When your cat uses their claws to scratch your favorite sofa, it’s annoying. But resist the urge to take it personally. No, they’re not adding unwanted texture to the table legs to get revenge for a recent vet visit. Even the smartest cat probably fails to understand that cat etchings just don’t go with our decor. Because we connect with our animals so deeply, it can be easy to assign human-like motives where none exist.
NutriSource Blogs
Pet Parents Blog
Tips & Solutions for Pet Parents
Our reason for being is to help you get many happy, healthy years with your furry friends! That’s why we’re excited to share our expertise about the care and feeding of pets. Browse our blogs to guide you through each phase and stage of your dog or cat’s life.
Sensitive stomach? What your cat needs to feel better
When cats show signs of a sensitive stomach, pet parents can pretty easily become complacent. Perhaps we get used to seeing them cough up hairballs every couple weeks, leading us to believe stomach irritation is just part of being a cat. But cat puke, when it doesn’t have any signs of hairball, can be a symptom of something more serious.
How much do cats sleep?
Cats have a well-earned reputation for needing their beauty rest. The average feline gets in 15 hours of sleep a day. However, kittens and elderly cats put in as much as 20 hours a day.
Which harness is best for your dog?
Leashes are fine for most dogs. But there are times when you might want to switch to a harness. A harness can take pressure off the dog’s neck and help him breathe more easily. The right harness can also be a training aid if your dog needs better leash manners.
Itchy dog? Help for canine seasonal allergies
As warmer weather arrives, life is good for your dog. She’s spending more time outdoors. Her human is more than up for longer walks. And she can hang out in the backyard, getting her nose down into the landscape. But then again, you notice she’s not quite herself. She’s constantly pawing at her face and licking her paws, and no matter what you say and do, you can’t convince her to stop. Those are classic signs of seasonal allergies.
Happy trails, happy tails: Tips for safe hiking with your dog
What’s better than a hike with your best friend? That ultra fresh air, feeling healthy, maybe shedding a few pounds while taking in stunning views and spending time together spark joy for humans and canines alike. Before you head out, use this guide to ensure a safe and enjoyable day in the great outdoors for everyone.
Best houseplants for your curious cat
Living life inside is great for your cat’s long-term health and longevity, and indoor plant play fulfills many feline instincts. Outdoors, a cat will certainly check out and nibble at an appealing plant they find on their rounds, even though they’re considered carnivores.
Treatments and tips for ridding your cat or dog of fleas
As the weather warms and you head outside to have some fun with your dog, that extra scratching and fur biting brings a timely reminder: It’s flea season.
Why having a pet is good for your health and your mood
What makes life with your dog or cat so great? You might say it’s the unconditional love, the fact they’re always glad to see you, the hilarious antics. Turns out living with pets comes with an impressive list of benefits to our mental health and overall wellness.
Healthy lifestyle tips for your geriatric cat
Cats are beloved family members. When they live indoors where the risk of injury, infection and death are many times lower, a cat can take a special spot in your life for as many as 20 years.
How to stop people from petting your dog
Dogs are people magnets. When you’re out for a walk, and your companion has an adorable furry face and is oozing charm, the dog enthusiasts that cross your path can’t help but stop to say hello. Even grumpy dogs that bark at everyone can attract new friends.
Confused about what to feed your dog? Kibble and cans explained
In the eyes and hearts of pet parents, dogs are full-fledged members of the family. For that reason, they care more than ever about what’s in that bag of dry dog food or in that tin of meat and gravy.
How to create a DIY agility course in your backyard
For active, energetic dogs, an agility course you can set up in your backyard can be just the outlet for their endless reserves. A homemade backyard agility course is also great for those times when you want to stick close to home and provide the exercise your dog needs to stay active and healthy.
Working from home with pets
Working from home with pets around is one of the perks of logging in at your kitchen table, along with being dressed in head-to-toe fleece. For an increasing number of workers, the option and opportunity is there to spend at least a portion of the work getting stuff done in the comfort of their home.
Boredom busters: Dog activities that engage body and mind
Doing things with your dog that you both enjoy is a sure way to strengthen your bond and build your relationship. But when these activities also engage his mind and increase his activity level, it’s a winner.
Hypoallergenic dogs: What breeds are best?
So you want to add a furry friend to your family, but you or someone you love is allergic to dogs. This presents one of those good-news, bad-news situations.
Dogs and climate: Best breeds based on where you live
When living with dogs, one consideration is whether their specific breed is suited to the climate you’re living in. Now it’s not unheard of for a Chihuahua to live a joy-filled life in Alaska and an Alaskan Malamute to summer in Florida. If your dog doesn’t happen to be the perfect match for your part of the country, nothing wrong with that.
What to do when kitty meows all the time
Your cat is staring at the bathroom faucet, would like a head scratch, or wants to be let in from outside — any of these things can set off the chorus of meowing.
Most pet parents find these meows cute and endearing. But sometimes, cats can get excessive with their meows..