Warning signs: Detecting food sensitivities in your pet
Did you know that your pet may have been experiencing food sensitivities without you realizing it? With food intolerances on the rise, it is as important as ever for pet owners to be aware of the warning signs so they can monitor their cats and dogs closely and find solutions for improving their dietary health.
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How to remedy pet food intolerances
Selecting the appropriate food for your pet can be an overwhelming process. You can, however, make the shopping experience much smoother with these top tips from Michele Dixon, a specialist in pet health and nutrition at pet food company Petcurean.
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Pet expert shares tips for identifying food sensitivities
Your pet may be experiencing food intolerances without you even realizing it.
"It is crucial that pet owners be aware of the warning signs so they can take appropriate measures," says Michele Dixon, a specialist in pet health and nutrition at pet food company Petcurean. Take a look at some of the telltale signs that your cat or dog may be struggling with food sensitivities and how you can take appropriate precautions.
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Watch for 3 common sources of pet irritations
If you are wondering why your pet has developed certain sensitivities take a look at three common sources that may be affecting your cat or dog, along with suggested remedies.
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Top 5 tips for selecting the right pet food
Pet owners have long faced the conundrum of what to feed their pet. The process of selecting food can be overwhelming, especially with the variety of options available in any given store. Michele Dixon, a specialist in pet health and nutrition at pet food company Petcurean, gives us her guidance on this task so that in future, your shopping experience will be smoother and more enjoyable.
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Pet sensitivities demystified: Tackle the irritations affecting your animal
Pet sensitivities are on the rise, yet many pet owners may be unaware of what is specifically impacting their four-legged family members. With a host of potential allergens and other irritants possibly affecting your pet, it is crucial to understand the source so you can mitigate the negative effect it may be having on your animal's health and overall well-being.
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5 fabulous ingredients for your pet's diet
We've all heard about super foods that we should be adding to our diet because of their antioxidant and nutrient-rich properties, but did you know there are similar foods for our pets, too?
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Get the scoop on pet food with this quick 101
Michele Dixon, Health and Nutrition Specialist with Petcurean, says that a little knowledge is gold when it comes to choosing the right food for our pets, but that the learning shouldn't stop there. She offers this quick course to choosing, feeding and storing pet food.
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A pet's dish can make feeding time more enjoyable
Choosing the best food for a dog or cat's needs is an important consideration that can play a big part in their long-term health. However, it's not the end of the story when it comes to their proper feeding.
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Is a grain-free diet right for your pet?
The potential benefits of grain and gluten-free diets are a trendy topic of discussion in the grocery aisle today. But pet owners often have similar questions about whether these diets are right for their cats or dogs.
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Prepare your pet for cold weather, too
Most of us have a fall routine to prepare for the colder weather, but have you thought about how the changing season affects our pets? Dry air inside all winter long can pose a problem for dogs and cats like it does for us, so their health is another good reason to install a humidifier.
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5 fabulous ingredients for your pet's diet
We've all heard about super foods that we should be adding to our diet because of their antioxidant and nutrient-rich properties, but did you know there are similar foods for our pets, too?
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Be careful about the treats tossed to your puppy
Many dog owners are tempted to toss their pet a treat once in a while, but they should be careful it's not doing more harm than good.
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Time to prep your pets for cooler weather
It's a fall ritual to get our homes, cars and even ourselves ready for the colder weather. How many of us, though, consider the impact of the changing season on our pets?
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Storage tips offer pet owners good food for thought
Put your hand up if you routinely check expiration dates on the food you buy. For many of us, that is just common sense. So, too, is properly storing food once we get it home. If you're a pet owner, though, can you say the same for the food you buy for your dog or cat?
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Hold on to these pet food storage tips
id you know proper food storage is just as important for your pet's food as it is for your food? Michele Dixon, Health and Nutrition Specialist with Petcurean, suggests storing kibble in a cool, dry location.
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Get the scoop on pet food with this quick
Early fall is often associated with a return to the classroom. So as we help our kids delve back into history, math and geography, it's also a great time to consider expanding our own knowledge.
