Pet Bucket Blog

If you share your home with a cat, you may have noticed some strange behavior, including dragging food from the food bowl and hiding it throughout the house. This behavior may seem strange at first blush, but it is actually quite natural when you think about the evolution of the animal and its natural instincts.   Your pampered house pet may have access to all the food it could ever want, but not all cats are so lucky. Outdoor cats, feral cats and abandoned cats all have to scramble for every morsel of food, and when they get food they guard it carefully. That might mean dragging it back to their dens and sleeping areas, and your house cat is following the same ingrained pattern.   Your cat is also relying on millions of years of instinct and evolution when it drags away the food you so carefully placed in the bowl. If you are a fan of nature programs, you have probably seen a leopard drag its prey into a tree before enjoying its meal. Your cat may have lost its spots and much of its wildness, but the instincts are still the same. You simply cannot overcome millions of years of evolution by providing a pretty bowl and a ready source of food.   Past experience can also play a role in this seemingly puzzling behavior. If you adopted your cat from a shelter or took a previously feral cat into your home, you have no way of knowing what the animal went through before you found it. There may have been months, or even years, where food was scarce and hard to come by. Given that history, it is only natural for your cat to drag food out of its bowl and hide it any time it can.   You may not be able to change your cat's instincts or completely stop it from dragging food out of the bowl, but there are a few things you can do to make the problem less troublesome. If your cat routinely drags food back to its sleeping area, placing the food bowl closer to its bed can reduce the number of pieces scattered around the room.   Simply moving the food bowl to a location your cat finds safer and more secure can go a long way in alleviating this unwanted behavior. If the bowl is located in a high-traffic area, your cat may worry that the food will spill or get taken away. Moving the food bowl to a quieter and less well-traveled location should make the cat more secure and less likely to drag food away.   It also pays to look at the behavior of other household pets. If you have multiple cats, each cat should have its own food bowl, preferably close to where it sleeps or hangs out. If your cat fears that other pets will steal its food, it may try to get a jump on the thieves by emptying the bowl and relocating its contents piece by piece. The same is true of dogs. Your cat may worry that the family dog will get to the food bowl first and there will be nothing left to eat. Placing the food bowl out of the dog's reach can eliminate the threat and solve this unwanted behavior.   Stepping on cat food in the middle of the night is no fun. Those tiny pieces can be quite sharp, especially to bare feet. Getting to the source of the problem is the best way to stop your cat from dragging its dinner away and leaving it in the middle of the room! Feature image credit  

Getting a new puppy is an exciting time in the life of any household. Welcoming a new four-legged friend to the family is always fun, but inexplicable medical problems can replace your happiness with fear and anxiety.   One of the most vexing problems dog owners face is a puppy that constantly scratches itself. In some cases the itching and subsequent scratching can become so severe that the animal literally rubs its hair off, causing sore spots and making the problem even worse.   When pet owners see their puppies scratching themselves, the first thing they think of is flea infestation. Fleas are extremely common, and they love to hitch a ride whenever a dog happens by. Fleas are also extremely tiny and hard to detect, so it is important to check your puppy carefully. Even if you think fleas are not to blame, going over the puppy one more time with a fine-toothed flea comb is a good way to rule them out.   If you have truly ruled out fleas, you need to look to other possible causes of itching. In some cases the cause could be as simple as rough carpet. If your new puppy has been spending a lot of time rolling around on the rug, the tiny fibers in the carpet could be irritating its skin. You can test this theory by getting your puppy a dog bed and encouraging it to play there, or by placing the dog in an uncarpeted room to see if the itching and scratching goes away.   Once you have ruled out itchy carpets, you need to think about allergies as a source of itchy skin and persistent scratching. Puppies can suffer from all kinds of allergies, from food allergies to reactions to household cleaners and chemicals. If you suspect allergies are to blame, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your veterinarian. A good vet will be able to look at the symptoms, including the condition of your puppy's skin, to determine whether allergies are to blame.   The vet will also be able to prescribe medications to reduce allergy symptoms and alleviate constant scratching. Your vet may put the puppy on a short-term steroid to verify the diagnosis and reduce the symptoms. If the symptoms subside, the vet may prescribe additional medications to keep the allergy symptoms at bay.   A sudden change in what your puppy eats can also cause itching and make your dog scratch incessantly. If you bought your puppy from a breeder, ask the seller what brand of food they feed. If you can, sticking with that brand is best. If that is not possible, you should slowly wean the puppy off the old food, introducing the new brand slowly until it is the sole source of nutrition. A sudden change can upset your puppy's delicate digestive system, resulting not only in scratching but vomiting and diarrhea as well. It is also a good idea to talk to your vet when changing foods. The vet can recommend supplements to ease the transition and give your new puppy the nutrients it needs to grow big and strong.   In the end, identifying the source of a scratching problem is an exercise in careful elimination. Since so many things can cause severe itching and constant scratching in a puppy, it is important to rule out each potential cause one at a time. Once you know what is causing the scratching, you can work on solving the problem and getting your puppy off to a great start in your home.

