Lucy Foundation’s New Grooming Line Supports Mobile Spay/Neuter Van

by Diana Faria

Published: January 11th, 2016

lucy foundations new grooming line supports mobile spay neuter van

On a mission to control pet overpopulation, the Lucy Foundation, a mobile charity that spays and neuters animals, aims to fund its clinic on wheels with a new shampoo and conditioner line.

Walking into a shelter to try and find a pooch best suited for you is a bittersweet memory of walking past several dogs in cells. Some are happy to see a welcoming face while others keep their gaze downcast, perhaps knowing what lays ahead should they not be adopted.

Unfortunately, about 80,000 dogs are euthanized in the U.S. shelter system due to overpopulation. Although it is a long, hard road ahead to solve this problem, the Lucy Foundation tries to make a difference by offering spaying and neutering services in their mobile surgery van. By limiting the amount of pets who give birth to kittens and puppies, there will be less on the streets and therefore less pets going into shelters where they often meet a very dark demise.

With just one of their mobile clinics, the Lucy Foundation can spay and neuter approximately 6,000 animals a year, potentially saving about 15,000 lives from a very short and bleak future. The foundation’s goal is to place one of their vans in each major city in order to make a real dent in the U.S.’s pet overpopulation problem.

In order to keep their mission on the right track, the Foundation has launched Lucy Pet Products. Dubbed “Products for a Cause”, this new line of luxury shampoo and leave-in conditioning sprays help support the Lucy Foundation’s mission. Their leave-in conditioning sprays and shampoos come in such scents such as “Surfin’ Jack Moisturizing Coconut”, “Purple Rain Calm and Clean Lavender”, “Berry Berry Smellicious Tropical Freshening” and a few more fantastic-sounding smells (my human hair is a little jealous right now).

The Lucy Foundation was founded by Joey Herrick in 2013 and is a registered 501c3 animal welfare charity. This line of pet products is great as a gift to your pooch or for a pet parent, who will not only appreciate these fun-looking bottles (I mean, who can resist an English Bulldog in a topcoat and tux?!), but also that the proceeds to purchase these products go to a good cause.

One of the products called Surfin’ Jack was inspired by a shelter rescue dog Herrick adopted from the Los Angeles East Valley Animal Shelter. The 18-month Golden Retriever/Saluki dog had such an energetic personality, it inspired Herrick to make that line of shampoos and leave-in conditioning sprays, along with 10 other products.

Unlike some pet products which have ingredients you can’t even pronounce (never mind, know what they are), Lucy Pet Products are made with natural ingredients such as coconut oil and water, seed oil, chamomile flower extract and papaya fruit extract. What they don’t contain is any harsh chemicals, parabens, sulfates or phosphates. They also target common pet issues such as dry skin, allergies, anxiety and dull coats. If that isn’t enough for you, they are also made with recyclable metal bottles and manufactures in a 100 per cent solar powered production facility in South Carolina – talk about environmentally friendly!

To get your pet grooming on and support a wonderful cause, drop by the Lucy Pet Products website to order.

Diana Faria

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Cat Incredible Kitty Litter Helps Fund Mobile Spay & Neuter Clini

Lucy Pet Products has come up with yet another practical product, this time catered to our feline friends. Cats Incredible not only gets rid of odor and ammonia, it also helps fund a mobile spay and neuter clinic. Imagine your guests walking through your front door – ah, it smells lovely! Everything in your home is in tip-top shape as you take them from room to room, showing off your beautiful duvet and luxurious carpeting when all of a sudden, one of them scrunches their nose and hisses: “What’s that smell?!” That smell is due to poor-quality kitty litter that no matter how many times you clean and perfume, still smells like, well, eau de cat toilette! Coming to the rescue is Lucy Pet Products’ brand spanking-new kitty litter called“Cats Incredible.” This formula of kitty litter uses a patent-pending technology called “Smell Squasher.” What this does is rid the litter box of the dangerous ammonia that is deposited, plus it stops it before it forms once again. Related: Lucy Foundation’s New Grooming Line Supports Mobile Spay/Neuter Van Dr. Karen Halligan, Lucy Pet Products’ Chief Veterinary Officer, explains that ammonia can be dangerous to cats if they are exposed to it. At low levels, ammonia can cause eye, throat, lung and skin irritation, and becomes much more serious the more they are exposed to it. “At higher levels, it can cause nausea and vomiting, with intense burning of the eyes, nose, throat, skin and even death,” says Dr. Halligan. And that’s the thought behind Cats Incredible ammonia-free litter – you won’t have to worry about bathroom breaks every time your kitty uses the loo. Related: The Most Common Litter Box Mistakes You’re Making The beautiful thing about purchasing one of these products is not will your cat’s litter box be scent- and ammonia-free, but you’ll also be supporting a great cause. All products of Cats Incredible is donated to the Lucy Pet Foundation, which helps reduce animal overpopulation by using their mobile spay and neuter clinic as well as funding other animal-related welfare causes. Cats Incredible comes in unscented and lavender-scented 14 lbs or 25 lbs bags, and are available at Petco, independent pet specialty stores and through Lucy Pet Products’ online store.

