Aroma Pets

5 ways to help your anxious dog become more confident, according to an expert 

Sometimes, it can seem as though our dogs just go through life without a care in the world. However, some dogs can be more anxious than others.

There are lots of reasons why your pup might be anxious – they could be one of the dog breeds most likely to have separation anxiety, experienced something traumatic before you gave them their forever home, or just be wary of unfamiliar things like new people or locations. But no matter the reason, sometimes our dogs will prefer seeking solace in one of the best calming dog beds than exploring the world.

If your dog is anxious, there are things you can try to help them build up their confidence, and expert trainer and behaviorist Renee Rhoades of R+Dogs has offered some tips in a recent Instagram post. So, let’s take a look!

1. Create a safe space: “Provide your dog with a secure sanctuary for times of stress,” says Rhoades. “It should be peaceful, snug, and restricted to trusted humans only.”

Ensure that your pooch always has the option to access this space as they please, without any restrictions.

2. Stimulate their mind: Mental stimulation is so important, whether your pup is anxious or not. But dogs who have plenty of mental stimulation tend to have lower stress levels and are often better behaved, too.

“These activities encourage your dog to problem solve, which can increase confidence,” Rhoades says.

3. Learn their language: Dogs communicate largely through their bodies. While it’s not an exact science, learning how to read dog body language and understand their signals can help you recognize and understand when they feel anxious. This way, you can respond accordingly, build trust, and in turn help reduce their anxiety.

4. Be a creature of (kind) habit: “Being consistent can reduce anxiety by predictability,” Rhoades explains. “You don’t need to do everything at an exact time, just a consistent pattern.”

By being consistent, and always being positive – try not to show any frustration! – you can help your pup improve their confidence in the long run.

5. Be a turtle: In other words, take things nice and slow. Don’t rush your dog. Anxiety in dogs can mean that they don’t respond well when they’re pushed into new or uncomfortable situations, so be patient and meet your furry friend at their pace. If they’re communicating that they’d like to slow down or stop at any point, listen to them.

And remember, as Rhoades says, “It’s important to understand that your dog’s nervousness is not a sign of weakness but a call for support from you.”

7 tips to get cats to drink more water

Cats are naturally poor drinkers. This is because they normally get the majority of their water requirements from their prey. However, canned and dry food, such as that given to our domestic cats, is often not enough, so they have to drink additional water to avoid health problems such as urinary crystals. This is also because they are simply not used to drinking water, which is why it is sometimes so difficult. PETBOOK provides tips on how even “lazy” cats can get enough liquid.

Several years ago, I had the chance to meet with a renowned television veterinarian at a pet fair in Berlin. I took the opportunity to ask him what he thought was crucial when it came to feeding cats. To my surprise, he emphasized that the most crucial aspect is ensuring the cat gets enough fluids. That is, by far, the most important thing. He also gave me some tips for this, which I will share with you below in this article. This is a significant concern because research indicates that our feline friends often don’t drink enough water.

Many health problems that frequently occur in cats, such as urinary stones or kidney disease, are often linked to inadequate water intake. It is therefore essential for our cats’ health that they drink enough fluids every day. Below, we have put together seven tips and personal experiences to help you achieve this.

Why do cats drink so little water?

Our domestic cats are descended from desert dwellers. Therefore, they have evolved to cover the majority of their fluid requirements with their prey. As a rule, these are small birds and rodents whose bodies consist of 60 to 70 percent water. Of course, cats also drink from a spring in the wild when they have the opportunity to do so. But this also depends on the weather, their activity, and what food they have eaten.

If we feed our cats wet food with a moisture content of 70 percent, this can already satisfy their thirst. However, if a cat is very active or is only fed dry food, there is a high probability that it will become thirsty and drink water. Cats typically consume only the bare minimum amount of water necessary.

