If you’ve ever noticed those extra-long hairs on your dog’s face, it’s only normal to wonder what they are and what they do. Whether your buddy visits the groomer or gets their fur brushed at home, it’s hard not to notice these hairs. Dogs can turn away and even paw at their face when they’re touched, so they surely serve a purpose. As it turns out, they’re actually dogs’ whiskers! But why do dogs have whiskers?

These whiskers, or vibrissae, are important for the way dogs sense the world around them. They provide all kinds of sensory information through nerve endings under the skin, but how exactly do they work?

Do all dogs have whiskers?

Actually, yes! Although many dogs have whiskers that are much more prominent than those of other pups, all dogs naturally develop whiskers. However, they may not look the same on each dog, and some may no longer be there at all. If you take your dog to the groomer for a haircut on a regular basis, for example, their whiskers may be trimmed right along with the rest of their hair or fur.

It’s also important to consider that whiskers aren’t only the stiffer, prominent hairs on a dog’s snout or chin. When a dog has especially long eyelashes or eyebrow hairs, those are whiskers, too. A dog’s vibrissae are often located “above the eyes, on the chin, and above the upper lip,” according to Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM, and Lynn Buzhardt, DVM, from VCA Animal Hospitals.

Whiskers are some of the first hairs that grow when a puppy is born, and they can be straight or curly, depending on a dog’s genetics. Whatever these vibrissae look like, they are deeply rooted and thicker than the rest of your pet’s hair, allowing them to use whiskers as a way to pick up sensations from the world around them.

Why do dogs have whiskers?

When talking about human facial hair, “whiskers” refer to a man’s mustache or beard, but when talking about dogs, whiskers are more of an extension of the animal’s sense of touch. These long hairs contain deep blood vessels and nerve endings that pick up on the slightest movement or pressure, including the smallest, gentlest summer breeze.

Essentially, whiskers are to dogs what antennae are to insects. They allow dogs to learn more about their environment through touch, whether it’s detecting a nearby wall while walking in the dark or feeling the dust on an old surface. They can even help a dog decide when — and when not to — enter narrow spaces. Think of vibrissae as another layer of protection for the eyes and face.

Now that you know all these canine fun facts about the whiskers on their faces, you may think twice the next time you twirl or play with these long hairs. They’re quite sensitive. You can also make the best decisions at your dog’s grooming appointments, as trimming the whiskers isn’t always a great idea. Now you know!

Every dog owner will be embarrassed by their pup at least once or twice, but nothing compares to the shame of catching your dog in the act of humping. Whether they’re going to town on another dog, another person, or even nothing at all, it’s easy to understand why you’d want to learn more about this behavior. The sooner you know how to respond to this lewd act, the sooner it can stop.

Questions like, “Why do dogs hump?’ and “How can I stop my dog from humping?” will one day be nothing more than a memory. This impolite habit can be unlearned — though often not as quickly as it’s learned — with some time, redirection, and a few well-timed distractions. Keep on reading to learn more about the humping habit and what you can do to prevent it.

Why do dogs hump other dogs?

As many dog owners know, dogs can hump almost anything, from other dogs to inanimate objects. No matter what they’re mounting, though, you should know that this behavior means something different for dogs than what it signifies for humans. Most of the time, there’s nothing sexual about it.

When it comes to humping other dogs, explains Dr. Mary Burch, director of the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen program, dominance is often the motivator. This can be a one-sided display of dominance from one dog to another, or it can be a back-and-forth part of regular play. Even though it’s a normal canine behavior, not all dogs like to be humped, so this is a behavior best discouraged for dog owners who prefer to stay on the safe side.

Stopping your dog from mounting begins with your everyday obedience training. If your dog learns to respond to you immediately in virtually all other situations, odds are they will listen when you interrupt their impolite behavior. The more you redirect this behavior, the more your dog will learn that it’s not an acceptable thing to do.

Some dogs will take behavior corrections into their own paws, too. This is normal and nothing to worry about, so long as the corrections are not aggressive and the other party takes the hint.

Why do dogs hump legs?

Oftentimes, a dog won’t even mount another dog from behind. They may wrap around a pal’s leg while they go to town, or they may even find the leg of a person they’re fond of. What’s up with that?

