Puppies are cute, fluffy, floppy and so much fun! Nobody will need any persuading to play with a puppy, but there are games that will help your young dog develop into a well-behaved and active mature dog. Importance of play Play is important for your puppy’s physical and mental development. Through play and exploration, your puppy learns about the world. It teaches them proper socialisation and acceptable behaviour, eliminates boredom and destructive behaviours and is a fantastic opportunity for you to bond with your pet.  Playtime is also a great time to train your puppy basic obedience.   By three weeks of age, puppies start to exhibit play actions like pouncing, chasing, shaking objects, tugging, play wrestling, fighting and biting.   Social play can be with people and children, other puppies, calm older dogs or other animals. This type of play is important for socialisation and will give your puppy positive experiences and teaches them correct, or incorrect, behaviours. Socialisation is best done during your puppy's first four months. Object play includes games such as fetch, tug-of-war, ball-play and toys.   Image credit   Things to remember Puppies tire easily so limit playtime to short bursts of 10-15 minutes with lots of rest in between. Be gentle with your puppy as their bones, joints and bodies are still developing. Do not force your puppy to run, or chase them. Until their joints are fully formed, your puppy can be injured easily. Play a variety of games for mental stimulation, and provide them with a mix of appropriate toys both pacifier/chew toys and interactive toys like squeaky, puzzle and tug toys.  Reward your puppy’s correct behaviour and success with lots of affection, encouragement and occasional treats. Dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. Don’t encourage aggressive behaviour or for your puppy to bite, chew or paw at your clothing, hands, face or any part of your body.  Do not over-excite your puppy and always speak with a firm and calm voice. Play fights and biting are normal behaviour for young puppies. They will also bark and growl. Stop play immediately if aggressive behaviour occurs. Signs of aggression include; long low growling, stiff posture, direct stares, snarling and showing teeth and prolonged biting.  Play ideas for your puppy  It’s the perfect time to begin, or reinforce, basic training and obedience during play. Commands such as sit, stay, come, drop and fetch are perfect to incorporate into games. You can also begin leash and muzzle training at this early stage. Give your puppy a large ball to push around. It’s simple and they will... well, have a ball doing it. Puzzle toys will keep your puppy occupied and provide mind activity.  Make your puppy an outdoor or indoor obstacle course with boxes, pillows, tunnels, ramps, steps and holes to climb over or jump through. Take your puppy for short walks in different locations and environments such as streets, parks, rivers, beaches, friends’ backyards and anywhere local councils allow dogs. This will not only be exciting for your puppy who will love all the new sights and smells, but will also encourage interaction with other people and other dogs. Puppies love to play hide and seek and this game will teach them to use their smell, hearing and hunting skills. If your puppy will sit and stay, you can get them to do so while you hide, or someone else can hold the puppy while you hide. Once hidden, call to the puppy to come. You can also hide a toy or treat for them to seek out. Swimming is a great activity tor your puppy as it teaches confidence in the water and provides exercise with no danger of injuring developing joints. Take them to a pool or calm body of water i.e. nowhere with waves or a current. Use an approved life-vest for your puppy until they learn how to swim and are competent. Get in the water with them and if in a pool, teach them where to safely get in and out. Never leave ANY dog alone in water. Your puppy will love to play fetch. Choose a light toy or ball (don’t use sticks as these can splinter and injure your puppy), throw it a short distance then encourage your puppy to bring it back to you. As time passes, the distance you throw the object should become larger. Pupples enjoy tug-of-war but care needs to be taken when playing tugging games. Do not pull hard as you can hurt your puppy and stop if the game turns rough.    Image credit   Feature image credit

