Barking is one of the major ways your dog communicates, but excessive vocalization can lead to disputes with the neighbors and owners relinquishing their dogs to the shelter. While voicing his concerns is a natural part of your dog’s daily life, these issues lead some owners to consider surgery to “debark” their dogs.   Also known as voice softening, debarking is an elective surgical procedure that reduces tissue in a dog’s vocal chords. Some veterinarians use a punch to remove tissue while others make cuts of varying sizes or use a laser. The goal is not to totally silence your pet, but to lower the volume of his voice so it does not carry. While some describe the procedure as cruel, others describe debarking as a relatively simple procedure that saves the lives of many pets that would otherwise be surrendered to shelters due to their loud voices.   While debarking is a simpler procedure than spaying or neutering your pet, there may be less invasive options to address Fido’s excessive vocalizations. When he barks, your dog is trying to tell you something, so pay close attention to what he’s trying to say. Ask yourself whether your pet is getting enough exercise, spending too much time alone, or feels the stress of separation anxiety when left home alone. Other common causes behind excessive barking include responding to neighborhood noises or alerting you to other animals or people on the property. Once you’ve pinpointed the source behind your dog’s barking, you can address the root of the problem. If your pet barks at passersby or the neighbor’s dog, for example, you can set up a privacy fence that keeps them out of sight. Dogs that bark when their owners leave home often feel safer with a comfortable spot to rest, such as a crate outfitted with soft bedding and a cover. Or, if your pet gets stressed spending long hours home alone, consider taking him to a doggy day care where he will get physical and mental stimulation throughout the day. You can encourage your pet to stay quiet by rewarding the behavior with treats and even teaching him the “quiet” command. Make sure your dog is getting enough exercise and don’t leave him alone for long periods of time, which can exacerbate barking due to pent up energy or separation anxiety.   As with any surgery, debarking involves a risk of complications and you should seek a skilled veterinarian if you opt to debark your pet. Benefits of the elective procedure include a dog that can bark whenever he wants without disapproval or risking conflict with the neighbors or his family. Because barking is not a problem in and of itself, however, it is worth working to identify and address the underlying cause of your pet’s persistent bark before opting for surgery. If you cannot determine the reason for Fido’s boisterous behavior, you may want to work with a behaviorist to pinpoint and address the issue. Chances are, spending money on training will lead to a happier, healthier relationship as you better understand what your dog is trying to tell you.

Cats are infamous for their hot-and-cold behavior, making feline affection hard to read. If you’re questioning whether your companion really cares, here are some subtle signs of affection you might not be noticing:     Going belly-up: Your cat’s stomach is one of his most vulnerable spots and by lying relaxed on his back, he’s letting his guard down. This shows a high level of comfort and trust. That goes double of your pet lets you rub his stomach, though most cat owners advise against this, as a belly rub can go South at a moment’s notice.   Giving a ‘slow blink’: In the feline world, closing your eyes in the presence of another animal is the ultimate sign of trust. If your cat is giving you a leisurely blink, he’s showing you he feels safe around you. You can return this gesture to strengthen your bond with your cat, or use it to show you’re not a threat when meeting a new feline.   Butting heads: Cats have scent glands in their cheeks that they use to mark our legs, hands, faces and other familiar objects. Technically known as “bunting,” head-butting releases pheromones from these glands that cats associate with comfort and social bonding. Placing his face so close to yours is also sign of trust on your pet’s part, making head-butting a true sign of affection.   Gift giving: You may not treasure the mouse bladder left outside your bedroom door, but gift giving is a sign of adoration from your cat. Leaving prey or his toys for you means your cat considers you part of his family and wants to provide for you.   Midnight cuddles: Not all cats like to openly display affection and some sneaky felines will engage in late-night snuggle sessions while their owner is fast asleep. If you wake up with your pet on your chest, face or side, it’s a sure sign he feels comfortable around you.   Sharing space: Cats are not always overly warm, so even opting to share the same space as you can be a sign of affection. Each cat is different and some will show they care about their humans by sitting just out of reach, at the foot of the bed or even in the same room. Whether Kitty is choosing to spend time in your lap or on an adjacent chair, you can be sure that lounging nearby is a sign he cares.

