10 Cats Who Immediately Regretted Their Decisions

5 Tips on Dealing With Aggressive Rabbits

Ideally, rabbits make wonderful pets - fluffy, friendly, goofy, and affectionate companions that are a joy to be around. But these traits will only come to the surface if you work with your pet and offer them a friendly and loving environment to thrive in. Fail to do so, and some negative characteristics might be displayed – rabbits can be straight out nasty in some cases. A lot of different things can influence aggressive behavior in rabbits, but hormones play the foremost role. If your rabbit is not spayed or neutered, chances are that there will be some aggression present. But no worries - here are our most important tips on dealing with aggressive rabbits. 1. Spay or NeuterAs we said, aggression in rabbits can be frequent in bunnies that are not spayed or neutered. If they are not fixed, rabbits can be dominated by their natural hormones, which results in heightened levels of aggression, especially towards other rabbits. Males can get quite territorial – and not only will they mark their area with pee, but they can also bite or physically attack other rabbits and even you. Females are no better when driven by hormones, either, so don’t hope that your fluffy gal won’t scratch or bite if she’s unspayed. It’s easy to see how spaying and neutering can be important and can remove aggression altogether, but it’s not the only benefit – it can also drastically reduce the chance of some severe health conditions, such as cancer.2. Look for a Source of PainOn the other hand, if your bunny has been altered on time, but you still notice levels of aggression, try searching for some other underlying cause of their unusual behavior. Perhaps your pet is in pain – rabbits that are hurting can lash out and bite as a method of self-defense. This can become evident when you try and pick them up – if they lash out, there might be a sore leg or a hurt back in question. If you suspect this, book a visit to the vet at once.3. Socialize and Connect with Your Pet RabbitSometimes, rabbits that were not properly socialized, can become aggressive when you try to handle them. The cause for this is usually fear. Rabbits are prey animals by nature, and will often fear many things. Before you go to pick them up and cuddle them, spend a period getting to know one another, and slowly socializing. Take baby steps and gradually increase the level of interaction. As your pet gets used to you, handling won’t become a problem, and thus aggression stemming from fear won’t be an issue.4. Reduce the Number of your Pet RabbitsSometimes, aggression in rabbits can result from simple overcrowding. Rabbits, mostly males, will get territorial, sometimes even after castration. If you have a number of rabbits all sharing the same space, fights, bickering, and aggression can become common. Females too can be aggressive, especially if nursing their young. Try and limit the number of pet bunnies you are going to have in advance – anything more than three or four can be seen as too much to handle effectively. In case your pets suddenly start to get aggressive with each other, consider housing them in different rooms to limit the amount of contact they get with one another.5. Find Company for your Pet RabbitOn the other hand, some rabbits won’t thrive as totally solitary animals either. If you neglect them, spend too much time at work, or are often out, your pet rabbit might develop strange behavioral problems. This is the result of loneliness and lack of interaction. Aggression is one of those problems, as is anxiety. Every creature is social and will require love and company – in whatever form it’s offered. As an owner, you are there to provide that, and if you’re not around enough for your pet to be happy, consider getting them a bunny companion they could play and socialize with while you’re at work.

Choose High-Quality Nutrition for Your Dog With Rachael Ray Nutrish

How Can Your Dog’s Food Contribute to Good Health?Your dog’s food is the primary source of the essential vitamins and minerals needed to keep their body working effectively. With Nutrish you get only all-natural sources of real proteins like farm raised beef, turkey, chicken and venison with no artificial preservatives, by-product, or filler. These healthy sources provide well balanced profiles of those amino acids and minerals. Helping to maintain a healthy metabolism and keep your pet in peak condition.PetSmart helps you make your dog’s health a top priority. If you prefer to feed natural dog food try Rachael Ray Nutrish.

