5 Reasons Why You Should Always Pick Up Dog Poop

Kate Barrington
by Kate Barrington
Published:  June 2nd, 2014
Do you poop and scoop, or bend and pretend? Here’s why you shouldn’t leave dog poop behind.


When you let your dog out into the backyard to do his business, you may not immediately clean up after him. If you are taking your dog out in a public area, however, you are expected to clean up after your pet. Unfortunately, many pet owners ignore this common courtesy, not realizing that dog poop can actually cause some serious problems. Below you will find a list of the top five reasons why you should always clean up after your dog.


1. Disease Control


A number of common diseases can be transmitted to other dogs (and even people) through contaminated feces. Some of these diseases include salmonella, giardia, E-coli and roundworms. It is also possible for your dog to contract coronavirus or parvovirus from infected feces. In addition to the dangers of direct contact with contaminated feces, dog waste can also be carried into waterways by storm runoff. Some bacteria and parasites can also live in the soil for extended periods of time where they may be transmitted to other dogs and even humans. If we’ve learned anything in the last year or so it’s that viruses and disease control can make a huge difference in how we do everyday everything. Don’t be the person who adds to dangerous situations simply because you couldn’t be bothered to pick up poop. Don’t have a bag? Get a leash that has them attached. Ask a friend or someone nearby. Make something work. Just don’t leave it there.


2. Common Courtesy


If you have ever had the misfortune of stepping in dog poop, you can understand some of the more practical reasons for cleaning up after your dog. For public areas such as playgrounds and dog parks, it is common courtesy to clean up after your dog so that others may enjoy the public areas as well. This also applies to areas around your home – it is considered very rude to let your dog eliminate in someone else’s yard, especially if you do not clean up after him. Not to mention, in some places it’s illegal…read on.


3. It is the Law


While there is no overarching federal law requiring dog owners to pick up after their pets, many urban and suburban areas have passed such legislation. In certain areas you may see signs requiring dog owners to clean up after their pets along with a phone number to call to report infractions. Many dog parks and suburban community parks have even begun to provide waste disposal bags to encourage dog owners to clean up after their pets. This applies to some local areas as well. Some townships, cities and even neighborhoods have regulations about picking up dog poop, so be sure to know the rules and follow them.


4. Cleanliness and Odor Reduction


If you let your dog have free reign of your yard at home, you may find that the yard becomes less usable because you don’t want to risk stepping in dog poop. The same is true for public areas – failing to clean up after your dog limits the ability of others to enjoy the area. In addition to general cleanliness issues, failing to clean up after your dog can also lead to unpleasant odors – it can also attract flies and other pests to the area. In your yard at home, you might consider applying lime to reduce odors or try using a product Doggie Dooley which acts like a mini septic system to break down waste safely. The truth is that if your dog’s healthy (and has a healthy gut) he’ll have pretty much the perfect poop. Just the right firmness and texture to pick up easy peasy lemon squeezy. If it’s not, you may want to look into some supplements, as poop is very telling about your dog’s overall health.


5. Prevention of Stool Eating


Many dogs will at some point or another eat their own or another dog’s stool – it is simply a fact of life. This practice likely evolved from the fact that wild dogs are carnivores and scavengers, sometimes eating feces when other food was not available. Referring back to the first item on this list, however, feces can carry dangerous organisms so it is unsafe to let your dog eat stool. Cleaning up after your dog as quickly as possible will protect him and other dogs as well.


6. Spike in Rat Population


Rodents, especially rats, love to chow down on dog poop. In urban areas, it’s often their main meal. If you’ve got a rat or rodent problem where you live, it may be because there’s too much pet waste lying around. And don’t expect things to get better on their own, because these critters will move in and start families… as long as there’s plenty of food available, they’re not going anywhere.


Carrying around a bag full of your dog’s waste can be an unpleasant experience, but it is simply one of the conditions of dog ownership – you are expected to care for and clean up after your dog. Cleaning up after your dog is more than just a matter of common courtesy, it is also important for the health of your dog and other dogs in the area. After reading this article you should have a greater understanding of why it is important to clean up after your dog and you might have a newfound resolve to do so.


