Health & Wellness

How to Safely Deep Clean Pet Beds, Bowls, and Fabric Toys

Pet beds, bowls, and fabric toys look harmless, but they can quietly collect saliva, food residue, skin oils, pollen, and moisture. That mix is basically a welcome mat for bacteria, yeast, and mildew. The good news: you do not need harsh chemicals to get pet gear truly clean. You just need the...

Cat Water Fountains: Do You Really Need One to Prevent Kidney Issues?

If you have ever watched a cat ignore a fresh bowl of water, then sprint to the sink the second you turn it on, you are not alone. Cats can be picky drinkers, and that pickiness can matter. Low water intake and concentrated urine can be part of the picture behind common feline issues like...

DIY Pet First Aid Kit Essentials

If you have ever found yourself frantically searching for gauze at 11 p.m. while your dog is bleeding from a broken nail, you already understand why a pet first aid kit is worth its weight in treats. The goal is not to replace your veterinarian. It is to buy you time, reduce pain, and keep a scary...

Preventing GI Stasis in Rabbits

GI stasis is one of the scariest phrases a rabbit parent can hear. It sounds technical, but what it really means is this: your bunny’s digestive tract has slowed down or stopped moving normally. Because rabbits are built to have food moving through almost constantly, even a short slowdown can...

How to Help Your Overweight Cat Lose Weight Safely

If your cat is carrying extra weight, you are not alone. I met so many loving pet parents at the clinic who felt stuck between a cat who acted starving and the nagging worry that “a little chunky” might turn into a real health problem. The good news is that safe weight loss is absolutely doable,...

10 Human Foods Dangerous to Dogs and Cats

As a former veterinary technician, I can tell you one of the most stressful clinic calls is also one of the most common: “My pet ate something. What do I do?” If you are reading this with your heart racing, take a breath. You are not a bad pet parent. Many of the most dangerous foods are normal,...

Glucosamine vs. CBD Oil for Dogs

If you share your home with an aging dog, you know the look: that tiny hesitation before the stairs, the slower rise from a nap, the walk that starts strong and ends with a little stiffness. Two supplements come up constantly for joint support, glucosamine and CBD oil, and it can feel like you are...

About Jenna Westbrook

Hi, I’m Jenna Westbrook. Welcome to Paw Rae , a calm corner of the internet for pet parents who want advice that feels clear, compassionate, and doable. I’m someone who has absolutely stood in the pet food aisle reading labels like it’s a final exam. If you have ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting...

Senior Dog Care: Diet, Exercise, and Wellness

Watching your dog grow gray around the muzzle is equal parts sweet and a little scary. Senior years can sneak up on you, and suddenly the routine that worked for years feels off. Maybe your pup is leaving food in the bowl, moving slower on walks, or waking up stiff and sore. The good news is that...

7 Proven Tips for Year-Round Flea and Tick Prevention

Fleas and ticks are not just a summer problem anymore. Between mild winters, indoor heating, wildlife visitors, and travel, parasites can remain active and rebound quickly, even when it feels like the “buggy season” should be over. When I was a veterinary technician, the most common flea and tick...

Early Signs of Illness in Cats

Cats are absolute pros at acting “fine” even when they are not. It is not because they are trying to fool you. It is because cats often hide vulnerability, a pattern many vets and cat behaviorists see again and again. That is why the earliest signs of illness often look less like dramatic symptoms...

How to Clean Your Dog’s Teeth at Home

Dental disease is one of those sneaky problems I saw every day in clinic, even in dogs whose families swore they were doing everything right. The tough part is that periodontal disease starts quietly under the gumline, long before you notice bad breath or yellow buildup. The good news: at-home...