Walking two or more dogs can be a lot for one person to handle. But for many dog walkers, there isn't time in the day to take separate walks with each dog they own. Still, all dogs need exercise, and walking is one of the best ways for them to get it. So how can you walk multiple dogs safely and effectively? The short answer is, with care and caution. Beyond that, there are some valuable tips that will help make your daily walk with two or more dogs a successful venture.   Invest is good dog walking equipment. A durable, functional leash is necessary when walking one dog, but it becomes extra important when walking two or more dogs. Two- and three-way couplers that attach to a single leash can eliminate the problem of multiple leashes becoming tangled; however, a separate leash for each dog or a dual leash may be easier for dogs that need room to roam. Leashes should be non-retractable, no longer than six feet, and made of strong material. They should also have comfortable, easy-to-grip handles. Well-fitted dog collars are a must, too, although pinch collars, gentle leaders, or harnesses may be needed for dogs that pull.   Practice walking multiple dogs at home. Walking multiple dogs takes patience and skill--and practice. Before you start a routine of walking two or more dogs, make sure they're individually trained to walk on a leash. Leash training is best accomplished at a training facility, but once your dogs are proficient at it, you can work at home on teaching them to walk together. Be sure to also practice basic commands, like "heel" and "leave it," as these skills will come in handy when walking on the sidewalks and paths. Once you've mastered leash walking multiple dogs at home, begin your outdoor routine with short walks in distraction-free areas.   Clothe yourself and your dogs properly. Dressing appropriately for dog walking will help keep you and your dogs comfortable and make your walks more enjoyable. Besides donning good walking shoes, you'll want to wear adequate clothing, including a weather-proof jacket, sensible layers, hats, and gloves, if necessary. But while choosing what you should wear, don't forget about your dogs. They may need specific walking attire, too, especially if they tend to become chilled or overheated during exercise. Dog jackets, coats, and snow boots are all useful for walking in cold or rainy weather. Cooling vests can be helpful for dogs that get too warm.    Don't leave home without dog walking essentials. Before you leave the house with multiple dogs in tow, make sure you have basic dog walking essentials with you. Items to carry when walking two or more dogs include several poop bags, multiple treats, water for you and your dogs, an extra leash should one break, a whistle or other dog deterrent, and your cell phone in case of an emergency. Keep a mental checklist of these items and then go over it before you head out the door. You can carry the items in a fanny pack fastened around your waist, a shoulder pouch, or a dog backpack--all which allow you to keep your hands free for leash handling.   Avoid hazardous walking paths and inclement weather. When walking two or more dogs at once, take extra precautions to walk in areas that are free of hazards and unexpected dangers. It's best to avoid high-traffic walking routes, where you might encounter aggressive animals or throngs of bikers, joggers, or other large groups of people. Even walking along paths that buzz with wildlife can be distracting to one or more of your dogs and disrupt your walk--or worse, cause an injury. Be sure to stay sky aware as well. If the weather calls for storms, postpone your walk until the skies clear. Likewise, avoid after-dark walks, when visibility is poor.   Be the pack leader for your dogs. A calm and confident dog walker usually begets calm, confident dogs, so aim to be a composed leader for your walking companions. If you're confronted with an uncertain situation while walking multiple dogs, the way you handle it can make all the difference to your dogs and how they react. By calmly diverting their attention to a toy or treat, getting them to refocus on you, or changing routes, you can turn a worrisome encounter into an easily overcome obstacle. Even if just one dog senses panic in you, he could make a bad situation worse by startling all the dogs. Stay cool, and your dogs will follow suit.   Walking multiple dogs is a time saver, fun bonding activity, and productive way to exercise your furry companions. Just make sure you're adequately prepared for the task and that you put safety first. A successful outing with your dogs will benefit the entire pack--including you.

