How Do You Show Your Love for Your Pet on Valentine’s Day?
February is Pet Dental Health Month: The importance of Dentals for Your Pets
The Importance of Spay/Neuter for Pets

How Do You Show Your Love for Your Pet on Valentine’s Day?
February means Valentine’s Day and showering your beloved with flowers and gifts. But wait! Your pet also needs love and there’s many ways to show it.

Since our pets love us so unconditionally, make sure to do right by them. You can’t give them chocolate because it’s dangerous to their health. There are many other things you can do to show your pet the love, according to the article, “Ten things you can do to show your pets you love them,” at Best Friends. Here are some ideas:

• Ensure you feed your pet a healthy diet. Discuss with your vet and check out the American College of Veterinary Nutrition at acvn.org.
• Get out and exercise with your pet. Whether it’s walking, running, flyball, agility or playing games, you and your pet will be better for it. “For cats, try interactive play with wand toys (we like Da Bird) or balls,” the article said. “Some cats can be taught to enjoy walks outdoors wearing a harness and leash.”
• Try relationship-based training. “Reward-based training classes help you to build a relationship with your pet, provide her with mental (and sometimes physical) enrichment, and let you just have fun with her,” the article said.

According to the article, “Ways to Show Your Pet You Love Them” at ASPCA.org, there are other great ways to show your pet some love including:

• Spend an entire day with your pet either on a walk or hike. Try a new adventure or route.
• Your pet loves treats, so why not make some homemade ones? “But be sure that any recipes you choose are pet-friendly and veterinarian approved before making them for your pet,” the ASPCA article said.

Remember to show your pet all the love on Valentine’s Day but also continue to show it throughout the year.

February is Pet Dental Health Month: The importance of Dentals for Your Pets
We all know how important it is to care for our teeth. Your pet’s dental care is also just as important. Good dental hygiene is important for all-around health for humans and pets.

It’s pretty common for dogs to have dental disease, according to the article, “5 Reasons Why Dog Dental Care Is Important” at PetMD.com. “By age 3, over 80 percent of dogs have some form of dental disease, also known as periodontal disease,” the article said. Without proper dental care, it can be serious.

Dental disease in dogs “affects the teeth, gums and structures that support and surround a dog’s teeth,” the article said, adding that it starts with plaque buildup. When that hardens it turns to tartar.

The article advises to watch for the following signs of dental disease in dogs:
• Broken teeth
• Loose teeth
• Bad breath
• Painful, bleeding mouth
• Refuse or unable to eat and drink
• Drooling

Other issues to be mindful of include discolored teeth or teeth covered with tartar, and swelling around the mouth, according to the article, “Pet dental care” at American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

If you notice any of the above issues, it’s time for a visit to your veterinarian. Be on top of your pet’s dental health as he may have periodontal disease, the most common dental issue in dogs and cats. Early detection is important. “Periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth,” the AVMA article said. “Other health problems found in association with periodontal disease include kidney, liver, and heart muscle changes.”

Treatment is done by a dental cleaning by your veterinarian and under anesthesia.

Stay on top of your pet’s dental health by brushing their teeth to keep them healthy between cleanings, the AVMA article said. And, get your pet’s teeth checked yearly.

The Importance of Spay/Neuter for Pets
February is known for Valentine’s Day, and it’s also Spay/Neuter Awareness Month. Show your pets love by ensuring they are spayed or neutered. It helps to slow down overpopulation of pets and also has many health benefits.

With many reasons to spay/neuter, there’s no reason not to do it for your pets. “The average lifespan of spayed and neutered cats and dogs is demonstrably longer than the lifespan of those not,” according to the article, “Why you should spay/neuter your pet” at The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

Unaltered pets are more likely to roam, which puts them at risk of fights with animals. Altered pets are less likely to roam. Additionally, altered pets are less likely to get certain cancers. Altered males are not at risk of testicular cancer. Females who are not spayed are at risk of pyometra and uterine, mammary gland, and other cancers, the HSUS article said.

“When you consider the potential long-term medical costs incurred for an unaltered pet, the savings afforded by spay/neuter are clear, especially given the plethora of low-cost spay/neuter clinics now available,” the HSUS article said.

