Parade Pets

My dogs could never be described as patient, especially when it comes to food. Both my senior Dachshund and my Pug mix go from zero to 60 the second they smell any sort of savory and will not be placated until they satisfy their taste buds.

Charlie the Golden Retriever seems to have the same lack of impulse control and showed his impatience while waiting in line at his go-to coffee shop.

@laurenandcody

Patience? None.

♬ A comical comedy orchestra(1610450) – LeonardoFujimura

In the TikTok from @laurenandcody, a woman was at the counter to place her order while Charlie tried nudging forward before his turn. His mom gave him a gentle reprimand so he would stay in his place, but it didn’t work for long.

The woman turned and gave Charlie a gentle pet, which he mistakenly took as a sign to go in front of her. “It’s not your turn,” his mom reiterated as she pulled him back on the leash.

The customer laughed at Charlie’s adorable excitement for his treat and quickly moved aside so he could get his cravings satisfied. Patrons and café servers were charmed by the canine cutie’s eagerness to get a treat.

Followers felt that Charlie should have been first in line all along:

• “I would definitely let King Charlie cut in front of me for some pets!” one declared.
• “Charlie doesn’t care about turns. He wants his snackies,” another noted.
• “He should work there as chief happiness officer!” a follower suggested.
• “In all fairness, the head petting was definitely dog language for ‘you can go ahead of me and get your treat’,” someone pointed out.
• “Charlie should have automatic priority like the king he is,” a fan remarked.

What Makes Golden Retrievers Such Social Butterflies?

Golden Retrievers are a popular pick of pet parents for various reasons. Their playful personality, affectionate nature, and loving demeanor make them wonderful family dogs.

Related: Golden Retriever Puppy Tries to Stay Awake in the Car and It’s the Cutest

These precious pooches are highly social and committed to their loved ones. Originally bred as hunting dogs, Golden Retrievers have served in various service roles throughout history including search and rescue and therapy and emotional support. These duties have nurtured their empathetic side and love of being around people and other pets.

Charlie is obviously a people-loving pooch — he just needs to work on his patience.

🐶 SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

Some dogs are just meant to be together forever. I do not have those dogs: mine think they’re all meant to be with me, but the truth is that they couldn’t give two fluffs less about each other. In fact, my oldest dog (11) avoids the others (7 and 3) like his life depends on it. I don’t blame him!

One Golden Retriever‘s mom really lucked out. After a while, she decided she really needed a brother for her dog. She went back to the same place she got her first dog from, and they just so happened to have a brother just like her:

@wynn_thegolden

When you ask the breeder for a similar dog but you end up with 2 bubble blowing dogs #wynngirl #goldenretriever #dogsoftiktok #arkansasrivergoldens

♬ original sound – Wynn The Golden

Wynn the Golden Retriever was probably feeling a little lonely, or at least, her mom thought she was. She could’ve just been afflicted by the Second Dog Siren Song. It happens to all of us. Our first dog is amazing, so we decide it’s a good idea to get a second. I survived that and even got a third.

Wynn’s mom got her from a breeder, so naturally, she went back there to get her second. She didn’t really care about blood relation: she just wanted a similar pup. When she said that, she had no idea that they would actually be able to give her something more important: another pup who loves blowing bubbles.

Related: Goldendoodle Gives Birth to a Perfect Litter of Chocolate-Covered Curly Fries

It’s no surprise that the two of them love water: they’re Golden Retrievers! However, they really take it to the next level. Wynn loves water so much that she even likes to try to wear goggles when she swims:

@wynn_thegolden

Everyone wants a water dog until you’re spending way too much money on goggles for them to see underwater. #wynngirl #goldenretriever #dogsoftiktok #arkansasrivergoldens

♬ original sound – Wynn The Golden

To be clear, the goggles are just for show. They’re not even on her eyes! She doesn’t need them. She just thinks they’re cute, and they don’t hurt, so her mom lets her wear them. Pink is totally her color!

Golden Retrievers Love Water

Golden Retrievers were basically born for the water. They’re waterfowl hunting dogs: their entire job is to swim out after ducks and geese and drag them back to shore. You have to be a pretty good swimmer to make that work!

ShuangxiangTian / Getty Images

Most Golden Retrievers love water, though you’ll want to introduce it to them while they’re young if you can. You’ll also want to keep them safe while they swim by doing things like:

• Always supervising them, no matter what.
• Only letting them swim in visibly clean bodies of water.
• Drying them off fully every time.
• Keeping their ears dry to prevent infection.

Swimming is awesome, especially when your dogs love to blow bubbles like Wynn and her brother. You just have to make sure everyone is safe!

🐶 SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

Parade Pets aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

If you’re wanting to elevate your style when taking your dog for walks, then you should check out JCPenney’s back-to-school sale. The St. John’s Bay 11″ Mid Rise Bermuda Shorts are just $12 when they normally cost $34. And these are the perfect shorts for walking your dogs this time of year.

Seven colors are available for $12, like Laurel Wreath, Taupe Shadow, Moonbeam, Navy Stripe, and more. The listed sale price is $15, but with the promo code SPELLING at checkout, you can get them for $12.

The shorts come in women’s sizes 2 through 20 (though availability does vary depending on the color), and in plus sizes as well.

These chic shorts are made of a woven stretch cotton that’s absolute perfect for sporty activities like walking your dog. They have a mid-rise style, an 11-inch midseam, and a button and zipper closure.

Buyers Recommend These for Dog Parents

On JCPenney’s website, buyers are recommending these shorts specifically for dog parents. They have two back slip pockets, two side slip pockets, and a cargo side pocket. You’ll have more than enough pockets to hold all your essentials when you’re walking your pup!

One buyer notes that the cargo pocket holds things like keys and their phone, and they keep dog treats in another pocket.

“They look cute with a blouse and sandals, but are also perfect with a tank and sneakers for walking the dogs or running errands,” another buyer writes.

St. John’s Bay 11″ Mid Rise Bermuda Shorts for $12 (was $34) at JCPenney

Courtesy of JCPenney

Shop it!

The shorts are 97% cotton and 3% spandex. They’re machine washable and can be tumble dried.

Buyers rate these shorts 4.6 out of 5 stars. An impressive 780 people have given the shorts a perfect 5-star rating. They love the soft, breathable fabric, the relaxed waistband, and flattering silhouette. Check out some of their reviews:

• “I have been buying them for 3 years. They are comfortable and laundry well. I will always buy them as long as I can get them.”
• “The fit is perfect, the material soft, and the shape and length are flattering.”
• “These are by far my favorite shorts! I now have 8 of the offered colors!”

If you’re wondering what size to get, some buyers say they fit a little small, so you might want to size up. One buyer says they are 5’6″, 135 pounds, and the size large fit them “on the looser side.” Another buyer says they are 5’6″ and 165 pounds, and the size 12 was tight. A third buyer says they are 5’2″ and 165 pounds, and the size 16 fit fine.

JCPenney offers standard shipping for $9 on orders up to $49, and free standard shipping on orders of $49 and more. Standard shipping takes 3 to 5 business days. In addition, most items can be returned to a store within 60 days of purchase or by mail within 60 days, although some exclusions do apply.

Related: JCPenney’s Charming Bird-Print Sheets Add a Playful Touch to Bedroom Decor

Raising any living thing alone definitely isn’t easy. Whether you’re a human, a cat, or anyone else, raising young is easiest when you have someone else to share the responsibility with. It takes a village, after all!

