DIY Pom-Pom Teaser Cat Toy

Quit Spending Money on Expensive Cat Toys and Go DIY

Come on, get crafty – make your own cat toys and save money! If you have ever gotten frustrated by your cat refusing to play with an expensive do-dads you purchased at the pet store, it’s time to change the way you look at cat toys. Most felines actually prefer some of the simplest and most inexpensive toys over the more advanced, battery-powered, and pricey options at your local pet shop. And, to save even more money, you can use items around the house to make cat toys of your own that your pet will love. And when he destroys these toys, they will be easy and cheap to replace, making it a win-win for everyone. Below are a few homemade cat toy ideas you can try if you want to take a DIY approach to your feline’s playtime. Related: Top 5 Gotta-Have-‘Em Cat Toys A Spare Shoelace First, a word of caution: when it comes to giving your cat a string to play with, always be there to monitor him during playtime. The last thing that you want is for your kitty to swallow the string and end up with a blockage or tear in the intestines, or even passing the string but not getting the entire thing out in one bowel movement (you can probably imagine what that would be like, and it’s certainly not pretty!). Although there are plenty of toy strings for sale in stores, you can keep it on the cheap by using a spare shoelace you have lying around. This alone will get your cat excited, as he will be intrigued enough to chase it all over the house as you run with it behind you, making this a fun exercise for you as well. You can also drag it along the floor for your cat to pounce at it, probably as he imagines that the string is a mouse’s tail, or you can dangle it in front of your cat, who will want to swat at it. Related: How Safe Is Your Cat From His Favorite Toys? Add a small stuffed animal or a set of feathers to the end of the shoelace and you have a toy that will keep your kitty engaged and having fun while also getting a great workout to maintain a healthy weight. Craft Your Own Catnip Toy If you like to knit or sew, you can certainly make your own cat toys in the shapes and colors that you want, and you can save a lot of money too. For example, you can knit a little ball and stuff it with a soft filling that will give it its shape. Add catnip to the inside as a bonus that your cat will go crazy for, and then watch him swat it around all over the house. You can also sew a toy mouse together in the same fashion, adding the catnip if you wish. And the great thing is that, when these toys are worn out, you can simply make more with leftover supplies rather than having to purchase more toys. Cardboard Box Hideaways Don’t have room in your home for an elaborate cat tree with hiding places? Then use a cardboard box to give your kitty a great place to retreat to, rest, and play. You can really go all-out by cutting holes through more than one box and then arranging them in a maze-like fashion or into a tower that your cat will be able to navigate through. Let your creativity run wild and make sure you place a few toys or perhaps even a soft bed for your cat to lie on while inside his little cardboard haven. If you get creative, you can certainly make a lot of your own cat toys at home. Even a crumpled up piece of paper can keep your kitty occupied for hours. Or you can take a paper towel roll and fill it with jingle bells before sealing it up on each end with paper so that your cat can roll it around. The possibilities are truly limitless. Just make sure you observe your kitty while he plays to ensure he’s safe, especially if any of the toys may pose a choking hazard.

Pawsome Cat Products You Can Buy on Etsy

We love shopping on Etsy! It’s the best place to buy handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts for your kitty. When you’re looking for something a little more unique than what you’d find at the big-box pet stores, Etsy sellers have your back. From handmade creations to custom orders, you can find just about everything that your cat would need, and you can do it all from your couch. There’s a lot going on on Etsy, so we decided to help you out by locating some of the most pawsome cat products that the site has to offer. Check out our picks below, but know that there are still a lot of other fabulous products to browse if these won’t suit your cat’s fancy. Related: Best Cat Products That’ll Keep Your Kitty Occupied For Hours For Climbing and Scratching If your cat loves to jump and climb up to the highest places around your house, check out the Cat Zone #1. A great alternative to a traditional cat tree that would take up a lot of floor space, this is a set of cat shelves that you can place on your wall so that your kitty can enjoy a good view. The set is handmade, comes in a range of colors, and includes the cat shelf, the cat lift, the cat step, and a feeding shelf with two bowls. Every kitty loves a good scratching post, but if you’re looking for something that’s a little different, consider getting this cat scratcher that’s shaped like a tree trunk. It features two scratching posts in one interesting design, so more than one cat could use it at the same time, and your kitty can choose between the thicker post or the thinner one right next to it. For Playing and Exercising When it comes to toys for playing, Etsy has a range of handmade catnip toys that are sure to make your kitty happy while giving him a chance to get some much-needed exercise. Check out these cute baguette catnip toys, made of eco-friendly felt and organic catnip, as one example. Related: DIY Pom-Pom Teaser Cat Toy If your cat likes grabbing and kicking his toys, you could get him this large kicker toy that’s also filled with catnip and handmade with cotton. And if your cat prefers chasing balls, these pretty scatterballs come in sets of three or five. For Hunting and Snacking Because cats could benefit from puzzle toys that reward them with a treat, consider adding something like the Wobble Cat Treat Dispensing Toy to your pet’s routine. Simply place a treat inside and let your kitty figure out how to get the treat out of the holes. It’s a good way to keep your cat active physically and mentally, and it gives your pet a chance to “hunt” for his food too. This handmade item is made of wood and also has a ball inside so your cat could continue playing with it even if there aren’t any treats inside. For Relaxing and Napping We all know how much cats love to sleep, so a cat bed is a must for both lounging and napping. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of adorable hideaways and beds to choose from on Etsy, like this one that’s shaped like a teepee. There’s also this Floating Cat Bed/Shelf with a classy design that you can mount to your wall if your cat prefers sleeping up high. Or your pet might enjoy this fun cat cave, which could provide a quiet little space for relaxing or playing. These are just a few of the many pet products for sale on Etsy, so the next time you want to get something special for your cat, consider browsing this online shop. You’re bound to find something for every budget and for every finicky feline

