1. Stay warm! Be sure to keep kitties inside and make dog potty trips short and quick.
2. Wear a jacket. If you plan on being outside for longer periods with your dog, be sure that he can handle the cold. Some dog breeds like Huskies have thick coats that are made for cold weather. If your dog has a thinner coat, consider buying a sweater or jacket for your pup.
3. Wipe off paws after coming inside. Whether your dog’s paws have collected salt, sand, or clumps of snow, it’s important to wipe all of these off before coming inside. Some salts or de-icing chemicals can burn your dog’s paws.
4. Keep an ID tag on your pets. It is easier for pets to become lost during the winter months when snow and ice cover up scent trails that they use to find their way home.
5. Never leave pets alone in a car. Cars not only get too hot in the summer, but will also get very cold in the winter. It’s best to leave pets at home where they can stay warm.

Do you have other pet tips to share with us? Let us know by leaving a comment!

The first step to a harmonious living situation with both canine and feline is a proper introduction. It’s certainly beneficial to begin when they are in their puppy/kitten stages in order to start them on the right foot from the beginning. It’s important not to just throw a dog and cat in the same room and expect them to get along or “work things out” but rather, take baby steps in which each animal is safe from the other until they are comfortable with the situation.

Do you have some experience and tips to share about introducing a dog and a cat?

Dr. Manuel Sanchez, D.V.M., was also interviewed. “The most difficult part of my job is really being able to provide the level of care but a pet owner not being able to afford that level of care,” he said.

This is one of the main benefits of pet insurance we see here at Trupanion. There are so many more options for treating pets that can be offered by veterinarians, but thee new and improved procedures come at a cost. And many times pet owners want to be able to agree to the expensive treatment in order to prolong the health and happiness of their pets, but aren’t able to because of cost. That is where pet insurance can help.

To watch the ful video, visit the WebMD site here.

Think about your best friend. What are the qualities you would like your best friend to possess? Wouldn’t you like a best friend who understands you? One who knows just the right things to do to keep you smiling? One who understands your mood when you haven’t even uttered a word? Someone who respects you and gives you your space when you need it but is there to have fun with you as well? Someone who treats you with consideration? We all would love our best friend to have these qualities.

What does a cat want in a best friend?

Cats want their best friend (YOU) to treat them with consideration, courtesy, thoughtfulness and respect as well.

Wendy Wahman knows what cats want in their best friend and conveys this charmingly through her words and vibrantly colored, endearing illustrations.

“A Cat Like That” is geared towards children ages 3 to 8, however I have known adults who are so clueless when it comes to how to relate to a cat, that they certainly would benefit from reading it as well.

“A Cat Like That” would make a superb bedtime story. The message of how to approach and behave towards a cat is certain to start a dialogue between the child and whomever shares this story with him.  The message of treating an animal (in this case a cat) with respect, thoughtfulness and consideration won’t be lost when the lights are turned out and the child is cozily tucked in their bed; rather, it is a message that will be remembered and hopefully put into practice during childhood and beyond.

ABOUT CAREN GITTLEMAN: Caren is a  freelance writer/pet blogger who has had a life-long love of cats!! Her blog is a labor of love written by her cat Cody and herself. When not blogging they share their love, life and home with Caren’s husband and their Sheltie, Dakota. You can visit Caren & Cody at Cat Chat and you can visit Dakota at Dakota’s Den.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Wendy Wahman lives in Washington State with big poodles, old cats and a husband named Joe. She has won many awards for illustration, but her greatest joy is loving the two, three and four-legged animals she has known. You can find Wendy on her website, Facebook page, and via Macmillan.

Rescue Me: My Life with the Battersea Dogs
by: Melissa Wareham
This book is a true story about the author’s time spent in a dog shelter in England.

Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love
by: Larry Levin
This is an amazing story of an amazing dog who survived being used as a bait dog and found a family to love and who loved him back.

Heir of the Dog: A Dog Walker Mystery
by: Judi McCoy
A light, fun read about a dog walker who can read the minds of dogs.

Life Lessons: From People Who Shouldn’t Be Giving Them
by: Nealy Stapleton
A short book that reads like an advice column, with a section for “How to Raise a Puppy”.

Pet Peeves
by: Taylor McCafferty
A mystery novel about a detective hired to solve a murder case that involves a woman, her cat, and her parakeet.

What are your favorite pet-related books? Please share! I need some new books in the rotation as well!

Through all the hustling and busyness of day;
It’s time to stop and look at things in another way.
Turn your head upside down and you’ll find it worth your while;
The ground becomes the sky; a frown becomes a smile.

This is a poem I wrote when I was 15 that I believe still holds some fun meaning. Every once in a while, my dog will lay upside down and gravity will pull her lip flaps open. It’s a gentle reminder to laugh and find humor in everyday life and appreciate the small things.