Two Maine Coons have figured this out, and they’re doing everything they can to make it a reality. They love having their kittens all together, and the love in the group is totally undeniable:

@wildmane_mainecoons

It goes so fast #mainecoon #kitten #cutekitten #kittenlovers #catsoftikok

♬ The Ellie Badge – Michael Giacchino

Wild Mane Maine Coons has so many kittens it’s kind of hard to keep track of. There are a few different litters over there right now, and they’re all over each other all the time. They know who’s who because of their coloring.

One litter of kittens is significantly darker than the other one, and to make it even sweeter, these litters are from a mom and her daughter! There are three generations of cats in this video!

Related: Orange Maine Coon Gives Birth to a Litter of Pumpkin Spice Babies

The kittens spent a lot of time lying around together, basically just eating and sleeping. That’s how all kittens are for the first few weeks they’re alive! Now, though, they’re all exploring together, and they’re big risk takers:

@wildmane_mainecoons

Morning play time #mainecoon #mainecoonkitten #cutekitten #catsoftitkok #catlovers

♬ original sound – wildmane_mainecoons

They’re so big! It won’t be long until they’re in their forever homes. I know they’ll miss each other a lot, but being in loving forever homes is exactly what these precious babies deserve.

Cats Love Community

Cats are often said to be solitary, and in some cases, that’s true. However, when it comes to raising kittens, most mama cats definitely don’t mind having a helping paw or two.

Natalia Lebedinskaia / Getty Images

Cats, especially in catteries, all help to raise each other’s kittens. They’ve grown up together, and they were there for the new mama’s entire pregnancy. They’re not going to let anything get in their way. Cats often help:

• Protect kittens.
• Teach them to play.
• In some cases, nurse them.

When two cats are postpartum at the same time, they’re pretty likely to end up nursing kittens from the other litter, especially if they’re raised in the same space. Kittens need to eat, and they’re ready to make sure it happens!

🐶 SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

There are some kittens that are undeniably adorable.

Then there are kittens that somehow arrive looking like they’ve already retired, spend weekends tending to their tomato garden, and always have a pocket full of Werther’s Originals.

This tiny Persian kitten from TikTok has the most perfect little white mustache, making him look remarkably like the Pringles mascot. Then I learned his name is Giuseppe, and suddenly everything made sense.

@theothepersian_

Meet our new member of the family Giuseppe 🖤 #PersianKitten #TuxedoCat #CatTok #KittenTok #Giuseppe

♬ оригинальный звук – KuluFly

TikTok user @theothepersian_ introduced the family’s newest addition, an adorable black and white Persian tuxedo kitten named Giuseppe.

The playful little guy spends the video lying on his back, batting at his mom’s hand with tiny paws while showing off the distinguished white mustache that has completely stolen the internet’s heart.

Naturally, everyone had something to say about his very serious facial hair.

“He looks like Wilford Brimley,” one viewer joked.

Another person could already imagine Giuseppe’s future personality.

“Hey there lil’ pardner, hope you grow up to have just as much fun as I do when yellin’ at the neighborhood kids to ‘get off my lawn.'”

Related: Dapper Cat With ‘Mustache’ Is Giving Major Distinguished Gentleman Vibes

Someone else thought he looked downright presidential.

“Roosevelt reincarnation kitty.”

Others were captivated by his refined appearance.

“Such a distinguished gentleman.”

One commenter asked the question we were all secretly thinking.

“Why is your kitten dressed like an old man with a handlebar mustache?”

Another viewer felt his accessories weren’t complete.

“With a stache like that, little man needs a monocle!”

And perhaps my favorite comment perfectly summed up the entire video.

“That’s the perfect name!! He’s a little old Italian man.”

Honestly, no notes.

How to Pick the Perfect Name for Your Kitten @audeftf

Welcome to the family 🥹🤍 #cats #cute #kitten #catvideo

♬ SOFT LOVE – EMPTY BOTTLE

Choosing a kitten’s name is one of the most fun parts of bringing home a new pet. Some people wait a few days to see their kitten’s personality emerge, while others find inspiration in their appearance, favorite movies, foods, or famous characters.

Names that are easy to say and have one or two syllables are often easier for cats to recognize over time, but the best name is ultimately the one that makes you smile every time you say it.

In Giuseppe’s case, his tiny mustache practically picked the name for him.

I simply can’t imagine calling this distinguished little gentleman anything else.

🐶 SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

Parade Pets aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

If you’re looking for a unique bird feeder that will not only attract a large number of hummingbirds, but also attract some fascinating conversations, then you should check out this Tractor Supply Co offer.

The Cascade DNA 32-Port Hummingbird Feeder is $60 at Tractor Supply Co, and has enough flower ports to feed 32 hummers at once (if that many showed up.) The feeder is designed to let a single bird roam up and down the feeder, quickly hovering from flower to flower, just like they do in nature.

The feeder mimics “flower clusters in nature,” creating a natural feeding pattern that will draw in hummingbirds. The design is inspired by the DNA strand’s helical shape. You’ll be delighted watching the nectar cascade down this twisted helical shape whenever you refill the feeder. And you’ll love watching hummingbirds enjoy the feeder even more!

This feeder is made from “resins 250 times the strength of glass, yet less than half the weight.” And it comes with a pitcher that makes refilling it through the flip-top easy and mess-free.

Cascade DNA 32-Port Hummingbird Feeder for $60 at Tractor Supply Co

Courtesy of Tractor Supply Co

Shop it!

This feeder only has a couple reviews so far, but they’re all a solid 5 out of 5 stars. One happy buyer who gave the feeder a perfect rating writes that it keeps hummingbirds busy.

If you want to create a theme in your yard, Cascade also offers a DNA-shaped songbird feeder for $50. This one is green, rather than red, but comes in a similar helical shape and is also made from robust engineering resins. It can hold two types of seed at one time, and up to two pounds of seed at once.

Tractor Supply Co offers fast delivery options or in-store pickup.

Related: Tractor Supply’s Adorable PB&J Dog Toy Makes Playtime Extra Sweet

It’s basically fall, and I don’t care what anyone has to say about it. I’m wearing a brown sweater and drinking a caramel apple flavored energy drink right now. I’m ready for fall, and most importantly, for pumpkin spice.

One Maine Coon is with me, apparently, because she recently gave birth to a whole litter of little pumpkin spice kittens. There are three of these kittens, and each is cuter than the last:

@sophiesmainecooncattery

Sophie’s _mainecoons Winnie is already rocking the signature Pooh belly #mainecoon #kitten #mainecoonkitten #catsofinstagram #cat

♬ original sound – Sophie’s Maine Coon Cattery

Sophie’s Maine Coon Cattery is home to this orange cat, Honey, and all of her babies. The theme they’ve been named after is Winnie the Pooh, which is amazing, but doesn’t change the fact that they’re giving pumpkin vibes!

They’re actually exactly a month old today, which means their eyes are open and, most importantly, they’re starting to be able to run around! It’ll be a while before they can get into their forever homes yet, but it’s coming. Those will be some very lucky families!

Related: Rare Maine Coon-Persian Cat Mix Looks Like a Rug Made of Silk

They’re looking a little different now than they did in that first video. They’re not tiny kittens anymore: in fact, these kittens are now getting to be bigger than some full-grown cats:

@sophiesmainecooncattery

Adopting fee $800 upfront $250 #kitten

♬ original sound – Sophie’s Maine Coon Cattery

This kitten is so precious! Maine Coon kittens are always so fluffy, and this one is no exception. I love how much fur there is at the top of his ears!