Many people think that all cats are confident and self-assured, but experienced cat owners know better. Cats can suffer from anxiety, depression and other mental health issues just like dogs, and it is up to their owners to get them the help they need. If your cat displays signs of anxiety, like sudden mood changes, unwarranted aggression, hiding or lethargy, you need to identify the source of the problem and work to resolve it.   Identify the source Before you can solve an anxiety problem in your cat, you first need to determine what makes it anxious. Few cats are anxious for no reason; most cats display anxiety in response to a specific stimulus. Identifying that stimulus is half the battle when dealing with an anxiety problem in your pet.   If you have other pets in the house, their interactions with your cat could be causing stress and anxiety. Take the time to watch your cat with your other pets. Does your cat leave the room when the dog comes in? Does it hide from your other cat or show aggression?   Human family members can also be the source of anxiety in cats. Young children in particular may play too roughly or disturb the cat while it is sleeping. Setting boundaries and teaching your kids to play nicely with the kitty can go a long way toward solving the problem.   Work slowly to resolve it Once you have identified the source of the anxiety, you can work on solving the problem and making your cat feel better. If your cat is scared of the dog, slowly introducing the two can break the tension and help your cat get over its fear. If other cats are the problem, setting up a neutral meeting place to introduce the two and let them work out their issues can be helpful.   Seek help when you need it If the self-help approach does not work, seeking the help of a professional is always a good idea. Your first stop should be the veterinarian's office. A thorough exam is a good idea for a number of reasons. First of all, the anxiety could be caused by an underlying physical problem. If your cat is anxious and you cannot easily determine the reason, a trip to the vet is definitely in order.   In addition, veterinarians have access to a number of calming supplements and drugs that can help your cat deal with its anxiety issues. Herbal remedies can be very helpful for treating anxiety in cats, especially anxiety that is triggered by specific events.   If your cat gets anxious when a thunderstorm is looming, adding a bit of calming medicine to its food when severe weather is imminent can stop the anxiety before it starts. If your cat hates the vet, a few calming herbs the morning of your appointment can do wonders.   Dealing with anxiety in cats can be a difficult process, but being an informed and observant owner can go a long way. Watching your cat closely can help you identify anxiety problems early, while reading about the problem can help you develop a treatment plan that results in a happier and healthier cat. Feature image credit

One of the great things about cats is that they can take very good care of themselves. Cats love their humans, but they can survive quite well when the people in their lives need to leave the house for a few days or when they get home late from work.   Cats do not have to be taken outside for walks, and they do not need to go out to do their business. Cats are naturally attuned to use their litter trays, and once trained they will use them faithfully unless severe health or behavioral problems arise.   The key to making that litter tray training work is providing enough litter trays for your cat. If the litter trays you provide are insufficient, or if they are not kept clean, you might find your once fastidious cat relieving itself on the floor or in a hidden corner of the room. As cats are very clean animals, you can avoid this problem by providing your pet with the cleanliness it craves.   Locating the litter trays The location of the litter trays is an essential part of cat care. Your cat needs litter trays that are conveniently located throughout your home, and it needs enough of them as well. If you have a large home, you need to provide one litter tray on each floor at a minimum.   If you have a two-story home with a basement, that would mean you need three litter trays. That way your cat has a convenient place to go no matter where it is in your home. If you have a very large home with lots of rooms, adding one or two litter trays can be a smart move. Placing one litter tray in each bathroom is a good way to start. You may also want to place an extra litter tray in the basement or an out of the way storage room.   Quiet Please Most cats prefer that their litter trays be in quiet locations, and owners should keep that preference in mind when placing the pans. Owners should not place their litter trays in high-traffic areas like hallways or living rooms. The noise and activity could cause the cat to avoid the litter tray and seek an alternate place to do its business.   