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How Do I Stop My Puppy from Biting?

Puppies are adorable, silly, and full of energy - but sometimes, their little needle teeth can be a lot to handle. If your new furry friend keeps using you as a chew toy, you’re definitely not alone.Why Do Puppies Bite?There are several reasons puppies bite:Exploration and play: Puppies use their mouths to interact with their environment, just as they did with their littermates.Teething discomfort: Between 3 and 6 months, puppies lose their baby teeth and grow adult ones. Chewing helps soothe sore gums.Excitement or frustration: Puppies are still learning impulse control. Sometimes, biting is just how they express big feelings.In a litter, puppies learn bite inhibition by playing with each other - when one bites too hard, the other yelps and stops playing. That’s where your training starts.Step 1: Teach That Biting Ends the FunIf your puppy bites you during play, let out a sharp, high-pitched “ow!” - mimicking the way littermates would react - and immediately stop the interaction. Turn away or walk out of the room for a few seconds.This teaches your puppy that biting ends the fun, and over time, they’ll begin to soften their bite - or stop entirely. And don't forget that consistency is key: every family member should react the same way so your puppy receives a clear message.Step 2: Redirect with Chew ToysAlways have appropriate chew toys on hand. If your puppy goes for your fingers or clothes, calmly offer a toy instead. This helps them learn what’s okay to chew.Try a variety of textures - plush toys for soft chewers, rubber toys for teething relief.Rotate toys to keep them interesting.Reinforce good choices by praising your pup when they chew the right thing.

