http://www.sheknows.com/authors/virginia-chavez/articles Tue, 15 May 2012 16:52:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/959825/how-to-give-your-cat-a-bath Sweet-natured and independent at heart, it seems nothing can break the cool, calm and collected essence of our feline friends. When it comes to kitties and bath-time, though, nothing brings out the claws quicker. Cat owners can attest: choosing to give your cat a bath may seem like nothing short of a death wish. Luckily, our furry friends are naturally equipped with the necessary tools for self-grooming excellence. For those days when kitty really needs a bath, follow the tips below to enjoy a scratch-free soak session. http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/959825/how-to-give-your-cat-a-bath Virginia Chavez Mon, 14 May 2012 11:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/959427/meet-the-breed-yorkshire-terrier This irresistibly cute companion ranks high on the most popular breeds list. How did a dog bred to hunt rats make its way to royal laps? With a sweet demeanor and pint-sized stature, it’s hard not to love the Yorkshire terrier. Yorkie owners must confess, these tiny companions are excellent at playing dress-up and have become commonly recognized for their exceptional fashion sense. It may be hard to believe, but Yorkies are much more than just a pretty face. Here, find out everything you need to know about the breed. http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/959427/meet-the-breed-yorkshire-terrier Virginia Chavez Thu, 22 Mar 2012 10:30:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/954153/top-10-medium-sized-breeds Medium-sized dog breeds provide just the right fit for pet owners seeking middle ground. Having trouble deciding which 30 to 60-pound friend to bring home? Meet in the middle with this roundup of our favorite medium-sized canines. http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/954153/top-10-medium-sized-breeds Virginia Chavez Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:00:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/953713/could-sleeping-with-your-pet-kill-you Pet owners share a camaraderie and common ground that creates a universal bond among people from all backgrounds. But even the tightly knit community of pet parents can be quickly torn apart by one differing factor: sleeping with your pets. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , 56 percent of pet owners admit to sleeping with their pets. Although some draw the line at this because of hygiene, sleeping with your pets raises some more serious health concerns. Could sleeping with your pet actually kill you? Sure, just as many things in life could, but the chances are quite slim. Even so, there are risk factors all pet owners should know. http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/953713/could-sleeping-with-your-pet-kill-you Virginia Chavez Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:20:00 -0700 http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/953711/why-pets-eat-strange-items The pet food world is full of delicious and nutritious meal options for pets. We love to spoil our four-legged friends with foods containing hearty ingredients like bison, beef and wild-caught salmon. With a mixture of delectable dishes to choose from, it’s hard to believe our pets would prefer to chow down on bowl of rocks or a cardboard box. http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/953711/why-pets-eat-strange-items Virginia Chavez Thu, 08 Mar 2012 12:24:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/952697/pinterest-for-pets Chances are you’ve discovered and spent unspeakable amounts of time on the virtual pin board we've all come to know and love, Pinterest. Now that you’ve planned your wedding, furnished your home and designed your spring wardrobe, it’s time to place a few pins for the paws in your life. Follow these top 5 tips on how to get the most out of Pinterest for your pets. http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/952697/pinterest-for-pets Virginia Chavez Mon, 05 Mar 2012 07:30:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/952255/how-to-throw-a-party-for-pooches Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, puppy shower, training graduation or just for fun, owning a pup is reason enough to throw a party. Hosting a pooch fest can be just as stressful as planning a non-canine bash. This quick guide will show you how to throw a fun and safe shindig for your favorite party animal. http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/952255/how-to-throw-a-party-for-pooches Virginia Chavez Mon, 05 Mar 2012 09:00:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/951381/meet-the-breed-pekingese Malachy, the Pekingese crowned title-holder of the Westminster Kennel Club dog show proves big winners come in all shapes and sizes. The reigning champion has victory down to a science with 115 best-in-show titles to date. Away from the main stage, this tiny and determined breed makes an excellent companion. Before you bring home your very own top dog, find out everything you need to know about the breed. http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/951381/meet-the-breed-pekingese Virginia Chavez Thu, 01 Mar 2012 07:30:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/951169/top-dating-sites-for-pet-lovers If you’re looking for love in all the wrong places, it’s time for Fido to help you find Mr. Right . Let your animal attraction shine through with the latest online dating sites built specifically with pet owners in mind. If falling for a non-pet lover has gotten in the way of finding a life partner, the latest dating sites can help you skip the issue altogether. Niche online dating sites provide a one-of-a-kind experience for like-minded pet owners. These top five dating sites for pet lovers offer pet-loving singles a new leash on love -- no more excuses about pet allergies or phobias. http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/951169/top-dating-sites-for-pet-lovers Virginia Chavez Fri, 02 Mar 2012 10:00:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/950969/indoor-exercises-for-you-and-your-pet Don’t let cabin fever get the best of you and your pup. The weather outside may be frightful but exercising indoors can be delightful. There are a variety of fun indoor workouts that will keep you and your canine companion in tip-top shape. Try any or all of