Paw Nation http://www.pawnation.com Paw Nation http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.pawnation.com/media/feedlogo.gif Paw Nation http://www.pawnation.com en-us Copyright 2010 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Combating Your Dog's Cold-Weather Boredomhttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/24/combating-cold-weather-boredom/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/24/combating-cold-weather-boredom/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/02/24/combating-cold-weather-boredom/#commentsFiled under: ,

danocamera, Flickr

Cold weather often generates a strange phenomenon in well-trained dogs. Shredded toilet paper appears throughout the house, garbage cans are overturned and special "presents" are left for you to discover. Though there may be other factors contributing to your dog's destructive behavior, cabin fever is often at the root of the problem.

Snowstorms and freezing temperatures may keep you from taking your dog for long walks or trips to the dog park, but there are a variety of ways you can keep your canine physically and mentally active throughout the winter.

Provide Interactive Toys
Most dogs love to eat, so why not use food as a motivation to keep their minds busy? Michelle Douglas, President of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, recommends stuffing your dog's meal in a Kong. "This way, your dog will have to work at getting the food and will burn calories in the process." The Buster Cube and the Dog Tornado are other toys that offer your dog the opportunity to work for their meal.

But the toys don't have to feature food to be fun. The IQube challenges your dog to remove squeaky balls from within a plush puzzle-like cube, and comes in a variety of sizes to accommodate both small and large pooches. Babble Balls are another fun -- and noisy -- option. The balls entice your dog by producing realistic animal noises each time he passes by, tapping into his desire to hunt. If, however, your temples are throbbing at even the thought of wild animal calls, Fetch a Bubble may be a good alternative. This clever machine blows chicken-scented bubbles into the air, sending your dog into a frenzy to catch the delicious floating flavor.

Continue reading Combating Your Dog's Cold-Weather Boredom

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]]>dogdog parkdog toysdog trainingDogParkdogsDogToysDogTrainingGabrielle LinzerWed, 24 Feb 2010 15:00:00 ESTOvercoming Grooming Fears: The Hairbrush and the Blowdryerhttp://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/27/overcoming-grooming-fears-the-hairbrush-and-the-blowdryer/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/27/overcoming-grooming-fears-the-hairbrush-and-the-blowdryer/http://www.pawnation.com/2010/01/27/overcoming-grooming-fears-the-hairbrush-and-the-blowdryer/#commentsFiled under:

Flickr/psyberartist

The condition of your pet's fur may be less than flattering due to their affinity for romping in mud and sifting through garbage cans, but what can you do if your mangy-looking friend is terrified of the grooming tools needed to clean up their act? The razor-toothed hairbrush and loud, scary blowdryer may send many pets bolting to the nearest hiding place, but there are ways to help your pet become accustomed to, and possibly even comfortable with, these grooming necessities.

The Hairbrush
Once you're ready to combat your pet's tangles, put them into proper grooming stance. "While you are brushing your pet, it is often best if it's in a standing position," says Jen Quick, Director of the Fur Institute, a grooming school located in Alberta, Canada. "You can keep them standing by placing one hand between their back legs and resting it on their belly."

Another crucial step in maintaining your pet's patience with grooming is to give them frequent breathers. "You may want to give your pet a little bit of a break if it is taking more than a half hour to remove all tangles from their fur," suggested Quick.

Some animals may become agitated while you're brushing their tangles out, and could wiggle or even try to snap at you. In this situation, "place your hand around the animal's muzzle to keep their mouth closed, and in a stern voice, tell them 'no,'" advised Quick. If your pet continues to bite or growl, you must regain control over the situation. "You can flip them on their back, make eye contact, and tell them 'no,'" said Quick. "Do not break eye contact until they look away first." If all else fails, you may need to muzzle your pet to avoid getting hurt.

It may seem easier to forgo brushing between visits to the groomer, but the benefits outweigh the difficulty of struggling for your furry friend's compliance. If you neglect your pet's fur, it may become matted which "can restrict blood flow and air reaching that area of the skin, and there can be serious health issues," according to Quick.

