How Do Calming Pillows, Beds, and Blankets Keep Dogs Stress Free?

How to Safely Introduce Young Kids to Old Dogs

(photo credit: Skydive Erick / shutterstock.com)Whether you share space with an older dog or have chosen to adopt a senior pet (congrats, on that!), introducing kids to your pooch for the first time isn’t as easy as opening the front door and declaring “he loves everybody”. Because when it comes to new experiences, not all dogs react in a positive manner. Particularly as they age and have less tolerance for noise, activity, and uninvited cuddles.So, how do you facilitate a positive meet-and-greet – whether it’s to be a long-term relationship or just a short visit with the kiddos?Well, it takes effort on both parts – not just your dog’s – and the rewards of patiently winning over a cautious pooch are exponentially positive for kids.How to Prep An Older Dog to Meet a Younger ChildThe introduction of new faces to older dogs can be a challenge – especially when high-energy activity is involved. Ideally, it should be done on neutral ground versus his home turf where he may be inclined to feel protective. And scent can be a good way to help familiarize your pet with a visiting child. If time permits, offering him a soft toy or piece of the child’s clothing in advance of the arrival will help when the meet-up happens.

3 Things That Often Surprise People When They Get Their First Dog

Getting your first dog is exciting, but it often comes with unexpected lessons. Here are three things that commonly surprise new dog owners.

Dogs Are Helping People Deal With Stress More Than Expected

If you’ve ever found your shoulders unknotted simply by petting your dog after a long day, you’re definitely not alone. But now science at the University of Denver is showing just how powerful that furry comfort can be.A new study led by the University of Denver’s Institute for Human‑Animal Connection (IHAC) has uncovered something pretty remarkable: pet dogs don’t just reduce stress, they actually help regulate it in a more nuanced, biological way than researchers expected.Researchers recruited 44 dog‑owning participants and randomly assigned them to two groups. One group brought their dog to a mildly stressful lab test, and the other group faced it alone. The test involved giving a job‑interview style speech and doing mental math under pressure.During the study, researchers measured heart rate, salivary cortisol, and alpha‑amylase (a stress enzyme), and had participants rate their anxiety. What they found was pretty fascinating! Although both groups saw increases in stress, those with their dogs present had significantly lower spikes in heart rate and cortisol. Heart rate rose about 14.6% with dogs present vs. 26.7% without. And cortisol responses were more than 50% lower when a dog was by your side.What surprised researchers is that salivary alpha‑amylase actually only rose in the dog group, by 97.6%, suggesting not just suppression of stress, but a healthy, balanced response. Participants in the dog‑present group sometimes ended with cortisol levels even lower after recovery than when they first arrived. A sign of faster stress recovery.According to IHAC communicators, “dogs may be able to support a balanced, intermediate stress response. Instead of just reducing the stress response, a dog can actually help to maintain regular stress levels”.Although participants didn’t report significantly less anxiety in self‑ratings (that metric was about the same whether the dog was present or not), the physiological signs tell a different story. It turns out our heart, our hormones, and even specific enzymes respond better when our dogs are with us, even if our minds think otherwise.This study breaks ground by measuring several biological systems at once, something previous research lacked. IHAC hopes to expand this work, exploring whether dogs might help with chronic stress, anxiety disorders, or recovery from trauma. In fact, upcoming work from DU researchers will look at service dogs with veterans dealing with PTSD, mapping long‑term hormone changes and even protein biomarkers over months of pairing.The goal is ambitious yet relatable: uncovering how dogs, our partners, confidants, and fluffy overlords shape our bodies’ stress responses, not just our minds.So what’s the practical takeaway? Even on hectic days, carve out a few minutes to connect with your dog. Sit on the couch together, take a short walk, or let them curl up beside you while you breathe deeply. It’s not just sweet, it might actually cut your cortisol and keep your heart rate steadier.And if someone ever downplays your pup’s value beyond fetch games or cuteness? Share the facts. Dogs are scientifically shown to be better at regulating stress than parents, partners, or close friends in some respects, and just as helpful on our toughest days.So next time someone says your dog is just a pet, smile knowingly. You're not only living with a furry companion, you might be living with your best therapist yet.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

