Flea Medications for Your Cat: Ingredients to Avoid

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: April 11th, 2019

flea medications for your cat ingredients to avoid

Keeping fleas of your cat is vital – but should you be using flea medications? Before you make a decision, keep these factors in mind.

Keeping fleas off of your cat is important, but taking the time to read the ingredients in a flea medication before administering it to your pet is key. The wrong ingredients may cause a cat to become seriously ill, and some cats have died as a result of exposure to the wrong flea products.

What are some of the ingredients to avoid when you want to keep your kitty flea-free? Check out the information below to learn more, and consult with your veterinarian for personalized tips on how to keep parasites at bay while keeping your pet safe and healthy.

Consider the Dangers of Flea Collars and Shampoos

According to the NRDC, flea collars, in particular, might contain potentially dangerous ingredients, such as carbaryl, propoxur, and tetrachlorvinphos. If you’re thinking about using a flea collar on your cat, read the label carefully, and if you see those ingredients, put the collar back on the shelf to avoid the risk of it causing harm to your pet.

The same precautions should be taken with flea shampoos, as they may contain the same potentially harmful ingredients that are found in collars and spot-on treatments. Side effects, including allergic reactions, might occur after using a flea shampoo, so it’s wise to keep that in mind as you shop for the right product.

Chemical Ingredients That Are Best Avoided

The NRDC recommends being wary of products that fight both fleas and ticks because they may contain toxic ingredients. They advise against the use of pyrethrins, fipronil, dinotefuran, and imidacloprid.

Ingredients from the pyrethroid and pyrethrin family shouldn’t be used on cats. Therefore, in addition to permethrin, experts recommend avoiding ingredients like allethrin, cypermethrin, cyphenothrin, and deltamethrin, as these are all common names for pyrethroids.

Other ingredients that should be approached with caution include organophosphate insecticides, which are also known as OPs. An example is tetrachlorvinphos, mentioned above. Also be careful with carbamates, which are commonly found in flea and tick products. If you check an ingredients list and you see the words propoxur or carbaryl, it means that the product has a carbamate.

What About Natural Alternatives?

In your search for the ideal flea product for your feline, you might have come across some products that are touted as natural alternatives to the chemical-based options that are out there. But, again, it’s best to use these products with caution. Many contain essential oils, which might be harmful to cats. Ingredients like citrus oil, peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and cinnamon oil, as a few examples, might seem innocent enough, but these are considered toxic to cats, according to the Pet Poison Helpline.

Try to Take the Safest Route Possible

When it comes to preventing a flea infestation or getting rid of one, it’s all about taking the safest route possible, and only using products that are designed specifically for cats (not dogs). Beyond keeping the tips above in mind, your veterinarian can give you valuable advice with regards to what products are deemed the least dangerous for felines. The products that may be recommended to you might even depend upon the risk of an infestation or the severity of a current infestation, so it’s best to talk to your vet about the best option if you aren’t entirely sure of what path to take.

If you’ve administered any type of flea medication to your cat and side effects occur, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary clinic immediately. The sooner you can get your kitty the help she needs, the better.

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Dogs Could Be Wagging Their Tails Because Ancient Humans Loved Rhythm

