BeChewy: First, tell us the story of how Molly Mutt was born. We hear it involves … laundry?,As pet gear goes, your dog’s bed is sacred: It’s their safe haven where they curl up for naps, doze off to sleep at night, and hide their favorite bones and toys. But it’s also a part of your home that can get dirty fast—and washing a dog bed can be, well, a real pain.
It can be difficult to know if your dog is sick, for a few reasons.,Jump to section Common Signs Your Dog Is Sick What To Do When Your Dog Is Sick When Is My Dog’s Sickness Considered an Emergency? How To Make Your Home More Comfortable for Your Sick Dog How To Help Prevent Your Dog From Getting Sick
Chewy: Speaking of which, tell us about how Hauspanther came to be. Benjamin: In the mid-2000s I was working as the director of marketing for a startup that designed children’s products. I realized there was a lot of conversation within the mommy-blogger community about modern kids’ toys and other items, and how just because you have kids, it doesn’t mean your home has to look horrible. I thought, “Why is no one talking about this for cats?” So, I started a blog myself about things I felt were examples of good designs for cats—items that were aesthetically pleasing, but also innovative and functional and make your life better. From there, I began hand-making cat toys with this functional-stylish take in mind and selling them on Etsy. They were so popular that eventually I was able to hire a manufacturer to make them more quickly. My goal has always been to get great stuff into the hands of cat parents, so that the cats will have what they need.,We’ve said it (more than) once, and we’ll say it again: Pet stuff can be stylish! And Kate Benjamin, the Phoenix, Arizona-based cat style expert and designer behind Hauspanther, is part of the reason why. For decades, Benjamin has been a cat product pioneer, designing scratchers, cat toys and more that satisfy felines’ every need—and that pet parents can be proud to display in their home. We talked to Benjamin about how she combined her design education with her love of felines to create a fulfilling and thriving business—and how her products can actually save cats’ lives.
Camping with your dog can be a truly memorable experience. “There’s just something magical that happens on those overnight trips” with your dog, says Maria Christina Schultz, certified canine fitness trainer and owner of Maria Christina K9 Training, who does everything from RV camping to backpacking with her Australian Shepherds Bodie and Willow. “It’s just a lovely way to bond and a fuller [camping] experience.” And having the necessary outdoor gear can make all the difference, says Madi Clark, a photographer and adventurer documenting her outdoor activities with her 6-year-old Australian Shepherd Ember via @embark.with.ember. So, whether this will be your first time camping with your dog or sleeping under the stars together is one of your favorite pastimes, our comprehensive guide to the best dog camping gear will set you up well.
You’ve seen the T-shirts (or own one yourself) that say “I’d rather be with my dog,” and it’s funny because, well, it’s true. The bond we share with our dogs is special. It’s unlike even our closest human-to-human connections—to the point where you may find yourself asking, “Why do I love my dog so much?” And, “Is it normal to love my dog so much?” The short answer is yes, and for lots of reasons. They don’t call dogs (wo)man’s best friend for nothing. Here, both people and dog behavior experts share more about why we love our dogs.
Do you hear that? Those wedding bells? They’re not just for the bride and groom. More and more betrothed couples are also proud pet parents who are planning the perfect way to include their dog or cat in their wedding ceremony—and beyond. “For a while, it was very common for couples to have their pets walk down the aisle during the wedding ceremony. While this is still a popular option, we’re seeing a rise in couples including their pets in pre-wedding festivities,” says Hannah Nowack, senior weddings editor and expert at The Knot. So, what’s the best way to include your dog or cat in your wedding ceremony, reception and more? Find inspiration for your own celebration in these tips from wedding industry experts, like Nowack, and couples who made their furry family members a centerpiece of their big day.