Ask the Animal Communicator: I Don’t Think My Pets Like Each Other

Dear Shannon, Our family loves rescuing dogs. Over the years, we have adopted many dogs from our favorite local shelter. And our dogs have always gotten along just fine….until now. Our big (70-pound) mixed breed girl, Mollie, has always had a sweet and accepting personality towards our other rescue dogs. She is a great family watchdog and was very protective of our kids when they were little. But now Mollie is getting older and is more sedentary, so when a litter of new puppies was recently rescued to the shelter, we felt like we had the time and energy required to take in a puppy. Our new little girl, Bella, is a real handful – the shelter staff think she has a lot of Jack Russell Terrier in her and we agree. It’s been a bit crazy to be honest – we even have baby gates and puppy-proof locks everywhere around the house to keep her out of trouble! While we just love Bella, Mollie hasn’t been so welcoming. I’ve never seen Mollie snap at anyone or anything until Bella arrived. Bella is fascinated with Mollie and is always wanting to snuggle and play together but Mollie won’t have anything to do with her. I’m worried we may have to return Bella or risk Mollie getting aggressive with her. Can you help us figure out how to help the two of them get along? A worried dog mom, Carla Shannon’s reply:Hi Carla,Thank you for sharing what is going on in your interspecies family. The more we learn about non-human animal relationships, the more we discover that dogs, like people, often prefer to choose their own friends. This doesn’t mean two dogs can’t develop a friendship over time, even if they didn’t get along at first. This is especially the case when the reason the two dogs don’t get along has more to do with their individual needs or life stages than with any lack of friendship “chemistry” between them.I am not a dog trainer or dog behaviorist, and these types of services can often be helpful in sorting out situations like what you are experiencing. As an animal communicator, I bring a different skillset, which is an ability to directly ask Mollie and Bella what they need to live peacefully together as members of your family.When I tune in with Bella, what I receive is exactly the energy you describe – playful, bouncy, upbeat, let’s be friends energy. She is keen to fit in, eager to bond and so, so grateful to have a home. Bella shares that she misses her mom and littermates and sees Mollie as a source of canine comfort in her chaotic life to date. Bella also shares that she sees Mollie’s rebuffs as a game. In other words, she doesn’t take Mollie’s refusal to engage seriously which is why she just keeps on trying.When I tune in with Mollie, her energy is completely different than Bella’s – reserved, calm, self-contained. Mollie tells me that she is the family matriarch. She keeps the order in your family and – even more importantly – the peace. Mollie tells me she wishes she had been consulted before the decision was made to adopt Bella. She also tells me she is worried that Bella is her “replacement” and that she doesn’t think Bella has the right skillset to do a good job guarding and protecting your family. You might think that all this doesn’t bode well for Bella to stay with your family. But there is one thing I shared with Mollie that she wasn’t aware of that I think may tip the scales in Bella’s favor. Mollie didn’t know that Bella is motherless. She didn’t understand why you adopted Bella – that you took her in because Bella was abandoned as a puppy and didn’t have a home or a family.When I shared this information with Mollie, I could literally feel her irritation downshift into compassion. I asked Mollie if she would be willing to make more of an effort to mother Bella, teach her the ropes of being a family dog, play with her and also instill some discipline. And Mollie told me she is willing to do this. The more I do this work of interspecies communication, the more I realize how our companion animals see more than we think they see and know more than we realize they know. But often they still don’t have the complete picture of why we do what we do. And because we don’t realize how much they see and know, we rarely stop and take time to consider the bigger picture of how our actions and choices alter their lives.Mollie asks that, in the future, could you please let her know if you are planning any other big additions or changes to your family? She wants to be in the know and to be consulted about these important decisions. Bella just wants to say thank you for adopting her. She says her high energy is one part gratitude and one part relief that she finally has a forever home. Carla, I hope this information is beneficial for you and your family. Please keep in touch and let me know how the relationship between Mollie and Bella unfolds.From my heart,Shannon

How To Recognize Your Horse Is Sick

While horses are generally seen as strong and hardy animals, often capable of performing impressive athletic or work feats, they are still not impervious to health issues. This can become especially obvious if you fail to take good care of your equine friend. Horses require regular and thorough health checkups and plenty of attention in their daily life. But even if you do everything “by the book”, sickness can still loom around the corner. To be prepared, you will have to know how to recognize that your horse is sick. There are certain symptoms and signs that you can quickly spot in order to know that something is “off”. And knowing them gives you a much-needed edge – as every minute counts in case of sickness!Signs of Sickness in HorsesHorses can’t speak – that much you already know. But they can communicate with you, in a way. Nature has its way of making things known. While a horse can’t say what hurts, they can show it. You will have to watch for any odd behaviors or movements, and anything that seems uncommon. If your horse starts doing something that you never saw before, it is worth investigating. When your horse is sick, it will at once change its usual behavior. Lack of energy and appetite is a common sign of sickness, as is the tendency to stay in dark and secluded corners of the stable. Without a doubt, one of the most common signs of sickness is rapid and noticeable weight loss. A horse is an elegant and powerful animal, and it is never meant to be skinny. If you start noticing the outlines of their ribcage, for example and recognize that they lost weight, be alarmed: this is never a good sign. Rapid weight loss can be accompanied by a number of additional ailments, such as loss of appetite, constant diarrhea, and apathy. Depending on the ailment, a horse might excessively drink more water than usual, or just stop drinking water altogether. Just as with the loss of appetite, this is an alarming sign that needs to be quickly addressed. If sick or in pain, a horse might become fidgety and strange: any spike or change in activity levels should be investigated. Excessive sneezing, nasal discharge, neighing and teeth-showing, snorting – if done near-constantly, these might be the signs of some underlying discomfort.You should also do frequent checkups of your horse’s ears. Just like dogs and many other animals, a horse can communicate through its ears. When sick, sad, or in pain, their ears can be pushed back against their temple. If they are constantly in this position, your horse might be in pain. The same goes for their mouth – their teeth can often get infected, leading to further health issues. Check for excess drool, swollen gums, bad breath, and excess lip rolling. These are signs of serious oral issues that have to be addressed. Sudden and dramatic changes in mood and character can also be a signal of pain and discomfort. If your horse is suddenly aggressive, for example, and unwilling to cooperate as before, it might be their way of saying that they are in great pain. Such changes can also be accompanied by rapid breathing, excess sweating, or stubborn behavior. In the end, all you need to do is observe your horse’s behavior: if you spot something that you simply know is out of the ordinary, get in touch with your vet. It is always best to do a check-up on time, than to be late as the problem gets out of hand.

