Many people treat their pets as family members and celebrate special days with them. A birthday party for your pet is a great way to make him or her the center of everyone's attention for a day. And such parties are becoming more and more popular every day. It was recently reported that over 700,000 pets in the United States have had birthday parties thrown for them by their owners. It's a win-win situation for everyone; pets love to play, they love to eat, they love parties, and most of all, they love presents. If you haven't thrown your pet a party yet, now is the time to consider this fantastic way to connect with your pet's friends and other pet parents.

Take one look at me and you'll see how my Mom picked my name... She and Big Mama saw my raccoon eyes in a photo on the shelter's website and knew that I would be a "Bandit", and I do my best to live up to this name every day. It took a little longer for them to decide on a name for my sisfur, Lucy. But between a trip to the emergency vet her very first day at home and various other misadventures, Mom know that this was a dog who would cause nothing but trouble... Just like one of Mom's favorite TV characters, Lucy Ricardo from the I Love Lucy show.

There are many ways that humans go about picking pet names. Like mine, your human may have decided to give you a traditional pet name like Fluffy or Sable. A lot of humans avoid names like this though, because they are so common. But I say that if you are a princess, then it's ok for you to be called "Princess". It's more important for a name to fit than for it to be fashionable.

Other times, humans give their pets "people" names like my Mom did with Lucy. This can cause great confusion (and humor) when others don't know that "Charlie" is a cat and not another person. When your Mom or Dad gives you a name like this, they have to make certain that others know you are a furry people not a human people or else they could get in big trouble with the authorities for putting "George" in a cage.

If your human is having trouble naming you, then they shouldn't try to rush it. One way to choose a name is based on physical characteristics. This is how so many doggies wind up named "Spot" and kitties get the name of "Socks". They could also try naming you based on your emotional characteristics. After spending a little time observing your habits, they should easily be able to come up with a name based on your personality. For example, if you are the snuggly type, then "Cuddles" would be a great name. If they need more help, there are lots of websites on the Internet that have pet name suggestions. They even offer different names depending on whether you are a girl or a boy!

For humans needing help to name their next furry friend, here are some Do's and Don't of pet naming:

• Do let the whole family participate in the naming process. This will help cement your pet as a new family member.
• Don't pick a name that is embarrassing for you or others to use in public.
• Do pick a name that is easy to understand with only one or two syllables.
• Don't pick a name that sounds like any commands. "Stacy" sounds so much like "stay" that this could lead to confusion.
• Do try the new name out for a day or two. It will be easier to change in the first week, rather than after a month or so.

Think that your dog is not only the happiest pup on the block but the healthiest as well? Then make sure that you are taking care of your dog's dental health. Many pet owners are surprised to learn that a dog's dental health is as important to their overall well-being as a daily game of fetch.

Although many owners treat their dogs more like family members and less like animals, most are unaware of one of the biggest health risks for canines. Only one in five owners have ever attempted to brush their pet's teeth and only two percent brush with enough frequency to maintain proper oral health. Proper dental care is important not only in caring for your dog's teeth, but in also maintaining their overall well-being. Just like you, your dog has plaque and tartar that can lead to gum disease and even damage teeth. This could result in your dog losing teeth or developing an infection.

Dental problems in pets go way beyond bad breath and can often be hard to treat successfully. IN fact, periodontal disease is the most common health problem in dogs today. Around 80 percent of dogs suffer from it by age 2. Left untreated, dental problems can be very painful and can even affect the quality of a pet's life. Such problems can result in loose teeth, bleeding gums, mouth pain, and even infections in the heart, liver, or kidneys. To avoid these health problems, owners must take steps to care for their dog's teeth -- much like they care for their own.

Periodontal disease begins when bacteria and food debris build up along the dog's gum line. Plaque is created, and soon after, tartar forms on the teeth. Eventually the gums swell, and pockets form that can trap bacteria and lead to more serious problems. Small-breed dogs under 20 pounds are at an even greater risk for dental problems than larger breeds. Their teeth are excessively large for their small jaws and thus the teeth tend to be crowded in their small mouths.

Learning how to care for your dog's dental health needs at home can save you a lot of money over your dog's lifetime. So what can you do to improve your dog's dental health? Believe it or not, you should try to brush your dog's teeth at least once every day. If you haven't already developed a dental hygiene routine for your dog, you may need to take it slow and easy to get them used to the idea. Begin by getting him or her used to you holding them and looking inside their mouth. If you have an older dog, just getting the dog to remain still long enough to look in their mouth may be a challenge at first. Once they get comfortable with this, start lifting up their lips and moving their tongue around so you can actually see their teeth. These first couple of steps may take your dog some time to get used to, so be patient.