Doggos love to wag their tails and we love to see it. It is their way of expressing emotions, from unwavering joy and happiness to see you again after a long day at work to a shy greeting to a new face – there are many things a pooch can convey with a simple  tail wag. But have you ever wondered why they do it exactly? Why didn’t dogs evolve to, let’s say, use their ears for nonverbal communication with us? Researchers were wondering the exact same thing, and their latest studies could provide a key insight into why dogs started wagging their tails in the first place.Believe it or not, the origins of this action could potentially be traced to ancient humans who first domesticated dogs. And the study connects the human love of rhythm, with selective breeding and domestication!Dogs were first domesticated by humans sometime between 15,000 and 50,000 years ago. It was a long time ago when dogs first emerged from domesticated wolves and similar canines but some of their ancestral traits, like tail wagging, remain the same. And researchers could finally have an answer for this behavior.“We may not be able to take a time machine back to the beginning of the dog-human relationship, but we can look at dog behavior today in tandem with human behavior to try and understand what that domestication process looked like,” said Dr. Taylor Hersh from Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics in the Netherlands. “Tail wagging is a very apparent and interesting behavior to start with.”Of course, this is not the first such study, and in the past, many have questioned the wagging of tails. Previously, it was found that hand-reared dog pups will wag their tails far more often than hand-reared wolf pups, showing the clear difference between domesticated and wild animals. Likewise, it was discovered that dogs wag their tails to the right mostly in response to positive experiences, usually when seeing their owners. And they’d wag them to the left in potentially aggressive situations. And now, researchers linked this behavior to the ancient process of domestication. This means that dog tail wagging has developed because dogs have an inherent genetic link towards behaviors that humans want - like tameness and docility. “We put forth a new hypothesis that humans consciously or unconsciously selected for tail wagging during the domestication process because we are very attracted to rhythmic stimuli,” said Silvia Leonetti, another member of the team.Ancient humans had a very distinct attraction to rhythm and rhythmic actions, so there could be a very logical link here. Dr. Holly Root-Gutteridge, a dog researcher at the University of Lincoln, also proposed that tail wagging was developed during the long domestication process as an adaptation by the dogs, as humans likely found barking irritating. “We’re a highly visual species and may appreciate the rhythm, it’s an interesting thought that should be explored, though I’m not sure we’re really responding that much to it,” she said. What is more, she added that wolves too wag their tails in certain situations in the wild. “I suspect ancestral humans saw tail wags as a positive, easy to read sign in wolves, and developed it the way we talk with our hands – as a communicative gesture that we can easily understand.”

How to Clean Dog Diarrhea From Carpet

Sure, sharing your life with a dog is fun and your days are filled with love, but sometimes, it can get messy. Like, real messy. After all, even though we love them, dogs are not the neatest of animals out there (that title would go to kitties, I’m afraid). In the daily life of a dog owner, there is bound to be a bit of dirt, hair, and - inevitably, poop – to clean up after your pet. And as if picking up poop from the street after your pet wasn’t bad enough, sometimes accidents happen inside your home, and the messes are that much harder to clean. Especially when you’re dealing with diarrhea and not your regular ole poop situation. But even though it’s far from pleasant to clean up after, it’s not the end of the world if an accident happens. While it can be difficult to thoroughly clean dog diarrhea embedded in the carpet fibers, everything can be cleaned if you are persistent enough – and know how to approach the issue. Here are some tips and tricks that can help you clean dog diarrhea from carpet – stains and smell both.How to Clean Dog Diarrhea from Carpet: Step by StepNow, keep in mind that cleaning dog diarrhea from a carpet can be a messy task, but it's important to clean it thoroughly and as quickly as possible to prevent lasting stains and lingering odors. Even if you are disgusted by the sight before you, it is necessary to keep at it until the job’s done. Someone has to do it, right? And we all know it ain’t gonna be your pooch.So, first things first, you’ll need to gather supplies. It is always good to have them handy and keep them stored in a secure cabinet. You never know when an accident can happen and they will be needed, so be sure to be stocked on  pet-safe cleaning supplies (if you’re not already, now is a perfect time to pick up all of your basic necessities). 

How Do I Make a DIY Nail Board for My Dog?

