Daily Care

Cold Weather and Your Dog

man walking dog in winter Did you know that more dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season? That's because they can lose their scent in rain, snow and ice. Dogs that are sensitive to sound, like a thunderstorm, could panic and run off. The best place for your dog during winter is indoors with you.

Night Safety for Dogs

It's 10 P.M. Do you know where your dog is? If he's like countless other canines in America, you may have just let him out in the backyard to do his business. Or perhaps the two of you have returned from an after-dinner stroll.

For dog owners who work late, an evening walk is a great way to spend quality time together. When the weather's hot and humid, it's a good idea to wait until the evening when it's cooled off to exercise your dog. If you regularly walk at night, experts recommend the following tips to help keep both you and your pooch safe and sound.

Dog Grooming Basics

From the smooth-coated boxer to the magnificent collie, all dogs need some help from us to look their best. Grooming sessions can be a relaxing time for you to bond with your dog, and your reward is a cleaner house and a healthier dog.

Trimming Your Dog's Nails

You are many things to your dog: provider of food and shelter, manager of his health program, best friend, entertainment director andideally every 2 to 4 weekshis manicurist. Not only do regular nail-clipping sessions help strengthen the bond between you, they give you a chance to check for torn, ripped and ingrown nails

Dog Paw Care

You may not have given much thought to your furry friend's feet, but Toto's tootsies are made for more than just walking. Your pet's paws feature tough pads that provide cushioning and protection. They insulate the paws from extreme heat and cold, resist abrasion and improve traction on slippery or tough terrain. And although the pads' surface is made up of dead skin cells, the pads protect living tissue, including blood cells, muscles and bones, deep in the paw.

Are you ready for a new dog?

Adopting a new pet requires a daily investment of your time, energy and patience. Careful consideration should be given when selecting the new member of your family as the commitment could last ten years or more. Here are some things to consider when choosing a new dog:

Breed

What breed best fits with your lifestyle and personality? If the dog will be around children, make sure the dog will be a good match. If you are on the go a lot, size may be a consideration for you as well as how much living space and exercise the dog will require.

Reading your dog's body language

Your dog may not speak your language, but he has ways of letting you know how he's feeling. For example, when he leans forward slightly and wags not only his tail, but his entire body, you know he's happy to see you. Following are clues you can use to interpret other common canine body postures.

Relaxation

A calm and relaxed dog keeps his weight evenly distributed, and his tail may be wagging slightly. You won't notice any tension in his ears and facial muscles. His mouth may be closed or slightly open.

Celebrating your cat's birthday

To some people the idea of celebrating a cat's birthday might seem eccentric, but more and more pet owners are making this fun ritual a part of their family routine. So what kinds of things can you do to celebrate your own kitty's special day? Anything you want! Your celebration can be as simple or as elaborate as you choose. Maybe you have numerous friends who, like you, love cats. If so, consider throwing your pet a birthday bash and invite your friends to join in the celebration.

Putting an end to cat litter odor

On average, a domestic cat uses her litter box three to five times a day. If left to sit, the urine produces ammonia as it gets broken down by bacteria. Not only does ammonia give off an unpleasant smell, it is an unhealthy gas for both animals and humans to inhale.

Cold weather and your cat

The best place for your cat is always indoors with you, but this is especially true in winter. More dangers lurk in the cold dark months and short days.

Car hazards

When the temperature drops outdoors, cats like to sleep under the hoods of cars. It may be warmer, but when the motor starts a car's fan belt can kill or injure them. If there are outdoor cats in your neighborhood, bang loudly on the hood of your car and wait a few seconds before starting the engine.

Grooming basics for your cat

It seems like cats spend a lot of time grooming themselves, but they still need some help from us to look and feel their best. Grooming sessions can be a relaxing time for you to bond with your cat, and your reward is a cleaner house and a healthier cat. Grooming also gives you a chance to examine him for flea infestation, lumps, or other signs of disease.

Cold weather and your dog

Did you know that more dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season? That's because they can lose their scent in rain, snow and ice. Dogs that are sensitive to sound, like a thunderstorm, could panic and run off. The best place for your dog during winter is indoors with you.

Night safety for dogs

Grooming for dogs

From the smooth-coated Boxer to the magnificent Collie, all dogs need some help from us to look their best. Grooming sessions can be a relaxing time for you to bond with your dog, and your reward is a cleaner house and a healthier dog.

Nail trimming for dogs

You are many things to your dog: provider of food and shelter, manager of his health program, best friend, entertainment director and ideally every 2 to 4 weeks his manicurist. Not only do regular nail-clipping sessions help strengthen the bond between you, they give you a chance to check for torn, ripped and ingrown nails.

