Understanding the 5 love languages of pets

Physical touch

So this one Is pretty obvious. If your pet loves cuddles and belly rubs, he definitely prefers physical touch. These are the kind of pets that enjoy scratches behind the ears and long massages. They might also return physical affection by rubbing their bodies against your leg and giving out wet kisses.

Quality time

If your pet goes bonkers when you’re away for too long, he or she prefers the love language of physical touch. These pets tend to follow their humans around the house, regardless of whether you actually want the company. It’s not uncommon for these pets to sit in while their owners take a shower or use the loo either. Out of all the love languages, this one of the trickiest when it comes to pets since it might cause separation anxiety.

Gifts

Pets that speak the love language of gifts show and feel love through little presents. You might not love the idea of finding a dead rat on your doorstep or that slobber-covered toy dropped on your foot for the umpteenth time, but these are the offerings your pets bring you. They’re acts of love and devotion, so you should return the favour by showering your pet with plenty of treats and toys.

Acts of service

Pets that gladly do what they are told might favour the love language we refer to as acts of service. These pets are great in agility classes and don’t need a lot of encouragement to perform commands. Pleasing their owners is a reward in its own right for these pets. Pets that are ultra-protective also speak the love language of service. They are givers, not takers. They need to be shown love in the form of affection whenever they’ve done a good job. They want to know they’ve done right by you, so make sure you give them enough opportunities to shine.

Words of affirmation

This is one of the love languages that involves literal language. Pets who prefer this language show love vocally with mews, purrs, howls and barks. They light up whenever you give them verbal praise and respond better to verbal praise than physical treats.

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A roundup of the best pet blogs

Cat blogs

The Conscious Cat

The Conscious Cat contains all the information you need to keep your cat happy and spinning. We also love the cute cat pictures.

Cat Wisdom 101

Cat Wisdom 101 is owned by a cat owner (pretty obviously) that shares a home with four feline furries. The blogger dishes out a lot of useful tips and advice for cat lovers out there.

I Have Cat

I Have Cat is a blog owned by a single NYC girl that shares her tall tales about her life filled with love for cats.

Life With Cats

So this is one of the most jam-packed pet blogs for cat lovers since it pushes out around 20 blogs a week. We’re pretty sure Life With Cats will keep you more than satisfied with cat content.

Dog blogs

HerePup

If you’re keen on reading cool stories and news about dogs, HerePup is a great blog to check out for some entertaining content.

Pawcurious

This blog comes straight from the proverbial pen of a doctor that loves offering tips and tricks on various topics when it comes to dogs. The Pawcurious advice covers anything and everything from cooking to grooming and more.

Famous Chihuahua

If you’re a Chihuahua owner and need some advice, we highly recommend Famous Chihuahua.

All Things Dog Blog

While life with dogs can sometimes be messy ad hairy, the owner of All Things Dog Blog is here to help remind pawrents that life with dogs is actually all fun and play.

Upside Down Dog

So the Upside Down Dog blog is one of the most popular pet blogs out there and has even been featured on talk shows. We recommend checking it out.

Pet Travel Blogs

Take Paws: Go Pet Friendly

Pet owners that are keen on learning more about dog travel, safety and health should swing by Take Paws to get clued up on responsible pet travel.

Bodie on the Road

Bodie on the Road goes into the details of a dog owner that’s determined to show the world just how fun and amazing travelling with a dog can be.

My GBGV Life

My GBGV Life is a blog about a world-travelling dog. If you’re planning to travel the globe with your furry friend, this might be one of the best sources of inspiration when it comes to travel tips and product recommendations.

Pet Health Blogs

Fidose of Reality

Fidose of Reality is a great blog that provides tips on the emotional and physical wellbeing of dogs. It’s also got a great FAQ section that can help you solve some common problems in dogs.

Slim Doggy

As the name implies, Slim Doggy is a blog that’s aimed at helping dog owners take control of their dogs’ weight and general wellbeing. It also provides some great tips on keeping your dogs active.

