But while humans can talk through these feelings with a caring friend, a loved one or a therapist, pets don’t have that option. Without a way to process and overcome these feelings, dogs and cats may exhibit certain destructive or alarming behaviors which can increase their own anxiety and cause concern for the people who love them.

Reading the Signs

Fortunately, while your dog or cat can’t tell you with words what’s making them anxious, they have other ways of telling you – and by picking up on the signals, pet parents can take steps to make their pets feel better and prevent anxiety from reoccurring.

Anxiety in Dogs

We all want our dogs to be happy, healthy, easygoing and playful. But anxiety can greatly diminish a dog’s quality of life and rob it of its health and natural joy. One Finnish study that looked at the links between canine anxiety and behavioral issues found that 72.5% of dogs – nearly three quarters of them – exhibited behaviors strongly suggesting anxiety as a root cause. That means that most dogs will experience anxious situations at some point in their lives.

Common Causes of Anxiety in Dogs

The two most common types of anxiety are:

• Fear-based anxiety: Triggered by things like loud noises (think thunderbolts or fireworks), unfamiliar people or objects (think delivery people or vacuum cleaners), or unfamiliar situations (think car trips to the vet).
• Separation anxiety: This occurs when a dog becomes distressed after being separated from its pet parent, fearing you might never come back.

Signs of Anxiety in Dogs

• Fear-based behaviors: Fear from a situation, a person, or another dog might manifest as whimpering, hiding or running away. Sometimes, however, fear-based anxiety can take the form of aggression: growling, excessive barking or even biting.
• Separation-related behaviors: Destructive behavior, such as chewing on or clawing at furniture, or urinating or defecating inside a house or a crate. Other telltale signs of stress and anxiety include pacing, restlessness, constant barking or (in some cases) behaviors that mirror obsessive-compulsive disorder in humans, such as self-mutilation by chewing off hair or skin, especially on the tail or front legs.

How to Help an Anxious Dog

The American Kennel Club has shared a number of ways that dog owners can identify and ameliorate anxiety in their pets. Among other things, the organization encourages owners to:

• Pay attention to body language. Check for visible or audible signs of discomfort (tail between legs, cowering, whimpering, panting, etc.)
• Socialize your dog. The more interactions your dog has with new people, children, other dogs, and unfamiliar experiences – with you or another trusted and beloved human at its side – the less likely he or she is to panic when encountering something it finds strange or intimidating.
• Explore obedience training. It’s about more than teaching Fido to heel, sit, or come on command. Dogs that understand rules and have faith in rule-based systems are calmer and less anxious than dogs for whom the world is a place of uncertainty.  
• Avoid stressful situations. It probably won’t take long for you to discover what’s causing your dog to feel anxiety. When you do, remove – if possible – the stressor from your furry friend’s life. Some dogs simply don’t enjoy car rides, going to the dog park, or frolicking on the beach (with all of those loud, crashing waves!)–and that’s okay.

Treatment Options

Treatment methods for anxiety in dogs fall into two categories:

Behavioral approaches typically involve engaging with the source of anxiety – together – and re-wiring the response pattern in your dog’s brain through counterconditioning and desensitization. When encountering the stressful stimulus, don’t give your dog a chance to spiral downward: Present him or her with a treat, a favorite toy, or copious amounts of affection in the form of rubs and soothing words. Over time, your dog will begin to replace the negative stimulus with a positive one and react with less and less anxiety.

Medication: If anxiety persists or intensifies, talk to your vet about SSRIs or antidepressants that can be administered to help calm and comfort your dog during especially stressful moments, or natural remedies such as calming treats, pheromones or aromatherapy.     

Anxiety in Cats

Cats experience anxiety for many of the same reasons that dogs do: loud noises, changes in environment, and separation. One commonly overlooked cause of feline anxiety, especially in older cats, is the pain associated with feline arthritis, which is believed to affect anywhere from between 70 to 90% of cats over 12 years of age.

Signs of Anxiety in Cats

Whatever the source, your cat will likely give off signs that indicate it’s afraid, nervous, or just having a rough time of it lately. Things to look for include:

• Hiding. All cats love curling up in secret, out -of-the-way spots, but you should be able to tell if your cat is doing so more than usual, or if he or she is hesitating to emerge from their hiding spot when they normally would – when you open the front door upon coming home, for example, or when you’re putting their food out.
• Excessive and/or unusual meowing. Cats have different meows to express different states of mind. If your cat’s meow sounds different – e.g., more pained or plaintive – and especially if this different-sounding meow lingers, that’s a strong sign that your cat is in a bad place.
• Litter box avoidance. If a cat that normally has no trouble using their litter box suddenly begins to use it only sporadically, or not at all, it’s usually a sign of an underlying physical or psychological issue. (Assuming the litter box is clean and easy to access, that is.)
• Overgrooming. If you notice a marked uptick in the amount of time your cat is spending grooming itself, it may indicate that your cat is stressed out or anxious about something: Cats lick and groom themselves to calm themselves down.
• Changes in appetite. Just like us, some cats self-soothe by overeating when under stress. Others may lose their appetite and pick at their food, or even avoid it altogether.
• Changes in body language. If your cat is keeping its tail close to its body (or flicking it), staring, or holding its ears back, it usually indicates something anxiety-provoking in their immediate environment.

