Amy Shojai's Blog, page 23
July 11, 2023
OUCH! Why Do Cats Chase Feet? Here’s How to Stop It
OUCH! Why Do Cats Chase Feet? Here’s How to Stop It
Do your cats chase your feet? Fun and games for them means DANGER for humans! Youngsters think EVERYTHING invites play-attack, but cats chase feet at any age. Karma-Kat has decided bare ankles merit a bite-attack each evening, while I try to relax and watch television. It's part of kitty play.
Seren-Kitty also enjoyed targeting toes, but since she only weighed 6 pounds, at most we endured a furry ankle decoration. With big cats like Karma (15+ pounds!), when cats chase feet, it can be a dangerous tripping hazard...
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
July 6, 2023
The Holistic Cat Conference – From Beginning to End of Life
The Holistic Cat Conference – From Beginning to End of Life
Many of y'all know I wrote a book about holistic pet care and interviewed nearly 70 veterinarians while researching the material. Boy, did I learn a lot--and changed my mind about many things! These veterinarians also shared how holistic care had changed the way they practice vet care.
So I want you to meet a friend of mine, veterinarian Dr. Jeff Grognet, an advocate for cats and holistic care. He notes that forty years ago, veterinarians typically promoted dry kibble as the best cat food. And, we vaccinated every year. My, how times change!
"Now, we know better. But, there are many other things we need to look at and change our thinking on," he says. So he created The Holistic Cat Conference. He asked me to speak (SQUEE!) and also gave me complimentary tickets to share...
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
July 5, 2023
Seussical the Musical at Theater for Hope
Seussical the Musical at Theater for Hope
OH THE THINKS YOU CAN THINK! Seussical the Musical Opens Thursday July 6!
From the beloved kids books comes a musical for children of all ages--and those young at heart! I've played cello for Seussical the Musical for three other productions over the years, and this time...well, I decided to audtion and I won TWO ROLES...
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
June 28, 2023
Pets & Sunburn: What You Need to Know About Sunburn Pain and Solar Dermatitis
Pets & Sunburn: What You Need to Know About Sunburn Pain and Solar Dermatitis
Long sunny days can bring misery for people—and their pets. You can keep them safe with these tips. Yes, pet sunburn is real, and can not only cause painful nasal dermatoses in cats and dogs, but sometimes leads to skin cancer.
I’m very careful about my own sun protection, as I get sunburn very quickly. Wearing a hat, sunglasses, long sleeves and sunscreen works well during gardening.
Hairless or thinly furred pets are at highest risk and need protection from the sun. But most dogs and cats are very well protected against the sun by their fur and don’t routinely suffer from sunburn. When they do, it’s the hairless or thinly-furred areas of the body that are most at risk, like the ear tips, bridge of the nose, and the tummy. So if your white dog loves to sleep on his back in a sun-puddle on the carpet, think about taking care.
Most pets know to stay out of severe heat like what we experience here in North Texas. Heatstroke more typically occurs when they have no way to avoid the sun. Those who live in higher altitudes, such as the mountains of Colorado, suffer sunburn more frequently. The cooler air partnered with higher elevations predispose people--and sun-bathing pets--to sunburn.
White pets are at highest risk. Nope, pets may not care if tan turns fair skin to leather-like textures, but sunburn risk goes beyond changes to their appearance. Here's what you need to know.
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
June 26, 2023
Dare Or Die Releases in Audiobooks on Amazon, Audible & More!
Dare Or Die Releases in Audiobooks on Amazon, Audible & More!
It's taken a while, with several technical BUMPS along the way. But I'm delighted to finally announce the audiobook release of my latest thriller DARE OR DIE, #7 of my September & Shadow series. With the major storms we've had here lately in Texas, I had several delays when lightning fried my computer speakers, and then also killed my ergonomic computer keyboard. I've replaced the speakers, and must use an old spare keyboard while the new one ships hopefully sometime next week.
Meanwhile, the ACX/Audible dashboard also gave me some errors--supposedly fixed--but that causes delays in distribution. I'll share another note when the book releases on those platforms. But there are many options already for the DARE OR DIE audio. Please, if you like the book, I'd feel tail-wagging happy if you shared a review on your platform of choice!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
Dare Or Die Releases in Audiobooks!