The benefits of fish oil for humans have been touted for years, but few people know these supplements can also help our canine companions. Rich in omega fatty acids, fish oil can aid in everything from development in puppies to reducing inflammation in anthric pets, all while giving your dog’s skin and coat a healthy boost.   Omega fatty acids come in two major forms: omega-3 and -6. While omega-3 is found primarily in cold-water fish, shellfish, plant and nut oils and flaxseed, omega-6 is a common ingredient in processed foods and grains. Because many pet food companies use these grains as fillers, your pet may be getting too much omega-6 in his diet, which can turn on his body’s inflammation response. Fortunately, omega-3 can help balance the risks of an omega-6-heavy diet.   Fish oil supplements contain the omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Both can be made only in a limited capacity in dogs, but pack some serious health benefits. EPA is anti-inflammatory and can help will help conditions that cause inflammation of the heart, kidneys, skin and joints, such as arthritis. DHA is vital to brain and eye development in puppies and can be especially beneficial when given to pregnant or nursing pets. Omegas also boost your pet’s skin and coat health and can ease inflammation caused by allergies and reduce itchy skin.   With so many benefits, incorporating fish oil into your pet’s diet may seem like a no-brainer. There are, however, some potential drawbacks to consider before adding fish oil to Fido’s food. Supplements can contribute to diarrhea in pets with a history of gastrointestinal problems and can interact negatively with blood-thinning or anti-inflammatory medications. In excessive amounts, fish oil can also interfere with the healthy inflammatory response of your dog’s immune system, which is important in controlling threats from infection, cancer and other abnormalities. Fish oil can also breakdown when exposed to the air, creating free radicals that can damage your pet’s cells. And, while this isn’t a health issue, per say, fish oil can sometimes contribute to bad breath, which is a downside for pet parents.   If you do choose to supplement your dog’s diet with fish oil, be sure to buy a high-quality product in a darkly colored bottle and store it in the refrigerator to reduce breakdown. While the recommended safe dose for dogs is 20 milligram of EPA per pound body weight (you don’t need to calculate DHA), you should talk to your veterinarian about the right dose for your pet. If using fish oil as a long-term supplement, discuss vitamin E supplements with your vet, too, as fish oil can contribute to vitamin E depletion in dogs.

Dogs bark for all kinds of reasons—to let you know they need to go out, to greet you playfully, or to alert you when a stranger is at the door. In each of these instances, your pet is trying to tell you something, but what about when Fido barks for seemingly no reason? It turns out, your dog may be noticing something you’re not, so pay close attention next time he engages in this behavior.   Canine behaviorists categorize barking in many ways, including territorial barking, alarm barking, attention-seeking, greetings, social barking, frustration-induced barking, separation anxiety barking and to let others know they are sick or injured. With so many different meanings behind your pet’s vocalizations, it can be difficult to determine what’s causing his seemingly needless barking. Dogs have hearing much better than our own, so our pets often pick up on noises we miss. If your dog is barking without cause, check if there is something making noise outside—or even in your home—that Fido may have mistaken for an intruder. The same goes for what your dog sees. A passing squirrel, jogger or other dog may be a non-event for you, but your pet may want to alert you of the change or protect his territory.   If you’ve watched for answers and still can’t find a reason behind your dog’s barking, there is a chance he’s developed a compulsive behavior. These are simply exaggerated forms of canines’ normal behaviors and can arise from conflict, stress or frustration. Compulsive behaviors often get worse with time to the point that dogs start to perform them without triggers, so it’s important to seek a professional’s help if you think your dog’s barking compulsive. Start by calling your veterinarian, who can diagnose your pet. Look for clues such as repetitive motions that accompany barking to help identify a compulsive behavior.   If Fido’s barking is causing problems for your or your neighbors, there are some steps you can take to curb the volume and frequency of his voice. If your pet barks at passersby or the neighbor’s dog, set up a privacy fence that keeps them out of sight. Dogs that bark when their owners leave the home will feel safer with a comfortable spot to rest, such as a crate outfitted with soft bedding and a cover. You can also teach your dog the “quiet” command or ask him to do a trick that prevents him from barking, such as giving him a toy and telling him to lie down. Make sure your pet is getting enough exercise and don’t leave him alone for long periods of time, which can exacerbate barking due to pent up energy or separation anxiety.

