While some felines will practically fall over themselves trying to communicate their love or obtain your affection, other cats simply don't seem to like people at all. If your cat has an unknown history, or a wariness or dislike of people, it may unfortunately relate to past experiences of abuse or neglect. However, even cats that have experienced a pleasant upbringing may develop aloof or skittish personalities. Here are some tips if you own a cat that seems to mistrust or dislike people. Often, forming a good relationship with just one person can pave the way to a better view of humans in general. 1. Try sitting together on a regular basis If your cat doesn't like people, then being pulled into your lap will not be tolerated. Instead, try to find a more cautious way of sharing space. For example, try sitting down near your cat during a sleepy moment when the animal might be more receptive to your presence and to gentle petting. Eventually, you may be able to transition to cuddling: though, some cats never develop an enjoyment of being held. 2. Make sure that your cat associates you with meals Although it seems like a cheap tactic, you may sometimes find that you can buy your cat's trust by making sure that you are the one to provide food. If you always put the food dish out, your cat will learn that you are important, consistent and will continue to provide care. 3. Back off when told to If your cat feels threatened or annoyed then you may see hissing, growling and flattened ears. However, some cats will just use one of these warning signs at a time and if your pet is just a little uncomfortable then you might notice jerky tail movements and see that the cat is ducking away from your hand. Any time your advances appear to be unwelcome, a willingness to back off will demonstrate that you are less threatening and help your pet to feel more in control of the situation. 4. Be careful about eye contact If you stare into your cat's eyes for a long time, this indicates a desire to assert dominance (even though you may be thinking nothing of the kind). To show your pet that you are friendly, unthreatening and kind, look down after making eye contact. Some experts also advise showing your cat long, slow blinks during eye contact. 5. Engage in gentle play A poorly socialized cat that struggles to relate to humans may not be interested in playing with you at first, or you might find that play ends in a painful scratch or bite. Where possible, try to reward your pet if the cat takes part in fun play that doesn't involve any form of attack on you. It can be smart to give your cat the occasional treat to reinforce good behavior, but try not to overdo it due the unhealthy nature of most cat treats. Feature image credit  

It's impossible to keep an eye on your dog all the time, so there may be instances in your pooch's life where they come into contact with some nasty critters. Different climates, locations and seasons will impact what possible creatures your dog may have a run in with, so it's important to be aware, remain dilligent and know how to treat various stings or wounds that may be inflicted upon your pet. Spiders Black Widow Spider Image credit Spiders can be harmful to your pets and what makes matters worse is that it's not easy to detect a spider bite straight up. Many spiders are not capable of biting through your dog's thick skin, but the black widow, red back, brown widow and brown recluse are types of spiders that can be very harmful to your dog, so if you live in a region where these spiders are known to inhabit, it's a good idea to start learning how to identify them. Signs and symptoms The type of spider and how many times your dog has been bitten will determine what signs and symptoms your dog may display and experience. These include: Inflammation (redness, swelling) in areas that have less hair; paws, eyelids, joints, earflaps, mouth, nose, stomach. Abnormal lesions Breathlessness Fur loss Fever and joint pain Restless and distressed Licking the infected area - you may even see the puncture marks. Vomiting and diarrhea may occur. Increased anxiousness or excitement. Rigid muscles Vocalising loudly Lack of coordination Paralysis Seizures How to help If you suspect your dog has been bitten by a spider, take them to your vet as soon as you can so they can receive the appropriate anti-venom medication. Snakes   Copperhead Snake Image credit Snakes are more of a problem during the summer months and unfortunately dogs can easily become victim of a snake bite after becoming a little too curious about their new pal slithering around. Snake bites have varying levels of severity depending on the type of snake, how much venom there was and where the snake bit. The beginning of summer is when snake bites are at their most dangerous because the venom glands are much fuller. Signs and symptoms Most dogs can recover from a snake bite within 48 hours, however it all comes down to identifying it (the bite) and getting help as soon as possible. Again, there are a number of variables when it comes to knowing whether or not your dog has been bitten by a snake. Most common signs and symptoms include: Weakness and/or collapse Shaking or twitching of muscles Difficulty blinking Dilated pupils that are not responsive to light. Vomiting Blood in urine Loss of bladder and/or bowel control And at later stages, paralysis How to help Preventing a snake bite is the most ideal situation. Be aware of what snakes are common to your local area and know how to identify them. As mentioned, snakes are most active during summer so when out walking your dog, keep them on a lead, especially near bushland or long grass. At home, keep your grass short and make sure the area is clear of any piles of rubbish and any potential hiding places like wood piles or sheets of materials. However, if your dog has indeed been bitten by a snake follow this method to help ease the situation: Keep yourself and your pet calm. Stress and anxiety can make venom move through your dog's system more quickly. Get to the vet immediately. If you live a fair distance from your vet, apply a pressure bandage around the bite to help slow the spread of poison. DON'T wash the wound or apply a tourniquet.   