Your cat’s habits and moods will change during their later years and their health and physical condition will deteriorate. However, you can take steps to make sure your cat is comfortable and able to enjoy their senior years as much as possible.   Cats are generally considered middle-aged when they reach 7-8 years, and seniors from 10 years old. You'll notice some age-related changes in your cat from middle age even if your cat is very healthy. Any behavioural or health changes should be assessed by a vet to rule out medical disorders, and should not be assumed a normal result of ageing.    Food and water Discuss an appropriate senior diet with your vet. The correct nutritional requirements will depend on your cat’s health, weight and any present medical conditions. Senior diets will usually be low in fat and high in protein. Ample fresh water should always be available to your cat.   Bedding Your cat should have a comfortable bed that has a low profile so that they can easily get in an out. You can purchase orthopaedic beds designed for older cats, those with arthritis or recovering from surgery.   Living space Make sure that your cat’s litter tray is easily accessible. Having more than one litter tray in the house may also help if your cat’s physical condition is poor. Cats may no longer be able to climb stairs, jump onto windowsills and their favourite shelves. Consider keeping bedding, toys, litter trays, food and water bowls downstairs and even providing them with ramps or pet stairs to sunny warm spots.   Temperatures Older cats are more sensitive to cold weather so require access to warm and dry spaces and warm, comfortable bedding. Senior cats are also more susceptible to the effects of hot weather and humidity. Take extra care during summer to ensure your cat does not suffer from heat exhaustion.   Play and petting Make sure that vistors and children are aware that your cat is ageing and will not be as energetic or willing to play as they once were. Your cat may be in pain, suffering from hearing or vision loss and will be more startled and less forgiving of noises and being handled.   Grooming Aged cats become less interested in grooming, often because it is difficult for them to position themselves and reach where they need to. Regular gentle brushing of your cat will assist keeping their coat healthy and clean.   Vision loss Try to keep corridors, doorways and familiar pathways clear so that your cat doesn’t bump into things. Nightlights in your cat’s living space and favourite rooms will also help.   Stress Routine is very important to cats, especially as they reach senior years. Whenever possible, avoid major stressful changes or interruptions to their routine. Aged cat health Annual health checks are advisable for all cats but as your cat ages, your cat should see a vet every six months. Aged cats become more prone to infections and early diagnosis and preventative treatment is vital to managing many diseases.   Normal changes that accompany ageing include: increased sleeping, less activity, eating more, declining skin and coat condition, hearing loss, difficulty grooming, slower movement, difficulty climbing and jumping and loss of muscle mass.   Aged cats are more susceptible to the following conditions: Obesity – due to increased appetite and less activity Thinning coat Arthritis Diabetes Constipation Kidney and liver disease Hyperthyroidism Loss of muscle mass, particularly in the hind legs Dental and oral disease Vision problems Urinary problems Cancers Many of these conditions can be treated effectively with medication and dietary changes.   Dementia and Feline Cognitive Decline Cats can also develop age-related dementia and suffer from decline in cognitive function. According to the ASPCA, Feline Cognitive Decline “affects more than 55% of cats aged 11 to 15 years and more than 80% of cats aged 16 to 20 years. Memory, ability to learn, awareness, and sight and hearing perception can all deteriorate in cats affected with FCD”. Signs of dementia or cognitive decline include: Weight loss as senile cats may forget to eat Increased vocalizations, particularly at night Confused states – not recognising family members, other pets, familiar surroundings or getting lost Forgetting litter training, urination or defecation in inappropriate places Lack of grooming Becoming anxious and stressed especially at night Increased agitation or aggression Reversed sleep patterns and waking or becoming restless during the night Stares at objects or at 'nothing' Vision Cats can develop cataracts that appear as white and cloudy segments on the eye lens. If not treated, cataracts can lead to difficulties with colour perception and can cause vision loss or blindness. If your cat walks into objects or trips frequently, they could have cataracts.   Lenticular sclerosis is more common in dogs but can also occur in cats. This is the transparent bluish-grey haziness in the pupils of senior animals. Vision is not usually affected unless in extreme cases.   A prominent cataract.  