And there’s no shame in looking for ways to make it easier. We know that picking up dog poop isn’t exactly a dream job, but it’s part of the deal when you vow to love Fido forever. Make sure your dog is healthy and has healthy poop, make sure you have eco-friendly and biodegradable poop bags that make it easier and be proud of the fact that you’re a responsible dog owner!

WOW
Kate Barrington
Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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Unfortunately, that isn’t the case – dog poop does not make good fertilizer. Cows and doggos are, after all, not the same, and their opposing diets make all the difference. Keep reading to find out why why dog poop doesn’t make good fertilizer.5 Reason Dog Poop Can’t Be Used for FertilizerPerhaps you’ve noticed that that doggo poop you missed to pick up a month before didn’t really dissolve into “manure”. Instead, it looks somewhat unnatural. There are several reasons for this. If you’re looking for a nutrient-rich fertilizer to use in your garden, think twice before you start eyeing up your dog’s latest “gift.” Here are five reasons why dog poop doesn’t make good fertilizer:#1 It doesn’t contain the right nutrients. A dog’s diet is high in protein which, as it breaks down, becomes very acidic and that’s not good for your plants. After all, doggos are carnivores, right? 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But dog poop is a complete opposite! So, what do you do with it then? Keep reading to find out.Can You Use Dog Poop for Compost?Just because dog poop doesn’t make good fertilizer, does that mean it can’t be composted either? Sadly, the answer to this question is “yes.” Composting a natural process through which organic waste products are broken down into a nutrient-rich substance that can be used to fertilize plants. As you’ll remember from the last section, dog poop is high in protein which produces a very acidic waste product. Not to mention, it’s the dredge of your dog’s meals and has already had all the nutrients absorbed from it (theoretically, if your dog has good gut health)The other problem with dog poop is all of the parasites and bacteria it contains – those pathogens need to be exposed to 165°F temperatures for five days to kill them and that is unlikely to happen in your backyard compost heap. 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New York’s Potential Dog Poop Problem Will Scare The Crap Out Of You

One blogger figures out what would happen if all New Yorkers decided not to Poop and Scoop Ahhhhh, the quiet calm and relaxation of a winter wonderland – there’s nothing quite like it. Snow covering the streets, chimneys working overtime, and you’re wrapped in a blanket engrossed in a good book (or watching cat videos, let’s be truthful here). It’s an idyllic picture… until you have to take the dog out for a bathroom break. Hey, we here you – it’s a pain to get up from your warm spot, reluctantly put on a bulky coat, dress the dog in his winter gear and go outside into the bitter cold. You impatiently wait for your dog to do his business so you run back to your hot toddy. “Poop be damned,” you say. “I’ll pick it up in the spring.” Related: 5 Reasons Why You Should Always Pick Up Dog Poop But what if you live in an urban area? It’s a lot more public and chances are, you’re living in a high-traffic area. It’s awkward to just leave the poop in the middle of the sidewalk (well, for most of us it would be). Perhaps you’ve reached the point of not caring. If that’s the case, you’ve probably heard something like this from a stranger: “Excuse me, did you forget something behind?” (Pun intended.) You come back with the classic “I forgot the baggie… my bad!” excuse, and make a promise to come back and clean it later. But you know you won’t. Besides, it’s covered up with snow. But the problem is that snow melts. And the aftermath is a minefield of slushy grossness. Every city or country around the world has its way of dealing with abandoned dog poop problems. From marking it with pink spray at a park in London, to packing it and mailing the smelly gift back to the dog owners, frustrated citizens are coming up with increasing creative ways to remind dog owners of their responsibilities. Related: Three-In-One stride Dispenser Makes Every Step Of Your Dog Walk Count One blogger has taken it a step further. Walt Hickey, a lifestyle writer for the site FiveThirtyEight, asks – and answers – the question: “What would happen if nobody in New York picked up after their dogs?” The results will have you reaching for your bottle of Gravol. According to Hickey’s findings, the city of New York has over 600,000 dogs, each pooping about 0.32 pounds per day. Add that up for a smelly grand total of 96 tons of daily waste! All this crap would cause some serious health issues any one who likes to breathe. Studies have shown that 10 to 15 percent of bacteria in air samples come from… you guessed it, dog poop. The environment is going to suffer, too. Contrary to the misguided belief that dog poop is organic fertilizer; it’s actually a huge polluter. It contributes to a process called eutrophication where water acquires a high concentration of phosphates and nitrates promoting excessive growth of algae. When the algae dies, the high levels of organic matter deplete the water of available oxygen, causing the death of other organisms, such as fish. While it is a natural process, doggy activity certainly speeds it up. Okay, we know that not everyone leaves dog poop behind, but it sure seems like it. And the dumps left behind still contribute to the issues that Hickey outlines above. So instead of clinging to the “forgotten baggie” defense, don’t be a s@ – pick up your dog’s droppings this winter. [Source: FiveThirtyEight]

