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Americans observe National Pet Month in May. It’s a wonderful time and a great excuse to celebrate and enjoy making fun memories with your pets. With an estimated 70% of American families living with pets¹, you’re sure to find many ways to enjoy this month with your own families and other pet owners. History of National Pet Month The first National Pet Month was organized in 2006. It was a campaign spearheaded by the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters¹ (NAPPS)....

It’s something many cat owners understand. You let your kitty go outside only to find a dead mouse on your doormat hours later, or—heaven forbid—still alive on the kitchen floor. Many people refer to this behavior as your pet bringing you a gift. That may be a bit simplistic or anthropomorphic. After all, cats aren’t little, furry people. Taking Care of Their Young It’s safe to say that it’s most common in felines....

Choosing the right dog food can be a difficult task. There are countless brands and options on the market, so knowing which will be the healthiest is hard. While you might be tempted to choose the first food you see or the first one your vet recommends, it’s best to do some research to ensure the food you’re picking will be the healthiest option for your dog’s nutritional needs and life stage....

Being a dog owner means caring for them in every way: feeding, walking, playing, petting, and grooming them. All dogs need grooming to a certain degree, but specific breeds need extra maintenance, which means bringing them to a groomer or doing it yourself. The advantage of doing it yourself is that you save time and money, but you’ll need to buy a few grooming tools. Shopping for a good grooming kit will also take time....

You’ve taken the plunge and adopted a gorgeous bundle of energetic fur you fell in love with. Congratulations! Now that you’ve brought your new canine companion home, it’s time to come up with a name that fits. And picking the right name for your new family member is serious business! Whether you’re looking for a name that highlights your American Eskimo Dog’s unique personality or one that riffs on your fluffy companion’s gorgeous looks, it pays to spend some time exploring the various options....

Reptiles are a unique and fascinating animal to keep as pets, but each species has unique and specific temperature requirements in order to survive and thrive. A large factor in their survival and overall health is maintaining an exact temperature inside their tank enclosure or vivarium. Reptiles are cold-blooded, which means they rely completely on external heat sources because they cannot warm themselves up. This means you’ll need to provide a heat source for them, one that’s accurately monitored and controlled....

You’d probably be surprised by the number of Christmas sweaters out there for dogs. While the holiday season does come around only once a year, there are tons of sweaters out there to help your dog celebrate. Many of these sweaters are extremely festive, though they can all start looking alike after a while. However, not all of these sweaters are made equal. Some are sadly poorly made and likely won’t stand up to too much wear....

There’s nothing quite like birdsong, and the American Singer Canary is said to be the most accomplished songbird in the US. The bird is a crossbreed of two species of Canaries and is one of the most beautiful and melodic competition birds that has graced homes throughout the country since its inception in 1930. Read on to discover how the gifted American Singer Canary came to be and how best to care for one....

Axolotls are a unique salamander that is native to the lakes around Mexico City. Unlike other salamanders, the axolotl does not “grow up” and lives its whole life underwater. They never emerge onto land like their cousins. Because of this, this can be kept in fish tanks and are one of the more popular salamanders. They are pretty easy to care for, as they are incredibly hardy. They can even be bred in captivity, which allows them to be purchased for relatively cheap....

Introduction Cat dander carries allergens with it, and people who are allergic to cats will often experience discomfort around a cat with a little extra dander. If there is a cat in your household, you may be tempted to lock yourself in a cat-less room for a little while to get some relief. But will that work? Can cat dander travel through your vents? The answer is yes, cat dander can travel through your air ducts....

As you come in the door from work, your best friend is anxiously waiting to greet you. The wagging tail and the whine of excitement make for the best homecoming ever. Then you see it. The trash can is toppled over, and the garbage is everywhere. Your first reaction is dismay. Then you look at your pup. He responds with that look. You know the one. His eyes sadly looking up at you, the ears bent back and the tail between the legs....

Whether you are considering trying out a new dog food from Petco, or you’ve recently had an issue with food you purchased, you may be wondering if the store will accept returns. Dog food can get quite expensive, and if the food doesn’t work out for your dog in one way or another, you’ll certainly either want to get your money back or exchange it for another food variety. The good news is that Petco does accept returns and exchanges on dog food....

Corgis (both Pembroke and Cardigan) are of Welsh origin. They are part of the working breed called heelers, and they were first shown in 1925 in a Welsh dog show. Corgis are incredibly popular with the British Royal family, with Queen Elizabeth II keeping over 30 during her reign. These little dogs have enormous personalities. The Cardigan and Pembroke corgis are very similar, but they have their differences. Golden retrievers are from Scotland, and they are an instantly recognizable, friendly-faced dog breed that’s a firm favorite around the globe....

Hip dysplasia is a distortion of the hip that happens while the dog is growing in puppyhood. The hip joint is made up of a ball and a socket. During puppyhood, these two parts must grow in the same proportion. However, there are many factors that can mess with this rate. For instance, overconsumption of calories can cause the puppy to grow too quickly, which can upset the balance of the hip joint....

We humans love DNA tests. We like finding out more about our genetic makeup and where our ancestors came from and any health conditions. Now there is DNA testing for dogs. These tests take a look at your pup’s genetics, including breed information, and some will also give you information on any possible genetic disorders. But are these tests worth it? They can be pricey, so exactly how accurate are they?...

While pet insurance is gaining popularity, it has yet to get legs in the United States, let alone in Maryland. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) estimates that 90.5 million households have at least one pet. The North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) puts the number of insured pets at 4.41 million. Assuming these pets are mainly dogs and cats, that means less than 2.9% of animals are insured. This is a vital consideration, given several facts about pet medical care....

If you have a hedgehog, you know it can be a lot of fun, but since almost all of the hedgehog species in the United States are from Africa, they have a tendency to be chilly in North American temperatures, and it can be difficult to keep them warm enough to be comfortable and happy. If you would like to improve your pet’s habitat but aren’t sure where to start, you’ve come to the right place....

Hawks are majestic animals, but you need to keep them away from your backyard, especially if you have small pets such as a dog or cat outside. It is scary to see a hawk roaming around your yard since they can effortlessly snatch prey right from your yard without warning. If you have chickens or other domestic animals, it is also a call for concern when you spot hawks flying around....

If there’s one skill that is essential for your new puppy to master, it’s toilet training. Accidents can happen with puppies, but living with a dog that regularly relieves itself inside is frustrating and less than sanitary. That doesn’t make toilet training easy, though. King Charles Cavalier Spaniels can be especially tricky to train because many are slower to develop bladder control than other dogs. This means that extra consistency and patience are often needed....

Perhaps you’ve had your cats for a while. Everything seemed fine at first. Then, suddenly, things changed dramatically. The cute roughhousing is now an all-out war. One of your pets is clearly the instigator, causing trouble at every turn. We understand how upsetting it can be. Luckily, solutions exist that can help restore the calm to your home. It’s essential to understand what’s behind the unwanted behavior. That can provide valuable clues to putting the nastiness behind you....