How to Help an Anxious Cat

Again, as with dogs, treatment  for feline anxiety might entail counterconditioning, desensitization, pharmaceuticals, or some combination of any or all of these.

For milder cases of anxiety:

• Try toys or food puzzles to distract and soothe your cat.
• Consider using sprays or collars that emit calming scents – these are available in most pet stores.

Whichever route you take, it’s best to visit the vet’s office when you first notice that your cat is behaving unusually, since many anxiety symptoms can reflect underlying issues with your cat’s physical health. If your dog or cat’s anxiety is being caused by an illness or physical condition that’s covered under your Healthy Paws pet insurance plan, you’ll be reimbursed for up to 80 percent of your vet bills that pertain to that illness or physical condition.

Our pets bring us immeasurable happiness. The least we can do is make sure that they’re as happy as they can possibly be while they do.

The post Pet Anxiety: Spotting the Signs and How to Help appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Like human children, puppies have baby teeth. The first teeth, known as the milk teeth, come in for dogs when they’re around 3 weeks old. The technical name for these teeth is the deciduous teeth. Most pups have all their baby teeth by about 8 weeks old.

Do Dogs Lose Baby Teeth?

Those teeth — all 28 of them in most dogs — eventually fall out and are replaced by adult teeth. Dogs end up with more adult teeth than baby teeth, and most breeds have 42 permanent teeth as adult canines. 

When Do Dogs Lose Their Baby Teeth?

A dog’s baby teeth start to fall out naturally — or come out when they’re chewing a toy — as the adult teeth push their way in. As it does with humans, the loss of baby teeth and the growth of adult teeth happens in phases in dogs.

While every breed — and every dog — is a bit different, you can expect a schedule for losing baby teeth to look something like this:

• At 3-4 months old, pups will lose their front baby teeth, known as the incisors.
• At 4-6 months old, dogs lose their canines, which are the teeth that make up the “fangs.”
• At 5-6 months, dogs lose their back teeth, which are the premolars and molars.

You can expect your dog to engage in teething activity as new teeth come in, including licking things, chewing things or drooling more.

What Happens If My Dog’s Baby Teeth Don’t Fall Out?

Sometimes, baby and adult teeth don’t do their thing in your dog’s mouth, which can cause the baby teeth not to fall out, leading to a condition called retained deciduous teeth. While it’s not life-threatening for a baby tooth or two to linger a bit longer than expected, if your dog isn’t steadily losing baby teeth by around 6 months, it’s probably time to take action.

Retained baby teeth can lead to overcrowding in the mouth as adult teeth also try to come in. The resulting misalignment can cause difficulties in chewing — and subsequent poor diet for your dog — or closing the mouth. Other issues related to retained baby teeth include greater risks for tooth decay and gum disease.

Don’t Worry

Don’t fret if your pup isn’t following the tooth loss time line exactly. Mention it to your vet on your dog’s next visit. Your pet care professional can help you understand if there’s anything to be concerned about, and they can remove stubborn baby teeth as needed.

The post Do Dogs Have Baby Teeth? appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

The name “bird flu” is somewhat misleading, because the virus behind it has recently shown a capability of jumping from birds to mammals, including cows, foxes, raccoons – and, in a handful of cases, humans. It has also jumped to our pets. Cats are far more susceptible than dogs: According to KFF Health news, from 2022 to February 2025, more than 80 cases of infected housecats were reported in the U.S., although no dog infections have been recorded so far.

News reports indicate that a few dozen cats have died from bird flu in the U.S. That’s negligible compared to the roughly 74 million domestic cats in the U.S. and 8.5 million in Canada. Still, you don’t want your pet to become infected: The University of Maryland’s School of Public Health reports that this disease has around a 67% fatality rate in cats.

Bird flu symptoms in cats

In cats, the symptoms of bird flu – which is more formally known as the H5N1 strain of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) – may include:

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Low appetite
• Reddened or inflamed eyes
• Difficulty breathing
• Discharge from the eyes and nose

Symptoms may progress to tremors, seizures and lack of coordination. Regardless of the cause, witnessing any of these symptoms is a good reason to call your vet.

Treatment for bird flu in cats

There is currently no vaccine or cure for bird flu in cats (or dogs, for that matter). Vets can increase a cat’s chance of recovering by providing supportive care, such as medications to manage fever or pain or fight off secondary bacterial infections, fluid therapy to maintain hydration, and oxygen therapy if the cat is having trouble breathing.

How to protect your cat from bird flu

There’s little mystery about how cats get sick or how to keep them safe. Most infections come from eating – or even just coming into contact with – infected animals, be it from backyard encounters or from consuming tainted raw food or milk. The overall solution is clear: Keep cats away from wildlife or farm animals, and feed them only well-cooked meat or pasteurized milk.

Avoid Outdoor Dangers

Domestic cats are prolific hunters, but they risk harming themselves by coming into contact with infected birds. And even if the cat is an unsuccessful hunter, contact with dead birds or bird droppings can lead to infection.

Cats are fast and determined; simply “keeping an eye on them” while they frolic outside won’t work. The safest option is to keep cats indoors at all times. One middle ground option: You can give your cat a taste of the outdoors with an enclosure such as a “catio.” Typically made of wood and metal mesh or wire, they allow cats to enjoy sunshine and fresh air without getting into any trouble.

