Top 10 Wackiest Dog Names of 2013 Announced

Top 10 Unusual Dog Names for 2012

Fatty McButterpants Tops The List Of Unusual Dog Names If you’re looking for unusual dog names, Banfield Pet Hospital, the world’s largest veterinary practice, has a few ideas you can use. The hospital went through all the most unusual and wackiest pet names it had in its database. From the original 780, the list was narrowed down to these 10 unusual dog names: 1. Fatty Mcbutterpants 2. Sir Goose Slobberalot 3. Beetle Juice Monster Pants 4. Chairman Meow 5. Honey’s Lil Midnight Moonshine 6. Lord Godrick Von Mousenberg 7. Emperor Chewy Teddybear 8. Cookie Fudge Rainbow 9. Baron Von Doodle 10. Alyssa Butter Scooch Does your pup have a zany or unusual dog name? Feel free to share it with us – leave a comment! Photo credit: James Peragine/Shutterstock

Top 10 Awwww-Inducing Cute Dog Names

Pitbull Named Top “American Hero Dog” At The 2013 American Humane

Elle the therapy dog teaches children about dog safety, reading, and overcoming prejudice Each year, the American Humane Association honors American Hero Dogs, and this year’s winner is a Pitbull named Elle. She’s a therapy dog that travels around the country, teaching children about dog safety, reading, and overcoming prejudice and stereotypes. And as a Pitbull, Elle has first-hand experience about overcoming stereotypes. Pitbulls suffer a stigma in society, and being named this year’s “American Hero Dog” at the 2013 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards will go a long way with helping spread her message of compassion and awareness. Elle and her human companion, Leah Brewer, teach dog safety (more than 2 million children are bitten by dogs each year) and help people overcome their fear of dogs. Part of her mission is to educate families on how to be responsible pet parents and spread positive awareness about dog breeds that are misunderstood. She’s even started a reading program called “Tail Wagging Tales,” that helps children learn to love books and improve their reading skills. Everywhere she goes, Elle makes friends – she’s a well-known figure not only at schools, but also at retirement homes. Not only does Elle receive kudos as an American Hero Dog, her charity partner, Hand in Paw, will also receive $6,500 in financial support from the Hero Dog Awards. The awards were presented October 5 at a star-studded gala at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. But don’t worry if you couldn’t make it – the awards ceremony was taped and will be broadcast nationally on Hallmark Channel on October 30 at 8 pm/7 Central. The 90-minute program will air as part of Hallmark Channel’s Pet Project, the network’s cross-platform advocacy campaign designed to celebrate the joy and enrichment animals bring to our lives. Just a few of the celebs that attended the event were Joey Lawrence, Betty White, Jennifer Coolidge, Esai Morales, Ryan O’Neal, Naomi Judd, Pauley Perrette and Lisa Vanderpump. Congratulations Elle and keep up the good work!

2017’s Top 10 Wacky Dog and Cat Names

You think you’ve given your pet a unique name? Think again! Dunkin Butterbeans, Yeti Spaghetti, Ninja Killer Nine Thousand, and Jabba the Butt are just a few of the wackiest names of 2017. You’d think an insurance company with a client base of over 600,000 pets would have seen it all when it comes to the names we choose for our fur-kids. Actually, they have – and then some! You see, each year Nationwide seeks out the oddest of the oddball dog and cat names via their Wacky Names competition. Of course I had to google the word “wacky” for an official definition and learned from the free dictionary that it means “foolish – devoid of good sense or judgment”. Well that works for me so tell me more about the wackiest of the wacked pet names! Related: Most Popular Pet Names of 2016 Revealed Apparently once the Nationwide gurus have narrowed it down to just the top 10 dog and cat names they are put out there to the voting public for mulling, ranking and a final decision. While we all know you can only have one dog and one cat crowned King or Queen of the Wacky Name, all are officially recognized on Nationwide’s website with a full color photo and story of how their pet parent chose such an interesting handle for their little guy or gal. For 2017, Dunkin Butterbeans (dog, of course!) edged out pooches such as Farrah Pawcett and Boo Boo Choo Choo while Little Booty Ham Sandwich (clearly a feline foodie) won out over Obi Wan Catnobi and Fifty Shades of Graham. Related: Top 10 Aww-Inducing Cute Dog Names Unfortunately there is no official word on how last year’s winners; McLoven the Stud Muffin and Princess Poopie Paws are taking the request to turn in their tiaras. Without further ado, here are this year’s winners in all their wacky glory. Dogs: 1. Dunkin Butterbeans 2. Farrah Pawcett 3. Fiona Penny Pickles 4. The Other Dude 5. Yeti Spaghetti 6. Colonel Mustache 7. Empress Tzu Tzu 8. Cheesebro 9. Tango Mango 10. Choo Choo Boo Boo Cats: 1. Little Booty Ham Sandwich 2. Obi Wan Catnobi 3. Winston Purrchill 4. The Great Catsby 5. Jabba the Butt 6. Isaac Mewton 7. Whiskerus Maximus 8. Ninja Killer Nine Thousand 9. Fifty Shades of Graham 10. Dog the Cat

