In our quest to keep our pets safe from deadly diseases, we routinely deliver them to our veterinarians for pet vaccinations every year or every three years. Most of us probably think nothing of it, assuming everything that is done is necessary and safe for our pets.

Opposition to vaccines in general has existed since its discovery and use, and in the last few years, more and more vets and pet owners have raised concerns about pet vaccinations and how necessary they are. Some even question their safety, claiming ... << MORE >>

None of us likes to think about the possibility of our beloved pets getting sick, but it's something we need to keep in mind and do our best to prevent.

I was recently reminded of that when I tried to adopt two kittens. I picked out two adorable 9-week-old kittens, but they both came down with Feline Panleukopenia (FP), also known as cat distemper, or feline distemper. Even though they were already vaccinated against the disease, they had to be put down. Needless to say, I was very distraught. ... << MORE >>

When my dog Storm was a puppy, he always had a great figure. He always had a nice hourglass shape, and was in excellent condition. He used to get 4 dog walks a day, plus some great hikes and high energy outings.

Well, he is 11 years old now, and he is still in great shape. But, it has not been easy. He still gets at least 2 very solid exercising walks a day, and he gets a third shorter walk every day. Plus, ... << MORE >>

Brushing your teeth is something you probably do without even thinking, right? It has most likely been a part of your wake-up and bedtime routines since you were a kid. Just as we do our best to keep our teeth healthy into old age, we should give the same consideration to our hairy companions.

Without a little help from us, your dog or cat can suffer from plaque build-up, gum disease, cavities, and bad breath, just like we can. Also, bacteria from a diseased mouth can travel from your ... << MORE >>

Let me tell you about my dog Storm. In the mornings, he gets to go outside to the backyard while I am out doing pet sitting jobs. We have a nice big back yard, and it's usually just a few hours, but he loves watching the squirrels in the trees. Then I get back home and we spend the rest of the day together, where he gets to go with me just about everywhere that I go.

One morning I came home, and ... << MORE >>

As a pet sitter, I've encountered many different breeds of dogs as well as various temperaments and personalities. One troublesome trait I've dealt with several times is fearfulness or shyness. Excessive fear or anxiety in your pet can become a pretty big problem if left untreated.

Dogs will exhibit fear in various ways, such as trembling, salivating, pacing, running and hiding, tucking their tails between their legs, urinating, or even exhibiting aggression like growling, barking, and biting. Here are a few suggestions on how to ... << MORE >>

So you have tried other means to stop a bad habit or bad behavior from your feline, and it has not worked. Cats do not act out of spite, so it is up to you to find a way for them to express their natural instincts in other ways.

Cats scratching your furniture is a natural marking behavior in the wild. Of course, domestic cats do not have trees to mark, so they scratch on furniture instead. Place a scratching pad, or a scratching post next to ... << MORE >>

"If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because your lap is warmer."

Alfred North Whitehead ... << MORE >>

I want to take this time to say thank you for following The Woof Blog. I wish you and your family all the best this holiday season.

I have much to be thankful for, and as we all gather together with our families, we can all be grateful for what we have. And, that is the love we have for each other, and the belief that we are all special.

Be safe, and enjoy your holiday festivities.
... << MORE >>

Here's something to think about.

Did you know that there are 10,000 human babies born every day in the U.S.? Wow, no wonder ther are so many people on the road! Well, there are 2,917 puppies and kittens born every hour in the U.S. In order for all dogs and cats to have a home, so there would be no homeless pets at all, every person in the United States would have to adopt at least 7 puppies or kittens.

... << MORE >>