Pet Care Articles
February 2nd, 2026
By Susan Kreimer
A large study aims to follow pet dogs for 10 years or longer to track how genes, diet, exercise and the environment affect aging -- and the findings may shed light on human health.
The Dog Aging Project seeks to recruit mixed breed and purebred pets of every age.
"Dogs age very much like people do," Daniel Promislow principal investigator of the project, told UPI in a telephone interview.
Promislow is a professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology and the Department of Biology at the University of Washington in Seattle. His research focuses on the genetic variation of aging patterns in fruit flies, dogs and humans.
Related
FDA approves Librela, first monoclonal antibody for dogs with osteoarthritis
Dogs with dementia less deeply, study shows
For older dogs, risk of dementia rises with hearing loss
The Dog Aging Project, funded ... Read more...
A large study aims to follow pet dogs for 10 years or longer to track how genes, diet, exercise and the environment affect aging -- and the findings may shed light on human health.
The Dog Aging Project seeks to recruit mixed breed and purebred pets of every age.
"Dogs age very much like people do," Daniel Promislow principal investigator of the project, told UPI in a telephone interview.
Promislow is a professor in the Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology and the Department of Biology at the University of Washington in Seattle. His research focuses on the genetic variation of aging patterns in fruit flies, dogs and humans.
Related
FDA approves Librela, first monoclonal antibody for dogs with osteoarthritis
Dogs with dementia less deeply, study shows
For older dogs, risk of dementia rises with hearing loss
The Dog Aging Project, funded ... Read more...
October 10th, 2025
Author: Cathy Madson, MA, FDM, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA
Bringing home a dog is an exciting time for everyone involved. However, while you get to return to the comfort of your home, your new puppy or adopted dog might not initially feel the same comfort. They’re in an unfamiliar environment with new people, new smells, and a new routine.
Whether they’re coming from a shelter or breeder, every dog will have a period of adjustment as they get used to their new home. Your dog’s behavior may be quieter than usual or feel "over the top." Some dogs deal with change by acting out while others shut down. Each dog works through their acclimation period at their own pace.
Don’t be discouraged and don’t take it personally if the first few days aren't what you expected. Simply be understanding and be there for them. With life having just been flipped upside-down, your new furry family member is depending on you to ... Read more...
Bringing home a dog is an exciting time for everyone involved. However, while you get to return to the comfort of your home, your new puppy or adopted dog might not initially feel the same comfort. They’re in an unfamiliar environment with new people, new smells, and a new routine.
Whether they’re coming from a shelter or breeder, every dog will have a period of adjustment as they get used to their new home. Your dog’s behavior may be quieter than usual or feel "over the top." Some dogs deal with change by acting out while others shut down. Each dog works through their acclimation period at their own pace.
Don’t be discouraged and don’t take it personally if the first few days aren't what you expected. Simply be understanding and be there for them. With life having just been flipped upside-down, your new furry family member is depending on you to ... Read more...
July 4th, 2025
It's hard to believe it, but we've been blogging online for more than 14 years now and we recently celebrated our 14-year anniversary of pet sitting, back in May. The entire Paw Minders Plus family would like to wish everyone a SAFE and Happy 4th of July! Remember, most animals don't like fireworks. The lights and loud sounds can scare them. BE CAREFUL with them around your animals. Our two little ones will be staying at home when we take in the fireworks shows around Henderson this 4th. We love the shows, but know they don't. Anyway, enjoy the fun that comes with the 4th and we'll return shortly with more tips and articles on animal care! In the meantime, click the link below to check out the fireworks show at Epcot Center in Walt Disney World, FL. Taped in 2024.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnJ5d7wBzwE
Read more...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnJ5d7wBzwE
Read more...
March 3rd, 2025
By Lynne Fedorick CPDT-KA
It can be frustrating when your dog doesn’t listen to you. Sometimes, it’s a command you know the dog knows because he does it perfectly at home, in the backyard, or at dog classes. Just not now, when you need him to do it.
Is it a dominance issue when your dog doesn’t listen? Not according to the world’s leading canine ethologists (scientists who study dog behavior). These experts agree that dogs are never out to dominate their owners. What’s more, attempting to dominate our dogs can be confusing and frightening to them. Such confusion can elicit aggressive-looking behaviors aimed at self-defence.
Why don’t dogs obey our commands?
When dogs don’t listen to us, it has more to do with weaknesses in our training strategies than anything else. So, let’s look at the real reasons dogs don’t listen to us.
1. Your dog has unmet ... Read more...
It can be frustrating when your dog doesn’t listen to you. Sometimes, it’s a command you know the dog knows because he does it perfectly at home, in the backyard, or at dog classes. Just not now, when you need him to do it.
