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Complete Guide for New Cat Owners

Before buying a cat, it’s important to know the cost associated with buying your new pet, as well as all the items you’ll want to get before bringing your new kitten home. Below, we outline our top recommendations for what to purchase and budget for when buying a cat!

Food

You’ll want to do research on the best kind of cat food based on your cat’s size, breed, and any health factors. You can also consult with your vet on the best kind of food for your new cat. Once you’ve decided what food, you’ll want to have a general idea for how much to budget for your cat’s food each month and ensure you have a good schedule for purchasing your cat’s food to ensure they don’t run out and are kept on a healthy eating schedule.

Litter Box and Litter

It’s important before you bring your new kitten home to ensure you have a litter box and good litter available. Depending on your cat’s diet, the frequency in which you change their little box and purchase littler will vary, but you’ll likely want to budget at least some money monthly to getting litter.

Toys

While this may not be necessary when buying a cat, it’s nice to buy them a few toys to allow them to feel at home. Cat toys are generally fairly cheap, but you’ll want to invest in a few good ones, and maybe even a cat tree or bed, to provide your new kitten with a great experience as they adjust to their new home.

Medicine

Cats will require frequent medicine for fleas, worms, and ticks. You’ll want to consult with your vet about which are the best medicines for each of these, but it’s a good idea to begin talking with your vet about this before you get your cat so you can have these medicines available when you bring your cat home.

Vet

If you don’t already have pets, you’ll want to establish your cat with a vet you trust and like. You can ask family, friends, or look online for good vets in your area, and you’ll want to make sure they have experience and positive reviews. The cost of a vet can be expensive, but you’ll want to make sure you establish your kitten with a vet you trust to help with any needs that may come up.

Spaying and Neutering

While some cats may already be spayed and neutered, if your cat is not, you’ll want to budget money to get them spayed or neutered fairly soon after you get them. This can be pretty pricey and is likely one of the more expensive upfront costs when purchasing a cat. However, you’ll want to ensure you are prepared to have your cat spayed or neutered fairly soon after you get them.

Microchip

This isn’t required when purchasing a cat, but it is a great idea if you are concerned about your cat getting lost. Microchipping is usually fairly cheap, but it allows you to be called if your pet is ever lost and scanned for a microchip. This is a great investment to pursue when you get a cat.

Collar

You’ll want to make sure your cat has a collar, particularly if they will be an outside cat. This, like the microchip, is great if your cat gets lost because you can put your contact information on their collar and allow others to return them to you if found. Collars are generally cheap and a great choice to purchase for your cat.

Are you a cat owner? What are some other things you tried to purchase when you got your cat? Share your thoughts below!

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Best Way to Care for an Aging Dog

For most of us, our pups are a part of our family. That’s why as they get older, it’s important to put extra thought and care into some of the changing or frequent needs of our dogs. Below are some of our tips for helping your aging dog be as happy as possible.

Increased Vet Visits

For most younger pups, vet visits are usually an annual event to keep up with vaccinations and medicines. However, as your dog gets older, it is often a good idea to increase the frequency in which you have them checked by your vet. Most individuals recommend increasing vet visits from once a year to twice a year for aging dogs to ensure they are getting more compressive vet care. This would includie dental care, bloodwork, and checking for signs of any issues that tend to be more common in older dogs.

Watch Their Diet and Nutrition

Making sure your dog eats high quality food with good nutritional value is important for a dog at any age. However, the need for special attention to your dog’s diet and nutrition increases as they get older. For many older dogs, they can have difficulty with digestion. They also may need more or less of certain vitamins to aid in their needs as they get older. It’s important for owners of older dogs to devote extra time and research into ensuring their pup is getting all their nutritional needs met.

Exercise With Your Dog

We all know how important exercise is for our dogs, however, this is particularly important as they get older. Frequent exercise can help maintain a good weight for your pup and help them maintain their mobility. Daily walks are an easy and great way to do this as well as frequent trips to the dog park.

