Spot Team
We’re pet parents first—and writers, marketers, and product developers by trade—combining lived experience with industry expertise in everything we create.
Dog Boots for Snow: Does Your Dog Need Them and How to Choose a Pair
Yes, dog boots are a smart choice for snowy weather. According to PetMD, snow boots are the most reliable way to protect a dog's paws in winter, forming a nearly impenetrable barrier against sharp ice, snow, dampness, and chemicals.¹ At or below...
Dog Tips
Best Large Dog Breeds for Your New Home and Yard
The best large dog breeds for a home with a yard include the Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Doberman Pinscher, Belgian Malinois, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, and Anatolian Shepherd. These big dogs have the size and energy to make great use of...
Dog Tips
Ultrasound for Cats: What It Checks, What to Expect, and When It’s Needed
An ultrasound for a cat uses high-frequency sound waves to produce real-time images of soft tissue — with no radiation and no surgical incision. Vets recommend it to examine internal organs, detect masses or fluid, monitor pregnancy, and — critically...
Health
Best Pet Insurance in Vermont 2026: What to Look for and Why It Matters
Vermont is one of the best states to have a dog — and one of the riskiest. The Green Mountain State’s outdoor culture means dogs hike, swim, trail-run, and roll through tall grass regularly. That same landscape is home to one of the highest...
Why Pet Insurance?
How to Teach a Dog to Sit: Step-by-Step Training Guide
“Sit” is the first command most dogs learn — and for good reason. It’s simple to teach, universally useful, and lays the groundwork for every more complex behavior that follows. A dog that sits reliably on cue has learned to focus on its owner,...
Dog Tips
Lethargy in Dogs: Causes, Warning Signs, and When to See a Vet
A dog that is sleeping more than usual, reluctant to move, or showing no interest in food or play may be lethargic — and that’s different from being tired after a long walk. Lethargy is a clinical sign, not a diagnosis. It can appear with dozens of...
Health
Anxiety in Cats: Signs, Causes, and What You Can Do
Anxiety is one of the most underrecognized conditions in cats. Unlike dogs, cats rarely display anxiety through obvious external behavior — their signals tend to be subtle, easy to miss, or mistaken for personality quirks. Understanding what anxiety...
Cat Tips
Should Dogs Be Allowed on the Couch?
If you’ve been on social media long enough, you’ve likely come across conflicting viewpoints on dogs and access to furniture in the home. Some say it’s a bad idea to let dogs on furniture, and others scoff at the thought of their dogs not being able to...
Dog Tips
Best Dogs for Seniors: Breeds That Make Great Companions for Older Adults
Quick Glance Best size Small to medium — easier to manage, lift if needed, and transport. Key traits to look for Calm temperament, low-to-moderate exercise needs, adaptable, and affectionate. Grooming consideration Low-shedding or easy-care coats...
Lifestyle
What Is a Mutt? Everything You Need to Know About Mixed-Breed Dogs
Quick Glance Definition A dog with two or more breeds in its ancestry — also called a mixed-breed or crossbreed. How common Mixed-breed dogs make up the majority of the US dog population. Health Often benefit from hybrid vigor — broader genetic...
Dog Tips
Teddy Bear Dogs: What They Are, Popular Breeds, and What to Expect
Quick Glance What they are Small dogs with soft, rounded features resembling stuffed animals — not one specific breed. Most popular types Shichon (Bichon Frise x Shih Tzu), Poochon (Poodle x Bichon), Maltipoo (Maltese x Poodle), Schnoodle (Schnauzer x...
Breed Tips
Resource Guarding in Dogs: Signs, Causes, and How to Stop It
Quick Glance What it is Behavior where a dog signals or acts aggressively to prevent access to food, toys, spaces, or people.1 Normal vs. problematic Mild guarding is a normal canine behavior; it becomes problematic when it escalates to growling,...
Puppy Tips
