Your Dog's Health
Preventive care Good preventive care begins with careful attention to the basics: Nutrition A healthy, nutritious diet builds a foundation for well-being and disease prevention throughout your Pet's life. As a dog ages, their nutritional needs change; for example, a puppy needs a diet high in calories and protein to maintain its active lifestyle and to grow healthy bones and muscles. An older & Read more »
Whet Your Dog’s Appetite with Wet Food
Canned or bagged, wet or dry: These are basic choices you must face when choosing the best food for your pet. But when is it best to feed wet pet food? Here’s what you need to know Canned or bagged, wet or dry: These are basic choices you must face when choosing the best food for your pet. But when is it & Read more »
Accessorizing Your Dog’s Digs
Once you’ve chosen the right crate for your dog, make his digs even more welcoming with these crate accessories: Once you’ve chosen the right crate for your dog, make his digs even more welcoming with these crate accessories: Bedding & crate pads: These soft and stylish additions to your pet’s crate can make it an even more desirable place to & Read more »
Puppy Training-The Benefits of Treats
When you train your dog, the dog is doing the correct behavior to either: 1) get something he wants; or 2) avoid something he doesn’t want. There are many rewards (technically called reinforcers) that you can use while training your dog. Food is generally the reinforcer of choice for many reasons: • Food is considered a “primary” reinforcer; meaning, it is essential for & Read more »
Homeward bounding: making your new dog feel at home
Your new pooch is counting on you to provide the right nutrition, socialization, healthcare and grooming. Here are some tips to help the transition a little easier: Exploring his new home The first day you bring your new pet home is special, so make sure you get some time aside to create a calm, happy homecoming. If you have small children, let & Read more »
Picking the Right Dog Training Class
Wondering which dog training class is the right one for you? The following descriptions of PetSmart accredited dog training classes can help you decide: Potty Training Seminars (for Pet Parents only – no pets), which are one-time classes that last one hour, are great for people that have not yet gotten their new dog or for someone that has a new & Read more »
Doggone myths: are mixed breeds healthier than purebreds?
Does hybrid vigor, the notion that dogs which are less related have increased fertility and health, really exist? Sure. It just doesn’t occur quite as often as people think because it is more than a matter of not mating the same breed. People assume that as long as the female and stud are different breeds, the offspring will be healthy, but that’s & Read more »
Tattooing: another way to keep your dog safe
Developed by the founders of the National Dog Registry, tattooing is a simple, affordable means of permanently identifying your dog. It is painless to a dog because as dog’s skin structure is so different from a human’s that the tattoo marker doesn’t need to be inserted very deeply into the dog’s epidermis, or outer skin layer. The best location for & Read more »
Consider Breed, Gender When Adding New Dogs to Your Pack
Bringing home a new baby can create anxiety for an older sibling. Similarly, introducing a new dog to your existing pack will likely cause upheaval and stress for pets and Pet Parents alike. While we may hope the new family member will be greeted with happy tail wags, the reality is that animals need to re-establish territory and pack order when a new & Read more »
How to Change Your Pet's Diet
If you have decided to change your pet's diet, feed your pet a combination of the new and old food over a 10-day period to get them used to the new texture and smell. Abrupt changes to a pet's diet can trigger diarrhea and other intestinal upsets, especially if your pet has a sensitive stomach, so be deliberate and consistent & Read more »
What's in a Name? Should You Give Your Adopted Dog a New Name?
If you want to rename your dog, go right ahead. While it may take an older dog a while to figure out what you mean, he’ll get it eventually. Dogs don’t internalize a name the way we do; they don’t identify themselves with that particular combination of phonemes. They simply understand that when you make a certain sound, it means & Read more »
Puppy Meet Child: How to Properly Introduce Puppies and Children
If you have children and are adopting a puppy or are a puppy Pet Parent and are having young children over to visit, you'll want to introduce them to one another in a way that is friendly and non-threatening for both parties. Here are some tips to help introduce your pet to young children: If you have children and are adopting a puppy or are a puppy & Read more »
What is the Vaccination DHLPP Anyway?