Rules of Equine Diet: What Should You Feed Your Horse

You might think that a horse’s diet is a simple and straightforward affair – but it’s not as easy as letting your horse out to pasture and calling it a day. Horses need a balanced and healthy diet optimized for their unique bodies in order to thrive and grow strong. Because of this, you should pay special attention to the quality of food that your horse is eating. There is also the question of the quantity of food – you should make sure you’re never overfeeding, as horses can be quite voracious if left unattended and it can lead to serious health issues down the road. Basics of Horse DietWhen feeding is in question, the first thing to address is actually water! It is an equally important part of a horse’s diet, if not the most important because horses can’t go on without it. An adult horse will need fresh, clean water throughout the day – some 25 liters or 6.6 gallons on average. And, if the weather is hot and humid, and exercise is rigorous, then this amount will increase. Do not underestimate the importance of water as horses depend on it in every aspect, and dehydration can be a major health hazard for them.The next key part of your horse’s diet is the so-called roughage. In simplest terms, roughage is coarse and fibrous fodder – essentially fibers that help with digestion and the passage of food and waste through the gut. Horses need it in order to have proper digestion and avoid all-dangerous bloating. Usually, hay and good-quality pasture are sufficient for an idle horse. But sometimes, grain might be needed as a supplement. Either way, common sources state that horses need to eat around one to two percent of their body weight in roughage.But do not make the mistake and feed them the whole amount at once! Horses need to be fed smaller amounts more often. In the natural environment, horses are “trickle feeders”, and their stomachs are accordingly rather small. An example ratio of feeding is around 2 kilos of feed (per meal) for a horse that is 400 kilos and over. Of course, if your horse is mostly within a stall, you can still replicate that “trickle feeding”, or grazing. Just offer some hay and place it in front of them – they can nibble at it just as they would in nature. Of course, if your horse has the privilege to be on a good quality pasture for most of the day, then it won’t need much hay or grain as a supplement. Always consider these facts – lower-quality pasture won’t suffice for your horse so you will have to “supplement” with additional hay, and vice versa. This is especially important during winter months. Pastures are not available at these times, and you will need to have a good amount of quality hay placed aside, to last you through the winter. If you are using horse feed, make sure that it is of quality make and always fresh and clean. Dusty, moldy, or otherwise dirty feed can be harmful to horses, leading to respiratory problems and that nasty colic. So make sure that you keep feed in appropriate containers, tightly sealed to prevent mice and other critters from infesting it and spoiling it. And when feeding, the same rules apply – provide feed according to the body weight of your horse. How and When to Feed Your HorseIt is important to remember that if you need to change your horse’s feed, you will have to do so gradually. Sudden changes in the feed are harmful to horses, as they have special microbes within their gut that need time to adapt to changes. Another thing to keep in mind is to create a routine and stick to it. Feeding times should be always at the same time, or roughly the same. Horses, like many other animals, are simply creatures of habit – they’ll quickly remember when it is feeding time, and await it eagerly. So don't leave them hanging! Last but not least, is to feed according to the energy spent. Is your horse often in the stall, and dormant throughout the day? In this case, stick to the classic feeding pattern and don’t overdo it. But if you have an energetic workhorse or an athletic horse that gallops and runs throughout the day, then you might need to add a little bit extra to supplement all that lost energy. Can’t keep them hungry!

