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Pet CPR And First Aid – How To Care For Your Pet In An Emergency

Pet First Aid Basics How To Check Vitals And Keep Your Cat Or Dog Stable

What would you do if your pet’s life was in danger? Any pet can have a medical emergency, no matter their age or health condition. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to access emergency veterinary services, especially because there are so few emergency 24-hour vets, and even fewer pet ambulance services. Every pet owner should know first aid. You should know how to take your pet’s vitals, how to keep them stable in an emergency, and when to seek further veterinary care. How To Read Vital Signs In Pets It’s easy to read your pet’s vital signs. You can practice on[…]Read More…

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Pet Poison Awareness – What You Should Know To Keep Your Pets Safe

Pet Poison Awareness - Household Toxins

It’s devastating to discover that your pet has eaten something toxic. Not only is it a scary, sometimes fatal medical emergency – it’s often preventable. Though it can happen to anyone, you can greatly reduce your pet’s chances of being poisoned by knowing about the most common toxins, and how you can keep your pet safe from them. According to the ASPCA, the top toxins ingested by pets are: Prescription medications. Commonly ingested prescription human medications include blood pressure pills, medications for depression and sleep aids, all of which are extremely toxic to pets, even in small amounts. Take care[…]Read More…

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The Ultimate Guide To Goldfish As Pets – Everything You Need To Know About Goldfish Care

The Ultimate Guide To Goldfish As Pets

With their shimmery scales, big eyes and pouting mouth, the goldfish is arguable the cutest fish ever. Though they’re easy to love, most die prematurely because they do not typically get the care they need to see out their maximum lifespan of 15 years. Goldfish are still a great beginner’s pet, as long as the responsibility is taken seriously. Though you may acquire your goldfish for cheap or even for free, you should still be prepared to invest a bit of time and money into their care. Fortunately, the biggest costs are upfront, meaning if you get fish tank setup[…]Read More…

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The Ultimate Guide To Betta Fish

The Ultimate Guide To #BettaFish

The betta fish, also known the as the Siamese Fighting Fish, is one of the most popular, most affordable, and most foolproof small pets you can own. They’re tough, living an average of three years, and can often survive beginner’s mistakes, making them a wonderful pet for a child or anyone who wants a stunning companion that requires simple care. Where To Buy Your Betta Fish You’ve probably seen betta fish in cups or plastic bags at your local Walmart, carnival or pet supply chain, selling for about five dollars. The miniscule amount of water in the cups means that[…]Read More…

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The Complete Guide To Traveling With Your Cat By Car

The Complete Guide To Traveling With Your Cat By Car

Does your cat hate going into her carrier? Does she scream so loud, your neighbors think you’re killing her every time you try to take her to the vet? Unlike dogs, cats are not naturally excited about car rides. It’s not unusual for your cat to protest being put in a carrier and traveling in an enclosed space. But you can teach your cat to calm down during car rides, and even enjoy the peaceful trip… as though it were their idea! Cats Should ALWAYS Ride In A Carrier You should never drive with your cat loose in the car.[…]Read More…

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The Ultimate Guide To Your Dog’s Dental Health

The Ultimate Guide To Your Dog's Dental Health

Does your dog have stinky breath and yellow tartar buildup on their teeth? Taking care of your dog’s dental health means more than fresher kisses. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, about 80 percent of dogs will have some stage of gum disease by age 2. Gum disease can lead to tooth loss, oral pain, and infection that can spread to the jaw, and even lead to blindness. Harmful bacteria can spread through the bloodstream and put a strain on your dog’s entire body – leading to chronic kidney disease, diabetes and heart failure. You can save your dog from[…]Read More…

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How To Care For A Puppy Under 8 Weeks Old

How To Care For A Puppy Younger Than 8 Weeks Old

Puppies need their mother and littermates during their first 8 weeks of life to eat, stay warm and pick up early social skills. But what about when your puppy comes home too soon? You can care for a young puppy who does not have a mother; it will just take a little extra work during those first few weeks. Here is everything you need to know about caring for puppies under 8 weeks of age: Was Your Puppy Sold Illegally? If you’re in the United States, there is a chance that the puppy was sold to you illegally. Twenty-five states[…]Read More…

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Meet The Boerboel – The South African Farmer’s Dog

Meet the Boerboel, South African Farmer Dog

Have you ever met a Boerboel? These big, stunning dogs have been a loyal guardian to South African farmers for over 400 years, and in the past decade, they’ve won hearts all over the world with their warm, intelligent eyes and gentle prowess. What IS A Boerboel? Though the Boerboel became an AKC-recognized breed in 2015, they have been around for at least 400 years. As Europeans settled in Africa in the 1650s, they brought with them a variety of working dogs – foxhounds, greyhounds, mastiffs, pointers, bulldogs and terriers, all of which may have interbred with native African pariah dogs[…]Read More…

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The Ultimate Guide To Squirrels As Pets