Please remember that vaccination protocols may vary somewhat amongst veterinarians, so always follow the recommendations of your family veterinarian. Let's start with an 8-week-old puppy. The cornerstones of preventive health care are immunizations (vaccinations) and parasite control. Let's start with immunizations. It is important to realize that a series of vaccinations are necessary in order to properly immunize a puppy. & Read more »
Dog Health Care
Nutrition A healthy, nutritious diet builds a foundation for well-being and disease prevention throughout your Pet's life. As a dog ages, their nutritional needs change; for example, a puppy needs a diet high in calories and protein to maintain its active lifestyle and to grow healthy bones and muscles. An older dog may need a diet restricted in calories and & Read more »
How Life Stage Dog Foods Differ
When shopping for dog food, it is common to buy by the brand. Beyond the brand of the food, you should take into consideration the life stage of your dog. Life stages refer to the various developmental stages of a pet's life. For dogs it means puppy, adult, senior and for some dogs, a lower calorie diet for inactive or & Read more »
Choosing the right food for your dog
Most foods are available in specific formulations tailored to match your dog's age, breed, weight and activity level, called life-stage formulas. Most brands are divided by life stage into the following categories. Most foods are available in specific formulations tailored to match your dog's age, breed, weight and activity level, called life-stage formulas. Most brands are divided by life stage into & Read more »
Good habits every puppy should know
We look into their eyes and they steal our hearts, but for that little bundle of joy to grow into the adult cat or dog you are hoping for, they need your guidance. Here are some tips to get you started: We look into their eyes and they steal our hearts, but for that little bundle of joy to grow into & Read more »
New pet know how: your new dog's health
Spay & nueter - a one-time surgery; a lifetime benefit The right thing to do for your dog is to spay her (if female) or neuter him (if male). Because they're no longer distracted by the mating cycle, dogs of both sexes tend to make better pets when they are spayed or neutered; this enables them to develop a closer bond with & Read more »
Adoption Know How: Hygiene and Your Dog
Grooming your dog for good health Proper grooming is essential to your dog's health and well-being. Not only does grooming allow you to check for any potential health problems, it gives you an opportunity to spend some "quality" time bonding with your dog. Grooming your dog for good health Proper grooming is essential to your dog's health and well-being. Not only does grooming & Read more »
New Pet Know How: Dog Crate Training
In addition to proper health and hygiene, the social development of your dog is critical to its well-being as a productive member of your family. Like schooling for children, pet training provides dogs with discipline, boundaries and knowledge of what is expected of him/her. PetSmart's Accredited Pet Trainers can help you and your dog - using positive reinforcement and a curriculum & Read more »
Pet security: what should I do if my pet becomes lost?
Whether it is lost or stolen, losing a pet is an agonizing experience. Even the most responsible pet owners can face unexpected circumstances that cause their animals to accidentally stray. This is especially true during summer when windows and doors tend to be open. The following are solutions if you've lost your pet and common types of identification that can mean the difference & Read more »
Are You Ready to Adopt?
Adopting a new pet is about so much more than whether you’re a dog or cat person. Do you want an adult dog or cat, or would you prefer a puppy or kitten? The commitment is quite different. Along with lots of fun and excitement, your new family addition brings change. Read below for a few things to consider before entering & Read more »
Fast Facts On Dog and Cat Adoption: Why Adopt?
