This Superhero will vanquish the Coldest of Hearts

It is no secret that children have a higher amount of compassion to offer the world than most adults. They haven’t been touched by life’s tragedies or scorned by those around them. Children believe everyone and everything to be inherently good and there is one little boy in particular that exhibits such a level of compassion, adults should strive to follow his example. This cheeky little cutie routinely dons a superhero costume in the fight against homeless cats. His name is Shon Griffin, a 5-year-old Philadelphia native.

Shon has two aunts who run a cat charity and rescue service to the feral cats roaming the streets of Philadelphia. Kia Griffin and Kris Papiernik operate Kolony Kats, a service that provides food, water, and healthcare to the feral cats without a home. They provide rescue for these animals along a high level of healthcare required to re-home these furry beings. Shon was only the tender age of three when his level of interest in the work his aunts was doing peaked and he decided he was going to help combat the problem of feral cats and be an active participant in his aunts’ worthy cause.

His aunts’ weren’t without concern, however, due to experience in dealing with feral cats and the level of risk involved. Shon insisted he could be a part of the cause and exhibited a natural infinity with his furry sidekicks, calming down the animals and providing them with love and comfort for even a few short moments. Shon is the superhero these cats need and deserve, always ready with a chin rub and undivided attention.

Kolony Kats has established approximately four years ago when Kia and Kris discovered two feral cats in their neighborhood, hiding and living behind a row of houses. Deciding to do something about the issue, they managed to coax one of the cats, affectionately named Lady, to come for food and provided her with a spaying and other healthcare. Her companion, however, a wary little being named Bug wasn’t as trusting. Eventually, as more and more cats were discovered and given much-needed healthcare to be successfully released and Kolony Kats expanded to four separate locations, Bug managed to evade their efforts until a superhero joined the force.

Shon was the ticket to drawing the exclusive Bug out from hiding and showed him the attention and care needed. The natural ability to gain the cats trust shown by Shon allowed the charity to discover more cats that needed help, creating a real solution to the problem.
Shon wears his superhero costume for a simple reason, “he feels like a superhero for these cats”. His aunts have expanded their charitable branches with the establishment of The Indoor Kitties, which provides kittens with a foster home. Shon is also an active participant in this wonderful cause and uses his powers to provide a sense of security and love through naps and snuggles.

This worthwhile cause, spearheaded by the brainstorm of two beautiful adults and the healing powers of the innocent, is truly making a difference in the quality of life for these cats. To find out more information or how you can help contribute to the costs of providing care to these animals, check out the Kolony Kats GoFundMe page here, or follow their Instagram and Facebook.

The post This Superhero will vanquish the Coldest of Hearts appeared first on .

What to Do with Your Dog When You’re Going To Be Away

One of the common problems dog owners face is determining what to do with their dog when they’re going to be away from home. The right answer depends on the type of dog and how long you’re going to be gone. Let’s look at what you should do with your dog when you’re going to be away from home, depending on the dog’s age, health and your time away. We’ll also address ways to make the transitions as smooth as possible and minimize the risk of problems.

Puppies
We’ll define puppies as any dogs younger than 18 months. Puppies that are paper training should be kept outside if the weather permits, let outside by a dog walker at least once during the day or boarded during the day at a kennel. It isn’t fair to leave a dog that doesn’t know how to wait all day to go poop outside and then punish it for pooping on the carpet.

A dog that doesn’t know what it can and cannot chew on and may be punished for chewing on shoes or ripping up furniture out of boredom would be better off at a sitter’s home during the day than left at home alone.

If you plan on being away for more than the work day, then it is essential to line up a dog walker or pet sitter to care for your dog. Traditional kennels aren’t the best option in our opinion as they can be stressful to your dog. In fact, at Fetch! Pet Care, we believe in cage-free pets. To learn more about our core values as your pet sitter matchmaking service, please follow this link.