Maintaining your dog’s nails is essential to their overall health and well-being, but it can be challenging if your dog is uncomfortable with the nail clippers and other standard tools. While you could pay to bring your dog to the veterinarian each time a trim is needed, there are other options.Our pup Lucifer is nervous anytime someone touches his paws as a result of injuries to his front legs as a young rescue pup. This means that nail trims are a source of extreme anxiety.While we continue working on counterconditioning and helping him overcome his fears, we knew we needed to find a solution for the here and now. Enter the DIY nail board – a simple, budget-friendly alternative to that dreaded nail trim. The board is an oversized nail file that you then train your dog to use at their own pace. It’s a great way to build your dog’s confidence and strengthen your bond while keeping their nails in shape.Can I Use a Regular Nail File on My Dog’s Nails?While you could use a regular human nail file on your dog’s nails, it likely isn’t going to do the job. A dog’s nails are far stronger than our fingernails. Most emery boards and standard nail files will fail to make a dent in their surface, with many falling apart from the wear. If you want a nail file that can be used on your pet, I recommend purchasing a product specifically for dogs, like the Coastal Pet Safari Dog Diamond Nail File.What is a Scratch Board for Dogs?A scratch board is like a nail file; it provides a coarse surface that will help wear your dog’s nails down. The difference is that it is larger in size. Rather than bringing the file to a dog’s nails, the dog is trained to paw at the board and file their nails down. This means they are in complete control over when their nails touch the surface, which is much more comfortable for dogs that may suffer from stress or anxiety. It also means no one will need to handle their paws during nail care.Do Scratch Boards Work for Dog Nails?Yes! If your dog is taught to use a scratch board, they are a highly effective way of filing down their nails. This works much like how their ancestor’s nails would be worn down in the wild. As a dog runs and walks on rough surfaces or digs through coarse dirt, the tiny particles of dirt and stone wear away at the nail.Domesticated dogs may spend some time outdoors running around or digging, but many don’t engage in these behaviors as much as they would in the wild. They aren’t foraging for food daily or running to avoid predators and hunt down prey. This is why domestic dogs need regular nail maintenance, but wild dogs like wolves and coyotes function fine without this additional level of care.As your dog digs at or scratches the board, their nails run along the coarse surface. This allows you to fast-track the wear and tear they would naturally experience.Where Do I Get a Dog Scratch Board?You can purchase a nail board online or at your local pet store, depending on your preferences and budget. You can also DIY your own nail board. Some of the unique commercially made scratch boards you may want to consider for your dog include: Skuun Dog Scratch Pad for Nails: This is a veterinarian-approved board with an anti-slip surface and treat pocket. Zenly Paws Dog Nail File Toy: It combines a scratch pad with a food puzzle toy to make training your dog to file their nails easier and more enjoyable. LovIntry M-Shaped Dog Scratch Pad for Nails: The unique M-shaped design makes it easier to file the nails further back on your dog’s paws if they only file their front nails on a flat board.

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More And More Pets Are Having Allergies, Trupanion Reports

The time when spring blooms and summer comes to the doorstep is an idyllic period for most, but a lot of people dread this time of the year because of seasonal allergies that cause s lot of sneezing, headaches, and all-around discomfort. Now, it seems, it’s not just us humans that can experience nasty spring allergies – data indicates that our four-legged best friends are also affected by them. Dogs, in particular, are very susceptible to  spring allergies and are increasingly treated for their symptoms, such as itchy skin.Are All Dogs At Risk for Spring Allergies?It is important to be aware that the trees and flowers that bloom in spring can be a source of allergies for your pet. Not only are spring allergies very uncomfortable for dogs, but they can potentially lead to many secondary issues, the most dangerous of which is a skin infection.And if you think that chances for a spring allergy affecting your dog are low, consider a recent report issued by the pet insurance company Trupanion. They claim that there was a 45% increase in allergy claims for insured pets over the course of four years since 2019. This means that allergies are on the rise, both for pets and their owners. In fact, as  Axios reports, according to the insurer Nationwide, spring allergies are at the top of the list of health conditions that end in vet visits. Another key fact is related to allergy drugs. Since two of the major allergy drugs were released in 2013 and 2018, more than 20 million dogs have been treated by them, in an effort to battle spring allergy effects. Of course, if you suspect that your pet is suffering from a spring allergy, it is key to visit your vet as soon as possible. Depending on the effects, your vet can prescribe topical, injectable, or chewable treatments that help reduce  itchiness and other issues. And, considering that such allergies are seasonal, be ready for them with the arrival of spring and the blooming of trees. Learn to spot the symptoms such as itchiness, and to react quickly!

