Posts tagged as:

pets

What’s your dog’s tail telling you?

by Gabrielle on March 4, 2010

Scientists from the University of Trieste in Italy deciphered a secret code in your dog’s tail: A wag to his right means he’s excited to see you. A wag to his left, however, [more…]

Be a lifesaver: Host a CPR party

by Gabrielle on March 3, 2010

Imagine you’re out on a mani/pedi date with your BFF when, in between coats of Lickable Pink, she suddenly slumps to the floor and stops breathing. Can you remember enough CPR training you learned from Girl Scouts mumble-mumble years ago to save her life?

Why risk it? Invite your friends and family over and get a refresher course right at home using the Family & Friends CPR Anytime kit from the American Heart Association. Each kit contains an inflatable mannequin, practice lungs and an instructional DVD that shows you the basics of CPR. An accompanying booklet explains how to perform CPR on babies and what to do for a choking victim. [more…]

Decoded: Your pet’s secret signals

by Gabrielle on February 28, 2010

Think you know everything about your furry pals? Maybe not! Here’s what animal researchers recently discovered about your cat and dog’s communication styles: [more…]

Feel cheerier by looking at kittens

by Gabrielle on February 23, 2010

Ever wonder why virtually no one can resist peering into a pet store window as they pass by? Simply gazing at the happy faces of kittens, puppies and other adorable furry creatures makes you instantly happy, too, according to a research team out of Duke and Waterloo universities. “Our brain is wired to unconsciously mimic the personality traits of people around us. And now we know it works also with animals,” explains study co-author Grainne Fitzsimons, Ph.D. No furry faces nearby? Pictures work, too! Enjoy a peek now at thedailycute.comicanhascheezburger.com or cuteoverload.com.

[photo: John Nyberg]

How your pet likes to play

by Gabrielle on February 13, 2010

Playing with your cat or dog doesn’t just strengthen the bond you share, it’s key to keeping your pet’s weight down, which can add years to its life. And animal experts say that getting even the laziest furry friend up and playing is easy. The trick? Play the way they like to play! Think you’re doing that already? Maybe not. For… [more…]

How to tell if your dog or cat needs a diet

by Gabrielle on January 24, 2010

Losing weight is one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions for humans. And this year you might want to put your pet on a diet, too. A recent study shows that one in four cats and dogs is overweight, leaving them more prone to chronic health problems like heart disease and arthritis. So, is it time for your pet to eat less and exercise more? To tell, Kansas State University veterinarian Susan Nelson, D.V.M., advises: [more…]

Keep your cat purring over catnip

by Gabrielle on January 18, 2010

Wonder why your cat goes ga-ga over catnip when you first bring it home, but she loses interest after a few days? Nepetalactone, the chemical in catnip that causes euphoria, loses its potency over time when exposed to room temperature. Easy fix: Store it in the freezer!

Did you know? Not all cats get frisky over catnip. In fact, 50% of cats haven’t inherited a sensitivity to nepetalactone, according to the American Chemical Society.

[photo: Saucy Salad]

How to know it’s time to go to the vet

by Gabrielle on January 15, 2010

Does your cat’s itchy ear or dog’s lack of appetite mean it’s time to go to the vet? Find out at petside.com or petmd.com, which both guide you through free, easy symptom-and-diagnosis charts for your furry pals.

Slash the cost of pet food and supplies

by Gabrielle on December 27, 2009

Worried about the rising cost of your pet’s food, vaccinations, medications and more? There are easy ways to cut your costs by hundreds, even thousands, assures Patty Khuly, V.M.D., Miami veterinarian and founder of Dolittler.com. Start by… [more…]