If you’re gone for a work day, you can find ways to keep puppies engaged without making a mess of things, though you run a risk anytime you leave a puppy alone for an extended period of time (we’re talking down to the minutes & even seconds). Puppies may find your shoes, the cat’s litter box, and other entertaining things… unless you give them something to keep busy with like food dispensing toys, for example, they’ll spend all day trying to figure out what to do with themselves in an unhealthy manner. Food dispensing toys that release a few pieces of dry food will keep the puppy busy. Just make sure the food dispensing toys are durable enough survive a puppy chewing on them either as a surrogate chew toy or deliberate effort to get the food out.

Pro tip: Give puppies many chew toys, too, so they don’t feel a literal urge to chew on the furniture. Check the state of the chew toys at the end of the day so you can dispense with those that are starting to break up. This isn’t as much of a problem if the dog is at a sitter’s house during the day. If you’re trying to work up to leaving the dog home alone for the day, however, have “leave and come back” sessions where you practice the routine you’ll follow when leaving the dog home alone. If you will be taking the dog to a kennel, follow a similar routine, ideally visiting the kennel for behavioral training or grooming. Now the puppy won’t be so anxious when taken there for several hours because it has already been left there alone for an hour or two while learning how to heel or being bathed and groomed.

Older Dogs
Older dogs that can wait until you get home to poop outside can be kept at home during the day. Dogs with health problems, whether skin conditions or digestive problems, should be boarded. This allows the dogs to be supervised by humans who can give them medication as needed and clean up after them. If you’re away from home for more than a day, older dogs should be buddied up with a dedicated dog walker or pet sitter so that they are kept in a comfortable environment where their needs are met. Older dogs are typically too old to be trained, but regular human interaction will prevent them from developing adverse behaviors to cope with loneliness.

Older dogs that sleep a lot should still get exercise, though the amount depends on their health. Some may not want to go for a run but merely go outside. Older dogs need at least two “walks” for waste elimination each day, one at the start and one at the end, but it is healthier if there is a mid-day walk to let them let their waste out. It isn’t healthy for any animal to “hold it” for ten hours, but it is downright unhealthy for older dogs. They already have problems – and that’s without adding the risk of cystitis and urinary tract infections. If you cannot take the dog for a walk yourself on your lunch break, arrange for someone else to walk the dog or have the pet boarded at your local sitter’s home for the day.

Mature Dogs
Mature dogs, those dogs that are over a year and a half old, can wait until you arrive at the end of the day to poop outside and can be left at home during the day, though this isn’t the ideal situation. If you’re going to leave them for the day, then make sure you have a dog walker or pet sitter lined up to care for your pet. This ensures that the dog cannot possibly suffer from lack of water or food in your absence. Professional dog training is also an option for mature dogs, whether teaching them to heel instead of fighting other dogs or chasing critters into the street.

Getting two to three walks in a day when you’re away, whether by you, a dog walker or both, is enough to keep a happy, healthy mature dog comfortable when you’re away for a day or two. If you’re gone longer, even a healthy, mature dog may start to suffer from anxiety, boredom and develop behavioral problems.

Away During the Day
One of the best ways to guarantee a happy pet and clean home when you return is to leave the dog tired when you leave. Instead of simply letting the dog outside to do its business, take the dog for a long morning walk. This wears the dog out so that it isn’t tempted to rip up the house out of boredom. It won’t feel the urge to run around the house and make a mess because it had a long walk. It is less likely to suffer anxiety and behavioral problems being home alone if it had a half hour walk with its owner in the morning. You should repeat this same behavior as soon as possible when you get home so that the dog is eager to see you and receives sufficient exercise. Give them a mix of trotting, running and just sniffing around.

Away for a Day and Night
Suppose you’re going to leave for work in the morning, stay overnight on a business trip, and return home at the end of the next business day. In this case, most dogs will be able to stay outside in the yard without major problems as long as they have ample supplies. Dogs kept inside must be visited by a dog walker to let them go outside at least twice a day to prevent accidents. Yes, most dogs can “hold it” for a day, but this increases their odds of developing cystitis and urinary tract infections. If you’re away during the day, the minimum necessary high-quality care for the pet is a dog walk in the middle of the day by someone else.