You may also have luck training your cat to walk on a leash. But if you do, you’ll need to keep a close eye on what they wander into, such as areas that might have droppings from infected birds.

Feed Your Cat a Safe Diet

High heat kills the H5N1 virus, and cats face virtually no risk of infection from well-cooked meat or pasteurized milk. But raw food and raw milk have recently become popular among some pet owners for their purported health benefits, and they appear to carry some risks along with them. In January, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reported that several cats had contracted the virus and died after consuming raw food made from contaminated poultry, and in California a number of cats also died after drinking raw milk in late 2024, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

In an official statement, the AVMA says that it “discourages feeding any raw or undercooked animal-sourced protein” to dogs and cats “because of their risk to human and animal health.” Instead, the group “supports the production and feeding of diets that have been processed using methods that reduce or eliminate the risk of illness due to pathogenic contaminants.”

Get Prompt Care for Your Cat

You should contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat shows any symptoms of bird flu. Because the necessary care can be quite expensive to cover out of pocket, pet insurance can prove to be of enormous value in such emergencies. Healthy Paws pet insurance reimburses up to 80 percent of your vet bills for unexpected accidents and illnesses – with no per-incident, annual or lifetime caps on payouts. The coverage can help provide peace of mind and financial security in the event that your cat contracts bird flu or confronts many other covered health hazards.

The content on this page is advisory in nature and is offered for general information purposes only. These materials are not intended as a substitute for consultation with your insurance broker, or for legal, engineering or other professional advice.

The post How Can You Protect Your Cat from Bird Flu? appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

Animals can’t talk, but they can communicate. When cats headbutt people, they’re often trying to communicate something about how they’re feeling. This headbutting, also called “bunting,” is a sign that your cat may be marking territory or in need of some TLC.

Here are some possible reasons your cat is headbutting and when it may be time to call a veterinarian for a second opinion.

What Does a Cat Headbutt Mean?

It’s not unusual to see cats headbutting their owners. These seemingly affection little rubs and pushes can be sweet — or concerning, depending on how often it’s happening. Understanding why the headbutting is occurring can help you respond appropriately and gauge when professional intervention is needed.

Marking Territory

Some experts believe headbutting is a way for cats to mark their territory. Cats have special scent glands concentrated on and around their head. These glands are packed with pheromones unique to your feline.

The act of rubbing against a person, likely their owner, helps cats transfer their scent to someone’s skin. By transferring pheromones onto your clothes and body, your cat is letting other animals know that you’re their favorite person.

Cats may also headbutt inanimate objects they deem important, such as their favorite scratching post or bed.

Creating a Colony Scent

Cats that headbutt other cats in their familial group may be purposely combining multiple cat scents to create one unique group scent. This can happen with cats living in the same home or with outdoor cats that are bonding socially with other neighborhood pets. Each cat then knows which other animals are part of that colony, as all share the same fingerprint-like pheromone mix.

Asking for Attention

Another reason cats headbutt their owners is to get some attention. This may be a request for more food or a hint that their water bowl needs to be refilled. Or your cat may simply want a pet or a cuddle.

If your cat is bunting and responds positively to a head scratch or hug, you likely gave them exactly what they needed.

Self-Soothing

Sometimes, cats headbutt furniture or knead their bedding just because it feels good. It could also be an attempt at self-regulation. Cats who are annoyed by loud noises or other dysregulating events might headbutt and knead to help calm their nervous systems.

When Cats Headbutt: When to Seek a Vet’s Opinion

Though most headbutting is a sign of affection, that’s not always the case. A cat that begins headbutting with unusual frequency may be communicating that they’re in distress. Cats that are pressing their head into a wall or person might be experiencing a neurological issue.

If you suspect your cat is in distress, book an appointment with your veterinarian. To ensure consistent access to care, protect your cat with pet insurance today.

The post Why Do Cats Headbutt Humans? appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

You can find a dog-friendly restaurant or bar in every neighborhood in the Windy City. Here are the top 14 that have something unique to offer:

Bandit

Nestled in the lively West Loop neighborhood, Bandit welcomes both people and pups to enjoy a meal on their patio. Dogs can indulge in the Pup Picks menu, which includes skirt steak, burger patties, and salmon pieces, as well as a dairy-free cream for dessert. For dog parents, the food menu is extensive, too, offering bar-favorite appetizers like mozzarella sticks and chicken wings, small plates, and even a burger called “The Diplomat,” which is meant to be shared among friends. As an upscale restaurant with a hometown aesthetic, bottomless brunch and happy hour are available on the weekends and weekdays, respectively. Trivia and sports events are also hosted weekly. Bandit is part of DineAmic Hospitality, which sends part of the proceeds from its pet-friendly menu to PAWS Chicago.

Parson’s Chicken & Fish – Logan Square

Open daily in the Logan Square neighborhood sits Parson’s Chicken & Fish, a casual and relaxed spot with a hometown vibe. Known for its fried chicken sandwich, Parson’s Chicken & Fish also serves a variety of additional sandwiches, a fish fry, and a “Big Dipper Platter” with a bunch of appetizers to try, like fries, nuggets, and hush puppies. In addition to comfort cuisine, they also serve a ton of unique alcoholic drinks like margaritas, hot cider, and slushies, plus spirit-free beers and mocktails, too. The best part is all of this can be enjoyed with four-legged friends, as dogs are welcome at all three of Parson’s Chicken & Fish locations, including Lincoln Park and Andersonville.