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Get the scoop on best bowls for feeding pets
If you're a pet owner, you might have carefully considered the type of food for your pet. But what about the bowl you feed them with?
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Healthy serving of fresh thinking for your pet's food
Choosing the best food for a dog or cat's needs is an important consideration that can play a big part in their long-term health. However, it's not the end of the story when it comes to their proper feeding.
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Put pep in your pet's step
It's clear that we all want what is best for our pets. The big question is: do we really know what best means when it comes to feeding them?
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How to get healthier by employing the buddy system with your pet
Adopting a healthier lifestyle is not always so easy. Men and women who want to lose weight and get healthier often find it's easier said than done.
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Savor the moment of mealtime with your pet
Pets live in the moment, greeting every meal, every belly rub and every minute of playtime with unbridled excitement. Since your pet is always there to greet you with that loving enthusiasm when you come home, we think it's time to return the favor.
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Give your cat something to savor at mealtime
Cats sometime get a reputation for being finicky eaters. They do have evolved taste instincts that help them distinguish what is good for their health from what isn't. But they also are usually very particular about the smell of the food, the temperature of the food and the "mouth feel."
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Choose the best food for your dog
Being a dog owner is a big job, and ensuring that your dog receives the correct nutrition is a key part of that job. Here are three quick and easy tips that will help you make the best choice for your pet while they savor their mealtime with you even more:
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Put pep in your pet's step
It's clear that we all want what is best for our pets. The big question is: do we really know what best means when it comes to feeding them?
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Ring in the New Year with your pet
It's the time of year when people make resolutions to be a better and healthier version of themselves. So why not make resolutions that will mutually benefit you and your pet? Here are some ideas to help you and yours have the best year yet.
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Savor the moment of mealtime with your pet
Pets live in the moment, greeting every meal, every belly rub and every minute of playtime with unbridled excitement. Since your pet is always there to greet you with that loving enthusiasm when you come home, we think it's time to return the favor.
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Give your cat something to savor at mealtime
Cats sometime get a reputation for being finicky eaters. They do have evolved taste instincts that help them distinguish what is good for their health from what isn't. But they also are usually very particular about the smell of the food, the temperature of the food and the "mouth feel."
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Choose the best food for your dog
Being a dog owner is a big job, and ensuring that your dog receives the correct nutrition is a key part of that job. Here are three quick and easy tips that will help you make the best choice for your pet while they savor their mealtime with you even more:
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How to prepare for holiday pet boarding
The holiday season is a time when many family and friends come together. If you'll be going home for the holidays, that trip may or may not include the family pet.
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Things to know before adopting a lizard as a pet
Thinking about inviting a lizard into the home as the next family pet? Children and adults who prefer something that creeps with scales instead of pounces with fur often choose lizards and other reptiles and amphibians as pets. There are some things to keep in mind before adopting a lizard as a pet.
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Most popular purebred dogs in Canada
Every year the leading dog magazines and kennel club advocates issue their lists of the most popular dog breeds for the country.
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Can pets feel love?
Scientific evidence would have you believe that only human beings are capable of complex feelings that include love and hate. However, talk to any dog or cat owner and chances are they'll say that they love their pets and receive equal love in return.
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Great starter pets for kids
Parents know the day will come when their kids ask for a pet. Some parents dread that day, while others see it as an opportunity to instill a sense of responsibility in their children.
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Factors to consider when choosing a dog
The decision to purchase or adopt a dog is one that requires careful consideration of a host of factors, including how much space the dog will need and whether or not the lifestyle of those who live in the home is a good fit for a furry, four-legged friend.
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Disabled pets offer joy
All pets require care and compassion. A pet that has a special need or disability just may need a little more love and attention to live a happy and full life.
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Top names for dogs and cats
Dogs and cats will always hold a warm place in the hearts of pet-lovers. Naming that new puppy or kitten can take some forethought. You will need to find a name that will convey the spirit of the animal but also endure throughout the animal's life.