The following are some of my favorite upside down pet pictures and are my way of wishing you a happy Friday!

Cane the Dogue de Bordeaux

Kitty

Sumo the English Bulldog

Cat stretch

Big Dave the English Bulldog

Fluffy cat belly

Ellie, my Whippet-mix

1. Apples – Pets can indulge in the fruit and peel, but avoid feeding them seeds.
2. Yogurt – Natural yogurt with live active bacteria is a tasty treat for our pets but it’s best to stay away from yogurts with artificial colors and sweeteners.
3. Bananas – Bananas are a great ingredient to add when baking dog treats, or as a plain snack.
4. Carrots – Carrots are a healthy and tasty snack for pets.
   
5. Green beans - These are a great source of fiber, vitamin K, vitamin C, and manganese. Your dog may also enjoy them frozen!
6. Sweet potatoes – These are also a good source of fiber and manganese, as well as vitamin B6, vitamin C, and beta carotene.
7. Peanut butter – This is a favorite among pets and is a great way to hide medications or keep them busy by stuffing peanut butter inside a toy. The peanut butter container itself makes a great pass-time for dogs when it’s almost empty!
8. Cooked rice – Rice makes a great bland meal substitute when your pet has an upset or sensitive stomach.
9. Oatmeal – Oatmeal is a great source of fiber for pets. Just be sure to only feed plain cooked oatmeal and avoid oatmeal with sugar and flavorings.
10. Pumpkin – This is a great treat with fiber that also helps with an upset tummy. Just be sure to stick to 100% pumpkin and stay away from pumpkin pie filling which contains extra sweeteners and sodium.

Any time you change your pet’s diet, it’s wise to consult your veterinarian. And as with any treat or food, be sure to only feed them in moderation!

1. Chocolate – Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, both of which are toxic to pets. Dark chocolate and baker’s chocolate are more dangerous because they contain higher amounts. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting and a rapid heart rate.
2. Alcohol – Even a small amount may cause vomiting, liver damage, and brain damage for pets.
3. Raisins and grapes – While it hasn’t been determined the exact cause, grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure in our furry friends. Vomiting and lethargy are key indicators that your pet may have been poisoned by grapes or raisins.
4. Onions and garlic – All forms of onions and garlic (raw, powdered, cooked) can destroy a dog or cat’s red blood cells and lead to anemia. Symptoms include vomiting, weakness, and breathlessness.
5. Avocado – These contain a substance called persin which can be toxic to pets in large amounts. Not only is persin in the fruit itself, but can also be found in the leaves and pit.
6. Chewing gum – Chewing gum is often sweetened with xylitol which is poisonous to pets and can cause liver failure. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, weakness, and loss of muscle coordination. Seizures are a more severe symptom.
7. Fat trimmings and bones - Not only is fat unhealthy for our pets to eat, but it can cause pancreatitis. Leftover bones can be a choking hazard for pets, but also can splinter when chewed and cause internal puncture wounds in your pet’s digestive system.
8. Nuts – Walnuts and macadamia nuts, raw or roasted, can make pets seriously ill so it is best to keep these nuts and foods containing them away from your pets. Symptoms of poisoning include rapid heart rate, vomiting, muscle tremors and muscle weakness.
9. Milk and dairy products – Dairy products can cause diarrhea, gastrointestinal upset, and possible food allergies in your pet. It is best to try to avoid giving milk and dairy to your pet.
10. Salt – Avoiding salty foods will keep your pet’s body healthy. Too much salt can cause excessive thirst and urination and may lead to sodium ion poisoning. Your pet may show symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, and seizures if it has ingested too much salt.

Have you ever had experience with a pet eating one of these foods?

Update: source http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/slideshow-foods-your-dog-should-never-eat

Jack and Tori are 13 months old brother and sister Sphynx cats from the same litter.  I got Jack in August 2010 when he was just 14 weeks old.  He was almost immediately tied to my heart in a way I could have never imagined.  I knew that I had to insure him because I loved him so much and NEVER wanted to be in a position to make a medical decision not his or my best interest simply because I could not afford medical care.  After many recommendations from friends and research myself, I knew Trupanion was the best for us!  8 months after having Jack, I called the breeder and she still had his sister from the same litter!  I was in the car the next day driving 1.75 hours to pick her up.  That week, Tori was added to Jack’s policy!  They are best friends, they wear clothes to keep warm, they crave attention, love car rides, thrive on adventure, and love going on walks in their pet stroller.  They are the joy of my life!  Thanks, Trupanion, for the security having you gives me.

Jack and Tori are such unique and beautiful kitties! Thanks to Kyleen for nominating them and we are proud to feature them on our blog!