It is remarkable how well our pets, especially dogs, seem to know us. They show us love, affection and help us reduce our stress even when we don’t know that we’re feeling it. When we speak, they seem to pay attention and understand what we are saying. How can that be when clearly dogs and cats don’t understand or speak English? What is it about us, and them that we can apparently communicate so clearly? Perhaps it’s the fact that we’ve lived with domestic pets for so long (as much as 20,000 years with dogs and 3,000 years with cats). […]
Many people suffer from pet allergies. Dogs, cats and birds are the most common sources of allergies, but any type of pet can cause an allergic reaction. More people are allergic to cats than any other type of pet. People may own their pet for a while before they develop an allergic reaction to them. This does not necessarily mean that you must give up your pet. Following is some basic information on pet allergies and how to cope with them. It is a popular misconception that pet hair causes pet allergies. This is not the case. Most pet allergies […]
Pet overpopulation is a serious issue; as such, many people consider adopting a pet from a shelter. The sheer number of pets available and in need of adoption, especially in urban areas, can be daunting. Many of us feel intimidated to visit a shelter or rescue, fearful of having to decide between so many needy animals. With a little education, careful planning and a common sense approach, adopting a pet can be an exciting, fun and rewarding experience for the person and the pet. Before you adopt a pet Before you think about visiting a rescue, shelter or adoption center […]
Living with pets can bring joy to our lives. It can also bring some challenges not the least of which is, what to do with those “presents” our animal companions sometimes leave for us. Whether it’s a hairball, potty accident, vomit or spray debris from a caged pet, the key to any stain removal is to move quickly and take care of it immediately. Wet stains For accidents on the carpet or upholstery, remove any solid material using a blunt instrument. A plastic scraper or putty knife, purchased from a local home improvement store works well in most cases. The […]
Pets can be wonderful companions for today’s active senior citizens. Not only do they provide companionship for a senior who lives alone, but owning a pet can also have health benefits for them. Having a pet around can help lower blood pressure, calm anxiety, improve one’s mental health and ease the loneliness that can come with the loss of a spouse. Some senior citizens, such as those with Parkinson’s or other disorders, might even receive greater benefits from an assistance or service animal. However, if you are a senior citizen or know of one who is considering bringing a pet, […]
If you are a college student considering bringing a pet into your life, there are some important things to consider first. This article aims to help you decide if getting a pet while in college is a good choice for you. Before adopting a pet, there are a number of important things to consider. How much can you afford to spend on a pet? Dogs and cats require annual exams and vaccines. If your pet becomes ill, veterinary care can easily run into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a single illness. Most rental properties charge an extra […]
One in six Americans move each year. Whether you are moving across town or across the country, moving with pets requires additional preplanning and prep work before you move. There is a lot to think about when it comes to moving with a pet in order to get your pet safely to his or her new home without too much trauma for the pet or cost to you, the pet owner. The time and cost spent will largely depend on where you are moving and what type of pets you own, as some states have different laws regarding pet ownership. […]
In the US, professional breeders breed Greyhounds for racing. In the past, greyhounds were often euthanized and disposed of once their racing careers were over. For a greyhound who was not a good racer, this could mean a very short life. Today, more greyhounds are being put up for adoption at the end of their racing career, thanks to the number of rescues dedicated to the breed. If you are considering adopting a retired greyhound, you should know some things beforehand. Retired greyhounds make excellent pets. Bred for racing and their temperament, greyhounds are gentle, laid-back dogs. A retired greyhound […]
Everyone is familiar with the popular stereotype of an elderly “cat lady” who has far too many pets. However, many don’t realize that animal hoarding is a serious psychological condition with no known treatment or cure, which affects thousands of families and millions of animals nationwide, every year. Little is known or understood about the dynamics of animal hoarding or the motivations behind it. What is animal hoarding? Animal hoarding is defined as “the over accumulation of and often obsession with domestic pets.” Common traits of animal hoarding include, taking in pets that one is physically or monetarily unable to care […]
Smells associated with owning an animal are expected, particularly when so many of our favored companions live indoors with us. This article will tackle those common smells associated with having pets and ways to alleviate them. Depending on the type of pet, smells may accumulate for different reasons in different places. Every dog owner knows the smell of wet dog and even the most fastidious cat can occasionally have a stinky cat box. Ferrets are famous for their natural musky scent. Regular baths are a requirement for many pets, especially dogs and some cats. Factors such as type of pet, […]
