Technology Made for Cats
The Daily Cat

The high-tech trend has increasingly crept into the pet product industry, according to Bob Vetere, president of the American Pet Products Association. The APPAÕs 2010 Pet Products Trend Report cites high-tech items as one of the areas where products for animals now extend beyond traditional necessities. Vetere gives some specific examples

Experts Make New Site A Beacon for Solving Pet Behavior Problems
Steve Dale

Decades ago, legendary veterinary behaviorist Dr. R.K. Anderson realized that preventing behavior problems keeps pets in homes. He's been barking the same mantra for a very long time. In 2006, as videos were popping up everywhere on the Internet, Anderson created the Animal Behavior Resources Institute

Top 10 Questions for Your Dog's Veterinarian
Elizabeth Wasserman

One thing all dogs have in common is this: They can't tell the veterinarian what's wrong. That's when pet owners have to step up and ask the right questions. Most veterinarians start your dog's exam by asking you questions to rule out any serious canine diseases. After fielding those queries, it's your turn to do the questioning. Here is a list of the top 10 questions to ask

Keep Your Cat Cool This Summer
The Daily Cat

Your fur-covered feline may be at risk for the same kind of health problems that plague overly hot humans: heart difficulties, heat stroke, breathing issues and more. Because summer temperatures in general appear to be on the rise it helps to be aware of the dangers heat poses for your cat and ready to enact measures necessary for keeping your cat cool. Here's what and what not to do

Don't Let Your Pooch Overheat In the Summer Sun
Steve Dale

Spending time with our families is what summertime is all about. However, dogs require special considerations. One problem is that dogs aren't as efficient at cooling themselves as people. Dogs only sweat minimally. And there's more

7 Food Ingredients for Your Dog's Health
Jennifer Viegas

Which key dog food enhancements help safeguard dogs? Glucosamine and chondroitin boost joint health, dental care additives reduce tartar buildup, L-carnitine helps metabolize fat and higher levels of antioxidants support a healthy immune system, says veterinary technician Jennifer Taylor. Dr. Amy Dicke shares more information about these and other ingredients

Top 10 Questions for Your Cat's Veterinarian
The Daily Cat

You most likely prepare questions for your own doctor's appointments, so why not do the same for your cat? Most veterinarians first ask questions to rule out any serious feline diseases. They may inquire whether your cat has been vomiting, had diarrhea or shown any change in thirst, urination or appetite. After fielding those queries, it's your turn. Here is a list of the top 10 questions to ask

Protect Your Dog This Summer
Darcy Lockman

Dr. Katy Nelson, an emergency veterinarian, has already seen the impact summer can have on a dog: 'A 5-month-old pit bull almost died in my hospital because his owner left him in the car to play 15 minutes of basketball,' she says. Nelson's first piece of advice for summer car trips is to leave your dog at home. Below, she offers do's and don'ts for keeping your dog safe all season

How Cat Food Is Made and Tested
The Daily Cat

Before your favorite quality cat food gets to your pet's bowl, it goes through a complex development process, during which pet food researchers, nutritionists and scientists figure out the best recipes.

How Dog Food Is Made and Tested
Elizabeth Wasserman

The process of making high-quality commercial dog food involves scientists, nutritionists, veterinarians and even dog-food tasters in a production more befitting the Food Network than Animal Planet. HereÕs how the dog food manufacturing process often goes, from start to finish

Cats Are Inspiring New Supercomputers
The Daily Cat

Cat owner Amy Morgan says that her cat, Ruki, often hangs out on her laptop. Lonely Ruki's plan is a clever one, and it illustrates ways in which a cat can use logic and memory to get its needs met. University of Michigan computer engineer Wei Lu weighs in on his latest project, a computer that's modeled after the feline brain

How Dogs React to Human Infants
Brad Kloza

Even if dogs can anticipate a new family member, that doesn't mean they know how to handle it. Here are some tips for getting your dog properly prepared and acclimated

Are Tick and Flea Control Products Safe?
Darcy Lockman

The EPA recently announced that it has developed stricter testing and evaluation requirements for flea and tick products for your dog. If the EPA is worried, should you be too?

Summer Fun for Dogs
Jennifer Viegas

If your dog loves to swim and has an adventurous spirit, competitive dock diving and jumping could be part of its summer fun.