If you are placing the litter trays for the first time, take a few minutes to evaluate your home, including the amount of foot traffic and noise in and around each room. Then place the litter trays accordingly and show your cat where they are. Your cat needs to know where each litter tray is located so it can find the pan quickly when need be.   Once all the litter trays are in place, you need to keep them fastidiously clean if you expect your cat to use them faithfully. Keeping a litter scoop and supply of litter by each pan will make cleaning up easier, and choosing flushable litter can make things even simpler. No matter what type of litter you choose, be sure to check each pan several times a day and clean as needed. Your cat will thank you.  

When you buy a new puppy and bring it home to your house for the very first time, it can be intimidating trying to adjust to this addition to your life. New parents bringing home a baby often worry about how much or how often their new child should be feeding. When you bring a new puppy home, trying to figure out its eating schedule can be equally difficult. So how much food should your dog be eating?   Puppies vs. Dogs Human children do not eat the same portions or follow the same schedule as adults. Dogs are no different than humans in this respect. When you first bring home a very young puppy you will need to follow a different feeding schedule than you would if you adopted an adult dog. During the first three months of a puppy's life you should be feeding it three to four times a day.   Young puppies, particularly between eight and ten weeks, need to eat food more frequently during the day with smaller portion sizes. Keep the feedings on a regular schedule and be sure to serve the same amount of food each time. For example, if you feed your puppy a half scoop of food every day at 8am and continue that trend every four hours, that schedule should continue until it is three months old.   Once your puppy reaches three months old you can change its diet schedule. Older puppies and adult dogs only need to eat twice a day. The need for consistency in the food, portions, and timing continues throughout a dog's life. If you begin feeding your dog at 10am and 6pm, you should continue that trend as closely as possible at all times.   Factors to Consider The amount of food that your particular dog consumes can vary drastically from your cousin's dog or your neighbor's dog. It is beneficial for all dogs to eat twice daily at roughly the same time during the day. However, a Chihuahua is not going to consume the same amount of food that a Great Dane will at those two meals. You should learn about the eating habits of your breed to ensure you are not offering too much food.   Perhaps the most important factor to consider when determining the amount of food to feed your dog is its activity level. Just as a human being gains too much weight from eating large portions and not exercising, a dog that eats too much food and never gets a walk will gain unhealthy weight. If you have an extremely active, working breed such as a Siberian Husky, you are going to notice your dog eating more at each meal.   On the other hand, a Chihuahua is not necessarily going to eat extra because the breed is generally a house dog that does not spend hours running with its master or hauling carts.   Why Food Portions Matter The amount of food your dog eats is critical to it having a happy life. When your dog's weight gets out of control, your dog can suffer from a number of life-shortening (though not always life-threatening) diseases and conditions. Overweight dogs are susceptible to hypothyroidism, diabetes, pancreatitis, cancer, and arthritis.   Feeding your dog a balanced diet on a routine schedule will help ensure that it maintains a healthy weight, and lives a happy life. Feature image credit  

It's really true when they say that a cat chooses its owner, you can't choose a cat. This is never more true when your four legged companion chooses another home to visit and potentially live in rather than yours. Owning, caring for and loving a cat can be a wonderfully enriching experience - but what happens when your cat starts living elsewhere? Some cat owners don't mind if their cat is being fed and loved somewhere else - so long as they come home to sleep at night. For others, to see their cat being looked after, and looking contented as a result of living somewhere else can be a very painful and frustrating experience - particularly so for young children. In situations like this, there are two sides to the coin. Your neighbours may be unintentionally (hopefully) feeding and therefore coaxing your cat into visiting them regularly or your cat is entering and eating food in other homes, potentially 'adopting' a new family. For the unassuming