It’s important to take him to the vet to diagnose any underlying conditions, you can treat your dog’s dry skin at home with a few simple, vet-approved remedies. When your pet is feeling under the weather, your veterinarian should be your first line of defense. After all, seemingly minor symptoms can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying condition. But for familiar and small ailments, such as itchy or dry skin, some at-home remedies can help cut costly vet bills while providing your pet with relief. Here are a few vet-approved home remedies if Fido can’t stop scratching his dry skin:   Vitamin E Oil: As in humans, vitamin E oil has a host of benefits for our dogs’ skin. While Fido may not be as interested in vitamin E’s anti-aging properties as you are, a massage with the antioxidant-rich formula can provide powerful itch relief—and it’s OK if your dog licks off the small amount on his coat.   Yogurt: A daily dose of plain yogurt can help keep your pet’s gut bacteria in balance, boosting his immune system and in turn helping him combat skin conditions. Because our pets’ digestive systems differ from our own, you may also want to try probiotic supplements designed specifically for dogs, available through your veterinarian as well as over-the-counter. Make sure the supplement includes the National Animal Supplement Council seal to ensure you’re buying the real deal.   Oatmeal: Oatmeal’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a quick fix for pets with itchy skin. Grind the oatmeal into a fine powder with a food processor or blender and add it to a warm bath to create an itch-relieving soak for your four-legged friend. To treat hot spots, mix the ground oatmeal with a smaller amount of water to create a poultice, which you can apply directly to inflamed areas.   Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea is touted for soothing upset stomachs, but it can also provide relief to pets with dry skin. Leave some brewed tea in the refrigerator to chill, and spray it onto your pet’s itchy spots. You can also try a tea bath for your dog to provide full-body relief.   Exercise: For dogs that can’t stop scratching, exercise can be the ultimate distraction. While Fido is playing and running, his mind is not focused on his itchy skin. Taking him outside can provide relief while providing you with a chance to elevate your own heartrate and bond with your pet.   There’s no silver bullet when it comes to relieving a pet’s itchy skin, but you can help him find relief. Remember that it’s important to address the underlying cause of his discomfort and not just the symptom of scratching, which can range from allergies to fleas, pollen or dust to mange, infections or a more serious underlying disease. Be sure to consult your vet if Fido’s symptoms persist to rule out any serious health concerns.

Driving along the coastline, taking in the beautiful seaside views, your dog peeking out its head from the window to enjoy the breeze - that’s what a long car ride with your dog is like, right? Well, it can be, if you’re well prepared. But most dog owners aren’t, and think a long ride with their dog will be as simple as just getting them into the car and enjoying the ride. Unfortunately, it isn’t as easy as that. Especially the first time, which can often end up being a stressful and overwhelming experience for unsuspecting dog owners. This is because there are so many things to prepare for - from ensuring your dog is entertained on the long ride, to their safety. To sum up the most important considerations, we’ve put together this guide of our top four tips for how to travel with a dog on a car trip. Let’s jump right in! 1.  Pack Some of Your Dog’s Favorite Toys While a getaway to a destination that requires hours of car travel may sound like a vacation to you, your dog may not share your enthusiasm. After all, most dogs don’t want to be cooped up in a car for several hours when they could be running around in the backyard! That’s why it’s essential to pack some of their favorite toys. You won’t want to pack anything that could end up being too much of a distraction though, or something that could turn into a hazard. Usually, a small chewy toy is sufficient - something that is fun enough for them to be thoroughly entertained, but not too big (or loud!) for it to become a liability. 2. Invest in a Dog Car Barrier Safety is a key concern when you’re taking your dog on a long drive. You need to make sure that they will be properly protected against any perils on the road - or themselves for that matter! For these reasons, we can’t stress enough how important it is to invest in a dog car barrier. As Jenny Jarvis of Pet Life Today shares, although it's easier than ever to take your dog around with you whenever and wherever, “The more you take your dog places, though, the more you’ll realize all the risks that come into play with your dog in your car.” Dog barriers, as the name suggests, are designed to keep a barrier between you and your dog. You don’t, of course, want your dog affectionately jumping on you or distracting you when you’re driving - so they serve a vital safety purpose on car trips. What’s more, many