Petfinder Blog

Mary Lempert is the founder of The Rabbit Advocate, where this post originally appeared. She has served as a rabbit behavior and rehabilitation consultant for the House Rabbit Society, House Rabbit Network and the MSPCA in Massachusetts and, most recently, for the Almost Home Humane Society in Lafayette, IN. She lives in West Lafayette, IN, with her rabbits Graysie and Willoughby and any number of foster bunnies.

Rabbits are remarkably affectionate, interactive, and intelligent (check out 10 Reasons Rescue Rabbits Rule). But they are by no means low-maintenance pets. Rabbits can live 12 years or more, so they are long-term, though thoroughly rewarding, commitments. Before you adopt a rabbit for Adopt-A-Rescued Rabbit Month, here are a few things to consider:

Do you have the indoor space for a dog crate or exercise pen? Are you rabbit-proofed? You'll need to hide or cover electrical wires, telephone cords and poisonous plants in at least one room of the house.

Do you have enough time for a rabbit? Rabbits don't require long walks, but they should be let out of their cage for at least an hour a day. Playtime doesn't have to mean dedicated rabbit-watching; it can be incorporated with your everyday activities: Bunnies love lounging on the couch while you read and are happy zooming around your feet as you cook dinner.

Steve Dale is the host of the nationally syndicated radio shows Steve Dale's Pet World and The Pet Minute with Steve Dale. His column, My Pet World (in which this post was originally published), is carried in more than 100 newspapers nationwide. He also serves on the board of directors for the American Humane Association.

Q: My son has three pet hermit crabs. We have a problem. My son is a New England Patriots fan -- don't ask me why. Of course, we are fans of our local team. Will the crabs get along with one another if they are wearing different team logos painted on their shells?
-- D. H., Denver, CO

A: I may not be paid as much as Tom Brady, but I might love my job more because of questions like yours.

Crab shells painted with sports-team logos are a craze, but it's not a healthy one. "Crab shells need to breathe, and the paint interferes," says Carol Frischmann, author of the book Animal Planet: Hermit Crabs.

Maria is a senior citizen in Florida. The government maintains that she lives alone. Maria begs to differ. She says she lives with her best friend, who just happens to be a Chihuahua.

One of Maria's many challenges is getting outside. Her dog is litterbox trained. However, buying pet food isn't easy for Maria -- she has to depend on others to do the shopping. Moreover, she has trouble paying for the food.

"There's no question that this dog has in so many ways changed Maria's life, so being able to provide proper pet food for Maria has made an enormous difference," says Enid Borden, president and CEO of the Meals on Wheels Association of America.

Learn more about the program, how you can help and how to get help if you can't afford your pet's food after the jump.

Q: How do I get my dog to stop biting when I try to give her a bath? It's like she becomes a ferocious attack dog. -- Jason S.

Andrea Arden, CPDT at Andrea Arden Dog Training in New York City, writes: You can teach your dog to enjoy bath time with brief -- about 3-5 minute -- sessions. Here's how:

• Practice having her in the tub, if that is her bathing spot, with no water running at first. Running water can be scary for dogs, especially with a high-pressure faucet.


• Put down an inexpensive rubber bath mat so she doesn't slip (slipping can add to her nervousness).


• Have her on leash and have a helper gently hold her as you let her lick from a sterilized bone (such as those made by Gimborn) stuffed with a creamy food like cream cheese or peanut butter. Gently brush her as she works on the bone.

Find out what to do next after the jump.

Short winter trips to the dog park can be a great way to let your dog burn off some of that pent-up energy from staying inside more during the cold months. But the temperature and snow, among other things, can pose hazards to your pup.

Here are some tips for keeping your dog safe. (Not sure where the nearest dog park is? Check out the new interactive dog-park map on Animal Planet.)

1. Check with your vet. Senior dogs, dogs with arthritis, dogs with short fur and puppies can be especially sensitive to the cold weather. Ask your vet whether it's better to keep your dog indoors and restrict his outdoor activity to short walks. If your vet thinks a trip to the park is okay, ask her what cold-weather precautions she recommends.
   
   
2. Bundle up. Dress your dog in a warm coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck; it should cover her back from the base of her tail and also protect her belly. Dog booties can protect paws from ice and salt -- get your dog used to them indoors first.
   


3. Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia. The risk of these conditions is especially high when the temperature dips below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Frostbite typically affects poorly insulated body parts such as the tips of the ears and is evidenced by skin that is pale or red, swollen and painful or numb. Signs of hypothermia include slow pulse, shallow breathing,  disorientation, collapse and unconsciousness. If you think your dog has either, call your vet immediately!
   

Steve Dale is the host of the nationally syndicated radio shows Steve Dale's Pet World and The Pet Minute with Steve Dale. His column, My Pet World (of which this post is an excerpt -- read the full post here), is carried in more than 100 newspapers nationwide and his new column, The CATalyst, just debuted. Steve also serves on the board of directors for the American Humane Association.

According to a survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, approximately 53% of cats and 55% of dogs in the U.S are overweight or obese. Data released from a nationwide collaboration with Banfield Pet Hospital reveals pet obesity continues to be a serious problem. [A 2004 study by Nestle Purina Pet Care found dogs with a healthy body weight had a median lifespan of 15% longer than overweight dogs. Read more about the dangers of pet obesity.]

So, how and why are our pets growing wider and wider? I talk about this to veterinary professionals around the world at veterinary conferences. Here, in a random order, are some reasons why there are so many overweight pets.

1) Some pet parents believe overweight is "normal." People may not recognize their pets as overweight since the pets didn't grow wider overnight. The trend of overweight pets has been happening for decades. So, while 20 years ago, those same pet parents might have been shocked, today the view of what is a normal is skewed.

Dog parks can be a great place to let your dog socialize and burn off some excess energy. (Find -- or add -- your nearest dog park on Animal Planet's Dog Park Map.)

But can you tell when play between dogs has gone from fun roughhousing to bullying? Watch our video above and check out these tips.

How to Spot a Dog-Park Bully
Bullying means one dog is playing too rough for another (remember, the bully might be YOUR dog!), and when it happens, it's time to leave. Here are signs that play has stopped being fun:

• One dog repeatedly pins another down, with no reciprocation
  
• One dog repeatedly chases another, with no reciprocation
  
• A dog does not back off when the other dog gives a high-pitched yelp
  
• A dog continues to pursue another who is trying to end the play session by, for example, hiding behind your legs or jumping on a bench
  
• You see anything that makes you uncomfortable (you know your dog best, so trust your instincts!)
  

After the jump: signs your dog is not comfortable with the play at a dog park.

Karen Johnson, DVM, of Banfield Pet Hospital in Portland, OR, offers tips to protect your pet this Halloween:

Don't put your pet in a costume unless you know she loves it. If your pet loves being dressed up, be sure the costume you choose isn't constricting, unsafe or annoying, since this can stress your pet.

Be wary of costumes that use rubber bands to keep them in place, because your pet could chew them off and swallow them, potentially choking or suffering an intestinal injury. Rubber bands can also become tangled around a leg or the tail, cutting off blood supply.

Finally, be careful not to obstruct your pet's vision, as even gentle pets may react in fear when they can't see what's going on.

Tomorrow is National Pit Bull Awareness Day, a day created by Bless the Bullies and dedicated to bringing positive attention to these wonderful, misunderstood dogs. (See some easy ways you can help Pit Bulls here.)

If you're a Pit parent or interested in adopting a Pit, you may know that some rental apartments don't allow them or other large breeds.

So I've compiled some tips for finding Pit-friendly rentals based on my own experience as a Pit Bull foster parent and renter, with help from For Rent: No Pit Bulls Allowed at StubbyDog.org and Renting with Your Pit Bull at BadRap.org.

1. Give yourself lots of time. Micaela Myers, author of the StubbyDog article, recommends starting your search two to three months before you have to move.

Our friends at Animal Planet are running a contest: Puppies vs. Babies. Voting begins Oct. 22 and in the end, the top puppy and baby will go head-to-head in a battle of the cutest. Submit a photo of your canine or human cutie and you could win $5,000!

While my 11-year-old Pit Bull is no longer a puppy and my 23-month-old daughter is now more toddler than baby, the contest got me thinking back to how being a pet parent was in some ways good practice for having a newborn.

So if you're a pet parent considering having kids, take heart: You're more prepared than you think. Here's why:

You're already responsible for another life. For petless folks, having a baby represents a big loss of freedom -- no more spontaneous weekends in Paris (well, okay, my life was never like that, but it's nice to think someone's is!). But if you have a pet, you're used to thinking about someone else when you make plans.

You understand non-verbal communication. A newborn is a bundle of needs -- for food, sleep, comfort and going to the bathroom -- with no language to express them. Sound familiar? Pet parents have already learned the subtle art of reading body language, a skill that persists regardless of whether that body is furry and four-legged or otherwise.

Q: I have a 2.5-year-old Pomeranian-Beagle that we rescued through Petfinder when he was a puppy. He loves to go on car rides, but when anyone leaves the car he whines, yips and barks. It's so bad, we don't like to take him with us anymore. -- Virginia G.

Andrea Arden, CPDT at Andrea Arden Dog Training in New York City, writes: I just took a trip with a friend and her dog has a similar issue. It is quite alarming to hear a dog scream at any time, but especially when you sit with him in a small car as his "mom" heads into a gas station for a potty break!

This behavior indicates high stress and arousal due to insecurity about being left. Just like a coach sets up lots of practice sessions prior to the big game, you need to schedule time for practice sessions with your dog prior to leaving him in the car with a friend while you travel. (Of course, never leave your dog unsupervised in a car at any time of year.)

First of all, no one at Petfinder asked me to write this blog about Thundershirts. I volunteered because I'm so enthusiastic about them. (Don't know what they are? Watch this Fox News report and see a study about Thundershirts here.)

One night this summer I witnessed an amazing thing: We had a house-shaking storm around midnight. As usual, Tucker, our German Shepherd mix, was trembling, panting heavily and pacing. But we'd recently bought Tucker a Thundershirt and gotten him used to wearing it ahead of time, like the instructions suggest.

I struggled out of bed with lightning flashing outdoors, retrieved the Thundershirt from the hallway and wrapped it around him snugly. Within moments, Tucker settled down and went back to bed. He was soon sleeping. It was nothing short of a miracle to see him calm down like that.