Rubicon Days

If you’ve got a pet that’s less than easy (behaviorally speaking), Rubicon Days is just the place to pick up some great tips on how to handle them.

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Here’s why your cat might be at risk of lily poisoning

When it comes to lilies, the saying “curiosity killed the cat” might not be that far from the truth. Even just a sniff of the pollen from certain types of lilies can be fatal to your cat. While cats don’t generally munch on houseplants, the risk is still very real. Even if your cat doesn’t ingest a leaf from the lily plant, he or she can still come into contact with the toxins of the plant. Even just inhaling the pollen of lilies can potentially be lethal.

Which types of lilies cause lily poisoning in cats?

Although all lilies should be treated with caution, the most dangerous types are:

• Daylilies
• Easter lilies
• Stargazer lilies
• Tiger lilies
• Red lilies
• Asiatic lilies
• Japanese lilies
• Rubrum lilies

What are the symptoms of poisoning?

You should be wary of the sudden onset of symptoms including:

• Refusal to eat
• Vomiting
• Drooling
• Lethargy

If any of these symptoms are present, it’s essential to get your pet to the vet as soon as possible. Lily poisoning causes quick onset of kidney failure in cats, so this really is a matter of life and death.

Your vet will most likely perform a range of blood tests if he suspects that your cat might have been poisoned by lilies. He’ll also take urine samples, admit your kitty to the hospital and put him or her on a drip. It’s quite possible that your cat will also be treated for kidney failure.

Are any types of lilies safe for my cat?

Some species of the flower, like calla lilies, arum lilies and peace lilies can be quite poisonous to cats, but won’t necessarily cause kidney failure. These types of lilies can, however, cause lesions in the mouth and gastric upset if they’re ingested in which case symptoms like drooling, diarrhoea and vomiting might be present.

As a cat owner, you need to be very wary of which plants you keep in your home, no matter how aesthetically appealing they seem. Sometimes, even the most surprising things can be poisonous to your pet.

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The rules about guide dogs

1. It’s NOT okay to pet a guide dog, ever

Guide dogs in public are working, even though it might not always look that wat. They provide critical, life-preserving services to their owners and if you distract the dog, you could be outing his or her owner’s life in danger. The best thing you can do when you see guide dogs in public is to just ignore them. Just like you don’t want to be bothered when you’re working, service dogs don’t have time for shenanigans on the job.

2. It’s none of your business to enquire about why the owner has a service dog

You might be curious to know why the owner has a guide dog in the first place, but actually, these kinds of questions are invasive and really are none of your business. Just like you’d ignore a guide dog in public, you need to ignore the owner too.

3. Guide dogs aren’t just there to provide a service, they are well cared for and loved deeply

While it’s true that service dogs are working dogs, it’s important to keep in mind that these canines are still deeply loved and well cared for. Yes, they work full time, but they’re adjusted, socialised and properly trained. They also do get their fair share of downtime where they can play and enjoy treats just like any other dog. There really is no need to feel sorry for these dogs.

4. Service dogs are considered medical equipment

In South Africa, guide dogs are exempt from regulations that prevent pets from living in certain residences and entering public spaces. This means the can accompany their owners everywhere and anywhere, from restaurants to public transport and even planes. Guide dogs are their owners’ eyes, so they’re allowed to go wherever their owner goes without any questions.

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What causes pet separation anxiety?

Just like the human type, pet separation anxiety is a complex disorder that occurs when the right combination of factors are present. Puppies often fall victim to it when they leave the safety of their mom and siblings. They often take a while to bond and feel safe with their new families, so this is one aspect that might cause pet separation anxiety.

Other reasons include events like moving house, being kennelled or the pet’s owner changing his routine and working from an office instead of from home. Your dog might also be more prone to separation anxiety of they’ve suffered through a difficult illness or injury. Senior dogs that battle the mental consequences of ageing might also fall victim to the disorder.

Symptoms of the disorder

Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety will often bark constantly, salivate, shiver and pant. They might also turn to destructive chewing, digging holes, and restless pacing.

