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You are here: Home / Archives for Pets

Should You Get Pet Insurance?

by Shakadoo Leave a Comment

3462596443_e4f097f059_zAlright, I’m gonna admit- I didn’t even know pet insurance was a thing. But it makes sense! If your pet has a chronic illness, or a medical emergency, it could save you costly vet bills and give you peace of mind. Heck, my pets have always been really healthy, but we do still have to take them in for shots, spaying/neutering, and other preventative care. For why you should invest in pet insurance today, check out this post by Kristen at Kristen Levine:

-It saves you money when dealing with unexpected vet visits

-It allows your pet to receive the best medical care possible

-You’ll never have to compromise your pet’s health over your finances.

Photo Credit: Lindsey Turner

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House Plants That Don’t Mix With Cats

by Shakadoo Leave a Comment

44338604_58ecc8b159_zCats are pretty notorious for chewing on houseplants; that’s why many cat owners skip them altogether. That, and the fact that cats are jerks and like knocking over vases and pots. However, if you like cats but also like plants, it’s important to make sure that your plants won’t kill your cats. Check out this post by Ally Hirschlag at She Knows for a list of plants that are extremely poisonous (even deadly) to cats:

-Aloe vera

-Ivy

-Tulips

-Lilies

-Spinach

-Daffodil

Photo Credit: Lydia Pintscher

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Produce For Your Pup

by Shakadoo Leave a Comment

9033960915_25f3a44b29_zEveryone knows that cats are carnivores- they only eat meat, and even their dry food needs to be meat-based. However, dogs are omnivores, like humans. They will eat meat, veggies, fruits, some dairy, and grains- and it’s good for them! (As long as you know what foods are safe). For a list of doggie-safe veggies and fruits, read this post by Rhea Parsons at One Green Planet:

-Apples, bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew, peaches, and pears are all safe for dogs!

-Pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes, cabbage, potatoes, green beans, and spinach are also good.

-NEVER GIVE your dog: onions, garlic, shallots, leeks, avocado, any citrus, nuts, grapes, or raisins.

Photo Credit: Steve Terrell

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Why Is My Cat Not Using Her Litter Box?

by Shakadoo Leave a Comment

4615217885_0bf565318f_zMy cat is about fifteen years old, and has been trained to use the litter box since she was only a few weeks old. We’ve never had problems before, besides one or two accidents. However, lots of things have changed for her recently.

I moved in to an apartment with my longtime boyfriend, and brought my cat (Kitty) with me. He also brought along his cat (Penelope). Now, of course the two of them don’t really get along. They fight a little bit, but mostly just ignore each other. At first, there were no problems whatsoever. For the first two months, they both used the litter box, ate their own food, and slept in different rooms.

But, during the past week, Kitty has decided she no longer wants to share a litter box, and we’ve been finding little “presents” from her on my boyfriend’s dirty laundry, and right by our front door. I’d been gone over the 4th of July weekend, so I figured she was mad at me for leaving her with my boyfriend, while also protesting the move. Of course, I’m not an expert, so I took to the internet to find a solution. If your cat is suddenly refusing to use her litter box, check out this article by the ASPCA. According to them, most potty problems are because:

-The litter box is not cleaned often enough

-There is not enough litter boxes in the house per cat; each one needs her own

-The litter box is too small, or there is a hood on it that makes your cat uncomfortable

-It’s not always easily accessible

-The litter is too deep; most cats only prefer 1-2 inches of litter

The article also lists that stress and conflict with other cats may be reasons they are avoiding the box. If none of those sound right, your cat may have a medical condition, like a UTI, and should be taken to the vet. Based on this, I think it’s probably a good idea to get another litter box for our apartment, so my cat has her own.