With the leaves changing color and the air getting crisp, it's a great time to take a nature walk with your dog. Our friends at Discovery News have tips for keeping hikes fun and safe for everyone. Here are a few of our favorites (read all eight tips here):

• Make sure your trail is dog-friendly. Some parks are dog-friendly throughout; some have designated trails for people with dogs; and others don't allow dogs at all. Also, be sure to check the park's leash rules; even if off-leash walks are permitted, you may want to keep your dog leashed in case you come across wildlife or a dog who is not dog-friendly.


• Make sure your dog stays on the trail. Your pup might be tempted to run after a squirrel, but off the trail he's more likely to run into larger animals (such as bears and coyotes), not to mention poison ivy, poison oak, fleas and ticks.
  

In January, Petfinder held a live Q&A on Facebook with pet trainers Andrea Arden and Mychelle Blake. We've been posting some of our favorite questions and answers here on the blog. Read all our Train FurKeeps Q&A blog posts here.

Q: My cat has a problem with throwing up after she eats. I've tried everything from changing her food to monitoring the amount of food, and the only thing that works is picking her up when I hear her gearing up to throw up. The distraction prevents it, but I'm not always home for that! My vet said she seems fine -- no fever, passed physical exam, etc. Help! -- Tristin E.

A: Some cats have sensitive stomachs and will vomit frequently, but there are some things you can try:

As wild animals find their habitats shrinking, they're increasingly venturing into human-populated areas in search of food -- and for predators who hunt small animals, your pet may look like food.

And it doesn't matter where you live. A small dog in suburban Woodbridge, CT, was fatally attacked, possibly by a coyote, fisher or bobcat, last week while left alone in his front yard for less than five minutes.

Attacks like that one are not isolated to the Northeast (a coyote killed Jessica Simpson's dog in L.A. in 2009) or to dogs (in NYC last month, a hawk snatched a cat off a terrace, although it eventually dropped the overweight feline, who lived).

After the jump, find out how you can keep your pet safe from predators.

Steve Dale is host of the nationally syndicated radio show Steve Dale's Pet World and The Pet Minute with Steve Dale. His column, My Pet World (in which this post originally appeared) is carried in more than 100 newspapers nationwide. Steve also serves on the board of directors for the American Humane Association.

Q: Flatulence is the problem for my 12-year-old Pug. It's a heavy ammonia-like smell which he's been giving off lately. He likes to sleep above my head, so you can understand why this is a problem. My husband just turns around and laughs.

My dog eats wet food with a bit of cooked chicken breast. What can we do? -- K.U., Las Vegas

A: Are you sure it's the dog? Maybe there's another explanation for your husband's amusement.

Ask any veterinarian about a Pug with flatulence, and the answer will be, "Well, he's a Pug, isn't he?" However, Dr. Kenny Simpson, internal medicine specialist and a professor of small animal medicine at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ithaca, NY, is concerned about that ammonia smell.

Flea infestations can drive you and your pets up a wall -- and pose serious health risks. Steve Dale of Steve Dale's Pet World sat down with Dr. Michael Dryden, a veterinary parasitologist from Kansas State University, to talk about how you can protect yourself and your pets from fleas. (Watch the video of the interview above.)

Here are some fast facts about fleas you should know:

• One flea can create an infestation: A single female flea can lay 40-50 eggs a day, Dr. Dryden says. So once a flea is in your home, the population can explode quickly and be hard to get rid of.


• Indoor-only pets can still get fleas: "We see permanently indoor cats with fleas all the time," Dr. Dryden says. Fleas can travel into your house on the bottoms of
  shoes or on other animals, such as vermin. Petfinder staffer Jane Harrell's indoor-only cats once got fleas from a neighbor's cat who roamed her apartment building's halls. "He used to sit outside our door, waiting for scratches and treats," she says. "When he got fleas, the fleas came under the door and went straight to my cats."
  

Ticks can cause a number of serious health problems for you and your pet. They can also be difficult to spot and remove. Dr. Michael Dryden, a professor of veterinary parasitology at Kansas State University, sat down with radio host Steve Dale of Steve Dale's Pet World to talk about the dangers ticks pose, and how to prevent them. (Watch the video of the interview above.)

Here are some tick facts every pet parent needs to know:

1. Ticks can infect you and your pet with serious, possibly deadly illnesses. According to Dr. Dryden, ticks are the No. 1 disease vector in the U.S. They carry Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and many other serious illnesses.


2. Tick populations are growing across the U.S. The past several years have seen a spike in the tick population. The spread of white-tailed deer (a tick carrier), climate change and changes in agricultural practices have all contributed.


3. Cats are at risk too. Indoor-outdoor cats can catch cytauxzoonosis, a disease which is most often fatal, from ticks. For this and many other reasons, it's best to keep cats indoors. If your cat has access to an outdoor enclosure or takes harnessed walks with you, talk to your vet about protecting him from ticks.


4. Different tick species live in different regions. "There are at least nine different tick species in North America that routinely get on dogs and cats," Dr. Dryden says. "You have to talk to your veterinarian and ask: What ticks [is your pet] going to be exposed to? What disease are they going to be exposed to? And what product is going to be most effective?"


5. Ticks can do harm when you least expect it. Even if you're not seeing ticks, they can still pose a threat -- so be sure to talk to your vet long before "tick season" starts. Because vets see a large number of pets in your region, Dr. Dryden says, "your veterinarian is going to pick up that ticks are active long before you may."

Tell us: Have you ever taken a tick off of your dog or cat?

Here's what you can expect from your dog's veterinary exams when she is an adult. Stay tuned for a guide to your senior dog's vet visits, or check out our guide to what to expect from your puppy's vet trips.

Adult-dog exams
(ages 18 months to 7 years):
The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that adult dogs see the vet at least once a year for regular exams, whether they need vaccinations or not. These exams help your vet keep a record of your dog's normal health and behavior, and catch signs of illness as early as possible.

"In an adult-dog wellness exam, the emphasis is usually on preventive care, and catching health issues such as obesity and dental disease early, before they become a problem," says veterinarian and Pawcurious blogger Dr. V.

"Obesity is a very common example," she continues. "If you get an overweight pet back down to a healthy weight before degenerative joint problems set in, they will have a longer and healthier life. Although it is uncommon, young adults can unfortunately still be afflicted with dangerous diseases like cancer, kidney disease or heart disease, and we like to catch those as early as possible with routine examinations."

Basic adult exams usually include:

• A full physical examination
• Stool check for parasites
• Mouth check for periodontal disease
• Vaccinations
• Possible heartworm test and preventative

Questions to ask the vet:

• Is my dog the right weight?
• Are there any side effects of the vaccinations or heartworm preventative?
• What at-home dental care do you recommend for my pet?
• What vaccines do you recommend for my dog?
• When should my dog come back for her next exam?

Learn more about the developmental stages of your dog's life.

On Monday we brought you five ways to keep your indoor cat cool. Today, we're going to the dogs. Help keep your dog safe and healthy during the heat wave with these tips:

1. Watch out for heatstroke. Symptoms include panting, lethargy, drooling, fever, vomiting and collapse. If you think your dog may have heatstroke, get the vet ASAP -- the condition can cause permanent organ damage and death.
   
   Breeds with shorter noses (such as Pugs, Shi Tzus, Pekingese, Bulldogs and Boxers) as well as very young and senior dogs are especially vulnerable. Learn more about heatstroke in pets.


2. Give your dog extra water. You will need to refill your dog's water bowl more often than usual on very hot days.
   
   
3. Offer your dog several ways to cool off. Leave a fan on in a place where your dog can sit in front of it, add some ice cubes to his water or offer him a cool treat. (A Kong that's stuffed with wet food or peanut butter, then frozen, is cooling and a great way to keep your dog entertained.)


4. Never leave your dog alone inside a car. Even with the windows cracked, the inside of a car can heat up to 120 degrees in a matter of minutes on a warm day. And leaving the air conditioning on is no guarantee that your dog will be safe. Watch this PSA about pets in hot cars.


5. Take your walks in the morning or evening. The intense heat of midday can overwhelm your dog during a walk. Exercise your dog during the cooler hours and, if your dog is in the sun for an extended period of time, apply doggie sunscreen. Learn more about sunscreen for pets.


6. Don't leave your dog outside for more than a few minutes. Even in the shade, a dog exposed to extreme heat and humidity is at risk for heatstroke.


7. Avoid hot sidewalks. Your dog's paws can easily become burned on hot surfaces, including pavement, blacktop and sand.


8. Brush your dog regularly. A clean, untangled coat can help ward off summer skin problems and help your dog stay cool. If you want to give your dog a haircut, and your vet thinks it will help him cope with the heat, keep his fur at least one inch long to protect him from the sun. (Shaving down to the skin is not recommended.)
   


9. Be alert for coolant leaking from your vehicle. Dogs are attracted to the sweet taste of coolant, and just a small amount can make your dog sick -- or even cause death. If you believe your dog may have ingested coolant, take him to the vet right away.

To learn more about keeping your dog healthy and comfortable during these hot months, check out our Summer Pet Safety section.

The temperature is soaring, and it's only going to get hotter. Make sure you know how to keep your cat safe in the summer heat.

Bunny, a DSH, is keeping cool at Virtually Home Cats in Chicago.
1. Watch out for heatstroke. Symptoms include panting, lethargy, drooling, fever, vomiting and collapse. If you think your cat may have heatstroke, get the vet ASAP -- the condition can cause permanent organ damage and death. Learn more about heatstroke in pets. 


2. Offer your cat several ways to cool off. Leave a fan on in a place where your cat can sit in front of it, add some ice cubes to her water or offer her a cool treat (check out our recipe for catsicles.)
   


3. Let your cat find cool spots in the house. Your cat will seek out the cooler parts of your home, so make sure she has access to areas with tile floors or rooms that don't get much sun.
   
   
4. Play in the morning or evening. Any exercise should take place during the cooler hours of the day. This is especially important for young kittens and seniors, both of whom are very vulnerable to heatstroke. (If your cat has just eaten, make sure you give her some time to digest before you begin playtime.)
   


5. Brush your cat often. A well-groomed, tangle-free coat will help keep your cat cool. (Learn more about grooming your cat.)
   

To learn more about summer pet safety -- including how to put sunscreen on your cat! -- check out our Summer Pet Safety section.
 

Fourth of July weekend is almost here! But while the fun, sun and fireworks may be great for you, the loud noises, people coming and going and confusion may spell trouble for your pet. In fact, more pets get lost on Independence Day each year than any other day, according to HomeAgain's marketing director Linda Block.