Image credit When to see a vet As mentioned, aged cats should be taken to the vet every six months for health checks. Any changes in behaviour necessitate a vet consultation. You should take your cat to the vet as soon as possible if you notice any of the following in your aged cat: Weight changes Decreased appetite Vomiting and diarrhoea Increased heart rate Breathing difficulties Increased activity levels Increased thirst  Drooling Constipation Changes to urination increased frequency, straining or inability to pass urine Urination/defecation in the wrong place Bad breath or bleeding gums - can indicate ulcers or cancer Difficulties standing or walking Cloudy or deterioration of eye condition or any changes to the appearance of eyes Signs of hearing loss and head tilting – could be the result of parasite or infection in the ear Becoming more light sensitive Disturbed sleeping patterns Disorientation, staggering and confusion Anxious, agitated and aggressive behaviour Lumps, bumps or scabs on the skin Weakness or lethargy Increased vocalization – can indicate disorientation, loss of hearing or pain   Feature image credit

When choosing the right dog for you and your family, it’s important to consider the “shed factor.” Although all breeds shed, there are some that shed a lot less than others. If you have allergies, a dog on the lighter end of the shedding spectrum is probably best for your health. Even if you don’t suffer from allergies, you should make sure you can commit to regular grooming and the potential clean up required for a dog who sheds a decent amount. Continue reading below to understand more about shedding and the factors that influence it.  Why do dogs shed? Shedding by definition is a process of losing old or damaged hair. All animals shed, though the amount depends on several factors: 1. Coat Type Dog’s with undercoats tend to shed more than those without. The undercoat is the hair underneath what is known as the guard coat. Unlike the guard coat which sheds all year round, the undercoat sheds with the seasons. When winter is on it’s way, dogs shed their lighter undercoat and grow in a much thicker one for the cold, and vice versa for the summertime. As you can imagine, a dog with two coats is going to shed more hair than a dog with one. It’s also true that dogs with long fine hair, wiry or curly hair shed less. The reason for this lies in the natural life cycle of hair follicles. Follicles have two phases: a growing phase and a shedding phase. A dog who has hair that is continuously in the growing phase, such as a Yorkshire Terrier, will shed less. On the other hand, short haired breeds like a Dalmation will shed more because their hair follicles do not live as long.   2. Health & Nutrition A dog whose diet is lacking protein will also shed more often. Absorbable proteins in food keep a dog’s skin oiled and healthy. Without these proteins the skin suffers and in turn, so do the hair follicles. A dog’s coat will become dry and brittle, with hair that breaks off easily especially around the back and hips. A dog that scratches himself frequently or a dog that is very stressed out, will also show signs of increased shedding. 3. Environmental Factors Shedding is associated with the change in seasons so it makes sense that temperature and sunlight - specifically the length of the day - influence the process. However, most dogs live indoors where the temperature is consistent and the light is artificial. Because of this, dogs tend to shed continuously throughout the year as opposed to an annual or biannual shed. 4. Other Factors Hormones Pregnancy Overbathing Best & Worst Breeds For Shedding  There is no such thing as a non-shedding dog, but there are breeds that shed very little. These breeds have less undercoat, continually growing hair, and are sometimes referred to as hypoallergenic. Though the term “hypoallergenic” is considered a myth by many, it is true that a dog that sheds less will spread less of it’s dander. Less dander around the home means less of an opportunity to cause symptoms for allergy sufferers. Some of the most common light shedders:  Poodle Irish Water Spaniel Bichon Frise Portuguese Water Dog Miniature Schnauzer The majority of dog breeds shed a decent amount, but as I’m sure you’ve noticed, this hasn’t stopped people from adopting them and bringing them into their homes. To give you an idea, here’s a sample list of dogs that shed a good amount: Corgi American Eskimo Labrador Retriever Pug Newfoundland Tips For a dog with a healthy coat, shedding is a normal process that can’t be stopped. What you can do instead is prevent the dead hair from spreading all over your home. The only way to do so is with frequent grooming. Brush your dog regularly with a brush or comb that’s right for your dog’s coat type. There are many different kinds of brushes each with their own function, so it’s not uncommon to need more than one type. Before you bring home a dog, make sure you’re willing to commit to the grooming and cleaning that may be required, especially if there’s someone in your home with allergies. For a complete list of breeds that can be sorted by amount of shedding, check out Purina’s dog breed library here.