Cat Fur Can Identify Criminals
The Daily Cat

One of the best home security systems requires no monthly contracts or electrical wiring and may go unnoticed by crooks. Thanks to innovative new research, cat fur is helping to identify and convict miscreants, from robbers to murderers. As a result, your purring lap kitty could one day save your belongings -- and maybe even your life

Improve Cat Veterinary Office Visits
Kim Boatman

Want to make veterinary visits pain-free for both you and your cat? Here, expert advice. Plus, veterinarians provide advice for other veterinarians

Prebiotics Support Your CatÕs Inner Strength
Jennifer Viegas

Have you read the latest research findings about prebiotics for cats? WeÕll fill you in, since prebiotics are now available in both wet and dry cat food.

Are Tick and Flea Control Products Safe for Your Cat?
Darcy Lockman

The EPA recently announced that it has developed stricter testing and evaluation requirements for flea and tick products for your cat. If the EPA is worried, should you be too?

If We Love Cats So Much, How Come Cats Suffer So Much
Steve Dale

So, what's the deal with cats? Clearly, with 82 million pet cats in America, there are over 10 million more cats than dogs. According to the math, cats are man's best friends. Yet, when you really look at what's happening to cats, it's appalling.

Prebiotics Support Your Dog's Inner Strength
Jennifer Viegas

During any given week, your inquisitive dog has probably explored your house and neighborhood, which means it comes into regular contact with everything from dog park soil to favorite canine lampposts, all of which can harbor germs. Your dog's immune system works to combat these invaders, and dog food with ingredients called 'prebiotics' can now strengthen that defense

The 'Animal Nanny' Cat Sitter Cares for Lonely Cats
The Daily Cat

The Animal Nanny, Marna Stein, is a registered veterinary technician who works in San Francisco and represents a new kind of pet sitter -- one who provides more personal and specialized services for your cat. Would you and your cat benefit from having such a nanny cat sitter? You might be surprised by the tasks Stein and other super-sitters can handle

Veterinary Specialists Save Many Lives
Steve Dale

ACVIM veterinarians are boarded specialists in neurology, cardiology, oncology, and both large and small animal internal medicine.

Dog Park Etiquette
Brad Kloza

A dog park is a social place with its own set of proper etiquette guidelines. But what that means in a dog park isn't always obvious. Here, we set the record straight on some important aspects of dog park decorum.

Calm the Fears of Your Scaredy-Cat
The Daily Cat

Certified cat behavior consultant Marilyn Krieger has helped many felines overcome their fears, so few things surprise her. When she heard about a cat that was terrified of a couple's bedroom, however, she had to make a house call

How to Prevent Dog Bites
Darcy Lockman

Over 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year. Of those, one in five requires medical attention. Children are most likely to be victims of dog biting incidents, as are people with multiple canines in their home. Here's advice on protecting yourself and your pet from strange dogs -- and protecting strangers from your best friend

Fashion for Paws Model Shares Dog Runway Tips
Jennifer Viegas

Fashion has gone to the dogs, with dog models all across the country strutting their stuff on the runway, often for charity events. Here's how to dress up your own dog so that it can one day show off its moves on a runway for a good cause

Mixed-breed Cats No Longer Outclassed
The Daily Cat

In cat show lingo, mixed-breed felines are referred to as household pets. Does your own pet have what it takes to be in show business? Longtime household pets judge William Lee weighs in on what it takes to be best in show

Drug Recalls Put Spotlight on Cat Anesthesia Safety
The Daily Cat

Ketamine is often part of a 'cocktail' veterinarians administer when placing cats under anesthesia. The recall, however, underscores the importance of the careful use of anesthesia in cats. Asking the right questions can help ensure your cat's safety when anesthesia is used. The following checklist will ensure your veterinarian is practicing safe cat anesthesia

Labrador Retrievers Still Top Dogs in America
Steve Dale

The Labrador Retriever is the most beloved dog in America, retaining its top dog status now for 19 consecutive years, according to American Kennel Club (AKC) registrations. However, the real canine news belongs to the comeback kid, the German Shepherd, which now ranks second in popularity for the first time since the days of Rin Tin Tin

Nine Beneficial Dog Food Ingredients
Elizabeth Wasserman

You may have noticed a return to the basics in the ingredients of certain dog foods. Some of the ingredients showing up in dog foods may surprise you. They sound more like something you'd serve your family for dinner: not only chicken and eggs but also carrots, spinach, apples and more. Here's ingredients that are good for your dog plus dog food ingredients to avoid

Cat Food Ingredients: The 4 Essential Groups
The Daily Cat

Felines are true carnivores, so your cat needs meat. Because of its physiology, a cat requires animal-based proteins and certain essential amino acids contained in meat protein in order to survive. In addition to their dependence on protein, cats may also benefit from some of the nutrients found in other ingredient groups in quality natural cat food

