Hiking and exploring is a favorite pastime of many people and their dogs. Not all trails allow pets, so finding a place to do this can be challenging. Luckily, Springfield has plenty of opportunities to get outside and bring your four-legged companions along. 

Dogs eat poop due to different behavioral and physiological issues. It can be disgusting but there’s a reason why and hopefully an answer to the problem. There are a few theories as to why dogs may eat poop. One theory is that they are lacking certain nutrients in their diet, so they eat poop in an attempt to supplement their nutrients. Another theory is that they are simply exploring their environment and trying new things.

Before you adopt, you should plan. Having everything in place before bringing your dog home will help with their stress, and yours. You should prepare a safe space for them and dog-proof the area. Remove anything that you don’t want chewed on and anything that could be harmful.

Kidney stones form due to an imbalance of calcium, protein, and salt and are more common in female dogs of certain breeds. These breeds include Bichons, Poodles, Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers. Kidney stones can occur naturally over time, or may be influenced by medicines. Kidney stones in dogs can be painful and can cause health problems if left untreated. They can cause blockages in the urinary tract, leading to difficulty urinating, blood in the urine, and abdominal pain.

When your dog pulls while on a walk, you may ask several questions. Am I too slow? Are they too excited? Are they trying to establish dominance over me and take over? While the first two questions may be factual, your dog is not pulling because they want to achieve dominance. They simply want to explore and cover a larger area than us humans typically do. The only surefire way to stop this behavior is to avoid walking altogether, but that is not something that is recommended. There are too many benefits to getting outside with your loved ones to let a behavior such as pulling get in the way. 

The holidays can be stressful for humans and pets alike. The anxiety that arises with visitors coming and going, making and changing of plans, and end of the year bustling can be overwhelming. If you’re planning to have a party or gathering at your home, it’s important to consider your pets' safety. There’s a few things we can do to help them be extra comfortable and safe while entertaining guests or having family over for an extended stay.

With the holiday season coming up, many plants can make their way into your home by way of decoration or gifts. Many of them can be harmful to your pets if swallowed and some if touched. If the unthinkable happens, pet parents have options. The best option is to call your veterinarian. If that option is unavailable the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or Animal Poison Control (888-426-4435) are available.

When getting a puppy the greatest time frame for learning starts at 3 weeks and ends between 16-20 weeks. This is time they can be exposed to an array of sights, sounds, and smells without becoming afraid. Puppies who don’t experience these sensations never learn to be comfortable around unfamiliar surroundings and may have aggressive tendencies.

Going to the vet repeatedly over several months for vaccinations, and then for boosters throughout your dog’s life, may seem like an inconvenience, but the diseases that vaccinations will protect your pets from are dangerous, potentially deadly, and, thankfully, mostly preventable. We read about so many different vaccinations, for so many different illnesses, that it can be confusing to know which vaccinations puppies need and which ones are important but optional.

What happens with a silly pup is left alone with chicken wings? Bullitt the Magician finds a way to make them magically disappear. Chicken bones can be quite dangerous and you should watch your dog very closely!

Mary Bly was once quoted as saying, “Dogs come when they're called; cats take a message and get back to you later.” Some find dogs to be lazy, while others find them loyal. Some find cats to be independent, while others find them aloof. Whatever your perspective, there seems to be a consistent theme in the differences between dogs and cats, as well as in dog people and cat people. While it is possible to love both (I do!), most people seem to be either a dog or a cat person. So why is that? What makes us more drawn to a cat over a dog or a dog over a cat? The answer is simple; you find the animal that best suits YOU! 

Most pet owners know the ins and outs of their property pretty well. They know where to avoid that stubborn hole and where the ant hills have taken over. What pet owners don't know are the ins and outs of other yards. If you and your pet regularly leave for outings,there could be other unseen dangers to be precautious about, specifically lawn treatments. Certain fertilizers, insecticides or weed killers can go unnoticed and be potentially harmful to your pet if found at the wrong place at the wrong time.

Electronic pet doors can offer a wide variety of access options. Some work with a tag implanted in the pet and others work with a tag inside a collar, either magnet or RFID. Some newer doors can actually detect if your pet is holding something in their mouth and bar access. You should consider an electronic door for pets that need or want to go in and out at will. But since your dog or cat may be outside when you are not home to supervise, you’ll need to make sure he is safe in his own backyard.

Have you ever seen a sweet little face at the shelter that you couldn’t say no to? From fostering to adoption, integrating your new furry friend into your household can be an exciting - but often stressful - experience. Cats are especially prone to stress and agitation when introduced to a new environment, so it is important to pay attention to any signs that might indicate agitation.

We love our pets and it gives us joy to spoil them endlessly with our love and of course, healthy treats! Here are some good recipes to give our fur babies something they can enjoy with us everyday. It’s always important to consider your pets diet and any restrictions before giving new food. These treats are not intended as a replacement for regular daily meals.

Our dogs love us for their entire lives and we are blessed to have them as part of ours for just a short amount of time.  Providing proper care as your dog ages enriches their lives and makes their later years just as fun as puppyhood.  Just like humans, dogs age similarly:  their hair turns gray, eyesight and hearing start to fade, arthritis sets in, and incontinence may occur.

Thanks to modern molecular dating and evolutionary chronologies, we know that humanity’s relationship with dogs stretches back thousands of years. How far, exactly? According to anthropologists, it is likely that Homo sapiens and canines developed a mutually beneficial relationship approximately 30,000-40,000 years ago.

There are a few moments in life that really knock the wind from your sails. One of them is definitely the death of a pet. No matter the length of time they’re with us, we are left wholly changed when they leave. Whether it was unexpected, or a planned passing, the grief is still very real and something we are left searching for answers and meaning for a longtime. Both of us have personally had pets pass away over the years, and it never gets easier. 

Sedalia, MO is fortunate to have many wonderful nonprofits that call it home. The Cat Assistance Team- Sedalia (C.A.T.S.), is an established non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping injured, sick, and homeless animals in the town and surrounding area. Rescuing animals is not for the faint of heart and requires an extensive amount of time and resources to find loving adopters. From dealing with injured animals, to looking for continual funding opportunities, there is always work to be done. 

Cats have been the subject of our reverence and adoration for millennia, yet we humans still have a tough time deciphering their unique wants and needs. It is up to us as pet parents to put the research into understanding our kitties’ well being, which includes rethinking popular cat stereotypes. Did you believe in any of these feline fables?