Exploring Winter Wonderlands With Your Furry Friends - and on a Budget

Motel 6 proudly welcomes well-behaved cats and dogs to stay for free at all 1,400 locations across the country. For travelers seeking extended stay options, Studio 6 properties across the U.S. and Canada welcome cats and dogs for a minimal fee.Take long-time ski enthusiast Joe Miron, who has more than 50 years of experience road tripping to ski resorts across North America across with his dog Kelo and has perfected the art of planning a cost-effective ski voyage. Miron recommends selecting affordable lodging accommodations, seeking early bird specials and smaller ski slope locations, as well as bringing along necessary items for your furry friends.Ready to get started with your 2023 travel plans? Here are a few tips to help you plan an incredible pet-friendly getaway.Choose a Location That’s Fit for Your Pets NeedsWhen planning your vacation, think about the needs of your pet to help select your destination. Consider access to dog parks, greenspaces and hiking trails for your furry friend to explore, proximity to pet stores and veterinarians, dog-friendly restaurants, patios in the area and more. Motel 6 and BestPlaces teamed up to unveil the first-ever list of top pet-friendly road trip destinations in each U.S. state to help pet owners explore the country with their furry companions. Together, Motel 6 and BestPlaces built a custom methodology that found the best place to stop with your pet in each state for some rest, adventure and exploration.The top 10 cities nationwide are: 1. Santa Monica, Calif. 2. Rockville, Md. 3. Santa Fe, N.M. 4. Mount Pleasant, S.C. 5. Newport, R.I. 6. Gloucester, Mass. 7. Richmond, Ky. 8. Bend, Ore. 9. Asheville, N.C. 10. Charlottesville, Va.Additional information on the top city in each state can be found on the BestPlaces website.Familiarize Yourself with the Hotel Pet PolicyAfter you have identified a pet-friendly hotel, make sure to research the pet policy, as rules can vary between hotel chains.With more than 1,400 pet-friendly locations conveniently located along major highways and interstates throughout the U.S. and Canada, Motel 6 and Studio 6 will always leave the light on for travelers and their four-legged friends.Winter Wonderland Activities with your PupIn addition to locating a pet-friendly hotel, make the most of your vacation by taking advantage of the outdoors with a winter sport that both you and your pet can enjoy. Remember, this is their vacation too and even if the activity doesn’t involve your dog, there are still other ways to get them an outdoors activity!Most winter travelers will consider snowshoeing or skiing, but why not try skijoring? This winter sport involves cross-country skiing while your dog (or dogs) run ahead, pulling you. For those with high-energy dogs, it’s a great way to work together, build your bond and give your dog the exercise they need.Motel 6 and Studio 6 have nearly 280 locations conveniently located near ski resorts, offering a clean, comfortable and affordable place to rest your head at night for winter enthusiasts. Miron loves to bring his dog Kelo along with him when hitting the ski slopes.Pack Your Pet’s Travel GearWhen packing for your getaway with your four-legged travel companion, preparation is key to help take away some of the stress for both pet owners and your furry friends.Dr. Rhonda Phillips, veterinarian, and Patriot PAWS Board Member, notes that it’s important for pet owners to bring their pet’s food, water and toys when traveling as the familiarity helps ease any anxiety. Phillips also advises traveling with an assortment of entertainment such as catnip toys for cats, or tug and chew toys for dogs, to help keep the animal’s mind busy and from feeling bored or isolated during the trip.To make sure your dog is prepared for the winter weather, consider gear to keep them warm and protected, such as jackets, boots and sweaters. Choosing the right equipment depends on your pet’s age, breed and outdoor experience. A hairless cat that is new to winter travel will need different gear than a northern breed dog. Miron likes to attach a Tractive GPS device to his dog Kelo’s collar, so he doesn’t get lost when running around in the powdery snow.This year don’t let costs get in the way of your winter wonderland vacation. Wherever it is you may choose to go, always take advantage of resources around you that aim to ease the financial burdens of winter activities, especially when traveling with a pet. Motel 6, Proud Sponsor of Pets™, offers theses additional tips on how to plan a budget-friendly ski trip. To book a stay, visit www.motel6.com or www.staystudio6.com.