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Beautiful lawn vs. faithful pet Putting a stop to lawncare woes
Over time a pet who is routinely using a patch of grass as his personal potty will damage that stretch of lawn. The behavior of canines plus the chemical components of the urine contribute to the brown, dead patches synonymous with dog waste. But there are ways to mitigate the problem.
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Fun fish facts
Fish as pets are common in homes around the world. Fish can live in fresh water, saltwater or a combination of both, and depending on the type of fish, can be a relatively easy pet to maintain. Here are some fascinating facts about fish, large and small.
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Is 'people food' so bad for dogs?
As long as dog has been a companion to man, he has needed to be fed. If canines survived on scraps and bread before the advent of commercial dog foods, what's so bad about them enjoying some of those same foods now?
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Choosing to say goodbye to your pet
No one wants to lose a member of the family, but pet owners know their pets likely won't outlive them. This means that there may come a time when pet owners face the decision of whether or not to euthanize a pet.
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Holiday safety for pets
While people are ho-ho-ho-ing and hustling and bustling, pets may not be as enamored with the holiday season as their human counterparts. That's because, amid the blur of activities that fill the season, there are potential sources of stress and dangers to pets.
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The mystery behind 'Frito feet'
Although most people don't go around sniffing a dog's paws, individuals who come in regular contact with dogs might have noticed dog feet sometimes smell like stale popcorn or corn chips. The condition has thusly been dubbed "Frito feet," a reference to the popular brand of corn chip snacks.
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The talents of therapy dogs
Many people think of therapy dogs as guide dogs leading the blind, or dogs sitting with seniors at an assisted living facility. While therapy dogs are responsible for these jobs, they do so much more -- including acting as a trusted companion for someone diagnosed with cancer.
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Entertaining in a pet-friendly home
Pets are prized pals in many households. However, guests invited over for a special occasion who are not as enamored with animals may not be anxious about sharing party space with Fido or the family feline. In such instances, it's up to the host to make guests feel more comfortable.
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Help cats live better lives
Domestic cats often enjoy a pampered existence. But in spite of their popularity as pets, cats are increasing in number at the nation's animal shelters, and many do not go on to enjoy a stable existence at an adoptive home.
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Keep pets comfortable in warm weather
Men and women anticipate the arrival of warmer weather in the same way children look forward to Christmas morning. With a snowier-than-usual winter and chilly start to the spring in many regions, summertime sun and heat might be more coveted than ever before.
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6 Ways to Pamper Pets
Pets are an important component of a household. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that 63 percent of all households in the United States feature one pet or more. Today’s pets are genuine members of the family, and pet parents want to do as much as they can to pamper their cats, dogs, birds, and small mammals.
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Animal Cruelty a Controversial Subject
Millions of animals are subjected to abuse every year. Certain cases of animal abuse are clear-cut, but oftentimes a person doesn't realize he or she is contributing to the injury of animals.
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Snails: Fish Tank Friends AND Foes
The home aquarium enthusiast hopes his or her fish tank is one that enables marine life to happily grow inside of its confined perimeters. An aquarium that is relatively self-sufficient, requiring only routine cleaning and feeding, is often the goal.
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Submissive Urination ... What Is It?
Some dogs urinate as a way to show loyalty and submissiveness to their owners. It's not an issue of housebreaking, but can be a nuisance nonetheless. Understanding the behavior can help alleviate it.
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Pet Ownership Tips for Apartment Dwellers
Owning a pet in an apartment can be a significantly different experience from owning a pet in a house. To avoid an unfortunate situation in which both pet and pet owner struggle to adapt, prospective pet owners should consider the following tips before adding a four-legged roommate to their apartment dynamic.
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Help Fido Fend Off Ticks
Dog owners who understand ticks and Lyme disease can likely reduce their dog's risk for tick infestation or illness. Learning about each and taking preventive measures ensures the pooch's spring fling is a safe one.