Monthly Chocolate Box From Bitchfix Helps Fix Pet Overpopulation

Dogs and chocolate don’t mix… but people and Bitchfix chocolate do! Ten percent of every delectable purchase at Bitchfix goes toward valuable spaying and neutering programs. Want to binge on chocolate this Valentine’s Day and help the shelter overpopulation problems? Bitchfix wants to put an end to our bitching as well as stop the continuous flow of animals to shelters with their hand-crafted confections. Bonbons for you and money for programs to help reduce the euthanization of 2.5 million shelter dogs every year – yep, that’s something we can get on board with! Heed the chocolate call! Do your part by sampling the delicious-looking concoctions from Bitchfix chocolates! And catering to its key demographic, Bitchfix’s whole campaign is all about soothing the human female’s fervor for chocolate during “that time of the month”, while highlighting the plighting of overrun shelters. Ten per cent of every purchase will go towards programs that spay and neuter dogs to keep their pups off the street – it’s not like we’d ever need another reason to buy chocolate, but hey, we’re glad we’re make a difference! Related: Lucy Foundation’s New Grooming Line Supports Mobile Spay/Neuter Van

Lucy Pet’s Gnarly Crank’n K-9 Wave Maker Heads to Woofstock 2017

Surf’s up at Woofstock 2017 as Lucy Pet makes the long trek from the beaches of California to the beaches of Toronto to help Canuck canines hang ten in their Gnarly Crank’n K-9 Wave Maker. Yes, Woofstock – the largest outdoor festival for dogs in all of North America – takes place Saturday, May 27 and Sunday, May 28 in the Toronto beach district and this year they’ll be clearing space for Lucy Pet’s 75 foot long tractor-trailer, filled with 5,000 gallons of water and one heck of a wave-maker. Related: Lucy Foundation’s New Grooming Line Supports Mobile Spay/Neuter Van Who is Lucy Pet? Nope, they’re not surfer dudes just looking to catch a wave with our furry friends. They’re a family-owned and operated pet product business based in California and committed to helping reduce pet over-population / euthanasia by redirecting proceeds from their brand to the non-profit Lucy Pet Foundation. This year, as Gold Sponsor for the two-day pooch-fest, they figured if they were going to make the long trek north, they may as well haul a little fun with them. Hence the Gnarly Crank’n K-9 Wave Maker that will be offering free rides to any water-loving pooch that’s just itching to ride a board. Related: Get Your Woof on at Woofstock 2016 If you and your little guy are new to Woofstock, think Disneyworld for dogs. The now world-famous event draws vendors from across North America, with fashions shows, talent competitions and wacky contests to meet every pet parent niche. There isn’t a toy, fashion line, accessory, treat or service for pooches that you can’t find at the annual event. So bring comfortable shoes, sunblock and a beach towel to dry your little surfer dude.

