The unpleasant chore of cleaning the kitty litter tray is generally one of the unfortunate necessities of modern cat ownership. But with some training, it is a task owners can avoid, switching the scoop for a simple push of the flush button.   It seems like a fantasy out of a comedy show, a cat jumping up and using the human toilet – but normal feline house pets can just as easily learn to use human facilities like their Hollywood counterparts with some targeted ‘potty training’ from their owners.   The Litter Kwitter has been enormously popular worldwide as a toilet-training aid. It comes with three colour coded plastic dishes which attach neatly to the seat of all toilets. The first step involves filling the dish with litter and placing it on the ground next to the toilet. Your cat will use it for a number of weeks like a conventional litter tray, learning in the meantime to associate the tray with going to the bathroom.   Step two is to fit the red tray into the toilet seat, teaching your cat to jump up when nature calls. Once your cat has mastered this vital stage, it is time to switch to the amber tray. It has a rim to hold a small amount of litter, as well as a small hole in the centre, allowing your cat to experience for the first time going over water. The green tray weans your cat off litter, including only a small rim which helps cats learn to balance.   Image credit     When you feel they are ready, it is time for the finale – no ‘training wheels’ at all. Your cat should be able to jump onto the toilet seat and do their business without assistance. No more litter tray cleaning to worry about ever again!    The amount of time it takes to train each stage varies on the age and disposition of the cat, though generally eight weeks is thought to be sufficient. Keep in mind kittens, whilst easy to train, may struggle with jumping up on the seat and so you should probably stay on the red stage for three months until they have grown larger.   Advantages of toilet training your cat: Saves you money because you'll no longer have to buy kitty litter. No more cleaning out litter trays (hurrah!) Less odor to contend with as conventional toilets mask odors much better.

Cold weather can make ensuring your cat has the appropriate amount of water difficult. Even if you have diligently kept their bowls filled to the brim, frosty temperatures can cause the water to freeze over meaning your cat is unable to drink. As water underpins all of the body’s processes, from digestion to waste removal, this can have serious consequences for your cat’s health.   It can be difficult to tell how much or how little water your cat has consumed. Signs of dehydration include: Sunken eyes Lethargy An elevated heart rate. Decreased skin elasticity. Panting  Image credit   The best way to prevent issues from developing is to keep water accessible at all times. If possible, keep your cat’s water dish in warmed family areas to prevent ice from forming. Alternatively, if your cat lives some, or all of the time, outdoors, warming devices such as the Thermo-Kitty Bowls are an efficient means of keeping water from freezing and drinkable even in the frostiest of cold snaps.   Don’t forget, wet food can also turn rock solid in the wintertime, causing cats being unable to eat. This can lead to the development of serious conditions such as hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) if not remedied quickly. In these instances, a warming bowl is a great way of making sure your cat has access to adequate nutrition year round.    Feature Image Credit

I always laughed at the idea of a pet stroller, thinking it was an item only a very pampered pooch would use. That was until my furbaby Blossom turned 13, and I found myself buying her one. Here's the rest of Blossom's story, and other reasons why pet strollers aren't as silly of a purchase as you think: 1. Like most dogs, Blossom would go crazy at the sound of a jingling collar or the “w” word. As she got older though, she became more tired and her arthritis worsened. She doesn’t care for walks anymore, though her younger brother Finn is always up for a stroll around the block. It made me sad that I could no longer walk both my pups together, and that Blossom is only getting fresh air when she goes outside to eliminate. I imagine Blossom wants to go for walks, she just doesn’t feel well enough to. So that’s when I decided to buy a pet stroller. The stroller is basically a crate on wheels, so Blossom can be comfy while taking in all the scents of the great outdoors.   This leads me to the first way pet strollers can be beneficial, and that’s for a senior pet. Just because they are old or tired, doesn’t mean they wouldn’t like some fresh air! You do all the walking while your pet can sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. 2. Pet strollers are great for people that like to exercise with their pets. You can go as far and fast as you like, and when your dog gets tired just put them in the stroller so you can continue going! 3. Like senior pets, disabled pets or those recovering from surgery or injuries, are perfect candidates for strollers. They get to enjoy the outdoors all while remaining safe and secure in the stroller. 4. If you have multiple dogs, a stroller could come in handy if one of your pets isn’t as athletic as the others. The stroller will allow you to go long distances with your power pooch, and place the other one in the stroller when they’re too tired. Walks no longer have to end abrubtly! 5. Strollers are a great idea for indoor cats in particular. Though being an indoor cat is much safer than the alternative, domestic cats are missing out on the exciting things happening outside. But with a pet stroller, you can keep kitty safe while broadening their horizons. 6. If you like to bring your pet everywhere with you, a stroller will definitely make the process easier and safer. Picnics, festivals, your kids’ sporting events, are all places people like to bring their pets. A stroller makes it easy to contain them, and protect them from crowds, things on the ground they shouldn’t be eating, and potentially aggressive dogs. 7. Not only is it a great excuse for you to get out and exercise, but it's also a great opportunity to bond with your furbabies!   feature image credit