As far as birds and cats are concerned, they tend to over (or even under) groom themselves. They might also become reluctant to eat and vomit after they’ve eaten. Some animals might refuse to eat until their owners are present.

How to provide relief for your pet’s problem:

Offer some toys

Toys can be great if your dog s also suffering from boredom. Chew toys and slow feeders are especially helpful in this case.

Train your pet

It’s ideal to invest in some positive-reinforcement training with a professional. The trainer needs to be qualified and up-to-date with current methods to ensure your pet really benefits from the experience.

Invest in a friend for your pet

Sometimes, it can help to get your pet a companion, but only if they have anxiety because they’re alone rather than separated from a particular person. If the anxiety is due to separation from the owner, a companion animal can actually make matters even worse. If another pet isn’t the option, you might want to consider hiring the help of a pet sitter who can help calm pets that are alone.

Call on some medication

CBD oil and other calming medications can definitely help alleviate separation anxiety and calm your pet.

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Most common pet hazards in your home

Houseplants that are toxic to animals

A lot of the plants we keep in our homes are actually toxic to animals when consumed. Easter lily, sago palm, and oleander all contain components that are deadly to small animals. Live poinsettias are also major pet hazards, and it’s something a lot of us decorate with around Christmas time. If you’re not sure whether or not a plant is hazardous, it’s always best to check in with your vet first.

Cleaning Supplies

So this one is pretty obvious, but most of our commercial cleaning solutions are hazardous to us and our pets. You might know better than to take a sip from the bleach bottle, but your dog doesn’t. All cleaning products should be sealed and safely stored out of your pet’s reach.

Certain human foods

Human food is just that – things that are safe for humans to consume. But the same cannot be said for your pet. All packaged food should be securely stored to ensure your pet can’t get hold of it when you’re not around. Don’t leave any chocolate, tea or coffee around as these can be deadly in even small quantities. Some fruits and veggies, like avo, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic, are also very dangerous to leave around. Aside from securing the fresh food, you also need to make sure your furry friend can’t get into the garbage. Food that’s been sitting in the trash can contain a lot of harmful bacteria, which can make you and your pet very, very ill.

Medication

One of the most common reasons why pet owners take their furry family members to the vet is because of accidental ingestion of human medication. Pills can easily be mistaken for dog food, and even in small amounts, it can lead to an overdose. Medications as (seemingly) harmless as cold meds, diet pills and antihistamines can be deadly on the small body of a pet.

The truth is that a lot of our human “things” can pose a threat to our furry family members. If you’re bringing any kind of animal into your home, it’s essential that you take the right steps to secure your home before doing so.

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All your cat nutrition questions answered

Why do I need to invest in top quality cat food?

A specially-formulated cat food provides your cat with the right nutrients it needs to fuel its body and allow for optimal function, not to mention keep its weight in check. Top-quality foods can help prevent conditions like joint disease, diabetes, dental problems, UTIs and skin, and coat concerns. Awesome brands like Royal Canin (who developed breed-specific cat food to cater to specific needs) and Acana (that uses fresh regional ingredients and meat-based proteins) are two of your best options.

What ingredients should I look for when considering cat nutrition?

The most important ingredient in any brand of cat food is the protein. Protein is a cat’s main source of energy, which is why animal protein is always the best option since a cat’s body doesn’t use plant-based proteins very well. Another important energy source is fat. You want to invest in something that contains the least amount of carbohydrates (I the form of grains or maize) because your kitty really doesn’t need it.

How much and how often should I feed my cat?

In general, you should feed your cat twice a da. The amount really depends on your cat’s weight (and ideal weight) and the kind of food you’ve invested in. always check the feeding guideline of the food to ensure you’re not over-feeding your cat. Your vet should also be able to give you some pointers with regards to this matter.

Can my cat still eat his kitten food at old age?

Most brands offer various options for kittens, adult cats, and senior cats. As your cat ages, their nutritional needs evolve. Kittens need enough nutrients to help them grow, but a senior cat who isn’t as active anymore needs a diet that supports their joints and coat and keeps their weight under control. Cats that are a year old should be on adult food and should transition to senior food when they’re around seven years old.