Is it a dominance issue when your dog doesn’t listen? Not according to the world’s leading canine ethologists (scientists who study dog behavior). These experts agree that dogs are never out to dominate their owners. What’s more, attempting to dominate our dogs can be confusing and frightening to them. Such confusion can elicit aggressive-looking behaviors aimed at self-defence.
Why don’t dogs obey our commands?
When dogs don’t listen to us, it has more to do with weaknesses in our training strategies than anything else. So, let’s look at the real reasons dogs don’t listen to us.
1. Your dog has unmet ... Read more...
June 12th, 2024
How Enrichment Helps Bored Cats
By Victoria Schade, CPDT-KA.
Your cat is probably living a good life. Her food bowl is filled on a predictable schedule, and she’s got a soft place to sleep, a selection of cat toys that catch her interest, and a soft lap waiting when she wants snuggle time. But you might be surprised to learn that your cat could still be stressed if she's missing out on an important part of life: daily enrichment.
Do Cats Get Bored?
Yes, cats can become bored. If your cat is pacing, overgrooming herself, or meowing a lot, those behaviors might mean that she’s bored.
Kristyn Vitale, cat researcher and PhD candidate at Oregon State University, states that these types of repetitive actions are known as stereotypic behaviors and can be signs of psychological stress in the animal. Vitale adds that animals often engage in repetitive behaviors when their environment lacks variation.
“A ... Read more...
By Victoria Schade, CPDT-KA.
Your cat is probably living a good life. Her food bowl is filled on a predictable schedule, and she’s got a soft place to sleep, a selection of cat toys that catch her interest, and a soft lap waiting when she wants snuggle time. But you might be surprised to learn that your cat could still be stressed if she's missing out on an important part of life: daily enrichment.
Do Cats Get Bored?
Yes, cats can become bored. If your cat is pacing, overgrooming herself, or meowing a lot, those behaviors might mean that she’s bored.
Kristyn Vitale, cat researcher and PhD candidate at Oregon State University, states that these types of repetitive actions are known as stereotypic behaviors and can be signs of psychological stress in the animal. Vitale adds that animals often engage in repetitive behaviors when their environment lacks variation.
“A ... Read more...
March 25th, 2024
Beth Stultz-Hairston | Pet Sitters International
While some apps and sites offer on-demand pet sits and dog walks, there are many advantages to taking the time to seek out—and book—the services of a local professional pet-sitting business:
1) You avoid the “middleman.” When you use your local professional pet-sitting business, you can contact the pet-sitting business owner directly and book your services through them. You also handle payment directly through the business (versus a third-party site), so this gives you more flexibility in payment options, depending upon the pet sitter’s policies. Many independently owned pet-sitting and dog-walking businesses use pet-sitting software and/or payment-processing systems that allow for the same online booking and payment options as the national apps.
2) Your pet-care provider will have insurance customized to their specific ... Read more...
While some apps and sites offer on-demand pet sits and dog walks, there are many advantages to taking the time to seek out—and book—the services of a local professional pet-sitting business:
1) You avoid the “middleman.” When you use your local professional pet-sitting business, you can contact the pet-sitting business owner directly and book your services through them. You also handle payment directly through the business (versus a third-party site), so this gives you more flexibility in payment options, depending upon the pet sitter’s policies. Many independently owned pet-sitting and dog-walking businesses use pet-sitting software and/or payment-processing systems that allow for the same online booking and payment options as the national apps.
2) Your pet-care provider will have insurance customized to their specific ... Read more...
December 12th, 2023
By Brittany Kleszynski, DVM
Whether you are a first-time cat parent or have years of experience, you want what’s best for your furry feline. To help keep your cat healthy and happy, avoid these five common mistakes.
1: Skipping Annual Vet Exams
Annual wellness exams are critical to promote your cat’s optimal health and well-being. During these exams, your veterinarian:
Does a full head-to-toe assessment of your cat
Discusses any concerns or questions you may have
Runs bloodwork to check for signs of infection, inflammation, and underlying disease
Ensures your cat is up to date on vaccines, intestinal parasite screening and deworming, and external parasite protection
Depending on your cat’s age, they may be more likely to experience certain health conditions. For example, ... Read more...
Whether you are a first-time cat parent or have years of experience, you want what’s best for your furry feline. To help keep your cat healthy and happy, avoid these five common mistakes.
1: Skipping Annual Vet Exams
Annual wellness exams are critical to promote your cat’s optimal health and well-being. During these exams, your veterinarian:
Does a full head-to-toe assessment of your cat
Discusses any concerns or questions you may have
Runs bloodwork to check for signs of infection, inflammation, and underlying disease
Ensures your cat is up to date on vaccines, intestinal parasite screening and deworming, and external parasite protection
Depending on your cat’s age, they may be more likely to experience certain health conditions. For example, ... Read more...