Before you head off for the weekend, test your pet-safety knowledge with this Independence Day quiz provided by HomeAgain and check out our bonus tips below. Then pledge to keep your pet safe on the Fourth of July on HomeAgain's Facebook page:

1) If your pet is sensitive to loud noises like fireworks, you should turn on the TV or music when leaving the house.

Answer: True. By raising the indoor ambient sound level, you will cancel out some of the booming noise from outside and comfort your pet with the feeling she is not alone.

2) It is smart to leave your pet in the car when going to see fireworks.

Answer: False. Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe, your pet can suffer serious health effects, even death, in a few short minutes. Leaving the window open exposes your pet to being stolen. [Learn more about the dangers of leaving your pet in a parked car.]

3) Keeping your pet at home, indoors, in a sheltered, quiet area during fireworks makes sense.

Answer: True. Some pets can become destructive when frightened. Be sure to remove any items that your pet could destroy, or that would be harmful if chewed or ingested.

4) If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4.

Answer: True. Your veterinarian will offer ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety your pet will experience during fireworks displays. As the saying goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

5) It's okay to leave your pet outside, unattended in a fenced yard or on a chain, if he or she is comfortable there.

Answer: False. If frightened, pets that normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.

Fourth of July can be fun for you and safe for your pet, with the right precautions. Here are a few bonus tips for keeping your pet safe and sound this weekend (you can also watch our video for tips about pets and fireworks):

• Confine nervous pets to a quiet, indoor location away from windows. For pets particularly afraid of loud noises, consider enclosing them in a windowless room that's central in your house to reduce the sound of the fireworks. You can turn on the radio, air conditioner or television to add more of a sound buffer.
• Get your dog used to loud noises ahead of time. A little practice can go a long way toward helping your pet stay calm when he hears big booming noises. Check out these tips for conditioning your dog to loud sounds.
• Try a calming massage or pressure therapy. For pets that pace, jump or can't seem to settle, applying pressure to key areas may help. Try giving a massage to your cat or using a Thundershirt pressure vest on your anxious pup.

Tell us: How does your pet react to the sound of fireworks?

Cats require plenty of fresh, clean water to maintain urinary health and prevent kidney disease. Senior cats especially need to drink generously to pamper their aging kidneys. So in honor of Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month, I'm covering the art of getting your cat to drink more water.

When my cat Ivan began to have issues with feline lower urinary tract disease, everyone had ideas to encourage him to drink just a little more.

My veterinarian suggested adding clam juice to his water. Ivan stuck his nose up. A friend gifted him with a kitty water fountain. My inquisitive young cat Longfellow (pictured) found it fascinating, but Ivan regarded it with disdain. I let the tub faucet drip to draw his attention, but the sound drove me crazy.

Keeping Ivan hydrated was becoming a bigger chore than he or I wanted it to be.

I finally decided that simplicity was best. Why stop at one or two water bowls? I went to my cupboard for unused crockery and made water available at a generous number of locations throughout the house. I wanted Ivan and the rest of my cat clan to encounter water bowls throughout the day and be enticed to take a drink.

It worked. I was amazed to see how often I found a cat lapping from a bowl just because it happened to be on his way from point A to point B. Here are some tips for fine-tuning the strategy:

• Put water bowls in places your cat likes to spend time. Cats are usually given two small bowls for food and water, placed where humans aren't likely to trip over them -- often in a busy kitchen where a cat has to dodge feet to get a drink. Give your cat additional options near his favorite lounging spots.
  
  
• Change the water often. A tiny bowl quickly becomes unappealing if it isn't refreshed once or twice a day.
  


• Use bowls you'll like to look at. Additional water bowls don't need to be bland. I have a beautiful pottery bowl from an artists' sale by the door to my living room. A tall handsome crock in the bathroom helps my arthritic senior cat lap without bending her stiff shoulders. How about that old set of china, or the serving bowl you were given that doesn't match a thing? Might they brighten up a corner or a hallway?


• Offer some additional incentives. By placing a sturdy water dish inside your bathtub, you can encourage your four-footed tub-surfer to take another drink, or provide a playful cat with a place to splash to her heart's content without soaking the floor. Toss a ping pong ball in there for some added activity!


• Prevent messes. Outside of the tub, you can help tame a feline water-paddler by placing one bowl inside another. The water your cat splashes out of the first bowl will simply spill into the second. Beautifully glazed plant saucers work well for this, and give you yet another reason to visit your local garden center this spring.

Ivan doesn't have a favorite bowl. He drinks from each and every one. He knows they all were placed there just for him!

However, my senior cat, Cricket (pictured), is three-legged and full of attitude. Her favorite bowl is ceramic, square, painted with lemons and leaves, and sits on a cabinet between two windows in my den. I'm not certain why water tastes better from her special bowl, or why she chooses to climb to drink when there are more convenient bowls all around her. I don't question her royal judgment. If it keeps her drinking, and helps keep her healthy in her senior years, I'm happy!

Tell us: Does your cat have a favorite place to drink water?

Maria Goodavage writes Dogster's For the Love of Dog blog and is an avid traveler with her dog Jake.This article was adapted from her book, The Dog Lover's Companion to California. The 7th edition of the book will be out in June.

Good dogs make great hotel guests. They don't steal towels, and they don't get drunk and keep the neighbors up all night.

These days, the nation is brimming with lodgings whose owners welcome dogs. You can stay in all kinds of lodgings -- from inexpensive motels to lovely bed-and-breakfast inns to posh hotels. But the basic dog etiquette rules are the same everywhere.

Here are the top 10 tips to make sure that both you and your dog are invited back:

1. Don't leave your dog alone. Leaving a dog alone in a strange place invites serious trouble. Scared, nervous dogs may tear apart drapes, carpeting, and furniture. They may even injure themselves. They might also bark nonstop and scare the daylights out of the housekeeper.


2. Bring only a housetrained dog to a lodging. How would you like a house guest to go to the bathroom in the middle of your bedroom?


3. Make sure your pooch is flea-free. Otherwise, future guests will be itching to leave.


4. If possible, bring your dog's bed or blanket along for the night. Your dog will feel more at home and won't be tempted to jump on the hotel bed. If your dog sleeps on the bed with you at home, bring a sheet and put it on top of the bed so the hotel's bedspread won't get furry or dirty.


5. Don't wash your dog in the hotel tub. "It's very yucky," I was told by one motel manager who has seen so many furry tubs that she's thinking about banning dogs.


6. Bring your own food and water bowls, or request special bowls. Refrain from using the ice bucket as a water or food bowl. Bring your own bowls, or stay in a hotel that provides them, as many of the nicer ones do these days.


7. Keep your dog from barking. After a few days (or hours!) in a hotel, some dogs come to think of it as home. They get territorial. When another hotel guest walks by, it's "Bark! Bark!" When the housekeeper knocks, it's "Bark! Snarl! Bark! Gnash!" Keep your dog quiet, or you'll both find yourselves looking for a new home away from home. (Check out these tips for stopping your dog's problem barking.)


8. Be honest about your dog's size. For some strange reason, some lodgings prefer small dogs as guests. It's really ridiculous. Large dogs are often much calmer and quieter than their tiny, high-energy cousins. If you're in a location where you can't find a hotel that will accept you and your big brute (a growing rarity these days), it's time to try a sell job. Let the manager know how good and quiet your dog is (if he is). Promise he won't eat the bathtub or run around and shake all over the hotel. Offer a deposit or sign a waiver, even if they're not required for small dogs. It helps if your sweet, soppy-eyed dog is at your side to convince the decision-maker.


9. Do your research about dog fees. There's nothing like checking in at a hotel and finding out that your dog is going to cost as much as your room. Some hotels let dogs stay free, others require a deposit that will be refunded when management sees the room has not been eaten or otherwise destroyed. Many charge a fee for dogs. Sometimes it's nominal ($5), sometimes it's over the top ($500 for the length of your stay -- even if your stay is one night), but usually it's relatively reasonable. I've heard from hotel staffers that some guests get downright nasty about the fees when they haven't done their research. Don't be one of those.


10. Don't try to sneak your dog into a hotel. In the dark ages of dog-friendly lodgings, I sneaked dogs into hotels. But I don't recommend it. The lodging might have a good reason for its rules. Besides, you always feel as if you're going to be caught and thrown out on your hindquarters. You race in and out of your room with your dog as if ducking sniper fire. It's better to avoid feeling like a criminal and move on to a more dog-friendly location. With the number of lodgings that welcome dogs these days, you won't have to go far.

You and your pet are a package deal, and that's fabulous. But when you're in a relationship with someone who doesn't understand that bond, it can cause strain.

When we asked on our Facebook page, "Do you and your significant other fight about your pets?" many of you said yes.

In fact, some said you'd ditched partners who were unsupportive, or even jealous, of your pets. And shelter staffers know all too well that some people will give up their pets for the sake of a peaceful relationship.

So to help keep the whole family together, here are some tips for overcoming pet-related hard feelings:

• Find out why your spouse is really mad. "When the partner brings up the hair all over the place, the pet getting more attention, etc., they might mean, 'I feel second best, used or put upon,' and that feeling might be a theme in the relationship," New York City-based marriage and family therapist (and pet parent) Emma Viglucci, LMFT, tells us.
  


• Take the focus off the pet. Once you've identified the underlying issue, focus on your partner's feelings, not his or her criticism of your pet. Tempting as it may be, going into protective pet-parent mode only "aggravates the situation more by continuing to hurt your partner," Viglucci says.
  
  
• Help your spouse bond with your pet. If your partner feels left out of your and your pet's close relationship, come up with activities just for the two of them. Maybe your husband can teach your dog some cool tricks or your wife can introduce your cat to a new game. Or maybe your pet can join in your partner's favorite activity, whether it's jogging or watching TV.
  

Of course, if you need extra help, call a trainer for hard-to-fix pet behaviors, or talk to a counselor together to work on tough relationship issues. No family is perfect, but with a little work, patience and communication, you and your spouse can enjoy pet parenthood together.

This weekend the New York Post ran the story of Copper, Angela Lang's 9-year-old cat who survived a 12-story fall from her New York window, breaking only her paw. Lang's vet pronounced Copper a "miracle cat" for escaping worse damage. (Read the full story here.)

The New York Post reports:

The trouble for Copper started shortly before 11 pm Monday, when Lang was getting ready to give her and another cat, Daisy, their nightly treat.

