Seasons & Gifts
Holidays and cold snaps change the routine, and pets notice. In October, Halloween safety tips for dogs plans the doorbell, the candy and the first dark walk. Through the winter, how cold is too cold to walk a dog shows the signs it is time to head home.
Shopping for someone with a dog? Practical gifts for dog owners sticks to things that make a daily chore easier, and cat owners will find Christmas gift and tree guides here too. If your pet eats something it shouldn't, call your veterinarian or a pet poison line right away. For chilly walks, see our coats for small dogs.
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How-to
Harness Under or Over a Dog Coat? How to Layer Them Properly
Two pieces of gear on one dog is a mechanical problem nobody explains when you buy either of them. This covers when the harness goes underneath, when it goes on top, what a leash opening is for, and how to stop a coat twisting halfway down the street.
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How-to
How to Wash Dog Coats, Sweaters and Pajamas
Dog clothing has washing problems of its own: knitwear shrinks, fleece mats, velcro destroys everything it touches and heat ruins water-resistant coatings. This guide covers each material and how often washing is actually needed.
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How-to
How to Measure a Dog for Clothes: Neck, Chest and Back Length
Dog clothing sizes are not standard between brands, which is why guessing produces returns. This guide covers the three measurements that matter, how to take them accurately, and how to handle dogs whose shape breaks the chart.
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How-to
How to Keep a Dog Calm and Safe During Fireworks
A fireworks plan for the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve: ID and harness checks, an early walk and dinner, a quiet den, a licking job, how to comfort a scared dog, practice for next year, cats, and when to call your veterinarian.
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How-to
How to Keep a Dog Cool Without AC in a Heat Wave
Without air conditioning, a heat wave comes down to one well-chosen room: shaded windows, moving air, water in several places, frozen food for the hottest hours and a damp towel underneath. Here's how to set it up, when it stops being enough and which heat-stress signs need a vet.
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How-to
How to Keep a Dog Cool in the Car, and Why a Parked Car Is Never Safe
A summer drive with a dog starts with one rule: never leave them in a parked car, even briefly. Then pre-cool the car, shade the rear windows, get cold air to the back seat, plan shaded water stops and know the overheating signs that mean pulling over and calling a vet.
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How-to
How to Keep a Cat Cool in Summer: Cool Spots, Water and Heat Signs
A hot-day plan for indoor cats: why panting is a red flag, heatstroke first aid, blinds and safe airflow, extra water, a cool floor or gel mat, brushing instead of shaving, play at the cool ends of the day, and leaving your cat home in the heat.
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How-to
How to Get a Dog Used to Wearing a Coat, With or Without a Harness
A step-by-step plan for a dog who freezes, scoots or rolls in a new coat: start at home with treats, fasten one closure at a time and build up wearing time. Plus how a coat goes on with a harness, drying and washing after wet walks, and when to take it off.
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How-to
Back-to-School Routine for Dogs: Helping Your Dog Adjust
A two-week plan for families whose dog got used to company all summer: move wake-up, walks and meals early, give a real morning walk and a breakfast that takes time, cover the empty midday, keep departures calm, and know the signs that call for a veterinarian or trainer.