However, there are situations in which we want our cats to drink more fluids. For example, if they are only given dry food. Because then the risk of urinary stone disease is high. Cats that receive too little fluid from their food have very concentrated urine, which encourages the growth of urinary crystals in the bladder. However, cats that get more fluid from their food also produce larger amounts of urine and are more likely to flush out such crystals.

How much water do cats need to drink every day?

According to scientific studies, cats generally need around 50 to 60 milliliters (0.21 to 0.25 cups) of water per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of body weight. If your cat weighs four kilograms (8.8 pounds), it should therefore drink 200 to 400 milliliters (0.84 to 1.69 cups) of water a day. Even cats that like to drink rarely consume these quantities, and they don’t have to. This is because they already get most of their liquid from their wet food.

As a rule, a cat weighing four kilograms (8.8 pounds) gets around 200 to 250 grams (7.05 to 8.81 ounces) of wet food. With a moisture content of 80 percent, this already covers almost 200 milliliters (0.84 cups) of liquid. However, the situation is different with dry food, which has a moisture content of just 9 percent. With a daily ration of 50 to 70 grams (1.76 to 2.46 ounces), that is a meager four to five milliliters (0.01 to 0.02 cups).

Therefore, cats that are exclusively fed dry food should ideally consume at least 200 milliliters (0.84 cups) of water daily. This amount is considerable for an animal that naturally tends to drink sparingly and seldom feels the urge to hydrate on its own. Fortunately, there are a few tricks to ensure that even lazy cats get enough liquid.

7 tips to get cats to drink more water

Tip 1: Cats don’t want to drink where they eat

In pet stores, it’s common to find double bowls — one for water and one for food — designed to be practical and compactly situated side by side. These make no sense for either cats or dogs, as there is a high probability that the drinking water will be contaminated with food. Especially for cats that only drink occasionally, it is therefore important that the water bowl is as far away from the food as possible and is changed daily. Even small impurities can make some cats less keen to drink.

Tip 2: Does your cat prefer stale or fresh water?

A study has shown that cats are able to distinguish between different types of water. It was also found that they prefer tap water to distilled water. So cats are probably able to taste minerals such as calcium or magnesium in water. And just as with us humans, it is also very individual for cats which water tastes best to them. For example, some cats prefer stale water from a watering can because it is perhaps at room temperature and the calcium content is somewhat lower.

Other cats love fresh water, preferably straight from the tap. This probably depends on the region in which you live, how hard the water is, and the condition of the pipes. In addition, cats are creatures of habit. If they were imprinted with a certain type of water as kittens, they may also prefer it as adult cats. The only thing that helps here is trial and error and observation.

Tip 3: Some cats prefer running water

In a US study conducted by the Animal Behavior Clinic in Portland, Oregon, scientists Christopher Pachel and Jacqui Neilson investigated whether cats prefer still or running water. Although the results were not statistically significant, the cats in the experiment drank slightly more from running water sources, such as fountains or taps. The researchers also found that the cats showed a strong preference and switched very little between the options. So if a cat preferred water from a bowl, it stuck with it.

Another study showed that the use of fountains and drinking fountains can increase water intake in cats. The scientists assume that indoor fountains encourage cats to play and, therefore, to drink due to the movement of the water. In fact, it has been observed that cats who see such a device for the first time playfully reach into the water with their paws and then lick it off. 

Another theory is that cats can perceive running water more easily because it makes a noise when it splashes. This is because running water is usually more digestible than water that has been in a pond for weeks and in which bacteria or algae have formed. They also perceive the water surface better due to the movement of the liquid, which some cats have a problem with in still water. This is probably why many cats like to drink from the running tap. You should therefore definitely buy a drinking fountain for these animals, as they should always have access to water and not have to wait for someone to turn on the tap.

  Tip 4: Choose the right bowl for the water

Water is transparent, and many cats have difficulty seeing the surface of the water. You can often see them carefully lowering their heads to drink, smelling the water, and then landing their nose in it and snorting. For some cats, this experience is enough to make them stop drinking from the container (who likes water in their nose?). Others are bothered by the reflection that comes from metal bowls, for example. But there are solutions for this. Many manufacturers have already reacted and produced bowls with a darker, often blue, inside.