The Best Hacks for Getting a Sick Dog to Eat

When Stressed, People Prefer Pets Over Family and Friends

When you feel stressed, do you turn to your pets and seek comfort from them? Well, there’s nothing strange or odd about that. Mars and Calm teamed up to conduct a survey of 30,000 pet parents, and they found that more than half of them would rather spend time with their pets when they want to get away from their troubles. Keep reading to learn more about their findings.

5 Fun Toys to Keep Your Cat Entertained Indoors

Cats are naturally curious, playful, and full of energy. Whether you’re raising a kitten or caring for an adult cat, the right toys and accessories can help keep your furry friend active, engaged, and happy when they’re indoors. From climbing towers to interactive puzzles, here are five fun toys to keep your cat entertained.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

Does it Ever Make Sense to Shave Your Cat?

(photo credit: Santi Nanta / shutterstock.com)While pet groomers abound and grooming cats is not uncommon these days, actually shaving a feline right down to its bare skin is not considered the way to go when trying to rid wee FiFi of matting fur or an overly thick coat. Only if absolutely necessary – such as when treating skin ailments or after a surgery – should it be done. And at that time, only a professional groomer /veterinarian should be present, and shaving should only happen in the area immediately surrounding the incision or affected skin.Why is Shaving Your Cat a Big “No”?I mean, relieving your long-haired feline of that heavy fur coat during a summer heat wave has to be something she’ll appreciate, right? Actually, no, she won’t. Even though we may consider it a kindness to shave cats down to a soft, fuzzy peach finish during particularly hot weather, doing so has the opposite effect of helping her stay cool. A feline’s fur helps to not only regulate her body temperature but also protects her from sunburn as well as the elements – such as bug bites, thorns or burrs, and other animals who may try to bite or scratch. And for finicky felines who don’t always appreciate being touched without permission, the loss of her protective coat can result in anxiety, outbursts, and mood swings.Now, you might be wondering how it’s okay for a Sphynx cat to go without fur when yours cannot, and the truth is, owners of those breeds of hairless cat already accept that their pet cannot go outside. It leaves the cat vulnerable to sunburn, skin cancer, and injury. Therefore, staying indoors is this feline’s way of life or exploring the outdoors in very short timeframes while on a leash with the owner in tow, and proper sun protection. No backyard excursions for this kitty!What You Can Do in Place of Shaving

How Do I Set Up a Proper Terrarium?

Setting up a terrarium is one of the first and most important steps in providing a safe, healthy home for your exotic pet. Whether you're housing a reptile, amphibian, or insect - or just want to grow a small indoor ecosystem - getting the basics right will make all the difference.Start with the Right Type of TerrariumFirst, decide what kind of environment you're building. Terrariums come in two main types:Closed terrariums hold in moisture and work well for humidity-loving plants like mosses and ferns.Open terrariums allow airflow and are better for dry-climate plants or animals that need ventilation.If your terrarium will house an animal, factor that in early. A setup for plants alone is very different from one meant for reptiles or amphibians. Each species has specific space, light, and temperature needs.Choose a Suitable EnclosurePlant terrariums can be as simple as a glass jar or a repurposed fish tank. For pets, especially reptiles and amphibians, you’ll need a secure, ventilated tank, ideally one made of glass or sturdy plastic. Vertical tanks are best for climbers like chameleons and tree frogs.

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. 

Food Allergies vs. Sensitivities in Cats: What’s the Difference?

