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  • Pet Appreciation Week 2020

    No one knows for sure, but the best estimates by geneticists say the first domestic animal was the dog and at first they were just tamed wolves. That was between 13,000 and 30,000 years ago. Through the ages, dogs have evolved into many different breeds for many different purposes. The one thing they all have in common is that they can all be our closest friends and greatest allies. This is definitely one thing nature got right!

    Each year since 1981 we’ve set apart the first week in June to celebrate this amazing relationship. There is so much to appreciate about our four-legged buddies. They assist people every day to have a better life, from living more independently to recognizing signs of stress and illness. They lead the blind, hear for the deaf, and comfort the anxious. They find lost children and pull swimmers from the water. Dogs work alongside their humans on the police force, in the military, and one the farm. Guarding us and keeping us safe, they lay near our feet where they are the most content.

    We all grew up with noble canines like Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, Beethoven, Marley, and Toto. But the most important dog that ever lived is sitting by your side right now, happy to simply be in your presence. There is nothing the world can throw at us that can turn our dog’s devotion away from the human he adores and he doesn’t need wealth or fame to make his world perfect.

    So what will you do this year to show your dog how irreplaceable he is? Here are a few suggestions.

    ●  Feast your friend! Dogs are omnivores, meaning they need all kinds of food to get their proper nutrition. And while it’s best to stick to the diet you and your vet agree on, an occasional treat will be delightful to dogs. They can pretty much eat the same foods you do, but avoid sugar, alcohol, chocolate, grapes, raisins, garlic, macadamia nuts, onions, and the artificial sweetener Xylitol. Small portions, too, please!

    ●  Let your pooch splash in a “doggie pool” (kids’ pool).

    ●  Take him for a walk and let him choose the direction and how long he gets to sniff a spot (he’s checking his “d-mail”)!

    ●  Get down on his level. Lie down on the floor with him. It’s so funny to watch his glee when he’s got you on his territory!

    ●  Take a ride in a car with partially open windows (but don’t let him put his head out).

    ●  Give him a long, satisfying scratch in all the places he loves it most.

    ●  Set up a doggy play-date and take him to the dog park to play with his friends. Let him do what he pleases and enjoy the summer sun with him.Maybe you’ve been appreciating other people’s pets until now, but this year is your year to get a dog of your own. Check out your local pet shelter or rescue group and get a friend that will appreciate you as much as you appreciate him!

  • DIY Summer Treats For Dogs

    It’s getting hot y’all, and it’s time to find some fun, easy ways to keep you and your pup cooled off and staying healthy. Here are 5 DIY summer treats that are sure to make everyone happy!

    What’s your favorite treat? Lots of people dip into the cold stuff when the summer heat makes us long for cooler temperatures. If you like ice cream, your dog will, too. But don’t just scoop it out of the freezer and into his bowl! Ice cream for humans may contain additives and sugar that can make your pal really sick—or worse. Dogs can be lactose intolerant, too. But that doesn’t mean you have to leave him out of the fun.

    ●  Doggy ice cream. Purina® makes a product called Frosty Paws that’s sold in supermarkets and that dogs really love. It comes in two flavors, original and peanut butter. Or, make your own! Here’s a great recipe for frozen puppy treats that are as much fun to make as to watch him enjoy. Just combine a cup and a half of chopped strawberries with two mashed bananas. Melt about half a cup of coconut oil and then blend it all together. It should be about the texture of ice cream, but you can thin it out with water if necessary. Pour into paper cups and cover with plastic film. Top it with a dog biscuit standing on end to make a delightful, yummy “pupsicle!”

    ●  Peanut-butter bites frozen treats. Dogs absolutely love peanut butter! And what’s not to love? Blend some strawberries and blueberries together in a blender. Scoop a teaspoon of peanut butter into each well in an ice-cube tray and fill with the blended fruit. freeze until solid and then store in the freezer in plastic bags for on-hand snacking.

    ●  Greek yogurt. If your dog is not lactose intolerant, Greek yogurt is a great summer treat. Don’t overindulge your buddy, though, because dairy products can cause loose stools. A little bit is a great treat!

    ●  Starbucks® has a secret menu just for our fuzzy friends! When you’re getting your favorite drink, ask for a Puppuccino and the barista will promptly serve whipped cream in a cup for your little pal. (Again, this treat is only for dogs who tolerate dairy.)

