Tag: dogs

Cats Resistant to Tetanus

Q: When my cat was injured outdoors, his veterinarian boosted his rabies vaccination, in case a rabid animal had inflicted the wound, but did not administer a tetanus shot. When I cut myself in the yard, my doctor gave me a tetanus shot. Should I request the same for my cat? A: That’s not necessary,…


Secure Dog in Vehicle for Safety

Q: My partner and I disagree about whether our dog June should ride loose in the back seat of the car or sit in the front seat, where she’s usually on the passenger’s lap or between us. What’s your advice? A: It’s safest for both you and June if she rides in a carrier or…


Anxious Dog? Learn To Play The Stress Away!

Your dog needs you to play with her today. It doesn’t matter if she has dog-siblings, a big yard, or plenty of toys and puzzles to keep her entertained. She needs one-on-one engagement with the person she trusts the most – the person she looks to when she’s feeling stressed or anxious. Playtime isn’t just…


Is Your Dog Always Hungry?

Most dogs love food, and are highly motivated by treats, but some are more food-obsessed than others. Matilda, for instance, has a one-track mind. She’ll do anything for a crumb, and between meals she’s scouting every inch of the kitchen floor, looking for the tiniest morsel. She sits under the table at mealtimes, a behavior…


Don’t Use Dog Flea Prevention on Cat

Q: I have a nine-pound cat named Beauty and a five-pound Chihuahua named Beast. Is it OK for me to apply half of Beast’s monthly flea and tick preventive to his skin and the other half to Beauty’s skin? That way, I could cut my monthly cost for flea/tick prevention in half. A: It’s far…


Tips for Traveling with Dogs

Before you decide to take Fido on a trip with you, consider whether it’s feasible – and whether it’s even beneficial for the dog. Taking your dog on a vacation takes care and planning! Here are some tips for traveling with dogs and things to consider before you go. Any veterinarian or professional dog trainer…


Hyperthyroidism Common in Older Cats

Q: Our senior cat is hyperthyroid. How common is hyperthyroidism, and what causes it? A: Hyperthyroidism is caused by benign tumors in the two thyroid glands located in the cat’s neck. The tumors produce excessive thyroid hormone, which impacts all body systems. Feline hyperthyroidism affects more than 10% of cats over age 10 and is…


My Dog Bites Me When I Give Her A Treat!

Do you ever lovingly share a bite of your food with your dog, or offer her a treat for a job well done, only for her to bite your fingers? I’ve realized that there’s a few ways to stop this from happening, and that it’s only partially a training or self-control related issue. Why Small…


VIDEO: Loyal Dog Waits 6 Hours Beside Furry Friend Hit by a Car—Until Human Rescuers Arrive, Save the Day

This incredible video shows how one dog waited for help for at least six hours after his furry friend was hit by a car. Samantha Zimmer, 36, an accountant from Houston, saw a Facebook plea from a local mail carrier who had spotted the dogs at 11 a.m. but was unable to get them help….


Should I Let My Small Dog Play With Big Dogs?

Have you and your dog ever encountered someone walking with their large dog on the street, and wondered if it was safe to allow your dogs to say hello? On one hand, you want your dog to be well-socialized. You might feel good about both dogs’ body language. Maybe the large dog and their owner…