War on Fleas Calls for Strong Artillery
Steve Dale

You can win the war on fleas, but you need the right artillery and might need a lesson in how to use those weapons correctly

Active Lives of Disabled Dogs
Kim Boatman

National Disabled Pets Day is an effort to promote recognition of disabled dogs. Organizers hope to draw attention to the disabled, special-needs and geriatric pets awaiting adoption. The day is also intended to encourage animal lovers to volunteer time or donate money to organizations that assist disabled dogs and other disabled animals

Stretching Techniques for Dogs
Darcy Lockman

Like us, dogs benefit from stretching: Our muscle cells work the same. This fact inspired the Foster sisters -- Sasha, a certified canine rehabilitation therapist, and Ashley, a certified pet dog trainer -- to apply 20 years of research on human stretching to the canine world. Sasha Foster weighs in on the do's and don'ts of keeping your adult dog's muscles supple

The Reasoning for Indoor Cats
The Daily Cat

Having cats confined indoors does put the onus on you to keep them entertained. It requires more work to provide the stimulation that the cat needs so he doesn't get bored and start making up his own activities, which you may not appreciate. Nancy Peterson recommends these simple items

Erase Your Cat's Carbon Footprint
The Daily Cat

Chances are, you use energy-efficient lighting in your home, and you unplug your appliances. If you follow these and other green lifestyle guidelines, your carbon footprint -- the amount of carbon dioxide emissions created by your activities -- is likely at a minimum. But have you thought about your cat's impact on the environment?

Why You Should Recycle Your Dog's Waste
Kim Boatman

Dog waste contains pathogens and parasites that can hurt water quality, and since rainwater washes waste into storm drains, then rivers and streams, waste left on open ground harms the environment. As a result, responsible dog owners and municipalities are addressing the disposal of this waste in various ways

New Pet Books Are 'Springing' Up All Over
Steve Dale

With spring flowers come spring pet books. Here are eight new reads. Some clearly point out that animals offer more than we understand -- from whales who hug to a cat who predicts death. One book might even lead you into a new career.

Heartworm Disease Continues to Cause Heartbreak for Pet Owners
Steve Dale

Squashing heartworm disease has been quite the challenge. For starters, a surprising number of dog owners (over half, according to one survey) and far more than half of cat owners fail to purchase a heartworm preventative in the first place. Of those who do, a surprising number forget to use it. That's all bad enough. Now, the news gets worse.

Pet Identification: The Best Care for Your Cat
The Daily Cat

Out of the estimated eight million dogs and cats entering animal shelters each year, 30 percent of dogs are reclaimed by owners compared to less than 5 percent of cats. The big difference? Cats tend not to carry identification. Here are the pros and cons of some of the most popular identification methods and the potential health impacts

Amazing Stories of Lost and Found Dogs
Elizabeth Wasserman

Stories of how lost dogs are found is repeated around the country each year. The best insurance policy against losing your dog is to make sure the dog doesn't get loose. Here are steps the Humane Society recommends plus what you can do if your dog goes missing

Traveling with Pets
Christopher Elliott

Many airlines have raised their pet fees so high that they're often more than the price of the owner's ticket. And more hotels are adding nonrefundable pet deposits to the quarters they allow dog and cat owners to occupy, and they are often the worst rooms in the house. In other words, pets and their owners are in the doghouse.

Tick Diseases On the Rise
Steve Dale

There's an infestation of ticks! Next thing we know, there will be panic in the streets! I'm not sure that response is necessary, but by using appropriate products recommended by a veterinarian, we can protect our pets

Mordecai Siegal: Giant of Pet Writing Leaves the Stage
Steve Dale

Profound is probably the right word for his influence. It can be argued that no one who wrote about pets had the impact of Mordecai Siegal, 75, who passed away April 1. Siegal wrote 33 books in the process changing the face of pet writing.

Weight Control Cat Foods Evaluated
The Daily Cat

There's a good chance you're living with a fat cat. If so, you've probably mulled over cat foods labeled with terms like Òlow calorie,Ó ÒliteÓ and Òweight control.Ó New research, however, has determined that such diets vary widely beyond the packaging and labeling differences. Here's a guide to helping your cat lose weight and shape up

Are Generic Drugs Safe for Cats
The Daily Cat

A guide to generic drugs for cats and the benefits of generic drugs for felines

Racing Greyhounds Smile Big When They Find Adoptive Homes
Steve Dale

All dog breeds have rescue groups associated with them. However, no breed requires as much consistent help as Greyhounds. Gary Guccione, coordinator of the American Greyhound Council in Abilene, KS says that last year around 20,000 Greyhounds were rescued or given up by tracks for adoption

Healthy Hiking With Your Dog
Kim Boatman

Hiking with dogs takes some planning and thought. The following checklist will help keep your hike from turning into a misadventure.

