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Author: Melissa Smith

Melissa Smith, discussions manager for Petful, has been researching and writing about pet behaviors for several years. Her work has been recognized with Certificates of Excellence from both the Dog Writers Association of America and the Cat Writers’ Association. A longtime animal lover, Melissa is a professional pet sitter on Cape Cod through her company, Fresh Start Services.
  • Food and Nutrition
Open post 2019 Science Diet recall victims

After Hill’s Recall, Hundreds of Dogs Dead and Families Left Heartbroken

By Melissa SmithMar 21, 2019April 25, 2020

Fed toxic amounts of Vitamin D in Science Diet and Prescription Diet, the dogs went from “full of life and happy” to fighting for their lives within days.

  • Misc.
Open post

The Ultimate Pet Holiday Gift Guide

By Melissa SmithDec 1, 2018June 1, 2020

Here are our 50 top picks for dogs, cats and other pets this holiday season. It’s the ultimate pet holiday gift guide, exclusively from Petful.

  • Animal Welfare
Open post

Dog Racing Is Cruel. Let’s Celebrate the Fact That Its Days Are Numbered.

By Melissa SmithNov 14, 2018April 20, 2020

Greyhounds and other dogs suffer through a short, painful life when they’re raised to race. This cruel practice is coming to an end, though not swiftly enough.

  • Sponsored Content
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How Catit Made My Life Easier (And My Cat Happier)

By Melissa SmithAug 28, 2018April 20, 2020

Catit’s Digger feeder and Flower Water Fountain cater to cats by addressing their natural instincts. Here’s my review of these 2 products. #sponsored

  • Misc.
Open post

When Dog Walkers Tell You to Back Off, Please Listen

By Melissa SmithJul 16, 2018April 20, 2020

Handlers are trying to keep you, their dogs and themselves safe when they ask you to not approach their dog. Please listen to dog walkers.

  • Working Dogs
Open post

In Harm’s Way: The 4 Surprising Dangers That Police Dogs Face

By Melissa SmithJun 19, 2018April 20, 2020

Police dogs dedicate their lives to helping law enforcement fight crime. And just like human officers, K-9s face many safety risks on the job.

  • Animal Welfare
Open post

Pets and Domestic Violence: What You Need to Know

By Melissa SmithMay 3, 2018April 20, 2020

The trauma of domestic abuse can deeply affect both humans and pets.

  • Food and Nutrition
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When a Pet Food Recipe Changes, How Do We Know?

By Melissa SmithMar 1, 2018April 20, 2020

The pet food industry doesn’t have to tell us, so we have to find out on our own.

  • Misc.
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Giving a Treat to Someone Else’s Dog? Ask First!

By Melissa SmithFeb 12, 2018April 20, 2020

Refraining from automatically feeding someone else’s dog basically comes down to respect. Here’s why it matters.

  • Behaviors and Training
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How to Exercise Your Dog Anytime — Even in the Winter

By Melissa SmithDec 27, 2017April 3, 2022

Does your dog really get enough exercise? Here’s our best advice for exercising your dog, whether it’s warm and sunny — or cold and dreary outside.

  • Misc.
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How to Help When Pets Go Missing

By Melissa SmithDec 20, 2017August 26, 2019

Whatever you do, don’t chase a pet who is lost because chances are high they’ll run from you.

  • Animal Welfare
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I Think My Neighbor Is Abusing Their Pet

By Melissa SmithNov 28, 2017May 15, 2020

You may feel bad for reporting a neighbor for hoarding, but it really is in the best interests of the pets. No animal deserves abuse — it’s up to us to help put an end to it.

  • Misc.
Open post

Beware of Puppy Leasing: Your Pet Could Get Repossessed

By Melissa SmithNov 9, 2017November 5, 2017

Some companies are taking advantage of people who purchase their animals at pet stores.

  • Other Pets
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The Ultimate Guide to Chinchilla Care

By Melissa SmithSep 7, 2017October 14, 2018

These soft, cute little rodents require a clean, spacious cage with lots of accessories. Here is our chinchilla care guide.

  • Behaviors and Training
Open post

How This Pet Sitter Won Over 2 Anxiety-Ridden Dogs

By Melissa SmithAug 3, 2017February 24, 2019

Sometimes, dogs need time and space to process that their humans are away.

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