PAWsome Blog

Greetings to all our PAWsome PAWents! We absolutely adore animals, of every kind! Our main customer base consists of dogs and cats, so our blog predominantly centers around them. We aim to explore various topics, ranging from training, health issues/care and behavior modification to engaging and enlightening facts.

 

We strive to create a community where all pet owners can come together to share their experiences, seek advice, and learn something new about their beloved furry friends. Our team of animal enthusiasts is dedicated to providing valuable insights and practical tips to help you better understand and care for your pets. From the latest trends in pet nutrition to fun DIY projects for your pets, we cover a wide array of topics to cater to the diverse needs and interests of our audience.

 

Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and resources needed to ensure a happy and healthy life for your four-legged companions. So whether you're a seasoned pet parent looking to expand your knowledge or a new pet owner seeking guidance, we welcome you to join us on this exciting journey of discovery and celebration of all things furry and fabulous!


How Dogs Understand Us

Have you ever wondered how your furry friend understands what you’re saying? Let’s dive into some fascinating research that sheds light on how dogs process human speech!

Read more »

Your Grumpy Dog Is Very Smart—And Science Even Says So

If we learn anything as we age out of the desire to leave the house after 10 p.m. or have a friend force last-minute plans upon us, it’s that being a grouch isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In short, embrace the crankiness — wisdom some of our pets have long been enjoying. In fact, in 2021, one study found that the grumpiest pups among us may also be the smartest.

Read more »

Is Your Dog Sad or Just Staring?

Working in the Petcare industries, specifically in regards to pet sitting and dog walking, we get a lot of clients who are very how do I say this in a nice way… Over reactive and exaggerator he with their pets. Rightfully so I am a pet parent and I do have my paranoid and freak out moments as well, But when I am unsure of anything, or some thing, when it comes to my dog or behavior or overall wellness, in general, I reach out to the professionals. This blog is going to talk about your dogs, emotional well-being, and if your dog is truly sad or not…

Read more »
October 2024
September 2024

Why Does My Dog Keep Licking His Paws? Is This Normal?

There are several reasons why dogs may lick their paws—ranging from itchy paws caused by allergies to normal grooming to behavioral issues or other health concerns. Most of the time, it’s pretty normal, especially if it’s only occasional licking. However, if you notice that there’s excessive paw licking or your dog seems to be in pain, you should take them in for a checkup to determine the underlying cause of this behavior.

Read more »
July 2024

Avoid ‘Hot Dogs’ This Summer!

The rising temperatures signal the fun summer months of backyard barbecues, vacations and more time spent outside (with a cool drink in hand). But, the scorching days of summer can also present unique hazards for your dog—and dogs in your care.

Read more »
June 2024

Beyond Rover’s Reach: The Power of Your Own Pet Care Services Website

In the age of side hustles and gig economies, pet sitting and dog walking have emerged as a popular choice for earning extra income. Platforms like Rover and Wag have capitalized on this trend, offering convenient ways for pet owners to find care for their pets and furry companions. However, relying solely on these apps as a pet sitter or a dog walker may not be the best or fastest strategy for building a successful pet care business.

Read more »
May 2024

Do Our Dogs Get Jealous?

Dogs are known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners. They often show signs of happiness and excitement when their owners return home, and they can even become protective of their owners and their territory. However, some dog owners may wonder if their furry friends are capable of feeling jealous.

Read more »

Benefits of Overnight Pet Sitting vs Doggy Boarding

As a pet parent, you want the best care for your furry friend while you’re away. While there are various pet care options available, hiring a pet sitter for overnight dog sitting can be the best option for many pet owners. However, we also understand it can be a little unnerving to invite a potential stranger info your home.   In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of hiring the best pet sitter for overnight dog sitting and how it includes taking care of your home.

Read more »
March 2024

How Deep is the Love We Have For Our Dogs?

It’s easy to see that humans love dogs. Greece, India, Sumatra, Egypt, Scotland, Turkey, China: cultures around the world have dog-headed (cynocephalic) heroes or gods. The existence of a word to describe such phenomena speaks to how common they are. Although other mythical human/animal chimeras are known — the centaur and minotaur, for example — none are as widespread as those involving dogs. This depiction of creatures with the traits of both humans and dogs attests to the longstanding idea that we are connected. We are, it seems, naturally predisposed to form deep connections with dogs.

Read more »

Why Is My Dog Panting?