However, there is no right or wrong here either. It depends on the individual preferences of the cat. It is best to provide them with several alternatives. Not only the classic bowls from pet shops are suitable. Bowls made of porcelain, glass, or large preserving jars are also popular. It is best to observe your cat and see which containers it prefers to drink from.

Incidentally, many cats prefer to drink from their owner’s water glasses. If you prefer to avoid this, consider offering your cat its own glass of water. Make sure it’s stable enough to prevent tipping. Perhaps cover it with a small lid to keep it safe from curious paws and tongues.

Tip 5: Flavored water

The previous tips were based on the assumption that cats drink water of their own accord. However, this is not true for all cats. The last three tips are also suitable for cats that are particularly lazy drinkers or need more fluids due to illness.

If you have such a cat, you should regularly offer it tasty cat drinks in addition to the water points in the apartment or house. You can easily make these yourself by boiling meat or offal and saving the cooking water. When cooled to room temperature, hardly any cat can resist.

Important: Never use salt or stock powder to boil the meat. You should also offer your cat fresh cooking water every day. It is best to boil a large amount of meat and then freeze the broth in portions.

Tip 6: Cat soups

A variety of specially formulated soups and cat drinks are now available to help increase a cat’s fluid intake. You simply have to try out what your cat likes best. Especially for cats that only eat dry food, soups, or drinks that have been specially developed for them are a useful supplement.

Tip 7: Water in the food

This tip is as simple as it is effective and comes from the famous TV vet I met at the trade fair. Since then, my two cats have always been given a sip of water with every portion of food. While boiled chicken broth is preferable, adding tap water is also an effective method. However, this only applies to wet food. Dry food fanatics will probably turn away from the bowl in disgust if their beloved kibble is suddenly mushy instead of crunchy.

Conclusion

Cats are individuals. There are good and bad drinkers, and cats that prefer running water. Some prefer to fish the water out of the watering can or water glass with their paws and then lick it off with relish. If your cat rarely visits the drinking bowl, offer it various alternatives. An expensive indoor fountain isn’t a necessity. It is best to observe your cat. Does it show an interest in the tap, or does it have a particular favorite spot by the window where you could place a bowl of water? Experiment to discover your pet’s preferences, and consult with your veterinarian for guidance. After all, many typical illnesses can be avoided simply by ensuring that your cat drinks enough water.

Sources

These 8 vet-approved cat litter hacks will make life easier for you

Imagine if there were cat litter hacks that could make cleaning up after your cat less of a full-time job. Well, you’re in luck! Over my 13 years as a small animal vet working with cats, I’ve picked up quite a few tips and tricks.

Below, I've shared some things you can try to make life with a litter box (or three) less of an ordeal – from using a high-sided tray to mounting a poo bag dispenser on the wall.

Before we start, it’s worth getting familiar with some of the best cat litter boxes and best automatic cat litter boxes so that you can make sure that yours meets the needs of you and your cat.

The best cat litter hacks

Here are some tips and tricks to make cleaning your cat’s litter box (and the surrounding area) much easier!

1. Keep a diaper bin nearbyCleaning your cat’s litter box is much quicker if you don’t have to take the contaminated litter or poop to an outside bin. However, putting the poop in your household trash will cause a smell.

To save you from popping outside every time, scoop the poop or dirty litter into a specialist diaper pail (like this one on Amazon), then twist the lid so that the smell doesn’t escape. This will mean you only need to empty the bin every few days but don’t leave it too long as if it’s too heavy the bag could break.

2. Keep everything you need nearbyWe’ve all been there. You pass your cat’s litter box to find it dirty, so you go to grab the scoop from outside but get distracted by another household task. Then when you remember what you were doing, you return with the scoop but realize you don’t have any poop bags. And so on.