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Labrador Retrievers Most Popular Purebred Pooch
According to the American Kennel Club(R), in 2009 the Labrador Retriever was once again the most popular purebred dog in the United States.
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Cat vs. Dog: Find the Right Fit for You
Prospective adoptees, be it singles, young married couples or families, must decide which type of pet they want to adopt. For most, the decision boils down to cats or dogs. Both cats and dogs make wonderful pets, but those considering adoption should know what they're getting into before deciding to adopt Morris or Fido.
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Did You Know?
Men and women aren't the only ones who can experience some unfortunate side effects of gas accumulation in their stomachs. Flatulence can plague man's best friend as well. Though it might not be pleasant, a dog's flatulence is rarely indicative of any serious health problem.
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Eco-Friendly Cat Litter
In the past, finding eco-friendly cat litters was hard to come by. Today, many of the products on store shelves are environmentally friendly, and many brands offer eco-conscious cat owners a host of options.
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End-of-Life Care for Pets
When a pet is nearing the end of its life, owners must make a difficult decision. Caring for a dying pet can be heartbreaking and might even be painful for the pet as well. If the pain a pet is experiencing is simply too much, then veterinarians will likely recommend euthanasia. The ASPCA offers the following tips to pet owners caring for a pet as it approaches the end of its life.
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What to Do When a Pet Runs Away
A lost pet can be devastating for an owner. Pets are extended members of the family, and their presence in the home can be immediately missed. Should a pet get loose, there are some steps to take.
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Is Pet Insurance Worth the Money?
Pet owners do not share a universal opinion on pet insurance. Whether an owner thinks it's worth the investment or would rather take his chances with out-of-pocket costs, all pet owners understand why it exists. Pet care can prove very expensive over time.
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Misconceptions About Big and Small Dogs
Many potential dog owners base their pooch-purchasing (or adoption) decisions on stereotypes about certain breeds without thoroughly researching the facts. They may end up with a certain dog for all the wrong reasons. Consider these common misconceptions about pooches -- big and small -- and see how the myths are debunked.
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Oral Care Essential for Dogs' Health
Dogs, like people, are living longer thanks to advancements in preventative health care. That means that illnesses and parasites that once were the culprit behind a short life span are no longer the threats they once were. Now oral health care issues have become a leading problem for dogs. Fortunately, such problems are largely preventable.
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High Cholesterol Affects Pets Also
High cholesterol is commonly considered a problem that only affects animals of the human persuasion. However, high cholesterol levels can also compromise the cardiovascular health of pets as well.
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Travel With Your Pet the Smart Way
For those who will be traveling with pets, there is a right and wrong way to do so. Having a plan of action is essential to safeguard the safety and comfort of all involved. Follow these tips to ensure everyone enjoys their R&R as much as possible.
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Do's and Don'ts of Pet Adoption
As rewarding as adopting a pet can be, there is a right way and a wrong way to approach pet adoption. Before signing any papers, consider the following do's and don'ts of pet adoption.
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Cat Care Tips for First Time Owners
First-time cat owners looking to survive the experience and raise a healthy and happy cat should consider the following cat care tips.
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Fitness for Fido Keep Man's Best Friend Healthy
Caring for a dog might be a daily responsibility, but it's one that's often enjoyable for both dogs and humans alike. Dog owners concerned about their best friend's health or those simply hoping to avoid problems down the road can adopt a daily routine that ensures Fido stays active and healthy for years to come.
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How to Avoid Pet Parasites
Each year, thousands of pets are welcomed into homes across the country. Pet parents know that part of having a companion pet means safeguarding the animal's health and well being. Ensuring the dog, cat, bird, etc., is free of harmful parasites and illnesses is part of being a responsible pet owner.
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Dog-Proof Hardwood Floors
Pet parents may resign themselves to the fact that hardwood floors aren't practical. But that doesn't have to be the case. It's possible to have and maintain hardwood floors and still enable pooches to enjoy rooms with wood floors.
