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June is National Foster a Pet Month
Among other things, June is recognized as National Foster a Pet Month. The goal is to encourage individuals and families to open their homes to shelter pets temporarily. This month-long observance aims to highlight the absolutely critical role foster care plays in easing overcrowding in shelters and helping animals find their forever families. Benefits of fostering: You’re providing a safe and loving home for animals in need, which allows them to decompress from the stressful shelter environment, and lets their real personalities shine which increases their chances of adoption. Some pets have manageable behavior challenges that require some time and the right environment to work through in order to be…
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Dog Allergies and Sensitivities: Understanding the Root
The following is a guest post by Rita Hogan, a renowned herbalist and author of a new book, “The Herbal Dog.” She will be having a Q & A at The Big Bad Woof on Sunday 6/15. Tickets are free. If your dog is constantly scratching, licking, developing ear infections, or reacting to more and more foods, you’re not alone. Many dogs today struggle with what dog owners call ”allergies.” But the truth is, most of these cases aren’t true allergies. A true allergy causes an immediate and severe immune response, like anaphylaxis. That reaction requires urgent veterinary attention, and an epinephrine shot to stabilize your dog’s body. Anaphylaxis…
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Enhance Your Dog’s Home Prepared Diet
Below is a guest blog post by renowned pet nutritionist and Annamaet founder, Rob Downey. Tickets to his upcoming seminar at The Big Bad Woof can be acquired here. Preparing homemade or raw meals for your dog allows you to tailor their diet to specific preferences and needs. However, ensuring these diets provide all essential nutrients is crucial for your pet’s health. Studies have shown that approximately 60% of home-prepared diets are deficient in at least one nutrient, which can lead to health issues over time. Why Supplementing is Essential Even with careful selection of ingredients, homemade and raw diets may lack certain essential vitamins and minerals: Deficiencies in these…
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20 Years
We can hardly believe that 20 years have passed since we first opened our doors. From our first location across the street to the Hyattsville store to where we are now has been quite a journey, and we’ve made so many friends along the way. We are so grateful to be a part of this vibrant, inclusive, compassionate community and we try to give back however we can. Over the years The Big Bad Woof has participated in hundreds of adoption events and hosted dozens of health and grooming clinics, donated untold amounts of pet food and supplies to local rescues and individuals in need, and guided our customers on…
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Darwin’s Cats needs your cat info!
If there’s one thing we know about cats, it’s that they never cease to amuse us with their penchant for funny habits. Perhaps your unique feline gets a little dramatic, shows off some surprising skills, or warms your heart with the quirky way they play, cuddle, or offer “gifts.” Whatever the quirks, the scientists behind Darwin’s Cats are eager to hear them. More than just a pet project, the researchers leading the initiative are seeking to build the world’s largest feline genetic database, The Guardian reports. The goal is to enroll 100,000 cats from all walks of life and investigate the genetic influences behind cat traits, behaviors, and health issues, so humans can get a better understanding of…
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Pet Theft – Awareness and Prevention
Last Chance for Animals (LCA) created National Pet Theft Awareness Day in 1988. It’s observed annually on February 14th, Valentine’s Day, which sees a considerable uptick in pet thefts. The goal is to raise awareness for the issues of pet theft and to educate the public about how to keep their companion animals safe from thieves. Some precautions are: Since many pet thefts go unreported, it’s impossible to know exactly how many animals are taken, but an estimated two million pets are stolen in the United States each year. That number is astounding and heartbreaking. “We have seen a dramatic increase in this type of crime. In fact, the FBI…
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What’s in a Name: Birch sugar or Xylitol
Wood sugar, birch sugar, birch bark extract are other names for xylitol. Xylitol used to be listed by its name, but lately there’s been a change in what’s listed in an ingredient panel. Xylitol is found in a variety of “sugar-free” snacks and condiments as well as oral care products, over the counter medicines and supplements. This matters because xylitol is toxic to dogs. Cats and ferrets can suffer adverse effects, too, but dogs are particularly susceptible because they have more sweet receptors in their tastebuds, so they’re more likely to consume something sweet. “[Xylitol] is rapidly absorbed, causing insulin to be released from the pancreas and blood glucose levels…
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Bird Flu and You
Bird Flu and Raw Feeding: What You Need to Know If you’re a raw feeder, you’ve probably heard about the recent bird flu concerns. But what does this have to do with your pets? Quite a lot, actually. H5N1, the bird flu strain that’s been circulating for years, has been affecting wild birds and spreading to poultry, dairy cows, and even cats—and yes, humans too. Cats, both domestic and wild, are particularly vulnerable to the bird flu, and it can have serious consequences. According to AP News: “Though cases of infection are rare, cats seem especially susceptible to the bird flu virus, or Type A H5N1. Even before the cattle…
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Pet Travel Safety – By Land
With the holidays freshly behind us you’re probably pooped from all the traveling you did and, hopefully, you’re settling into the new year ready for what’s to come. Fittingly, National Pet Travel Safety Day falls right after the holiday season on January 2. As it turns out there is a lot to keeping pets safe when traveling. First things first. Research the requirements of your destination as they vary from state to state, so read first and then take them to the veterinarian and get the necessary work done and documented. Are they healthy enough to travel? Are they up to date on their shots? If your destination is the…
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Pet Travel Safety – By Air
National Pet Travel Safety Day falls right after the holiday season on January 2. As it turns out there is a lot to keeping pets safe when traveling, especially when flying. First things first, it’s best to begin at the beginning and research the requirements of your destination. They vary from state to state and country to country, so read up first and then take them to their vet to get them evaluated. Are they up to date on their shots? Are they healthy enough to travel? And that’s just the beginning! There’s even more to consider when traveling by plane. Having said all this, it’s important to note that…