If you are able to identify the snake make sure you tell the vet so they can administer the correct anti-venom. DON'T ever try to kill the snake, but if it's already dead, bring it with you to the vets. Bees/Wasps   Honeybee Image credit Unlike spiders and snakes, bee and wasp stings are generally less harmful - although if your dog suffers from multiple stings or a bad allergic reaction then the results can be dangerous. Commonly, dogs will get stung on their face or nose which can be very painful for them - although it is possible for them to be stung elsewhere including on their tongue and inside their mouth. Signs and symptoms General weakness Difficulty breathing A large amount of swelling extending away from the sting site. Severe reactions can include vomiting and diarrhea. Severe reactions can cause pale gums. How to help Prevention is always best. Keep outdoor areas clean and free of rubbish or food scraps, particularly if you've been eating or entertaining outside, and keep flowers to a minimum. At this point there is one distinction between bees and wasps. Bees usually have a 'barbed' stinger which loges itself into the skin of your dog - the bee can therefore only sting once and dies soon after. Wasps have a clean stinger so are more capable of multiple stings which is worse for your dog. Keep some antihistamines on you at all times in a doggy first-aid kit which can come in handy to alleviate some symptoms of allergic reactions. Make sure to seek advice from your vet beforehand about brands and dosage. If possible, try to remove the stinger. Never squeeze or use tweezers to remove the stinger as that can allow more poison to enter your dog's body. Use a flicking motion with your nail or edge of a credit card. Wash the wound using a mild soap. Apply an ice pack to reduce the swelling for around 10-30 minutes a few times a day. Make a thick paste using baking soda and water to apply to the stung area. Observe your dog closely for the next 24 hours for any severe symptoms or reactions. If your dog has been stung multiple times, or believe they are having a bad allergic reaction, head to the vet immediately so they can be seen to. Jellyfish   Box Jellyfish Image credit Depending on where in the world you live and if you spend time with your dog at the beach, jellyfish could be a real hazard for your four legged friend (and you too). Jellyfish are translucent sea dwellers who quite often end up close to shore and if you end up in their path, could suffer a nasty sting and depending on the species, the consequences can be deadly. Signs and symptoms There are many different species of jellyfish and the impact of their sting varies, so with that, so does the signs and symptoms your dog may display and experience. The best thing you can do is research what jellyfish inhabit your local area and find out what distinct signs and symptoms they may cause. However, there are some common signs and symptoms you can look out for. These include: Itchy rash with burning sensation. Nausea Vomiting Fever Confusion Shock High blood pressure Heart and respiratory problems And depending on the type of jellyfish, death. How to help As always, prevention and protection is the best way to allow your furry friend to enjoy the water and avoid those nasty tentacles. The tentacle of a jellyfish is covered with what is called nematocysts or stinging cells which stick to surfaces and wrap around objects. These stinging cells secrete poisonous toxins. Fortunately your dog is at less risk than you are because they are covered by fur which makes it harder for the tentacles to stick - however you will need to protect your dog's footpads, abdomen, nose, testicles and eye lids to stop any nasty poison from penetrating. You can do this by spreading petroleum jelly onto those vulnerable areas before hitting the beach. However, if your dog has been stung the following tips should help ease symptoms: Soak or rinse the affected area for 15-30 minutes in vinegar. If you don't have vinegar, sea water or 70% alcohol will also work. This stops the tentacles releasing toxins. Use gloves, a shell, stick or tweezers to remove tentacles - but never with your bare hands. If possible, make a paste with baking soda or shaving cream and apply it to the area - this helps remove any stubborn tentacles. You can then use a razor or credit card to remove those stubborn tentacles, but then reapply more baking soda paste or shaving cream. If your dog has been stung in the eye use a saline solution to rinse the area. Similarly, soak a towel in vinegar and dap the area, but never put vinegar directly into the eye. If your dog has been stung inside the mouth irrigate the area using a medicine syringe and by making a vinegar solution using 1/4 cup vinegar to 3/4 of water. Keep you pet calm and as still as possible and take them to the vet ASAP. Never use fresh water. Never rub the area. Note: if your dog has been stung by a bluebottle/Portugese Man O War NEVER use vinegar - use hot water followed by ice.   Feature image credit  