Adapt To Their Needs

As your dog gets older, their needs will probably change. From their vaccination needs to their environmental needs and even their mental health needs. Staying updated on what your pup needs in order to easily transition into becoming a senior dog is important. Changing their vaccines or the frequency they receive them, changing the areas they play and sleep if their mobility decreases, or providing extra attention to help maintain their happy mood are all ways you can help adapt to what your dog may need as they get older and provide them with as much love as possible.

We all want our dogs to transition into aging with as few problems and as much happiness as possible. Are there ways you have helped your older dog transition as they get older? Share your tips below!

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Pet Friendly Lodging and Accommodations Options When Traveling

This post may contain affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. It will help us keep Summer’s travel itinerary full :)

Over the years, we’ve gotten pretty great personal experience with various pet friendly accommodation options when on the road. While it can be overwhelming trying to decide where to stay when traveling with your pet, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite pet friendly options to help make the decision a bit easier for you.

Aloft Hotels

This is our personal favorite hotel chain that is a great pet friendly option. Aloft is a great modern hotel chain that is incredibly welcoming to travelers with pets. Most Aloft hotels don’t charge a pet fee and in fact, actually accommodate exceptionally well for travelers with pets. We have even stayed in some Alofts that have welcomed pets with treats, potty bags, and a toy! The price can vary depending on the location, but we throughly believe this is one of the best pet friendly hotel options available.

Red Roof Inn

This is a great budget friendly option for pet owners when on the road. Generally very reasonably priced, Red Roof Inn offer very simple accommodations and do not usually charge a pet fee. They are also generally a common hotel chain and fairly easy to find when traveling. This is a great cheap hotel option to accommodate you and your pet.

Airbnb

When staying somewhere for more than one night, this is one of our favorite places to look for pet friendly lodging. While not every Airbnb is pet friendly, many hosts allow pets to stay in their apartment or house for an additional fee. A bonus with Airbnbs is that since these are usually apartments or houses, there is often plenty of space to walk your pup and may even have a yard for your pet to roam around. We have used Airbnb plenty of times when traveling with pets and love the freedom and space they often give. We highly recommend checking them out when traveling to see what options are available. Right now, you will receive up $65 off your first qualifying booking by following this link before you book on Airbnb!

Campground

We know this may not be everyone’s first choice or may not be an option for everyone, but if you’re looking for a safe place to sleep for the night with your pet and a hot shower in the morning, campgrounds can be a great cheap option to consider when traveling. Many will allow you to park your car overnight, allow you to shower in the morning, and some may even provide free breakfast. While we know sleeping in the car may not be an option for everyone, for those simply looking for a quick nights rest, this can be a great affordable option. If you have an RV or are looking to get one, check out Camping World. For a more rustic camping experience, we recommend REI for your tent camping essentials.

A few other pet friendly hotel chains are:

La Quinta

Kimpton

Best Western

Motel 6

What are your favorite accommodation options when traveling with your pet? Tell us below!

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Top 10 Healthiest Dog Treats

This post contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. It will help us keep Summer’s treat bag full :)

As a pet owner, we all want our pups to be as happy and healthy as possible. That’s why it’s so important to ensure they food we give our pups, and their treats, are good for them. According to MSN.com, these are the healthiest treats for your dog.

Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe

These treats are some of the top recommended treats for pups, specifically for training purposes. They are small which means you can feel good about rewarding your pup without overfeeding them, and with real ingredients like chicken, berries, and herbs, these are a great healthy option for pups.

Buy it here! Zuke’s Mini Naturals Chicken Recipe - Amazon.com

Greenies Dental Dog Treats

These treats are a great option for pet owners that want to focus on their dogs dental health. They are specially made to clean your dogs teeth while they eat and chew on them. They’re also made with great vitamins and minerals to improve your pups overall health! They come in a variety of sizes, too, for dogs of all ages and sizes. These are a treat your pup will love.

Buy it here! Greenies Dental Dog Treats - Amazon.com

Three Dog Bakery Crunch Beg-all

If your dog is a peanut butter fan, they’ll likely love these treats. Made with real ingredients, these treats are a healthy option you can give your pup. Made in the USA and made with ingredients like real peanuts and peanut butter, this is a great treat choice.