Declawing Cats - Risky Procedure or Simple Manicure
The Daily Cat

Cat Declawing is a completely unnecessary procedure. It causes pain, complications and behavioral problems like litter box aversion. But there are alternatives

EPA Addresses Complaints About Flea and Tick Products
Steve Dale

I think the precautions the EPA outlines are fine, but the agency neglected to mention the most important preventative measure. I'll outline the EPA suggested precautions, but first let me reveal what I believe to be true.

The Future of Dog Spaying
Jennifer Viegas

Dog spaying is a procedure few pet owners question. This year alone, thousands of female dogs will undergo the hysterectomy operation, which removes the ovaries and uterus. Chances are your own pet has already undergone these removals. A groundbreaking new study, however, may change the way we view this common surgery.

Dog Breeds at Risk for Swallowing Nonfood Items
Brad Kloza

A study in the Journal of Small Animal Practice is the first to look at which dog breeds are more likely to come into a veterinary hospital with swallowed objects obstructing their gastrointestinal tract. It's also helping to determine what factors might best predict successful treatment.

An Inside Look at Cat Grooming
The Daily Cat

Adult cats spend up to 50 percent of their waking hours grooming, according to Dr. Cynthia McManis, a veterinarian and the owner of Just Cats Veterinary Services. Since grooming is so important to your cat, too much or too little can indicate a number of health problems. McManis explains why cats are constantly grooming

There's A Good Reason Why 'We're All Stupid in Love With Our Pets'
Steve Dale

Just look at a puppy or kitten and you probably feel good. There's a reason for that, according to certified applied animal behaviorist Patricia McConnell. McConnell researched the impact of oxytocin and our relationships with pets in her book, 'For the Love of a Dog: Understanding Emotion in You and Your Best Friend'

 

Organic Pet Foods

Natural and Organic Living is Important For Pets
Andrea Donsky and Randy Boyer

Interest in natural and organic pet care has also been growing slowly but steadily in recent years, as pet owners begin to realize that the things that are bad for humans are also bad for animals. Organic and natural pet foods are increasingly available, but there are some things to know before you shop.

It's Flu Season for People and Dogs
Steve Dale

It's still cold and flu season -- for people as well as dogs. The good news is, dogs don't get the flu from people (though there has been one confirmed case of H1N1 in a dog), and people don't get the canine influenza virus. And just as people can get pretty sick, even die from the flu, so can dogs.

Why Your Cat Won't Eat
The Daily Cat

Cats have a reputation for being particular about their diets, because they like their favorite foods served at just the right time and place. If your cat quits eating, however, your swift action is critical. Recognizing the typical reasons cats stop eating is a first step in protecting and helping your kitty

Read Your Dog's Body Language
Brad Kloza - The Dog Daily

While there are fewer than a dozen types of barks, there are hundreds of different ear positions, tail positions, paw positions and more, which dogs use to communicate. Focusing on just a handful of body parts will give you a sense of the basics.

Support Your Puppy's Growth With Proper Nutrition
Darcy Lockman for The Dog Daily

Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult and senior dogs. They need food specifically formulated for young dogs. Puppies also have size-specific needs. Small breeds need more protein and calories. Large-breed puppies must have less of both to avoid joint and bone problems as they grow. Here's more advice on what you should look for when choosing a commercial puppy formula.

Food Allergies Can Dog Canines Too
Elizabeth Wasserman for The Dog Daily

The expression 'eat like a dog' comes from the canines' reputation for gulping down meals of all sorts in a matter of seconds. Their indiscriminate palate, however, isn't helping their health, and veterinarians are noticing a rise in the number of dogs with food allergies. Veterinarians caution that there are two types of issues your dog may have with foods.

Dog Training Can Be Fun and Games
Darcy Lockman for The Dog Daily

Kay Laurence runs Learning About Dogs, a business that organizes conferences and offers classes all on the subject of dog training. In her latest book Laurence advocates teaching dogs through play. In this article, she explains both how and why.

The Easiest Way to Assess Your CatÕs Health
From the Editors of The Daily Cat

If your veterinarian were to ask you to take your catÕs temperature at home, would you know what to do? This often-necessary task might seem simple, but it requires preparation and practice. Dr. Jodi Korich, a veterinarian and the director of Partners in Animal Health at Cornell UniversityÕs College of Veterinary Medicine, explains what you should do both now and when the moment of need arises.