There are few sounds in this world more annoying than snoring. Spouses lose sleep and get irritated when one or the other, usually the male (sorry guys), snores all night. In humans, snoring is a sign of any number of conditions. Sometimes snoring is the result of a head cold and congestion. Other times snoring is a sign of a more serious health condition, such as sleep apnea.   Believe it or not, dogs are often caught snoring by their owners as they sleep away the day in the living room. If you own a dog, you've no doubt caught your dog snoring at least once. In many breeds, especially those with shorter snouts, snoring is common because of the pushed-in nature of the nose. However, just like in humans, snoring is not always a harmless indicator.   Brachycephalic Syndrome This condition is associated with dogs that have broad skulls and short muzzles. This includes, but is not limited to, breeds such as the pug, English spaniel, and Boston terrier. Due to the shortened muzzles on these dog breeds, breathing is obstructed. Dogs from these breeds primarily breathe through their mouths, snort when exercising, and snore when sleeping.   While dogs with brachycephalic syndrome are the most likely breeds to snore, the syndrome itself is not always the cause of snoring. Additionally, brachycephalic breeds are not the only dogs to be affected by other syndromes that can lead to snoring.   Stenotic Nares A condition called stenotic nares, or collapsed nostrils, is common among puppies. This occurs when the nasal openings are too small and the puppy's nasal cartilage is soft and floppy. Snoring results from the nostrils collapsing as the puppy breathes in, obstructing the airway. If your young puppy is snoring, this could be the root cause. Your veterinarian can suggest a surgical solution that involves the enlargement of the nasal openings.   Elongated Soft Palate Another common source of snoring in dogs is an elongated soft palate. Normally, your dog's palate, a flap of mucosa that closes during swallowing, touches or slightly overlaps the epiglottis. When dogs have an elongated palate, this overlap becomes excessive and results in snorting, gurgling, and snoring. Again, a surgical solution is available that shortens the soft palate to relieve snoring.   Eversion of Laryngeal Saccules The laryngeal saccules are small pouches of mucus in your dog's larynx. When these pouches enlarge and turn outward, they narrow a dog's airway and make breathing difficult. This affliction is commonly associated with an elongated soft palate and is cured by removing the pouches from the larynx. This surgery is often performed by veterinarians at the same time that the elongated soft palate is being shortened.   Common causes It is also possible that, much like humans, dogs snore as a result of congestion. As mentioned, humans typically snore as a result of congestion from a head cold or allergies. Dogs are not immune to colds, congestion, and allergies. For example, your dog may have an allergic reaction to a new household cleaner you are using. The resulting congestion can lead to snoring during sleep.   For owners with brachycephalic breeds, it is a good idea to consult a veterinarian if snoring occurs on a consistent basis. For others, track the occurrence of snoring in your dog and consult your veterinarian if it becomes excessive or appears to impact the dog's quality of life in other ways, such as breathing problems while awake.