Once your dog is comfortable with you inspecting with their mouth, ask your veterinarian for a toothpaste recommendation. Start by using the toothpaste on your finger for a few days to get your dog used to its taste and feel. Your dog will probably enjoy this, especially if is a flavored toothpaste, and will definitely love the extra attention. Once your dog is accustomed to this, you can begin using a fingertip or traditional bristled brush to apply the toothpaste.

If by some chance you have a dog who absolutely will not let you near their mouth, let alone submit to tooth brushing, there are some alternative ways to support dental health. First of all, your veterinarian can recommend a dental rinse that can be added to your dog's water bowl to help rid the teeth of debris. Dental chews and toys can also help clean the teeth. But be careful to choose products that are not hard enough to damage your dog's teeth. And be sure to monitor their playtime, as toys can be a choking hazard. Finally, there are now some dog foods available that are intended to help promote dental health. These foods are designed to scrub the teeth as the dog chews, thereby removing plaque and tartar.

Remember, as part of providing proper care for your dog, you cannot omit dental health. Taking the time now to provide dental care on a regular basis will save you many costly vet bills as time goes by.

Two Dogs Blogging Photos

Want a behind the scenes look at the dogs who run Two Dogs Blogging? Then check out this album where we are featuring some of our favorite photos.

Those who are new to cat companionship may find their personalities and behavior to be very surprising. One example is how they bond with humans. Although most enjoy attention, cats are different from other animals such as dogs in how they seek and return affection. Additionally, different breeds of cats may bond differently than others with their owners.

Some experts say that cats are strictly independent animals who have only chosen to associate with humans as a survival strategy. However, experienced cat owners will tell you that cats are actually quite adept at forming bonds with people, although they are very particular. The more time you spend around your cat, the more he or she will bond with you. Over the years, you will find that the bond you create with your pet can grow very strong – into one that simply cannot be broken.
You can tell how your cat is feeling by paying attention to their body language. Some cats will show a lot of affection while others will show less. Here are some ways your cat may show affection for you:

Vocalization: Purring is a complex feline communication tool. While purring is most often associated with a happy, contented cat, some may purr when they are stress or in need of comfort. However, a purring cat laying across your lap or by your side is an indication of a cat that is looking to bond. You can take this as sure sign of feline bliss.

Grooming You: For cats, grooming isn't just about keeping clean. Grooming communicates a cat's fondness for a person, as well as a sense of belonging. It is way for them to signal that they consider you a part of their family.

Rubbing Against You: When your cat rubs his or her head against you, it's not just for a cuddle. They are actually marking you as their property with pheromones released from their face. You can also consider this a sign of affection to you as cats tend to scent-mark the things that are most important to them.

Kneading: This rhythmic, alternating motion is another sign of a happy cat. Your cat may paw you like it once did his mother as a way to show affection and again mark you with its pheromones.

Making Eye Contact: Your cat may show affection to you by slowly blinking their eyes at you. This is known as a "Kitty Kiss" and is a feline social signal of nonaggression. The next time you see your cat do this, return the favor, and give them a kiss back!

Gift Giving: When your cat leaves a dead bird in the middle of the living room or a snake in your bed, it is not meant to frighten you. Indeed, this "gift" is yet another sign of feline affection. So, the proper response is not to yell hysterically, you should instead show your cat how pleased you are that they considered you worthy of such a thoughtful gift.

Welcome Home: Do you see your cat in a window waiting for you to enter your home as you approach the front door? If you have been gone for a while, your cat may rush towards the door and demand your immediate attention. This is normal behavior and yet another sign of affection towards you.

Submissive Behavior: As a sign of complete trust, your cat may roll over and present their stomach. This, in cat behavior, is the ultimate form of submission as it leaves them in a position vulnerable to attack. You should feel honored at this expression of faith.

Following You: If your cat likes to follow you around from room to room, they are showing that they want to be in the same place that you are although they may avoid actual contact. With more aloof cats who shun physical contact, this may be the only sign of affection that you see.

If you have been wondering how cats show affection, we hope that this article has provided some answers for you. However, you should remember that your cat is an individual who will likely show feelings is his or her own way.

When you adopt a new feline, you probably want to make him or her a member of your family as soon as possible. But remember that it takes time to establish trust. Even cats that are affectionate upon the first meeting may still be skittish once you actually get home.

There's no telling how soon your feline will adapt. Sometimes, your new cat will settle in quickly. However, sometimes you will find that your cat is unwilling to be sociable and prefers hiding under the bed to joining in household activities. Normally, a cat will choose one person in the home that he bonds with. You'll know when a cat wants to bond with you, as he will hop on your lap seeking attention or snuggle up to you at night when you are sleeping. Although many experts have tried to figure it out, no one really knows why cats choose a particular person whom they will bond with. It could be the individual's manners, voice, or simply how that person treats the cat. Perhaps the individual just has the right personality for bringing out the best in that specific cat.