Leaving the dog outside all day, whether at work or away overnight, eliminates one risk for the pet while introducing others. While the dog can pee and poop where it likes, it now has the time to dig under a fence or try to jump over the fence. The odds of that go up if the dog is bored. You can reduce this risk by giving the dog lots of chew toys and other toys to play with outside and by playing with your pet in the morning before you leave.

Away for Several Days
If you’re going to be away from home for a few days for a vacation, your dog should either stay with his favorite sitter, have regular visits from his dog walker, or even have his favorite sitter stay the night with him in your home. Some people think that a dog can be left inside of a fenced backyard if they have enough food and water. However, this logic has several flaws. First, you’re assuming the dog doesn’t spill the water and get dehydrated. Second, you’re assuming the dog doesn’t eat all the food only to throw it up or see its food eaten by other animals. Third, this ignores the risk your dog faces of exposure whether from heat or cold. Fourth, if you try to keep the pet out of trouble by tying its leash to a tree or a dog house, it may get caught up in the leash or the leash wrapped around a tree, leaving it unable to reach shelter or food and water.

Conversely, a dog that is being supervised by a professional will never suffer from exposure, hunger or thirst. And you don’t have to restrain the pet in an attempt to prevent it from getting away. The odds the pet will try to escape go up with boredom, and while a few chew toys and other toys may keep the dog happy while you’re at work, the odds the pet will try to dig its way out or jump the fence go up every day you’re gone.

Another solution is letting your dog stay with one of our sitters for several days, assuming they can feed, water and walk your dog at proper intervals. This produces less stress for the animal than being left alone, though it may create feelings of abandonment if done often. Do not assume that because the other person has dogs, that your dog will be happy. The only exception is if your dog has already demonstrated that it gets along with the other owner’s animals. You can try to encourage this relationship by going for walks with the other owner. Now your pet gets to know the other human and the other animal.

Away for a Week
Many people who leave the dog outside most of the time are willing to leave the dog outside for a week, as well, if someone is dropping by to make sure it has food and drink. Unfortunately, this increases the dog’s sense of loneliness and rejection. The restlessness and whining you see when you’re gone for the day become full-blown anxiety disorder and can turn into behavioral problems if the pet is essentially abandoned for a week in the yard.

Others think that they can leave the dog in the house, checked on by a dog walker who refills the food and water bowl. This does minimize the risk that the dog will escape and prevents it from being stolen. Yet being left alone outside is emotionally traumatic for a pet, especially one that expects to be indoors all the time. The emotional impact is less severe if there is another pet for company but only somewhat.

Conclusion
Puppies, old dogs, and ill dogs are better off when they have a Fetch! Pet Care sitter or dog walker to look after them, even when you’re at work to minimize behavioral problems and health concerns. If you’re going to be gone for more than a day, you should arrange for a dog walker to check on the pet at a minimum. Boarding the dog at a sitter’s home is the better choice since it prevents the dog from making a mess in your home or regressing behaviorally.

Whether you’re gone during the day or a day and a night, your pet needs to be walked several times a day. Don’t assume that this is enough to keep your pet happy. A variety of pet toys and healthy, regular interaction with you several times a day when you are home is essential to your pet’s happiness. Taking the time to keep your pet happy and socialized helps prevent destructive behaviors or outright regression. If you cannot arrange sufficient dog walking or dedicate enough time at the start and end of the day for your pet’s emotional needs, consider leaving your dog with his favorite sitter. This is doubly important if training a puppy that cannot yet understand that you’ll be back in a few hours or the need to wait a few hours before going potty.

The post What to Do with Your Dog When You’re Going To Be Away appeared first on .

Old dog, new tricks: How to know if your dog needs obedience training

Dealing with a disobedient dog is always difficult, especially one you’ve spent time and effort raising. There’s always this dilemma between the bond we form with the animal and the prospect of possibly having to let them go. But is there another option? Fortunately, yes. There’s always a chance that their behavior can be corrected with the help of the right professional(s). But how can you tell if a dog is simply overactive or if they are indeed in need of obedience training?