Here Are the 10 Rarest Dog Breeds in America

Dogs are the most popular pets in America – deservingly, they are the most loved and affectionate furry friends, and their popularity as family companions never wanes. We all know what are the most popular dog breeds – and which evergreen breeds have been stealing hearts for decades back, but how about those lesser-known breeds? Which in particular are the rarest among them? Even if touting great qualities, some of these super rare breeds are simply hard to come by, and they are seldom seen. Thanks to a survey conducted by the American Kennel Club ( AKC), we can now find out which dog breeds are as obscure as can be. Out of a list of 199 registered and accepted breeds, the AKC revealed the 10 rarest dog breeds in America. 10.  Pyrenean Shepherd9.  Cesky Terrier8.  Sussex Spaniel7.  Harrier6.  Azawakh5.  Belgian Laekenois4.  American Foxhound3.  Sloughi2.  Norwegian Lundehund1.  English FoxhoundDon’t be surprised if you have never heard of some of these unique breeds. They are rare for a reason! On the other side of the spectrum, looking at the most recent trends, the French Bulldog holds the number one spot as the most popular pet dog breed in America, with the Labrador and Golden Retrievers following close by. That’s a bit of a change, as the Golden Retriever long held the number one spot. Generally speaking, most people tend to go for more known and traditional dog breeds when looking for a purebred dog, but the world of canines is much more diverse, with plenty of unusual and amazing breeds to choose from.Ultimately, the popularity of a certain breed should not be connected with their suitability as pets. After all, many factors contribute to that – a great deal of pet parents, myself included, are proud to share their lives with a mixed breed pooch and the fact that they’re not a certain breed doesn’t make them any less perfect. Your four-legged bestie might be a more popular dog breed, a rare purebred, a hybrid designer dog breed, or a cute mutt – they’ll steal your heart either way!

The Unseen Threat: Dangers of Secondhand Smoke for Your Pet

Most people are well aware of the dangers of smoking. They understand what smoking does to their bodies and know the potential health risks of lighting up a cigarette. But did you know that exposure to secondhand smoke may have serious health consequences for your pets?It’s no secret that smoking is bad for people. In the United States, between 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths are linked to cigarette smoking. Secondhand smoking is also linked with an increased risk of other forms of cancer, such as breast and colorectal cancer, heart and respiratory disease.Studies have shown that more than 50% of bladder cancer cases in humans are caused by cigarette smoking. A recent study involving Scottish terriers found a link between cigarette smoke exposure and bladder cancer. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs, and many pooches are diagnosed with some form of this terrible disease. Although many factors may predispose a pet to cancer, research shows that passive smoking is a main danger.Scientists from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University discovered that Scottish terriers who were exposed to secondhand smoke at home were six times more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who were not routinely exposed to smoke.Passive smoking is also linked with nasal cancer in dogs. This type of cancer is often diagnosed in long-nosed breeds such as collies, greyhounds, and borzois. The increased surface area in their nasal canals traps inhaled particles, allowing carcinogens from tobacco smoke to accumulate in the nasal mucus. As a result, long-nosed dogs are at a greater risk of developing tumors in their snouts. On the other hand, brachycephalic or short-nosed dog breeds, such as pugs and French bulldogs, are more likely to develop lung cancer. Their short noses aren’t as effective at trapping inhaled particles and allow more carcinogens to reach the lungs.Being exposed to smoke increases the risk that your dog will develop cancer, but that’s not all. Pooches that live with smokers are more likely to develop asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.Dogs aren’t the only pets to suffer the consequences of inhaling secondhand smoke on a daily basis. Cats, birds, and small critters like guinea pigs and rabbits are also at risk.Cats that live with smokers are more likely to develop asthma and lung cancer. Felines that inhale secondhand smoke regularly also have a higher incidence of malignant lymphoma.  Studies have found higher nicotine concentrations in the hair of cats living with smokers than those living in smoke-free homes. The same is true for dogs living with smokers, no matter whether their owners smoked inside or outside. Cats are famous for being fastidious groomers, but licking the fur puts them at risk of ingesting even more toxic particles from secondhand smoke than simply inhaling them. Felines that groom excessively can develop oral tumors from licking toxic particles off their fur.Secondhand smoke alone isn't responsible for all health problems seen in cats and dogs. Diet, genetics, lifestyle, and exposure to other potentially toxic substances in the environment combined affect the pet’s overall health.Owners concerned with the well-being of their four-legged companions should be more aware of the air quality in their homes and make necessary lifestyle changes.Choosing to smoke outside can minimize some risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke. Improving ventilation, opening the windows, and using air filters can help too. However, it’s important to note that even a low exposure to secondhand smoke can be harmful to your four-legged companion.Quitting smoking is hard, but knowing how secondhand smoke affects your pet’s health may motivate you to put down that cigarette once and for all!Join the PetGuiJoin the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is Dog Snoring Normal?