Did you know that an estimated 4 million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized each year primarily due to pet overpopulation? Did you know that 25-30% of dogs for adoption in animal shelters are purebred? The other 70-75% are of course, lovable, wonderful, mixed-breed pets just waiting for a chance to be your new friend. In an effort to help people & Read more »
Picking the Perfect Pet for You
Thinking about adopting a pet? Congratulations - not only will you be making a great new addition to your family, but you will be giving a homeless pet a forever home. Before you visit the shelters, here are a few things to consider when choosing a pet: Are you a morning person -- or willing to become one? Dogs and cats are early risers — you’ll & Read more »
Things to think about when adopting a dog
Is a dog the right pet for you? Here are some things to help you decide whether or not a dog is the right pet for you and, if so, what kind of dog to adopt. Canines crave attention A dog can be a great match for a bustling household. They crave stimulation and thrive on activity. Plus, with plenty of people & Read more »
The Steps to Adopt at PetSmart
As a Pet Parent, you are responsible for your pet's health and well being. This lifetime commitment includes providing your new pet with proper healthcare, grooming, pet training and nutrition and socialization, as well as spending quality time with your pet. By adopting a pet from PetSmart Charities Adoption Program, you are helping to reduce pet overpopulation and saving a life. How & Read more »
New pet parent responsibilities
As a Pet Parent, you are responsible for your pet's health and well being. Before adopting a new pet, take into consideration some of the responsibilities of a Pet Parent: Spaying/Neutering Unplanned breeding is a root cause of pet overpopulation, which results in over five million pets being euthanized each year. That’s why all PetSmart Charities Adoption Partners spay and neuter their & Read more »
Adoption Process FAQs
Here are some common questions new Pet Parents may ask about adopting or PetSmart Adoption Programs. If you don’t find an answer to your question below please call your local store for specific adoption process information. Frequently asked questions about the adoption process Here are some common questions new Pet Parents may ask about adopting or PetSmart Adoption Programs. If you don’t & Read more »
Do I Really Need to Brush My Dog's Teeth?
As a responsible pet owner, you owe it to your pet to take her dental care seriously, both professionally and at home. If you start as early as possible in your dog's life getting her accustomed to having her mouth handled, then dental care should be as easy as feeding her. Periodontal disease: the number one health problem Do you & Read more »
Potty Training Your Puppy
Take your puppy outside to the same spot when it's time to go. Doing this will help your puppy associate that particular location with elimination, so she will make the connection more quickly. You do have to patient, though. Most pups will sniff for 15 or 20 minutes before they eliminate. Take your puppy outside to the same spot when it's & Read more »
House Training 101: Learning the Basics
Know where to go Consistency is key when training your pet where to relieve himself. The more often you take your dog outside when he has to go, the sooner he'll learn that he's always supposed to go outside. Once you become familiar with your pet's routine, you'll start recognizing the signs (circling, sniffing at one spot) that he has & Read more »
New Puppy Guide
Puppy-proof your home Get down on your hands and knees and look for anything that could be dangerous for a 2-year-old child and move it to a safe place. Check for electrical cords, plants, cleaning solutions, etc. Put child safety latches on any cabinets containing cleaners or chemicals. Choose a Vet If you don't already have a veterinarian, you'll need & Read more »
Does My Puppy Need Vitamins?
If you're feeding your puppy a puppy specialty food (such as Authority, Blue Buffalo and Eukanuba), additional supplementation probably isn't necessary. But, your dog's age, overall health, exercise level, environment and breed can all be factors to consider in whether or not to add supplements. So talk with your vet, who may suggest certain supplements at certain times of the year, such & Read more »
Vaccinations
Dogs of all ages need routine vaccinations to help them stay healthy. Your dog's vaccination schedule will vary based on his age, overall health, state regulations, vaccination type and risk of exposure. In general, puppies usually need several sets of vaccination boosters to provide them with as much protection as possible. Adult dogs that are properly vaccinated should receive yearly & Read more »
How to Teach Your Dog to "Drop It''
Tired of your dog stealing your socks, shoes and other stuff? Even worse, are you tired of chasing him around the couch to get it back? These tips will help curb that behavior and save your personal items from becoming chew toys: Tired of your dog stealing your socks, shoes and other stuff? Even worse, are you tired of chasing him & Read more »