There’s nothing cuter than dogs frolicking out in the great wide open, running at full speed with their tongues hanging out in what looks like an ear-to-ear grin. And while we love and expect dogs to pant while they are running around, you may be wondering why your dog seems to be panting at other random times.

Read more »

Dog Walking 101: How Often You Should I Walk My Dog?

When a vet or trainer is trying to diagnose the reason for a dog’s bad behavior, it often boils down to one question: “How often do you walk your dog?” Exercise can make all the difference in a dog’s mental state and behavior. Their needs are not so different from the mental and physical health needs of humans in that way — and they can feel equally tricky to fulfill. (Did I get my steps in the week that Wednesday came to Netflix? I did not.) We all know that exercise is important for our pets, but why is dog walking so important? And how often should you walk your dog? A few experts broke it down for us.

Read more »

HELP! Why Does My Dog Keep Eating Poop?!

This behavior is quite typical among dogs, particularly puppies. Working in the pet care industry, focusing on pet sitting and dog walking services, I often encounter many clients who raise concerns about this unpleasant issue. I trust that this blog will offer them valuable assistance with their concerns! Trust me I get it how gross it is...We get the pleasure of scraping it out of their mouths when they pull a sneak attack or run up to us and try to give us a kiss! 🤮

Read more »

Working From Home? Why Your Cat Loves Your Keyboard!

As a cat owner you’re probably familiar with their strange behaviors, but their love for your keyboard may be one of the strangest. While there are no concrete answers for why cats are drawn to your keyboard—aside from sending “interesting” messages to your coworkers—the following are some of the theories:

Read more »

When it Comes to Dog Crates, Think Outside the Box, Literally…

Many dog professionals believe that crates are a necessity when sharing your life with a dog — and they usually have a point. Crates can be a great management tool: They are helpful with a new puppy’s house-training routine, they can be a wonderful place for your dog to safely retreat and relax when there are too many visitors in the home, they can be used to safely transport dogs in a vehicle, and they can be a comfy place for your dog to take an afternoon nap.

Read more »

How to Help Your Dog Be Just a Little Less Needy

As someone who used to work remotely, I had a serious at-home office setup. It included a large desk holding multiple monitors with the type of elaborately comfy chair previously reserved for Twitch streamers. The downside to these long-sought-after luxuries is that I rarely used them because my dog can’t get close enough to me when I do. If I don’t sit on the couch, bed, or somewhere else he can curl up next to me all day, he will have a full-on emotional meltdown. 

Read more »

How to Interact with a Dog – Respecting Personal Space

While many people recognize and address the physical health of their pets, the same cannot always be said for their pets’ mental well-being. Sadly, I’m not surprised, as some people fail to recognize the importance of mental health in humans, believing behavioral issues are character flaws rather than symptoms of illness or distress.

Read more »

Puppy Fear Periods: Why is My Dog Scared All of the Sudden?

In their development, puppies go through at least two phases where they are particularly fearful, even if they haven’t previously shown signs of being scared. These are called “fear periods.” These fear periods in dogs can take pet parents o guard if they don’t know about them. If they are expecting to see fear stages in dogs, it’s easier for both the people and the dogs to handle them and move past them in a way that is most beneficial to their dogs.

Read more »
February 2024

Wet Food vs Dry Dog Food - Which Is Better?

Every dog owner wants to make sure that they are doing the best thing possible for their pets, especially when it comes to providing them with a good diet. One of the most important question that all dog owners will have to ask themselves is whether to go with dry dog food or wet dog food, and though most will try to have a bit of both, one will definitely become more prevalent.

Read more »

Why You Should Let Your Dog Sniff While Out on a Walk

Unless the client specifies otherwise, we at PAWsome Companions allow dogs to sniff to their hearts content! Now of course we do not let a dog sniff (let alone eat) anything gross or dangerous, such as poop, mushrooms, dead critters, food, trash, and so on. But yes, they can absolutely sniff pee! Why do we give pee the green light?

Read more »

How to Stop Your Dog From Barking

I’ve got this adorable Great Pyrenees puppy, Gunnar, who’s 8 months old. Let me tell you, my partner and I thought we hit the jackpot with this little guy. He was super easy to train and well-behaved from the get-go, unlike what we’d heard about his breed being notoriously barky. We were all smug when he turned 12 weeks and didn’t make a sound. But fast forward to 6 months, and he’s barking at every dog in sight or sound, even on TV or in cartoons. He’s also looking at us when he barks, like he’s seeking approval. So, this blog is for all the fellow pet parents dealing with non-stop barking!