Bringing Maine Coon Kittens Home

Catteries usually allow cats to go home anywhere between 8-12 weeks of age: those that spay/neuter the kittens first usually wait longer than those that don’t. Right now, the kittens in this video are a month old!

Natalia Plankina / Getty Images

When you do get to bring them home, you need to make sure both you and your home are ready to receive them. Typically, that means:

• Setting up a room for them (most people use a bathroom).
• Setting rules and boundaries with everyone in your home.
• “Kitten-proofing,” meaning getting everything chewable out of reach.

If you have other pets in your home, you should be sure to introduce them slowly. You never want to move to fast: it could stress them out. Hopefully, these kittens all find awesome forever homes!

🐶 SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

Homeless female cats often have litters of kittens at a very young age. Once placed in a shelter, the kittens tend to get adopted before their mom. While the mother cat is most likely happy to see her kitties get a forever family, she is left behind and wondering when it will be her turn.

At barely 2 years old and only 4 1/2 pounds, Lily the tabby cat was found caring for her litter of kittens before being taken to the Humane Society in Broward County, Florida. Her fur babies found homes, leaving her behind on her own.

@humanebroward

She’s still here 💔 Lily’s babies all found their homes… but somehow she hasn’t yet. 🥺❤️   Lily was found with her kittens when she was really just a baby herself. Lily has spent almost two months at the shelter watching so many other cats leave with their new families. ❤️‍🩹   She’s not even 2 years old and weighs just 4.6 pounds. She is TINY. She has a tiny wobble condition but is a healthy happy cat! 🥹 This little girl acts like every person she meets is her best friend. She’ll come right up to you for attention, rub against you, happily accept all the pets you’re willing to give and make herself right at home❤️   Lily is also a little unique. She has some neurological differences that make her a bit “wobbly,” but she gets around just fine, she’s not in pain and it certainly doesn’t stop her from enjoying life. She plays, explores, loves her treats and is especially happy when someone gives her a string toy or shoelace to chase. 🥰   She has done well with children and adults and can get along with other cats, although she can be a little picky about her feline friends. 😬   It’s hard to understand how a cat this sweet has been overlooked for so long. We would really love for it to finally be her turn. 🥺❤️   Lily’s adoption fee has been covered by her friends at J.R. Dunn Jewelers, so all she needs is someone to fall in love with this tiny, wobbly, incredibly sweet girl. 💛 @jrdunnjewelers   To meet Lily, please complete the pre-adoption application in our website and stop by the Humane Society of Broward County. We’re open daily at 11 a.m. If you have any questions, call 954-989-3977.   Please share Lily and help us find the person who will finally choose her. ❤️

♬ original sound – Humane Society Broward County

In the TikTok from @humanebroward, Lily was enjoying some gentle pets from a staff member as she snuggled in her kennel. Despite her gentle nature and sweet disposition, Lily hasn’t gotten noticed by potential adopters.

“Lily has spent almost two months at the shelter watching so many other cats leave with their new families,” the caption shared. “She’s not even 2 years old and weighs just 4.6 pounds. She is TINY.”

Lily is described as very social and loving, making her an ideal addition to any family.

“This little girl acts like every person she meets is her best friend,” the caption continued. “She’ll come right up to you for attention, rub against you, happily accept all the pets you’re willing to give and make herself right at home.”

Lily Has ‘Wobbly Cat Syndrome’

Lily exhibits a little shakiness in her movements, though it doesn’t affect her day to day activities.

“Lily is also a little unique,” the caption explained. “She has some neurological differences that make her a bit ‘wobbly’, but she gets around just fine, she’s not in pain, and it certainly doesn’t stop her from enjoying life.”

Related: Calico Cat Spends 13 Years on the Streets — Her First Safe Sleep in a Real Home Says It All

Cerebellar hypoplasia — or ‘wobbly cat syndrome’ — is a condition where the cerebellum, the part of the brain that is responsible for coordination and balance, doesn’t properly develop. This condition in cats manifests through exaggerated movements of their legs and head, though it does not cause any serious or harmful effects.

Lily doesn’t seem to let the issue slow her down and lives a very active life in spite of the disorder.

“She plays, explores, loves her treats, and is especially happy when someone gives her a string toy or shoelace to chase,” the caption noted.

Hopefully, someone will soon open their heart to Lily and give her the forever home she deserves.

For more information on Lily or the Humane Society of Broward County, visit their website.

🐶 SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

Parade Pets aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Black cats are the “purrfect” symbol for fall. And now, Petco has two new black cat-themed items that can help you celebrate the coming months in style: an adorable pair of shoes and an equally adorable tote bag.

The Petco Black Cat Slide Sandals are just $12 in small, medium, and large. Don’t let the fact that they’re labeled as “pool” sandals fool you. These cuties will look great and feel great anywhere!

Meanwhile, the Petco Cat Packable Reusable Tote is just $5. This adorable bag packs down into a kitty face with a pink nose, whiskers, and big eyes.

Below you’ll see pictures and more details about each item.

Black Cat Slide Sandals for $12 at Petco

Courtesy of Petco

Shop it!

These cuties are all black in color, with the most adorable kitty faces on the upper part, with pink ears, a pink nose, and big wide eyes. We all know that black cats are the perfect symbol for fall, and these sandals are “purrrfect” as well.

The sandals are made from a soft, lightweight EVA material, have a non-slip sole, and are breathable and fast-drying.

“I love these shoes/slippers. They are very comfortable, and easy to slip on and off so I can wear them around the house. I also love the design and the color. they are super cute,” one buyer writes.

“I absolutely loved these! I got so many compliments. People thought it was adorable. Plus they were so comfortable,” writes a second buyer.

Cat Packable Reusable Tote Bag for $5 at Petco

Courtesy of Petco

Shop the tote!

This foldable tote bag packs down into a cat face shape that’s super cute. And when it’s at full size, it “screams” Halloween with the little fish design bordering it.

Petco is offering free same-day delivery on orders of over $39, along with free “ship to me” on orders of $39 or more. (Some items offer one or the other, but not both options.) Petco is also also offering free in-store pickup where available, plus 10% off orders of more than $50.

Related: Petco’s Self-Warming Cat Bed Gives Kitties a Soothing Cave for Snuggly Naps

After months or even years of constant companionship, transitioning back to the office can be a dramatic shift for both you and your furry friend. While you prepare to navigate commutes and workplace routines once again, your pet is facing a sudden interruption and change to their daily routine as well.

For dogs and cats who have grown accustomed to having their humans nearby all day, your absence may lead to confusion, stress and behavioral changes. Understanding the mental toll this schedule shift has on your pet is essential for easing their transition and ensuring their emotional well-being.

🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

Separation anxiety in pets can manifest in subtle ways, from increased vocalization and pacing to destructive chewing and accidents around the house. Fortunately, modern technology offers innovative ways to stay connected and provide peace of mind while you are away. Smart home monitoring tools allow you to check in remotely, interact with your pet, and track their daily habits in real time. By taking proactive steps to create a comforting environment and introducing thoughtful monitoring solutions, you can help your companion adjust seamlessly to your new work routine.