Surely more than a few pet owners are curious as to what their pet gets up to while they're not at home. Admittedly, a majority of pets probably just do a few laps of the house and yard, munch on some food, have a grooming session or scratch and take a good few hard earned naps. But maybe you have some burning questions you'd love answers for, such as... Where does my cat wander off to? Is my dog stressed out when I'm not there? Is my cat getting into fights? Is my cat being fed extra meals at the neighbors house? Does my dog bark a lot during the day? If so, have you ever considered installing a pet video camera on your animal to record footage of their most secret movements? It can be addictive viewing for pet owners to discover, just EXACTLY what their pet does when they're not around. However, not only is it fascinating to watch the world from your pet's perspective, it can be a key tool in providing your pet the best care and attention that they require -which can sometimes only be revealed when you're not there. Like, you may discover your cat is very unhappy with your current choice of kitty litter, or that your dog is urinating far too frequently and may be suffering with a health condition. A pet video camera is also useful for younger pets, because you can monitor how well they are learning, developing and how obedient they are being. Likewise, a pet video camera can reveal how safe and secure your pet is when left home alone and prompt you to make some adjustments to your home and yard. Besides, you may capture some hilarious footage, which can be uploaded to YouTube and make you and your pet internet famous! We all love our pets and a video camera is a fantastic tool to make sure that they are truly happy and safe when we're not around. Still not convinced? That's OK, because here are 10 more reasons why you should install a pet video camera! 1. You might discover your pet's narcissistic tendencies.       gif credit   2. They might be secretly taking your car out for a ride.   gif credit   3. One of your pets might turn out to be a bully.   gif credit   4. Instead of doing chores, they might be taking a bath.   gif credit   5. They might be really afraid of something.   gif credit   6. You'll know the real truth about that broken window...   gif credit   7. They might get stuck in something.   gif credit 8. You might find out that they were only pretending to hate each other.   gif credit   9. You'll know when they've had a bad day.   gif credit   10. You may even discover how bored they are when you're not around...   gif credit   You can check out our recommended pet video camera here. Feature image credit

If you're considering purchasing an exercise pen, check out the following questions and answers to determine whether or not a pen is suitable for you and your dog.  1. What are exercise pens used for? Exercise pens are the perfect way for you to keep your dog safe while allowing them the room to play, no matter if it’s indoors or outdoors. It gives your dog an area of their own to burn off energy while keeping them safe, and protecting your household items.  Additionally, exercise pens can be a great way to introduce new dogs while keeping the stress levels of both dogs at a minimum. They're typically made of metal or plastic, and are easily stored, movable, and perfect for a variety of settings. Remember: these pens are not made for your dog to be left unsupervised in. 2. Which breeds of dogs are they good for? Exercise pens are great for many breeds of dogs, especially for those with an active disposition. Puppies in particular are great candidates for pens, allowing you to contain them and monitor their play. Unfortunately, larger breeds may be able to knock them over, defeating the entire purpose of the pen. 3. What are the disadvantages of exercise pens? While exercise pens are strong, they have some limitations: they should not be used with a multitude of dogs or larger dogs that can knock them over. Also, it's important to keep in mind that exercise pens are not a substitute for actual exercise that your dog needs to stay healthy and happy.  4. What should I look for when purchasing an exercise pen? The pen should be taller than your dog while it’s standing on its hind legs to insure they cannot jump out. Furthermore, the pen should be sturdy enough to hold up to lively playing and should be escape-proof. 5. What's the best way to set up the pen? The pens should be kept on an even surface so your dog cannot easily knock it over; thankfully these pens are able to be configured in a variety of shapes so they can fit in an assortment of areas around your house where your dog will be safe. Because the pens are adjustable in shape, you may be able to adjust the panels to allow your dog access to their crate if they are tired of playing.