You know your cat better than anyone. You’ve memorized the way they nap in their favorite sunspot, the sound of their little meow asking for breakfast, and the gentle purr that starts when you scratch under their chin. But recently, something has been off. Maybe you’ve noticed they are scratching a lot, their usually glossy coat is starting to look dull, or they are struggling with a digestive issue that seems to come and go. Whatever the concern, your first instinct is to find out why. If you’re here, you likely suspect the recent changes in your cat might be related to their food. That’s a great start – but what next? It’s easy to get lost in the sea of information, especially when you start hearing terms like “food allergy” and “food sensitivity” tossed around with no real definition of what they actually mean. If your cat’s condition is food-related, understanding the difference between these two conditions is the most important step you can take toward a real solution. This post will break down the science behind food allergies and sensitivities, help you recognize the signs of trouble, and outline a plan of action for working with your vet to get your kitty feeling their best again. Food Allergy vs. Food SensitivityTo understand how to help your cat, you need to know what’s happening inside their body after they eat. While the symptoms can often look similar, a food allergy and a food sensitivity are two very different conditions. The key difference lies in the body’s reaction to the food. A food allergy is an immune system reaction.  This happens when your cat’s body mistakes a specific protein in a food as a dangerous invader. This mistaken identity triggers their immune system to launch a defensive attack, creating antibodies to fight off the perceived threat. The result is a chain reaction that releases inflammatory chemicals, like histamine, throughout the body. These chemicals are responsible for the symptoms we see, like intense itching, inflamed skin, ear infections, digestive problems, and other more severe complications. Allergies often develop after being exposed to an ingredient over a prolonged time. For example, a cat who has been eating the same chicken-based food for years might suddenly develop an allergy to the chicken protein. In contrast, a food sensitivity, or food intolerance, is strictly a digestive issue. The immune system is not involved. With a sensitivity, your cat’s digestive system simply struggles to break down and process a particular ingredient. This could be because they lack the specific enzyme necessary to break down the food or because the ingredient itself irritates their digestive tract. Either way, it leaves them feeling “off.” Luckily, because a sensitivity isn’t an immune reaction, the symptoms are generally less severe and are primarily confined to the digestive system. You’ll typically see vomiting, diarrhea, gas, or general discomfort in the abdomen. While a sensitivity isn’t going to affect the entire body like a food allergy can, it can still be very uncomfortable for your cat and significantly impact their quality of life. Food sensitivities can be immediate or can build up over time, gradually getting worse as they are exposed to the trigger. It’s always important to distinguish this from an allergy so you can take the right steps to give your cat much-needed relief. Red Flags to Watch Out For Noticing when something is “off” with your cat is one of the most critical parts of being a responsible pet parent. However, the symptoms of a food allergy or sensitivity can be sneaky and often overlap with other conditions. Knowing what to look for and how to distinguish between the two conditions can make a significant difference. Common Symptoms Shared by Both Many of the symptoms of food allergies and sensitivities are similar, which is why it can be so difficult to tell the two apart. The most frequent signs you may notice include: Skin Issues: This is one of the most common signs of trouble. You might see your cat scratching or licking excessively, which can lead to hair loss, red and inflamed skin, or small scabs, primarily around their head, neck, and ears. Digestive Distress: This includes vomiting, diarrhea, gas, or a general lack of appetite. While these can be caused by many things, when they are chronic and not easily explained, they may point to a food-related issue. Chronic Ear Infections: Recurring ear infections that don’t respond well to treatment or keep coming back are a classic sign of an underlying allergy. Recognizing Symptoms of a True Food AllergyWhile allergies can present with digestive issues, they often manifest with more widespread and intense symptoms due to the full-body immune response. Severity and Specific Location: The itching from a food allergy tends to be more severe and often localized to the face, ears, and neck. Constant scratching can cause damage to the skin, leading to secondary infections. Systemic Effects: In rare cases, a true allergic reaction can also lead to respiratory problems like sneezing or wheezing. You may also notice swelling, particularly around the face. Regardless of the cause, if your cat ever has difficulty breathing, it should be treated as an emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention. Symptoms More Indicative of a Food SensitivityA food sensitivity, or intolerance, may involve some minor skin irritation. However, the symptoms are much more focused on the digestive tract. Gastrointestinal Problems: With a sensitivity, diarrhea and vomiting are often the main concerns. The symptoms are the direct result of the body’s inability to properly digest the specific food or ingredient. These symptoms won’t typically be accompanied by the intense, widespread itching that is often seen with a food allergy. Less Widespread: Unlike an allergy, a sensitivity is generally confined to the digestive issues, meaning you are less likely to see any larger-scale skin reactions or other body-wide symptoms. Many of these signs can also be caused by other problems, such as hairballs, eating something they shouldn’t, or switching foods too quickly. They could also be a sign of intestinal parasites or health concerns, like pancreatitis, colitis, or a blockage caused by a foreign body. While you should avoid jumping to conclusions, the only way to know for sure what is causing your cat’s problems is to make an appointment with your veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis.

