Ask the Hairy Dogfathers: Poetic Poop

by Hairy Dogfathers

Published: March 9th, 2016

What’s a bard to do when her kids won’t pick up the dog’s poo? The Hairy Dogfathers put feather-quilled pen to paper in order to offer some refined advice.

Hello Hairy Dogfathers,

I have taken a minute to pen my problem in pose. I hope you get some enjoyment out of my predicament… but seriously, I need some advice!

My Problem in a Poem

Kids A, B and C

Told their Mom (that’s me!)

If they were allowed a pet,

That I could bet,

The poo would be gone.

I was guaranteed a clean lawn!

But spring has riz,

And I know where the dog poo is…

I am beyond angry,

They have lied to me!

What do I do with this hound?

I would hate to return him to the pound!

-Signed, I’m Pooped!

André says:

Our first poetic predicament! Thanks for being so creative with your question. Sounds like your kids have been naughty and have pulled a fast one by you… or should maybe I should say a slow one because seems they might have been fooling you for the whole winter season. You could put your creativity to work to think of a suitable punishment… or you could just go with the obvious. Think about it: a dog owner’s spring cleanup can be tedious task, thankfully you have three helpers… or should I say doers! That’s right – get the three little shits to clean up their own mess! On top of that you might consider making yard cleanup part of their daily or weekly routine, each of them being responsible for cleanup on a certain day of the week. That way your yard stay clean and the hound can stay out of the pound.

Kevin says:

A poem – oh, that’s awesome! Such a creative person can no doubt dream up a punishment that will fit the crime for children who do not hold up their end of a bargain! Goodbye iPads? Allowance goes to cover the cost of a professional pooper scooper? Grounded until the grass is green? I might sound like a glutton for punishment, but I am taking the dog’s side here!

I understand you are frustrated, but keep in mind this isn’t the dogs fault! Put the blame squarely on the kids. You can see this as a learning opportunity for them; they can see it as punishment. But the bottom line: the dog needs a clean yard. You are the adult, so what you say goes.

Hairy Dogfathers

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Ask the Hairy Dogfathers: Shelter Stalker?

When adopting a dog, is there such a thing as TMI when it comes to shelters asking questions? Good thing the Hairy Dogfathers are here – they know a thing or two about personal boundaries! Dear HDFs, I am young, university educated, well-adjusted adult working a full-time professional job. I am a contributing member of society and an animal lover. I bought a great house in a perfect neighborhood. Since I was little, I wanted a dog, and I kinda fell in love with some goofy mutt at the shelter. But when I went to set it all up, the shelter got all creepy on me. The person behind the counter kept asking really personal questions. Which vet was I going to use? How long do I work each day? Where was the dog going to sleep? There is no way that I am going to tell some complete stranger when I am out of the house, or answer their weird questions about my sleeping arrangements. Who do they think they are… the puppy police? It’s a dog. It’s been at the shelter for 8 months. You would think that if they weren’t just so invasive of people’s privacy that maybe more dogs would get into good homes. How do I get a dog without having to answer some creep’s prying questions? Signed, Privacy Please! Related: How Soon is Too Soon? André says: There is certainly no problem with being a private person. At the risk of prying… I am curious to know, did you not like the questions because they were too personal? Or did you not have answers? If you are looking at bringing a dog into your life, you have to recognize that your life will change. Before a four-legged fur ball comes through your door, you’ll need to be ready for it. Any half-decent shelter will ask you a variety of questions to make sure that you are ready, and that the dog will be taken care of. That said; if you really don’t want to answer all these personal questions, I do have a solution… give up. Consider getting a plant or something lower maintenance, you clearly aren’t ready to provide a good home for a dog. Related: Can You Return A Surprise Puppy Present? Kevin says: Sounds like you found a great shelter! Now, the question is, are you a great adopter? You certainly got our backs up, and we only had to read your e-mail, not meet you in person. Honey, calm yourself. You are setting off some serious ‘tude and it ain’t cute. Now, if you are still reading this… a good shelter or rescue is going to ask questions, not to pry, but to try! To try and facilitate a conversation that is going to make sure that everyone is on the right page. During my years working in a shelter, I often worked with families who came in looking for a certain type of dog, but learned that they were more suited to another breed of dog entirely. So chill out. Swallow your pride, and be thankful that the shelter cares enough to make sure that it’s going to be a good fit for everyone.

Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Crazy Cat Complication

We’ve all heard of the “Crazy Cat Lady” – but what happens when it’s about to become the “Crazy Cat Couple?” The Hairy DogFathers are here to sort it all out. Okay Guys, I am crazy about this girl, but I am scared she’s crazy! When we started dating nine months ago, she talked about her cat, Fezzik. All the time. No problem. I finally meet Fezzik, and he’s a pretty cool cat and all. But I was like, “Is this my girl’s house, bro, or is it Fezzik’s?” For real! She’s got Fezzik stuff and pictures of him ALL OVER the place! I think it’s great she loves this cat, but I don’t know if she wants me in the picture. She has talked about us moving in together. What do I do? -Signed, Mr. Crazy Cat Lady Related: Daddy’s Puppy Problem André says: Dear Mr. Crazy Cat Lady, Sounds like your girl’s décor style is far from purrrfect. Joking aside, how much does it bother you? Because if you are seriously considering moving in together, you have to realize that you are moving in with Fezzik and all his stuff. It’s true that cats don’t live forever, but don’t fool yourself: Fezzik could ask you to adopt a little brother or sister at any time. Your predicament is quite simple – if it really bothers you and there is no way you could have a cat picture (or twelve) hanging in your place, then talk to her about it, and see where that goes. On the other hand, if you don’t mind all that much, or kind of like the décor a bit, embrace it whole-heartedly and become the official Mr. Crazy Cat Lady. Best of luck! Related: Newlywed Puppy Problems Kevin says: Dear Mr. Crazy Cat Lady My suggestion is to pack up that cat in his little custom carrier and go for a short drive. No, this isn’t a sinister plot to rid yourself of Fezzik forever. First stop: the pet store. Grab some fun toys that you and Fezzik can bond over. After your shopping spree at the pet store, it’s time to head to the nearest portrait studio. You and Fezzik can have some male bonding time, playing dress up with matching outfits… for real! What is going to make your girl crazier that a sweet picture of you and Fezzik dressed in matching turtlenecks or really cute bowties? If you can’t beat him, join him. Print out your super fun photo shoot photos and frame them. You’ll show your girl you aren’t here to replace Fezzik, but that you can both “be in the picture.” He’s had a special place in your lady’s heart for a long time, and that’s not about to change. Give the guy a chance, and maybe you will enjoy being Mr. Crazy Cat Lady yourself.

Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Four’s Company?

A couple is taking the plunge and moving in together. But what do you do when you both have pets and your new apartment only allows room for one? The Hairy Dogfathers weigh in. Hello Hairy Dogfathers, I met the most amazing girl, everything about her is awesome! We have dated for a little over a year, and are both ready to take the next step. We’ve found a place together. The only issue – we both have a pet and the new place only allows one animal! I won’t surrender my cat, and she is firm about keeping her dog. This place fits our budget, has a beautiful view and is really close to work! What do we do? From “Not Giving Up My Cat” Related: Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: No Walkies, No Lovin’! André says: Dear Not Giving Up My Cat, It’s great that you and your girlfriend have chosen to move in together, but it’s really unfortunate to hear about the one pet policy, eh? Sounds like you are at a bit of a standstill here with neither one of you willing to give up your pet, and why should you? To me this is plain and simple; this place just isn’t for you. If you and your girlfriend are truly committed to each other there is no need to rush moving in, you should take your time and find a place that meets your collective needs. Related: Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Doggy Custody Arrangements Kevin says: Dear Not Giving Up My Cat, I love how you are both so committed to your pet. Perhaps now, it’s time to take things to the next level? Raise the bar and make the commitment to each other’s pets! There is no way you should be asking each other to choose between the cat and the dog. If you are going to be a family, you need to start thinking like one. One big, happy, furry family! If this place is so much to your liking, don’t give up yet. Have you contacted the landlord? Sometimes for an ideal tenant, an animal loving landlord will bend the rules, so everyone wins. The pets get a new place, you get to be together and the landlord gets a good tenant. Explain to the landlord how hard it is to find quality pet-friendly housing in your city. Point out that you won’t be moving anytime soon, because: 1. You love the place; and 2. It’s hard to move with two pets! Once the landlord knows you are in it for the long term, exceptions might be made.

Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Cabin Pet-quette

It’s cabin season, and if you don’t have one of your own, you’re always looking for an invite to a friend’s. If your dog is coming along for the fun, the Hairy Dogfathers have a few tips to ensure you get invited back. A friend has invited my fiancé and our new dog to their cabin for a weekend. I’m dreaming of boating, dock diving and fishing in the lake! My fiancé is excited about walks on the beach, and endless games of fetch on their huge property. Do you have some tips to make sure we get invited back again? Signed, Happy Cabin Guests Related: Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Beach Bummed Out André says: Dear Happy Cabin Guests, You’re smart to be conscious about this, as it’s not everyone that will extend an invite to pets, especially new ones. One thing I would suggest is make sure your pup is well exercised, take him for a long walk or a run before you head out, and take him out for multiple walks or play sessions every day you’re there. Secondly, bring a kennel where your dog can sleep and relax, and make sure to pack some toys and treats to keep your dog busy. This will also help keep him away from others who may not be too interested in getting some puppy love. Lastly, make sure to bring your host a nice gift to thank them for their hospitality (you can’t go wrong with a bottle of wine). Have fun at the cabin! André Related: Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Front Seat Doggie Drivers Kevin says: Oh, endless games of fetch sound like just the ticket! Your dog will be tired out and won’t be bothering anyone! It’ll leave your plenty of time to relax on the dock, or to try your luck at fishing. To ensure you’re invited back, pack a bunch of high-value treats to reward your dog for his best behavior. Before you go, put in some work brushing up on his obedience skills, and teach him a few cute tricks as well. His polished social graces and exceptional cuteness will for sure land him (and you) an invite back! On your weekend away, be conscious of the mess that comes with dog ownership. We tend to look the other way because we’re used to it, but people without dogs may see every hair and muddy footprint. You need to be all about the clean! A visit to the groomer will reduce shedding and trim up the nails to ensure flooring and bedding doesn’t get shredded. Sweep the cabin every day with a broom to get rid of any excess hair. Lastly, bring plenty of your own pet towels, as not everyone appreciates sharing a towel (or wet doggy scent) with a pooch. Have fun, and send us some vacation pictures! Kevin