What is Taurine? Taurine is an amino acid that is essential for many cellular functions around the body. It is produced in the liver and then gets absorbed into the bloodstream from the small intestines. It is most concentrated in the heart, central nervous system, eyes and skeletal muscles. Unlike other amino acids, taurine is a 'free amino acid,' meaning, it is found in body tissues rather than being incorporated into proteins. Why is it important? In cats, taurine is incredibly important for healthy heart muscle function, vision, reproduction and aids in forming bile salts that are critical to digestion. Most other mammals are able to manufacture healthy levels of taurine from other amino acids, and while cats are also able to do this, they cannot produce sufficient amounts of taurine to be considered healthy. What can happen if your cat doesn't get enough taurine? A cat deficient in taurine can suffer serious health complications. These include: Blindness: A lack of taurine causes retina cells to stop functioning and die which leads to vision impairment and even blindness. Heart disease: Insufficient amounts of taurine causes a weakening of the heart muscles, often leading to heart failure which can be fatal. Reproductive issues: A lack of taurine can cause issues for reproductive and growth ability in mothers and kittens. It can cause many problems throughout pregnancy, lactation and the development of kittens. How can your cat receive the taurine they require While your cat is not able to naturally produce the right levels of taurine, you are easily able to compensate through diet. Taurine is found only through animal-based proteins so it's vital your cat is eating the necessary amount. There is little to no taurine found in vegetables so be aware of that if you feed your cat a diet with lots of greenery. Selecting a good quality cat food that boasts a high amount of animal-based protein should be enough for your cat to acquire all the taurine they need. Taurine is found in both wet and dry food varieties, although the reason it's sometimes not listed as an ingredient on dry foods is because it occurs so highly in those types of food. If you normally prepare home cooked food for your cat, be aware that the cooking process reduces the amount of taurine in meat to half or two-thirds of what was there when it was raw. As a guideline, your cat should be consuming 1000mg (1gm) of taurine per 2.2 lbs of food. However, if you are feeding your cat a regular diet of dried or canned cat food, you should have no cause for concern as to whether you're feeding your cat the correct amount. And if you are ever worried that you might give your cat too much taurine, don't be - it's incredibly difficult for a cat to overdose on taurine.

If you haven’t had your female cat spayed or desexed and you find her acting a little strange, she may very well be pregnant. Cats can become pregnant at four months of age and are called 'queens'. Although most veterinarians recommend having cats desexed at 5-6 months, some will perform the procedure earlier. In order to avoid kittens ending up in already-overpopulated shelters and then ultimately euthanised, all pets, both male and female, should be desexed except if you are a licensed breeder. Unless you are absolutely sure that you have the capacity and resources to care for a litter of kittens and can find suitable and loving homes for each of them, you should talk to your vet about having your cat spayed while in the early stages of pregnancy. Spaying will remove your cat’s reproductive organs and any foetuses. Late term spaying is not common or advisable.  If you decide to allow the pregnancy to continue there are a number of things to be aware of. Although you can buy pregnancy testing kits, they are not always accurate. If you think your cat is pregnant, consult your vet who will perform an ultrasound to confirm. In later stages, an X-ray and determine the exact number of foetuses present.  Your vet may recommend changing your queen’s diet to ensure additional protein and calcium or supplements. It is essential that any vaccinations, worming, parasite and flea treatments are only carried out by a vet on a pregnant animal.  Signs of pregnancy The gestation period for cats ranges from 63 - 68 days. During the first few weeks, the only sign of pregnancy will be a small amount of weight gain. Foetal heartbeats are detectable by 20 days and your vet will be able to feel the presence of kittens around 17 - 25 days. However, you should not do this yourself as you may cause a miscarriage, injure the developing kittens or your cat.  Morning sickness can occur during the third or fourth week of pregnancy. Your cat may seem a little subdued, be eating less or vomiting. This should last for a few days only. If your cat does not eat or drink for more than two days when pregnant then consult your vet. The signs of pregnancy include:    Nipples become pink and enlarged Abdominal weight gain Cat is more affectionate and communicative than usual Starts nesting behaviour to create a warm and comfortable place for birthing Appetite increases A pregnant cat four days before delivery. Image credit Preparing for delivery The queen should be separated from any other animals in the house during the last few weeks of pregnancy and kept indoors. One week from delivery you should see the vet for a final check.  