Halo Natural Pet Care and Animal News

Dog Barking: What is your pup telling you? 

Ever wonder what your dog is trying to say when it barks? Check out a great guest blog to find what your pooch may be trying to tell you.

Cool Facts About Your Canine 

Check out some cool dog facts, including how to find out your dog's real age and whether or not dogs can see color. Click here to read Amy Breton's article!

Coping with the loss of a pet 

For all of those who have lost a pet, I would like to offer an article Amy Breton wrote for the Halo blog about the loss of her cat, Matte, and ways to overcome the terrible grief of losing a furry friend.

World's Oldest Rabbit: The Extraordinary Life of George 

Check out the blog to read all about George, the Oldest Living Rabbit in the World, according to Guinness Book of World Records. Amy Breton tells the story of how her beloved rabbit became a world record holder.

What is the harm of a little extra weight? 

Did you know that an extra 3 pounds on a 10 pound cat are equivalent to an extra 38 pounds on a 125 pound woman?

Many pets are overweight, and often their loving families don't realize the risks to their health. Read Dr. Donna's post in the blog today about the dangers of pet obesity and what you can do to help your pet.

Home Remedy for Pet Ear Infections 

Do you have a cat or dog that has had problems with its ears? There may be a very simple solution that you can take care of right at home. Read Dr. Donna Spector's article for a simple remedy that can help prevent pet ear infections.

Pets In Disasters: My Life As A Disaster Responder 

Today in the blog, Amy Breton continues her series about her work as a pet disaster response team member. Read today's interesting article to find out some of the lessons she's learned, as well as view some photos from her work with teams at Ground Zero and Hurricane Katrina.

Pets in Disaster: How to Be Prepared 

Unfortunately, we never know when a disaster will strike, leaving many of us -- and our pets -- unprepared. However, there are several steps you can take to ensure that your pets will remain safe should the worst occur. Read Amy Breton's article to find out what you need to do to protect your pets in case of disaster.

Beware of Sugar-Free Chewing Gum! 

Most people have heard that chocolate can be deadly to dogs, but many are unaware of the dangers artificial sweetener can pose. A common ingredient found in products like sugar-free gum can be severely hazardous to your pet's health. Dr. Donna Spector provides valuable information in this post that could keep your pet out of serious health trouble.

Diary of a Stray Cat Mommy (Part One) 

Find out what it's like to become an overnight cat rescuer! The increasing number of stray cats throughout the country is a sad situation that only seems to be getting worse. Please check out this story of one girl's attempt to save the stray kittens in her neighborhood.

Get your mutt some ID!  

Ever wonder exactly what breeds make up your mixed-breed pooch? Well, now with doggy DNA testing you can find out! Not only is it interesting to know exactly what's in your dog's gene pool, it can provide clues for understanding your dog's behavior and screening for diseases that affect certain dog breeds. Read Dr. Donna's article in the blog to find out more.

House-training Your Puppy 

Does your puppy pee all over the house? House-training can be a difficult and time consuming process, but there are a few steps you can take to make your training easier and more effective. Check out Amy Breton's article to learn the four rules that will help you successfully train you cute new puppy to love the outside toilet.

Preventing Cat and Dog Bladder Stones Podcast 

Bladder stones are a common problem in cats and dogs. However, there are several easy things you can do to prevent your furry friend from suffering from this ailment. Subscribe to the Halo podcast to get easy tips for preventing bladder stones in your pet.

Agility: How to Make Your Dog Into An Olympic Athlete 

Secretly your dog wishes he could be like Olympian Nastia Liukin, able to jump and run with amazing speed and agility. Luckily for him, your dog can be just like an Olympic athlete -- thanks to the rapidly growing sport called agility. Check out this article from Amy Breton to find out how you can get your pet started in the fun dog sport of agility!

Prevent ear infections in your pet! 

Pets are very prone to ear infections, making proper ear care an extremely important part of caring for your pet's health. Click here to read Dr. Donna Spector's article on keeping your pet's ears clean and healthy.

The Importance of Proper Eye Care 

Eye care is a very important part of pet health care. Weekly examinations and cleanings can be done and home and will help tremendously to keep your pet's eyes bright and healthy. Click here to find out how to care for your pet's eyes.

Three-Legged Pets Are Amazing! 

Rules To Keeping Your Disabled Pet Able

Serena only has three legs. She didn't always have three legs; but one day cancer took one of her legs from her. After her surgery, her owner pictured what every pet owner fears...that she wouldn't have as good of a life as she did when she was four-legged. One month later, Serena made her comeback in agility as a three-legged dog. Read more about how three-legged pets can lead healthy, happy lives -- and even succeed in dog sports!

Feline Diabetes Podcast 

Given that 1 out of every 100 cats will develop feline diabetes, it is likely that as a pet owner, you may have to deal with this condition at some point in your cat's life. Listen to the Halo Purely For Pets podcast to learn about the basics of feline diabetes, signs that your cat is developing this condition, and treatments that are offered. You can make a difference in your cat's health!

My Dog Likes to Eat Poop (Dealing with Coprophagia) 

Does your dog have an unfortunate taste for poop? He's not the only one with this shameful secret. Many dogs have an odd fascination with feces -- leaving their owners repulsed and wondering what to do. So, how can you handle your dog's unpleasant interest? Click here to read Amy Breton's article on this topic.