"Daisy came for a snack and Copper didn't," Lang said. "That's when I realized that she was missing. It took me about two hours to find out that she fell."

Copper had apparently gotten through Lang's 14th-floor window, [which was above a 2-story garage and] was open only about 3 inches wide and held in place by a window lock.

"I didn't think she could fit through the window," said Lang, who had never lived in a high-rise apartment before. "She's never done anything like this, but she is the explorer of the two cats."

Unfortunately, falling from apartment windows is so common for cats that veterinarians have given it a name: feline high-rise syndrome. In fact, the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York City reports that it sees three to five cases each week, according to the ASPCA website. And cats usually don't end up as lucky as Copper.

With the weather warming up and in honor of Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month, now is a great time to install screens on all your windows -- and to check the screens you already have. Here are some fast facts about window screens and cats from our article on preventing feline high-rise syndrome:

• Even the most agile cats can fall from windows and balconies. Whether your cat is sleeping on a window sill and is disoriented for a moment when he wakes up, or your cat is startled by a sudden noise, all cats may fall victim to feline high-rise syndrome.


• Surviving the fall isn't the only danger. Even if your window or balcony is near the ground, cats who survive the fall may get lost.


• If a cat's head can fit through, so can her body. Like Angela Lang, many pet parents might not realize how small an opening can be for a cat to get through. If you have an unscreened window with bars, be sure that your cat can't fit his head through or he may still get out.


• Cats should be supervised when in screened-in areas. Even the best screens aren't 100% reliable. Loose window screens and determined cats can still spell disaster. (Read the story of Callie, a cat who went through her mom's screened window.) So, be sure to supervise your cat when he's in his screened-in enclosure or near a screened window -- and opt for the air conditioner when you're out.

It's Friday the 13th, and we're taking a look at another popular superstition: Are black cats really bad luck?

Okay, we all know they're not. But black cats can't seem to catch a break: Back in 2000, a study found that people who lived with dark-furred cats were more likely to report having bad allergies than pet parents with lighter-furred cats. (Read an excerpt from the study here.)

But we're happy to clear the air -- and black cats' reputations.

One of that study's authors told the New York Times the color association was not conclusive, and a 2001 study in The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology reported that the amount of allergen found in a cat parent's home had no relationship to the color of the cat (in fact, the title of the study is "Fel d 1 levels in domestic living rooms are not related to cat color or hair length").

Of course, if you are allergic to cats, there are ways to cope with your symptoms (after the jump). So if you're thinking of adopting one of the thousands of adorable black cats posted on Petfinder, you can breathe easy. And isn't Friday the 13th the perfect day to adopt a black cat? We suggest naming your new friend Lucky.

After the jump: Resources for allergy sufferers, plus: Some of our adoptable black cats

This week we asked our Facebook fans, "Do you take any earth-friendly steps to help reduce your pet's carbon pawprint?" Today, in honor of Earth Day, we're sharing some of our favorite answers:

1. Prevent pet overpopulation
"Spay or neuter!" says Leslie H., and we agree. All pets have some environmental impact, but spaying and neutering keeps the pet population in check (and unwanted litters out of shelters).

2. Buy in bulk
Maria R. buys the biggest bags of pet food available. "That saves on gas back and forth to the store," she says. It also cuts down on packaging waste (and is easier on the wallet).

When I worked with the MSPCA in Boston, every day I'd hear from guilt-ridden pet parents about the awful things that happened to their cats when they went outside -- they were hit by cars, attacked by predators, infected with diseases or they just disappeared.

But many people still let their cats outdoors -- often with misplaced good intentions. Here are some of the most common reasons people let their cats outside, and safer, indoor alternatives.

Myth 1: Indoor cats get bored.

Fact: The truth is, indoor cats can and do get bored, but letting them outside is not a good solution.

Instead, make your home more interesting: Set up perches where he can watch birds from the safety of inside, build a DIY cat playhouse, hide his food or modify his feeder so he has to "hunt" for it. (Find more suggestions in our environmental-enrichment series.) Finally, if your cat is amenable to it, you might consider adopting a second cat as a playmate.

Mary Lempert is the founder and manager of The Rabbit Advocate, where this blog post originally appeared. She has served as a rabbit behavior and rehabilitation consultant for the House Rabbit Society, House Rabbit Network and the MSPCA in Massachusetts and, most recently, for the Almost Home Humane Society in Lafayette, IN. She lives in West Lafayette, IN, with her rabbits Graysie and Willoughby and any number of foster bunnies.

Most rabbit-parents know that rabbits are not cheap pets -- their medical care as exotic animals can add up, and they seem to love chewing on your most expensive items (clothes, furniture, equipment, etc.). However, there are several easy ways to reduce the costs of their daily care and manage your rabbit expenses more effectively. Here are just a few:

Hay: Buy in bulk from the farm
Buying small bags of hay from pet stores can get expensive fast! Buying hay directly from a farmer can cut costs way down. Ordering hay in 50-lb. boxes online from farms is already a bargain compared to the small bags from pet stores, but taking a trip to a local farmer to buy a bale is really the way to go. A bale of Timothy hay, which can last several months, typically costs about $10. (Learn more about the types of hay that are good for rabbits.)

Today is the Humane Society of the United States' 17th annual Spay Day, dedicated to spreading the word about the importance of spaying and neutering pets.

To celebrate, shelters, rescue groups and vets' offices around the world are holding low- or no-cost spay/neuter clinics. If you know someone who hasn't yet had their pet altered, let them know they can find a clinic near them at HSUS's website.

There are other fun opportunities are out there as well -- the Bayonne Feral Cat Foundation in New Jersey needs volunteers to help put up flyers today, and the Lowell Humane Society in Massachusetts is hosting a "Spay-ghetti" dinner and fundraiser, to name just two. (Find a Spay Day event near you.)

In honor of Valentine's Day, we're hoping to bring a little peace to pet lovers and their (human) companions.

When we asked our Facebook fans, "Do you and your significant other fight about your pets?" many said yes. Here's our advice on handling your most common pet-related arguments.

Fight #1: Should you get another pet?
If one of you doesn't want to get another pet, sorry to say, the other has to respect that. Too many pets end up in shelters because all the members of a household
are not on the same page. If you've got the urge to bond with new pets, volunteer with a shelter or rescue group.

We love silly pet videos here at Petfinder (check out our series on Best Pet-Adoption Videos). So how could we not share this funny video with a great message by our partner PetFirst?

Do you have a favorite pet-related commercial or video? Share the link in the comments!

WeAreCentralPA.com recently ran a story titled Pets Can Let You Know if You're Sick.

The idea is that a pet's illness can offer clues that lead to a diagnosis of the pet parent's own illness.

Jennifer Adler, V.M.D., specialist in Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist at the Center for Animal Referral and Emergency Services (CARES) Animal Hospital in Langhorne, PA, says since pets and humans share the same spaces, a pet can also be a sentinel for other types of environmentally-related human illnesses, such as Lyme disease or water contamination.

This doesn't mean the pet gave the human a disease, or vice versa -- simply that they share the same environment and are exposed to the same pathogens.

In the video that accompanies the article, we meet pet parent Anne Kane, whose dog Lucy became very ill a few months ago. "She was just curled up in a little ball under a table, which is definitely not her," Anne tells WTAJ, the local CBS news station.

This article is the latest in our series on environmental enrichment, offering easy ways to keep your pet's mind and body active.

Many of you made New Year's resolutions to get active with your pet -- but that can be tough when it's too cold to spend much time outside.

Tough, but not impossible! Here are some easy ways you and your dog can have fun and get moving ... indoors.

To start 2011 off on the right paw, we've put together our top pet-related New Year's resolutions. Plus, after the jump: our favorite resolutions from our Facebook friends.

1. Get active with your pet!
   Obesity is just as harmful to pets as it is to people. If you've resolved to lose weight -- and who hasn't? -- include your pet in your plan. Resolve
   to walk the dog at least a mile every day, or play with the cat for at least 30 minutes every day. You'll have more fun that way, and you'll both benefit. (Learn more about dog obesity here.)


2. Teach your pet a new trick
   Whether your pet has some bad habits to break or you just want to impress your friends, training will keep her mind and body active and be a bonding experience for both of you -- and yes, that's true for cats as well as dogs. Check out our cat-training videos and our dog-training videos, plus: 20 Uses for Dog Tricks.  


3. Make arrangements for your pets in your will
   Too many pets end up in shelters because people assume they will outlive their best friends, or that their kids will take care of their pets. There are several companies that will help you set up a pet trust. For more information check out Providing for Your Pet After You're Gone.


4. Register your pet's microchip
   No matter how responsible you are, any pet can become lost. And your pet is much more likely to come home to you if the contact information associated with his microchip is up-to-date. Registering your pet's chip with HomeAgain gives him unlimited contact-info updates for life, plus many other protections (including unlimited access to the ASPCA's Poison Control hotline -- normally $65 a call -- for less than $20 a year).


5. Get pet insurance!
   Too often, we don't think about pet insurance until our pet becomes ill. Sign up now (our partner, PetFirst, is offering coverage to Petfinder visitors for just $5 for the first month) and be prepared for an unexpected illness or accident.


6. Walk the dogs or pet the cats at a shelter on one lunch hour per month
   Even a small commitment of your time can make a big difference to shelter pets. Find more ways to help animals here.

After the jump: our favorite resolutions from our Facebook friends.

Guest blogger Florence Scarinci has trained service dogs, worked as a veterinary assistant and run a pet-sitting service. For 18 years, she's volunteered at the Bideawee shelter in New York, for which she writes the monthly online column Bideawee Tails from a Volunteer. Today, she shares suggestions for enjoying time with your senior dog this holiday season. 

Making your list, checking it twice? Of course your senior dog is on the list.

She already has so many things to make her golden years comfortable: a bed, a jacket, maybe even pet stairs and elevated food and water bowls. So what can you get her to let her know she's the champion of your heart?

For any dog, but for seniors especially, time -- your time -- is the best gift you can give. Consider these cost-free presents that are gifts of time and of yourself.

1. Take a leisurely stroll together. The fresh air and the gentle exercise will keep her muscles toned, her joints moving and her heart and blood pumping. Just remember that seniors are sensitive to extremes of heat and cold, so plan your walks for the mildest part of the day.


2. Take her to an unfamiliar area where all the smells are new. Let her take as long as she wants to sniff. Routine may be comforting, but novelty is invigorating.