    ●  Frozen chicken bone broth. Yep. That’s all there is to it. Pour some low-sodium chicken (or beef) bone broth in an ice-cube tray and give your buddy a cooling treat with ease.

    Remember these important tips for summer fun with Fido.

    1. Make your daily walks early morning and late evening to avoid the heat of the day.
    2. Never, ever leave your dog in the car, even for only a few moments with the windows cracked. On a mild 75° day, your car can heat up to 100° in a mere 10 minutes. Brain damage, heatstroke, or even death can follow quickly.
    3. Keep his water bowl fresh and cool. If you must be outside in the heat, offer him water every fifteen minutes.
    4. Are your feet hot? If you find hot pavements uncomfortable, imagine how his feet feel. Booties are available, or you can pick him up and carry him across hot spots. He’ll love you for it!

  • Money-Saving Tips for Dog Owners

    It’s no secret that owning a dog of any age costs money! Between teething, food requirements, special needs, and vet appointments, pets can burn a hole in your pocket rather quickly. Here are 5 ways to reduce the impact your dog has on your finances without skimping out on care!

    Reduce Kibble Consumption

    While there are some reputable and healthy kibble options, the ingredients are tough on an aging canine. Heightened levels of potassium, protein, and Vitamin D in dog food can cause renal failure over the span of several years.

    Not to mention, they’re usually fairly expensive! 

    Instead of feeding your pup strictly kibble, consider decreasing portions and subbing the remainder of their meal with natural fruits, veggies, oats, and bone broth. They’re tasty, healthy, and give you more control of your dog’s dietary needs.

    Don’t Cheap Out On Toys

    This is where the phrase “you get what you pay for” comes into play. Low-caliber bones, toys, and chews are sure to be torn to pieces within days, if not minutes! Brands like Kong cost just a bit more, but are sturdy enough to withstand large breeds and are perfect for teething puppies.

    Instead of a $12 rawhide that will likely tear up your dog’s gums and their intestines, try a $30-$40 deer antler. Buck bone doesn’t break off into smaller, easy-to-swallow pieces. They last for months, so you aren’t constantly having to re-purchase chew toys.


    Housetraining and Senior Care

    Potty pads may not be enough for the owner of a puppy that needs house-training or an older dog with a fickle bladder. They’re made for single-use, and if they aren’t picked up quickly enough you run the risk of liquid seeping into your carpet or hardwood floor.

    Alternatively, you can try faux-grass pads! They’re rinsable, reusable and available both online and in-store. The “grass” portion can be removed from the outer box and replaced if necessary. Even if it does need to be refreshed every few months, it’s still more budget-friendly than using several pads per day!



    Low-Cost Veterinary Care

    Anything from a hurricane to a car crash can alter a pet owner’s life and financial circumstances. To help those who are struggling, mobile veterinarians frequently hold community events for low-cost vaccination, tags, and chipping.

    Animal welfare groups such as the SPCA and Humane Society also offer vouchers for free spaying and neutering based on your zip code and availability. There’s no extra appointment fee for any of these visits as there are with a typical vet appointment.

    The only payment required of the owner is the cost of an Elizabeth collar post-surgery…AKA, The Cone of Shame. They cost anywhere from $12-$20 depending on the size of your dog.


    Discounted Monthly Medications

    Monthly flea and heartworm preventative can stack up over time, but the risk you run by not purchasing them could be devastating to your dog’s health. Buying one pill at a time is rather expensive, but buying in bulk could save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars over the span of a few years.
    Pets Megastore is an Australia based company that allows you to purchase the same brands of medication your pet needs here at home, but at much lower rates. If you’re unsure, you can always check out reviews for specific products and see what kind of experiences others have had before buying anything.

  • Best Home-Made Treats for Your Dogs

    The summer has arrived and brought warm temperatures with it. While you’re out enjoying the beaches and hiking trails with your best friend, make sure that you’re both staying nourished and hydrated.  Here are some treats that both you and your pup can enjoy!

    Melon Berry Froyo Bones

    This simple, mouthwatering recipe is brimming with vitamins, antioxidants, and sweet flavor. Imagine a yummy, berry popsicle with the tangy addition of frozen yogurt.