Buy it here! Three Dog Bakery Crunch Beg-all - Amazon.com

Riley’s Organic Coconut and Pumpkin Bone Dog Treats

Organic and made with human ingredients, these are a great treat option for your pup. Using ingredients like pumpkin, rye, and organic oats, these treats are not only a delicious option for your pup, but a great choice if you want to be extra cautious about what your pup eats.

Buy it here! Riley’s Organic Coconut and Pumpkin Bone Dog Treats - Amazon.com

Kong Easy Treat Peanut Butter Flavor

At first glance, this treat looks like cheese whiz for a dog, and it could be considered the peanut butter version of this. What makes this treat so unique, though, is that the container is easy to dispense, allowing you to easily fill up a kong, or to put in your pups bowl as a treat. The soft texture is a great option for dogs that may have weak teeth, and your pup is likely to love the peanut butter taste.

Buy it here! Kong Easy Treat Peanut Butter Flavor - Amazon.com

Wholehearted Boundless Bars Chicken With Mixed Berries

Similar to some of the treats listed above, these are a great treat option because they are made with human ingredients like cranberries, blueberries, and quinoa. They are also portable which give them bonus points in our book as they’re easy to take with you in the car or to the dog park. These are a great option for pups that may like a sweet treat.

Buy it here! Wholehearted Boundless Bars Chicken With Mixed Berries - Amazon.com

Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Natural Soft Chicken And Carrots Biscuits

Specifically designed for puppies, these treats are a great option for your pet because of their ingredients. Including things like chicken and potatoes, these treats are a great protein filled option for your pup!

Buy it here! Blue Buffalo Baby Blue Natural Soft Chicken And Carrots Biscuits - Amazon.com

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dental Chewz

Made with beefhide, these treats are a great protein filled treat for your pup. Created to prevent tartar build up on your dogs teeth, these are another great treat option for owners wanting to focus on their dog’s teeth.

Buy it here! Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets Dental Chewz - Amazon.com

Spot Farms Turkey Meatball Recipe with Cranberries

These treats include many healthy ingredients including turkey, honey, and oats. They are also a soft treat and a great option for a dog that may have weak teeth. These treats are made with such high quality ingredients they are actually able to be eaten by people! These treats are a delicious, high quality option for your dog.

Buy it here! Spot Farms Turkey Meatball Recipe with Cranberries - Amazon.com

Rachael Ray Nutrish Soup Bones Chicken And Veggies Flavor Chews

This treat is a chewy treat made with many high quality ingredients like beets, carrots and, peas. This treat also has a soft center which means your dog gets an added reward at the end for all their hard work! it’s a great choice for dogs that love savory treats.

Buy it here! Rachael Ray Nutrish Soup Bones Chicken And Veggies Flavor Chews - Amazon.com

What are some of your favorite treats to give your dog? Tell us below!

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Which Human Foods can you Share with your Dog?

For many, one of the biggest struggles of having a pup is having the discipline to not feed them table food. After all, we all want our pups to be happy, and the excitement they show when we give them treats makes it difficult to tell them no. While we’ve discussed in previous blog posts some of the foods that are harmful to share with your pups, there are many foods you may be eating everyday that are great options for your pup as well. Below we’ve listed some of the best human foods that you can give your dog.

Carrots

Eating carrots can have many positive effects when given to pups. Carrots can actually help improve your dog’s dental health. The crunchy texture of carrots can help remove plaque from your dog’s teeth, improving their overall dental health. Carrots are also a great source of Vitamin A, can improve your dog’s vision, and can help them to have healthy bowel movements. These healthy snacks are a great one to share with your dog!

Green Beans

These are often recommended to pet owners who may be trying to help their dog lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. These are a great snack option for dogs that are low in calories and high in vitamins. Green beans contain Vitamin A and Vitamin C as well as iron. This is a great option for a healthy snack that your dog will surely enjoy!

Chicken

A great source of protein, chicken is a great option for individuals who want to feed their dog a healthy source of protein that isn’t fish. Chicken is a great source of Vitamin B, and often, boiled chicken is actually one of the recommended foods to give pets when they have an upset stomach. Many pet owners will actually feed their dog boiled chicken weekly as a treat. With all its benefits, chicken is a great choice for a healthy treat to share with your dog.