Cat Product Trends for 2010
From the Editors of The Daily Cat

Although fallout from the worldwide recession continues, the APPA says spending on pet products and services has been on the rise. Many of the purchases come from owners buying 'products that allow us to keep our pets well taken care of in spite of our more frantic personal lives,' says APPA President Bob Vetere. Here's some new cat products for 2010.

How and Why Cats Purr
From the Editors of The Daily Cat

Did you know that, like vibrating piano strings, the sounds and vibrations your purring cat emits are in perfect musical harmony with each other? Those positive vibrations form the basis of one of the most soothing and pleasurable means of communication in the entire animal kingdom. Usually, your cat is telling you, 'I'm feeling good.'

Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe in the Cold
Steve Dale

The weather outside can still be frightful. Here are 12 tips to keep your pets safe in the cold

Steve Dale and the Puppy Pros

Steve Dale -- pet expert and certified dog behavior consultant -- and the Puppy Pros share their expertise in the following dog training vidoes ... Why brushing your dog daily is important for you and your pup ... This one command will help save your dog's life ... and more ...

Westminster Dog Show Expert Shares Training Secrets
Darcy Lockman for The Dog Daily

While non-show dogs don’t need to be as comfortable with the human touch as Westminster wannabes, they can nonetheless learn something from Westminster training and grooming standards. In this article, professional dog handler Clint Livingston of Denver shares his tips for helping your puppy dog achieve best in its own show

Are Dogs Like Human 2-year-olds?
Jennifer Viegas for The Dog Daily

Children go through the "terrible 2s." Dogs do something similar, only they never grow out of it. Canines aren't quite as terrible, however, because they can't throw a decent temper tantrum. Numerous recent studies compare dogs to human 2-year-olds, both in terms of intelligence and behavior. Consider the following

Signs of Illness in Your Dog
Darcy Lockman for The Dog Daily

When your dog is ill, the sooner you intervene, the better. While lethargy and changes in appetite and elimination patterns are easily detectable, other signs of illness may slip under the radar for months on end. Dr. Trisha Joyce, a veterinarian at NYC Veterinary Specialists, offers advice on what you should watch out for to ensure your pet stays healthy.

Canine Heart Disease - A Silent Killer
Susan McCullough for The Dog Daily

More dogs than people suffer from heart disease. According to Novartis Animal Health, 25 percent of dogs over the age of seven have the most extreme form of heart disease -- heart failure. By contrast, the National Institutes of Health estimates that only 6.4 percent of men and 2.5 percent of women between the ages of 65 and 74 suffered from the same condition

Westminster Still Thrilling Dog Lovers After All These Years
Steve Dale

There are dog shows, and then there's Westminster. Established in 1877, Westminster is second only to the Kentucky Derby as America's most established sporting event. The founders thought that having a little event in New Year City might stir up interest in dogs. If only they could know what they built!

Exercise With Your Dog to Prevent Obesity
Jennifer Viegas for The Dog Daily

According to the National Pet Obesity Awareness Day Study conducted by 95 veterinary clinics nationwide, more than 44 percent of all dogs are overweight or downright obese. The fat stats for people in America are even higher, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that around 67 percent of adults are heavier than they should be

Health Clues in Your Dog's Behavior
Susan McCullough for The Dog Daily

Here are some common apparent canine behavioral problems and their possible medical causes

Is Your 'Natural' Dog Food Truly Natural
Elizabeth Wasserman for The Dog Daily

You are probably concerned about putting 'natural,' or minimally processed, foods on your dinner table, and that standard now extends to whatÕs in Fido's bowl. That's why you look for recognizable ingredients, such as chicken and carrots, when choosing commercial food for your dog. However, thereÕs still some confusion about what constitutes a 'natural' dog food.

Vitamins and Minerals Your Dog Needs
Kim Boatman for The Dog Daily

Is improving your health on your list of new yearÕs resolutions? This year, donÕt forget to include your dog on that list as well. But first, find out which vitamins and minerals your canine needs and where to find them.

Selecting the Best Kibble for Your Dog
Karen Asp for The Dog Daily

Selecting the right kibble for your dog can be an overwhelming task. After all, there are dozens of choices on the market these days. To help simplify your decision, ask yourself these seven questions

Veterinary Research on Compulsive Behavior Could Benefit Dogs and People
Steve Dale

It turns out that your dog's brain isn't all that different from your own. Dr. Nicholas Dodman, director of the behavior clinic at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, North Grafton, MA, has been studying compulsive behaviors in dogs, horses and cats for decades. And for years he's been encouraging using these animal models to help understand what's going on with people

Canine Conduct - Sniffing and Whiffing
Amanda Harrison for The Dog Daily

Is your dog like a shopaholic at a rummage sale, smelling anything and everything that comes its way? You are not alone. As every dog knows, the best way to get the scoop on anything is through its nose.

