You may think that all cats hate water but the gorgeous Turkish Van, or swimming cat as it is sometimes nicknamed, is sure to convince you otherwise. This athletic, muscular and highly active cat has a natural affinity for water. In fact, these super cute felines will feel right at home taking a dip with you in the bath or pool!   Image credit The Turkish Van (or Van for short) is a naturally occurring breed and one of the oldest domesticated cats on the planet. It is said to have originated in the Lake Van region of Turkey, and according to tradition, was a successful ratter on Noah’s Ark. Although the breed has an ancient lineage, the Van is a relative newcomer to the western world, first arriving in England in 1955 and in the United States in the early 1980s. Turkish Vans are white with distinctive reddish/auburn markings on their tails and ears. Variations with darker markings or no markings at all are now common but Vans originally only had auburn markings. They have either blue or amber eyes, or quite strikingly, sometimes one of each. The Van's fluffy cashmere-like coat is naturally water resistant as a result of its silky texture and the fact it has no undercoat.   Image credit   The Turkish Van is a sturdy breed with good healthy genes. According to the Animal Planet web site, overfeeding should be avoided, as they can be prone to obesity. To keep the curious and water-loving Van safe, it is recommended that they are never left unattended near a full sink or bath and that all toilet seats around the home are kept closed. Feature image credit

Heartworm is a serious and potentially fatal condition that affects both dogs and cats. Heartworm is an internal parasite that lives in the host's heart and pulmonary arteries. If left untreated, a heartworm infection can lead to complications such as organ damage and ultimately death. The condition is more prevalent in canines than felines. Heartworm can be found in other mammals including humans, but dogs are the most common host. Although cats can harbor the condition, they are typically more resistant to heartworm infection than dogs. Outdoor pets are at an increased risk of developing heartworm than indoor pets. Since heartworm is spread by mosquitos, pets are more at risk during the summer months. Pets that live in warm weather climates where mosquito are present all year are at risk year round. Outdoor pets should be kept indoors during hours when mosquito are most active. Pets may not show any outward symptoms of heartworm infection until the condition is quite advanced. There are typically more heartworms present in dogs than in cats, however a few worms in a feline may be fatal.  Heartworms tend to live longer in dogs than cats. Signs of heartworm infection may include: Weight loss Lethargy Loss of appetite Shortness of breath Dull coat Blood in the stool and/or sputum. As the condition progresses, the animal's breathing may become labored. Felines may exhibit diarrhea, vomiting and/or convulsions. The severity of the condition depends on several factors such as the number and location of the worms, the length of time that the animal has been infected and the state of the their immune system. Treatment of heartworms can pose its own threat and may lead to complications or even death in cases of severe infestation. The drugs used to treat heartworm infection may cause severe reactions in certain dog breeds. Surgery may be another option to remove heartworms, but this alternative is usually only reserved for the most critical cases. Surgery may sometimes be a better option for cats. Taking proper preventative measures is the best course of action to protect your pet against heartworm infection. There are several medications that are effective in preventing heartworm. Although there are more medications available for dogs, there are also a few available for prevention of heartworm in cats. Always consult your veterinarian in determining the proper course of heartworm prevention for your pet. Many of the heartworm preventatives are also effective in preventing ear mites, fleas and other intestinal parasites. Before beginning any course of treatment for heartworm prevention, have your veterinarian test your dog or cat for heartworm. At the age of six months, dogs and cats should be tested for heartworm infection. Tests should be performed annually after the initial exam. Pet owners should take heartworm infestation seriously and the potential dangers that may occur, especially for those pets in areas or during seasons when mosquitoes are primarily active. Want to protect your four-legged friend from heartworm? Our online store stocks heavily discounted (up to 75% off) heartworm treatments. Feature image credit