Does it sound like your pet’s sawing wood whenever they take a nap? We hear you. It just so happens that dogs can snore like humans do, and some do it quite often and quite loudly. But what causes snoring in dogs, and is it normal? And is there a way to limit, reduce, or altogether eliminate it? Here are all the deets on dog snoring you need to know.Is Dog Snoring Normal?First off, yes, dog snoring can be completely normal. Just like humans, dogs can snore for various reasons. In most cases, it is not something you should worry about. Still, it can be somewhat distracting, and you might want to know what causes it. A number of factors can contribute to this issue – here are the most common ones.Brachycephalic Breeds:Dogs with short noses and flat faces, known as brachycephalic breeds, are more prone to snoring. This conformation can lead to narrower air passages, making it harder for air to flow smoothly during breathing. Examples of brachycephalic breeds include Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Shih Tzus.Weight:Overweight, chubby dogs may snore more frequently because excess weight can put pressure on their airways. Combined with excess fat on their neck, and the sleeping position, their snoring can be quite loud, especially during sleep. Age:Believe it or not, age can cause snoring as well! Older dogs may snore more frequently and loudly as they age, just like some humans. Age can affect the muscles and tissues in a dog's throat. Older dogs may experience a relaxation of these tissues, contributing to snoring. Don't hold it against your senior furry friend, they can't help it!Sleeping Environment:Ultimately, the environment in which a dog sleeps can influence snoring. For example, if the room is too dry, it may irritate the nasal passages, or if it's too warm, dogs may breathe with their mouths open, contributing to snoring. Try to find an ideal environment for them, or consider using an air humidifier to moisturize dry air.

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Dog Rescued After Surviving a 60-foot Fall from Michigan Cliff

A family’s trip to one of Michigan’s most beautiful landmarks almost ended tragically, when their dog took a tumble from a cliff. The adventurous dog, named Dancer, was rescued after surviving a 60-foot fall from a cliff and spending a freezing night alone in the wilderness. The three-year-old pooch had escaped her leash and plunged off a steep cliff near Miners Castle, in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore area in Munising, Michigan. The lakeshore runs alongside Lake Superior and is located in Michigan’s Upper Penninsula. The National Park Service (NPS) shared in a news release that Dancer fell 60 feet off a cliff to a ledge below. The dog’s owners spent hours searching the area but were unable to find the dog and were convinced that she didn’t survive the fall. Rangers at the nearby Pictured Rocks Park received a message about the lost pooch and decided to enlist the help of Superior High Angle Rescue Professionals (SHARP), a local rope rescue team, to search for the dog. The following morning SHARP members Erik Olsen, Westley Shaffer, and Tyler Davis went to the area and were able to find Dancer, who was cold, but alive. “Though she has spent the night trying to keep warm, she was excited to see the rescuers,” the service wrote. Dancer, who was described as a “professional troublemaker” didn’t have any reported injuries. The lucky pooch has since been reunited with her family and is recovering well after spending the night alone in the wilderness. The park service noted that Dancer was extremely lucky and although her story has a happy ending, her fall should serve as a reminder to everyone that areas of Pictured Rocks can get very cold and extremely slippery.“With this year’s mild start to winter, many areas of Pictured Rocks are more accessible than they are most years,” Chief Ranger Joe Hughes explained. “It is still important to remember to be prepared for slippery, cold conditions that can change quickly.”Whether you’re planning to hit a local trail with your pooch or are planning a trip to a state park, keep your pooch on a leash. Make sure that your pup’s harness is fitted properly so that your pooch can’t wiggle out of it, even if it tries. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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New Tool Detects and Predicts Dog Mobility Issues