Common Cat Health Myths - Debunked!
From the Editors of The Daily Cat

Lots of fibs have been told about felines through the ages. Sometimes the myths are harmless, but sometimes the tall tales can cause harm. When the myths deal with feline health and nutrition, owners like you need to take extra steps to verify what you might have read or heard. Here are common assumptions to help you test your cat-telligence

Is Feline Diabetes Becoming An Epidemic?
From the Editors of The Daily Cat

Your cat may be at risk for feline diabetes. Cases of this disease are soaring, to the point where some veterinarians consider diabetes in cats to be an epidemic. Educating yourself about feline diabetes can go a long way toward protecting your cat's health. Here are four important steps you may follow

Whet Your Cat's Appetite With Wet Cat Food
From the Editors of The Daily Cat

Canned or bagged, wet or dry cat food: These are basic choices you must face when perusing the pet food aisle of your favorite store. "Wet" cat food products have undergone some major improvements this year and may be a great choice for your kitty. Here's what you need to know.

Is Your "Natural" Cat Food Truly Natural?
From the Editors of The Daily Cat

Over the years, people have become more concerned about making sure the food they put on the table for their families is "natural" or minimally processed. Now that concern is being extended to what they put in their cat’s dish, according to Katy J. Nelson, D.V.M., an emergency veterinarian in Alexandria, Va., who also works on pet nutrition. But just what is a "natural" cat food?

Not so Stupid Pet Tricks for Cats
From the Editors of The Daily Cat

Dogs often steal the spotlight when it comes to tricks because cats are 'misunderstood when it comes to training, enrichment and living a happy and healthy life indoors,' says Cary Rentola of the Larimer Humane Society. You may not be able to teach an old dog a new trick, but you can teach your cat tricks commonly associated with dogs.

Signs of a Stressed-out Cat
From the Editors of The Daily Cat

Did you know that cats sometimes compulsively pull out their fur when they feel anxious? "Stress is a very big deal because it has a profound effect on all aspects of animals' experience," says Patricia B. McConnell. Stress can trigger feline reactions ranging in severity from hiding to self-mutilation. Just as humans need support during tough times, so do cats when feeling anxious

Understanding Why America Loves Animals, But Eats Them
Bonnie Erbe

A new book asks the question in the title, Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows, and then attempts to supply answers from a psychological perspective. Author and psychologist Melanie Joy has some pretty surprising answers to that question

Experts Share New Year's Resolutions for Pets
Steve Dale

Here are some New Year's resolutions for pets from luminaries in the pet world, readers of this column, and friends on my Facebook fan page

My Pet Resolutions For 2010
Steve Dale

Pet Resolutions For 2010 by Steve Dale

Wish-List For Pets for 2010
Steve Dale

More than resolutions, this might be better described as a Top-10 Wish List for Pets for 2010.

Animal Books for Your Pet-Loving Friends and Relatives
Steve Dale

Searching for last-minute gifts? How about books for your pet-loving friends and relatives, or maybe as presents to yourself? Here are some suggestions:

Scoop the Poop! Your Neighbors Will Thank You
Steve Dale

Already it's happening -- it snows and people don't pick up after their dogs. Doesn't that stuff carry disease?

Innovative Pet Gifts Sure to Please
Steve Dale

The economy may be in the doghouse, but the joy of giving to our pets hasn't diminished. Here are some new products to consider this holiday season

Holiday Pet Adoption Campaign Saves Many Lives
Steve Dale

Iams Home 4 the Holidays is arguably the most successful pet adoption campaign in history. Within the past decade, over 3 million pets have been adopted through the program. The goal this year is ...

Give A Gift From the Heart This Year - To A Charity That Benefits Pets

Let's face it, lots of people don't need a thing this holiday season. They have plenty of bottles of wine, more pairs of pajamas than they can wear and all the latest electronic gadgets. So, what can you do?

FIP Remains Fatal, But A New Drug is Being Tested
Steve Dale

Many cats, particularly kittens, come down with the enteric corona virus, which is benign; kitties get better on their own. However, in a small percentage of cats, the virus mutates into an auto-immune-like fatal disease called FIP. It's always been thought that FIP is rare. However, ...

Should We Worry About Pets Catching H1N1
Steve Dale

The fact that a single cat came down with the H1N1 is fascinating to scientists, veterinary infectious disease researchers and human virologists, but is this truly significant at all?