My Dog Broke A Nail, Now What?

Seeing your pup showing signs of pain is never easy, and the sight of blood can be particularly alarming. While a broken nail may not seem like a major source of alarm, that one small injury can introduce a lot of discomfort (and blood). But take a deep breath; you’re not alone in facing this common struggle.This blog post is designed to be an informative guide, walking you through the essential steps to take when your dog breaks a nail to relieve pain and prevent further complications. With the proper knowledge and a little care, most broken nail situations can be managed effectively, allowing your pup to get back on their paws in no time.First Aid for Dog Nail Injuries When you discover your dog has broken a nail, remain calm. Your dog may be in pain and feeling anxious. By staying calm and composed, you will help prevent further distress and avoid a possible accidental injury to you. Speak in a soothing voice and move slowly. If your dog is particularly sensitive to pain or tends to react defensively when hurt, you may wish to enlist the help of another person to gently restrain them. In situations where you’re concerned about being bitten, having a properly fitted muzzle on hand can ensure everyone stays safe while you administer first aid. Stop the BleedingBroken nails often bleed because they contain a blood vessel known as the quick. You'll likely see some blood if the break occurs above this point. The first step in managing this injury is to stop the bleeding quickly. When dealing with any type of bleeding, your first line of defense is to apply direct pressure. Use a clean cloth or a piece of gauze and firmly press it against the bleeding nail for several minutes, often longer than you may initially think. Resist the temptation to check frequently, as removing the pressure can disrupt the clotting process. For persistent bleeding, styptic powder or a styptic pencil is an effective solution. We ensure we always have at least one of the two in our pet-friendly first aid kit. Styptic powder contains ingredients that help constrict blood vessels and promote clotting. To use it, apply a small amount directly to the bleeding area of the nail. A styptic pencil works similarly; wet the tip slightly to activate it and gently press it against the bleeding directly. If you don’t have styptic powder or a pencil on hand, some common alternatives that dog parents will reach for are cornstarch and flour. They can help absorb blood and encourage clotting. The easiest way to use these is to put some into a small container and then place the broken nail in it, maintaining pressure to give the blood time to clot. Remember, patience is key during this step; the bleeding may take several minutes to stop. Assessing the Damage Look closely at the broken nail once the bleeding has stopped or significantly slowed. Is it a clean break near the tip? Is it a partial tear that’s still attached? Is the quick exposed, leaving a raw and sensitive area? Take note of any visible debris, such as dirt, splinters, or fragments of the nail itself. Your findings will help you decide on the best course of action to prevent further damage and whether you need to contact your vet. Initial Cleaning (If Possible and Safe)If your dog tolerates examining their paw and the bleeding is under control, you may be able to gently clean the area. Use lukewarm water to carefully rinse the paw and the broken nail. This can help to remove any loose dirt or debris that may be there. Avoid using any harsh antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide or alcohol at this stage, as they can be irritating to the exposed injury and potentially delay healing. The goal of this initial cleaning is simply to remove any obvious dirt that could contribute to further pain and discomfort. Your vet can do a more thorough cleaning if necessary. Understanding the Risks of Dog Nail Injuries While the immediate sight of blood from a broken nail can be alarming, the potential risks extend beyond this initial shock. Here are a few additional risks to be aware of: Pain and DiscomfortEven if you manage to stop the bleeding quickly, your dog can still experience significant pain and discomfort. The nail bed contains sensitive nerve endings, and a break, especially if it leaves the quick exposed, can create a very painful situation for your pup. Every time your dog puts pressure on the affected paw, they may feel a sharp or throbbing pain, leading to limping or a reluctance to walk or put weight on that leg. InfectionA break in the nail creates an open wound, providing an entry point for bacteria and fungal organisms that they may encounter in the environment. Simple things like walking on the ground, contact with dirt and debris, or even your dog’s own licking can introduce pathogens into the wound. Recognizing the signs of infection is crucial to addressing it as quickly as possible. Keep an eye out for the following red flags: Redness Swelling around the nail bedPus or discharge Increased pain or sensitivityWarmth to the touch Fever Lethargy Partially Broken Nails A partially broken nail poses its own set of risks to your pup. The jagged edge can easily catch on carpets, furniture, or outdoor surfaces, leading to further tearing of the nail and increased pain for your dog. Ongoing Irritation of the AreaThe irritation and discomfort can also trigger excessive licking or chewing at the affected paw. While your dog may be trying to soothe their pain, this behavior can make the problem worse by introducing more bacteria and potentially leading to self-inflicted wounds around the paw. Mobility Concerns In more severe cases, a broken nail can significantly impact your dog’s mobility. The pain and discomfort can make it difficult for them to engage in their usual activities, such as walking, running, and playing. This not only impacts their physical well-being but can also negatively impact their overall happiness and quality of life. Imagine being a high-energy dog who no longer has a safe outlet for all that energy.