To get you and your furry friend ready for the change, we talked to experts about how remote monitoring through tools like pet cameras can help support your pet’s well-being and make the back-to-office transition smoother for the whole family. Here’s what they had to say about separation anxiety in pets, what the best pet cameras are, what to look for when shopping for one, and the dos and don’ts of using one.

Our Panel of Experts

• Lincoln Schaefer is the owner and primary writer at The Ruly Bully.
• Qiai Chong, CSAT, CPDT-KSA (CCPDT), is the chief behavior specialist and co-founder of Pet Coach SG.
• Michelle Bernstein, MS, MA, ACAAB, is a veterinary professional and certified animal behaviorist at Switch4Good.

Why the Return to Office Is Tricking Your Pet 

Jena Ardell / Getty Images

Much like humans, pets aren’t always keen on change. When you switch up their daily routines, they may experience some unintended stress and emotional turmoil. Michelle Bernstein, MS, MA, ACAAB, a veterinary professional and certified animal behaviorist at Switch4Good, explains that pets get accustomed to having their humans home, even during work hours, so a sudden return to the office is an abrupt change to their schedule, and one that may cause separation anxiety and stress.

How much your pet struggles with that shift, though, often comes down to timing. Qiai Chong, CSAT, CPDT-KSA (CCPDT), a chief behavior specialist and co-founder of Pet Coach SG, notes that pets who were already part of the household before the pandemic and who’d had some experience being left alone before tend to be more resilient.

Even so, years of near-constant company followed by a sudden return to solo time is still a significant environmental change for a pet, and any environmental change puts some stress on them. If that stress exceeds what a particular pet can handle, it may build over time into full separation anxiety.

Pets adopted during the work-from-home years tend to have it harder. They never learned that being left alone was simply something that happens; they never went through it in the first place. For these pets, the first time it happens is entirely novel and genuinely stressful, and repeated exposure to that same stress is what may eventually tip them into separation anxiety.

3 Trainer-Approved Features Your Pet Camera Actually Needs 

juststock / Getty Images

While pet cameras are a useful tool to have to be able to keep an eye on your pet at home, not all are made the same. With many options on the market, it can be easy to get lost in all of the features available. Thankfully, our experts have given us the must-have features to look for when choosing the best pet camera for your home.

Full-Room Visibility

Petra Richli / Getty Images

For Chong, the audio isn’t what matters most; it’s whether you can see the whole space your pet has access to and not just one corner of a room. A wide-angle or pan/tilt camera matters more than you expect because the stress signals trainers look for, like pacing by the door, freezing and tucking into a corner, can happen anywhere in that space.

Real Phone App Access

jose carlos cerdeno martinez / Getty Images

A camera is only useful if it actually connects to an app you can pull up from wherever you are. That’s the entire point of using one for this purpose: checking in on your pet remotely during the actual workday, not just when you happen to be near a monitor.

Reliable Alerts

Guido Mieth / Getty Images

Motion and sound alerts help, but only if you actually use them to understand what’s happening with your pet. Chong cautions that a camera pinging you every time your pet so much as shifts position just trains you to tune the alerts out entirely, so look for a camera that lets you set meaningful thresholds, not just a series of notifications.

Related: The ‘Back-to-School Blues’ in Dogs Are Real—4 Sneaky Signs Your Pet Is Struggling

The 7 Best Pet Cameras to Ease Back-to-Office Anxiety

Kunlathida Petchuen / Getty Images

From smart alerts to full-room coverage, these seven best pet cameras help you keep a real eye on your pet’s stress levels while you’re away. Whether you want a budget-friendly basic model or one with AI tracking and multi-pet recognition, there’s an option here to fit your setup and your pet’s needs.

Kasa Indoor Spot Indoor Camera, $34.32 at Amazon

Kasa Smart Store

Shop It!

Lincoln Schaefer, the owner and primary writer at The Ruly Bully, has used Kasa’s indoor cameras for more than five years without a single reliability issue. He points specifically to the Kasa Spot Indoor Camera as the pick for pet parents on a budget because it’s inexpensive both upfront and on its optional subscription, and it’s easy to mount or relocate as needed. 

Tapo Indoor Pan Tilt Camera, $39.99 at Target

Target

Shop It!

Chong’s go-to recommendation is the Tapo Indoor Pan Tilt Camera, which checks every box on her must-have list: a wide field of view, pan/tilt functionality and dependable phone app access. As she puts it, the specific brand matters less than the features; anything that covers those same bases will do the job just as well.

Canary Pro Indoor Camera, $169 at Canary

Canary

The Canary Pro’s wide-angle lens covers a whole room from a single vantage point, and its motion detection is smart enough to distinguish pets from people and packages, so you’re not fielding an alert every time something shifts in frame. It also doubles as a climate monitor, tracking temperature, humidity and air quality alongside the video feed, which is useful if you’re wondering how a stressed pet is handling a hot afternoon home alone. 

Furbo Mini 360, $30 at Furbo

Furbo

Shop It!

Furbo Mini 360’s standout feature is its 360-degree rotating view with digital zoom and automatic night vision, giving you full-room coverage with no fixed blind spot. It works right out of the box for live video, two-way audio and treat-tossing, which makes it a fun pick for pet parents who want to do more than passively watch.

Eufy Security Indoor Cam S350, $139.99 at Eufy

Eufy

Shop It!

The Eufy Indoor Camera S350’s 360-degree pan and tilt coverage is built to eliminate blind spots, and its AI tracking follows your pet around the room automatically. Plus, a real perk for budget-conscious pet parents is that footage can be stored locally with no subscription required. It’s also designed to tell pets apart from people and other movement, which helps cut down on false alerts clogging your phone.

Arenti P2F, $31.99 at Arenti

Arenti

Shop It!

The Arenti P2F offers pan/tilt with auto-tracking, AI-based motion and sound detection, and custom activity zones, all through a free phone app. The camera automatically rotates to follow your pet, and its night vision holds up well in the dark. It’s a solid middle-ground pick if you want smart tracking and dual-band WiFi without a mandatory premium tier.

Petlibro Scout Smart Pet Camera, $59.99 at Chewy

Chewy

Shop It!

Petlibro’s Scout Smart Pet Camera offers 360-degree pan and tilt coverage with auto-tracking that keeps your pet in frame as they move around the room. Its standout feature is multi-pet recognition, where the camera can identify and label several individual pets, which is a nice touch for multi-pet households trying to sort out who’s stressed and who’s fine. 

When 2-Way Audio Makes Panic Worse

Jakub Zerdzicki / Getty Images

It’s tempting to think hearing your voice would comfort your pet, but two-way audio can backfire. Pets can tell the difference between you actually being present and your voice simply being in the room without you, so at best it just confuses them, Chong says.

Bernstein agrees: Even when a camera’s speaker makes your voice sound clear and familiar, your pet may still be confused by hearing you without seeing you or having you physically there. Rather than the comfort you’d expect, that disconnect can trigger frantic searching, pacing or crying.

There’s a deeper issue at play too. Chong points out that a voice appearing out of nowhere is a novel stimulus, and pets, especially ones already stressed, don’t handle novelty well. Layer a random voice on top of a pet that’s already anxious, and that extra stimulus can push their stress higher instead of lower. Repeated often enough, that’s part of how separation anxiety actually develops in the first place.

Beyond the Camera: When to Call a Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer 

benixs / Getty Images

If you notice any changes or unusual behaviors in your pet, Bernstein recommends always starting with a licensed veterinarian to rule out medical concerns before assuming the issue is behavioral. It’s a critical first step, as many behavior changes have a physical cause, and it’s important to check for that before addressing anything else.