What To Look For In A Doggie Daycare

Tips On What The Perfect Doggie Daycare Will Offer Only dog people can relate to how important it is to find the right doggie daycare for your fur baby. There are lots of reasons why your pup would need to go to doggie daycare: perhaps you’re away all day, or maybe your dog needs some socialization skills, or you just feel better when your dog is being taken care of by caring people. Whatever your reasons are, there is some homework involved in finding the right doggie daycare for your pooch. There are a range of doggie daycare facilities to choose from. Vets and groomers offer day boarding, as do well-known pet stores, retailers and open-space facilities. There are even people offering their own doggie daycare from their homes. We’ve put together a few tips for you to watch for when picking out a doggie daycare. There is some homework involved in finding the right doggie daycare for your pooch. Initial assessments: Not all dogs are a good fit for a particular facility. Because dogs have different temperaments, always insist that your dog receives an initial assessment to see if it’s a suitable environment. The other dogs that hang out at that doggie daycare may have a totally different energy than your dog’s – during your first visit, introduce your pooch to the group slowly and safely.Cleanliness is next to dogliness: You can’t expect a doggie daycare to be so clean that you can eat off the floor (ick), but it should be tidy and shouldn’t smell like a dog bathroom. Take a look around and make sure accidents (because they do happen) are cleaned up quickly and the other dogs are healthy looking.Supervision and Staff: Someone needs to be the pack leader, even when dogs are playing. A good doggie daycare will have proper supervision to ensure proper doggie manners are present at play. A live body should be with the pack at all times – lazy dog sitting by glancing now and then through a window or gate isn’t going to cut it. A good rule of thumb is there should be one human to every 10 to 15 dogs.Size does matter: Is there enough room for your dog to play, both indoors and out? Inside, your dog should have about 70 to 100 square feet of space to run around off leash. As for outdoor space, it should be more than just a place for your dog to do his business. Being inside all the time is boring, even for a dog. The doggie daycare you choose should have a large, secure space to play and get some fresh air (and of course, have a pee break).Experience and Control: You don’t want to leave your best friend with someone who has no experience working with dogs. Ask questions and find out how long the doggie daycare has been in business, who is in charge and how experienced they are when it comes to working with dogs. Ask around at the dog park or at a local dog club to see what businesses come highly recommended. And see what kind of control measures the daycare employs. Look for positive reinforcement training rather than a doggie daycare that uses aggressive or physically tactics. Do you put your dog into a doggie daycare program? Would you recommend it? Leave your comments below. And if you are on the hunt for a doggie daycare, make sure to go to more than one business before making your decision – it’s not all about convenience or locale, it’s about your dog’s safety and comfort.

KoolDog Indoor Dog House Perfect For Condo Living

An Indoor Dog House That’s Part Of Your Decor Modern living has gone to the dogs… well, the uber-cool, stylish ones that is. Designed to blend into you home décor, the KoolDog ain’t your backyard, DIY indoor dog house. A comfortable indoor dog house for your pet, the KoolDog boasts a patent pending design that lets you match the house to your interior surroundings. You can choose different color schemes by selecting different wood finishes for face cover and a coordinating slipcover for the cushion. Related: The Puphaus Ensures Your Dog’s Digs Are Better Than Yours “The idea behind Kooldog house is that as a pet lover, I couldn’t find any dog house that is modern and can fit into my home décor,” said Ki Park, one of the brains behind KoolDog. “The idea behind Kooldog house is that as a pet lover, I couldn’t find any dog house that is modern and can fit into my home décor,” said Ki Park, one of the brains behind KoolDog. “I love minimalistic approach in decorating my home, I truly believe that less is more and having one perfect piece of furniture is better than filling the room with stuff. Related: Building a Dog House is a Snap Thanks to Magnetized Bad Marlon’s Stylish Abodes “As a result, I have designed a dog house that is modern and can be customizable for different home décor. These days, people are more conscious about their surroundings and careful about selecting furniture for their home. Just like any other products, there are things that we buy because we need it or because we love it. Kooldog house falls into we love it at first, however, for people who are looking to decorate their home with nice furniture, it is defiantly an item that they need it for sure. Nobody likes to have an ugly plastic crate beside expansive sofa when people come over for visit.” And you don’t have to worry about keeping it clean – the KoolDog’s main body can be wiped clean using a damp cloth, while the cushion cover comes off so you can throw it in the washing machine. You can to assemble this indoor dog house yourself, but it only takes about five minutes and you don’t need any tools. The KoolDog indoor dog house comes in small and large. You can order online at the Building a Dog House is a Snap Thanks to Magnetized Bad Marlon’s Stylish Abodes.