How to Tell If Your Dog is "Contented" Happy... or Just Faking!

Yes, there's a difference between temporarily happy and deep down content... here's how to differentiate.

Those Little Tubes of Creamy Cat Food Are Actually Good For Your Pet

(photo credit: 69 F Stop Photography / shutterstock.com)While we typically associate those nifty little tubes of creamy cat food as being along the lines of a really special treat that can only be doled out from time to time, they do serve other purposes. Particularly if your pet is ill, aging, or dealing with dental issues, that can make them super-picky eaters when it comes to their regular food and/or ability to eat harder kibble.In fact, you may be surprised to learn that these handy little lickable treats can actually be good for your pet. Especially, if you look at some of the low-calorie, high-protein, low-carb options out there.Let’s start with this. Did you know that on average, cats should consume 20-30 calories per pound of body weight? So, if you have a 10-pound cat, you’re looking at 200 to 300 calories per day. Like humans, this can vary based on age and activity levels. For context, a 3-ounce can of something like Fancy Feast has around 70 calories, a 5.5-ounce can of Friskies (in gravy) has around 130 calories, and a 1-cup portion of Meow Mix dry kibble comes in at 310 calories.So, let’s look at how adding those popular wet cat food tubes to your pet’s diet can benefit your pet without adding a lot of empty calories.Benefits to Your CatHydrationWet foods are super-high in moisture. Where dry food/kibble contains 10% moisture, wet foods provide closer to 85%. Making them an easy way to ensure your feline gets her daily hydration needs, which is typically around 8 ounces of water (1 cup) for a 10-pound cat and around 3 ounces more for every five pounds over that. Hydration is crucial to proper kidney and urinary tract function, and if your feline is older, ill, or recovering from surgery, meaning less inclined to want to drink, it’s a great way to induce her.DigestibilityTaste and texture factor large in how well your cat enjoys their meal. And the savory smell and texture of wet food along with her ability to easily consume and digest make it an easy enticement when age, illness or dental issues have you concerned about dehydration. While some are loyal to dry food it’s important to ensure that your kibble-loving feline is squeezing sufficient moisture into her diet to prevent constipation or dehydration. Adding one or two wet food tubes to her kibble meal – either squeezed across the top or used as a treat – is an easy solution.Weight ManagementWet food tubes are a great solution to managing your cat’s weight. Rich in protein, low in carbohydrates and with just a handful of calories, the wet texture makes your cat feel full sooner and keeps her satisfied for longer. And those rich nutrients ensure she’s getting everything she needs to stay fit and healthy on fewer calories.How to IntroduceStraight out of the tube as a treatSqueezed over your cat’s kibble as a topper/supplementSpread across a licking mat to engage and encourage soothing stimulationPresented on your finger when delivering medicationDispensed into a portion-control spoon to encourage interaction

Raising a Guide Dog. Do You Have What It Takes?