2009 National Dog Show Will Spotlight Work of Therapy Dogs
Steve Dale

The National Dog Show, presented by Purina, will air in a two-hour special on Thanksgiving Day, following the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on NBC, 12 p.m. ET. Arguably, even more than the legendary parade, the dog show, hosted by the Kennel Club of Philadelphia, has a little something for one everyone in the family. That's a rarity on TV these days

Home 4 The Holidays Pet Adoption Drive Saves Lives
Steve Dale

Iams kicked off its annual Home 4 the Holidays campaign with Academy Award-winning actress Hillary Swank proclaiming how wonderful it is to adopt a pet. But Mike Arms, president and CEO of the Helen Woodward Animal Center, Rancho Santa Fe, CA, deserves his own Oscar for saving lives

Cat Microchipping Effort Breaks Record
Steve Dale

Breaking the Guinness record book -- or maybe it's a Garfield record book -- 59,074 cats were microchipped and enrolled in the HomeAgain Pet Recovery Program from June through August. For the second consecutive summer, HomeAgain donated $1 per cat 'chipped to the non-profit Winn Feline Foundation.

Celebrating Feral Cats
Steve Dale

Domestic cats have been living with people for around for about 10,000 years, according to recently uncovered archeological evidence. Sometimes the cats provide great benefit. Credit cats for killing rats who spread the Great Plague. Today, we know living with housecats is beneficial for our health

Ian Dunbar Dogs' Best Friend and Advocate
By Steve Dale

You may not know Dr. Ian Dunbar, but your puppy sure thanks him. He's the one person who arguably most impacted dog training until Cesar Millan hit the scene a few years ago. Dunbar focuses on lure reward (dogs are lured with treats). In fact, this gray-haired veterinarian from Royal Veterinary College of London University single-handedly popularized puppy classes

Abandoned Pets Innocent Victims of the Housing Crisis
Steve Dale

Due to foreclosures and evictions, people have been losing their homes in record numbers. And when people are displaced, so are their pets. Now, many pets are paying the ultimate price. Feeling they have no choice, more and more struggling homeowners are abandoning their pets in empty homes.

Arrests Show Dog Fighting Surprisingly Widespread
Steve Dale

Michael Vick's arrest for fighting dogs shocked America. Unfortunately, two recent dog-fighting busts are arguably more shocking, though they haven't received the same national press. Over 300 dogs were confiscated in the biggest dog-fighting bust ever, encompassing eight states.

Legendary Trainer Thinks Dog Training Might be in Trouble
By Steve Dale

Dr. Ian Dunbar fears dog training may be going down the tubes. Dunbar, arguably the most influential dog trainer of the past four decades, shifted the standard from punishment-based techniques to positive lure reward training, motivating through food and toys. Dunbar first appeared on the scene when most dogs weren't even trained at all.

Survey Offers Some Surprises on Pet Ownership
By Steve Dale

Despite the economic downturn, America's pet population continues to rise, according to the just released 2009-2010 American Pet Products Association (APPA) National Pet Owners Survey.

10 Best Places to Live for Pet Lovers
Kimberly Palmer

For the 4 in 10 American families that own at least one dog, choosing a place to live isn't just about the humans in the family: They want their pets to be happy, too. Green spaces and good weather make pets -- and their owners -- happy.

Jail Behind Him, Will a New Michael Vick Finally Emerge
Steve Dale

The majority of fans contended their disgust with Michael Vick. Yet, I wonder how many season ticket holders would actually cancel, and how many would turn off their TVs on Sunday afternoons. I argue, it's a sad reality that there may be an increase in seats filled and TV ratings might shoot up, especially if the team signing Vick has little else to offer.

New Vaccine Will Fight Canine Influenza
Steve Dale

The flu season is here, and vaccination may be a good idea - for your dog. A first ever vaccine to fight off canine influenza was announced at a press conference during the American Veterinary Medical Association Convention in Seattle, WA.

Who Knew? Cat's Meow Had Subtext
Ana Veciana-Suarez

In any case, cat behavior made headlines recently when a university study, published in Current Biology, concluded that household cats control us with 'a certain type of urgent-sounding, high-pitched meow,' described as a purr mixed with a cry. For the uninitiated, it sounds a lot like a human infant bawling.

Pet Airways

Pet Airways - Flying with Fido and Fifi
Ed Perkins

All the recent publicity about the start of Pet Airways raises the question of exactly how to transport pets when you're flying. My basic advice -- as a dog owner for nearly 40 years -- is, 'Unless you can't avoid it, don't.' But you sometimes can't avoid it, so here are your options.