Surveillance Video Vindicates Dog Groomer Falsely Accused on Facebook

It’s a business owner’s worst nightmare–a false review shuts your venture down. One dog groomer known for his loving care of pets was thankfully able to rely on his reputation, and his business is grooming booming again. Carmen Cesta owns Carm’s Dog House, a grooming business in New York. He prides himself on taking the best care of his pet clients, and has mobile groomers who are able to reach customers in a large area. In May, a viral post about how one of Cesta’s groomers was posted, accusing one of his mobile groomers of breaking his mother’s dog’s leg when giving a haircut. Of course, pet owners were outraged! How could someone who claims to love and care for pets be so callous? Related: Lucy Foundation’s New Grooming Line Supports Mobile Spay/Neuter Van The post’s widespread reach ended up bringing death threats against Cesta, and immediately, customers began canceling appointments and boarding reservations with Cesta. In nearly no time at all, he lost almost $15,000 in profit and thought the false post would be the end of his career. In the age of social media, it often only takes one post to mar a reputation. Cesta was distraught by the accusation, knowing his employees were top notch pet lovers, and after a tip came from someone who lived in the apartment complex with the dog came in, he got surveillance video from the complex. The woman who gave Cesta the tip said she often saw an unleashed dog being walked in the complex and maybe video might give insight to see what happened that fateful day in May. What he saw was shocking, but not because it verified the man’s accusation about his groomer breaking a dog’s leg. Instead, the video showed the poor pup was unleashed at the apartment complex and a good two and a half hours after Cesta’s groomer had finished his work, was hit by a car. That accident was the reason the dog’s leg was so damaged, not Cesta’s groomer. Cesta felt vindicated, especially as the surveillance video was published and that coverage combined with Cesta’s already established good reputation helped him bring approximately 90% of the lost business back. He says that he still comes across people who saw the video and believe it to be true, though, even though the original poster put an apology post out saying he was terribly sorry to have ruined Cesta’s good name. Damage was done, indeed, but thanks to that video, that hasn’t stopped him from being able to open a second location in Baldwinsville, New York. Related: Study: Pup Parents Plaster Social Media With Dog Pics He was able to recover from the terrible lie against him and his employees, but he’s learned that some people are just not nice, and will lie with little regard for anyone else’s future. For that reason, he’s installed video cameras in his grooming buildings and mobile vans so that he can easily protect himself against future accusations. The sad moral of the story is that in this day and age of the internet, we need to research before we jump to the worst conclusion just because we saw it on social media. Thankfully, Cesta was able to bounce back after all of this, but not everyone can so easily. A little research and looking for truth goes a long way. Just ask Carmen Cesta. [Source: Syracuse.com]

Fix Felines by Five: Preventing Whoops Litters

How do you stop “oops litters” from happening? You get your cat spayed or neutered sooner – that’s the message Feline Fix by Five Months program wants to get out. She’s a tiny, adorable ball of fur that is just too precious to put under the scalpel. You’ll get her fixed later, when she’s older and not so vulnerable. Sound familiar? Me too. The truth is, your kitten is maturing more rapidly than you realize and by the age of five months, she can be going through her first heat and anxious to get out and mate. In fact, studies show that your little gal can get pregnant when she is five months old, give birth when she is seven months old and produce two litters a year thereafter. So it’s a good thing you love kittens! Related: Lucy Foundation’s New Grooming Line Supports Mobile Spay /Neuter Van This rapid pace of procreation was the concern of a group of highly respected veterinarians who met last year in Orlando to discuss the optimal time for spaying/neutering cats. More importantly, how do they get the message out that “earlier is better”, as they struggle to reduce the growing population of homeless animals that now numbers in the millions. It’s the part about getting the message out to the public that drove Marian’s Dream Foundation to launch their Fix Felines by Five program. Created to engage veterinarians and educate the public, it advocates that the age for spaying/neutering cats be lowered from the commonly accepted six months, to five months or less. Reducing the recommended age by just one month would eliminate all those not-quite-adult kitties from producing “whoops” litters and would dramatically decrease the number of unwanted felines who end up in shelters or on the street. Related: Reasons Why You Should Spay or Neuter Your Cat According to Dr. Kim Carter, Clinical assistant professor of Shelter Medicine at Oklahoma State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, “There are so many benefits to early spay/ neuter. For the surgeon, the surgery is much quicker to perform with very little blood loss and no fat to contend with during the surgery. The young animals tend to recover much faster than an adult and are up eating and even playing within hours of their surgery!” So if the veterinarians are behind an earlier spay date, why isn’t it happening? A recent study by IPSOS Marketing commissioned by Petsmart Charities found that about 75% of people surveyed either did not know when cats should be spayed/neutered — or just assumed that like dogs, it was six months or later. But as Esther Mechler, Director of Marian’s Dream points out, “Cats are not small dogs. Their reproductive physiology is not the same as dogs.” And this misinformed assumption results in thousands of unwanted litters being born each year. So what about those of us who are diligent about keeping our cats indoors? We know they won’t get out and become pregnant so why have our pet go through the expensive and invasive process of spaying? Well, if listening to a howling cat in heat isn’t enough to send you running to your vet, the health benefits should be. My sweet girls, Mickey and Lucy were not spayed until they were well into adulthood and I eventually lost both of them to mammary gland cancer. This type of cancer kills about 75,000 cats in the U.S. each year and the risk can be greatly reduced if your pet is spayed. In fact, Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, urges owners to have their female cats spayed before they enter their first heat cycle and even suggested four months of age. A study they cite indicates that cats spayed prior to six months of age had their risk of getting cancer reduced by 91 percent and those spayed prior to one year of age had an 86 percent reduction. Another serious illness that can be fatal if left untreated is Pyometra. Cats that have not been spayed and have been through numerous heat cycles run a substantial risk of developing this uterine infection. For more information, visit the Feline Fix by Five website.

