I am thrilled and honoured that Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy has won the Dog Writer's Association of America award for book - behavior, health, or general care.Because of the pandemic, the ceremony was broadcast live on Facebook. I am so happy that Wag has won this award.Congratulations to all of the nominees and winners!ZazieIf  you want a copy of Wag, you'll find it in my Amazon store (#ad) and in all good…

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It’s worth learning to take care of your pet’s teeth, says veterinarian Dr. Rachel Szumel. Here are six reasons why.Photo: GerryP/ShutterstockGuest post by Dr. Rachel Szumel.The top six reasons tooth-brushing is important for your pet - and how you can teach your dog or cat to enjoy having their teeth brushed.This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.1. Their breath stinks! Dog breath has…

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“A fascinating look at animal intelligence, Pepperberg’s tale is also a love story between beings who sometimes ‘squabble like an old married couple’ but whose bond broke only with Alex’s death at 31 in ‘07. Irresistible.”--People.By Zazie Todd, PhDThis page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.This month, the Animal Book Club is reading Alex & Me: How a Scientist and a Parrot Discovered a…

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When dogs are trained with methods such as leash jerks, yelling, and shock collars, they have worse welfare than dogs trained solely with food rewards, according to new research.Photo: Lindaze/ShutterstockBy Zazie Todd, PhDThis page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.Although many dog trainers and guardians have already made the switch to using reward-based methods, some still use aversive methods such as leash jerks…

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Hannah Gold on her tortoise and her cat – and her much-anticipated children’s book, The Last Bear.No. 11 in the series The Writer's Pet by Zazie Todd PhD.This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.Hannah Gold’s much-anticipated debut is a story of friendship and a call for us all to protect the wild. The Last Bear is beautifully illustrated by Kate Slater (US/Canada)…

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A selection of artisan Valentine-themed dog collars and cat collars, gifts for your pet, and cards for pet lovers. By Zazie Todd, PhDIf you're looking for Valentines cards for a special someone, or gifts for your dog or cat, here are my picks from Etsy.This page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.Pictured above, clockwise from top left:The charmer cat collar with bell by PoochandTabby.Red hearts…

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Many people rushed out to get pets when the pandemic started, but it's not an overwhelmingly positive experience. My latest post on my Fellow Creatures blog at Psych Today looks at some new research on how pets are affecting people during this time. By Zazie Todd, PhD.The research from the University of Florida investigated people's experiences of having a pet during the pandemic as well as how their pet factored into health decisions about COVID-19. Check…

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It could be time to start working on your catio plans. Outdoors access with lower risk is good for pet cats’ quality of life.Photo: Ellie Burgin/PexelsBy Zazie Todd, PhDWhen cats are given outdoors access that is restricted, like a catio or a yard with a secure fence they can't escape from, it’s good for their welfare according to a study published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science.Whether or not cats should have outdoors access is a…

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Losing a pet at this time simply adds to the difficulties of the pandemic, says Dr. Shelly Volsche.Shelly Volsche's late dog, Calvin.Guest post by Shelly Volsche, PhD    My Dearest Loss,            Lo! How I love to hate thee.            Yea, I concede I love thee.We cannot deny that 2020 tested us all. Social and economic instability, immense restructuring of our daily routines, wildfires, epic storms, and, oh yes, that global pandemic. “Trying” and…

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Dogs and optical illusions, cat communication, and wildlife photos... this month's Companion Animal Psychology News.By Zazie Todd, PhDThis page contains affiliate links which means I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you.My favourites this month“We had this crazy question of: Could you give a dog an illusion, and would they be able to see it?”  A dog’s view of illusion susceptibility by Catherine Offord. â€œAll in all, data clearly show that…

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