The Complete Guide to Flea and Tick Prevention and Treatment for Dogs
In This Article Why Are They Important? View 4 More +
How Fish React to Pathogens in Their Environment
Fish, Environment and Common Pathogens Much like a human, a fish’s body is made up of a lot of water — 80% of their body consists of the liquid in which they live. Like us, they also carry and co-exist with a number of potentially dangerous pathogens and parasites at all times, which are kept in check by their immune system and are not normally life-threatening.
How To Read a Dog’s Body Language
In This Article Relaxed Dog Body Language View 5 More +
Kate Benjamin Finds Inspo for Her Hauspanther Cat Products in Her 12—Yes 12—Cats
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.
How To Bunny-Proof a Room
In This Article Why Is Bunny-Proofing Important? View 2 More +
Do You Know Proper Etiquette for Service Dogs?
Image via iStock.com/FatCamera By Paula Fitzsimmons The initial reaction most people have when encountering a dog is to pet him. Dogs are irresistible, after all, but you should always use caution before approaching any dog. Making contact with a service dog, in particular, can inadvertently place his person at risk. Learning proper service dog etiquette can prevent mishaps and help human handlers preserve the special bond they have with their animals. What Is a Service Dog, and How Can You Identify Them? The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) considers an ADA service dog as one who’s been specifically trained to assist a person with a disability. In most cases, trained service dogs are required to be tethered, leashed or harnessed while in public. Although the ADA doesn’t require it, service dogs often wear vests or patches, like the Doggie Stylz do not pet dog patch. How Service Dogs Differ From Companion Dogs “Service dogs are only different from companion dogs in the training they receive and that their behavior is to always be amicable towards other people and other animals. This means too, that they cannot get distracted from their work,” says Mark Castillero, director of Pro-Train in the San Diego, California area. While any breed can become a service dog, it’s essential that he not have behavioral issues, be aggressive or fearful, says Marsha Tonkinson, owner and lead trainer of K9 Paws Behavior Dog Training in Golden Valley, Arizona. The dogs go through extensive training that experts say can last from several months to two years. The length of the training period depends on the dog’s age and how much training he’s already received. “In addition to learning basic obedience and leash manners, the dog should be able to pass a public-access test, and be trained to perform work or a specific task for their human,” says Morgan Karol, dog training manager with Freedom Service Dogs of America based in Englewood, Colorado. Service Dogs Are Lifelines for People With Disabilities Guiding a blind person, alerting a patient to low blood sugar, or preventing someone with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or autism from performing a destructive behavior, are examples of life-saving tasks service dogs perform,” says Karol. Trainers say the dogs are lifelines for people with disabilities. “To watch a person who wouldn’t really leave their home from fear, to getting a service dog and watching them getting involved in their community helping others, is the greatest thing ever,” says Tonkinson. Learning to Respect Boundaries To be a lifeline to a disabled person, a service dog needs to be able to focus on his job. Trainers are adamant that people should ignore service dogs completely—no petting, calling or staring. “I wish people would just smile at the handler and move on. We see more adults acting up than kids out in public. Treat the service dog team with respect and think, ‘If this was my loved one, how would I feel if a stranger ran up to the dog and was talking to the dog in baby talk and making kissy sounds?’” says Tonkinson. She adds that people make assumptions of what a disabled person looks like, and will even question the handler. “People need to understand that most disabilities are invisible.” “Distracting service dogs is an issue,” says Karol. “The interference we receive as service dog trainers on a daily basis while we are in public training these dogs, is immense. We know our clients face this struggle as well. A simple task, such as going to the grocery store, can take much, much longer than it should when a person working with a dog is constantly interrupted with questions, comments, stories and requests to pet the dog.” Consequences of Not Following Proper Service Dog Etiquette By distracting a service dog, you could literally be putting someone’s life in danger, says Karol. “It may prevent them from alerting their person to a drop in blood sugar or a seizure. It may be that person’s first time in a public place in five years, and they are doing everything they can to complete a task or errand, and your interference could set them back immensely.” Picture a scenario in which a service dog is walking down a busy sidewalk, focusing on keeping his human safe, when someone stops to pet him, offers Castillero. “The dog most likely will smash its handler into some obstacle or pole instead of clearing its handler around it. And the blind person most likely had no idea that someone was distracting his dog.” In some cases, the service dog may have to reenter training or be rendered unable to work. This can result in a loss of thousands of dollars and hours of training, says Tonkinson. Service dogs help people with disabilities to stay healthy, survive and even thrive. In order for this relationship to work, the dog has to stay focused. Proper service dog etiquette boils down to respecting these boundaries.