Paw care for dogs

Celebrating your dog's birthday

To some people the idea of celebrating a dog's birthday might seem eccentric, but more and more pet owners are making this fun ritual a part of their family routine. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturer's Association, 27% of dog owners have bought their pets birthday gifts, and 9% have held birthday parties for their pets.

Adding another cat

Are two cats better than one? While some cats prefer to be the only feline in the household, many cats thrive amongst their own kind. If you're thinking of getting a companion for your resident cat, careful planning can increase your chances of creating a peaceable kingdom.

The importance of walking your dog

What happens when the leash comes out at your house? Probably your dog can hardly wait and wiggles all over with excitement. Walking is as beneficial to your pet as it is to you. It is not just exercise and a bathroom break for your pooch it is much more. Dogs need social interaction and mental stimulation in addition to fresh air and exercise.

School's out!

It’s summertime and the living is easy, especially for kids who get a few months off to play before the next year of school begins. With the kids at home much of the day, how will your pet fare? That all depends on your kids, and your pet.

Dogs

If you are like many dog owners, you have a dog who loves to be around kids. Kids are fun! They run, play games and throw the ball. They give dogs lots of attention, and dogs love it.

Dog and cat doors

Considering installing a pet door? For many companion animal caretakers, it's an open-and-shut decision. Just think--no more worrying about Max whining to go out whenever you're right in the middle of a complicated culinary procedure. A pet door can provide peace of mind if you are concerned about your animal being able to get out quickly in case of fire or other catastrophe. And for those of you potty training a new puppy, a pet door can make things go a lot smoother.

Before you saw any holes in your doors, however, there are a few caveats:

Bird cage cleaning

As a new pet parent, you've probably discovered that birds are, well, MESSY! They'll fling seed hulls with downright abandon, busily shred the newspaper lining their cage and splash their bath or drinking water with untempered enthusiasm. Although you'll just have to get used to it, there are several things you can do to make your job as a bird housekeeper a little easier.

Giving your pet bird water

Your bird's big on water, and getting enough of it is serious business for companion avians. Seed-eating birds in particular get very little water from their food, so you'll need to provide a ready supply. Read on to find out how to wet your pet's whistle – or his squawk, as the case may be!

Daily bird care checklist

What does it take to keep your feathered friend feeling fine? A lot. To be a responsible owner, you'll need to be involved in your pet's care every day. Once you've got the routine down, you may find yourself enjoying these daily tasks. And, of course, there's no better reward than a happy, healthy bird.

Nutritional needs for birds

Are you familiar with the phrase "eating like a bird"? When it comes to feeding your companion avian, forget you ever heard it. With his high metabolic rate, your pet must eat a lot – and often – to remain in optimum health. A typical budgie, for example, may eat up to 20 small meals a day. While he takes care of the quantity, you'll need to ensure the quality with a well-balanced, varied diet appropriate for his species.

Backyard dangers for your dog

Could your dog be entering enemy territory every time he steps out the back door? By taking a few simple but important precautions you can ensure that your backyard is a safe haven.

Aquarium cover and lighting for fish

Aquarium lights and covers

What's the best way to prevent things from falling into the tank and to keep your fish from jumping out? Simple--always use a cover or hood. There are many varieties available that are manufactured to fit snugly in standard-sized tanks. A tank cover is also crucial in limiting water evaporation, and most covers come equipped with the apparatus to install your choice of lighting.

The importance of filters for fish

Fish tank filters regulate water quality

Water means everything to your fish. In addition to regulating pH level and temperature, you will need to ensure that it's free of waste and chemicals and rich in oxygen. If the water becomes contaminated, the tank's inhabitants can become poisoned. Proper filtration helps your fish stay in the "swim" of things.

Aquarium heaters for tropical fish

When it comes to water, some fish like it hot. Or, to be more precise, some like it lukewarm. If you plan to keep tropical species, you'll need to maintain a temperature in the tank of about 78 degrees Fahrenheit--but depending on the kind of fish you choose, the optimum temperature may range somewhere between 74 and 84 degrees. The temperature in your tank can be easily maintained with a good-quality, thermostatically -controlled heater of the correct wattage.

Setting up your first aquarium

Welcome to the wonderful world of fish! While providing for your
fine-finned friends' needs may not be as demanding as caring for a dog or cat, proper set-up and regular maintenance of the tank are essential to keeping its inhabitants happy and healthy.