This can slow down the process of cleaning up your cat's litter tray. Instead, make sure you keep everything you need at the litter box station, including fresh bags of the best cat litter, poop bags, a bin, the poop scoop, and some pet-friendly disinfectant spray.

3. Use clumping cat litterClumping cat litter can make it much easier to remove all of the contaminated litter because it sticks together and is easy to scoop. This means you can preserve the clean litter and don’t need to remove all of the litter every time. However, every cat is different and your cat may prefer a particular texture of litter, so it’s worth trying it first before committing to a large bag.

To learn more about the different types of cat litter, check out our expert guide.

4. Use a poo bag dispenser on the wallPoo bag dispensers aren’t just for dog owners to clip on their leads; these handy rolls are perfect for creating a litter box station. Just hang or mount the dispenser (like this one on Amazon) to the wall in easy reach and you’ll be able to grab a bag whenever you need to.

5. Use a litter box with high sidesIt’s frustrating when you have to clean up litter that your cat has kicked all over the floor while burying their urine or feces. Using a covered litter box or one with high sides can help to keep the litter inside the box not all over the floor! However, bear in mind that not every cat will like a litter box of this style, and elderly cats especially might struggle to step into it.

6. Use a cat litter matCat litter mats can also really help to keep cat litter off the floor and inside the box. The litter mats (like this one on Amazon) catch and trap the litter that’s stuck on your cat’s paws, stopping them from depositing it around the house!

7. Stack up the litter box linersDoing a full change of your cat’s litter box can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. If you stack litter box liners (like these from Amazon) inside the tray, you can simply lift the top one, tie it, and throw it away, then add fresh litter to the one below. Of course, this will only work if the top liner is intact, so always check for leaks, but it’s a great way to save time.

8. Spot-clean the litter box dailyThat’s right, you haven’t read it wrong! Spot-cleaning your cat’s litter box daily can actually help to reduce the overall cleanup time in the long run.

This is because cats are often put off by a dirty litter box, and may spend more time digging around trying to find a clean spot, spraying cat litter everywhere in the process. They might even abandon using the litter box altogether and just find an alternative spot behind the television or in the bathtub!

How often should you clean your cat’s litter box?

How often should you clean out your cat's litter box? The frequency that your cat’s litter box needs cleaning and how often you need to change the cat litter will vary, but if you’re spot-cleaning it every day and using clumping cat litter, you might find that they don’t need a full cat litter change and litter box clean more often than weekly. Of course, you’ll probably need to top it up with fresh cat litter in the meantime if it’s getting a little low.

However, it’s important to remember that if your cat has diarrhea, cystitis, or a urine infection, more of the cat litter will be contaminated, and they'll make more of a mess, so more frequent cleaning would be required.

As a general rule, the cat litter should be changed and the litter box cleaned with pet-friendly disinfectant once a week, or more often if the cat litter or box itself looks visibly dirty or wet.

If you’re a cat parent, you probably don't enjoy the unpleasant and time-consuming chore of cleaning their litter box. But why not give our cat litter hacks a try – they could save you time and make the job a little less unpleasant.

You might also want to read: How to get a cat to use a litter box and Is cat litter flushable? 

Story by Story by Dr. Hannah Godfrey BVetMed MRCVS

Is your dog a diva? Check out our list of high-maintenance dog breeds that require extra time, care, and effort

High-maintenance dog breeds can require a lot of extra time, care and attention. High-maintenance in humans gives the impression of a needy person who requires a lot of time, money and effort to be spent on them. When it comes to dogs, it’s more nuanced.

A dog that whines, barks, and destroys the home furnishings when left alone for half an hour is obviously demanding. On the other hand, there are some dog breeds that appear low-maintenance, tough and self-sufficient, but shed their fur like crazy, requiring hours of grooming and vacuuming every week.

