Heading off to college is an exciting and scary time. It’s full of new experiences but, also, a decent dose of homesickness.

For pet lovers, leaving behind their four-legged friends and moving to a whole new town can be especially hard. You may find yourself yearning for pet snuggles when you’re stressed, lonely, and far from home.

Thankfully, there’s a way to bring along some reminders of your furry friends and outfit your dorm room with items you will both need and love.

Back to school means a lot of changes for your pets. And, the fact is, pets don’t really like changes. Disruptions to their daily routine can throw them for a loop.

Quiet, lazy mornings are replaced with organized chaos. Everyone is rushing around getting ready. No one has time to cuddle. Then suddenly, they’re out the door and it’s quiet...

Setting a back-to-school routine for your family will help everyone in the family, including your furry family members. Purrs and Wags will show your how with our guide to back-to-school pet routines that will make your whole day go smoother.

Ever try enjoying a bowl of ice cream with a dog present? The persistent, pathetic puppy-dog eyes that sear into your heart. Does your cat get in on the act and stare you down with every spoonful? Mine does!

We may not be able to share our frozen treats but that doesn’t mean we can’t make some for our pets to enjoy. And, unlike our ice cream, we can make theirs healthy while still making them drool!

Whether it’s a day at the beach, a cross-country move, a holiday visit to in-laws, or a family road trip, wouldn’t it be fabulous to bring along your adorable pupster?

But that means hitting the road and you and your pooch need to be ready.

So, let’s buckle up and take a journey to learn everything you need to know about taking your dog on a road trip.

Do you have a senior cat? Do they seem bored or sleeping even more than usual? Maybe they seem a little stressed or grumpy?

Your cat is getting older. But that doesn’t mean that they don’t need fun activities. Senior cats need stimulation, exercise, and enrichment as much as ever, maybe even more.

So, what are the best toys and activities for your senior cat to keep them active, healthy, and happy without making them uncomfortable or sore? Let’s talk about it.

When Summer arrives and a heat wave hits, it’s important to remember that our pets can feel the effects of that relentless heat too.

It’s up to us to protect our pets. That means both keeping them cool and knowing the telltale signs of heat stress if it happens so we can get them cooled down immediately.

Here’s what you need to know about keeping your pets cooler when the temperatures rise this Summer.

We all know that old saying, “they fight like cats and dogs”.

Dogs and cats seem to have been natural enemies for a very long time. There is an instinctual component there. They seem built to be a menace to one another.

But, more and more, households with both cats and dogs is becoming a reality. So, are we just placing two mortal enemies in the same house and just expecting them to deal with it? Sounds like trouble.

But it doesn’t have to be. Dogs and cats can co-exist. They can even be friendly with each other. Hey, they can even sleep together or groom each other, like family!

Whether it’s taking your dog along on summer road trips, a cross-country move with pets, taking your nervous kitty to the vet, or a drive to the local hiking trail, it doesn’t take long for your vehicle to accumulate fur, mud, stains, and grime from having pets on board.

While we love having our pets along for the rides, we don’t love the mess that’s left behind. Over the years, we’ve discovered some tips and tricks to keep your vehicle clean(well, cleaner) and smelling fresh.

I gathered some of our tried-and-true tools, tips, and tricks to share. But I also put a some new ones to the test to give you the best options for keeping your car clean without having to leave your pets at home.

Going to the beach with your dog is one of those past-times that just can’t be beat. A day in the warm sunshine, splashing in the cool water with your canine companion, can be an absolute joy for both you and your dog!

But, to make this day perfect, you’ll want to be prepared.

Whether you’re planning your first trip to the beach with your dog or are simply looking for advice to make this experience the best it can be, there’s a few things you will want to bring along and a few things you’ll need to know about a day at the beach with your dog.

June is recognized as National Adopt a Cat Month. This is a time that marks the peak of “kitten season” when shelters and rescues are bursting at the seams with cats and kittens looking for their fur-ever home.

It’s an ideal time to consider adopting a feline family member. Whether you choose to give a kitten a home or an adult cat a second chance at a great life, the rewards you receive in return will be well worth it.

When it comes to using the proper equipment for controlling your dog, there are so many choices and maybe even more opinions.