Sweet Potatoes

Our dog, Summer, loves sweet potatoes! This is a great option for a sweet treat your pup will enjoy, too!  Sweet potatoes are full of potassium, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. They are also easy to prepare as you can easily boil or bake them as a healthy treat alternative for your dog. Many people will also include sweet potato as a primary ingredient in homemade dog treats. These are a cheap and healthy choice to give your pup!

What are some of your favorite foods to share with your dog? Tell us below! Also, be sure to check out some of our other blog posts by clicking the links below!

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Famous Dogs from Movies and TV

As animal lovers, many of us are drawn to TV shows and movies that have animals in them. Some animals have been so loved from their shows and movies that they are more recognizable than some actors! Below are six of our favorite dogs, both real and cartoon, from TV and movies.

Lassie- “Lassie”

Snoopy- “The Peanuts”

Beethoven - “Beethoven”

Scooby Doo - “Scooby Doo”

Toto- “The Wizard of Oz”

Astro- “The Jetson”

Clifford- “Clifford The Big Red Dog”

Chance and Shadow- “Homeward Bound”

Porkchop- “Doug”

Dug- “Up”

What are some of your favorite TV and movie dogs? Tell us below!

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A Few Fun and Unique Facts About Cats

We often talk about dogs in our blogs, and while we love our pups, we also love cats and we know many of our family, friends, and customers are cat lovers as well! Read below for a few interesting facts about cats. Whether you’re a cat parent or just love cats, these facts are sure to interest you.

The Oldest Known Pet Cat Existed 9,500 Years Ago

According to purina.co.uk, French archeologists discovered in 2004 a 9,500 year old cat grave. This predated what was originally thought to be the oldest pet cat in Egypt by almost 4,000 years!

Cats Spend On Average 2/3 Of Their Day Sleeping

According to assisianimalhealth.com, cats spend about 2/3 of their day sleeping. This likely doesn’t come as a surprise to many as most people that have owned or own cats can tell you that they’re usually sleeping. What’s more interesting though? They spend 1/3 of their time awake cleaning themselves.

Cats Use Different Sounds to Communicate with People And Other Cats

An article from sunnvalevet.com says that cats will meow to communicate with people. However, they make sounds like chirps and growls to communicate with each other! It’s their own form of language.

Cats Have Better Hearing Than People

An article posted on purina.com reports that the average cat can hear better than most people. On average, cats hearing is 5 times what a person can hear.

What are some cool or unique facts you know about cats? Share them below! And be sure to click the links below to check out some of our other blog posts!

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Unique Pet Alternatives Besides Cats and Dogs

Many people are animals lovers, but because of allergies, space, or maintenance, may be unable to properly care for or own a cat or dog. There are, however, several alternative options for pets outside of the typical choices of dogs and cats. Read below to learn more about other great pet options!

Fish

One of the more popular options, fish are great low maintenance pet options for someone with fur allergies, limited space, or with busy schedules. Fish, while fairly low maintenance, do require special attention and care just like other animals. It’s important to research before getting a fish to ensure you know how to properly care for the kind of fish you’ll be getting. These are a great option, though, for many pet owners and are great companions!

Guinea Pigs

These adorable furry critters are a great pet option for someone with limited space, although they make great pets for most anyone. Guinea pigs are often regarded as fairly gentle and low maintenance animals, however they do thrive more when receiving human attention daily and often do even better if they have a second guinea pig with them to keep them company. They also have a fairly low maintenance diet of hay, veggies, and pellets. This is a great pet option for many people looking for an alternative to a cat or dog!

Bearded Dragon

These animals are generally a great choice as they are often very gentle, kind, and fairly easy to take care of. They do require live food such as crickets or worms, so they may not be a good option for everyone, particularly if someone is grossed out by bugs. However, they are a unique and interesting animal and make great pets.