Teach Your Dog To Be A Canine Good Citizen

Is your dog a Canine Good Citizen? Your dog knows the basics when it comes to obedience, but it’s time to take it to the next level. Your dog can be a Canine Good Citizen! Sure, you may think your pup is already pretty awesome, but you can make sure that your dog has all the good manners to be considered a Canine Good Citizen. Plus, you’ll get a fancy-schmancy certificate to hang on the wall and brag about. What Is The Canine Good Citizen Program? Set up by the American Kennel Club in 1989, the Canine Good Citizen Program (CGC) rewards dogs that have good manners both at home and in the community. To complete the program, your dog must pass the two-part, 10-step CGC test. Not only will this program teach your dog good manners, but it also focuses on responsible dog ownership for you. Reasons to take the Canine Good Citizen Test Of course, better doggy manners and a certificate from the American Kennel Club are enticing reasons, but there are more benefits that come with it. If you’re just starting out on obedience training, it’s a dynamite place to start. Once you start the training process, the bond between you and your dog will grow stronger. And kids can get into the fun too – there are club across North American that offer courses just for kids and canines. By performing and mastering the steps in the Canine Good Citizen program, you’ll notice your dog picking up good habits. These include responding well to household routines, having good manners in around people and other dogs, and loving their owner that much more (if that’s even possible!). And there’s no telling where this will lead you. After you finish up with the Canine Good Citizen program, there’s nothing stopping you from tackling agility, tracking, and performance events. You may think your pup is already pretty awesome, but you can make sure that your dog has all the good manners to be considered a Canine Good Citizen. What Dogs Can Participate? Any dog can be a Canine Good Citizen! Pure and mix breeds are welcome to take the test. And there are no age limits. Young pups and senior pooches are eligible. Dogs must be old enough to have received necessary immunizations (such as rabies vaccines). Depending on where your dog takes the test, there may be few exceptions relating to participation. If you take it at an AKC show or with a dog training school, you’ll have to abide by the regulations set out by the organization. Where Do You Go For The Test? Countries all over the world offer the training and testing for the course. Breed and dog clubs, dog training schools and community clubs offer Canine Good Citizen training and can administer the official test. As well, dogs can be tested during AKC shows. Do you think your dog has what it takes to be a Canine Good Citizen? Are you interested in learned more? Learn more about it at the American Kennel Club’s website. You can see the full list of steps and requirements after the jump. And tell us how many of the 10 steps your dog can already do by leaving a comment. AKC Canine Good Citizen Test Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger The dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. Test 2: Sitting politely for petting The dog will allow a friendly stranger to pet it while it is out with its handler. Test 3: Appearance and grooming The dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead) The handler/dog team will take a short “walk” to show that the dog is in control while walking on a leash. Test 5: Walking through a crowd The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three) to demonstrate that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place The dog will respond to the handler’s commands to 1) sit, 2) down and will 3) remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). Test 7: Coming when called The dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. Test 8: Reaction to another dog To demonstrate that the dog can behave politely around other dogs, two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet. Test 9: Reaction to distraction To demonstrate the dog is confident when faced with common distracting situations, the evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane. Test 10: Supervised separation This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, “Would you like me to watch your dog?” and then take hold of the dog’s leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes.

Adoptable Dog of the Week- Moon

His name is no coincidence- you’ll be over the moon when you meet this adorable doggo! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Moon, a 6 years old American Pit Bull Terrier and Pug mix from Phoenix, Arizona. He is neutered, microchipped, and up to date on his vaccinations. Moon is a sweet pooch that does well with dogs that match his personality but needs a home without any cats in the family. He hasn’t been tested around kids before, so a meet would be recommended. Moon’s Tale This handsome fella isn’t all looks: his charms go way beyond his beauty. Moon is a loving, affectionate dog that just wants someone to shower with love and get the same in return. He is a true cuddle bug and the sweetest boy, especially after a long day of play and activity when he loves nothing more than snuggling up to his human. Moon is an energetic dog that will need daily walks, active playtime, and an owner that will make sure that he burns off his excess energy productively. It would be great if his new home has a fenced backyard where he could run around and explore! A smart cookie, Moon is already potty trained and crate trained, so his new owners won’t have a handful with training. He is also very friendly and has lived with dogs before- still, introductions are a must. Not all canine personalities are a match so it’s best if he meets his potential furry siblings to see if they are compatible. Unfortunately, Moon isn’t that crazy about felines, so his new home should be cat-free. If you’re fallen head over heels for Moon’s sweet smile and even sweeter personality, contact Arizona Humane Society – Campus for Compassion to learn more about this lovely pooch and how you could adopt him.

Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu Basics Native to Japan – and the smallest of the dogs that can make that claim – the Shiba Inu is one of the great “pound-for-pound” breeds across the entire world. Courageous, generally friendly and responsive to training, the Shiba Inu can be a determined and happy companion that enjoys a good variety of terrain and can handle plenty of exercise. If you’re considering the Shiba Inu as a pet for your family, you’ll be encouraged to know that it gets along with children, other pets, and is not an overtly aggressive dog. There’s a lot that goes into developing a breed like this, and the Shiba Inu’s history tells us all about its modern form. Although a bit stubborn at times, like many confident dogs, the Shiba Inu will be happy to enjoy your company and can be considered a dog that is versatile in terms of play, exercise, and social skills. And considering it is a relatively small dog, the Shiba Inu also has the advantage of not scaring off any neighbors! Here is an overall profile of this Japanese breed. Courageous, generally friendly and responsive to training, the Shiba Inu can be a determined and happy companion. Origin As already stated, the Shiba Inu is native to Japan, which is a rare quality, and is actually the smallest of the breeds that can say so. Shiba Inus were used over the years to explore and hunt through the terrain and thick brush that marks so much of the Japanese island, giving it a ready-made confidence when it enters this kind of brush anywhere you take it. In fact, the word Shiba in Japanese refers to brushwood, and since Inu means dog, you get the idea where the Shiba Inu got its name. Throughout its history, the Shiba Inu has made a good companion dog for hunting, which is interesting considering the typical hunting dogs most westerners are accustomed to, the breed is actually relatively small. But because of its instincts, its confidence, and its willingness to explore difficult terrain, the Shiba Inu has earned a reputation amongst the Japanese as an excellent hunting dog indeed. While the Shiba Inu was devastated by the effects of World War II, it has since rebounded and been developed into the breed we now know today. Pedigree

Tailio Gives You The (Poop) Scoop On Your Cat’s Health

A high-tech, WiFi-enabled kitty litter box? Seriously – we’re not full of crap! This may just be the coolest and most unexpected tech product for pets that we’ve ever seen, and it all revolves around your cat’s litter box. Yes, you read that right. Tailio is a project that’s currently up for funding on Kickstarter and it’s so uniquely awesome that we just had to let our readers know about it. The creators of Tailio are billing it as the world’s first in-home smart monitoring system, designed to help pet owners monitor their cat’s overall health, as well as early detection of potential health problems. Related: What Is The Best Kitty Litter? Tailio is a flat, WiFi-enabled device that is placed underneath your cat’s litter box to monitor hallmark indicators of health like their weight, waste, litter box habits and how often they’re using the box. It’s connected to an app on your smartphone that seamlessly transits the data to your phone and the cloud in an easy-to-read format and sends you daily updates, no matter where you are. It might sound a little wacky to monitor your cat’s bathroom habits, but think about it: pets can’t tell us when they’re not feeling well. Usually, our first indicator that something is wrong comes when they began eliminating abnormally or too often. And since cats use a litter box, their bathroom behaviour isn’t as apparent to us as when we’re walking the dog, so when you get down to it, Tailio is actually pretty brilliant. Related: CleverPet Game Console The device, developed in consultation with veterinarians, learns about each cat and generates a unique ‘Pawprint’–a profile of their health and physiology that it uses as a baseline to measure any changes. If you have more than one cat, it’s able to identify them separately and monitor them accordingly. Smart! Tailio lets you know simple things, like when your cat’s litter box needs cleaning, as well as more advanced stuff, like if they’ve packed on a few too many pounds or are using the litter box more often than usual (a sign that kitty may need medical attention). You can even use the app to send a ‘scoop-the-litter-box’reminder to a family member or pet sitter! The Tailio team has already surpassed their $30,000 fundraising goal (in fact, they’ve almost doubled it!) but you can still help out. There are different donation levels from $5, which gets a picture of your kitty on the Tailio website wall of fame, all the way up to $10,000, which gets you a trip to San Diego, dinner with the company founder, input on future designs and of course, you’ll be one of the first in the world to own a Tailio. If you’d like to pre-order the device, you can pay the early bird price of $99 when Tailio ships out in April 2015. To learn more about Tailio and get in on the pre-order action, check out their Kickstarter page. The campaign ends on December 12, 2014.