Ask The Hairy Dogfathers: Beach Bummed Out

Surf’s up, dude! Wait… no dog’s allowed on the beach? Bummer! The Hairy Dogfathers have a few tips to insure your beach-side vacay doesn’t turn into a wipeout. Dear Hairy Dogfathers, We’ve rented a cabin, right on the lake, for two weeks this summer. We rented it last summer as well, before we got our new puppy. Now, here’s the trouble. We love to spend time on the beach, that’s part of it, but there are signs posted everywhere saying: “NO DOGS ALLOWED ON THE BEACH.” Why are people so cranky? What should we do? We really want our new dog to learn to swim, and to spend time with us! Regards, Beach Bummed Related: Bad Manners At The Dog Park André says: Dear Beach Bummed, You’ve just hit on one of my biggest irritants: outdoor spaces that don’t allow dogs. Unfortunately, I can’t explain why this is the case, it could be so many things. One thing you could consider is contacting the owners (or appropriate authorities) and asking for permission to bring your dog on the beach during off hours, or if there is another beach nearby you could take your dog. I have found that many times there are “less developed” areas near more popular beaches that are perfect to play with your furry friends. In the future, I would definitely recommend doing some research beforehand and finding somewhere that’s a little more dog friendly. Worst comes to worst – you could put your dog up in a nice kennel where they can play and have fun with other dogs while you get your beach time. Have fun this summer! André Related: 7 Fun Things To Do With Your Dog This Summer Kevin says: Dear B.B., I am sorry your relaxation time has hit a small snag! I sympathize with you; it’s not fun and doesn’t seem fair to ban dogs from the beach. Some beaches have posted “No Dog” signs due to fears of E. Coli transmitted from dog waste. All it takes it a few “bad apples,” or in this case, a few thoughtless dog owners who didn’t clean up after their dogs, to ruin it for the rest of us. My husband brings up a good point: do some research for dog friendly places to swim. More and more state and provincial parks have dog beaches, and even if they’re not official, there are likely some areas on the beach where the locals usually go swimming with their dogs. Ask around on the beach or if you see other dog owners in the area. Just be sure to clean up after your dog! Kevin

How Do I Choose the Best Muzzle for My Dog?

With the news of the recent American Bully XL ban in the UK, conversations around dog muzzles have been popping up all over social media. The growing discussion has opened the door for dog owners in the United States to consider the benefits of using a muzzle for their own dogs for many reasons, including scavenging, reactivity, and even short-term use for veterinary and grooming appointments. But with so many different styles of muzzle on the market, how do you choose the best muzzle for your dog? We have you covered! In this guide, we will discuss the different muzzle types available, what each type is best suited for, and the proper fit of a dog muzzle. Plus, I will share which muzzle we currently use with our reactive dog, Lucifer, and why. Let’s get started… Things to Consider When Shopping for a Muzzle for Your Dog When selecting a muzzle for your dog, there is no singular “best option” that will work for every dog and situation. On one hand, this can be frustrating as it leaves you feeling overwhelmed navigating the wide assortment of options. On the other hand, it means you can purchase a muzzle uniquely suited for your dog’s needs. Here are a few key factors to consider when making your decision: MaterialThere are several materials to consider when shopping for a muzzle, including metal, plastic, rubber, vinyl, leather, Biothane, fabric, silicone, and more. To determine the best option for your dog, there are a few critical deciding factors: Do you need a muzzle that can prevent a determined dog from biting? Will your dog be wearing the muzzle outdoors in the elements? Is weight a factor for your dog? Does your dog engage in “muzzle punching” when wearing a muzzle (ramming into people with the muzzle)? Will your dog likely shove the muzzle into the dirt while trying to smell the ground? It is important to note that most muzzles are not considered “bite-proof.” This means they shouldn’t be relied on to prevent a bite from occurring. If you are muzzling as a safety precaution due to a bite risk, the best options are vinyl or wire basket muzzles. Ease of Use Like harnesses and collars, some dogs make fastening a muzzle easy, while others can make the process a challenge. This doesn’t necessarily mean they dislike the muzzle or aren’t properly conditioned to the muzzle. For example, if our boy Lucifer is overly excited about going somewhere, he sometimes gets the zoomies. He usually will stand still to let us buckle his muzzle, but it’s hard to control the zoomies when they hit! A muzzle with a quick-release buckle will be your best option if that sounds familiar. This is faster to secure than a traditional threaded buckle. Airflow One primary concern for those considering muzzling their dogs is the airflow that they will offer, and for good reason! This is especially important if your dog is going to be active while wearing the muzzle. Wire basket muzzles are often a favorite for high-energy dogs, allowing for uninterrupted airflow and making it easy for your dog to drink while wearing it. In comparison, leather and Biothane muzzles, especially those designed to prevent scavengers from being able to pick up “goodies” on their walks, generally limit airflow. Carefully consider your dog’s lifestyle and the situations where a muzzle may be needed.