Some people are quite against the idea of installing a containment system for their cat. And that's OK. But it must be said, they can provide lasting solutions for a multitude of problems. And, more often than not cats react positively to them whilst achieving peace of mind for owners. First, you need to be clear about your motivation - why do you need to put a containment system in place? If you are clear about your goal, you are bound to choose the right containment system for you and your cat and will achieve your desired outcome. Note, before buying a containment system, always do your research and always have your cat's temperament in mind. In-ground fences How they work: In ground fencing systems work by installing a boundary wire either in-ground or fixed to an object, encompassing the boundary you want to set. Radio signals from a transmitter communicate with the wire, while your cat wears a collar that has contact points. When in use, your cat will receive a warning beep as they near the boundary. If they enter the boundary zone a static correction signal is sent to your cat who should be immediately deterred. Once your cat has learned where the boundary is (ordinarily it doesn't take that long) they then no longer need to wear the collar. Bear in mind, it can take a couple of weeks of daily training to get your cat used to this, but for many owners the outcomes are well worth the effort. Once trained, your cat should be quite happy with the redefined territory, however always take your cat's personality into consideration and if you notice any negative behaviour, stop using the system immediately. Who is it useful for? If your cat gets in to fights, is out all night or has had near misses with dogs, foxes or cars you are probably already feeling anxious about your cat being outside unsupervised, so a system like this can still allow your cat freedom to be outside but protected from dangerous situations.   Spray deterrents   How they work: Essentially, the device is able to detect when a pet is approaching the no-go zone and a harmless spray and/or alarm is released, startling your pet and causing them to turn away. It bears no ill effect on your pets, yourself or the environment. There are also outdoor repellants which can help keep cats out of your garden. Rather than a spray, it produces a high-decibel sound that sends cats running. Who is it useful for? Many cat owners dislike their cats jumping up on counters and food preparation surfaces - so this is a perfect solution for keeping them out of certain areas of your home. It's also great for parents of newborns, who want to keep their cat still accustomed to indoor life, but away from the baby's nursery. Just remember to keep any fragile items out of the spray zone because you can expect your cat to have all limbs akimbo! Be prepared, that you may need to retrain your pet every so often if certain areas become too irresistible again. Cages   How they work: Well, a cage is a cage - so you can imagine how it works! The beauty of using a cage as a containment system is that it doesn't take long to set up and there's no real need to provide any training! Who is it useful for? There are a number of reasons why a cage would be useful. These include: if you are introducing a new cat to the household or existing cats aren't getting along then this is a great way to isolate them (but make sure to swap who has to spend time in the cage as this helps break the cycle of aggression.) If you are travelling with your cat, you can keep them in the cage at your destination or at pit stops so they can still enjoy the benefits of being outside while removing the possibility of them running away. It's also a great way to give owners peace of mind because they can place their cats in the cage, knowing they are safe. Crates are big enough to keep all your cat's essentials in there with them, and once used to the idea of the cage, they quite often regard them as a safe zone and a retreat.   Feature image credit