Can I Teach A Cat Tricks?

Cats are often stereotyped as being aloof and independent. But beneath that mysterious exterior lies an intelligent and curious being capable of great things – you just have to learn how to tap into it! Whether you’re interested in trick training your cat as a form of mental enrichment or strengthening your bond and creating lasting memories, we have you covered. In this blog post, we will explore the world of cat trick training. This includes debunking common myths, breaking down the process of training a cat, and sharing a list of fun tricks to help you get started. Is it Possible to Train a Cat? Yes! Your cat is just as capable of learning how to perform tricks as your dog. However, there are some differences in how you approach this process. Dogs are often motivated by their bond with their handler and the praise they will receive for performing as expected. This is far less likely to work for your cat. Instead, you will need to find the right inspiration. For many, this comes in the form of high-value treats like diced chicken, sardines, or low-sodium tuna. The smellier the treat, the better. With the right motivator and a lot of patience, your cat can learn a wide variety of fun tricks and useful skills. How Long Does It Take to Teach a Cat a Trick? The time required for a cat to learn a trick will depend on many factors, including the difficulty of the trick, the cat’s eagerness to learn, and the way you approach the training session. We have two cats in our house, and they fall at very different ends of the spectrum. Pippen is highly trainable and quickly picks up tricks, while Jinx is much more stubborn and takes longer to come around. Several of these factors can be influenced by you directly. Have you found the right motivator for your cat? Are you experimenting with different training approaches to find the one that works best? Are you trying to move through the training process too quickly? However, some factors are beyond your control. If your cat is uninterested in training, even your best efforts to motivate them may fall short. Is it Too Late to Teach My Cat Tricks? There is an old myth that states: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” This has been proven to be false by many trainers, with dogs even in their senior years. But what about cats? Is there an expiry date on when your cat can be taught to perform tricks? The best time to start training a cat is when they are young, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only time! Your older cat may be slower to learn or a little more reluctant to get started, but with a little patience and the right motivation, you can train cats of all ages.

Family Dog Alerts Parents to a Teen’s Stroke and Saves His Life

Dogs are so deserving of their title – man’s best friend - and they continue to prove it day in and day out. From being our best friends to providing irreplaceable acts of service to people in need, there’s so much that dogs do that makes a difference and this story only proves it.The fateful event took place in Spring, Texas, where the family Tanner lives, alongside their precious pooch, Axel. Axel is a 1-year-old  border collie, a rescue that quickly became a cherished member of the family and, as life would have it, their savior. It was around 5 am on a calm Saturday morning when Axel – completely out of the ordinary – jolted Amanda and her husband from their sleep. And it was no regular attention-seeking behavior. Something was amiss, and Axel was determined to let the couple know.“He was pawing me more than normal to get me to move,” Mr. Tanner explains for  Today.com. Realizing that the dog was clearly trying to wake them, Amanda’s husband went downstairs to check on things and let the dog outside. Axel refused. It wasn’t the outdoors he was seeking - there was something else. He quickly stopped in front of the closed doors of the 17-year-old Gabriel Tanner. Mr. Tanner went inside to check up on his son but realized what was the cause of the dog’s panic. Young Gabriel was having a stroke, his speech was slurred, and he could not feel his right side. At once they rushed him to the emergency room at the Memorial Hermann the Woodlands Medical Center. Young Gabriel was quickly treated and made a recovery. Dr. Sabih Effendi, who treated him, says that “by waking the parents up, and leading them to the boy, the dog made a “massive” difference in Gabriel’s outcome”. “It’s very amazing that their dog alerted and started this whole process of getting everyone awake and going downstairs,” Effendi continues. “When somebody’s acutely having a stroke, the neurons are dying. … If he was not found and another three or four hours went by, there would have been more and more and more brain injury.”The Tanner family is extremely grateful to have had Axel by their side in this crucial moment. They can only wonder what would have happened if the dog wasn’t there. He practically saved Gabriel’s life. “We wouldn’t have thought to go into Gabriel’s room and wake him up. He’s a teenager. It was a Saturday morning. We went to bed late. We wouldn’t think to go in there until maybe noon,” Amanda says.Nowadays, Axel is a precious member of their family and tends to follow Gabriel wherever he goes. He also sleeps with the teen a lot more, always on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary. A true four-legged friend and proof that dogs can be loyal to no end! 