Tips for Managing Kidney Disease in Cats

Have you noticed that your once playful cat is recently becoming a little less energetic than usual? Are they spending more time at the water bowl? If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for signs of trouble in your cat’s behavior. After all, these small changes can sometimes be warning signs of a larger underlying issue. More specifically, these are signs often associated with kidney disease.Despite being surprisingly common in cats, especially those in their senior years, kidney disease isn’t a minor issue. This serious health challenge can significantly impact their quality of life. This post will offer practical advice and support to help you understand and manage kidney disease in your best friend, empowering you to ensure they can continue to live their best life after diagnosis.Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Disease Early detection of kidney disease in cats is crucial, allowing you to address the problem before it becomes more advanced and harder to manage. The difficulty in catching this disease early is that the initial signs can be subtle and often mimic normal aging. This can make it incredibly challenging to catch in senior cats, who are the highest risk factor. One of the first signs is an increase in thirst and urination, medically known as polydipsia and polyuria. You may notice your cat spending more time at the water bowl, the bowl needing to be filled regularly, or larger, more frequent clumps in the litter box. This is an excellent example of why, as a loving cat parent, you need to pay careful attention to your cat’s eating, drinking, and bathroom habits. They can often act as an early warning sign of trouble. Some other early warning signs include: Loss of appetiteWeight loss LethargyDecreased grooming habits DepressionRestlessness, especially at night As the disease progresses, more severe signs may emerge. Common symptoms of advanced kidney disease include vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration. This is a dangerous cycle for your cat to become trapped in, as dehydration itself can make kidney problems worse. Other signs of advanced disease include oral ulcers and a distinct, unpleasant odor in their breath, often referred to as uremic breath. If you notice any of these symptoms, even seemingly minor ones, take them seriously. Contact your veterinarian and explain your concerns. Even if it’s found that your cat is just experiencing the impact of aging, it will still provide you with important information to help improve their quality of life. Diagnostic Tests and Procedures When your veterinarian suspects your cat may be suffering from kidney disease, they can use several diagnostic tools to confirm that diagnosis and assess the extent of any kidney damage. Blood tests are generally the first step and the cornerstone of this process. Specifically, they will test the creatinine levels and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in the blood as these waste products accumulate in the bloodstream when the kidneys aren’t functioning properly. Your vet will also check phosphorus levels, as elevated phosphorus can contribute to further kidney damage. Finally, they may test the proportion of red blood cells in the total blood volume, also called the packed cell volume (PCV), as it can help assess for anemia, a common complication of kidney disease. Next, they will conduct urine tests to better understand your cat’s kidney function. They will test the concentration as diluted urine is common in cats with kidney disease. Protein levels in your cat’s urine can also indicate trouble, as healthy kidneys would work to prevent protein from leaking into the urine. Blood pressure monitoring is a crucial part of the diagnostic process, as high blood pressure is both a cause and a consequence of kidney disease. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend X-rays or an ultrasound. X-rays can be used to identify whether there has been a change in kidney size or if any kidney stones are present. Ultrasounds make it easier to assess the internal structures of your cat’s kidneys and ensure there are no abnormalities or reasons to be concerned. It’s important to remember that these tests aren’t meant to overwhelm you but rather to give your vet a clear picture of your cat’s kidney health. Completing all the necessary testing will help stage the disease and create a personalized treatment plan. Supporting Your Cat’s Kidney Health with their DietOne of the most important things you can do as part of your cat’s care team (after all, you and your veterinarian are a team) is to focus on dietary management. Unlike standard cat foods, renal diets are specially formulated to address their unique nutritional needs. They are typically lower in phosphorus, restricted in protein, and supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids, all of which play an essential role in slowing the progression of kidney damage and maintaining overall health. As already mentioned, high phosphorus levels can worsen kidney damage and contribute to other health complications. When damaged, the kidneys struggle to eliminate any excess phosphorus in the body, one of their key roles, which can cause it to build up. Renal diets are formulated to minimize phosphorus intake, but may not be enough. Your veterinarian may also recommend medications called phosphate binders that help to reduce the amount of phosphorus your cat absorbs from their food. Protein management may seem counterproductive, considering the fact senior cats generally struggle to maintain muscle mass as they get older. However, excessive protein can actually overload your cat’s kidneys, pushing them to work harder and ultimately causing further damage. Instead, the ideal diet will balance providing the high-quality protein your cat needs while reducing the burden on the kidneys. Most renal foods will be supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids. However, your vet may recommend additional supplementation, especially if they feel the levels offered by the food won’t be sufficient to see the benefits. They may also suggest a supplement for B vitamins. One challenge many cat parents face is that cats can be picky eaters! This has been an ongoing struggle in our house with my sweet senior girl, Pippen, who has big opinions on the brand and flavor of her meals. While a renal diet is clearly the best option in most cases, your cat may have other plans. What do you do then? Here are some solutions that can help encourage your cat to eat more: Warm their food slightly can help release enticing smellsExperiment with different textures and flavorsOffer smaller but more frequent mealsChange the dish you use or where they are being fedElevate their food dish in case they are reluctant due to aches and pains Try hand-feeding If your cat is still reluctant to eat after trying all the options listed, reach out to your veterinarian. They may be able to offer advice on additional strategies or prescribe an appetite stimulant.

Food Allergies vs. Sensitivities in Cats: What’s the Difference?