of them are designed to keep your car free from dog fur and even messes, so look around for a versatile one. 3. Consider Taking Out Pet Insurance Another safety-related tip we would be remiss not to include is to consider taking out pet insurance. While it may seem like a considerable expense for a single trip, it’s actually quite affordable when you think of how many situations it will cover. After all, it won’t just cover your one trip, but for however long you take out the plan for. That means if your dog gets sick or injured on the trip, or before or after it (depending on when you start or end the insurance), you’ll be covered. Instead of settling out for a massive vet’s bill - not to mention any meds they need or recurring visits, you’ll just have to pay a tidy weekly or monthly payment. 4. Travel When Your Dog’s Energy Levels Are Down This is a very handy tip for making long drives with your dog more bearable. Travel when your dog’s energy levels are down. Pet Let suggests two ways to do so. The first method is to “drain their energy” by taking them on a long walk before driving off with them. The idea behind this method is that because a car and the car ride itself is very stimulating for a dog, “the more tired they are the easier it is for them to focus that energy on the experience itself.” It makes sense when you think about it, right? The second method is to travel at night, when you can take advantage of the fact that your dog will naturally be sleepy. Needless to say, this means that you will also be prone to be sleepy, so consider this option carefully before proceeding.  We hope you have an enjoyable, safe trip with your four-legged friends! Check out our top tips on avoiding dog car sickness. About the writer This post was written by Ana who is a frequent contributor at Pet Life Today. She comes from a sunny and warm region of central Serbia, but now she lives a little up north in the city of Novi Sad. Ana is passionate about helping pet owners provide their four-legged friends with the care and attention they need to be able to lead healthy lives. She had two cats named Ceca and Lunja while she was growing up, together with a parrot named Kica. Ana has been writing about pet-related topics, advice, and trends since 2016.

Our felines bite for a variety of reasons. It’s important to understand the root of the problem before you can address Kitty’s behavior.  Whether it’s a playful nibble or a serious clip, biting is a problem behavior in cats. Our felines bite for a variety of reasons, so it’s important to understand the root of the problem before you can address Kitty’s behavior.   From social play to a means of getting attention, biting serves a range of functions for cats. Especially in kittens, biting is used as a non-aggressive part of playtime, but this can become a problem when Kitty gets overzealous and bites too hard on a human. Biting can also be used to show dominance, however, and it’s important to distinguish between the two. Some telltale signs that your cat is challenging you for the lead role in the home include aggressive displays such as growling or hissing that accompany his biting. If your pet does this, or biting isn’t accompanied by playful behavior or cuddling, you can be sure he’s trying to show he’s in charge. Some cats also prefer a friendly nibble to meow when they want your attention. If your cat bites and then attempts to lead you to the food bowl, a door he wants to be opened or a litter box that needs cleaning, he is most likely using biting as a form of communication. Cats may also meow after a nibble if the behavior is meant to get your attention.   Whatever is causing your cat to bite, most owners agree it’s not a desirable behavior. Once you have determined the cause of Kitty’s biting, you can address the behavior. Cats that are simply trying to play will benefit from a variety of toys and new objects to investigate, such as paper bags or cardboard boxes. Playing with your cat for at least a few minutes each day using a fishing pole or other toy will also help curb his biting—as long as you don’t let him treat your hands like a toy. If your cat becomes too rough, put him in “time out” by immediately ending the game, so he will learn boundaries over time. Cats that are biting to show dominance require a more disciplined approach. Use a louder, firm tone to show your cat you are in charge at home and, if he’s not already neutered, consider getting your pet fixed, as unneutered males tend to be the most dominant cats. If your pet is simply biting to get your attention, however, the best response is to ignore him. Eventually, Kitty will learn that biting does not earn him the attention he needs and will try a different approach.   When training a cat not to bite, consistency is crucial. While biting can often be cute or playful, especially in kittens, you should never encourage this behavior. Your cat is less unlikely to understand the difference between different types of biting, so treat all biting the same by discouraging the behavior. Remember, never physically punish your cat for biting, as this can only escalate rough play or lead to fearful aggression from your pet.  

