puppies of its own! 

    Once they reach sexual maturity, male dogs can mate at any time, even every day! Females, on the other hand, can mate only when they are in heat, which usually happens twice a year.

    However, some dogs can go into heat up to four times a year, while others will be ready to mate once a year, depending on their size and breed. 

    Here’s the earliest age a dog can have puppies, starting with male dogs again.

    At What Age Do Male Dogs Become Sexually Mature?

    Male dogs generally become fertile earlier than their female counterparts, usually when they are around five or six months old.

    Toy and small breeds such as Chihuahuas become sexually mature earlier than large breeds. which become fertile when they are between seven and nine months old. 

    However, while they are technically able to impregnate a female dog, you shouldn’t allow males to mate until they are physically mature. In most cases, you should wait until your dog is at least one year old to mate him with a female.

    Keep in mind that large and giant breeds need more time to fully grow, so you should wait until your pooch is 18 to 24 months old to breed him for the first time. 

    OUR EXPERIENCE: We’ve purchased from Labrador and Golden Retriever breeders. The breeders we’ve worked with wait until their dogs are around 2 years old and passed all their health clearances before breeding them.

    If you decide to use your male dog for siring litters, you will first have to ensure that he is completely healthy and fertile. Your vet can help with that and provide health clearances that your dog is a qualified stud dog ready for breeding. 

    Once a male dog reaches sexual maturity, he remains fertile his entire life. However, their sperm count tends to be low during the beginning and the end of their reproductive cycle.

    That’s why it’s important to wait until your puppy becomes fully grown before first breeding and avoid breeding dogs that are too old.

    At What Age Do Female Dogs Become Sexually Mature?

    Unlike male dogs, who can mate literally every single day once they reach puberty, female dogs can breed only when they are in heat.

    Female dogs usually reach sexual maturity when they are six months old, but smaller breeds can go into heat as early as four months of age. 

    Even though they are fertile and able to get pregnant, it’s not recommended to breed female dogs during their first heat cycle. As with male dogs, you should wait until your female is fully grown before attempting to mate her for the first time. 

    The size and breed of your dog will determine when the best time is to mate your female for the first time. Smaller breeds reach adulthood earlier than their larger counterparts and can consequently become pregnant safely much earlier. 

    After having their first estrus, also known as heat or season, female dogs usually go into heat every six months until they get old.

    However, this time frame can vary from one dog to another and can depend on the size of the dog. Generally, smaller dogs go into heat more regularly than larger breeds and can produce more litters during their lifetime. 

    The heat cycle is divided into four stages: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus. In the proestrus phase, which lasts around nine days, a female dog has a bloody vaginal discharge and attracts males, but won’t breed with them. 

    The estrus phase also lasts around nine days, at which time the female is fertile and will be allowed to be mounted by a male dog. In most cases, ovulation happens within the first 48 hours of the estrus phase, but this can vary greatly.

    The diestrus phase lasts 60 to 90 days, during which time the dog’s reproductive system is under the control of the hormone progesterone.

    This phase happens whether or not the dog has gotten pregnant, and some dogs may develop signs of false pregnancy during this stage.

    Lastly, the anestrus phase is the time when a female dog can no longer become pregnant and is a period without sexual activity. In most cases, this stage lasts between three to four months. 

    Although some become fertile much earlier, the AKC rules don’t permit the registration of any litters from dams that are younger than eight months old at the time of the mating.

    And while old female dogs can have puppies, the female’s fertility starts to drop after five years of age.

    Female dogs that are too young or too old can’t handle the strain the pregnancy puts on their bodies, which often leads to birthing complications, premature labor, and stillborn puppies.

    That’s why it is imperative that you don’t start breeding your dam too early or continue to do so when she gets old.

    FAQs About How Old A Dog Can Be And Still Have Puppies

    Can a dog be too old to have puppies?

    Technically, both female and male dogs can have puppies their whole lives. However, a dog’s fertility drops after the age of seven, and most female dogs can’t become pregnant quite as often as they used to.

    The same happens to male dogs, and while they are still able to have puppies their fertility rate isn’t as high as it used to be.

    The actual labor is also more difficult and risky for older dogs and is commonly accompanied by complications. Older dogs also may have problems producing milk and nursing their puppies. 

    What is the age limit for breeding a dog?

    The AKC rules don’t allow registration of any litter of a dam that is less than eight months old or more than 12 years old at the time of mating.

    Additionally, any litter that is sired by a male dog that is less than seven months old or more than 12 years old at the time of mating can’t be registered with the AKC. 

    On the other hand, the UK Kennel Club, the VHD in Germany, and many other clubs list the maximum age limit at eight years for female dogs. 

    Can a 9-year-old dog have puppies?

    A 9-year-old dog can technically get pregnant and give birth to a litter of puppies. However, most reputable breeders won’t breed such an old female dog because of the risks associated with the pregnancy and birthing complications. 

    However, an older female dog can absolutely get pregnant if mounted by a fertile male during her heat cycle. To prevent any health problems and unwanted pregnancies, keep a close eye on your dog while in heat and consider spaying her. 

    Is it bad for a 1-year-old dog to have puppies? 

    Most dogs reach puberty and become fertile when they are six months old, although they shouldn’t have puppies until they are fully grown. Small breeds reach adulthood when they are one year old and can safely have puppies if they are done growing. 

    However, large and giant breeds continue growing until they are between 18 and 24 months old, and they shouldn’t have puppies until they reach adulthood.

    A one-year-old Great Dane is still a puppy, and it would be bad for a growing pup to get pregnant and have to take care of a litter of newborn puppies. 

    Conclusion

    Knowing how old dogs can be to have puppies is an important piece of information if you plan to breed your dog at some point in their life.

    While technically dogs are fertile and can have puppies their whole lives, older female dogs are at risk of premature labor, stillborn puppies, and birthing complications.

    To ensure that your dog’s pregnancy goes well, here’s what you need to remember:

    • Males can sire litters until they are between 10 and 12 years old
    • Breeders retire female dogs when they are five to six years old
    • Don’t breed your dog until it is fully grown

    While it is hard to imagine that dogs can have puppies their whole lives, you should be careful not to breed your dog when they are too young or too old.

    Before breeding your pooch, talk with your vet and have your dog throughout examined.

    Are you a breeder?

    Have you worked with or bought a dog from a breeder?

    If so, do you know how old their breeding dogs are?

    Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below.

    Save To Pinterest

    Golden Retriever resting while she feeds her puppies.

    UPDATE: This post was originally published on May 10th, 2021. We periodically update blog posts with new experiences and information to keep them as relevant as possible.

    Top Picks For Our Puppies

    1. BEST DOG CHEW
      We Like: Beef Collagen Sticks – All of our pups love to bite, nip, and chew. We love using Collagen Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors.
    2. BEST PUPPY TOY
      We Like: Calmeroos Puppy Toy w/ Heartbeat and Heat Packs – Perfect for new puppies. Helps ease anxiety in their new home.
    3. BEST DOG TREATS
      We Like: Crazy Dog Train-Me Treats – We use these as our high-value treats for our guide dog puppies.
    4. BEST FRESH DOG FOOD
      We Like: The Farmer’s Dog – A couple months ago we started feeding Raven fresh dog food and she loves it! Get 50% off your first order of The Farmer’s Dog.

    Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist.



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  • Shock and Denial – Paw Print

    Shock and Denial – Paw Print


    In her 1969 book On Death and Dying, psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross introduced the Kübler-Ross model of grief, which outlines five stages of emotions that people go through while processing grief.  The five stages are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.  More recent research has suggested that there are actually seven stages of grief; shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, testing, and acceptance.  Not everyone goes through all of the stages.  Not everyone goes through all of the stages in order.  Some people get through the stages of grief quickly, while others take years.  There are many different types of grief, including (but not limited to) anticipatory grief, abbreviated grief, delayed grief, chronic grief, normal grief, complicated grief, inhibited grief, cumulative grief, and collective grief.  It turns out that grief isn’t just one of the hardest things that people can go through, but it can be quite complicated too.

    Shock and Denial

    Depending on what grief model you’re using, the first stages of grief are shock and/or denial.  According to BetterHealth,

    …shock, and denial, is typically when emotions are most profound. The fact that you have experienced a loss may be evident, but you may still have underlying feelings of shock, disbelief, or panic as you try to deal with the situation.

    During this stage, many people experience physical symptoms such as nausea or vomiting, difficulty sleeping, decreased appetite, or heart palpitations. As these physical symptoms lessen over time, feeling emotionally “numb” is also common. Some people may describe this stage as feeling as if they are watching someone else’s life on a movie screen or as if they are detached from the reality of what has happened, seeing things differently than before.

