The Venus flytrap is a popular species of carnivorous plant that’s fascinating to watch in action. If you are a cat owner, it’s important to be cautious about what plant species you keep because many common plants are toxic to cats. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about a Venus flytrap being toxic to your… Read More
Himalayan salt lamps can create an atmosphere in your home that you find calming, but what about your pets? Is it safe to keep salt lamps with a cat in the house? What happens if your cat eats one? Salt lamps hold the potential to cause salt toxicity in cats if they lick or eat… Read More
There is a great deal of debate surrounding the safety of laser pointers for cats. Most of the concern seems to focus on the beam being bad for their eyes. While you obviously shouldn’t shine it into your cat’s eyes on purpose, this isn’t the problem with laser pointers. The reason laser pointers can be… Read More
Great for sauces, salads, and sandwiches, the tomato is a versatile fruit packed with vitamins and minerals. Considering how many dishes tomatoes can be used in and how often hungry cats beg for food, your feline best friend is likely to take a nibble of a tomato at some point. Tomatoes are both toxic and… Read More
If your cat has recently taken a bite of a banana, you may be wondering if bananas are feline friendly. The short answer is yes, bananas are safe for cats. But before you give your cat regular bites of your breakfast banana, it’s important to know that there are pros and cons to doing so…. Read More
As cute as they are, a cat’s whiskers are an important sensory tool that helps them navigate new spaces and stalk prey in the wild. If your cat appears to have unusually long whiskers, they actually don’t! A cat’s whiskers are just as long as they’re supposed to be because they grow to fit the… Read More
As a loving cat parent, you’re probably wondering if there are any flowers out there you should avoid bringing home to keep your feline friend safe. Purple and white lilacs are popular flowers for gardeners to plant in the spring and for florists to include in bouquets. So it makes sense to wonder if these… Read More
If you own a cat, you probably took the time to buy them tons of colorful cat toys to pique their interest and get them to play. While this is great, have you ever wondered if your cat is color blind, like dogs are said to be? Will some colors attract your cat’s attention more… Read More
Geraniums are common outdoor plants known for their fragrant white, purple, and pink blooms. They grow well in pots and planters, making them popular additions to outdoor gardens. They’re beautiful, fragrant, and easy to keep happy — just give them plenty of sunlight! If you’re thinking of adding a few geraniums to your garden and… Read More
The Maine Coon is an extremely popular cat breed kept by cat lovers everywhere. Weighing in at 7.9 to 18 pounds, this large, intelligent cat is one of the oldest natural domestic cat breeds in North America. However, with their fluffy long fur, many animal lovers wonder whether the Maine Coon is hypoallergenic. Sadly, the… Read More
If you own a female kitten, then one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably how old cats are when they go into heat? In most cases, female cats go into heat at around 6 months of age; however, this can vary depending on the individual cat. The best way to stop your… Read More
Sunflowers are beautiful flowers that are part of the daisy family. They add color to any landscape, and even though yellow is the common color, they also come in brown, red, maroon, orange, and red. If you have a cat and just noticed it ate a little of the plant, you might be curious about… Read More
If your cat has recently eaten this beautiful plant or if you are wondering if begonias are a safe addition to add to your home or garden when you own a cat, it is important to know that this flowering plant is mildly toxic to cats. Begonias are a variety of flowering plants that are… Read More
You may have come across some of the funny YouTube videos and memes going around on the internet of cats fearing cucumbers, and might be wondering what the cause for their reaction is? Cats are generally afraid of things that sneak up on them and it is their natural reaction to jump and look frightened… Read More
Despite being obligate carnivores, cats always seem to nibble on things that they shouldn’t. This can include house plants. Depending on the plant, this can lead to upset tummies and sometimes, serious poisoning. Majesty Palms are common in many households due to their hardiness and easy-to-care-for nature. Their popularity doesn’t just extend to humans. These… Read More
Kittyo was an electronic cat toy with several interactive features specifically designed to keep cats entertained. It was developed by Lee Miller and his company, The Happy Pet People, LLC, in 2014. Miller introduced Kittyo on Kickstarter with the trademark slogan, “Playtime. Anytime.” This product lets cat owners play with their cats even when they… Read More
People take probiotics for their intestinal health, but dogs can benefit from them, too. When the right types are given in the right amounts, these helpful microorganisms can keep your dog’s intestinal microbiome healthy. The question is—can dogs take human probiotics? The short answer is yes. However, there are distinct advantages to giving your dog… Read More
