What Is Cognitive Dysfunction?

If you have ever had a senior pet, you may have noticed that as they age their behavior can change. Just like people, cats and dogs can get behavioral changes that can look a lot like changes we see in elderly people with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

When should I start behavior training with my dog?

The most critical stage in a puppy’s behavior development occurs between 5-18 weeks of age.

We know, for instance, that:

August 26 is National Dog Day, founded in 2004 by Colleen Paige—a pet and family lifestyle expert, animal rescue advocate, conservationist, dog trainer, and author. This day honoring dogs of all breeds marks when Colleen and her family adopted their first dog, Sheltie, from a local animal shelter when Colleen was 10 years old.

During the Summer months, our dogs are spoiled with extra attention from kids home from school on Summer break. They enjoy extra playtime, more cuddles, and less time alone. However, some dogs struggle when Summer break ends and their human siblings return to school and college. This is especially true for dogs that already suffer from separation anxiety when you leave home or go on vacation without them. To make the back-to-school transition easier on your four-legged family member, we're offering tips to help them ease into the school year schedule.

Are you planning to visit a local dog park so your canine companion can blow off some steam? Dog parks are perfect for exercising, socializing, and bonding with your pet. It's not all fun and games, though. Every dog park has rules and regulations to keep all visitors — canine and human — safe. Being a responsible pet parent means following those rules and practicing proper dog park etiquette.

Barbecues, fireworks, and other activities are Fourth of July staples. But if you are a pet parent, all of the festivities might be more stressful than fun. Fireworks often trigger intense fear and anxiety — especially in dogs. Barbecues can be anxiety-inducing (and dangerous for dogs), too. They are often noisy, and many pets just don't enjoy all of the unfamiliar people, smells, and sounds.

Once you’ve decided that it’s time to add a dog to your family, the biggest question often becomes, “What type of dog do we want?” While your daughter might want a small, fuzzy dog that will cuddle with her, your son might want a big dog that will play frisbee with him for hours on end. From the parents’ perspective, you want a family-oriented dog with a pleasant demeanor. You should also consider your living environment when it comes to the type of breed selected, as some are better suited to suburban life. In contrast, others adapt easier to apartment living in a city.

September 19-25, 2021, is Deaf Pet Awareness Week when owners of these special pets celebrate the lives of their faithful companions and the unique relationship they have. While deafness is considered a disability, it’s often overlooked since the pet isn’t struggling with mobility. However, deaf pets need to adapt to a different way of life, just as a dog with an amputated limb or a cat with a missing eye. Proper training and a devoted owner means a deaf dog can still live their best life.