Gemini

With American cuisine inspired by the Midwest, Gemini is located in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. It features a massive U-shaped bar that can seat up to 92 guests. Gemini has an upscale vibe for both locals and city visitors alike, serving a 90-minute bottomless brunch on the weekends. Outside, a sidewalk patio is shrouded by a pergola that welcomes dogs in the warmer months.

Perch Kitchen + Tap

The Wicker Park neighborhood is home to Perch Kitchen + Tap, a bright restaurant with a brewery-like aesthetic and lots of greenery. The space serves their own in-house brewed beers and boasts a belief that dog visitors should also dine like their owners. For dogs, they serve what they call a “hefe-woof-zen” drink of chicken stock and organic molasses and food options including a bag of five biscuits, an egg scramble, a protein bowl, and popsicles. And for those who want to dine with their dogs, Perch Kitchen + Tap’s main menu includes lobster deviled eggs, soups and salads, and sandwiches with fries or slaw.

PB&J: Pizza Bar and Jukebox

Ever been on a date with a partner or friend and thought it’d be better with a dog? Look no further than PB&J: Pizza Bar and Jukebox. Every Wednesday, the restaurant welcomes dog owners and their four-legged friends for “Doggie Date Night,” serving personalized Guinness beers and espresso martinis for drinks and pupwiches and select apps for food. What’s better: dogs eat for free. Other nights of the week, PB&J: Pizza Bar and Jukebox offers an industrial yet comfortable atmosphere and is known for its Jukebox. Typically, the eatery serves Neapolitan pizza and draft beer. Every month, they refresh their Pizza of the Month, which compliments their menu of appetizers like sliders, fries, and baked ricotta, as well as salads, sandwiches, and a whole bunch of pizza. Brunch is live on Saturdays and Sundays.

Ranalli’s Pizza Bar

In the Lincoln Park neighborhood sits Ranalli’s Pizza Bar, an Italian-inspired yet casual restaurant. Serving bruschetta, cheese curds, and garlic knots, the eatery is known for its build-you-own-pizza made with either thin or pan crust and enough toppings to impress even the biggest pizza lovers. They’re also known for what they dub their “famous” chicken tenders. Ranalli’s also frequently hosts community events like weekly trivia. In the warmer months, dogs are welcome to join owners on the patio.

Bar Siena

Italian street food is the specialty at Bar Siena, which is located on the West Loop neighborhood’s Restaurant Row. With a mosaic tile pizza oven serving as a focal point of the space, a pizza bar offers seemingly endless and tasty options. For dogs, a Puppy Ciao menu serves skirt steak, chicken breast, and burger patties, as well as four different dessert options including dairy-free cream and gelato, donuts, and even sundaes. Bar Siena is currently hosting a bottomless spritz experience and happy hour and brunch weekly. Also a member of DineAmic Hospitality, part of the proceeds from its pet-friendly menu are sent to PAWS Chicago.

Parlor Pizza

A neighborhood-style wood-fire pizza place in the Wicker Park neighborhood, Parlor Pizza makes shareable appetizers, salads, and, of course, pizza. The menu rotates seasonally, so there’s always something new to try. It’s dessert counter—called the Dessert Dealer—serves specialty desserts like tacos to pick up in a window connected to the restaurant. There are three locations around Chicago in the West Loop and River North neighborhoods, too, each welcoming dogs to their patio in the warmer months. Guests must be over 21 at 11 p.m. onward each night.

Barrio

Barrio is a laid-back yet upscale Mexican restaurant in the River North neighborhood. The menu offers an approachable way for diners to experience Mexican cuisine in a friendly atmosphere. Dogs are welcome on the patio and to dine—Barrio serves a Puppy Menu with chicken breast and skirt steak options for dinner and a dairy-free dessert. As part of DineAmic Hospitality, part of the proceeds from the Puppy Menu will go toward PAWS Chicago.

Mott St

Mott St is an Asian American-inspired restaurant located in Wicker Park. It blends techniques of traditional Asian cuisine with Chicago ingredients and flavors to create an experience that’s truly unique to the neighborhood. Mott St frequently hosts events onsite—for example, they recently hosted a Lunar New Year event with special menu options—and offers catering services for every holiday. Their patio is pup friendly.

The Moonlighter

Well-known as a dog-loving location, the Moonlighter is a cozy neighborhood hangout located at the crossroads of Armitage and Kenzie. Dogs are welcome to chill on the patio with their owners as long as they’re on a leash. A peanut-free restaurant, the Moonlighter is known for its burgers—add bacon, egg, or both—and late-night bites. They have a dine-in happy hour special all day Mondays as well as Tuesdays through Fridays until 6 p.m.

Corcoran’s Grill & Pub

Next to Zanies Comedy Club sits Corcoran’s Grill & Pub in the Old Town neighborhood. Corcoran’s Grill & Pub is an indoor-outdoor flex space that hosts local events for the community, like promoting green beer for St. Patrick’s Day. They also serve daily food and beverage specials, especially during football season. It’s open each day from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. and pups are welcome in its outdoor spaces.