Breast Cancer in Pets: Causes and Treatments

A quick trip to my vet for an x-ray and fine needle biopsy had me waiting anxiously for news that I suspected I already knew: that my sweet Maude had cancer. Of course, I had to google it and was alarmed to learn that 85% of mammary tumors in cats are malignant. This had me resigned to switching from welcoming a new pet into my home, to developing a palliative plan that would keep her comfortable for whatever time she had left.But two days later, good news arrived. The lump was benign and three years on, tabby Maude is still enjoying the good life.So, why were my previous two cats so unlucky? They were indoor cats, ate quality foods, I’m a non-smoker, and they had been in my care since kitten-hood Here’s what science knew, but I did not.How Common is This Type of Cancer?According to Cornell University’s College of Medicine, it’s estimated that 30-40% of all cats will be impacted by cancer and of those, breast cancer will account for one-third. Skin cancer and lymphoma account for the other more common cancers. Further, 95% of all breast cancers will occur in female felines older than 10-years of age. Also, certain breeds have a propensity for developing breast cancer including Siamese, Persians and Domestic Short-Haired cats. With dogs, it’s the Poodles, Spaniels and Dachshunds.What Causes Breast Cancer in Dogs and Cats?Unlike human breast cancer that can pass down through generations of women in a single family, genetics has yet to be a proven factor in whether your pet will ever develop this type of cancer. Similarly, environmental factors including exposure to carcinogens or certain vaccines are also proving to be irrelevant to breast cancer in animals. But science is showing that female hormones do factor rather significantly into the equation. Particularly estrogen and progesterone. According to Dr. Margaret McEntee, Professor of Oncology at Cornell University, “If these hormones are given to un-spayed cats as contraceptives or for behavior modification either orally or by injection, their risk of mammary cancer can triple.”For dogs, the findings are similar. Per the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, the risk of your dog getting breast cancer ranges from just .5% if she’s spayed before her first heat up to 26% if you wait until after her second heat. And unlike cats, early obesity in dogs is also known to be a contributing factor.Helping Prevent Breast Cancer in Your PetIf hormones are scientifically proven to be a catalyst for developing breast cancer, the first step to reducing the risk is to have your pet spayed before it enters its first heat cycle. For cats, this is around six months of age. For dogs, it can range from four to five months with small dogs, 10 months for a larger dog and up to two years before an extra-large breed enters its first heat cycle. In fact, studies show that cats spayed before six months of age had a whopping 91% reduction in risk while those spayed 12 months and younger still had an 86% reduction in their chances of developing breast cancer.Recognizing Possible Signs of Breast CancerHere’s where it gets tricky. Tumors grow just beneath or next to your pet’s nipple. They begin as tiny pellet-sized nodules that initially will not be noticeable to you or painful for your pet. So, you’ll have very few warning signs. But over time, they can spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of her body. Similar to cancer in humans, catching it early is key. For tumors treated when they’re smaller than 2 cm (3/4”), your cat will have a survival rate of up to three years before cancer reappears. For tumors in the 3 cm range (1.25”), the life expectancy can be up to two years and for larger masses, your pet is looking at a span of just six months. Further, the survival rate for felines who undergo large re-sections – meaning proactively removing all nipples versus just the impacted nipple – can be up to three years.Of course, we all want to recognize the signs before they become more serious, so here are a few things to look for:A discharge from your pet’s nipples – clear or milkySigns of infection around your pet’s nipplesSwelling around her breasts and nipplesSores around her breast areaTiny firm nodules attached to her nipplesLack of appetite and resultant weight lossDiagnosing Breast Cancer in PetsIf you suspect your pet may have breast cancer, the first step is to get a formal diagnosis from your vet. On arrival, they can conduct a full exam to determine the size and feel of the growth as well as your pet’s lymph nodes. They’re trying to determine through feel, if the mass has spread.Following this, an X-ray will determine the exact size and location of the tumor. A fine needle biopsy will remove cells for further examination by a veterinarian pathologist to see if cancer cells are present. Additionally, bloodwork will provide an overall spot-check on your pet’s general health. Hematology can tell you whether certain organs are functioning well and if your pet is suitable for surgery.Treatment OptionsI opted to have both felines undergo surgery to remove the malignancy. In one instance, my cat enjoyed another full year, in the other, just three short months. And although the biopsy proved Maude’s tumor was benign, I still opted to have it removed as a preventative measure. If the results for your pet show a malignancy, surgery will be the most likely option assuming the cancer has not metastasized and spread to other parts of her body. Taking out the single mass is one option for cats, as is removing all mammary glands (nipples) to help prevent a recurrence. For dogs, removing the single affected gland versus all mammary glands is the more likely course of action your vet will take.In some instances, where surgery won’t improve your pet’s long-term prognosis, radiation treatments may be recommended in conjunction with appropriate medications. This, rather than put your pet through an invasive procedure with a painful recovery.What Next?While the prognosis for animals living with breast cancer is guarded and typically includes a reduced lifespan, their comfort and quality of life over these next months and years will be what you should focus on. Remain diligent in watching for recurrences of any lumps or tumors. And consider having your pet undergo chest x-rays and abdominal ultrasounds every three to six months if budgets permit.Remember, you and your pet are in this together. Work with your veterinarian to determine the right course of action to keep your furry friend happy and healthy for as long as possible.

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Nona

Sweet, goofy, and charming as they come, this little gal is looking to settle down with a furever family! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Nona, a 3 years old mixed-breed dog from Madison, Wisconsin. She is spayed, up to date on her vaccinations, microchipped, and dewormed. Nona gets along with other dogs and doesn’t seem to mind cats or little kids.Nona’s TaleThis adorable pooch weighs only 16 pounds, but she has a lot of spirit! At first, when she was rescued, she was a bit shy, but now, her personality shines – she is friendly. affectionate, silly, and playful. Nona loves getting pets and head rubs, but she also enjoys playing with all sorts of toys, especially those she can chase after. She’d love to have someone to take her on hikes where she could explore the great outdoors, but she’d be content with having a fenced-in backyard where she could continue with one of her favorite activities – chipmunk stake-outs.Nona was fostered with dogs of all shapes and sizes and has done great with all of them, so she wouldn't mind being adopted into a family that already has a dog. She was also OK with the cat she’d been around – as in didn’t show interest in her – so she could get along with a feline that doesn’t acknowledge her or wants to play. Children are also fine with Nona, as she liked any kid she had a chance to meet – as long as they are respectful and gentle with a dog.She is crate trained and her house training is going great, so you won’t have your hands full with Nona. If she sounds like the perfect dog for your family, contact Paddy's Paws rescue to learn more about her and the adoption process.