The Ultimate Guide To Raising A Baby Squirrel, Feeding And Rehabilitation

Don’t you just love watching squirrels? It’s incredibly relaxing to watch them hop, climb and forage. They’re impossibly graceful and whimsically charming. Everyone has, at least once, wondered what it would be like to keep a squirrel as a pet. Feed The World… Starting With Squirrels The odds of you ever keeping a squirrel as a pet are awfully slim. Even hand-raised squirrels need to roam for miles to fulfill their innate need to forage and explore. But you can enjoy endless entertainment by putting out a squirrel feeder. Bird enthusiasts consider squirrels to be pests for stealing from their[…]Read More…

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From Rescue To Rehab – The Story Of Earl The Squirrel

Earl The Squirrel Rescue Story

Sometimes, you just find yourself in the right place at the right time. When a baby Earl, the Squirrel, fell out of a tree with a squeak, his chances of surviving were incredibly slim. Eyes still sealed and just barely dusted with a thin coat of fur, it wasn’t long before ants began to swarm over him, ready to make a fast meal of his tiny body. Luckily, a little boy found him, put him in a shoebox and gave him a name. His family passed him off to their friend, Kim, knowing that she loved animals and would give[…]Read More…

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All About The American Bully

American Bully Breed

The American Bully is one of the newest and fastest growing dog breeds in the world. You may have started to see these dogs at your local park or on social media. When you see one, you’ll do a double-take – these dogs make a powerful impression on everyone they meet, not only with their short, muscular stance but also their goofy, friendly personality. Is The American Bully The Same As A Pit Bull? The American Pit Bull Terrier is its own breed recognized by the United Kennel Club, originating as early as 500 years ago. However, when people use[…]Read More…

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Is The American Bully The Right Breed For My Family?

American Bully Good Family Dog Breed

Are you looking for your next family dog? A purebred dog is a great choice. Temperament is made up of a combination of genetics, training and socialization. When you get a puppy from a breeder, you’ll be able to choose a dog that has been specially bred to be stable and friendly, and they will have come from a loving home with positive early experiences around people. Your breeder may even start socializing your puppy around children and adults before you bring them home. The American Bully is a new breed made up of bully-type dogs, bred to be a[…]Read More…

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Can I Take My American Bully To The Dog Park?

Can an American Bully go to the dog park and play with other dogs?

Your American Bully loves to play at home with their family – wouldn’t the dog park be a great place for them to run off some steam?  The answer isn’t a simple yes or no – you’ll need to decide carefully based on a few factors. Dog Parks Aren’t For Everyone Some vets and trainers are totally against dog parks – they think that they cause more harm than good. It’s true that group play can exacerbate behavioral issues and lead to fights, which can cause serious injuries, even death. That said, many dogs play happily at dog parks and[…]Read More…

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Which Small Pets Need To Be Kept In Pairs, And Which Are Best Housed Alone?

Which small animals should be housed solo, and which need to live in pairs or groups?

Ready to adopt a new pocket pet… or two?  Owning more than one small pet means extra care costs, but they’ll keep each other from getting lonely when you’re not around. Some small animals are social creatures that live together in the wild, while some are strictly solitary, prone to fighting when housed together. Here are some of our favorite social and not-so-social small animals: Guinea Pigs At the top of our list of most social small pets is the guinea pig. Sweet, cuddly and intelligent, they are herd animals that need lots of love and affection. Guinea pigs always need[…]Read More…

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How To Choose Between Grain-Free And Grain-Inclusive Pet Food

In recent years, pet foods have become complicated, to say the least.  With so many different formulas to choose from, dozens of new brands, and very little information on the label besides flashy marketing terms, you might feel like shopping for pet food has become extremely overwhelming. Here’s what you need to know when choosing the right food for your pet: Ingredients In Grain-Free And Grain-Inclusive Pet Foods The “grains” in grain-inclusive pet foods are usually corn, rice, wheat and barley. Grain-free pet foods contain other sources of carbohydrates that are included as an energy source and to hold the[…]Read More…

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Find The Right Pet Bird Species For You!

Find The Right Pet Bird Species For You

Does your shoulder have a vacancy for a beautiful feathered companion? Birds can be intelligent, entertaining, highly sociable pets. Match with the right kind, and you’re sure to fall in love. There are dozens of domesticated bird species to choose from. They’re all stunning and wonderful to own. Your ideal bird will match your expectations, your lifestyle and your budget. Intelligent birds can be taught amazing tricks and interact with you as well as a human toddler, but they generally need more time and attention than other species. Some birds can live for decades, which is wonderful if your family[…]Read More…

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What To Do If You See A Dog In A Hot Car

What To Do If You See A Dog In A Hot Car

Isn’t it wonderful to be able to take your dog with you when you go out, instead of leaving them at home? Most dogs love car rides, especially if they know they’re going to the park or the dog beach. However, taking your dog with you can be inconvenient. They’re not allowed in most public places. People sometimes resort to leaving their dog in their car while they run into the store “for five minutes.” Even if you run in, grab what you need, and don’t have to wait in line, it only takes a few minutes for the inside[…]Read More…