Researchers at the University of Liverpool and experts at Dogs Trust have joined forces to create a unique new tool for detecting and predicting dog mobility issues. These veterinary experts have developed the GenPup-M questionnaire. This survey asks dog owners a series of questions to about their dog's mobility. The GenPup-M questionnaire is designed in a way that can help owners determine whether their dog might be experiencing mobility problems, even mild ones. Mobility-related problems are the third most commonly diagnosed disease in dogs. It’s estimated that 200,000 dogs are affected by musculoskeletal disease annually. According to some estimates, 20% of dogs have mobility issues before one year old, but most aren’t diagnosed until they are eight to 13 years old. Current mobility questionnaires are developed for dogs already diagnosed with mobility problems and track their quality of life. This means that many dogs spend the better part of their lives living with a painful condition that negatively impacts their overall health and well-being. A recent study, published in PLOS ONE confirms the validity of the GenPup-M questionnaire. The study involved 62 dogs - 31 with mobility issues and 31 without mobility issues.Scientists obtained the dogs’ clinical history from the owners, and all dogs received an orthopedic exam at the beginning of the study. Next, owners were asked to complete the GenPup-M questionnaire along with a previously validated mobility questionnaire.To determine the survey’s validity and its ability to identify mobility issues in dogs, scientists compared GenPup-M responses with the results of other expert tests, including advanced gait analysis.“Impaired mobility can affect a dog’s ability to engage in daily activities and interactions, move or exercise freely. If an animal is unwilling to or cannot play, exercise, or express normal behavior, this can impact its quality of life,” said Natasha Clark, veterinary surgeon and researcher at the Department of Musculoskeletal & Aging Science at the University of Liverpool. According to Clark, when done over time at regular checkups, the GenPup-M questionnaire can identify subtle changes in a dog’s mobility without the use of expensive and time-consuming gait analysis. This new tool can help vets diagnose and slow the development of mobility problems in dogs. “Our research doesn’t stop here and we will continue to research and develop GenPup-M to refine it as an even more effective tool for vets and dog caregivers,” added Clark.The Deputy Head of Research, Welfare Projects & Grants at Dogs Trust, Dr Jane Murray, said, “We are delighted to work collaboratively with the University of Liverpool on this study which serves to improve the well-being of dogs, as no dog is immune to mobility issues. Generation Pup is a ground-breaking study of the health, welfare, and behavior of our dogs and we hope this research helps more owners detect early signs of mobility issues, leading to veterinary and management interventions that can improve the welfare of the affected dogs.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Staff Sergeant Reunites With His Former K-9 Colleague

A retired military dog named Blek, got reunited with his former colleague Staff Sergeant Thomas Watkins, who used to be his handler at a duty station. Blek, who was named after the old English term for “black” or “inky” had quite a reputation among the handlers. Trainers who worked with the canine described him as challenging and tough to manage. But everything changed when Blek met Watkins. In an interview, Watkins told Good Morning America about his experience meeting Blek for the first time.“That was the issue that they were having,” said Watkins. “And so my kettle master pulled me in his office and was like, ‘Hey, man, I know you’re a new handler. But I feel like you’re up to this challenge.’”As the master predicted, Watkins and Blek bonded immediately.“We just connected right off the bat,” Watkins told the Good Morning America. “We truly understood each other… Another handler was out there with me, and he was like man like, ‘I just never seen this dog be so affectionate towards someone.’”Since the day they met, their relationship has grown stronger, making them suitable to carry out missions as a team at the station. “It’s such a beautiful experience, especially when you get a dog that has issues…And then you connect with that dog, and you get that dog to where they need to be. It’s such an awesome and rewarding experience,” explained Watkins. “The rest of the two and a half years that I worked [with] him from deployment to secret service missions all over the world, we had no issues whatsoever,” he added. Unfortunately, the time Blek spent with his handle ended when Watkins got transferred to another station. Blek was left behind to work with other handlers who found the task challenging. According to Carlton Isaacson, a former military dog trainer, things weren’t looking good for Blek.That’s when Project K-9 Hero got interested in Blek’s case. According to their site, this non-profit organization wants to honor military working dogs and police K-9s in retirement. The organization’s purpose is to provide assistance with medical costs, adoption, rehabilitation, food, and end of duty services to provide the best quality of life and to give these four-legged heroes the retirement they deserve. Speaking highly of the non-profit, Isaacson said the project “was a game changer” adding, “They were able to provide him everything that he needed to be safe.”Thanks to Project K-9 Hero, Watkins was able to adopt his old four-legged friend.“I’m so thankful for those guys out there that they were able to take him and hold him until I got to a place where I can truly take care of him and allow him to just be a dog on his retirement,” said Watkins.In addition to allowing him to adopt Blek, Project K-9 Hero had another surprise for Watkins - the organization will cover all of Blek’s food and veterinary care costs for the entirety of the dog’s life. Talking about his feelings about this special reunion, Watkins said: “I am overwhelmed with happiness. That dog is dear to my heart and he made me the handler and trainer that I am today…It looks like [Blek] hasn’t skipped a beat. He’s happy. He looks healthy and I am just glad to be here right now.”“I’m so thankful for that dog, and that’s why I’m excited to actually bring him home with me to live out his life.”It’s heartwarming to see these two heroes reunited and ready to face new adventures together, as a team. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

42% of Pet Parents Feel Caring for Pets is More Stressful Than Kids!

