Exercise

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.

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.

Playtime for your gerbil

Your gerbils are rather frisky little fellows, so you've got to keep yours busy to keep them happy. Playtime with safe toys in and out of the cage will keep your pets in good physical condition, too.

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.

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.

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...

Playtime, toys and your pet rat

Your rat knows is interested in one thing: playing! Smart and sensitive, your pet needs to be physically active and mentally challenged to stay happy and healthy. Are you ready for your new job as rattie entertainment director?

Walking your dog without a leash

With the advent of off-leash dog parks, there has come a new way of spending time with our canine companions. No longer are we forced to merely walk our pets – or even run alongside our tethered canine jogging partners. Now we can offer our dynamic dogs the freedom to run and play without restraint, while still keeping them safe. What about dogs who aren't suited to a communal environment, though? If your dog doesn't play well with others and you want him to enjoy some off-leash time, you must think outside the dog park.

Walking your dog with a leash

Fail to teach a Saint Bernard how to walk properly on a leash and you could end up with a dislocated shoulder. Walking a dog who pulls incessantly can also be exasperating no matter what the animal's size. First and foremost, a walk should be an enjoyable experience for both you and your pet.

Exercise guidelines for dogs

When it comes to dogs, it's always the right time for playtime. All companion canines need daily exercise to keep physically fit and mentally healthy, and supervised fun and games will satisfy many of your pet's instinctual urges to dig, herd, chew, retrieve and chase. Regular activity also burns up calories and increases muscle mass and cardiovascular strength.

Selecting the right dog collar and leash

Does selecting the right equipment for your pet leave you a bit puzzled? When it comes to teaching your dog good manners, using an appropriate collar and leash for him will both protect him and make obedience training easier.