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Mary Johnson

Mary Johnson

Contributor

Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and Wikimotive. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and writing about true crime, science, and beauty.

Send all editorial inquiries HERE.

A Cavalier King Charles spaniel begs for food at the table.

This is how you stop your dog from constantly begging at the table

Does your dog frequently beg for food at the dinner table? You can get your dog to stop trying to get a snack with these tips.
A puppy stares at a bowl of dry kibble

Is your dog refusing to eat? There are a few possible causes

Is your pup turning up his nose at his food bowl? Here's what the problem might be if your dog is refusing to eat and what you can do to fix it.
Chocolate brown Labrador retriever with a graying muzzle

Here’s why old dogs have seizures and how you can best help them

What happens when an older dog has seizures? Here's what you need to know about caring for pups with this condition.
A West Highland white terrier dressed as a vampire sits beside a little girl dressed as a witch

Your ultimate guide to celebrating Halloween with pets

What are you doing with your pet this All Hallows' Eve? Here's the ultimate guide to a wonderful Halloween with your pets.
A Doberman pinscher lies in the grass

The 9 smartest dog breeds, ranked

These smartest dog breeds will impress you with their intelligence.
A golden retriever eating from a stainless steel bowl.

Can dogs safely eat cinnamon? Experts agree you need to be super careful

If you feed your dog cinnamon, there are some guidelines you'll want to follow. Here they are.
Brown and white dog howling on a porch

Why do dogs howl? It’s not just to get your attention

Why do dogs howl? There are many reasons, but these are the most common. They might explain more than you think!
A black and white border collie eating grass

Is it bad for dogs to eat grass? You’ll want to be extra careful

There are risks associated with your dog eating grass, so find out why they do this and what you can do to help.
A close-up shot of a Shiba Inu sitting on a sofa.

How to get your dog to stop hiccuping

More often than not, your dog's hiccups will resolve within a few hours. Here's what you'll want to know about canine hiccups.
Sokoke cat on a gray background

Why do cats have whiskers? The answer is more in-depth than you think

There's a scientific reason why cats have whiskers on their faces and other places — they help them blink, navigate, and emote.
A black and white dog licks pink ice cream from a cone.

Every pet owner should have this list of toxic foods that are harmful to dogs

There are numerous human foods that are toxic to dogs you should know about. Here's a list of foods to not give them.
A puppy eating blueberries from a terra cotta bowl with strawberries next to them

Can dogs eat blueberries? What you should know about offering them as a treat

Can dogs eat blueberries? Here's everything you need to know about whether dogs can safely eat this pretty fruit.
A close-up of a peach and gray calico cat with amber eyes.

8 essential things you should be doing now to promote cat health

What should you be doing to promote cat health and prevent cat illnesses? We walk you through the most important things.
A golden retriever smiling and showing his teeth

What does it mean when a dog’s teeth chatter? The answer is concerning

There are several causes of a dog's teeth chattering. Some are simple and easily remedied, such as extreme emotions, but others require a trip to the vet.
A golden retriever wearing a scarf and holding a handkerchief in his mouth

Can you give a dog Benadryl? You’d better follow the correct dosage guide

Like us, dogs can get allergies and may require medicine to treat them. Here are guidelines for giving Benadryl to your dog.
A golden retriever chases his tail on the beach

Why do dogs chase their tails? The answer is so simple it’s crazy

Why do dogs chase their tails? Here's the real answer and why you should whip out your phone every time it happens.
A golden retriever digging a hole in a yard

Why do dogs bury bones? The answer is quite interesting

Why do dogs bury things. The answer may lie in their ancestral instincts. This is why your dog loves burying bones (and other items).
An obese tabby cat perched on a red wooden table

Is your cat obese? 5 ways to help them slim down

While it might look cute, allowing your pet to stay overweight can lead to health problems. Help your obese cat lose weight with these strategies.
A pug drinking water from a sink faucet

Does your dog drink a lot of water? Here’s when you should be concerned

We're here to share the most common reasons a dog drinks a lot of water and when it's time to take your pooch to the vet for a checkup.
A tabby kitten standing in a bowl of kibble

When can kittens eat dry food? The lowdown on what you should feed them

Here's everything you need to know about feeding your new kitten.
A close-up shot of a pug standing in the grass with a bone-shaped treat in his mouth

Are Himalayan dog chews safe for your pet? Know this before you buy

Himalayan dog chews are still all the rage. But are they safe for your pet to eat? We'll shed some light on this trendy treat.
A dog sleeping in a bed with a water bottle on his head and a thermometer in his mouth.

What to do if your dog keeps throwing up with no sign of stopping

Throw up is a part of owning a pet but it can be serious. This is what you need to do if your dog won't stop vomiting.
A close-up shot of a black Lab wearing a red collar

Why black Labrador retrievers are the perfect family dogs

Is a black Labrador retriever the perfect dog for you? It just might be. Find out if this sweet breed will fit into your family.
Two people holding a tiny gray and white kitten whose eyes haven't opened yet

When do kittens open their eyes? This is what happens if they do it too early

When do kittens open their eyes? Here's when you can expect your kitten to show off her baby blues and what to do if it's too early.
German shepherd in grass

The smartest dog breeds: Yours might not be as intelligent as you think

These are the smartest dog breeds for people who want trainable dogs.
A Maine Coon cat reaches his snow-covered paw toward the camera.