Starting your own business can be a creative and fulfilling way of earning some extra cash, and more people than ever before are turning their passions and hobbies into lucrative enterprises. While there are hundreds of resources online to help entrepreneurs build a startup company, it can sometimes be confusing which business you should invest your time and money in. Some people make the mistake of choosing a non-profitable business or one with an over-saturated market. Pet owners are a growing target market with a potential for high enjoyability while you earn, and for cat lovers, there are many options when it comes to starting a business.   1 Sitting Pet-sitters are always in demand, especially in middle class neighbourhoods and military towns where people vacation often. It is often the go-to startup for cat lovers, for good reason: it requires little equipment, maximises time with the animals, and pays well. There will likely be many pet-sitters in your area already, but the way to stand out is to deliver excellent service, charge competitive rates and set yourself up professionally with a business name and advertising. This will set you apart from that sector of competition made up by teenagers on summer vacation. Add that you will be happy to take care of plants, and be flexible - does the cat owner want someone to stay in the house full-time, daily visits, or are you able to take care of the cat in your own home?   2 Grooming Many breeds of cat have long, luxurious fur, which can be a source of joy and frustration for their owners. Lots of people love having long-haired cats for their appearance or temperament, but would rather not brush the animal twice a day. You can offer a mobile service or a salon in your own home, specialise in all-natural organic cleansers or speed of service. Be professional and gentle to the cat at all times. If done well, this type of business lends itself naturally to repeat customers.   3 Training Dog training springs to mind more readily than cat training, but therein lies a possibly lucrative niche. Many people abhor litter boxes, and it is possible to train a cat to use its owner's toilet, for example. Aside from this superficial training, cats are prone to many behavioural issues that, with loving attention and expert knowledge, can be resolved. Cat training can benefit multi-cat households where stress is an issue, or where there is significant upheaval taking place, e.g. a renovation. Educate yourself as much as you can, and if possible, get a recognised qualification to build trust. Treat the animal with the utmost care and have a limitless amount of patience. This is a very rewarding avenue, as you will be improving the animal's overall quality of life.   4 Education If you are very knowledgable about cats, turn that know-how into profit by releasing an ebook or instructional series of videos for pet owners. Lots of people want to know more about their pets and how to take care of them, and are willing to pay for instructional materials. It is completely free to create and upload an ebook to Amazon, and many people make a lot of money hosting short courses or webinars about their topic. Make connections to other professionals in the field and get known on sites such as Quora, which specialise in expert advice. Create a social media page and answer any questions promptly and without directing people first to your products: by building trust, you will create a quality word-of-mouth reputation as an expert.   5 Pet portraits If you are in any way artistically gifted, pet portraits can be a fun and rewarding startup for cat lovers. Owners' emotional bonds with their animals can be as strong as with any human being, and they often want to commemorate their relationship with an image or a painting. Also, if someone has lost a pet recently, they might want a meaningful way of remembering them. It is often easier to work from photographs rather from having a live animal sit for you, but it can be good to meet the animal in person at least once to get a feel for its character. The market is strong for professional, realistic work, but if you have an individual style let it shine. Draw a few pictures and give them away to friends and family as gifts to build your reputation, and build a website to showcase your work.   There are many more lucrative startups for cat owners, so use these ideas as a springboard to find your own venture. Remember: be professional and courteous at every stage, and respectful and gentle with the animals concerned. Never give medical advice unless you are a qualified veterinarian and let pet owners know exactly what to expect and what not to expect from your services. At the end of the day, honesty and customer service are key to a thriving business.

The field of veterinary medicine has advanced significantly in recent years. There are now veterinary cardiologists, veterinary neurologists and even veterinary cancer specialists. All that specialization has allowed many pets to live happier and longer lives, but it all comes at a cost.   The cost of veterinary care has risen almost as fast as the expertise of its practitioners. Many pet owners have found the cost of caring for their dogs and cats prohibitive, and some have even had to give up their beloved companions from lack of funds.   Pet insurance has attempted to fill the gap between financial means and veterinary costs. Buying a pet insurance policy can make a lot of sense, but it is important for shoppers to understand the pros and cons. These are some of the advantages pet insurance can provide:   .   Pet insurance provides you with peace of mind. The peace of mind alone can be enough reason to choose pet insurance. Many pet owners worry that they will not have the funds to care for their pets. Pet insurance can set their minds at ease.   .   Pet insurance lets you know your veterinary costs ahead of time. Budgeting for veterinary care can be difficult; you never know when your cat or dog will get sick or experience an accident. Pet insurance makes veterinary costs more predictable and easier to budget for.   .   Pet insurance could save the life of your pet. Many pet owners find themselves making the decision to euthanize based not on medical needs but financial costs. Having pet insurance could mean the difference between life and death for a beloved pet.   .   A growing number of vets now accept pet insurance. When pet insurance was first introduced, many old-school vets were reluctant to join the networks or accept the coverage. These days, however, a growing number of vets happily accept pet insurance and understand how it can help their clients.   Pet insurance may be useful, but it is certainly not a panacea. Here are some of the disadvantages of insuring your pet.   .   Pet insurance can be expensive. The cost of pet insurance can be quite high, especially in large cities where the cost of veterinary care is particularly high. Pet owners will need to determine if the peace of mind is worth the extra cost.   .   Some breeds may be difficult, or even impossible, to insure. It may be difficult to insure breeds with known genetic conditions and chronic conditions. Even if insurance is available, genetic defects are sometimes excluded from coverage.   .   You may have problems getting insurance for an older or ill pet. As your pet gets older, it may be harder to insure. The chance of illness rises with age, and that can make getting insurance more difficult. The same difficulty awaits pet owners whose cats and dogs are already ill.   .   The network of providers could be limited. Pet insurers work much the same as traditional health insurers. If the vet you normally use is not a network provider, you may face higher out-of-pocket costs or even claim denials.   .   Pet insurance may not cover routine care. Routine examinations and vaccinations may not be covered by pet insurance, so pet owners will need to budget for such items separately.   In the end, each pet owner will need to determine whether or not pet insurance is a good buy. Owners with sufficient financial resources may be willing to take the risk and go without insurance, while pet lovers with more limited bank accounts may be happier knowing the insurance is in place just in case.

