The Pet Business Journal

With the improvement of the pandemic situation and the warming of the weather, it’s the perfect time to go outdoors, take a stroll, and exercise your dog on a leash . Some dog owners, in addition to their daily walks with their dogs, also enjoy engaging in extra physical activities like long-distance running. It can be a delight for the owner if their dog is able to run alongside them during their runs. However, due to the dog's physical abilities and traits, some small breeds, like Chihuahuas, are only suited for short walks on a leash and can't handle intense exercise or running. So, do you know which dogs can accompany their owners on long runs?   1. Border Collie – The Enthusiastic Athlete When it comes to running with a leash, the Border Collie stands out as one of the best breeds. Known for its impressive athletic abilities and boundless energy, the Border Collie is well-suited for physical activities. Its thick coat protects it from the cold, making it suitable for runn...

Anyone who has raised a dog knows that dogs don’t have sweat glands, so sticking out their tongue is an essential way for them to cool down. Pet owners can also observe their dog’s health by paying attention to the frequency and manner in which they stick out their tongues during grooming sessions.  However, dogs don’t only stick out their tongues when it’s hot. Pet owners may notice that dogs often stick out their tongues even when the weather is normal or during the winter.  There are several reasons for this:   Temperature Regulation: Dogs need to maintain a constant body temperature, and sticking out their tongue helps with this process. Grooming, which removes excess fur, can also lighten their load and help them regulate temperature better.   Emotional States: When dogs are nervous or excited, they may stick out their tongues as a way to calm themselves down.   Happiness or Comfort: If a dog feels relaxed or comfortable—perhaps after a pleas...

It's often said that taking your dog out for regular walks with a leash is essential to keeping your pet happy and healthy. In addition to occasional outings with the leash, regular tasks like check-ups and deworming are also crucial. A while ago, a netizen shared an experience when they took their dog to the vet for vaccinations while using a leash. At the clinic, they encountered a Golden Retriever. The dog, a 14-year-old senior, was obediently walking with its leash. It was overweight, and the vet took the leash from its owner while the dog watched other puppies playing. The dog seemed to long for that kind of playful energy, but its expression appeared sad and depressed. It simply leaned against the leash, staying close to its owner and the vet. Anyone who has a pet cat or dog knows that their lives are generally short, often lasting only a decade or so. As their owners age, their dogs also enter their senior years. In some cases, due to neglect, some pets may even pass away e...

When it comes to "reading between the lines" in the pet world, dogs are certainly experts. In addition to their acute sense of hearing and smell, dogs can also pick up on their owners' intentions through their eyes.  For example, when an owner's gaze shifts towards the leash, the dog will immediately rush over, eager to go outside. Similarly, if the owner picks up a pet comb, signaling it’s time for grooming or even a bath, the dog might smartly run away. However, by the time the dog realizes what the owner’s gaze is indicating, the owner might already be holding a pet comb or bath tools, ready to start the grooming process. Dogs are also quite expressive with their faces, able to clearly communicate their thoughts and feelings.  Often, when an owner is brushing the dog's fur or using a fine-toothed comb to check the skin underneath, they can notice any hidden issues through the dog's facial expressions. Moreover, staring at their owner can actually make do...

For many pet owners, it seems like dogs share a surprising number of traits with humans. Whether it's their emotional expressions, their personalities (like being soft or tough depending on the situation), or even their physical appearance, dogs often resemble their owners to some extent. It makes you wonder, when an owner is brushing their dog with a pet comb, do they ever smile at the "couple's resemblance" they see? As we know, dogs are highly sensitive to human emotions. In fact, their ability to perceive emotions can be up to five times stronger than that of humans. Whether their owner is feeling happy or sad, or even whether the pressure of a grooming session changes, dogs seem to sense it immediately and respond with comfort.  During this emotional awareness process, dogs often focus on the left side of their owner's face to gauge their feelings. Perhaps because of this constant "reading between the lines," dogs gradually start to resemble their...

