Category: pets

‘Brighton Cat Killer’ Jailed for ‘Cruel’ String of Attacks on Pets

A security guard who knifed cats to death in a string of attacks has been jailed for more than five years. Owners of some of the cats Steve Bouquet killed were at Hove Crown Court on Friday to see the 54-year-old imprisoned. The former Royal Navy gunner, who served for 22 years including in Northern…


Canine Carsickness Is 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…


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….


Unwanted Pets: Giant Goldfish Turn up in Minnesota Waterways

BURNSVILLE, Minn.—Officials in Minnesota said they’re finding more giant goldfish in waterways, prompting a plea to citizens to stop illegally dumping their unwanted fish into ponds and lakes. The goldfish, which can grow to the size of a football, compete with native species for food and increase algae in lakes. Officials in the Twin Cities…


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?…


Fido and Fireworks

We can’t wait until dazzling colors burst forth from a blackened canvas of the night sky. Our anticipation builds with each ssssss and whizzzz heard as firecrackers rocket higher exploding in loud bangs and pops a moment before sparkling colors rain down. July 4th is the first big celebration of summer. We look forward to…


The Best Way to Save Money on Pet Care

Q: My income is limited, but I wouldn’t part with my dog, Max, or cat, Mimi, for anything. How should I spend what I’ve budgeted for pet health care? A: The best way to save money on pet care is to prevent disease rather than treat it. Let’s start with some free ways to do…


Puppies Abandoned in Texas Desert Seek Homes

A litter of puppies found abandoned in the middle of a Texan desert is now up for adoption in Mission Viejo, Calif. Their journey to Orange County began about five months ago, when a woman walking her dog in the Lone Star State happened upon a box of 12 newborn pups. She drove them two hours to…


How to Safely Remove a Tick From Your Dog

Q: What’s the best way to remove a tick embedded in my dog Floyd’s skin? I tried covering the tick with alcohol, nail polish, and petroleum jelly, but nothing loosened its grip. I’ve heard that touching a lit match to the tick works, but I’m afraid I’ll burn Floyd. What do you recommend? A: None…


How to Trim Your Cat’s Claws

Q: I recently adopted a cat named Max, and I need to learn about trimming his claws. What’s the procedure, and how often should it be done? A: Start by choosing whatever equipment is most comfortable for you. I use human toenail trimmers, but many people prefer cat claw trimmers from the pet supply store….