Dogs can get an upset stomach and start vomiting or having diarrhea for what seems like no reason. Maybe the dog got into the neighbor’s garbage or started a new dog food that doesn’t agree with his stomach. The most common cause of canine stomach upset is gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining and… Read More
When the weather changes, it may seem like your dog’s shedding goes into overdrive. That’s not too far from the truth. Dogs have a normal hair cycle that includes periods of higher hair growth and shedding than at other times. If you’re a pet parent to cold weather or water breeds like Malamutes or Labrador… Read More
Dry, flaky, itchy skin does more than irritate your dog. It could lead to an infection or be associated with another serious medical condition. Part of putting a stop to the itching is identifying the cause of the dry skin. From there, you can work through potential solutions that will (most likely) include consulting a… Read More
Have you ever wondered if it is safe to give your dog a small bite of watermelon? It is often tempting to want to offer your dog a little piece of what you are eating, but it is important to first ensure that the food you would like to feed is safe for your pup…. Read More
Getting a sick cat to eat can be extremely challenging. Cats can be very finicky eaters, and they can be even more finicky when they are sick. As a veterinarian, I often have to entice sick cats to eat again. This article will cover a few tips and tricks that I have learned during my… Read More
There’s nothing quite as refreshing as the feeling of your head hitting the pillow after a long day – that is until you’re woken up by your barking dog. A dog barking all night long creates a major problem for you as well as your family and possibly neighbors. If your pup is trying to… Read More
Nothing can sour your relationship with those across the fence faster than a barking dog, so you want to stop your dog from barking at the neighbors before it becomes a point of contention. After all, it becomes an annoyance for you, them, and often the entire neighborhood. If your dog is a little too… Read More
Dog groomers do it, but can you blow dry a dog at home? Is it safe, and should dog groomers be doing it in the first place? The short answer is yes to all of those questions. But there’s more to it than just turning on the blow dryer and pointing it in the dog’s… Read More
If your cat has been sneezing, scratching, or coughing, this may be a sign that they have allergies. While it can be tempting to reach into the medicine cabinet to relieve their symptoms, it is always a good idea to speak with your veterinarian before giving your cat any human medications. In this article, I… Read More
When you have a new kitten in your home, it can be an exciting time, but you might not be sure how to take care of a kitten. Kittens are naturally curious and playful little beings. However, learning how to care for them can be stressful for first-time owners. Before adopting a kitten, it helps… Read More
Cats can be a wonderful addition to your home. They are playful and active, yet they enjoy a good cuddle on the sofa from time to time. Best of all, no two cats are alike. Each seems to have its own unique personality and traits. There are plenty of rescues and shelters that offer up… Read More
Dogs have physical, mental, and emotional needs that, when consistently met, result in a furry, four-footed companion who happily lives life alongside you. Those needs include the obvious like food and shelter and somethings that could be forgotten, like regular grooming and time spent with his favorite people. A little rundown on the basics with… Read More
A well-groomed dog looks healthy and attractive, but many pet owners aren’t sure how to shave a dog. However, grooming is more than a way to keep your dog pretty. Regular grooming maintains the dog’s health and is vitally important for long-hair breeds. If you’re having a hard time getting to the groomer, it’s out of… Read More
There are many important steps to take to make sure you and your puppy have fun, safe, and healthy adventures together. You probably already know about check-ups and vaccines. How about training? Leash training and other important training tips are some of the most imperative and long-lasting skills you need to learn. This article provides… Read More
As dogs age, they become prone to various diseases and conditions. One of the most common conditions that aging dogs experience is arthritis. This leads to decreased mobility, less activity, stiff and sore joints, and a general decrease in the activities that the dog normally enjoyed with enthusiasm. Arthritis in dogs is a general term… Read More
A dog’s hair coat is one of the first things that another person may notice about a dog. If your canine companion has a healthy, shiny coat, you’ve probably received lots of compliments from strangers or from the staff at your vet’s office. But what happens when your dog starts to lose hair in some… Read More
