to the rescue

Curious noses and swishy tails can spell disaster if your home includes lit pumpkins! If you want to carve a creation, please put it high out of playful pets' reach, and choose a nonflame alternative to let the face go on glowing. I've picked a couple options — hey, batteries last longer than most candles burn anyway — and you can reuse these year after year.

Source: Flickr User Jamie Blankenship

Is your pet a leaping lizard, errrr, dog? My lil guy loves hopping up for stranger kisses, and it's something we're constantly working on since he doesn't do this to me. If I have company over, my friends all know the training method I use:

• Grabbing his paws! When a dog jumps up, gently grasp his paws and hold them firmly in place. While at first most pups won't care, when you don't let go, chances are they'll get more uncomfortable, struggle, and try to get away. When this happens, say "off" or "down" (depending on the word you favor) and let go. Immediately follow this by asking him to sit and rewarding when he follows through. Repeat this process every time your dog jumps up.

Learn two more commonly accepted methods to limit jumping when you read more

North loves his Kong frozen with peanut butter and plain, nonfat yogurt, but seems less interested when it's stuffed with treats. It's hard enough for me to squeeze them in there, so I bet he gets tired of working them out, too. I can never seem to fit more than three of his favorite peanut butter bones in the small style.

After I picked up a medium-sized Kong a couple days ago — recommended for pups 15–35 pounds — I planned a new strategy of fulfillment to maximize the space.

Get my five steps when you read more

While some pooches approach the doctor's office like a new place to play and a vet as a newfound BFF, other dogs want no part . . . and make that known. Make it easier on both of you and follow these three steps for smoother sailing come checkup time:

• Do pre-appointment prep. Call the vet beforehand to find out what procedures your dog will receive and about how long they'll take – it gives you an idea of what's in store and how to prepare. If your dog is never lifted up on a table other than at the vet, consider a couple trial runs (like at a park's picnic table). Have friends and strangers nearby so he gets used to unfamiliar hands and faces. Also, if you think this visit will be an issue, ask for the least busy appointment slot. Fewer dogs in the waiting room and less waiting time means you can get in and out!
• Stick to a routine of fun. Try to make the big day as pleasant as possible. Don't schedule a visit during his normal playgroup, give him his once-monthly bath that A.M., or do anything that would ordinarily stress him out. Also, make sure he goes into the office well worn out – head over 20-40 minutes early and walk him vigorously around the area or give him nearby play (and potty) time.
• Reward, reward, reward. Bring a pocketful of tiny training treats – if he starts to get antsy, bring his attention back to you with a yum. Don't forget to reward him with an additional playtime or snack when you leave the office – your good boy deserves it!

While I'm blessed with a pooch who doesn't even flinch at thunder, everyone is not so lucky. Just yesterday my pal FitSugar shared how scared her pooch gets during the recent storms we've had in CA. While there are many products available for purchase (such as calming tonics and collars), if a storm sneaks up, there's no time for shopping. Since I can't stand to think of a scaredy dog, check out tips to limit the stress.

• Distraction If you're home, this is the best place to begin. Special treats and toys (like a stuffed Kong) will help distract him before the storm really starts. As noise builds, his attention may waver, but playing games to keep him occupied will likely delay the reaction.

Get two more tips when you read more

Slurrrrp! It's important that your animal has a constant supply of fresh, clean water, but do you know exactly how much a pet should be drinking daily? Since about 60 to 80 percent of pets' bodies are made up of water, fluids are key to bodily functions at all times. Now it seems more likely that kitties go on thirst strikes (with this test to check their dehydration), but there's an easy way to make sure you're offering enough water for your furry friends. Most pets need about one ounce of water per day for every pound they weigh, so a 16-pound pet needs about a pint of water, 32-pound pooch a quart, and so on. While you can lead a horse dog to water, you can't make him drink, so keep track of that intake so it's close to the proper amount and the dish is never empty!

Source: Flickr User Cindy Funk

Have you ever checked your pet's pulse? Since dogs don't have "wrists," you may be wondering where to do this home test to see if a pooch is in distress or sick.

The best place to check the pulse is the inner side of midthigh (where the arrow points). Because the skin is thin in that area, locate the major femoral artery by putting your hand in front of the hind leg near the top and move your fingers along the crease between the leg and the tummy until you feel the lub-dub.

To learn what the beats should be and how to calculate them, read more