The overall health of your dog or cat starts with a good foundation and nutrition is a key building block in keeping that foundation strong. Cats and dogs on proper diets enjoy happy tummies and good digestive health. This all translates into a longer life and more time spent together. We’ve assembled our best dog and cat nutrition articles here so you can set your pet up for dietary success! Continue reading “Cat and Dog Nutrition”
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A Bark Worthy Holiday Gift Guide
The holiday season is here, and chances are you’ve looked through many a gift guide to find the perfect presents for all your friends and family. There’s a gift guide for the “man in your life,” a gift guide for your “bohemian best friend,” a gift guide for your “glamorous grandma,” just about every personality type you can imagine has its own gift guide, but what about the four-legged family members in our lives? You can’t let the holidays pass by without celebrating your best fur friend, so we’ve come up with one more very important gift guide to help with your shopping. Our gift guide includes all the best presents to impress and delight the pets (and pet parents) in your life. Check out our top 22 picks below!
Adopt-a-Pet.com 2018 Holiday Gift Guide:
Disaster Relief Requires a Lot of Grit
Providing relief during disasters like Florence and Michael often requires quick planning and making due with limited supplies. Animal rescuers like Keith Benning, from Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue in North Dakota, understand the amount of scrappiness needed during disaster relief from first hand experience. As a disaster volunteer Benning came to the rescue for a number of dogs in the wake of Hurricane Florence, which left massive flooding across North Carolina. Benning shared several Facebook videos showing animals trapped on top of cars, tables and porches—as they watched water levels rise toward them.
“I know. Looks like you’ve seen better days,” Benning said in one of his videos, as he approached a dog sitting on top of a car. Only the top part of the vehicle was sticking out of the water at that point.
In another video, Benning sits with two dogs seeking refuge from the high waters on top of a wooden table.
“These two were the ones that weren’t letting anybody on the porch,” he said, “but we’re slowly making friends.”
Benning started Turtle Mountain Animal Rescue out of his garage back in 2013. Now, nearly 4,000 rescued animals later, he’s using his expertise to rescue animals in the aftermath of major hurricanes.
“We literally pack up and drive across the country to rescue the animals no one else can get to,” Benning said on the group’s GoFundMe page. “We’ve been able to save dozens of horses, dogs, cats, goats, chickens, cows and even alpacas that would have drown or died standing in water, and we’ve done it with a canoe, a paddle board, some heart and grit.”
Benning and the volunteers at TMAR know vulnerable animals could very well need their help again before the year ends and there will more that likely be another major disaster within the next 12 months. That’s why they want to be as prepared as possible for the next hurricane.
“[With Florence,] we had a canoe with a small motor and towed paddle boards with kennels on them, and used that where we could.” Benning said. “When it came to getting across the river we had to hire locals. That was great but created a lot of lag time waiting for them to be able to show, then working on their time table. If we can get a boat we can set up camp close to where we need to launch and stay in tents. If we could hit the water at sunrise next time and come off at sunset we could do a lot more good.”
The team at TMAR has taken to social media and GoFundMe to raise awareness on the difficulties surrounding disaster relief and to gather more supplies for the next time they are needed. Check out their GoFundMe page to learn more about the animals they’ve helped and find out how you can help them save more animals.
Search Dogs from 9/11
Immediately following the attacks of 9/11, nearly 100 trained search dogs and their handlers—enlisted from 18 U.S. states—were deployed by FEMA to join the rescue efforts at the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
Though all the heroic 9/11 dogs have since passed, their memory is still with us today. Seeing images of the dogs working tirelessly around the clock to locate survivors in the rubble alongside firemen and other teams sorting through the debris, showed us just how brave dogs really can be.
These same images deeply intrigued Dutch photographer Charlotte Dumas as the events unfolded in the news media. One decade after 9/11, discovering that only 15 of these dogs were still alive, Dumas succeeded in tracking each of them down, traveling across nine states in the U.S. from Texas to Maryland. Dumas captured the remaining dogs living out their twilight years in their homes where they lived with their handlers, a full decade on from 9/11. Composed at close range in natural light, Dumas’ powerful portraits offered an intimate view into the everyday lives of these highly specialized working animals, sharing the vulnerability of old age as they once pursued a common heroic goal.