If your family is adopting a rescue dog, you may have some concerns about how your child and new dog will interact with one another. Involve your child in welcoming your new dog into your home and in taking part in pet care. This will ensure that your child will be able to build a strong relationship with the family dog for years to come. Here are five things you can do to help your child and rescue dog form a bond.   1. Picking Out a Dog Learning more about the dog adoption process and why adopting a rescue dog over other options can be rewarding. Involving your child in the process can teach them valuable life lessons. By seeing a shelter or adoption agency first hand, your child will learn compassion and become a lifelong supporter of animal care. Let them navigate through available dogs. The right dog might just approach your child and will set the tone for your child to be a great dog owner.   2. Feeding and Grooming Responsibilities If your child is tasked with the responsibility of the family dog's well-being, they will take this role seriously. Your rescue dog will in turn associate your child with rewarding activities such as feeding and playtime, which will strengthen their bond. Make sure your new dog is on a schedule for feeding, and supervise this activity at first.   3. Training Routine Having a rescue dog assessed and enrolled in obedience school is a must. If you only have an idea of your rescue dog's past, then one-on-one time with a trainer will be important for you, your child, and your dog. Assessing your dog's responsiveness will set the tone for how the dog responds to basic commands from your child.   4. Assisting in Vet Visits Your child should be a part of your dog's health-care needs as well. Taking your rescue dog in for an initial checkup is a good idea in case any physical problems need to be identified. Prep your child for the vet's office so they can bring questions regarding your dog's health care. Your child may be more inclined to listen to the vet's advice over yours, which can help the overall care for your dog.   5. Having Fun Together Make sure your child and your new dog have an opportunity to have fun together. If you can make exercise with the dog more fun for your child, your new dog will have more fun as well. They can always play a game of fetch, and if your child can start to teach your dog new tricks like catching a frisbee, rolling over or giving a high five, they will become inseparable.   Rescue dogs can come with a host of limitations, but if you involve your child in the process of acclimating your new dog, your child can learn a lot about pet care. Empower your child to be a caregiver for a rescue dog, even if this is challenging in the beginning. If your new pet can learn to bond with your child, your child and dog will both benefit.