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Grab The GoGo Stick: It’s Your Go-To When Fido Go-Goes

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Ask the Hairy Dogfathers: Poetic Poop

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Can Dogs Get A Sunburn?

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It seems that humans are not the only ones in the animal world to use personal names – according to a revolutionary new study, African elephants also refer to one another through unique sounds. The study, published in Nature Ecology & Evolution, reveals that elephants can hear their own names over long distances, across the African savanna, and that they speak to one another through a series of low rumbles. The scientific team also reveals that elephants can learn to recognize and call to their mates using their “personal” names, instead of just basic sounds.“Here we present evidence that wild African elephants address one another with individually specific calls, probably without relying on imitation of the receiver,” the study reads.In order to achieve these impressive results, the study used machine learning to demonstrate that the receiver of a call could be predicted from the call’s acoustic structure, regardless of how similar the call was to the receiver’s vocalizations.A herd of African elephants was followed in jeeps in the wild, at Kenya’s Samburu National Reserve and Amboseli National Park, in order to closely observe their behavior and how they call out, and who responds."We've had several incidents where we've been with these elephants and the matriarch of the family will give a call, and everyone in the family will answer,” co-author and Colorado State University ecologist George Wittemyer, said to ITV News. "Then several seconds later, she'll give seemingly a very similar call and nobody in the family would answer except one individual."Researchers then played these recordings of the individual names to elephants and learned that the animals responded more enthusiastically by flapping their ears and lifting their trunks, whenever they heard their own names. “Just like humans, elephants use names, but probably don’t use names in the majority of utterances, so we wouldn’t expect 100%,” study author and Cornell University biologist Mickey Pardo added. Scientists say that animals with complex social structures and close-knit families are more likely to use personal names, as it helps them to be reunited if separated. “If you’re looking after a large family, you’ve got to be able to say, ‘Hey, Virginia, get over here!’ ” Duke University ecologist Stuart Pimm said.“Elephants are incredibly social, always talking and touching each other - this naming is probably one of the things that underpins their ability to communicate to individuals,” Wittemyer added, “We just cracked open the door a bit to the elephant mind.”