You can assist your cat with nesting by giving her a large box or basket lined with newspaper, towels and blanket. Place it in a quiet, warm spot and to make it easier for her, cut a section of the box or basket away that she can use as an entrance. Bring her food and water bowls near and have her litter tray accessible close-by. When it is time for labour, it is best that you monitor her but do not interfere unless she, or the kittens are in danger.    Signs of labour Nesting Decreased activity Decreased interest in food Milk discharge from the nipples Restlessness and pacing Calling and crying Persistent licking of abdomen and vaginal area Panting heavily and increased breathing rate Dilated cervix Mouth open Laying on their side or squatting The first kitten is usually delivered an hour after labour starts and then others will arrive from a few minutes to over an hour apart. Each kitten will arrive in a small sac filled with clear fluid. The mother will start licking the kitten to break this sac and allow the kitten to breathe. This licking will also encourage the kitten’s respiratory and circulatory systems. If she does not do this, you will need to puncture and tear the sac from around the kitten’s faces and gently rub the kitten with a towel.   The mother will also chew off the umbilical cord and eat the placenta. If needed, you can use dental floss or sterile string to tie off the cord yourself, leaving about an inch. Otherwise you should not handle the kittens for at least 4-7 days after birth.  It is important that you only get involved if absolutely necessary as all of these activities start the bonding process and allow the mother and kittens to familiarise their scents. Veterinary Intervention Contact your vet immediately if you notice any of the following -  Before labour Your cat stops eating for more than 24 hours Has a low or high temperature  Becomes weak or lethargic Has an unpleasant smelling vaginal discharge The pregnancy lasts more than 66 days During labour Contractions have lasted more than four hours with no births There's more than three hours between the kitten births A kitten becomes lodged and can’t be removed gently  Greenish discharge with a strong odour or excessive bright red bleeding  There is not a placenta for each kitten A mammary gland (breast) appears infected, is hot, hard or painful After labour Mother is weak or unwell Mother has a high temperature Kittens are weak, won’t nurse or are not getting enough milk Kittens mew continuously Kittens are not sleeping or are agitated Image credit   Feature image credit  

If you have a pet then you will know how much fun, love, affection and joy they bring, and it is likely that you are healthier and happier than those without pets in their lives. In other words, pets can be therapeutic. Animals are becoming increasingly recognised as method of therapy for adults and children recovering from illnesses and injuries, or for those with physical, mental, emotional conditions or disabilities. Pets as therapy is also known as animals as therapy and as animal assisted or animal facilitated therapy. These animals are not service animals, such as seeing-eye dogs, who are trained specifically to perform tasks for their handlers. Image credit Where are therapy animals used? Pets as therapy is not a recent idea. Florence Nightingale recommended animals be used for healing and Sigmund Freud often had dogs present when consulting to help relax and comfort his patients. When providing therapy, appropriately trained animals with a calm and gentle temperament are taken to hospitals, hospices, nursing and aged-care homes, health and mental care facilities, prisons and schools; or sometimes people are taken to them. Most commonly dogs are chosen as therapy animals, but cats, birds, rabbits, farm animals, horses and dolphins are also used.  The goal is to improve a patient’s wellbeing, quality of life and social interaction. There is no doubting the success of animals in this regard. However, more empirical research is needed to measure the effects of animals on long-term medical and learning improvements and the cognitive function of patients. Research has shown that animal therapy has benefitted children with autism, Down syndrome, attention deficit disorders or learning difficulties as well as people who are recovering from stroke, those with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, and with depression or anxiety. Particularly in relation to Alzheimer’s disease, autism and learning disorders where frustrations and stress hamper behaviour and mood, animals help calm patients and reduce aggression. Sigmund Freud and Jofi Image credit How do animals help? Animals are affectionate, playful and loving. They provide unconditional friendship and a positive experience for patients, which is particularly important for children. Animals assist in other ways when part of a therapy program: Create bonds and companionship Nonverbal communication allows people with autism or other learning difficulties to interact and this often improves their communication and social interaction skills with other people Encourage expression, communication and language Reduce stress and anxiety, leading to calm and relaxed situations and better health and learning outcomes Give social and emotional support  Enhance mood and quality of life Regular contact can improve and maintain movement and cognitive function, especially when patients are asked to exercise, care and groom animals Assist with overcoming depression Encourage activity, exercise and play Provide social and mental stimulation Can raise self-esteem amongst those with disabilities  Distract patients from their illness or condition Reduces feelings of isolation    Image credit Feature image credit  