Read more »

How to Treat Separation Anxiety in COVID Puppies—in Every Situation

It’s fun to be the molten center of your dog’s entire world—until suddenly it isn’t. When they find it unacceptable to be temporarily deprived of your company, something has gone horribly wrong in the dog-human dynamic. Thousands of folks with pandemic pups found out as much the hard way this past year, while attempting to return to the office.

Read more »
April 2024

Can Dogs Smile?

A dog smile is a very specific behavior, but not nearly as common or as identifiable as the grin. It’s challenging to recognize and understand a dog smile, which is unfortunate, but on the bright side, that struggle was at the heart of one of my all-time favorite consultations. More on that below.

Read more »

Should I Let My Dog Lick Me On the Face?

A resurfaced video featuring soccer player Nuno Tavares sharing a moment of affection with his two furry friends sparked a heated debate online recently, and raised the age-old question — should we let our dogs lick our faces, lips and even mouths?

Read more »

Should Your Dog Sleep With You?

Like humans, dogs are social animals. Most of them feel comfortable being near the rest of the family and that includes at nighttime. Many people have their dogs in their room on a dog bed, in a crate, or on the floor by the bed. Others like to have them to sleep on the foot of the bed. 

Read more »

Can Dogs Take Tylenol?

Simply put......NO. Dogs should never be given Tylenol or other acetaminophen-containing medications without strict veterinary guidance, as it can cause toxicity and fatal liver damage in canines. Unfortunately, dogs lack the liver enzymes to break high doses of the drug down effectively, which can lead to a fatal toxicosis.

Read more »

How to Interact with Dogs and Respect Personal Space

While many people recognize and address the physical health of their pets, the same cannot always be said for their pets’ mental well-being. Sadly, I’m not surprised, as some people fail to recognize the importance of mental health in humans, believing behavioral issues are character flaws rather than symptoms of illness or distress.

Read more »

Playing With Your Dog Can Help Their Brain Stay Healthy Longer, New Study Finds

Like humans, a dog’s brain changes as they age, causing memory problems (sadly, dogs can get dementia, too) and other cognitive difficulties. The great news is our pups are living longer than ever thanks to advancements in veterinary science and pet care. The not-so-good news is that those added senior years come with some difficulties. Cognitive decline can be scary and painful for dogs; it can lead to symptoms like confusion, pacing, getting stuck behind furniture, and increased aggression.

Read more »

Does Your Dog’s Growl Mean Aggression?

I've always pondered this question and I'll tell you why. I have the sweetest 10-month old Great Pyrenees named Gunnar who is so friendly, aggression is a foreign word, practically non-existent when it comes to his doggy demeanor. However, while we are on a walk or driving in the car running errands and he sees another dog walk by, he goes straight up all insane Cujo. It blows my mind...Seeing my sweet and gentle boy barking insatiably and scratching at the windows while foaming at the mouth. But I know it's not aggression, it's what we call leash or confinement frustration.

Read more »

The Healing Power of Dogs

From offering comfort in times of distress to aiding individuals with disabilities in their daily tasks, animals can play a powerful role in treatment plans.

Read more »
March 2024

Research Confirms CBD Is a Safe Way to Get Your Dog to Chill Out

Gone are the days of CBD being seen as America’s next top snake oil. Instead, it seems every few months more substantial evidence drops supporting at least a portion of its ostensibly endless favorable claims. This influx of research backs CBD as the sexy, new all-natural alternative treatment for a number of common ailments such as chronic pain, inflammation, and insomnia.

Read more »

Affordable Pet Sitting vs DIY: What is Best for Your Pet?

Pet sitting provides personalized care for your furry friend in the comfort of their own environment, reducing stress and anxiety. Your pet can maintain their routine, diet, and exercise, leading to a happier and healthier experience. Professional pet sitters are trained to handle emergencies and provide companionship, ensuring your pet is safe and secure while you are away.

Read more »

16 Enrichment Toys for Dogs and Puppies!

I love enrichment toys for both dogs and cats! It's a service we even provide to our clients as a concierge service to help ensure their pups stay mentally stimulated and strong. You can view that service under our 'Concierge Services' page!

Read more »

Why Does My Dog Eat Cat Poop?