From Woofs to Words: Pet Translation Device Is Just Around the Corner

What would be the first thing you’d ask your dog if they could talk instead of barking? If dogs talked you could learn how much your pooch loves you, or maybe you’d be more interested to know why Fido peed on the carpet, again.Unfortunately, this level of conversation is unlikely to happen any time soon. But recent advances in artificial intelligence and speech and translation technology may bring us one step closer to conversing with our pets.Thanks to AI, scientists are figuring out how to translate animals’ facial expressions and vocalizations into a language understandable to people. In recent years, scientists have been using AI systems to analyze a sheep’s face to determine whether an animal is in pain, and another one is being used to listen to the communication calls of marmoset monkeys.Dr. Con Slobodchikoff, an animal behaviorist and professor of biology at Northern Arizona University is an expert on animal communication. Slobodchikoff has spent 30 years trying to better understand the calls of prairie dogs. Together with a computer scientist colleague, he developed an algorithm that translates the vocalizations of prairie dogs into English. “I thought, if we can do this with prairie dogs, we can certainly do it with dogs and cats,” said Slobodchikoff according to NBC News. Slobodchikoff imagined a cell phone app or device that you could point to a dog to record a video and audio of a dog’s behavior and then upload it for an AI system to analyze. “The AI would translate this for you into English, or any other language,” explained Slobodchikoff. The translation, Slobodchikoff said, could be something like ‘I’m hungry’ or ‘I need to go outside to pee’ or ‘I want to go for a walk.’To teach an AI algorithm about the nuances of canine communication, Slobodchikoff collected thousands of videos of dogs showing various types of body movements and different types of barks. For this to work, Slobodchikoff has to explain to the AI algorithm what each bark and tail wag means. This means that, at this stage, scientists must provide explanations of canine body language and vocalization, which gives room to individual interpretation. However, Slobodchikoff strives to include the growing scientific research that uses data gained from actual experiments rather than guesswork to interpret the true meaning of canine behavior.Being able to understand what dogs are saying would help owners forge stronger bonds with their pets, but also much more. It would make caring for dogs much easier and also help save lives. According to ASPCA, around 920,000 cats and dogs are euthanized each year in the U.S. alone - in many cases, because of misunderstood behavioral problems. For example, a dog that exhibits aggressive behavior might simply be afraid or anxious, and if there was a device to help us understand its fears, it might be possible to help that dog and save its life. “You could use that information and instead of backing a dog into a corner, give the dog more space,” said Slobodchikoff.Keeping track of the advances made in this field, an Amazon-sponsored report on future trends predicted that we’ll have commercial pet translators in the next 10 years. Even if pet translators become a reality, it’s unlikely that we’ll be able to have a real conversation with our pets. But, with the help of this new technology, owners would be able to understand how their dogs feel, including if they are in pain or sick, and what makes them happy or sad.Although more research is needed, we are one step closer to translating barks.

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Why Do Some Dogs Have Bad Body Odor?

Dogs are cute, no doubt about that, but most of them are not winning awards for their lovely BO – in fact, if we’re being honest, most pooches are a bit stinky. Of course, if you make sure to keep them clean with regular baths, grooming, and teeth brushing, you can eliminate or at least significantly reduce any unpleasant smell. But sometimes, even if you are very attentive about your dog’s hygiene, they can still smell a bit funky. Why does this happen? And what should you do in that case? Lastly, is there a way to prevent unpleasant body odors in your dog? Let’s try and answer all these stinky questions.Why Does My Dog Smell Bad?Are you catching a whiff of something foul whenever your dog enters the room? Are you struggling to keep them clean and smelling fresh? There could be a number of reasons why your pupper is stinky, and it is important to go over everything in order to properly address this issue. Firstly, you want to consider their hygiene. Lack of regular grooming and bathing can lead to a buildup of dirt, oils, and bacteria on a dog's skin and coat, resulting in a bad odor. Make sure you are giving your dog a regular wash or a bath, and that you are using  special shampoos that are safe for pets and smell nice.