Canine influenza, popularly known as "dog flu," has become a growing concern among dog owners who haven't heard of the illness and aren't sure how to protect their pets. Some areas of the country have seen wide outbreaks of the illness, with some dogs becoming very ill from the disease. Here are a few facts you should know about "dog flu".    What Is Canine Influenza? Dog flu is a respiratory disease that is caused by virus transmission. Canine influenza is much like human influenza in that it can be transmitted from animal to animal and can cause serious complications. Two different pathogens transmit dog flu, the H3N8 virus and the H3N2 virus. The disease can cause severe respiratory illness and expensive veterinary bills to treat the animal.   What Are the Symptoms of Dog Flu? Dog flu symptoms are similar to human influenza symptoms. However, some dogs will not have any symptoms. The dog may exhibit:   · Runny nose   · Fever   · Loss of appetite   · Lethargy, fatigue   · Severe cough that can worsen and develop into pneumonia   How Is Dog Flu Spread? Any dog can get dog flu, but it is most common in environments where large numbers of dogs are together, such as in kennels or animal shelters. Doggie day care facilities and dog parks are other places where dogs can come into contact with infected animals. The dogs may come into contact with respiratory secretions spread by sneezing or coughing. Dogs can also get the disease from contaminated objects, such as water bowls or dog toys. You should keep your dog away from any dog that has a runny nose or cough to prevent contagion.   Can People the Flu From Their Dogs? No cases of transmission of this type of flu have made the leap from canine species to human species. However, influenza viruses are notoriously adaptive. The H3N2 virus has adapted from birds to dogs and has also infected cats. The H3N8 virus leapt from horses to dogs. If evidence of transmission is seen, public health agencies and veterinarians will alert pet owners to inform them about what new precautions should be taken.   Is There A Test For Dog Flu? A test for canine influenza virus is available to help owners determine if their dog has been exposed to the viruses.   How is Dog Flu Treated? Veterinary treatment for dog flu involves supportive care to relieve severe coughing and prevent secondary infection of the lungs. Dogs may require attention to fluid intake and may have difficulty eating.   Is There A Vaccine For Dog Flu? An approved vaccine against the H3N8 virus is available. However, it is not known whether this vaccine will protect against H3N2 virus infection. Ask your veterinarian if the vaccine will be helpful for dogs in your area of the country.   How Can I Protect My Dog From Getting Dog Flu? If an outbreak occurs in your community, stay away from dog parks and other areas where large groups of dogs make it easy to transmit the disease. If you encounter an animal that may be sick, take your dog away from the area. If you have multiple dogs, isolate sick individuals from the others until you are certain of the cause of the illness.   Common sense precautions can help to protect your dog in areas where canine influenza has become widespread. Talk to your veterinarian about further actions you can take to keep your dog well and thriving.

By Gail Fero   Congratulations, you've decided on a cat! Though the decision might have seemed monumental, it was only the first of many decisions you'll have to make. Your cat's well-being is be up to you; there is training to consider, as well as toys, food and bedding. But one of the most controversial decisions you'll have to make is whether or not to declaw your cat. You may have heard horror stories about cats tearing up carpets or shredding the curtains with their claws. But before you jump into the decision to declaw, here are some facts for you to consider.   1.     Declawing can cause lasting problems for your cat physically. Pain is only the first of these problems as they also include nerve damage, lameness, infection, possible regrowth and bone spurs.   2.     Declawing is almost exclusively an American solution to cat scratching. Most other countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Japan and large swatches of Europe, have banned it as inhumane.   3.     The surgery, which many people believe to be simply removing the nails, involves much more than you might think. It not only removes the nail but also the bone up to the last knuckle, similar to cutting off a finger's last bone. This is not just a fancy, permanent manicure, but a proper surgery, sometimes referred to as an amputation.   4.     Declawing is the removal of a cat's first line of defense. For indoor cats, this can mean a greater dependence on their teeth, but for outdoor cats, this is endangerment. Once you've declawed a cat, they should stay indoors to stay safe from predators.   5.     For many cats who go through the surgery, there can be behavioral changes. Poor pain management afterwards can make your cat wary of using the litter box. They will also start marking their territory in this way as their claws are gone. Some become more aggressive and start biting more.   6.     Because the surgery to declaw is more akin to an amputation than a simple removal of the nails, cats must relearn how to walk. With the balance changed by the removal of a bone, cats can suffer back pain and often struggle with the new balance required.   7.     The procedure of declawing is not necessary, despite the horror stories you've heard. Just as a dog needs training, a cat needs training as well. They can learn where they can scratch and where they can't, and they need to learn to be amenable to nail trimming. If these don't work, there are soft nail caps you can have put over the nails to stop scratching for indoor cats.   Choosing to declaw your cat is a big decision. Before you make it, you should ensure that you have all the facts. Think about what this might mean for you and what it will definitely mean for your cat.

