Pet Bucket Blog

BFF = Best Friend Furever 1. You talk at least once a day, even if just to say hi. Image credit   2. You can act yourselves around each other... no matter how weird. Image credit   3. Your dog is incredibly loyal to you.  "You jump, I jump." Image credit   4. You can't keep secrets from one another.  Image credit   5. Your dog always listens to what you have to say. "All ears, all the time." Image credit   6. When you need a shoulder to cry on, your dog is there for you.  Image credit   7. Your dog knows how to cheer you up without even trying. Image credit   8. Your dog likes to paw-ty with you...   9. But also likes to stay-in to watch TV with you. Image credit   10. Because at the end of the day, you're just happy to be spending time together.  Image credit  

Here are some cats that just love Easter... Image credit 1. One of these things is not like the other... Image credit   2. Just like Santa uses a sleigh, Easter Kitty uses a Roomba. Image credit   3."Stupid human... these ears aren't realistic at all."   Image credit   4. Having fun yet? Image credit   5. "I better get some treats for this..." Image credit     6. Somebunny ate too much candy... Image credit   7. "What do you mean the Easter Bunny isn't real!?" Image credit   8. "They said I could be anything, so I became the Easter Bunny." Image credit   9. "Alright you got your picture, now get these things off me!" Image credit    

Warning: this post will make you tired! Image credit 1."ZzzZzZz huh? what?!" Image credit   2. Mondays? Amirite? Image credit   3. "I'm not sleeping - Just resting my eyes real quick..." Image credit   4. So this is what they mean by dead tired: Image credit   5. "It's tiring being a famous cat!" Image credit   6. "So tired. Can't move." Image credit   7. What kind of massage is this?  Image credit   8. "Getting pampered makes me sleepy." Image credit   9. "Mom! I said I'm up, I'm up!!" Image credit   10. "Someone please shut the lights right meow!!" Image credit   11. "Nope." Image credit   12. Well someone had one glass too many... Image credit   13. Because what's more comfortable than a lizard? Image credit   14. "Tired or unamused? BOTH." Image credit        

For some, part of the appeal of a cat lies in the fact that they can be quite independent creatures that typically require less maintenance than the average dog. However, if you are actively searching for an affectionate, sociable cat that will love to spend time with you, it is well worth considering one of the following ten breeds.    Burmese Burmese cats are often described as 'bricks wrapped in silk' (due to their athletic, firm bodies and wonderfully soft coats). They are available in many different shades, from warm chocolate to exotic blue and have loud, expressive voices that demand immediate attention. The average Burmese is playful and active well into older age and can even be trained to do things like fetch a toy or obey basic commands. If your ideal cat is vocal, energetic and deeply interested in human behavior, a Burmese could be the perfect addition to your household.   Image credit    Manx While you may be taken aback by the fact that a Manx cat will have a stub instead of a tail (or no tail at all), these unique cats have some outstanding personality traits that make them highly endearing. They are deeply attached to their home environments, making them ideal house pets if you are unsure about letting a cat go outdoors and you can expect your Manx to be a curious, bold pet that loves to be close to you.   Image credit    Rex Rex cats are even more unusual looking, as they have a very short, very curly coat with gigantic ears that dwarf the size of their faces. The eccentric appearance of a Rex comes with a truly wonderful disposition, and will shower you with affection and enthusiasm. These cats love to impress their owners with crazy antics and they are passionate about playing.   Image credit    Ragdoll You may have heard of the ragdoll as these cats were specifically bred in order to be unusually compliant when held by their owners. This trait makes them highly pleasant to cuddle, and your ragdoll is likely to be the perfect lap cat. However, when they are not snuggling up to their owners, ragdolls enjoy playing and can often be trained to do basic tricks.   Image credit    Abyssinian Abyssinian cats are the very embodiment of elegance and have strikingly good looks. Their beauty is a mere bonus though, as these cats are so loyal and clever that they typically delight their owners on a daily basis. They can be difficult to source and may come with an expensive price tag but those who own Abyssinians will tell you that these cats are worth the cost.   Image credit    Siamese As long as you don't mind owning a cat that tries to have lengthy conversations with you while you make the dinner, tidy the house or try to work at the computer, a Siamese could make a great companion. In addition to being very vocal, these cats love to curl up on a warm lap or turn everyday activities into opportunities for play.   Image credit    Persian Some find the classic, flattened faces of Persian cats to be beautiful, while others think that these cats look rather squashed. However, it it's love that you are looking for then a Persian should definitely make your shortlist. These cats are very chilled out, passive companions who enjoy being held and stroked.   Image credit    Maine Coon Owning a Maine Coon requires you to be diligent about regular brushing, as these cats have long coats that need to be carefully protected from matting and tangles. In addition to being truly beautiful, Maine Coons have bags of energy, an intense interest in social interaction, and a fondness for play.      Birman Birmans have creamy looking coats and colored points that can be anything from burnt red to very dark brown. They are known for their high intelligence levels and tendency to form deep, lasting bonds with their human families.   Image credit    Tonkinese The Tonkinese offers the best traits of a Siamese and a Burmese in one gorgeous package. These cats are athletic, trainable, and may even enjoy going out for a walk on a leash. A Tonkinese is also an excellent choice for a busy household, as your pet will be delighted to meet new people.       

