By Mar's Mission Editorial Team, with assistance from AI tools Spay and neuter awareness month is a crucial time to highlight how these procedures benefit cats and dogs, as well as the broader community. Many companion animal guardians may hesitate or delay these surgeries, not fully understanding the positive impact on animal welfare. This post explores three key benefits of spaying and neutering companion animals. Preventing Overpopulation and Reducing Stray Animals One of

By Mar's Mission Editorial Team, with assistance from AI tools Every year, many dogs suffer in silence, tethered to chains that limit their freedom and harm their well-being. Every January is Unchain a Dog Month, a time to shine a light on the issue. This month is a call to raise awareness about the cruelty of chaining dogs and to promote animal rights that protect these loyal companions. Why Chaining Dogs Is Harmful Chaining dogs for long periods causes physical and emotiona

By Mar's Mission Editorial Team, with assistance from AI tools Companion animals have long captured the hearts of audiences, becoming some of the most memorable characters in film history. From loyal dogs to mysterious cats, animals in films have played roles that go beyond mere background presence. Their journey on the silver screen reflects changes in storytelling, technology, and animal rights in films. Lassie awaiting her cue in front of camera crew. The CBS television sh

National Cat Lovers Month is the perfect time to celebrate the uniqueness of cats. Although figures vary, a comprehensive 2024 study by Mars found that cat guardianship is more common than dog guardianship worldwide. According to 2024 data from the American Pet Products Association , 49 million U.S. households have a cat. The American Veterinary Medical Association reported that approximately 73 million cats live in U.S. homes. Whether you are a lifelong cat lover or just c

By Mar's Mission Editorial Team, with assistance from AI tools Just like humans, companion animals can have two different types of diabetes. "The form in which a pet has absolutely no insulin is called Type I Diabetes (the inability to produce insulin). The other form, Type II Diabetes, occurs when a pet's body makes insulin, but either not enough, or there is a condition present that interferes with the function of the insulin (an insensitivity or resistance to insulin)," sa

By Mar's Mission Editorial Team, with assistance from AI tools November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month. An October 2024 study by Mars Incorporated says there are " one billion pets globally." The study, conducted in 20 countries, concluded that most people prefer puppies or kittens, noting that 84% of dogs and cats are acquired before the age of 12 months.   " Age is more than a number, especially for pets. As such, no specific chronological age defines a pet as 'senior.' The t

By Mar's Mission Editorial Team, with assistance from AI tools Winter weather's here, and it's important to be vigilant about furry friends' safety. Cold temperatures, snow, and ice can pose serious risks to dogs and cats. Below are practical tips to help keep companions safe during the winter months. Understanding the Risks of Winter Weather Winter weather is not always friendly to companion animals. Hypothermia and frostbite are real dangers for animals exposed to freezing

By Mar's Mission Editorial Team, with assistance from AI tools As the year comes to a close, celebrations are in full swing. From Halloween to Christmas and Diwali, these festive occasions bring joy and excitement. However, they can also pose risks to our furry family members. It’s crucial to prioritize companion animal safety during these events, ensuring a happy and stress-free holiday season for everyone. Understanding the Risks Companion animals can face various hazards d

By Mar's Mission Editorial Team, with assistance from AI tools Did you know that "Pit bull" is not a breed but rather an umbrella term for dogs that share similar traits. "Pit bull is generally used as a broad description for a type of dog. Many dog breeds may be classified as pit bulls, including: American Staffordshire Terriers, American Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs," says Animal Humane Society . October is National Pit Bull Awareness Month,

By Mar's Mission Editorial Team, with assistance from AI tools Every October is "Adopt a Shelter Dog Month." This initiative highlights the many dogs in shelters looking for a loving forever home. If you’ve been thinking about welcoming a furry friend into your family, now may be a good time to adopt. Save a Life By adopting a shelter dog, you are genuinely saving a life. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ( ASPCA ,) despite euthanasia

By Mar's Mission Editorial Team, with assistance from AI tools During National Pet Wellness Month each October, there is a special focus on the health and happiness of our furry friends. This month is the perfect chance to prioritize their well-being. Here are some practical tips to help you celebrate National Pet Wellness Month and ensure your companion animals are thriving. Regular Veterinary Check-Ups Scheduling regular veterinary check-ups is essential for your companion

By Mar's Mission Editorial Team, with assistance from AI tools On Monday, Sept. 22, NVIDIA announced a "landmark strategic partnership" with OpenAI. "OpenAI and NVIDIA today announced a letter of intent for a landmark strategic partnership to deploy at least 10 gigawatts of NVIDIA systems for OpenAI’s next-generation AI infrastructure to train and run its next generation of models on the path to deploying superintelligence. To support this deployment including data center and

By Mar's Mission Editorial Team, with assistance from AI tools Choosing a name for your companion animal can be both fun and challenging. Many guardians want names that reflect their interests or favorite celebrities. One iconic figure that stands out is Robert Redford. Known for his charm and charisma, Redford embodies a classic Hollywood vibe. In this post, we explore companion animal names inspired by celebrities, including him, and how they can add a touch of glam to your

By Mar's Mission Editorial Team, with assistance from AI tools Vaccines help protect dogs, cats, and society as a whole from diseases. Vaccines are biological preparations that help the immune system resist specific diseases, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . For companion animals, they function by training their immune system to identify and combat pathogens. Vaccines can ward off serious illnesses like rabies, parvovirus, and feline leukemia

By Mar's Mission Editorial Team, with assistance from AI tools September is Responsible Dog Guardianship Month. This month highlights the crucial part responsible dog parents play in ensuring the health and happiness of their fur kids. It’s a moment to celebrate the love, care, and dedication that dog guardians show every single day. Responsible dog guardianship isn't just about having a companion animal; it’s about being an informed and proactive dog parent. This involves un

By Mar's Mission Editorial Team, with assistance from AI tools Climate change is not just a concern for humans; it is increasingly affecting our furry friends. When temperatures rise and weather patterns change, the health and wellbeing of companion animals like dogs, cats, and other animals can be at risk. Understanding these impacts help companion animal guardians make informed decisions to safeguard their companions. Rising Temperatures and Heat Stress Higher temperatures

By Mar's Mission Editorial Team, with assistance from AI tools September 1 is Labor Day , and it’s the perfect time to reflect on the hardworking individuals who support our communities. While we often highlight human contributions, we should also celebrate the extraordinary service and working dogs that enrich our lives in countless ways. These amazing animals play crucial roles in various fields and truly deserve our recognition, especially on a day dedicated to honoring ha

By Mar's Mission Editorial Team, with assistance from AI tools In today's unpredictable world, being prepared for emergencies is vital, especially for guardians of companion animals. Events like hurricanes, floods, or sudden fires can strike without warning, leaving little time to act. Having a solid plan is not only a precaution but a responsibility we owe our furry friends. This guide provides insights on how to effectively prepare for any emergency scenario that could affe

By Mar's Mission Editorial Team, with assistance from AI tools Have you ever seen your furry friend twitching, whimpering, or even barking in their sleep? It's a common experience for companion animal guardians and makes you wonder: do dogs and cats really dream? Understanding the sleep patterns of our beloved companion animals can offer important insights into their health and happiness. The Science of Sleep Just like humans, dogs and cats go through different sleep stages,

Dogs are more than just our furry companions; they’re communicators in their own right. Barking is a fundamental way that dogs express themselves. Recognizing the different meanings behind your dog's barking can significantly improve your relationship and enable you to respond effectively to their needs. The Basics of Dog Barking Barking is a natural behavior for dogs, serving various purposes. For example, a study from the American Kennel Club reveals that dogs bark to expr