The Difference Between Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes for Cats

Before giving your cat either of these supplements, it’s wise to consult with your veterinarian to be sure you’re making the right choice and to be certain you’re providing the highest quality supplements that are made specifically for cats. In addition to that, take some time to learn about these supplements so you can have a clearer understanding of how they work. To get started, check out the information below. The Basics About Feline ProbioticsPut simply, probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the gut and support digestion. When these are depleted, such as after a pet has taken antibiotics, digestive problems might occur. So, by giving your cat a probiotics supplement, you may be able to replenish the number of good bacteria and relieve her symptoms. The key, though, is to give your companion a top-quality supplement that’s made specifically for felines. This will help ensure she gets the right types of probiotics that will be effective. You also want to be sure you give your pet a supplement with adequate amounts of probiotics to ensure she gets a dose that will help make a difference in her digestive health. The Basics About Feline Digestive EnzymesDigestive enzymes also help with digestion, but they work in a different way. There are multiple types of digestive enzymes, which help break down the food that your kitty eats. Protease is the enzyme that helps break down protein, while amylase helps break down carbohydrates and lipase helps break down fat. So, in addition to feeding your pet a species-appropriate, high-quality diet, providing digestive enzymes might help ensure that your cat is able to properly absorb the nutrients in food. Once your kitty’s body is able to absorb and utilize the various nutrients from her food, her overall wellness can be supported. But, again, it’s necessary to give her supplements that are made specifically for felines. And it’s also important to administer digestive enzyme supplements properly to ensure they will be effective. Talk to Your Veterinarian About Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes As you can see, probiotics and digestive enzymes can both be used to support a cat’s digestive health. And when your kitty’s digestion is strong, other areas of her health can benefit as well. Your pet might need just one or both of these types of supplements, depending on what her symptoms are and whether you are planning on providing the supplements to maintain an already healthy digestive tract or to relieve symptoms and improve the way the digestive system functions. Remember, if your cat is experiencing digestive ailments, it’s super important that you talk to a veterinarian about her symptoms. That way, you can get the right diagnosis and treatment, which might include digestive enzymes and/or probiotics.

Research Suggests Lifespan In Dogs Varies By Breed

Why do some dogs live to age 18, and others barely reach ten? If there’s one thing we could change about all dogs, it would be their lifespan. We’d of course want them to be with us for as long as they could, and research from the United Kingdom suggests that breed type has something to do with lifespan.The study, published in Nature’s Scientific Reports found that dog life expectancy is closely linked to breed. The researchers analyzed 30,000 dogs that died from 2016 to 2020 and calculated the average life expectancy of 18 breeds and crossbreeds.The scientists claimed that previous research looking into dogs' life expectancies has a few flaws. The researchers decided to construct a life table for their work, as opposed to simply noting the age of the dogs at the time of their death.Insurance companies typically use life tables, and they predict the probability of death at different times for the creatures of the population. According to the research team, a life table gives much more detailed information than a single summary average age of death across all dogs. The researchers found that though dogs' average life expectancy was 11.2 years, that age varied considerably based on breed. Not surprisingly to many veterinarians and those who know and love dogs, smaller breeds generally live longer than larger dogs do. That said, the data should be taken with a grain of salt. For example, Jack Russell Terriers have an average life expectancy of 12.72 years, but French Bulldogs have a low life expectancy–4.53 years. Jack Russell Terriers are typically larger than French Bulldogs, but other factors like brachycephalic features on a bulldog come into play as well. Dr. Dan O’Neill is the study’s senior author. He’s also an associate professor of companion animal epidemiology at the Royal Veterinary College in Hertfordshire, England.He said that historical breeding practices between dogs likely disrupt what scientists would generally expect to find. He bases this on the fact that in the natural world, smaller species typically live shorter lives than do larger species–the opposite of the dog world. According to Dr. O’Neill, the sad finding is that many breeds follow a pathway to extreme body shapes with serious health issues linked–brachycephaly for instance. It’s something to think about when going out to buy or adopt a dog.And the study didn’t take into account other factors like whether different diets and adherence to natural or holistic ingredients make a difference in lifespan. He said that the study suggested that the concept of ‘dog years’ is no longer really useful, and instead, paying attention to the dog years of different breeds is much more likely to be an accurate predictor of general lifespan.

