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Ask The Vet: Parasites Commonly Infect Indoor Cats
Q: Can cats that stay indoors get parasites? My veterinarian recommends that I apply a parasite preventive to my cat Seymour's skin every month, but I don't understand why it's necessary.
A: While cats that spend time outside are more likely to encounter parasites, even indoor-only cats can become infected. Three types are common.
The first is...Read more
My Pet World: Feral cats, wildlife, and the trouble with 'people like me'
Dear Cathy,
I read your advice, "Preparing Feral Cats for Winter." While our country is riddled with invasive species of plants, animals, and insects, feral cats are also invasive, invading the limited habitats of today's urban and rural landscapes.
The article mentions you as a "pet expert," yet you seem to lack significant knowledge about ...Read more
Vaccine hesitancy among pet owners is growing – a public health expert explains why that matters
When most people think about vaccines, they typically think about humans: Experts warn that when large numbers of people are unvaccinated, it can lead to severe consequences, including disease outbreaks and higher rates of illness and death, particularly among the most vulnerable. The economic costs to society can also be substantial.
...Read more
New year’s resolutions for you and your pup
The start of every year brings a list of resolutions to live better and healthier lives. Here are eight achievable new year resolutions for you and your dogs.
Go on regular walks with your dog. Fitness is important for both dogs and people! Obesity is the number one preventable health issue in dogs today. The exercise recommended most to ...Read more
What does racial bias have to do with pet adoptions?
It’s been said that it’s easier to buy a firearm than to adopt a rescue animal in this country.
Once your internet search has steered you to a pup who pinches your heart, congratulations! You’ve found The One. Now get ready to be questioned.
The vetting may include lengthy application forms, in-home visits and intense competition from ...Read more
Ask The Vet: Canine Carsickness Common But Treatable
Q: We recently adopted Rufus, a young adult dog who becomes anxious every time he's in the car. He pants, whines, drools, licks his lips and sometimes even throws up. What can we do about this?
A: The most effective way to help Rufus feel calm in the car is behavior modification. Through a series of small steps, you'll teach him that car rides ...Read more
My Pet World: Easing puppy fears and more on the hidden causes of cat odors
Dear Cathy,
I just recently rescued/adopted a full breed Pomeranian male puppy at five months old. He’s great! I’ve only had West Highland Terriers and I’m absolutely fascinated by the differences. He’s trained to use a wee wee pad and it’s going great. He’s the perfect dog for an apartment.
My problem is, I can’t get him to go ...Read more
Kitty hot-stone massages and canine acupuncture: Specialty vet teaches old dogs new tricks
BOULDER, Colo. — Ruffian the champion show cat reclined on a fur pillow wearing tiny protective goggles to shield his eyes from the laser therapy being used to treat his inflamed joints.
Veterinary physiotherapist Kerry Kilgannon hovered a laser wand over Ruffian’s hips one December morning while using a dangling cat treat to bribe the ...Read more
Road trips with your pup
Sometimes, hitting the road means traveling with your pets.
The American Kennel Club suggests the following tips ensuring the journey goes smoothly.
Carry the correct paperwork. Especially for long trips, it’s important to keep certain documents on hand, including a recent photo of your dog and a copy of their health records that lists ...Read more
Ask The Vet: Living With Pets Protects Children From Allergies
Q: We have several cats, and we provide foster care for kittens from a rescue organization. I am pregnant with my first child, and we don't want our child to grow up allergic to cats. While our child is young, should we stop fostering and limit access to our family cats?
A: Quite the opposite. For years, physicians have recognized that ...Read more
My Pet World: The 3-3-3 rule — Giving your dog the time to adjust
Dear Cathy,
I got a two-year-old Shi Tzu from a private party. I wanted a lap dog, but she hides under my recliner. She will come for treats and follow me around the house but mainly stays under the chair. I got her a crate, but she only goes in to get a toy or a treat. I covered it with a blanket, but that didn't help. I did find out they ...Read more
Dealing with Cats Who’ve Gone Off Their Litterbox: A Comprehensive Guide
Few things are as frustrating for cat owners as discovering their feline companion has stopped using the litterbox. It can be perplexing and disheartening, but it’s important to remember that cats don’t avoid their litterboxes out of spite. Instead, this behavior usually indicates an underlying issue—be it medical, environmental, or ...Read more
'A necessary evil': The captive dogs whose blood saves lives
Inside a subzero freezer at a Northern California pet hospital sit rows of carefully labeled bags of fresh frozen plasma. Each pouch could save a pet’s life: a retriever that ingested poison, a corgi with a bleeding disorder, a puppy with parvovirus.
While the pouches each look the same, their straw-colored contents come from starkly ...Read more
Ask the Vet: Collapsing Trachea Causes Dry, Honking Cough in Small Dogs
Q: Our Yorkshire terrier Bentley has a dry, honking cough. His veterinarian said he has a collapsing trachea and recommended we walk him on a harness rather than a neck collar to take the pressure off his throat.
Is there anything else we can do to minimize his coughing and help him catch his breath? Please tell us more about this condition.
A...Read more
My Pet World: Litter box woes, breed choices, and barking ringtones
Dear Cathy,
My nine-year-old female cat steps into her litter box and urinates and poops right by the opening, standing up. I bought a taller box, but the urine still goes over the opening. How can I stop this? Don't cats usually turn around when they go into the litter box? This is a recent issue, and I think she may have arthritis and can't ...Read more
Bird flu kills 20 big cats in Washington state sanctuary
Four cougars. Four bobcats. Two lynx. Even a Bengal tiger.
Bird flu has taken a terrible toll at the Wild Felid Advocacy Center, a sanctuary for wildcats and their hybrids on Harstine Island, Washington, killing 20 cats — half the animals in its care.
"The only thing I can compare it to, as a veteran, is being in a war zone," director Mark ...Read more
10 Tips for Choosing the Best Dog Breed for Your Lifestyle
Choosing the right dog breed is a big decision that can shape your life for years to come. With countless breeds to choose from, finding the perfect furry companion for your lifestyle can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for a jogging buddy, a cuddly lap dog, or a loyal family protector, these 10 tips will help you make an informed ...Read more
Mountain lion travels over 400 miles, then gets shot by hunter, Missouri officials say
A hunter took trophy photos with a mountain lion he shot in Missouri, but was then cited for killing the protected cat, officials said.
While hunting in Iron County on Nov. 16, the man saw a mountain lion pass under a tree stand he was on, according to court documents.
“He got excited at what it was, stood up, and then decided to shoot (the ...Read more
Indoor exercise with your pup: The AKC offers tips for winter activities to do with your dog
As winter arrives and the weather gets colder, it’s important to find ways to keep your pup healthy and exercised, even if you’re confined to the indoors. It’s important for you and your dog to stay active.
Although it can be difficult to find things to do in the winter, the American Kennel Club suggests the following tips to get ...Read more
Judge rules San Diego Humane Society's policy of returning cats to community violates law
SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Humane Society’s policy of turning away domesticated cats roaming outside and instead returning them back to where they were found without ensuring they have a caretaker violates the law, a judge ruled Friday.
San Diego Superior Court Judge Katherine Bacal’s decision following a bench trial is a victory for the ...Read more
Inside Pets
Popular Stories
- New year’s resolutions for you and your pup
- Kitty hot-stone massages and canine acupuncture: Specialty vet teaches old dogs new tricks
- What does racial bias have to do with pet adoptions?
- Vaccine hesitancy among pet owners is growing – a public health expert explains why that matters
- Pets give companionship, cuddles and joy – and also unavoidable stresses