Continue reading Overcoming Grooming Fears: The Hairbrush and the Blowdryer

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]]>pet fearspet groomingPetFearsPetGroomingGabrielle LinzerWed, 27 Jan 2010 15:00:00 ESTHow to Keep Your Cat Out of the Christmas Treehttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/22/how-to-keep-your-cat-out-of-the-christmas-tree/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/22/how-to-keep-your-cat-out-of-the-christmas-tree/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/12/22/how-to-keep-your-cat-out-of-the-christmas-tree/#commentsFiled under: ,

Flickr/Susan E Adams

As you sit back and take in the glory of your illuminated, pine-scented Christmas tree, remember that you're not the only family member captivated by its presence. To your cat, this over-sized scratching post represents the true joy of the holiday season: the opportunity to climb branches, bat around ornaments, and nibble on pine needles.

While everyone loves to watch cats play, Certified Cat Behavior Consultant Marilyn Krieger warns that pine is toxic to cats, so it is very important to keep them off the Christmas tree. Oftentimes, these trees are also sprayed with fire retardants that may be toxic to your pet.

Krieger notes that in order to prevent your cat from making an ascent to the star at the top of your tree, you may want to cut off the lower branches. Be careful to clean the area thoroughly after removing the branches, as "sap is also toxic."

It's also important to decorate with trimmings that are cat-friendly in case your feline companion is able to get a hold of them. "Tinsel can cut a cat's intestines if swallowed," says Krieger. "It's better to decorate with ornaments that are not breakable, and make sure that they are fastened onto the tree."

Krieger suggests that while it is ideal to keep your cat out of the room with the Christmas tree, it may be more realistic to give your cat other things to do besides play on and around the tree. "Play with your cat to tire him out before you go into the room with the tree."

An artificial tree can sometimes be a healthier option for cat owners who have a particularly curious kitty, but if you insist on having an authentic tree in your home, it may in your best interest to invest in some extra catnip.

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]]>CatsChristmaschristmas treedecorationsornamentsGabrielle LinzerTue, 22 Dec 2009 11:00:00 ESTHow to Prepare Your Pet for Holiday Travelhttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/23/how-to-prepare-your-pet-for-holiday-travel/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/23/how-to-prepare-your-pet-for-holiday-travel/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/23/how-to-prepare-your-pet-for-holiday-travel/#commentsFiled under: , ,

"Are we there yet?" Flickr/delgrosso

The holidays are almost upon us, and many pet lovers will be hitting the road to celebrate the season with friends or family members. And along with any gifts, festive treats, and luggage, your pet may be coming along for the ride. Since no one wants to sit through hours of nervous whining or uncomfortable howling from their four-legged traveling companion, animals should be well prepared to make the holiday journey. Here's how.

Dog Travel in the Air
If you can't afford luxurious pet-exclusive airlines like Pet Airways, your dog may be flying to your destination in coach or, even worse, cargo. It's important to contact the airline when booking your flight to be well informed of airline instructions, and ensure you're flying on a day where the cargo temperature will be suitable for your pet to travel.

As for preparing your dog for the big day, "The best possible situation is to have a tired dog [when you board the plane] so he'll sleep for the flight," said Hughes. "Take him to a dog run, or take him on a long walk before going to the airport."

Hughes also says that it's important to be prepared when picking your dog up at cargo. "Have your dog's leash ready, and know where the potty areas are," she said. Ask airline personnel where exclusive "pet potty" areas are located before your dog deplanes, so you'll be ready to dash upon his arrival.

Continue reading How to Prepare Your Pet for Holiday Travel

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]]>catsdogsdriving with petsDrivingWithPetsflying with petsFlyingWithPetsholidayspet travelPetTravelGabrielle LinzerMon, 23 Nov 2009 15:00:00 ESTCold Weather Coat and Skin Carehttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/20/cold-weather-coat-and-skin-care/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/20/cold-weather-coat-and-skin-care/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/11/20/cold-weather-coat-and-skin-care/#commentsFiled under: ,

Flickr/Martina Rathgens

Winter can be a magical time for dogs. Squirrel visibility rises when the ground is white, and cuddling by the fireplace can be undeniably cozy; but winter's whipping winds and dry indoor heating can take its toll on fur and skin.

For advice on how to care for your canine companion's grooming needs when the temperature drops, Paw Nation caught up with professional groomer Cassandra Reed, a Season 2 contestant on Animal Planet's "Groomer Has It" and owner of Mutley Dooz in Akron, Ohio.