    My Experience with Shock/Denial When Dealing With The Loss of My Dog

    I lost my love, Kitsune, in January of this year.  We shared 15+ amazing years together before he died.  He was very much an important part of my life.  I think about and miss him daily, and suspect that won’t change anytime soon.  Did I experience the shock and/or denial stages of grief related to Kit’s death?

    To be honest, before Kit passed I had already been dealing with a lot of anticipatory grief.  Although I didn’t know he had cancer until it was too late, he was a senior dog.  Back in 2022 he was diagnosed with IVDD.  He had arthritis, chronic pancreatitis, and a heart murmur.  He was happy, always so happy, but he was old.  He lost his night vision.  After his IVDD diagnosis, he couldn’t go up and down the stairs on his own anymore, and we had to help him get on and off the furniture.  I don’t think I fully realized, until after he was gone, just how high-maintenance he had become within the last couple of years.  Not that I minded any of it for a second.  I’d deal with all the maintenance 1,000 times over just for a chance to feel Kit snuggled up next to me again.

    What Is Anticipatory Grief And What Does It Have To Do With Dogs?

    I do think I was in some denial about how grave Kitsune’s condition was during his last couple of days.  He was in and out of the emergency vet while we worked towards getting a diagnosis of what was going on.  I knew, deep down, where things were headed but I just kept trying to tell myself that everything was going to be okay.  That we’d find something minor and easy to fix and Kit would get better again.

    dog's 15th birthday!I remember the night before Kit’s last vet visit, I sat up with him all night intermittently having panic attacks.  Yeah, that was fun (/sarcasm).  It was me having the panic attacks, in case that wasn’t clear.  Thankfully Kit was resting comfortably!  I’ve always dealt with anxiety related issues, but it’d been awhile since I had panic attacks that bad.  I think that night, when it was just me and Kit on our last night together, the reality of everything really hit me.

    It’s weird when you’re dealing with an impending death, starting to go through the process of grieving while your loved one is still with you.  I’m no expert, but I think I went through the first stages of grief over Kit during those last couple of days with Kit.

    Remember that Grief Over a Pet is Normal

    Not everyone understands how important pets can be in the lives of the people who love them.  It can be especially hard to deal with intense grief over a beloved pet if people around you trivialize your experience.  Not everyone feels the same way about pets, and that’s ok.  But it’s important to remember that it is normal to intensely grieve for our furry family members.  In a 2019 article for PsychCentral, John M. Grohol, Psy.D., wrote that…

    Pets — or what researchers call companion animals — are most often seen today as a fellow member of the family. It is not surprising then to learn that most people grieve a pet’s passing as much, and sometimes even more, than the passing of a human friend or family member.

    I know that my Kitsune was, still is, very much a beloved member of my family – my paw pack.  Call me crazy, but I spend more time with my dogs than with anyone else in my life, my fiancé (who I live with) included!  They are my best buddies, my little sidekicks (or am I their sidekick?), almost always by my side.  I think that losing them will always be one of the hardest things I’ll have to go through.  It’s really, really hard.  But, as an Instagram friend recently reminded me, it wouldn’t be so hard if dogs weren’t so awesome.  It’s hard because they are so special, and hold such big places in our hearts.

    Ways To Help Cope With The Denial/Shock Stages of Grief

    IVDD dog treatmentUnfortunately there’s no magic pill or exercise that will eliminate grief.  In most cases, it just takes time.  We never forget our lost loved ones, but in time we do adjust to a new normal.  The shock of losing a beloved family member eventually, in time, becomes less raw, and we’re hopefully eventually better able to focus on happy memories instead of the shock and sadness of losing them.

    It’s okay to allow yourself to feel however you feel.  Cry if you need to.  If you’re feeling numb and disconnected that’s ok, and normal, too.  Don’t feel ashamed if you feel like you need to reach out for help.  Talk to understanding friends, family members, or find a support group if you feel like talking about your loss will help you.  Consider talking with a mental health professional or grief counselor if you feel like you need too.

    Don’t forget to take care of  yourself.  Self care is important and can help us to better deal with stressful situations.  Eat well, exercise, and try to get enough sleep.  Try to engage in hobbies or other things you enjoy doing.  None of these things will cure grief, unfortunately, but they can help make your days a bit brighter in the meantime.

    Another Quick Update

    Look at me actually sticking to somewhat of a posting schedule!  As you can probably tell from this post, months later I’m still very much missing my Kitsune.  It makes it hard for me to muster up the motivation to post here.  I’ve been writing about loss for my last couple of posts, which I think is an important topic.  Throughout my years of blogging here I’ve written about what I know, and right now, when it comes to dogs, I know grief.

    pet bloggers journey 2024For now, I think I’m going to take at least somewhat of a break from writing about it.  I wanted to share that so no one thinks it’s super weird if I go from posting grief related content to suddenly switching gears.  It’s not, by any means, because I’m done mourning Kitsune.  I’m just not going to have any motivation to continue this blog if every time I try to work on it I get upset.

    Fenrir is doing well.  He’s, finally, started eating a bit better again.  I’ve been spending as much time as possible exploring outside with him, which he loves.  Now that the weather has finally been cooperating, we’ve been hiking a ton and even mountain climbing!  I’ll try to keep sticking to our current every other week posting schedule now.  You can get more recent updates by following us on social media, especially Facebook and Instagram.  Oh, and our Youtube channel, which I haven’t been posting on a ton lately but I am planning on updating soon!

    We’ve, unfortunately, been dealing with content scrapers stealing our articles. You shouldn’t be seeing this article on any site other than pawprintpetblog.com! If you’re reading this article on any other site, we’d love for you to take the time to contact us and let us know and, if you have the time, stop by and visit us on our official site! Thanks you.





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  • Homeward Pet | Support Roxy and her friends today

    Homeward Pet | Support Roxy and her friends today


    Support Roxy and her friends today

    Posted on: December 17th, 2024 @ 1:06 pm, By
    Kim Leary

    As 2024 draws to a close, we at Homeward Pet are reflecting on the transformative journeys of over 1,500 animals who have found hope and healing here this year. Every story is a testament to the unwavering support from our generous community, ensuring that all animals entrusted to us are given the specialized care and attention they need to thrive. These remarkable stories are made possible by the unwavering support from you—our compassionate community.

    Currently, our shelter is overcrowded and nearly at capacity – putting a significant strain on our resources and impacting our ability to welcome more animals into our care.

    We need your support to ensure that more animals, like Roxy, are given a second chance.

    Roxy’s story is one of incredible resilience. Now 14 years old, Roxy has been in and out of Homeward Pet’s care since 2015, having been adopted four times and returned to us five times.

    Her health challenges are complex, suffering from serious GI, dental, and breathing issues that have required continual surgical intervention, prescription food and daily medications to alleviate her discomfort.

    Roxy is sweet, affectionate, gives lots of kisses and loves attention, but she prefers it to be on her terms. She is easily overstimulated during play time, often leading to “love bites”. She doesn’t enjoy being picked up. These behavioral quirks, coupled with her medical needs, have made it difficult for Roxy to find a permanent home.

    Despite the setbacks, we have remained committed to providing her with the care and attention she needs. When Roxy was last adopted, and we were thrilled to see her finally find a home that was prepared to navigate her health and behavioral challenges.

    Unfortunately, after five years, her beloved owner passed away. And not long after, the owner’s spouse faced a significant health decline, and moved into an assisted living facility. With no one able to care for Roxy, her owner’s remaining family considered euthanizing her, uncertain of what else could be done.

    Thankfully, Roxy was returned to Homeward Pet, and we greeted her with open arms.

    Although Roxy is not currently available for adoption, she is benefiting greatly from our foster program, where she is able to thrive in a safe, supportive, and loving environment, receiving the specialized care that she deserves. Roxy’s journey is a true testament to the power of second chances and we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure she enjoys her senior years.

    Your contributions haven’t just changed Roxy’s life; you’ve been instrumental in rewriting her story. We need your help to continue to provide critical care, hope, and a chance at a brighter future for Roxy, and numerous other deserving animals that will come through our doors in the new year. 

    This holiday season, our shelter is overcrowded with animals of all backgrounds and needs. We need your help to ensure that we can continue to provide the specialized care these animals need to find their forever homes. With your support, we can continue to be a lifeline for animals who need us, offering them another chance at a brighter future.

    Give the gift of hope this holiday season.

    Donate today and you will be a part of some incredible transformations and have a lasting impact in the lives of animals in need.