You know your cat better than anyone. You’ve memorized the way they nap in their favorite sunspot, the sound of their little meow asking for breakfast, and the gentle purr that starts when you scratch under their chin. But recently, something has been off. Maybe you’ve noticed they are scratching a lot, their usually glossy coat is starting to look dull, or they are struggling with a digestive issue that seems to come and go. Whatever the concern, your first instinct is to find out why. If you’re here, you likely suspect the recent changes in your cat might be related to their food. That’s a great start – but what next? It’s easy to get lost in the sea of information, especially when you start hearing terms like “food allergy” and “food sensitivity” tossed around with no real definition of what they actually mean. If your cat’s condition is food-related, understanding the difference between these two conditions is the most important step you can take toward a real solution. This post will break down the science behind food allergies and sensitivities, help you recognize the signs of trouble, and outline a plan of action for working with your vet to get your kitty feeling their best again. Food Allergy vs. Food SensitivityTo understand how to help your cat, you need to know what’s happening inside their body after they eat. While the symptoms can often look similar, a food allergy and a food sensitivity are two very different conditions. The key difference lies in the body’s reaction to the food. A food allergy is an immune system reaction.  This happens when your cat’s body mistakes a specific protein in a food as a dangerous invader. This mistaken identity triggers their immune system to launch a defensive attack, creating antibodies to fight off the perceived threat. The result is a chain reaction that releases inflammatory chemicals, like histamine, throughout the body. These chemicals are responsible for the symptoms we see, like intense itching, inflamed skin, ear infections, digestive problems, and other more severe complications. Allergies often develop after being exposed to an ingredient over a prolonged time. For example, a cat who has been eating the same chicken-based food for years might suddenly develop an allergy to the chicken protein. In contrast, a food sensitivity, or food intolerance, is strictly a digestive issue. The immune system is not involved. With a sensitivity, your cat’s digestive system simply struggles to break down and process a particular ingredient. This could be because they lack the specific enzyme necessary to break down the food or because the ingredient itself irritates their digestive tract. Either way, it leaves them feeling “off.” Luckily, because a sensitivity isn’t an immune reaction, the symptoms are generally less severe and are primarily confined to the digestive system. You’ll typically see vomiting, diarrhea, gas, or general discomfort in the abdomen. While a sensitivity isn’t going to affect the entire body like a food allergy can, it can still be very uncomfortable for your cat and significantly impact their quality of life. Food sensitivities can be immediate or can build up over time, gradually getting worse as they are exposed to the trigger. It’s always important to distinguish this from an allergy so you can take the right steps to give your cat much-needed relief. Red Flags to Watch Out For Noticing when something is “off” with your cat is one of the most critical parts of being a responsible pet parent. However, the symptoms of a food allergy or sensitivity can be sneaky and often overlap with other conditions. Knowing what to look for and how to distinguish between the two conditions can make a significant difference. Common Symptoms Shared by Both Many of the symptoms of food allergies and sensitivities are similar, which is why it can be so difficult to tell the two apart. The most frequent signs you may notice include: Skin Issues: This is one of the most common signs of trouble. You might see your cat scratching or licking excessively, which can lead to hair loss, red and inflamed skin, or small scabs, primarily around their head, neck, and ears. Digestive Distress: This includes vomiting, diarrhea, gas, or a general lack of appetite. While these can be caused by many things, when they are chronic and not easily explained, they may point to a food-related issue. Chronic Ear Infections: Recurring ear infections that don’t respond well to treatment or keep coming back are a classic sign of an underlying allergy. Recognizing Symptoms of a True Food AllergyWhile allergies can present with digestive issues, they often manifest with more widespread and intense symptoms due to the full-body immune response. Severity and Specific Location: The itching from a food allergy tends to be more severe and often localized to the face, ears, and neck. Constant scratching can cause damage to the skin, leading to secondary infections. Systemic Effects: In rare cases, a true allergic reaction can also lead to respiratory problems like sneezing or wheezing. You may also notice swelling, particularly around the face. Regardless of the cause, if your cat ever has difficulty breathing, it should be treated as an emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention. Symptoms More Indicative of a Food SensitivityA food sensitivity, or intolerance, may involve some minor skin irritation. However, the symptoms are much more focused on the digestive tract. Gastrointestinal Problems: With a sensitivity, diarrhea and vomiting are often the main concerns. The symptoms are the direct result of the body’s inability to properly digest the specific food or ingredient. These symptoms won’t typically be accompanied by the intense, widespread itching that is often seen with a food allergy. Less Widespread: Unlike an allergy, a sensitivity is generally confined to the digestive issues, meaning you are less likely to see any larger-scale skin reactions or other body-wide symptoms. Many of these signs can also be caused by other problems, such as hairballs, eating something they shouldn’t, or switching foods too quickly. They could also be a sign of intestinal parasites or health concerns, like pancreatitis, colitis, or a blockage caused by a foreign body. While you should avoid jumping to conclusions, the only way to know for sure what is causing your cat’s problems is to make an appointment with your veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis.

5 Toys Your Cat Will Love

Cats are curious, energetic creatures that need both mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy. If you're looking to spoil your feline friend or just want to keep them entertained while you're busy, here are five highly-rated toys that cats (and their humans) rave about.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

Do Cats Make the Purr-fect Therapy Animals?

