Summertime is the perfect time to throw a bash (and a frisbee or tennis ball) for Barkley. It can be the highlight of the warmer season if you follow some common-sense rules and dip into your imagination. (If you’re not that imaginative, check out Pinterest or Instagram for ideas.) Basically, if you’ve ever thrown a birthday party for kids, you already know how to make things fun. Your dog’s birthday is an ideal occasion, but if you don’t know when he was born, the date you first met is a great alternative. (Besides, isn’t it anytime a good time for …

So you’ve got a baby on the way, congratulations! This is such an exciting time period for moms, dads, and furry siblings. They can sense your joy and see that changes are being made to the home, but they’re not exactly sure of what’s to come next. Instead of abruptly interrupting your pup’s established routine, keep the harmony by working to ease into the transition a few months prior to the arrival of your infant. This way, it’s not such a shock to the system when their schedule is altered and new boundaries are set in place. What’s Yours Is …

Celebratory seasons and fireworks sure go hand in hand, don’t they? During the months of July and December, Americans are celebrating Independence Day and ringing in the New Year. The awe-inspiring light shows may be entertaining for us, but they’re terrifying for Fido. Here are a few tips on keeping your pup safe and relaxed through the festivities! Secure the Room It’s completely understandable that you’d want to let your dog roam the house as he normally does. However, it’s not a risk worth taking under these special circumstances. Instead, set up a cozy “panic room” for them to take …

Taking a walk is always fun, but here are some fun games to keep your dog physically enthusiastic as well as sharpening up their grey matter… “Treasure hunt.” Take along his favorite treats and as soon as he gets distracted from you, toss one and tell him to “find the treat.” You might have to guide him the first few times, but this game is learned easily and teaches him to stay focused on you.  “Pathfinder.” If you’ve gotten in a rut taking the same walk every day, chances are Fido’s as bored as you are. Vary your route and …

In 1999, when Pet Sitters International (PSI) suggested National Take Your Dog to the Office Day, it might have been a bit of a hard sell. After all, our fur babies do demand attention, particularly if they are young or not well socialized. But people around the nation agreed that our canine companions should have a special day and the first Friday after Father’s Day was set. Even though having your pal beside your feet might hinder your tasks a bit, there are three solid reasons for following this nationally recognized day. Perhaps pointing these out to your boss will …

It’s getting hot y’all, and it’s time to find some fun, easy ways to keep you and your pup cooled off and staying healthy. Here are 5 DIY summer treats that are sure to make everyone happy! What’s your favorite treat? Lots of people dip into the cold stuff when the summer heat makes us long for cooler temperatures. If you like ice cream, your dog will, too. But don’t just scoop it out of the freezer and into his bowl! Ice cream for humans may contain additives and sugar that can make your pal really sick—or worse. Dogs can …

The summer has arrived and brought warm temperatures with it. While you’re out enjoying the beaches and hiking trails with your best friend, make sure that you’re both staying nourished and hydrated.  Here are some treats that both you and your pup can enjoy! Melon Berry Froyo Bones This simple, mouthwatering recipe is brimming with vitamins, antioxidants, and sweet flavor. Imagine a yummy, berry popsicle with the tangy addition of frozen yogurt. Ingredients: An ice tray (you can find custom molds on Amazon) 2 cups watermelon 1/4th cup of water Equal parts blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries (about 2 each)  1 …

Spoiler Alert! There’s no easy way to say this, but there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat. Feline saliva and skin glands contain a naturally occurring enzyme called Fel D1. Fortunately, there are quite a few breeds out there that produce less of this protein and are considered allergy-friendly. The Siberian Cat These frisky, independent kitties have multi-colored coats that are less prone to tangling than other long-haired breeds. Although there is a bit of seasonal shedding with the Siberian, they don’t create as much dandruff. Less shedding means less skin flaking on your furniture and clothes! The owner …

Man’s Best Friend:  Why Socializing Your New Puppy is So Important, and When and How to Get Started        From the first moment that man and dog befriended one another until today, that relationship has long moved beyond that of man and pet—our dogs are now undeniably beloved members of the family.  Worldwide there are at least 900 million canis lupis familiaris (dogs) and at least 80 million of them live in America alone.  Approximately 48% of all American families include at least one canine member today. Socialization of Your Puppy Behavioral issues such as fear, avoidance, and even aggression are …

We’re all aware that our feline counterparts are highly intelligent, and highly strange beings. Cats have shown us that they’re smarter than dogs, and they’ve got their own agenda. Somehow, they’re still full of mystery. Here are some things you didn’t know about your cat! Chirping As A Hunting Technique Felines are able to vocalize over 100 sounds, several of those sounds appear in the form of a chirp. While it is not entirely clear why our cats imitate the noises of rodents and birds, the current belief is that chirping is both a way to initiate play, but more …