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Holiday Stress Affects Pets, Too
The holidays are often a time of excitement and frenzied activity. Daily schedules are thrown out the window. While some people revel in this hustle and bustle, others would rather have a little more peace and quiet. The same can be said for household pets.
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Safety Precautions for Pets During the Winter
The winter can be a dangerous time of year for people and pets alike. It is important to take safety precautions to keep everyone safe when the temperature drops.
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8 Ways to Keep a Pet Healthy
Most people view their pets as an extension of the family. Therefore, pet parents are interested in the best ways to ensure their dogs, cats, birds, or small mammals are healthy and happy.
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Do Pets Make Good Gifts?
To the millions of pet owners across the globe, pets are more than just furry friends around the house. Pets put many people in a good mood and can also make for a valuable addition to families with children, instilling a sense of responsibility in kids they might otherwise never learn.
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Recognizing Black Dog Syndrome
Dogs living in shelters await the chance to be adopted by loving families. Black dogs in general tend to be harder to place because of people's misperceptions about them. These dogs are often the last to find homes, if they do at all. The problem is so common, adoption professionals have dubbed it "black dog syndrome."
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Keep a Pet Safe in the Car
People love their pets. They dress them up, organize their birthday parties and often bring their cats or dogs along on errands and road trips. But a well-meaning pet parent could be putting their companion at risk.
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Take Care of a Pet the 'Green' Way
People aren't the only ones who impact the environment. Pets can affect the planet as well.
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Pets as Presents: Take a Good Look Before You Leap
While animals can have a positive impact on the entire family, the decision to introduce a pet -- even a single goldfish -- to the household requires careful thought and thoughtful planning. In fact, many animal shelters and pet stores do not allow pets -- particularly cats and dogs -- to be adopted or purchased during the holiday season because so many of them end up being returned when the novelty wears off and the ongoing responsibilities become obvious.
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Dog Influenza -- Fido Has Flu Worries, Too!
The canine influenza virus, (CIV), H3N8, affects dogs and can cause the same symptoms experienced by people: persistent coughing, runny eyes and noses, lack of energy and loss of appetite. Canine flu is usually mild, but in about 20 percent of cases, more serious signs occur, such as high fever and pneumonia. A small number of dogs --up to 8 percent -- may die from complications associated with canine influenza. Unlike human flu, which tends to occur seasonally during the winter months in the United States, dog influenza shows up all year round.
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Put a stop to cat litter dust and tracks
If you have a cat, undoubtedly one of the problems you face is the litter from the litter box being tracked throughout your home. You've probably been jarred awake on your way to the restroom in the middle of the night by a loose piece of cat litter. Not only is litter tracking a nuisance, but it can lead to frustrating problems around the home.
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Attention Animal-Loving Holiday Shoppers: Your Mouse-Click Can Help Homeless Cats and Dogs
Animal shelters take in six to eight million pets each year and the problem of homeless animals has worsened in today's challenging economy. Most shelters operate close to the bone and depend on donations. But fewer dollars are being donated now, at a time when financially strapped people are dropping off more pets at shelters. Animal lovers, even those who have to curb their own charitable giving this holiday season, can still provide meaningful help.
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Pets Not Immune to Feelings of Anxiety
But as tough as recent times have been for people, they might also have been problematic for the family pet. Pets can often sense when their owners going through tough times, and that could result in feelings of anxiety among the family pet, particularly for pets who are part of a relocation.
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Dog Clothes More Than a Fashion Trend
Today, many dogs have a wardrobe that can rival that of a diehard fashionista. That's because many pet parents want to lavish attention on their pooch in unique ways. Those with the budget to do so are choosing pet accessories and clothing in record numbers.
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Acclimating Your Dog to a New Baby
Babies require a lot of work -- just gaze into the tired eyes of any new parents, and this fact will be quickly realized. Even still, many people underestimate the amount of time and effort that goes into caring for a baby. If you have a dog in the house, he will likely have to relinquish his top spot to the new bundle of joy.