How Cold is Too Cold for My Dog to Be Outside?

You might enjoy the magic of wintertime, but that doesn’t mean that your pooch shares your enthusiasm for cold weather – or the situation might be the exact opposite, with your four-legged bestie enjoying snowfall and you dreading the icy temperatures. Either way, you might be wondering if your pet needs some extra protection or different routines during winter – after all, some dogs are less suited for cold than others. So, it begs the question how cold is too cold for your dog, and should you even try going outside in these cases? There are several precautions you can take, but sometimes, you should be wary of extreme temperatures. Let’s delve deeper and learn more. How Cold is Too Cold for My Dog to Be Outside?The tolerance to cold weather can vary among individual dogs based on factors such as breed, size, coat type, age, and overall health. Generally, most dogs can tolerate cold weather to some extent, but there are certain conditions and temperatures where it becomes unsafe for them to be outside for extended periods. Of course, there will be some telltale signs that it’s just too cold to be outside. Signs that your dog may be too cold include shivering, whining, seeking shelter, lifting paws off the ground, or exhibiting signs of discomfort. If you notice any of these signs, it's time to bring your dog inside for some much-needed warmth.Of course, it’s essential to use your judgment and consider your dog's individual needs – you should always prioritize your dog's well-being in extreme weather conditions, but that will differ from dog to dog and climate to climate. Even so, there are some general guidelines for determining if it’s too cold outside for your pet – here’s what you need to know before taking them outside in really cold weather.Consider their coat length and breed: In winter, your pet’s coat can be a determining factor for outside time. Dogs with thick or double coats, such as  Siberian Huskies or  Alaskan Malamutes, may be more tolerant of cold temperatures than those with short coats, like Chihuahuas or Greyhounds. Some dogs were specially bred for living and working in cold environments, while some breeds were developed for completely opposite conditions. If your pet belongs to the latter group, it might be useful to invest in  a warm coat  designed to keep your dog toasty and warm during cold weather.

