Anyone who’s ever owned a cat – or seen a cat-themed YouTube video – knows how much our feline friends love cardboard boxes. But cardboard doesn’t have to be in the shape of a box to get their kitty hearts racing.

What do horse feed baskets and dog collars have in common? In the case of Tom Stout, one of the original co-founders of Coastal Pet Products, making horse feed baskets from poly ski rope inspired him to make dog collars from the same type of material – at a time when dog collars were only available in leather, and always had been.

One of the easiest ways to ensure the safety of your indoor/outdoor cats is to make them more visible, particularly to drivers who most likely won’t spot them when it’s dark outside until it’s too late. Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. In other words, cats that have access to the outdoors are most likely to be roaming their neighborhood streets during these two low-light times of day.

Merriam-Webster defines quality assurance as “a program for the systematic monitoring and evaluation of the various aspects of a project, service, or facility to ensure that standards of quality are being met.” That’s a whole lot of nice-sounding words but at the end of the day what does Quality Assurance mean for a pet owner wandering through a retail store looking for a new collar and leash set?

Choosing the right dog collar involves selecting the right kind of collar, the material that’s best for your dog, and the right size. We break down everything you need to know about choosing the right dog collar for your furry best friend.

Sometimes a vacation is only as good as your packing list. Forget the bathing suit on a beach vacation and you’ll spend more time at the shopping mall than you like. It’s the same when traveling with your dog. Forget his favorite food and you may find yourself pet food store hopping to find the right brand. Forget her favorite toy and you might have to endure days of whining. Worst of all, forget to bring adequate ID and if your dog bolts at a roadside rest stop, you might never see her again.

Whether you’re heading out on a road trip or hitting the open skies with your pooch, a little preparation can go a long way. Especially if your dog is going to need to spend any length of time in a travel crate. Ensuring sure your dog is familiar with and comfortable in his crate can help make what might be a scary situation a little easier.

A dog collar’s primary purpose is to carry your pup’s ID tags so that if he gets lost, whomever finds him can help him get back to you. But that doesn’t mean you can’t – or shouldn’t – have fun with them. Dog collars come in all kinds of styles, colors and patterns, so you can match them to your mood, your dog’s outfit, and even the seasons.

Hear your dog’s nails clicking on the kitchen floor? That’s an excellent indication it’s time for a nail trim. Dog’s nails should be clipped every two to six weeks depending on your dog’s breed and lifestyle. Taking your dog to a professional is one way of seeing to your dog’s nail needs. Doing it yourself is another.

Aside from the annoying itchiness they cause, fleas and ticks can carry diseases that are dangerous for dogs. From tapeworms to Lyme Disease, these illnesses are sometimes fatal if left untreated. Prevention is the number one defense against the harmful effects fleas and ticks can have on your dog.

Doggy day spas and designer cat collars are not the only path to making your pets feel pampered. Spoiling your furry besties can be simple…..

Pet owners and researchers agree, pets provide their owners with several mental health benefits. From alleviating loneliness to reducing feelings of anxiety to boosting feel-good chemicals in the brain, pets help people feel less stressed and lead happier lives.

The most confident, easy-going dogs were likely socialized at a young age. Dogs learn how to interpret the world around them between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks. This is when they learn that other dogs can be friends and new people aren’t dangerous. But not all dogs are lucky enough to grow up in an environment where positive socialization occurred. For these dogs, new people and other dogs can be scary. Some react fearfully. Others turn their fear into aggression.

Ever notice your cat has more dandruff during the winter? Or that your dog is drinking more than usual when the temperatures plummet? Many pet owners may be surprised to learn that dehydration is as much of a risk in the winter as in the summer.

There are more than 76 million companion dogs living in households in the United States. Rural areas tend to have the highest percentages of dog ownership, but there are plenty of dogs living the big city life, as well.

Dog socialization is the process of teaching your dog how to interact with other dogs and people, as well as new situations. In the process, your pup learns these things don’t have to be scary. Being socialized allows your dog to react to the world around him without fear, making life a happy adventure instead of a scary nightmare.

The holiday season is usually when we want to spend time with those we love, including family, friends, and, yes, even our pets! Our pets should be part of the festivities and celebrations associated with the season because it is exciting. The pet experts at AKC say that bringing a new pet into the home this time of year, while thrilling, can also be quite chaotic, so finding ways to spend time together is crucial.

Getting paid to spend your days working with dogs may sound like a dream come true, but it doesn’t have to be a fantasy. There are lots of jobs that let dog lovers spend their days hanging out with puppies and pooches… and get paid to do it!

Fostering a pet is one of the most rewarding things an animal lover can do. Most foster animals have led difficult lives. Or, they've had their wonderful lives traumatically interrupted. They need time and love to heal so they can be ready to move on to their perfect fur-ever home.

Grooming is important for all dogs, no matter what time of year. Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you should skimp on the grooming.

The long dark, cold days of winter can be a trial for anyone, including your dog. Dry air sucks the moisture out of his nose as easily as it does your skin. The boredom of being stuck indoors weekend after weekend grates on his nerves as much as it does yours. But with a few key essentials, you can keep your dog comfortable, healthy and entertained all winter long.

Thinking about adding a new pooch to your family? On your next visit to the shelter or rescue group of your choice, take a moment to meet some of the older dogs looking for a home. There are more reasons to adopt a senior dog than you might realize.

If you’re planning on giving your pet a present this holiday season, you’re not alone! In 2019, 78% of dog owners and 72% of cat owners purchased a special treat or gift for their pets during the Christmas and Winter holiday season.

With the holiday season upon us, Coastal Pet would like to remind you how to keep your pets safe during any holiday gathering. Keep these safety tips in mind when having friends and family around your pets.

Meet Doc’s Crosswinds Brody at San-De Beach in Acadia. Or as his humans simply call him, Brody. He’s an award-winning Weimaraner. In three years of showing, he’s won such titles as Best of Breed, Best of Opposite Sex, Best of Winners, and Best of his Age Group. He’s also a total couch potato. But he knows how to turn it on when it’s time to shine. And, that means more than just looking good.