Dogs are famous for chewing on rancid, rotten and otherwise offensive objects, and they aren’t shy about sharing their bad breath with humans. Sometimes, a toothbrush can fix the problem, but a foul mouth can also be a sign something is wrong. By learning the common causes behind bad breath, you can better recognize when Fido’s “dog breath” is a cause for concern.   Officially known as halitosis, bad breath can arise when your pet is facing dental issues such as gum disease, infections and tooth decay. One sure sign an oral issue is behind bad breath is gum inflammation, indicated by red, swollen or bleeding gums. Some issues, such as cavities, aren’t visible, but tartar buildup can be a good sign your dog is having dental problems. Mouth tumors can also cause a foul odor, as they often grow too fast for the body, causing dead areas to form and bacteria to take over. If you suspect Fido’s bad breath is a result of dental issues, arrange an appointment with your veterinarian.   Other medical issues can cause bad breath, too. Kidney disease or failure can cause an offensive odor, as the organ isn’t doing its job of eliminating waste products from the bloodstream. Look out for an ammonia-like smell, as well as changes in appetites, increases or decreases in drinking and urination, and other behavioral changes such as depression, which could indicate this is the problem. Diabetes can also cause strange breath, usually with a sweeter or fruity smell. Dogs can have bad breath due to sinus infections, which lead to mouth breathing, or gastrointestinal problems, often accompanied by changes in appetite, nausea or vomiting. Ingesting toxic substances can cause a foul mouth, too, and if you suspect Fido has found his way into something poisonous, you should call your veterinarian immediately for emergency care.   Sometimes, however, Fido’s foul mouth is simply the result something he ate. Feasting on fish bones or feces will obviously cause offensive breath, but even his regular dog food can cause your pet’s bad breath. If you think your dog’s dish is the source of his bad breath, talk to your veterinarian about other options for his food. Daily tooth brushing is key in keeping your pet’s breath fresh, too.   While bad breath isn’t always a medical emergency, knowing the signs can help you know when to take your pet to the vet. If your dog’s bad breath is accompanied by a sudden change in appetite, pawing at his face and mouth, or compulsive nose licking, call your veterinarian, as these and the symptoms listed above can indicate there’s something seriously wrong.

We’re all guilty of spoiling our dogs with a human snack every now and again, but some foods are best kept away from our canine companions. To help keep Fido fit and healthy, avoid these fruits and vegetables that are toxic to pets:   1. Grapes, raisins and currants: We may enjoy a healthy handful of grapes, but for our canine companions, this snack can be fatal even in small doses. Although experts don’t know why, grapes, raisins and any foods containing the two can cause severe kidney damage. Pet owners who are familiar with the dangers grapes may be surprised to learn that currants carry the same, life-threatening level of renal toxicity, too.   2. Cherries: While the flesh itself is safe for Fido to eat, cherry stems and pits are toxic to dogs. That’s no surprise, give that they contain cyanide, a deadly poison that deprives the body of oxygen and can lead to respiratory failure and even death.   3. Onions and garlic: Onions contain an ingredient called thiosulphate, which can cause damage to your dog’s red blood cells. Some experts say that garlic is even more toxic than onions, so avoid this pungent food, too.   4. Mushrooms: Only some species of mushroom are poisonous to humans, and the same goes for our pets. While some mushrooms are safe to feed Fido, you need to be 100 percent positive about what you’re feeding him, since other mushrooms can cause tremors, seizures, organ failure and even death.   5. Apricots: Like cherries, apricots contain toxic seeds and stems. While dogs can safely snack on the fruit’s flesh, the cyanide in the pits can cause respiratory failure and death in large enough doses, so be sure to peel Fido’s sweet treat before handing it over.   6. Raw or undercooked potatoes: Raw, green and unripe potatoes are toxic to dogs. If Fido scarfs down a bad batch, look out for nausea and vomiting, seizures and heart irregularities as they can contain solanine, a defensive poison found in the plant’s stems, leaves and skin that can damage your pet’s nervous system.   7. Rhubarb: A seemingly innocent ingredient in a classic pie, rhubarb contains xalate crystals in its leaves and stems that can deplete dogs’ calcium levels. In large enough doses, this can kidney failure and other symptoms such as drooling, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, tremors and bloody urine.   8. Apple seeds: Like other fruits, apple seeds contain cyanide. While Fido may have to eat quite a few to suffer any ill effects, it has been known to happen and is best to dispose of the core before feeding your dog any apple snacks.     If you know what your dog has eaten and he is displaying symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness or other ill effects, call your veterinarian immediately. You can also contact a Pet Poison Helpline after hours to find out the level of risk your dog is facing after eating something he shouldn’t have.

Moving is stressful even under the best circumstances and cats can become especially anxious when moving house. Making the transition as stress-free as possible for your feline has major benefits, however, from decreased risk of aggression to lower chances of escape attempts, house soiling and excessive meowing or crying.   When considering moving your cat to a new household, it’s helpful to break planning down into three phases: pre-move preparations, the relocation itself and settling Kitty into his new home. Preparing your cat for the big day starts with helping him adjust to the changes that come before he ever steps foot in the new house. Start putting out moving boxes several weeks before packing, for example, to help him adjust to their presence. If your cat becomes nervous during packing, move him to a quieter room away from the action. Start introducing your pet to his cat carrier early, too, leaving it open on the floor for Kitty to explore at his own pace. Equipping the carrier with a soft bed and tasty treats will encourage your cat to enter, although placing his food dish by the carrier will also encourage exploration if your pet is reluctant to enter the carrier on his own. This will help your cat form positive associations with his carrier, making move-in day less traumatic.   Leading up to your move, keep Kitty’s daily routine as regular as possible by feeding him at the same time each day. When to big day day finally comes, feed your pet a smaller breakfast to reduce the chances he gets an upset stomach. Keep his carrier closed while in transit to avoid any escape attempts and keep an eye on your cat at both the old and new houses to be sure he doesn’t dash out the door.   Once in his new home, your cat will likely feel overwhelmed. To help settle his anxiety, introduce him to a quiet room equipped with food, water, a litter box and a bed. Plant treats around the room to help Kitty feel more at home and encourage him to explore his new room. Ideally, keep your cat confined to this one room for the first few days in his new home to allow him to adjust to new the sights and smells gradually. Spend time with your cat in the room and, when the chaos of unpacking is over, gradually give your pet access to the entire house. At this point, you can place a second litter box in the spot where you want to keep one permanently, only removing the original box after your pet has had time to adjust to the new location. Alternately, you can inch the original litter box slowly toward the desired location over several days.   Moving with a pet can be stressful, but with adequate planning and preparation, you can reduce your cat’s anxiety, leading to a smoother move-in day for both you can your feline friend.

Your dog’s collar is one of the most important everyday tools you use with your pet, but choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Selecting a dog collar or harness depends on the individual needs of you and your canine companion. Fortunately, a few simple rules can help simply your decisions.   When it comes to controlling Fido, the two main options are harnesses and collars. Harnesses can act as effective training tools for puppies and provide better control over dogs prone to pulling or jumping. They’re also well suited to pets with respiratory issues or neck injuries. Some dogs balk at the feeling of a harness, however, and harnesses that clip at the back can actually draw your dog’s attention away from you, rather than towards you, when you pull on the leash. If you don’t have any tugging or control issues during walks, then, a classic leash-and-collar combination can be the best option for your pet.   A traditional, flat collar is the easiest, most convenient neckwear for Fido. Collars are simple to slip on and off and ideal for dogs already trained to walk side-by-side with their owners.  Collars are less useful for training, however, and pulling can increase the likelihood of neck injuries and create eye pressure, which can be especially problematic in breeds such as pugs. A traditional collar can slip over the heads of some breeds like Greyhounds and Whippets, but Martingale collars circumvent this problem by using two attached loops— one around the dog’s neck and the other attached to the leash. When the dog pulls, the larger loop tightens enough to prevent him from slipping his collar, but not enough to choke him. Many trainers recommend this type of collar over choke-chain collars, but still suggest it only be used when you are actively supervising your pet.   In addition to traditional collars and harnesses, there are several specialized designs for specific pets’ needs. A slip collar is a great tool for correcting bad behavior, for example, because it allows owners to give a quick tug to one side, throwing a dog slightly off balance and drawing his attention back to his human. A pack lead collar helps keep the slip collar at the top of the dog’s neck, where it is most sensitive, and is ideal for dogs that don’t respond to a traditional slip collar. Head halters incorporate a piece of nylon that loops around a dog’s muzzle, preventing him from keeping his nose to the ground and making it easier for his owner to keep his attention.   Whatever type of equipment you choose, your dog’s safety should always be the top priority. Some experts advise removing your dog’s collar when you’re not around or investing in a breakaway collar to reduce choking risks. If your pet has any health issues or you have concerns, consult your veterinarian for advice on choosing the best collar for your pet.

Every dog parent has watched with envy as a friend, neighbor or relative walks his canine companion seamlessly down the street. Good leash manners don’t come easily, however, and require patient and consistent training on your part.   Leash tugging can make walking your dog stressful, but good leash etiquette stretches beyond comfort. Pulling on the lead can cause your dog to accidentally break free from your grip, for example, not only toppling you into the pavement, but also putting your pet at risk of encountering cars, animals and other outdoor dangers. Walking side-by-side is a bond-building exercise, too, showing your dog is paying attention to you and making it easier to guide and direct him on walks.   To teach Fido to walk with you side-by-side, start with a big bag of treats. Food is a great motivator, after all, and a tasty reward will reinforce good behavior on the lead. Attach a long, 10- to 20-foot leash to your pet and take him to an open area where he will be free to roam to and from your side. Choose either your right or left side and feed your dog a reward at that hip. Then, take up a fast walk and continue to offer your pet a treat whenever he walks next to your chosen hip. Soon, your dog will associate your side with tasty treats and you will not need to feed him as often.   Once your dog has mastered staying by your side with some consistency, practice giving him the command to join you. Start by walking him on a long line in an open area. Wait until your dog is off on his own and then give him a command such as “let’s go.” When he catches up with you, reward him with a treat and praise on your preferred side. If he continues walking by your side, reward your pet with a treat every few steps. If, however, your dog doesn’t follow and the leash becomes taut, stop walking and gently apply pressure to remind him you’re there. When he does approach, praise him and release the pressure on the leash.    Once a dog responds to the “let’s go” command, you can switch to a shorter lead and practice changing walking speeds and directions. Continue to reward your pet when he stays by your side, gradually decreasing the frequency with which you give him treats. Eventually, you will be ready to take to the streets with your new, leash-savvy companion.   Remember, teaching a dog good leash manners takes patience as well as a hungry pet. If you’re having trouble with leash training, take a break and try another time when your dog is hungrier. In time, you’ll find you have a pet that walks faithfully by your side, not only making walks more enjoyable, but also allowing you to take more and longer jaunts with your canine companion.

Everyone has watched in wonder as a puppy turns circles in a frantic attempt to catch his own tail. This playful behavior comes naturally to our young canine companions, but obsessive tail chasing in adult dogs can be signal something is wrong.   Tail chasing— also known as whirling— is a common behavior among young dogs and other juvenile predators. Some experts believe this is because, unlike prey animals, predators don’t have to constantly worry about being hunted and so have more free time to engage in play. While this is healthy behavior among puppies, it can be a sign something’s wrong when whirling continues to excess in older dogs.   Like humans, our canine companions can develop compulsive disorders ranging from obsessive chewing or licking to constantly chasing their tails. These behaviors can arise for many reasons, from spending too much time indoors to past trauma and separation anxiety. If you believe your dog’s obsessive whirling is due to a psychological issue, you should seek help from a behavior specialist. Excessive tail chasing can arise for other reasons, too, though. It can be a sign your dog has fleas or worms, for example, which can agitate pets and lead to compulsive behavior. Your dog can cause serious damage or injury by biting his own tail, so it’s important to address these problems with your veterinarian’s help. Whirling isn’t always a serious symptom, however, and may simply be your dog’s way of getting your attention or alleviating boredom. Running in circles provides pets with a means of expelling excess energy and entertaining themselves. Tail chasing also tends to garner laughter from humans, so your dog may be engaging in his tail-chasing antics to get positive attention from his human companions.   Most whirling stops as puppies mature into adult dogs, so there is no need to worry if your youngster is often in pursuit of his own tail. If, however, your adult dog continues chasing his tail, you may want to discourage the behavior by distracting him with a toy, such as a ball or Frisbee, that he can also chase. This will help dispel the excess energy and boredom that often lead dogs to chase their tails. If you notice your dog continues compulsively chasing his tail, however, schedule a trip to the veterinarian’s office to determine the cause of the behavior. And remember, certain breeds such as German shepherds and terriers are genetically predisposed to chase their own tails more often than other breeds, so don’t be alarmed if your adult dog has a solo circle chase from time to time.