Should I be giving my cat cow’s milk?

It’s not ideal to give your cat the same milk you drink. Once kittens are weaned, the enzymes needed for them to digest milk are lost, so milk can’t be digested very well anymore. Milk is also high in lactose and fat, which means it can cause digestive issues and even obesity. Cats do not need milk to survive. Water is always the better choice.

Can cats eat human food?

Although some human foods are fine, you should keep a close eye in this since there are quite a lot of human food items that just don’t sit well with the digestive system of a cat. Things like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol, raw meat, raw eggs and raw fish can cause illness in cats.

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The good news is that there are lots of easy ways to ensure your pet and your house stays fresh and clean. Here are some golden nuggets of wisdom that might help lighten up your cleaning schedule.

Tips for pets and housecleaning

Start by keeping your pet clean

Regular baths are the first and foremost important step to keeping your dog and home smelling fresh. Most dogs need a bath every few weeks or when they get especially stinky. Dogs, just like kids, thrive on routine, so make sure you make bath time a predictable and consistent thing.

Invest in a good vacuum cleaner

If you’ve got a furry friend that sheds a lot, dealing with pet hair is probably your biggest and most frustrating task. And that’s why you need a vacuum cleaner if you’re ever going to get on top of this whole situation that involves pets and housecleaning. Make sure you invest in a brand that has a good filter and is easy to empty. It also needs to be able to get into tough-to-reach places and have tools that can clean upholstery.

Groom on schedule

Although no amount of grooming will completely prevent shedding, it does make a massive difference and can help maintain a healthy coat and skin. The variety of grooming tools out there should be enough to get you inspired to treat your dog on a weekly basis.

Get rid of those urine stains

Toilet training is great, but if you’ve got a male dog or other small animals, accidents can and will happen from time to time. Looking at things from a hygiene perspective, it’s important to clean the mess as soon as you spot it. You really want to use something that contains enzymes that neutralize the uric acid in pet urine to ensure you clean it good and proper.

Stop dirt and mud at the door

Keep a towel and a shallow container with water by the door to wipe down any muddy paws before your dog comes into the house. You also need mats at the inside and outside of your doors and train your dog to wait on the mat to have their paws wiped down after going for a walk.

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Signs your dog needs a friend

He’s always following you around the house

Lonely pets tend to follow their humans around the house to get that companionship they so desperately crave. A pet that stalks you from room to room or whines when they can’t see you is a sign of loneliness or separation anxiety.

She’s not as playful as she was before

Loneliness might be to blame if your formerly energetic pet now looks listless and lazy. A lack of interest in playtime is one of the biggest indicators of loneliness.

Your dog has developed a lick granuloma

In some cases, a lonely pet might start licking or biting at its own fur, which leads to hair loss or damage. Lick granulomas are common manifestations in anxious and bored dogs and show up as small circular sores, often found on the dog’s carpus (wrists). These might start off small but can easily develop into major lesions that require medical intervention and even surgery.

They’re sleeping much more than usual during the day

The fact that your pet struggles to settle down at night or sleeps more during the day could be an indicator of loneliness or boredom. Of course, your pet needs more sleep than you do, but animals are flexible sleepers, and lonely pets tend to get their 12-hour sleep quota during the day and then have issues sleeping at night.

Is appetite has decreased

A change in appetite can definitely be an indicator that your dog needs a friend. Lonely pets may start eating or drinking less than they used to, and this can be linked to stress and anxiety, with loneliness being the possible cause.

She’s destructive or howls when she is left alone

If endless barking or whining at the door is a regular thing whenever you leave the house, your dog might be in desperate need of some company. The same goes for excessive howling. In really bad cases, your pet might be petrified of being left alone, so much so that it claws the furniture or rips up carpeting when you’re not there. Your pet is likely suffering from separation anxiety, instead of simple loneliness, if this is the case in your home.

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