Hot spots aren’t just painful for your pet, but can also be stressful to treat.  These tips may help you. Hot spots aren’t just painful for your pet, but can also be stressful to treat. Whether they’re caused by a flea allergy or emotional distress, it’s important to get to the root of the problem so you can stop it at its source.   Hot spots are an immune response that causes parts of your dog’s skin to overproduce natural bacteria, producing red, irritated or even oozing lesions. While any pet can develop the painful condition, hot spots are most common in breeds with thick coats, pets with poor grooming and those suffering from all types of allergies. Left untreated, they can spread fast, so it’s important to address the problem as soon as you notice your pet is suffering from these irritations.   Treating the wound should be first on your list of priorities after you notice your pet is suffering from hot spots. Begin by carefully removing the hair in and around the infected area, and then disinfect the spot with diluted povidone-iodine or another antiseptic. Continue cleaning the wound as often as needed to keep it clean, dry, and pus-free—at least twice daily in the early stages of treatment. Because hot spots can spread quickly and cause fever or serious skin conditions, take your pet to the vet if his sores continue to grow after several days of at-home treatment. Be sure to prevent your companion from licking or chewing the infected area by covering it or outfitting him with an e-collar.   Once you’ve cleaned your pet’s hot spots, watch him closely to determine what’s causing the problem. Insect bites, including from fleas, can cause irritation, as can allergic reactions to everything from food to pollen, grass, or mold. Hot spots can also arise from emotional stress, such as separation anxiety, changes in living situation or even boredom. Pay attention to what seems to trigger your dog’s condition. Note any changes in his environment, such as moving house or introducing a new pet to the home, that could be causing your dog stress and if you suspect his hot spots are due to emotional upset, work to minimize upheaval from these changes. Some dogs experience hot spots as a reaction to flea bites, so groom your pet with a flea comb regularly and ensure his flea treatments are up-to-date. A good grooming routine can also help ensure your dog doesn’t suffer from hot spots. Though less common, underlying conditions, such as sciatica, can cause pets to chew on their skin above the painful spot, too.  

Dogs that struggle with their confidence aren’t just harder to train; their quality of life suffers, too. There are a few tricks to overcome this issue. Here’s how to build your dog’s confidence Just like humans, your dog’s sense of self-worth can be impacted by factors from his personality or a lack of socialization to stressful situations and past abuse. If your pet is wary when it comes to new situations, chances are he’s suffering from low confidence. Not only does a lack of self-esteem interfere with Fido’s quality of life, but it can lead to problems training your dog and other behavioral issues. Here are a few tips to help boost your pet’s self-esteem:   Start simple: One tell-tale sign your dog is suffering from poor confidence is balking when he’s asked to learn something new. Low self-esteem makes training harder, so start with simple commands that will boost your pup’s confidence. Always use the same command for the same trick and be sure to lavish your pet with praise every time he gets the trick right. Practice often, and eventually you can move on to more difficult types of training like bath time.   Stay positive: Dogs suffering from poor confidence already feel doubtful, so it’s important to avoid negative corrections whenever possible with your pet. Instead, focus on praising him for the things he does right. If your dog is afraid of new places, for example, don’t scold him for stopping mid-route on a walk; instead, praise him for taking a few steps forward. Dogs are experts at picking up on our emotions, so try not to show your frustration when working with a timid pet.    Give your pet something good to remember: Every time you form positive associations with something that causes your pet fear, you take part of that fear away. Whether it’s offering a treat after he successfully performs a trick or playing with his favorite toy during an outing to a new location, you can help your pet overcome his anxiety by giving him something good to remember after facing a scary event.   If you’re not sure whether your dog is suffering from low confidence, look for signs such as following you obsessively, standing between you and an unfamiliar person, heavy panting or drooling in a new situation, and pacing or chewing at his tail or paws. Consider whether any changes in his environment may have triggered your dog’s stress, or if a past experience has shaped his anxiety. Once you’ve discovered the root of his fearfulness, you can begin working slowly and consistently with your pet to expose him to small amounts of the stressor, using positive reinforcement to work up to more intense versions of this trigger over time.