From meowing and purring to hisses, growls and groans, cats make a wide variety of sounds. Though they sometimes sound like gibberish to human ears, feline vocalizations communicate our pets’ emotions and needs— if we know how to listen. Here are a few of the most common cat sounds: 1.     Meowing – Kittens meow to get their mothers’ attention, and so do our domestic pets meow to grab our ears. Cats think of us as their perpetual parents and meowing can signal Kitty wants something from you, whether it’s food, to have his litter box cleaned or your affection. It’s worth noting that all meows are not created equal and cats will use this vocalization to express a range of emotions. A short, quick meow often means your cat is lonely or wants food, while a prolonged, moaning meow can be a sign of worry, irritation or some other objection. By listening to your pet, you should be able to decipher what his unique range of meows means. Beware, though, that incessant meowing can be a sign of illness and you should consider taking your pet to the veterinarian if he doesn’t stop. Purring– Cats purr when they’re content, but they also produce this comforting vibration when feeling threatened or scared. Watch Kitty’s body language to be sure what this soft, throaty sound means.    Chirrup – A happy trilling noise, a chirrup is your cats’ way of greeting his beloved human. It is a sound reserved for when your pet is feeling excited and happy, or may be his way of getting your attention.                                        Chatter – This stuttering noise is generally a cat’s response to seeing something he can’t reach, such as a bird outside the window. It is thought to display excitement or frustration at the object out of reach.   Growl – This low, rumbling noise is a warning to stay away. If your cat is feeling afraid, angry or territorial, he’ll growl, and you should give him the space he needs.   Hissing – Hissing is your cat’s response to fear and shows he is ready to fight, if necessary. Often accompanied by an arched back, puffed tail and flattened ears, hissing can signal to that your pet wants to be left alone, so be sure to give him space.   Caterwaul – This shrill noise is unique to female cats in heat. It is a wailing call to let other cats know she is available to mate.   You can interpret your cat’s sounds simply by paying attention. Watch for the physical stimulus your cat is reacting to— another cat, a bird outside the window, or his own hunger, for example—and pay attention to his body language. That will help you determine how your pet is feeling and the message he’s hoping to convey. And remember, the specific sounds a cat makes 

When it comes to keeping your dog’s brain sharp, nothing works quite as well as teaching him a few new tricks. Not only can obedience training strengthen the bond you share with your pet, but it can also help tackle behavioral problems now and in the future. Here are a few top tricks to teach your pet:     Sit: Because sitting is a simple command to master, it’s a great way to start training your pet and build confidence. Begin by holding a treat near your dog’s nose—but not close enough for him to grab it from your hand. Slowly move your hand up, causing your dog’s head to tilt up to follow the treat and his rear to lower to the ground. If you have trouble, try gently pushing his chest backwards, which should encourage your dog to sit. Once Fido is in the sitting position, reward him with the treat. Repeat this sequence before meals, walks and other activities until he’s mastered the command, which can be used to keep him calm and collected in a variety of situations.   Come: The “come” command can keep your dog out of trouble by bringing him back to you when he gets loose. To teach your dog this command, put on his leash and collar. Walk to the end of the leash and, stooping to your dog’s level, say “come” while giving gentle tugs. When your dog comes, reward him with a treat. Once he’s mastered this command with a leash, remove it and continue practicing with only the verbal cue.    Stay: Once Fido is an expert at “sit,” you can teach him to stay. To begin, have your dog sit and then open your palm in front of you in the “halt” gesture. Take several steps backwards while repeating the “stay” command. If your dog stays put, reward him with a treat and praise. Over time, you can increase the distance you move before rewarding your pet. Once he masters this trick, you can use “stay” to avert behavior problems and keep your dog out of trouble.   Leave it: Teaching your dog to “leave it” can be a literal lifesaver when a curious pet get into something he shouldn’t eat. To teach Fido this command, start by placing a treat in both hands. Close your hands and show him one fist while giving the “leave it” command. Your pet will probably sniff, paw or bark at the treat, but it’s important to ignore these behaviors. Once he has stopped, offer your dog the treat from the other hand. Repeat this process until your pet immediately moves away from the first fist when you said “leave it.” Cement his training by only offering the treat when he moves from the first fist and looks up at you upon hearing the “leave it” command.