Gen Y Dogma: Top 5 Christmas Etsy Picks For The Urban Pet

She’s made a list and has checked it twice – here’s what Christina is getting her mostly nice (but a little naughty) pets this Christmas. It’s the most wonderful time of the year –at least according to me! Christmas is coming and it’ll be here before we know it. You don’t wanna be one of those last minute shoppers, right? That’s why this week I wanted to share some great gift ideas for the urban pet (or urban pet parent) in your life. Best of all, these picks are unique –they’re all from that haven of handmade goods we know (and love) as Etsy, so you can be sure that everyone and their dog won’t be strutting around town in the same thing and you’ll be supporting independent makers and artists at the holidays. Win-win, am I right? All the items in this list can be shipped worldwide, so your pooch is in luck no matter where on this lovely planet their lay their heads. Puppy Pocket Scarf Sling Pet Carrier by HeartPup ($118)

Top 10 Etsy Gifts For Dog Moms On Mother’s Day

There’s no love like a dog mom’s love. No, a dog mom pours all her heart into her little (or huge) ball of fur, and it’s because she knows the world’s a better place with her fur-baby in it. And, since Mother’s Day is right around the corner, we figured we’d share our favorite Etsy finds for dog moms on Mother’s Day because nothing says “I Ruff You Mom!” better than a homemade gift with love. But we’re not talking any of this macaroni necklace nonsense! These gifts are sure to be mom’s favorites forever because they’re bought backed my love, and made just the same!

Adoptable Dog of the Week- Ollie

If these copper eyes have you smitten, you’re not alone! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Ollie, a 6 years old Shepherd and Lab mix from Manchester, New Hampshire. This sweet and friendly dog is neutered, up to date on his vaccines, and crate trained. Ollie is a well-mannered pooch that would get along well with older children in the home, as well as other friendly dogs in the household. Ollie’s Tale Before he ended up in the shelter, Ollie was an outside dog. He’s just now getting to enjoy the perks of home life in his foster family and he’s settled right in! Ollie is an affectionate dog that enjoys attention and belly rubs, but isn’t needy or big on cuddling- he won’t be clingy even though he is loving. Ollie is still learning the ropes. He is in the process of consistent potty training and he’s doing great- he is very food and praise motivated and has no problem figuring out what earns him the things he likes most. Ollie knows basic obedience commands and will run when he hears kibble being shaken (no surprise there). He is also crate trained. A playful pooch, Ollie will love chasing tennis balls and playing with kids or other dogs. However, due to his size (Ollie weighs around 70 pounds) it’s best if the children in the family are older, so he wouldn’t inadvertently knock them over during play- he’s a chunky pooch after all. Ollie hasn’t had the chance to interact with cats in his foster home, so it’s not clear if he would get along with a kitty or wouldn’t like a feline for his roommate. If the lovely personality and adorable looks of this pooch have won you over, contact For Dogs Sake rescue to learn more about Ollie and how you could be the one to adopt him.

Canadian Eskimo Dog

Canadian Eskimo Dog Basics Like many sled dog breeds, the Canadian Eskimo Dog has a powerful build and a thick coat. These dogs were originally bred to work pulling sleds, but they have also been used to hunt seals and polar bears. If you are looking for a house pet or a lap dog, the Canadian Eskimo Dog is not for you. If, however, you are looking for a tough and active breed, this may be the right choice. Like many sled dog breeds, the Canadian Eskimo Dog has a powerful build and a thick coat. Origin The origins of the Canadian Eskimo Dog can be traced back more than 4,000 years to the Inuit people. This breed was developed for pulling sleds and for hunting. The early Inuits never considered the Canadian Eskimo Dog a pet, or even part of the animal kingdom – it was merely a tool to be used. During the 19th and 20th centuries, the breed’s numbers had declined severely but the dogs were still in demand for use in polar expeditions. By the 1960s, the breed’s numbers had declined so severely that it was removed from both UKC and AKC registries. In 1970 Brian Ladoon started the Eskimo Dog Research Fund in an attempt to increase the breed’s numbers. Pedigree

Hopping Hounds Jump For Joy In Springy New Photo Series

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a… bouncy pooch?! First, we had underwater puppies. Now, we’ve got springing sheepdogs. There is a lot of really cool dog photography projects happening these days, and German photographer Julia Christe’s “Freestyle” series is no exception.