3. Revisit some old tricks. In her youth, did she love to play fetch? Continue to practice -- but only toss the ball a short distance. What commands does she know? Sits and downs are marvelous physical therapy.

As a foster mom, rescue volunteer and proud mom to a number of four-legged family members, I'm always looking for ways to curb expenses without cutting quality or care. One way I do this is by getting a little creative about cat toys, often making them myself.

Judging by a recent poll we did on Petfinder's Facebook page, I'm not alone. We asked, "Does your pet have a favorite homemade pet toy?" and watched nearly 200 responses roll in, including a few great homemade cat toy suggestions. (Have a homemade dog toy suggestion? Leave it below.)

Here are the top five homemade cat toy ideas we got back (please remember to always supervise your cat with any toys and watch out for accidental ingestion):

Dr. V is a veterinarian and the author of Pawcurious, a blog that tackles humorous, educational, and touching pet topics. Each day Dr. V wrestles with dogs, cats, and emotions in the drama of life in a small-animal vet clinic. Today she shares her experiences with pet osteoarthritis.

With winter just around the corner, it's a good time to be conscious of the symptoms of osteoarthritis, one of the most common afflictions of senior dogs and cats (yes, cats get arthritis too!).

As people with the same condition can tell you, cold weather can wreak havoc on diseased joints and cause a great deal of discomfort. But a little preparation and coordination with your vet can help your pet keep the pep in his step through the cold months ahead.

I recently became certified in pet first aid and CPR and was surprised at some of the lessons I learned. Last week I created a Cat First-Aid Quiz. This week we're going to the dogs (so to speak).

Answer each true/false question below -- and remember that, no matter how good your knowledge of pet first aid, you should contact your vet or veterinary emergency room immediately any time your dog is injured.

1) If a dog is in distress, even my own, I should always try to restrain him before administering any kind of treatment.

I recently became certified in pet first aid and CPR and was surprised at some of the lessons I learned.

Do you know how to keep your cat safe in an emergency? Answer each true/false question below -- and remember that, no matter how good your knowledge of pet first aid, you should contact your vet or veterinary emergency room immediately any time your cat is injured.

1) If I have a well-stocked first-aid kit for humans, I don't need one for my cat.

This weekend I finally completed a 13-year-old promise to myself: I became certified in pet first aid and CPR through the American Red Cross.

Odd promise? Maybe. But I learned the hard way how it feels when your pet is in need and you don't have the skills to help her.

Thirteen years ago, that happened to me with my first cat, Mooshie. She'd been fine all day, but I left for an hour and she was unconscious when I came home. I scooped her up and literally ran the few blocks to the vet, but Mooshie never woke up. She'd probably had acute massive heart failure, the vet said.

I was crushed. Most of all, I was furious with myself for not knowing how or if I could have helped her.

So a few weeks ago, when a friend asked if I'd attend a pet CPR and first aid class with her, I jumped at the chance. I didn't know
what to expect at the start of the four hour class, and was surprised that it covered everything from what to do if your pet is choking to how to treat a snake bite.

One of the key things I learned in the class was the importance of having pet first-aid kits in both your home and your car (learn more about how to create a pet first-aid kit) and an unexpected lesson was that you can give a pet a variation of the Heimlich if she's choking.

Most of all, I now feel more confident that I'll be prepared and able to assist my cat (and dog) companions if they need me. Here's what you need to know about taking a pet first-aid and CPR class.

People are always impressed and amazed when they meet Keller, my deaf and blind Great Dane. And he meets a lot of people, because he always draws a crowd. He's a great ambassador for Adopt-A-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week.

I think he especially loves it when we leave the house because he gets to experience so many new smells. All dogs have a strong sense of smell, but, think about it: For a deaf and blind dog, smell is everything. Keller sticks his head out of the car window or sun roof and takes it all in. It is really funny to see people at stop lights all pointing to the car with the big white dog sticking out.

While it wasn't a hard decision to take Keller as a 9-week-old puppy -- he was in desperate need of a home right away or he faced euthanasia -- I did initially wonder if I'd gotten in over my head. I had no experience with special-needs dogs and here I was taking on a deaf and blind puppy.

But raising Keller hasn't been that different from raising my other dogs. (See Keller's puppy pictures and read our first post-adoption blog post here. ) Now 3 years old, Keller has taught me a lot about how great special-needs pets can be. He's also taught me some ways to make life easier on both of us. Here's just a bit of what I've learned:

Colleen Mihelich is the founder of Peternity.com, which sells pet memorials, grave markers, urns and other items. She's authored numerous articles on dealing with grief over the loss of a pet. Peternity is based in Southern California.

The joys of pet ownership and the ways in which pets enrich our lives are endless-- the love, the companionship, the playfulness, the loyalty. But unfortunately, we most often outlive our pets and have to deal with letting go of them much sooner than we wish.

When you've lost a pet, you may feel that nothing can take the pain away. However, there are a few things you can do that may help:

I recently posted my very own simple, home-grown recipe for catsicles, a frosty treat to help keep cats cool. And the response got me thinking: What other tasty, easy and healthy recipes are out there for our pets?

So now I'm asking you: Do you have a great recipe that your dog, cat or other pet just goes wild for? Is it healthy and easy to make? We want to hear it!

If your very own pet-treat recipe fits the bill, e-mail it to me at jane [at] petfinder.com or leave a comment below and your recipe may just get featured on the Petfinder blog! Recipes must be your original creation and include exclusively non-toxic ingredients for the species specified.

The makers of Feline Pine have dubbed August 16-22 National Take Your Cat to the Vet Week and we're thrilled! After all, cats outnumber dogs in the U.S. by about 15 million, according to the CATalyst Council. But cats receive less-frequent veterinary care than dogs, and their signs of illness are often more subtle than their canine counterparts'.

Call your vet today and make sure your cat's next wellness visit is on the calendar. (The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends taking cats to the vet for regular checkups twice a year.)

Until your next appointment, here are some of the less-obvious signs that your cat may be sick:

• Bad breath: Stinky breath can indicate kidney problems and serious dental disease in your cat - and sweet or fruity-smelling breath can be a sign of diabetes. Consult your vet if you notice any bad or unusual odors when your cat opens his mouth. (Source: ASPCA)

The image of a dog in an oven is disturbing -- but it's making an important point: Leaving a dog in a car on a hot day can be just as dangerous as putting him in an oven.

That's the message of the new Hot Car/Hot Oven PSA campaign by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office. The unsettling posters remind us that leaving a dog in a hot car is not only dangerous -- it's illegal.

We talked to Debbie Knaan, LA's deputy district attorney in charge of animal cruelty cases, about the campaign -- and what to do if you see a dog in a hot car. Her answer: If you see a dog left alone in a hot car, try to locate the owner, notify on-site security personnel if possible, or call 911.

(Check out our article on signs of heatstroke and what to do if a pet is exposed to high temperatures.)

Dr. V is a veterinarian and the author of Pawcurious, a blog that tackles humorous, educational, and touching topics. Each day Dr. V wrestles with dogs, cats, and emotions in the drama of life in a small-animal vet clinic. Today she shares her experiences with pet food allergies and explains what an elimination diet is.

Two years ago, my then-7-year-old cat Apollo strolled by, plopped on the floor, and revealed that he had big patches of fur missing on his thighs. Since he was an all-black cat to begin with, it was pretty obvious, and pretty ugly.

As the momma of two long-hair cats (and one thick-coated short-hair), I'm oh too familiar with the disdainful look on their faces whenever I go to turn down the air conditioner during the summer months. "You try wearing a fur coat, lady," their faces say as they spread as much of their bodies as possible along my tile kitchen floors.

Summer heat is serious business for pet parents and, while dogs get most of the heatstroke-related media play, cats can suffer from it as well. (See the symptoms of heatstroke here.)

I came up with this recipe to make beating the heat fun, delicious and entertaining for my feline friends. My cat Toby the Terrible -- pictured here -- loves Catsicles, and chances are yours will too!

Greg Kincaid is the author of A Dog Named Christmas. His next book, the prequel Christmas with Tucker, comes out in November, and is now available for preorder at all major retailers. You can also read his previous blog posts for Petfinder and visit Greg at www.facebook.com/authorgregkincaid.

One of my life's greatest joys is walking or jogging with my dog. If there is anyone who gets more out of it than me, it's Rudy. We need the exercise and doing something together is rewarding for both of us.

I assumed I had a pretty good handle on some common-sense guidelines for making sure it was not too hot for Rudy when we walked or jogged. Recently, I decided to talk with one of our vets, Dr. Cindy Risen in Fairway, KS, to compare my own observations with someone who actually knew something!

I wasn't too far off, but still Dr. Risen had some interesting information to share.

Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: Can I cut my cat's nails with a set of human nail clippers?

A: While it is not dangerous to use a human nail cutter it may cause the nails to split. This can make your job more difficult and may be painful for your cat.

All pet stores carry pet nail clippers. Investing in a good pair can save you a lot of time and money down the road. Be sure to purchase some styptic powder to cauterize the nail in case it is cut too short.

Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: My Maltese seems to have a very gurgly stomach. He acts fine but it is quite loud. Any suggestions?

A: This type of noise can occur in dogs and does not mean that there is a problem. If your dog is not vomiting or having loose stool, this noise may be normal, just like it happens to us!

This year my old pooch became fearful, aggressive, crippled and weak, pot-bellied, and incontinent, and started liking sweets. The vets all agreed he was just getting old. I didn't think so. Here is our story:

About a year ago, Jim the hound dog had an almost overnight quality-of-life change. He awoke one night in abject terror, whining and shaking with tremors whenever you'd touch him, especially on the head. He didn't want to sleep alone. That same week he started having trouble with weakness in his hind legs. He had recently started begging to share my pancakes, which was unusual for my normally picky carnivore. Having lost my dogs Max and Kobie to brain tumors, I was certain I was seeing telltale signs of the same awful disease. In a panic, I packed him up and drove him to the vet school for an MRI and was surprised to learn that Jim had a very healthy noggin.

Later that month, my laid-back hound dog became a scaredy-dog. New people and new dogs were especially scary. He'd charge in fear if they came into his yard, couldn't regain his composure for hours, and on two occasions, he tried to gum his victim into submission (Jim is challenged in the tooth department). This was such a dramatic change, I felt strongly that it wasn't a natural aging process.

Guest blogger Maria founded the Web site PetNamesPlace.com to help people find the perfect names for their pets. Together with her husband and two naughty felines, she spends her days scouring print, web and other sources for the best pet names on the planet. Today she shares some helpful pet-naming tips with us.