As Dr. Burch explains, mounting can also be a sign of stress or overexcitement. It’s a physical manifestation of overstimulation at its finest, which is why it can happen suddenly as part of either play or anger. Just think about it this way: A dog has feelings so large that they don’t know what to do with it all. Odds are, they aren’t even thinking of who they’re mounting or how.

Why do dogs hump people?

As Dr. Burch said, dogs mount both people and dogs out of pure overstimulation, not desire. Although this behavior would mean something very different between people, it doesn’t mean much when a dog humps a person. They’re just worked up and excited.

Occasionally, a dog may hump in an attempt to get their owner’s attention. Because it works! Just about everyone gets distracted by a dog mounting their leg, even if only to shoo them away. For an attention-loving dog, that’s considered a win. If this is the case, the best thing you can do to discourage mounting is to ignore it. Reward your dog with attention after they’ve stopped humping to reinforce the correct behavior.

Why do dogs hump the air?

Sometimes, a dog may not even hump anything at all. They may grab onto a leg, another dog, or even a pillow without actually mounting it, which is most often seen when a dog has previously been punished for mounting but hasn’t completely stopped the behavior. This could be a sign that your corrections are working — so keep it up!

When humping could indicate a problem

If your dog begins mounting when they aren’t known for over-excitable reactions, you might want to keep an eye on the behavior. There are a few cases when humping could be a sign of a medical problem, including a prostate problem in males. Some kinds of skin irritation, urinary tract infections, or other discomfort can also cause a dog to mount in seek of symptom relief. In this case, humping may be less of a social behavior and something that happens much more suddenly.

If something about your dog’s behavior seems odd or changes suddenly, you may want to make an appointment with your dog’s veterinarian. Better safe than sorry, after all!

No matter how long you’ve been dealing with mounting, know that you can help your dog get rid of this shocking behavior for good. This change won’t happen overnight, but your days of dog park embarrassment will be behind you soon enough.

Animals communicate with us in numerous ways by vocalizing, posturing, and moving, to name just a few. When it comes to our dogs, most owners understand what it means when they wag their tails in joy or bark at the delivery person (we’re not sure if this is joyful as well). However, fewer pet parents have a clear idea of what different ear positions, like dogs’ ears back, are trying to say to us humans and what to look out for.

Learning to decode your pup’s feelings from their ears can help you understand your furry friend and give you a good sense of their needs. This is what it can mean when your dog’s ears are back.

Why do dogs pull their ears back?

It might make you nervous to see your dog pull their ears back, and sometimes this indicates that something has spooked or upset them. But there are a number of different interpretations for this behavior. In time, you’ll learn what they mean and more importantly, what they mean for your specific pet. These are the things your pup pup might be feeling when they pull their ears back.

Sad

When you turn to leave your precious bud behind, you may spy them shifting their ears back in sadness. Don’t stress on this too much though. We hate to say it, but the second you close the door behind you, they probably lay down for a solid nap. It’s good to know in this situation that nothing’s really wrong, even if your pet gets a temporary pang of loneliness.

Scared

If the pulled back ears accompany a tucked tail, you know fear or submissiveness enter into the equation. Pay particular attention to body language when you suspect that Fido is quivering in terror over a perceived attack (which as often as not turns out to come from the vacuum cleaner or an impending storm).

Anxious

Your buddy might squeeze their ears back every time they have to take a trip to the vet, for example. Anxiety often also comes with excessive licking, panting, or even shaking in some breeds. Nine times out of 10, you’ll know what causes this and when to expect it.

Comfortable

Luckily, ear pinning doesn’t always indicate a bad thing. It frequently tells you the complete opposite: that your pooch feels perfectly safe and at home. Sometimes, this helps one dog tell another that they will submit and allow the other animal to lead the interaction. No worries here if your dog exhibits deference — it just shows who’s the boss in the moment.

Aggressive

Sometimes, a dog with their ears back is a dog about to bite. That certainly doesn’t mean you’re the target, as it could be another pet, but you should remove them from the situation as carefully as possible. Pull your pup away if they’re on the leash or distract them with a command to divert attention from the object of their frustration.

Pain

Pinned ears occasionally mean that the body parts themselves hurt and so your furry friend has brought them back to alleviate that discomfort. Alternatively, many times your buddy might pin their ears while otherwise stressed from a physical ailment. If you can’t find any other cause, you may need to investigate whether they’ve sustained an injury and take them to the vet if you find something wrong.

Neutral

While our pets perk up their ears in excitement or to hear something better, they tend to default to a pulled-back vibe for everyday ear wear. Some breeds look like this all the time, making ear position something of a moot point in figuring out their feelings. However, in many instances, your pet will simply hold their ears in a way that feels safe, comfortable, and easy to them, meaning pinned back might actually be entirely neutral. When this turns out to be the case, give them a little scritch behind the ears.

Dog ears tell us lots of things about their moods and feelings. Since there are so many ear positions, it can become tricky to differentiate one from the other. For that, we suggest working with a trainer or online resource to get a better sense of what different ear positions mean. At the end of the day, however, every animal is unique, and you’ll have to study your specific puppers to get the full picture of their emotions and ear positions. Once you get to know your dog, you’ll become an expert on all their body language and can easily determine their underlying state from the ears.

Our pets bring us huge amounts of joy with their wet noses, adorable pointy ears, and happy tails. While the ears and nose both serve pretty similar functions in humans, we don’t have the benefit of a tail. But why do dogs have tails? It all comes from the evolution of their ancestors millions of years ago, and these appendages still prove quite useful to pups and other animals today. Here’s everything you need to know about tails in dogs.

How did tails develop?

Early fish may have sprouted tails to better swim in the ocean. But when those ancient creatures first stepped out on land, they kept their tails, which changed shape and size depending on their specific needs. Truly, nearly every vertebrate species in the animal kingdom has a tail, with very limited exceptions, including us.

Humans and apes like chimps are some of the few that have lost their tails to time. This probably happened because Homo sapiens walk in a very different way from our four-legged friends. Tails do a lot for our pets and help them in all kinds of ways that we don’t benefit from.

Why do dogs have tails?

Help them move

Improve balance

Facilitate communication

Can a dog live without a tail?

Certainly, and many get by tailless with no problems. Historically, some dogs have had their tails docked to fit breeding standards, though that’s no longer recommended by vets. But if you adopt a sweet furry friend with no tail, like a Corgi or a French bulldog, which are frequently born without full tails, you don’t have to worry about your beastie getting along in their life. Our pets adapt quickly and won’t have any memory of needing their extra length to get on.

We probably would do better with a tail, but actually, we’re one of few mammals that lack this. Our dogs use theirs for numerous things including balance and communication. It’s important to allow your sweet pet to keep their tail if at all possible but plenty of dogs live successfully without one and adjust easily. Don’t worry too much if you bring home an animal that has no tail — you’ll learn how to interpret their moves no matter what.

German shepherds are one of the larger dog breeds — females are typically around 50 to 70 pounds and males can go up to 90 pounds. However, these lovable pups are truly gentle giants. They’re affectionate and make good family dogs. They’re also whip-smart, adaptable, and highly trainable. For these reasons, German shepherds are often working dogs and heroes who serve as first responders, military members, and service animals.

Your German shepherd may not receive any medals of honor, but they’re certainly the top dog in your book. Understandably, you can’t imagine life without your German shepherd. Unfortunately, this breed doesn’t live as long as some other popular ones. It’s a tough reality. Knowing it can help you give your dog the best life possible, though.

Let’s dig into the German shepherd’s lifespan and how to keep them healthy for as long as you can.

What is the average German shepherd lifespan?

According to the American Kennel Club, German shepherds typically live 7 to 10 years. To put that in perspective, the average lifespan of a dog is 10 to 13 years. Chihuahuas typically live 15 to 17 years, Biewer terriers’ lifespan is about 16 years, and Pyrenean shepherds can stick around until they are nearly 20 years old.

Is 10 years old for a German shepherd?

Common German shepherd health issues

It may not seem fair that German shepherds don’t live as long, but there are some reasons. For one, long-lived breeds are generally smaller than the German shepherd. Smaller dogs tend to live longer and are less likely to die from cancer than their larger canine counterparts. For example, Pyrenean shepherds, with the longest average lifespan, typically weigh 15 to 30 pounds, considerably less than a German shepherd.

German shepherds are also susceptible to some conditions and issues that may impact their lifespan and overall well-being, including:

• Otitis externa (an infection in the outer ear canal)
• Obesity
• Bloat
• Dental disease
• Heart disease
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Blood clotting
• Inability to stand

According to one U.K. study, the last two — musculoskeletal disorders and an inability to stand — were the two most common causes of death.

How to keep your German shepherd healthy and happy

You can’t protect your German shepherd from everything; despite your best efforts. Some conditions are hereditary, and aging is a fact of life. However, there are some steps you can take to help your German shepherd live the most fulfilled and healthiest life possible.

Exercise regularly

Physical activity is crucial to weight management, especially for a breed prone to obesity like the German shepherd. It may also help reduce the risk of heart disease. The amount of exercise will vary based on your specific German shepherd, but they may need several hours. There are many ways to help your pup get physical activity, including:

• Long walks
• Runs together
• Agility courses
• Puzzle toys
• Games of fetch
• Opportunities to swim in safe lakes or pools

Diet

You’ll want to give your German shepherd a well-balanced, AAFCO-approved dog food. Consult with your vet on how much and how often to feed your German shepherd. If you’re getting your German shepherd as a puppy, vets suggest feeding them growth food for large breeds. The food is intended to slow their growth rate, but they’ll still reach the standard size for their breed. It can reduce the risk of hip dyslexia later in life.

Vet visits and vaccines

Sometimes, early intervention can lead to better outcomes, so regular vet visits are critical. Also, some conditions are preventable, such as rabies and heartworm. Monthly prevention and staying up-to-date with shots will help mitigate unnecessary diseases.

Ear cleaning

German shepherds are prone to ear infections. Weekly cleanings can eliminate build-up and bacteria that can lead to inflammation and infections.

Dental care

Dental disease can affect a dog’s eating habits and just be painful overall. Brushing at least once daily for a minute is the best way to reduce bacteria in the mouth, vets say.

Final thoughts on German shepherds

German shepherds are loyal, lovable, and trainable. Some go into service gigs by becoming members of the military or guide dogs. Others are simply companions — and that’s certainly good enough. Unfortunately, these gentle giants don’t live as long as other breeds. The average German shepherd lifespan is 7 to 10 years, which is shorter than smaller breeds. German shepherds are more susceptible to musculoskeletal disorders.

They can also become obese. Generally, larger breeds are more prone to cancer than smaller breeds. Feeding your dog a healthy diet and getting plenty of exercise can help reduce health risks. The good news? German shepherds make great running and swimming buddies. Other to-dos include regular check-ups with the vet, weekly ear cleanings, and brushing teeth daily.

If you’re considering opening up your home to a new four-legged family member, there may be a lot of thoughts swimming through your mind. This is totally normal. Bringing home a new pet is a big change, so it’s only natural (and responsible) to think through every aspect of the decision before you commit. One thing you may be considering is which dog breed would be best for your home. Although you may not be able to hand-pick your perfect breed when adopting a pet from a shelter, knowing a bit about the most common dog breeds can help you make an informed choice.

The Belgian Malinois is a breed often seen in cities, suburbs, and farms, though it’s often mistaken for an entirely different dog — the German shepherd. While they are related, these breeds are completely separate from one another. Familiarizing yourself with Belgian Malinois characteristics and traits will help you decide whether this may be a breed for your family, but first, we’ll have to ask — is a Belgian Malinois a good family dog?

Let’s find out everything there is to know about this strong and loyal dog breed.

Belgian Malinois breed characteristics

Belgian Malinois are large, high-energy dogs that make excellent companions and running partners. They stand about 24 to 26 inches tall when fully grown, and male Malinois can weigh over 80 pounds. Despite their intimidating size, though, these vigilant, eager dogs are also excellent with families and in homes. However, they are far too large and energetic to be apartment dogs.

“Mals” are known for their proud demeanor and eagerness to please, which makes them excellent for obedience training, agility, and other activities that combine physical and mental challenges. In fact, these dogs need activities and jobs in order to thrive in any home, or you could be dealing with a lot of behavior issues. You can expect to exercise an adult Malinois for at least an hour each day.