    All donations made before Dec. 31st will be matched dollar for dollar up to $25,000 thanks to an anonymous donor. Make your gift today for twice the impact!

     

    Thank you for being a part of our mission, and for giving animals like Roxy the second (and sometimes third and fourth) chances they deserve.



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  • Protecting Your Dog’s Health And The Best Way To Deal With Worms


    For those of us who have the joy of owning a puppy or dog, there is nothing more special and beautiful than seeing our little buddies coming at us with those fluffy happy faces like they were yelling “I love you” when they see us. For this reason, we as pet owners try to do our best to simply give them the very best experience they can possibly have while they live their lives by our side.

     

    This is why we make sure to be informed about how to keep our dog or puppy in the best health condition they can be. We all want our best friend to be happy and live as long as possible. And there are ways we can make sure our canine friends are always in great shape and feeling good.

     

     

    Puppyhood

    Before we start talking about how to boost our dog’s immune system we must first understand what it is and how it works.

     

    The immune system of a dog, just like our own human immune system, is what protects them from outside intruders such as viruses, toxins, bacterias, and other threats. The immune system is armed with a set of specialized cells, proteins, and organs that work together as a team to protect their bodies from getting sick or keeping disease at bay and helping in their recovery.

     

    When a puppy is born, they receive a very important gift from their mother, their first milk. This first milk is produced by their mother’s mammary glands immediately following the birth of their newborn puppies, and it is called colostrum.

     

    Colostrum contains antibodies and a high concentration of proteins that will protect the newborn baby against disease. These proteins will still be produced in the mother’s milk, but never as concentrated as it is present in colostrum. The nutrients provided by colostrum will also have some laxative effects that will allow puppies to pass their first stool and dispose of wastes that were produced in large quantities during birth.

     

    Many people think colostrum replacement products will actually do the same job as their mother’s first milk, but this is not true. Colostrum replacement products actually come from cows and do not contain the same components, although it does have some proteins that are common in all mammals.

     

    When a puppy lose their mom for whatever reason and fails to receive colostrum from her, it is very difficult to raise them as they lack the resistance that they were going to be granted with their first milk; so they will get sick very easily and are at a high risk of dying when they’re still babies.

     

    When a female dog gives birth, they’ll produce colostrum for several days, but it is most crucial for the newborn pups to get their mother’s milk within the first twelve hours after delivery. Drinking colostrum after this period of time does not have the same benefits, as their digestive systems will no longer soak up the antibodies anymore.

     

    Puppies should nurse until they are at least four weeks old, but they shouldn’t leave their mother and littermates until they are at least eight weeks old. It is recommended to vaccinate your puppy between six to sixteen weeks of age.

     

    Dogs that are younger than one year of age are generally considered puppies. But this varies from breed to breed. Some dog breeds mature earlier than others. You should determine when to stop feeding your dog with puppy food. Usually, small breeds can switch to regular dog food between nine to twelve months, and large breeds can take up to twenty-four months.

     

     

    Boosting your dog’s immune system

    When your dog has a strong and healthy immune system, it will be like having a protective force field around them; this might sound silly but it is like it is. The immune system is the first line of defense your canine partner has to fight against viruses, bacteria, parasites and other sort of pathogens that can hurt them and make them sick.

     

    Even when your dog gets sick, the immune system will be the one working to restore your dog’s body back to health.When your dog’s immune system weakens, your dog’s body will be defenseless against chronic disease, toxins, illness and deterioration.

     

    This is why it is so important to keep your dog’s immune system at its best in order to allow their body to be fully able to fight environmental pathogens and diseases. There are ways to boost immune system in dogs, like the following:

     

    Keep your dog hydrated:

     

    Just like us humans, dogs need water to keep the immune system strong. Fresh and clean water is fundamental for a healthy canine body to function properly. Keeping your buddy hydrated not only helps their body to dispose of those harmful toxins that are already in there, but it also has several benefits like regulating body temperature, process oxygen, help with blood flow and allow proper digestion of food and assimilation of nutrients.

     

    So yes, drinking water is very good for your doggy; and they should be drinking at least twelve ounces of water for every ten pounds of weight. So you should know how much your dog weighs, in order to provide at least the minimum amount of water they need to keep them healthy. If your dog weighs fifty pounds, they should be drinking at least sixty ounces of water per day. You must be aware that this amount might increase if you have a very active dog, so don’t be afraid to give them as much water as they require.

     

    Feed you dog properly:

     

    A balanced diet is fundamental for a healthy immune system. Even when dogs are considered omnivorous like us humans, they need a higher proportional intake of protein, so if you plan to feed your dog a vegan diet you must be extremely careful, protein is the most important step in the dog’s food pyramid. Other requirements for dog’s food are fat, carbs, vitamins and minerals.

     

    Antioxidants and other nutrients play a big role in keeping your dog healthy. Some very good sources of antioxidants are: Apples, plums, cabbage, broccoli and beans. Some dog foods contain antioxidants but not in important quantities to make a difference in your dog’s health. You can also provide your dog all the antioxidants, vitamins and minerals they need in the form of tablets. But you must be cautious, you don’t want to give your dog too much of these supplements as they might turn harmful in high quantities, consult your vet when you plan to give your dog any special supplement.

     

    Keep in mind that your dog’s weight will also affect their general health condition, and make their immune system struggle. So check if they’re overweight, they might need to get on a diet, or need some exercise.

     

    Keep your dog active:

     

    Sedentarism is terrible for both humans and pets. Overweight dogs are at risk of suffering from a variety of conditions, from diabetes to heart disease. It is important to feed your dog properly and keep them active enough to burn all those extra calories.

     

    There is a reason why people walk their dogs or pay someone to walk them. Dogs require physical activity to stay healthy. Other ways to help them burn those extra calories is by playing with them, they will enjoy this activity very much because they will be spending time with you. There is nothing better than having a healthy and happy dog.

     

     

    Deworming your dog

    One of the things you will have to deal with as a dog owner is the problem of parasites; dogs are ideal hosts for these. Dogs are always playing around dirt, trash, excrement, etc. sticking their noses and licking whatever they find on the street. It is only logical that they will get in trouble with parasites.

     

    It is very probable that your dog will get worms at one time or another. Diarrhea and vomiting are signs that something is not ok, and you might want to take your canine friend on a trip to the vet in order to make sure your dog is indeed dealing with worms.

     

    A fresh stool sample will provide your vet what they need to find out if your dog has worms or not. As tapeworms, hookworms, roundworms and whipworms will live in your dog’s intestines.

     

    The sooner you treat your dog and deal with their worm problems, the sooner your dog will go back to normal and feel healthy again. Your vet will indicate what medicine will be better for your pet, these drugs usually will be effective against a wide range of parasites.

     

    Don’t be surprised if you start to see worms in your dog’s poops after the deworming process has started, this is quite normal. These sorts of medications can come in the form of tablets, and you will need to make sure your dog swallows it all. For puppies, these tablets can be difficult to swallow so there are liquid options available for them.

     

    You might want to prevent worms instead of treating your dog against them. Dogs who already suffered worms in the past might get infected once again as the worming medicine will kill the big worms but some eggs might still be left around your dog’s intestines. Your vet will decide how long you should keep giving your dog this medication until they are finally free from these parasites.

     

    Regular treatment is the best defence against worms and other parasites. Regular worming throughout your dog’s life will help keep your dog healthy and happy. Make sure your vet checks your dog for all kinds of worms at least once a year. Get a prescription from your vet for the drug to prevent heartworms. Keep your dog flea-free. And keep your dog clean. They are not aware of the invisible dangers in the world, but you are. So do what you can to keep them healthy and feeling good.

     

     

    What is the best way to deworm your dog?

    The best way to deal with worms and build immunity on your dog is by giving them a blend of natural ingredients with all the supplements they need to remain healthy and happy. This is why we recommend Vibralife as a tasty way to give your dog a happy and vibrant life.

     

    The all-natural ingredients baked into a pellet for topdressing your dog’s feed. It’s a tasty way to give your dog what they need. Helping to gently remove parasites, establish a thick and shiny hair coat, and heal the gut lining and stomach. It has also helped female dogs overcome reproductive problems, including infertility, insufficient milk supply, and inconsistent cycles.

    The Reed Sedge Peat and Diatomaceous Earth in Vibralife work as a team to bind and prevent parasites that are common in young puppies. Psyllium Husk works to heal and protect the stomach and gut lining, while the oils help improve digestion and skin and hair quality. Yeast and Kelp help the immune and reproductive systems. Unlike most commercial dewormers that are hard on lactating females, Vibralife supports healthy lactating.

