New Study Reveals Some Dogs Are Genuinely Toy-Addicted

How to Keep Your Dog Safe from Ticks This Summer

When the sun is shining and the trails are calling, nothing beats outdoor adventures with your pup. But as fun as nature walks, dog park visits, and backyard playtime can be, they also bring a hidden danger: ticks. These tiny parasites latch onto dogs (and humans!) to feed on their blood. They can transmit serious illnesses like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis.Here’s a comprehensive guide to tick prevention and protection every pet parent should follow.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

Things to Consider Before Getting a Ferret

Ferrets can make great pets, with their high energy level and fun-loving personalities, but they aren’t right for everyone. If you’ve been thinking about bringing a ferret into your family, there are several things to consider before you do. As with any type of pet, you want to be sure you know what to expect, and you want to be certain you’ll be able to provide your ferret with the care they need.

How to Build a Bond with Your New Rescue Dog

Bringing home a rescue dog is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have - for both you and your new companion. But it’s also a big transition, especially for dogs who may have experienced abandonment, neglect, or trauma in their past.That’s why building a strong bond with your rescue dog isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes time, patience, and a whole lot of understanding. But with the right approach, you’ll create something truly special: a trusting, lifelong relationship rooted in love.Here’s how to begin that journey, one step at a time.Start with Space and PatienceThe first few days in a new home can be overwhelming for a rescue dog. Everything is unfamiliar - sights, sounds, smells, and people - and it can cause real anxiety.One of the best things you can do? Give your dog space to adjust.Let them explore the home at their own paceSet up a quiet, cozy area where they can retreatAvoid forcing interaction or physical affectionSome dogs will come to you right away. Others need time to feel safe. Let them set the pace.Establish a Calm, Predictable RoutineDogs thrive on routine - especially those recovering from unstable pasts. A regular schedule helps create a sense of safety and predictability.Try to:Feed at the same times each dayKeep walks, bathroom breaks, and playtime consistentOffer a regular bedtime or wind-down ritualThe more predictable life becomes, the more confident and secure your dog will feel.Use Positive ReinforcementWhen it comes to training and bonding, positive reinforcement is your best friend.Reward good behavior with treats, praise, or gentle affectionKeep training sessions short and low-pressureCelebrate the little wins - sitting, coming when called, or just making eye contactAvoid punishment or harsh corrections. Fear-based methods can damage trust, especially with dogs who may already be unsure of people.

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.

Cat Missing For 13 Years Returns Home to Spend Final Days with Family

Back in 2012, Jade Yhnell’s cat, Minx, went missing. One day she was there, the next Minx was gone. Jade had raised Minx from birth, bottle-fed and spoiled like most well-loved cats, and then just before Jade moved from Bristol to Tredegar, the little tabby slipped away.The family searched for their cat, posted posters, called all vets in the area, and took countless walks around the neighborhood. But nothing turned up. Eventually, life moved on. Jade and her partner settled into a new place and started a family.Thirteen years later, out of nowhere, Jade received a call.A veterinary clinic in Fishguard had taken in a scruffy, underweight cat that was found wandering. Although they didn’t expect the cat to be microchipped, they scanned for a chip anyway, as they always do. To everyone’s shock, they found that the cat was, in fact, chipped and that her name is Minx.Jade says she froze when she heard. Could it really be Minx? After all this time?She and her husband jumped in the car and drove for over two hours to get there. “I couldn’t stop shaking,” she told reporters. She didn’t know what to expect. Thirteen years is a long time, even in cat years, it’s a lifetime.But as soon as Jade stepped into the room, Minx walked up to her. She rubbed her face against Jade, purred, and head-butted like she used to. And then she did the same to Jade’s husband. Like no time had passed at all.Jade and her husband brought Minx home that very day.Minx had clearly been through a lot. She was thin, and her fur was matted, but she purred constantly. She met Jade’s kids, who hadn’t even been born when she disappeared, and nestled into their laps like she’d always been part of the family. “She came back to us for a reason,” Jade said. “I think she wanted to say goodbye properly.”Unfortunately, it turned out Minx had cancer. Jade didn’t say how long they had with her, but it wasn’t long. For the few weeks they had together, the family made sure Minx had all the comforts in the world. She slept in a warm bed again, had chin scratches, soft food, and little hands petting her head. She purred until the end.Stories like this are rare, but they aren’t impossible. Cats go missing all the time, and some of them, somehow, find their way back. Whether someone took her in or she wandered for years, no one knows what Minx lived through. What’s clear is that she survived, and somehow, she got back to where she was supposed to be.But if Minx hadn’t been microchipped, there would’ve been no reunion, no last days filled with love. That small chip is the only reason Jade got that phone call. It’s easy to forget how important microchipping is, but stories like this drive it home. If your pets aren’t chipped, now is the time to do it. You never think you’ll need it until you do.It’s hard to believe that this family got their cat back after thirteen years. It’s almost too much to believe. But pets have a funny way of surprising us. They disappear, and we prepare ourselves for the worst. But sometimes, against the odds, they come back, just in time to remind us how much they were loved.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What’s the Best Food for Goldfish?