Parakeet

These are a really unique and interesting option for someone who likes the idea of having a parrot, but is worried about size. Parakeets have a lot of the benefits of owning a parrot but are much smaller. This is a pet that someone has to be very committed to owning, though, as they can live up to 30 years old or more. They often form a unique bond with their owners, making them a great pet choice for many.

Snake

The ultimate unique pet! Similar to a bearded dragon, snakes usually require live food such as mice and small rodents. Snakes are cold-blooded so they also require a warm living environment. Their terrarium can usually take up little space in your home making them a great option for small spaces.

Have you owned any of the animals above? What other kinds of unique pets have you owned? Tell us in the comment section below. Also, be sure to take a look at more of our great blog posts by clicking on the links below!

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What Kind of Jobs can I get Working with Animals?

Many people often dream of how they can take their love of animals and turn that into a career . For many, the first option they think of is a veterinarian. However, there are many other options that combine a love of animals and a professional path. Read below for some of the jobs you can do that will allow you to work with animals.

Groomer

As a groomer, your job is to help pets look their best. Providing baths, haircuts, nail trimming, and other services, becoming a groomer is a great option for someone who loves animals but may not be fond of the biological or technical side of pet care. This career can be done through a grooming company, or done independently on your own by opening your own pet salon!

Kennel Attendant

This is a great job for someone who loves to be around animals and may have a special ability to be able to calm anxiety in cats and dogs. Often times, pets are particularly anxious when at the kennel, and kennel attendants, while caring for the needs of each animal while their owner is gone, are also responsible to trying to make each cat and dog as happy as possible within the kennel. This is a great career option for animal lovers who have that important quality of being able to calm even the most nervous pet.

Vet Assistant/Technician

Many individuals who are interested in the veterinary world, but don’t like the idea of the demanding timeline and educational requirements for becoming a vet, find a lot of fulfillment in becoming a vet assistant or technician. These individuals work closely with vets, helping to care for animals in veterinary care and even help administer tests or give medication to animals. This career path generally requires more schooling and training than the above mentioned careers, but can be a really rewarding option for someone who wants to work with animals.

Conservation and Forest Technicians

This career option is one we didn’t know much about until doing a bit more research, as it is not a profession you hear very much talk about much. This career is a unique one for animal lovers, though, particularly because it has more of a big picture approach to helping animals. People in this profession are responsible for keeping track of wildlife, gathering data, and working to prevent or decrease the number of forest fires, helping to preserve the homes of many animals. This is a really great career option for someone who loves animals but may prefer a grander approach to their work with them.

Have you ever considered any of the career options above? Tell us below! Also, be sure to check out some of our other blog post by clicking through the links below!

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Easiest Ways to Potty Train a Puppy

When getting a new pup, one of the most difficult parts of the adjustment can be potty training your new dog. Below are some of our tips for helping to potty train your new pup.

Take Them Out Frequently

It can be a lot of work potty training your pup, specifically because of the time commitment. However, taking your dog out every 2-3 hours while potty training can be helpful as it reduces accidents in the house. Try to allow your pup to go outside every few hours while in the process of potty training.

Crate Training

Many people don’t like the idea of having their pup in a crate as they worry it could cause increased anxiety. While crates can take some getting used to for dogs, they are actually a really great tool for potty training. They can limit the amount of accidents your dog has in your house and can also teach them to whine or make noise when they have to go potty, helping to set a pattern of communication for your dog to tell you when they need to go. You can check out some of our favorite dog crates in this blog post.

Have A Designated Potty Spot

This can be helpful as dogs are often routine animals and they liking having a set area or spot to go. As you begin potty training your dog, take them outside to the same area to go to the bathroom. This will help them associate this specific area, and the outside in general, as the area to go potty.

Use Rewards

One easy way to help your dog associate going potty outside as a positive experience is to actually make it a positive experience. After your pup as gone potty outside, telling them “Good boy/girl” followed by a treat helps to reinforce the idea that going outside is the right way for them to go the bathroom. Check out our blog post about some of the best treats for your pup.

Puppy Pads

There is some disagreement on how helpful puppy pads themselves are for potty training dogs, but most people agree on a key piece: they make cleaning up way easier. Using puppy pads can help train your dog to only go potty in certain areas, but more so, they can help as your dog is potty training to make clean up a much easier piece of the process. You can find some of the best deals on puppy pads on Amazon. Pro tip: Compare the prices per pad!