     

     

    Natural ways to prevent worms

    So you are looking for natural ways to prevent those annoying worms from getting into your fluffy friend’s life. Prevention is always the best defense. Although they are not as effective as medicine prescribed by your veterinarian of trust, or Vibralife Health Supplement Multivitamin and Natural Dewormer; these alternatives can help prevent parasites from getting into your fluffy friend:

     

    Chamomile is a herb that comes from daisy-like plants of the family Asteraceae. Chamomile has been used in traditional medicine across the globe for thousands of years. It can help with bloating and inflammation caused by internal parasites, and sometimes get rid of whipworms and roundworms.

     

    Apple cider vinegar is another well known traditional natural medicine. It is basically apple juice with added yeast that turns the juice’s sugar into alcohol through fermentation. Then, non harmful bacteria turn the alcohol into acetic acid. There are several benefits that come from drinking apple cider vinegar, among those is to increase the alkaline levels in your dog’s intestines making it inhospitable for parasites and worms.

     

    Coconut oil can also help eliminate worms from your canine friend’s body, it has antibacterial and antiviral properties that may help clear a pinworm infection. It also has other health benefits like fighting fungus, boosting metabolism, preventing skin infections and more.

     

    These are just a few examples of natural alternatives to prevent worms and other parasites to get into your little buddy. Keep in mind that medication and a strong immune system will always be the most efficient way to deal with this sort of problem.

     

     

    Dog Owners

    There are several things you must remember as a responsible dog owner in order to keep your dog healthy and happy. A balanced diet, avoiding overweight and providing vitamins and nutrients is top of the list along with exercise and everyday activity. Remember that your vet will always know what is best for your dog, so don’t miss annual check outs.

     

    Worms and other parasites are a serious matter to be always aware of, the process of deworming can get really unpleasant, both for you and your dog. The best defense is prevention, there is medicine your dog should take recurrently to avoid worms, there are also amazing blends that will provide everything your dog needs to fight, get rid and prevent these parasites. And there are also natural alternatives that can do a lot of good to your dog.

     

    The most important thing is to try to keep yourself informed about your dog’s health. It’s not easy to be a dog owner, but having a happy pet who loves you unconditionally is truly worth it.

     

     



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  • How To Prevent And Stop Household Dogs From Fighting

    How To Prevent And Stop Household Dogs From Fighting


    This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

    Your two dogs seemed to get along so well. But now all of a sudden they seem to hate each other.

    Max attacks Bailey periodically. And your household is very stressful now.

    Yellow Lab, Golden, and Black Lab fighting in the grass.

    This is not totally uncommon. In fact, a few days ago I got an email addressing this very issue:

    We got our puppy potty trained, crate trained, obedience trained, but now he’s attacking and fighting with my older dog. I never thought this would be an issue. I thought my dog’s would be best pals, but now I’m looking for tips on how to stop dogs from fighting. What should I do?

    —C.C.

    It’s important to discover why the fights are occurring so that you can attempt to fix the problem.

    In this article, I’ll discuss why dogs may fight as well as how to prevent it. Also, I’ll deal with what to do if a fight occurs.

    It’s important to prevent fights from occurring, if possible.

    Why Household Dogs May Fight

    There are many reasons why dogs in the same household fight. Even dogs who have been together for a while may start to fight.

    When a new dog joins the family, there’s always a period of adjustment. Sometimes fights break out for various reasons.

    As the stress increases in a dog’s life, fights are more likely to occur.

    The following are some of the likely reasons dogs in the same household may fight.

    To Maintain the Hierarchy

    In the wild, there’s a separate hierarchy for male and female dogs. In our homes too, there’s a greater likelihood of fighting between dogs of the same sex. 

    There’s also a greater likelihood of non-neutered dogs fighting each other.

    1. Guarding Their Owner

    Dogs may guard many resources. Resources include things that are valuable to the dog.

    Of course, we’re a very valuable resource to our dogs. We give them attention, feed them, walk them, play with them, train them, take them out to socialize them and give them great treats and chews.

    So some dogs guard their owners and the space around them.

    When Fido in the same household gets too close to the owner, Max may attack. And Fido may fight back. 

    Both dogs–and the owner–may be injured in such a skirmish.

    2. Guarding Other Resources

    Some dogs guard other valuable resources against other dogs. Of course, food, treats, bones, and toys are seen as important to many dogs.

    There’s also a threshold distance beyond which a dog won’t attack. However, if another dog gets too close, the dog with the bone will attack.

    The distance at which a dog will attack varies by the dog.

    3. Change in a Resident Dog’s Health or Age

    Some dogs may sense that another dog in the household has become ill. And the healthier dog sometimes will attack the sick dog.

    Another scenario is when a dog matures and challenges the older dog.

    4. Changes in the Household or Routine

    Any change in members of the family, such as when one leaves for college, can cause stress in a dog’s life. 

    Even changes in routines, such as when someone gets a new job, can be very stressful for a dog.

    Some dogs find such changes very difficult and can’t adjust. As their stress level increases, so will their propensity to fight.

    5. Changes in the Canine Social Group

    When a dog leaves the home or a new dog joins, there’s a period of adjustment.

    A more confident dog may have passed away and a new hierarchy is established between the remaining dogs. Or a new dog may challenge the established hierarchy.

    6. Redirection When Dogs Become Overstimulated

    Sometimes a dog will become too aroused by an event and attack whatever is nearby–including another resident dog.

    Even though the stimulus is unrelated to the other dog, an attack can occur.

    This can also happen when the owner or a visitor arrives or departs or even when the mailman delivers mail.

    7. Underlying Anxiety

    Some dogs with a stress or anxiety disorder may attack another dog when their stress crosses a threshold.

    This can, for example, happen when a dog is noise-sensitive. Even though he may be alright with regular household noises, if a new noise–like that from a delivery truck–occurs, he may become overstimulated.

    And he may attack a nearby dog.

    Some dogs have separation anxiety and, because they are overly stressed when an owner departs, may attack another dog.

    8. Improper Socialization

    A dog who was improperly socialized may be more likely to attack another dog. He might not properly read another’s body language.

    For example, the other dog may be enticing him to play. But the unsocialized dog reads it as an attempt to fight.

    9. Play May Escalate 

    Sometimes dogs may be playing appropriately. Then, the play escalates. One dog becomes too rough. A fight may break out.

    10. Enclosed Spaces

    When reactive or overly-stimulated dogs are in enclosed spaces, like during a car ride, dogs may fight.

    11. Social Aggression

    In social aggression, neither dog will defer to the other. This is not dominance and isn’t dependent on the dog’s age or breed.

    12. Reaction to a Shock Collar

    A dog who’s shocked with a shock collar is a stressed dog. Whether the owner is shocking the dog or the dog is shocked on an invisible fence, he may fight with a nearby dog.

    Not only is the dog stressed but he may also associate the pain with the nearby dog.

    My husband was walking our rescued Lhasa apso Linkin when a pug attacked. Luckily, the dogs were separated quickly.

    It turned out that the pug’s owner shocked the dog with an electric collar whenever a dog passed his home. He didn’t want the pug to leave his property.

    Of course, there are better ways to keep your dog safe. And the fallout from the shock collar was obvious. The poor pug was very defensive against passing dogs.

    13. Medical Reasons

    Sometimes a dog may be in pain and, if the other dog gets too close or bumps into him, the dog in pain may attack.

    There are many other reasons, such as a change in a dog’s thyroid levels, that can account for the way he behaves.

    Warning Signs of a Fight

    Read each dog’s body language. Of course, you have to look at the whole picture as no one sign necessarily indicates that a dog may fight. Separate them before things escalate to a fight.

    Some of the body language that a dog shows prior to fighting:

    • Growling
    • Baring teeth
    • Ears raised high
    • Raised hackles
    • Stiffened body
    • Staring
    • Mounting

    The weaker dog may show signs of submission like tucked tail or flattened ears.

    How To Prevent Fights

    There are some measures you can take to help prevent fights. It’s better to prevent them than to have to stop them after they occur.

    People and dogs can become injured when there’s a fight. Also, a dog will remember that he’s been attacked. It may be very difficult–if not impossible–for them to get along afterward.

    I’ve had as many as seven dogs at the same time (a Belgian Tervuren shepherd, a shih tzu, a golden retriever, two Shih tzus, and two Lhasa apsos). Three of them (the golden and Lhasas) were rescue dogs.

    It was quite a group with various natural instincts.

