Amy Shojai's Blog, page 13

Recharge & Recover, Taking an Emotional Health Break…

Recharge & Recover, Taking an Emotional Health Break…

Usually, I write or re-post at least three blogs a week. And I'm delighted to hear from readers who enjoy the dog and cat care and behavior posts. For a short time, though, I'm taking a break...

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Why Dogs Chew Your Best Stuff

Why Dogs Chew Your Best Stuff

Dogs use their mouths like people use our hands. That means nearly everything goes into the puppy’s mouth as he explores the world, and teething pups chew to relieve the discomfort. Dogs never outgrow the gnawing habit, though, and that can get them in trouble.

Here's why they target your favorite things...and what you can do to reduce the risk.

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Cat Fight? AAFP Intercat Guidelines Released

Cat Fight? AAFP Intercat Guidelines Released

The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) has announced the release of the 2024 AAFP Intercat Tension Guidelines: Recognition, Prevention, and Management Guidelines. These Guidelines are designed to help you understand social behavior between cats and, more specifically, recognize intercat tension, prevent or minimize its occurrence, and manage stressors.

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Potty Training Puppies? Here’s the Best Ways To House Train a Puppy

Potty Training Puppies? Here’s the Best Ways To House Train a Puppy

Do you have a dog or puppy with potty woes? Whether you have a tiny puppy, like when Shadow-Pup arrived, or a big old dawg -- my Bravo (below) at one time tipped the scales at 125 pounds -- potty training puppies keep your house hygienic and offers discipline and routine to our dog.

A new puppy brings great joy, but potty training puppies can lead to frustration. Puppy potty accidents start your relationship off on the wrong paw. Without the right training, he won't know how to please you. He may not even know how to go potty on grass. Even older dogs can benefit from refresher training if they've had potty training lapses.

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Oh Baby! Introducing Dogs to Kids–Safely

Oh Baby! Introducing Dogs to Kids–Safely

A colleague called me after someone asked about tips for introducing babies to dogs. The person wanted to know how to teach the dog that the Baby was “alpha.” EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEKKKK!!! Think about it. There is so much WRONG with that statement I really don’t know where to begin. You bring an infant home from the […]

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Pets And Snakebite First Aid

Pets And Snakebite First Aid

Snakebites are common in pets, especially dogs, because dogs are often curious and try to play with moving critters. In fact, about 150,000 dogs and cats are bitten by poisonous snakes each year in the United States alone. Learn about the top villains and what to do in this post.

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Dog Digging Disasters: Why Do Dogs Dig Holes & How to Stop Excavations

Dog Digging Disasters: Why Do Dogs Dig Holes & How to Stop Excavations

Dogs excavate for a variety of reasons. Dog digging is a natural canine behavior that developed as a means of survival. With spring coming soon, and digging gardens in my future, my Shadow-Pup wants to help digging and kicking up dirt. Some dog breeds dig holes more than others do, so read on for more details if you have a digging dog.

Learn more about why dogs dig, and how you can manage this normal canine behavior.

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

First Aid for Pet Heatstroke Danger in Hot Weather

First Aid for Pet Heatstroke Danger in Hot Weather

These hot summer days, Shadow loves to run and play outside, but the hot weather can lead to heatstroke dangers in dogs as well as people. This week, we topped the thermostat at 101 degrees, and it will continue to hover near three digits all week long. Fun in the sun can quickly turn to tragedy if pet owners don't take precautions to prevent cat and dog heatstroke dangers. Pet heatstroke is common because cats and dogs can't effectively keep cool in hot summer weather. It becomes especially dangerous during summer travel in cars. Here's how to save your pets' lives if they overheat...

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

Pumpkin pet insurance responds to Nationwide pet insurance policies cancelations

Pumpkin pet insurance responds to Nationwide pet insurance policies cancelations

I've written about pet insurance before, and do not recommend one company over another. However, I'm sharing a press release I just received from Pumpkin pet insurance offering help. Feel free to share this with others who have been affected.

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing

STUDY ON SERVICE DOG EFFECTIVENESS FOR PTSD FINDS MANY BENEFITS

STUDY ON SERVICE DOG EFFECTIVENESS FOR PTSD FINDS MANY BENEFITS

June is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness and providing support and education for people who suffer from PTSD. So when I received the press release, below, I eagerly scheduled this great news. Read on!

Ponte Vedra, FL (June 4, 2024) – The first National Institutes of Health-funded clinical trial of its kind links the pairing of service dogs with military Veterans to lowered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity, odds of PTSD diagnosis and other negative mental health symptoms. The study, released in time for PTSD Awareness Month in June, was also the largest national study to date comparing Veterans and service dog teams to usual care alone for PTSD-afflicted Veterans...

AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing