Loading the searchable article library…
Browse published articles attributed to brian spilner, with full-archive search.
There are times when you have to leave your pet just long enough to miss meal time but short enough where you don’t need to hire a sitter or ask your neighbor to stop by. Over filling your pet’s food bowl is not always the best option. Many pets will just eat and eat and eat; and, ...
When dog training comes to mind, lots of people think about tricks or dog shows. Both behaviors are evidence of training, but training goes further than a show. If you keep your pet indoors, then you have already gone through one step of training: housetraining. Could you imagine having a ...
You have been working with your pooch, and he is ready for the road trip. You have made sure he is healthy enough to travel, caught him up on his vaccinations, and helped him get accustomed to being in his carrier. Now, it is time to pack up the car and go! Whatever you think your dog needs ...
If you are a dog owner, odds are you have seen the infamous movie Look Who's Talking with John Travolta and other famed actors. The odds get even better when you consider how many dog owners attempt to talk to their dogs on a daily basis. Unfortunately, unlike the movie, our dogs do not talk ...
Dog food ingredients have been a popular topic in the news as of late and not for any good reasons. Recent contamination has occurred in a large number of dog foods causing widespread illness and even death in family dogs across the country. The alarming recalls that ensued were quite scary for ...
You are planning a trip, and it is impossible to take your pet. What do you do, now? Call your family members or neighbors to see if they can take care of your pet? This is okay for a short trip, but anything longer may aggravate your friends. If your pooch does not socialize well with other ...
You feed, water, exercise, groom and bathe your animal. You take him to the veterinarian for his yearly checkup, tests, and shots. It seems as though your pet is in perfect health. Your pooch gives you a big, sloppy lick across your face in appreciation, and you notice his bad breath. At ...
Shopping for pet products can get expensive. Clothing, accessories, food, and treats can be costly, and choosing them can be daunting. Before you rush to the store and buy everything for your pet, think about things you can make at home. Your creativity and imagination can inspire multiple ...
If you love animals, but have a particular affinity for dogs then you might be considering a career in dog care. There is no better time than the present to enter the field of dog care as they are more popular than ever before. Despite economic woes people are still spending money on their dogs ...
If you have decided to take your pet along on vacation, then you have probably started a list of things to take along. Have you started a list of things to leave at home? Packing for a trip can be nerve racking. There is no reason to take along excess items or items that may cause problems ...
It’s a mother’s and a pet owner’s nightmare: locking your child or pet inside your vehicle. Some people wonder how it happens; but, in reality, there are a number of things that can cause this awful scenario. If it happens to you, then don’t panic. Here are a few tips ...
Having more than one pet in your home is a wonderful experience. Two or more pets become companions and enjoy spending time together. They keep each other from being bored when you’re away and can be fun to take to the park. Having one dog in your home requires a certain amount of ...
Arthritis is a condition that many people experience in their older age. Cats can also get arthritis. Though arthritis more often manifests itself in humans and dogs, it can be a feline condition as well. Arthritis cannot be prevented, but with early detection, it can be alleviated by your help ...
The holidays are approaching quicker than you know, and it seems it will soon be the season for baking cookies and treats. Don’t leave your dog out of these times of fun; go ahead and have some fun with the kids as you make yummy treats that your dog will absolutely adore! Doggie ...
In an age where luxury sometimes seems more valued than a good hard days work, each living being seeks ease and comfort in some form or fashion. Not only do people want to have an easy life, they want their pets to have a comfortable and easy life as well! People love their pets, and they desire ...
With summer months comes more time spent outdoors. You’re more likely to play outside with your pooch or take him on an open-air adventure. You may also be more likely to bathe him when it is warm outside. Depending on the frequency of bathing and your pooch’s skin and coat, there ...
Often when people go looking for trainers they ask a few questions before making their decision. Sometimes the questions asked involve pricing and scheduling and rarely go beyond that. Achieving the appropriate training goals for your dog can be a daunting process; however, if you find the right ...
You enjoy interactions with other people. Often, it’s a breath of fresh air to be in public and see someone you know. Dogs can benefit from the companionship of other dogs. You can have play dates and take your pooch to the dog park if he gets along well with others. However, most dogs ...
Introducing a dog or puppy into your home can be a wonderful idea. Children and adults alike love the companionship of animals. Depending on the age of your child and how extra time you have to spend with an animal, choosing the right pooch can be a stressful process. You want to make sure ...
It is always new and exciting to get a new pet. One of the most rewarding aspects of having a pet is getting to know your dog and experiencing the thrill of having man’s best friend in your very own home each and every day. So, once you get a new dog in the family, here are a few ways to ...
A sad reality of this world is that there are lonely people everywhere. In this high technology world that we live in, so many things are digital and online. Don’t get me wrong, the Internet is amazing; however, it allows people to distance themselves from other human beings. People even ...
All animals are at risk of hosting parasites, though some parasites can only survive in certain animals. Parasites can lead to health problems and can even be fatal if not taken care of properly. There are ways to prevent and rid animals of parasites. A parasite infestation should not be ...
Many people decide to get a dog before they have children. It is always wonderful getting a new baby and it sometimes may take time and patience to help your dog adjust to the adorable new family member. However, once the baby grows up into a toddler, many dogs find that they need to have ...
Often in the spring, when pollen is floating freely in the air, humans find themselves sneezing and blowing noses, and often forget that seasonal allergies can affect their beloved canines as well. Airbo e irritants such as dust mites, mold spores, and pollen are inhaled from the surrounding ...
Most pet owners are familiar with the feeling: spending a fantastic weekend with Fido as the lake or at the park, only to leave him at home, alone once again…it’s Monday. He looks at you with his big, sad, doleful brown eyes, seeming to say, “you’re leaving me? ...
For children, dealing with the death of a pet can be an extremely traumatic and upsetting experience. As parents, it is our role to help our children through this time. If your child has never experienced the death of a pet or family relative, they may have difficulty with the concept of death. ...
Springtime is almost here, and the spring and summer seasons generally mean more severe weather as the air becomes more warm and humid, thus making conditions more susceptible to thunderstorms and severe weather. Depending on where you live, tornadoes may be a somewhat common occurrence. As you ...
Most people know when their puppy needs a bath—their nose tells them! Though it is nice to take your dog to the groom so you don’t have to worry about the mess, sometimes it is just easier to do it yourself in your own home. With a few easy tips and a little planning ahead, you will ...
You’ve recently noticed that your dog won’t quit scratching his ears or shaking his head. You checked his body and discovered no fleas or ticks. You examined his ears, and all you found was black, crusty flakes. Surely that isn’t what’s making his ears itch, is it? ...
Many pet owners are faced with their dog’s phobia of thunderstorms and severe weather. It is relatively common for dogs to retreat under a bed in hiding, to whine, shake, drool or pace when the weather gets nasty outside. Though it may not seem like much more than a nervous habit at first, ...
In today’s day and age, it is common for two families to join together and become one (think the Brady Bunch). Or maybe you have recently become engaged to your significant other and you both own dogs. How do you cope with having two dogs under the same roof? They are both used to being ...
Almost everyone loves new babies. However, sometimes it can be difficult on the family dog when Junior is introduced into the world. The family pet has been considered the family child for so long, until the baby shows up. So, what you do, as a parent, that will help your dog adjust to having a ...
If you are planning on starting a weekly workout plan, or already have one, it might be fun for you to include your dog in the benefits of exercise! Believe it or not, the percentage of obese and over-weight dogs throughout the United States is growing in number. Just as humans need exercise and ...
Your cat is your companion. The last thing you want is for her to become sick or have a higher risk of getting sick. If you have more than one cat, or just got a new kitten, then there are some things you need to know about Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). FeLV is, as the name suggests, a virus ...
It is getting warmer, and so is your pooch. Soon enough, he will start shedding excess hair all across your home to prepare for the heat. You can clean and clean, but the hair will keep on coming. The frequency and amount of shedding will depend on the breed of your dog; but, there is one ...
Dog are susceptible to health problems, just like their human counterparts. Many problems are genetic and are associated with the breed of the dog. Other problems are caused by unhealthy eating habits, animals and insect bites, or lack of exercise. Diabetes is a growing health conce that ...
You want you child to have a companion, a friend to play, and a way to teach him responsibility. You also want your child to be safe and protected. If you’ve considered a dog as an addition to your home, then you’ve probably weighed the advantages against the disadvantages. A dog ...
Spring is here. The weather is pleasant. You and your dog are both getting restless from being cooped up all winter. Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors and play games together! Playing games with your dog can present a perfect opportunity for training. You can incorporate voice ...
An interesting fact about dogs is that they are omnivores. This means that they eat both meat and vegetables, and they thrive on such a diet. Cats, on the other hand, are carnivores, and they thrive on a heavily meat-based diet. So, dogs need both plants and protein meats to remain in tip top ...
As the warm weather comes nearer and nearer, it is important to remind ourselves that caring for ours dogs in the spring and summertime is different than the way we care for them in the fall and winter seasons. The weather gets hot and humid, and there are gorgeous days and dangerously hot days. ...