    Ingredients:

    • An ice tray (you can find custom molds on Amazon)
    • 2 cups watermelon
    • 1/4th cup of water
    • Equal parts blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries (about 2 each) 
    • 1 cup yogurt

    What to do:

    First, use a spoon to stir the berries into a cup of yogurt and place the mixture in the fridge to chill. Grab your ice tray and fill it about a quarter of the way up with the watermelon mixture. It takes about 2 to 3 hours to freeze.

    Once the watermelon has frozen completely, take the ice tray out and fill the remaining space with your yogurt concoction and place it back in the freezer until solid. When you’re hanging out poolside, pop one of those babies out and break off a piece for your pup too. Cheers!

    Baked Pumpkin Poppers

    These tasty treats are more for our dogs than for us, as they don’t contain any added sugar. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you can’t mess these baked goodies up. Think of these as donut holes for pups!

    Ingredients

    • ½ a cup Flaxseed
    • 1/4th a cup pumpkin puree
    • 1/4th a cup peanut butter
    • 1 cup flour
    • 1 cup whole wheat flour
    • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
    • 1/4th water
    • 2 bowls, an oven, and a pre-sprayed baking sheet

    What to do:

    Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.

    Mix the flour and whole wheat flour in one of your bowls. Use the second bowl to thoroughly stir the flax seed into the water. It’s important not to skip this step! Mixing the wet and dry ingredients too soon will make it difficult to merge them later on.

    Add the peanut butter, pumpkin puree, and cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Once you’ve got a thick paste going, you can slowly begin mixing in the flour. Take your time and be sure not to rush this step; by now, you should have almost a cookie-dough texture. Use your hands to knead out any dry patches of flour.

    Roll your dough into small, donut-hole sized balls and place them onto your baking sheet. Since there isn’t any baking soda included, you don’t have to set them very far apart as they won’t expand.

    Depending on your oven, these treats could take 15-21 minutes to cool, so continue to keep an eye on them during that timespan. If you’ve got a senior pup, you can take them outright at the 15-minute mark for a softer, easier to chew option.

    Coconut Carob 

    Something about the taste of chocolate and bananas is just so satisfying, isn’t it? Our dogs can’t eat cocoa derivatives, but carob is the next best thing. You and your best friend can eat this recipe frozen or chilled.

    Ingredients:

    • 2-3 bananas
    • 3/4th a cup of peanut butter
    • 1-2 TBSP of carob for flavor
    • An ice tray

    Start by mashing up your bananas and stirring them into the peanut butter, if you have a hand-mixer, go ahead and use it for this step. However, you can also use a fork or spoon. Then, add the carob; this part is really at your discretion. If your dog has never had it before, consider making your first batch with one tablespoon and see how it goes.

    Place the mixture into an ice mold and allow them to freeze. If you don’t have one, you can always allow the blend to chill in the fridge for a few hours so that it’s not completely frozen. Once cold, add it to your dog’s breakfast, and throw a spoonful into your oats for a yummy wake-up meal!

  • Best Cat Breeds for Active People

    We mostly find them indoors napping along a window sill, but cats love their exercise just as much as we do! If you’re looking for a furry friend to accompany you on adventures but you’re not much of a dog person, why not try a cat instead? Believe it or not, our tiny, domesticated lions and tigers haven’t lost their touch. Even in their smaller size, they’re still keen, highly intelligent hunters. 

    Here are some of the most active breed varieties, don’t let the dog lovers have all the fun!

    The Bengal

    These felines aren’t just loving companions, they’re true-blue athletes. Not only do they love to jump about and sit atop a high perch, but Bengal cats are also avid swimmers. Take them out to the family’s favorite lake or for a beach-side excursion and watch how quickly they take to the water. 

    It’s best to keep them leashed outdoors as Bengals have a high prey drive. Should your kitty find themselves distracted by a bird or a squirrel, it’s likely that they’ll chase their target up a tree without a second thought.

    The Abyssinian 

    Owners who enjoy playing a game of catch will love the Abyssinian breed. Brightly colored and noisy balls, ropes, faux-mice, and spin-machines are perfect tools for interacting with your Abyssinian. They’re considered to be highly intelligent, smarter than most other breeds of felines, and in need of a challenge.

    Like a dog, the Abyssian excels at following commands and learns how to do tricks rather quickly. While you’re at work, these kitties are more than happy to entertain themselves. Just don’t leave them alone for too long, or they’ll make use of toys that belong to you.