Continue reading “Search Dogs from 9/11”
Cat Behavior: Socializing Cats with Other Cats
Can you modify cat behavior with other cats so they become friends? Cats are wonderfully complex creatures. If you’re reading this article, it may be because you adopted a new cat or are thinking about adopting a new cat, and you have another cat or cats and are looking for tips to help all your cats get along. We’re here to help!
First things first: Before you can socialize a new cat with your cat or cats, you need to introduce them properly: Click here for how to introduce cats Hey, no cheating! Be sure to finish all the steps.
After you’ve finished the cat introduction steps, you now have new cat and resident cat who are spending time together. Just like with humans, cats aren’t usually BFF immediately. Remember…
Cat socialization takes time.
During the getting-to-know-you-better time, here are some tips for things you can do to help your cat to cat socialization go as smoothly as possible:
- Give cats their own spaces. If you had one well-loved giant cat tree, can you fit another equally as awesome (or at least as tall) cat tree somewhere in your home? If you had two super sun napping spots used by your first cat, can you move furniture around or fold up new towels on the floor to make two more new super sun nap spots? Do you have at least one litter box per cat, in separate spaces? Scent is super important to cats. So sharing spaces that smell like the other cat can be stressful at first.
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Say your cat likes to: Eat, nap, play, potty. Figure out how to make new eat, nap, play, and potty spaces for your new cat, so he’s not infringing on original cat’s spaces. Your cats might have a slightly different ‘spaces’ like hide, climb, hunt, and so on, so tailor the spaces for your cats.
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Tip: Consider how your cat moves through your home. Hallways or doorways are often-used smaller spaces where cats can run in to each other with no where to escape. A chair or cat play tube allows one cat to pass by the other without getting too close. That secondary space can be a huge superhighway stress reliever.
. - Positive reinforcement. What is going well between your new cats? Are they peacefully sitting on the couch with you while you read or watch TV? If yes, how much reading on the couch can you do together? Do birds outside the window so captivate their attention that they’d forget about each other? Consider installing a bird feeder — or playing YouTube bird videos for cats on your TV or computer. Watch your cats and build on what is going well between them, positively reinforcing that time together is enjoyable.
No punishment.
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- No negativity or punishment. You might be thinking, “of course not!” but if resident cat growls or swats at new cat walking by, it can be really hard for us humans not to say “No!” in a sharp tone. You don’t want to feed the stress levels. Harsh words will feed the stress, the opposite of what you want.
. - Playtime! Exercise releases stress in cats, just like it does in humans. Be sure to get out any frustration that’s built up with plenty of daily playtime. In the earlier stages of cat to cat socialization, separate playtime is safer. Young cats can get really wound up chasing a toy and forget they are not supposed to body bash into the other cat. Understandably that can be upsetting! That’s the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve with playtime.
. - Be patient: Give your cats time. It is not uncommon for cats to take weeks to months to build their relationship. Also, young cats are often figuring themselves out, so that dynamic causes cat-to-cat relationships to change until they mature into a more stable adult cat personality.
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As our friend Jackson Galaxy says: “Ultimately, you’ve got to be okay with how well (or not well) your cats get along. If there’s no blood being shed, no real violence, and nobody going to the vet, then they are, in fact, working it out… even if “their way” doesn’t look like “your way.” Cats have their own version of diplomacy and dialogue, and at some point, we have to allow them to coexist in ways they can live with. And just as with human bridge-building, trust takes time. Relationships, as we all know, are a process; a road sometimes smooth, and sometimes built on shifting sands. In other words, your cats are not going to become best friends again overnight. Give it time.”
Cat behavior
While cat behavior can be hard for most mortals to predict, the good news is that cat behavior can be decoded. Not all cats can get along or be snuggle buddies, but with these tips, patience, and time your cats can hopefully peacefully co-exist together. Maybe finally become “BFF” best friends furever!
Did you find this article helpful? Check out our some of our other cat articles.
Pet Travel 101: In the Car
By Dr. Dan Carey, Bayer Veterinarian
Be it a road trip, a cross-country move, or even just a short trip to see friends or the vet, it’s almost inevitable that your cat or dog will need to be in a car at some point. Follow these tips as you prepare for and set off on your journey to help ensure a safe and comfortable ride for your pet.