    I always managed their environment and introduced a new member very carefully in order to avoid fights.

    All play and interactions were observed. And if I saw that things started to get too rough, I would redirect the dogs to something else, like coming to me.

    I don’t believe that dogs should “work it out.” There’s too much at stake. They may become severely injured. 

    A person attempting to break up a fight can too. And the dogs may never be able to live together again.

    Depending on why they are fighting, there are various measures you can take.

    Manage the Dogs’ Environment

    If resources are an issue, you should do the following. Feed them separately. Give them high-value things like bones separately. Keep things that they’ll guard out of reach.

    PRO-TRAINER TIP: In any case, when the situation cannot be managed successfully, it’s important to get professional behavioral help. Make sure to hire a behavior specialist who uses positive reinforcement and who has successfully managed such issues in the past.

    I recommend getting professional help when a dog is guarding a person. It’s too dangerous to potentially have a fight between a dog with people nearby.

    Also, don’t let dogs take bones or other desired objects from each other if there’s a chance they’ll guard them.  They should have them separately as long as they don’t guard them against you.

    Limit Rough Play

    It’s great if your dogs play properly together. But don’t let things escalate to the point where a fight might occur.

    Don’t let one dog mount another or get too rough pinning another. Even chase games can escalate when one dog reaches the other. And the chased dog may fight.

    Train your dogs to come to you no matter what. A reliable recall is crucial. So, if you see things escalate, you can interrupt the play and praise and reward each dog with a small treat for coming to you.

    Let the dogs settle down before allowing them to play again.

    Redirect to something else to do if they’ve played long enough and are getting tired. A dog who is too tired will be more stressed and, therefore, more likely to fight.

    Right now, I have a golden retriever, two shelties, an Aussie mix, and a Lhasa apso who all play together at various times.

    They have different play styles and energy levels. I make sure I’m present and watch them playing.

    If they’re getting too revved up or start to get rough, I call them over and praise and reward them. If I think they’ve played long enough, we stop and I redirect them to something else to do, such as a puzzle toy. Luckily, this group doesn’t guard objects.

    Give Each Dog His Own Space

    It’s important that each dog who has had disagreements has his own space. Usually, this is important for any dog so that conflicts don’t arise.

    So give them individual crates and beds.

    Encourage Calm Behavior

    Calmly praise and reward calm behavior. At first, work with each dog individually. Work without distractions, then add them as the dog is able to handle them. 

    Then, once each dog understands what’s expected, you can work with them together.

    I believe in teaching a “settle” command, in which the dog learns to settle and be calm on cue.

    It also helps if you can send them each to a place individually, such as two beds on opposite sides of the room.

    Choose Dogs of Opposite Sex

    This is just a tip some people recommend. As a general rule, male and female dogs are more likely to get along than two dogs of the same sex will.

    Of course, there are many variables such as the dog’s genetics and socialization that play a role in whether he’ll get along with another canine.

    And, if you want more than two dogs, this isn’t possible.

    Allow the Dogs To Have Some Down Time

    It’s important for dogs to not always be “on.” They need rest and some time alone.

    Giving them such time will help them not be stressed and will help prevent separation anxiety.

    (If they already have separation anxiety, it’s important to deal with that issue separately.)

    Obedience Training

    It’s important for dogs to be trained. A trained dog has more confidence and understands what’s expected of him.

    It can also help stave off any potential fights. You can call your dog to you. You can have him do a sit or down stay. Or any other behavior that helps him settle down.

    Exercise

    Exercise is important for all dogs. But it can also help to avoid fights between dogs.

    A dog who’s too excited can go over threshold. Then, even if he doesn’t start a fight another dog may.

    My Aussie mix puppy Millie is a very high-drive dog. So, before she plays with my four-year-old Lhasa apso Ralphie, I make sure she’s had a sufficient amount of physical exercise.

    Otherwise, she’d be too much for him. But, once she’s played ball for a while, she’s not too rough for Ralphie and he enjoys playing with her.

    So it’s important to give your dogs an appropriate amount of exercise for their age and breed.

    Mental exercise is as important to help tire out your pup. You can teach your dog tricks or give them puzzle toys.

    Walk Dogs Separately

    Sometimes dogs fight when they’re walking together. They may be very excited and stressed by the sights and sounds around them. Some dogs redirect aggression at each other.

    In those cars, either walk them separately or have two people walk them at a safe distance apart.

    Of course, you can hire a professional behavior specialist to work with the issue.

    Don’t Leave the Dogs Alone Together

    If your dogs have already fought, do not leave them alone together, as they may fight.

    Even if they’ve never fought, if a dog is a recent addition, you won’t know how they’ll get along. So, better safe than sorry.

    Use Counter-Conditioning and Desensitization

    You want to change the opinion of the dogs towards each other. They should see each other and think that great things happen when the other appears. 

    That is, they get a great treat like a flow of pieces of chicken, when the other appears. 

    You can be in place with one dog on a leash. I recommend putting each dog in a well-fitted harness for this exercise because a tight collar can convey that something’s wrong.

    Then, a helper appears with the other dog at a distance at which neither is reactive. 

    Pro-Trainer Tip: Use only very high-value treats for these exercises. Small pieces of chicken, hot dogs, Crazy Dog Training Treats, or cheese are great for this, as most dogs find them highly desirable. Use these treats only for these behavior management exercises.

    When the dogs notice each other, they get a constant flow of the treat.. Then the dog with the helper goes out of sight and the treats stop.

    Alternatively, the first dog can go out of sight and the dog with the helper remains.

    Do this training exercise for a very short time, such as 20 seconds a time. Do three repetitions in each session.

    If either dog goes over threshold and becomes reactive, end the session. Next time, do a shorter session or at a greater distance from each other. 

    Make sure that the dogs have received a sufficient amount of exercise before doing these behavior exercises.

    Over time, you can decrease the distance between them if the behavior modification is successful.

    Engage in Enjoyable Activities Together

    It’s important that the dogs have positive opinions of each other. So have them engage in safe, enjoyable activities together.

    If they enjoy walks, have a helper to walk one of the dogs. Walk them parallel to each other but at a distance where neither is reactive.

    Block the Outside View or Sound

    If your dogs tend to fight when looking out the window, block the view. Some dogs go over threshold when they see something outside the window.

    Some get overstimulated when they hear outside noises. So play a television or radio or white noise machine.

    Be Calm in the Dogs’ Presence

    Dogs read our body language and scent. I know it’s difficult when you have two or more dogs who may fight, but, as much as possible, be calm. 

    And don’t use a high-pitched voice that may overstimulate the dogs.

    Use Holistic Aids To Help Lessen Stress

    There are many such devices you can use to help the dogs be calmer. There’s a product called Adaptil which comes in a plug-in or spray. The chemical in it is supposed to mimic the dog’s mother and can have a calming effect on dogs.

    There’s also the Rescue Remedy in the Bach Flower Essences that can be put in a dog’s water or on something you give him to eat or on his tongue. This also may help de-stress a dog.

    There’s even a CD called Through a Dog’s Ear that has calming music that’s been studied to help relax dogs.

    Check with your vet before giving any internal products.

    Veterinary Check-Up

    In any case, in which household dogs don’t get along, I recommend that they have a veterinary check-up to determine whether there’s any physical problem. 

    In addition to a check-up, your vet may want to run tests such as a full thyroid panel or bloodwork.

    How To Break Up a Fight

    If there’s any chance you’ll be injured, try to get help. I realize that in some situations this may not be possible. So have certain devices ready in case this may occur.

    But be advised that no method is guaranteed to work. It really depends on the dogs involved.

    And any method may backfire and the dogs may become more aggressive and even redirect aggression on the person attempting to break up the fight.

    This is why I really recommend first cutting off any possible fights before they begin.

    Use a Bucket of Water or a Hose

    If the dogs start to fight, dousing them with water may break it up.

    Use Something To Separate Them

    Get anything handy like a trash can lid, a chair, or a broom to separate them if possible.

    Make a Loud Noise

    Sometimes making a loud noise will distract them and cause the dogs to separate.

    You can bang pans together, ring the doorbell, blow a whistle, use an air horn, or slam a door.

    Throw a Blanket Over Them

    Sometimes this can cause them to separate. Some dogs will stop fighting if they can’t see the other dog.

    Use a Spray Made For the Purpose

    There are citronella sprays such as Direct Stop or Spray Shield that can help break up some dog fights. Or if you have pepper spray, that may work.

    Separate Them If You Have Two People

    This is a last resort, as the dogs and people involved are likely to be injured. I highly recommend the other methods and would not personally use this, though some trainers recommend it.