Anyone who shares their life with a pet, or who has ever spent time with a pet, knows that animals enrich our lives. Research has proven that people with pets are happier and healthier. Animals help people with Autism, especially children, to socialise and remain calm and also assist those with developmental disabilities, Down Syndrome, temporary and permanent mobility impairments and people who have suffered a stroke. Animals can speed a person's recovery after a heart attack, can reduce blood pressure and the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Close bonds develop between people and pets and it is these bonds that science is starting to explore. Anthrozoology is the scientific study of humans and animals – it is the how, what and why of the special bonds that form and the effects of these interactions and the relationships. The goal of anthrozoology is to improve and better understand human and animal mental and physical well-being.   Animals have an influence and affect upon us that is greater than we may realise. Life is short, so spend a little time observing your pet and then adopt some of their traits, daily practices and outlook on the world. Here are a few life lessons that our pets teach us about life. 1. Love unconditionally As humans we are involved in a number of different and complicated relationships with family, friends and colleagues. We often place value on these relationships based on expectations and experiences. This can be the cause of a lot of pain and worry. Animals don’t bother with these conditions. They don’t hold grudges, make judgements or expect anything. Instead, they quickly, easily and wholeheartedly exhibit compassion, devotion and love. 2. Be grateful and positive We’ve all heard that ‘the simple things in life are often the best'. Well, it’s true and animals live by this rule. Whilst we strive to succeed in our careers, compete with others and amass more possessions and wealth, animals take pleasure in life itself and celebrate the little things.   Image credit 3. Friendship and loyalty If you treat your pet with kindness and provide food, water and shelter they’ll remain by your side and loyal forever. They don’t ask much but what we get in return is something very special. Pets are happy just to be with us and to be part of our lives. It’s something that we can, and should, extend to our human friendships as well. 4. Walk, play, stretch, head outdoors and catch some sunshine Every day you should spend time exercising, enjoying nature and the sun’s warmth – not only does it provide health benefits and is a wonderful thing to do, but It’s also free! And remember to pursue fun and laughter whenever you can. Get out there and play with your children, friends and pets for the hell of it.   5. Express yourself You know instantly if your pet is happy, sad, unwell, irritated or scared because they show you. When they love you, they show you. They may not be able to talk but they are honest about they're feelings and don’t play games. Wouldn’t things be much easier if we too expressed how we felt and showed our love and happiness so unguardedly? 6. Simplify your life and relax Okay, so our laid-back pets don’t have the stresses and demands in life that we do, but many of these are of our own making. Take opprtunities to simplify your life. Spend your weekend only concerning yourself with meals, exercising, play, relaxation and sleep. Take a nap if you want to, lounge on the grass in the sun, clear your mind and enjoy the stillness. 7. Be present Pets don’t dwell on the past or fret about the future. They live in the moment and deal with things as they happen. They are content to just be. It's a very stress-free way of living.   Image credit   Feature image credit      

When people consider getting a dog, the question always arises: male or female: which is best?  The answer is always that all dogs are wonderful, but the subtle differences between the males and females of any species only make life more interesting. Of course, it is assumed you will spay and neuter your dog, as veterinary experts advise, so the differences will only be very slight differences in personality. Female Dogs Female dogs are generally smaller than males and this may be an advantage in some situations. Female dogs mature faster than males, as well, which means you can start your training regime sooner and enjoy a well-behaved companion faster. Female dogs are usually un-aggressive and will enjoy being petted and sitting close by. The female dog is also tend to be more sensitive and may become disturbed by yelling in the house and other loud noises. Male Dogs The male dog is generally more active and more aggressive than the female. He may have the need to dominate other dogs and may even try to dominate his master or mistress. Male dogs require early, consistent training to reinforce good behavior, and it is important for the trainer to be confident and assertive to ensure that the dog knows who is boss. The male dog will be a fearless guardian and a devoted companion to whomever takes the time to teach him the civilized ways of society. Mixing genders in the home If you already have an animal of one gender and are considering getting a dog of the opposite gender, you should factor in a few points. If the first dog is an older female, she may not be patient with the constant shows of dominance of a new male puppy. She may snap or even bite the new comer to get him to stay within his behavioral boundaries. This can be a particular problem if the older female is ailing, as the new pup may be tiring and aggravating for her. Conversely, if you have an older male dog and wish to get a new puppy, an animal of either gender will probably learn to stay in line after a few growls or nips. If the older male is ailing, a female puppy may be less taxing on him both physically and emotionally.   