Amy Shojai's Blog, page 9

Easter Dangers for Pets: Toxic Lilies, Chocolate, and Bunnies

Easter Dangers for Pets: Toxic Lilies, Chocolate, and Bunnies

It occurred to me a roundup blog post made the most sense to put important information about Easter dangers for pets in one, easy-to-find location. I'm sure most dog and cat lovers know the basics. But this way, if y'all need to share information with new pet adopters, you'll have one link. What do you think?

This includes all the must knows about Easter lilies pet danger, Easter candy dangers like chocolate poisoning, and even concerns about Easter bunnies. Read on!

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

Magical Milestones & When Normal Hurts

Magical Milestones & When Normal Hurts

I repost this in memory of a beloved furry muse…the one who inspired my thrillers and lives on in my heart. Maybe you’re going through something similar. Or perhaps you have youngsters, and such things are far in the future. I think it’s important to share experiences with others as a reminder…and hopefully positive help, […]

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

My Cat & Dog Hates My Date! Valentines Tips For Pets Lovers

My Cat & Dog Hates My Date! Valentines Tips For Pets Lovers

Valentine's Day means love is in the air. But all too often, I hear the lament, "My cat hates my date!" (or the dog hates the boyfriend). Here's what you can do to add affection to the equation.

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

Perfect Pairings: Picking the Pup with the Right Personality for You

Perfect Pairings: Picking the Pup with the Right Personality for You

Just like humans, every pet has a particular personality. Some are naturally active, ready for adventure, and eager to see what you’re up to. Others are more laid back and offer all the chill vibes. Puppy personality and development changes over weeks, too. But because every pet is unique, it’s important to look for a furry partner who shares a love of your lifestyle!

Before you rush out and adopt the cutest pet you find, think about what kind of pet personality would be a great match so you can share lots of love and fun times for years to come. Sometimes puppy temperament tests can help you predict the perfect puppy match.

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

9 Dental Issues You Share With Your Cats and Dogs

9 Dental Issues You Share With Your Cats and Dogs

Pet dental problems rate as important to cats and dogs as your own dental issues are for you. Could your dog’s breath melt your glasses? Does your cat’s smile look like five miles of bad road? Pet dental problems are surprisingly similar to their owners’ dental issues. You may wonder how much does teeth cleaning cost for dogs and cats? February is National Pet Dental Health Month and a good time to check out your pets’ pearly whites. You can even learn how to brush your pet's teeth in this post.

I write about pet dental health every year. These days I pay closer attention to Shadow-Pup because, for some weird reason, he likes rocks. That is, he picks up rocks whenever we go outside, brings them in, and then wants to play with and chew them. Shadow-Pup also raids the fireplace for lava rock embers, to do the same--and the pup wants to chew sticks! Oy! They already have lots of "legal" and safe chews, but he wants to play keep-away with rocks--and of course, I fear a broken tooth, or a tummy full of blocked foreign objects, or choking or worse. Urk!

While some cats drool when happy during petting, drooling cats and dogs point to dental problems. Hopefully, you won't have that issue. Here are common dental issues you share with your cats and dogs (hopefully NOT eating rocks!), as well as ways to avoid them.

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

The Science Behind Pet Personalities: Why Your Dog Acts the Way It Does

The Science Behind Pet Personalities: Why Your Dog Acts the Way It Does

From time to time, I discover organizations and individuals that stand out in amazing, passionate ways. They have vision and purpose to help pets--and those who love them--in unique ways. To honor them and the great work they do, I host them on this blog. Today, WAGGLE.org shares terrific information about ways to understand our dogs--and be sure to check out WAGGLE.org, a unique crowd-funding source dedicated to pets and people needing emergency help with vet bills.

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

Amy Shojai To Speak at Denison Publishing Panel

Amy Shojai To Speak at Denison Publishing Panel

Mark your calendars for Saturday Feb 8 from 10-2:00. The Denison (Texas) Public Library is hosting the first ever Denison LitCon on February 8th from 10am-2pm. There will be costume contests, voice actors, authors, VR gaming (for ages 13+), caricature art, trading card games, and more. You won’t want to miss it!

After the morning publishing panel, Amy (and others) will have books available to sign. Come on out and ask questions, hang out, learn about publishing, and maybe "adopt" a paw-tographed book!

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

Dealing with Kitten Play Aggression: Stop the Madness!

Dealing with Kitten Play Aggression: Stop the Madness!

Did you adopt a new kitten over the holidays? It never fails when a new kitten arrives. We oooooh and ahhh and the lil' snuggle baby seduces us with purrs and sweet whisker kisses, and looks so darned innocent when she falls asleep on our lap. But all of that pet play antics means kitten play aggression is on the horizon.

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

Top 10 Puppy Proofing Tips to Save Dog Lives

Top 10 Puppy Proofing Tips to Save Dog Lives

When you have a puppy, every day is puppy day, with puppy proofing a requirement. Whether you plan to adopt a puppy, or already live with a cute puppy-kid, it's important to know the top puppy proofing tips to save dog lives. Loving a puppy goes beyond teaching them where and when to potty. When  Shadow-Pup showed up at our house, we revisited all the must-know puppy issues!

If you know someone with a new furry wonder, I hope you'll consider "gifting" them with all the info they need with a copy of my book COMPLETE PUPPY CARE.

WHAT IS PUPPY PROOFING?

Puppy proofing is the canine version of human baby-proofing when a new bundle of joy arrives. It's vital you know how to puppy proof your home and yard. Puppies explore their world with nose pokes, paw pounces, and chewing everything within reach throughout their development stages...

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

Adopting A French Bulldog: What To Know

Adopting A French Bulldog: What To Know

When you think of a dog rescue, you might think of a giant building where when someone doesn't want their dog, they drop it off. It stays in a concrete kennel until someone else comes and takes it home. 

The truth may surprise you. I'm pleased to welcome the founder of the Rocky Mountain French Bulldog Rescue to the blog today, to offer some insights into this popular dog breed. Take it away, Kelly!

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