All cat owners have had the jarring experience of lavishing their feline friends with affection only to receive an abrupt scratch or bite in return. According to a study publish in Applied Animal Behavior Science, this might be for good reason. The researchers observed more than fifty cats and, it turns out, felines have general preferences for where they do and don’t like to be touched.   Cats are not close-contact animals by nature. Affectionate touch is a learned behavior for our pets and each individual has a different threshold for petting. Bearing that in mind, researchers identified some broad rules on where you should and should not pet your cat. For example, anyone who’s given their cat a rub on the chin has likely been met with a warm purr. It turns out, that makes sense. Cats have scent glands near their cheeks that release pheromones—chemical signals used to communicate with other members of the species. When your pet rubs his face against you or your furniture, he’s marking it with these feel-good chemicals, and he feels that same comfort when you rub him along his cheeks, chin and head.   According to the study, a pat along the torso is a close second to rub on the head— although the researchers did not test what happened when they touched a cat’s stomach. The team found one no-go zone, however, that may surprise some cat lovers: the tail. Scientists believe the base of a cat’s tail may be some sort of erogenous zone that gets over stimulated when it’s touched. This can lead to petting-induced aggression, which is your cat’s way of telling you to back off when he’s had too much affection. No matter what part of his body you’re petting, however, if your cat is twitching his tail or skin, taking a defensive stance, flattening his ears, or growling, it’s a sign to back off and leave him alone.   Different cats have different thresholds for affection and your pet’s unique preferences might surprise you. By watching his body language during cuddles and keeping in mind that most cats prefer to be stroked along the head, you can learn your cat’s preferences and strengthen the bond you share—while avoiding being maimed.

When dogs meet, they greet each other face-to-face, but this can become a problem when your companion greets people the same away. Though it comes naturally to our pets, jumping up on people can leave them with scratches and bruises and poses a serious threat to children and frail adults. Fortunately, with some training, you can change your pet’s high-flying behavior.   While most people know they shouldn’t encourage dogs to jump, this knowledge seems to go the window when a cute puppy is involved. While it’s harmless for a young pup, jumping up on people can create problems later in life when dogs are fully grown. While it’s best to train your pet not to jump from an early age, even adult dogs can learn to keep their feet on the floor.   The first step to stopping your pet from jumping is to remove any opportunities to do so. If you know you’re having guests over for dinner, try crating your dog, putting him in a separate room, or readying him on a leash before they arrive. If your pet jumps on you at the door, go back out immediately and try again until he corrects the behavior. This way, Fido has no chance to jump on people while he’s still learning the ropes. Next, teach your dog to stop jumping during greetings by taking away the thing he wants most: attention. By ignoring your pet when he jumps on you, he will soon learn that the best way to earn your affection is keeping all four feet on the ground. Do not push your dog away or engage him at all, but instead, fold your arms across your chest or walk away. Delay your greeting until your pet is calm, with all paws the ground, and then lavish him with attention and praise.   To help with training, keep your greetings low-key. Showering your pet with too much affection will only rile him up and contribute to the problem. If your dog jumps on you or your guests when you come in the door, go back out immediately and try again. With repetition, he will understand the only way to get attention is to stay grounded. You can also try teaching your dog an alternative behavior, such as sitting, to stop him from jumping. Consistency is key when teaching a pet not to jump, so be sure everyone in your household follows the rules. With some practice, you should have a well-mannered pet to greet you every day.

