Time for New Year's Resolutions
Who isn't ready for a brand new start on things in 2021? Even though our lives are not yet back to "normal," there are still many things we can do with our pets to start the new year with a bang. Why not bake more? If you make your own pet treats, you'll know exactly what is in them and won't have...
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Ewww, My Cat Keeps Using My Bed As a Potty!
Ewww, My Cat Keeps Using My Bed As a Potty!
Our bedroom is supposed to be a relaxing sanctuary, but when your kitty has repeated "accidents" on the bed, it doesn't seem like much of a haven. Sadly, inappropriate bathroom behavior is NOT unheard of among cat owners. As always, the first order of business is to try and figure out why this is happening. Here are some possib...
Read More5 Reasons Your Dog Won’t Stop Licking You – Tips from Lucy’s Pet Care
5 Reasons Your Dog Won't Stop Licking You
There isn't much in this world that tops a kiss from your best friend. Most people attribute licking as a way to show affection; dogs love licking. They lick themselves, lick you, lick other dogs, so is that all about affection, or could there be other reasons for licking? Here are some reasons your dog enjoys licking you. Taste. Yo...
Read MoreIs CBD Oil Good For Your Pet?
Is CBD Oil Good For Your Pet?
CBD oil is everywhere now, in food, candies, drinks, and by the dropper full. We know people that take it for pain, sleep, or anxiety. However, many people wonder if our pets can benefit from it and if it will help any problems they may have. The answer is maybe. Both cats and dogs, just like humans, respond to cannabidiol, the ingredient in CB...
Read MoreCalico Cat Facts You Didn’t Know!
Calico Cat Facts You Didn't Know!
We just love calico cats - they have such beautiful markings (tri-color)! But did you know that calicoes are individual in many other ways too? Almost all calico cats are female. The orange and black markings are located on the X-chromosome and female cats, just like people, have 2 X-chromosomes. So, they have a greater chance than males to...
Read MorePet Health Myths – Debunked!
Pet Health Myths - Debunked!
We’ve all heard many old wives' tales before. Some have certainly given us comfort and many even have some truth to them, but when it comes to our pets, we should leave the decision making up to the professionals, not rumors. A cold, wet nose means your pet is healthy. This is not a reliable indicator of your pet's health. Actually, both dogs an...
Read MoreHelp! My Cat is Scratching the Furniture!
Here is the bad news.... cats like to scratch. It's an entirely normal and natural activity. Scratching helps your kitty keep her nails clean and sharp, alleviates stress, exercises her shoulders and neck. Plus, your feline's paws contain scent glands, so scratching releases her unique smell to mark your home. All of these benefits make scratching standard behavior, even if you...
Read MoreAre Routines Boring for your Dog?
We are all creatures of habit, and so are your pets. We've all heard before that keeping your dog on a routine helps with behavior and training. When a dog understands the routine (or rhythm) of their household, they are calmer overall. With a routine, your best friend is confident that their primary needs (food, water, exercise, and shelter) are going to be met. Of course, con...
Read MoreNational Disaster Preparedness Month: How To Create an Emergency Plan for Your Pets!
National Disaster Preparedness Month: How To Create an Emergency Plan for Your Pets! Fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, violent storms, and other natural disasters are some of the more common things that we prepare for. It may be beneficial to include parameters around how to handle our pets during those times. Pets being left behind during a disaster are lik...
Read MoreHow Long Should a Dog Walk Be?
We all know that our pets need adequate exercise, but how do you determine how much is enough? To figure out what your pooch needs in the way of activity, you'll have to consider several factors: your dog's age, size, breed, and health. If you have a healthy adult dog, they will need a minimum of 30 - 60 minutes of walking or other activity (chasing a ball, agility, hiking, ...
Read MoreCrate Training 101 – Tips from Lucy’s Pet Care
Crate training your pet is widely recommended by dog trainers and veterinarians. Yet many people resist using a crate because they feel confinement is cruel or unfair. These same people happily put their child in a playpen to keep them safe, so why not your dog or cat? If a crate is used correctly - not as punishment - your best friend will be easier to manage, and most pets wi...
Read MoreHow To Keep Your Dog Hydrated – Tips from Lucy’s Pet Care
Summertime again! In the Carolinas, it's not uncommon if the temperatures are 80 degrees Fahrenheit or more! If summer means more outdoor activity, chances are that you will be bringing your four-legged best friend along for the fun. Dogs, just like humans, are made up of mostly water. If not more! 80% of your dog’s body is water in comparison to the 60% we are made of. ...
Read MoreSigns of Heat Exhaustion in Pets – Tips from Lucy’s Pet Care
Heat Exhaustion - Recognize the Signs
Every summer, we talk about pets and how quickly they can get overheated; after all, they are wearing fur coats! Heat exhaustion is what happens before heatstroke, and it's best to learn to recognize it before it advances further, because heat stroke is deadly. Pets can't sweat out excess heat as we can, all they can do is pant ...
Read MoreWhy Is My Cat Spraying? – Tips from Lucy’s Pet Care
Why Is My Cat Spraying?
Your cat's most important sense is her sense of smell. It's how they communicate with the world. Spraying (urine marking) is how she stakes out her territory; she also rubs her cheeks, paws, and hips on things (including you) to put her scent on them. Scratching isn't just for sharpening claws; it's also another way that she leaves her scent beh...
Read MoreDog Paw Injuries – Tips from Lucy’s Pet Care
Dog Paw Injuries
Summertime means hiking, swimming, and oodles of outside time. A fun day with your pup can change quickly with a paw injury. Your dog's paw pads are tough, but a paw injury can occur even on a leisurely stroll. These pads are like the soles of your shoes. They cushion the foot, act as shock absorbers for bones and joints, insulate the foot from hot and cold...
Read MorePet Separation Anxiety After Quarantine – Tips from Lucy’s Pet Care
There have been many joys with the "stay at home" order and one has been the delight of extra time spent with our pets. They have made us laugh and have kept us company throughout this ordeal. But as restrictions are slowly lifted, our faithful friends may become confused by the changes ahead. They have all become accustomed to the extra snuggles and hugs over the past month...
Read MoreTips on Flying with a Pet
Flying with a pet can be confusing as well as complicated. Air travel can be risky with pets. Bulldogs, pugs, and Persian cats are especially susceptible to oxygen deprivation and over heating due to their short nasal passages. Consider all the alternatives to flying with your pet! If you are able to leave them at home with a sitter or a friend, that is probably ideal. If you d...
Read MoreHow to Help Your Dog Lose Weight – Tips from Lucy’s Pet Care
How To Help Your Dog Lose Weight A cheat day here and there is okay, but you need to stick to the calorie limit that is appropriate for your dog. You can discuss with your vet what that may be, and what your dog’s goal weight should be.
One source of excessive calories is giving your dog your scraps and bits of your food. That and the extra treats should be taken out ...
Read MoreHow To Help Your Cat Lose Weight – Tips from Lucy’s Pet Care
Healthy cats are happier and tend to live longer. Here are some tips to get your cat down to a healthy weight: First, you should consult your cat’s vet. Every cat is different, and every breed has their own uniqueness. Your vet can help you get started.
The average cat only needs 20-30 calories per pound a day. See what is the calorie count on your cat’s food and h...
Read More5 Low Maintenance Pets – Tips from Lucy’s Pet Care
Are you an animal lover with a busy lifestyle? You'd love to have a pet, but, are fearful you don't have the time available to devote to a beloved pet? Although, all creatures deserve to have love, attention and care, some animals don't require as much as others. Here's a list of a few: Budgie Bird Budgie birds are one of the most popular pets after cats and dogs. Th...
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