When I was 6 years old, my parents gave me the honor of naming our new calico kitten. Since I had already helped name several of our other pets, they were clearly under the impression that I understood the basics of selecting an appropriate moniker. Sadly, they were very wrong.

Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: My Yorkie has hair loss on the spot where the vet gives her shots. Is this normal?

A: It is possible that your dog is reacting to her vaccines. Some dogs get a local reaction from the rabies vaccine that causes hair loss.

Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: What are the symptoms of a dog having a stroke?

A: While strokes can occur in dogs and cats, it is far less common than in humans.

Strokes can be definitively diagnosed with advanced imaging in veterinary referral centers. Before this type of imaging is done, your pet should be examined by a veterinarian. Simple blood tests and x-rays may identify another problem that is causing this to happen to your pet.

I'll never forget the look on one woman's face as she had to surrender her longtime cat. I was working at the MSPCA Boston Adoption Center at the time and this woman's plight literally made me ache. She had lost her job and, faced with eviction, she had nowhere to go. No one she knew could take in her cat and she was planning on spending that very night at a homeless shelter. Her face was tight and she was holding back tears as she signed the relinquishment papers.

Unfortunately, this woman is not alone. Petfinder's 2009 FurKeeps Member Survey identified cost as one of the top five reasons people give up their pets. And it's no surprise: Unexpected vet bills, the rising cost of pet care and sudden changes in a pet parent's finances can be devastating.

Here are a few ways that you can manage the cost of pet care and plan for the worst financial scenarios. Please pass these resources on and feel free to add any we missed in the comments section below.

Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: My vet says my pets are a little overweight. What is the best way to help them get healthy?

A: It is very important not to let our pets become overweight. Overweight animals are more susceptible to certain diseases and joint problems. Lean pets tend to live longer than those with excess weight. Most pet food stores carry special foods that can help your pet stay lean or even lose weight. Diets designed for less active or senior pets tend to have less calories and fat.

Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: Is it a good idea to change dry dog food every so often to combat boredom or is it better to feed the same dog food all of their life?

A: While it is possible that dogs may get bored with their food it is not a good idea to change their food frequently. Food changes can cause stomach upset and diarrhea in pets.

Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: In the American Profile insert for May 4-10, your "Ask the Vet" piece warns against "creams with zinc" because of "red blood cell problems." Isn't zinc is an essential nutrient for pets and added to pet foods to promote good health? Can you explain this?

A: The amount of zinc in your dog's food is not enough to be toxic. In order for zinc, or many other ingredients, to be toxic, they must be ingested in high doses.

Dr. Arnold Plotnick is the founder of Manhattan Cat Specialists, a cats-only veterinary hospital in New York City; he also writes a pet blog, Cat Man Do.

It's spring -- peak shedding season -- and during this time of year many cat parents see an increase in hairballs. Contrary to popular belief, coughing up a hairball isn't a harmless, natural process for cats. In fact, hairballs actually cause cats to choke, posing hazards to their health. Therefore, it's a very fitting time to build awareness around the issue and observe the hairiest of all holidays: April 30, National Hairball Awareness Day.

Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: Our 10-year-old cat has developed severe arthritis in the top joint of his right leg. The vet gave him a liquid glucosamine, which didn't help much. Are there other options?

A: Arthritis is a very painful disease that affects cats just like it affects dogs. Unfortunately, there aren't as many options out there in terms of medications for arthritic cats.

Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: I just got a kitten but I'm confused about the cat litter. Is there one type that is better than the rest? I would like something that doesn't smell and is good for the environment. Can you recommend anything?

A: Cat litter comes in many different forms. An ideal cat litter is highly absorbent, has a pleasant odor, and easy to clean. It is important that not only you like your cat litter but that your cat likes it too.

Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: I just found out my dog has cancer. Can my normal vet treat her or do I need to take her to a specialist?

A: There are many different kinds of cancers that can affect animals. Each type of cancer has its own effects, treatment options, and prognosis.

Unfortunately, certain forms of cancer are extremely malignant and cannot be treated. Others can be cured or controlled with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or a combination of these treatments.

Since 1995, Petfinder.com has found homes for approximately 15 million animals. Unfortunately, many adopted pets end up right back where they started, in shelters.

In an effort to decrease the number of surrendered pets across the country, on March 8 we launched FurKeeps, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to arm potential pet parents with the information they should consider before adopting, as well as the resources they need to ensure the adoption lasts a lifetime.

The program kicked off with a week-long "Ask the Experts" campaign during which current and potential pet parents chatted with certified pet trainers, veterinarians, behavioral specialists and legal experts on our message boards and Facebook page.

The turnout was even better than expected! Over the course of seven days, more than 200 questions were answered by our experts and over 7,000 pet lovers read their advice.

Since a wealth of important information was shared during the launch week, we wanted to highlight some of the best questions received and expert advice shared for those who are still in need of a little help when it comes to taking care of their furry friends! (Soon you'll be able to find all the Q&As in our library.)

Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: My 1-year-old Bloodhound's nose has been very dry on the outside for about one week. Is this a reason for me to worry? I always heard a dog's dry nose could mean he is sick.

A: A dry nose does not necessarily equal a sick dog! Dogs have wet noses because some of their tear glands empty into their noses.

Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: I have recently heard that annual vaccinations in older cats may cause cancer. My cat is 11 years old and has always had her annual vaccinations. She is, and always has been, an indoor cat.

Since my two previous cats had to be put down due to massive cancer, I am considering not getting Emma's vaccination this year. Would this be irresponsible?

A: That's a great question! Since your cat is strictly indoor she should not need feline leukemia vaccines. As long as she has tested negative for leukemia, an indoor cat that has no contact with other cats is not considered at risk for contracting this virus. The same goes for the feline AIDS (FIV) vaccine although I do not recommend this vaccine even to outdoor cats.

Guest blogger Rachel McPherson is the founder and executive director of The Good Dog Foundation in New York City and author of the new book Every Dog Has a Gift.

People frequently ask me how their dog can become a therapy dog. There is a common misconception that therapy dogs need to be a certain breed, or raised to be therapy dogs from a very young age. On the contrary, therapy dogs come in all breeds and sizes!

A therapy dog can provide healing to his or her companion or family, as well as hundreds of other people in a therapeutic setting - whether a hospital, a school or a retirement home. The remarkable work of therapy dogs (as well as service dogs and household pets) inspired me to write Every Dog Has a Gift. Likewise, I hope that readers will be inspired by the amazing stories in this book to do some good work with their own companion dog!

If you're interested in getting your dog certified, here are some tips to get you started:

• Find a reputable therapy-dog organization. If you're located on the East coast, visit TheGoodDogFoundation.org. If not, find an animal-assisted therapy organization in your state that offers a training program. There are a number of organizations mentioned in the book, and many can be found online as well.
  

Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: My dog and cat like to wrestle and bite each other. I know they are just playing, but is it safe or should I stop them?

A: It is okay to let your dog and cat play with one another, but it is important to make sure that their play does not get too aggressive.

Cats who have long claws can cause a lot of damage to your dog. Not only can long nails cut your dog's skin, but they can cause serious damage to his eyes. Scratches to the eye are considered emergencies and require immediate medical attention.

Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: Why is my dog so afraid of thunder and how can I make him less scared?

A: Many dogs are afraid of thunder simply because they do not understand what it is. Dogs hear this loud noise and perceive it as something threatening.

Some dogs try to go under tables, in bathtubs, or in any other places that make them feel secure. It is ok to allow them to do this.

It is important, however, not to try to soothe your pet too much. Doing so can actually encourage his fear if he senses any insecurity in your voice.

Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here.

Q: My Cocker Spaniel swallowed a small, round lamb chop bone whole. Are there signs that this may be hurting her? Should I wait to see if she can pass it, or take her to her vet immediately?

A: Hopefully, since this is a small bone, it will pass. It is important to monitor your dog for signs of a gastric or intestinal obstruction. Some of these signs are:

• vomiting
  
• unwillingness to eat
• lethargy
• a painful belly

You should see your vet immediately if your dog exhibits any of these signs.

If you have questions about your pet's health, you can submit them to Dr. Lauren at drlauren@petside.com.

Petfinder has helped pets find homes since 1995 -- and now we're launching FurKeeps, a new campaign designed to help KEEP pets in homes.

At Petfinder.com/FurKeeps, you'll find links to a New Adopters Checklist and First 30 Days tips for both cats and dogs -- as well as resources for handling the problems most likely to cause a pet to be surrendered to a shelter:

• Moving
• Behavioral issues
• Cost
• Pet health problems
• Pet aggression

We're so excited about FurKeeps, we're throwing a week-long kick-off from March 8-14:

• A Twitter scavenger hunt with fun prizes at 11am and 4pm Monday-Saturday! #FurKeeps
• A live Facebook chat with some of our FurKeeps experts, including:
• Liz Marsden, C.P.D.T. Monday, March 8, 12-2pm EST
• Dr. Grant Gugisberg D.V.M. Tuesday, March 9, 12-2pm EST
• Pia Silvani, C.P.D.T. Wednesday, March 10, 12-2pm EST
• Jacque Schultz, MA C.P.D.T. Thursday, March 11, 12-2pm EST
• Elise "Ledy" Van Kavage, Esq. Friday, March 12, 12-2pm EST
• A week-long Ask the Experts forum with our experts, including dog and cat behaviorists, veterinarians, a small-animal expert and others where your questions will be answered within 24 hours. (Meet all our experts here.)

Want to take part? Become a Petfinder fan on Facebook and keep an eye out for updates. See you there!

Dr. Lauren Brickman writes a pet health and care column for Petside.com. Read all the Q&As she's shared with Petfinder here. 

Q: My Black Lab gets chronic ear infections. What causes this and how can I prevent it?

A: Dogs have differently shaped ear canals than humans do. Theirs are shaped like an "L," which allows more debris to become trapped inside the ear.

Certain breeds, such as Labradors and others with long, hanging ears, are more at risk of getting ear infections. Other dogs, like poodles, have a lot of hair in their ear canals that puts them at risk for infections when wax and dirt become trapped within the hair. Any breed of dog that has a type of allergic skin disease can suffer with chronic ear infections as well.

Read the rest of Dr. Lauren's answer after the jump.

Guest blogger, Joshua Cary, runs a successful pet sitting business in New York and is the co-creator of PetSittingOlogy, a site devoted to giving pet sitters the tools, guidance and resources they need to become responsible, caring and much-appreciated pet sitters.

