Q: I adopted a pit bull who had lost one ear in the fighting ring, so I named him van Gogh. He is a healthy, sweet, gentle guy who loves to snuggle. When we lie on the couch watching television and my arm drapes across his chest, I sometimes notice that his heart beats in…

Q: Our dog Pearl seems to prefer my wife to me, and that hurts my feelings. Do you know why? Can I do anything to convince Pearl to like me more? A: A few possible reasons come to mind. Does your wife feed Pearl? Does she spend more time with her? Does your wife greet…

Q: My cat has lymphoma. I know humans also get this type of cancer. Is it possible for my cat to give me her lymphoma? A: No. Cancers are not transmitted from pets to people, or for that matter, from one person to another. Cats infected with FeLV, the feline leukemia virus, are at greater…

Q: After my dog Lola was spayed, her veterinarian fitted her with a plastic Elizabethan collar, or E-collar, to prevent her from licking her surgical incision. Fortunately, the incision is healing well. Why do dogs lick their wounds, and why would our vet want to prevent it? I thought dog saliva contained an antiseptic that…

Q: I love my dog, Jack, and my cat, Annie. They are important members of my family, and I want to keep them with me as long as possible. What are the best ways to help them live long, healthy, happy lives? A: This is the ideal time to make your New Year’s resolutions about…