As March arrives and spring progresses, many cat owners are noticing that their cats' heat cycles are also approaching. Some cats have already started exhibiting behaviors associated with being in heat, and the constant meowing and strange actions can leave pet owners feeling perplexed, even when armed with pet brushes and cat food. So, what should you pay attention to during your cat’s heat cycle? 1. Be Aware of the Signs of Heat in Cats The heat cycle is a natural phase that all cats, like many other pets, go through. Male cats may yowl loudly and mark their territory by spraying urine, while female cats may show abnormal behaviors such as "raising their hips" and head rubbing. Here are some common signs to watch for: Excessive Shedding During heat, cats may shed more than usual. While regular brushing may remove some of their tangled fur and dead hair, cats in heat tend to lose large amounts of fur, which can affect their appearance and overall health. Significan...

As we know, cats are generally more independent and can tolerate solitude better than dogs. However, during the pandemic, many cats had to endure long periods of separation, sometimes lasting over a month, which can trigger stress responses. For some cats, particularly those that are emotionally sensitive, smaller spaces left by their owners can lead to undesirable reactions. So, how can pet owners, who are finally able to reunite with their pets after a long separation, help alleviate their pets' stress?   To begin with, it is important to understand that alleviating a pet’s stress response, whether in cats or dogs, requires considering both physiological and psychological aspects.  For example, addressing symptoms such as loss of appetite, apathy, or even coping with sudden illnesses, is essential to avoid unexpected setbacks. Physiologically, the stress response in pets is closely related to their body’s internal functions, including nutrient absorption, metabolism, and imm...

Anyone who has experience with cats knows that they love basking in the sun. After exposure to ultraviolet rays, cats can produce beneficial substances like vitamin D in their skin. Besides enjoying the grooming and massage from their owners, cats also lick their paws and fur to absorb these nutrients while keeping themselves clean—truly a win-win. However, besides the owner using a pet brush to groom the cat, there are occasions when the cat will groom the owner after being brushed. Have you ever wondered why this happens?   If there are two or more cats in the household, it’s common for them to groom each other, especially among those who have a good relationship. Cats of higher status may also groom others in their group. However, their proud and independent nature means they won’t easily acknowledge dominance, and male cats often fight to establish their rank. That said, when a cat grooms its owner, it’s mostly a sign of deep affection.  The grooming and daily care from ...

During periods of staying at home, increasing exercise and boosting one’s immune system can offer some defense against external viruses. As pet owners focus on their own health and nutrition, it’s important not to forget about their furry companions! From creative home walks to grooming with a pet brush, and occasionally giving them nutritional supplements, these efforts can ensure that your dog stays healthy too. However, when it comes to giving your dog medication, it can be more challenging than bathing them or grooming their coat! Many pet owners try to hide medication in their dog's food, hoping they'll eat it without noticing. But dogs’ incredible sense of smell allows them to easily detect, and even pick out, the medicine in their food. If a dog discards the pill when the owner isn’t paying attention, it could hinder its health development.  Some owners will first use a pet brush to groom their dog or massage their skin to relax them, or perhaps play with them using to...

As the time spent with a cat increases, the bond and understanding between the owner and the cat gradually deepen. Sometimes, when the owner uses a pet brush to groom the cat, the cat might happily nuzzle the owner in return. However, there are times when a cat will gently bite its owner. Have you ever wondered why this happens?   Before using the pet brush, owners often pet their cats or tease them with their fingers as a form of play. However, frequent stroking of a cat’s belly before brushing can sometimes cause sensitive cats to feel uneasy or defensive.  The belly is a very vulnerable area for animals, so the cat might display signs of discomfort. Additionally, some cats may come to see the owner's fingers or the pet brush as playthings if they’ve been used in this way before, leading the cat to instinctively nibble or lightly bite as part of play. In some cases, when a cat is feeling playful or excited, it may not want to be brushed or handled in other ways. If the ow...

As the saying goes, "On the second day of February, the dragon raises its head," and trimming a "dragon's whiskers" symbolizes a wish for good luck and blessings. Not only do humans need to trim their hair, but it's also a good time for dogs to get a new look. However, given the severity of the pandemic, many pet owners have learned to groom their dogs themselves using pet combs , giving their furry friends a fresh new appearance after a careful combing and trim.   Here are some tips for grooming your dog on this occasion:   1. Prepare the right tools: Pet owners should gather the commonly used pet combs, including fine-tooth combs and de-matting combs. These tools help to untangle knots and remove deep-seated fleas and loose hair. If possible, owners can give their dog a bath first, using a special bathing comb to remove surface dandruff and dust while massaging the skin, which will make the dog feel more comfortable. After the bath, be sure to dry the dog ...