Bucktown Pub

Although Bucktown Pub only serves cocktails and beer, visitors are welcome to bring their furry companions both onto the beer garden patio and inside the pub. They embody the saying “dogs drink free,” giving pups as much water as they need or want while at the bar. The beer garden is open from March through December depending on the weather. It doesn’t serve food for both dogs and their owners, but guests are welcome to bring what they’d like to eat or have food delivered to the space. Dogs are welcome, but it’s not family-friendly—children are not permitted.

Dawg Park

While not technically in Chicago, Dawg Park deserves an honorable mention. In the suburb of Glenview, Illinois, Dawg Park is a restaurant inspired by childhood comfort food and the playfulness of puppy playgrounds. They serve everything from Chicago-style to California-style hotdogs and the options don’t stop there—think burgers, chicken sandwiches, bowls, and milkshakes, to name a few. The space was designed to welcome those with four-legged friends and make their owners comfortable, too.

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Here are some dog travel essentials to stock up on before your next road trip, drive to the park, or day out running errands with your furry friend along for the adventure.

Pet Carriers for Cars

Some dogs sit calmly in the car, while others are restless and roam around due to anxiety or overstimulation. Either way, the safest place for dogs to ride in a car is in a carrier or crate. These are safe options because they keep dogs secure in case of an accident. If your car is hit, the dog will be more stable and not fly through the car upon impact. Dogs can become seriously hurt if they are loose in a car involved in a collision.

Carriers and crates keep dogs in secure places so they cannot run away or harm anyone after an accident. Also, restrained dogs are less likely to distract drivers and be the cause of an accident.

Choose a dog crate or carrier that is the right size for your pet. Compare your dog’s weight and height with products available so there’s a snug fit but still room to move around and get comfy. Tunnel crates, soft crates, and traditional kennels are popular options. You can review products, studies, and announcements on the Center for Pet Safety website.

Dog Seat Belts

Just like how you strap yourself and your kids into the seats of your automobile before any commute, dogs benefit from seat belts to keep them safe and secure. Dog safety belts are among the most helpful pet car accessories because they help keep pets alive during a crash and prevent distractions for drivers. Seat belts are a good option for dogs that enjoy looking out the window during drives.

Choose dog seat belts that you can easily tighten and loosen for the optimal fit and that are made with high-quality straps and buckles. Your dog should feel comfortable wearing it and be able to sit up or lie down easily without having trouble breathing or getting relaxed. The seat belt materials should be chew-proof, and the product should be crash-tested for safety reasons. Chewy has various dog seat belts to choose from, and you can filter your search by breed size, material, price, and features.

Pet Car Seats

There are also car seats made specifically for dogs that keep pups safe while helping them enjoy the views. The important things to look for in a dog car seat are a secure restraint and comfortable design. Many dogs feel cozy and comforted while riding in a doggie car seat because it feels like a more secure version of a traditional dog bed.

If you have a small dog, choose a car seat that gives your pup an extra height boost to see out the windows. Amazon is a popular place to shop for dog boosters and car seats, and here, you can find products with storage pockets, adjustable straps, and washable materials.

Travel Dog Beds

Especially on long car rides, you want your dog to be comfortable and feel cozy during transit. Depending on the pet restraint system you choose, you may be able to add a dog bed to it for enhanced comfort and to help your dog adjust to the safer way to ride.

Travel dog beds are typically smaller and more portable than those for household use. They may come in handy once you’ve reached your destination and provide a soft space for your dog to rest and sleep in your hotel room, vacation rental, or campsite. For example, you can browse the selection of travel dog beds at Target and find different shapes, sizes, and types to fit your dog’s preferences and travel style.

Backseat Barriers for Cars

In addition to these dog travel accessories, consider getting pet auto barriers to protect your dog and human passengers while in transit. Petco is a popular source for dog car barriers that you can install in a vehicle and enjoy a safer ride for everyone.

There are one-size-fits-all metal barriers that you can install between the backseats and hitch area of your vehicle. To prevent your dog from jumping into the front seat, you can attach a cloth barrier to the back of the seats and get the added benefit of extra pockets to stash away road trip gear. There are also vehicle hammocks that you can use for your pet to keep your dog comfortable and also protect your backseat.

Pet Seat Covers

If your dog is prone to getting sick on car rides or shedding, it may be worth looking into a pet seat cover for the seat where your dog sits in the car. A top-rated seat cover for dogs is the Meadowlark XL Premium Dog Hammock, which completely covers the backseat and fits snugly for a comfortable ride.

Some seat covers have a mesh window, allowing you and your pet to see each other while protecting your seat. This is ideal for dogs and humans with a bit of anxiety on car trips. Look for seat covers made with waterproof or water-resistant materials if your dog is prone to potty accidents or excessive licking. This is an excellent option if you have leather car seats that you want to protect from scratches, rips, and tears.

Car Door Protectors

Another one of the many dog accessories for cars available to pet parents today is the car door protector, which helps prevent damage from scratching, gnawing, and drool. Dogs with long or sharp nails can damage the interior of your car doors, while breeds prone to excessive drooling can leave your car doors wet and sticky. There are various models of car door protectors available, but focus on ones that are simple, easy to clean, and waterproof.

