Pet Care Information

Urinary Blockage in Male Cats: Why This Is an Emergency

Cats

A male cat who keeps going in and out of the litter box may look constipated at first. He may squat, strain, cry, lick himself, or leave little to no urine behind. It's easy to hope he is just having a “bad litter box day,” but if a male cat is trying to urinate and cannot, this is an emergency. Urinary blockage, also called ure...

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Why Does My Dog Scoot? It’s Not Always Worms

Dogs

Few things get a dog owner’s attention quite like seeing their dog drag their rear end across the carpet, grass, or living room rug. It can look funny for about half a second, and then the questions start. Is it worms? Are they itchy? Did something get stuck back there? Should you call the veterinarian?

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Should You Sedate a Pet for Travel?

Cats

Travel can be hard on pets. Some dogs whine, pant, pace, drool, or vomit in the car, while some cats cry the entire ride, hide in the back of the carrier, or arrive at the destination stressed and exhausted. When a trip is coming up, it's understandable to wonder whether sedation would make the experience easier.

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Pet Travel Safety

Summer Travel with Pets: Planning for a Safe and Stress-Free Adventure Summer is the perfect time for road trips, family vacations, and outdoor adventures. For many pet owners, those plans include bringing their furry family members along for the ride. While traveling with pets can create wonderful memories, it also requires so...

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Tiny Chip, Big Protection: Why Microchipping Your Pet Matters

Cats

"My Pet Never Goes Outside"...Until They Do Our cats and dogs are members of our families with their unique personalities and companionship. Even though we have domesticated them (or attempted to in the case of felines), curiosity regarding the great outdoors still lingers. Yes, some animals are certainly homebodies and seem to...

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Can Cats Get Heatstroke Indoors?

Cats

When people think of heatstroke in pets, they often picture a dog left outside too long or a pet trapped in a hot car. Cats can be a little easier to overlook because many live indoors, seek out shade, and seem to manage warm weather by napping in cool corners of the house. But indoor cats can get heatstroke, especially when the...

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What Does a Tick Bite Look Like on a Dog?

Dogs

Finding a tick on your dog can be unsettling, especially if you're not sure whether you are looking at a bite, a skin tag, a scab, or the tick itself. Tick bites on dogs are often small and easy to miss under the coat, which is why many owners first notice a tiny bump while petting or brushing their dog. Sometimes the tick is st...

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Summer Plants That Can Be Toxic to Dogs and Cats

Cats

Summer brings nicer, warmer weather to many parts of the country, which often means more porch time, garden projects, backyard play, and fresh-cut flowers on the kitchen counter. But, for curious dogs and cats, it can also bring easier access to plants that may cause anything from mild stomach upset to a true medical emergency. ...

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Why Is My Pet Drinking More Water Than Usual?

Cats

It's easy to notice when your pet's water bowl starts emptying faster than usual. Once you notice that, other signs that your pet is drinking more than usual may be easier to spot. Maybe your dog is asking to go outside more often, your cat’s litter box has larger clumps, or your pet suddenly seems interested in sinks, toilets, ...

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