Beginner’s Guide to Properly Handling Rabbits

Rabbits can be such wonderful pets – they are affectionate, smart, and even goofy at times! These are just some of the reasons why so many people around the world choose them as their family pets. But before you commit to a rabbit pet, there are a few key things to know about. And the first and foremost is bunny handling. These are fragile and energetic creatures, and you want to know what is the best way to handle them easily and safely. It is all about the right approach and plenty of patience and care to ensure their safety at all times. Before you start, remember that you should not avoid handling rabbits. In fact, when done properly, handling your bunny can only enrich your bond. This is because rabbits are naturally social and affectionate creatures, especially when they are spayed and neutered. By handling them often and with gentleness and care, you will build a strong relationship with your pet and the affectionate nature of your bunny pet will quickly come to the forefront. However, it is crucial that you approach handling them with great care, because if you don't, you can either scare your bunny and damage your relationship, or even worse, inadvertently hurt them.The Sooner You Start, the BetterThe first thing to keep in mind is that you should start handling your bunny early on. Introducing your bunny to handling and human touch as early as possible will get them used to it much faster than if you wait until you try to pick them up. At this point, it is important to remember that, in nature, rabbits are prey for many predators. This means that they will have defensive instincts, and be naturally timid and fearful as a result. If you try to initiate physical contact abruptly, they can see it as a threat, and try to jump out of your hands, run away from you, or simply get too scared to get close to you again. Those first contacts are important, so be gentle, talk in a gentle and hushed voice, and take things slowly. Make no sudden movements! Don’t start handling in a chaotic or restless environment - peace and quiet can help relax your rabbit pet.Be Gentle And CarefulAs you start handling your rabbit, always keep in mind the fact that they can be quite fragile. Their little bones and bodies are delicate at best – so no squishing, strong grips, and holding them against their will. If a bunny is desperate to get out of your grip, they can end up hurting themselves from the sheer effort. Even worse, they can jump out of your hands and injure themselves from the fall, so take your time and be patient with them. It is best to get down low as you pick up a rabbit. Being closer to their level is less likely to scare them, and it also prevents you from dropping them from a height. Once you’re down closer to a safe height, remember to be slow and careful. Next, try picking them up: one hand should go underneath the bunny, across their chest, while the other should go beneath their backside. Once you are holding them with both hands, you can slowly place them against your body. Feeling your warmth and gentleness, and your soft words can help them feel secure.It should be obvious, but never pick your rabbit in any other way than this – don’t hold them on their backs, tug on their ears, or hoist them by their legs. All this is very dangerous and potentially fatal for a little rabbit. What To Do If Your Rabbit Doesn’t Want to Be HeldSome bunnies, due to their high prey instincts, simply won’t enjoy getting handled. Others will accept it, and some only after a while. So take your time, and gradually lengthen the time you’re cradling the bunny. After a while, they will get used to you and become comfortable as well. As you are holding your pet rabbit, remember to show them affection. Slowly “groom” them by petting their head gently, around the eyes, on the ears, and on top of their nose. This imitates natural behavior between rabbits. Also follow the signs your rabbit gives you: some enjoy getting pets on the head, and others love getting back and butt scratches. If you take all these necessary steps and be patient and gentle, you and your rabbit will quickly establish an affectionate relationship that can last for many long years!

A Dog’s Tail Serves More For Communication Than Physical Function

Dogs and tails go together like snips and snails, but new research from an international group of scientists suggests that a dog’s tail doesn’t serve as a functional or protective feature like a lizard’s or squirrel’s but more of a way to communicate–with other animals and with us. Where other studies suggest that the tails of squirrels, lizards and other animals may help with balance or even hunting, this study suggests that a dog’s tail is likely more a communication tool. The scientists involved in this non-peer-reviewed paper titled “Tail wags the dog is unsupported by biomechanical modeling of Canidae tails use during terrestrial motion, wanted to look into what the tail did with regard to movement facilitation, or whether it helped protect from nuisances like bugs or flies, and whether or not they were instead communication tools.Dr. Ardian Jusufi studies animal locomotion at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Stuttgart, Germany. With his international teammates from the Friedrich-Schiller-University and the Georgia Institute of Technology, he developed a mathematical model that let them look at what happens when dogs move their legs and tails, use their torsos and when they jump.The research team concluded that the tail movements of dogs didn’t seem to have any effect on the trajectory of a dog as he jumped, with the implication that a tail isn’t as vital for agility in dogs as it is in other animals. According to the paper, inertial impacts of the tail moving on complex activities like jumping have little to no effect and using the tail during jumping only offers very low amounts of the center of gravity stability. They believed then that dogs’ tails were necessary for other means, like communication and possibly pest control, but not for balance or anything that requires agility.Other research has suggested that dogs use tails to convey messages like humans do with their body language. From showing friendliness to submission to fear and dominance, dogs use their tails to express mood, willingness to engage in play or even the detection of a threat. The paper concludes that dog tails may have once served a larger evolutionary purpose, but now they are what is used to relay feelings, which is a very important and useful skill for pack animals.

SpotOn GPS Dog Fence Review

Pets aren’t just animals we keep around - they are members of the family, and you want to keep them safe. Dogs especially fall into this category for me, and I try to do whatever I can to keep my puppies happy and around. When it comes time to let your pooches outside to do their business, you usually have a few options. Tie-out cables work ok, except they can get tangled or break, and if this happens during the night, it can be a massive headache. Fenced-in pens are very costly, especially since the days of Covid when it seemed every farm supply store had a run on fence materials and the costs went way up. Underground fences are a great way to contain your dog in your yard, but there were some limitations that always made it a hard sell for me. You had to establish a perimeter, usually with a buried wire, and once that perimeter was set, there it was. If anything disrupted the line, the whole thing could go down, too. When I got the chance to try out the SpotOn GPS Fence, I jumped at it, as it seemed like the answer I was looking for.