Finding a professional and reliable pet sitter you can stick with for life shouldn't be as nerve wracking as a visit from your in-laws.

Each day, more pet sitters are taking to the web as potential clients search online for their perfect match.

Here's a checklist of what to look for -- and what to look out for -- when doing your initial research online.

1. First Impressions Count
   Your first impressions really are everything. Trust your gut and listen to your instincts. How do you initially feel when you arrive at a potential pet sitter's Web site?
   
   Ask yourself questions like, "Does the company have a professional logo? Did I easily find the info I was looking for?"
   
   The way you initially feel about this Web site is a strong indication of how you might feel about the pet sitter.


2. The Basics
   Many pet sitter Web sites forget to provide the simple basics that allow you to make an informed decision.
   
   Make sure you can find an email address, phone number, contact form, service area, a list of services offered and a list of (at least general) service fees to minimize your time.
   
   In my experience, how professionally a pet sitter runs a Web site is indicative of the amount of professionalism you can expect from his or her service.

Today's guest blogger, Dr. Lauren Brickman, started as a veterinary technician at Garden City Park in 1997 and went on to veterinary school at Ross University. She currently writes a popular pet health and care column for Petside.com that she has shared with us today.

Q: I take vitamins every day. Should my dog and cat take vitamins too?

See Dr. Lauren's answer after the jump.

Today's guest blogger, Dr. Lauren Brickman, started as a veterinary technician at Garden City Park in 1997 and went on to veterinary school at Ross University. She currently writes a popular pet health and care column for Petside.com that she has shared with us today.

Q: My cat gets awful motion sickness! Every time I take him to the vet he throws up in the car. Is there something I can give him to be able to travel short distances?

A: Many animals get motion sickness in the car, just like some people do. This may be because your cat is not used to car rides. If you only take him in the car once a year he doesn't have much time to get used to trips.

See the rest of Dr. Lauren's answer after the jump.

Today's guest blogger, Dr. Lauren Brickman, started as a veterinary technician at Garden City Park in 1997 and went on to veterinary school at Ross University. She currently writes a popular pet health and care column for Petside.com that she has shared with us today.

Q: I recently adopted a Pug. In the paperwork that came with him it says not to give him the Leptospirosis shot.

I have always given my pugs this shot, but my new pug was never given it because of the fear of reaction.

What is your opinion on this? My vet says it's up to me. I want to do what's best for my dogs.

Read Dr. Lauren's answer after the jump.

Today's guest blogger, Dr. Lauren Brickman, started as a veterinary technician at Garden City Park in 1997 and went on to veterinary school at Ross University. She currently writes a popular pet health and care column for Petside.com that she has shared with us today.

Q: I have a four-year-old Yorkie/Fox Terrier mix who has had two seizures since September.

The first was during a thunderstorm -- he takes Acepromazine (ACE) for those -- about 45 minutes after his dose. The vet told me it was probably due to the storm and excitement.

Then, about three weeks ago, he had another one -- at home during a quiet evening.

What causes seizures in a healthy dog?

Read Dr. Lauren's answer after the jump.

A New York dog has contracted the first confirmed case of the H1N1 Swine Flu virus to occur in domesticated U.S. dogs, according to a recent CBS News report.

Though the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) had previously recorded cases of the Swine Flu occurring in cats, ferrets and poultry, no U.S. cases of human-to-dog transmission had been confirmed until now.

The 13-year-old mixed breed male, which is recovering, apparently caught the virus from its owner. But Michael San Filippo, a spokesman for the American Veterinary Medical Association, said there's no evidence that the flu strain can be transmitted from a pet to a person.

"In theory it could happen, but so far it's really looking like a dead end in pets," he said. (CBS News)

According to the AVMA's Swine Flu FAQ sheet, pet parents shouldn't panic or consider giving up their pets for fear of infection. So help spread the word to other pet parents!

You are much more likely to catch the flu (any type of flu, including the 2009 H1N1 flu) from an infected person than you are from an animal. So far, all of the pets infected with the 2009 H1N1 virus became infected from being around their ill owners. (AVMA Swine Flu FAQ sheet)

Experts are still unsure how serious the Swine Flu strain is in dogs and cats, due to the relatively small number of confirmed cases. While the New York dog is recovering, fatalities have been reported in both cats and ferrets.

Get flu symptoms and prevention tips after the jump.

Guest blogger, Dr. Lauren Brickman, started as a veterinary technician at Garden City Park in 1997 and went on to veterinary school at Ross University. She currently writes a popular pet health and care column for Petside.com that she has shared with us today.

Q: My nearly two-year-old male Labradoodle has to take benedryl for allergies and hates pills and medications. I have tried the peanut butter method and the pill on the back of the tongue method.

With the peanut butter, he will still manage to spit out the pill, and with the pill on the back of the tongue, he flatly refuses to swallow and I can't justify making him sit there while holding his mouth closed for 20-30 minutes at a time. Any other suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Read Dr. Lauren's answer after the jump.

Guest blogger, Dr. Lauren Brickman, started as a veterinary technician at Garden City Park in 1997 and went on to veterinary school at Ross University. She currently writes a popular pet health and care column for Petside.com that she has shared with us today.

Q: My Chihuahua is developing dark skin patches under her front leg and on her tail. What causes these black patches?
Could it be fleas?

A: Sometimes these dark patches can be normal. They can occur in areas of friction (under legs, armpits) or they can be normal pigmentation in your dog's skin that occurs with age.

Continue reading Dr. Lauren's answer after the jump.

Guest blogger, Dr. Lauren Brickman, started as a veterinary technician at Garden City Park in 1997 and went on to veterinary school at Ross University. She currently writes a popular pet health and care column for Petside.com that she has shared with us today.

Q: Today my dog felt warm. Does that mean she has a fever? Is my dog is sick?

Find out Dr. Lauren's answer after the jump.

Guest blogger, Dr. Lauren Brickman, started as a veterinary technician at Garden City Park in 1997 and went on to veterinary school at Ross University. She currently writes a popular pet health and care column for Petside.com.

Grooming is an essential part of our pets' health and hygiene. Pets with healthy, clean coats are happier animals! While some dogs and cats are easy to bathe and brush at home, others need regular trips to the groomer.

Here are some tips for finding the best groomer for you:

Ask for referrals

Ask friends and relatives for recommendations. If their pets come home from the groomer cleaned, brushed and sparkling, it is likely yours will too!

The Internet is also a great tool to do research. Many sites, such as Petfinder's Local Service and Supplies listings, allow users to leave reviews -- a great tool for research.

Your veterinarian may also be a great resource for finding a groomer. Using a groomer that both you and your veterinarian trust is ideal.

A good grooming facility will require vaccination papers from your vet. This helps to ensure that your pet will not contract any disease or infections from other animals at the facility. Regardless of a vet-recommended groomer, you should always leave the contact number of your vet in case of an emergency.

After the jump -- questions to ask your groomer, what to look for and more!

This week's guest blogger, Dr. Lauren Brickman, started as a veterinary technician at Garden City Park in 1997 and went on to veterinary school at Ross University. She currently writes a popular question and answer column for Petside.com that she has shared with us today.

Q: I have three house cats and they are shedding machines. I take them out and brush their hair, and they come back in and still shed. Is there some supplement I can give them to keep their hair on their bodies?

Find out Dr. Lauren's answer after the jump.

Lately there's been a lot of discussion about cat and dog vaccines -- when people should vaccinate, whether they should, and what kinds of vaccines are necessary to keep pets safe.

(Check out the comments on vet blogger Doolittler's recent post on the rabies vaccine.)

Vaccines protect pets from upper respiratory infections, distemper and parvo, in addition to rabies, which is transferable to humans. So why all the debate?

The issue is that some pets have adverse reactions to vaccines. In fact, the American Veterinary Medical Association's brochure on vaccinations warns of just that possibility:

The most common adverse responses [to vaccines] are mild and short-term, including fever, sluggishness, and reduced appetite. ...

Rarely, more serious adverse reactions can occur. Allergic reactions appear within minutes or hours of a vaccination and may include repeated vomiting or diarrhea, whole body itching, swelling of the face or legs, difficulty breathing or collapse. ... In very rare instances, death could occur from an allergic reaction.

As many pet parents know, keeping cats entertained and out of trouble can be a full-time job. House cats don't spend their days doing what they'd do in the wild -- hunting for food, searching for mates and protecting their territory -- and often end up bored and looking for trouble.

A great way to keep your cat from getting bored is to have her work for her food. Instructables.com has a cheap and easy DIY cat-powered automatic cat feeder that does just that. Here's a condensed version of the simple instructions from contributor LabelReader (get the full version, with pictures, here):

Supplies:

An 8-oz. round plastic tub, a cat-food dispenser with a circular, flexible pop top that snaps down over the tub, about one day's worth of cat food and a pair of scissors.

Instructions:

1. Cut loopholes in the tub: Cut the bottom corner of the tub to create a slit. A second cut should be made about two cat food pellets' length away from the first one. Insert the point of the scissors and expand each slit until it's about four times as long as your cat food pellets. Each cut should be equally long on the bottom and side of the tub.

iStockphoto

The San Diego Union-Tribune (via Paw Nation) reports that there's something in your refrigerator (or purse) that sounds as dangerous to your pets as anti-freeze and is even more accessible: sugar-free snacks and gum.

That's if they contain the sweetener xylitol, which is harmless to humans and found in many foods.

"Two pieces of sugarless gum can be harmful or fatal for a 20-lb. dog," vet Ashley Weinberg tells the Union-Tribune. Adds vet Valerie Caskey: "One pudding cup can cause harm to a 90-pound Rottweiler."

If you think your pet has eaten something containing xylitol, take him or her to the vet or call the ASPCA's poison control hotline immediately at (888) 426-4435:

Symptoms are vomiting, weak and wobbly appearance or extreme lethargy. A dog's blood sugar can bottom out in 30 minutes, and a pet can fall into a coma, veterinarians say.

These symptoms can be observed from 30 minutes to 12 hours. The longer the pet goes without help, the more grave the condition becomes. (The San Diego Union-Tribune)

Still, this doesn't mean you need to trash all your sugarless foods: Many don't use xylitol at all. Just check the label and, if a food does contain xylitol, be sure to keep it well out of your dog's reach.

This week's guest blogger, Colleen Mihelich, is the founder and creative director of Peternity.com, which sells pet memorials, grave markers, urns and other items.