Its not the board and shelter. It's not the training and walks. It's the letting go.

5 Tips for Helping Your Socially Anxious Dog

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from social anxiety. Whether it stems from a traumatic experience, lack of early socialization, or a naturally shy temperament, social anxiety in dogs can manifest as trembling, barking, growling, hiding, or even aggression when faced with unfamiliar people, animals, or environments. If your furry friend struggles in social settings, here are five practical tips to help them build confidence and feel more at ease.

5 Fun Facts About Rabbits You Might Not Know

Rabbits are far more interesting than many people realize. Beyond their soft fur and twitching noses, rabbits have unique behaviors and surprising traits that make them truly special companions. Here are five fun facts about pet rabbits you might not know. 

How to Tell If Your Hamster Is Overweight (and What to Do About It)

When we bring a hamster into the home, we quickly fall in love with the cute, fluffy little ball of energy. We focus on providing everything they need to live their best little lives, including providing a safe habitat, a healthy diet, and plenty of enrichment. However, there’s one common health concern that’s often overlooked – obesity.While a hamster’s chubby cheeks are part of their charm, being overweight can lead to serious, life-shortening health issues.In this post, we’ll share how to identify if your hamster is carrying a little too much weight, the common reasons for weight gain, and, most importantly, tips for creating a clear action plan to help your furry friend live their longest, happiest, and healthiest life.Why is an Overweight Hamster Concerning? It’s easy to look at a plump hamster and simply think they’re well-fed and happy. But beneath that cute, round exterior lies the potential for health risks that can significantly impact their quality of life and reduce their lifespan. Just like in humans, carrying around excess weight puts a strain on your hamster’s tiny body. This can lead to a long list of medical issues and complications. Understanding these potential dangers is the first step toward preventing them and keeping our little friends safe. Diabetes One of the most significant risks for overweight hamsters, particularly for certain species such as the Djungarian hamster, is diabetes. An unhealthy diet high in sugar and fat can lead to insulin resistance. This disturbance in insulin levels can progress to diabetes. The warning signs can be subtle at first, including increased thirst and urination. If left unmanaged, it can lead to cataracts, kidney failure, and a host of other problems. Strained Joints and Organs That extra padding isn’t just external. It’s also collecting around the vital organs. Over time, this extra fat can lead to heart and liver disease, compromising their function and making your hamster more susceptible to other illnesses. Furthermore, your hamster’s tiny skeleton is not designed to carry a lot of extra weight. An overweight hamster may develop joint problems, making it difficult for them to move around, climb, or even run on their exercise wheel. This lack of mobility and exercise creates a vicious cycle where a less active hamster gains even more weight, further compounding the problem. Shortened Life Ultimately, all of these health issues combine to shorten your hamster’s life and diminish its quality. A hamster that is in pain, out of breath, or unable to move freely is a far cry from the active, curious little creature they are meant to be. The goal of any pet parent is to provide a long, happy life, and addressing their weight issues is a key part of that commitment. How to Tell if Your Hamster is Overweight Determining if your hamster is overweight isn’t just about stepping on a scale (although weighing them could be part of the process). Instead, it’s a process of careful observation, combining what you see with a gentle touch. Think of yourself as a detective, looking for cues that their body is carrying a little more weight than it should. The Visual Check The first and easiest step is simply to look at your hamster. An ideal body shape for most hamster species is a sleek, pear-like shape. From above, you should be able to see a distinct narrowing behind their shoulders, with the body then becoming lightly wider around the hips. Of course, this will vary from species to species. There are also notable differences between hamsters and dwarf hamsters.  An overweight hamster, on the other hand, will have a body that is consistently round from head to tail, with no visible waist. You may notice their sides bulging noticeably when they sit. Keep in mind that a hamster with full cheek pouches can look bigger, but this is a temporary state! The key to deciding is looking at their body shape when their pouches are empty. The Touch Test For a more accurate assessment, you can perform a gentle touch test. Known as palpation, this approach is used by veterinarians and small animal experts. When your hamster is feeling calm and relaxed, gently run your fingers along their sides. In a healthy hamster, you should be able to easily feel their ribs, hip bones, and spine with a thin layer of fat over them. If you have to press firmly to feel these bones, or if you can’t feel them at all because of a thick layer of fat, it’s a strong indicator of excess weight. Of course, there is also the other extreme. If their bones are easily felt without any fat over them, your hamster may be underweight. This is also a serious concern that requires a vet visit. Behavioral CluesBeyond their physical appearance, your hamster’s behavior may also provide valuable clues that something is “off.” Is your hamster’s activity level dropping off? A healthy hamster is an active hamster, and a significant drop in their use of a wheel or their interest in climbing and exploring their surroundings could be a sign that their weight is making it difficult to move. Another sign they may be struggling with their weight is that they fail to keep up with their grooming needs. An overweight hamster may not be able to reach all areas of their body, resulting in a dull or unkempt coat. In more serious cases, you may even notice labored or heavy breathing after even the lightest activity. The Weight ScaleWhile visual and behavioral cues are crucial, you can use a small digital kitchen scale as a tool for monitoring your hamster’s weight over time. Weigh your hamster at the same time each week and record the results. The single number at any one time isn’t the most important data here; it’s the trends over time and the direction their weight is moving. Keep this information in a detailed journal along with any notes about behavioral changes or other signs of trouble. A sudden increase in weight could be a sign of a medical problem. A gradual increase over a few months is more likely to be a sign that your hamster would benefit from a change to their diet or daily exercise.