Children should know how to honor the feelings and boundaries of other living creatures, whether human or not, and these conduct codes are particularly important with respect to dogs. From an early age, kids should learn what behaviors are acceptable and which are not, and that includes being light-handed when it comes to their interactions with dogs. These rules are necessary to learn whether you have a family dog or not. Sooner or later your child will interact with a dog, whether it is the pet of a another person in a supervised setting or an encounter with an unfamiliar dog in a park or on the street. The following safety guidelines are important for children of all ages to be made aware of.   Be Light-Handed   Children often don't realize how rough they may be, nor do they necessarily know that even though they're playing, the dog may not take it as such and could retaliate. Teaching children how to be mild, gentle and in control when excited and playful will be of great benefit to them on many occasions in their lives, not only when interacting with dogs.   When your little one is around a dog, demonstrate to them the way to pet softly. Avoid allowing them to yank on the dog's fur and ears, but instead a soft stroking of the dog's coat, or brief graze of its ears is acceptable. Avoid letting them clutch onto patches of hair, and teach them to be especially careful of and not to tug on the dog's tail, which is always a sensitive spot for a dog and best avoided. If your child tends to be rambunctious or heavy-handed, use a toy or stuffed animal to demonstrate the proper way to pet first. A real dog may not be as tolerant of grasping hands as you might assume.   The Correct Procedure   As soon as they're old enough to comprehend, you should instruct your kids on the proper and non-threatening way to approach a dog. But what exactly is the appropriate manner to approach a dog? If it's a strange or unknown dog, it's best to first approach his master and request permission. Once permission is granted, your child should know to approach the dog calmly and gradually and avoid boisterously running up to it. Teach your child that offering out your hand to the dog with the palm facing down and letting him or her sniff you is the most common and safe way to get acquainted with a dog. Let him decide how close he wants to get. While lots of dogs thrive on human attention, others are also often the type that is "shy at first, but warms up quickly," so the first couple of seconds of any initial encounter are crucial. The proper approach can encourage the dog to come closer to your child for affection, or even flip onto his or her back for a belly rub.   The Smell of Fear   Make sure you don't raise your kids to be afraid of all dogs, even though you yourself secretly may be. A parent's fear is contagious to their child, and if they see you react to any dog fearfully they will likely pick up that behavior. This may cause your kids to respond to an unfamiliar dog in an improper fashion that may confuse the animal and incite him to act unpredictably. Rather than being afraid or running away in panic, show them how they should respect the bounds of dogs and other animals.   Encountering a Threatening and Unfamiliar Dog When No Owner Is in Sight   It is critical to teach your kids to maintain a calm demeanor when being approached by a strange and possibly growling dog. Don't jump on your first instinct to scream in terror and run. In an authoritative but not overly loud tone of voice, instruct the dog to leave. If it remains, don't freak out.   Since dogs communicate primarily through body language, teach your child the right way to interpret their signals. A dog that is simply curious will often have its ears straight up and its tail wagging while standing in a relaxed posture. In this case, don't run -- simply walk calmly and steadily away.   A dog that feels threatened or agitated often flattens its ears down onto its head and has a stiff body posture, while his tail might be swaying slowly or completely rigid. Avoid making sudden movements or screaming loudly, both of which are often potential triggers for an uncomfortable or irritable dog to attack. Instead tell him to leave firmly and retreat slowly and calmly, without showing fear. Should the dog jump to attack, it is better for kids to drop to their knees with their head tucked downward and protected by their arms in a classic "turtle" posture, and to call out for help.   Don't Run in Fear From A Dog   The turtle and tree postures are better at diffusing a dog's aggression than running, which will only serve to activate a dog's reaction to "prey" behavior, and a dog which might have been satisfied just sitting and growling may abruptly follow in fierce pursuit. Even if a dog only means to play with a child, its inborn predatory response triggered by running can cause it to cross the line between playing and attacking.   Don't Disturb a Dog While It is Eating   This is an important rule kids should be educated about, especially if your dog tends to be territorial and protective of their food. Kids won't naturally know about the potential danger of approaching an eating dog, so it's wise to clue them in on the fact that being defensive while eating is an inborn tendency in dogs passed down to them from their ancestors that had to scavenge and fight for every scrap of food. In the instant a child unwittingly bothers a dog as it eats, the animal can seem to adopt an aggressive personality that may confuse and bewilder a child unaware of a dog's potential to instinctively behave this way.   Don't Leave a Child Alone With a Dog   This may seem like common sense, but a dog may be more prone to be aggressive with a child if it is missing the security of its adult owner being around. Likewise, a child may be more likely to agitate or do things to a dog they've been instructed not to, simply out of curiosity and the "testing" instinct. This may easily set the dog off and cause it to attack.   The Importance of Hygiene   Stress to your kids the necessity of washing their hands after petting or playing with a dog. Dogs are not the most sanitary creatures from a human standpoint, and germs, parasites or bacteria that a dog may be adapted to may have a dangerous impact on your child's health if they do not disinfect properly after contact.   The best way to ensure your kid's welfare when interacting with dogs is to educate them thoroughly on safety behaviors. Both children and dogs are naturally curious, and this curiosity can potentially cause interactions between them to turn ugly. Assuaging your child's curiosity by cluing them in on the reasons for certain safety behaviors with dogs is the best prevention for such dangers. Don't undervalue the importance of teaching your child how to play with a dog simply because you don't have a pet. Eventually they will be in an environment out of your supervision and in the presence of a dog. Prepare them for it.