Your own biases about males and females Canine researchers find that there is little difference in qualities of independence or aggressiveness in dogs that have been spayed or neutered. However, humans bring their own gender biases about male and female behavior even in dealing with their pets. They may allow more aggressiveness or energy in the males and expect more gentleness or submissiveness in female dogs. Be aware of these psychological prejudices when training and interacting with your dog. Individual differences Although these are general statements about the characteristics of female or male dogs, you can always find an individual animal that doesn’t fit the mold. In fact, even within certain breeds you can find variations from normal behavior. The problem of breeding closely within lines adds yet another dimension of variability. These animals may have intensified characteristics of their breed that may cause personality differences. Whatever the fundamental nature of your dog, you can get the best out of their personality by investing time in training, bonding and hands-on care of the animal. Feature image credit

Almost every dog owner has faced the problem of doggy bad breath at one time or another. Most veterinarians advise getting your dog used to having their teeth brushed from a young age, but when this is not a workable solution, you can find other ways to ensure that your dog's breath doesn't 'offend.' 1. Veterinary dental care The most critical action you can take to prevent or cure bad breath problems in dogs is to ensure that they have proper dental care. Your veterinarian will determine if your dog has excessive plaque on their teeth during normal physical exams. Plaque removal requires that your dog be put under anesthesia in order to remove the hard substance from their teeth. Your vet will determine the right type of anesthesia to ensure your dog's safety during the procedure. 2. General health While at the office, ask your vet to give your dog a blood workup to ensure that your dog is in good health. Many physical conditions can contribute to poor digestion and bad breath, such as diabetes mellitus, sinus problems or gastrointestinal issues. Managing metabolic issues early can help to solve bad breath problems and ensure that your dog has a long and healthy life. Nasal, throat or stomach problems may require antibiotics or allergy treatment. 3. Check your dog's diet Bad breath can be a signal that your dog's diet needs a little investigation. It may be very high in meat protein, which can linger between teeth and cause odors. Changing to a diet with more vegetables or rice can help to reduce the amount of odor coming from the teeth and stomach. Remember to make dietary changes gradually to avoid stomach upsets. 4. Safe chew toys Toys that allow dogs to chew them over a long period of time are best for removing film on teeth that causes odors. Of course, these toys must be made of hard materials to prevent crumbling that could be dangerous. Kong is one type of chew toy recommended by veterinarians that is hard enough for safe chewing. 5. Dental chews Dog owners can find a wide variety of dental chews on the market to give to their dogs to help remove food particles and plaque that causes bad breath. Greenies are one type of dog chew that contains charcoal to neutralize odors. They come in a variety of sizes to suit every breed. You can try a number of them to see which one your dog likes best. 6. Chlorhexidine sprays Chlorhexidine is often used in dental sprays and dental chews. It is an antiseptic that can help to reduce the bacteria that can contribute to dog mouth odors. Use only products that are specifically made for canines for optimum safety. 7. Drinking water treatments If other treatments have not been successful, your vet may suggest one of the water treatment products that are on the market to help relieve bad breath in dogs. Dog owners can simple add a small amount to the dog's drinking water daily to help remove tartar and plaque that causes odors. TropiClean is one product that contains natural aloe vera and green tea to neutralize odors. Feature image credit