What Your Cat’s Tail Is Trying to Tell You

Cats might not bark, beg, or break into full-body wiggles like their canine counterparts—but don’t be fooled. Just because they’re quiet doesn’t mean they’re not communicating. In fact, cats are constantly sending messages—you just need to know where to look.And one of the most expressive tools in your cat’s emotional toolkit? Their tails.That slow swish, sudden flick, or question-mark curl isn’t random—it’s body language at its finest. Your cat’s tail acts like a little emotional antenna, broadcasting signals about their mood, their focus, and whether or not you should risk petting that belly.Whether you’re a lifelong cat parent or new to the world of feline mysteries, understanding tail talk can deepen your bond and help you avoid some unexpected scratches (or side-eye).So, what exactly is your cat trying to say with their tail?Let’s break it down.

How Season Changes Can Affect Your Pets (and What You Can Do About It)

Just like us, our furry (or feathery or scaly) companions can feel the shift when the seasons change. While they may not be reaching for pumpkin spice lattes or sunscreen, pets are surprisingly sensitive to changes in weather, daylight, and temperature.Understanding how these changes affect them can help you keep your pet comfortable, healthy, and happy year-round.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

Accident Proof Your Dog Walks Now with These Simple Leash Accessories

We don’t head out on a walk with our pups looking for danger, but the truth is that the unexpected happens. It could be a sudden, deep cut on your dog’s paw from stepping on broken glass, a tick burrowed deep into your dog’s skin, or the catastrophic moment a cheap leash clip snaps when a squirrel darts across your path. In that split second of panic, you’ll realize that preparedness isn’t overkill. Better still, let’s ensure you’re prepared without having to face the challenges.Your dog’s leash plays a key role on walks, and I’m not just referring to keeping them safely tethered. It’s your “base camp,” with the ability to carry everything you need from emergency first-aid to critical safety gear right there, immediately accessible.In this article, I’m going to talk about the non-negotiable, clip-on accessories that I carry on every walk. These are items that tackle big problems and help me keep my dogs safe. Additionally, I’ll share some leash styles that are better suited to carry this gear and help make your next walk that much safer. The goal is simple: to make sure you’re ready for anything, so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying your time together.“Clip-and-Go” Essentials When you think about leash preparedness, consider the items you carry every day. Just as you don’t leave the house without your keys, wallet, and phone, your dog’s leash needs its own collection of essential tools. These are small, lightweight accessories that clip directly onto a D-ring or an accessory loop, ensuring they are with you on every single walk. After all, an emergency doesn’t check your calendar and schedule itself when it’s convenient. The First-Aid TrioThe most critical moments on any dog-friendly outing are when your pup sustains a minor injury or encounters something potentially hazardous to their health. The following three items on your leash can help you provide immediate care and stabilize the situation until you can get home or reach your veterinarian. The Tick Remover Tool Ticks are more than just a nuisance; they are carriers of serious diseases that could put your pup at risk. If you spot a tick while out and about, the priority is to remove it quickly, completely, and safely. Trying to pinch or squeeze a tick with your fingers can cause the tick to regurgitate infected fluids back into your dog’s bloodstream, and household tweezers can easily be lost in your pocket. Instead, consider carrying a leash-friendly tick remover. Look for the small, v-notched plastic tools or specialized metal tick removers designed for this purpose, like the classic Tick Key. These tools easily slide under