BARK Customizes Dog Food To Ensure The Best Diet For Your Best Friend

They’re all great products and there’s nothing dogs look more forward to than a fun package full of goodies arriving at their door just for them! Except now maybe they’ll be even more excited because BARK has breed-specific dog food, BARK Food. As is BARK’s usual, there’s a lot more to it than just a great product. Their website is full of useful information for your dog and their breed, and even the pickiest of dogs seem to love the delicious, made-in-the-USA formulas. And now, you can save 30% off your first BARK Food order with code PETGUIDE30.What’s Included?BARK Food is one of the products parent company BARK offers for delivery to your furry best friends. BARK was founded in 2012 and has grown to be an industry leader in subscription options for dogs. BARK’s goal has always been to enhance the lives of our dogs, and in an easy way. What’s easier than something coming straight to your door and making your dog’s day? Not much, we say.BARK Food: The Same Great Customer Experience as All Their Other Products

Best Rabbits for Seniors

Sharing your golden years with a pet is so rewarding: you have someone to care for, a companion to spend time with, and a sweet, affectionate friend to shower you with love. You might be wondering which pet is the best for seniors – a cat, a dog, or maybe a small animal? Rabbits make a wonderful choice for seniors, for many reasons. They are fairly easy to care for, they are not high maintenance in terms of activity and energy levels, and will fit in great with a slower pace of life that most seniors have. If you’re looking for a pet rabbit to keep you company in your retirement days, or you want to surprise a senior loved one with a fluffy companion, read on – here are the 10 best rabbits for seniors.

Treats More Likely to Get Your Dog's Attention Than Calling Their Name

Did ever crinkling a bag of chips or opening the fridge door manage to get your pooch’s attention even when they’re seemingly deeply asleep, in another room? Yup, we’ve all been there. It’s no secret that treats are the favorite thing in the world for most pets, but did you know that their love for yummies is so strong that they even react to the very word treat? A new study showed that it’s much likelier for a dog to respond to their owner by saying the word treat than by calling out their name.The study was commissioned by Cliff Pet, and the survey included around 2,000 dogs and their owners – around 52% of those dogs were reported to come running when they hear the word treat or cookie. On the other hand, when called by their name, only 37% of dogs would consistently respond. I mean, who’s to blame them – it doesn’t guarantee you a yummy reward when you show up! Furthermore, 67% of dog owners reported that their pets are very food motivated, and 47% of them say their dog comes running when they open the treat container. With all that in mind, it doesn’t really come as a surprise that 4 out of 10 pet owners used treats as a reward, and 3 out of 4 believed that without using treats, they wouldn't have been able to successfully train their dog. In fact, the surveyed dog owners concluded that around 20% of their dog's vocabulary is treat-based, and that treats make for almost a third of their overall caloric intake, at 27%.However, there can be ‘too much of a good thing’ when it comes to treats. While it’s undeniable that delicacies are a great motivator and a way to reward good behavior or a job well done, experts agree that treats shouldn’t make up for more than 10% of your pet’s diet. Instead of pampering your pooch with the canine version of junk food and snacks, it’s best to opt for moderate portions and treats made with wholesome, healthy ingredients that will nourish your pet’s body instead of contributing to issues such as obesity. When it comes to training, you might want to look into specific training treats that are small and low on calories precisely so they can be given more often as a reward for successfully learned commands and tricks. And it’s not only using treats as bribes that should make you more mindful about the quantity and the quality of treats you’re giving to your pooch. When you consider that over 60% of owners said that they give their pet treats to cheer themselves up – seeing your pet happy is a quick way to boost your mood, after all – it’s clear that it’s very important to consider the quality of treats and canine nutrition overall. The best thing you can do for your dog is to feed them healthy foods – even though they might wag their tail for a treat that’s artificially flavored and calorie-laden, in the long run, it can only cause trouble for them and that’s the last thing any dog owner wants.

How a Simplified Diet Can Help Your Cat Live Their Best Life

The first thing to notice is that poor-quality kibble can be full of artificial ingredients, such as artificial preservatives or dies, but that’s not all that’s problematic with many commercial food options -- many products won’t even include real meat in the top ingredients, let alone quality, single-protein meat source – it’s often byproducts, or a mixture of different plant-proteins to ramp up the crude protein content without actually using quality proteins in the formula. Lastly, many brands formulate with a plethora of unnecessary ingredients that serve as cheap fillers but serve no nutritional purpose to cats, such as corn, soy, or wheat.

How to Keep Your Indoor Cat Fit and Healthy

Even when they are not “couch potatoes”, indoor cats are still not nearly as active as cats who live outdoors – they don’t hunt, they exercise far less, and they don’t roam large areas on a daily basis. Due to less strenuous physical activity, indoor cats can be more prone to weight gain, which is why you should carefully consider their daily diet to ensure that they stay healthy in your care.What Type of Diet is Best for Indoor Cats?

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