Leaving your pet with someone else is easier when you have checked them carefully. The same principles apply to sitters, dog walkers and groomers: verify, meet, test, and stay alert to how your pet reacts. Where to look What to check Questions for a sitter or walker Questions for a groomer Meet and do a … Read more
Accidents happen with puppies, kittens, senior pets and sick animals. Cleaning them properly matters: if any odor remains, pets often return to the same spot. Urine on carpet or upholstery Test cleaners on a hidden area first. Cleaning mistakes that bring pets back Feces and vomit Remove solids with paper towels or a plastic scraper, … Read more
Separation anxiety is a panic response to being left alone or separated from a particular person. It is not spite or disobedience. A dog with true separation anxiety is genuinely distressed, and punishment makes it worse. Signs Problems that occur mainly or only when the dog is alone: A video camera helps you see what … Read more
Dogs pull because they walk faster than we do and because pulling works: it gets them to the interesting smell or the other dog sooner. Teaching loose-leash walking means making a slack leash the only way to move forward, and rewarding your dog for staying near you. Set up for success Step 1: Reward the … Read more
A good vet is a long-term partner in your pet’s health. Choose one before you need one, not in the middle of an emergency. Where to start Useful credentials Visit before you commit Questions to ask the clinic Signs you found the right vet The vet listens, explains options with their pros, cons and costs, … Read more
The first months with a puppy shape the adult dog. Training at this stage is less about obedience and more about building good habits, confidence and a bond. Short sessions, lots of rewards and patience work best. House training Crate training A crate, introduced gently, gives a puppy a safe den and helps with house … Read more
Cats are territorial and attached to their surroundings, so a move or an adoption is a big change. Most cats settle in within a few days to a few weeks if they are given time, space and a safe starting point. Prepare a base camp room Before the cat arrives, set up one quiet room … Read more
Dog food marketing is full of words like “natural”, “holistic” and “human-grade”, but most of them say little about nutrition. A few objective criteria help you choose, whichever brand you buy. 1. Look for the AAFCO statement In the US, a dog food label should state that it is “complete and balanced” for a specific … Read more
A backyard is a great place for a dog to play and sniff, but it also holds hazards: gaps in the fence, toxic plants, chemicals and water. A walk around with a dog’s eye view, at nose level, catches most of them. Fencing Toxic plants Common garden plants that are toxic to dogs include sago … Read more
Pet insurance helps pay for unexpected vet bills, which can reach several thousand dollars for surgery, cancer treatment or an emergency. There is no single best plan: the right one depends on your pet, your budget and how much risk you can absorb yourself. How it works In the US, most pet insurance works on … Read more
