Are retractable dog leashes safe?
Understand the risks, common injuries, and recommended safety tips before using a retractable leash for your dog. When walking your dog, it’s important to use the right gear for safety and comfort. A lot of people opt for retractable leashes. But are retractable dog leashes safe? Read on for a comprehensive look at the problems surrounding this leash type, along with tips for safe use. How retractable leashes work Retractable leashes have a spring-loaded mechanism that allows the leash to extend and retract. This gives dogs...
Fourth of July Fireworks: Keeping Your Dog or Cat Safe This Holiday
The Fourth of July is a time for celebration, but for many dogs and cats, it can be one of the most frightening nights of the year. The loud bangs, bright flashes, and strange smells of fireworks can cause real fear and anxiety. Here is what you need to know — and what you can do about it. Why Fireworks Are So Scary Dogs and cats have much sharper hearing than humans. What sounds like a fun celebration to us can feel overwhelming and threatening to them. Some animals develop a true phobia, meaning their fear goes beyond just being...
Why do cats knock things off counters?
What makes cats push things off counters and shelves, plus simple ways to redirect this common feline behavior. Why do cats knock things off counters? If you share your home with a kitty, you’ve probably watched in disbelief as they deliberately pushed your phone, keys, or favorite mug right off the table or counter. Cats commonly engage in this behavior, and understanding why they do it can help you manage it better. Natural hunting instincts Even well-fed indoor cats are natural-born hunters. When your cat paws at objects on...
Feeding schedule for dogs – making sure they eat at the right time
Consistent feeding schedules help dogs feel secure, support digestion, and reduce begging. Here’s how often to feed your dog and create a routine that works. Just like us, dogs thrive on routine. Knowing when meals are coming helps them feel secure and maintain good digestive health. Read on to learn why a consistent feeding schedule for dogs is so important. Why feeding times matter Regular feeding schedules help regulate your dog’s digestive system. They also make bathroom breaks more predictable. Feed your dog at the same...
Top dog food ingredients that cause allergies
Identify common dog food ingredients that can trigger allergies, including proteins, grains, and additives. Includes tips on elimination diets and safer feeding options. Caring for our dogs includes feeding them a diet that supports their health and well-being. A proper diet is even more important if your dog is prone to allergies, since many pet food ingredients can contribute to the problem. This article outlines the top dog food ingredients that cause allergies. The best way to determine if your dog is reacting to his food is to use an...
Settling the Debate: Wet or Dry Food for Cats?
Struggling with whether you should feed wet or dry food for cats? Fret no more! Here are the benefits of both and easy ways to feed a combination diet. Many cat parents struggle with choosing the right type of food. In reality, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to feline nutrition and feeding wet or dry food. But the good news is you don’t actually have to pick one over the other! When it comes to food types, each has its own advantages, and many cats benefit from a combination diet that includes both. Let’s...
Best 9 foods for eye health in dogs and cats
Discover the top 9 foods that support eye health and vision in dogs and cats, plus easy recipes to nourish your best friend’s eyes naturally. Eye problems in dogs and cats range from cataracts and glaucoma to uveitis and progressive retinal atrophy. Take steps to protect your best friend from these issues by feeding him the best nine foods for eye health in dogs and cats. Top nine foods to support eye health and vision 1. Blueberries contain two eye-healthy carotenoids: lutein and zeaxanthin, sometimes called...
Massage & Myofascial Therapy for Cats
If you share your home with a senior cat or one recovering from an injury, you may be looking for gentle ways to support their comfort and healing. Massage and myofascial therapy are two hands-on techniques that are gaining attention in the world of integrative veterinary care — and for good reason. What Is Myofascial Therapy? You may be familiar with the idea of massage, but myofascial therapy is a bit different. Fascia is the thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds muscles, organs, and joints throughout the body. When a cat...
Raw Feeding for Hyperthyroid Cats
If your cat has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, you may already know how challenging this condition can be. Hyperthyroidism is one of the most common hormonal disorders in middle-aged and older cats. It happens when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, which can speed up nearly every system in the body. Some cat caregivers are turning to species-appropriate raw feeding as part of a holistic approach to supporting their hyperthyroid cats. Here’s what you should know. What Happens in a Hyperthyroid Cat? A hyperthyroid...
New campaign celebrates health benefits of companion animals
People are suffering from record levels of stress and loneliness. A new initiative reminds us that companion animals help us live healthier, more connected lives. In February, the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) introduced The Real Reason for Pets. This new national campaign celebrates the health benefits of companion animals. It connects decades of scientific research with the everyday moments that define life with dogs, cats and other animals. “We start with research that shows the measurable mental, physical...