Rare Six-Month-Old Puppy With Five Legs Gets Adopted

Bella is no ordinary dog. This six-month-old pup is the first five-legged dog brought to the Wisconsin Humane Society in its 145 years of operation. The extraordinary puppy was recently surrendered to the Wisconsin Humane Society in Kenosha. One thing stuck out from the start - the pup’s right back leg was wider than the other three legs and her paw had extra toes. “I’ve never seen anything like this in a dog,” said Nancy Weiss, the shelter’s medical director. “Her radiographs are extraordinary.” Bella’s X-rays revealed that she suffers from an extremely rare congenital condition called dimelia, which causes the duplication of bones. Because of this congenital anomaly, Bella has what some might consider an extra leg. Typically, a dog’s hind leg consists of one femur, one tibia, one fibula, and four or five toes. In Bella’s case, her right back leg consists of two femurs, two tibias, two fibulas, and nine toes. Basically, it's like Bella has an extra leg inside her right hind leg. “There’s only a few documented cases in veterinary literature of [dimelia] being found in dogs. It’s more primarily seen in cattle. It’s also a condition humans can have as well,” said Angela Speed, the vice president of marketing and communications at the Wisconsin Humane Society. During their research, the organization only discovered one other case of dimelia in a dog. But while Bella’s whole leg is affected, the Cocker Spaniel, the organization found, only had dimelia in their paw. “There may be other cases that we’re not aware of, but it’s exceptionally rare. She’s like a unicorn of a dog. She's also beautiful and playful and wonderful.”This condition causes Bella to have an abnormal gait while she walks or runs but it wasn’t the reason why the pup was surrendered to the shelter. Even though Bella technically has an extra leg, she is still active and likes to play and run, just like any other puppy.The Wisconsin Humane Society consulted with a specialist to see if Bella could benefit from surgery or amputation. The veterinarians determined that since Bella doesn’t seem to be in any pain, the leg can stay as-is. “Because she gets around just fine, she uses that leg when she runs and plays, and the risks of surgery like that, we are not pursuing amputation,” said Speed. Bella is a one-of-a-kind dog, and it’s hard to say what her future will look like. “But we know that today she’s a happy, otherwise healthy girl,” added Speed. Once she was deemed healthy Bella was put up for adoption and has found her furever home. Bella’s new owner, Mellisa, went to pick up Bella wearing a sweatshirt that read “Adopt the Special Ones”. The sweatshirt’s message references Bella’s unique physical appearance which sets her apart from other pooches. Interestingly, Bella wasn’t surrendered to the shelter because of her rare condition, but because she was very boisterous. This friendly pup will make an active and loving companion and fit right in her new family.The Wisconsin Humane Society staff hopes that Bella’s adoption story will encourage other people to consider adopting a shelter animal looking for a furever home. “We’re hoping that Bella’s story does shed a light on the fantastic animals who are available at animal shelters. Across the country, shelters have been experiencing really high dog intake but slower dog adoptions and we’re feeling that same pressure right now so we’re hoping that this inspires people to consider adopting a shelter dog,” said Speed. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Unique CT Café Offers Cats, Coffee, and A Passion for Social Justice!

Having long demonstrated its commitment to the feline members of society, a well-known and loved coffee shop in Connecticut has recently taken a big step forward in its mission to foster social justice, inclusion, and reproductive freedom.The Two Wrasslin’ Cats Coffee House in East Haddam, Connecticut, has long stood out. From their bold cobalt blue walls and neon green trim to the 6-ft-tall cats standing over their front door – it’s clear you’re entering a one-of-a-kind establishment.Owner Mark Thiede first opened the café in May 2013. Shortly after choosing the color palette and décor for the property, one of the subcontractors warned him about the image he was creating and recommended reconsidering his color choices, stating that it would discourage people like contractors from visiting the business as they would see it as “a gay house.”Rather than allowing the warning to discourage him, Thiede took the warning and used it to inspire him to make a difference. From that moment on, the café would be a place where everyone is welcome.In addition to creating a place for people to feel safe and accepted, Thiede also set his sights on embracing his love of cats to raise money for pet-related causes within his community.There are no live cats in the café itself, out of respect for those that are allergic. However, the entire space is cat-inspired. From the cat-themed decorations to the menu with items like the “Catprese.” If that has you feeling a little disappointed, don’t worry…Next door to the coffeehouse, the Wrasslin’ Cat Lounge will allow you to enjoy playtime with six adorable kitties (all brothers and sisters). The entry cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children. This money is donated to fund local trap and release efforts and cat wellness programs. In fact, Thiede and his six furry ambassadors raised over $8000 for charity in just the last two months!What could honestly make people love the place more?Thiede is now taking his dedication to making a difference to the next level. After 11 years operating as Two Wrasslin’ Cats Coffee House, LLC, the operations have now been transformed into a beautiful and welcoming nonprofit called Two Wrasslin’ Cats Accord Corp. Given all that Thiede has accomplished, we’re fascinated to see what kind of difference he can make as a 501(c)3 charitable corporation.Why TNR?Whether this is your first time hearing about trap and release (TNR) programs, you may wonder how they work and why Thiede feels so passionately about their impact on feral cat colonies in his community.TNR programs work to reduce the number of feral cats by preventing new cats from being born into the colony. At the same time, when the cats are in their care, volunteers can assess the health of the cats they have trapped to ensure they are healthy enough to be returned.The work recognizes that cats born feral or have lived their whole lives outdoors may be unable to adapt to domesticated life. But this doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a happy, healthy existence.Caring for these cats reduces the strain on local shelters and rescue organizations, helps prevent the spread of infections and contagious diseases, reduces behavioral problems (like spraying and fighting), and makes it possible for people to live harmoniously with the feral colonies in their area.If you’re in the East Haddam, CT area, swing by for a cat-themed bite to eat and a little extra snuggle time in the lounge. After all, it’s for charity!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter  here.