Therapy dogs are trained to provide support and affection to people in hospitals, care centers, hospices, and nursing homes. While dogs make amazing therapy pets, therapy cats are becoming increasingly popular in animal-assisted therapy. Dogs are widely used to comfort people and help them recover from physical and mental health problems. Like therapy dogs, therapy cats reduce stress and loneliness and offer comfort and companionship. They are recommended for people afraid of dogs or larger therapy animals, like horsesTherapy cats are often taken into unpredictable environments filled with unfamiliar people. That’s exactly the type of setting that can stress a typical cat.Unlike dogs, cats tend to value their territory more than their relationship with humans or other cats. Cats also prefer predictability and stable environments. However, more and more cats can be seen traveling alongside their owners. These felines not only tolerate but flourish in environments that were once believed to be stressful for them. So, what’s up with these cats, and why are they so different? A 2021 study found that some cats can benefit from their owners’ presence in stressful situations and new environments. Animal behavioral researcher, Alexandra Behnke, found that nearly half of the 42 cats tested showed signs of the secure base effect, a bond that helps reduce stress and inspires cats to explore new surroundings when reunited with their owner. This bond could be the thing helping therapy cats feel at ease in new environments. In a recent study, Joni Delanoeije, a researcher in human animal interaction, investigated how therapy cats differ from the average pet cat. The study analyzed data related to 474 cats. Of those cats, 12 had offered animal-assisted services. This study found that therapy cats are friendlier with both people and other cats, more attention-seeking, and less opposed to being restrained.These findings suggest that certain personality traits, like being sociable and easygoing, could make some cats better at handling interactions with people in unfamiliar environments. On the downside, only a small number of therapy cats were involved in this study, and we need more research to lock in any solid answers.Let’s not forget that therapy cats have strong and trusting bonds with their owners. It seems that early socialization and training are also important for preparing cats to deal with the uncertain nature of service work.However, even if a cat possesses all of these traits, it can still face challenges in therapy. A 2023 study of cat-assisted services found that even the best therapy cats may struggle in practice. This study found that 68% of owners ended the visit early when they thought it best for the cat. Owners in this study also reported having strong bonds with their felines. This connection is most likely the reason behind the cat’s ability to adapt, providing a sense of safety and predictability in a potentially difficult situation.Cats are different from dogs in many ways. They have different social needs, temperament, and adaptability. Although these differences must be considered during selection for therapy work, they also come with advantages. For example, therapy cats can be more beneficial to people who are afraid of dogs or those who see themselves as “cat people.”Both cats and dogs elicit similar levels of happiness, but dog images evoke significantly more fear. Fear of dogs could diminish the effects of dog-assisted therapy for some people, making cats a great alternative. Dogs might be the traditional therapy animal, but cats also have what it takes to help people feel better. With a bit of training and the right temperament, cats can soothe and offer support to people of all ages. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

The Pros and Cons of Catios for Feline Companions

“Catio” is a cute term for an enclosed patio for cats—in other words, it’s a “cat patio.” It can stand on its own as an outdoor cat enclosure, or it can be connected to a window or door that leads to your backyard space. Either way, it lets your kitty spend time outside while remaining safely confined.

Patio-Worthy Picks to Keep Your Pooch Chill This Summer

Flea and Tick Season Is Here: How to Protect Your Pets

As spring arrives and the days grow warmer, most of us start spending more time outdoors - and so do our pets. Long walks, backyard lounging, hiking adventures, and open windows become the norm. But with all that sunshine and fresh air comes something a little less welcome: flea and tick season.

How to Keep Your Dog Safe from Ticks This Summer

When the sun is shining and the trails are calling, nothing beats outdoor adventures with your pup. But as fun as nature walks, dog park visits, and backyard playtime can be, they also bring a hidden danger: ticks. These tiny parasites latch onto dogs (and humans!) to feed on their blood. They can transmit serious illnesses like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and anaplasmosis.Here’s a comprehensive guide to tick prevention and protection every pet parent should follow.Disclosure: PetGuide may receive a small affiliate commission from purchases made via links in this article but at no cost to you. 