Adoptable Dog of the Week- Charlotte Newberry

Happy-go-lucky, bouncy, and full of love, this girl is ready to make your life ten times happier! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Charlotte Newberry, a 2 years old Belgian Malinois and American Bulldog mix from Providence, Rhode Island. This lively pooch is spayed, up to date on her vaccines, crate trained, and house trained. To boot, Charlotte is a friendly dog that gets along just fine with other canines so she wouldn’t mind sharing your affection and attention. She would also do well in a family with older children. Charlotte Newberry’s Tale This lovely pooch would be a perfect pet for someone with an active lifestyle: her energy and exuberance make her ideal for active owners! While her energetic and lively behavior does dictate regular exercise and playtime, Charlotte is not an overly demanding pooch. She would love to be pampered and showered with affection- and she’ll quickly show her sweet and friendly side to anyone she meets. Ideally, her new owners would have a house with a securely fenced backyard in which she could play, but she can adapt as long as her activity needs are met. Charlotte does really well with other dogs and wouldn’t mind having a furry sibling- in fact, having a four-legged friend to play with all day long sounds like a dream! She hasn’t been tested around cats as her foster family doesn’t have one, so if you live in a feline-friendly household, some introductions would be in order before making any definitive decisions. As for children, Charlotte is uneasy around young kids, so a family with older children would be a much better match for her needs. For those of you that want a loyal, active companion or a goofy, fun-loving family dog, this lovely girl is a great choice. If you want to learn more about Charlotte or how you could be the one to adopt her, contact Rhode Home Rescue for more information.

The Cat Question: To Microchip Or Not To Microchip?

Here kitty, kitty! Are you on the fence about whether or not to microchip your cat? Microchipping is quite popular as a means of reuniting lost pets with their owners. But there’s also a bit of controversy surrounding microchips and their effectiveness and safety. Continue reading to get more information on this important topic, and consider doing your own research to assess the pros and cons before coming to a final decision. Related: How Does a Dog Microchip Protect Your Pooch? What Is a Microchip for Your Pet, and How Does It Work? Microchips are also known as pet ID chips. They’re only about the size of a single grain of rice, and they use radio frequency waves that transmit information about your cat. A veterinarian implants the microchip using a syringe, placing it between the shoulder blades, right beneath the surface of the skin. The procedure is quick and feels like any other routine vaccination. Your cat’s subcutaneous tissue will bond to the chip in about a day to keep it in place, although there’s a small chance that it might migrate a little bit before it settles in one spot. A microchip is meant to last for about 25 years. So, if your cat gets lost, the animal shelter or veterinary office that finds your pet can simply use a handheld scanner to retrieve the chip’s information, which consists of a registration or IDnumber. The veterinary or shelter staff will then be able to look up the information that is associated with that ID number. And if all goes well, it will direct them to you. Once these workers have your phone number, they can get in touch with you to let you know that they have your cat, and then you can work on getting your pet back at home as soon as possible. Related: Britain Passes New Dog Microchipping Law The Purpose of Microchipping Pets Pet microchips are tools that can be used to quickly and easily identify a cat and his owner. Many pet owners who worry about their kitty getting lost someday decide to have their companion microchipped. That way, if their pet is found, he can be scanned and reunited with his family, regardless of whether or not he wears a collar and tag. This has certainly been the case for many lost pets who have been microchipped, making it the best reason for getting the chip implanted into your cat. Think about it: even if your kitty spends all of his time indoors, there is a chance that he will run outside and get lost. As an indoor cat, he might be so frightened that he quickly loses his way. And if your indoor cat doesn’t wear a collar with an ID tag at all times, he could end up out there alone, not knowing what to do, and there would be no way to identify him if he were found by a stranger. Shelters and rescue groups might also microchip cats that come into their care. That way, when they are adopted, these kitties are already set with a microchip and identification. And if the animals ever get lost in the future, their owners may be able to find them sooner rather than later. While some pet owners appreciate this effort, others who want more control over whether or not their cats are microchipped might be irritated by the fact that they weren’t given a choice in the matter. Bottom line: the great thing about a microchip is that it’s in your cat and will remain there no matter what. Unlike collars and tags that can get lost or damaged, these ID chips might help ensure your pet will make his way home, provided that he is scanned properly once he is found. The Potential Drawbacks of Having a Cat Microchipped Despite all of the positive things about microchips, there are some cons associated with this product that you should be aware of. For example, even when a microchipped cat is scanned, it doesn’t always mean that the shelter worker will be able to get the information they need, and there could be several reasons for this. First off, some scanners might not be able to read the data from your kitty’s microchip, even though there have been advancements to help ensure a pet’s microchip will be scannable, regardless of its registry and brand. Also, shelter workers might not use a scanner properly and may end up missing a microchip completely. Or, if the microchip did end up migrating to a different spot in the cat’s body and the shelter worker doesn’t do a thorough scan, they might miss the chip that way too. Another thing to keep in mind is that the microchip needs to be registered in order to work. If your pet had a previous owner who never registered the microchip, or if you adopted your furry companion from a shelter who failed to register it, it simply won’t work. So it’s necessary to ensure the microchip is properly registered at all times. In addition to that, you need to keep your contact information up-to-date with the registry that holds the information about your pet’s microchip. Otherwise, if your cat gets lost and is scanned, the microchip might direct rescuers to the shelter you adopted him from or to his previous owner. Yikes! So, if you end up moving, be sure to update your information in the microchip registry. And, again, when you adopt a pet, be sure to update the contact information that’s associated with the microchip so it points to you instead of anyone else. What does all of this tell you? Well, even if your pet has a microchip in place, it isn’t foolproof, so it’s still a good idea to continue using other forms of identification. You might, for example, purchase a collar that’s designed for felines, attach an ID tag to it, and have your kitty wear it just in case he ever gets lost. One final note: some studies have found that pets who have microchips are at an increased risk of cancer, particularly of aggressive tumors that grow at the site of the chip. And there are also cases where cats who have been microchipped have suffered from neurological damage or died as a result of an improperly implanted microchip that hit the brain stem or caused severe bleeding. Although experts claim that the risks are low, some cat owners might choose to avoid getting their pets microchipped altogether for these reasons. Weigh the Pros and Cons When it comes to microchipping pets, there are certainly pros and cons that need to be considered. There are benefits that microchips can provide, but in order to enjoy those benefits, the chip and scanner need to work properly and the people scanning your pet need to be able to retrieve the correct information. Again, it isn’t foolproof, but it can give you greater peace of mind while you travel with your cat or if your feline friend ever gets lost, especially if your kitty isn’t wearing a collar with an ID tag that provides your contact information. As your cat’s guardian, it’s up to you to decide what’s really best for your pet. Learning more about microchips is wise, and if you want even more information, you can consult with a veterinarian to get the personalized guidance you need to make the right choice.