Kitten Kindergarten Gets Kitties Started Off on the Right Foot 

We've all heard that you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but what about a new cat? In the SPCA's Kitten Kindergarten classes, that's exactly what trainers are attempting to do. Click here to read about the program and watch a video of the kitties in action.

Bark Ark Offers Hope for Pet Victims of Natural Disaster 

When natural disasters strike, such as Hurricane Katrina or the Midwest floods, there are many victims of the four-legged variety. In an effort to help our furry friends in times of crisis, a Florida search and rescue team has created the Bark Ark. Click here to read about this rescue effort for pets.

Summer Skin Itch Podcast 

Summer is often an itchy time for our pets. Between allergies, fleas, and mites, our cats and dogs often have trouble during the warm months. Subscribe to the Halo Purely for Pets podcast to get tips on how you can help your pets fight summer skin itch.

Museum Exhibit Celebrates America's History with Pets 

Having been part of American society for years, pets have a rich history in the United States. A current museum exhibit, titled Pets In America, celebrates the story of our involvement with animals. Click here to read about this exhibit and find out how you can check it out.

Vacationing With Fido and Fluffy 

Planning to take your pets on vacation with you? Not so fast. There are many important factors you need to consider before taking your furry friend on the road. Click here to read Amy Breton's article on pet-friendly vacations.

Supplements for Puppies and Kittens 

The world of pet supplements can be very confusing, especially when it comes to finding the right ones for a new puppy or kitten. In the third part of her series, Dr. Donna Spector writes about the appropriate pet supplements for the new edition to your family.

Supplements for the Older Pet 

Much like humans, pets undergo many changes to their bodies as they get older. Pet supplements can often help them to feel their best, as long as you choose the correct supplements for their age. Click here to read the second part of Dr. Donna Spector's series on navigating the world of pet supplements.

What Every Pet Owner Should Know About Supplements 

A walk into any pet store will reveal that there are numerous pet supplements available on the market. Deciding which supplements are right for your cat or dog can present a problem, however, especially with limited research available on the subject. In the first of a three part series, Dr. Donna Spector discusses the basics of choosing a quality pet supplement.

Vacationing Without Fido & Fluffy: Pet Sitting & Kennel Choices 

Sometimes taking your pet with you on vacation is simply not an option. It may not be the right choice for you or your pet, and in these situations, it's important to know what to do with your cat or dog while you are away. Click here to read Amy Breton's article on choosing the right option for the members of the family who have to stay at home.

Dog Arthritis: Stem Cell Therapy Might Help Them Heal Themselves 

A San Diego company has recently been using a unique approach to treating the pain associated with dog arthritis. Stem cell therapy is a new technique that uses a dog's own tissue to help heal ligament and joint problems. Click here to read about this new treatment and how it might help your pet.

Ask a Vet: Pets and Dairy Products 

Are you concerned about your pet's love of dairy? Dr. Donna Spector answers a reader question about health concerns regarding a dog's love of cottage cheese. Click here to read her response and submit pet questions of your own.

Dangerous Dog Legislation 

Laws restricting the ownership of "dangerous dogs" have been popping up all over the US and Canada in recent years. A Halo blog reader wrote in to talk about her personal experiences with these laws and how they can effect pet owners. Click here to read her guest editorial.

Diagnosis: Canine Diabetes -- What Now? 

Having a beloved family dog diagnosed with canine diabetes can be a scary experience. However, it is actually a very common health problem and certainly does not have to be the end of the world. Click here to read Dr. Donna Spector's article on managing canine diabetes.

Dance Goes to the Dogs in Japan 

Does your dog have a flair for the cha cha? Can your puppy do the twist? It might sound ridiculous, but doggy dance classes have become all the rage in Japan. Click here to read about the new phenomenon overseas.

Study Shows Consumers Want Natural Pet Products 

As Americans become more interested in environmentally conscious products, interest in natural pet food has shown a dramatic increase. Click here to read about the new trend uncovered by a recent study. Those interested in getting their precious pet on a natural pet food diet can check out Halo's full line of natural pet products.

Getting to the "Root" of Bad Breath in Dogs 

Many of us have simply accepted that doggie breath is just a part of having a canine companion. It doesn't necessarily have to be this way, however, as all Rover needs might be a good teeth cleaning. Click here to read Dr. Donna Spector's article about dental care for dogs.

Cats Need Company, Too 

Some may believe that cats are independent creatures and therefore do not require the kind of attention that a dog does. Guest blogger Cat Sitter in the City disagrees, however, as she has found that cats are very much social creatures. Click here to read a fascinating article about her expericence as a professional cat sitter.

A Working Dog Is A Happy Dog 

Anyone who has seen a dog run an agility course knows what a fun and fascinating sport this can be. Guest blogger Barbara wrote a great article about her experiences with her agility beagle, Xsara. Click here to read more and check out a video of the adorable Xsara.

Easy Dog and Cat Treats Straight From Your Kitchen 

Interested in cooking up some homemade pet treats for your furry friend? Many don't require much cooking at all, and are probably sitting in your kitchen right now. Click here to find some healthy treats for your cat or dog. Plus, you can find plenty of homemade pet food recipes on the Halo site.

Ask a Vet: Homemade Recipe for Skunk Odor Removal 

Has your dog gotten into a stinky situation? Getting sprayed by a skunk is a very common problem that many dog owners will have to face at some point. Dr. Donna Spector answered a question about just such a situation from one of Halo's readers. Click here to find a recipe you can make at home to get rid of your dog's unpleasant odor. Plus, feel free to submit your own pet questions!