Even though you want to take your dog with you when traveling, it's not always easy. If you want to make the journey as comfortable as possible, there are some simple things that can make your trip more enjoyable for everyone, including your furry companion.   Food and Water Supply   When planning your trip, bring enough of your dog's food for the entire journey, plus some extra in case there are any delays. Do not rely on being able to purchase food while you are away because not all stores carry the same brands, and changing your dog's diet suddenly could cause adverse side effects.   Pack enough bottled water so your dog is never at risk of dehydration. This is even more important during summer months when hot days can exhaust your dog faster. Avoid using fresh local water because water systems vary from place to place, and a sudden change could cause diarrhea.   Bring along ice cubes in case your dog becomes carsick, or ask for a cup of ice during your gas station breaks. Ice forces your dog not to gulp down water too quickly, which could cause it to become even more nauseous. And don't forget to bring food and water bowls.   Secure Your Dog   When traveling in the car, make sure you keep your dog secured at all times. Although you may have an obedient dog, it may get distracted by things you cannot necessarily predict, such as dogs in other vehicles. This may cause unexpected excitement and distract you while driving, putting both you, your dog, and others on the road in danger. You may want to use a kennel carrier in the back of your vehicle or a special dog-friendly seatbelt to keep it secured.   Be sure to also pack multiple leashes to use while outside the vehicle. You should never let your pet roam free while at rest stops or your hotel. This is not only for safety reasons, but also because it is illegal to do so in many areas.   Ventilation   It is important to keep a window open or run the air conditioning in your car to ensure your dog is getting enough fresh air and doesn't overheat. While you may feel comfortable at room temperature, traveling may cause anxiety that can lead to your dog feeling overheated.   If you choose to open a window, make sure there isn't enough room for your dog to jump out. Many cars now also have child safety features that will allow you to disable the controls in the back seats. Use these to prevent your dog from stepping on the electric window controls and accidentally putting the window up or down.   Frequent Breaks   Just as you need to take breaks when you are driving, you should not forget about your dog. Your dog needs the chance for toilet breaks just as much as for exercise, as dogs tend to move around much more frequently than humans. Take these opportunities to provide fresh water, too.   Prepare for Emergencies   It is important to remember that accidents happen and being far away from home can make them even more difficult to handle. In addition to any regular medications that your dog may need, don't forget a pet first aid kit that includes bandages, gauze, and topical ointments in case you encounter the unexpected. Bring a copy of your dog's medical records in case you need professional treatment while abroad or proof of vaccinations.   Consider bringing your dog's favorite blanket and toys to help keep it calm and comfortable in scary situations. Never remove your dog's collar and check that your contact information is up-to-date and clearly readable before starting your trip. Even the most well-trained dogs can become spooked and run off, so you want to make sure you're easy to contact, just in case.   If you want to bring your dog with you while traveling, plan ahead to make it easier on both of you. Preparation can make your trip less stressful and more enjoyable.