What is the Best Catio for My Cat?

Do you have a cat that loves being outdoors, enjoying the fresh air, but you worry about their safety and well-being? Does your cat refuse to walk to wear a harness or walk on a leash? The answer might be a catio! These kitty-focused enclosures are gaining a lot of attention lately, popping up in backyards, on the sides of travel trailers, and even as portable safe spaces for cat parents to take their furry friends anywhere. With so many designs, materials, and features available, choosing the best catio for your needs can feel overwhelming. In this guide, I will do a deep dive into the world of catios, exploring different types and the situations they are best suited for. I will also discuss different features and key considerations to help you while shopping for your cat. Get ready to create the perfect (and safe) outdoor space for your furry friend today! What is a Catio? Let’s start at the beginning—what exactly is a catio? The term is a mix of “cat” and “patio,” referring to enclosed outdoor spaces designed specifically for cats. These range from small playpen-style spaces to allow them to get a bit of fresh air to large patios with space for both the cat and their people. Are Catios Good for Cats? Yes! Catios are a great way to allow your cat to spend time outdoors without putting them at risk. While domesticated cats are safer indoors, spending time outdoors has benefits. Allowing your cat to watch the birds and explore new spaces is a great way to provide them with mental enrichment and stimulation. Many cats also simply enjoy sunbathing or watching the world around them. At the same time, the catio keeps them safely contained. Outdoor cats have considerably shorter lifespans due to their increased risk of diseases, predators, car accidents, outdoor toxins, and other unfortunate accidents. According to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, the average outdoor cat lives to be 2-5 years old, while the average indoor cat with only safe, supervised outdoor time lives to be 10-20 years old. Keeping your cat in a catio is also a great way to protect the local wildlife. Cats are natural predators with a strong hunting instinct. Stray cats and cats allowed to roam outdoors significantly impact the ecosystem by killing large numbers of birds, rodents, and other wildlife. What Are the Downsides of a Catio? Allowing your cat to be outdoors in a catio is a great compromise. However, as with any product for our pets, there are pros and cons to consider. Even though your cat is contained, it may create a false sense of security regarding some of the risks of being outdoors. The mesh or screening around a catio isn’t enough to keep parasites like fleas and ticks away. You will still need to consider the necessary flea preventatives and regular tick checks to keep these pets away. The other risk that isn’t completely mitigated by the confines of a catio is the dangers introduced by local strays. Cat fights and confrontations can still occur through the flexible mesh and screen sides. This means your cat is still at risk of unnecessary stress from these encounters and the potential spread of diseases. Careful supervision of your cat outdoors, even if they are safely contained in their catio, will allow you to keep these strays away. What is the Difference Between a Catio and a Fenced Yard?Even if you have a fenced yard, a catio can provide an additional level of safety and security for your cat. But why might you need this extra layer of protection? There are many stray and outdoor cats that easily climb over fences, viewing them as nothing more than a minor inconvenience. Even if your cat has never escaped the fence around your yard before, there is a first time for everything. It only takes a couple of seconds for your cat to climb a tree, scale a shed, or jump up to the top of your fence from a patio chair, and they are now running loose. As we already discussed, there are many significant dangers putting your cat at risk when running unsupervised outdoors. A fenced yard is not a reliable solution to this.

What Should I Do if My Rabbit Stops Eating?