Do Dogs Get Bored? 4 Signs of Boredom in Dogs
Has your dog ever looked bored? Just like humans, dogs can feel a little blah when there’s not enough to do. When their days feel repetitive or they’re not getting enough physical or mental enrichment, pups may become restless or even turn to mischief. If boredom lasts too long, it can even affect their health. Here’s how to spot the signs of boredom and keep your dog active and entertained.
Bathing Your German Shepherd Puppy
Ideally, you should bathe your German Shepherd puppy two or three times a year to preserve the coat’s natural oils, which protect his skin and undercoat. “Young puppies in particular really don’t need to be bathed often,” says American Kennel Club Judge and German Shepherd Dog expert Dr. Carmen Battaglia. “The puppy coat is soft and cottonlike. Little by little, as your German Shepherd puppy grows – between 8 weeks to 6 months old – an adult coat will replace his puppy coat. During that time, there’s no advantage to bathing unless your puppy is really dirty.” If your German Shepherd puppy happens to get muddy, Battaglia suggests simply rinsing the dog down. Let him shake off the water, then back brush his coat and dry him off with a towel. When it’s time to bathe your German Shepherd puppy, he will feel comfortable with being handled during bath time if he is used to getting groomed. Bathing your GSD puppy doesn’t have to be a monumental challenge; it’s just a matter of following a few simple steps: 1. Wet your German Shepherd with warm water (always check the temperature first), using a hose or shower attachment. Start at the back of your puppy’s neck, holding the hose close to his coat and dragging it all the way to his tail. Sweep the hose back and forth, letting the water saturate your dog’s undercoat. 2. Using puppy shampoo and a soft cloth or sponge, lather your German Shepherd from the top of his head, down his chest and legs, to his sides and to the end of his tail, making sure to keep soap off his face. 3. Use the hose to thoroughly rinse off the dog shampoo, starting at the top of your dog’s head and keeping the hose pressed to his coat. As the water gets under the coat, the dirty, soapy water will roll off his sides. Repeat this step two or three times, paying special attention to the areas under your puppy’s neck and in his armpits where soap can become trapped. 4. Rub your hand over your German Shepherd’s coat to make sure there aren’t any soap bubbles or residue. This is an important step. Soap left on your puppy’s skin can cause it to become dry, irritated and itchy. 5. Release your German Shepherd so he can shake out his coat. 6. Back brush his coat using a soft dog brush. 7. Towel him off. Want more grooming tips? Check out: Tips for Grooming Your Dog During the Winter 8 Essential Dog Grooming Supplies for At-Home Grooming Dog Bath Hacks Excerpt from the Popular Puppies Series magabook German Shepherd Puppies with permission from its publisher, BowTie magazines, a division of BowTie Inc.
