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.
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
Best Pet Insurance for Golden Retrievers 2026
The best pet insurance for Golden Retrievers in 2026 depends on your individual needs and preferences. Ideally, it’s an accident and illness plan with broad coverage for hereditary and chronic conditions like cancer and orthopedic conditions, a...
Breed Tips
Pet Insurance for Rescue Dogs and Cats: Coverage Options
Pet insurance for rescue dogs and cats works the same way it does for any other cat or dog — you pay a monthly (or annual) premium, file claims after vet visits, and get reimbursed for eligible costs — but there are two things to keep in mind for...
Coverage
Can Dogs Get Cavities? Signs, Prevention, and What to Expect at the Vet
Quick Glance Do dogs get cavities? Yes — though less commonly than humans. Periodontal disease is more prevalent.1 How common? Cavities affect roughly 5% of dogs; over 80% of dogs show signs of periodontal disease by age 3.1 Key symptoms Brown/black...
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
Can Cats Be Service Animals?
Quick Glance Are cats service animals? No — under the ADA, only dogs (and miniature horses in limited cases) qualify as service animals.[1] Can cats be ESAs? Yes — cats can be registered as emotional support animals under the Fair Housing Act.[2] Legal...
Cat Tips
How Much Does It Cost to Spay a Cat? A Complete Price Guide
Quick Glance Average cost $200–$500 at a private vet clinic; $50–$150 at a low-cost clinic or shelter1 What's typically included Pre-surgical exam, anesthesia, surgery, basic pain medication. What may cost extra Pre-anesthetic bloodwork ($80–$200), IV...
Health
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
Puppy Sleep Schedule: How Much Sleep Do Puppies Need?
Quick Glance How much they sleep 16–20 hours per day — puppies need significantly more sleep than adult dogs. Nap frequency Every 1–2 hours of activity; very young puppies may nap every 30–60 minutes. Nighttime sleep Puppies can sleep 6–10 hours at...
Puppy Tips
How to Stop Puppy Biting and Nipping: A Step-by-Step Training Guide
Quick Glance Why puppies bite Normal developmental behavior — exploring the world, teething, and learning bite inhibition. What works Redirection, yelp-and-disengage, timeouts, consistent boundaries. What doesn't work Physical punishment — it increases...
Puppy Tips
How to Clean a Cat's Ears: A Step-by-Step Guide
Quick Glance How often Only when you see visible wax or debris — not on a fixed schedule. What you need Vet-approved ear cleaning solution, cotton balls or gauze, treats, towel. Never use Cotton swabs, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, vinegar, tea tree oil,...
Kitten Tips
Gabapentin for Dogs: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects
Gabapentin for dogs is one of the most frequently prescribed medications in veterinary practice. If your vet just handed you a prescription and you're wondering what exactly is in that bottle, here's what you need to know. Quick Glance What it is An...
Health
