Category: Dogs & Cats

  • Why Dogs Growl and What They Are Trying to Tell You

    Why Dogs Growl and What They Are Trying to Tell You

    Everyone instinctively understands that a growling dog is one that should be left alone. At the same time, if you are a dog owner, you know that there are also times when your pooch may growl in a non-threatening way. After all, dogs are limited in the ways they can communicate, which means they must […]

  • 10 Toxins To Keep Out of Your Dog’s Reach

    10 Toxins To Keep Out of Your Dog’s Reach

    The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center recently released a list of the ten most common poisons that dogs ingest. What is immediately striking about the list is how ordinary each of the poisons are. The list is a reminder that it is important to keep medications and potentially toxic items locked up or stored safely […]

  • Why Does My Cat Turn His Back To Me?

    Why Does My Cat Turn His Back To Me?

    If your kitty leaps into your lap, then turns away from you before he settles in, or if it seems no matter where he sits, it’s always with his back to you, it’s not a sign of anger or disrespect. He’s actually showing you how much he trusts you. As both predator and prey, your […]

  • Do You Know Your Animal Group Names?

    Do You Know Your Animal Group Names?

    Not all groups of animals are called herds. Listed below are some of the many names for groups of animals. A clutch or chattering of chicks A bed of clams A quiver of cobras A rag of colts A cover of coots A kine of cows (twelve cows are a flink) A band of coyote […]

  • How to Identify and Treat Arthritis in a Dog

    How to Identify and Treat Arthritis in a Dog

    As Fido rolls out of bed in the morning, you may not hear moans and groans, but other signs of arthritis may be lurking such as being stiff to rise or having difficulty going up stairs. Pfizer Animal Health studies estimate that 1 in 5 dogs will suffer from the disease, but only 50 percent […]

  • Dog and Cat Characteristics and Why We Love Both of Them

    Dog and Cat Characteristics and Why We Love Both of Them

    Other than being our favorite pets, dogs and cats have very little in common, especially when it comes to attitude. Here’s a fun look at some of their many differences. Dogs come when you call them. Cats take a message and get back to you. Dogs look much better at the end of a leash. […]

  • Did You Know These Fun Facts About Cats and Dogs?

    Did You Know These Fun Facts About Cats and Dogs?

    It is said that dogs come from a creature like a wolf called Tomarctus (“father of dogs”) which roamed about 15 million years ago. Dogs first became pets for cavemen, while the Greeks used them for hunting and as guards. Romans traveled through Europe and brought their dogs with them. These dogs bred with the […]

  • Why is My Cat Obsessed With Cardboard Boxes

    Why is My Cat Obsessed With Cardboard Boxes

    The universal feline response to a stressful situation is to withdraw and hide. When cats in the wild feel threatened, they head for trees, dens, or caves to seek safety. Indoor kitties don’t have that option, so hiding in boxes may be an adaptation. In addition, boxes and other tight spaces preserve body heat, and […]

  • The Differences Between True Service Animals and Other Support Animals

    The Differences Between True Service Animals and Other Support Animals

    If you’ve wondered what’s going on with peacocks on airplanes and dogs at the salad bar in the grocery store, you’re not alone. Veterinarians are concerned about the unfortunate trend of pets being mistakenly, and sometimes fraudulently, presented as either service animals or emotional support animals. It’s a complex topic, and the more we all […]

  • Why Does My Cat Push Things Off Tables and Dressers?

    Why Does My Cat Push Things Off Tables and Dressers?

    If you’ve ever watched your kitty do this, you’ve probably noticed he also carefully observes the item as it falls, hits the floor, and maybe breaks. If it breaks, he may jump down and bat the little shards around, seeming to really rub it in as you stare, dumbfounded. He doesn’t hate you and isn’t […]