Is it OK to Give Dogs Raw Bones?

While dogs can be picky eaters, they’re not really known as pets with the most refined pallets. Pooches tend to be voracious and their appetites are indiscriminate, so they’ll munch on anything – anytime.However, as a responsible owner, you should make sure that whatever they’re snacking on is something that’s safe for them to eat – which can be a bit stressful. For instance, the image of a dog with a bone is all but ingrained in people’s brains, but do dogs really need to chew on bones? And, if so, are raw bones fine or do you need to cook them first?Many owners are fearful that bones are not entirely appropriate for dogs, both because of potential bacterial contamination and the risk of bone splintering. Because of this, feeding dogs raw bones can be a controversial topic, and it's important to consider various factors before deciding whether or not to offer this natural snack to your pet. Before you make your decision, here are some important aspects to take into account.Is it OK to Give Dogs Raw Bones?Whether it’s a childhood memory or a scene in an old cartoon, you’ve probably seen a dig happily gnawing on a bone (and a cat drinking cow milk), but are bones really good for dogs – or is it just a myth that they enjoy them? While raw bones for dogs can have some benefits, such as offering important trace minerals, or a way to naturally  remove plaque buildup from a dog’s teeth, there are some risks to giving your pet raw bones. Mainly, two things about raw bones concern dog owners – their tendency to splinter and potential bacterial contamination. When it comes to splintering, it is much less likely for a raw bone to splinter than a cooked one, but still, it is wise to choose bigger bones to minimize the risks even more. As for the chance for the bones to be contaminated with salmonella or E. coli, the key is to source the bones from a trusted, responsible supplier.With those things in mind, if you are still interested in giving your dog raw bones, here are some key steps to follow to make sure that your pet is safe and enjoys their natural chew treat without any adverse effects:#1 Always supervise your petIf you decide to give your dog a raw bone, it's essential to supervise them closely. This helps prevent potential choking hazards, broken teeth, or possible injuries if splintering does occur.#2 Pick the right size

Dogs Trained to Detect Ancient Remains Expedite Search for Graves

Canada’s recent discovery of hundreds of tiny unmarked graves attributed to the residential school system has created not only cross-country outrage but also a determination to locate and repatriate the remains of all children who left home to attend these schools but never returned.Within a few weeks, the number of unmarked graves throughout Canada had quickly grown to over 10,000 and the ability to locate and identify additional sites (that would date back decades), had become almost impossible. Particularly since many of the schools had since been razed and pinpointing potential burial areas leaned heavily toward guesswork.The search had to be done respectfully – meaning without the use of large, excavation equipment – however, the need to cover a vast range of land in a timely manner was a challenge.That’s when the search teams decided to bring in the dogs.Part of the Ottawa Valley Search and Rescue Dog Association, German Shepherds, Recce and Taz are proficient in detecting older, archeological remains with drill work that has included using older cemeteries as their training ground. In fact, Historic Human Remains Detection Dogs have been used throughout North America and Europe to identify human remains in archaeological sites that date back hundreds of years… and longer. These dogs can pick up on the much lower scent levels that come from teeth and bones found in ancient graves… and some are even explicitly trained to detect cremated remains where no bones or teeth remain.This switch from bulldozers to the canine duo is a change welcomed by the area’s former residential school students who feel that because dogs have always been part of the Indigenous culture, they offer a natural, more appropriate approach to finding the missing children.According to Archaeology Professor Adrian Burke, dogs make a great option because they are non-invasive. Although it’s not an exact science – they can’t pinpoint an individual grave - they can hone in on a location and this saves time and the need for random digging. Once dogs flag a site, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is used to confirm what lies beneath.By adding Recce and Taz to the search teams, it’s estimated the time needed to cover a couple of acres can be reduced from a few weeks to just a couple of days.While the process is still slow and time-consuming, Indigenous residents confirm it’s about the children’s families understanding what happened to their little ones, being able to bring them home for appropriate burial, and ultimately experiencing a sense of closure and justice.