Or there are the high-energy dogs that maintain a strict exercise schedule of at least two hours a day, preferably morning and afternoon – that’s no picnic to keep up on a daily basis. Particularly if they relish jumping into every bog or puddle – the washing and cleaning demands are stratospheric.

And then there are those that are tricky to train and need cajoling and teasing, with short and sweet sessions to teach them commands – if they’re in the mood and if you have some of the best dog treats on hand.

Here’s a snapshot of 32 of those high-maintenance dog breeds, who are considered extra effort in any one or more of these categories: energy levels, barking or separation anxiety or grooming.

32 high-maintenance dog breeds that require a lot of care

The marvelous Border Collie checks just about every box when it comes to being high-maintenance. Rated the most intelligent of all the canine species, that big brain requires a whole lot of stimulation, both physical and mental.

They are fun personalities, but that.

Akitas are not an ideal breed for a first-time dog owner as they require an experienced handler. They fit into several high-maintenance areas: grooming, training, exercise, and temperament.

Akitas are strong and athletic, requiring plenty of exercise. Bear in mind that they are natural guard dogs, and can have an aggressive side, hence the need for expert training. Early socialization with both people and other pets is essential.

Finally, that beautifully thick, fluffy coat needs maintenance – it sheds prolifically so be prepared for constant brushing and vacuuming.

17. Chow chow

The loyal and loving chow chow isn’t too demanding on the exercise front – a bit of play and gentle walks will suffice. However, that luxurious coat requires significant attention – brushing and bathing – to prevent it from matting. Be prepared to put in plenty of time in the grooming parlor, whether it’s your own home or a professional salon.

And while they are devoted to their owners, they can be distrustful of strangers so need expert training and early socialization.

18. Australian Cattle Dog

Where the Australian Cattle Dog really ramps up its maintenance needs is in the exercise department. These dogs can run all day long, and so require a high degree of activity. A gentle walk won’t fit the bill – they need to burn off their energy with vigorous exercise such as running, biking, outdoor games, and agility training.

On the other hand, their grooming needs are minimal and they don’t shed constantly.

19. Weimaraner

Looking at the Weimaraner’s super sleek coat, you can mentally count the hours you’ll save not having to groom them constantly. However, that time will be amply spent exercising them, for this is a dog that needs not just to walk but run – and a long way!

They are intelligent and quick learners, so need to be kept busy and stimulated so that they don’t misdirect their attention into bad behaviors like chewing and digging. Plus, they have a strong prey drive, so you can’t switch off while out on a walk.

20. Dalmatian

Dalmatians were bred to run alongside carriages in Regency England, so – you guessed it – they have sky-high exercise demands. If you don’t cater to their energy outlet, they may take it out on your house and garden, so make sure they get plenty of stimulation. Plus, they are prone to separation anxiety – they are natural attention-seekers, and why wouldn’t you be, with that distinctive coat?

In an athletic family with people at their beck and call, and an experienced training regime, this breed is a winner, but their daily needs are significant.

You’re not off the hook on the grooming front either. Their coats may be short, but they are big shedders.

21. Afghan Hound

The Afghan Hound’s impressively long and silky coat puts them firmly in the high-maintenance category on account of the grooming demands. You’ll be brushing daily – with a variety of combs and brushes – and bathing weekly, possibly hair-drying too.

Furthermore, when they’re not being groomed, Afghan hounds need exercise – lots of it. They are sighthounds, bred to run fast over long distances – and they can really shift, hitting speeds of up to 40mph.

22. Chihuahua

For a very small dog – the smallest of all – the loveable Chihuahua packs a mighty punch. While their grooming needs are fairly minimal (particularly the smooth coat) and they don’t need quite as much exercise as the hounds and gundogs, they are certainly needy when it comes to human interaction.

A few fun facts about chihuahuas are that they can whine and bark if they don’t get enough attention, and tend to follow their owner around everywhere – including the bathroom.