We all love our pets madly. They are a constant source of unconditional love, friendship, affection and often of great entertainment. But unfortunately, their life spans are usually much shorter than our own.

As the owner of a pet memorials company, I talk daily with people who have just lost their beloved animal companions, and one of the things I hear most is, "I wish I had prepared for this."

Here are some things you can think about in advance to make it easier when the inevitable occurs:

1. Do you believe in cremation or burial? The answer determines how you will handle your pet's remains, but it's a very heavy question to deal with when your grief is fresh, so be clear about it ahead of time.
   

2. If cremation feels right to you, do you want to preserve the ashes in a pet urn, bury them, spread them somewhere meaningful -- or would you prefer that your veterinarian dispose of your pet's remains? There is no right or wrong answer. Whatever feels right to you is okay.

Next week is officially back-to-school season, when textbooks replace beach days and barbecues. Keeping with the scholastic spirit, we have a question for all you pet parents: Did you know pets can experience separation anxiety when kids head off to school?

If you notice behavioral changes in your pet -- chewing on items that smell like their companion and going to the bathroom
in inappropriate places -- he (or she) may have a case of the back-to-school blues. In particular, dogs who have had to change homes before being adopted into their current family may be more likely to develop separation anxiety.

Here's a homework assignment for treating separation anxiety in pets:

• Start early: If you have a new pet, you can begin anti-separation-anxiety training right away. Don't make a big deal about leaving, and only leave him alone for short periods of time at first. When you come home, simply greet him and return to your routine.

• Promote independence: Both adults and children can actually over-bond with their pets by spending every moment with them. While your family should certainly show love and affection to your animal, remember that independence is healthy. Place your dog in a sit-stay or down-stay to keep him from following you and your family members around the house, and then praise him quietly when you return to the room he's in.

• Invest in entertainment: Leave something to divert your pet's attention when the family is at work and school, such as a pet-sitting video. Another great product is the Kong toy, which keep dogs busy as they search for the treats inside.

• Exercise with your dog before you leave: Ask your children to play or exercise with your dog before heading off to school. A tired dog is less likely to experience stress when you leave.

• Practice gradual departures: Collect your belongings and say your goodbyes, but only leave for a few minutes. Increase these training trips by five or 10 minutes at a time. After a couple of days, your pet should be comfortable being alone for a few hours.

Do you have your own tips for helping your dog cope with separation anxiety? Share them with us after the jump!

It's always a privilege to meet with Petfinder shelters and adoption groups to learn about their work. When the Hedgehog Welfare Society invited Petfinder to the Eastern States Hedgehog Show near Albany, NY, I happily whistled my dog Molly into the navigator's seat of my truck and drove up to the beautiful Schoharie Valley to learn about our prickliest pets.

My introduction to hedgehogs came the first night in the relaxation meditation session for hedgehogs and their humans, led by author Dawn Wrobel. Yes, I got to meditate with hedgehogs!

However, when I walked in, there was not a hedgehog to be seen. Everyone was already seated in a circle, and each human participant had a brightly colored cloth bag on their lap. Now and then a bag would give a twitch or a lurch, and I realized these little sacks were the warm, dark and comfortable mode of transportation for well-loved hedgehogs on the go.

I was in Maryland this past weekend visiting my parents. I hadn't even gotten to their house yet when I saw a collarless stray dog dodging traffic. MAN, people who keep driving really make me mad!

I pulled over and called to the dog. She came running right over, apparently grateful to get out of the traffic. I popped my emergency collar on her and she settled in my air-conditioned car and seemed to wonder where we were going next.

I wondered that myself. My parents are fiercely protective of their spoiled-rotten cats, so taking her there long-term didn't seem like a good idea. Plus, this was going to make me late for dinner, and that always ruins Dad's mood.

I called my friend and colleague, Kim Saunders, back in New Jersey and asked her to e-mail a list of local Petfinder rescue-group members to my phone so I could seek help. In the meantime, I stopped by the local Banfield pet hospital to see if the dog might have a microchip. Thus begins the real adventure.

We've been hearing from more and more of you who included your pets in your weddings, and of course we think this is wonderful. Pets are important members of the family, just like your brother, sister or even children.

Here are a few tips we've developed from speaking with people who have included their pet in their special day:

• When planning a ceremony and reception location, make sure they allow pets.
  
  
• Designate someone (not in the bridal party) to watch your pet for the day.
  
  
• Take photos with your dog before the wedding or on a different day.
  
  
• Know your pet before making the decision to include them in your wedding, because some pets may not handle large crowds and intense situations well.

I was dismayed to get an alert from the ASPCA that the New York City Housing Authority is implementing a new pet policy, effective May 1 (i.e. Friday!) that bans purebred or mixed breed Pit Bulls, Dobermans and Rottweilers.

The new policy also lowers the weight limit for allowable dogs from the previous limit of 40 lbs. to 25 lbs.

The most important thing to note is that, as the ASPCA notes: "Dogs already registered with NYCHA before the implementation of this revised policy, regardless of breed and providing they do not exceed the current 40 pound weight limit, will be grandfathered and allowed to remain in NYCHA housing."

Residents whose pets are not registered have until April 30 to submit a registration form, and have 90 days to obtain veterinarian certification that their dog is spayed or neutered, vaccinated against rabies and licensed by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

For more information and links to all the necessary forms, visit the ASPCA Web site.

Wow! California legislators have been looking at adding a tax of about 9% on veterinary services to fix their budgetary crisis. That would make veterinary care for pets even further out of reach for a lot of people. It's hard enough for them to scrape together money for vaccinations with the way the economy is.

The budget puts veterinary care for our pet companions in the same category as playing golf or getting a piece of furniture repaired, services to which they're also proposing a sales and use tax.

You can call the Governor's office at 916-445-2841 to protest it. When you call, select your language choice, then press 5, which will take you right to hot topics. Next press 1 to select the issue of extending the sales tax to veterinary services, and then press 2 to oppose this proposal.

For more information about the measure and how to take action to oppose it, visit the California Veterinary Medical Association's Web site.

February is Adopt-a-Rescued-Rabbit Month, which gives me a great excuse to give some press to one of the many non-dog-or-cat species available for adoption on Petfinder.

In fact, we've got more than 6,300 adoptable rabbits waiting for their forever homes in shelters and rescue groups around the country.

I have some friends with pet rabbits, and they are adorable, affectionate, funny and full of personality. They're also NOT low-maintenance pets! As House Rabbit Society president Kathleen Wilsbach says:

The ideal "rabbit person," in addition to being calm, patient and eager to get to know a rabbit on his own terms, must be willing to rabbit-proof an appropriate exercise area in the home to prevent damage from chewing.

Already have a rabbit or are thinking of getting one? Check out this great blog, The Rabbit Advocate, by Mary Lempert, a rabbit behavior consultant to the Boston MSPCA. She gives warm, thoughtful and uncritical advice to readers with questions about everything from a bunny with runny eyes to a woman whose male newfoundland dwarf has an unnatural attraction to her bunny slippers. Mary's goal is to keep rabbits out of shelters by educating their caregivers -- something we here at Petfinder are all about.

Hello all pet lovers! I'd like to make this blog completely dedicated to a topic SUPER close to my heart (besides pets): the environment.

Okay, hearing about going green and being eco-friendly is getting kind of old, but I recently learned about the impact our adorable critters are having on the planet. Our pets may be small, but because of humans, their footprint is HUGE.

I'm addicted to a new channel called Planet Green, and was amazed to see a show hosted by who else but Bill Nye the Science Guy. It's called Stuff Happens, and it explores where exactly things come from. One recent episode was about pets. I was amazed at what our care for pets is doing to the earth.

First of all, pets poop. We pick up that poop in very eco-villainous ways. Do not leave poop on the side of the road. Pick it up -- and NOT with a plastic bag. Scientists have created amazing compostable pet-waste bags that are getting better and stronger every day.

Last week was a tough one. Our vet told my mother and me there was nothing more he could do to help our 13-year-old shepherd mix, Sashi, who suffers from arthritis and spinal problems that make it hard for her to use her hind legs.

Because Sashi's quality of life had deteriorated so much (she could barely walk, and was getting scrapes from falling down and from her paws bending under or "knuckling"), we made the gut-wrenching decision to euthanize her.

But at the last minute, we decided to try something I've heard a number of (smart, skeptical) people swear by: veterinary acupuncture.

A search on the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society's Web site brought us to Christina Fuoco, VMD, an IVAS-certified doctor at the University of Pennsylvania's veterinary hospital.

My mother brought Sashi for her first appointment last week and reported that Dr. Fuoco was kind, compassionate and, best of all, optimistic about the potential for improvement that acupuncture could offer Sashi.

A while back we asked you what healthy foods you and your pet like. We also asked readers to submit their favorite pet- and human-friendly recipes, and the great site SheKnows has posted some of them.

The site also quotes our founder, Betsy Saul, on portion control for pets and what foods you should NEVER feed your best friend.

Instructions for making Simple Scrambled Eggs are after the jump. For recipes for Harvest Veggie Chicken Soup and Lean Mean Meatloaf, check out the post on SheKnows. What are your favorite pet-friendly recipes?

 

My most-recent addition (and Petfinder alumna!) has not had an easy life. Adopted from Friends of Homeless Animals of Northern NJ, 10-year-old Gretel is missing an eye and part of an ear, is FIV positive and had been shifted through several homes due to unforeseeable tragedies. 

Gretel joined my senior-focused household in March and shares the space with a tabby named Lucy (adopted at the age of 18) and a 13-year-old German Shepherd mix named Dexter (adopted at age 10).

 

While Gretel seemed to fit in seamlessly (she LOVES Dexter), something was brewing underneath. Her blood work kept coming back anemic and finally two ultrasounds determined she had mast cell tumors in her spleen. Shortening a very long story, off we went to see the fine folks at NYC Veterinary Specialists.

With summer here, I begin to hear the call of the wild. I used to love hiking with my dogs (that's my Lab-Shepherd mix, Annie, pictured) -- but when I first began traveling with them, I was surprised to learn how many national parks, wilderness areas, and campgrounds were dog unfriendly. It didn't seem democratic ... or American to keep dogs out of the wilderness!

I did some research about camping with dogs and here's what I found:

Not all national parks welcome dogs. The National Park Service has a great interactive map where you can search for parks by state and check out their pet policies. (When you find a park, click "Plan Your Visit," then "Things to Know Before You Come.")