How to Choose the Right Pet for Your Lifestyle

Bringing a pet into your life is exciting, but it's also a big decision. Pets aren't just cute companions; they depend on us for their health, happiness, and daily care. That’s why it’s so important to make sure the pet you choose actually fits your lifestyle, your home, and your long-term plans.Choosing thoughtfully can mean the difference between a joyful experience and a stressful one, for both you and your future pet. Here's what to think about before you say yes to a new furry (or scaly, or feathered) friend.Start by Looking at Your LifestyleBefore you even start thinking about breeds or species, ask yourself: what does a typical day look like for you?If you’re someone who loves being outside, running, hiking, or going on long walks, an active dog like a retriever or a border collie might be the perfect adventure buddy.But if your schedule is packed, you travel a lot, or you just love cozy nights at home, a lower-maintenance pet — like a cat, a hamster, or a fish - might be a better match.Be honest about how much time and energy you can consistently offer, not just on your best days, but every day.Think About Your HomeNext up: where do you live?Your living space plays a huge role in what kind of pet will thrive with you.If you’re in an apartment, a giant dog who needs room to run might not be the best fit.Smaller pets like birds, reptiles, or small mammals can often do great in smaller spaces, as long as their setups are thoughtfully designed.

Cairn Terriers Are Just So WICKED!

Resurgence of everything "Oz" has us remembering a four-legged heroine who stole our hearts.

Dog Stick Libraries... They Really Are a Thing

For stick-loving dogs, the opportunity to pick his favorite size, shape, and weight of timber, is bringing the fun back to leash-free parks.

Why Is My Pet Bird Losing Feathers?

Feather loss in pet birds can be alarming. Their vibrant plumage is part of what makes them so striking - and when feathers start falling out unexpectedly, it’s often a sign that something’s wrong. While some feather loss is completely normal, other cases may point to a health issue, environmental stress, or behavioral problem.Here’s what you need to know about the most common causes.Molting: Normal Feather LossThe most common reason birds lose feathers is molting, which is a natural process where old or damaged feathers are replaced by new ones. Most pet birds molt once or twice a year, and it can last for several weeks.During molting:You’ll see feathers at the bottom of the cageNew “pin feathers” may poke through the skinYour bird may seem a bit less active but should still be eating and behaving normallyWhen to worry: If the feather loss seems uneven, happens outside of molting season, or is focused in certain areas, it could be a sign of something else.Stress and Environmental FactorsBirds are highly sensitive to changes in their surroundings. Stress can lead to a behavioral issue called feather plucking, where the bird pulls out its own feathers.Possible stressors include:Loud noises or sudden changes in routineBoredom or lack of enrichmentA new pet or person in the householdInadequate lighting or poor cage placementDrafty rooms or fluctuating temperaturesBirds need a consistent day/night cycle, a quiet and safe environment, and regular mental stimulation to stay healthy - both physically and emotionally.

What's the Best Way to Stop My Cat's Hairballs?

