Skip to main content
Mary Johnson

Mary Johnson

Contributor

Mary Johnson is a writer and photographer from New Orleans, Louisiana. Her work has been published in PawTracks and Wikimotive. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and writing about true crime, science, and beauty.

Send all editorial inquiries HERE.

A close-up shot of a black Lab wearing a red collar

Why black Labrador retrievers are the perfect family dogs

Is a black Labrador retriever the perfect dog for you? It just might be. Find out if this sweet breed will fit into your family.
Two people holding a tiny gray and white kitten whose eyes haven't opened yet

When do kittens open their eyes? This is what happens if they do it too early

When do kittens open their eyes? Here's when you can expect your kitten to show off her baby blues and what to do if it's too early.
german shepherd in grass

The smartest dog breeds: Yours might not be as intelligent as you think

These are the smartest dog breeds for people who want trainable dogs.
A Maine Coon cat reaches his snow-covered paw toward the camera.

Wondering how to keep cat warm in cold weather – here are 9 effective ways to help your pet stay toasty

How do you keep cats warm in cold weather? Help your kitty cat stay warm in winter with these effective strategies.
A tabby cat stretched out on a faux fur rug near a space heater.

Good, better, best: Space heaters that are safe if you have pets

We love these pet-friendly space heaters that are safer for your dogs and cats. Look for the pet-friendly features these models have.
A Siberian husky lying outdoors in the grass

Follow these 6 husky training tips to get your pup to behave

Husky training tips that'll help pet parents teach commands the right way so they stick. You'll both be happier if your pup knows what you expect.
An elderly golden retriever stands outside in the sunshine

How can you tell how old a dog is? Easy ways to figure it out

Use these tips to figure out the age of your dog when you aren't sure.
A black lab and pit bull mix dog licks their lips and looks up at the camera

Why do dogs lick their lips? This is when you should be worried

Dogs can lick their lips for a lot of reasons. This is what you should know.
A gray munchkin cat kitten stands on top of a white dressing table

Everything you need to know about the munchkin cat: Some facts may surprise you

Here's a closer look at everything you should know before getting a munchkin cat, including the cost, life span, and personality.
Overhead shot of dog paws and a bowl of kibble

Is your old dog not eating? It probably has nothing to do with hunger

Here are reasons why your old dog isn't eating anymore. Most of the time, you don't need to be overly concerned.
An Australian shepherd playing outside in the snow

How cold is too cold for dogs? What you should know

How cold is too cold dogs? These are the facts you should know about your dog being in the cold weather.
An old brown dog lying on a comfortable bed

When to be concerned about an old dog breathing heavy and what to do about it

A panting dog is usually no cause for concern. But sudden heavy breathing in an older pup might be a symptom of more severe issues.
A dark-haired woman wearing a green sweater holds a tabby cat on her lap

3 scientific benefits of being a cat person – you’ll be surprised with what we found

We're here to share the top three benefits of sharing your home with a feline companion -- and recommend some of our favorite beginner-friendly cat breeds, too.
A fluffy gray cat perches in a windowsill surrounded by autumnal decor

Can cats eat turkey? These are the Thanksgiving foods your cat can eat safely

Can cats eat turkey? Here are foods that are safe to share with your cat this Thanksgiving holiday (and the ones that aren't).
A black cat with a dusting of snow on her coat stands outside

Is it safe for cats to be outside in winter? The answer may surprise you

Know the following information before allowing your cat outdoors in the winter.
An old black dog with a graying muzzle lying on a porch

Are your dear old dog’s back legs collapsing? Here’s what to do

It can be frightening if your older dog's back legs collapse. Here's what you should know to help both of you through this.
A yellow Labrador retriever puppy lies in a crate

Wondering how to start crate training your 8-week-old puppy? Here’s what you need to know

Crate training your puppy has many long-term benefits. Here's how to crate train your 8-week-old puppy with ease.
A closeup shot of a black lab wearing a red leather collar.

Signs of inbred dogs – and all the reasons why inbreeding is controversial and problematic

There are telltale signs of inbred dogs. Here's how to spot them and the tests that can help you out. Plus, the issues with inbred dogs.
Three tabby kittens snuggling in a gray cat bed.

How much should a kitten weigh? Here’s what the experts have to say about the kitten weight chart

Here are expert guidelines on how much a kitten should weigh and what you can do to help her get to the right size.
Tan dog playing with a green ball

Teaching your dog respect training is easy – here’s how

Respect training for dogs isn't easy, but it can be done. Your dog will feel happy and safe with you, and you'll have a best friend who behaves.
Irish setter lying in the snow

How to keep a dog house warm in the winter: A guide to simple enhancements

Prepping your dog's house for the winter won't take you longer than a single afternoon to complete. Our methods show how you can do it.
A pomeranian with a yellow background

These are the 6 dog breeds that shed most in fall

What dog breed sheds the most and when? These dog breeds shed a lot in fall. Here's what you need to know when taking care of an especially furry pup.
Side profile of a St. Bernard smiling while standing outdoors.

6 cool St. Bernard facts you probably didn’t know

St. Bernards are the gentle giants of the dog world. But do you know these interesting facts about them?
A yellow Labrador retriever puppy lying on a red bed inside a wire crate.

Is crate training necessary? There are pros and cons on both sides

Here's what you need to know about crate training so you can decide whether or not to incorporate one into your routine.
Two brown dogs lying on a wood laminate floor; the focus is on their tails.