Rabbits are adorable creatures but can also be hard to care for. Why? They are delicate and sensitive creatures that are also masters of hiding when something’s wrong. Often, by the time rabbit lovers recognize there’s a problem, it has already progressed into something much more severe.If you have recently noticed your beloved bunny isn’t munching on their usual hay or rabbit pellets or turning their nose up to their favorite treats, that’s a red flag!In this guide, I will explore some of the most common reasons a rabbit may stop eating, including potential health risks, causes of stress, and more. Plus, I’ll share steps to help your furry friend feel better quickly.What is a Healthy Rabbit Diet? Rabbits are strict herbivores, meaning their diet only consists of plant-based foods. But this doesn’t mean that all vegetables and plants are a healthy option. To provide your rabbit with the best possible quality of life, you should provide them with a balanced diet, including hay or grass, leafy greens, and a small amount of commercial rabbit pellets. Plenty of fresh hay is one of the most essential elements of a healthy rabbit diet. Like water, Timothy grass hay or oat grass hay should be available to your rabbit at all times. Remove and replace your rabbit’s hay if it has been sitting long enough that it no longer looks and smells fresh. But what about vegetables? After all, everyone knows that rabbits love carrots. Right? Many fruits and vegetables can be offered as a tasty treat for your rabbit, but they shouldn’t be a staple of their diet. Some safe snacks that can occasionally be offered to your rabbit include carrots, green peppers, Brussels sprouts, apples (without seeds), strawberries, bananas, and melons. How Will I Know If My Rabbit Isn’t Eating? Feeding a rabbit isn’t quite the same as feeding a dog. You aren’t going to fill a dish full of kibble or pellet, place it in front of them, and watch them empty the bowl. Instead, most rabbits enjoy nibbling at their hay slowly throughout the day. With this routine, how will you know if your rabbit isn’t eating? Will it be noticeable? Keep Track of the Food You’re OfferingPay attention to how much food you are giving your rabbit each day. How much of the food (hay and pellets) being placed in their cage or enclosure is being eaten? How much are you removing and replacing due to it sitting untouched? If you suspect trouble, you may want to limit the food offered, giving smaller amounts and checking or topping it up frequently throughout the day. This can make it easier to spot if anything is being consumed, allowing you to better understand the situation. Pay Attention When Cleaning When cleaning your rabbit’s cage, take a moment to assess how much waste you are removing. The amount of fecal matter being produced and the size/quality of this waste can provide insight into your rabbit's health.Your rabbit’s poop should be small, brown balls that are somewhat dry due to the large amount of hay. Any change in that texture is a sign of trouble, including sticky, rock-hard, watery, soft, or smaller waste. If your rabbit has stopped eating, it will eventually stop going to the bathroom entirely. Other Warning Signs The loss of nutrition that occurs when a rabbit stops eating can lead to other changes. These warning signs include weight loss, teeth grinding, or decreased activity. How Long Can Rabbits Go Without Eating? Rabbits have very elaborate and complex digestive systems that need consistent and regular food to avoid uncomfortable, painful, or even life-threatening illnesses. While some rabbits can, in extreme situations, go without food for a couple of days, the risk of illness increases drastically after just 12 hours. Considering this timeframe, you should contact your veterinarian immediately if your rabbit hasn’t eaten anything in more than eight hours.  

Why Do Dogs Lick Their Wounds?

Do they know something we don't? Should we be ditching the antibiotics?

How Do I Teach My Cat to Play Fetch?

