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
The holidays are right around the corner which means it’s time to get started on holiday gift shopping. Finding the perfect gift can be stressful, especially for the dog that has everything. Have no fear, we’re here to help. Check out some of our favorite gifts that will make any pup’s tail wag with joy!… Read More
Question: My dog has a black mole in his mouth that is growing. Should I be concerned? My dog Maverick has a mole in his mouth that is increasing in size as he grows older. Should I have it checked out? -Michael Answer: Dear Michael, Thank you for submitting your question about Maverick! Anytime that… Read More
Question: My cats no longer get along after getting into a fight. What is causing this and what can I do? I have two cats. They have been living with each other for about 10 years. One of them noticed another cat outside and attacked my other cat. Now, my other cat is very aggressive… Read More
Are you looking for a high protein cat food that’s made with healthy ingredients in a human-grade facility? If so, look no further than Smalls. Veterinarians and other cat experts agree that the best foods for cats are high in animal protein and moisture and very low in carbohydrates. Unfortunately, few cat foods tick all… Read More
Question: Is it normal for dogs teeth to fall out? Should I feed my dog with missing teeth wet or dry food? I have a 5-year-old Havanese. She lost 2 to 3 teeth at 5 months of age, and the vet told me that this is not unusual for a small dog. Now, I think… Read More
By Monica Weymouth For some dogs, there’s no better treat than a road trip with their favorite humans. But for other pups, even short car rides can be extremely stressful. Do whining, drooling, panting, and even vomiting sound familiar? Your pup may be experiencing travel-related anxiety. While it’s certainly no fun—for dogs or their chauffeurs!—there’s… Read More
Question: My hyperthyroid cat won’t take his medicine, which is in pill form. Can you tell me how to give a cat a pill? My 15-year-old cat has hyperthyroid, and he’s supposed to take medicine. I’m having major issues giving him the pill. I tried to crush it in food, and now he won’t even… Read More
Whether your pup is a mile-a-minute, hyperactive Energizer battery on four legs or they just can’t handle those car rides or unexpected visitors, getting them to calm down is an invaluable skill. Keeping or getting your dog calm has many benefits, such as preventing possible accidents, fear-related behaviors, and reducing blood pressure. When a dog… Read More
Whether you’re planning on adopting a new kitten or have enjoyed years with a feline senior citizen (or something in between) it’s natural to wonder how long you can expect your cat to live. If you’re asking yourself how long do cats live? Well, of course, cats’ lifespans vary greatly, so there it’s one magic… Read More
Question: Why does my female dog hump me? After being alone for a couple of hours or being around other people and excited, my female dog humps me just like a male dog would do. I have never heard of or seen a female do this before. Why is she doing this? -Maribeth Answer: Dear… Read More
Question: Why is my kitten’s voice hoarse, and what can I do about it? I adopted a stray cat when he was 6 weeks old now he is 7 weeks old. His name is Leo. He has had a hoarse voice since this morning, he is quite playful and active though. Can you help me… Read More
Are you thinking about expanding your family with a four-legged friend? If you have kids, it’s essential to select a dog breed that’s well-known for getting along with children. After all, each member of your family—both small and tall—should feel comfortable around your dog, and vice versa. You shouldn’t need to worry about your children… Read More
If you have a dog, you’ll need to get him a dog collar. You will want it immediately recognizable that he has a family who loves him, otherwise your dog can get away from you and be picked up by the local dog shelter. If he’s not micro-chipped, he may actually be euthanized at that… Read More
If you’re struggling to maintain a training regimen that your dog will stick with, you may need to find help. There may not be a substitute that is as effective as consistent interaction with your dog, but the unfortunate reality is that people don’t often have that kind of time to spend with a new… Read More
Many pet owners in the Empire State see their pets as members of the family. If you feel the same, you might sleep better at night knowing that your dog or cat is covered by pet insurance to help you through accidents or illnesses. There are many options for pet insurance in New York state… Read More
