Amy Shojai's Blog, page 31
November 23, 2022
Counting Thanksgiving Blessings, the Pet Writer Way in 2022
Counting Thanksgiving Blessings, the Pet Writer Way in 2022
Time for my annual Count My Blessings post. The past year has meant change, change, and more change, and that's good and also challenging. But some things never change...I’m thankful to you—yes, those who read this blog, my newspaper column, the cat book lovers, and the dog book lovers, and folks who have “adopted” my thriller series. And those who offered awesome applause and support any of the other venues mentioned...
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
November 21, 2022
Caring For Your Aging Cat: 9 Common Conditions & What To Do
Caring For Your Aging Cat: 9 Common Conditions & What To Do
Adopting a mature kitty can mean years of furry love--Seren nearly lived to celebrate her 22nd birthday, and still rules my heart from beyond the Rainbow Bridge. She inspired my work in countless ways, and also gave me first-hand (paw?) experience for caring for aging cats. Here are 9 old cat health conditions and what you need to know.
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
8 Common Old Dog Health Conditions & What To Do
8 Common Old Dog Health Conditions & What To Do
When November rolls around each year we take time to celebrate the many blessings we’ve enjoyed, including our old dogs. Pet people, of course, give thanks for their animal companions, and November traditionally is Adopt A Senior Pet Month. Do you share your life with an old fogey dog? Maybe your old girl dog leaks urine when lying down—is that common, and what can you do about it? My current doggy companion, Shadow-Pup, has reached teenager status. Bravo-Dawg lost his life to cancer before becoming a senior doggy. But his predecessor, Magic, still lives on in my heart. During his final years, we battled several old dog health conditions.
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
November 13, 2022
Celebrating Old Cats: What Is Old?
Celebrating Old Cats: What Is Old?
Every year, I write about our old cat needs. While Karma-Kat has just reached middle age, cats age at different rates. When do you consider your cat old? Is your old cat a senior kitty by age 8, or 13, or...when? For cats, what is old? Here's how the experts define 'old age' in cats...
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
November 11, 2022
Sweet Pet Poison: Your Guide to Cat & Dog Antifreeze Poisoning
Sweet Pet Poison: Your Guide to Cat & Dog Antifreeze Poisoning
Pets often get into poisons by accidentally eating the wrong plant, or other dangerous toxins. With the pending change in the weather and when temperatures fall, cat and dog antifreeze poisoning becomes a danger.
You’ll find antifreeze in surprising places, not just in the garage. For instance, the liquid in snow globes can poison pets when the toy breaks. Not long ago, social media shared many stories of antifreeze poisoning cats from the liquid in broken snow globes. The liquid tastes sweet, so it’s very appealing for sweet-loving dogs to drink or lick up spills on the garage floor. Puppies are the worst, eating anything that doesn’t move faster than they do. Cats also are at risk when they walk through puddles and lick/groom the liquid off their body. Here's what you need to know to keep your pets safe--and maybe save their life!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
November 6, 2022
Pet Veteran Love: 8 Reasons to Adopt Senior Cats & Dogs
Pet Veteran Love: 8 Reasons to Adopt Senior Cats & Dogs
There's a good chance if you visited your local shelter today, you'd meet a pet who prefers couch cuddling to counter surfing, knows that shoes aren't for chewing and is eagerly waiting to show you how to slow down and soak up life. I'm talking about senior pets!
November is #AdoptASeniorPetMonth, so if there is room in your 🏠 and ❤️, now is the perfect time to head to the shelter to find a grey-muzzled pet with plenty of love left to give!
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
November 3, 2022
How to Read Dog Poop: Normal Dog Poop to Dog Poop Problems
How to Read Dog Poop: Normal Dog Poop to Dog Poop Problems
How to Read Dog Poop: Normal Dog Poop to Dog Poop Problems
Everyone who shares a home (and heart) with a dog at some point must deal with dog poop problems. Learning what's normal, to yellow colored stool, or learning how serious blood in dog's stool diarrhea may be helps get your dog help. While it may not be the most appealing topic, learning about your dog’s “creativity” offers important insight into his health.
Not only his food, but also your dog’s environment and emotional state, affects how his body works. Fear, anxiety, and stress can change a dog’s behavior, but also can disrupt digestion and cause enteritis. That in turn affects his poop.
Recognizing healthy elimination helps pet owners alert to abnormal eliminations. That way, when necessary, you can get your dog prompt medical help to diagnose and treat problems before they become worse.
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
November 1, 2022
November is National Pet Diabetes Month: Learn The Symptoms & Treatment for Diabetic Pets
November is National Pet Diabetes Month: Learn The Symptoms & Treatment for Diabetic Pets
Pet diabetes affects many cats and dogs, and this month we celebrate National Pet Diabetes Month. I've compiled this information for you from my books because I believe a happier world starts with healthy, joyful pets. So I help scaredy-cat pet lovers wag up their confidence with genius at-home advice—that banishes embarrassment while improving pet relationships with award-winning pet care books like CAT FACTS and DOG FACTS.
Diabetes mellitus is a common disorder of the endocrine system in cats and dogs. The pancreas, a gland near the stomach and liver, produces the hormone insulin, which stimulates the movement of glucose (sugar) from the blood into the cells of the body. Cat and dog diabetes can develop if something suppresses the action of existing insulin (Type II, non-insulin dependent). Diabetes in cats and dogs also happens when something interferes with the production of insulin (Type I, insulin dependent). Without insulin, the body can't use the food pets eat. The disease develops slowly, with subtle signs that you may not notice until it becomes quite advanced.
Pet obesity increases the risk of diabetes for dogs and cats, because...
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
October 28, 2022
Catnip: More Than A Treat for National Cat Day
Catnip: More Than A Treat for National Cat Day
Tomorrow is NATIONAL CAT DAY! Why not celebrate with kewl schtuff for the cat...like a catnip treat?
I have no doubt that catnip prompted the Cheshire Cat’s grin. My cat Seren used to wear the same expression when she indulged. NATIONAL CAT DAY is the perfect time to indulge your furry friend.
But why do cats find this nondescript herb so attractive? Is it a kitty aphrodisiac, a harmless pleasure or something more sinister?
What Is Catnip?
Nepeta cataria, or catnip, is a strong-scented mint that contains a volatile oil that’s easily released into the air. Biting or rolling on the plant crushes the leaves and releases the oil so Kitty can get a good sniff. It doesn’t take much. Cats can detect catnip oil in the air at saturation as low as one part per billion.
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
October 27, 2022
8 Halloween Pet Myths: BUSTED
With Halloween right around the corner, what a good time to share this round up of 8 Halloween myths. What have I missed? Are there other myth-teries you'd like to debunk? Share in the comments!
MYTH. Halloween costumes are fun for everyone. Even some humans find costumes creepy, so it’s no surprise some dogs do, too. Costumes can be frightening or stressful for your pooch. It’s a good idea to keep your dog safely inside and away from the trick-or-treaters on Halloween night.
MYTH. Raw pumpkin is always good for pets. Pumpkin can be used to treat . . .
AMY SHOJAI'S Bling, Bitches & Blood - Practical Solutions for Pets Problems & Publishing
