Fun at the Beach—With Your Dog!
Taking your dog to the beach this summer? Once you’ve factored safety into your plans, there are plenty of fun activities you can enjoy together. Summer wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the beach. The question is, should you take your dog? If he’s the active type who likes people and other dogs, there’s no reason why not. You’ll need to find a dog-friendly beach, of course, and ensure your canine’s safety and comfort while you’re there. But once you’ve checked those boxes, you can relax...
Understanding and Supporting Your Dog or Cat’s Nervous System
Find out why the nervous system is the most important system in your dog or cat’s body, and how to keep it healthy and functioning properly. Our dogs and cats are made up of multiple body systems that come together to form the unique individuals we interact with daily. Of all these systems, none is more important than the nervous system. It’s the body’s main communication network, connecting and coordinating all the functions needed for life. That’s why nurturing and maintaining a healthy nervous system during all...
University Students Turn Food Waste into Canine Toothpaste
Students attending the University of Hong Kong’s (HKU) School of Biological Sciences recently took part in a unique program encouraging the transformation of food waste into viable food-based products. The competition is part of the “Food Waste to Good Taste” innovation program, which encourages upcycling and sustainability. Organized in collaboration with GREEN Hospitality, the six-month program prods students to rethink food waste by taking part in workshops, seminars, and food audits, culminating in a competition where...
The Importance of Giving Dogs Wearing Yellow a Wide Berth
We often see dogs decked out in various colors and patterns but we can assume it’s the owner’s idea of adding some flair to their pooch’s appearance. It’s a fun way to dress up their day and add a little splash or pizzazz to the world around them. That’s all well and good, but what about running across a pupper wearing yellow? For humans, wearing a yellow ribbon can signify awareness or support for a number of important causes, like suicide prevention, military support, hunger, certain cancers, and more. But what...
Everything You Need to Know About Pet Food Toppers
Pet food toppers. You’ve heard of them; your dog park pals swear by them; Grandma’s cat is a fan. But you’re wondering: is this (a) a fad; (b) a ploy to get you to spend yet more money on your favorite furry freeloader; or (c) a legitimate pet food option with bona fide benefits? (Hint: the answer is (c).) Here’s everything you need to know about pet food toppers – and why you should add them to your dog or cat’s diet today. Imagine eating the exact same plate of food for every meal. While the simplicity of...
APA! Gives Behavior Dogs a Second Lease on Life: Sylvester
Jun 23, 2023 Valentine’s Day 2023 will always be special for Jeni Gossard, a volunteer with Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), as it marks the day her adoption of Sylvester, a Chihuahua with a lot of love to give, became official. The journey to this point wasn’t an easy one due to trust and anxiety issues the pup had, but patience, persistence, and APA!’s expert Dog Behavior Program made this “happy beginning” possible. Sometimes perceived behaviors and issues can create barriers to adoption. APA!’s program uses a...
How APA! Gives Behavior Dogs a Second Lease on Love and Life: Sylvester
Jun 23, 2023 Valentine’s Day 2023 will always be special for Jeni Gossard, a volunteer with Austin Pets Alive! (APA!), as it marks the day her adoption of Sylvester, a Chihuahua with a lot of love to give, became official. The journey to this point wasn’t an easy one due to trust and anxiety issues the pup had, but patience, persistence, and APA!’s expert Dog Behavior Program made this “happy beginning” possible. Sometimes perceived behaviors and issues can create barriers to adoption. APA!’s program uses a...
5 Low-Cost to No-Cost Ideas for Keeping Kitties Cool This Summer
While cats tend to search out warm, comfy spots in the home, even they can get overheated in the summer. Sometimes you’ll find them curled up in cool bathroom sinks napping in the dark. Or you may discover them splayed on tile floors trying to soak up some of the chill from the ceramic. If you’ve got a putty tat that feels the heat, we’ve got a few low-cost to no-cost ideas for you to try this summer. Photo: Pixabay/Furkiddies Kitty Pops This first one is a variation on doggy pops, only for felines. It entails taking a can...
How to Become an Animal Rescue Transporter
Each year rescues and shelters across the country depend on animal transports to assist them in their jobs to relocate and find new living arrangements for homeless pets. The animals are often driven or flown to locations where there are shortages of adoptable pets versus the areas where they were initially taken in and processed. It is just one of the many rewarding ways for people to get involved in animal welfare. If you’d like to make a difference this way, here is some information on what you can do as a volunteer to become part of...
Community celebrates Independence Day by ‘Calming the Canines’ at their local shelter
We’re republishing this blog from 2018 since Fourth of July is a stressful time for shelter pets. Here’s how one shelter kept their dogs calm during fireworks. It was the Fourth of July, and both of the shelters run by Maricopa County Animal Care & Control were full. Fireworks displays, a notorious trigger for canine anxiety, were scheduled in the areas surrounding both buildings. Worse, history had shown that the packed shelters would take in large numbers of dogs during and after the celebration. They could easily have...