    This is called the wheelbarrow method. Each person grabs one of the two dogs by his rear legs and lifts them up and apart.

    Be aware that the dogs may turn on the people, with horrible consequences.

    LAST RESORT: Rehome a Dog

    If you’ve tried everything but your dogs still can’t get along, you may want to consider rehoming one.

    I know that this is a horrible thought. The dogs are our family.

    But if you are unable to manage the situation and the dogs fight, each dog lives a very stressful life. They may also become severely physically injured.

    I rarely recommend this, as the situation can often be managed. But, in some cases, rehoming may be the kindest thing for everyone involved.

    What Should You Do After a Fight?

    Calmly remove the dogs to separate safe places. 

    If they know obedience commands, tell them to go to their crate or bed. Or have one in a sit or down stay while you lead the other to another location.

    Check for Injuries and take the dogs to the vet if they’ve been injured. Note that some injuries may be internal and not visible.

    What NOT To Do: DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME

    The relationship between our dogs can be very complex at times. We need to learn what their interactions and body language mean so that we can manage their interactions.

    It’s best to separate dogs before they go over threshold and fight. 

    There are some things that should not be used because of the risk of injury. Also, many of them don’t work and can make the situation worse.

    Don’t Suppress a Growl

    Even when you see one of your dogs growling at another, it’s best to redirect them away from each other.

    Call one over to you. Send them to their individual crates or beds. Do whatever you can do to calmly separate them.

    If you suppress a growl or other sign of aggression, it won’t change the dog’s mindset. Instead, it will teach him not to express a warning before he attacks.

    Don’t Try To Pull Them Apart

    Generally, doing so can cause grave injury to the dogs and the person attempting to separate them.

    As stated above, some people recommend using the wheelbarrow method and have two people, each pulling one dog apart by their rear legs.

    Some people even attempt to pull the dogs apart by their tails.

    But this can cause injury to the dogs if they continue to fight or they may turn around and redirect their aggression on the people attempting to separate them.

    Don’t Reach in and Attempt To Separate The Dogs

    Even though we may instinctively want to do so, it can result in serious injuries.

    Also, of course, no one should put his face near dogs fighting as can occur when attempting to separate them.

    Don’t Use A High-Pitched, Excited Voice

    Using a high-pitched voice or scream will probably over-stimulate a dog, leading to or escalating a fight.

    Don’t Let the Dogs “Work It Out”

    Years ago, people used to believe in letting dogs fight to work it out between them.

    This is dangerous for both dogs and for nearby people. 

    Also, the dogs may never get along after such a fight.

    Final Thoughts

    It’s better to prevent fights than to intervene when one occurs.

    Read each dog’s body language and calmly separate them before things escalate.

    Obedience training and behavioral work are important in maintaining a peaceful household.

    If a fight has occurred, attempt to break it up safely, such as by dousing the dogs with water or making noise.

    I recommend hiring a behavioral expert to work this very serious issue through.

    Have you dealt with your dog’s fighting?

    If so, what did you do?

    Tell us about your experience in the comment section below.

    Save To Pinterest

    Golden, and Black Lab fighting on the grass

    UPDATE: This post was originally published on June 26th, 2021. We periodically update blog posts with new experiences and information to keep them as relevant as possible.

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  • Review of Pet Shell’s Report: Your Dog Will Hear Fireworks and Thunder Inside

    Review of Pet Shell’s Report: Your Dog Will Hear Fireworks and Thunder Inside


    If your dog is afraid of noises, please take that seriously. Sound reactivity can be debilitating, and the clinical, medical condition of sound phobia can be devastating. Neither is commonly “solved” by purchasing a product. Evidence supports the use of counterconditioning, relaxation training, and behavioral medications (Riemer, 2020).

    The Pet Shell Pet House

    I do not own a Pet Shell. I am reviewing the claims of their marketing materials compared to the acoustic report they published.

    A new product for dogs and cats, the “Pet Shell,” has hit the market. It is a Kickstarter project and promoted as a noise-reducing pet house that “reduces sounds by more than 50%,” which is a problematic statement. The marketing materials further imply that the interior of the Pet Shell is “silent,” with multiple statements such as, “The unbeatable combination of darkness and silence (emphasis theirs) creates a calming space for your pet, similar to a den.” The silence claim is also problematic, and untrue per their own test results.

    The noises they feature in a promotional video are a thunderclap, a siren, a jackhammer, a vacuum, traffic, a beeping alarm clock, and fireworks. Similarly, the sounds listed on the “Understanding Dogs’ Sensitivity” section of their Kickstarter site are thunderstorms, fireworks and gunshots, loud vehicles, sirens and alarms, construction and industrial noises, and household noises. Note how many of these include low-frequency sounds.

    This product is being aggressively marketed as a solution for dogs who fear thunder and fireworks. However, Pet Shell’s own published acoustical testing report, impeccably performed at the Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute, reveals that the low frequencies of thunder and fireworks are where the Pet Shell is least effective at preventing the transmission of sound.

    This is in keeping with the findings of basic physics and acoustics.

    The Acoustic Testing and Report

    The acoustic testing of the Pet shell was performed by a physicist with excellent credentials. The report is exemplary, with methods explained well and with sufficient detail and transparency that someone with the right equipment could replicate the testing. I am glad that Pet Shell engaged an expert who knows testing procedures and the applicable standards to do this work.

    The results are well supported in the report itself, and they are in keeping with general knowledge about sound entering enclosures. I will assume the accuracy of the report findings through this blog post.

    The Problematic Marketing Claims

    The marketing materials contain many statements and claims that are refuted by Pet Shell’s own test results. Here are the highlights.

    1. Problematic Claim: The Pet Shell reduces sounds by more than 50%. The average sound reduction across the frequency bands over a range of 1–20,000 Hz was found to be 13 decibels. Since a 10-decibel reduction correlates with a decrease of the perceived sound by half (for humans), this “more than 50%” reduction can be defended. However, that average gives an incomplete picture of what is happening inside the Pet Shell. The effectiveness of sound reduction by passive means (barriers, absorption) depends on frequency. It is much easier to prevent the transmission of high-frequency sound. If you check the breakdown by frequency on the sound testing report, you see that the low frequencies from 100 to 250 Hz show much less reduction in the Pet Shell. The attenuation is 2.6 dB at 100 Hz, 4.2 dB at 125 Hz, 6.6 dB at 160 Hz, 5.3 dB at 200 Hz, and 3.4 dB at 250 Hz. These frequencies correlate with the frequencies of thunder and large fireworks, and they are being reduced much less than the average.

      Please view the report to see this dramatic decline in effectiveness at low frequencies depicted graphically on page 4.

      This poor performance is not at all surprising; it’s common to all barrier-based solutions. You can see a similar lowered effectiveness in the sound spectrum report for Rex Specs Ear Pro, ear protection for dogs. Passive sound barriers are not effective at preventing the transmission of low frequencies; the waves are too massive.

      The Pet Shell can claim a 13-decibel reduction overall because the sound attenuation is much more effective at higher frequencies. But think what that means. An animal in the interior of the Pet Shell is in a soundscape with a predominance of low frequencies.

    2. Extremely Problematic Claim: “Silence.” The repeated references to silence can’t be defended. On page 4 of the report, they list the actual sound reduction of the Pet Shell in the presence of the noise source. The test noise clocks in at 94.2 dB(A) outside the Pet Shell and 81.0 dB(A) inside the Pet Shell. (See technical addendum for notes about dB(A).) Some examples of noises in that decibel range are a gas-powered lawnmower, a busy freeway at 50 feet, a loud overhead pager (intercom), an electric lawn edger, and the noise inside an airplane. Eighty-five dB is the boundary in U.S. workplaces where exposure over time must be monitored and controlled. Referring to the noise reduction inside the Pet Shell as achieving “silence” is preposterous.
    3. Problematic Claim: “…minimizing intense sounds – especially high-pitched ones that trigger stress…” This statement correctly identifies that the Pet Shell is more effective at decreasing higher-frequency sounds than lower-frequency sounds, as is true of any passive sound barrier. But why are they focusing on “high-pitched sounds that trigger stress” when most of the sounds they list on their sites and include in their promotional video are low frequency? Fireworks and thunder are featured over and over. Of the sounds I listed from their materials above, only the siren, the alarm clock, and some household noises stand out as higher frequency. And while there are plenty of dogs who fear high-frequency sounds (I had one), a recent study showed that thunder was the most common fear (Grigg et al., 2021, p. 4).
    4. Problematic Claim: The usual buzzwords for such products like “calming, safe, silent, secure,” and implications of relaxation and decreasing anxiety. I’m sure some animals enjoy the privacy, the ability to hide in a cozy place, and the moderate sound reduction at higher frequencies. But dogs inside the Pet Shell will still hear the fireworks and thunderstorms perfectly well.
    Text: During testing with loud (94 dB) white noise, the sound level was 81.0 dB inside the Pet Shell. Some examples of noises in that decibel range are a busy freeway from 50 feet away, a loud overhead pager (intercom), an electric lawn edger, a gas-powered lawnmower, and the noise inside an airplane.