This story is too cute not to share.  Image credit A boy and his puppy taking a nap together. Have you ever seen a sight sweeter than this? For New York mum Jessica Shyba, this has become a daily occurence between her young son Beau and their newly adopted puppy, Theo. Proving the immense love and friendship that can bond people with their pets, these adorable nap-taking pals have proven to be very popular on social media with Shyba's Instagram account boasting over 400,000 followers.  Image credit     You can read more and see more of these best buddies here.   

Nobody wants to be the owner of 'that dog.' You know the one: they bark all day and night, at anything and any one. If your dog won't stop barking and you don't know why, the likely cause is attention. However you may not need to send them to obedience school just yet. Try following the five tips below and your pooch should calm down in due time. Image credit    1. Keep any motivators out of sight.    Does your dog bark when people or other pets pass outside the living room window? Then close the curtains or put your dog in another room. Do they bark at people while they're lounging outside? Bring them indoors. As soon as any stimulus is removed, your dog will forget that it was ever a bother to them.    2. Ignore them.    Have you ever heard the phrase, "ignore it and it will stop?" When you react to barking, your dog feels rewarded for their behaviour. It doesn't matter whether you speak nicely or sternly to them. All they wants is attention in whatever form you're willing to give it. Starve your pup of the attention that they crave. It may be difficult at first, but they will stop the noise and move on to other activities.    3. Reward them for being quiet.    One of the biggest favours that you can do for yourself is to teach your dog the "quiet" command. This may seem counterintuitive, but first tell your dog to speak. After they bark a few times, hang a treat in front of them. When they stop barking, wait a few seconds. Then give them the treat and some words of approval.    Keep doing this until they stop barking as soon as you tell them to speak. Once they have mastered the "speak" command, follow the same steps to teach them the "quiet" command.   Image credit    4. Distract them.    Despite your best training efforts, sometimes your dog won't behave. Some pups just require a simple distraction. The next time your dog barks, break their concentration by banging on the table, slamming a dresser drawer, or shaking a can of coins. Then, just go about your business as usual. Interrupting them like this may startle them so they forget why they were barking at all.    5. Keep them moving.   Wake up earlier to walk your dog longer than usual, play ball with them after work, or find a park nearby where you can unleash them to run during the weekend. If your pup is tired from the day's activities, they'll be less likely to bark because they won't be frustrated or bored. For rainy days, consider investing in some interactive playthings such as ropes and squeaky plush toys. The amount of exercise that your dog needs will depend upon their age and breed. For example, terriers need more exercise than greyhounds. Terriers are bouncy all the time, while greyhounds release their energy in spurts.   Image credit   Try not to feel discouraged if your pup doesn't stop barking right away. Training them takes time, patience, and a lot of practice. Remain positive and keep an upbeat tone with them, and they will stop their noisy behaviour.