How to Pick the Perfect Summer Blanket for You and Your Pet
Why microsuede? For starters, it breathes like cotton; meaning, it not only helps keep pets cool in the summer, but it also helps keep pets warm as you transition into those cooler fall and winter months. (A win-win if you ask us!) Also stain-proof and machine-washable, microsuede blankets add a luxurious touch to any home, while also acting as a furniture protector from your ever-shedding pup–thanks to its faux fur. ,The sun’s shining, the birds are chirping–and your panting dog is making it rain with fur all over your furniture. That’s where summer pet blankets come in. It’s true: Pet blankets for the summer are actually quite common to have handy in the home. And when searching for summertime pet blankets, you’ll want to keep an eye out for lightweight blankets, cooling blankets and mats, and blankets made with certain fabrics, like microsuede, that’ll not only help keep your pet cool on sweltering summer days but also protect your furniture (and your dog’s crate!) from all that pesky and, oftentimes, hard-to-remove fur. Now, crack open your textbook: It’s time for Summer Pet Blankets 101 (And How to Shop for One). The first chapter? Choosing a breathable fabric…
Why Is My Cat Peeing a Lot?
How Vets Diagnose Cats That Pee Frequently Most veterinarians will want to do a thorough head-to-tail examination on your kitty, feeling the kidneys and bladder area. Sometimes it is possible to feel stones inside of the bladder or identify painful areas near the kidneys with a careful examination. During the process, they will likely ask a number of questions about your cat’s diet and litter box history. Next, your veterinarian will want to examine a urine sample. It isn’t typically possible to reach a diagnosis without a urine sample. In many cases, cats with urinary problems will have a small bladder, and it can sometimes take several hours for it to fill to the point that your veterinarian can obtain a sample. It can save time and money to bring a sample with you. Depending on what is found on the above tests, your veterinarian may recommend an x-ray, an ultrasound, or some bloodwork. These tests are commonly done with cats that have recurring urinary problems, those with additional signs such as weight loss or poor appetite, or those that are candidates for diabetes. Once your veterinarian has all the information necessary, it will become much simpler to reach a diagnosis and create a treatment plan.,Treatment for Excessive Urination in Cats The treatment recommended by your veterinarian will depend highly on the diagnosis and the specifics of your cat’s medical history. If your kitty is found to be diabetic, a change to a high-protein canned diet as well as administering insulin will be necessary to control the problem, as well as treating any underlying bladder infection. For cats with kidney disease, your veterinarian will likely recommend testing to stage the disease, and there is a very wide variety of treatments available for these kitties. If urinary crystals or stones are the problem, the treatment will depend on the severity. Stones most commonly require surgical removal. Crystals can sometimes be dissolved with special diets, and since canned diets produce more urinary flow, these are often preferred. Long-term or lifelong treatment is sometimes required for these cats. And if your cat has a simple urinary tract infection, a round of antibiotics is sometimes all it takes to get things back on the mend. It can be scary to see changes in the litter box, especially if there’s blood or your kitty isn’t feeling well. However, acting quickly and checking things out at the vet’s office can get things turned around as quickly as possible. Featured Image: iStock/CasarsaGuru,Over time, you start to know the normal size of daily urine clumps for your cat’s litter box. Suddenly, however, you notice the clumps seem to be getting bigger, and the waste bag is heavier each day when you scoop the box. Is this normal or a sign of a problem? How Much Should Cats Pee? There are quite a few factors that affect how much and how frequently cats urinate. These include hydration levels, age, body size, and health status. There is an important distinction here, however, between a large amount of urine and frequent urination. These have different causes and medical approaches. The bottom line is knowing what’s normal for your cat and noticing when things seem to be changing in your cat’s litter box. Most cats will urinate each time they go to the box, and for most cats, this averages out to about twice per day. The clumps are usually golf-ball to tennis-ball sized and easy to distinguish from the tubular stool that you’ll find once per day on average. Learn the patterns for your cat and watch how they change over time. Kitties that eat canned food may urinate more than cats fed dry food. Kittens may pee more frequently than adults. Senior cats should not urinate more volume or more frequently than adult cats, so noticing this is the sign of a potential medical problem. You can keep track of how much urine your cat is producing by simply scooping the urine clumps into a plastic bag and weighing it on a scale each day before discarding it. Doing this while your cat is healthy will give you a baseline record to refer to over time. Then when you notice an issue, weigh the clumps and compare to the baseline weight.