How Much Playtime Does My Cat Need?

Sure, cats tend to spend a lot of their day seemingly lazing about, basking in the sun, meticulously cleaning themselves, and snoozing away. However, that doesn’t mean that cats are not active animals that need daily exercise – they have an instinct to hunt, explore, and engage in different activities that stimulate their minds and bodies. Without adequate mental and physical stimulation, cats can become bored, stressed, and even develop behavioral issues. This is why playtime is not “just” a matter of playing for felines. It meets their most basic needs and it's an essential component of their overall well-being.What Are the Benefits of Playtime for Cats?Engaging your cat in interactive play stimulates their cognitive abilities, keeping their minds sharp and active. Activities like chasing toys, solving puzzles, or hunting for treats mimic their natural hunting instincts, providing mental enrichment. Enrichment is crucial to prevent destructive behaviors, aggression, and other behavioral issues that stem from boredom and lack of mental stimulation. In addition to keeping your kitty’s mind sharp, playtime will keep them fit as a fiddle and in their top form. Regular play sessions help cats balance extra energy, maintain a healthy weight, and prevent obesity-related health issues. It also promotes muscle tone, flexibility, and overall physical fitness, reducing the risk of joint problems as they age.Last but not least, interactive play presents a unique bonding opportunity. Playing together with your cat will strengthen your relationship, fostering trust and affection. It's a chance to spend quality time together and will provide your cat with a sense of security and happiness.How Much Playtime Does My Cat Need?The importance of your cat having regular playtime is indisputable, but how much playtime do they need? Well, as it usually goes with these things, the answer will largely depend on your pet’s specific traits, such as their age, breed, and health status. However, for most cats, that “magic” number ends up being between 20 to 30 minutes of playtime each day. This could be your starting point to determine the right amount of play for your pet, just tailor it to their needs – for instance, younger cats and kittens will need longer and more frequent play sessions to burn off excess energy and engage their curious minds. How To Make Playtime Engaging for Your CatAs intelligent and sometimes finicky animals, cats can be a bit hard to please. A new toy might bore them in a matter of hours, or they might prefer scratching your couch rather than the new cat tree you bought them – but if you rely on the following tricks, it’s much likelier that your kitty will enjoy playtime.#1 Rotate ToysKeep your cat's interest piqued by rotating their toys regularly. Introduce new toys periodically to prevent boredom and stimulate their curiosity, but don’t overdo it – bringing home new toys too often will ensure they get bored of each one too quickly. #2 Variety is KeyExperiment with different types of toys, such as wand toys, laser pointers, puzzle feeders, and interactive play circuits. Cats have unique preferences, so observe what activities your cat enjoys most and tailor playtime accordingly. Usually, a safe bet is going for a catnip-filled toy such as the well-loved  Yeowww! Catnip Yellow Banana Cat Toy. Popular for its shape that makes it perfect for cats to grab onto and forcefully scratch with all fours, this toy will keep your kitty engaged thanks to the organic catnip stuffing that fills this banana-shaped toy to the brim.

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Pet parents pay big bucks to communicate better with their best buddies.