During the quarantine period, many pet owners who were once inexperienced in the kitchen have gradually become skilled chefs, and even handy around the house. Their dogs and cats have occasionally joined in on eating human food, especially in rural areas. However, human food often contains salt, and there have been many claims online warning that dogs should not consume salt.  So, is this true or false? First, Salt is Essential for Animal Metabolism. Salt is an important component for animals, playing a crucial role in metabolism. Adding a certain amount of salt to dog food can enhance its palatability, making it taste better. Salt also helps stimulate the secretion of gastric acid and aids in digestion. On the other hand, if a dog lacks sufficient salt, it can disrupt normal bodily functions, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, and even impaired nerve function. Therefore, salt is indeed essential for dogs as well. Second, It's Important to Control the...

We often see adorable, chubby cats online, with their slow movements and sharp, observant eyes, which attract a lot of attention. Many people also point out that excessive weight in cats can put unnecessary strain on their bodies, and it’s important to control their weight. Typically, pet owners think that unlike dogs, cats don’t need frequent walks on a leash, so they should just regulate their daily diet and nutrient intake. But what if your cat is still overweight despite these efforts?  In fact, some cats' obesity may not be due to excessive absorption of nutrients. Disruption of the digestive system’s absorption function can also contribute to a cat becoming overweight. Both cats and dogs have high protein requirements, and ensuring they consume the right amount of protein is essential for maintaining healthy fur and overall well-being. Protein and fat are important components of a cat's body. In a household setting, the primary source of protein for cats is usually cat f...

As the domestic pandemic situation gradually improves, many pet owners , after making adequate precautions, are eager to take their dogs out for walks on leashes. This has led to a phenomenon of "revenge walks" where dogs are taken out more frequently than usual. Additionally, during the pandemic, residents in Spain took advantage of legal loopholes and used various means to "walk their dogs" as an excuse to get some fresh air, which not only exhausted the dogs but also was counterproductive to pandemic control efforts.   In urban areas, most dogs weigh between 5-15 kg. Small breeds like Chihuahuas and Toy Poodles are at the lower end of the scale, while larger breeds like Golden Retrievers and Alaskan Malamutes are at the higher end. Small dogs generally have low exercise needs; for those under 5 kg, regular indoor activities are usually sufficient. Pet owners can engage in short games inside the house with a leash to maintain their dog's activity level. For do...

There’s a popular term online called "super long charging type," which refers to people who feel they never get enough sleep, no matter how long they sleep. Interestingly, many dogs can be considered the "super long charging warriors" of the animal kingdom, sleeping even longer than humans!  Sometimes, when you want to groom your dog with a pet comb, train them with a leash, or play with their toys, you may just find them fast asleep, looking cozy and content.  In fact, dogs have been sleeping a lot since their puppyhood, and their sleep frequency is quite high. Puppies can sleep for about 22 hours a day, with the remaining time spent being cared for by their owners—drinking milk, going to the bathroom, or getting groomed with a pet comb.  Just like humans, dogs release important growth hormones during sleep that help them grow better. Especially when dogs are young, sufficient sleep, proper grooming, and early training are essential to their development. Dogs don’...

It's quite common for dogs to chew on their leashes. Some may dislike the restriction, others might be adjusting, and some simply act out of frustration. So, what can dog owners do to stop their dogs from chewing on the leash? 1. Apply Bitter Apple or Orange Juice to the LeashDogs have their own preferences when it comes to tastes, especially when it comes to unpleasant flavors. Applying a bitter substance, like bitter apple or orange juice, can discourage your dog from chewing on the leash. These substances are harmless and won’t harm your dog, but they will create a mental association—leashes taste bad, so they shouldn’t be chewed on. Some owners also choose to use a harness or a chain leash, which solves the chewing problem at its source, though this may sacrifice some comfort for the dog.   2. Give Your Dog Time to Adjust Before Training If your dog hasn’t yet learned to follow the leash, start with a target stick to assist in training. Avoid being too harsh when you be...