According to the American Kennel Club, this is a relatively healthy dog breed, though large dogs can be at risk for hip dysplasia. Like any dog, they require regular brushing, veterinary checkups, and dental care, though, due to their bigger size, you may spend more time on coat and nail care.

Belgian Malinois compared to German shepherds

While it’s safe to say that this breed is quite similar to the German shepherd — they’re both members of the Herding Group, after all — there are plenty of characteristics that help Malinois stand out. When looking at the dogs side by side, for example, you’ll see that the Malinois ears are more pointy and triangle-shaped than German shepherds’. Malinois are also lighter than German shepherds and tend to have a more square-shaped body.

When it comes to behaviors, though, these dogs have more in common than they do differences. It’s easy to see why they are commonly mistaken for one another, especially when they share similar lines of work. From herding on farms to working with police officers — these dogs can do it all.

Is a Belgian Malinois a good family dog?

The Belgian Malinois is one of four sheep-herding dogs developed in Belgium to be protectors of farms, flocks, and families. They immediately gained popularity because of their loyalty and love of work, later becoming popular companion dogs for military and police officers. In fact, it was Cairo, a Belgian Malinois, that “played a critical role in the 2011 raid that took down the world’s most notorious terrorist, Osama Bin Laden.” Now that’s impressive!

Despite their “tough guy” appearance, these dogs love to use their bravery, strength, and loyalty to keep their homes and families safe. Many Mals will take on a watchdog role, whether you train them to or not, but it’s important to keep them socialized and trained to avoid unwanted aggression or alerting toward guests. Remember, these dogs were bred to herd sheep, so they can sometimes chase, herd, and nip at the legs of other animals and small kids. This is normal canine behavior, but dogs can be less likely to act on these impulses if they are mentally and physically satisfied.

When your Malinois isn’t getting in a workout or finishing a job, they will likely want to be by your side. Their loyal personalities let them bond deeply with members of their pack, so don’t be surprised if you have to buy a dog bed for each room of the house. They may follow one special person from room to room, or they may try to herd everyone back to the same room so their pack can be protected in one place.

Belgian Malinois are some of the most hardworking dogs out there, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be great family dogs, too. An active family with a large home and yard will be the best fit for this breed of dog, though an older Mal may enjoy a more leisurely life, too. Every dog is different, so breed standards and expectations will only get you so far!

Cats are wonderful additions to our families, and they can quickly become beloved family members. But, like most pets, cats have shorter lives than humans. As tragic as this is, it’s only normal to want to spend as many years as possible with your cat. Fortunately, there are many ways you can help increase the chances of your cat living a long and healthy life.

But it’s also important to be realistic about your cat’s lifespan. How long do cats live? First, it’s important to remember that cat life expectancies are really just a guideline — it’s best to just appreciate and enjoy each day you can share with your fur baby.

How long do cats live as pets?

So, how long do cats live, exactly? There isn’t hard data on how long cats live as pets, but it’s a well-known fact that indoor cats live longer than outdoor cats. A 2015 study that examined the deaths of 4,009 cats found that outdoor cats usually live shorter lives because those outdoor cats are exposed to many dangers, including traffic and animal attacks.

The study also discovered a difference in the average life span of crossbred and purebred cats. Crossbred cats had a life expectancy of 14 years, while purebred cats had a shorter life expectancy of 12.5 years.

What’s the average age a cat lives until?

According to a report produced by the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, indoor cats live for an average of 10 to 15 years. In contrast, outdoor cats live for an average of just 2 to 5 years. The good news is that, with veterinary advancements and increased knowledge about feline health, we’re able to provide our cats with better-quality food and better veterinary care than ever before.

Can a cat live up to 20 years?

In less common cases, cats can live up to 20 years and beyond. In fact, there are many proven accounts of cats living well into their 20s. Many factors can influence a cat’s life span, including her health, the quality of care she receives, and her genetics. Senior cats may require extra care as they age, including additional check-ups with the vet and supplements.

The oldest cat ever recorded

The good news is that domestic cats can live long past their expected lifespans with proper care and lots of love. In fact, the older cat ever recorded lived to over twice a cat’s average life expectancy!