Pets can be an incredible addition to any family, but they can also come with a bit of stress. In fact, a recent study revealed that nearly half of pet parents shared that caring for their pet was more stressful than caring for their partner or even their children! What is it about our pets that worries us the most? That was the goal of the recent survey conducted by OnePoll and ElleVet Sciences. They polled 2000 pet owners, asking them questions about their relationships, their pets, and the stress that they experience in their role. The answers revealed that the top three sources of stress in most people’s lives include their finances (54%), their job or career (49%), and their ability to care for their pets (42%). The survey went on to discuss reasons for being stressed about our pets, and there was one concern that the majority of respondents shared – as pet parents, we worry about our ability to provide the care our pets will need in their senior years. As our pets get older, their needs often change. We can see this in the way they act and the activities they engage in. A once hyperactive, high-energy dog may start to slow down and sleep more. A dog that easily jumped onto the couch most of their lives now requires stairs or a ramp to get up for cuddle time. Not all changes that come with aging are inherently bad, but 68% of parents say watching their pet age and suffer would be more hurtful to them than losing their job (61%) or breaking up with their partner (61%). “Supporting your pet through all stages of life can minimize their stress, allowing you to create more happy memories together,” shared Amanda Howland, co-founder and CCO of ElleVet Sciences. “As your pet gets older, it’s important to be proactive in identifying the signs of aging, such as difficulty moving, trouble sleeping, and social isolation. It’s all about more time, and more quality time with your pet, and for them, aging and stress are intertwined so taking care of discomfort-related aging and cognitive decline can reduce their stress significantly.” The concern shared by the survey respondents (and other pet parents nationwide) clearly illustrates how important our pets are in our lives. While 73% of those surveyed described their pet as their “protector,” they serve many other vital roles in our lives – our best friends, sounding boards, cheerleaders, motivators, and companions. Your senior pet may require some changes around the home. Throw rugs can be used to provide traction on slippery floors. Safety gates are key for blocking off unsafe areas like staircases that could lead to injury. Caring for our senior pets may be stressful, but it’s also an opportunity to repay our pets for everything they have given us throughout their lives. Even just setting aside time in your schedule each day for a walk around the block followed by a short cuddle on the couch can positively impact their lives, reducing stress and promoting better health. “Just like us, pets’ needs can change as they age, so their daily routines, diet, and exercise may need to be adjusted to improve their quality of life, as well as adding high-quality supplements,” Howland explained. “Small adjustments can ensure your pet’s golden years are less stressful for both themselves and their human companion.”

Study Finds Pet Parents Care More About Their Dogs Than Their Cats

Pet parents tend to place themselves into one of two categories. You can either be a dog person or a cat person - there’s nothing in between. This may come as a shock to all cat lovers, but scientists have found that dog owners care more for their dogs than cat owners care for their cats. At least that’s the case with pet owners across Denmark, Austria, and the United Kingdom.Although these findings have been observed in older studies, veterinary scientists from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, wanted to find out whether cultural factors had any effect on the results. Their results were first published in the Journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science. “We and others have found that people are willing to spend much less on their cats than on their dogs,” said Peter Sandøe, professor at the University of Copenhagen and the study’s lead author. “We wanted to find out whether cats could eventually end up having the same high status as dogs do today.”The scientists surveyed 2,117 pet owners, including 844 dog owners, 872 cat owners, and 401 owners who owned both cats and dogs. Participants were asked questions about their pets’ health insurance, their willingness to pay for life-saving medical treatment, and other questions designed to determine how much owners care for their pets. Pet owners from all three countries had a higher attachment score for dogs than for cats. Dog owners were more likely to buy insurance for their dogs, and said they were willing to spend more for life-saving treatment for their dogs. However, the results of the study varied greatly across the countries. The differences were most noticeable in Denmark, where 41% of dog owners said they were willing to pay a high cost of life-saving medical treatment for their dogs compared to 26% of cat owners. On the other hand, the United Kingdom’s results were in favor of dogs, but only slightly. Around 34% of dog owners in the UK said they would pay more for their dogs’ medical treatment compared to 28% of cat owners. According to scientists, such a slight difference isn’t statistically significant. ‘While people care more about their dogs than their cats in all countries, the degree of difference varied dramatically between countries,” said Sandøe. The researchers originally hypothesized that people in Denmark might be more unaccustomed with cats living indoors than people living in Austria and the United Kingdom since Denmark became urbanized much later than these two countries. Thanks to a much more recent rural history, cats in Denmark might be seen as just another farm animal.According to researchers, several studies hypothesize that when cats are more likely to spend time indoors, they tend to become much closer to their owners, who consequently care more about them. This was confirmed by studies in the U.S. and Mexico, where many cats are indoors-only felines.So it comes as no surprise that in Denmark, where just one out of five cats is kept strictly indoors and many have outdoor access, most pet owners care less about cats. Researchers think that pet owners’ level of care for their pets may depend on the level of interaction and dependence, as well as other factors. "There seems to be no natural limit to how much people will end up caring about their cats compared to their dogs,” said Sandøe. “The British are often portrayed as a nation of cat lovers, which is certainly confirmed by our study. The Danes have a long way to go, but they may eventually get there.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Is A Wet Dog's Nose Good or Bad?