Interested in teaching your dog to play fetch? Fetch is not only a fantastic way to spend quality time with your dog, it’s also a simple and fun game you can play to help them stay in shape. Ensuring that dogs get enough exercise, attention, and mental stimulation is vital to their overall health and… Read More
Moving house is no one’s idea of fun. From packing to organizing movers, there’s certainly a lot to think about. And if you’re a dog owner? You’ll have even more to consider to ensure a successful move for both you and your dog. So how can you help your dog move houses without a hitch?… Read More
Few things fill a dog owner’s mind with dread more than the thought of their dog running away. It’s unpleasant to even think about, let alone to experience in real life. Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to prevent this from happening. In addition to keeping any fencing you have in good repair, you… Read More
If you are a first time dog owner, there is a lot to learn. Getting a dog is a very exciting time, but it can also be very overwhelming at first. As a veterinarian, I often get questions from new pet owners about how to best care for a new dog. These are the 12… Read More
Help! My dog pulls on the leash and I’ve tried everything! I hear this comment frequently working as a veterinarian. It can be frustrating to teach a dog how to walk on a loose leash, but through my years of experience as a veterinarian, I have learned the best techniques to get dogs to stop… Read More
You want your new puppy to grow into a healthy, well mannered, and loveable constant companion, but it’s not something that just happens without effort. Raising a puppy is hard work, takes time and patience, and is also well worth the effort you put in. If you’re not sure where to start or are having… Read More
Providing appropriate exercise for your dog is a crucial component of being a responsible pet owner. However, it can be confusing to know if your dog is getting enough exercise, and what exactly constitutes a healthy amount of exercise for dogs. Many dog owners assume that a short daily walk is adequate to keep their… Read More
Until we figure out how to keep our beloved pups from aging, it’s something that we’ll have to deal with as a dog parent. Fortunately, thanks to advancements in nutrition and medicine, our canine companions are living longer than ever before. How we care for them as they get older will determine how healthy, comfortable,… Read More
Playing games with your dog isn’t just a great excuse to spend quality time together. Play is very beneficial for your dog in a number of ways, from contributing to their physical health, to addressing their social needs, to reducing the incidence of problem behaviors. Play has also been found to help establish emotional bonds between… Read More
Do you dread bathing your dog? You’re certainly not alone. It’s a task that many dog owners, as well as their dogs, would rather avoid. However, baths can help maintain your dog’s health, so it is important to bathe them when they’re due for a good cleaning. One of the reasons doggie bathtimes can feel… Read More
Have you been contemplating getting your pet microchipped but want to know more details before you make that decision? Microchipping a dog is very affordable and a great idea for any pet. According to the American Humane Society, around 10 million pets are lost within the U.S. every year. If your pet is microchipped, this… Read More
If you have ever lost your dog, you will likely remember how scary that experience can be. Dogs run away for a variety of reasons including boredom, fear, or prey drive. In this article, we will review six common reasons why dogs run away. We will also offer tips on how to reduce the risk… Read More
All puppies have their own personality. Your puppy might be bold, shy, loving, protective, or some combination of these and other characteristics. Some puppies are particularly stubborn, especially when it comes to potty training. No matter how much you love your new little companion, potty training a stubborn puppy – and dealing with repeated potty… Read More
After all the time you’ve put in and all the dirt that’s gotten under your fingernails, there’s nothing worse than your dog spending a rambunctious five minutes destroying your flower beds. If you long for the day when you can enjoy the well-earned beauty of your prize blooms and the company of your dog simultaneously,… Read More
Question: Why is my dog drinking excessive water and drooling a lot, and what can I do to help her? My dog has been acting differently, drinking a lot more water than usual, drooling a lot (she’s never drooled before), and sleeping a lot more. Her nose is also running. She’s seven years old. I’m… Read More
Question: Why is my housebroken dog urinating in my house still? I have a 5 and a half month old Cavoodle. We crate trained her for the first few months. Then we placed a pen fence around her crate but gave her access to the doggy door to go outside. She picked up toilet training… Read More
Your dog is a member of your family, and it’s your job and pleasure to keep him safe. Leashes and fences are often up for this challenge, but not always. For example, if you go camping or hiking, your dog might be allowed to wander in a safe area off-leash. And if you have a… Read More