Creme Puff is the Guinness World Record Holder for the oldest cat ever. She lived to be 38 years and 3 days old! This native Texan was born on August 3, 1967 and passed away on August 6, 2005. Her owner was also the owner of the previous record holder for the world’s oldest cat, which suggests something like genetics or level of care may directly relate.

Currently, the oldest living cat is in her late 20s, though surpassing Creme Puff’s age is certainly not out of the question. Veterinary technology is advancing more and more every day, and it’s only a matter of time before genes related to feline aging are identified, just like they have been for dogs.

How to maximize your cat’s chances of a long life

While your cat’s genetics will play a role in their life span, you can do a lot to increase the chances that you and your cat enjoy many great years together. To start, establish routine veterinary care for your cat. Keeping consistent, regular vet appointments means your vet will get to know your fur baby well. Those routine appointments give your vet a chance to catch potential issues before they become big problems. Your vet can also help you address challenges, like weight management, early on so you can maximize your cat’s health.

Focus on developing good habits at home, too. Provide your cat with plenty of playtime every day to help keep them active and avoid obesity. Daily exercise is great for your cat’s health, but you may need to encourage your cat to stay active, especially if they’re an indoor-only cat. Try experimenting with different toys to see what piques your cat’s interest, and invest in a cat tree so your cat can satisfy their urges to climb, stretch, and scratch.

Carefully choosing the food you feed your cat can also promote good health and longevity. Discuss your cat’s nutrition with your vet. Your vet can help you choose the food and feeding plan most appropriate for your cat’s age, breed, lifestyle, and overall health.

How long do cats live? Truthfully, the answer varies. However, providing good, attentive care can help your cat live the longest, healthiest life possible. One of the best ways you can maximize your cat’s life span is to make sure that you’ve planned for potential vet expenses. For example, if your cat is diagnosed with a serious health condition, they might need medications or other treatments. The same is true if your cat ever gets seriously sick or injured. These emergency vet bills can add up, so plan for them. Put money into a savings account or consider getting pet health insurance, just in case. Ensuring your cat can promptly get the vet care they need can help keep them healthy and allow them to live as long as possible.

While our opinions may differ on innumerable issues, there is a universal constant we can all agree on: No one enjoys suffering from allergies. If you’re dealing with itchy eyes, a running nose, constant sneezing, coughing, wheezing, or even hives, then you’re suffering from an allergy to something in your immediate environment.

Maybe it’s just pollen, but it can also be … your cat. Cat allergies are relatively common, but just because someone in your family has cat allergies doesn’t mean you have to give up your dream of being a cat parent. From bathing your cat to allergy treatments, there are a few tips you can use to limit exposure to allergens. Even better, you might even find the purr-fect solution waiting for you in a local shelter. Keep reading to learn more about hypoallergenic cats for adoption.

Should I adopt a cat if I’m allergic?

How do you adopt a cat if you have allergies?

If you’re allergic to cats, it’s important to understand just what is prompting an allergic reaction. NBC10 Boston explains that while many people believe that cat hair creates an allergic reaction, they’re actually more likely reacting to cat dander, saliva, tears, and urine. Your cat releases an allergen called “Fel d 1” every time he grooms himself or uses the litter box. That allergen gets sent into the air, and it also lands on your cat’s skin and hair. When you breathe that air or touch the hair or dander that contains the allergen, you may have an allergic reaction.

The bad news? All cats produce this allergen, so no cat breeds are truly hypoallergenic. The good news is that some cats tend to produce less of the allergen than others. A lot of this comes down to genes and sex may also be a factor. However, don’t believe the myth that a light-haired cat will be a better fit. There’s no evidence to support this and you may end up with a kitty that causes the sniffles.

Can you get hypoallergenic rescue cats?

Finding a hypoallergenic cat to adopt can take some time. Again, realize that no cats are truly hypoallergenic. NBC10 Boston explains that some breeds, like the Balinese, Bengal, Burmese, and Siberian, tend to produce less of the Fel d 1 allergen than other breeds, but they can still prompt allergic reactions.