If your cat runs every time you enter the room, do not think that it means that she hates you! There are many possible explanations for this behavior. It could be that her previous owners were abusive or neglectful, or she could simply be stressed from being in a crowded shelter. Plus, she now has new territories, household routines, and people to get used to. Moving is one of the most stressful experiences for a human, just imagine what it must be for a cat that has had no preparation for the event! So allow the cat to hide away if she wishes. Simply make sure that food, plenty of fresh water, and a litter box are readily available to meet the cat's needs.

There's nothing wrong with trying to encourage your new friend into exploration and bonding, but do not try to force affection on or from your cat. A small treat or cat toy might make him curious enough to come explore. When your cat does appear, keep your voice gentle and refrain from making sudden loud noises. This might startle him back into hiding. Additionally, allowing him to sniff your fingers can be a good first step towards forming a bond. Sometimes the best way to make a new cat comfortable is by pretending to ignore him. When you stare at him and make too much of a fuss over his presence, he might feel overwhelmed. If you pretend not to notice him, he might feel secure enough to actually approach you. This is not unusual feline behavior; sometimes they'll even end up on your lap. But if your cat does not show curiosity, that's ok too. Remain patient, and he'll come to trust you soon enough.

If you have children, it's likely that they will be disappointed that their new friend doesn't want to play. However, it is important that you caution them to not try to pick up the cat before she trusts you. Explain to them that their new friend is a bit shy and scared, and therefore needs time to get comfortable with you. And some cats never enjoy being picked up, so watch for signs that your cat wants to be left alone. If your cat is so scared that she shows signs of aggression, such as a hissing, flattened ears, or even a swiping paw, it's a good idea to step back. She mostly likely doesn't mean any harm; she just doesn't want you to come too close. Therefore, it is advisable to monitor the interaction of your cat with your child just to make sure neither comes to harm.

It can take a few weeks for a cat to get used to his new home. And even after that, the road to true trust can be a lengthy one, but the bond between you is one that will develop and strengthen over the years. Even though there are a lot of theories and speculation out there, no one really knows why cats bond with humans. There's little to no proof available as well, other than cats and their natural instinct for physical survival. Those who own cats know that cats crave attention, simply to make them feel needed. They love to be pampered by their owners, and will shower you with attention and affection if you just give them the chance. Patience truly is the key. It will be worth it in the end, and before you know it, you'll have a loving friend to build many good memories with.

One of the most popular resolutions at New Years is to lose weight. But, have you ever considered that your pet might be the one who needs to drop a few pounds? People may not be aware of this, but obesity is one of the greatest health problems pets face these days.

America's portly pets are tipping the scales at an all-time high. As many as 40 percent of American household pets are obese or overweight -- that's 48 million cats and dogs -- yet few pet owners recognize the seriousness of the condition.
We love our pets, but sometimes that love can lead pet owners to pamper their pets just a little too much when it comes to food and treats. It can be hard to say no and not give them special treats when it results in getting the loving look that only they can give. But this over indulgence has the same effects on our pets as it does on us when we over eat or snack a little too often. And if you add in not getting enough exercise, then the problem is compounded.

Like humans, pets develop certain diseases too when they are overweight. Problems that can develop from obesity include arthritis, diabetes, skin problems, heat intolerance, respiratory problems, heart disease, gastrointestinal problems such as pancreatitis, and liver problems. These health problems can lead to serious complications and are indeed life threatening.

Thus, in order to stay healthy, pets depend on their owners to combat these problems. One of the best means to solving weight problems is a strict exercise schedule. So, it is a must that owners should create a healthy exercise schedule for their dogs. You should develop a regular exercise routine that includes a daily walks, playtime, or other activities such as hiking or running along a bicycle while on a leash. The best thing about this program is that not only the dogs get the chance to exercise but their owners do too. Exercise is not only important to your pet's physical health, but mental health as well. If pets do not get appropriate amounts of exercise, then they are not happy.

Next is to create a healthy diet for your pet. Nutritionally balanced meals are extremely important so that your pet obtains the necessary nutrients they need in order to stay healthy. This should include the right combination of fiber, meat, vegetables, vitamins, and minerals. Just keep in mind that when increasing your pets fiber intake that plenty of water is provided to prevent constipation.

If you think your pet may be lugging around some excess pounds, it is important to speak with your veterinarian before radically changing their diet or exercise plan. Your vet can advise you on how you can get your pet back into optimum shape should he weigh in a bit too much. In this way, only the proper methods of dieting will be employed. Keeping your pet at an ideal weight will make him happier and healthier member of your family for years to come.