For example, Kurgo’s car door guard is adjustable from 23 to 28 inches wide, has an ample storage pocket, and stays in place with locking tabs. Door protectors are also great for rainy days when you take your dog hiking and come back covered in mud. If scratching is your main concern, you may need to work on training to address your dog’s behaviors and prevent intentional door damage.

Vehicle Ramps

Some dogs love nothing more than jumping into a car and settling in for an exciting ride. But if your dog is small, a puppy, getting older, suffering from joint pain, or recovering from an injury, that jump could be very difficult or even dangerous for your pup. Dogs can fall and become seriously injured while trying to jump into a vehicle. To address this issue, there are vehicle ramps that you can purchase so that your dog can walk safely up the ramp and into your car. Ramps are especially helpful if you have a large dog that weighs too much to comfortably pick up and put into your vehicle.

Dog ramps are especially useful if you have a tall SUV, minivan, or Jeep. Some of the best dog ramps are adjustable and fold up to easily fit into the vehicle when not in use. Things to look for in a new dog ramp are products that are lightweight, sturdy, easy to clean, have a non-slip surface, and that can accommodate your dog’s weight. Some ramps are only designed to access the back hitch door, but you can purchase a side door adapter kit separately for certain models if that is where you want your dog to ride.

What to Do After an Accident with Your Dog in the Car

But while there are many things that you can do to keep your dog safe on car rides, some accidents are unavoidable. If you hit something with your vehicle or are struck by another vehicle, do your best to stay calm and assess any injuries in yourself and any human and canine passengers. Dogs are very intuitive and can sense the emotional state of their people, so reassure your dog that you are handling the situation and staying in control. A scared or injured dog may be more prone to biting or nipping, so speak to your dog in a calm and reassuring tone while keeping the dog leashed to prevent running away or harm to others.

Call a vet or emergency animal hospital to have your dog checked out after a car accident, even if the injuries seem minor at the time. Since your dog can’t talk to you and explain the symptoms, it is vital to seek medical care as soon as possible for your dog. It may be beneficial to file an insurance claim and attempt to recover damages from your accident. A local auto accident attorney can advise you about whether you can pursue financial compensation for vet bills related to your dog’s injuries.

If you have a Healthy Paws insurance plan for your dog, you can submit claims for vet bills to us after an accident. With our plan, you can visit any licensed vet or clinic for your dog’s emergency and follow-up care and submit photos of your vet bills through our app or website. We process most claims within two days so you can get your money back and continue taking the best care of your pet’s injuries.

We hope you and your pet never have to experience an auto accident, but we are here to help if this unfortunate situation ever happens. Meanwhile, keeping your pet safe with the dog car accessories described in this article can help prevent unnecessary pain and stress on you and your little travel buddy, wherever the road may take you!

The post Dog Car Accessories and Travel Essentials for New Pet Parents appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

In this article, we address how to stop dog aggression towards cats so that you can be surrounded by all the furry friends you love. We’ll answer common pet issue questions, such as why do dogs chase cats, how to stop a dog from fixating on a cat, and what to do with dog-biting-cat scenarios, plus extra tips about living in harmony with your little zoo.

Issues Between Dogs and Cats

Cats and dogs are very different animal species with distinct behaviors, preferences, and needs. Common issues with these pets living together include dogs chasing cats, animals eating each other’s food, and dogs and cats that nip or bite each other. These issues can be troublesome or even dangerous if the pets do not respond to commands or follow house rules. Fortunately, obedience training can go a long way in preventing household stresses and ensuring that everyone feels safe and secure in a family living environment.

Most cats tend to keep to themselves around dogs, so the most common issues occur when dogs become aggressive toward cats. Aggression-related warning signs to look for include dogs that are overly focused on cats, cats that regularly hiss or swat at dogs, and dogs that lunge or snap at cats. Pet issues may also arise around feelings of jealousy, demands for attention, and eating troubles.

Why Do Dogs Chase Cats?

Many dogs chase cats because it is their instinct and part of how they were bred to hunt prey. Dogs have a long history of being bred and trained to herd and chase other animals, so it is not their fault for how humans adapted them long ago. The answer to “how to stop a dog from chasing a cat” involves understanding your dog’s personality, genetics, and upbringing.

Some dogs are naturally dominant, and some breeds have a naturally high prey drive. For example, prey drives tend to be exceptionally high in terriers, border collies, Australian shepherds, greyhounds, chihuahuas, and hounds. Dogs that were abused or neglected early in life may have lingering behavioral issues that require special attention. Some dogs are just very playful and mean no harm to cats but play a bit rougher than the average feline is used to. Meanwhile, some dogs are very territorial and exhibit aggressive and guarding behaviors that include lunging, snapping, and biting.

A dog’s reaction to cats may change with age, for the better or worse. Yet dogs need to understand that cats are companions to be respected, not toys to be handled roughly and potentially harmed. The good news is that hard work and persistence pay off with proper pet training and prompt attention to issues that arise. 

How to Stop Dog from Chasing Cat

If you are adding a new pet to your household, it is a wise idea to match dog and cat personalities as much as possible. Dogs born with high prey drives will likely always have some of this in their systems. Meanwhile, some cats are more social and easygoing than others, which means that certain cats will be more receptive to dog companions than others. Older cats may get along better with older dogs, and the size of your pets can also be a consideration.