Goldfish are among the most popular aquarium pets in the world, loved for their bright colors, peaceful personalities, and relatively low-maintenance care. But when it comes to keeping them healthy, one key factor often gets overlooked: their diet. Feeding your goldfish the right food plays a huge role in their energy levels, coloration, digestion, and overall lifespan. With so many choices - flakes, pellets, vegetables, live food - it can be hard to know where to start. Let’s take a look at the best food options for goldfish so you can keep your finned friend both happy and healthy.Goldfish Are OmnivoresGoldfish are natural omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. In the wild, they feed on algae, plant debris, insects, larvae, and small crustaceans. For pet goldfish, the goal is to replicate that variety as much as possible. Feeding them a one-note diet (such as flakes only) can lead to nutritional deficiencies, poor coloration, and issues like constipation or swim bladder problems. A balanced, varied diet is key.Flakes: Convenient but Not Complete

What Does Your Cat's Poop Reveal About Their Health?

Every day, countless cat parents do the not-so-pleasant job of scooping the litter box. While this routine task may not be the most glamorous, your cat’s box holds a wealth of information about their inner workings and overall health.Paying just a little attention to what they leave behind may reveal subtle clues that speak volumes about their well-being.In this post, I will share the knowledge you need to decipher the unspoken language of the litter box, including helping you understand what constitutes a healthy deposit and, more importantly, when something may be “off” or warrant a call to your veterinarian.Familiarizing yourself with what to look for and when to be concerned is the key to a happier, healthier life for your best friend.What is Considered “Normal” Cat Poop?Recognizing when something isn’t right based on your cat’s litter box starts with understanding what is considered “normal.” There are several key characteristics that you can expect to see when looking at health cat poop, indicating a well-functioning digestive system.Consistency is KeyIdeally, your cat’s stool should be firm and log-shaped, holding its form well when scooped. The texture should be moist, like the texture of modeling clay or even a well-formed sausage. This consistency is important as it means the food is being properly digested and there’s a healthy balance of water absorption in the intestines, resulting in poop that is easy and comfortable to pass through the digestive tract.The Right ColorThe expected color for healthy cat poop falls into a spectrum that ranges from medium to dark brown. This comes primarily from the natural breakdown of food within the digestive system and the presence of bile, the key digestive fluid produced by the liver.It is worth noting that slight color variations can happen due to the foods included in your cat’s diet. For example, certain foods may cause the poop to be slightly lighter or darker brown, which is usually nothing to be concerned about as long as other characteristics on this list remain normal. If you do notice a slight change of color, take a moment to consider whether your cat has eaten something new recently that could be behind that shift.Size MattersThe typical size of a healthy stool for your cat will correlate with their overall size and the amount they eat, meaning that it will vary slightly from cat to cat. Even within my own home, with three cats, we have three different “normals” to consider.By consistently observing your cat’s waste when cleaning the box, you will familiarize yourself with what is normal for them, allowing you to notice if their waste is slightly smaller or larger than usual, which can be a subtle sign of an underlying issue. Very small stools may suggest that your cat is eating less than usual or they are experiencing a slower digestion rate than normal. Consistently large stools could point towards dietary imbalances or improper absorption of nutrients.Something Smells “Off”Let’s be honest, all poop has an odor, and it’s not an odor we generally get excited about. However, healthy cat poop shouldn’t have an overwhelmingly foul or offensive smell. While you won’t be mistaking your cat’s litter box for roses anytime soon, even if they are 100% healthy, a sudden and significant worsening of that smell can be a red flag. This may signal bacterial overgrowth