Unlike dogs, cats aren’t exactly known for their love of fetch. If you dream of tossing a toy with your furry best friend for hours, fear note – with a bit of time, patience, and positive reinforcement, you may just inspire a new love for the game in your kitty. This post will discuss why some cats take to fetch so naturally and how play can benefit your cat’s overall health and well-being. Plus, we’ll share how to teach your cat to play fetch step-by-step with tips for success! So, grab your cat’s favorite toy and get ready for a fun game of fetch…Why Do Cats Love Playing Fetch? There are many theories about why cats enjoy this game. The most accepted theory is that the action triggers natural hunting instincts. When an object is thrown, it mimics their prey moving across the room. The cat then chases the toy, stalking and hunting it. Retrieving the toy and bringing it back to you is similar to cats bringing their freshly killed prey to their owners as a gift. Other experts see the game of fetch as an attempt to spend quality time playing together, bonding like we do with our dogs. However, no research confirms either theory. What Toy Do Cats Love Most? Finding the best toy for your fetch-loving cat can be a fun process. Why? There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution. Instead, you’ll have to set aside time to play and test which toys your cat connects with most. Think of it as a fun game of trial and error. We have two cats at home, one of whom is absolutely in love with playing fetch. Pippen, our Maine Coon mix, will bring toys to us randomly throughout the day. She drops them at our feet and meows loudly while pawing at our pant legs, begging us to throw whatever she has brought us. Here are a few of her favorite toys to play fetch with: SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Cat Toys: These little mice are not only the perfect size and weight for cats to carry around, but the fact they include catnip makes them even more enticing. If the theory about hunting is correct, they are a great example of mock prey. Catit Eco Cat Toy: Another prey-like toy, this is arguably the top choice in our house. Pippen loves anything with feathers. If you have a tiny kitten, this is a little harder to carry, but Pippen is relatively small, and she has never had a problem. Andiker Cat Crinkle Balls: This is another one I have heard other cat parents raving about. The balls make a fun crinkling sound while the foil-like mylar material reflects the light, making them a fun visual spectacle to hunt down. SPOT Colorful Springs: These toys may not seem special, but the spring design causes them to bounce around the room unpredictably. This keeps your cat on their toes as they hunt them down with each throw. Cat Tube Spring Toys: These toys are made of lightweight mesh material, making them easy to carry around. If you fold them or push down the ends, then let go, they fly through the air. The goal is to find something your cat loves, wants to retrieve, and can comfortably carry back to you to continue the game. Is It Normal for a Cat to Never Play? While you can expect a range of playfulness from cats, with some cats being very playful and others only playing occasionally when they “feel like it,” it’s not normal for a cat to never play at all. A healthy adult cat should get at least 30 to 60 minutes of playtime daily. This can be in one large play session or, ideally, split into shorter play sessions of 10 to 15 minutes. If you have a cat who appears lazy or unmotivated, you should prioritize turning this around and encouraging them to play more. Otherwise, they will be at a higher risk of potential health complications, including obesity, diabetes, urinary tract diseases, arthritis and other joint-related issues, and fatty liver disease.

Rescue Dog Steals Hearts at Westminster Dog Show 2024

The Westminster Dog Show is a tradition that dog lovers everywhere look forward to each year. It brings award-winning dogs and professional handlers together for a competition celebrating man’s best friend. But this year, an unlikely competitor stole the hearts of spectators and attendees. Miles, a rescue dog from Pennsylvania, was one of over 2,500 dogs to compete in the Westminster Dog Show 2024. The seven-year-old rescue dog was classified as an “All-American Dog,” a term used to describe mutts or mixed-breed dogs. While the annual dog show is only open to purebreds, the Masters Agility Championship and Masters Obedience Championship are open to all breeds (and mixes). It was on the agility course that Miles’ unique energy and impressive skill quickly earned him recognition as a fan favorite. This wasn’t the first time he competed. In fact, Miles had already participated in the Masters Agility Championship twice before, as well as the American Kennel Club Agility Nationals twice, where he was named the top All-American Dog in his category each time. Seeing the joy Miles exhibited while running agility was enough to make any dog lover smile. But the truly heartwarming part of this story is his journey to where he is today and the loving owner who made it all possible.

New Study Sheds Light On The Harmful Effect of Plastics On Pets

We all know how harmful microplastics are – both for the environment and for our health. However, it seems that the effects of plastics are as adverse for our four-legged friends. This latest report by Earthday.org is the result of an extensive study of pets' exposure to microplastics and toxic plastic chemicals and is a follow-up to the recent “Babies vs. Plastics” report. “Pet owners should read this report,” said Aidan Charron, EARTHDAY.ORG, director, end plastic initiatives. “Plastic is derived from a cocktail of oil and additive chemicals, like bisphenol A, PVC, and phthalates. These can leach into our pets’ gums, stomachs, and skin and are associated with a whole host of health issues for our pets. From cancers to embryo development to potential infertility, liver failure, miscarriage, and more. ”In an effort to support this initiative by Earthday.org, the actress Amanda Seyfried and her pet dog Finn took part in a plastic tox test. This was an effort to raise awareness about the many health risks of plastic chemical exposure, for both humans and pets. “I was anxious about the results and when they came back I was definitely upset by my dog Finn’s exposure, he scored in the top 90 percent on phthalates, which is very high,” said Amanda Seyfried. “I feed him a healthy diet but I realize now that the plastic packaging on his food is leaching toxic chemicals directly into it. It was a bit of a wake-up call. If his food is contaminated with phthalates, then that convinces me that all of us are much more exposed than we perhaps realize, including our children.”“Even if you don’t care about your own pet’s health, and we do, our pets act as sentinels,” added Kathleen Rogers, president of Earthday.org. “What impacts them, is almost certainly impacting us and this is yet more evidence that we are all ingesting and inhaling plastics in one form or another. We have to slash plastic production by 60 percent by 2040 and make the plastic industry take responsibility for the harm they are causing.”Of course, this study is important for all pet owners. After all, pets are considered a part of the family. In fact, modern research shows that the majority of global pet owners think of their pets, especially dogs and cats, as family members, or see them as something similar to a child. “We are not trying to frighten pet owners, we just want them to be aware that it is best for your pet’s health to avoid plastic toys and textiles as much as possible, and really be mindful of how their food is packaged,” added Tom Cosgrove, chief creative and content officer for Earthday.org. “We are bombarding our bodies, our families, and our pets with a toxic mix of chemicals and we want people to be aware.”