Photo Credit: Sean MacEntee

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Vinegar Uses For Pets

by Shakadoo Leave a Comment

5918594908_a0b9e1fdda_zThese days, you can’t even turn around without hearing about the miraculous untold uses of every day household products. Put coconut oil in your hair! On your teeth! Rub it into your skin! It’ll prevent every disease known to man! While I’m usually wary of extravagant claims, I won’t say no to some tips that will make my life easier. Today, we’re talking about a less glamorous item- vinegar, and how it can help your pets. For some awesome tips, check out this post by Natural Healthcare Store:

-Eliminate pet odor by using it to clean up urine spots

-Use it to clean your pet’s ears

-Directly protect against fleas and ticks (they don’t like the smell and won’t be as attracted to your pet).

-Use it to eliminate odor if your pet’s been sprayed by a skunk.

Photo Credit: Sean MacEntee

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Toys For Bunnies

by Kathy T.

7447805094_96a0aefe21_zPet rabbits are super adorable, loving, and sweet. And like any pet, they require stimulation and attention. One way to make sure they are entertained is by providing them with toys. Now, that doesn’t mean that that you have to rush to the pet store and spend a hundred bucks on high-end rabbit gear. You can make them out of stuff you already have lying around the house! Check out this post from Pinterest on household objects that double as great bunny toys:

-Cardboard boxes and tubes

-Solid plastic balls

-Flower pots

-Create a grass tray

Photo Credit: Maja Dumat 

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Keeping The Dog In The House

by Kathy T.

1438795307_08c215730c_zDoes your dog constantly try to bolt out of your house any time your front door is open? It can be extremely frustrating, scary, (and exhausting) to constantly be pushing your dog out of the way, and chasing after him when he escapes. So, how do you stop them from dashing out the door? Check out this post by Mikkel Becker at Vet Street for tips on keeping him inside:

–For many dogs, teaching a “wait” at the door is an ideal solution to put a stop to running out the entryway.

-Mat training. Teach your pooch to move to a station by the door when the door opens.

-Attach a leash or a line right before you open the door

Photo Credit: Wrote 

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Keeping Kitty Odor At Bay

by Kathy T.

4877576787_2ca5bb84e9_zI wrote last week about how to keep your home clean with pets. This one is going to be sort of related, though it’s specifically about cats. No one wants their home to smell like cat urine and litter box, even though it can seem like a constant uphill battle to eliminate that odor. However, there are ways that you can have cats without the smell! Check out these tips by  Maris Munkevics & Signe Munkevica at Pet Happy:

-Scoop out soiled litter daily and dispose of it

-Dump the whole box and put in fresh litter weekly

-Change your cat’s diet and feed him only high quality food

-Switch to a clumping litter brand, rather than an absorbent one.

Photo Credit: Tom Thai 

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Cleaning Tips For Pet Owners

by Kathy T.

8300920648_d4a21bba59_zHaving a pet is a lot of work, especially if you don’t want your home to smell like dog fur or kitty litter box. You have to be extra vigilant about accident messes, letting your dog outside, and changing the kitty litter. Check out this post by Wrapped In Rust for some great tips on keeping a clean house despite your pets:

-Use vaporub on areas that your dog/cat keeps marking his territory- it will mask his scent and keep him from doing it there again

-Groom and bathe your dog regularly to keep his smell level low

-Clean their bedding regularly

-Place a garage mat under the kitty litter box to keep kitty from tracking pet litter all over the house

Photo Credit: Moyan Brenn 

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How To Be The Best Cat Mom (Or Dad) Ever

by Kathy T.

Most people think cats basically raise themselves, which is true to some extent. They go to the bathroom on their own, eat when they want, and sleep 90% of the day- which is great for lazy owners. However, cats do present their own sets of unique mannerisms that their owners have to embrace. For tips on being the best cat parent you can be, check out this infographic by Jesse Padilla at Entirely Pets:

-Make time to play and bond with your cat- they also like exercise and attention!

-But, give them lots of space of their own.

-Take your cat to the vet twice a year

-Keep them indoors- they will love longer and be safer

-Don’t give them human food, and keep track of their weight

Photo Credit: Melinda Rae 

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