    Oriental Shorthair

    If ever there were a cat that could be a best friend to your little ones, it’s the Oriental Shorthair! This especially true for the Harry Potter fans of the family considering how much they resemble the house elf, Doby. 

    This extremely vocal breed has large, fox-like ears that are perfect for a few hours of hide and seek. Like the Bengal, Shorthairs are instinctively inclined to chase anything moving at high speeds. 

    Get a feathered throw toy and watch them go after it again and again. The Oriental Shorthair enjoys the water, and will likely follow you right into the bathtub. Just be careful to dry up any water that ends up in those massive ears!

    The Burmese
    These googly, green-eyed cats behave like an extra shadow. All they want is to be right next to their owner and included in whatever it is they’re up to. Burmese cats are among the most powerful domesticated breeds despite their fluffy appearance.

    That said, these guys are gentle giants. They’re highly social, happily scoping new faces and surroundings. If you plan on taking them outdoors for a walk around the neighborhood or to explore the backyard, keep them leashed! These kitties have their own agenda and will quickly wander away if left unattended.

  • Best Cat Breeds for People With Allergies

    Spoiler Alert! There’s no easy way to say this, but there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat. Feline saliva and skin glands contain a naturally occurring enzyme called Fel D1. Fortunately, there are quite a few breeds out there that produce less of this protein and are considered allergy-friendly.

    The Siberian Cat

    These frisky, independent kitties have multi-colored coats that are less prone to tangling than other long-haired breeds. Although there is a bit of seasonal shedding with the Siberian, they don’t create as much dandruff. Less shedding means less skin flaking on your furniture and clothes!

    The owner of a Siberian Cat should be fine if their allergies are on the lighter side. Those with more severe issues may want to consider a short-hair or naked breed.

    The Balinese

    If you don’t fall in love with their cream-colored coat and brown booties, you’ll definitely fall into a trance when staring into the big blue eyes of a Balinese. These talkative kitties love to greet their family members with a sweet “meow!” 

    They do have longer fur similarly to the Siberian, but the Balinese lack an undercoat. So, owners can expect to see very little Fel D1 exposure with these cats. Balinese felines are especially sweet, playful, and make great companions for children. If your child wants a furbaby of their own but lives with an allergy, this may just be the right breed for your family.

    The Sphynx

    For those who get the worst of the coughing, sneezing, and overall irritation that comes with having a cat allergy, meet the Sphynx. These interesting felines are completely hairless! Donning only their soft, wrinkly skin, this gentle breed gets a little chilly from time to time.

    They love to cuddle and don’t mind wearing a light, non-abrasive sweater for warmth and protection. These cats are a bit of a double-edged sword; no fur means no shedding, but it also entails far more grooming. The Sphynx produces quite a bit of oil due to being hairless, which means they’ll also need to be bathed every couple of weeks, at least.

    While there are some very short-haired Sphynx varieties, they’ll need the same kind of care as their naked counterparts.

    Devon Rex

    Imagine a Sphynx with a fuzzy, curly, thin coat of fur. That’s the Devon Rex breed in a nutshell! Their skin, and their fur are both incredibly delicate, and it’s not necessary to brush them out. Rather than regular bathing, the Devon Rex benefits from being wiped down with a damp cloth or unscented wipe every so often.

    These cats have a rather strange personality, owners have described them as being accepting of petting and attention. However, they want to be treated like royalty, and they let you know it! Your kitty may appear to be standoffish at times, but when you want a cuddle buddy at night, the Devon is happy to curl up…right next to your neck and face. The good news is that they’re one of the top choices available for people with really terrible cat allergies.

  • 12 Fun Things To Do With Your Dog This Summer

    Summertime and the living is easy… or it should be, anyway. When the sun turns up the heat, finding things to do that are fun and safe is sometimes a challenge. Here are 12 activities we recommend that will make this the best summer ever for you and your fur buddy.