 

Here Are Some Exotic Pets You Can Actually Live With
By Steve Dale

Here are five relative newcomers to the pet world. Perhaps their exotic appeal is bringing a little of the wild world into our concrete jungles

Avoid Summer Hazards for Pets
By Steve Dale

You can have hot fun in the summertime with your pets, but if the heat is on, your pets could potentially be in danger. Here are some tips for keeping your pets safe in summer

New Initiatives Tout Value of Microchipping Pets
By Steve Dale

A microchip is a permanent form of identification; it's the size of a grain of rice and is implanted just under a pet's skin by a veterinarian. Estimates are that somewhere around half of all dogs in the U.S. are microchipped, yet less then 10 percent of cats have chips.

Tick Numbers Climbing, Even in Urban Areas
By Steve Dale

Ticks, and the diseases they transmit, are now in all 50 states. And experts concur that their numbers are rising. Dr. Dwight Bowman, a veterinary parisitologist at Cornell University, says that a general increase in wildlife numbers -- including deer, wild turkey, raccoon and other animals -- intersecting with suburbia likely has the most impact

Excellence in Veterinary Medicine
By Steve Dale

Presenters offered the latest news in veterinary medicine. Here are a few highlights

Advances in Veterinary Medicine Helping Pets Live Longer, Healthier Lives
By Steve Dale

There's little doubt pets are living longer than ever before, and advances in veternary medicine clearly are one explanation

Use Treats to Break Dog's Barking Habit
By Steve Dale

My 11-pound American Eskimo dog Foxy barks constantly when she sees another dog outside. Foxy may have simply trained you to let her out to see her friends. Foxy's "issue" may be more complex.

Treating Cats with a Heartworm Preventative
By Steve Dale

My vet suggests I treat my cat, Sasha, with a heartworm preventative. Sasha is an indoor-only cat. I've never heard of this before

Tampa Tops List of Cat-Friendly Cities
By Steve Dale

Dogs may have the claim as our best friends, but Americans' favorite companions are cats. There are more pet cats than dogs in the U.S. (81.7 million cats vs. 71.2 million dogs). Tampa, FL, topped the list, followed by Phoenix; San Francisco, CA; Portland, OR; Denver, CO; Boston, MA; Seattle, WA; San Diego, CA; Atlanta, GA, and Minneapolis, MN.

Questions Answered at the American Animal Hospital Association Conference
By Steve Dale

These pet-related questions were answered at the American Animal Hospital Association Conference May 26-29 at the Phoenix Convention Center. The AAHA supports excellence in veterinary care.

Heartworm Disease on the Rise
By Steve Dale

Experts stop short of calling it an epidemic, but the newly-released results of a nationwide survey indicate that the number of heartworm cases is rising. As a result, it's also likely that more pets are dying of the disease. The tragedy is, heartworm disease in dogs, cats and ferrets is totally preventable.

Dog Owners Share Some Smelly Stories
By Steve Dale

A few weeks back, reader K.S. in Atlanta offered her personal view that dogs' paws smell like Fritos, which sparked an onslaught of email and other comments directed to my Facebook page. I received around 100 comments, and still the controversy rages!

Positive Reinforcement Beats Force in Training Dogs & Cats
By Steve Dale

Cesar Millan, TV's 'dog whisperer,' seems to have success by forcing dogs into what he calls submission. Many veterinary professionals and groomers use the same technique. However, the outcome of force may cause a previously content and amicable dog or cat to develop other problems.

Bone Up Before You Buy: Read About Pet Care Before Bringing Home That Cute Dog or Cat
By Steve Dale

'Tis the season for adding a furry member to you family. But wait! Before you bring home that dog or cat, do your homework and learn how to integrate the pet into your family. Once you do adopt a pet, learning about care and training are imperative. Here are some great new books to help along the way.

Humans May Owe Very Existence to Dogs
By Steve Dale

Whether or not you like dogs, you can thank a canine for your very existence, according to Stanley Coren, a psychology professor at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. Without the domestication of canines, early man might never have survived at all, Coren theorizes.

Cat's Quirky Eating, Drinking Habits Not Unusual or Harmful
By Steve Dale

This entire column is devoted to cats. The first two questions were answered at a meeting of the CATalyst Council at the headquarters of the American Veterinary Medical Association. CATalyst is a non-profit organization devoted to elevating the status of cats.

Cat Overpopulation Remains a Problem, Especially in Summer
By Steve Dale

In 1975, American Humane, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting children and animals, designated June as Adopt-a-Cat month. "Cat overpopulation was a real issue, a big problem back then," says Dena Fitzgerald, publications and communications manager at American Humane. "Unfortunately [today], most shelters are still over-filled with cats."