the tick and allow you to lift it out with a simple twist or pull. It makes it easier to ensure the entire head is removed, reducing the risk of further complications. Because these tools are so small and lightweight, attaching one directly to your leash with a mini-carabiner means you never have to scramble for one. Paw and Wound Care Mini-KitWhether it’s a sharp rock on the trail or an unseen piece of broken glass on the sidewalk, a paw injury is one of the most common mid-walk incidents. My boy Lucifer suffered a small cut on his foot on a recent hike, and we don’t even know the cause. When faced with a cut, your role as a loving pet parent is to provide temporary stabilization. The priority is to stop the bleeding, keep the wound clean until you return home, and prevent your dog from licking it or further aggravating it. This, of course, requires some key first-aid supplies. You don’t need a full trauma kit, just a compact, sealed tube or case small enough to clip to the leash. I use a small zippered treat pouch for ours. In it, we keep two small, sterile gauze pads (for cleaning and coverage), a small roll of self-adhering vet wrap, a couple of antiseptic wipes, and a single disposable bootie, like those from PawZ, to keep any wounds or bandages dry.Emergency MuzzleThis is perhaps the most misunderstood piece of safety gear, yet it can make all the difference in an emergency. Even the sweetest, most friendly dog can react to intense pain or overwhelming fear by biting. For this reason, I recommend all dog parents keep some form of muzzle on hand. If your dog is in pain, quickly putting a muzzle on them lets you examine and treat the injury without risking yourself or an innocent passerby.In most cases, a simple snout loop or lightweight, fabric muzzle clipped to your leash setup would be enough. If you do have a dog that is a little “spicy,” a more sturdy muzzle (we use a vinyl muzzle from Mia’s Muzzles for my fear-reactive boy) may be necessary. Don’t forget to take time to do muzzle training in advance, so you aren’t adding more stress to an already stressful situation by throwing on a muzzle they aren’t accustomed to. Safety, Visibility, and Comfort GearBeyond the immediate medical needs, a good preparedness system addresses ongoing safety and the simple necessities your dog may need during your walk.LED Safety Light or Blinker If your walks extend into the early morning or evening, visibility is an essential consideration. Accidents often happen because a driver simply doesn’t see you or your dog until it’s too late. Consider clipping a small, bright, USB-rechargeable clip-on LED light to your leash. These lights offer flashing or steady modes. Even better, attach one to the leash to make yourself visible, and another to your dog’s collar or harness. Make it part of your routine to check the battery before every low-light walk. Hydration and Comfort Essentials Even a short walk can lead to dehydration, especially in warmer weather or for an energetic dog. A few ounces of water can make a huge difference for your dog. If you’re hiking in town where you know there are accessible water fountains, or are carrying water in your backpack, all you’ll need is a collapsible water bowl. The most common are the silicone dishes that fold up flat and usually come equipped with a small carabiner to clip directly to your leash or backpack. Personally, I love the packable design of the HydraPak Rover Dog Bowl. For those who prefer hiking in more rural areas without potable water sources, you may prefer to carry a travel-friendly dog water bottle with a built-in bowl, like the Lesotc Portable Dog Water Bottle. Poop Bag DispenserWhile this might seem like a given, I feel like I can’t make this list without stressing the importance of a poop bag dispenser. More importantly, a reliable dispenser that attaches securely to your leash. Some high-end dispensers also have a feature that holds a used, tied-off bag until you reach a garbage to dispose of it, keeping your hands free and clean. Alternatively, they can be purchased separately to add to your gear.