Once you have two or more pets of different species in your home, teaching your dog basic commands, such as sit, stay, come, and leave it, is crucial. Dogs need to learn how to control their behaviors in general before trying to control them around cats. It may be necessary to bring in a professional trainer for guidance if your dog is particularly stubborn or has a high prey drive.

How to Stop a Dog from Fixating on a Cat

If your dog won’t stop fixating on a cat, another strategy is to redirect the dog’s behavior by cat catching aggressive tendencies early. At the first sign of a dog lunging at a cat, you can tell your dog “no,” and put the dog in a room alone for a few minutes. Make sure to redirect the dog’s attention immediately because learned behaviors are challenging to unlearn. Reward your dog for listening to your commands and responding to your behavior redirection by giving treats or extra perks, such as more playtime outside or a long walk after your commands are respected.

Initially, you may need to keep your dog on a leash inside your home for your cat’s safety. Once you start feeling more comfortable with your dog and cat in the same space, you can give your cat some escape routes by placing a cat condo, climbable cat trees, or pieces of tall furniture that the kitty can access but that the dog can’t reach.

For dogs having trouble adjusting to a new cat in the house, focus more attention on exercising your dog to burn off excess energy so that the pup has less built-up energy to chase cats. You can also exercise your cat and keep your cat mentally stimulated with interactive toys, playtime, and clicker training. Well-exercised and entertained pets are generally happier and less likely to act aggressively.

Addressing Dog Biting Cat Issues

If you experience a dog-biting-cat issue, you must address it immediately for everyone’s safety. Biting can be an advanced form of aggression and put your cat at serious risk. But subtle nibbling on a cat’s neck may indicate that your dog is simply being playful. A dog biting a cat may be a friendly grooming behavior, a gesture of affection, or a direct way to get the cat’s attention. Very minor nibbling is usually not a major cause for concern as long as the cat is okay with it.

But if you notice bite marks or other injuries on your cat, observe their play styles carefully. Biting can be a sign of jealousy or to show dominance. Dogs must be trained to tolerate and be gentle with cats if this is your situation. Biting can be a sign of stress in dogs, so if your dog is stressed, you may need to find ways to alleviate that stress with more exercise, a special anxiety vest, or other calming activities before interacting with a cat. If biting is accompanied by growling, snarling, or body tension, it can be interpreted as aggressive and cause problems in a household.

If your dog injures your cat, address the bleeding with direct pressure to the wound, examine the cat for other wounds, and clean the wound with an antiseptic solution. Dog bites can cause serious complications if left untreated, so you must be mindful of potential abscesses and the dog’s vaccination status. Make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible, even if the cat’s wounds seem minor. Your vet can discuss treatment options with you based on the severity of the wounds. Then you’ll need to handle after-care procedures back at home for your cat, such as preventing wound-licking, changing bandages, and preventing similar accidents in the future.

When to a Consult a Professional Behaviorist

Dogs and cats are often not instant friends and need a few introductions to get used to each other. This process may involve keeping them in separate rooms until they get used to each other’s smells and sounds through the door. You can keep their feeding stations separate so that food stealing is not an issue and place a baby gate between them so that they can get acquainted in a safe and controlled way. Some dogs and cats will learn to live together without human supervision, while others may always need to be supervised and separated when no one is home to monitor their safety.

However, pet training is a valuable skill that not everyone can do or has time for. If you have tried to teach your dog obedience skills without success or can’t commit to a regular dog training schedule, it may be time to enlist the help of a professional. You can sign your dog up for group classes with other dogs and pet parents or contact a trainer for one-on-one support to address a specific behavioral issue. Qualified animal behaviorists are equipped with the experience, knowledge, and patience necessary to deal with complex issues ranging from aggression to separation anxiety, compulsive behaviors, phobias, and past trauma. Animal behavior consultants differ from standard trainers because they are equipped to handle more significant issues beyond just learning basic obedience skills.

When hiring a dog behaviorist, consider candidates who have worked with dogs similar to yours and who focus on positive reinforcement methods. Since behaviorists work in a more specialized role than trainers, you may need to get on a waiting list or travel to find one that meets your needs and has the proper skill set to work with your dog.

Taking the Best Care of Dogs and Cats

Living peacefully and confidently in a household with both dogs and cats can be a wonderful experience and rewarding to all four-legged and two-legged members of your family. As you get ready to introduce dogs and cats for the first time, it is a good idea to be proactive about their health and be as prepared as possible for whatever may happen.

Healthy Paws offers pet insurance for dogs and cats so that you can take care of all your pets’ health insurance needs in one place. Our dog insurance plan covers pooches ranging in age from puppies just eight weeks old to seniors up to 14 years of age so they can be cared for if scratched, bitten, or otherwise injured by a cat. Our cat insurance plan is available for kittens to senior cats and can help you pay costly vet bills if your kitty is hurt by a dog playing too roughly or biting aggressively. Beyond accidental injuries and emergencies caused by dog and cat encounters, our insurance plans help pet parents pay for treatments related to genetic conditions, breed-specific conditions, cancer, and alternative care.

If you live with dogs and cats, you need Healthy Paws by your side. We’ll help you find peace of mind so that you don’t have to worry about paying for vet bills if your dog or cat becomes injured or falls ill unexpectedly.