Stray Dog Becomes Surrogate for Abandoned Puppies at Texas Shelter

A stray Great Pyrenees dog, found wandering the streets of Fort Bend County, Texas, became a surrogate mother to a litter of six abandoned puppies.In late October, a concerned citizen found an abandoned litter of puppies. After failing to locate the pups’ mother in the surrounding area, the person brought the puppies to Fort Bend County Animal Services. “They were tiny, needing immediate bottle feeding and care, they were just about a week to 10 days old,” said Rene Vasquez, the director of Fort Bend County Animal Services, to PEOPLE.Although the puppies arrived at the shelter in good condition, they were starving and needed nourishment ASAP. The Fort Bening County Animal Services took to social media to look for fosters to take in the puppies and provide them with around-the-clock bottle feedings. Around the same time, another local found a stray Great Pyrenees, named Nova, who was full of milk. While it was clear that Nova had a litter recently, her puppies were nowhere to be found. The woman who found Nova saw the shelter’s online call for help and decided to contact them with a different idea. Instead of using volunteers to do the bottle feedings, she suggested bringing Nova by to see if the dog would accept to nurse the puppies. The shelter loved this idea and decided to give Nova a chance. A few seconds after Nova met the puppies it became apparent that the shelter made the right decision. “Nova was so happy to see the puppies! She took to them right away, and they were very happy to have a mama and food,” Vasquez shared. Although the abandoned puppies aren’t Nova’s biological litter, she accepted them as if they were her own. Acting like a true momma, Nova quickly allowed the pups to nurse and cuddle close to her for warmth. Thanks to Nova’s maternal instincts the puppies are doing well and growing quickly.“We were so happy that Nova was able to step up and be a mom for them. Sometimes, it is difficult to find bottle feeders and fosters for when the puppies or kittens are so little, so to have a nursing mom available to accept the babies is definitely a good day,” said Vasquez. Nova and the puppies, five boys and one girl, are currently living in a foster home. The fosters caring for the four-legged bunch plan to adopt Nova once the puppies are weaned. “The puppies will stay with Nova until they are weaned, and then we will start looking for homes for them. They will also be vaccinated, microchipped, and fixed before going to their forever homes,” the shelter’s director added. The case of Nova and her adopted litter has a happy ending, but not all stories end on a positive note. “As an industry, we are facing a real crisis in animal welfare across the country with an abundance of stray animals and not enough adopters or fosters to help the overcrowded shelters and rescues. Nova and her puppies illustrate the importance of spaying and neutering,” said the Fort Bend County Animal Services director.Shelters around the country are struggling to take in new animals due to a lack of forever homes and overcrowding. Each year, millions of pets end up in shelters across the nation, most of which are never adopted into a forever home. If you’re looking for a four-legged companion, visit your local shelter or rescue organization to see which of their residents would make a perfect addition to your home. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Do You Need to Clean A Cat's Teeth?

Cats are known and adored for their free spirit, their stubborn nature, their agility, and their cute and cuddly side as well. They are skilled hunters, and as such they have sharp and perfected teeth. But while a cat roaming the outdoors would gnaw and eat prey she previously caught when you have a pet cat, those same teeth are used to eat a very different kind of food. Naturally, this can have a big impact on your cat’s dental health, as the same principles that were true in nature are not applicable for indoor-only cats anymore – which brings up an important question: do you need to clean a cat’s teeth? How important is this for their hygiene? And most importantly, how do you do it? Let’s take a closer look at this question.Do You Need to Clean A Cat's Teeth?Just like for us humans, dental care is important for kitties too. Of course, human and feline teeth are totally different, so dental hygiene is not exactly the same for both. Cat teeth are not brushed as often as our own, but nevertheless, you should provide some level of dental hygiene to your four-legged friend, as it can be a great benefit for their health. Neglect their little chompers for a long time, and their teeth could deteriorate over the years. This can lead to great discomfort, pain, loss of appetite, and from there – many other problems as well. So, in short, keeping your cat’s teeth clean and maintained is an essential aspect of caring for them. Of course, regular vet checkups will give you a good insight into their dental health and will allow you to spot problems early on and tackle them more easily. But it also goes a long way to know the tips and tricks that help maintain a cat’s dental hygiene. Here are just a few:Regular Brushing

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