Whoever said dogs don't like baths haven't met these guys! 1. "Rubber ducky you're the one - you make bath time lots of fun!" Image credit   2."YAAAAAASSSS" Image credit 3."Last one in the tub is a weenie!" Image credit 4."Do not disturb - dog is relaxing." Image credit 5."Sorry but this tub ain't big enough for the two of us." Image credit 6."Oh boy oh boy oh boy! It's bath time!" Image credit 7."I know I'm cute but can we get scrubbing!" Image credit 8."Ready when you are..." Image credit 9."Don't mind if I do." Image credit 10."Rub-a-dub-dub, three pups in a tub!" Image credit 11."Does this hairdo make me look younger?" 12."Just keep digging, just keep digging." Image credit 13."Well you're home earlier than I expected!" Image credit 14."Awww yeah, that's the spot!" Image credit by Michelle Regna 

Your dog is a cherished member of your family. Therefore, you usually have to treat your pet as you would handle a young child. The summer months typically entail more outdoor social activities, so you need to protect your animals from sun exposure and other risks, on holidays and every day.   Here are some of the most common risks and how to avoid them.   Sunscreen and Bug Repellent If your dog will be spending a lot of time outdoors, you'll want to protect him from the elements, namely insects and the sun. Keep your own health and beauty products out of your pet's reach, however. Do not use sunscreen intended for humans on your dog, since you risk skin irritation or even poisoning if he licks it off. Check with your vet to find an appropriate sun protection product for your pet. Likewise, there are shampoos and other skin treatments that also function as insect repellents. Be sure to use only those products recommended by your vet.   Alcohol Under no circumstances should you allow dogs to ingest alcohol. It is poisonous to them, and the consequences of letting them drink alcohol can range from minor illness and behavioral changes to unconsciousness and even death. If you're hosting friends and family for a summer get-together, be sure that guests do not leave any form of alcohol within your dog's reach.   Certain Foods Summer picnics and parties usually feature a range of tasty options...for humans. Do not be tempted to feed your dog scraps from the grill or any other foods not meant for their consumption. There are a number of foods that are toxic to domestic animals. You may be aware of some commonly-cited items like chocolate and onions. To be safe, however, don't offer them anything that is not dog food. Even minor deviations from their regular diet, including the sudden introduction of a new type of pet food, can cause an upset stomach and should be avoided.   Firecrackers and Fireworks Displays Dogs are naturally curious, so they should not have access to fireworks, even when they're unlit. Many contain toxic substances such as arsenic and potassium nitrate. Avoid burns and other injuries by keeping your dog away from lit fireworks and sparklers. Furthermore, even the most  well-adjusted, well-behaved, and extroverted pets should not be exposed to loud events such as public fireworks displays. The noise is  bothersome to their sensitive hearing, and they could become anxious being in a loud, crowded environment.   Matches, Lighter Fluid, Citronella Candles Essentially, anything that has to do with fire is best kept away from your pet. In addition to the risk of being burned by fire, pets can face respiratory problems from the chemicals in matches and lighter fluid, for instance. Citronella and other oils can cause respiratory and stomach problems. Ingesting any of these materials can also result in severe damage to the animal's nervous system.   For more information, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to  Animals (ASPCA) issues detailed safety guidelines, including tips for major holidays like the Fourth of July.   You've heard of the dog days of summer? Although you may grow tired of the sultry heat by July or August, but by following these simple safety tips, you and your four-legged friend can relax and enjoy the entire season. Image Credit. 

