Category: Dogs & Cats
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How to Protect Your Cat When it is Outdoors
Thanks to the creation of cat litter in the mid-1940’s, more and more cats are becoming indoor-only pets. As such, they are leading longer lives. The average indoor cat lives to be 15-20 years old. In contrast, outdoor cats usually live only a few. The safest ways to allow your cat to enjoy some time […]
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Why Cats Like to Sleep in the Sun & Much More
Here are a few answers to many cat behaviors and characteristics which are human curiosities, but a normal part of life for cats. Why Do Cats Retract Their Claws? They pull in their claws to protect them and to keep them sharp. They need to be kept sharp for hunting and to mark their territory […]
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How to Prevent Your Cat from Scratching Furniture & More
Do you hear it, that rhythmic scratch, scratch, scratch down the side of your new sofa? Why is Fluffy Sue destroying new furniture when she has that obscenely expensive, color-coordinated, carpet-covered scratching post standing unused half a room away? There are two reasons. One is that she is trying to leave her mark on the […]
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RCHS Online Auctions Begins Monday 7-18
The Rutland County Humane Society’s “Hot Dogs and Cool Cats Online Auction” is almost here! From July 18th to August 1st, the Rutland County Humane Society will be hosting an online auction. We have a number of fun and unique items for you and your pets, including antiques, jewelry, gift baskets, gift cards, and more! All […]
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Why Your Dog Pants and How it Helps Him
Dogs pant to regulate body temperature, as dogs have fewer sweat glands than humans, and most of their sweat glands are located along the base of their feet. By panting, a dog can cool the mouth and tongue, along with blood which is circulated through the head, keeping their body temperature at a safe and […]
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Why a Cat Has This or Does That
Why Does a Cat’s Tongue Feel Like Sandpaper? To the cat, the sandpaper feeling tongue is a vital tool. The little prickly things covering the upper surface of the tongue are called papillae and has hundreds of small backward pointing protuberances constructed of virtually the same substance as human fingernails. The cat uses his tongue […]
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How to Know if Your Dog Has a Food Allergy
The Centers for Disease Control recently reported that four out of every one hundred children have a food allergy. Just as in humans, the other furry, four-legged family members can have food allergies as well. They are much less common than flea and environmental allergies, but dogs can have them. The most common food allergens […]
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How Humans Developed a Successful Partnership with Dogs
It is amazing at just how diversified the species Canis Familiaris has become because of the selective breeding efforts of humankind. Why was this done? Humans recognized long ago the potential benefit of establishing a partnership with dogs. Dogs are easy to train because they are loyal to their leadership hierarchy. Once a leader is […]
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How Playing with Your Cat Helps Them
Playing with your cat allows him to hone his hunting skills: seeking the enemy target, making the stealthy approach, pouncing with conviction, relishing the victory. Exercise from playing helps your cat maintain a healthy weight. It is also a positive way for your cat to release negative energy or aggression. Interactive playing strengthens the bond […]
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Stress-Busting Tips For Your Pet and You
Animals are good for our health. Research studies have confirmed that connecting with an animal whether stroking a cat or walking a dog or grazing a horse can not only improve our physical condition but also enhance our sense of well-being. But did you know that it’s a two-way street that what we experience and […]