Everybody keep their cat safe, but sometimes staying indoors can cause Kitty to become bored or under-stimulated. Things to do if your cat wakes you up at night If you’re the owner of a precocious feline, chances are you don’t need an alarm clock. That’s because, even with intermittent changes to your daily routine, your pet is tuned in to your schedule. By learning when to expect his breakfast, when you to return from work, and the timing of other daily events, your cat is better able to manage his own schedule—which can be a good or bad thing for weary pet owners.   Cats in the wild have an internal clock that helps regulate when they sleep, hunt and perform other activities. Domesticated felines retain this internal clock, adjusting their schedules to fit our own. When we wake up at the same time each morning to give our pets breakfast, this reinforces that schedule—and when we don’t, our pets often stir us in anticipation of their morning meal. In some cases, Kitty’s get-up-and-go behavior affects your ability to sleep, meaning you may need to take measures to manage his schedule.   Often, when cats become excessively needy and disrupt our sleep, it’s because they’re bored. While keeping cats indoors protects them from dangers such as predators and disease, it can also lead to under-stimulated pets. By waking you up, then, your cat is able to alleviate his boredom through social interaction and often, a tasty snack. The first step in reshaping your cat’s nighttime behavior, then, is to provide him with plenty of stimulation before bed. Engage your pet in “hunting” with interactive toys such as fishing poles and feed him his final meal before you’re ready for bed. You may also want to consider ways to make Kitty’s environment more stimulating, such as creating opportunities for exploring, climbing and hiding and rotating new objects like paper bags into his environment for him to explore. You could even consider installing a bird feeder outside of an easily accessed window or getting a second cat as a companion pet.   Though our cats get used to our schedules, there are some tricks to help Kitty adjust when your routine changes. If you need to start going to sleep earlier, for example, feed and play with your pet earlier in the evening. If a new job affects what time you can feed your pet, try leaving him with a “puzzle toy” feeder between meals, which will help keep his brain busy while providing him with tasty treats. During the adjustment period, you can try confining your pet to another room while you sleep, or invest in earplugs or a white noise machine to minimize your pet’s disruptions.   Remember, cats that are left alone for long periods of time will be more likely to seek your attention when you’re home at night. By giving your pet plenty of stimulation and attention before bed, you can help both of you get a good night’s rest.

Dog owners have long suspected that their pets can sense what they’re feeling. Now, research is backing up what pet parents have long known. Dog owners have long believed their pets can pick up on their feelings, but this was just a theory until recently. Thanks to animal behavior experts, we now know once and for all that our canine companions are, in fact, masters when it comes to sensing human emotions.   Just like us, dogs are highly social creatures. They live in tight-knit family groups and have a strong instinct when it comes to protecting and being loyal to their social circles. Just like us, too, our canine companions use a complex series of body language, facial expressions and vocalizations to communicate with other members of their species. It’s no surprise, then, that when early dogs and humans began interacting, our four-legged counterparts were able to hone in on their ability to anticipate our thoughts and feelings. In reward for this intuitive bond, dogs were given more opportunities to receive food, shelter and affection that humans provide.   Our dogs spend a great deal of time watching us, so it’s no wonder they’ve learn to look for cues about how we feel—especially when a good mood can mean extra playtime and cuddles, while a bad mood might be good reason for Fido to hide. Our pets use more than sight to determine how we’re feeling, though. With his astounding sense of hearing, your pet easily picks up on the tone of your voice. Even more impressive, dogs actually use their sense of smell to pets pick up on some emotions, such as fear, or illnesses, which can show up as chemical changes in the breath or sweat.   In experiment by researchers at the University of Lincoln and University of Sao Paulo, a team of animal behavior experts and psychologists presented 17 untrained, domesticated dogs with images and sounds that conveyed either positive or negative emotional expressions in both humans and dogs. They found that dogs spent much longer looking at the facial expressions that matched with the emotional state of the vocalization, whether the subject was human or canine. This evidence seems to back what pet parents have long known: That by looking and listening, our companions are keenly tapped into our emotions. And when Fido feels what you feel, you’re sure to share a strong bond.

