They’re not just for chewing shoes — your dog’s teeth are important to his health and happiness. VCA West Los Angeles shared their top 10 tips for protecting your pet’s pearly whites.
 
1. Dogs have 42 teeth and cats have 30, while humans have 28. That’s 14 more teeth for dogs and two more teeth for cats that can develop problems.
 

2. Brush your pet’s teeth as often as possible and rub an oral rinse on gums.

Celebrate all creatures big and small at the 24th annual America’s Family Pet Expo set for April 19-21 at the OC Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa. Meet exhibitors and rescue groups, and see more than 1,000 animals in fun stage shows, competitions and demonstrations, including dogs, cats, birds, fish, llamas, pot-bellied pigs, goats, rats, reptiles, rabbits and miniature horses.

It’s the best of Petsguide Magazine delivered to your inbox quarterly! The Scoop is Petsguide’s newsletter that features health, recreation and adoptable pets, plus lots of ways to spoil, train and care for your pet. It’s free and you can sign up right here on the home page.

Who could resist those big, brown eyes? Meet Carmichael, an adoptable pet rescued by Basset Rescue of Southern California. Petsguide is helping BRSC find a fur-ever home for this sweet 7 1/2-year-old boy. Do you have room in your home for this hound? Read on to learn more about him.

The holidays are a time to bask in the pleasures of good company and good food, but before you and your family go on your merrymaking way, remember that yuletide celebrations bring with them potential hazards to your pet. From the dangers of wrapping paper and decorative lights to quelling fireworks-related fears, we have you covered!

German Shepherd Rescue Orange County knew something was special about rescue dog, Elisa. It took the sharp eye of a detection training scout to let Elisa’s gift shine: turns out, she’s a natural search dog! Read on to learn about Elisa’s journey from being a hopeful adoptee to her new job protecting the public.

Losing your pet can be the worst feeling. But, would you know what to do if you found someone else’s best friend? For those who feel they’ve done all they can without avail, take heart: Petsguide has additional tips for those who misplaced their pet, as well as for those who can make joyful reunions a reality. Read on to learn about humane groups’ additional services and how to locate no-kill shelters that can care for a lost pet.

The bodacious bods hitting the waves aren’t your typical water babies. Huntington Beach’s Surf City Surf Dog event returns on Sept. 19 for a full day of philanthropy and a showcase of canine (and human) athleticism. Watch canine surf-furs hit the waves, take a Woofin’ Walk, or stroll through the Hot Diggity Dog Expo in this ocean-side animal charity fundraiser benefiting several Orange County-area nonprofits.

Summer/fall Petsguide is here! In this issue, we focus on the power and benefits of play – conventional and unusual ways to bond with your pet, and why the mainstreaming of the creative and adventurous has helped play has evolved into something more meaningful, and, ultimately mutually healthy for you both. Writer Steve Lowery offers some ideas for you to consider.

It’s a fur-no-menal spring! Inside is a taste of The Scoop’s latest issue, in which you will find helpful tips from an expert on how to pick the best doggy daycare and overnight boarding facilities. Also featured: Foxy, an adoptable under the care of German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County; pet-friendly events to keep you busy in April and May; and the popular Dig-gable Web Finds.

Featured Sponsor: America’s Family Pet Expo

The world’s largest consumer pet expo returns to Orange County on April 16-18! Grander than ever, the public event boasts family-friendly entertainment, educational demonstrations, pet shows, and the debut of its Equine Entertainment & Attractions. Gain some important insights into the companion pet industry as you meet and learn about all things pet from product manufacturers and retailers, veterinarians, groomers, and humane rescue organizations.

Dog walking is a healthy, daily ritual with physical and mental benefits. However, what’s good for a full-grown German Shepherd isn’t necessarily ideal for a Pomeranian or a puppy. We spoke with American Kennel Club spokeswoman and pet advice columnist Lisa Peterson about dog- and puppy-walking in the city, at the beach and why age actually matters.

We kick off the New Year with a can-do attitude! The winter/spring issue is devoted entirely to Do-It-Yourself pet care – just the thing for pet parents who’ve pondered letting the pros handle it or taking matters into their own capable hands. Writer Steve Lowery turns to the experts to learn how to properly implement tasks such as dog baths, maintaining your carpet and furniture upholstery after a pet “accident” and even how to concoct a delicious homemade treat – all without turning your home upside-down.