There is nothing more disturbing than your dog bounding up to you, tail wagging, with a nose covered in kitty litter; the tell-tale sign that they have been snacking on cat poop again. There is certainly a major yuck factor for us and also some legitimate health concerns that arise if your dog is making this a regular habit. But why in the world do dogs eat cat poop?

Read more »

How Dogs Understand Us

Have you ever wondered how your furry friend understands what you’re saying? Let’s dive into some fascinating research that sheds light on how dogs process human speech!

Read more »

Your Grumpy Dog Is Very Smart—And Science Even Says So

If we learn anything as we age out of the desire to leave the house after 10 p.m. or have a friend force last-minute plans upon us, it’s that being a grouch isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In short, embrace the crankiness — wisdom some of our pets have long been enjoying. In fact, in 2021, one study found that the grumpiest pups among us may also be the smartest.

Read more »

Is Your Dog Sad or Just Staring?

Working in the Petcare industries, specifically in regards to pet sitting and dog walking, we get a lot of clients who are very how do I say this in a nice way… Over reactive and exaggerator he with their pets. Rightfully so I am a pet parent and I do have my paranoid and freak out moments as well, But when I am unsure of anything, or some thing, when it comes to my dog or behavior or overall wellness, in general, I reach out to the professionals. This blog is going to talk about your dogs, emotional well-being, and if your dog is truly sad or not…

Read more »

The Best Dog Collars Tested!

If there’s one accessory that your dog absolutely needs, it’s a collar. The best dog collars provide a secure way to attach your dog’s leash and can hold ID tags to identify your pup if they ever wander off. Plus, the right collar will also be a stylish accessory for your dog, making them look like the good boy or girl that they are.

Read more »

Why Does My Dog Keep Licking His Paws? Is This Normal?

There are several reasons why dogs may lick their paws—ranging from itchy paws caused by allergies to normal grooming to behavioral issues or other health concerns. Most of the time, it’s pretty normal, especially if it’s only occasional licking. However, if you notice that there’s excessive paw licking or your dog seems to be in pain, you should take them in for a checkup to determine the underlying cause of this behavior.

Read more »

Avoid ‘Hot Dogs’ This Summer!

The rising temperatures signal the fun summer months of backyard barbecues, vacations and more time spent outside (with a cool drink in hand). But, the scorching days of summer can also present unique hazards for your dog—and dogs in your care.

Read more »

Beyond Rover’s Reach: The Power of Your Own Pet Care Services Website

In the age of side hustles and gig economies, pet sitting and dog walking have emerged as a popular choice for earning extra income. Platforms like Rover and Wag have capitalized on this trend, offering convenient ways for pet owners to find care for their pets and furry companions. However, relying solely on these apps as a pet sitter or a dog walker may not be the best or fastest strategy for building a successful pet care business.

Read more »

Do Our Dogs Get Jealous?

Dogs are known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners. They often show signs of happiness and excitement when their owners return home, and they can even become protective of their owners and their territory. However, some dog owners may wonder if their furry friends are capable of feeling jealous.

Read more »

Benefits of Overnight Pet Sitting vs Doggy Boarding

As a pet parent, you want the best care for your furry friend while you’re away. While there are various pet care options available, hiring a pet sitter for overnight dog sitting can be the best option for many pet owners. However, we also understand it can be a little unnerving to invite a potential stranger info your home.   In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of hiring the best pet sitter for overnight dog sitting and how it includes taking care of your home.

Read more »

How Deep is the Love We Have For Our Dogs?

It’s easy to see that humans love dogs. Greece, India, Sumatra, Egypt, Scotland, Turkey, China: cultures around the world have dog-headed (cynocephalic) heroes or gods. The existence of a word to describe such phenomena speaks to how common they are. Although other mythical human/animal chimeras are known — the centaur and minotaur, for example — none are as widespread as those involving dogs. This depiction of creatures with the traits of both humans and dogs attests to the longstanding idea that we are connected. We are, it seems, naturally predisposed to form deep connections with dogs.

Read more »

Why Is My Dog Panting?

There’s nothing cuter than dogs frolicking out in the great wide open, running at full speed with their tongues hanging out in what looks like an ear-to-ear grin. And while we love and expect dogs to pant while they are running around, you may be wondering why your dog seems to be panting at other random times.

Read more »

Dog Walking 101: How Often You Should I Walk My Dog?