23. Bichon frise

Grooming is high on the agenda for this fluffy, pale-coated breed. The bichon frise needs daily brushing to prevent matting and to keep their skin tip-top. A bath is advised on a weekly basis, and a monthly trip to a professional groomer to keep their eyes and ears fuzz-free (to prevent infection).

They also tend to think the world revolves around them – and perhaps it does, in many households!

24. Old English Sheepdog

The copious shaggy coat of the Old English Sheepdog has its downsides. To prevent mats and tangles, it needs grooming every day. Otherwise, it can collect dirt and bacteria, as well as fleas, ticks, mites, and so on.

The prospect of bathing such a huge dog may be a daunting one, so trips to the grooming parlor are often on the agenda. Although regular maintenance takes a lot of time and effort, it’s vital for the health of this friendly and affectionate breed.

25. Maltese

Stunning looks often take a lot of work behind the scenes, and the Maltese requires exactly that. They need daily brushing, routine bathing, and eye cleaning to keep them looking fabulous.

Conversely, they aren’t too needy on the exercise regime and are happy with short, gentle walks and playtime.

26. Samoyed

Stunning as they are, those thick, fluffy coats need almost constant attention. Expect to groom a Samoyed every single day – and bear in mind they shed a lot. Their polar bear look requires considerable upkeep; for a full bath and grooming session, you’ll need to spare a good four to five hours. Which leaves a few hours of daylight for the copious exercise a Samoyed enjoys! This is a very active breed that thrives on a couple of hours of activity a day.

27. Shetland Sheepdog

A wonderfully intelligent and attractive dog, the Sheltie requires plenty of attention, whether it’s grooming sessions, daily exercise, or mental stimulation in the form of playtime and enrichment. They excel in agility and obedience, which is a great outlet for some of that energy and gives their busy brains a task on which to focus.

28. Lhasa apso

On the one hand, the Lhasa Apso is undemanding. They won’t beg you to head out for a two-hour jog on a daily basis (in fact, they’d rather you didn’t). However, while you might save time and effort with just a short brisk walk, you’ll need some patience when it comes to the grooming regime. Their stunning coats need considerable attention to stop them from matting, as well as regular bathing to keep them smooth and tangle-free.

29. Schipperke

Although they have a double coat that sheds, the smart Schipperke is relatively low-maintenance on the grooming side, but high-maintenance when it comes to exercise. They are very active dogs – originally bred to work (as a rat-catcher, watchdog, and even herder) – and they love to exert their sporting prowess. As well as plenty of daily exercise, they require mental stimulation in the form of playtime or enrichment or they can turn to destructive tendencies.

30. Italian Greyhound

It’s easy to look at an Italian Greyhound’s sleek coat and think of the time you’ll save on grooming. However, their fine coats are high-maintenance in other ways. With their minimal fur covering and lack of insulating fat, they are very sensitive to the cold.

You’ll need to put on rugs, blankets, coats, and jumpers to keep them warm on chilly days. They’re also needy in terms of attention, as they like their favorite human to be around all day long for cuddles, companionship, and plenty of physical activity.

31. French Bulldog

While their short coats don’t require much more than a flick of the brush, there are other grooming requirements when it comes to the French Bulldog. Their wrinkles need cleaning, as well as their bat-like ears to prevent infections harboring.

You’ll also need to watch out in hot weather as their brachycephalic head shape means their respiratory systems are compromised. Take care not to let them over-exert themselves, especially when it’s hot, and make sure you have all the cooling mats, jackets, and beds at your disposal to enable them to dissipate the heat quickly. And watch out that they don’t try to cool off quickly in a river or pool – their body shape means they are not natural swimmers.

32. Pomeranian

Pomeranians are renowned for being a big dog in a small package. They bark, they need decent exercise and loads of playtime – this is no gentle lapdog that will sit on the sofa all day long watching TV.

If you’re a pet parent who is up for a challenge, check out the highest maintenance cat breeds for good measure.

Story by Martha Terry: Pets Radar