Litter trays are often an unfortunate necessity of modern cat ownership, with many cats now living their entire lives indoors. City dwellers and families with apartments in built up areas are most likely to keep their cats indoors and are also likely to be unhappy about the unpleasant sight of a litter tray clogging up their home.   Never fear! We at Petbucket have looked around and found some clever ways to disguise the presence of a tray in your house to keep your cat and you happy.   Kitty Cupboards   Image Credit   Renovated cupboards are a popular way to hide your cat’s bathroom. By cutting a cat sized hole in a door of a pre-existing cupboard in your house or installing a pet door, your cat can leave its business out of sight. The use of a cupboard also makes it easy to access for cleaing – all you have to do is open the door.   Image Credit    Image Credit   Curtains Image credit    The use of a small curtain can hide your cat litter trays beneath a side table in your bathroom or laundry. Either sew custom curtains at home or chop off some cheap options from a store like IKEA.   Privacy Screens Image Credit   Image Credit   Nowhere to hang curtains from? A free standing screen might be the answer. The Prive Litter Screen is a cheap and easy option to conceal litter from your view and that of your guests.   Modern Litter Boxes   A number of companies have realised the need for private and stylish litter boxes that don't resemble a little box at all. Image Credit    Image Credit   Modernist Cat’s Circa50 has made a dare we say it, chic litter box which would vanish into the furnishings of the most stylish of homes. Image Credit   Image Credit   Also by Modernist Cat is the Mox Litter Tower which your cat climbs into from the top. Not only does it look nothing like a conventional litter tray, it helps reduce tracking with the unique vented lid.  Image Credit    For something a bit different again, you can conceal the plain plastic litter tray you already have with this felt cover by Moliti.   Feature Image Credit

Many dog owners have dealt with the confusion (and frustration) of seeing the family dog walk into the living room and rub its face in the carpet, usually right after the room has been vacuumed. Many dog owners are at a loss when it comes to explaining this common behavioral trait. So what does it mean when your dog is rubbing its face into the carpet? Is something bothering the dog? Does it just have an itch?   Just cleaning up a bit The most likely reason why your dog will rub its face in the carpet is a desire to clean its face. There are two common times that your dog may rub its face in the carpet, specifically to clean itself. One is when your dog is done eating and it has small bits of food on its face and around its nose. In order to relieve the itchy sensation from those bits of food, your dog will rub its face in the carpet to clean off the food. Another common time is first thing in the morning. If your dog tends to wake up with eye rheum (or eye boogers), it is not uncommon for it to use the carpet to clean the rheum off of its face. While you cannot do anything to avoid the need to clean its face after eating, you can wipe your dog's face in the morning if there is noticeable rheum that occurs on a regular basis.   Wacky wrinkles If you have a dog with facial folds, such as a pug or bulldog, you are probably accustomed to seeing your best friend rub its face in the carpet on a daily basis. Dog breeds with wrinkles, especially deep wrinkles on the face will often use the carpet as a means of itching, cleaning, and relieving irritations. Those wrinkles easily collect dirt, bacteria, and food particles. As a result, your dog will use the carpet to clean its face and relieve any discomfort. You can avoid this by lending your pup a hand and wiping out its folds on occasion.   Infections, allergies, and mites Although not as common as the need to clean itself, your dog may also be rubbing its face in the carpet to relieve itching and irritation caused by infections, allergies, and mites. The most common infection that would cause a dog to rub its face in the carpet is an ear infection. If you notice your dog rubbing its ears and face in the carpet on a frequent basis, look for discharge from its ear. If its ear is red and swollen, you should take your dog to the vet.   Allergies in dogs often manifest as extreme itchiness. When you catch your dog incessantly rubbing its face in the carpet, it could be the result of a new product in the household environment that is causing an allergic reaction. If you've recently switched its food or started using new cleaners, that could be at the root of the face rubbing.   Ear mites are pesky parasites that nest in a dog's ear. Ear mite infections cause intense discomfort in your dog's ears and prompt an intense desire to itch. Rubbing its face in the carpet or against furniture is the best relief your dog can find in many cases. Keep an eye on any increase in face rubbing, as a serious infestation could create high levels of discomfort in your dog.   Why not? Sometimes your dog just enjoys rubbing its face in the carpet. There doesn't always need to be a reason why your dog is rubbing its face in the carpet. Sometimes dogs simply find that itching their faces in the carpet is a fun sensation, and they will do it just because it is fun. As with any pet behavior, if you keep a close eye on the frequency of face rubbing you will be able to determine quickly if it's being done for fun or because something is wrong.