Study Finds Owning a Pet Is As Good For You As Being Married

Owning a pet cat or a dog can be as satisfying as being married, or regularly seeing your friends, or family, a new study shows. The study, published in the journal Social Indicators Research, also found that having a four-legged companion offers the same psychological benefits as being married or earning an extra $90,000 a year. Researchers at Kent University used the “life satisfaction” approach, which economists use to measure intangible assets like family and friendship, to calculate a hypothetical income. The study analyzed data from 2,500 British families and found that owning a pet comes with an increase in life satisfaction of 3-4 points on a scale of 1-7. Similar values were acquired for meeting with friends and family regularly.In other studies, economists have shown that marriage, compared to being single, is worth around $90,000 a year. On the other hand, separation is equal to around minus $170,000. The lead author of this study, Dr Adelina Gschwandtner, an economics professor at the University of Kent, told The Times she was inspired by a recent research paper that put a price tag on human friendships. “I thought, ‘well, if it’s possible for friends, why not for pets?’”“I understand why some people may be skeptical,” she added. “Given that pets are considered by many as best friends and family members, these values appear to be plausible… I also suspect that many people don’t actually realize how important their pets are for them.”Numerous studies have shown that owning a pet offers many health benefits. Research shows that spending time with a dog relieves stress, keeps you active, and helps you live longer. Stroking a cat has been proven to lower blood pressure and heart rate. Having a cat at home can reduce the risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis in children exposed to allergens. A simple act of petting a cat or a dog helps lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol, promoting calmness and reducing stress. Dr Gschwandtner added, “This research answers the question whether overall pet companions are good for us with a resounding ‘Yes’.”“Pets care for us, and there is a significant monetary value associated with their companionship. This information can be used for health care practices and policy aiming to increase well-being and life satisfaction of humans involving pets.” This study also shed some light on the personality traits of pet owners, noting that cat owners appear to be more open, while dog owners tend to be more agreeable, extroverted, and less neurotic. The study’s authors also pointed out that pet owners in general appear to be more open, conscientious, and extroverted than people who don’t own a pet.While the mental and physical benefits of owning a dog are well-known, scientists are still debating the overall impact pets have on their owners’ well-being. According to Megan Mueller, an associate professor at Tufts University who studies the relationship between people and animals, things are more complicated than they seem. “A lot of us see our pets as contributing to our life satisfaction, but depending on how you measure that in the research, it comes out different ways.” But rather than comparing pet ownership and life satisfaction, the authors of this study decided to prove a causal link. If the results of this study are correct, and pets improve satisfaction as much as data suggests, Dr Gschwandtner hopes policymakers will make it easier for people to own cats or dogs. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How to Stop Your Cat from Waking You Up in the Morning

If your cat has turned into a furry, four-legged alarm clock, you're not alone. Many cat owners find themselves being woken up at the crack of dawn by a meowing, pawing, or pouncing pet. The good news? You can actually train your cat to let you sleep in. Here's how.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

Could My Cat’s Drooling Be a Sign of Trouble?