Taking your Dog for a Walk is War and a Work Out – All at Once
If you have the feeling that your dog is actually the one walking you and not the other way around, you may have a problem. Going for a walk should be a relaxing and pleasant time for you and your dog, not one where you have to spend half the time to fight for your life every time you step out. One of the primary objectives when it comes to dog training is leash obedience. With proper training, your walk should be much easier, and you’ll have less of a hard time protecting passers-by and other dogs as well.

Your Dog Suffers from Separation Anxiety
Some dogs get attached to their owners more than others. If your dog whines incessantly or suddenly becomes destructive when you go away, then it may be dealing with separation anxiety. Severely anxious dogs may start urinating, defecating, or even try to chew their way out through doors in extreme cases. A certified dog trainer can identify the signs of separation anxiety in a dog and take the proper steps to correct it.

For example, Peter Hargreaves, (a Liverpool, UK-based dog trainer), believes that “every dog is different and so deserves a tailor-made approach”. Professional dog trainers will take the time to understand your dog’s personality and psychology to achieve positive results. So, if you think your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety, you may want to get in touch with a certified, professional dog trainer to get your dog the training it needs.

Your Dog Tends to Jump on People
Some people may love overly affectionate dogs that get excited every time somebody new is around. While this behavior may have been cute when they were younger, the habit absolutely has to be curbed as they grow older. Not only is that a major inconvenience for people who have to deal with the behavior, it can also be potentially dangerous. So, if your dog is older and can’t help but jump on everyone they see, maybe it’s time for them to get trained by a professional trainer.

Your Dog is Destructive
It’s normal for dogs to chew on furniture and shoes, all dogs do it. Right? Wrong. It’s not normal for dogs to have that sort of behavior, especially dogs with a naturally gentler disposition. Yes, a new puppy will need to chew as it’s a part of growing their teeth, but they shouldn’t have the compulsion to gnaw on everything they see if they already have toyed around. They should know what they can and cannot chew around the house and you should start by setting clear boundaries yourself. Good dog training experts will give you a few pointers on how to keep their destructive habits under control.

You’ve Adopted
Not all dogs that are recovered from shelters have been mistreated and traumatized, but a large portion of them have. Rescued dogs often had to deal with extreme neglect or abuse, and many still bear the scars of this maltreatment. They might become withdrawn and timid due to the repeated aggression. Others start developing strange behavioral patterns due to trauma. Others become extremely aggressive and lash out at anyone close. If your dog was adopted and exhibits any of these symptoms, then you should start seeking the help of a trainer today.

Fido Does Not Stop Barking
It’s perfectly normal for dogs to talk, that’s how they communicate. However, incessant barking isn’t normal and should definitely be corrected as soon as possible. This is especially true if your dog starts barking at any and everything like cars, passers-by, or birds in your backyard, for instance. This is a clear sign of an overreactive dog. Fortunately, your average dog trainer will be used to this type of behavior and know how to cure it.

They Simply Don’t Obey you
Maybe you tell them to sit and they wander off to another room as if nothing happened. Or you call them to go inside and instead they go wild and go in a completely different direction. This is a more serious issue than many may imagine and should be corrected immediately so that it doesn’t deteriorate. If you want to ensure their safety and health, you have to make sure that they obey your commands at all times. Dog trainers are masters at teaching simple commands any dog will be able to integrate, which will help them stay in control and allow you to protect them from hazards.

Conclusion
If you happen to identify any of these behaviors in your dog, you should talk with a certified professional dog trainer right away. It’s never too late to correct bad habits; you just have to find a good trainer that is dedicated and with a solid track record and background to help you.

The post Old dog, new tricks: How to know if your dog needs obedience training appeared first on .

Audible for Dogs: Audiobooks Now Available to Calm Our Furry Friends!