Just like people, cats can suffer from uncomfortable urinary tract infections. It's very important to be aware of the causes and symptoms of these infections so that you can report them to your vet and seek assistance as soon as possible. Causes of urinary tract infections Many urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria that transfers to the urinary tract from the anal area. If you have a diabetic pet, you should also look out for urinary tract infections because an increased level of protein and glucose in the cat's urine can lead to easier bacterial reproduction. Further, your cat is also at an increased risk of developing a urinary tract infection if they tend to urinate very rarely or has started to hold onto urine due to a negative relationship with the litter box. However, some urinary tract infections are pronounced idiopathic, which means that their cause is not well understood. It is thought that middle-aged and older cats are more likely to suffer from urinary tract infections and that stress may sometimes play a role. If your cat has had urinary tract infections in the past, you may be more likely to see a recurrence if you move house, add a new member to the family or try to take the cat on vacation. Symptoms of urinary tract infections In the early stages of a urinary tract infection, you might merely notice that your cat is using the litter box more often. As the infection progresses, the cat may be straining to urinate often with little liquid appearing and you may see that the urine is tinged with blood, and your poor pet may start to squat outside the litter box in a desperate attempt to find some relief. Some cats will also accidentally defecate when straining to pass urine while suffering from a urinary tract infection, and you may hear your cat crying due to the pain associated with the condition. Dealing with urinary tract infections If you think your feline friend has developed a urinary tract infection, make an appointment to see a vet as soon as possible. Your vet may take a urine sample or want to perform a scan to look at the urinary tract. A bacterial culture can also be grown to tell the vet more about the particular infection that has developed in your cat. In most cases, a course of antibiotics will be able to get rid of your cat's urinary tract infection and you may even notice a difference in symptoms soon after the first dose. However, it's also worth thinking about how to prevent further infections. If you have fed your cat dried food in the past, making the transition to wet food will ensure that your cat is well hydrated. Providing multiple sources of fresh water can also encourage your cat to drink more often. With water consumption increased, urine concentration decreases and can help to guard against future urinary issues.