Anyone that grew up during the 1980s is familiar with the feature film National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. The hilarious seasonal comedy contains an infamous scene during which a cat drags the lights off the Christmas tree and under a couch. The cat eventually chews the wire, cutting power in the house for a moment, and electrocuting itself.   This may have been a movie, but in reality cats are known to chew through wires. This not only puts the cat at risk, but puts everyone in the house at risk should a short circuit cause a fire in the home. As a responsible cat owner, it is important to prevent your cat from chewing on wires. What is the best way to prevent this behavior in your cat?   1. Conceal cords Many new parents are obsessed with baby proofing a new home. The same could be said of bringing home pets. The most obvious solution to this problem is to hide the object of obsession. Electronics retailers and home-improvement stores sell hollow tubing that you can use to cover cords. Many of these products are made of hard plastic and will deter your cats from chewing on wires in the first place. If your cat already has this obsession, the tubing will remove it from sight, and hopefully from its mind.   It is a good idea to keep an eye on the situation if your cat already has the habit though, just to ensure that it isn't chewing through the tubing and continuing to chew wires. This could not only cause damage to the wires, but also your cat's teeth.   2. Redirect chewing energy The average cat toy available today is designed to prevent boredom and deter scratching habits that can damage furniture and fixtures in the home. Dogs, on the other hand, are often provided with toys to relieve chewing obsessions and help with excessive chewing energy. Some of these dog toys may actually help your cat by redirecting its chewing obsession onto something other than wires.   One good example is a rubber chew bone. There are multiple examples available from retailers, but any rubber chew toy with nubs on it should do the trick. The nubs give your cat a physical sensation from chewing, without the destructive results of a chewing on wires. Additionally, the nubs can help clean its teeth. One note though: purchase a small chew toy. Your cat's mouth is not as large as the average dog. Purchase a small enough chew toy for your cat to actually chew on.   3. Prevent boredom Another obvious solution is to prevent boredom by purchasing toys for your cat that are enjoyable to play with. Chewing on wires is often a sign of boredom. Prevent this by buying your cat a new climbing house and scratching post to give it a fun place to roam.   4. Visit your vet It is not common, but your cat could be chewing on wires because it has a health condition with its teeth or gums. Cats will seek out anything to chew on, including wires, when they are suffering from an issue with a tooth or gum discomfort such as that created by gingivitis.   5. DO NOT use sprays A common solution to chewing issues with dogs includes the use of bitter sprays. While this could be a solution for cat, you need to exercise caution in using sprays. The idea is to create a negative association with chewing on cords, but many bitter apply sprays contain herbal extracts that pose a health risk to your cat. It would take a lot of the spray to negatively impact your cat's health, but stubborn cats that fight through the taste could suffer as a result. Feature image credit

The key to any good owner-dog relationship rests in the hierarchy of the family pack. Dogs are pack animals and rely upon the guidance of an alpha dog to lead the group. In the absence of a dominant character, your dog may assume this mantle and become aggressive. On the other end of the spectrum, dogs that become too submissive may fall in line and listen, but do so at the cost of emotional health.   Is your dog overly submissive? What are the warning signs you can look for, and more importantly, how can you help your submissive dog regain some confidence? The following tips will help you restore balance in your submissive dog's life and create better emotional stability.   Causes of submissive behavior There are numerous factors that can lead your dog to become too submissive. It could be a situational trigger that leads to submission, or it could be an item or individual. Fear of strangers is a common problem in submissive dogs. This is more common, but not unique to, smaller dog breeds. These breeds are naturally shy compared to other breeds, and that shyness can turn to submission with little effort.   Interactions with overly aggressive animals or individuals can also create an extreme state of submission in your dog. Events that trigger this kind of submission include aggressive behavior (growling, showing teeth, etc.) from other dogs or aggressive verbal tones from humans. Physical and verbal abuse from humans can also trigger submission in dogs.   Age is another factor in submissive behavior. As dog's age, they are not able to react as quickly to situations. This can lead to a reflex behavior of submission in an attempt to display a nonaggressive attitude.   