Pet Insurance is a Good Investment
Adopting a dog or cat is one of the most rewarding things you will ever experience but being a pet parent is also a big responsibility!
Your new furry, family member will provide you with endless amounts of love, but they are 100% reliant on you as their pet parent.
Being a good pet parent includes providing your dog or cat with a healthy diet, exercise, regular veterinary visits and plenty of love! Those are obvious when thinking about taking care of a pet. However, what many pet parents fail to consider is what happens when your pet gets sick or injured?
Sadly, many new pet parents fail to consider the cost of veterinary care if their dog or cat gets sick or injured. Here are some interesting facts about veterinary care in the U.S.
- 1 in 3 pets will need urgent vet care this year
- Every 6 seconds a pet owner is faced with a vet bill of more than $1,000
- Annual veterinary expenses in the U.S. exceeded $17 billion in 2017
Veterinary care has never been better or more accessible, but it comes with a cost. Common hereditary issues like hip dysplasia can cost thousands to treat. Here is a sample of the cost of treatment for various accidents and illnesses your pet may face during their lifetime.
- Hip Dysplasia: $4,000 – $6,000
- Stomach Issues: $200 – $5,000
- Torn Ligament: $3,000 – $6,000
- Cancer: $5,000 – $20,000
- Broken Bone: $200 – $5,000
The good news is that most of these health issues can be treated and allow your pet to live a long, healthy life afterward. The bad news is vet hospitals and specialists will not provide treatment unless you have the ability to pay or have insurance. So, if you can’t pay right away or don’t have coverage your and your pet are out of luck.
This is why we encourage all new pet parents to enroll in a pet insurance plan as soon as you bring your pet home. Having health coverage will ensure that your pet will get the best treatment possible when they need it the most. It will also prevent you from digging into your hard-earned savings or racking up high-interest credit card debt.
In fact, the #1 reason pet parents buy insurance is because they want to “make decisions about their pet’s health without worrying about affording treatment.”
Learn More: Pet Health Insurance 101
Adopting a pet is an extremely rewarding and noble undertaking, but it’s also comes with a lot of responsibility. So, as you consider the time and money you’ll invest in your new furry friend, we hope you’ll seriously considering getting a pet insurance plan for your newly adopted family member!
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Do Flea Collars Work?
By Dr. Dan Carey, Bayer Veterinarian
Collar technology (yes, flea collars have technology now) has come a long way. And just like mobile phones, cars and even vacuums, new improvements can enhance performance that might surprise you.
Today’s pet owners have new choices that result in effective, long-lasting flea prevention that’s as simple as attaching a collar. Newer technology can include flexible designs, non-greasy applications and adjustability for a comfortable fit. Applying a collar takes only moments and protection can last for months. It is important that the collar be applied and fitted according to its instructions.
Caring for Senior Dogs
By Dr. Dan Carey, Bayer Veterinarian
While many owners still lovingly refer to their dogs as “puppy” or “baby” at any age, we know each day together is another day that time progresses. As they mature and change,
how we care for senior dogs changes, too. Help support their changing activity, health and nutritional needs with tailored vitamins and supplements for older dogs.
When is a dog a senior dog?
There’s no pre-set age that determines when your dog is a senior dog, although many dogs are considered seniors when they reach the last 25% of their projected lifespan. In general, smaller dog breeds live longer than larger dog breeds, but genetics, diet, and overall care throughout your dog’s life play a role in how your dog ages. Most large and giant breeds should be managed as seniors beginning at about six years of age while medium and small breeds can use special support starting at eight. Regardless of how your dog is acting – puppy-like or not – her system is changing. Continue reading “Caring for Senior Dogs”
Everything You Need to Keep Your Pets Safe This Fourth of July
Fourth of July is just around the corner and you are likely eagerly preparing for all the fun festivities the day brings. How can you beat lounging in the backyard with a good BBQ, friends and family, and beautiful fireworks lighting up the night sky. Sure, it’s a ton of fun for us humans, but our furry friends probably don’t see it the same way. Continue reading “Everything You Need to Keep Your Pets Safe This Fourth of July”