Dare Or Die Releases in Audiobooks!
It's taken a while, with several technical BUMPS along the way. But I'm delighted to finally announce the audiobook release of my latest thriller DARE OR DIE, #7 of my September & Shadow series. With the major storms we've had here lately in Texas, I had several delays when lightning fried my computer speakers, and then also killed my ergonomic computer keyboard. I've replaced the speakers, and must use an old spare keyboard while the new one ships hopefully sometime next week.
Meanwhile, the ACX/Audible dashboard also gave me some errors--supposedly fixed--but that causes delays in distribution. I'll share another note when the book releases on those platforms. But there are many options already for the DARE OR DIE audio. Please, if you like the book, I'd feel tail-wagging happy if you shared a review on your platform of choice!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
Is My Dog Depressed? Canine Enrichment Quick Tips Releases in Audiobook on Amazon, Audible & More!
Is My Dog Depressed? Canine Enrichment Quick Tips Releases in Audiobook on Amazon, Audible & More!
It's finally here! Your dog enrichment quick tips book, on audio. Check out how to improve your dog's attitude, keep him happy, and enrich your bond with the audiobook IS MY DOG DEPRESSED? (Available in print and on all Ebook platforms, too!).
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
Is My Dog Depressed? Canine Enrichment Quick Tips Releases in Audiobook!
Is My Dog Depressed? Canine Enrichment Quick Tips Releases in Audiobook!
It's finally here! Your dog enrichment quick tips book, on audio. Check out how to improve your dog's attitude, keep him happy, and enrich your bond with the audiobook IS MY DOG DEPRESSED? (Available in print and on all Ebook platforms, too!).
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
June 21, 2023
First Aid for Pet Drowning
Swimming comes naturally to most animals, but pet drowning happens just as easily. Many puppies leap before they look, or simply fall into the swimming pool, hot tub or break through ice on the lake and can’t get out. Dog paddling may be instinctive, but they can still drown if they can’t climb out and get too tired to float. Learn how to treat dog drowning and save pet drowning victims.
High Risk Pets
Some breeds adore the water, (even cats like Turkish Vans) but others have a hard time staying afloat. For instance, Labrador Retrievers especially love the water. Breeds with heavy coats such as Collies become waterlogged and dislike puddle jumping. Heavy-bodied breeds like Bulldogs have trouble staying afloat and actually could sink and be unable to get out of the pool.
All pets are at risk, but especially small breeds, puppies, and cats are most prone to pet drowning. Their inexperience, curiosity and fearlessness prompt them to explore but they may not climb out of even small bodies of water. The steep sides of backyard pools and hot tubs prove dangerous during the summer.
Wintertime risks happen when the pet walks out onto the ice-covered pond or river and falls through. A puppy’s or small pet's light weight means he can travel far away from the bank before the ice cracks, and you won’t be able to reach him for rescue. If you discover your pet near water and suspect near drowning, read these 1st aid tips to treat pet drowning and save pet lives.
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
9 Tips for How to Keep Pets Safe Around Water
9 Tips for How to Keep Pets Safe Around Water
If your summer fun means time spent at the lake, swimming and paddling about to stay cool, do you take your pets? How do you manage pet water safety?
Dogs and cats quickly drown. While most instinctively "dog paddle" to stay afloat, some dog breed conformation types (Bulldogs, for instance) more readily sink. Water weighs down heavy coats and makes it difficult to stay afloat. In oppressive heat, wildlife braves drawing near houses to find water from swimming-pools and hot tubs. And any creature unable to gain purchase to climb out of the drink—a slippery or steep bank of the river, lake, or stream, or hard to reach the swimming-pool ladder—become exhausted and drown.
Here in North Texas, Lake Texoma provides a fun place to spend time with your furry friend. Boating safety means taking care of yourself with life preservers, AND providing for your pet's safety. Many pet products companies offer doggy (and kitty) life preservers, or even doggie deck booties for non-skid paws. Here are 9 tips for keeping pets safe around the water.
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