Once medical issues are ruled out, a pet camera can double as a diagnostic tool of sorts. Chong suggests using it to read your pet’s threshold, not just to check in on them. When you leave, watch how long it takes before they start whining or barking. If they’re still going after about 15 minutes, come home before it turns into prolonged stress rather than letting it run its course. From there, you can build tolerance back up gradually.

Going back to the office doesn’t have to mean going back to square one with your pet. A little patience, a gradual reintroduction to alone time and the right camera setup to actually tell you what’s going on can make all the difference between a rocky transition and a smooth one. Keep an eye on their cues, trust your gut if something feels off and don’t hesitate to loop in a vet or certified trainer if the stress doesn’t ease on its own. With the right support, your pet can adjust to the new normal just as well as you will.

Related: The Best Calming Products for Dogs During Back-to-School Season

Is it a butterfly? Is it a tiny dog? At first glance, you might think a butterfly has somehow sprouted four tiny paws and started fluttering around your home if you get a Papillon. But take a closer look, and you’ll see that it’s actually just a small dog with a tiny body, fluffy coat and unmistakable butterfly-like appearance you adopted. Because of that, these cute dogs are not hard to love and even harder not to find adorable.

While Papillons may not be huge dogs, their rare and distinctive look gives them plenty of personality. In fact, these petite pups have an almost storybook quality about them, making it easy to see why they are often favorite among dog lovers of all ages.

Though there’s much more to them than their unique looks. To find out more about these butterfly-like puppies and why people associate them with these beautiful creatures, we reached out to Chris Loverseed, founder and head trainer at PK9 Gear. He reveals everything you need to know about what gives Papillons their magical appearance and what future pet parents should know about these tiny dogs.

Related: Sad Shih-Poo Who Looks Just Like a Human Has the Internet Totally Losing It

Why do Papillons Look Like Little Butterflies? A Papillon showing off its adorable butterfly-like ears.

Getty Images Kaja Hiis

There’s a reason Papillons can look like tiny butterflies with paws, and it’s not just your imagination if that comes to your mind the first time you encounter one. In fact, their distinctive appearance has a lot to do with one particularly eye-catching feature: their ears.

“Their upright ears sit out from their head and have all that silky fringe hanging off them, so from the front it does look like two wings,” explains Loverseed. “They keep this look as adults too and often look even more butterfly-like once their adult fringe comes through, although some have much more fringe than others.”

Besides their rare looks, their name also pays tribute to their wing-like ears. Although, if you don’t speak French, you’d never catch that clue. “Their name is pretty literal as Papillon is French for butterfly,” Loverseed adds. “The drop-eared version is called the Phalene, which means moth.”

How to Care for a Papillon’s Beautiful, Fluffy Ears Papillons are small dogs with a distinctive, elegant appearance.

Getty Images SergeyTikhomirov

Like most dogs, they need to get used to you touching their ears. That’s why Loverseed says it’s important to start doing that when they are young if you’re their dog mom or dad. The best way is to do it in short instances.

“You can touch their ears, give them a treat and be done,” he instructs. Then the next time, you can touch their ear a lttle longer. “Try brushing the fringe on their ears twice and be finished. If you do little bits at a time, they will learn that being handled isn’t a huge event. But be sure to be gentle with tangles behind their ears rather than ripping a comb through them.”

To care for their butterfly ears, you also want to make sure water doesn’t get in them as well. “You want to keep their ears dry after a bath. If you notice they smell, look red, seem painful, have discharge or your dog keeps shaking their head, don’t put cotton buds or random cleaners down their ears, instead, take them to see your vet.”

Related: Which Small Dog Breed Matches Your Soul, Based on Your Birth Month

What These Tiny Butterfly-Like Dogs Are Really Like at Home Papillons have one of the most distinctive looks in the dog world.

Getty Images Anton Pentegov

So, what’s it like to be a pet parent to a Papillion? “Papillons are very cute, there is no getting around that, but they are proper little dogs and can be extremely smart.” Loverseed says “I have seen plenty absolutely smash it in agility and other dog sports as they’re quick, light and generally up for learning, which is why I think people get caught offguard if they buy these butterfly-face dogs andand assume they are dogs that just want to sit on a person’s lap.”

That’s why experts say you shouldn’t get a dog just because they are pretty. You have to make sure they fit into your lifestyle.

“These dogs are lively, alert, affectionate and want to be involved in everything,” Loverseed shares. However, he notes you can train them when they’re young to help ease their barking.

“With a puppy, I wouldn’t wait until barking at every hallway sound or person at the door is a well-practised habit. Instead, you want to reward them when they are quiet, call your dog away when they are barking and give them a mat to go to. Standing across the room yelling ‘quiet’ at them usually just makes them think you’re joining in,” he explains.

Source:

Chris Loverseed, founder and head Trainer at PK9 Gear

Being puppy-obsessed is an all-too-common affliction. So if you or someone in your vicinity suffers from puppy-session, proceed with caution with this viral TikTok.

The account @happiestlabrador, an AKC breeder of English Labradors, recently took to the social media platform to share a tiny baby puppy who they mic’d up for a close-up listening session to the sweetest sounds. The video quickly went viral, garnering over 2.8 million views, over 440,000 likes, and over 1800 comments.

And it’s easy to see why!

@happiestlabrador

Okay.. it doesn’t even sound real 🤣🤣❤️❤️❤️🎤🎤 This is SO cute. I already love the puppy sounds, but somehow enhanced, they are even better and more hilarious 😆 #boacklab #engpishlab #blacklabpuppy #englishlabrador #blacklabsoftheday

♬ original sound – Happiestlabrador

As they pointed out in their caption, this puppy is so cute he barely seems real.

Commenters when bananas on TikTok for the puppy, saying things like:

• “turns out my baby fever is only for puppies”
• “I didn’t know puppy fever existed but it does and I have it 😭”
• “I can’t..too much cuteness aggression”

Needless to say, if you want your heart to explode, a puppy and a microphone just might be what the doctor ordered!

What Makes Puppies Vocal?

Just like human babies, puppies are vocal because it’s part of their development to learn how to communicate. This is how they learn to vocalize their needs, their emotions, and even their physical development as they continue to grow.

Some Common Vocalization Facts About Puppies:

• Whimpering and whining to signal distress or discomfort.
• Yipping and barking when playing indicates excitement and happiness.
• Puppies learn that making noise is a quick way to get attention.
• More vocal breeds will “find their voice” much younger.
• From eight to twelve weeks is when puppies actively learn to communicate developmentally.

One of the best parts of going on a long life journey with your puppy is watching them become themselves and find their place in the world. Getting to be with something/someone from babyhood to adulthood is an honor, and it’s one pet parents know too well. It’s a gift, and we’re lucky to get to do it.

🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾

Related: Adorable Newfie Puppy Looks Like the Most Perfect Cuddly Black Bear

One thing is obvious—it doesn’t get much more adorable than a playful little British Shorthair kitten. But when you couple that with a rare coloring and a dapper little bell? The results are kick-your-feet-worthy levels of cute.

On TikTok, the account @florida.cattery recently shared a video of a beautiful, rare Cinnamon British Shorthair kitten playing and showing off. Cinnamon is a newer color for British Shorthairs and one of the rarest, as it requires recessive genes from both parents.