According to the ASPCA, there are more than 72 million dogs in American homes. When cats are added into the equation, there are some 100 million pets in America. The demand for pets as family members is met only by breeding. Pet litters determine the availability of some of America's favorite dog and cat breeds. Whether your household pet has an unplanned litter on the way or you are an aspiring breeder, there are some quick facts you need to know about pet litter sizes.   Normal litters There is no conventional litter size for all dog breeds. Different breeds will have different size litters. Generally speaking, smaller dog breeds will produce smaller litters and larger dogs, larger litters. However, there is no set number that is considered normal in any dog breed. Normal is determined by the health of the mother throughout the pregnancy and the development of the puppies in the uterus. A healthy mother with a good diet and steady weight is considered normal.   Cats, because there is less variation in physical size between breeds, tend to have smaller litters across the board. Again though, normal will be determined by factors such as healthy weight, good diet, and proper development in the growing kittens.   What factors impact litter size? In both dogs and cats, the health and age of the mother will serve as the biggest determining factor in the size of the litter. Older and younger females tend to have smaller litters, as do mothers who are pregnant for the first time. Dogs and cats between the ages of three and five tend to produce the largest litters. Likewise, dogs and cats that maintain a healthy weight are more likely to produce larger litters than obese animals.   Complications from large litters Some breeders will purposely work to try and increase the size of a litter. The most common approach to increasing litter sizes is artificial insemination when eggs are fully mature, but there is little evidence to suggest that this approach works the majority of the time. Regardless, large litters are not uncommon in both dogs and cats. Just like humans giving birth to twins or triplets, there are complications that can arise from large litters in dogs and cats.   During labor a mother can suffer from a number of complications that puts the life of mom and newborns at risk. Giving birth to multiples is exhausting and can result in uterine contractions slowing or stopping altogether. With each new puppy or kitten the risk of bleeding increases. The dangers don't end when labor is over either. All those new puppies and kittens need to be nursed. Large litters put mothers at risk of dehydration and exhaustion simply trying to feed so many mouths. The newborns can also be exposed to risk factors such as malnutrition and improper growth patterns as a result.   Unique circumstances Every now and again, there are litters reported that leave people shaking their heads. The American Kennel Club has identified the Labrador Retriever as having the largest litter on average, with 7.6 puppies per litter, but the reality is, any dog is capable of giving birth to as few as one puppy or as many as 20. The Guinness World Record for largest litter size belongs to a Neapolitan Mastiff from England which gave birth to 24 puppies in one litter.

People often bemoan the complicated language barrier that exists between men and women. In this case, at least men and women speak the same language or can translate between intelligible languages. What about dog owners? How are they to know what their dog is thinking when it walks through a room or starts barking at the mail man?   On a daily basis, your dog will wag its tail in a variety of directions. You might think this is a meaningless movement from your dog akin to you swaying your arms while walking, but in reality it is a means of communication. The direction and intensity of a tail wag offers insight into what your dog is thinking and feeling in that moment.   Wagging to smile The tail wag of a dog is often associated with smiles in people. Dogs will use their tails in much the same way humans use facial expressions to convey happiness, sadness, or anxiousness. However, not all tail wags are happy smiles, just as no two human smiles necessarily indicate happiness. While you might smile awkwardly when someone tells a bad joke, a dog is also capable of conveying different messages with its tail.   Left and right A recent study of dog behavior suggests that the direction of your dog's tail wag tells a lot about its current mood. The team of scientists involved in the study at Italy's University of Trento found that a tail wag that favors the right conveys a different message than one that favors the left.   When your dog is wagging its tail predominantly to the right it indicates that your dog is calm and happy. Conversely, a tail wag that predominantly swings to the left indicates that your dog is anxious and potentially upset.   Up, down, or in the middle Most dog owners have probably noticed that their dog's tail will sometimes be wagging high in the air, or low behind its hind quarters. The height of your dog's tail when it is wagging conveys a message too. A high tail position and slow side-to-side motion indicates a confident, happy smile from your dog.   When your dog's tail is wagging quickly from side-to-side and is low behind its body, this indicates a sense of uneasiness. Your dog isn't necessarily upset or stressed, but it is definitely unsure of its surroundings and what is going on at that particular moment. Then there is the mid-level, fast wag.   It is inevitable as a dog owner to see your pet's tail wagging so fast and wide that it seems to be tapping each side of the body with every swipe. This is similar to a child with a high sense of anticipation. Your dog is excited. It may not know why, but it is definitely excited by something or someone in the room.   Speed While most owners would associate a fast tail wag with happiness, that is not always the case. Speed can be tricky when it comes to determining the emotion and message behind a tail wag. Generally speaking, a fast tail wag is a sign of happiness. However, as explained above, a fast tail wag when the dog's tail is low is a sign of nervousness and anxiety. Similarly, a slow wag doesn't mean your dog is unhappy.   Some dogs with larger tails will wag their tails with slow, sweeping movements in a high position when they are happy. Just because it is moving slowly doesn't mean your dog is unhappy.   There are a lot of messages coming from your dog's tail. If you pay enough attention and keep the factors mentioned above in mind, you'll be able to determine the mood of your pet with less confusion. Feature image credit