    Images Depicting Fireworks and Thunder Sounds by Frequency

    The following images show that the weakest performance of the Pet Shell (per their report) correlates with the loudest frequencies of fireworks and thunder.

    I analyzed sound recordings of fireworks and thunder in the software Audacity, and the images below show the sound spectrum, in other words, how loud the sound is at different frequencies. In the images, the horizontal (x) axis is frequency, and the vertical (y) axis is decibels. The higher something is on the y axis, the louder it is. I marked with a black rectangle the frequency area where the Pet Shell is least effective per the numbers in their report: the range from100 to 250 Hz. It correlates with the loudest frequencies of both the fireworks and thunder.

    Fireworks
    Thunder

    The red line in each image shows the peak, the area of maximum amplitude (roughly, volume). In both cases, it is within the area where the Pet Shell performs the worst.

    See my technical addendum at the bottom if you are curious why the decibels on the y axis are negative.

    I purchased the sample sounds of fireworks and thunderclaps from Pond5.com. You can listen to lower-quality previews (turn down your volume first!) of the sounds I used here (fireworks) and here (thunder). I chose recordings by ear that had plenty of low frequencies. Here are sources for information about the typical low frequencies of fireworks (Tanaka et al., 2016) and thunder (Holmes et al., 1971).

    Can a Little Reduction Help My Dog?

    Are you thinking, “Well, even a tiny bit of reduction in the sound of thunder is probably worth it”? If so, ask yourself whether your dog reacts only to the loudest thunderclaps. When they hear thunder that doesn’t shake the house, are they fine? In that case, maybe a little reduction could help (although they’ll still feel the house shake inside the Pet Shell). Or have they generalized to fearing most or all thunder noise? In that case, a small reduction in decibels is immaterial. Dogs often get sensitized to sounds that scare them. When this happens, the sound can scare them at lower intensities than it did originally. In these cases, a small reduction in the sound intensity would not make a difference.

    A small, black and rust hound mix showing the body language of extreme fear: Tucked tail, roached back, ears back, front paw lifted, distress in her face
    A “before” photo of clinically sound phobic Zani, who didn’t need a hiding place from sounds for her last five years because we consulted a veterinary behaviorist

    Conclusion

    The Pet Shell is expensive and doesn’t cure sound fear. It doesn’t block low-frequency sound. It’s not silent inside. Providing a hiding place is a kindness, but don’t we want more than that for our dogs—to address the fear itself?

    The harm of the Pet Shell comes from the marketing claims, including that it can protect dogs significantly from thunder and fireworks. Their own report says that it can’t. People may purchase this product instead of pursuing evidence-based approaches to help their pet’s sound sensitivity.

    I had an exchange with a representative of Pet Shell on social media after I made a brief critique. They were polite and open to suggestions. I asked them to put a notice on their website about how serious the fear of sounds can be in dogs, and to encourage people to seek professional help for their dogs for this problem.

    References

    • Grigg, E. K., Chou, J., Parker, E., Gatesy-Davis, A., Clarkson, S. T., & Hart, L. A. (2021). Stress-related behaviors in companion dogs exposed to common household noises, and owners’ interpretations of their dogs’ behaviors. Frontiers in veterinary science, 8, 760845.
    • Holmes, C. R., Brook, M., Krehbiel, P., & McCrory, R. (1971). On the power spectrum and mechanism of thunder. Journal of Geophysical Research, 76(9), 2106-2115.
    • Riemer, S. (2020). Effectiveness of treatments for firework fears in dogs. Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 37, 61-70.
    • Tanaka, T., Inaba, R., & Aoyama, A. (2016). Noise and low-frequency sound levels due to aerial fireworks and prediction of the occupational exposure of pyrotechnicians to noise. Journal of occupational health, 58(6), 593-601.

    Copyright 2025 Eileen Anderson

    Photos

    Photo of dog with chin on the floor courtesy of user PicsbyFran on Pixabay. I cropped it. All other photos copyright Eileen Anderson 2025.

    Technical Addendum: Those Negative Decibels and dB(A)

    The decibels are negative in my images because they are being measured inside a computer and not the real world. Decibels need a reference point, and there are lots of different ones used. The maximum decibels that the computer can record (so-called “full-scale”) is set at a reference point of zero. So the closer the negative number is to zero, and the higher it is physically on the image, the louder the sound is at that frequency.

    The designation dB(A) in the Pet Shell report refers to a decibel scale that is weighted, taking into account the characteristics of human hearing. This can introduce error, but it’s unavoidable at this time. We don’t have a scale weighted for dogs (which is acknowledged in the report).



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  • Owning A Domestic Cat 101: Cat Behaviors, Grooming And Traveling


    Once again, our feline friends are protagonists in this blog. Our first entry for this series was Owning A Domestic Cat 101: Selecting A New Cat Or Kitten. Where we talked about different breeds of domestic cats, some of them more exotic than others.

     

    Now we are going to talk about the behaviors most cats share, the basics of grooming, and traveling with your feline companion. If you’ve read all the entries of this series, then you have a really good deal of information to face the challenge of owning a domestic cat, and proves you are truly committed to be the cat owner you want to become.

     

    There are behaviors that many cats share, but you might not know the logic behind them. Below are many of these characteristics as well as explanations as to why your cat may perform them so you can better understand what your cat is trying to tell you.

     

     

    Understanding Your Cat’s Body Language

    The easiest way to determine how your cat is feeling at the moment is by looking at their body language; and there are two specific parts of their body that will give you a lot of information, these are their ears and their tail.

     

    A cat’s ears can say a lot about what they are feeling or trying to express to others, different ear positions mean different things. When the ears are forward and relaxed, then your cat is happy and listening to the sounds around them. When their ears are erect, the cat is paying attention to something; they are alert to the happening around them.

     

    Flattened ears can relay fear or the cat being anxious. When ears are completely flat, it means they are fearful and aggressive, plus the cat is probably hissing and has their eyes narrowed. When ears are turned back, your cat is either annoyed or aggravated, this is a warning to whoever has caused their mood.

     

    A cat’s tail can also say a lot about their mood and what they are doing. A straight up tail means you have a content cat; a straight and quivering tail shows your cat is happy. When the tail is horizontally behind, this means that the cat is relaxed, confident, and alert. If the tail is straight with a hook at the end, your cat is being friendly, but is not quite sure of the situation, person, or other animal.

     

    A swishing tail can mean your cat is being playful or that they are annoyed. But when your cat’s tail is straight and fluffy, it means your cat is feeling fear and is threatened.

     

     

    Is My Cat Talking To Me?

    Short answer, yes. Cat’s meow is their way of communicating with us; in fact meowing is something that cats only do to get attention from humans. They can meow for many reasons: to say hi, to ask us for something, and to tell us that something is not ok. A common meow can mean they want to say hello to you or just want their dinner and such. 

     

    There are other sounds that cats make that have other purposes like when a female is in heat and looking for a male, they kind of make like a howling sound. Or when a female is calling her kittens or a cat is being lovey with their owners, they will emit a rolling sound, like a chirr.

     

    When a cat is hissing, this is a warning sign that your cat is not happy and they are getting ready to attack; also if your cat is growling, they want to be left alone. Now, if your cat is purring, it means they are happy and feel safe.

    Are you still figuring out your life with your new cat? There are several tips you need to know in order to be a successful cat owner, so take a look at this: Owning A Domestic Cat 101: Important Tips, And What Supplies To Get

     

     

    Other Notable Cat Behaviors

    Kneading is a common behavior seen in domestic cats, in which they push in and out with its front paws, alternating between left and right. It’s a form of feline flattery when a Cat kneads you; is like they were saying they love you. In adulthood, a cat supposedly will knead when they’re feeling happy or content because it associates the motion with the comforts of nursing and their mother.

     

    Cats are very curious. You have probably heard the saying that involves curiosity killing the cat. This is why they climb and explore everything that they can. This is an instinctive behavior that can often get your cat into a lot of trouble. This is why you need to make sure that your house is cat proofed so that your cat doesn’t harm themselves while exploring.