The great thing about agility training is that there are so many benefits for both owner and dog and best of all, any dog can learn it and excel at it! Agility training is a form of canine sport where the handler uses only hand and voice signals to direct their dog through obstacles. A quick pace and accuracy are the aims of the sport and competitions can be highly competitive. And while near enough any dog can enter these competitions, this isn't the only motivation as to why your dog should learn these skills. In fact, entering competitions shouldn't be the main reason why a dog takes up agility sports because these are activities that can be taught, practiced and enjoyed at home. Yes, at home! You and your dog can become agility superstars of your backyard - or even your neighbourhood!   Benefits of agility training:   There are so many benefits to agility training you'll be hard pressed to come up with a reason not to learn. Here are ten now: 1. A great way for dog and owner to bond. Agility courses cannot be done without both dog and owner working together. 2. Builds trust between dog and owner. 3. A way for your dog to use their natural hunting and chasing instincts. 4. Helps to get rid of excess energy. 5. A great form of exercise for your dog; it strengthens muscles, improves coordination and increases stamina and endurance. 6. Improves unruly behaviour. 7. Improves confidence. 8. Improves obedience. 9. Sharpens your dog's mind. 10. Improves communication skills. And there are benefits for you too: It also keeps you in shape, providing a great cardio workout. Improves your flexibility. Increases your perseverance. Plus, agility is just plain fun! Things to consider: Before you start learning agility with your dog, have them checked over by your vet to make sure they are physically capable and are not secretly suffering from any conditions that could be further impacted from such physical activity. If your breed of dog is prone to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and eye impairments, special attention should be given. How is your dog's mental health? Agility training is a great way to build confidence, however if your dog is quite shy and nervous already it may not be a great idea to get them into agility. Dogs under eighteen months of age should be checked over to make sure they have finished growing before starting any agility training to avoid any chronic injuries.   Feature image credit

It's not nice to think of something terrible happening to your dog, but the best thing you can do is to be prepared and know what to do in various medical emergencies - it may just save your dog's life. A great idea is to put together a first aid kit, filled with essentials to help soothe and aid various injuries. Consider the following in your kit: 3% hydrogen peroxide Adhesive tape Blankets/towels Bottled water Clean cloths Cotton batting Diphenhydramine Gauze bandages and pads Hydrocortisone cream Leash Muzzle    Nylon rope (to restrain) Pliers Safety pins Saline Scissors Thermometer Tweezers Wire cutters Wooden ruler (for tourniquet) Sometimes it can be hard to know when your dog would need immediate emergency care. The following signs are sure-fire symptoms of a medical emergency. Change in body temperature Difficulty standing Excessive bleeding Loss of consciousness Pale gums Paralysis Rapid breathing Seizures Weak or rapid pulse Another quick way to decipher the severity of your dog's situation is to remember your ABC's... A = Airways - are their airways free from blockages? B = Breathing - are they breathing normally and clearly? C = Circulation - are you able to feel a pulse or the heart beating? If you answer no to any of these then you need to get your dog to the vet immediately. What to do when your dog is: Excessively bleeding Elevate the area and apply pressure to the wound. Make sure you clean it out with saline to get rid of any dirt and debris and then apply a firm bandage. Choking Use your fingers to remove the obstruction. If this doesn't work you can try the Heimlich manoeuvre to try help dislodge it. Burnt Keep the affected area under running cool water for a LEAST 10 minutes. Poisoned Get in touch with your vet or a poison control centre. Your dog's age, general health, and what has poisoned them will all be evaluated to help give you a good recommendation. Depending on what they say, you may have to induce vomiting in your dog. Having a seizure Use a calm voice to comfort your pet but never try and stop the seizure - just make sure your pet is not able to hurt themselves. Seizures that last longer than five minutes will need medical attention and advice from your vet. Giving CPR to your dog CPR may be necessary in instances such as your dog has choked on something, the object has been removed but they are still unconscious. Check they are breathing If not, move them onto their side and extent their head and neck back. Holding their jaw closed blow into their nostrils once every three seconds - be careful to not allow air to escape between your mouth and the dog's nose. If there is no heartbeat you will have to perform a cardiac massage at the same time. You'll need to give three quick but firm chest compressions for every artificial respiration you give. Do this until your dog is again breathing on their own. REMEMBER Dogs who are hurt and are severely injured can act out aggressively, even at their owners, so you will need to do everything you can to protect yourself from injury. Always approach slowly and calmly. Kneel down to them and say their name. If there is any displays of aggression go get some help. If they are not aggressive you may approach with caution. Always be extra careful, especially around their neck incase of spinal injuries. Whatever the situation, make sure your vet gets to see your dog ASAP and if you are ever unsure about the severity of your dog's injuries - get in touch with your vet because it's always better to be safe than sorry. Feature image credit  