Best Outdoor Dog Fence

An outdoor dog fence keeps your pet safe and your flower beds safe from them – whether they are portable or not, these outdoor fences provide some much-needed boundaries. This is our selection of the best outdoor dog fence designs on the market.

Golden Mountain Dog

Golden Mountain Dog Basics Anyone who’s in search of a larger canine breed that will be super affectionate and loyal will fall in love with the Golden Mountain Dog. These attractive pooches will adore you forever, and they won’t be afraid to show you how much they think you’re the center of their universe. But they’ll expect just as much love and attention from you in return. Active families will also enjoy the company of a Golden Mountain Dog, who won’t think twice about going hiking or jogging with you. So if you’re the type of person who has the time to devote to an attention-seeking dog, and you’re willing to take your pet on all of your adventures, this could be the perfect breed. The Golden Mountain Dog is a cross between a purebred Golden Retriever and Bernese Mountain Dog. Origin The Golden Mountain Dog is a designer dog breed whose origins aren’t entirely clear. Pedigree

Is Ice Water Really Dangerous for Dogs?

Ice water for dogs? Is that even safe for them? Let’s separate fact from fiction and get to the cold, ice hard truth!You probably already know that there are certain “human” foods that are very dangerous for dogs – things like chocolate, grapes, caffeine and onions. But what about seemingly innocuous items like ice cubes and ice water? It’s just water, sure, so it’s completely normal that it would be safe for dogs, but it’s the temperature that raises concern – icy cold might not be the healthiest for your pooch, but does that also mean that it is harmful? There is a great deal of misinformation out there regarding this particular item for dogs so it is important that you take the time to read correct information on the subject.How the Controversy BeganRumors regarding the dangers of ice cubes and ice water for dogs have been circulating since 2007, but the main culprit of the myth was a cautionary tale written way back in 2010. This article titled “No Ice Water for Dogs… Please Read ASAP” tells the story of Baran, a show dog who was given ice water by his owner following a competition to help him cool down. Within 30 minutes of drinking the water, Baran reportedly began showing signs of distress and was rushed to a veterinary clinic where he was diagnosed with gastric dilation volvulus, or bloat. According to the vet, the ice water caused Baran’s stomach muscles to cramp and twist, leading to a life-threatening situation that could easily have been fatal if the dog hadn’t received prompt veterinary treatment.As the Interwebs are prone to do, the concern spread. Since its publication, this article has received a lot of attention and a great deal of flack regarding its accuracy. The author of the article has even published replies to comments in hopes of clearing up any confusion. Regardless, the question of whether ice water is safe for dogs continues to circulate, well over a decade later. So what is the real truth behind this story?The Truth of the Matter: Bloat Is The Bigger ConcernIf you’re not curious about the backstory of this urban myth or the real reason why the dog from the blog had dangerous bloat, you don’t need to read on – the long and short of the matter is that ice cubes and ice water are not dangerous for dogs. But, if you want to find out what could possibly still endanger your dog when they are drinking cold (or any temperature) water, you’ll want to stick around . It is dangerous for a dog to drink water (regardless the temperature) too quickly because they are likely to swallow a lot of air in the process – this is the more likely cause of Baran’s distress. When a dog swallows too much air during the consumption of food or water, it can lead to bloating in the stomach which contributes to the dangerous condition called gastric dilation volvulus.Bloat in dogs is not just painful for them, but terrifying for you. If your dog suffers from bloat (and we’re not talking that cute puppy belly), they’re likely to become pretty lethargic very quickly. They may not ‘look’ like they’re in a lot of pain, but just as we humans don’t want to be moving and grooving when we have a belly ache, neither do they. Their stomach distension when it’s simple bloat, or gastric dilation, can just look like that full belly feeling and it’s becasue in drinking the ice water too quickly, they took in too much air. That excess air puts a lot of pressure on their internal organs–especially those around the stomach, diaphragm and large veins in their abdomen. This