1. A little extra hair helps
It's never a bad idea to ask your groomer to leave your dog's coat longer than usual during the winter. "As a groomer, when I groom dogs in the winter, I leave a little extra hair between the toes," says Reed. "I'd like to think that it helps keep them a little bit warmer."

2. Keep skin moisturized
An easy way to keep your dog's skin hydrated is bathing them at home with ultra-moisturizing oatmeal or shea-butter shampoo or conditioner. Reed stresses that you should always use all-natural shampoos that don't contain any artificial dyes, as these may trigger an allergic reaction or worsen itchy, dry skin.

Continue reading Cold Weather Coat and Skin Care

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]]>furgroominghaircareskincarewinterGabrielle LinzerFri, 20 Nov 2009 11:00:00 ESTHow Happy is that Doggy in the Window?http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/19/how-happy-is-that-doggy-in-the-window/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/19/how-happy-is-that-doggy-in-the-window/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/10/19/how-happy-is-that-doggy-in-the-window/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Zooming ahead with your eyes closed, the wind flowing through your hair, and a million sights and smells overwhelming your senses. No, we're not describing the bliss you feel after throwing down for that mid-life crisis convertible. These are the feelings your pooch experiences every time you roll down the window and expose him to a a little piece of doggy heaven.

Whether riding through a picturesque countryside or down the highway, these dogs can't hide their excitement!

http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=746608&pid=746607&uts=1255540471
http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf
Who's that Doggy in the Window?
Splat! "Good thing I have these goggles to keep the bugs out of my eyes."
http://www.flickr.com/photos/waikikiweekly/3640786584

Whos that Doggy in the Window?

    Splat! "Good thing I have these goggles to keep the bugs out of my eyes."

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/waikikiweekly/3640786584

    "Ahhhhh, there's nothing better than a cool mountain breeze."

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/ssmallfry/2676304112/

    "This is what I call high speed!"

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/afeicht1/2797850952/

    "This view is great, but I think I'm stuck."

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/lrargerich/2827338015/

    "Scooch over a little bit pal, I think I got a whiff of something."

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/emdot/32815499/

    "Is that good? Should I push it a little more to the right?"

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/23912576@N05/3357523865/

    "I think I see a squirrel out on the horizon!"

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/tudor/3502941822/

    "Just riding along in this mint condition classic car...no big deal."

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/3521234572/

    "These child-proof windows are a real bummer."

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/consumerist/3556210704/

    "I believe I can fly..."

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyesplash/3649207063/

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]]>dog hanging out of car windowDogHangingOutOfCarWindowroad tripRoadTripGabrielle LinzerMon, 19 Oct 2009 13:00:00 ESTFunny Pet Video: Dogs Aren't the Only Ones Who Can Learn to Roll Overhttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/08/31/dogs-arent-the-only-ones-who-can-learn-to-roll-over/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/08/31/dogs-arent-the-only-ones-who-can-learn-to-roll-over/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/08/31/dogs-arent-the-only-ones-who-can-learn-to-roll-over/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


It can take anywhere from five minutes to five years to teach your critter to roll over, but once they make the connection between trick and treat, the results can be adorable.

We've rounded up videos of some brainy non-canines who have mastered the art of rolling and aren't afraid to showcase their skills, whether it be for some chow or just a moment in the spotlight.

Continue reading Funny Pet Video: Dogs Aren't the Only Ones Who Can Learn to Roll Over

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]]>birdsbunnycatsdogsferretsrabbitroll overRollOverturtleGabrielle LinzerMon, 31 Aug 2009 11:00:00 ESTFunny Animal Video: Shaun Ellis Teaches Baby Wolf to Howlhttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/08/03/shaun-ellis-teaches-baby-wolf-to-howl/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/08/03/shaun-ellis-teaches-baby-wolf-to-howl/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/08/03/shaun-ellis-teaches-baby-wolf-to-howl/#commentsFiled under:

Howl you doin'?

In the clip below, wolf researcher Shaun Ellis teaches a young pup how to open up its pipes.