Signs of an overly submissive dog There are a number of common signs that show a dog has become too submissive. Many of these signs are noticeable in dogs that are submissive, regardless of the root cause. Whether a dog fears a certain situation or has a fear of people because of physical abuse in its past, the warning signs are the same.   Common warning signs of an overly submissive dog include, but are not limited to, the following: Hiding: An overly submissive dog may choose to hide when faced with a frightening situation. Examples of this include hiding behind you when meeting a new dog, or hiding under furniture in the home when strangers enter the house. Wetting: A common reaction in many submissive dogs is a loss of bladder control. The fear elicited from a certain situation may lead the dog to lose control of its bladder spontaneously. Additionally, when a situation creates fear in a dog it may urinate somewhere it believes it can hide the deed. This action in itself is an attempt to hide the behavior for fear of retaliation for urinating in the home. Body language: Another easily spotted key is body language. Dogs that become too submissive will lower their heads, put their tail between their legs, and/or lie down and try to bury their head as low as possible.   Preventing & coping with submissive behavior The type of submissive behavior your dog exhibits, and the specific triggers that result in that submission, will determine the course of action you should take to help them cope. For example, a dog with a fear of certain places or situations needs a reward-based approach to cope. Slowly allow your dog to adjust to a new or fearful place by playing with it in that space, offering rewards for good behavior and a playful attitude.   Create personal space in your home to offer your dog a place to call its own. This personal space can serve as a coping mechanism as your dog adjusts to its fears. While it is free to venture out and test the waters around new individuals or other animals, it will know it has its own place in the home to retreat to for relaxation or quiet.   Most importantly, always work to socialize your dog with other animals and people from a young age. The more time your dog spends around others, the more likely it is that it will not develop fears in the first place.   Preventing fear and submission in dogs relies on trust and confidence. Take time each day to help your dog adjust to new surroundings, conquer fears, and play with others. This will build trust between you and your pet, and will provide it with the confidence to tackle situations and places that once created a sense of fear. Feature image credit  

Animal lovers that own dogs are often familiar with possessive behavior when it comes to the food dish. Dogs that guard their food dish often have food insecurities and can lash out aggressively at those who come near the food. Cats have similar possessive behaviors. Not only are cats known to guard their food trays, it is also common for cats to guard the litter box.   It may seem silly to imagine a cat guarding a litter box, but in reality it is a resource that the cat is trying to protect. Recognizing this behavior and taking steps to prevent it is particularly important for cat owners with children in the home, as well as other cats. Below you will find some helpful information to tackle this commonly missed behavior.   Why cats guard resources Resource guarding is a natural behavior in all animals. It stems from an insecurity over the availability of necessary items in life, such as food, water, and (in the case of cats) a litter box. Dogs react to other dogs or people approaching their food dish if they fear that it will be taken away or if they view the food as their possession. Cats can react in the same way to a food dish or litter box. However, unlike dogs, the outward signals of litter box guarding may not be so obvious.   Also, keep in mind that with more cats in your home there will be a sense of competition among the animals for resources. This can increase resource guarding or lead to the development of this behavior in cats that have a dominant attitude in the home.   Why guard the litter box? Your cat may guard the litter box for the same reason that animals guard their food. That litter box belongs to it and it does not want to share that litter box with other cats. Your cat won't likely sit in the litter box to guard it, in a way that dogs would hover over their bowl while eating to guard the food. Instead, cats will stand guard somewhere near by to deter would-be intruders from using their litter box. While this may not seem like a threat to humans, it can in fact prove dangerous for children and adults in the home. For example, with a litter box in the laundry room and an on-guard cat, you may suffer the wrath of the cat if you make your way to the room to switch loads.   The cat isn't afraid of you doing the laundry, but it does associate your movement to the room as a threat to its resource.   