As spring approaches, shedding season for dogs is just around the corner. Whether it's on the sofa, in the corners of the floor, in the bathroom, or even on the bed, dog hair is sure to be everywhere.  Dog owners inevitably find themselves caught in the whirlwind of dealing with pet shedding. Many, considering the need to groom their pets and clean their homes, might initially choose short-haired dogs like Bulldogs or Labradors. But does a short-haired dog shed less than a long-haired breed like a Golden Retriever? In reality, this is one of the common misconceptions pet owners have when using grooming tools on their pets. 1. Most Dogs Shed Hair to Some Extent Due to their physiological development, dogs—whether long-haired or short-haired—shed hair regularly and require their owners to groom them with a pet brush. Only a few breeds, such as Bichon Frises or Schnauzers, shed very little or almost none at all. Breeds like Alaskan Malamutes or Border Collies, on the other hand, are ...

A dog’s body language can communicate a lot about its mood and well-being. Particularly when pet owners spend a lot of time with their dogs, whether during leash training or daily grooming sessions, understanding a dog’s physical cues is key to building a better relationship.  Take the example of a dog stretching—what does it signify when you try to groom your dog and see it stretch out?   1. Stretching Simply Loosens the Muscles When a dog wakes up from a good sleep, stretching feels wonderful. In addition to enjoying a proper grooming session from its owner, dogs will also stretch to relax their limbs. This is especially true for older dogs, whose joints and body functions begin to slow down as they age. The stretch provides a comforting way for dogs to relieve tension and enjoy a moment of relaxation.   2. Stretching in Front of You Means Trust When a dog stretches out its limbs comfortably in front of you, it shows trust and affection. It might even roll ont...

Staying at home and spending time with your pet cat or dog is one of the most fortunate experiences. As time spent at home with these furry companions increases, many pet owners have started to observe and summarize some interesting behaviors of their cats. For instance, did you know that a cat’s different sleeping positions can indicate its mood and personality?   1. Easygoing and Gentle Type: Sleeping on Its Side or Sprawled Out When a cat lies on its side, stretching its limbs out as much as possible, or even sprawls out with its legs in all directions, it looks like a picture of comfort. This sleeping position is often seen when the cat is being groomed by its owner using a pet brush. It reflects a cat with a gentle, easygoing temperament, one that enjoys the experience of grooming and is very satisfied with the care and attention from its owner. Such a cat is content with its environment and the companionship it receives.   2. Sensitive and Cautious Type: Curli...

Recently, a news story about a "post-2000s" individual taking their cat on a cross-city taxi ride home for the New Year sparked widespread discussion. The trip, from Guangzhou to Jieyang, covered a distance of over 360 kilometers and seemed to cost over a thousand yuan.  However, after sharing the ride with others, the cost ended up being even cheaper than flying or taking a high-speed train. This clever solution has introduced a new way of bringing pets home for the Spring Festival.   To avoid the complicated pet security procedures at airports and train stations, and to ensure pets have a more comfortable journey, taking a long-distance ride-share with your pet seems like a reasonable option.  Of course, aside from creative solutions like this one, many people also choose to spend a lot of money to bring their beloved pets home every year. However, compared to expensive transportation options, the uncertainty of pet boarding, or the question of whether a pet is we...

What’s the most troublesome part of raising a cat? Is it feeding them properly, getting them to bond with you, or dealing with the hair they shed all over the place? All three are common challenges cat owners face, but for Xiao Di, the most annoying task is brushing and managing the cat’s fur. No matter the season—be it the mild spring and summer or the shedding frenzy of autumn and winter—cat hair seems to be everywhere in the house, often tangled in furniture and various items. If you neglect grooming, it’s easy to watch fur falling freely from your cat. Thus, using a pet comb regularly is essential—not only for managing their coat but also for checking their health and easing their physical burden. With so many pet comb options available, how should cat owners choose?  Some owners, skilled with their hands, can use an ordinary human comb to groom their cats to perfection. Others choose cat breeds with less shedding, like the Sphynx, to avoid grooming headaches altogether. But...

Nowadays, many people enjoy having a dog as a companion, and taking their dogs for walks with a leash has become a regular activity. However, dog owners must be mindful of how they use the leash and the level of force they apply to avoid causing harm to themselves or their dogs. Walking Your Dog Without a Leash It has become a common understanding among most dog owners that a leash is essential when taking a dog outside. Using a leash helps the owner guide the dog to engage in proper activities, such as walking, playing, staying away from dangerous objects, and not running around erratically. This ensures the dog’s safety and prevents unnecessary disruptions to public order, promoting responsible pet ownership.   Excessive Intensity During Walks Some owners subject their dogs to high-intensity training without considering the dog’s physical condition. For example, the exercise needs of a Shar Pei and an Alaskan Malamute are vastly different. No matter how fast a dog runs, ...

