Tag: pets

Does My Cat Need a Nightlight?

Q: What can you tell me about feline vision? I’ve heard that cats see well in the dark, but I still think we should leave a nightlight on so our cats can find their way to water bowls and litter boxes in the dark. My partner disagrees. A: I’m with you: We’ve placed night lights…


The Well-Behaved Pet: Sit, Stay, Good Pup!

Pet training is all about building a strong relationship. To your dog, you are the pack leader and the center of their universe. With patience and love, your fur baby can be the envy of the dog park. Be Patient Even Sara Carson’s Super Collies from “America’s Got Talent” were once rambunctious puppies; training a…


Contagious, Deadly Parvovirus Persists in Environment

Q: Our pit bull puppy died of parvovirus. How can we prevent parvovirus in our next puppy? A: Instead of choosing a puppy, I recommend you adopt an adult dog whose parvovirus vaccination is up to date. Vaccination is very effective at preventing parvovirus infection, nicknamed “parvo,” and all dogs deserve protection from this common,…


Grass Hay Should Be Freely Available to Pet Rabbit

Q: Fern, our daughter’s first rabbit, just joined our family. May she eat only rabbit pellets, or should we also give her lettuce and carrots? A: Most of Fern’s diet should consist of a variety of fresh grass hays, such as timothy, Bermuda, brome, oat, rye, barley, meadow, and orchard grass hay. Avoid alfalfa, which…


Pet Chewing on One Side of Mouth Needs Dental X-rays

Q: Penny, my middle-aged indoor cat, chews her dental treats only on the left side of her mouth. Is this normal? A: I confess that I’ve never observed my cats or dogs closely enough to know whether they chew on one or both sides of the mouth. Nor have I heard this topic discussed at…


Cats Attracted to Menthol, Catnip, and Other Mints

Q: Why is my cat Nala attracted to menthol? I like its coolness, so I buy shower gel and skin creams that contain menthol. Occasionally, I also use a menthol ointment on my sore muscles. Whenever I apply a menthol skin product, Nala rubs up against me, licks my skin, and follows me around, not…


Use Pet-Safe De-Icer Instead of Rock Salt This Winter

Q: Icy sidewalk season is here. I’ve heard rock salt is hard on dogs’ feet, but I’m not sure what to use in its place. Can you suggest a de-icer that won’t harm my dogs? A: Look for de-icers labeled as safe for pets. These products are also safe to use around children. Rock salt…


Excessive Vitamin D in Pet Food Is Toxic

Q: The pet food my dog, Sarge, eats is being recalled because it contains too much vitamin D. Since vitamin D is necessary for good health, how can too much be harmful? A: Several companies’ pet foods were recalled this year after they were found to contain toxic levels of vitamin D. Humans can manufacture…


No-Stress Pets Are Ideal for Home and Office

Center of Attention Vepotek Cylinder Aquarium $2,499 Standing almost six feet tall, this unique cylindrical 78-gallon tank provides an exceptional view of its fish from all angles. The view gets better after dark, with blue, purple, and white LED lighting. The acrylic tank and ABS plastic stand are compatible with both fresh and saltwater species…


Make Christmas Safer for Pets – Here’s What to Look out For

Christmas is a wonderful time to relax with family and friends, both two and four legged. But it can be a scary and dangerous time for pets. Food, presents, decorations and even visitors to our homes can all become hazards. Vets typically report the festive season as being one of their busiest times of year….