Be Patient

It can take a lot of time, work, and energy to potty train your pup. However, many dogs respond better to positive words and rewards for good behavior. By being patient and taking your time helping your pup potty train, they, and likely you, will have an overall better potty training experience with your new pup.

What are some tips you’ve found for making potty training your pup easier? Tell us below! Also, check out some of our other blog posts by clicking on one of the links below.

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Best Places to Travel with your Dog in the United States

For many of us, deciding where to travel can be largely affected by how easy of a trip it will be with our pet and how much we can do with them while visiting. While many cities in the US are pet friendly, some do a better job of creating a friendly, welcoming environment for our dogs. Read below to learn about the most pet friendly cities in the US!

Portland, OR

According to bringfido.com, Portland has more dog parks per capita than any other city in the United States. Portland is also central to many great hiking trails, the river, the coast, and has many pet friendly coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. We can also personally vouch for the welcoming attitude towards pets in Portland as our owner and many staff members are from the area! Portland is a great option for those looking for a city that will welcome their dog with hospitality and love.

Asheville, NC

Often described as quirky, hip, or modern, Asheville is a great vacation option for people and pets alike. Asheville, much like Portland, is close to many hiking trails, as well as a river for pups who love the water. It also has many pet friendly restaurants. If you’re a beer lover, Asheville also has a great brewery scene, with some being pet friendly! Whatever your preference is for activities, it is not difficult to find ones in Asheville, NC that you can easily include your pet in.

San Diego, CA

If your pup is a beach lover, San Diego is a great vacation spot! This city has many pet friendly beaches, parks, and restaurants. There are even kayak rentals for you and your pup, and restaurants in the area with dedicated dog menus. This is a great spot to visit if you and your pup are both looking for a little Vitamin Sea.

What are some of your favorite pet friendly vacation destinations? Tell us below! Also, check out some of our other recent blog posts using the links below!

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The Best Dog Movies of All Time

This post contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. It will help us keep Summer’s toy box full :)

If you’re a dog or cat lover, chances are you’re a fan of anything and everything that has to do with pets, including movies. We thought it’d be fun to compile a list of some of our favorite animal movies and share them with you. Many you’ve likely heard of and some may be new. Click on the titles to check out the ones you’ve never heard of. Continue reading for our list of our favorite animal movies!

The Lion King

Homeward Bound

The Secret Life of Pets

All Dogs Go to Heaven

Old Yeller

101 Dalmatians

The Aristocats

Lady and the Tramp

The Fox and the Hound

Lassie

There are plenty of other animal movies to choose from and we’d love to hear what your favorite is! Leave a comment of your favorite animal movie below!

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Popular Male and Female Cat Names for 2021

You may have read our recent article about the top dog names of 2021. We didn’t want to forget all our cat lovers, though! If you’re struggling to name your new cat, read below. According to rover.com, these are the top male and female cat names of 2020.

Male

Oliver

Leo

Milo

Charlie

Simba

Max

Jack

Loki

Tiger

Jasper

Female

Luna

Bella

Lucy

Kitty

Lily

Nala

Chloe

Cleo

Stella

Sophie

Still unsure of what to name your pet? Some ways to find inspiration are thinking of some of your favorite animals from shows or movie, thinking of places you like, seasons or activities you enjoy, or even thinking of a unique physical characteristic of your cat. Whatever you choose, there are many good options out there for naming your cat.

How did you pick your cat’s name? Tell us below and share your ideas with others!

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The Best, Most Popular Male and Female Dog Names of 2021

Naming your dog can be one of the most difficult things about welcoming a new pup into your home. Need a little inspiration on what to name your new furry friend? According to dailypaws.com, these are the most popular male and female dog names for 2021.

Male

Max

Charlie

Cooper

Buddy

Milo

Bear

Rocky

Duke

Tucker

Jack

Female

Bella

Luna

Lucy

Daisy

Lola

Sadie

Molly

Bailey

Stella

Maggie

Don’t like any of the above names and need more inspiration? Some great places to look for inspiration on what to name your pet are naming it after a place you love, a season you enjoy, someone you know, or thinking of animals from shows and movies.