These breeds are rarer, but you can occasionally find them in rescues. You’ll need to be patient and vigilant, and chances are you may need to travel a good distance to adopt one of these hard-to-find cats. Look for breed-specific rescues and contact them to see if they have any cats available for adoption or if they can put you on a waiting list. For example, there are several Bengal rescue groups throughout the US. Connecting with these groups, following their social media listings, and checking their websites regularly might help you find a cat in need of a good home.

What is the cheapest hypoallergenic cat?

Since no cat is hypoallergenic, rather than buying a purebred cat, you might find that the cheapest option is to adopt a cat from a shelter. One good option is to talk to rescue staff or get information from previous owners on the cat’s allergy levels. You may also be a good candidate for a foster-to-adopt situation, which will allow you to bring the cat home to make sure he’s a good fit first.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends that you work to control your allergies by keeping your cat out of your bedroom, washing your hands immediately after patting your cat, frequently vacuuming your home to reduce allergen levels, and continuously running a HEPA cleaner in your bedroom or living room. If your cat will tolerate it, bathing him once or twice a week will help to reduce the amount of allergen that he can release in your home.

Living with allergies doesn’t mean that you have to live without a cat, but you do need to be strategic in how you adopt and care for a cat. Be sure to talk to your doctor about treatments, such as allergy medications or even allergy shots, that can make it easier to share a life with your cat. When it comes to adopting a cat, be upfront with the shelter about what you’re looking for in a cat and the importance of a cat that releases lower amounts of allergens. Most shelters will be happy to work with you to ensure that your new cat is a great match for your needs — and that you’re a great fit for the cat’s needs, too.

Even if you’ve never been around dogs or cats, you’ve probably heard about their rough relationship. Cats and dogs are rivals at best and enemies at worst — right? It sure seems that way when there are thousands of stories and even videos of dogs and cats not getting along. Whether you’ve witnessed a dog-cat chase with your own eyes or have heard your pup barking at the neighbor’s cat at all times of the day, it’s only natural to wonder, “Why do dogs hate cats?”

Some dogs couldn’t care less if a feline friend stopped by for a visit — that’s true — but plenty of other pups would go positively bananas. So what’s the difference?

Why do dogs hate cats?

While it’s easy to assume that dogs and cats “hate” one another because of their vast differences, it’s a bit more complicated than that. Even dogs that regularly chase cats don’t do so out of malice or hate. It’s an instinctual thing!

Even though your pup isn’t hunting for their food like their ancestors used to do, that prey drive in their brain may still kick into gear when they see a fast-moving target like a cat, squirrel, or even a toy. And if the cat runs away from your dog, your buddy just might keep chasing them.

When all of this chaos happens in a span of a few seconds, it’s easy to interpret it as your dog’s dislike for felines. But in reality, they are just reacting to the presence of potential prey. And don’t worry, this doesn’t mean they actually want to hurt or hunt the cat. It’s an unconscious reaction that happens deep within their brain and not something they choose to do.

If a cat and a dog have a history of unpleasant interactions, it makes sense why both animals would become untrustworthy of the other species. This is why it’s worth paying closer attention if your pet suddenly starts reacting negatively to animals they previously tolerated.

Different species have different communication

Additionally, cats and dogs just don’t understand one another the way they understand their own species. They have different ways of communicating and interacting, so misunderstandings and accidental boundary crossings can happen. For example, a wagging tail on a dog is often a sign of curiosity and happiness, but on a cat, tail movement means something else entirely. A cat with a twitching tail isn’t a happy cat, but this could be easily misinterpreted.

Fortunately, with a little bit of patience, time, and supervision, dogs can often get along just fine with their feline siblings. For some animals, interspecies friendships come naturally, but it’s OK if it takes time for your pets to learn how one another operates. At the same time, don’t force dogs or cats to be around other animals if they seem nervous or distressed. Some pets are best as the only fur baby in the home – -and that’s OK, too! As long as you know what works best for you and your home, you can take all the time you need to make sure everyone feels comfortable and safe. Good luck!

Betta fish are known for being territorial, feisty, rather combative, and therefore not great tank mates in general. This reputation, however, only holds true in particular situations and with certain fish friends. Male betta fish are aggressive, but only with other male bettas, so it is important to never put two males in the same tank. It will lead to tail-nipping behavior and other aggressive actions. So, what fish can live with bettas?

