What you need to know:
When's the last time your dog got a pedicure? Overgrown nails can cause pain, infection and injuries for your pet. Not to mention they sound like they're tap dancing on hardwood. A trim at least once a month should do the trick.

Cats, on the other hand, get claw maintence by scratching. But that doesn't bode well for your furiniture. There are a few things you can do here: trim your cat's nails, get claw covers or provide alternative scratching surfaces such as scratching posts.

Learn these new tricks:
We can help you learn how to clip your pet’s nails at home

Not into clipping their nails? Schedule an appointment in the Petco Grooming Salon.

What you need to know:
Nutrition is the foundation of your pet's physical health. Consistently feeding them the same high-quality food can do everything from increase their energy to improve their skin and coat to strengthen their immune system.

Learn this new trick: To help your pet experience these benefits, keep them on their nutrition routine by signing up for our Repeat Delivery service. Then you can play fetch with your pet while we go and fetch their tried-and-true food. You create your delivery schedule and have the ability to change delivery or cancel anytime. You'll always receive the lowest price available at Petco and free shipping, plus you'll earn 5% back automatically with Pals Rewards.

What you need to know:
We aren't the only ones who benefit from our own personal bedroom oasis. Creating a special safe space for your pet gives them a place to rest and recharge to stay healthy. The average cat spends about 15 to 20 hours a day sleeping, while the average dog sleeps between 12 and 14 hours a day. Finding the right bed is important for their wellbeing, and knowing when to replace the one they have is just as important.

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Part of creating the ultimate place of safety and security for your pet is considering their sleep needs. Does your dog have joint issues that could benefit from an orthopedic bed? Does your cat need a bed that will fit in their favorite high-up perch?

When thinking about replacing their bed, consider: Are there rips and tears? Are their paws hanging over the edge? Can your older dog comfortably get into their bed? Has it been six months to a year since the last replacement?

What you need to know:
Bark if you like Bach. Meow if you like Mozart. Whether you need to soothe them with a sonata or pump them up with a waltz, music can work wonders for your pet. Researchers discovered that not all dogs like the same genres, but soft rock and reggae can create a relaxing vibe and increase their heart rate variability, a sign of decreased stress.

Learn This Trick:
Experiment with tastes and create a playlist tailored just to them that will have your pet feeling calmer or even bopping to the beat.

What you need to know:
Turn work from home into wag from home. Finding new ways to play with your pet (even from the constrains of an apartment) can be mentally stimulating for you both. Interactive games are good for tickling their minds, while physical games can help maintain joint health.

Learn this new trick:
Try an at-home DIY agility obstacle course. Cat parents can create kitty tunnels, A-frame ramps and poles to dart around using cardboard boxes, water bottles and furniture. Dog parents can create hurdles using old brooms, shower curtain rods or pool noodles. Start low and go only as high as is safe for your dog. When in doubt, ask your vet.

What you need to know:
Fleas may be small, but they can be a HUGE problem. It takes only 30 days for 10 fleas to become an infestation of 250,000 on your pet and in your home. Not only that, fleas can trigger allergies in your pet, cause anemia and may even carry tapeworms. There are many defenses against these pests, but the most important one is prevention.

Learn these new tricks:
To help keep your pet happy and healthy, put them on a year-round flea preventive plan to help protect them from outbreaks that may occur in your area.

You can also use our free weather tool to see the pest threat level in your area.

What you need to know:
Just like us, dogs and cats can benefit from incorporating vitamins into their health and wellness routines. But while nearly 80% of humans take supplements, only 20% of pets do. Pet supplements can not only alleviate existing issues, incorporating them into your pet's routine can help guard against maladies like joint disease, poor skin and coat health, anxiety, stomach and intestinal health and immune system problems.

Learn This Trick:
Consider your pet's age, breed, health and nutrition when deciding which supplements are right for them. When looking at vitamins and supplements to help your pet, always look for quality ingredients from trusted manufacturers.

What you need to know:
Research shows that cats are just as attached to their owners as dogs are to theirs. This attachment can lead to anxiety when you increase your time away from home. As we adjust to post-COVID life, we have to make sure our pets adjust well, too. Dogs may experience fear and distress in your absence, which could lead to extreme escape attempts and self-injury. Cat separation anxiety can lead to your pet destroying things in the home or licking themselves so much they lose hair or develop sores.

Learn this new trick:
Find an old T-shirt, wear it all day to mark it with your scent, and then gift it to your pet. Your scent can be comforting and help reduce your pet's stress while you're away. Just don't try this trick with friends.

What you need to know:
Parenting a pet means protecting them from harm. Vaccines are a vital part of keeping your dog or cat healthy. They prevent them from catching diseases that can have long-term effects and even turn fatal. It's better to get ahead before bigger problems develop. Kittens and puppies are advised to start vaccines as young as 6-9 weeks old. Pets 1-10 years old should be visiting the vet yearly for physicals, samples and vaccines. Most senior pets should visit the vet twice a year for vaccinations as needed, as well as tests and exams to make sure their health is in good condition.

Learn these new tricks:
Visit Petco full-service vet hospitals where you can access a range of services for an afforable price, all conveniently located inside your local Petco. We also have Vetco vaccination clinics where you can access state-licensed veterinarians and professional staff for no visit fee.