    1. Go take a hike! Seriously. Take your dog with you and hike shady trails. Finding places that are dog-friendly to hike is no problem since the world is at our fingertips online. But to make things even easier, here are some awesome National Parks that allow dogs on the hiking trails. Check out the websites for particulars about hours, rules, and restrictions.
      Yosemite National Park
      Grand Canyon National Park
      Mammoth Cave National Park
      Great Sand Dunes National Park
      Petrified Forest National Park
      North Cascades National Park
      Shenandoah National Park

    Cuyahoga Valley National Park

    Acadia National Park

    1. Camp out in the wilds. Take Fido on your annual camping retreat or just overnight. Dogs love it when we enter their world, and camping with your pup is sheer heaven to him. Here are the simple rules:

      Never leave him alone. Your fur buddy should not be left behind when you leave camp, even for a short while. Keep Fido on his leash in camp. Most parks and camping areas have a six-foot rule, which means the leash can’t be any longer than that.

      Pack it out. Human waste and dog waste alike should be removed in plastic bags.

      Snuggle down together. Most places require your dog to be with you in your tent or your car when sleeping.

      Provisions for your pet. You can let your dog carry his own backpack, but be sure you pack it with a bowl, water, and kibble for him to eat.

    2. Backyard BBQ and splash party. A fenced yard allows you to barbecue your dinner outside in the cooling evening, and your pup will have fun splashing in his doggy-pool or trying to catch the sprinklers while it’s still hot, too.

    3. Make frozen treats together! Even the kids can get in on this one, and believe it or not, our list of frozen treats are kid-friendly, too.

    4. Shoot your dog. Okay, we mean with a camera, of course! Here are some helpful tips to get those Instagram-worthy photos of life with Fido. The number one tip from professional photographers is “take lots of photos.” Turn off the flash. Get down on his level, and get playful.

    5. Water sports. Taking your dog to the beach or a lake can be the most fun you’ll have all summer. Three things to remember: Give him water to drink. Lots of it. Give him someplace to get out of the sun (an umbrella, a tree). His feet get hot, too. Let him rest on a towel where his feet can cool off when he’s not splashing in the water.

    6. Teach that old dog a new trick. In just minutes a day, you can teach a new trick to Fido. Keep the sessions short and stop before he’s bored.

    7. Have a picnic. Many parks have facilities for picnics. If allowed, your pup will enjoy spending time with his two favorite things: you and food.

    8. Tour area dog parks. Look for parks with shade and grass to play in.

    9. Check out Starbucks® secret menu and treat him to a Puppuccino
      .
    10. Join PupScouts and find friends and activities to earn badges together. Scouting was never this fun!

    11. Take him out to the ballgame! Here are some dog sports that use balls. Flyball, catch ball, diving for balls, and of course, chasing one as many times as you throw it (but play in the early morning or late evening so he doesn’t get overheated).

  • May Is Pet Allergy & Asthma Awareness Month

    Allergies are common in pets, especially when Spring pops up and so does all of the pollen. Many of us humans are affected by the pollen that flies around and we get the indefinite sniffles, coughs, sneezes, and puffy eyes. Not only can allergies be miserable for humans, but they can be miserable for our furry friends. 

    Asthma can also affect both cats and dogs during this time. Here are some signs and symptoms that you should look for in your pets to make sure that everyone is enjoying the warmer weather and the outdoors.

    Allergies are common in pets

    Ah, the pretty grass and the bright new leaves! Everything is so fresh and new but what else is new is all of that tree and grass pollen. Depending on where you live will also depend on high those pollen rates are going to be. While humans are affected by seasonal allergies, so are cats and dogs, and knowing what affects them can certainly help you keep them from chewing their fur off. 

    Does your dog seem to be chewing and licking their paws more often right now? Are her paws getting red and inflamed? If so, then you probably have a case of allergies with your fur baby. 

    The same can manifest in cats. They can have skin and ear infections, also chew on their paws, and have wheezing, coughing, and sneezing. Keep a close on these symptoms in both cats and dogs since their symptoms generally will devolve a lot faster than in a human. 

    Pet Allergy Symptoms

    • Chewing of their paws
    • Ear infections
    • Coughing & sneezing
    • Wheezing, especially if they have asthma
    • Rash
    • Skin irritation and inflammation

    How do I prevent allergies in my pet?

    Bathing, pet food, and even mild medications can help keep your pet a lot more comfortable during the Springtime allergens. Also, talking with your vet will help you figure out what the best course of action will be for both of you. Here are some of our suggestions (yes, even if you have a cat, some of these can be used, but contact your vet before giving either your dog or cat any kind of human medication).