If your dog pulls on their leash, especially if they are stronger than you, the decision can be especially difficult.

The fact is, if your dog is pulling you off your feet every time they see something interesting, or almost impossible to pull away when you’re trying to get them out of danger, you and your dog are going to be frustrated and those walks may become something you dread.

You also don’t want to injure your dog just by trying to control them or keep them out of danger. But, the reality is, with the wrong tool, this can happen.

So, you ask the question…Is a collar, a harness, or a halter the best tool?

You will find a plethora of advice. There will be no shortage of that.

But, the question isn’t which tool is the best…the question is which tool is best for your dog?

Everyone knows that pet parents love to spoil their pets. But we also like to make having a pet a little easier. Because, let’s face it, pets can be a lot of work too (but, yes, SO worth it, I know).

If you’re a tech-savvy pet lover or want to be one, step into the future of pet care with the latest and greatest gadgets for your pets. Check out the Purrs and Wags list of our favourite tech-y items to make our lives, and our pet’s lives, even better!

Does your cat live outdoors or go outside for a daily roam?

Did you know that you may be significantly reducing their lifespan?

You may believe that your cat won’t be happy being inside all the time. While it is true that your cat will need a little extra enrichment inside, the benefits of living exclusively inside far outweigh the little bit of effort you have to put in to keep them happy indoors.

Not convinced?

Okay, here’s 15 great reasons to keep your cat indoors for a long, happy, healthy life.

Is your lawn turning from a lush carpet of green to a patchwork of big yellow and brown polka dots?

You love your pooch and you know a dog’s gotta go…but your poor lawn is suffering, big time!

Is this just one unfortunate part of having a dog??

It doesn’t have to be that way.

So, let’s take some steps to fix our lawns and then work on preventing the burn in the future.

None of us want to think about our pet getting injured or sick. But, the reality is, it can happen. We can try our best to keep our pets out of harm’s way but sometimes all it takes is one moment.

The best thing we can do is be ready with everything you need. Don’t be scared-be prepared!

One thing we should all have is a pet emergency first aid kit. Just in case. We all hope never to have to use it but, boy, is it a good idea!

So, what supplies do we need for your own pet first aid kit and how do you pack them into a portable kit to have ready in a moment’s notice?

As the last cold blasts of Winter settle down and the warmth of the sun returns to the landscape, we all eagerly scramble out into the fresh air and sigh a deep sigh of relief and contentment.

We take our dogs on long walks, we let them ramble in fields and parks. Our cats may explore the garden and sniff the dandelions.

But, before we let that happen, we need to take a look around at a few things to make sure that our pets remain safe and happy out there in this big ol’ world.

Check out our Spring pet safety checklist to protect our pets from the common dangers that Spring can bring.

Have you noticed your pet scratching incessantly, day and night?

Is your cat constantly grooming herself to the point of obsession?

Does your dog lick and chew his paws every time you bring him in from the yard?

Have those ear infections really gotten out of hand?

Your pet may have seasonal allergies.

While a consultation with your veterinarian is a good idea to rule out other causes, there are things you can do at home to give your pet relief.

What if I told you that you could have an outdoor space that will let your pet enjoy the outside world and it won’t mean tracking in mud, destroying your plants, and have your cat wandering the neighbourhood every time you turn your back?

Sound appealing? Let’s talk about it…

Pet pests and parasites aren’t just annoying. They can seriously affect your pet’s health and, even the health of the rest of your family.

In some cases, these pests can take over your home and spread disease to other pets or humans, yourself included.

Treatments for infestations, diseases, and health implications due to these parasites can range from ‘a pain in the butt’, to expensive, risky, and complicated.

So, why not do your pet and yourself a favour and start down the prevention road first?

There is one thing you can count on when you live with pets. Your house will be a mess from time to time.

Whether it’s an accumulation of pet hair, dander, and grime, nose art on the windows, fur balls under heavy furniture, rugs and blankets that have accumulated the scent of your favourite furry family member, or some tracked kitty litter, you will have some extra cleaning on your hands.

Sure, we can have a cleaning routine to stay on top of the main mess but every cleaning routine involves a “deep clean” once in a while.

Maybe it’s time for that good ol’ fashioned deep cleaning…pet edition!