At first, this baby wolf isn't interested in doing anything more than whimpering and lazing about in Ellis' arms. But when his human counterpart threatens to outdo him in the howling department, his vocal chords kick into gear. Although the baby's first howls sound more like squeaks, when he throws his head back, we can just picture him doing the real thing in front of a full moon.

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]]>baby wolfBabyWolfhowlshaun ellisShaunElliswolfmanGabrielle LinzerMon, 03 Aug 2009 15:00:00 ESTFunny Cat Video: 'Meh' Kitten is Unimpressedhttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/22/meh-kitten-is-unimpressed/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/22/meh-kitten-is-unimpressed/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/22/meh-kitten-is-unimpressed/#commentsFiled under: ,

Cats aren't known for being as excitable as their canine counterparts, but this kitten takes disinterested to a whole new level. As she lazily paws around her cage and looks at the camera with irritation, her strange meow sounds as if she's dismissing everything with an indignant "meh."

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]]>catkittenmeowstrange meowGabrielle LinzerMon, 22 Jun 2009 16:00:00 ESTFunny Cat Video: Cat Plays Knock Knock Jokehttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/18/cat-plays-knock-knock-joke/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/18/cat-plays-knock-knock-joke/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/18/cat-plays-knock-knock-joke/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sometimes a cat just has to take care of things for himself. After being locked out one too many times, this resourceful feline has learned that staring longingly through the window isn't going to get him any closer to his bowl of kitty chow waiting in the kitchen. He shows us a powerful knock can do the trick, that is, unless your owners are too amused by your intelligence to let you in!

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]]>behavior catcatcat knocks on doorcat petspet catGabrielle LinzerThu, 18 Jun 2009 14:00:00 ESTGiant Dogs with Little Kidshttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/10/giant-dogs-with-little-kids/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/10/giant-dogs-with-little-kids/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/10/giant-dogs-with-little-kids/#commentsFiled under: ,

Giant Dogs with Little Kids

    I'll race you to the finish line!

    magnificent momma, http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamarazzi/357603940/

    Forget the hairbrush! What about me?

    Proggie, http://www.flickr.com/photos/tym/191534942/

    Help! I think she's got something evil up her sleeve.

    berbercarpet, http://www.flickr.com/photos/flickerbulb/2178371762/

    Looks like I'm on "full body pillow duty" again.

    SheltieBoy, http://www.flickr.com/photos/montanapets/249394149/

    What is this kid doing in my water bowl?

    spookyriggs, http://www.flickr.com/photos/spookyriggs/528815921/

    Why does she always get to play with all the cool toys?

    bdjsb7, http://www.flickr.com/photos/bdjsb7/2647876374/

    Oh! I must be in the kiddie pool.

    Crimthann Fid-Nemed, http://www.flickr.com/photos/usarmymutt/165738854/

    Have you washed your hair lately? Something smells funny up here.

    elemess, http://www.flickr.com/photos/elemess/59222469/

    Can you scoot over a little to the left so I can get in there?

    Jenniferschwalm, http://www.flickr.com/photos/jenniferschwalm/2654042721/

    I don't even need to turn around to know what's going on back there!

    wiccked, http://www.flickr.com/photos/wiccked/268475959/

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]]>Gabrielle LinzerWed, 10 Jun 2009 16:00:00 ESTDogs Who Won't Budgehttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/05/dogs-who-wont-budge/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/05/dogs-who-wont-budge/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/05/dogs-who-wont-budge/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dogs Who Wont Budge

    But I can't go anywhere, my paws are frozen to the snow!

    peffs, http://www.flickr.com/photos/peffs/3330624396/

    No! You come this way. I want to doggy paddle.

    [Ai] Amanda, http://www.flickr.com/photos/ai_amanda/3493165182/

    Can't you see I'm taking in the scenery?

    kris247, http://www.flickr.com/photos/kris247/115057015/

    Hang on, I think I found something good here!

    Dave Kliman, http://www.flickr.com/photos/kliman/100970348/

    You want me to move? You've gotta be kidding.

    ak42, http://www.flickr.com/photos/ak42/303771568/

    Pull me a little more and you'll be seeing my canines!

    TW Collins, http://www.flickr.com/photos/twcollins/2493217943/

    Excuse me, I've got some business to do over here.