    1. Bathing: regular bathing is always going to help your pet’s skin be moisturized when using the right shampoo. If your pet is more susceptible to allergens, using the right medicated shampoo will help alleviate symptoms. While Dawn seems like a great shampoo, during high allergy season, make sure that you’re bathing your dog and cat with the right shampoo and save the Dawn for your now pollen-covered car. 

    Also, something else that you can do to help your dog after you have gone out on a walk is to make sure that you wipe down his coat with a soft cloth and clean his paws before coming back into the house This help keep the pollen outside and keep your pet comfy inside

    1. Pet food: Cats are especially affected by low-moisture food, and allergies can only increase their skin irritation. The same can go for dogs, too. Make sure that you’re feeding your dog and cat the right food that can help them retain the right body weight as well as the right amount of retained water. Also, some foods can contain allergens and contaminants that can also exacerbate allergies when going outdoors. Make sure you consult your vet if your Fido or Fluffy has seasonal allergies. 
    1. Antihistamines: Use these sparingly and, again, consult your veterinarian. Antihistamines can help alleviate symptoms in your pets if they are showing a lot of signs of an allergy – paw chewing, scratching ears, skin irritation, etc. PetMD has some great advice on how to administer medications to your pet that is showing allergic reactions. 

    Pets can have asthma, too

    While not usual, pets can also have asthma. It’s an allergic reaction to environmental stimulants, so you’ll need to pay special attention to your cat or dog if they also have allergies. Beyond just pollen, perfumes and dust in your house can also affect your pets. Here are some symptoms that you should look for. 

    Asthma symptoms in pets

    • Wheezing or trouble breathing
    • Coughing & sneezing
    • Weakness or fatigue
    • Pale or blue gums (see your vet immediately if this happens)

    Preventing asthma in your pets

    • Don’t smoke around your pets, especially in enclosed areas
    • Refrain from aerosol sprays like hairspray
    • Don’t use perfumes
    • Try to use natural cleaners as much as possible
    • Make sure your floor cleaning products are pet friendly
    • Bathing your pet regularly
    • Clean the little box regularly

    Still not sure? Make sure that you make an appointment with your vet to go over all of the symptoms that you see to find out what’s ailing your cat or dog. Keeping up with their pet food, regular shots, and regular wellness exams will keep you, your pet, and your veterinarian up-to-date on what’s going on with your pet’s health. Also, now might be the time to consider some pet insurance, too, so you’re always protected against any emergency problems that might arise in the future.

  • Why Socializing Your New Puppy Is Important

    Man’s Best Friend:  Why Socializing Your New Puppy is So Important, and When and How to Get Started       

    From the first moment that man and dog befriended one another until today, that relationship has long moved beyond that of man and pet—our dogs are now undeniably beloved members of the family.  Worldwide there are at least 900 million canis lupis familiaris (dogs) and at least 80 million of them live in America alone.  Approximately 48% of all American families include at least one canine member today.

    Socialization of Your Puppy

    Behavioral issues such as fear, avoidance, and even aggression are issues that can be easily avoided through a process called “puppy socialization”. Not only is socialization one of the most important things that a human will do for his furry friend, but it can also easily be one of the most enjoyable, rewarding things as well, frequently with the added benefit of strengthening the bond between a human and the newest member of the family!  

    One of the most critical steps in any puppy’s development, socialization is key to ensuring that your new best friend will not only be happy, but friendly, confident, and well-adjusted throughout their lifetimes by introducing them to life in a human’s world.  Proper socialization means introducing the puppy to different types of people, environments, scents, sights, smells, sounds, other animals, and even other dogs!  This kind of socialization will ensure a happy, well-adjusted companion that acclimates quickly and easily to new situations.  At its most basic, socialization simply means that you are introducing your new best friend in a positive, safe way to all of the sights and sounds that are likely to be a part of their world. 

    When To Start Socializing Your Puppy

    Between around three and twelve weeks of age, puppies are more curious and accepting of new things, and should not yet show signs of aggression or fear.  Before twelve weeks, puppies are still at an impressionable stage and are more likely to absorb their new experiences instead of hiding from them or reacting aggressively.  By eight weeks, it is important to introduce as many people as possible in order to prevent fear or shyness later in life.  Puppies do not begin to become wary and cautious of who and what is in their world until around twelve to eighteen weeks, at which time they may begin to show signs of aggression.  