in the digestive tract or digestive upset. Trust your nose – if the smell seems noticeably different and concerning, it’s worth taking note and investigating further.Frequency and HabitsMost cats will typically have a bowel movement once or twice a day. This is considered “normal” and indicates that their digestive system is operating as it should. Still, it can vary slightly from cat to cat based on factors such as their diet, activity levels, and overall metabolism. Monitoring your cat’s bathroom habits can help you establish what’s normal for them, arming you with the information necessary to recognize if something’s “off.”A significant and persistent change in their usual bathroom habits, whether it’s going much more or much less often, is a red flag worth paying attention to.Red Flags in Your Cat’s Litter BoxWhile understanding what healthy poop looks like will give you a baseline, you will need to fine tune your observation skills to be able to recognize when something has changed, even subtly. Certain changes in consistency, color, contents, odor, frequency, or volume may signal underlying issues that need to be addressed or even a need for a visit to the veterinarian ASAP.Here are a few of the red flags you should be on the lookout for in more detail:Changes in ConsistencyOne of the most common changes you may notice is diarrhea, which can manifest in several forms. It may appear watery, very loose, or have a soft, puddling-like consistency. Several factors can contribute to diarrhea in cats. Often, it is the result of eating something they shouldn’t. However, stress, parasites (such as roundworms, hookworms, or Giardia), bacterial or viral infections, food sensitivities or allergies, and even underlying medical conditions can impact the digestive tract.It's also important to keep in mind that diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, especially in vulnerable populations like kittens and senior cats, making prompt attention critical.On the opposite end of the spectrum is constipation, characterized by hard, dry pellets or infrequent and often strained attempts to go. You may notice your cat making repeated trips to the litter box without producing much or showing signs of discomfort when trying.Dehydration is also a significant contributor to constipation, as is a diet lacking the necessary fiber your cat requires. Hairballs, particularly in long-haired breeds, can also cause blockages. Other potential causes include obesity, pain (making it uncomfortable to get into position to go), neurological issues, and, in severe cases, a condition called megacolon, where the colon becomes enlarged and loses its ability to contract and move the stool along effectively. Constipation can be pretty uncomfortable for your cat and, if left untreated, can lead to serious medical problems.

Is Periodontal Disease in Dogs Reversible?

If you've ever gotten a whiff of your dog’s bad breath and thought, that can’t be normal, you're probably right. Bad breath isn’t just a quirky part of being a dog - it can be a sign of something more serious: periodontal disease.This common condition affects most dogs by the time they’re three years old, and if left untreated, it can lead to pain, infection, and even tooth loss. But here’s the big question on most pet parents’ minds: is periodontal disease in dogs reversible?The short answer? It depends on the stage.The long answer? Let’s break it down.What Is Periodontal Disease, Exactly?Periodontal disease is a progressive condition that affects your dog’s gums, teeth, and the structures that support them. It usually starts with plaque - a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on the teeth after eating. If that plaque isn’t removed (through brushing or chewing), it hardens into tartar, and the real trouble begins.

3 Fun DIY Cat Toys You Can Easily Make at Home

There are plenty of great store-bought toys out there, but some of the most stimulating and satisfying playthings for your feline friend can actually be crafted right at home, with minimal effort and common household items. Here are three fun, easy, and safe DIY cat toys you can make in a matter of minutes.

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

Ohio Bill Would Make Declawing Cats Illegal

Declawing cats could become illegal in Ohio, thanks to a bipartisan proposal known as Senate Bill 252, which was introduced by Senator Al Cutrona and Senator Hearcel Craig.

Which Cats Are Less Likely to Get Adopted?