@florida.cattery

Precious little bear✨ #BritishShorthair #BritishShorthairKittens #CinnamonBritishShorthair #BritishShorthairBreeder #BritishShorthairUSA

♬ winnie the pooh (the many adventures of winnie the pooh lofi) – luvbyrd

While the kitten featured is stunning, they’re also so, so cute looking like a stuffed bear with the biggest, most swoon-worthy eyes. They’re even wearing a bowtie to add yet another level of cuteness. They’re so precious and we would love to give them a big snuggle!

Types of British Shorthairs

One of the oldest breeds of domesticated cats, British Shorthairs are one of the first breeds of purposeful pedigree cats. While historians aren’t totally sure how cats made it to the British Isles, at some point they arrived even before the Romans. These cats bred with wild populations, resulting in what looks like the British Shorthairs we know today.

British Shorthairs come in multiple varieties, and their coats are one of their most defining features. In terms of types, there are several:

• British Blue, which is the most common.
• White
• Black
• Red
• Cream
• Cinnamon, one of the rarest colors.
• And Fawn, which is the rarest color for a British Shorthair.

All colorways can be affected by different genes, resulting in smoke, shaded, and tipped varieties, and can all be considered tabby as well. They can also be bicolor, tortiseshell, and different combinations depending on the cat.

Regardless of what color they end up being, they’re gorgeous kittens and will definitely invoke a need for cuddles.

🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾

Related: Orange British Longhair Kittens Look Like the Perfect Bundle of Marshmallows

Sandy, a rescue dog from New Jersey, was 11 years old when her story became part of something much bigger than her own battle with cancer.

After Matt Olson adopted her, neither of them could have known that Sandy would eventually become part of research exploring whether the same cancer that affects dogs could help scientists find better treatments for children.

🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

Osteosarcoma, a kind of bone cancer, occurs in both dogs and people, presenting a unique opportunity for researchers.

How Dogs Change Research

Studio Romantic / Shutterstock.com

Standard lab animal models have long been used to study disease. The problem, as Paul Romness, CEO of OS Therapies, explains, is that lab models mimic the downstream effects of a disease rather than how it actually begins and behaves in a living body.

“When you are treating a disease where the natural occurrence in animals is nearly identical to humans and is prevalent enough that you can actually find animals to conduct trials on, you have a chance to see if treatments affect the root cause of the disease, instead of just the downstream symptoms,” he explains.

That difference changes everything. A treatment that works on a simulated disease may not transfer to a real one. However, one treatment that works on dogs with osteosarcoma is more likely to help children.

One of the early dogs enrolled in this research was Casey, a Labrador retriever from Washington state. Casey was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a diagnosis that, as Romness describes it plainly, “means certain death, even with all currently available treatments and surgeries, within a year.”

Casey’s case fed directly into how researchers understood the treatment in a real, naturally occurring cancer. That understanding shaped what came next in human trials.

Related: 7 Vet-Approved Ways to Celebrate National Dog Day Without Overheating Your Dog

Sandy, the Hero Rescue Dog View this post on Instagram

Olson didn’t expect that Sandy’s adoption would place him at the center of a cancer research milestone. When Sandy was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, her veterinary team recommended enrolling her in a trial using a Listeria-based cancer vaccine developed by Dr. Nicola Mason at the University of Pennsylvania.

Sandy is one of the dogs who appear in Shelter Me: The Cancer Pioneers, a Daytime Emmy-nominated documentary that follows hero dogs and young patients that first aired on PBS in 2024.

During filming, the crew captured something the research team hadn’t planned for: Sandy’s final clinical trial visit, when there was no evidence of disease, but she had a fever.

That fever was a sign the treatment was working. Her immune system was responding exactly the way it does to an infectious disease vaccine.

“People understand that it was a cancer vaccine, and the immune system was responding just like it did to an infectious disease vaccine,” Romness says.

The Research Moves Into Another Phase

The work has continued to advance since those dogs entered the studies. OST-HER2 is an investigational immunotherapy designed to stimulate an immune response against osteosarcoma. It is being studied separately in dogs and humans, with the regulatory pathways for the two species remaining distinct.

The results have provided some encouraging signals. As Paul Romness explains, “A recent animal trial combined OST-HER2 with palliative radiation versus palliative radiation alone, and this led to a much higher percentage of dogs—20 percent versus 1 percent—surviving for two years for patients receiving the combination treatment.”

Should OST-HER2 reach approval, the goal is for dogs and kids to be treated under separate pathways—the USDA Center for Veterinary Biologics and the FDA Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research—with different finished drug products manufactured in different facilities.

The team acknowledges the different requirements for humans and animals when it comes to biologics. But the way that trials are put together for each species is informed by successes or challenges in the other species, so you can think about how to best optimize the treatment and what to use it with.

OST-HER2 already holds conditional approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for treating osteosarcoma in dogs. For human patients, OS Therapies has a formal statistical methods meeting with the FDA scheduled for mid-September 2026 to review 2.5-year overall survival data and clarify the path toward approval.

The company is targeting a biologics license application under the accelerated approval program by the end of 2026.

If you have a large-breed dog, it is worth knowing about osteosarcoma. Talk to your veterinarian if you notice unexplained lameness or swelling around a limb, particularly in dogs between the ages of one and three.

Related: Library Labrador Katja Has Been Quietly Changing How Kids Feel About Books—One Session at a Time

One of the (many) reasons Maine Coons are so beloved is because of how gorgeous they are. They stand tall, they have beautiful coats, they look more majestic than any cat should have the right to… but this particular cat has something extra going on, including all that.

A cat mom on TikTok has shared her black Maine Coon with the world, and people cannot help but notice that this animal is basically a living gargoyle.

@candi.c_e

he’s my favorite #kitten #cat #mainecoonsoftiktok #mainecoonkitten #morningroutine

♬ som original – andromeda

This cat, whose name is Murphy, is just hanging out in the kitchen waiting for his mom to serve him a meal. But even in this casual moment, it’s clear that he could definitely be a gargoyle — the statue or one of the characters from that animated show we all watched in the ’90s.

It’s really his ear tips that bring out the resemblance the most, but ultimately, it’s the whole package, including his very serious face, that sells it.

Who wouldn’t trust him to guard their house?

Related: Maine Coon Has an Epic Glow-Up From Tiny Kitten to Majestic Beast

What to Know Before Adopting a Maine Coon

Adopting a Maine Coon means adding a beautiful cat to your family who is going to take up space and likely have a big personality, but what else do you need to know before adopting your new friend?

The most important consideration is how much time you’ll have to make your new cat feel welcome. As Untamed points out, Maine Coons can easily get lonely and love to have your company, so if you can’t be home with them often, you may want to consider another breed (or adopting two cats instead of just one, if you don’t have one at home already).

Rainbow of Maine Coon kittens sitting on a cat tree.

NadiaCruzova / Getty Images

They also shed a lot, so if you’re hoping for a house with little cat hair to be found on surfaces, well… you might want to look into adopting a different breed. That’s the downside to that gorgeous coat, but the right lint roller can work wonders.

You may also want to consider that Maine Coons naturally have a higher prey drive, so make sure they have plenty of toys around (along with puzzle feeders) to satisfy that urge.

If you’re game for all of these qualities, get ready: Your life is about to get so much more fun (and more adorable) with a Maine Coon around.

🐶 SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

When you get your first Siberian husky, you might think this is it. They bring the chaos, shedding and plenty of love, and for most pet parents, that is more than enough.