Matted fur can be a huge problem for longhaired cats, but shorthaired cats aren’t immune from tangled, matted fur. If left unchecked, small mats become painful and difficult to remove.  Mats begin with small snarls or tangles. Eventually, debris, dead skin and loose hair is trapped in the tangle, and tiny snarls quickly becomes a gigantic problem. Mats are most common under the collar, behind the ears, between the legs and along the haunches. If your cat’s luxurious coat has turned into a matted mess, it’s time to get a comb and brush and do some serious damage control. Mats are not only unsightly, but your cat’s attempts at self-grooming may result in nasty hairballs. Eventually, large mats may become painful to your cat’s sensitive skin. Patience is the key to mat removal, especially if your cat is resistant to brushing. Forcing the brush on an ambivalent cat results only in fear and frustration for both you and your pet. It’s much better to spread grooming out over several short sessions than to jeopardize your relationship and risk your cat’s wellbeing. These are some tips to de-tangling success: Spend a few minutes of quality time with your cat before you begin the detangling session. Create a calm atmosphere by speaking softly as you gently stroke your kitty from head to tail. Begin with a wide-tooth comb or a wire slicker brush to remove mats. Begin combing at the ends, and then work towards the undercoat. If the mats are large, a matt splitter may make it easier to get to the base of the snarl. Work on one mat at a time and then move to the next. When the snarls have been removed, finish the grooming session with a bristle brush to remove loose hair and dead skin. Alternatively, use a combination brush with rubber-tipped wire bristles on one side and a soft brush on the other side. Remove the mats with the wire bristles, and then follow up with the soft brush. If you cat struggles or becomes skittish, stop the grooming session. Give them praise, a bit of tender loving care and a special kitty treat, and then try again when they're calmer. Talcum powder or cornstarch may help loosen stubborn mats. Use your fingers to massage a small amount of powder into the mat, and then use the brush to de-tangle the mat. Be careful and don’t use powder too near your cat’s mouth or nose. You may need to ask a friend to help sooth your kitty while your work out the mats. Don’t attempt to remove serious, painful mats on your own. Instead, take your cat to a professional groomer. In some cases, a veterinarian may need to use anesthesia to remove painful mats. Once the mats are removed, establish regular, preventive brushing sessions. Brush your longhaired cat at least two or three times every week. Even better, do it for a few minutes every day. Daily brushing is especially critical for Persian cats that have coarse, easily knotted hair. Detangling mats is an unpleasant experience for both you and your cat, and removing tiny snarls as they appear is much easier - for both you and your pet, than tackling serous snarls. The result is a happy owner and a healthier cat with a smooth, sleek, luxurious coat. Feature image credit  

 A puppy is an exciting addition to your family and can bring a lot of joy to your life.  However, you have to make sure you're prepared to welcome your furry friend into your home.  Fortunately, it only takes a few simple necessities to get ready for your family's four-legged friend. Here are five essential items every new puppy owner should have: 1. Collar Image credit First and foremost, you need a good collar for your dog.  A collar should always have a tag that's engraved with your pet's name as well as your contact information.  If your new puppy accidentally wanders off, anyone who finds it will be able to get in touch with you.  For dogs without a microchip implant, this is an absolute must.  Even if you do decide to invest in some form of an identification chip, a collar with a tag can serve as a little insurance for keeping track of your pup.   2. Leash Image credit To go along with that collar, you'll need a sturdy leash. You want one that gives your dog a bit of room to roam, but not so much freedom that you won't be able to stay in control. There are many types of leashes that can attach to a harness.  These styles will be helpful to prevent the uncomfortable choking that could result from an enthusiastic puppy that tries to dart ahead of you.   3. Food Image credit The next essential item your new dog will require is food. You should talk to your veterinarian to determine what kind of food will be appropriate for your chosen breed.  As a general rule, a high-quality brand with a puppy-based formula will be a suitable selection.  Your pup will need specific nutrients that are crucial for their growth and development.  Feeding your dog a healthy diet will help you keep it around for years many to come!   4. Food and water bowls Image credit   Now that you've got the right food, you'll want something to put it in.  You don't need anything super fancy, but it's a good idea to get bowls that are big enough for the appropriate amounts so you won't have to worry about overflow.  Larger bowls will mean you'll avoid the issue of spillage when your hungry or thirsty pup dives in headfirst.  You may also want to get some sort of pet food stand so that your dog won't have to lean down too much to eat or drink.  Research shows that elevating your puppy's bowls can aid in the digestion process and keep tummy troubles to a minimum.   