neighbours, more often than not, they don't realise that the odd dish of food they're feeding your cat can actually be harmful, causing allergic reactions, over-feeding and obesity and digestion problems. And then you have to deal with costly vet bills and looking after a sick kitty. You should also consider the possibility that the reason your cat is now visiting or even living somewhere else is a reaction their home life - maybe because of other cats your own or children or generally they feel the need to locate to a new and safer territory. In some cases, the original owners end up making the tough decision to allow their cat to become a member of their newly adopted family. It can be a bit of an awkward situation, but for the wellbeing of your cat, and so you can keep that cat as yours, there are plenty of methods you can try to ease this situation. Go and speak with your neighbour and voice your concern - ask them to not let your cat into their home, or not to feed them. Place a bright collar and tag requesting your cat not to be fed - include your name and number and even a bell. Feed your cat well and make sure they are spayed/neutered. Train your cat to stay in your yard, modify your yard to stop your cat getting out or restrict outdoor access to daytime hours. Get to know your neighbours and express your wishes - this is particularly useful prior to your cat getting to know them! As a last resort, call your local RSPCA/ASPCA to tell them of your concerns - particularly if your neighbours are not respecting your wishes. Likewise, if you are the unexpecting neighbour and you have a friendly feline frequenting your home there are also methods you can follow to stop them from doing so. Tell the cat to go away. If you're not able to deter it from visiting you, don't pay it any attention - and if you have a cat of your own only pay your pet attention. Try not to allow it into your house. If a cat makes a suprise entrace into your home, give them a quick squirt with a water pistol to deter them. Voice concerns with the cat's owners - and try and come to some arrangement where you can work together to stop the cat from coming to your property. All parties need to remember that this is actually a common problem and can be resolved easily with plenty of communication and respect. It's important that any situations like these are remedied promptly before any cats become thououghly confused as to where they actually live. Unfortunately there are execptions to the rules such as cases of neglect from the original owners or someone intentionally coaxing and keeping a cat indoors away from it's owners. Keep out for any signs of these sort of behaviours and act accordingly.  

Dogs are opportunistic scavengers that will never pass up the opportunity of a free meal! This is instinctual of course, but that doesn’t mean the behavior should be allowed. Some dogs steal right from the table, others from the garbage, but most problematic are the ones that steal from your small children. This can be a danger to both your child - who may get bit during the act of thievery - and your dog - who could be stealing something poisonous to them.   Children are small, with hands that can fall close to the height of your dog’s nose. This makes your child an easy target, but with prevention and training your dog can learn that it is not okay to steal!   Here are some things you should know when it comes to a thieving dog:   1. Your dog is less likely to steal if they are well fed. Double check with your veterinarian that you are feeding your dog the right amount for their age, size, and breed. You can also try dividing your dog’s daily amount into 2-3 portions that you can give them throughout the day. Another tip is to feed your dog before you’re having dinner company. Remember, dog’s are less likely to be on the prowl if they’re not hungry!   2. It’s essential that no one feeds the dog from the dinner table. By giving your dog people food, you could condition your dog to prefer it over their own. They may even believe that they are entitled to it. If you absolutely cannot resist, it’s recommended that you wait until everyone is done eating, and then put some scraps in their dog bowl.   3. Restrict your dog’s access to the kitchen. If you are prepping a large meal or having company, it may be best to remove the dog from the room by using baby gates or crating. Make sure you keep them entertained though. A good idea is to provide them with a food filled Kong toy while you are busy enjoying your own meal.   4. As humans it’s our job to teach our furbabies good manners and obedience training is the way to do so. In your dog’s mind, stealing food is a self-rewarding behavior. When your dog steals, the consequence is something desirable- they get to eat. Therefore, this thieving behavior is being rewarded and reinforced each time your dog steals something.   