Tell us below how you picked your pups name and share some inspiration with others in the comments below! We’d love to hear what you have to say.

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Four Human Foods That Are Toxic For Dogs And Cats

It can be difficult to not share everything we eat with our pets. They look at us with their best and cutest begging face, and it’s so easy to share because, of course, we want to make our pets happy. While there are many foods people and their pets can both eat, there are many foods we eat that are dangerous for dogs and cats. Read below to learn what a few of those foods are.

Xylitol

This sweetener, often found in foods like candy, gum, peanut butter, and some baked goods, can be very dangerous for animals. It can cause a dog’s blood sugar to drop and can lead to liver failure. It’s important to check on the ingredient list of any food to ensure it doesn’t include this sweetener before giving it to your dog or cat.

Avocado

This one actually surprised me! While a small bite of avocado may not cause any issues with your dog, avocado contains an ingredient called persin. This ingredient, if consumed too much by your pet, can cause an upset stomach. The best way to avoid this is to not give your pet any avocado at any time.

Onions and Garlic

These two foods can not only damage red blood cells in dogs, but if too much is consumed at one time it can poison your pet. If your dog has eaten onions or garlic and begins to seem weak, have an upset stomach, or has difficulty breathing, this can indicate that your dog is experiencing poisoning from these foods. It’s best to keep these items away from your pets at all times.

Milk and Dairy Products

We know, most pet owners have given their pets a small amount of ice cream, whipped cream, or other dairy products at some point. Who doesn’t love treating their pup to a Pup Cup every once in awhile? While this is okay in small amounts on rare occasions, this can actually cause an upset stomach in your pet. It is recommended to avoid giving your pet dairy products to avoid an upset stomach.

There are many other foods that can be harmful, but these are a few to be cautious of when your pet is around. What are some foods you try not to give your pet and why? Tell us below!

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Top 5 Best Selling Dog Toys

For dog owners, there is nothing quite as fun as spoiling your pup. Whether it’s with some extra cuddle time, going for a long walk, or buying them a new toy, the happiness our pups show when we give them a little extra love is one of the greatest parts of being a dog owner. Ever wonder, though, what the best toys are that you can purchase for your dog? Read below for the top selling dog toys and get some ideas for your next surprise gift for your furry best friend!

Outward Hound Interactive Game Dog Toy

The number one selling dog toy on Amazon, this toy is great for both puppies and older dogs alike! This toy comes with 9 compartments hidden by removable fake dog bones. This toy not only challenges your pup to remove the covering, but then you can reward your pup with treats hidden in each compartment. You can raise the coverings for an easier find for your younger pup, or keep them flat in the compartment for more of a challenge. This is a great toy for dogs that get bored easily as it can keep them entertained and reduce destructive behavior. The best part? Its $12.99 affordable price point! Your pup will love you for this fun and rewarding toy!

Buy it here! Outward Hound Interactive Game Dog Toy, $12.99; Amazon.com

Benebone Real Bacon Dog Chew Toy

This bone is a great choice for pups that may show aggression or may be frequent chewers. This durable dog bone is a great choice because it is tougher than traditional bones and can last up to two weeks for many dogs. It is also made from real bacon, so your pup will love to keep chewing, allowing for hours of entertainment. These bones are also made with a specific grip in mind to allow for easier pick up for your pup. This is a great choice if you’re looking to give your dog a gift that’s a little more fun and unique from traditional bones and will typically last longer.

Buy it here! Benebone Real Bacon Dog Chew Toy, $9.65; Amazon.com

Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy

We’ll admit, this may be the cutest toy on our list! This toy, designed with the focus of easing anxiety in your pup, is such a unique and creative way to recreate the feeling of a heartbeat for your pup, helping to alleviate anxiety. This toy is not only great for puppies crate training, but can also be used to decrease anxiety in older dogs during thunderstorms, fireworks, or pups that may have separation anxiety. This toy also comes with batteries and a warmer pack to help you get started right away in helping your pup’s anxiety. Why do we love this toy? Seeing your pup snuggle it may just be the cutest thing you’ll see!