    Malingering, http://www.flickr.com/photos/malingering/254495537/

    Sorry but I'm a little tied up at the moment.

    Athenamama, http://www.flickr.com/photos/athenamama/478526630/

    Maybe my big puppy eyes will help me win this battle.

    BigSky4U, http://www.flickr.com/photos/loverains/2159404749/

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]]>Gabrielle LinzerFri, 05 Jun 2009 14:00:00 ESTBad Hair Day Petshttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/01/bad-hair-day-pets/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/01/bad-hair-day-pets/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/06/01/bad-hair-day-pets/#commentsFiled under:

Bad Hair Day Pets

    Does my new hair color look natural?

    Flickr

    I'll give you one guess who won this week's battle with the lawnmower.

    Flickr

    I may look innocent, but I'm a punk rocker at heart!

    Flickr

    I don't appreciate having a head shaped like a basketball.

    Flickr

    Bringing back the 80's, one big hairstyle at a time.

    Flickr

    Now nothing can get in the way of my fabulous new collar!

    Flickr

    I haven't been able to find my tweezers in weeks.

    Flickr

    I want my money back!

    Flickr

    Come let me take you on a party ride. And I'll teach you, teach you, teach you, I'll teach you the electric slide!

    Flickr



    Learn how to groom a dog at home!

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]]>bad groomingbad hair daybad haircutsBadGroomingBadHaircutsBadHairDayGabrielle LinzerMon, 01 Jun 2009 16:00:00 ESTTrend: Keeping Chickens As Petshttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/05/29/trend-keeping-chickens-as-pets/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/05/29/trend-keeping-chickens-as-pets/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/05/29/trend-keeping-chickens-as-pets/#commentsFiled under:

Meet the latest in trendy pets: the urban chicken. Photo: 22280677@N07/Flickr

The next time you hear clucking, it may not be coming from the TV in the kitchen or your neighbor's obnoxious clock that plays a different bird call each hour.

According to a recent article in the Washington Post, keeping chickens as pets in urban and suburban settings is the newest trend in our nation's effort to "go green".

"In cities across the United States, raising backyard poultry has suddenly become as chic as growing your own vegetables. It's all part of the back-to-the-land movement whose proponents want to save on grocery bills, take control of their food supply and reduce the carbon footprint of industrial agrilculture."

Pet chickens produce eggs, naturally fertilize backyard gardens and can even be relatively entertaining to watch scratch, peck and cluck around.

Adopting poultry has its benefits, but there are some regulations you need to follow if you want to play Old MacDonald. Most cities demand that chickens cannot be slaughtered for meat, they must be enclosed and roosters, though handy for a wake-up call, are strictly prohibited.

But despite regulations and complete bans in some places like the District of Columbia, chickens continue to "cross the road" from barnyard staples to backyard-roaming feathered friends.

"Chickens are America's cool new pet," Dave Belanger, publisher of Backyard Poultry, told the Washington Post. And with good reason! What other pet can help you make a fresh omelette or some delicious French toast?

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]]>chicken as petChickenAsPetpet chickenPetChickenurban chickenUrbanChickenGabrielle LinzerFri, 29 May 2009 10:00:00 ESTFunny Animal Video: Baby Squirrel's Epic Journeyhttp://www.pawnation.com/2009/05/28/baby-squirrels-epic-journey/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/05/28/baby-squirrels-epic-journey/http://www.pawnation.com/2009/05/28/baby-squirrels-epic-journey/#commentsFiled under:

Remember what it was like when you first took the training wheels off your bike? Just went you felt like both your feet were on the pedals and you were able to go big places...Plop!

Obviously baby squirrels don't ride bikes, but they do go through a similar rite of passage into big-kid squirreldom. Leaping over walls isn't as easy as mama squirrel makes it out to be!

This little guy chose the UCLA campus to hone his leaping skills and strategical abilities. Baby squirrel takes a number of spills which may result in scuffed paws, but with the help of mama squirrel's numerous demonstrations and some helpful props provided by kind college students, baby squirrel conquers the Great Wall of UCLA.

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]]>baby squirrelBabySquirrelsquirrelsquirrel videossquirrelsSquirrelVideosGabrielle LinzerThu, 28 May 2009 10:00:00 EST