Do you have a hard time making your dog's dental hygiene a priority?  You're not alone.  Plenty of pet owners balk at the idea of brushing their dog's teeth.  Perhaps you simply don't think it's necessary to brush your dog's teeth.  Maybe you find it challenging to make time or muster the energy for regular brushing, especially if your dog makes the job difficult.  Although taking good care of your pet's teeth can seem like a hassle, your dog's oral hygiene is more important than you might think. Without regular dental care, dogs are likely to develop periodontal (gum) disease from food particles and bacteria creating a build-up of plaque along the gum line.  In fact, veterinarians estimate that most dogs will develop some degree of gum disease by the time they are a few years old.  Most pet owners fail to notice oral health problems in their dogs until gum disease advances enough for obvious symptoms to occur, which can often be too late to easily correct the problem.  Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss, abscesses, or even worse problems.  Studies have shown that oral bacteria can cause spread systematically, creating issues including heart and kidney disease.  Fortunately, just like in humans, regular dental care can help prevent gum disease in dogs.  If you haven't done much for your dog's pearly whites in the past, make sure to have him examined by a veterinarian.  If gum disease is already present, a professional cleaning or other treatment may be required.  If not, you can begin preventative care by routinely brushing your dog's teeth.  Ideally, a dog's teeth should be brushed daily, but if this is unrealistic for you, aim to brush them a few times a week, or at the very least, weekly.   Brushing can be supplemented by giving your dog special chews and toys that promote dental health.  There are a wide variety of these items available at most pet stores, so ask your veterinarian which options are the best for your dog.  Let's see those pearly whites! Image credit Before you begin a routine of brushing your dog's teeth, acquire the proper tools.  You will need to use a toothpaste created specifically for dogs, as ingesting human toothpaste is harmful to your pet.  There are several varieties of dog toothpaste available, including fresh-smelling minty flavors.  If your dog isn't keen on having his teeth brushed, you might try an enticing meaty flavor instead.  You should also use a toothbrush designed for dogs.  Long-handled models with soft bristles that look similar to human toothbrushes are great for use on large dogs or those who might  bite.  Finger brushes made of soft rubber are another popular choice, but remember that they don't provide much protection in the event that your dog should bite down on your finger. Use whatever model will be the easiest for you to work with on your dog. To brush, apply your dog's toothpaste to the bristles and brush the outside of his teeth in a gentle, circular motion.  Be sure to do this on all of this teeth, from his front teeth to his molars.  If your dog protests, be sure to go slowly and speak to him in a soothing tone.  You can have a friend help by gently holding or petting him, and you can even pause to reward your dog with treats as you work.  Each time you brush his teeth, make sure to check for any signs of bad breath, redness, swelling, or bleeding.  Let your veterinarian know if anything in your pet's mouth looks different or unusual.  Putting in the effort to brush your dog's teeth on a regular basis might be a challenge at first, but you'll find it's worth the trouble.  Not only will you prevent your pet from having future oral health problems, but you'll also save yourself from heartbreak and having to pay bigger vet bills.  Be gentle but persistent with your routine, and you'll find that brushing your dog's teeth may not be as difficult as you'd imagined.

Many breeds of dogs are infamous for their tendency to eat anything and everything in sight. Whether you might think of a plant as edible or not will have no bearing on your pup's attitude. While most plants are harmless, however, many are actually poisonous to dogs, and you should do everything you can to keep Fido away. Here is a look at seven very common offenders that you may have in or around your home.   1. Dieffenbachia - Also known as Dumb Cane, the dieffenbachia plant is toxic when ingested by both dogs and cats. A tropical plant naturally, the dieffenbachia contains a chemical that is meant to deter animals away from eating it. If your dog ingests the leaves, be on the lookout for oral irritation and swelling of the tongue and lips. Later symptoms may include vomiting, problems swallowing (due to swelling of the esophagus), and increased salivation.   2. Asparagus Fern - This common houseplant doesn't need to be ingested to be bad for your dog. Repeated rubbing up against it can lead to allergic dermatitis (skin irritation). The asparagus fern also produces berries that are toxic to dogs. Ingestion can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and upset stomach.   3. Castor Bean - Though you may not be familiar with the castor bean plant, you could have it in your garden without knowing its name. A favorite among landscapers, this tropical plant is also very common in parks. When ingested, the leaves of the castor bean can burn your pup's mouth and throat. You may notice excessive thirst, weakness, vomiting and diarrhea in the hours that follow. The seeds of this plant are the most dangerous part, and consumption is often lethal.   4. Daffodil - A cheery addition to your flower garden, daffodils contain poisonous chemicals that could cause diarrhea, vomiting, and increased salivation when consumed by your dog. The worst toxins can be found in the bulb of the daffodil plant, and ingestion can lead to much more serious symptoms, including low blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, and tremors.   5. Aloe Vera - Soothing to human skin, aloe vera is often kept as a houseplant so that people can take advantage of its medicinal properties. Unfortunately, when consumed by dogs, the saponin and aloin toxins found within the plant cause it to be moderately poisonous. In addition to vomiting and diarrhea, ingestion can lead to depression, tremors, and a change in the color of your pet's urine.   6. Corn Plant - Easily recognizable by their ribbon-like leaves, many people have corn plants either inside or outside their homes. No one knows exactly why this plant is poisonous to dogs (and cats), but it is thought to contain a steroidal toxin related to saponin. If eaten by your dog, be on the lookout for vomiting (with or without blood), diarrhea, weakness, depression, and anorexia.   7. Baby's Breath - Though it's included in most flower bouquets, you shouldn't let your pup nibble on baby's breath. The gyposenin found in abundance within these flowers can lead to diarrhea and vomiting. This plant is less likely to cause serious side effects than some others, but its abundance around the house makes your dog much more likely to come across it.