Additionally, your altered pets are more likely to be better behaved. They will typically be less aggressive and “less likely to engage in territory-marking behavior such as spraying urine in your house,” according to the article, “Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet” at Fetch by WebMD.

According to the Fetch article, other positives include:

• Spayed female cats and dogs will not go into heat.
• Pets will not gain weight. “A pet who gets enough exercise and eats a healthy diet in moderation will remain fit and healthy,” the Fetch article said.
• The fight against overpopulation of pets helps keep more animals out of shelters.

Celebrate Spay/Neuter Awareness Month by spreading the word.

New Year, New Dog: Put Your Dog First in The New Year
What to Know About Adopting a Pet Rabbit
Cat’s Out of the Bag: What’s up with cats and paper bags?

New Year, New Dog: Put Your Dog First in The New Year
Last year went so fast, and now it’s another new year. Resolutions aside, there are always great things you and your dog can do in 2022.

Going to the vet and groomer and trying to shed some pounds are all good ideas. There are other great ways to keep your dog happy and healthy. “There are a lot of little things you can do — that (thankfully) don’t require a ton of extra work,” according to the article, “10 Ways to Add More Joy to Your Dog’s Life” at thewildest.com.

The following tips from the article may help you and your dog get excited:

• Try out a new place for daily walks. Instead of the same routine, check out a new area. That can be a new neighborhood, hiking trail, or drive in the car to a new place.
• Let your dog lead. “Let them choose the route, the pace and what is worthy of extensive sniffing,” according to the article.
• Let them play! It makes dogs very happy.
• Learn and understand your dog better. “The more you understand dogs, the easier it is to avoid misreading them and to successfully communicate with them,” the article said.
• Let your dog be who he is and love him for that.

There are other things you can do to “help strengthen your bond but also provide physical and mental stimulation for pups, which promotes overall good health,” according to the article, “21 fun things to do with your dog,” at Care.com.

Ideas include taking an agility or obedience training class, playing in leaves or snow, taking a trip and staying at a pet-friendly hotel, taking your dog to work, or watching a movie.

Take the time and do new fun things with your dog. You’ll both be better and happier for it.

What to Know About Adopting a Pet Rabbit
Some people adopt dogs while some adopt cats. But did you know that there are many rabbit lovers out there who want to adopt one to bring home?

Rabbits are a popular pet, wonderful companions, and come in many colors, sizes and shapes. They don’t need a lot of space, are typically quiet, and they don’t need to go outside, according to the article, “What You Need to Know Before You Adopt a Rabbit” at PetMD.com.

However, rabbits do require proper care, lots of love, and are a responsibility. “With proper diet and medical care, rabbits can live eight-12 years or more—which is longer than many other small animal pets,’ according to the article.

If you’re thinking of adopting a rabbit, please keep the following in mind:

• Rabbits do best indoors where they live longer and healthier lives.
• Exercise is important. Let rabbits out of their cage to run around while under supervision (they are chewers!). It’s great for their health.
• Each rabbit has her own personality.
• Socialize your rabbit.
• A high fiber diet is essential for rabbit health. Remember rabbits are herbivores.
• They groom themselves often but need nail trims.
• Ensure your rabbit has unlimited hay to chew and safe rabbit toys as their teeth grow continuously.
• Schedule yearly vet visits for preventive care.

Learn how to care for your rabbit and do your homework and research before adopting. Search your area for local rabbit shelters, according to the article, “Rabbit Adoption: Everything to Know About Adopting a Rabbit” at be.chewy.com.

After you decide on the rabbit to adopt, make sure to provide the proper hay, a hay feeder, pellets as well as fresh vegetables, the be.chewy.com article said. Also, be sure to provide a roomy cage or playpen, bedding and appropriate litter as well as toys.

Cat’s Out of the Bag: What’s up with cats and paper bags?
We love our cats. There’s nothing cuter even when they’re finicky or just doing strange cat things. Some cats just love a good cardboard box, but there’s others who especially enjoy a nice paper bag. But why?