5. Pet carrier Image credit Something else your new puppy will need is a pet carrier.  This item will help you get your dog home safe and sound.  Look for one that's big enough for your particular breed. Your pup should be able to fit inside comfortably without having to scrunch.  Purchase a crate that will allow for room to grow so that you can use it for future vet visits as well.  A pet carrier can aid in keeping your dog protected when you're on the go. Getting a puppy can be a lot of fun, but you have to make sure you're ready for its arrival.  While you'll likely need more items as your dog grows, the essential items on this list will provide a solid base to build on.  When you're prepared for your new pup, all you have to worry about is giving plenty of love to your family's latest member! Feature image credit  

The icy-cold grip of winter has relented, and people across the US are getting outside to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine. You and your pets are not the only ones making a return to the great outdoors though. Ticks and all manner of blood-sucking, biting insects are coming out to play as well. Everyone thinks about bug spray, long sleeves, and tick checks after playing in the woods, but do all pet owners think about their best friend's safety in the woods?   Protecting your pet against the threat of disease and infection from a tick is vital. Not only does preventing a tick from taking root on your pet protect its health, it also prevents that tick from getting inside your home and close to your family. The following tips and remedies will help prevent ticks from ruining your pet's summer.   1. Spot-on treatments There's a wide variety of medications that can be applied to your pet to prevent ticks. These need to be applied once a month to remain effective and are generally safe for human contact as soon as they've dried on your pet's skin and fur.   2. Oral medications Available in a pill form, oral medications are effective at killing ticks that come into contact with your pet as well as fleas. Unlike spot-on treatments, there is no need to worry about others coming into contact with chemicals because your dog ingests the pill and the chemicals work from the inside out.   3. Shampoos and tick dips Alongside spot-on treatments and oral medications you'll no doubt find tick shampoos and dips. Shampoos are often skipped by many pet owners because they are both labor intensive (who really enjoys bathing their pet?) and not as cost-effective, requiring repeat applications every two weeks. Tick dips are extremely effective but contain highly-concentrated chemicals that must be used carefully and cannot be rinsed off immediately following application. In the case of tick dips, it is recommended that you consult a veterinarian before applying them to your dog.   4. Tick collars Once an extremely popular option, tick collars do not make for a well-rounded defense against ticks. The collars really only offer protection to the neck and head region of your dog, and when fitted to your dog should make direct contact with the skin. This ensures that the chemicals contained in the collar are transferred to your dog's skin and coat.   There are also a number of non-chemical steps you can take to keep ticks at bay. Chances are your dog is going to spend most of its outdoor time this summer in your backyard. Create natural and physical barriers between wild nature and your backyard. Keep brush and overgrowth trimmed back away from your property line, and if necessary consider fencing in the backyard.   These steps won't eliminate ticks completely, but it does help deter their invasion of your property and limits the possibility of your dog goes romping through prime tick territory. Last but not least, when your pet comes inside from playtime get the brush out. Giving your pet a good brush-down will help pull off ticks and give you an opportunity to scan its skin for any of those little suckers that have dug in to sneaky spots. Want to protect your furry friend from pesky ticks? Our online store offers heavily discounted (up to 75% off) tick treatments. Feature image credit  

It's no secret that keeping cats active can be a chore. Unlike dogs who fetch, like to go on walks, and are generally rather active, cats don't always seem to enjoy being active. Unfortunately, lack of activity in cats can lead to obesity and, as a result, many other health problems. It is crucial that your cat stay active in order to enjoy a healthy and long life. So what can you do to help keep your cat active? Below are five tips you can follow to help your feline obtain more activity and live a longer, healthier life. 1. Create an activity-promoting environment One of the best things you can do for your cat is create an environment that encourages activity. Be sure to include many levels and stands, as this will encourage cats to jump and will also help promote balance and coordination. Cats instinctively seek out high perching points because it gives them a better vantage point over their surroundings. Make sure that the posts you choose are made from tightly woven fibers as most cats prefer this type of material. 