Identifying and preventing resource guarding As just mentioned, the most common resource guarding sign is a cat that stands guard. Litter boxes are commonly placed in laundry rooms in many homes. Cats don't necessarily hang out in the room all day, but they will lounge in the hallway that leads to the room. This subtle sign is meant to show intruders (humans or other cats) that the litter box belongs to them and it will be guarded.   If you have multiple cats in your home, the best thing you can do to avoid litter box guarding is to use multiple litter boxes. Asking multiple cats to share one litter box is likely to create resource guarding and tension. However, placing multiple litter boxes in the same room still creates a potential problem. If that room has just one narrow access point, such as a long hallway, the dominant cat can still guard the room by lounging in the hallway.   Place multiple litter boxes around your home so that one cat cannot guard all of the litter boxes. If you have a one-cat home and still have an issue with litter box guarding, consider placing the litter box in an area of the home the cat cannot so easily guard. This means placing the box in an area that isn't accessible only through one doorway and/or a narrow hallway. Feature image credit

Many owners are lucky enough to have a dog that simply adores them; however, sometimes these dogs have the notion that no one else should love their owner. Jealous dogs can act out in some alarming ways when they watch their owner getting attention from someone else. Their jealousy may be coupled with feelings of territoriality. It can be difficult for owners to help their dog get over negative feelings of jealousy, but there are some ways to deal with the situation.     Jealousy and dogs It's first important for dog owners to realize that jealousy is a genuine emotion for dogs. In fact, U.S. researchers recently determined that dogs do get jealous; at least, their behavior can certainly alter-much like babies and toddlers-when their owner is getting attention from or giving attention to something or someone else. Apparently, jealousy isn't breed-specific either. The study examined jealousy responses in breeds like chihuahuas, Yorkshire terriers, and even mixed breeds. In fact, researchers preferred to work with smaller breeds as they were easier to subdue than large breeds displaying jealous tendencies.   How do jealous dogs react? Many jealous dogs will growl, bark, or even bite when their jealousy is triggered. Dogs may jump and try to get between the owner and the offending party. Sometimes dogs' reactions can be quite dangerous. On the other hand, sometimes the dog merely tries to encourage attention for itself by rubbing up against the owner's hands or trying to displace the other object of their owner's affection. Some dogs may even show signs of depression because of their feelings of jealousy.   Dealing with a jealous dog Experts suggest that it's important for owners to recognize if their dog is merely being territorial or truly jealous. The dog may actually feel like it's protecting its owner-which is not quite the same thing as jealousy. Understanding the dog's motivation (as best as is humanly possible) can better help dog owners solve this behavioral problem.   If you invite company to your home and your dog begins to show signs of jealousy, it's a good idea to leave the room with your dog. Reassure it with some petting and attention, but you certainly don't want to risk your dog nipping at your guest. Once your dog calms down, you might reintroduce it to the situation; however, you need to carefully gauge your dog's response to company and its level of discomfort. Some dogs may merely be caught off guard initially when a guest arrives, however, if the dog continues to be perturbed by company, it may be better to let the dog cool off outside.   Once company leaves, owners can reassure their dog by spending some quality time with their pet. Of course, owners should not tolerate negative behaviors in dogs like jealousy. By removing the dog from the situation, you reinforce the idea that its behavior is not going to be tolerated. It may take some training, but it is possible to curb this tendency.     Jealousy, like aggression, can be a difficult trait for owners to cope with so obedience training may help. If you can't manage with your dog's jealous streak yourself or it disrupts life in your home, consult your veterinarian or an obedience trainer for more specific help for your pet. Feature image credit

When it comes to cats and babies, there are lots of opinions. The fact is there are also many variables. For instance, it sometimes makes a difference which comes into the home first-the cat or the baby. The age of the cat may influence the relationship between the cat and baby and, of course, the overall temperament of the cat. Introducing any animal to a small child must be accompanied by adult supervision at all times. If you are contemplating life with a baby and a cat, the following information can help you navigate the ensuing relationship.   