Seasons
Little guides for a lovelier life together: what a puzzle toy does for a busy mind, how to choose a bed, a feeder or a harness, and the finds we think are worth a closer look. Written to be useful whether or not you buy anything.
Road Trip With a Dog Checklist: Holiday Drives Made Easy
Before a holiday drive, secure your dog in the back seat with a harness, car seat or tied-down crate, pack water, food, bags and records, update the ID tag, and plan a stop every few hours.
Heated Water Bowl for Outdoor Cats and Dogs: A Winter Buying Guide
Choose a heated water bowl by size, wattage, cord protection and where it will sit. A thermostatic bowl in a sheltered spot on a GFCI outlet keeps water drinkable all winter.
Winter Paw Care for Dogs: A Before, During and After Routine
Trim the fur between the pads, add booties or a paw wax before you go, skirt salted patches on the walk, then rinse, wipe and dry between the toes at the door.
Dog Christmas Stockings: Trends, How to Choose and What to Fill
Pick a dog Christmas stocking by size, sturdy fabric and a hanging loop that holds the full weight, then fill it with toys, a festive bandana or collar and a few grooming bits.
Holiday Decorating With Pets: A Christmas Tree Safety Checklist
Anchor the tree, hang soft ornaments low and glass ones high, cover cords, keep tinsel, candles and food gifts out of reach, and give your pet a quiet room. Here is the full checklist.
How to Keep a Dog Warm Indoors in Winter: A Cozy Daily Routine
Keep a dog warm indoors by moving the bed away from drafts, lifting it off cold floors, adding a blanket or self-warming mat, and drying fur well after snowy walks.
Traveling With a Cat for the Holidays: Car and Flight Checklist
Start weeks ahead: make the carrier a cozy spot, try short practice drives, update ID and ask your vet about the trip. Then pack litter, bowls, a blanket and a harness.
Hiking With a Dog Checklist: Fall Trail Gear From Leash to Towel
For a fall hike with your dog, pack a well-fitted harness and 6 ft leash, ID and a tracker, water and a folding bowl, poop bags, a towel, and blaze orange in hunting season.
Cat Halloween Costumes Cats Tolerate: Start Small, Stay Gentle
The cat Halloween costumes most cats put up with are light and small: a bandana collar, a soft hat or a cape that fastens at the neck only. Here is how to choose, try one on gently and when to skip it.
Thanksgiving With Dogs: A Calm Holiday Checklist for Hosts
Plan a dog-friendly Thanksgiving: a quiet room with a covered crate or a favorite bed, a long chew during dinner, gates at the kitchen, a tag check, a lidded trash can and a pre-dinner walk.
Dog Advent Calendars: Treat, Toy and Make-Your-Own Options
A dog advent calendar hides one small treat, chew or toy behind each of 12 or 24 doors. Choose by your dog's size and chewing style, or fill a pocket calendar yourself.
Light-Up Dog Collars and Reflective Gear: A Night Walk Checklist
For dark evening walks, pair a light your dog wears, like a rechargeable light-up collar or clip-on light, with reflective gear for both of you. Here is the checklist and what to pick.
Dog Halloween Costumes: Comfy Picks and What's Trending Now
The comfiest dog Halloween costumes leave the face, legs and tail free: wings, capes, bandanas and rider styles. Here is what is trending, how to size big dogs and how to keep the night safe.
How to Keep Pets Safe on Halloween: A Calm Night at Home
Keep pets away from the front door, lift candy and wrappers out of reach, give them a quiet back room with something to do, and keep a collar with current ID on all evening.