Unlike a dog, drooling is not a normal part of the cat experience. When your cat leaves a damp spot on the lap or on the floor, it’s natural to feel worried. It’s important to recognize that drooling isn’t a standalone diagnosis or condition. Instead, it’s a symptom of trouble that can be associated with a wide spectrum of situations, ranging from a “happy drool” signaling contentment (yes, it can happen) to a medical problem that needs veterinary attention.To help you distinguish between the two, I will break down the most common explanations for kitty drooling, highlighting which should be considered a cause for concern. Knowing when to simply wipe it away and when to pick up the phone to call your vet can make all the difference in keeping your cat safe, happy, and healthy!The “Happy Drool”Before panic sets in, there are a select few very specific situations where a little bit of cat drool is no cause for alarm. Take a moment to consider the details surrounding your cat’s drooling and whether it could definitively be connected with one of the following cases. This type of drooling is typically temporary, mild, and stops immediately once the context changes, allowing you to take a deep breath and relax. The Purr Drool Believe it or not, excessive happiness is the most common normal reason a cat will drool, making them not all that different from their canine counterparts. This behavior is a direct, neurological link back to their kittenhood and the nursing reflex. When kittens nurse, they instinctively knead on their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow. This action, combined with the satisfaction of a full belly, creates a powerful association. As adults, when a cat feels incredibly safe, content, or loved, it may trigger this same reflex, causing your cat to purr and knead (often referred to as “ making biscuits”), which in turn can stimulate the salivary glands. They could literally be so happy that they forget to swallow. Purr drooling is almost always accompanied by: Loud purring Kneading on a soft surface or your lapA completely relaxed, blissful expressionIt stops the moment the petting or purring stopsA Stress ResponseWhile this isn’t a happy explanation, it’s still one that brings little overall worry. Feelings of stress, anxiety, and fear can also trigger a similar (and temporary) physical reaction. When feeling a heightened state of anxiety, your cat’s body can release stress hormones that affect the digestive system and salivary glands, causing them to produce more saliva than normal. This increase in saliva may escape their mouth, leading to drooling. This is most often seen during car rides (due to motion sickness or fear), vet visits, or exposure to loud, sudden noises like thunderstorms and fireworks. The drooling is generally short-lived and will stop once the source of their stress is removed. Watch for other signs of stress, such as wide eyes, flattened ears, excessive vocalization, or hiding. Bad Tastes or Bitter Medication Cats have extremely sensitive palates, and anything that is bitter, foul-tasting, or irritating will trigger an immediate flood of saliva to wash the substance out of the mouth. This is a quick defense response, with the body trying to dilute and flush out the unpleasant or irritating substance. It’s likely rooted in the fact that toxins generally have a bitter taste. If this occurs after your cat has been given liquid medication or an improperly coated pill that tastes bitter, it will stop as soon as they successfully swallow the medication and the taste clears from their mouth. You can try using pleasant forms of medication delivery that help mask the taste, such as pill pocket treats or incorporating a tasty broth. Always check with your veterinarian before mixing your cat's medication with any other substance. However, if the drooling is prolonged or accompanied by foaming, it shifts from being a benign and inconsequential reaction to a potential sign of toxicity, which I will discuss later.   The “Worry Drool” If your cat’s drooling is persistent, excessive, new, or accompanied by other signs of trouble, there is a good possibility that it is caused by an underlying health issue. This type of drooling requires a prompt call to your veterinarian so they can do a thorough exam and identify the root cause. Unlike the “Happy Drool,” which is fleeting and linked to emotion, this “Worry Drool” is caused by a physical problem that is either causing them to produce more saliva than usual or preventing them from swallowing saliva normally. Here are the most common and serious medical explanations for excessive drooling in cats, organized by the body system they affect: Dental and Oral Disease (The Most Common Culprit)Experts estimate that anywhere between 50 and 90% of cats over the age of four will suffer from some form of dental disease, making this a surprisingly common struggle. When faced with the pain and irritation caused by dental problems, your cat’s body may produce more saliva to try to soothe the pain. Unfortunately, the pain itself often makes swallowing difficult. The most common dental problems your cat may be facing include: Periodontal Disease and Gingivitis: Inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting structures of the teeth can cause chronic pain and irritation, leading to drooling. Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORLs): These are extremely painful erosions of the tooth structure, often at the gum line. They are equivalent to severe cavities and can cause very painful sensitivity, as well as excessive salivation. Oral Ulcers and Infections: Sores in the mouth caused by chronic diseases (like advanced kidney failure) or acute infections (like feline calicivirus) are excruciatingly painful and lead to constant drooling. Oral Trauma: Injuries such as a fractured tooth, a cut on the cheek or tongue, or a broken jaw from an accident or a cat fight will cause pain and an inability to properly close the mouth, causing your cat to drool. If your cat’s drooling is caused by oral pain, you may notice they have developed noticeable bad breath or started to show unexplained weight loss. Due to pain and discomfort, they may be reluctant to eat (especially dry or crunchy food) or may drop food from their mouth while eating. Any of these warning signs warrants a vet visit.

New Genetic Test Can Detect Kidney Disease Risk in Cats

Kidney disease is common among cats, and it’s a progressive condition without a cure. Catching it early may give you the chance to work with your veterinarian to slow its progression, but even that can be a challenge, which is why experts have been working on ways to diagnose chronic kidney disease sooner. Now, there’s a new genetic test that can help you do just that. It may even give pet parents a heads-up years in advance of kidney disease symptoms.