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How To Dehydrate Your Own Healthy Pet Treats

How To Dehydrate Your Own Healthy Pet Treats

Cheap pet treats aren’t healthy, and healthy treats aren’t cheap. Ounce-for-ounce, biscuit-type treats are typically cheaper because they are made with fillers like flour or starch. Treats made with mostly meat tend to be healthier for cats and dogs, though some are made with artificial preservatives that can lead to chronic health issues when fed long-term. While it’s perfectly fine to offer your pet’s favorite store-bought “junk food” treats, especially if your pet finds them highly motivating for training, you need to feed them in moderation to prevent excess weight gain and watch out for pet product recalls. Making treats[…]Read More…

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10 Cool New AKC Recognized Dog Breeds

New AKC Dog Breeds

The American Kennel Club recognizes over 200 breeds, which can participate in events like conformation shows, agility, earth-dog trials, and obedience trials. In the past decade, a handful of “new” dog breeds have been added to the registry. These are not necessarily brand-new dog breeds, but rare breeds that had to demonstrate enough interest before they could be recognized by the AKC – they must have a dedicated National Breed Club, and at least a few hundred dogs across the United States. Get to know these amazing, super-rare dogs that are now winning judges over in AKC competitions: 1. Bergamasco[…]Read More…

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How To Tell If Your Pets Are At A Healthy Weight

How To Tell If Your Pets Are Overweight

In 2017, the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found 56% of dogs and 60% of cats are clinically overweight. This epidemic is putting pets at greater risk for certain cancers, kidney failure, diabetes, and puts excessive strain on their bones and joints. We can only blame ourselves for these shocking statistics. Most of the time, pet owners decide what their pets eat, and when. We might be substituting food for love and attention when we’re busy, or choosing foods that are marketed as “healthy” when they’re really not. Sometimes we don’t realize when our pets are overweight because we see[…]Read More…

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Chronic Kidney Disease: Prevent The #1 Killer Of Domestic Cats

Chronic Kidney Disease: Prevent The #1 Killer Of Domestic #Cats #Cathealth

When you’re a cat lover, there are three words that you never want to hear from your vet. Chronic Kidney Disease.  Most common in seniors, some vets have accepted that 1 in 3 cats will be diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in their lifetime. A 2016 study found that over 60% of senior cats (over age seven) will develop some form of kidney disease, with prevalence in geriatric cats (over age 15) skyrocketing up to 80%. Fortunately, CKD can be prevented and may be managed for years with at-home treatment. Supporting your cat’s kidney health is essential to helping[…]Read More…

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How To Choose The Perfect Name For Your New Pet

How To Choose A Name For Your Pet Cat Or Dog

Those tiny paws, big eyes and little snout are absolutely perfect – how will you possibly choose a name that is just as perfect as your new addition? Whether you have dozens of names that you can’t choose between, or you’re completely drawing a blank when thinking up names, it won’t be long until you find a name that just “sticks.” Keep in mind your pet’s personality, how they’ll change as they grow, and what that name will sound like after the twelfth time you’ve yelled it from your back porch. The Science Of Pet Naming Both cats and dogs[…]Read More…

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6 Reasons To Adopt A Senior Pet

6 Reasons To Adopt A Senior Pet

You’re ready to bring a new animal into your family, and maybe you can’t wait to raise a tiny, adorable puppy or kitten. For many families, a senior pet would be a perfect fit, though they’re often overlooked at shelters. You can even find a purebred pet from a breed-specific rescue. 1. Every senior has a story. Some adoptable senior pets were adored by their previous families but had to be given up due to a myriad of reasons. When someone loses their job, has a kid with allergies, adopts a younger pet, or has to move to a pet-free[…]Read More…

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What To Include In Your Pets’ Emergency Kits

What To Include In Your Pets Emergency Kits

No matter where you live, there’s always the possibility that your family will be affected by an emergency or natural disaster. Medical emergencies, floods, tornadoes, wildfires and other events can find us blindsided when we neglect to plan for them. When you have pets, it’s even more important to plan ahead. You don’t need to spend a lot of time or money to prepare kits that could save your pet’s life. With any luck, you’ll never actually have to use them. Steps To Take Right Now Approximately 15,500 pets needed to be rescued during Hurricane Katrina, and 80-85 percent of[…]Read More…

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Is Your Pet A Lefty Or A Righty?

Is Your Pet A Lefty Or A Righty?

Approximately ten percent of people are left-handed. Left-handedness has been associated with greater creativity, intelligence, and a shorter temper, though research has shown that the preference does not seem to have an effect on personality. Is Your Pet Left-Pawed Or Right-Pawed? Pets can also be right-handed or left-handed. It’s easy to tell if your pet prefers to use their right paw or their left. Simply take note of which paw your pet offers when you ask them to “shake” or “high five.” You can also observe which paw they use first to descend the stairs, and which paw they use[…]Read More…