can cause them to have issues with proper blood flow and breathing.And as we know, the breathing issues are a huge concern, particularly if we’ve given our dogs ice water to cool them off. They’ve probably been panting to cool themselves off and there’s little way to know if the panting they’re doing is now coming from their self-cooling or because it’s difficult to breathe because of bloating.Additionally, the more severe condition known as gastric dilation and volvulus (GDV) can be fatal if you don’t get to it and treat it quickly enough. This is because as opposed to simple bloat that may occur when your dog takes in too much air with water gulps, with GDV, your dog’s stomac will fill with that air and gas and rotate like a balloon. It can twist and turn anywhere from 180-360 degrees in your dog’s abdomen and when that happens? Your dog’s stomach can be closed off at both ends, leaving no way for air to get out. And without consistent blood supply? Your dog’s stomach and other organs go downhill and fast. This is likely the case in dogs like Baran, and more likley to happen when your dog is super thirsty (or even hungry) and gulps water to cool–regardless of the temperature of the water.IF your dog should take in water quickly, whether it’s ice water or room temp, look for the following signs after:Abdomen DistensionLethargyAbdominal PainRetching (attempted vomit with no success)PantingNoticing any of these signs should be a reason for concern. It’s better to be safe than sorry and reacting on time can be what saves your dog’s life – take your dog to the vet if they gobble down water too fast and start exhibiting any of the symptoms above.Preventing Bloat in DogsThough giving your dog ice water to cool down is not dangerous, you should always be careful about cooling your dog too quickly. Rather than soaking your dog in ice water, try draping him in a wet towel or having him lie down on a cool surface. It’s much safer to cool down your pet gradually – even if it seems that quick action would be more efficient, it’s actually not. If the dog is cooled too quickly, it could cause the capillaries in his skin to close off which could interfere with the cooling of internal organs. Once your dog’s body temperature drops below 103° there is no longer any danger of heat stroke.In terms of preventing bloat in dogs, it all comes down to keeping them from eating or drinking too quickly. Keep an eye on your dog as he eats and drinks to make sure that he doesn’t become overeager and take in lots of air as he drinks. It is also wise to avoid exercising your dog within thirty to sixty minutes of mealtime. Large breed dogs are particularly prone to gastric dilation volvulus because of their deep chests – it is often recommended that you use an elevated food bowl for these breeds.As long as you are responsible about the way you feed and water your dog, you shouldn’t have to worry about bloat. Remember, ice cubes and ice water are not inherently dangerous but you should still be careful about how you use them.Should You Give Ice Cubes to Your Dog?Now that we’ve determined that ice cubes and ice water alone are not responsible for bloat in dogs – it’s consuming water too quickly – the question remains, should you still give ice cubes to your dog and are there any other concerts besides bloat to think about. First, you shouldn’t let your dog chew on ice cubes as it can hurt their teeth or even cause them to chip or break, not to mention that it can be a choking hazard. However, you can put a few ice cubes in your dog’s water bowl to cool it down on hot summer days, both to make it more appetizing and more refreshing to your dog. A safe, healthy way to introduce frozen liquids to your dog in order to help them cool down without any of the potential risks that would come with giving ice cubes or worrying if they chug down their icy water too fast is offering freezable dog treats that can be filled with yogurt, pureed veggies or fruits, or even peanut butter and then left in the freezer for a few hours or overnight to create an ice cream-like treat for your four-legged bestie. The design of the toy will allow only partial access to the frozen goodies inside it, so you don’t have to worry about your pooch breaking off an icicle chunk that could hurt them or swallowing the whole thing in one go. Instead, they’ll be “forced” to slowly lick the frozen treat, which will cool them down and engage them for a good while.

DIY Pom-Pom Teaser Cat Toy

Popular Pet Guide

What Is Better for Dog Arthritis, Heat or Cold?

Popular Article

Desert Tortoises Are Becoming Surprisingly Popular Family Pets

DIY Pom-Pom Teaser Cat Toy

Popular Pet Guide

Popular Article

Related articles