It's more common for dogs to be taught to come when called but it's also something that your cat should learn too. You may even be surprised to hear that it's quite easy to achieve with a little time, patience and treats. Quite a lot of treats. Reasons to teach your cat to come when called: If you have an outdoor cat you can get them to come inside when you wish. If you can't locate your cat, you can quickly get them to come out from their hiding place. If you have multiple cats, you can check up on them all and make sure none have gone missing. It's fun! How to teach your cat to come when called: Firstly, decide on a treat/s that your cat absolutely adores. It will have to be something pretty delicious and something that they don't ordinarily receive at regular meal times. Secondly, always be consistent. It will be the key to your success! Thirdly, choose a command (their name is a great option) that you will only use when you want your cat to come to you. Make sure your voice sounds positive and maybe a little high-pitched as cats are particularly receptive to high-pitched sounds. And make sure everyone in your home uses the same word! Initially, choose times when your cat is content and receptive to being petted. Whilst patting them, start saying their name. You can repeat this a few times throughout the day as this will create positive associations. After a while, carry on as you have been, but whenever your cat turns to you after you've used your command, reward them and they'll soon learn that it's a good idea to listen up! Once your cat is doing well at this, start creating a bit of distance and see if once called, they look at you. If they do give praise but only treat them if they physically come to you upon command. Soon enough, your cat will realise that responding to their name will result in positive things and you will be able to call them to you whenever you like (even while they nap) from all over the house! Remember, as you work up to each step you should practice it several times a day. Feature image credit

Any dog owner that has spent time watching the Animal Planet network on television is familiar with the agility competitions and dog shows that pets can participate in. Dog shows are a difficult test of the mental relationship between dog and owner, while agility competitions test the ability of an owner and dog to connect emotionally and challenge the dog physically. As a dog owner, have you ever wondered if your beloved pet can handle either of these competitions? Below, you'll get a crash course in both of these competitions, providing information that could help you answer that question.   Dog shows First and foremost, your dog may not even be allowed to participate in a dog show. All American Kennel Club dog shows require entrants to be AKC registered purebred dogs. If your dog is registered with the AKC, there are still a number of hurdles it must clear to enter a show. Dog's participating in a show must be at least 6 months old, be of a breed that has a class offered in the premium listing for the dog show, and cannot be spayed or neutered.   If your dog meets all of these standards, it is time to learn how you can begin showing your dog. A good place to start would be visiting various dog shows and inquiring at club tables or tents about breed handling. Many clubs offer classes to help owners train their pets for participation in dog shows. These classes teach beginner information that helps owners learn how the basics needed for handling their dog in a show.   Should you decide to begin showing your dog, it is advisable to begin with match shows. These shows are commonly used for practice, for both training a dog for the show, and giving novice owners practice handling their dog in a competitive environment. These shows do not provide points toward an AKC title, but do offer a great way to practice and prepare for AKC events.   Agility competitions On the other end of the spectrum, agility competitions require both stellar obedience and the physical capability to succeed in a stressful environment. Younger dogs with active lifestyles are ideal for agility competitions, but physical ability is not enough to succeed. Owners must be able to exercise command over their dogs and need to be able to quickly navigate the course themselves as a guide for their pet.   Getting your dog into an agility competition requires practice, just like dog shows. There are agility camps and classes offered on a weekly basis around the country that prepare owners and dogs for the experience. Dogs get introduced to the concept of using their physical abilities in a focused manner, and teach owners how to use effective commands to guide their dog through each course.   There are agility camps offered by the American Kennel Club, United States Dog Agility Association, and the North American Dog Agility Council. It is advisable for any owner considering agility competitions to have a veterinarian verify that the dog is physically capable of competing. More importantly, it is a great idea to take the time to complete multiple camps to ensure both owner and dog can handle the demands of an agility competition.