Every cat owner is familiar with the sharp, sibilant sound of hissing— the noise cats make to express fear, aggression, displeasure or uncertainty. Because hissing is your cats way of saying something’s wrong, you should never punish him for the behavior, but rather seek to understand what’s upsetting him.   Cats hiss by forcing air out through their arched tongues, creating a burst of wind from their mouths. Other behaviors that accompany hissing include your cat pulling his lips back, flattening his ears to his head and arching his back in a threatening stance. The whole purpose of the disturbing display is to express a warning— that a stranger is too close, that your pet feels threatened or that something is hurting your cat. While he uses hissing to ward off potential opponents and avoid fights, it’s a warning sign that aggression will follow if the perceived threat doesn’t cease and you should take this threat seriously.   To avoid being bitten or scratched, you need to understand what is causing Kitty’s conniption fits. Cats hiss due to territorial aggression, for example, especially when a new pet is introduced to the home. Assess any recent changes to you pet’s environment, being sure to introduce newcomers slowly by confining the new pet for the first few days to allow the cats adjust to each other’s scents. If your cat is hissing at human strangers, give guests with advanced warning before they visit and gradually introduce your cat to trusted outsiders so he learns that company isn’t a always a threat. Cats also hiss when they feel scared. If this is the case, take steps to make your pet feel more comfortable in his home: Provide Kitty with plenty of hiding places, perches and other nooks, and consider using Feliway, a mood-enhancing synthetic pheromone that signals feelings of comfort for cats. If your cat is hissing due to aggression, however, the solution may be more play to expel pent-up energy and providing outlets such as scratching posts. Cats also hiss when they’re forced to do something they don’t want to do, such as get in the pet carrier, and the best solution for this type of fit is to remain calm and introduce the undesirable activity slowly so your pet has time to adjust. If all else fails and you must get your cat to do the undesirable, use thick gloves or oven mitts to avoid being scratched.   If none of the above sounds like your pet, he may be hissing due to pain, injury or discomfort. Consult your veterinarian to rule out any medical causes if your cat has started hissing or has ramped up the behavior recently and you can’t figure out why. Remember, hissing is a sign that something’s wrong and you should never punish your cat for the behavior. Instead, work to discover the underlying problem and address it so Kitty feels safe and secure in his home.

Dogs pant when they’re excited, scared, and even when they get too hot. It’s a normal physiological function for our pets, but too much panting can be a sign something’s wrong. To determine whether Fido’s heavy breathing is natural or if it’s a symptom of a larger health issue, pay close attention to what’s causing your pet to pant.   Unlike humans, who sweat when we heat up, dogs cannot release moisture through their skin. With their thick coats, our canine companions need a way to cool off, so they turn to panting. Breathing quickly circulates air throughout dogs’ bodies, resetting their thermostat to a lower temperature. This not only cools dogs down after a game of Frisbee in the park, but allows our canine companions to lower their body temperatures on hot summer days or in heated rooms. If your dog is seeking out shade and cool spots in the house, his panting is most likely a response to temperature.   Heaving breathing can also indicate your dog is excited or nervous. He may start panting suddenly during a thunderstorm, for example, and could exhibit other signs of stress such as whining, pacing, lip licking, trembling, or repetitive yawning. This type of panting is a short-term response to a stressful event and allows our pets to prepare to fight or take flight, if necessary. Longer-term, chronic fear can cause your dog both physical and emotional distress, however, and should be addressed with your veterinarian’s help.   The real cause for concern arises when a dog begins panting excessively for seemingly no reason. If your pet has taken a break after exercise and continues to pant heavily, he may be experiencing heat stroke. Especially common in older dogs, heats stroke can damage a pet’s organs and even cause death, so it’s crucial to move your dog to a cool spot and seek veterinary help immediately. Panting can also indicate poisoning or a severe allergic reaction that is hampering your dog’s ability to breath. If you suspect this is the cause of your dog’s heavy panting, call your veterinarian immediately. If you know what your dog ate, you can also call a Pet Poison Hotline to find out the level of risk your dog is facing after eating something he shouldn’t have. A sudden onslaught of unwarranted panting can signal more long-term medical issues, too, from obesity to heart and lung disease, anemia, Cushing’s disease and other disorders.   Remember, panting is a normal response for dogs that are hot or feeling stressed. Bring plenty of water along on walks and don’t worry unless your dog starts panting for seemingly no reason. If you cannot diagnose the cause, make an appointment with your veterinarian ASAP.