Understanding the risks The most common fear associated with cats and babies is that the cat may smother the infant if allowed within the baby's crib. Fortunately, this is not something that occurs often, with barely any cases of this happening reported. However, the fact is, it's not sanitary for a cat to sleep with an infant and a cat that wants to cozy up to an infant could, in theory, snuggle up too closely to the baby's face. Still, it seems that cats don't pose any more risk to an infant than a dog or even another young sibling.   Reducing the risks The main way to reduce any risk that a cat may harm an infant is to keep both under adult supervision and to prevent the cat from sleeping in the baby's room. Many parents, particularly when their infant is newly born, purchase crib nets for their baby's crib to prevent cats from hopping into it. For more lively cats, other measures may be useful. For instance, parents might want to remove the door to the baby's bedroom and replace it with a screen door. This allows parents to listen for the baby while still maintaining a barrier for the cat. In addition, parents can keep cats claws trimmed; although, it's rare for cats to scratch babies.   If your baby is approaching the crawling stage, be sure to keep the cat's food, water, and litter away from the baby's reach. Your cat may not appreciate your baby's fingers rummaging through its food and the litter tray is, of course, completely unsanitary and should be removed from the baby's reach.   Other risks Parents have to be vigilant about their cats-especially outdoor cats. It's not sanitary for cats to bring home their prey from the outside and drop it where baby's crawl. On the other hand, indoor cats that are clean, flea-free, and de-wormed pose less health risks for small children. Also, parents need to choose cat care products that are safe for babies. By keeping your cat healthy and regularly checked out by a veterinarian, you can cut down on risks for both your cat and baby.   Cats and babies can co-exist quite happily and many babies are quite charmed by the antics of their feline friends. Also, children are also less likely to develop pet allergies when they live with pets during their first year of life. If you have any other concerns about cats and your baby, talk to your doctor and veterinarian. Feature image credit  

When you make the decision to welcome a dog into your home, that choice comes with responsibilities beyond simply feeding and walking your new pet. Dogs have health needs just the same as you do, but they cannot communicate with words when they are not feeling well. This means that you have the responsibility to watch out for their health and be aware of warning signs that your pet is not in good shape.   One of the most important things you can do as an owner is make physical contact with your pet each day. Petting your dog, playing with it, and taking a few minutes to run your hands along its body will help you watch for warning signs of possible disease. Maintaining a physical connection to your dog can, for example, help you detect lumps (polyps) when they are newly formed.   What are polyps? The term "polyps" is a generic word used to describe lumps that appear on your dog's body. These lumps are often benign and harmless and are caused by a number of factors. It is important to make note of them because polyps can be a sign of a more serious condition. Polyps most frequently appear on a dog's ear, though it is not uncommon for dogs to develop polyps in their bladder, colon, and rectal area as well.   Given the areas of the body that can be affected by polyps, not all of these lumps will be noticeable without a visit to the veterinarian.   Signs to look out for Polyps in your dog's ears are the easiest to spot because they are visible, as opposed to bladder and colon polyps. In the case of ear polyps, the lump itself is not harmful to your dog's health. However, if the polyp does affect the normal function of your dog's ear it can lead to other problems such as discomfort and/or infection.   In the case of vestibular polyps, which affect the ear, nose, and throat region, you may not notice the lump itself. However, you can identify the problem through other symptoms. Excessive drooling, rolling around, tilting of the head, and even falling down are all signs of distress in your dog. Vestibular polyps are most common among young puppies and older dogs.   Reacting to polyps When you notice a polyp on your dog, the best thing you can do is make note of its current size, shape, and color. If you notice a change in any of these factors, you should take your dog to the veterinarian's office for a thorough exam. Polyps that do not change size or color, but instead persist for long periods of time, may also warrant a visit to the vet. If nothing else, a visit will give you peace of mind and ensure that your dog is in fact healthy.   Preventing serious conditions from developing in your dog can best be achieved through routine veterinary visits. There is no way for owners to detect the existence of bladder, colon, and rectal polyps, which means your dog could be suffering from a serious condition for months before you notice. Remember, when you do encounter polyps on your dog many of them are benign. The best course of action is vigilance. Track the polyps as suggested above and consult your vet if you notice changes. Feature image credit