Obesity is a growing issue in the human population, and it's not surprising that this problem is also affecting dogs. Experts believe that up to 50 percent of American pets are overweight and susceptible to a variety of health issues. If you are concerned about your dog's increasing chubbiness, there are ways to remedy this common problem.   Health Problems Associated with Obesity Dogs have many of the same types of health problems associated with obesity that humans have, including:   · Arthritis and joint problems   · High blood pressure   · Heart disease   · Lung function problems   · Diabetes   · Immune system disorders   · Cancerous tumors   Recognizing Obesity in Dogs Pet owners often don't notice that their dogs are gaining weight until they have a full-blown weight problem on their hands. One way to determine if your dog is carrying too much weight is to feel his ribs and spine. These bones should be easily detectable with just a single layer of fat under the skin. If these bones seem to be pretty well-padded, it may be time to consider a weight management plan for your best buddy. Another way is to look at your dog's body from above. You should be able to see well-defined narrowing at the waist. If the body shape is rounded, with no definition between shoulders and hips, your dog needs to be on a diet. A visit to your veterinarian will give you an opportunity to put your dog on the scale and talk with your vet about the best way to reduce your dog's weight.   Learning Portion Control The same principles that help people lose weight are also effective for dogs. Portion control can be critical. Because dogs usually eat only once or twice each day, their owners tend to fill the bowl to the brim to ensure that the dog is satisfied. However, this habit can be detrimental to keeping your dog fit. Always measure out the correct amount of dog food at mealtime, as recommended on the bag or by your veterinarian. Your dog may whine for more, but be firm. This discipline will keep him healthier for many years.   Increase Exercise Levels More exercise will help to burn off the calories, improve muscle tone and provide better mental health for your dog. If you are providing a morning walk for your dog, try addinga long evening walk as well. If time is a problem, hire a dog walker to ensure that your dog gets the exercise he needs. Many dogs benefit from doggie daycare, which provides playtime that burns off excess calories. When you are at home, spend time playing indoors with your dog, in games of fetch or "chase me."   Treats - The Downfall of Doggy Diets Pet owners often use treats to reward their dog's good behavior or simply to express affection. These extra calories can add up quickly, making weight loss more difficult. Cutting out treats is often an effective way to help many dogs lose those extra pounds. If this is too drastic, try changing to low-calorie treats, like vegetables or rice cakes, to reduce caloric intake.   Those Stubborn Pounds If your dog fails to lose weight despite your efforts to limit food consumption and increase exercise, it may be because of another health condition. Make an appointment with your vet to have your dog's blood analyzed. These tests can often detect metabolic disorders that can contribute to weight gain, such as thyroid problems or Cushing's disease.   As with people, losing weight requires commitment and consistency. Helping your dog to reach a healthier weight will ensure that he will be around to spend many good times with you.

Congratulations on your new kitten!  Getting a kitten is an exciting time for your entire family.  As you may have already learned, caring for a kitten is an exercise in patience.  Not only do you have to work to care for your new pet, but kittens are full of boundless energy.  This means that you're going to need to play with her, too.  Fortunately, kittens are easy to please.  Here are six easy games to play with your kitten:   Ping-Pong Balls:   Ping-pong balls are a cheap and easy way to entertain any young cat.  Bounce the ball into walls, roll it under beds, and watch as your kitten dashes after it.  One fun activity involves putting your kitten and the ball into an empty bathtub.  The ball will bounce off the sides of the tub and work your kitten up into a fur-flying frenzy.   Paper Bags:   Cats love the sound of crinkling paper.  They also love to investigate enclosed spaces.  A paper bag provides the best of both worlds.  Put one on the floor and watch your kitten as she crawls over and inside it.  Try tapping your finger on the outside of the bag - she might try to catch it!   Puzzles:   With a puzzle game, you can help your kitten strengthen her growing brain.  Plastic balls with small holes in them are available at many pet shops.  Fill these toys with a few treats or kibble and see if your cat can figure out how to get the snack.  Show her how to do it by batting at the toy yourself if she can't figure it out.  Once she does figure it out, this is a game she'll love to play again and again.   Crumpled Paper Ball:   Something about paper drives cats wild.  Crumple some paper into a ball and roll it towards your kitten.  Chances are she will jump at it and start ripping it apart.  Just be sure not to let her eat any of it - some cats are notorious paper eaters.   Hide-And-Seek:   In the wild, cats will find a hiding place where they can wait and stalk their prey.  You can unleash your kitten's instincts with hide-and-seek games.  If you see your cat hiding under a sofa or chair, drag a toy nearby where she can just see it.  You'll both have a blast as she reaches out to try to catch it.   Mobile Games:   Who would have guessed that a cat could play a mobile game?  Although not all cats will respond to games on phones or tablets, some do.  You can download games specifically for cats.  Try downloading one of these apps and then putting your phone or tablet on the floor.  Many kittens will bat and swipe at the motions they see.  If she doesn't seem interested, try showing her a YouTube video or TV show.  Some cats can even become real couch potatoes.   Playing with your new kitten doesn't have to be difficult or expensive.  Kittens, as it turns out, love playing with almost anything.  So relax and try these six easy games to play with your kitten.  You and your new pet are both sure to find something that you both love!