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When temperatures drop, we layer up in warm clothes, turn up the furnace, enjoy hot drinks, and take other steps to stay warm and safe. But what about our pets? Practicing good cold weather safety for pets is essential to keep all our furry, scaled, and feathered family members safe and comfortable in winter. How Animals Adapt to Cold Animals have many natural adaptations to cold weather. Our furry friends may grow a thicker winter coat, while many animals will gain weight in autumn to store an insulating layer of fat just under their skin. Some animals slow their metabolism...

We look forward to the deliciousness of the holiday season for many reasons – special meals and drinks, seasonal treats, feasts with friends and family, and goodies galore all make the holidays a tasty time of year. But the same holiday foods we love to celebrate with are no celebration at all for dogs and cats, and can even be dangerous to our pets in many unexpected ways. By understanding the top holiday food dangers for dogs and cats, pet owners can celebrate safely with their furry companions. Top 8 Unexpected Holiday Food Dangers for Pets There are many different...

Ticks can be bothersome, even dangerous, pests, but you can easily remove them if your pet does pick one up. Removing ticks safely and easily can help keep your pet comfortable and healthy, even if ticks are a nuisance. ABOUT TICKS Ticks are eight-legged parasites that bite through the skin and feed on the blood of their host. As a tick feeds, its body will swell dramatically, and one tick may stay on a host 5-14 days until it is fully engorged. Once finished feeding, the tick will naturally drop off. Several species of ticks are common in North America,...

Most pet owners are convinced that their furry family members have feelings, too. Fans of the animal-free lifestyle often express their skepticism, but proof of animals' emotions is well-documented. It's evident that common household pets (such as cats and dogs) are capable of expressing basic feelings of fear, excitement, contentment, and yes - even anxiety. Pet anxiety is most common in dogs, but even small mammals like hamsters and rabbits can be troubled at times. Anxiety in animals results in abnormal and sometimes destructive behavior, all of which can be disruptive to the entire family. If your pet demonstrates anxiety,...

Licking is one way a dog senses its world, and occasional licking is perfectly normal behavior and nothing to be concerned about. When your dog licks excessively, however, it can be an indication of underlying problems, or the licking itself could cause problems and injuries. Understanding why your dog licks can help you identify any potential difficulties and redirect your dog’s behavior. HOW MUCH LICKING IS TOO MUCH? Licking is normal behavior for a dog to groom itself, express affection, and taste objects, and some casual licking can be comforting and soothing to the animal. Too much licking, however, is...