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.
Latest Articles
Getting Married? How to Blend Pet Families
The secret to blending pet families is going slowly. Introduce pets on neutral ground or through a barrier, give every pet their own space and supplies, and supervise them together until you're sure they get along. With 95 million U.S. households...
Lifestyle
Paw Wax for Dogs: Does It Work and How Do You Use It?
Paw wax is a protective balm you rub onto your dog's paw pads to create a barrier against ice-melt salt, snow, dirt, and rough ground. According to PetMD, wax and balm products can be a good substitute for dog booties because they put a barrier between...
Dog Tips
Best Dogs for Emotional Support: 8 Affectionate, Easygoing Breeds
The best dogs for emotional support are affectionate, adaptable, and easy to train. Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Standard Poodles, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels all earn top marks for affection with family in their American Kennel Club...
Breed Tips
Benefits of Having a Dog: 8 Ways Dogs Make Life Better
Benefits of Having a Dog: 8 Ways Dogs Make Life Better The biggest benefits of having a dog are more daily walking, steady companionship, and a possible boost to your heart and brain health. The bond between people and their pets is linked to lower...
Lifestyle
Dry Skin in Dogs: Causes, Winter Care, and When to See a Vet
Dry skin in dogs usually shows up as flakes, itching, and a dull coat, and it often gets worse in fall and winter. Cold air outside and heated air inside pull moisture from your dog's skin, and frequent baths or harsh shampoos can make it worse.¹ Dry...
Dog Tips
Quietest Dog Breeds: 11 Dogs That Rarely Bark
The quietest dog breeds include the Golden Retriever, Newfoundland, Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Basenji, Bolognese, French Bulldog, and Pekingese. All eight earn the American Kennel Club's lowest barking score, meaning they usually bark only to alert you.¹...
Breed Tips
What Is a Soul Dog? Meaning, Signs, and Coping With Loss
A soul dog, also called a heart dog, is a dog you share an unusually deep, once-in-a-lifetime bond with. It's the dog who seems to understand you completely and changes your life in a way no other pet has. It isn't a scientific term, but the feeling is...
Dog Tips
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
How to Help Your Dog Lose Weight: A Safe, Step-by-Step Plan
To help your dog lose weight, start with a vet visit to set a target weight and rule out medical causes. Then measure every meal, keep treats to about 10% of daily calories, and add daily low-impact exercise like walking or swimming. Slow, steady...
Dog Tips
How Much Does a Persian Cat Cost in 2026?
A pet-quality Persian kitten from a registered breeder usually costs $1,200 to $3,000, while show-quality kittens from top lines often cost $3,500 to $5,000 or more.¹ Adopting from a Persian rescue is the most affordable option. Once your cat is home,...
Cat Tips
Best Dog Breeds for Every Lifestyle in 2026
The best dog breeds for most homes include the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Poodle, and Beagle. These friendly, adaptable breeds all earn top marks for being good with young children.¹ Still, the best dog breed...
Breed 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