Do Cats Make the Purr-fect Therapy Animals?

Therapy dogs are trained to provide support and affection to people in hospitals, care centers, hospices, and nursing homes. While dogs make amazing therapy pets, therapy cats are becoming increasingly popular in animal-assisted therapy. Dogs are widely used to comfort people and help them recover from physical and mental health problems. Like therapy dogs, therapy cats reduce stress and loneliness and offer comfort and companionship. They are recommended for people afraid of dogs or larger therapy animals, like horsesTherapy cats are often taken into unpredictable environments filled with unfamiliar people. That’s exactly the type of setting that can stress a typical cat.Unlike dogs, cats tend to value their territory more than their relationship with humans or other cats. Cats also prefer predictability and stable environments. However, more and more cats can be seen traveling alongside their owners. These felines not only tolerate but flourish in environments that were once believed to be stressful for them. So, what’s up with these cats, and why are they so different? A 2021 study found that some cats can benefit from their owners’ presence in stressful situations and new environments. Animal behavioral researcher, Alexandra Behnke, found that nearly half of the 42 cats tested showed signs of the secure base effect, a bond that helps reduce stress and inspires cats to explore new surroundings when reunited with their owner. This bond could be the thing helping therapy cats feel at ease in new environments. In a recent study, Joni Delanoeije, a researcher in human animal interaction, investigated how therapy cats differ from the average pet cat. The study analyzed data related to 474 cats. Of those cats, 12 had offered animal-assisted services. This study found that therapy cats are friendlier with both people and other cats, more attention-seeking, and less opposed to being restrained.These findings suggest that certain personality traits, like being sociable and easygoing, could make some cats better at handling interactions with people in unfamiliar environments. On the downside, only a small number of therapy cats were involved in this study, and we need more research to lock in any solid answers.Let’s not forget that therapy cats have strong and trusting bonds with their owners. It seems that early socialization and training are also important for preparing cats to deal with the uncertain nature of service work.However, even if a cat possesses all of these traits, it can still face challenges in therapy. A 2023 study of cat-assisted services found that even the best therapy cats may struggle in practice. This study found that 68% of owners ended the visit early when they thought it best for the cat. Owners in this study also reported having strong bonds with their felines. This connection is most likely the reason behind the cat’s ability to adapt, providing a sense of safety and predictability in a potentially difficult situation.Cats are different from dogs in many ways. They have different social needs, temperament, and adaptability. Although these differences must be considered during selection for therapy work, they also come with advantages. For example, therapy cats can be more beneficial to people who are afraid of dogs or those who see themselves as “cat people.”Both cats and dogs elicit similar levels of happiness, but dog images evoke significantly more fear. Fear of dogs could diminish the effects of dog-assisted therapy for some people, making cats a great alternative. Dogs might be the traditional therapy animal, but cats also have what it takes to help people feel better. With a bit of training and the right temperament, cats can soothe and offer support to people of all ages. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Benefits of Orthopedic Pet Beds

Pet beds give dogs and cats their own places to sleep comfortably, and there are a range of products to choose from, including orthopedic pet beds that are soft and supportive. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits of orthopedic pet beds so you can decide if one would be right for your furry friend.