Why does my dog have a bald patch on their tail? Here are the answers you need

If your dog had a bald patch on their tail, it could be a sign of a minor problem or a major health issue. This is what you need to know before you panic
An old Great Dane with a white face leaning against a man's side.

How to tell if your older dog’s health decline means the end is near

There are signs to look out for to determine if your dog is nearing the end.
why dogs shake tiny chihuahua on beige rug

My dog is shaking and acting weird – should I worry?

You should be concerned if your dog shakes and acts weird, but we're here to help. Here's what might be going on and what to do about it.
A mama cat snuggling her three kittens.

When can kittens leave their mom? Don’t separate them too early

Kittens need to stay with their moms, so don't separate them too early.
Ants crawling across wild mushroom caps.

Pet-safe pest control: This genius technique will get rid of pesky ants

These home remedies will get rid of pesty ants in your home while keeping your pets safe from harm.
A close-up shot of a pug standing in the grass with a bone-shaped treat in his mouth

Are Himalayan dog chews safe for your pet? Know this before you buy

Himalayan dog chews are still all the rage. But are they safe for your pet to eat? We'll shed some light.
Wet toy poodle in a bathtub

When can you bathe a puppy? Here’s how and when to introduce them to bath time

Wondering when can you first bathe a puppy? We dive into the right age to start bath time and how often you should bathe your pup.
A Jack Russell terrier stands in a park with an orange tennis ball

How to stop toy aggression in dogs immediately: A simple guide

Does your dog growl when you get near a favorite toy? These strategies will help you figure out how to stop toy aggression in dogs.
A pug drinking water from a sink faucet

Does your dog drink a lot of water? Here’s when you should be concerned

We're here to share the most common reasons a dog drinks a lot of water and when it's time to take your pooch to the vet for a checkup.
An albino cat lies on a white backdrop. The cat has one pale blue eye and one pinkish-red eye.

The mystery and beauty of albino cats

Albino cats aren't just white cats. Here are some fascinating facts about their unique genetics.
A brown and white dog eats a strawberry off a fork

Can dogs have strawberries? Benefits, risks, and how to feed them safely

You've come to the right place if you've ever wondered, "Can dogs have strawberries?" Here's what you should know.
Cat with blueberries

Can cats eat blueberries? What you need to know

Let's explore whether cats can eat blueberries and the potential benefits and risks of feeding blueberries to your feline companion.
A mewing newborn kitten at the center of a cuddle pile

How to care for newborn kittens without it becoming your second full-time job

Being a kitten parent is hard, which is why it's best left to Mama Cat. But here's how to help care for newborn kittens before they arrive.
A dog wearing a brown leather collar eats from a bag of garbage

Why do dogs eat garbage? What you should know about this dangerous habit

Many dogs eat garbage. Learn when you should start to worry.
A Jack Russell terrier sits beside a mop bucket with a toilet brush in his mouth

Spring cleaning? Never use these dangerous products with pets in your home

Spring cleaning will be safer with your furry friends in the home with these pet-friendly cleaning supplies.
A Russian blue cat sunning herself on the floor near a window

5 sun-warming spots your cat will gravitate to in the spring

These spots in your house will be your cat's favorite sun-warming locations this spring.
A brown dachshund lying on a beige sheet outdoors

7 puppy potty training tips to housebreak your dachshund

Dachshunds are known for being difficult to housebreak. Here are seven great potty training tips for your wiener dog.
A beige terrier reaches for a heart-shaped box of chocolates while a woman keeps it out of her dog's reach

How to keep your dog safe from chocolate and what to do when they eat it

You should follow these steps to keep chocolate away from dogs, but they might get into it anyway. Here's what to do first (and what to never do).
A German shepherd and a husky sitting in the snow

Essential tips to keep your dog safe in snowy and winter weather

To keep your dog safe in the snow, there are guidelines you'll want to follow. Take a look at these tips before braving the cold this winter.
A Bengal cat lies on a white floor and bathes their forelimb

Bengal cats: What to know about these quirky descendants of Asian leopards

Are Bengal cats the perfect breed for you? If you want a medium to large cat that loves to play, they might be.
A blue-eyed white cat sprawls out on top of a rug with a forlorn expression

Can cats suffer from mental health conditions the way dogs can?

Find out if cats suffer from mental health issues like dogs can. Learn what the causes are of cat anxiety and how you can help them.
A blue-eyed Siberian husky puppy sitting on grass

Can huskies be aggressive? It depends on the circumstances

Here's what you need to know if you're considering getting a husky.
A Jack Russell terrier wearing a yellow scarf plays with a giant snowball

Ice melters are dangerous for your dog: Here’s how to keep them safe

Learn how to keep your dog safe from ice melters this winter.
A puppy stares at a bowl of dry kibble

Is your dog refusing to eat? There are a few possible causes

Is your pup turning up his nose at his food bowl? Here's what the problem might be if your dog is refusing to eat and what you can do to fix it.
A woman strokes a blue-eyed white dog while outside

New Year’s resolutions that can make you a better pet parent in 2023

We all kick off the new year with resolutions, but for pet lovers, the goal to be a better pet parent is a resolution worth keeping.
Brown and white dog howling on a porch

Why do dogs howl? It’s not just to get your attention

There are many reasons why dogs howl, but these are the most common. They might explain more than you think!