    While timing is an important factor in the socialization process, it is also to remember some other key factors.  Patience is a very important part of the process, and it is always the dog who will set the pace.  Socialization is a process, and it will take time, patience, and repetition.  Exposure to something new is not the same thing as socialization to something new, and mistaking the two will lead to a poorly socialized dog who is likely to develop behavioral issues later in life.  

    Notice Your Puppy’s Body Language

    Your dog should walk away from any new experience feeling positive about it, and wanting to do it again.  It’s also important to remember that it is only your dog who can make the determination if an experience is positive or not, and a great indicator of this is to keep an eye on their body language.  Loose, wiggly body language is a good indicator that your puppy is having a positive experience.  

    If you do not see body language that indicates that your dog is having a positive experience, now is the time to move on until another day or time. Make sure that you continue to work on positive reinforcement, even when you have to move away from a particular experience. This will ensure that your puppy continues to trust you as you go through the socialization process.

    Finally, remember never to force an interaction.  Again, body language is key.  If your dog does not want to experience or interact with something at a given moment, that’s okay. Move on and try again another time.  Forcing interactions will only cause fear and anxiety in whatever you are attempting to socialize your dog to at the moment.

    Continue To Keep It Fun

    Socialization can look and seem like an overwhelming, daunting process, but it shouldn’t be, for you or your puppy.  It should be an easy, fun process that allows the two of you time to bond just as much as it allows your puppy to get to know the world around him!  

    If you have never socialized a puppy before, there are numerous checklists online that break the process down into small, simple steps in order to help cut down on the anxiety for both of you.

    If you’re feeling anxious about socializing your puppy, you can always seek out a professional trainer at your local pet store or even your local doggy daycare. They can help both you and your puppy traverse those obstacles so you both are feeling comfortable. Make it a fun and enjoyable experience for both of you, and at the end of the process you’ll not only have a well adjusted and happy pet, but you will also have established a strong bond between the two of you!

    Good luck and have fun!

  • Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Cats

    We’re all aware that our feline counterparts are highly intelligent, and highly strange beings. Cats have shown us that they’re smarter than dogs, and they’ve got their own agenda. Somehow, they’re still full of mystery. 

    Here are some things you didn’t know about your cat!

    Chirping As A Hunting Technique

    Felines are able to vocalize over 100 sounds, several of those sounds appear in the form of a chirp. While it is not entirely clear why our cats imitate the noises of rodents and birds, the current belief is that chirping is both a way to initiate play, but more often than not it is an expression of frustration.

    When our cat’s prey drive is activated and they’re unable to act on their desire to hunt, they become visually fixated on the animal that they see and imitate the sound that they hear. 

    Once in a blue moon, a lucky owner may get a kitty who likes to chirp as a means of saying hello!

    Cats Sweat Through Their Paws

    There is a common myth that dogs sweat through their paws, but this theory actually rings true for cats! In addition to regulating their body temperature through panting, moisture is secreted through the glands in their feet. When feeling anxious or distressed, your kitty may leave small, wet footprints across the floor that quickly evaporate.

    Owners notice this most often during vet visits. Once their cat realizes they’re on their way to an appointment, perspiration rapidly appears on examination tables and inside of plastic kennels. However, it’s completely natural and nothing to be concerned about! 

    On the other hand, a feline that hasn’t had exercise and hasn’t been in the heat but continues to pant, may not be feeling well.

    Each Little Snoot is Unique

    The design of a cat’s nose is just like the fingerprint on a human, each has its own distinctive imprint. Have you ever noticed that dogs tend to greet nose-to-butt? Cats are more likely to sniff each other’s noses upon meeting, and this is how they learn to explore their surroundings as kittens.

    Felines secrete hormones from the pores within their nasal cavity, forehead, and cheeks. If your sweet ball of fur has lovingly pressed or bumped their face against yours, they may be trying to share that special scent with you! 

    Another purpose for snoot bumping has to do with claiming territory. Your kitty may be communicating to other felines in the area by saying “Hey! This is MY human!” through the chemicals in their pheromones. 

    In fact, your cat may do this with everything in your home. So, if you’re the proud owner of a lioness, you’ll definitely want to get her spayed! This way, she won’t have a heat cycle or attract any unwanted suitors to your doorstep. 
    Male cats can pick up the scent of a female over a mile away. If you don’t plan on having her spayed, keep your kitty and her pheromones indoors…unless you’re hoping to raise a little pride of your own!