Unless you have a job that you can work at from at home, you are retired or you have relatives willing to babysit your pooch every day, chances are there are times it is unavoidable you have to leave your furry friend to fend for themselves in the home. Dogs have an unmatched loyalty and commitment to their owners and whenever there is a separation of any type; your dog could form issues such as anxiety or stress in regards to you leaving. Caesar Millan teamed up with Amazon Audible to create a series of recordable audiobooks designed with your dog in mind to help combat this issue and decrease recurring symptoms! This line of audiobooks created varies in genre from the classics such as Winnie the Pooh to science fiction such as Journey to the Center of the Earth. All of these books can be programmed to play at certain intervals throughout the day (or night) using an app. Throughout this article, we will discuss what is separation anxiety in dogs, audiobooks and their functions, the benefits of an audiobook for canines, and where to purchase them.

Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Psychological issues can affect not only humans but also canines at different levels. Separation anxiety is one of the most common complaints dog owners have in regards to their furry friend. This anxiety can range in mild to severe from stress symptoms when you leave the house to stress symptoms when you only leave the room. Dogs will show their anxiety in different ways such as but not limited to:

• Urinating or defecating when completely housebroken
• Barking or howling excessively
• Destructive mannerisms (Digging or chewing on household items)
• Pacing or running laps throughout the house
• Personality changes towards their owners

Separation anxiety generally can be caused by a disruption of your dog’s daily routine such as a change in surroundings or a change in their caregiver/family members. It can also be unintentionally caused by the dog owner themselves. With good intentions, a dog owner tends to make a big production when leaving and returning to the home, speaking in a different tone or being overly affectionate. This leads to a feeling of completion only when you are within earshot or visual sight. By using a device such as an audiobook or radio/television, your pet tends to feel more secure in their daily routine and would not exhibit the above symptoms. PetMD has a comprehensive page dedicated to this issue and offers sections on symptoms, causes, treatments and more if your pet is showing signs of separation anxiety!

Audiobooks and How They Work

Audiobooks are a great way for us to relax while still having the freedom to move around and complete other tasks during your free time. This endeavor geared towards our furry friends either uses human voices or your own pre-recorded voice to narrate your dog a story when you aren’t home with them. Studies conducted before the public launch of the audiobook showed a positive effect on almost every dog tested. They exhibited a more relaxed nature throughout the trials and a more positive, playful personality.

The majority of dog owners tended to choose audiobooks narrated in the same gender as themselves to enforce a calmer state of being and decrease the chance of problems caused by a strange voice in the house. Some people leave on a television or a radio for their pooch before they leave for the day but this isn’t always the best choice. Changes in tones, sounds, and even volume can make your furry friend nervous and in a guarded state.

The Benefits of a Dog Audiobook

Dogs are creatures of habit by nature and whenever an unknown element puts a wrench in their routine, it can create a negative effect. Dogs are also social creatures that thrive when surrounded by familiar faces and sounds. Using an audiobook that is able to be recorded in your own voice creates a sense of security and well-being for your pooch. Keeping your dog calm and relaxed will, in turn, make you more calm and relaxed. Dogs feed off their owner’s emotions, so if you are being forced to repair furniture throughout your home or cleaning up pee for the 100^th time, frustration is natural. Your dog will then hypnotically show signs of frustration and even guilt for creating a tense environment. A happy healthy dog is a joy to be around and using tools such as an audiobook will increase your furry friend’s mental well-being.

Where to Purchase Audiobooks for Dogs

Research showed that during this time period, the only retailer to stock a line of audiobooks for dogs is the aforementioned Audible through Amazon. If results are positive when people start buying the product, then it is conceivable that more retailers will join the bandwagon offering a wider variety of audiobooks to the general public. If your dog exhibits signs of mild separation anxiety, then maybe an audiobook designed for humans will provide comfort and security.