How Do I Introduce Cats and Dogs Safely?

There has long been a stereotype of dogs and cats as mortal enemies, constantly at one another’s throats. While becoming a two-pet household can sometimes be overwhelming, there is something so magical about watching your pets form their special bond.Introducing dogs and cats can be a nerve-racking process, but it doesn’t have to be.This post will guide you through a step-by-step approach to introducing your pets safely and carefully, laying the foundation for a positive relationship. Plus, you’ll find tips to ensure a smooth transition for both pets.How to Introduce a Cat and Dog Together: 5 Easy StepsIf you already have one pet in your home, introducing a second involves planning, preparation, and a lot of patience. While there are ways to overcome a rough first meeting, the best possible scenario is to ensure your pets start off on the right foot (or should I say paw).Here is a step-by-step walk-through of how to approach an introduction with the best chance of success.However, it’s important to note that there are some situations where this simply won’t work. For example, if you have a pet with previous negative interactions with other animals, they may be more nervous or anxious, requiring a slightly different approach. Use this as a starting point, but be prepared to be flexible and offer more care and consideration where needed.Step One: Consider PersonalitiesYou may be surprised to learn that the first step starts as early as selecting the right pets. Just as some people mesh better than others, the same can be said for our animals. When adopting a second pet, take the time to try to match personalities.A few important things to consider include:Energy Levels: If you have a laid-back or senior pet, adding a high-energy pet to the mix could be stressful and frustrating. Alternatively, a calm, quiet pet may struggle to settle into your home if your current pet is rambunctious.Outgoing vs. Shy: Some pets show more interest in playing and connecting with other pets, like an extroverted person who jumps right into wanting an interaction. On the other end of the spectrum, a shy pet (or introverted person) will want their space.Play Style: Some pets will play rougher than others. If you have a dog, for example, who plays rougher, a delicate kitten isn’t a good match as they could be injured. Instead, a playful adult cat who shares that play style would be a better match.Previous Interactions: Sometimes, a pet’s previous experiences can offer a glimpse of whether they will mesh well together. A dog that has shown they will chase cats who run wouldn’t mesh well with a cat who tends to run the moment they see a dog.Step Two: Start At a DistanceBefore bringing the two pets together, you must start introducing them at a distance. This means introducing them to one another’s scents while keeping them confined in their own safe spaces. The best way to do this is by keeping your pets in separate rooms and rotating them into a common living area where they can investigate one another’s scent.For example, if you have two bedrooms, you can place a pet in each bedroom. If not, consider blocking off a dining room, laundry room, or bathroom to keep one of your pets safely contained. Alternatively, a crate can be used to keep one of the pets in a hallway or space the other doesn’t have access to.Note: Allowing the pet moving freely in the home to tease or bother the crated pet can create frustration and anxiety. This could destroy any chance that your pets can coexist happily.We have always used the MidWest Homes for Pets Double Door Dog Crate when crate training our dogs. Its dual front and side doors ensure that the crate can easily fit into any space. For containing our cats, we prefer to use enclosures with multiple levels, like the MidWest Homes for Pets Cat Playpen, which allows them to climb and explore.Another great approach to introducing pets to one another’s scent is scent-swapping with blankets. Allow your pets to each sleep with a blanket, then place them in the other pet’s room or space.

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