Trazodone is a SARI, or serotonin antagonist/reuptake inhibitor, and is a human antidepressant drug approved by the FDA, but not yet approved for use in animals. The FDA allows veterinarians to prescribe and use human products containing this drug in animals in certain situations. However, it is commonly prescribed to dogs for relaxation due to behavioral disorders such as separation anxiety, or anticipatory stressors such as travel or fireworks, says Dr. Farmer. It’s thought to work by releasing serotonin (a mood-boosting hormone) in the brain to calm their nerves, she says. Trazodone is often used as an additional medication for behavioral problems that do not adequately respond to just one medication. Trazodone is considered a medication associated with a low risk of side effects. Just as with any veterinary medicine, trazodone can affect some dogs more so than others, so if your pup experiences extreme sedation or lethargy even with relatively small doses, trazodone might not be the right drug for them, says Dr. Farmer. In certain circumstances, your vet may recommend a compounded formulation of trazodone. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and are prescribed if there’s a specific reason your pet’s health can’t be managed by an FDA-approved drug. They are created by either a veterinarian or a licensed pharmacist on an individual basis to best suit a pet’s particular needs.,Jump to section What Is Trazodone? And Is It Safe for Dogs? What Is Trazodone Used for in Dogs? Side Effects of Trazodone in Dogs How Much Trazodone Can I Give My Dog? Can I Give My Dog Trazodone Every Day? What Happens If I Give My Dog Too Much Trazodone? How To Give Your Dog Trazodone How Long Does It Take for Trazodone to Work? How Long Does Trazodone Last? How Do I Store Trazodone? FAQs About Trazodone for Dogs
The list of physical and mental health benefits of running for both you and your furry friend is a long one. They include: Bonding: “You’re spending time with your dog, getting them out of the house into the environment with smells, things to look at, fresh air,” says Kelly Daniel, FFCP, a certified canine fitness trainer and owner of Hybrid Dog Training in Waikato, New Zealand. Improved fitness and health: “[You’re] making them lean and stronger, which is great for their joints and long-term health,” Daniel says. Physical and mental stimulation: More exercise for your dog also helps limit the potential for behavioral issues at home, as it offers much-needed physical and mental stimulation. Building trust: Working as a team helps build trust, says Maria Christina Schultz, a certified canine fitness trainer in Virginia. And let’s not forget the health benefits for you, the human runner. They include: Building aerobic endurance and muscular strength Improving your mood Offering mental clarity As for the benefit of running with your dog? Not only is it a great way to bond with them, but your dog also makes for an enthusiastic running partner who helps keep you accountable, says Marnie Kunz, USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach and founder of Runstreet. “When I run regularly with my dog, she starts getting ready and practically pushes me out the door when it’s time to run—talk about accountability!” Kunz says of her 7-year-old rescued Akita named Kiyoshi. “Dogs make life more fun, and each run becomes an adventure when you’re together.”,Jump to section The Benefits of Running with Your Dog How to Know If Your Dog Is a Good Candidate for Running Must-Have Gear to Effectively Run with Your Dog How to Run with Your Dog Your Crate and Couch to 5K Training Plan
There’s no universal answer about when to introduce a new friend to the household after one cat dies, but two to four months—ideally longer—is a good starting point to give other cats time to adapt, says Blass. “I don’t think rushing into it is a good idea,” she says. “Cats need time to adjust to something new or different. It’ll be a more successful acquisition if the cat has already gotten through some of the challenges of losing another pet.” Watch out for shifts in dynamics if you have multiple cats at home, as the loss of one beloved pet can upset the relationships among the group. For example, if the deceased cat was a leader in your home, creating harmony within your group of pets, the other cats may start to act up or chase each other. Conversely, if the previous cat was a bit of a bully, the surviving cat or cats may actually be more comfortable and calm. All of this should be taken into account when considering whether and when to bring a new cat into the mix. “It’s a delicate decision,” says Blass. But if you do go forward with getting another cat, be sure to do a gradual introduction: Keep them in separate rooms at first, she explains, so they can get used to each others’ scent. “I caution people to take their time and create that positive association without visuals at first,” Blass says. (Read more about how to introduce cats, according to a vet.) It’s natural to have complicated or conflicting emotions when you bring a new kitty into the home. The loved one you lost “will always have a special place in our heart, and another will create new space in your heart,” says Aslanian. “They aren’t there to replace each other.” You also need to heal after losing a furry best friend, and “everyone grieves differently,” she says. “There is no timeline that’s correct or wrong. When we love, we grieve deeply when it’s lost.” To help both you and any existing grieving pet cope with the loss, Blass says simply spending quality time with your pet can make a big difference. Try: Sitting quietly with your cat Brushing them Snuggling Playing with a new toy Giving them some extra attention in another way they enjoy “It’s as much for you as it is for them,” Aslanian says. “You need to go through a process so that you can move forward, too, and you can include your cat in that.” (Find more ideas about how to mourn and honor a pet after a death.) You may want to consider speaking with a mental health professional, such as a therapist (bonus points if they are also a cat lover), to help you process the loss or joining a pet loss emotional support group, says Aslanian. “You can also think about how you can continue to love your old cat symbolically,” she adds, “by volunteering at a local shelter, making a donation in their name, or going to places they loved and writing them a letter.” Remember, too, that not all cats are destined to get along, grief or no grief. A senior cat who’s used to the company of adult cats might react poorly to a new kitten, for example. Find out if your household is ready for another cat.,Jump to section When to Get a New Cat After One Dies Can Cats Sense the Death of Another Cat? Do Cats Miss Other Cats? Cat Grief Symptoms Other Tips for When One of a Bonded Pair Dies
You just welcomed a new pet into your family—congrats! Having a new furry, feathered or finned friend in the home is exciting and as you can probably attest to, involves a good deal of prep work. While you’ve stocked up on pet food, pet-proofed the house and bought more chew toys than you can count, there’s still one more thing you need to do: find a veterinarian. Finding a vet is important because they will be your partner in ensuring your new addition stays as healthy (and happy) as possible. OK, but how do you even go about finding a vet in the first place? Don’t fret. This guide on how to find a good vet can help. You’ll learn where to search and what questions to ask, plus how you can be the best parent-patient to make sure your pet ultimately receives the very best care.
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