Then, despite your better judgment, you find yourself with a second and third husky, leaving you wondering where those ears and fluffy tails came from.

🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

Luckily, one Siberian husky parent has given a name to the mysterious condition: multiple husky syndrome. Nobody warns you about it, and by the time you understand it, you have five huskies and no plans to change that.

It Starts With One Innocent Husky

For Kari Lindsey, the condition started with Meeko, her first Siberian husky. She brought them home, thinking this adorable dog could use a friend. Suddenly, there is Mia. Life is good, and you feel confident that two huskies are a perfectly reasonable number.

Then two years pass, and a strange thought appears: “Maybe we need another husky.” That’s how Dakota joined the family.

At this point, your friends begin to worry and whisper that you might have a problem. You think you can stop at any time, and then a wolfdog needs a home, so Willow happens.

Surely four dogs are enough. Except seven years later, an abandoned husky needs somewhere to go—enter Ghost. And just like that, Lindsey has five huskies.

Related: Siberian Husky Puppy’s Hilarious Attempt at Howling Has Everyone Weighing In

What the Multiple Husky Syndrome Looks Like

Symptoms of this syndrome include fur on every surface, howling sessions that your neighbors have accepted and a full reorganization of your daily life. Your life suddenly revolved around feeding schedules and exercise needs. You replace your normal car with something large enough to move a sled team.

However, maybe the biggest symptom is seeing another husky in need of a home and thinking, Well, we already have five. What’s one more?

Most husky parents, when asked if they would like a cure, say no. The syndrome, as it turns out, is the point.

There Might Be No Cure, but Husky Parents Like It That Way

The comments under Lindsey’s video suggest this is hardly the first or last multiple-husky home. One owner confessed, “We got 6. Our limit without a kennel license… I love love love them. A king size bed isn’t big enough.”

Another added, “I’m at 3 I’m definitely suffering from the syndrome.” And one commenter has a pipe dream, saying, “I have the syndrome!!! Most I have had at once is 6. Right now, I have 3 full and 3 husky mixes. One day when I win the lottery, I will have a husky rescue center!!!”

As one person said, there is a simple explanation for everything, “Husky’s belong in packs I think I need two more.”

While multiple husky syndrome might be fictional, the affection behind the joke is very real. And judging by these pet parents, some conditions are probably better left untreated.

Related: Wife Surprises Husband With a Foster Husky, and Now He Has One Very Big Question

Senior dogs in shelters often have a hard time getting adopted. Overshadowed by cute puppies and energetic younger canines, these older pooches get passed over due to potential health issues and limited life span. Yet these sweet dogs have so much love to give and make wonderful family members.

Buster the Pit Bull mix was brought to the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue after being found abandoned and alone. His chances for adoption were up in the air due to his age, but he managed to steal someone’s heart from 1,000 miles away.

@peggyadamsarl

Happy tails, Buster! We’re so grateful to Buster’s adopter! She flew from New York City to adopt Buster in West Palm Beach, then rented a car and took him on the roadtrip of a lifetime up the East Coast. Now, Buster is settled in NYC with his new family. Happy tails to all!

♬ Little Things – Adrián Berenguer

A previous TikTok post from @peggyadamsarl shared how Buster arrived at the rescue and pointed out a mark on his forehead that perfectly described his gentle personality.

“Buster was found wandering alone, and no one has come to take him home,” the caption explained. “Buster can’t tell us what he’s been through, but a few scars tell us it’s not the life he deserved. The heart-shaped mark on Buster’s forehead was our first clue that this boy has so much love to give.”

The video of Buster caught the attention of a woman in New York City, and she instantly fell in love with the pretty Pittie. She flew 1,000 miles to West Palm Beach, Florida to adopt Buster and bring him back home.

“I fell in love with his little sad face,” she explained in the updated post as she sat with Buster. “It was just something about his demeanor in the video. I just felt like I needed to see him, so I flew down this morning so we could be the first ones here when you guys opened.”

Buster Got His Freedom Ride

Buster’s new mom rented a car so she could drive him back to his forever home. Photos of the canine cutie nestled in the back seat snuggling in cozy blankets showed how his “freedom ride” was the perfect start to his next chapter.

Related: Street Dog Celebrates 1-Year Rescue Anniversary With Furry Friends and Pup Cups

Buster is now enjoying his new home and family in New York City. His heartwarming story is a reminder of how instrumental social media is in getting shelter dogs adopted, so keep sharing their posts!

For more information on the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue, visit their website. 

🐶 SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

Today, Aug. 26, is National Dog Day, a full 24 hours dedicated to our loving and loyal canine companions. Dogs really are man’s best friend, and while they deserve to be showered with affection and attention every day in our opinion, it’s nice that there is a day reserved just for them.

National Dog Day really is the perfect opportunity to spoil your fur baby, and while you may think another toy in their basket is just what they want, you may be mistaken. In fact, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate your pup without running to the pet store for another plushie or tennis ball, and your dog might even enjoy these activities even more than a new toy!

🐶SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾

To find out more, ParadePets spoke with Dr. Jo Myers, a registered veterinarian on the Vetster telehealth platform, about her vet-approved recommendations for celebrating National Dog Day without getting your dog yet another new toy. Read on below to learn more about Dr. Myers’ activity recommendations for your pup’s special day that don’t involve spending money, but are more about spending quality time with your fur baby. You will have one happy (and tired) doggo after today!

Why Your Dog Ignores New Toys After 5 Minutes

Marta Nogueira / Getty Images

Were you super excited to get your dog a new Lamb Chop only to find they are uninterested in the gift a few minutes later? Don’t be offended; it’s actually totally understandable from the pup’s perspective.

Dr. Myers explains that the toy’s novelty may be the big appeal at first, but once that wears off, so does the interest. “Research has shown that dogs can habituate to a particular toy fairly quickly and often show greater interest when something novel is introduced,” Dr. Myers says. “For many dogs, that opportunity to investigate something new may be a big part of the toy’s initial appeal, rather than the expectation that they’ll want to keep playing with that particular object indefinitely.”

Another reason your pup might ignore the new toy is simply down to their personal preference. “Dogs also have strong individual preferences. Some live to retrieve, some want to tug or chew, and others would trade the entire toy box for a chance to sniff around outside. Breed tendencies, age, personality and experience can all influence what holds their attention,” Dr. Myers explains.

And, finally, sometimes it’s not even about the toy at all. “The tennis ball sitting on the floor may be boring,” Dr. Myers says. “The same ball being thrown by their favorite person can be the best thing in the world.”

Related: 7 Vet-Approved Ways to Celebrate National Dog Day Without Overheating Your Dog

5 Vet-Approved Things Your Dog Actually Craves More Than Toys

Willie B. Thomas / Getty Images

“Dogs are individuals, and what they value depends a lot on the dog and the relationship they have with their person,” Dr. Myers says. Below are some more meaningful and valuable activities the vet recommends instead of a new toy.

1. Time and interaction with their people

First, some good, old-fashioned quality time is a great way to make your pup feel special on National Dog Day. “That can mean playing, training, cuddling or simply being together. For many dogs, their person is a big part of what makes an activity rewarding,” Dr. Myers explains.