Happily, there are several other fish that can keep your betta company in a safe and non-aggressive environment. Many colorful, friendly fish cohabitate well with bettas. This is our guide to finding the perfect fish companion (or companions) for your betta.

Fish that can live and get along with bettas

1. Cory catfish

You can get an idea of what these fish look like from their name alone. Cory catfish resemble miniature versions of your standard river-dwelling catfish. These creatures feature whiskers and wide-set eyes, so they are super fun and entertaining to watch. Cory catfish make great tank mates with betta fish, male or female.

Cories are calm and peaceful fish, which will encourage the same behavior in your betta. Their non-aggressive temperament is the perfect contrast against a spunky guy who is always ready to take on another male. Cory catfish are also a super popular addition to many freshwater tanks. They are easy to care for and come in a variety of sizes and colors.

These fish tend to enjoy the company of one or two other cory catfish so they can swim in a little school. Due to their popularity, cories are fairly easy to find at your local pet store or aquarium shop. No matter how many of these social fish you add to your tank, your betta fish will love their calm, social nature.

2. Guppies

A guppy has got you covered when it comes to adding color and pizazz to your tank. Guppies are small fish, typically ranging in size between 0.6 inches and 2.4 inches. These fish also have a peaceful temperament that puts your betta fish in a much more relaxed environment. Guppies come in a variety of colorings so you can really brighten up your tank with a few different varieties.

They are compatible with other fish as well, and their small size may put your betta at ease by making them not the smallest fish in the tank. Guppies are easy to take care of and love to live in groups so they can school together. They will be great tank mates to your betta because they won’t ever instigate fights due to their calm nature.

3. Harlequin rasbora

The harlequin rasbora makes the perfect tank mate with betta fish because they both live and survive in similar tank conditions, and they both enjoy snacking on brine shrimp. The rasbora grows to about 1.5 inches and hangs around for an average of five years. It’s also a peaceful fish species, which is another quality that makes it a good companion for betta fish, as it is unlikely there will be any hostility between the two fish.

4. Ember tetras

If you love the look of a bright, orange fish, then an ember tetra is the perfect addition to your tank. Ember tetras are small and will be super compatible with your betta. They have peaceful yet playful personalities that will encourage a calm relationship with your betta. These fish are simple to take care of, so you don’t have to worry about any extra cleaning or care. These easy-going swimmers will get along with nearly any other fish and will be a bright, fun addition to your tank.

5. Kuhli loaches

One fish that will surely make you do a double-take is the kuhli loach. Kuhli loaches have yellow and brown bands and are super interesting fish. They are long, small, and thin and can resemble the look of a snake. These fish are bottom dwellers and conveniently clean the bottom of your tank. Kuhli loaches are a great match for bettas. They have a shy personality and a peaceful temperament so they will coexist nicely with any male or female betta fish.

6. Platies

If you are new to owning fish, then the platy is a great one to start with. They are easy to care for and have a great temperament, making them a perfect tank mate for your betta fish. This type of fish is ideal for tank communities because they are very social. They can grow up to 3 inches in length and come in a variety of beautiful colors. Their colorings showcase unique designs and patterns, so you can mix and match them for a vivid, attractive tank. Non-aggressive and social, platies are perfect for any fish owner, especially beginners.

What size tank does a betta need?

Can male and female betta live together?

Tips and tricks for helping your fish get along

When introducing new fish to your tank, consider these tips:

• Make sure your tank is a suitable size for all the fish.
• Purchase your new fish from a reputable breeder or store.
• Clean your tank and check your water to make sure the environment is optimal for all fish.
• Use a plastic bag to acclimate your new fish to the water.
• Monitor how your betta and other fish interact once released. If conflicts arise or your betta spends too much time hiding, a community tank might not be right for that particular fish.

Bettas have a bad reputation for their aggressive behavior, but they are more misunderstood. These beautiful fish are actually super friendly with many species — just not their own. Luckily, your betta won’t have to live a lonely life. You can choose from a variety of stunning, playful fish that will be the perfect tank mate for your betta.

Ensure that you are choosing fish that you know how to care for and will coexist peacefully with your betta. You will love being able to give your betta some tank mates to hang out with.