Fish Tank Water Care Is Important for Fish Health

A fish living in an unsuitable environment--contaminated with toxins, for example, or kept at too low a temperature--is no better off than a fish out of water. In order for your pets to survive and thrive, the water in the aquarium must be in good condition--free of toxins, rich in oxygen, and maintained at the temperature and pH level appropriate for their species. With careful monitoring and regular water changes, you'll ensure a healthy home for your pet. The use of a tap water conditioner is strongly recommended when setting up a new tank, replacing water after a water change.

Nutritional needs for gerbils

Time to eat...again! Your little critters can work up quite an appetite with all that digging, chewing and running on the exercise wheel. As a responsible gerbil caretaker, it's your job to meet your pets' nutritional needs while providing as much variety as possible.

Setting up a home for your gerbil

Ready to set up your new pets' home? Your gerbils don't require much in the way of decoration, but you will need to ensure that their cage is roomy and sturdy, with lots of bedding material so your little guys can dig to their hearts' content. A well-made cage and accessories are the most important investments you'll make for your pets.

Is a gerbil right for you?

Could a clawed jird be the perfect pet for you? Nope, that isn't a typo--the word "jird" translates as "large desert rodent," and it's another name for the Mongolian gerbil. If properly cared for, these curious and gentle critters can make wonderful animal companions.

Rabbit hairballs

You've heard about cats and hairballs, but did you know that rabbits can get them, too? Because both species are meticulous groomers, they tend to ingest a lot of loose fur. Unlike cats, however, rabbits are not able to vomit up ingested hair. If a tangled mass of hair is allowed to form, it could cause an obstruction in the stomach or small intestine – and potentially lead to serious illness. With a few simple precautions and preventive measures, however, you and your pet can win the fight against the dreaded hairball.

Is a pet rabbit right for you?

They can be trained to use the litter box, they'll come when called, and they may even learn to open doors and cabinets. We're not talking about cats or even ferrets, but the sometimes sweet, sometimes sassy rabbit! Bunny ownership has seen an increase in numbers over the past ten years, and these days there are more than 5 million companion rabbits in the United States, many happily co-existing in multi-bun households.

Understanding your pet rabbit

Ever heard the phrase "dumb bunny"? Well, it certainly doesn't apply to your animal companion. Your inquisitive, sensitive rabbit may surprise you with her intelligence. She can learn to use a litter box, come when called and may even beat you in a game of tag! Through an understanding of what motivates her, you'll better meet her needs and gain a loyal, loving friend in the process.

Small children and hamsters, guinea pigs, rats, mice and gerbils

Most children love animals, and adding a furry, four-legged addition to your family can be a positive experience for all involved. If you are considering getting a hamster, guinea pig, rat, mouse or gerbil for your little ones, read on to find out which species will best fit your needs, and how you can best meet your new pet's needs.

Is a guinea pig right for you?

Guess who's the most docile--and vocal--of all companion rodents? She's not a pig and she's not from New Guinea, but she'll love to sit on your lap, and has been known to squeak with delight when her favorite human enters the room. Could there be room for this cuddlebug in your heart and home?

Guidelines to keeping your hamster clean

As a responsible pet parent, you want to do everything you can to keep your little critter happy and healthy, and looking (and smelling!) good. But when it comes to your hamster's hygiene, there's no need to break out the shampoo and head to the bathroom sink.

Nutrional needs for hamsters

He may be a little guy, but your hamster's big on food. With their high metabolisms, these animal companions require about 10 percent of their body weight in food every day. In the wild, hamsters scarf down seeds, plants, fruit, and the occasional insect or earthworm. Your pet will do just fine on specially formulated hamster mix, supplemented every couple of days with fresh foods like fruits and vegetables.

Playtime for your hamster

Hamsters just want to have fun, and yours is no exception. He's got a lot of excess energy to burn, so you'll need to keep your pet busy to keep him happy. Play sessions with appropriate toys in and out of the cage will keep him in tip-top physical condition, too.

Treats for your hamster

Know how to make your hamster happy? Give him a bite--or two--of something special. While commercial hamster mix should make up the bulk of your pet's diet, your little fellow will appreciate some variety every now and then. It's up to you to make his snacktime both delicious and nutritious.

Creating a home for your hamster

Your hamster's cage is his home, sweet home--and it's up to you to make sure it's spacious and sturdy, and is kept as comfy and clean as possible. A well-made cage and accessories are the most important investments you'll make for your pet.

Is a hamster right for you?

For many people, a hamster's downright cuteness puts her at the top of their list of potential pets. But this companion critter has more than just a pretty face--she's got more than a few requirements that need to be met in order for her to be happy and healthy. Read on to find out if you have what it takes to be a hamster caretaker.

