Some dogs get the treat of a car ride most days, while others may only ride along for special trips to the veterinarian or park. Regardless of how often your pup gets to ride shotgun, Dog Care Journey has some important tips you should read before hitting the road.

If you’re planning an extended journey with your dog, our friends at the ASPCA® have a great checklist available with all sorts of travel tips. They also have information available if your furry friend is afraid of riding in cars.

Safe travels!

What’s the first thing you should do before petting a dog you don’t know? If you answered, “Ask the pet parent for permission,” then you are correct! 

While some dogs seem to want to jump straight into your arms, not all pups are that sociable. PawNation offer these tips about petting a dog you don’t know, which can help keep both you and the dog safe.

Also, if you have a dog who seems timid or afraid of people, our friends at the ASPCA® have some great information about what might cause this behavior and how to treat it. 

Following up our post about dogs and snoring, we thought we’d discuss cats who saw logs in their sleep.

According to VetInfo, cats sometimes snore as they experience different levels of sleep just like humans. But some causes of snoring may signal another health problem and require veterinary care.

If you have questions about your feline’s snoring, it’s best to check with your veterinarian to make sure everything’s OK.

Some common causes of cat snoring, according to Pets4Home, include:

• Allergies to spores, pollen or other triggers of sensitivity
• Normal coughs, colds and snuffles
• An upper respiratory tract infection
• A foreign body lodged in the back of the throat, such as a blade of grass, a polyp or tumor growing within the nasal passages or throat
• Feline asthma, or a narrowing of the airways of the lungs that can cause snoring and other respiratory symptoms
• Feline obesity, leading to a partial obstruction of the airways when your cat is asleep 

It’s difficult to think about, but who would take care of your pet if something happened to you?

Choosing to leave funds for the care of your pet after you pass is a personal decision. You can put your pet in your will or set funds aside for the person you have chosen to care for your furry companion.
 
Our friends at the ASPCA® have some helpful advice you should keep in mind when making your decision. 

We listed the fruits that are safe for your dog in an earlier blog post, now it’s time to talk veggies!

There are plenty of dog-safe vegetables out there and plenty of ways to prepare them.  If you’re looking to give your pooch a healthy snack, Dog Channel has a great list of which vegetables are safe for dogs.

Also, check out our list of harmful foods. If your pet has a poison emergency, the ASPCA® Animal Poison Control Center can help at 1-888-426-4435. ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plans cover calls to the Animal Poison Control Center.

One of the biggest behavioral issues pet parents report about  cats is when they don’t keep their business in the litterbox. This reluctance to adhere to the boundaries may be the result of a medical condition, stress or litterbox unhappiness.

If you and your veterinarian rule out a medical condition as a reason for your cat’s misbehavior, these tips from Vetstreet may help you make your cat’s litterbox experience more enjoyable.

Or, if your cat is picky about what fills his/her litterbox, you may also want to check this helpful information from our friends at the ASPCA® about choosing cat litter.

Have you been woken up in the middle of the night by your dog sawing wood? Or have you had to turn the TV up because your pup’s nasal symphony is drowning out the dialogue? You’re not alone. The most common causes of snoring for dogs are:

     1.   Genetics

     2.   Allergies

     3.  Nasal Obstructions

     4.  Medications

     5. Obesity

Pets Adviser offers some tips on curbing the noise so that your pet (and you!) might enjoy a more restful slumber.

Babies can baffle our pets, so it is best for you to be well informed before you bring home your new bundle of joy to meet your furry companions. Our friends at the ASPCA® offer some helpful tips on introducing your baby to both your dog and cat.

Additionally, you might want to check out these 5 myths about dogs and babies provided by Petside. One common misconception the article counters is that training begins when your baby comes home. Instead, you should start teaching your dog commands and mixing up your pup’s routine when you find out a baby is on the way to ensure an easier transition for all involved.

Accidents can happen to our feline friends in the blink of an eye. When emergencies do occur, pet parents may find it difficult to make rational decisions. That’s why it’s so important to have a plan in place before emergencies occur. 

To get started, ask your veterinarian’s advice on creating a plan. Be sure to find the closest animal hospital that provides emergency care and make sure you have your veterinarian’s phone number handy.

Another number to keep close is ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at (888)426-4435. They are available24/7 if you suspect your pet has ingested something hazardous.
 
Check out this article from our friends at the ASPCA© to learn more about emergency care for your feline friend, such as first aid tips and signs that your cat needs emergency help. 

Remember, ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plans cover visits to any licensed veterinarian in the U.S. and Canada, including emergency clinics.

Keep your pet safe this Valentine’s Day!

Our friends at the ASPCA® have a full list of Valentine’s Day goodiespet parents should watch out for this holiday. For instance, make sure hazardous food, flowers and other holiday items are kept out of paw’s reach.