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Treating the Overweight Pet
Obesity is just as much a problem for pets as it is for people, only it can be harder to detect in animals. Extra pounds strain organs and put pressure on joints and ligaments. Discomfort could cause a pet to become even more inactive -- simply perpetuating the problem and perhaps causing more weight to pile on.
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Pets Can Make the Move, Too
In many instances, part of that recovery process involves relocating to a different city with a more thriving job market. For families with pets, this can be a difficult transition. Finding a new home that accepts pets or a home that's equipped to handle a family that includes pets is not necessarily easy. For households facing such a dilemma, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) offers the following tips to ensure the family pet stays a part of the family when it comes time to move.
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It's a Doggy Dog World ... For the Time Being
The age-old rivalry between "man's best friend" and the pet with "nine lives" continues. It seems this year the dog is edging out the cat as Americans' favorite pet.
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Explore the Possibility of Rabbits as Pets
Those who find they cannot share a home with a dog or cat may want to look to a rabbit as a pet companion. Rabbits are intelligent, sociable animals that can also be trained to live contentedly indoors with their human family.
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'Pet'tacular Facts
Dogs, cats, birds, hamsters ... whatever your choice pet companion, animals can enhance our lives. Here are some interesting facts about those pets we hold dear.
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Plan a Pet-away This Season
Dreaming of a vacation? Maybe your pet is, too. When you book your travel details, be sure to take your pooch along. Today it is easier than ever to travel with your favorite companion. Follow these tips for an enjoyable vacation.
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Planning Your Pet Party
Pet parents see their animals as members of the family who are entitled to all the same perks of a child or spouse. According to the Pet Manufacturers Association, roughly 4 million dog owners and 3 million cat owners report throwing a birthday party for their pet every year. Millions of other pet lovers are known to buy presents for their pets to mark special occasions.
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What's Better for the Planet: An SUV or a Dog?
Robert and Brenda Vale, a New Zealand couple and specialists in sustainable living at Victoria University of Wellington, say that keeping a dog can be twice as harmful to the environment than having a fuel inefficient SUV.
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Cat and Dog 'Tales' Debunked
Having a pet means wading through a lot of information about what is right or wrong for your animal. Through the years some misinformation has surfaced that many have taken as truth. To clear up some tall tales about household pets and their environs, check out these myths debunked.
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Did You Know?
Although squirrels do live in captivity for research purposes, it is generally not adviseable to take one in as a pet -- even if it looks injured or abandoned.
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Pet Ownership Goes to the Birds
People who visit a store or breeder in the search of a pet bird may instantly become smitten with the larger breeds that interact more with their human companions. A bird like a macaw that can speak or a cockatoo that shows off impressive plumage can seem like the ultimate prize. However, many people do not realize that birds require specialized care and often strict diets. Therefore, before you bring home Polly because she can recite a few words, do your research into what bird would be best for your home.
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Pet Supplies for the Environmentally Conscious
If you're making "green" changes in and around the house, you may want to extend earth-friendly living to your pet as well. Why shouldn't going green go to the dogs ... or cats, for that matter? By adopting earth-friendly pet practices, you can minimize negative impacts on the planet and enjoy your pet that much more.
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Reduce Animal-Related Allergens in the Home
Animal allergens are sticky and tend to adhere to furniture and other surfaces for some time. Coming in contact with these substances can trigger a reaction. You'll have to weigh your comfort level against the value of keeping a pet you might be allergic to. Fifteen to 30 percent of people with allergies have allergic reactions to cats and dogs.
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Preparing the Home for an Adopted Cat
Felines are routinely picked up on neighborhood streets as strays or individuals relinquish their pets. While cats can make ideal pets, preparation for the animal can help him or her bond in the household.
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How to Protect Dogs From The 'Dog Days' of Summer
Keeping dogs cool in the summer should be a priority, as Fido certainly can't ask for the air conditioner to be turned up. Recognizing the need to cool down dogs during the summertime, the American Animal Hospital Association offers the following tips to protect pooches throughout the summer months.
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