July FairyDust News!

Meet our July Pets of the Month: Mr. Boy, Luna, and Emma! 🐾🐱

Mr. Boy has clearly mastered the art of summer relaxation, while Luna and Emma are busy keeping an eye on everything that's happening. With July bringing sunshine, summer adventures, and Fourth of July celebrations, we hope these three are staying cool, comfortable, and thoroughly spoiled.

Thanks for being such special members of the FairyDust family. Wishing all our furry friends a safe and happy summer! ☀️❤️

What's in Your Mouth?!

You're enjoying a nice walk, the sun is out, your dog is happily sniffing… and then suddenly they grab something off the ground like it's the best treasure they've ever found. Before you can even react, it's gone.

Sound familiar? Many dogs love to sample the world one mystery item at a time. While it can be frustrating, it can also be dangerous depending on what they pick up - from food scraps to trash or even something toxic.

The good news is, with a little training and preparation, you can turn those "uh-oh" moments into much more manageable ones.

Start with "Leave It"

Teaching your dog to "leave it" is one of the most useful skills for walks. It helps them pause and look to you instead of grabbing whatever catches their interest. Always have a few treats on hand so when your dog makes the right choice, you can quickly reward them and give them something better to focus on.

Practice "Drop It"

Even the best "leave it" doesn't always happen in time. That's where "drop it" comes in. If your dog already has something in their mouth, this cue teaches them to let go of it. Again, treats are your best friend here - trading up makes it much easier for your dog to give up their prize.

Set your dog up for success

• Stay aware on walks: Keep an eye out for tempting "treasures" before your dog finds them.
• Bring high-value treats: The more exciting the reward, the more likely your dog will listen.
• Redirect quickly: A cue, a treat, or even a change in direction can help shift their focus.

When extra help is needed

If your dog is determined to grab everything in sight, a flexible basket muzzle can be a helpful short-term solution while you work on training. It allows your dog to pant and drink water, but prevents them from picking up unsafe items.

Dogs explore the world with their noses - and sometimes their mouths - so a little curiosity is normal. With consistent training and a few smart strategies, you can keep your walks fun, safe, and a lot less stressful.

Because the only thing your dog should be bringing home from a walk is a wagging tail. 🐾

Tiny Teeth, Big Lessons

Kittens are adorable, playful, and sometimes surprisingly bitey. One minute you're enjoying a sweet cuddle, and the next, those tiny teeth are latched onto your hand like it's a chew toy.

The good news? Biting is completely normal kitten behavior - and with a little guidance, you can teach them better habits early on.

Why do kittens bite?

Kittens use their mouths to explore the world, much like puppies. Biting can mean different things depending on the moment:

• Play: Kittens wrestle, chase, and bite as part of normal play behavior.
• Teething: Those tiny teeth can make them want to chew on anything - including you.
• Exploring: Hands, feet, and fingers can seem like moving "toys."
• Overstimulation: Too much petting or excitement can quickly turn into a bite.

How to teach your kitten not to bite

The goal isn't to stop natural behavior; it's to redirect it in a way that's safe and appropriate.

• Use toys, not hands: Always play with wand toys, balls, or soft toys instead of your fingers. This helps your kitten learn what's okay to bite.
• Redirect quickly: If your kitten goes for your hand, calmly switch to a toy right away.
• Pause playtime: If biting happens, stop the interaction. This teaches that biting ends the fun.
• Be consistent: Everyone in the household should follow the same rules so your kitten doesn't get mixed messages.

What about adult cats that bite?

If your adult cat suddenly nips during petting, it's often a sign of overstimulation rather than aggression. Many cats enjoy affection - just not for long stretches.

Watch for subtle signals that your cat has had enough:

• Tail flicking or swishing
• Ears turning slightly back
• Skin rippling along the back
• A sudden shift from relaxed to tense

When you see these signs, it's a good time to stop petting before the bite happens. Over time, you'll learn your cat's personal limit and avoid those surprise nips altogether.

Kittens grow quickly, and those early habits stick. With a little patience, consistency, and plenty of appropriate toys, you can guide your kitten toward gentle play, keeping your hands out of the chew toy category.

Because tiny teeth are cute… just not on your fingers. 🐾

Great Pet Links!

July
Pet Hydration Awareness Month
Lost Pet Prevention Month

July 1 - ID Your Pet Day
July 4 - Independence Day
July 15 - Pet Fire Safety Day
July 21 - World Collie Day
July 26 - Dog Photography Day

Pet 4th of July Checklist
Beautiful Cat Breeds
Summer Pet Hydration
Funny Pet Faces On Pinterest
Pet Fire Safety