If you’re a cat owner, you’ve no doubt experienced your feline friend kneading away as he purrs on your lap. A soothing behaviour for cats and owners alike, kneading starts long before our pets are independent adults, when they relied on their mothers for both food and protection. Kneading describes the rhythmic motion cats make when they alternate pushing their paws in and out against a soft, pliable surface. Not all felines knead, and those that do don’t all knead in the same way. Some cats make the motion with their claws out, for example, while others never use nails during kneading. Some felines knead with all four paws, while others use just their front two feet. Regardless of your cat’s style, his kneading behaviour stems from his time as a kitten. Before they’re able to feed on their own, cats instinctually knead at their mother as a way to stimulate milk production. Though the behaviour doesn’t yield a tasty treat for adult cats, our pets forever associate the motion with the comforts of nursing. This helps explain why your cat makes a habit of kneading you when he’s feeling happy, content or displaying affection.   Cats don’t just stretch their paws when they’re at peace, however, and also use kneading as a way to limber up after a long nap. Kneading likely provided our felines’ ancestors with a way of bedding down, too, helping to work down tall grasses while scoping out the area out for snakes and other unwanted visitors. Kneading also served another role for feral felines, who used scent glands in their paws to mark their territory. In the same way wild cats use their scent to demarcate their property, then, so do our domestic pets knead to release their scent on surfaces that want to mark as their own— including their favourite humans. Female cats are also known to knead when going into heat as a way to signal to tomcats that they are ready and able to mate. Though kneading is a sign of affection, it can be quite painful when Kitty digs his claws into your leg. If this becomes an issue, simply place a soft barrier such as a thick blanket between your lap and his claws. You can also try trimming your cat’s nails or using nail guards to cover his claws. Never punish your cat for kneading, though— not only does he not realize it hurts, but digging his claws into your leg is your cat’s way of showing affection.

Safety from predators, oncoming traffic and disease are just a few of the well-documented benefits of keeping cats indoors. Unfortunately, our feline friends don’t always see their indoor lifestyles as the luxury it is. If your cat makes a mad dash every time you open the front door, he’s at risk of being hit by a car, attacked by another animal or getting lost— making door-darting behaviour a problem that should be addressed.   Many cat owners consider keeping their companions inside to be a restrictive lifestyle, but cats can have a stimulating life without venturing outdoors. Equip your feline friend with plenty of climbing spaces, hiding places, perches and even a bird feeder outside the window to keep him entertained. Engage him in several minutes of play each day with a laser toy or kitty “fishing pole” to help satisfy his hunting instincts. You may even want to consider giving your cat a companion, such as another cat or a dog, to provide an extra outlet for play, exercise and affection while you’re away from home.   Even after creating an indoor oasis, however, some owners have trouble with cats that make a mad dash every time they open the door. If your cat comes running, there are several techniques to try to remedy his bad habit. For starters, stop giving Kitty any attention at the door. While you may be tempted to lean down and greet him as soon as you get home, this gives your pet an easy opportunity to slide outside. Instead, set up an official “greeting area” further inside the room. You can accomplish this by calling your cat to the assigned post and rewarding him with a treat immediately until he forms an association with the spot.   If Kitty continues dashing for the door, however, you will need to take more serious measures. Try offering him a treat or toy just before leaving, which should distract him from the open entryway. Some cat owners attach a rolled newspaper to the door and bang it loudly whenever Kitty comes running to help scare him off. Others leave a squirt bottle of water just outside the door and peak in before entering, giving the cat a quick spritz if he is waiting right at the entrance. If you try this technique, be sure to shut the door immediately, though, as you don’t want your cat associating you with the squirt bottle. Remember, cats in heat and tomcats who catch a whiff of a fertile female are more likely to try to escape, so spaying or neutering your cat can also help when it comes to solving cats’ escape artist behaviour.