As the saying goes, "If you don't pet your pet, you're losing out." This is especially true for dogs, with their silly, adorable smiles. As a responsible pet owner, not petting your dog would feel like a missed opportunity. After brushing your dog with a pet comb or taking it for a walk on a leash, you might be tempted to pet its head, and the dog seems to enjoy it. However, in reality, petting a dog’s head doesn’t always mean they interpret it as affection. First: Dogs May See Head Petting as a Potential Threat Dogs are highly sensitive to touch, but their heads are also a blind spot in their field of vision. Sudden contact with the head can make a dog feel alert and uneasy. You might wonder, "But my dog is fine when I brush its head." This is because the dog is familiar with your scent, and out of trust and affection, it allows you to comb or touch its head.   However, if a stranger tries to pet the dog’s head, it may instinctively avoid or defend itself...

Weight management isn't just a human issue—many animals, including cats, can also struggle with weight problems. It’s particularly noticeable when you're grooming your cat with a pet brush. While a slightly rounder cat may look adorable, an overweight cat can be a cause for concern.   If you notice that your cat is overweight while brushing, it's a good idea for owners to reduce the amount of food and treats, especially during the winter when cats are more prone to overfeeding. It’s recommended to consult a professional veterinarian to create a personalized diet and exercise plan tailored to your cat's individual health. This process should be gradual, without making sudden changes.  Unlike dogs, cats aren't always keen on exercise, so even if you use a leash to walk them, be cautious not to let them escape. Regular grooming sessions with the pet brush will help you monitor their overall health. So, how can you visually determine if your cat is overweight? Many cat...

Pet shedding is a year-round occurrence, varying in intensity depending on the amount of fur and seasonal climate changes. Pet owners, or "pooper scoopers," are often equipped with a variety of grooming tools , such as de-shedding brushes, pin brushes, and other pet brushes, to keep their pets' coats well-groomed. Alternatively, some pet owners prefer to take their pets to grooming salons. However, after brushing your pet’s fur at home, how can you effectively remove the hair that gets stuck between the teeth of your pet brush?  1. Use a Cotton Swab or Toothbrush to Remove Hair from Between the Teeth One simple method is to use a cotton swab with a pointed tip to reach the small gaps between the teeth of the pet brush. Gently pull the hair out, a little at a time. The advantage of this method is that it’s easy to do, but the downside is that it takes longer, as the cotton swab or a small wooden stick needs to be thin enough to extract the hair. Alternatively, you can use...

How can you sense a cat’s emotional attachment to your home when you’re grooming it with a pet comb? Besides the fact that your cat might relax and enjoy your affection or grooming sessions, you can also gauge its feelings by observing where it chooses to sleep. Here are a few insights based on your cat's preferred resting spots:   1. Sleeping on the Fridge – A Sign of Insecurity Regardless of the animal, after spending time together, pets tend to form emotional bonds with their owners, and even the most aloof cats are no exception. Many people notice that some cats enjoy perching in high places, like on top of the fridge. This is particularly common with cats that are new to the home, such as one- to two-year-old kittens. When you try to groom them, they may hide, and you can't find them anywhere. The reason for this behavior is that high places allow cats to observe their surroundings and feel safer by being able to escape from potential threats. It also suggests that the ca...

After adopting a kitten, many pet owners find themselves wanting to show affection through kisses and cuddles. When brushing their cats with a grooming tool, they might feel the urge to kiss them as well. After giving their cat a fresh grooming, they still want to hold them and shower them with love. Some owners can spend the entire day cuddling with their cat without ever getting tired of it. However, many cats seem to resist such intimate gestures, especially when it comes to being kissed. Do you know why?  1. Cats Are Not Fond of Kisses Because It Disrupts Their Sense of Smell Cats, unlike humans, do not rely on vision as much to understand their surroundings—they primarily depend on their keen sense of smell. When an owner brushes their cat, the cat can immediately detect the familiar scent of its owner, which helps it feel comfortable and safe while being groomed. However, when a stranger tries to approach a cat, especially to brush it, the cat will often resist because it d...