The Pet Parent Lifeline

Practical Pet Parenting Advice For Busy Households
April 1, 2026

5 Puppy Raising Mistakes That Can Create Bigger Problems Later

Many adult dog behavior problems don't start in adulthood. They start in puppyhood, when certain behaviors are dismissed as normal, harmless, or something the puppy will simply outgrow.
The good news is that these mistakes are common but also preve…
March 3, 2026

Protecting Your Independence While Protecting Your Pet

A few episodes back, in an episode called Seniors And Pets: Don’t Wait For A Crisis, Make A Plan, we talked about something families avoid until they have no choice: planning for pets as we age.
Here’s the reality. Pets can be one of the biggest re…
March 3, 2026

The 'Three-Part Filter': Your Essential Checklist Before Getting a Second Dog

Should You Get a Second Dog For Your Dog, Or Is It a Big Mistake?A lot of pet parents have this thought at some point: “My dog needs a dog.” And I get why. You picture built-in companionship, more play, less boredom, and a happier dog. But in rescue…
Feb. 3, 2026

Disappearance vs. Death: Helping Pets Understand Loss in Multi-Pet Households

If you’ve ever lost a pet and then watched your other dog or cat act totally different, you already know how weird and confusing this can be. You’re sad, your routine is wrecked, and meanwhile, your other pet is pacing, clingy, not eating, or acting…
Feb. 3, 2026

The $10 Dental Kit: Your Secret Weapon for a Longer-Living Pet

Let’s talk about something almost all of us know we should be doing… and almost none of us actually do.
Pet dental care.
In the latest episode of The Pet Parent Hotline, we tackled a topic that sounds boring until you realize it’s quietly messing …
Jan. 6, 2026

The 7 Pet-Friendly Home Tweaks That Make Your House Feel Normal Again

If your house feels like it’s constantly announcing, “Pets live here,” you’re not alone. Most pet parents don’t mind a little fur or the occasional mess. What wears you down is when your home stops feeling like your space. When you’re always cleanin…
Jan. 6, 2026

Why Pet Resolutions Fail by Week Two, and the 5-Minute Fix

Every January, pet parents start with the best intentions. More walks. Better routines. Less chaos. And then real life shows up like it always does. Your dog is barking while you’re trying to get out the door, you can’t find the leash, you’re alread…
Dec. 3, 2025

Holiday Hazards That Could Harm Your Pet: What to Watch For and How to Respond

The holidays are a joyous time filled with family, friends, delicious food, and festive decorations. However, amidst the celebrations, it’s surprisingly easy for pets to land themselves in trouble, especially by eating things they shouldn’t. Quick a…
Nov. 3, 2025

Choosing the Right Pet Boarding Facility: Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving your pet with someone else is a big deal. You want them safe, comfortable, and happy while you’re away. But even the most loving pet parents can make choices that put their pets at risk.
I worked at two different boarding facilities when I …
Oct. 1, 2025

Beyond House Training: The Unexpected Benefits of Crating Your Dog

Crates get a bad rap, often from people who have never used one!
Many people believe they’re only good for house training puppies, or worse, that crating is flat-out cruel. The truth is, when used the right way, a crate can be one of the best tools…