If you’re a first-time cat owner or have recently taken home a new pet, one of the first questions you’ll ask yourself is, “How much should I feed my cat?” Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. Just like people, our pets’ dietary needs change throughout their lives and depend on factors such as size, metabolism, exercise and even your cat’s environment. Understanding what a balanced diet means for your individual pet, then, will be key to keeping him healthy throughout his life.   The first decision when feeding your pet is whether to give him dry food, canned meat or a mixture of both. Many owners feed their cats dry kibble alone, which is nutritionally sound as long as the formula is complete and balanced—namely, a low-carb, high-animal protein feed. Make sure cats eating a kibble-only diet have plenty of access to fresh water, too, as they normally receive a large portion of their daily water intake from meat. Though dry food is cheaper, many cats prefer canned food over kibble, so watch that your pet isn’t overeating if you feed him an all-meat diet. It’s also acceptable mix canned and dry food, as long as you keep portion control in mind.   After selecting the right food for your pet, establish a feeding routine that suits his age and body type. Kittens are growing, so require more frequent feedings than adult cats. A good rule of thumb is to feed kittens three meals a day until they’re around six months old, at which time most cats do well with one or two meals a day. This pattern should work throughout your cat’s senior years, too, as long as he is in good health. Arrange mealtimes around your own schedule so you can keep them consistent, since cats can be sensitive to changes in routine.   Many cat owners allow their pets free access to dry food, which works well for self-regulating felines. Some pets, however, will overeat when given the opportunity, especially in multi-cat households where competition for food is common. To control Kitty’s portions, follow the label on his pet food, adjusting to meet your cat’s individual needs. A general guideline for an active, 8-pound cat is 30 calories per pound per day, but this may be too much for a less active pet or too little for a playful kitten. For help determining whether your cat is over- or underweight, check his backbone and ribs: If they show through his skin, he is too thin, and if you can’t feel his ribs, he is likely overweight.                                                           Whether he’s a hungry kitten or a senior who requires a special diet, your cat’s food is the brick and mortar of his health. By finding a nutritionally balanced formula and establishing a feeding routine that works for your pet, you can ensure he stays healthy throughout his life.

We’ve all watched our canine companions lick themselves clean, but some dogs lick at the air for seemingly no reason. While lip licking is perfectly normal in some cases, such as before a meal or after eating, this behavior can signal something’s wrong when it continues for no apparent reason or becomes a compulsive habit.   Dogs use body language to communicate and in the canine world, lip licking is an appeasement gesture. Dogs suffering from stress or trauma, or those that are more timid in general, are more prone to this behavior, which is your pet’s way of saying, “Let’s be friends.” To help reassure your dog, remain calm and assertive—but not forceful—and never use punishment as a part of his training. If he is suffering situational stress, such as from moving homes, try reducing the stressors as much as possible. If your dog is licking the air outside of stressful situations, there may be a physical or psychological reason behind his behavior. Licking the air constantly can indicate digestive problems or nausea as well as dental pain. Air licking is also associated with certain types of seizures, so it’s important to take your pet to the vet if he starts compulsively flapping his tongue. Your vet can help diagnose the problem and eliminate potentially serious health conditions that could be causing your pet’s behavior. If Fido does have a serious condition such as seizures, your veterinarian can prescribe medicine that can help prevent problems. If, however, your dog shows no signs of physical ailments, his lip licking may be a diagnosed as a compulsive disorder.   Like humans, our pets can suffer from psychological disorders that cause them to engage in repeated, obsessive behaviors. Air licking is one of these behaviors, and some dogs respond to treatment from a trained animal behaviorist. Other helpful changes include increasing Fido’s mental and physical stimulation; reducing stress-inducing stimuli; and positive replacement behavior for lip-licking, such as teaching your dog to lie down when the licking behavior starts. Before taking these routes, however, ask yourself if your dog has experienced any upset that could be causing the problem. Changes from moving house to introducing a new pet to the home, shifts in routine or the absence of a common person in his life can cause your pet stress. Rule out these stressors before seeking your veterinarian’s help.   Lip licking isn’t always a sign something’s wrong, but if you think it is, you can help your vet by providing him with some basic information. Give him a history of your pet’s licking behavior—including when it started, how long it’s been going on and where it most often occurs—as well as training and punishment practices used at home and how your family responds to the lip-licking behavior. This will help him get to the root of the problem causing your pet’s lip-licking behavior.