Animal shelters are full of cats in need of loving homes, but sadly not all cats are equally likely to find a family quickly. Understanding which cats are more likely to face adoption challenges can help shelters, volunteers, and potential pet owners ensure that every cat has the opportunity for a happy, forever home.

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.

Dogs Can Sniff Out Parkinson's Disease, Study Finds

If you’ve ever caught your dog sniffing something way too intensely and wondered what they’re thinking, well, turns out they might be picking up more than just smells. A new study has found that dogs can actually sniff out Parkinson’s disease. Yes, really.The research, led by scientists from the University of Manchester and the University of Bristol, shows that dogs can detect the disease just by smelling skin swabs taken from people’s backs or necks. The study involved two pet dogs, Bumper the Golden retriever and Peanut the Labrador. These pups were trained using treats and lots of praise to tell the difference between samples from people with Parkinson’s and those without it.And they didn’t just guess. In tests, the dogs correctly identified Parkinson’s cases around 80% of the time. Even more impressively, they were right about the “healthy” samples nearly 98% of the time.Dr. Claire Guest, co-founder of Medical Detection Dogs (the organization that helped train Bumper and Peanut), said the results are “hugely encouraging.” She added, “Timely diagnosis is key when it comes to slowing progression of Parkinson’s, and dogs may be able to spot the disease years before symptoms become obvious.”It’s not exactly new that dogs can smell things humans can’t. They’ve already been trained to sniff out certain cancers, detect blood sugar drops in diabetics, and even identify COVID-19 infections. But Parkinson’s has always been a tough one. It's often diagnosed too late, and there’s no single test for it. Right now, doctors rely mostly on observing symptoms like tremors and stiffness, which usually don’t show up until the disease is already well underway.So, how does a dog even do this?People with Parkinson’s seem to produce a different mix of natural oils on their skin, something called sebum, and those oils release compounds that smell just slightly different. Humans can't pick it up, but dogs? Their noses are tens of thousands of times more sensitive than ours. What smells like nothing to us might hit them like a perfume counter.For the study, the researchers collected samples by having people wear gauze patches overnight or by swabbing the backs of their necks. The dogs were then trained to sniff out the ones with Parkinson’s. When they got it right, they were rewarded. It was all positive reinforcement, without pressure.And yes, these were ordinary pet dogs. Not super-dogs, not military or police-trained sniffers. Just well-loved companions who also happened to be very, very good at their jobs.Dr. Nicola Rooney from the University of Bristol, who co-led the research, said that these results show there’s a clear scent profile associated with the disease. “We were impressed with how consistent the dogs were,” she said. “There’s definitely something there.”That “something” could change the way we approach early diagnosis. Imagine a future where a dog’s nose becomes part of routine screenings, especially for people at high risk. Even better, researchers hope to eventually identify exactly which compounds the dogs are smelling so labs can create artificial sensors that work just as well.But for now, it’s hard not to feel a little awe at what dogs can do. They’re not just our walking buddies or food-stealing kitchen shadows. They’re capable of helping us in ways we’re only beginning to understand.And maybe next time your dog won’t stop sniffing you, you’ll pause before pushing them away. They just might know something you don’t.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Here’s Why Your Dog Loves to Say Hello to Strangers

If you’ve ever walked down the street with your dog and watched them enthusiastically greet every passerby, you’ve probably wondered why they do that. While it can be a little embarrassing at times, this behavior is rooted in some surprisingly interesting aspects of canine nature.

Designer Nods to Canine Influencers During New York Fashion Week 2025

Iconic gathering of the stylish and celebrated recognize the importance of dogs in our lives.

Ice Bucket Challenge for Dogs? Not Funny and Not Safe

PETA gives two thumbs down on this viral set-up stating they consider it an "appalling betrayal" of the dog's trust.

5 Foods You Should Never Feed Your Guinea Pig

Just like cats and dogs, guinea pigs can’t eat everything we can. Some foods are actually dangerous for them. In this article, we’ll look at five foods you should always keep away from your piggy. Please note, this isn’t an exhaustive list so, if you’re ever unsure, it’s best to check with a vet before giving your pet something new.