Meet the Lancashire Heeler, the AKC's Newest Dog Breed

Say hello to the Lancashire heeler - the American Kennel Club’s 201st recognized dog breed and the newest member of the Herding group. Although small in stature, Lancashire heelers are active and sturdy dogs ready to compete with 200 other dog breeds at thousands of U.S dog shows.“A small, powerful herding dog that thrives on human interaction, this breed would make a great companion for active families that can provide a great deal of love and attention," said Gina DiNardo, American Kennel Club’s Executive Secretary.These small dogs have long bodies and short coats, often black and tan or liver and tan. The Lancashire heeler is a solidly built dog that is around one foot (30 centimeters) tall at the shoulders and weighs up to 17 pounds (7.7 kilograms). Traditionally, Lancashire heelers worked on farms as ratters and herders. Today, these feisty dogs participate in various canine sports and pursuits.“They are gritty little dogs, and they are very intelligent little dogs,” said Patricia Blankenship, who has bred Lancashire heelers for over a decade. “It’s an enjoyable little breed to be around,” she added. The official breed standard calls for Lancashire heelers to be courageous, happy, and affectionate to owner. The owners of these pooches say that happy heelers sometimes pull their lips back and smile. These small but powerful dogs won’t be content to lounge around all the time. They are highly energetic and just as skilled in performance sports as they are in conformation. Lancashire heelers can be found competing in agility, herding, obedience, rally, barn hunt, tracking, disk dog, dock diving, and therapy trials. “There are even a couple that have competed in Earth dog and weight-pull events,” said Sheryl Bradbury, President of the United States Lancashire Heeler Club (USLHC), according to AKC. “It’s a breed that will work hard all day and is happy to curl up at your side and watch the TV news at night.”“The breed is different but in a good way,” said Jeff Kestner, Club Chair of Judges’ Education Committee. “It’s not a run-of-the-mill dog. Its eyes and expression are like magnets. Being a herding breed it's extremely intelligent - it definitely needs a job to do.” According to Bradbury, the biggest misconception about the Lancashire heeler is that it’s adorable and sweet and the perfect size to sit on your lap. “I always caution the buyers to not let a puppy’s cuteness fool you. The minute it is off your lap it may be chewing your shoes or nipping at your heels. Conversely, it will be your loyal best friend.”This cute breed often develops a strong bond with one household member. They will like to interact with the entire family but will pick a favorite person. “It is great with children as long as the children understand how to respect the dog,” added Bradbury. The breed’s origin is packed with mystery but they were first bred in the United Kingdom. The Lancashire heeler is regarded as a “vulnerable native breed” and faces extinction in its homeland. The United Kingdom’s Kennel Club has added an average of just 121 Lancashire heelers to its registry in recent years.Being recognized as a dog breed doesn’t mean that the breed in question is newly created. To officially recognize the Lancashire heeler, the American Kennel Club required proof of a minimum of 20 litters bred with a three-generation pedigree. This guarantees that the breed is established and sustainable. According to Bradbury, there are around 400 Lancashire heelers nationwide but there’s no doubt we’ll see more of these dogs in the future. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What You Need to Know About XL Bully Ban

American XL Bully dogs will be banned by the end of the year after numerous attacks were reported across the United Kingdom. The term "XL Bully" typically refers to a type of  American Bully breed known for its muscular build and larger size compared to standard American Bullies. These dogs are often selectively bred for their size, strength, and temperament, so while they are not inherently aggressive, they have the means to do some damage if they are reared to be dangerous.The ban has owners of bully breeds across the UK scared and confused, so here’s what you need to know about the details of this edict. Starting from December 31st, all XL Bullies will have to be kept on a lead and have a muzzle while in public. What is more, from this date it will be completely illegal to advertise, breed, sell, exchange, gift, or abandon or let stray any XL Bullies. In short – it is a decisive strike against this breed, as announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, earlier this year.Furthermore, a complete ban on people owning XL Bullies will come into force in the UK from February 1st, 2023. This had owners scared that their pets would have to be put down just because of their breed, but, luckily, that’s not the case. If the owner applies before the end of January, with the wish to keep their pet. With that, the household will receive an exemption certificate, but it will also have to comply with a very strict set of rules related to the breed. UK government department Defra has announced that it received more than 4,000 exemption applications so far and that a “majority” were approved. Their spokesperson said that “ "The majority of applications are successful and the majority of successful applicants are receiving their certificates in less than a week."This only supports the assurances that there will be no “forced” euthanization of these dogs. However, those people that do not apply for an exemption by the end of the deadline, will have to put their XL Bullies down. They will be granted £200 to cover the costs of a vet euthanizing their dog. Rescue and rehoming organizations can claim £100 per animal for the same purpose. The government's website states "the euthanasia must be performed by 31 January 2024" for these financial claims to be successful. Sadly, because of this new law, at least 246 XL Bullies will be put down in the coming period, as their owners did not apply for an exemption, or were not granted one. American XL Bullies are not the first dogs to be banned in the UK. Several breeds were banned in the past, and owning them is now completely illegal. These breeds include the  Pitbull terrier,  Japanese Tosa,  Dogo Argentino, and  Fila Brasileiro. Owning a banned dog breed can get you in plenty of trouble, specifically an unlimited fine and a six-month prison sentence. 

Are Hamsters Good Pets for Kids?