2. Sniffing on walks

Next, curious noses need exploration, and your doggie’s daily walk is an excellent way for them to get the stimulation they need. “Sometimes we need a reminder about whose walk this really is,” Dr. Myers says. “We may be focused on covering a certain distance or getting our exercise, while the dog would prefer to spend three minutes conducting an exhaustive investigation of one shrub. Letting them stop, sniff and choose where to explore can be an important part of making the walk their walk, too.”

3. Tailored physical activity

This National Dog Day, make sure you give your pup the physical activity they individually crave. “Walking, running, swimming, retrieving, tugging and other activities can all be great choices. A young Border Collie and a senior Bulldog are going to have very different ideas about a satisfying workout,” Dr. Myers says.

4. Brain games

“Training, searching for food, learning a new skill or solving an appropriately challenging puzzle provides a different kind of enrichment than exercise alone,” Dr. Myers states. Because doggies need to stretch more than just their muscles!

5. Whatever your specific pup enjoys

Finally, again, your pup is an individual with their own specific interests and needs. Tailoring your National Dog Day activities to your fur baby is key to helping them get the most enjoyment out of their special day. “Depending on the dog, that might be chewing, digging, chasing, retrieving, foraging, sniffing or social play. Good enrichment gives dogs appropriate outlets for behaviors that matter to them,” Dr. Myers explains.

Mental Fatigue vs. Physical Fatigue: The Secret to a Calm Dog

Shirlaine Forrest / Getty Images

While you think physically wearing your dog out is the best way to help them stay calm, mental stimulation is just as important. “Physical fatigue comes from using the body: muscles and the cardiovascular system have been working, and the dog needs physical recovery,” Dr. Myers says. “Mental fatigue can come from sustained attention, learning, problem-solving, sensory processing and self-control.”

That said, physical exercise and mental stimulation are equally important. Your dog needs both. “You can sometimes see the difference after two very different activities. A dog may come home from a run physically tired but still looking for something to do. After a sniff-heavy walk or training session, that same dog may be ready to settle even though they haven’t covered nearly as much ground. Neither replaces the other,” Dr. Myers explains.

The 2 Types of Toys Actually Worth Buying

Olga Bereslavskaya / Getty Images

1. Toy launcher

“One of the most common challenges I see is people with high-energy dogs struggling to give them enough exercise. If you have a dog who loves to retrieve, a simple retrieving toy can be one of the best investments you make,” Dr. Myers says. “Something like a Chuckit! launcher lets you send a tennis ball much farther than most of us can throw it, so the dog does most of the running without requiring the same energy expenditure from you.”

2. Puzzle toys

“My second choice would be interactive food or puzzle toys, because they can turn part of a meal into an opportunity to forage and problem-solve. But again, you have to know your audience,” Dr. Myers says. “My own dog is a Border Collie mix who, despite her ancestry, isn’t exactly the sharpest knife in the drawer. I once bought her a toy that dispensed treats if she dropped a tennis ball into the top. That turned out to be beyond her intellectual capacity, so I eventually re-homed the toy to a more academically inclined dog.”

Source

Dr. Jo Myers is a registered veterinarian on Vetster, a telehealth veterinary service platform.

Related: Crucial Signs of Heatstroke in Pets Every Owner Needs to Know by Heart

Parade Pets aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.

Dogs need lots of new experiences and mental stimulation to keep them happy, entertained, and out of trouble. Tractor Supply’s adorable squeaky plush toy will make a perfect addition to your dog’s toy collection. Plus, it’s priced so low that you could grab several and it still wouldn’t stretch your wallet.

The TrustyPup PBJ Squeaky Plush Chew Guard Dog Toy is only $9 at Tractor Supply.

This soft, plush toy is made with a durable Chew Guard Technology to make it extra tough and long-lasting. It comes with a built-in squeaker to entice your pup, and has double-stitched seams for even more durability. This toy is perfect for fetching and throwing.

It’s made to encourage both interactive and solo play. And it’s super cute too! It looks like a peanut butter jelly sandwich, but it has a silly face on the front. You’ll love throwing this cute toy and watching your dog bring it right back to you.

TrustyPup PBJ Squeaky Plush Chew Guard Dog Toy for $9 at Tractor Supply Co

Courtesy of Tractor Supply Co

Shop it!

The toy measures 6.5 inches tall by 1.97 inches deep and 5.91 inches wide.

What Buyers Are Saying

Buyers have given this toy an impressive 4.7 out of 5-star overall rating. They love its durability, the squeaker hidden inside, and they say their dogs can’t quit playing with it.

Check out some of the reviews they’re leaving on Tractor Supply’s website:

• “I love themed toys for my dog, and this one did not disappoint. He has so many toys already, but it’s like those don’t even exist since I’ve given him the PB&J one.”
• “We have a German Shepherd who is a little older than a year and he chews toys up! This cute pb and j sandwich toy has been very resilient so far!”
• “My furbaby loves her TrustyPup pbj plush toy. She likes to carry it every where and loves to take it outside for play.”

This toy comes with quick delivery options or free in-store pickup where available.

Related: Tractor Supply’s Spooky Bird Feeder Will Add Haunted Charm to Any Yard This Fall

Now that I’m officially an empty nester, I occasionally catch myself daydreaming about adding another furry family member to the house.

Sometimes it’s an Irish Setter puppy.

Other times, it’s another Maine Coon.

Then I stumble across a kitten like this one, and suddenly I’m online wondering whether my cat Meatball would enjoy having a little sibling. (He absolutely would not, but I can dream.)

@ophelia.eats

Mom says I’m the prettiest girl but I am just a cat🙃✨️💖#opheliaeats #mainecoon #kittensoftiktok #cutekitten #newaccount

♬ original sound – Roseville Facials & Waxing

TikTok user @ophelia.eats shared the sweetest video of an impossibly fluffy Maine Coon kitten whose coloring looks exactly like a perfectly toasted marshmallow.

Her coat is a dreamy blend of creamy white, smoky gray, and charcoal, while her face is split almost perfectly down the middle — with one side bright white and the other decorated with beautiful gray and black markings.

Related: Wild-Looking Maine Coon Kitten Has Everyone Saying She Looks Like an Oreo McFlurry

As her cat mom gently pets her, the tiny kitten simply sits there looking like she was handcrafted by someone whose only goal was maximum cuteness.

The internet immediately fell in love.

“What amazing colors! Aww.”

Another viewer wrote, “OMG what a beautiful baby.”

“Stunning kitten,” another person commented.

One fan kept it simple.

“Absolutely adorable.”

I couldn’t agree more.

She somehow looks warm, fluffy and edible all at the same time.

If toasted marshmallows purred, this is exactly what they’d look like.

How to Decide If You’re Ready for Another Pet @adoptapet

Are you thinking about bringing home a new friend for your pup? Find more info on all the things to consider at the link in our bio 🐾 #DogMom #NewDog #DogTraining

♬ original sound – Adopt a Pet

As tempting as it is to bring home every adorable puppy or kitten you see online, adding another pet to your household is a big decision. Before taking the leap, it’s worth thinking about whether you have the time, energy, and financial flexibility to care for another animal.

Food, veterinary care, grooming, training, and pet supplies all add up, and introducing a new pet also means making sure your current animals will be comfortable sharing their home.

If everything lines up, though, welcoming another furry family member can be incredibly rewarding.

Just be prepared.

One adorable kitten video has a funny way of turning into hours spent browsing adoption websites and convincing yourself that your house definitely has room for one more.

🐶 SIGN UP to get “pawsitivity” delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends🐾🐾