With obedience training, your dog will eventually understand that when they restrain themself from stealing, they are rewarded. Here are two different methods to consider:   Method 1: Have your child hold food in their hands and with your dog on a leash, walk towards them. If the dog tries to steal the food, gently tug the leash and say “leave it." If they don't try to steal the food then reward them with a treat.   Method 2: Hold a piece of food in your hand and show it to your dog. Say "leave it" and slowly lower your hand towards the ground. If they try to grab it from you, close your fist and deny them access to the snack. Ignore their nudging until they calm down, and then reopen your fist. If they sit and look calmly at the food in your hand, reward them.   Note that these techniques are not encouraged for dogs that are food aggressive. If you have a food aggressive dog you will need to consult specific training for possessive behaviors.   Be both firm and gentle when training your dog and always reward them for good behavior. Remember, you are competing against your dog’s natural instincts so be consistent with training, and your dog will have better manners in no time!    image credit 

You may think that all cats hate water but the gorgeous Turkish Van, or swimming cat as it is sometimes nicknamed, is sure to convince you otherwise. This athletic, muscular and highly active cat has a natural affinity for water. In fact, these super cute felines will feel right at home taking a dip with you in the bath or pool!   Image credit The Turkish Van (or Van for short) is a naturally occurring breed and one of the oldest domesticated cats on the planet. It is said to have originated in the Lake Van region of Turkey, and according to tradition, was a successful ratter on Noah’s Ark. Although the breed has an ancient lineage, the Van is a relative newcomer to the western world, first arriving in England in 1955 and in the United States in the early 1980s. Turkish Vans are white with distinctive reddish/auburn markings on their tails and ears. Variations with darker markings or no markings at all are now common but Vans originally only had auburn markings. They have either blue or amber eyes, or quite strikingly, sometimes one of each. The Van's fluffy cashmere-like coat is naturally water resistant as a result of its silky texture and the fact it has no undercoat.   Image credit   The Turkish Van is a sturdy breed with good healthy genes. According to the Animal Planet web site, overfeeding should be avoided, as they can be prone to obesity. To keep the curious and water-loving Van safe, it is recommended that they are never left unattended near a full sink or bath and that all toilet seats around the home are kept closed. Feature image credit

Anyone who shares their life with a pet, or who has ever spent time with a pet, knows that animals enrich our lives. Research has proven that people with pets are happier and healthier. Animals help people with Autism, especially children, to socialise and remain calm and also assist those with developmental disabilities, Down Syndrome, temporary and permanent mobility impairments and people who have suffered a stroke. Animals can speed a person's recovery after a heart attack, can reduce blood pressure and the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Close bonds develop between people and pets and it is these bonds that science is starting to explore. Anthrozoology is the scientific study of humans and animals – it is the how, what and why of the special bonds that form and the effects of these interactions and the relationships. The goal of anthrozoology is to improve and better understand human and animal mental and physical well-being.   Animals have an influence and affect upon us that is greater than we may realise. Life is short, so spend a little time observing your pet and then adopt some of their traits, daily practices and outlook on the world. Here are a few life lessons that our pets teach us about life. 1. Love unconditionally As humans we are involved in a number of different and complicated relationships with family, friends and colleagues. We often place value on these relationships based on expectations and experiences. This can be the cause of a lot of pain and worry. Animals don’t bother with these conditions. They don’t hold grudges, make judgements or expect anything. Instead, they quickly, easily and wholeheartedly exhibit compassion, devotion and love. 2. Be grateful and positive We’ve all heard that ‘the simple things in life are often the best'. Well, it’s true and animals live by this rule. Whilst we strive to succeed in our careers, compete with others and amass more possessions and wealth, animals take pleasure in life itself and celebrate the little things.   