Conclusion

Psychological issues can be taxing and draining to experience while leaving a sense of unease as a dog owner. We can find help and comfort, however, through speaking with a loved one or a trained professional. Dogs rely on their owners to be their voice and to be compassionate in regards to any issue plaguing them. I would hope we owe them that much, at least for the love they show us. If a tool that can diminish an issue your furry friend has been or is currently experiencing is intriguing to you. 

The post Audible for Dogs: Audiobooks Now Available to Calm Our Furry Friends! appeared first on .

5 Effective Ways to Treat Your Dog’s Arthritis

Dogs can develop problems with arthritis as they get older, just like people, and it can be similarly painful. If your dog has problems with joint pain, it is important that you make a point of looking into some of the more effective treatments that exist. The more time you spend researching these options, the more likely it is that your pet will get the relief it needs.

In this article, you will find a number of effective solutions for canine arthritis. If you don’t want your dog to be in pain, it’s important that you get this information.

1. Weight Management

Helping your dog to lose weight can result in less stress on its joints, which in turn will greatly reduce the amount of discomfort it feels on a daily basis. There are lots of different ways that you can help your dog to lose weight, such as by avoiding giving it human food and changing the food you do give it to something healthier. There are certain brands of dog food that are good for losing weight.

2. Physical Therapy

There are certain exercises that you can do with your dog to significantly reduce the amount of pain it experiences. Physical therapy can be extremely effective when it comes to treating arthritis in dogs, but you will need to seek out a professional to get you started. These exercises can go a long way towards helping your dog to lead a healthier and happier life.

3. Natural Supplements

There are many different dog supplements for joints that can be a safe and definitive way to treat arthritis for dogs. These supplements are made up of all-natural ingredients that have been proven to help with reducing the pain and inflammation that is closely associated with arthritis. If you want to help your dog heal naturally, this is the best option you have.

4. Acupuncture

Believe it or not, acupuncture can also be a good way to get your beloved pet the relief it needs from its pain. Acupuncture isn’t just for people and it can be helpful in treating a myriad of ailments, including arthritis. If nothing else you have tried has seemed to work at all, you can always look into this option. Just make sure that you find someone who has experience performing acupuncture on animals so that you don’t end up doing more harm than good to your dog.

4. Take Your Dog for Regular Checkups

Just making a point of taking your dog to get regular checkups at the veterinarian can go a long way towards helping them. The vet will be able to detect any changes in the dog’s overall health and may be able to suggest treatments that will be of help.

Arthritis is actually fairly common in dogs and it can cause intense joint pain. If you want your dog to lead a long and happy life, it is important that you review these treatment options carefully.

The post 5 Effective Ways to Treat Your Dog’s Arthritis appeared first on .

The Truth About Dry Cat Food

We’re not sure what exactly started the feud between the Hatfields and the McCoys, but it may well have been an argument about cat food. No matter how far veterinary medicine advances or how much we enhance our understanding of our pet’s nutritional needs, the debate over dry versus wet cat food rages on. In truth, both are acceptable options and you need not feel shame or guilt if you feed your pet dry cat food. Here is the simple truth about dry cat food and what you need to know when choosing your feline’s diet.

You are the target.

Your cat doesn’t go to the grocery store. When creating commercials food makers are appealing to your senses, not your pet’s. Buzzwords like grain-free, all natural and raw mean nothing to your cat, who honestly don’t care if the first ingredient in his food is corn meal or de-boned white meat chicken. Ignore the hype and focus on facts when picking your cat’s diet.

Don’t fall for the outdoor diet myth.

To entice you into buying wet or fresh refrigerated food, cat food manufacturers like to remind you that your cat would never eat dry kibble if he were living in the wild. Instead, he would eat only the fresh meat that he hunted and killed himself. What these carnivorous purists neglect to mention is that your cat would actually be eating his entire catch – not just the meat. According to Dr. Richard Hill of the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine, meat alone doesn’t contain all of the amino acids, minerals and vitamins a healthy cat needs. It may, however, contain harmful bacteria.