2. Be active with them Cats like playmates just as much as anyone else, so be sure that you are active, as well. Whether you're using a feather hanging from a wand to entice your cat to jump and get it or you choose another toy, playing with your cat will not only help your kitty be more active but will strengthen the bond between you. 3. Go the distance Be sure to put distance between your cat's food and water bowls. It might not seem like that much exercise, but when cats have to walk from one bowl to the other in order to obtain food and water, that extra movement can add up to serious calorie burn over time. 4. Exercise portion control When you feed your cat, be sure to only feed them the correct portions. Ask your veterinarian what type of food you should be feeding your cat and how much you should be giving them. Stick to that plan and don't waver. You can also try putting small amounts of food in a toy designed for cat treats. The balls are usually about the size of a tennis ball and have small holes. Cats have to move the ball - and their bodies - in order to get the food out of the ball. It's a meal and a workout in one. 5. Limit treats One of the fastest ways to put pounds on your cat- or any pet - is to hand out too many treats. Wanting to reward your cat for doing good things is great, and one or two small treats won't hurt. But too often cat owners give their pets too many treats, including scraps from the table, and this can lead to damaging weight gain. Follow the above tips and you will start to see healthy changes in your cat. If your cat is not overweight and is relatively healthy, following these tips also acts a preventative measure. The older your cat gets the more easily they will put on weight and the harder it will be to work it off. Start today by employing one or more of the above suggestions so your cat can live a long and healthy life. Feature image credit

Many of us are familiar with guide dogs assisting people with vision impairment or blindness, but animals are increasingly being used to help people with a range of physical, psychiatric or sensory disabilities, mobility limitations and medical conditions. Service and assistance animals are most commonly dogs, though in some special cases miniature horses can be used. Service dogs have been specifically trained to work or perform tasks directly related to their handler’s needs, different to those dogs intended for support or therapy. Service dogs provide independence, improved quality of life and safety for their handlers. For example, hearing dogs use touch to alert their handler to specific sounds and some assistance dogs can perform 50 different tasks.   Service dogs navigate and guide their handler, alert if danger is present, provide stability and balance, carry and pick up items, open or close cupboards and doors, use light and electrical switches or pull wheelchairs. Highly specialised seizure alert, response or signal dogs alert epileptics of an impending seizure and will protect them during a seizure, can alert diabetics of low blood sugar or bark if their handler falls.    Image Credit By law, service and assistance animals are permitted in public places with few exceptions such as food preparation or medically sterile areas. Not every handler’s disability or medical condition will be obvious and although most service and assistance dogs will be on a leash or harness, or be wearing an identifying vest or tag, this may not always be the case. You can politely ask if the dog is a service or assistance dog if you are unsure. For the safety of the handler, it’s important to remember that a service dog is not a pet or companion animal, but is working and should not be interrupted.   When in the presence of a handler and their service dog, you should - Never distract, pat, talk to or encourage the dog to play or come to you. The dog needs to concentrate fully on their handler, their task and be alert to any danger. Don’t respond or encourage the dog if it approaches or greets you. Always talk to the handler, not the dog. Always ask permission to pat the dog but be prepared for the handler to decline. The handler’s decision will depend on their preference, the dog’s training and what task the dog needs to perform. Don’t be offended if the handler does not wish to talk about their service animal, remember they are not considered pets. Don’t ever feed the dog. You may ask the handler whether you can provide them with fresh water to give their dog. Don’t point out or draw attention to a handler and their service dog, not only is it rude, but it can interfere with the dog’s work. Offer a handler help if you think they require it but do not assume they need it or will accept it. Never ever hold or take a service dog’s leash or harness. Educate all children about these rules and how to properly behave around service dogs. Always keep other pets on a leash and away from service dogs.     Image credit Feature image credit