Image credit 3. Friendship and loyalty If you treat your pet with kindness and provide food, water and shelter they’ll remain by your side and loyal forever. They don’t ask much but what we get in return is something very special. Pets are happy just to be with us and to be part of our lives. It’s something that we can, and should, extend to our human friendships as well. 4. Walk, play, stretch, head outdoors and catch some sunshine Every day you should spend time exercising, enjoying nature and the sun’s warmth – not only does it provide health benefits and is a wonderful thing to do, but It’s also free! And remember to pursue fun and laughter whenever you can. Get out there and play with your children, friends and pets for the hell of it.   5. Express yourself You know instantly if your pet is happy, sad, unwell, irritated or scared because they show you. When they love you, they show you. They may not be able to talk but they are honest about they're feelings and don’t play games. Wouldn’t things be much easier if we too expressed how we felt and showed our love and happiness so unguardedly? 6. Simplify your life and relax Okay, so our laid-back pets don’t have the stresses and demands in life that we do, but many of these are of our own making. Take opprtunities to simplify your life. Spend your weekend only concerning yourself with meals, exercising, play, relaxation and sleep. Take a nap if you want to, lounge on the grass in the sun, clear your mind and enjoy the stillness. 7. Be present Pets don’t dwell on the past or fret about the future. They live in the moment and deal with things as they happen. They are content to just be. It's a very stress-free way of living.   Image credit   Feature image credit      

When people consider getting a dog, the question always arises: male or female: which is best?  The answer is always that all dogs are wonderful, but the subtle differences between the males and females of any species only make life more interesting. Of course, it is assumed you will spay and neuter your dog, as veterinary experts advise, so the differences will only be very slight differences in personality. Female Dogs Female dogs are generally smaller than males and this may be an advantage in some situations. Female dogs mature faster than males, as well, which means you can start your training regime sooner and enjoy a well-behaved companion faster. Female dogs are usually un-aggressive and will enjoy being petted and sitting close by. The female dog is also tend to be more sensitive and may become disturbed by yelling in the house and other loud noises. Male Dogs The male dog is generally more active and more aggressive than the female. He may have the need to dominate other dogs and may even try to dominate his master or mistress. Male dogs require early, consistent training to reinforce good behavior, and it is important for the trainer to be confident and assertive to ensure that the dog knows who is boss. The male dog will be a fearless guardian and a devoted companion to whomever takes the time to teach him the civilized ways of society. Mixing genders in the home If you already have an animal of one gender and are considering getting a dog of the opposite gender, you should factor in a few points. If the first dog is an older female, she may not be patient with the constant shows of dominance of a new male puppy. She may snap or even bite the new comer to get him to stay within his behavioral boundaries. This can be a particular problem if the older female is ailing, as the new pup may be tiring and aggravating for her. Conversely, if you have an older male dog and wish to get a new puppy, an animal of either gender will probably learn to stay in line after a few growls or nips. If the older male is ailing, a female puppy may be less taxing on him both physically and emotionally.   Your own biases about males and females Canine researchers find that there is little difference in qualities of independence or aggressiveness in dogs that have been spayed or neutered. However, humans bring their own gender biases about male and female behavior even in dealing with their pets. They may allow more aggressiveness or energy in the males and expect more gentleness or submissiveness in female dogs. Be aware of these psychological prejudices when training and interacting with your dog. Individual differences Although these are general statements about the characteristics of female or male dogs, you can always find an individual animal that doesn’t fit the mold. In fact, even within certain breeds you can find variations from normal behavior. The problem of breeding closely within lines adds yet another dimension of variability. These animals may have intensified characteristics of their breed that may cause personality differences. Whatever the fundamental nature of your dog, you can get the best out of their personality by investing time in training, bonding and hands-on care of the animal. Feature image credit