When a vet or trainer is trying to diagnose the reason for a dog’s bad behavior, it often boils down to one question: “How often do you walk your dog?” Exercise can make all the difference in a dog’s mental state and behavior. Their needs are not so different from the mental and physical health needs of humans in that way — and they can feel equally tricky to fulfill. (Did I get my steps in the week that Wednesday came to Netflix? I did not.) We all know that exercise is important for our pets, but why is dog walking so important? And how often should you walk your dog? A few experts broke it down for us.

Read more »

HELP! Why Does My Dog Keep Eating Poop?!

This behavior is quite typical among dogs, particularly puppies. Working in the pet care industry, focusing on pet sitting and dog walking services, I often encounter many clients who raise concerns about this unpleasant issue. I trust that this blog will offer them valuable assistance with their concerns! Trust me I get it how gross it is...We get the pleasure of scraping it out of their mouths when they pull a sneak attack or run up to us and try to give us a kiss! 🤮

Read more »

Working From Home? Why Your Cat Loves Your Keyboard!

As a cat owner you’re probably familiar with their strange behaviors, but their love for your keyboard may be one of the strangest. While there are no concrete answers for why cats are drawn to your keyboard—aside from sending “interesting” messages to your coworkers—the following are some of the theories:

Read more »

When it Comes to Dog Crates, Think Outside the Box, Literally…

Many dog professionals believe that crates are a necessity when sharing your life with a dog — and they usually have a point. Crates can be a great management tool: They are helpful with a new puppy’s house-training routine, they can be a wonderful place for your dog to safely retreat and relax when there are too many visitors in the home, they can be used to safely transport dogs in a vehicle, and they can be a comfy place for your dog to take an afternoon nap.

Read more »

How to Help Your Dog Be Just a Little Less Needy

As someone who used to work remotely, I had a serious at-home office setup. It included a large desk holding multiple monitors with the type of elaborately comfy chair previously reserved for Twitch streamers. The downside to these long-sought-after luxuries is that I rarely used them because my dog can’t get close enough to me when I do. If I don’t sit on the couch, bed, or somewhere else he can curl up next to me all day, he will have a full-on emotional meltdown. 

Read more »

How to Interact with a Dog – Respecting Personal Space

While many people recognize and address the physical health of their pets, the same cannot always be said for their pets’ mental well-being. Sadly, I’m not surprised, as some people fail to recognize the importance of mental health in humans, believing behavioral issues are character flaws rather than symptoms of illness or distress.

Read more »

Puppy Fear Periods: Why is My Dog Scared All of the Sudden?

In their development, puppies go through at least two phases where they are particularly fearful, even if they haven’t previously shown signs of being scared. These are called “fear periods.” These fear periods in dogs can take pet parents o guard if they don’t know about them. If they are expecting to see fear stages in dogs, it’s easier for both the people and the dogs to handle them and move past them in a way that is most beneficial to their dogs.

Read more »

Wet Food vs Dry Dog Food - Which Is Better?

Every dog owner wants to make sure that they are doing the best thing possible for their pets, especially when it comes to providing them with a good diet. One of the most important question that all dog owners will have to ask themselves is whether to go with dry dog food or wet dog food, and though most will try to have a bit of both, one will definitely become more prevalent.

Read more »

Why You Should Let Your Dog Sniff While Out on a Walk

Unless the client specifies otherwise, we at PAWsome Companions allow dogs to sniff to their hearts content! Now of course we do not let a dog sniff (let alone eat) anything gross or dangerous, such as poop, mushrooms, dead critters, food, trash, and so on. But yes, they can absolutely sniff pee! Why do we give pee the green light?

Read more »

How to Stop Your Dog From Barking

I’ve got this adorable Great Pyrenees puppy, Gunnar, who’s 8 months old. Let me tell you, my partner and I thought we hit the jackpot with this little guy. He was super easy to train and well-behaved from the get-go, unlike what we’d heard about his breed being notoriously barky. We were all smug when he turned 12 weeks and didn’t make a sound. But fast forward to 6 months, and he’s barking at every dog in sight or sound, even on TV or in cartoons. He’s also looking at us when he barks, like he’s seeking approval. So, this blog is for all the fellow pet parents dealing with non-stop barking!

Read more »

How to Treat Separation Anxiety in COVID Puppies—in Every Situation

It’s fun to be the molten center of your dog’s entire world—until suddenly it isn’t. When they find it unacceptable to be temporarily deprived of your company, something has gone horribly wrong in the dog-human dynamic. Thousands of folks with pandemic pups found out as much the hard way this past year, while attempting to return to the office.

Read more »