A huge range of flea treatments is available these days, but sometimes infestations spread beyond the help of topical treatments. You can treat your pet for fleas religiously, but dogs with flea sensitivity will not respond to treatments unless they also include environmental controls. If your companion spends a good deal of time outdoors, it’s important to treat these areas to manage for fleas and other pests.   When making a list of steps you should take in addressing Fido’s outdoor flea problem, you should first account for which areas need treating. These should include any spot where your pet sleeps, such as his doghouse, kennel, carport, and even under the deck. Other areas to be treated include moist, shady spot where fleas breed; gardens; shrubs; and mulched areas. To rid these areas of fleas, many pet owners use pyrethroid sprays famous for killing fleas and ticks fast. These can be applied through a sprayer attached to a hose, allowing rapid treatment of large areas, or can be diluted and applied with a watering can on smaller spaces. Make sure to remove any pet or children’s toys before beginning this process.   Although pyrethroids are chemical imitations of pyrethrins—naturally occurring compounds that incapacitate insect nervous systems—not all pet owners are comfortable spraying them in their yards. Alternatives include desiccants, which are naturally occurring substances that pull water from fleas, causing them to dry up. Diatomaceous earth, silica gel, and sodium borate are all desiccants that can be applied in your yard to control fleas and other pests. Another natural solution to outdoor flea infestations are beneficial nematodes. Microscopic roundworms available at many garden centers, nematodes kill pests and other insects by entering the body and releasing a bacteria that kills fleas quickly. While they can be highly effective in some situations, nematodes have a limited area and season of usefulness, as they die in temperatures above 95 Fahrenheit and below 45, and are sensitive to light and drought. Cedar wood chips are another natural alternative to fighting fleas, as fleas are repelled by their scent. Sprinkle chips in shady areas, such as under the porch, and in dog bedding and outdoor furniture.   To keep a serious flea infestation at bay, repeat your outdoor treatment every two to three weeks, for at least six weeks. Once your pest problem is under control, you can drop to regular maintenance treatments every four to six weeks throughout the flea season. You should continue using your regular flea treatments on all of your pets throughout the process, and be sure to consult your veterinarian before treating your yard to make sure your pest prevention program won’t harm you or your canine companion.

