Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and worms do more than cause itching. They can transmit Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, heartworm and tapeworms, and some can affect people. Prevention is easier, cheaper and safer than treatment. Use a vet-recommended preventive Options include monthly or longer-acting chewable tablets, spot-on liquids and collars. Your vet will choose based on your pet’s … Read more
Most owners will tell you their pet makes them happier. Research supports some of the benefits, with nuances: studies often show associations rather than proof that pets cause better health. Companionship and mood Pets offer affection, routine and a reason to get up in the morning. Many people, especially those living alone, say a pet … Read more
Dog parks give dogs a chance to run off-leash and play with other dogs. A good park and some basic etiquette make visits fun; a bad experience can make a dog fearful. Here is how to find one and decide whether it suits your dog. Finding dog parks near you What makes a good dog … Read more
A responsible breeder breeds for health and temperament, not for volume. Puppy mills and backyard breeders often sell animals with genetic diseases, poor socialization or infections. Knowing what to look for protects you and the animal. Signs of a responsible breeder Questions to ask the breeder Breeder red flags Online scams Pet scams are common: … Read more
Traveling with a pet can be great fun, but only if the trip suits the animal. Many dogs enjoy road trips and outdoor holidays. Most cats are happier staying home with a sitter. Is your pet a good travel companion? A healthy, social, adaptable dog that rides well in the car is a good candidate. … Read more
Many dogs and cats live together happily, but the first meetings shape their relationship. A slow, controlled introduction over days or weeks prevents fear, chasing and injuries. The method is the same whether a new dog is joining a resident cat or a rescue cat is joining a resident dog. Before you bring the new … Read more
A cage in itself is not cruel. A small cage a bird never leaves, with no company and nothing to do, is. Birds are intelligent, social animals that evolved to fly, so the real question is whether their life as a whole meets those needs. What a caged bird needs Space. Buy the largest cage … Read more
Not without your veterinarian’s explicit instructions. Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is processed differently by dogs than by people. Even doses that seem small can damage a dog’s liver and red blood cells. Vets occasionally prescribe acetaminophen to dogs, at a carefully calculated dose and usually combined with other drugs, but that is a … Read more