Before you and your family go on your merrymaking way, remember that yuletide celebrations bring with them potential hazards to your pet. Luckily, you won’t have to worry as long as you keep the following tips in mind.

The growing pet industry, along with its luxury and holistic product niches, is an indication of how much we dote on our furry children. Pet expert Arden Moore has a friendly reminder for pet parents who love to spoil.

It seemed only natural that Drew Grendell’s Eagle Scout project would lead him back to German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County. After all, his family already has several ties with the rescue group. What did the 17-year-old give back? A good night’s sleep for the rescue’s resident adoptees.

The cajoling, the firm commands to “Sit!” and the toy-waggling – anything to make your pet hold that pose while you maneuver your camera to capture the perfect shot! If you’re a pet owner, you know how challenging it can be to get a beloved pet to sit still when their mind is on anything but obliging you. We got some tips for the photographically inclined from Chicago-based photographer David Sutton, the creative mind behind the annual Dog Days calendar.

Oh, the places you and your dog can go! Tired of the same ol’ trail, or looking to get away for the afternoon? Put away that map and try ours! We’re sharing one of our favorite finds with you yet – Southern California’s dog-friendliest beaches, parks and trails. Perfect for these dog days of summer and great year-round, the Petsguide Dog-Friendly Map also includes must-know details such as hours, leash rules, hiking levels for man and pooch, and more.

This weekend, paws and feet will pound pavement for a good (and very human) cause – Paws For Cause’s 2nd Annual 5K, 5K Dog Run/Walk and 1K Kids Fun Run. The event will benefit His Chaplain For You, one of the nonprofit’s programs providing emotional and spiritual support for people undergoing hardship and personal tragedies, from abuse and addiction, to illness, disaster survival and even death.

There’s no need to fret – not when the new Summer/Fall 2009 Petsguide is here! This issue is devoted to travel, be it by car or plane. We talked with pet experts to find what it takes to prepare pets for a trip, and even how to find a good pet-sitter match should Fido or Fifi stay home while you are gone. You’ll also find tips throughout the magazine, from helpful travel accessories to must-know information you should have on hand once you leave the door.

Spring is here! As we embark on springtime projects – gardening, cleaning, you name it! – we have to remember to safeguard our pets against plants that are benign to humans, but potentially dangerous to animals.

April, coincidentally, is National Pet First-Aid Awareness Month. In the spirit of keeping our furry, four-legged pals happy and safe to enjoy spring, here are some helpful factoids to keep in mind, courtesy of the ASPCA:

Pet obesity, especially among dogs and cats, has been steadily paralleling human obesity. Veterinarians and animal health experts said human behavior and lifestyles are partly responsible for fat cats and pudgy pooches ? they most likely eat how their owners eat, and exercise as much as their owners exercise. In the United States, more than 44 percent of dogs and 57 percent of cats are either overweight or obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.

The pet food industry is vast, but one segment of its market has seen tremendous growth in the last few years: high-end, premium products. Several factors have helped propel this particular segment to the fore, from competition within the market, to the disposable income. Perhaps the strongest driving force is the anthropomorphism of pets ? that they are now, more than ever, considered as family members. Why shouldn’t they dine as such?

March 1: How awesome is your family pet?

Kids between the ages of 5 and 12 are encouraged to enter their pets ? furry, feathery or scaly ? in San Juan Capistrano’s Kid’s Pet Parade, one of the city’s annual festivities. There are several categories, and one lucky pair will have the chance to strut their stuff at the Swallows Day Parade!

When we asked six pet food industry experts to give us the inside scoop on pet food, they told us everything we ever wanted to know (and some things we didn’t!).

More than 500 pups and their people participated in a 3K walk around the Shoreline Village Lighthouse Peninsula in Long Beach on November 17 as part of Veterinary Pet Insurance’s second annual K9K Walk for Pet Cancer.

In order to help pet owners free themselves and their pets of negative behaviors?or avoid them altogether?we asked seven professional animal trainers what they think are some of the most important things pet owners should know about their pets. The results? Six simple steps that can help promote the perfect pet-human relationship (no matter what degree of perfection you?re after).