Indoor cats do eat differently than their outdoor counterparts, but they also live much longer. Indoor cats typically live 9 to 15 years while outdoor cats live only 4 to 5 years. Diet and nutrition play a role in the longevity of indoor cats, so don’t be fooled into thinking your indoor cat’s diet is lacking if it isn’t full of moist meat morsels.

Cats are obligatory carnivores, however, so please don’t attempt to turn your pet into a vegetarian.

Dry cat food offers several advantages.

Pet parents choose the foods they do for a number of different reasons, and there are some compelling benefits to dry cat food. One is cost. Dry pet food costs less than canned, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking in quality. In fact, a high-quality dry food can provide more nutritional value than poor quality canned food and may do so at a fraction of the price.

Dry cat food is also extremely easy to store and takes up less space in your pantry than individual cans. It also makes cleanup after feeding time much easier. Wet cat food requires washing of the bowls and feeding area after every meal and may require you to clean off your kitty as well if he is a messy eater. Some dry foods are formulated to reduce tartar and promote oral health, as well, potentially minimizing the number of dental hygiene visits your cat requires.

Value nutrients over ingredients.

What is in your cat’s food matters, but what she gets out of it matters more. It doesn’t matter if your cat gets a certain nutrient from corn or another grain. It’s far more important that she gets enough of the nutrient. Cat food manufacturers, however, will try and convince you that one ingredient is better than another, even when it’s not true. Focus more on what your cat is getting out of her food, not how she is getting it.

Think of feeding your cat like feeding your children in this regard. It’s important to make sure that your child’s growing bones receive adequate amounts of calcium. Milk is an excellent source of calcium, but so is cheese. If your child refuses to drink milk but absolutely loves cheese, the easiest and smartest course of action may be to fill the fridge with cheese rather than fighting over milk.

The same is true for your cat. It is more important to focus on meeting your cat’s nutritional needs than worrying about how you’re getting there. So long as the food contains no harmful ingredients, there is no reason to worry about whether meat or grain is the first listed ingredient.

So, what should I look for?

When you strip away the hype and the buzzwords, what you need is a nutritionally sound food your cat is willing to eat. To find it, choose foods that contain an American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) feed trial statement. This helps ensure that the food you are buying has been tested and meets recommended nutritional feed standards.

You’ll also want to dig a bit deeper and look for the words “manufactured by” on your cat food bag. You don’t want a food that was made for, distributed for or manufactured for someone else. Quality pet food companies generally opt to manufacture products themselves so they can maintain strict control over the ingredients and manufacturing processes used. It is also best to purchase foods made in the United States that adhere to our national ingredient and labeling laws.

Remember your greatest ally.

When thinking about your cat’s dietary needs, remember to talk to your veterinarian. It’s easy to think of the vet only when there is something wrong with your pet, but he is a great source of wellness information, too. Your vet is also in tune with your cat’s special needs and can help you deal with food allergies, weight issues, dental problems and other issues that may impact your cat’s specific dietary needs.

The post The Truth About Dry Cat Food appeared first on .

Breed Breakdown: The Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is an absolutely massive Tibetan dog breed. It has its origins in the nomadic cultures of Tibet, India, Nepal and China. In fact, in the vernacular, the Tibetan Mastiff is referred to as “Drog-Khyi” which roughly translates to “that a dog that may be tied.” This fits in with what the Tibetan Mastiff is primarily used for: protection of cattle from bears, wolves, tigers, etc.

A Brief History

The Tibetan Mastiff is said to be among the oldest breeds that are still around. Marco Polo mentioned the Tibetan Mastiffs as far back as the 13th century. From the evidence that is actually available, it appears that the breed has remained virtually unchanged for an extraordinary number of years. Bones and pictures from earlier eras attest to this.

General Information

The Tibetan Mastiff is arguably the most courageous dog breed that you will set your eyes on. Independent and territorial, it is a guardian of cattle par excellence and its loyalty to its family is of the highest order. Its appearance is scarily impressive. It has a heavy coat that is both thick and long. With a heavy undercoat in cold weather and little undercoat in warmer temperatures, the Tibetan Mastiff is well equipped to handle all kinds of weather.