3 Strange Things Your Dog Might Do When They’re Sick

Dogs can’t tell us when they’re feeling unwell, but they often express discomfort in ways that seem odd. As a pet parent, recognizing these subtle signals early can make all the difference. Here are three unusual behaviors that might mean your dog isn’t feeling their best.

7 Important Things to Consider When Getting a Pet Lizard

Lizards can make fascinating pets. With their unique personalities, vibrant colors, and intriguing behaviors, they’re a step away from the typical dog or cat. But before bringing one home, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into. Let’s take a look at some key things to consider. Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you.

7 Human Foods Your Cat Can Enjoy as a Treat

Enjoy giving your cat treats? Here are seven human foods that you can safely share with your feline friend in moderation.Disclaimer: If your cat has health issues or any allergies, double check these food suggestions with your vet first.

Cat Care For Seniors Made Easy

(photo credit: InesBazadar / shutterstock.com)Let’s talk seniors. Regardless of age, they all have different abilities. Some are still highly active while others may be less so. Cognition levels can also vary from one individual to another as can favorite pastimes. Bridge champion, master gardener, or avid swimmer…when talking about the ideal feline for an older adult, it’s not necessarily down to finding a low-maintenance, easygoing breed that will be content to sit on a lap and receive cuddles. Maybe it’s something a little more playful or interactive yet not as demanding in terms of time and maintenance.One of the easiest ways to suss up how appropriate a new feline will be for a senior is to check out the rescues and shelters. You will find a mix of mid-life and older animals with a personality and/or attitude already baked in. So, you know just how feisty – or not – said puss is going to be when she gets home.You will also find that most relinquished cats are of a mixed breed status. Mixed breeds have a broader gene pool and fewer heredity health issues -hence the reason for the number of “designer” dogs you now see. For cats, brachycephalic breeds such as Persians or Burmese can inherit respiratory issues while Siamese are prone to dental disease and Maine Coons to hip dysplasia. Of course, the cost to adopt a rescue is also considerably less expensive than purchasing a pure-bred feline which can often be a deciding factor for anyone on a fixed income.

How Do I Stop My Puppy from Biting?

Puppies are adorable, silly, and full of energy - but sometimes, their little needle teeth can be a lot to handle. If your new furry friend keeps using you as a chew toy, you’re definitely not alone.Why Do Puppies Bite?There are several reasons puppies bite:Exploration and play: Puppies use their mouths to interact with their environment, just as they did with their littermates.Teething discomfort: Between 3 and 6 months, puppies lose their baby teeth and grow adult ones. Chewing helps soothe sore gums.Excitement or frustration: Puppies are still learning impulse control. Sometimes, biting is just how they express big feelings.In a litter, puppies learn bite inhibition by playing with each other - when one bites too hard, the other yelps and stops playing. That’s where your training starts.Step 1: Teach That Biting Ends the FunIf your puppy bites you during play, let out a sharp, high-pitched “ow!” - mimicking the way littermates would react - and immediately stop the interaction. Turn away or walk out of the room for a few seconds.This teaches your puppy that biting ends the fun, and over time, they’ll begin to soften their bite - or stop entirely. And don't forget that consistency is key: every family member should react the same way so your puppy receives a clear message.Step 2: Redirect with Chew ToysAlways have appropriate chew toys on hand. If your puppy goes for your fingers or clothes, calmly offer a toy instead. This helps them learn what’s okay to chew.Try a variety of textures - plush toys for soft chewers, rubber toys for teething relief.Rotate toys to keep them interesting.Reinforce good choices by praising your pup when they chew the right thing.

Vegan Dog Food? Don't Rule it Out!

Research out of the UK claims that nutritionally speaking, its not that different than a meat-based diet.