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

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

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

Do Cats Slow Down in Autumn?

As the sunshine starts to fade, replaced by the cool autumn winds, cat owners may notice an interesting change in their furry friend’s behavior. Cats are often known for their boundless energy and curiosity. However, as we move into the fall months, many cat owners will notice their pets are slowing down into a new, more laid-back routine.In this article, we dig into the reasons why cats slow down in autumn, including answering the question: “Do cats experience seasonal depression?” We will also share some tips and tricks to cheer up your sad cat and help them enjoy the colder months ahead.Do Cat Behaviors Change with the Seasons?The short answer is yes. Many cat owners report that their feline friends act differently during the fall and winter months. Some common changes include a difference in your cat’s sleep patterns, appetite, and overall mood.For outdoor cats or indoor cats that are leash and harness-trained, the arrival of a new season means new experiences, including new smells, sights, and sounds. Anytime cats are faced with something new or different, the possibility exists that their reaction to their environment may change as well. But this isn’t the only impact on your cat…From season to season, we see two key changes affecting a cat’s behavior – the temperature and the amount of daylight. A drop in temperature triggers a natural survival response in which your cat will slow down to conserve energy, allowing its ancestors to stay warm on the bitter cold nights in the wild. Meanwhile, a change in daylight has been shown to impact hormone levels.Each of these factors will impact every cat differently. If you have multiple cats in your home, you may notice one slowing down considerably while the other doesn’t alter their behavior much at all – and that’s okay! Just like people, no two cats are the same.Can Cats Get Seasonal Depression?There currently is no research confirming that cats suffer from seasonal depression. However, many experts suspect they may suffer from a similar struggle to their human counterparts because of the shorter days and loss of daylight. This low mood and depression may also occur due to (or be escalated by) the lack of exercise that cats experience during the colder months.Are Cats Less Active in Fall? Have you noticed your cat lazing around or sleeping more during the autumn months? If so, you’re not alone! As we previously discussed, the temperature change often triggers a survival response to conserve energy. Your cat may prefer to spend their time curled up in their favorite cat bed, napping through the day, or cuddling in your lap, soaking up your body heat. Keep your eyes open for any other signs of concern. But if you do not see any other reason to worry, the cozy fall attitude is normal. Enjoy the extra cuddle time with your best friend. How Can I Tell if My Cat is Depressed? As cat parents, we all want to provide the best life for our feline friends, both physically and mentally. This starts with learning to recognize when something is “off” or if there is something that we should address. Like us, our cats can suffer from mental health struggles like depression, which isn’t always easy to spot. Here are a few signs your cat may be suffering from depression: Sleeping more than usualLoss of appetite Weight loss Becoming more vocal Failure to keep up with grooming needs Loss of energy Hiding or retreating from family membersOut-of-character aggression or fearfulness If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian and discuss your concerns. They will likely ask questions about your cat’s home life and whether they have recently experienced any changes that may have triggered their mental health struggles. This can help to guide their treatment recommendations. Mental health problems are not always treated with medications. In fact, many of the most effective treatment options are things that you can do at home.

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