Below is a breakdown of the basic facts of as well as the pro’s & con’s of The Tibetan Mastiff:

Height

The Mastiff has an average height of 25 to 28 inches. They are usually slightly longer than they are tall. Males tend to be taller than females.

Weight

They can weigh anywhere between 140 pounds to 170 pounds. There are a few owners of Mastiffs who swear that their pets weigh about 200 pounds. Regardless of the veracity of their claims, the vast majority of Tibetan Mastiffs fall in the aforementioned weight range.

Litter size

The Tibetan Mastiff has a litter size of 6 to 12 puppies.

Color

Usually black, brown, blue/gray and shades of gold.

Life span

The Tibetan Mastiff typically lives from 10 years to 14 years.

Shedding

Moderate to heavy shedding.

Pros Of The Tibetan Mastiff

The pros of having a Tibetan Mastiff may be enumerated as follows:

Extremely Loyal And Protective

The Mastiff is one of the most loyal and protective dog breeds that you will set your eyes on. They will do anything to protect their family. Think a million times before messing with their families!

Aesthetic Appeal

They have a very pretty coat which comes in myriad colors. The Mastiff packs a punch when it comes to aesthetic appeal.

Imposing Figure – Great Deterrent

Its towering figure acts as an excellent deterrent. With the Mastiff next to you, you can be sure that no one will come to you looking for a fight in a hurry. The best part is, the Mastiff is not aggressive by nature.

Loves The Outdoors But Is Quiet Indoors

This is a dream combination for pet owners. Sometimes dogs which are more inclined to be outdoors have trouble staying indoors which may result in unwanted demand barking. The Tibetan Mastiff could not be more different. Whilst it is an outdoor dog in every sense of the word (rejoice all you nature fans!), it is extremely quiet indoors (as an adult).

Cons Of A Tibetan Mastiff

Requires Rigorous Training

If you want to have a fulfilling experience of owning a Tibetan Mastiff, then you have to put in the hard yards as the dog owner. Your Mastiff requires a lot of training. Given how strong-headed and independent it is, this is by no means the easiest task in the world.

Takes Up A Lot Of Space – Not Ideal For Apartments

Let us get this straight at the outset: you CAN have a Tibetan Mastiff in an apartment. However, they need to be trained very well otherwise it is just not viable. Moreover, the apartment has to be spacious as the towering figure of the Mastiff takes up a lot more space than you can imagine.

They Take Time To Socialize

Tibetan Mastiffs are somewhat introverted in that they take time to socialize. However, with quality training and constant supervision, this can be achieved.

Things To Consider Before Getting A Tibetan Mastiff

Exercise Needs

The Mastiff requires a reasonable amount of exercise. Daily walks are imperative. It is a bad idea to let it stay indoors all day. Over-exercising him is not advisable since that takes away energy that the Mastiff puppy needs to grow and gain a healthy weight.

Does Not Always Get Along With Other Animals

It can be aggressive towards other animals, particularly those of the same sex. You will have to factor this in if you already have several other animals.

Trainability

Obedience training has to take place when the Mastiff is young. Do not be too harsh on it and avoid punishments. Mutual respect and compassion go a long way with training the Tibetan Mastiff.

Guard Dog Capabilities

As mentioned earlier, the Tibetan Mastiff is an excellent guard dog.

Health Problems

The most common health problems with the Mastiff are ear infections, thyroid disorders, hip dysplasia and skin problems.

They Do Not Like To “play fetch”

The Tibetan Mastiff is not your average dog that is happy to play fetch. If a dog like that is what you are after, then the Tibetan Mastiff may not be the right choice for you.

Conclusion

All things considered, the Tibetan Mastiff is not for everyone. However, if you are keen on getting one, then there are plenty of good reasons for doing so. If possible, adopt one from an animal shelter. These typically tend to be more sociable and less aggressive.

Are you an owner of a Tibetan Mastiff? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.

The post Breed Breakdown: The Tibetan Mastiff appeared first on .