Buy it here! Snuggle Puppy Behavioral Aid Toy, $39.95; Amazon.com

Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Squeaky Puzzle Plush Toy

The second interactive puzzle toy on our list, this toy is a great choice for dogs that like to fetch or want to use their natural hunting instincts. All you have to do is hide the squeaky squirrels in the plush tree trunk, and let your pup do the rest. This toy can also be taken on the go for a game of fetch, another great feature if your pup is needing a bit more activity these days. This toy, much like the others mentioned, is a great choice for dogs that get bored easily or like to chew as it can help alleviate boredom and decrease destructive behaviors. Overall, this is a great option for young and older dogs and at a great price point, is definitely one we think is worth investing in.

Buy it here! Outward Hound Hide-A-Squirrel Squeaky Puzzle Plush Toy, $12.99; Amazon.com

Kong Puppy Toy

This is likely the most well-known toy on our list. Most dog owners have likely invested in a Kong at some point, and for good reason. These are great toys for pups and older dogs, but this one specifically is great for younger pups as it is specifically designed with their teeth and gums in mind, using a more gentle rubber to decrease the effects on their teeth. These can be used on their own, or filled with treats to keep your pup entertained even longer. Whatever you prefer, this is a great investment for new dog owners.

Buy it here! Kong Puppy Toy, $6.49 - 11.99; Amazon.com

What are some of your pup’s favorite toys? Let us know in the comments below!

[nitropetexpress]

Six of the Best Activities to do with your Pet, Besides Walking

It’s no secret that quality time with our pets is beneficial for both us and our animals. In fact, many studies exist discussing the benefits of owning a pet and how this quality time can improve mental and physical health for both people and their pets. However, we also know that sometimes it can be difficult to identify what ways we can spend time with our dogs or cats besides the obvious. Need some ideas on activities besides walking to do with your pet? Read below for a few of our favorite ways to sneak in some extra quality time with your pup or kitten!

Exercise

Okay, so we couldn’t totally ignore exercise in this list. While we all know about our pups (and even some cats) needs for their daily outside walks, there’s many ways to sneak in exercise for you and you pet besides walking. Hiking, swimming, running, or playing at the dog park are all great ways to get in some extra quality time with your pet!

Animal Play Dates

Many websites, such as meetup.com and eventbrite.com, are devoted to building social connections have specific events tailored to pet owners. They will help organize dog owner meet ups at parks, restaurants with pet friendly patios, or you can utilize the network you already have and schedule a play date with a family member or friend who also has a dog. Your dog will get quality time with you and one extra chance to play with other pups! It’s a win for everyone!

Taking A Ride

Many cats and dogs love just being with their owner, regardless of where they’re going or what they’re doing. Something about being in the car, though, for many pets is a fun adventure and is another way that they can spend time with you. Simply by taking a drive, even if it’s only for 20 minutes, can be a fun way to bond with your pet.

Go to a Pet Friendly Restaurant, Coffee Shop, or Brewery

In the last few years, there has been a significant increase in the number of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops with pet friendly patios and outside seating areas. This can be a fun way for you and your pet to do something different and still get that much needed quality time. A great bonus? Many places have specific pet menus or special treats when you bring your pup with you!

Take a Weekend Getaway

Traveling with your pet can be a fun way for you both to see somewhere new and explore some new activities. You don’t have to travel far either! Many people will take their pets camping, for a multi-day hike, or for a short getaway in their own state. However far you choose to go, traveling with your pet can be a fun and unique way to spend quality time together!

Relaxing

This one may be obvious, right? I mean, how many pet owners don’t spend down time relaxing and cuddling with their cat or dog? However, this is often one of the best and easiest ways to get quality time with our pets. By making time to pay attention to our cats and dogs, show them our love by pets or cuddling, and spending time directing our attention to them, we can remind our pets how important they are.

What are your favorite ways to spend time with your pets? Tell us below in the comment section! We’d love to hear what you have to say.