Final Thoughts: Hamsters and ChildrenAre hamsters good pets for kids? The short answer is, “maybe.” There are several key factors to consider when deciding if a hamster will be an excellent addition to your family, including the space needed for their habitat, their independent personalities, your child’s interest in a bet, the work (and finances) required to care for your new hamster, and the availability of a veterinarian that will accept small animals.If your child is ready for a pet, but a hamster doesn’t quite check all the boxes on your new pet wishlist, there are many other options, including guinea pigs, cats, dogs, and some species of birds. Don’t rush this decision. Take time to research and find the best fit for your family before committing to your future furry (or feathered) family member.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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Vet School Aims to Dispel Misinformation About Mysterious Illness

News about a mysterious illness has been making dog parents across the country nervous as they seek out available information. While there have been reported advances made in understanding the cause of the illness, many of the details are still vague, and a lot of “data” being shared by the mainstream media seems to be contradicting. How do you know what to believe?To help clarify the sea of information, Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine has published an educational hub on their website with information about the illness, Atypical Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (aCIRDC).This hub is divided into several categories: Prevalence, Clinical Signs, Pathogenesis, Screening, Treatment, Prevention, Travel, and News. The goal is to share reliable and actionable information for pet parents that will help them make smart, knowledge-driven decisions about their pet’s health, especially as we head into a busy time of travel during the holiday season.Reported Cases of IllnessAccording to the hub, there are currently reported cases of “a chronic respiratory disease with characteristics of aCIRDC” in 16 different states, including:CaliforniaColoradoFloridaGeorgiaIdahoIllinoisIndianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsNew HampshireNevadaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandVermontWashingtonOne of the most important things to note is the wording used by LSU Vet Med. This list is based on reported respiratory illnesses that have characteristics of the mystery illness, but it does not mean that the disease itself has been confirmed. Many respiratory infections and ailments present with very similar symptoms, including Canine Influenza and Bordatella.How to Prevent Illness in Your Dog This Holiday SeasonWhile there is no guarantee that the above states pose a higher risk of aCIRDC, veterinarians and other professionals recommend that pet parents take precautions to keep their pets safe. This is especially important as many of us plan to travel and visit family for the holidays. The following recommendations (as outlined by LSU Vet Med) will help to prevent your dog(s) from getting sick from any respiratory ailment, not just aCIRDC.Ensure Vaccinations are Up to DateWe currently don’t have enough understanding of aCIRDC for a preventative vaccination, but there are vaccinations for some respiratory illnesses. Check with your veterinarian that your dog is current on all routine vaccinations.Limit Exposure (Where Possible)If possible, avoid or limit bringing your dog to areas that put them at a higher risk of contracting a respiratory illness. This includes dog parks or shelter environments. Have a conversation with boarding and training facilities where dogs socialize to better understand their preventative measures, including cleaning and sanitization efforts. You should also ask about the vaccine requirements for dogs in their care and their plan for handling animals that show signs of being ill.Isolate Dogs with Signs of IllnessIs your dog showing signs that they may be ill? If so, isolation is critical. Don’t bring a potentially sick dog to public spaces, and do your best to keep them safely isolated from any other unaffected dogs in your home.

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What Happens if Dogs Eat Cat Food?

A multi-pet household is always full of adventures, and even more so when you have both cats and dogs. While there are many fun aspects to sharing your life and your home with multiple pets, there are quite a few challenges, as well – such as making sure everybody’s keeping their nose in their own food bowl. We all know that dogs tend to have healthy appetites and are not picky, which means they’ll often try (and succeed) in eating cat food when given the chance.While not the  worst thing a dog can eat when sharing a home with a cat (litter and its contents seem to be irresistible to some canines), kitty kibble certainly isn’t the best type of food for your dog, either. But what happens if dogs eat cat food? Can it be harmful to them? And are cat and dog foods really that different? Here’s what you need to know.What Happens if a Dog Eats Cat Food?Let’s face it: if a dog eats cat food occasionally, it's usually not a cause for concern. The worst that can happen is an upset stomach or a bit of diarrhea. The main cause is the fact that cat food is formulated differently from dog food, containing higher levels of protein and fat, which can be harder for dogs to digest. If a dog eats cat food regularly, however, it can lead to digestive issues such as upset stomach, diarrhea, or even  pancreatitis due to the higher fat content. In other words, sneaking food from the cat’s bowl once or twice won’t be an issue – but repeated consumption most definitely will. What is more, cat food lacks certain nutrients that dogs need in their diet, such as adequate levels of vitamin E and taurine. So, while an occasional nibble might not harm your dog, it's best to prevent regular access to cat food to avoid potentially considerable health problems.Another reason why doggos should steer clear of cat food on a regular basis is weight gain. Cat food has a quite higher fat content, which can lead to weight gain in dogs. All the excess weight (which can pile up quite quickly) will lead to a lot of health issues, like diabetes or joint issues. If your pooch likes to sample cat food, they might also experience an upset stomach, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea. This is because cat food contains much more protein than the usual dog food. Higher levels of protein are harder to digest for dogs, and this results in gastrointestinal discomfort. A home remedy for an upset tummy in dogs – if it’s due to eating a bit of kitty food – could be providing  dog probiotics in combination with a bland diet for a day or two, until they’re feeling better. 

