Dogs can get hernias just like people. Luckily, they’re typically straightforward to treat although they may require surgery. Causes of Dog Hernias A hernia happens when the contents of a dog’s abdomen pushes through a hole or weak area in the muscle wall. Hernias can be congenital, which means the dog had the condition at birth. They can also be caused by a traumatic injury, such as getting hit by a car or being bitten by another dog. In addition, hernias can happen to female dogs during pregnancy. For more information about dog hernias, you can review the references listed at the end of this ..read more

Known to be friendly, intelligent, and adorable, Maltipoos are quickly finding their way into many pet parents' hearts. As a dog who does well in both large and small households and who loves to play fetch as much as they love to curl up on your lap, it doesn't take long to see why so many people are eager to adopt these lovable pups. What Is a Maltipoo? Known as a designer dog, these charming little pups are a fairly new breed. Falling into the popular category of Poodle mixes, Maltipoos are a mix between the Maltese and the Poodle. With a small stature, a rounded head, and floppy ears, these ..read more

Many people are familiar with the Domestic Shorthair and the Domestic Longhair cats, but you may not know the Domestic Medium Hair. So, it may come as a surprise that they can be found nearly everywhere. History of the Domestic Medium Hair The introduction of domestic cats to the United States can be traced all the way back to the early 1600s. In hopes of deterring a rodent issue on their boats, the Pilgrims brought our modern-day feline friends along for the journey. Fast forward through countless generations of crossbreeding, and the Domestic Medium Hair was created. Nowadays, this type of c ..read more

Known for their loving, playful and sometimes goofy personalities, it is no wonder why Goldendoodles, also called "Doodles," have recently grown in popularity. What Exactly Is a Goldendoodle? Because of their kind demeanor and easy-going temperament, the Goldendoodle makes for a perfect family companion. As an active breed, they will happily join you for a run or play fetch with the kids . When people ask, "how big do Goldendoodles get?" there is no one correct answer, since these dogs vary in size. They can be found in miniature, standard, and large. Miniature Doodles range in height from 10 ..read more

Does your dog have a rich and stimulating environment? Enriching your dog's activities and surroundings can help keep them from getting bored or frustrated. Why Is Environmental Enrichment for Dogs Important? Our domesticized dogs were built for a different kind of life. Their wolf ancestors (as well as wild dogs today) were busy! They had to spend much of their time searching out fresh water and hunting for food. They also needed to keep themselves safe from predators, which could be challenging when they needed to rest. By comparison, our domesticized best friends have it made. They enjoy ea ..read more

Hernias are not commonly seen in cats, but they can happen. Fortunately, cats who are diagnosed with hernias can recover fully especially when the condition is caught and treated early. What is a hernia? Hernias happen when the muscle wall weakens and allows internal organs or tissues to penetrate it. They're often caused by a traumatic injury or a congenital condition, which refers to an issue a cat has at or before birth. They can also occur when the muscle is weakened for other reasons such as straining to go to the bathroom, chronic bloating, or pregnancy. For additional information on ..read more

Pet parents spent an estimated $31.68 billion on pet food product in 2019. That's up 4.5% from 2018. * Learn about the trends in this booming industry and get tips on cat nutrition. Cat Food Basics Before we dig into the trends, let's take a quick look at the types of cat food we give to our feline friends. There are basically three kinds that you'll find at pet food stores: dry, semi-moist, and wet or canned cat foods. They all contain meat or meat byproducts, which are essential for cats. Cats evolved as hunters, and they need nutrients that can only be found in meat to survive. The bigge ..read more

All cats should be kept indoors to help them stay safe and healthy. But being inside all day, every day can get a little boring, particularly for cats who evolved from hunters. That's why enriching your cat's environment is so important. Why Keep Cats Indoors? Before we dig into why and how to enrich your indoor cat's life, it's important to understand why you should keep them inside. There are lots of reasons, such as helping them avoid: Catching a contagious disease — Wild animals can carry serious diseases, which they can transmit to your cat. Some of these diseases can be deadly. For i ..read more

There are so many famous pets we’d love to cuddle that it’s hard to narrow down the list. But here are the picks of the litter. And don’t worry—no spoilers here. 1. For the Love of Benji Who could resist this loveable floppy-eared pup with those expressive eyes? Benji is an icon among the pets we want to cuddle. He’s famous for starring in television shows and movies from the mid-1970s all the way up to 2018 when there was a reboot of the original Benji film. While Benji is a character played by multiple dogs over the years, the first animal actor to step into the role of Benji was a pooch ..read more

The pet food industry is booming with estimated sales of $31.68 billion in 2019—up 4.5% in 2018.* It’s also changing in response to the needs and expectations of today’s pet parents. Learn more about trends in dog nutrition and get tips on feeding your dog. 5 Trends to Watch in 2020 The dog nutrition trends for 2020 tend to mirror the trends we’re seeing for human nutrition. Not that we’re putting our pups on the latest diets in the news, like Keto or intermittent fasting. But we often believe that what’s good for us is good for them too. That’s not surprising when you consider how close we ..read more