“It turns out liking boxes and bags above anything else isn’t your cat rebelling, but instead is a preference wired within your cat’s brain as it adapted to new environments,” according to the article, “Why Do Cats Like Boxes and Bags?” at National Kitty. The article offers the following reasons:

1. There is comfort in closed spaces such as boxes and paper bags, which help reduce stress.
2. “Boxes and bags help ease anxiety for cats, therefore cats are drawn to them,” the article said.
3. A good paper bag (or box) is perfect for a nap and a place to get warm. “Boxes and some bags are able to function as makeshift incubators, keeping our cats warm in houses that are probably too cold for them,” the article said.
4. Cats also enjoy playing with paper bags because the “crinkle sound” is mentally stimulating for them.

If your cat enjoys bags, stick to paper because plastic can be very dangerous. So, throw out plastic bags or keep them out of reach. Keep paper bags safe for cats by removing handles.

Cats like paper bags for other reasons as well. For bags that previously held groceries, “This means that it retains the smell of food, which will definitely heighten a cat’s curiosity,” according to the article, “Why Do Cats Lay On Paper?” at Senior Cat Wellness.

There’s also the attention factor. “Cats like to choose when you acknowledge their company,” the Senior Cat Wellness article said. “If you miss other cues, your cat may start lying on something valuable to you.”

Plan On Getting a New Pet for the Holidays? Remember to Adopt, Don’t Shop!
Goals for You and Your Pet for 2022

Plan On Getting a New Pet for the Holidays? Remember to Adopt, Don’t Shop!
The holidays are around the corner. Many people may want to get a new pet for the family. It’s important to do research and make sure everyone in the family is on board. One of the best ways to get your pet is through adoption.

Some people may be on the fence about pets as holiday gifts. “With some forethought and a sincere commitment, pets can be a wonderful gift to give your family,” according to the article, “Pets as Presents: A Good Idea?” at Petfinder.com. The article advises the following to see if your family is ready for a new pet:

• Types of pets appropriate for the ages of your children.
• Do your children want a pet and realize the responsibilities?
• The cost involved, from adoption fee to vet care, grooming, etc.
• The long-term commitment.

After deciding on the pet, the best place to go is your nearest animal shelter. “According to the ASPCA, each year millions of dogs enter shelters, yet of the approximately 59 million owned dogs in this country, less than 20 percent are shelter adoptees,” the Petfinder.com article said.

According to the article, “5 Reasons to Adopt, Not Shop” at Greatergood.org, “Every year, approximately 6.5 million pets enter animal shelters nationwide, and 1.5 million become euthanized.”

Along with adopting a new best friend, there are also other great reasons to adopt, according to the Greatergood.org article, including.

• When you adopt from a shelter, you make room for another pet, so you are saving a life.
• You help fight the puppy mill industry.
• Adoption is less expensive and the fee typically includes spay/neuter, initial vaccinations and microchipping.
• Many shelter pets are already trained.
• Shelters and rescues often have a history of the pet.

Make your family’s holiday brighter when you adopt a pet instead of buying.

Goals for You and Your Pet for 2022
The new year is just weeks away and many people are thinking about goals. Make it more interesting and make goals for you and your pet. It’s often easier when you have a buddy along for the ride.

“Time to team up with your furry friend and tackle the new year together,” according to the article, “5 Ideas for Sharing Your New Year’s Resolution With Your Pet” at be.chewy.com. The article offers some ideas:

• Be more active: Discuss with your vet about exercise. And while you’re at it, get on board as well with long walks, longer playtime activities, and even leash training for your cat.
• Put you and your pet’s health first. Get an annual exam for yourself and then for your pet. Speak to your vet and “make sure your pet is up to date on their flea, tick and heartworm preventatives and discuss adding any supplements to their diet, too,” the article said.
• Put down your cell phone, step away from the computer, and get outside for an extra walk with your dog (or cat).

There are other important things you can add onto your resolution list to help ensure that your pets have a more healthy and happy life. According to the article, “9 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Pet (and You)” at PetMD.com, start with your pet’s diet. “The New Year is the perfect time to evaluate what, when and how much your pet is eating,” the article said.

Another important resolution for an overweight pet is weight loss. “Work with your veterinarian to determine the best weight loss regimen for your pet,” the PetMD article said. And if you want to help your dog lose some weight, you can also go on some extra walkies. They will do you and your dog some good.