We wish you the best of luck in helping your dogs and cats to get along and play nicely with each other, and we have confidence that you can find a situation that works for your household! For more tips about pet care, training, and stories, check out the Healthy Paws Pet Care Blog to learn something new and help your pets live their very best lives.

The post How to Get My Dog to Stop Bullying My Cat appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

People can often get the wrong impression about a cat (or cats in general!) from unknowingly trying to pet them the wrong way. Once you learn the best way to pet a cat, though, you can form a peaceful, loving relationship with your cat and avoid those confusing spats and scratches forever. 

If you’re petting your cat and she suddenly gets aggressive or runs away, it might be something called “overstimulation aggression” brought on by petting. This is physiological in pets and not a matter of temperament at all. Overstimulation aggression is characterized as negative behavior from your cat, such as hissing, scratching, biting or running away, as a result of disagreeable petting or excessive attention. 

Cats cannot handle being petted in the same pattern over and over again. It irritates their sensibilities and actually can give them a feeling similar to anxiety which makes them act aggressively.

How to pet a cat

To have a positive petting experience with your cat, follow these steps.

1. Be observant
   
   Keep an eye on your cat’s body language, especially her tail, while you are petting her. Tail twitches are one of the best telltale ways to know how your cat is feeling. If your cat’s tail starts twitching or wagging aggressively or erratically, she is probably feeling stressed and not enjoying this particular way of being touched.
   
2. Look for static electricity
   
   Cats become somewhat electrically charged all over their bodies when their anxiety is on the rise. You can tell by the arch in their back and the way their tails stiffen. Try to get a feel for the energy coming off of your cat’s body to know if she is enjoying this petting session.
   
3. Learn what your cat likes
   
   Every cat likes to be petted in different spots and for different lengths of time. Some cats prefer head scratches, while others like long strokes down their backs. Some cats like belly rubs, while others will attack you just for looking at their bellies. If you’re willing to take the time and be a little intuitive, your cat will actually be your guide and tell you what she prefers. It can take a while to figure out what your cat likes, but once you figure it out, you will be set for a life full of happy cuddles together.
   

Cats are easily overstimulated, so even if your kitty runs off while you’re petting her, remember to not take it personally. She just needs some alone time. 

It’s also important to ensure your cat gets plenty of playtime during the day, so she can release her energy. Cats have primal instincts for hunting and playing, so try to get that energy out before you attempt to pet her, or she might be too overzealous. 

Living with cats can be a loving, harmonious experience once you learn each other’s preferences. Take the time to figure out how your cat likes to be petted, and she’ll be cuddling up next to you in no time. 

The post The Right Way to Pet a Cat appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.

First, it’s important to completely eliminate the odor of urine. Cats tend to want to pee in places that smell like cat urine, and if they pick up on the scent, they may go in the same area again. When you find an “accident,” be sure to clean it up as quickly as possible so the smell doesn’t settle in. The reason cat urine is so pungent is that the bacterium in it decomposes and gives off the distinctive ammonia-like odor.  Often you don’t know there’s a problem until this process has begun.

Outside the box: what’s going on?

If your cat has urinated outside his litter box, the first thing you need to do is figure out why, so you can prevent this behavior from continuing. Though your cat isn’t being spiteful, he could be sending you a message. A visit to your veterinarian might be in order since inappropriate urination can be a symptom of a urinary tract infection, kidney disease, diabetes or hyperthyroidism. Your cat could also be spraying due to stress or anxiety. 

If illness or stress isn’t the cause of your kitty’s potty problem, it could be that he doesn’t like the litter you’re using or that you’re not scooping it often enough. Cats are fastidious and won’t use a box that is dirty. Try changing the brand or type of litter, scooping more frequently, or adding additional litter boxes.

Eliminating the odor

Here are some tips for cleaning up after kitty.

• Blot up as much of the urine as you can with a rag or paper towels.
• Rinse the area with clean water, and use an extracting wet vacuum (don’t use a steam cleaner – it can set the stain, and the odor as well).
• Walls and floors: You can use a vinegar solution to neutralize alkaline salts that form in dried urine; use a mixture of one part water with one part vinegar to clean walls and floors. The vinegar and urine smell will dissipate over time. Note: never use cleaning products that contain ammonia because ammonia is a component of cat urine. If your cat smells it, he’ll be more likely to go in the same spot again.
• To clean mattresses, couch cushions, or carpets, use an enzyme-based cleaner, which can be found at your local pet store. The natural enzymes break down the acid in urine, helping to eliminate the smell. The cleaners also contain good bacteria to get rid of the bad bacteria that causes the nasty odors. Unfortunately, if urine has soaked into the padding underneath your carpet, you may need to replace portions of both carpet and padding. Once the smell has been eliminated and the area has dried, scatter baking soda on the spot and let it sit for an hour, then vacuum it up.

Your cat may need a little encouragement to go in the right place. Give him his favorite treat after he uses his litter box. Don’t pick him up and carry him to the box as he won’t understand and could even become frightened.

Scoop the litter box twice a day and clean it every couple of weeks. And remember, if your cat is suddenly spraying or going outside the box, take him to your veterinarian to rule out health issues.

The post How to Get Rid of Cat Urine Smell appeared first on Pet Care Blog – Dog and Cat Health Advice and More | Healthy Paws.