these fun indoor exercises with your pooch and break through the winter boredom barriers. http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/950969/indoor-exercises-for-you-and-your-pet Virginia Chavez Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:49:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/950651/top-4-reasons-small-dogs-make-great-friends Who knew so much love could be packaged in 20 pounds or less? Furry friends bring joy to our lives and warmth to our hearts in ways we never thought possible. Forget diamonds: Small dogs make even better best friends. They help us shine in dull moments and sparkle when times are dark. Read on to discover why small dogs are great friends. http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/950651/top-4-reasons-small-dogs-make-great-friends Virginia Chavez Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:09:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/950609/top-5-favorite-small-breeds With so many charming toy breeds, how can you pick just one? Small breeds may share the cute factor, but their personalities vary from one breed to another. Find a pocket-sized partner that fits your lifestyle among these top five favorite small breeds. http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/950609/top-5-favorite-small-breeds Virginia Chavez Mon, 27 Feb 2012 06:03:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/950607/caring-for-your-small-breed Not only are they cute and cuddly, but their one purpose in life is human companionship -- so, it’s no wonder toy breeds continue to rise in popularity. It seems these incredibly loving breeds need nothing more than a cozy lap in which to curl up. Just as with every pet, though, small breeds require proper care to ensure long and fruitful lives. Whether you’re considering adding a small breed to your family or already have a pint-sized companion in your home, these tips are sure to help you keep your furry friend healthy and happy. http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/950607/caring-for-your-small-breed Virginia Chavez Sun, 19 Feb 2012 11:00:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/950277/white-house-pets Behind every good leader stands a four-legged companion. In honor of President’s Day, let’s celebrate the true leaders of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. with this roundup of famous White House pets. http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/950277/white-house-pets Virginia Chavez Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:28:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/950169/top-5-healthy-treats-for-pets Celebrate what might just be your pet's’ favorite holiday of all time: national dog treat day. On this special day, show your pup some love with wholesome snacks that let them know you care. Before you kick off the day’s festivities, remember that health and nutrition should always stay top of mind. Make sure your four-legged friend takes part in all the treat-day goodness she deserves. This healthy treat roundup will let you and Fido rejoice in a scrumptiously guilt-free treat day. http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/950169/top-5-healthy-treats-for-pets Virginia Chavez Mon, 13 Feb 2012 08:41:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/949007/meet-the-breed-pomeranians Irresistibly cute, with fluffy fur and tail to boot, Pomeranians are charming their way to the top of the most popular breed list. Charismatic by nature, some Poms have taken “cute” to new heights. Famous Pomeranians like Boo, the self-proclaimed cutest dog in the world, have households nationwide wishing for a pocket-sized companion of their own. Before you bring home a cuddly Pomeranian, here’s everything you need to know about the breed. http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/949007/meet-the-breed-pomeranians Virginia Chavez Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:00:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/948283/how-to-become-a-foster-pet-parent Do you love pets but aren’t sure if you’re ready to be a full-time pet mom? Fostering a pet is a great way to test the waters of pet ownership while helping a four-legged friend in need. Foster programs provide a stepping stone toward helping loving animals find “forever” homes. Whether you are thinking of easing into permanent pet adoption or simply have a heart for companion animals, follow these tips on becoming a foster pet parent to get started. http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/948283/how-to-become-a-foster-pet-parent Virginia Chavez Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:32:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/947909/top-5-books-for-pet-lovers What better way to take a break from your busy life than to spend a cozy afternoon curled up with your furry friend and a good book? This roundup of pet-inspired books offers continued proof of the astonishing power of compassion, loyalty and redemption provided by our pets. Grab one of these top 5 books for pet lovers and spend some quality cuddle time with your trusty companion. http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/947909/top-5-books-for-pet-lovers Virginia Chavez Mon, 30 Jan 2012 07:50:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/946869/how-dogs-communicate Pets have their own way of communicating without words. As pet parents, we like to guess what our pets are saying to us by their actions and body language. While we may be right at times, we can’t help but wonder: If pets could talk, what would they say to us? What do they say to each other? Read the following tips to find out what your pet may be saying to you and his four-legged counterparts. http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/946869/how-dogs-communicate Virginia Chavez Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:20:00 -0800 http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/946867/tips-for-dog-park-etiquette Nothing beats a day at the park with your favorite furry friend. Dog parks create a stress-free setting where your pup can run free in a safe environment. But before you unleash your pooch on a dog park adventure, make sure it’s an enjoyable experience for yourself and others. Mind your pet's Ps and Qs by following these dog park etiquette tips. http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/946867/tips-for-dog-park-etiquette Virginia Chavez