Dog Finds A Forever Home After Spending 1,007 Days at Delaware Shelter

Tessy, now a 5-year-old black Labrador retriever mix, spent 1,007 days at a Delaware animal shelter before being adopted into a forever home. This cute pooch arrived at Humane Animal Partners (formerly Delaware Humane Association and Delaware SPCA) on January 17, 2021, hoping to be adopted in no time.Unfortunately, finding her people proved challenging for Tessy. Days, weeks, months, and years went by, and Tessy was still living at the shelter with no prospective adopters in sight. “Tessy is loyal, goofy, snuggly, and remarkably smart,” said Leigh McKinley, a director at the Humane Animal Partners, according to PEOPLE. Like many other shelter dogs, Tessy had some trust issues and was wary of new people and experiences. These problems were the reasons for Tessy’s longer stay at the Humane Animal Partners shelter. “Tessy exhibited fear-reactive behaviors in the form of lunging, barking, and growling towards unfamiliar stimuli. Our goal was to help her overcome those fears and learn to trust humans and her surrounding environment, essentially changing her emotional response from a negative to a positive,” McKinley explained.The shelter used a behavioral modification plan, which consisted of positive reinforcement training techniques to help Tessy overcome her fears. Fixing a problematic behavior takes a lot of time, patience, and effort, but the shelter’s staff didn’t give up on Tessy.“Changing an involuntary physiological behavior takes dedication and consistency to be successful, and while we were determined to see this through, the nature of being in a shelter, with different staff members working with her on any given day, and for varying amounts of time, means the change would take time,” said McKinley. “We also needed to make sure her adopters were the right fit for her. We took a very thoughtful and careful approach to introducing her to people, and it took time for the right family to find her.”Then, almost three years later, all of Tessy’s hard work paid off! After 1,007 days at the shelter, this cute pooch has finally found her forever home. The family who adopted Tessy, met her several times to help her feel at ease. For the adopters, it was love at first sight, and Tessy instantly felt safe around them. “When her adopters Jeanine and Jeff first met her, we all tried to keep a level head about it, not getting our hopes up too high. After their third meeting, though, we could tell Tessy had already established a level of trust with them that we had never seen so quickly before,” said McKinley. Jeff and Jeanine adopted the pooch shortly after the third visit, and the shelter’s staff was ecstatic that Tessy had found a loving home.“It was a rollercoaster of emotions leading up to the adoption day, everything from celebrations to disbelief to sadness, excitement, a bit of anxiety, and everything in between. Mostly, though, we felt proud. Proud of her, proud of everyone who helped get her to this point, and proud of the results,” McKinley shared.  “We all know she’d do okay, we are also quite aware that going from three years in the shelter into a loving home is a big adjustment, and it will take her a while to fully acclimate. We tried to instill in her adopters to be confident and patient but never to be complacent.” the shelter’s director added.It’s important to know that not every visit to an animal shelter ends with ‘love at first sight.’ A lot of adoptable dogs have experienced some level of trauma and neglect, and are generally more anxious inside the shelter. Keep an open mind when visiting your local shelter and remember that each of these pups deserves a loving family and a forever home. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is A Wet Dog's Nose Good or Bad?

A dog’s nose is their tool for discovering the world around them through scent, but dog noses are important for much more than sniffing – the state of your pet’s nose can sometimes be indicative of their health. It can be dry and flaky or wet and soft, so what is better? Is a dry nose a bad sign? Or a wet one? Or are they both normal? These are the questions that are often proving to be troubling for dog owners. So let’s try and answer them once and for all!Is A Wet Dog's Nose Good or Bad?A wet dog's nose is usually a sign of good health. Most often, the nose is wet because the doggo is licking it! They do this frequently in order to keep them clean and to enhance their sense of smell. In fact, a moist nose helps them trap scent particles more effectively. The moisture on their nose captures scent molecules from the air, allowing them to better identify and track smells. This ability is crucial for tasks such as hunting, tracking, and even detecting certain medical conditions in humans. 

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