By following a few simply tips, you can make the most of hiking with your companion while being good trail ambassadors for all four-legged friends. Every pet owner loves bringing Fido along on adventures and dogs can make excellent hiking companions, regardless of their size. Before you hit the trail with your pet, however, there are a few things you need to consider.   Just as you choose trails that match your fitness level and abilities, you should also consider Fido’s physical fitness before hitting the trail. Hiking is more strenuous than walking and often involves uneven terrain and vertical climbs. Take into account your dog’s normal level of activity when planning a hike. If a typical walk is less than a mile, for example, an 8-mile climb should be out of the question. Be sure to check the weather the day of the hike, too, because no matter how fit you and your companion are, a hot, humid day can wreak havoc on your health. You should also note any health issues, such as hip dysplasia or arthritis, that may affect your dog’s ability to enjoy a hike. While it’s obvious why senior pets may not be up to the climb, it’s important to remember that puppies’ bodies are still developing and may not be suited for hiking on uneven terrain, either. After considering your pet’s fitness, it’s equally important to take note of his obedience and behavior when planning a hike. You’ll be sharing the trail with other people and animals, so it’s important to bring only well-socialized pets on popular routes. Hiking companions should also be experts at sit, stay, heel and come and feel comfortable walking both on- and off-leash. Aggressive or timid pets will not be good at sharing the trail, so it’s best to work on socializing these dogs before taking them hiking. On the trail, you and your pet will be ambassadors for other hiking dogs, so always practice good etiquette by giving dog-free hikers the right of way and maintaining control of your pet. If you encounter a loose dog on the trail, put your own pet on a leash to avoid any potential confrontations. And remember: Always pick up after your pet both on and off the trail.   Ensure your companion stays safe by choosing hiking routes without exceptionally steep climbs or ladders. Do your best to stop your pet from drinking standing water by packing his own water and dish. Especially on longer treks, plan on bringing plenty of fresh water and food for both you and your pet. You should consider buying a doggy “backpack” so your pet can carry his own supplies, making him feel useful and taking some of the burden off of your own back. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and has been adequately treated for fleas, ticks and heartworms before visiting your favorite hiking spot.   With some planning, you and your four-legged friend can enjoy hiking together. It’s important to choose routes based on both of your fitness levels, maintain control of your pet at all times, and follow the “leave no trace” rule when it comes to picking up after your pet. By adhering to these simply guidelines, you can make hiking the best experience for you and your pet and act as positive ambassadors for other four-legged friends on the trail.

Many pet owners choose to eat plant-based diets, but it’s less clear whether their dogs can thrive on vegetarian or vegan meal plans. Fortunately for plant-based pet parents, dogs are highly adept at getting the nutrients they need from a variety of foods. Many pet parents choose to live vegetarian or vegan lifestyles, but it’s less clear whether their canine companions can thrive on similar diets. Owners’ main concern when switching Fido to a meat-free meal plan is whether their pet will get all the nutrients he needs to stay healthy. Fortunately for plant-based pet owners, dogs can lead healthy lifestyles without consuming meat.   Canines belong to the order Carnivora, but in reality, our companions are omnivores and scavengers adept at eating a variety of foods. This means the canine body is able at transform certain amino acids—the building blocks of proteins—into others, so dogs can get the amino acids they need without eating meat. However, dogs process food differently from humans and will have a few special needs when eating vegetarian diets. Dogs cannot produce vitamin D in their skin, for example, so they must receive this nutrient from their food.   As with any diet, buy only commercial pet foods that have undergone feeding trials and meet Association of American Feed Control Officials standards when switching Fido away from eating meat. If you plan to make your own vegan or vegetarian pet food, it’s essential to consult a veterinary nutritionist to ensure your pet is getting the nutrients he needs. While replacing meat with eggs and dairy is a relatively easy switch to make in your pet’s diet, owners wishing to feed their dogs a vegan diet—one completely free from animal products—will need to pay close  attention to their pet’s nutritional intake. The right balance of different plant-based proteins, such as from beans, corn, soy and whole grains, can still provide the needed amino acids when carefully monitored.   Potential problems to watch for when switching your pet to a meat-free diet include low protein intake, imbalance of certain amino acids such as taurine and L-carnitine, and deficiencies in other vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus and iron that are obtained through eating animal products. If nothing is done to fix these deficiencies, they can lead to serious medical problems, such as reproductive or growth failure. It’s best to avoid feeding puppies or breeding dogs a vegetarian diet to avoid potential complications from these deficiencies. You should also schedule more frequent wellness exams—at least two per year— to ensure your pet is thriving on a meat-free diet. Skipping the chicken and beef can be highly beneficial, however, for certain dogs that suffer from food allergies.   After making sure your pet will get the vitamins and minerals he needs eating a meat-free diet, the only hurdle to overcome is with picky eaters who are accustomed to beef, chicken or other animal proteins in their food. If Fido turns his nose up at his new food, try gradually mixing increasing amounts of the new food into the old, until he switches seamlessly to his new, plant-based diet.