     

    When a cat is clawing a scratching post or your furniture, they are not doing it for no reason; they are actually getting the exercise that they need. When they claw, they are able to stretch their muscles. They can also be doing it to mark their territory as well.

     

    Even though many of these behaviors may seem odd, your cat does have an actual reason for performing many of them. The best you can do is to try to understand them to some degree and make sure that your cat is kept safe.

     

     

    The Basics Of Grooming

    Grooming is also a big part of having a cat. Just as you get a shower every day, do your hair, and whatever else your grooming entails, your cat needs to be groomed as well. Although you don’t need to bathe your cat on a daily basis, there are other things that need to be taken care of regularly.

     

    You really don’t have to bathe your cat too often, especially if they are an indoor pet, but there will come the time that fluffy needs to get a bath. Giving your cat a bath is more of a two people’s job so you might need to ask someone to give you a hand. A good tip is to put something like a rug or towel in the tub that the cat can cling onto since there is a good chance the cat is going to freak out when it hits the water.

     

    Make sure that you check the temperature of the water before you decide to dunk them; you need to make it a hot bath so they will be comfortable. Using shampoo specifically made for cats, start at the head and work your way down the body. You need to wash the head, ears and neck, don’t skip any spots when washing, but don’t get soap in your cat’s eyes. After your cat is washed and dried, keep them out of drafts until they are fully dry.

    Now that you are learning about cat grooming, you might be interested in their diet. There’s a lot of good you can do for your cat’s health by taking good care of their diet. Start by taking a peak at this: Owning A Domestic Cat 101: Cat Food And The Health Of Your Feline

     

     

    Making Your Cat Look Pretty

    If you start grooming your cat from an early age, they will love for you to take out the brush or comb and start grooming them. It’s important to brush your cat when you notice they are beginning to shed their hair, this is for your benefit and your cat’s. You cat will love having that extra hair removed, there will be less hairballs, and your furniture won’t have hair all over it. If you find the coat knotted when you are brushing, use your fingers to untangle the knot and not the brush or comb.

     

    You also need to make sure that your cat’s nails are trimmed; you can choose to do this yourself or have a grooming service do it for you. If you decide to take the task on yourself, you need to get clippers that are especially designed for cats. You also need to be careful not to cut into the quick of the nail or you will end up injuring your cat, this is why many prefer to have a groomer take care of this chore. After the coat and the nails are taken care of, you need to make sure that your cat’s ears are clean.

     

    Cleaning the ears should be done on a monthly basis. Do not use a cotton tip to clean your cat’s ears! This process should only be done with a cotton ball and some mineral oil or alcohol, do not go any further into the ear than you can see to avoid causing your cat injury. The last step in the grooming of your cat involved their dental care. Many cats suffer from plaque buildup and it can become quite a serious health problem. In order to avoid this you need to try cleaning your cat’s teeth.

     

    Of course this might not be fully appreciated by your feline friend, but you need to wipe the cat’s teeth with a baking soda and water mixture. The only other way to ensure that your cat’s teeth get the attention that they need is to have your veterinarian look at their teeth and possibly perform a dental cleaning on them as well.

     

     

    Traveling With Your Feline Companion

    Some cats enjoy traveling where others do not; it really depends on your cat’s personality. Traveling can either be an easy or difficult task when you have your cat in tow. There are different ways that you can travel and there are also different things that you need to consider with each mode of transportation.

     

    Traveling by plane can be quite tricky if your cat hates flying. You might have the option of having them on the plane with you or having to send them below into an air conditioned cargo area especially designed for pet travel. Some airlines allow you to take your cat along in a carrier that can fit below the seat in front of you. You need to specifically ask the airline if this is an option or not, plus you need to consider if your cat will fit into such a carrier.

     

    If this practice is not allowed you will need to have your cat in a carrier and check them into the cargo area. If you plan on traveling with your cat you need to make your reservation far in advance and inform the airline that you will be traveling with a cat. You also have to make sure that your carrier fits the criteria of the airline. You might even be able to have your cat sedated for the flight time frame by your veterinarian to make travel a little easier.

     

    If your cat likes to go on car trips with you, then traveling a long distance by car is going to be a piece of cake. On the other hand if they detest it, it might not be the most enjoyable trip. Either way, you need to make sure that your cat is ready to travel with you. First, you definitely need a cat carrier when you are driving to help keep your cat safe and so you won’t become distracted while you drive.

     

    You also need to make sure your cat has their collar on with their identification tag on it. If your cat doesn’t like the car, you might want to try getting them used to it in advance by taking your cat out for short trips around the block or down the street. Before you leave on your trip, you need to make sure to pack your cat’s bag as well as your own.

     

    You need to make sure that you have their bowls, food, medication, litter box, litter, cat bed, cat toys, and some sort of scratching post so they don’t tear up the room wherever you are going. If your cat absolutely freaks out when you put them in the car, you might need to come up with another plan for your cat while you are away

     

     

    Not Bringing Your Cat On The Trip

    If you have the cat that freaks out whenever you try to travel by plane or by car, you will probably have to come up with a different plan. You can choose to leave your cat with friends, at home, or in a boarding place. Whatever you choose will probably depend largely on your cat and their attitudes and ability to adapt. A boarding place will allow you to leave your cat in a place where they will be taken care of.

     

    Unfortunately not all pet boarding facilities are a great place to leave your pet, so you will have to do a lot of careful research before just dropping off your cat. A friend or family member might take in your cat so they can take care of all your cat’s needs while you are gone. You can also choose to leave your cat at home if you will only be gone a short time, or have a cat sitter stay at your home with your cat.

     

    Don’t ask just anyone, make sure they can be trusted, and make sure to leave them with a list of things such as what food to feed them, when to feed them, when to clean the litter box, and any emergency numbers as well. For some, this might end up being the best option for their cat.

    We hope this entry turns out to be useful for you. Please feel encouraged to say hello – we’ll be happy to help with any questions you might have, and if you’d like to comment on our site, products or service, we’d love to hear from you!



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  • AVMA Recommends Wellness Visits and Keeping Your Pets Safe

    AVMA Recommends Wellness Visits and Keeping Your Pets Safe


    With spring in full bloom, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is reminding pet owners that warmer weather and outdoor activities come with seasonal risks for pets. From toxic plants to parasites, springtime can pose a variety of dangers—but with a little preparation, pet owners can keep their animals healthy and safe all season long.

    Dr. Sandra Faeh, 2024-2025 AVMA President

    “Spring is a great time to get outside and enjoy the fresh air with our pets,” said Dr. Sandra Faeh, president of the AVMA. “But as flowers bloom and temperatures rise, we also see an increase in pet exposures to harmful plants, lawn and garden products, and parasites like fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. Taking some simple precautions now can help prevent emergency trips to the veterinarian later.”

    Common springtime threats

    Spring hazards can be found both inside and outside the home. Examples include:

    • Plants and flowers: Many popular spring plants, such as lilies, tulips, oleander, and sago palms are toxic to pets if ingested. Certain lilies, in particular, can be highly toxic and fatal for cats even in small amounts.
    • Lawn and garden products: Fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides may help your yard thrive, but they can be highly toxic to pets. Always store these products safely and follow manufacturer directions carefully when applying them.
    • Allergies: Just like humans, pets can suffer from seasonal allergies. If your pet is scratching more than usual or showing signs of skin or ear infections, talk to your veterinarian.
    • Parasites: Rising temperatures mean an increase in the number of fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes in the environment, which can transmit serious diseases to pets, including heartworm, mange and Lyme disease. Make sure your pet is on year-round preventive medication and talk to your veterinarian about specific parasitic threats in your area.
    • Spring cleaning: Household cleaners, even those labeled “natural,” can pose serious threats to pets. When cleaning, keep pets away from freshly treated surfaces until they’re dry, and store all products in a safe and secure location inaccessible to your pets. In addition, spring cleaning often leads to open windows and doors, making it easier for curious pets to escape. The AVMA recommends ensuring your pets are microchipped and that their registration information is current. Proper ID tags on collars are also crucial for a quick reunion if a pet gets lost.

    While spring offers a great opportunity to spend quality time with your pet, awareness and proactive care are key.

    “Veterinarians are your best resource for helping you protect your pets from seasonal risks,” Dr. Faeh said. “We encourage pet owners to schedule wellness visits, stay current on vaccines and parasite prevention, and reach out to your veterinarian with any questions or concerns.”

    To learn more about common household hazards for pets, visit the AVMA website [https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/household-hazards].

    Source: AVMA



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