Exercise guidelines for a healthy cat

Excercise is important for a healthy cat

Your cat was built to move—to scratch, jump, pounce, climb, and stalk. But some pets have fallen into bad habits, and seem to do little more than catnap in between re-fillings of the food dish. If this sounds like your cat, it's time for some supervised fun and games. Not only will daily exercise keep your pet physically fit and mentally healthy, it helps channel aggressive and mischievous behavior.

A healthy diet for kittens

For the first month of her life, your kitten got all the nutrients she needed from her mom's milk. Slowly she learned to eat on her own, becoming fully weaned after another month. As her new pet parent, now it's your job to see that she receives the proper nutrition to support her journey to adulthood.

Cats and hairballs

Why do cats cough up hairballs?

As your cat goes through the business of daily grooming, it's normal for her to swallow some loose skin and hair. These usually passes through the digestive tract, some of it can remain behind in the stomach. As it accumulates, it eventually forms a wad known as a hairball. And when your cat has a hairball, she'll do anything to get rid of it - this means gagging, retching and hacking in an attempt to vomit. Luckily, this is one problem that sounds worse than it really is.

Check your cat's health regularly at home

Your cat lets you know when he's happy. But do you know how to tell if he's healthy? Annual check-ups by your vet is important. And with regular health checks at home, you can help ensure that your feline friend stays healthy.

Nutritional needs for cats

Look inside your cat's mouth. Notice her teeth? Shaped for cutting, tearing and slicing, these belong to a carnivore. Unlike dogs, who can get all their nutrients from plant-based proteins, domestic felines need meat to meet their dietary requirements. By feeding your cat the right kind and amount of food, you can keep her happy and healthy.

Grooming your cat

By nature, cats are fastidious. You've probably seen your pet washing herself several times a day. But if she's like most cats, she'll appreciate, and sometimes needs, a little help from you.

Cat litter box problems

If she's a typical domestic feline, your cat is the picture of cleanliness, and has always understood the where's, when's and how's of using a litter box. Lately, though, it seems she's been deliberately missing her target. To get out of this mess, you'll need to investigate the reasons for her soiling.

Health risks from a dirty cat litter box

Cleaning out your cat's litter box may be a dirty job, but it's important that you do it. Not only does a soiled litter box look and smell unpleasant, it can pose health risks to both the human and feline members of your household. And if you or anyone in your family is pregnant or has a suppressed immune system—or if there are young children at home —the following information is especially invaluable for keeping everyone healthy.

Steps to take before allowing your cat outdoors

Cat containment vs. the great outdoors

You've probably heard our rap on allowing your cat to roam outdoors. The abridged version? Don't do it! The great outdoors isn't so great for domestic felines, who are more likely to be exposed to infectious diseases than their indoors-only counterparts. Cats who spend time outside may also encounter wildlife and off-leash neighborhood dogs--as well as smaller, equally problematic critters, such as fleas and ticks. And an estimated five million cats die from car accidents each year. Life is a lot cozier, and safer, on the inside...

Selecting the right cat and kitty litter

Cat litter - what to look for

Looking for the perfect litter, but daunted by what's available at the supermarket or pet supply store? Like each of your felines, cat litters have distinct personalities. So it's important to choose a litter that suits your cat's personality, as well as your own.

Treats for your cat

Has your cat trained you to dish out the treats with a flick of her tail and a demanding meow? Unfortunately, many of the kitty treats currently available in pet supply stores contain large amounts of sugar and fat, which can lead to an overweight animal. By opting for nutritionally complete and balanced treats, you can add variety to your pet's diet without packing on the pounds.

Choosing the right litter box for your cat

Litter box options

Just like the cats who use them, all litter boxes are not created equal. Check out the selection at most pet supply stores, and you'll find styles ranging from simple and rectangular to complicated, and considerably more costly, drainage boxes. Not sure which one your cat would most want to call his own? The following tips will help you select a perfect match for your companion feline.

Keep your cat up to date with vaccinations

When your cat was born, she received protection against many infectious diseases from antibodies passed in her mother's milk. But these antibodies dissipated by the time she was 3 months old, leaving her immune system vulnerable. Fortunately, effective vaccines are available that can protect your cat against many diseases.

Is a cat right for you?

Thinking of getting a cat? You're in good company - felines have been sharing homes with humans for at least 4,000 years. The first step to becoming a top-notch cat owner is making the commitment to care for an animal. You'll be responsible for food, shelter, grooming and medical care for his entire life.

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