Wondering how to keep cat warm in cold weather – here are 9 effective ways to help your pet stay toasty

How do you keep cats warm in cold weather? Help your kitty cat stay warm in winter with these effective strategies.
A tabby cat stretched out on a faux fur rug near a space heater.

Good, better, best: Space heaters that are safe if you have pets

We love these pet-friendly space heaters that are safer for your dogs and cats. Look for the pet-friendly features these models have.
A Siberian husky lying outdoors in the grass

Follow these 6 husky training tips to get your pup to behave

Husky training tips that'll help pet parents teach commands the right way so they stick. You'll both be happier if your pup knows what you expect.
An elderly golden retriever stands outside in the sunshine

How can you tell how old a dog is? Easy ways to figure it out

Use these tips to figure out the age of your dog when you aren't sure.
A black lab and pit bull mix dog licks their lips and looks up at the camera

Why do dogs lick their lips? This is when you should be worried

Dogs can lick their lips for a lot of reasons. This is what you should know.
A gray munchkin cat kitten stands on top of a white dressing table

Everything you need to know about the munchkin cat: Some facts may surprise you

Here's a closer look at everything you should know before getting a munchkin cat, including the cost, life span, and personality.
Overhead shot of dog paws and a bowl of kibble

Is your old dog not eating? It probably has nothing to do with hunger

Here are reasons why your old dog isn't eating anymore. Most of the time, you don't need to be overly concerned.
An Australian shepherd playing outside in the snow

How cold is too cold for dogs? What you should know

How cold is too cold dogs? These are the facts you should know about your dog being in the cold weather.
An old brown dog lying on a comfortable bed

When to be concerned about an old dog breathing heavy and what to do about it

A panting dog is usually no cause for concern. But sudden heavy breathing in an older pup might be a symptom of more severe issues.
A dark-haired woman wearing a green sweater holds a tabby cat on her lap

3 scientific benefits of being a cat person – you’ll be surprised with what we found

We're here to share the top three benefits of sharing your home with a feline companion -- and recommend some of our favorite beginner-friendly cat breeds, too.
A fluffy gray cat perches in a windowsill surrounded by autumnal decor

Can cats eat turkey? These are the Thanksgiving foods your cat can eat safely

Can cats eat turkey? Here are foods that are safe to share with your cat this Thanksgiving holiday (and the ones that aren't).
A black cat with a dusting of snow on her coat stands outside

Is it safe for cats to be outside in winter? The answer may surprise you

Know the following information before allowing your cat outdoors in the winter.
An old black dog with a graying muzzle lying on a porch

Are your dear old dog’s back legs collapsing? Here’s what to do

It can be frightening if your older dog's back legs collapse. Here's what you should know to help both of you through this.
A yellow Labrador retriever puppy lies in a crate

Wondering how to start crate training your 8-week-old puppy? Here’s what you need to know

Crate training your puppy has many long-term benefits. Here's how to crate train your 8-week-old puppy with ease.
A closeup shot of a black lab wearing a red leather collar.

Signs of inbred dogs – and all the reasons why inbreeding is controversial and problematic

There are telltale signs of inbred dogs. Here's how to spot them and the tests that can help you out. Plus, the issues with inbred dogs.
Three tabby kittens snuggling in a gray cat bed.

How much should a kitten weigh? Here’s what the experts have to say about the kitten weight chart

Here are expert guidelines on how much a kitten should weigh and what you can do to help her get to the right size.
Tan dog playing with a green ball

Teaching your dog respect training is easy – here’s how

Respect training for dogs isn't easy, but it can be done. Your dog will feel happy and safe with you, and you'll have a best friend who behaves.
Irish setter lying in the snow

How to keep a dog house warm in the winter: A guide to simple enhancements

Prepping your dog's house for the winter won't take you longer than a single afternoon to complete. Our methods show how you can do it.
A pomeranian with a yellow background

These are the 6 dog breeds that shed most in fall

What dog breed sheds the most and when? These dog breeds shed a lot in fall. Here's what you need to know when taking care of an especially furry pup.
Side profile of a St. Bernard smiling while standing outdoors.

6 cool St. Bernard facts you probably didn’t know

St. Bernards are the gentle giants of the dog world. But do you know these interesting facts about them?
A yellow Labrador retriever puppy lying on a red bed inside a wire crate.

Is crate training necessary? There are pros and cons on both sides

Here's what you need to know about crate training so you can decide whether or not to incorporate one into your routine.
Two brown dogs lying on a wood laminate floor; the focus is on their tails.

Why does my dog have a bald patch on their tail? Here are the answers you need

If your dog had a bald patch on their tail, it could be a sign of a minor problem or a major health issue. This is what you need to know before you panic
An old Great Dane with a white face leaning against a man's side.

How to tell if your older dog’s health decline means the end is near

There are signs to look out for to determine if your dog is nearing the end.
why dogs shake tiny chihuahua on beige rug

My dog is shaking and acting weird – should I worry?

You should be concerned if your dog shakes and acts weird, but we're here to help. Here's what might be going on and what to do about it.
A mama cat snuggling her three kittens.

When can kittens leave their mom? Don’t separate them too early

Kittens need to stay with their moms, so don't separate them too early.