It’s a struggle nearly every cat parent has experienced at least once. You’re enjoying a quiet evening, curled up on the couch, when you suddenly hear that distinctive retching sound. Your heart sinks a little knowing what’s coming, and sure enough, there it is: a slimy gift on your once-clean rug. A hairball.The unwelcome by-product of your cat’s dedicated grooming habits. While they may be common, that doesn’t make them any less gross or, more importantly, any less concerning for your cat’s well-being. While an occasional hairball might be a normal part of living with a cat, frequent or problematic hairballs should be taken seriously.In this post, I will explain exactly why hairballs happen and the potential risks associated with them that you should be familiar with. More importantly, I’ll share steps you can take to significantly reduce their frequency and help your cat lead a more comfortable, hairball-free life.Why Hairballs FormTo tackle hairballs, you must first understand how they are created. It all begins with your cat’s grooming habits, a cornerstone of feline hygiene. Cats are renowned for their cleanliness, spending a significant portion of their day meticulously grooming themselves. This process isn’t just about looking good; it’s essential for their skin and coat health.Their secret weapon to effective grooming is their tongue. A cat’s tongue isn’t smooth like ours; it’s covered in tiny, backward-facing spines called papillae. These spines act like a natural brush, running through the fur as they lick, snagging loose and dead hair, dirt, and debris.The Journey of Ingested HairAs your cat grooms, a certain amount of this loose hair is inevitably swallowed. For the most part, this ingested hair will pass harmlessly through their digestive system and be expelled in their waste. This is the ideal scenario, and it happens without a hitch for many cats.However, sometimes the hair doesn’t make it all the way through. When a significant amount of hair accumulates in the stomach, it can clump together, forming a dense, compact mass that your cat’s digestive system can no longer process or pass. This is what we know as a hairball, or scientifically, a trichobezoar. At this point, your cat’s body recognizes that it is something that needs to be expelled, triggering the familiar retching, and you know the rest…Why Some Cats Form More Hairballs Than OthersWhile every cat grooms and ingests some hair, certain factors can significantly increase the likelihood that your cat will be unable to pass this hair, leading to hairball formation. This includes:Coat length and type: This is perhaps the most obvious factor. Long-haired breeds, like Maine Coons, Persians, or Ragdolls, naturally shed and ingest far more hair during grooming than their short-haired counterparts. More hair going in means a higher chance of a hairball forming.Shedding season: Just like us, cats experience seasonal shedding. During these high shedding periods, typically in spring and fall, the sheer volume of loose hair they ingest skyrockets, making hairballs more prevalent.Grooming habits: Sometimes, a cat may groom excessively, causing them to ingest more hair than usual. This over-grooming isn’t always about cleanliness. It can be a symptom of underlying issues like stress, anxiety, allergies, skin irritations, or even pain in a particular area. Addressing the root cause of the over-grooming is essential if you want to reduce hairballs.Underlying health issues: Less commonly, a cat’s digestive system might not function as it should. Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), other digestive tract issues, parasites, or even dental problems that make eating uncomfortable can hinder the normal passage of the ingested hair through the intestines. This, of course, makes it more likely to accumulate in the stomach and form a hairball.When Hairballs Become a Concern Hairballs may not be a pleasant experience, but an occasional hairball is nothing to be too concerned about. However, as cat parents, we must learn how to recognize the fine line between a regular occurrence and a potential health concern.  Normal vs. Problematic HairballsFor most cats, especially those with longer coats or during shedding seasons, producing a small hairball every now and then can be expected. Think of it as their natural way of clearing out the ingested hair that didn’t make it through the digestive tract. However, if your cat starts producing hairballs frequently (for instance, several times a month or multiple times a week), you should consider it a red flag. Similarly, if the hairballs are unusually large or they are accompanied by other noticeable changes in your cat’s health or behavior, it’s time to pay closer attention. These are signs that something more might be going on, suggesting that your cat’s system isn’t processing the hair effectively. Signs of Serious Hairball Issues If you notice any of the following symptoms combined with, or in place of, frequent hairballs, it’s a strong indication that there may be bigger concerns requiring prompt vet attention: Frequent vomiting (beyond just hairballs): If your cat consistently throws up food or bile, even without producing a hairball, it suggests a broader digestive upset or other underlying medical issues. Straining to defecate or constipation: Hairballs can sometimes become lodged in the intestines, making it difficult for your cat to pass stool. You might notice them repeatedly trying to use the litter box unsuccessfully. Loss of appetite or weight loss: A significant decrease in food intake or noticeable weight loss is a serious red flag, often signaling a gastrointestinal blockage or other significant health issue causing discomfort. Lethargy or hiding: A sudden change in your cat’s energy levels, becoming unusually sluggish, withdrawn, or hiding more than usual, can be a sign of pain or illness. Persistent coughing or gagging (without producing a hairball): This symptom is particularly concerning, as it could be a sign of a partial obstruction in the throat or esophagus, or even a respiratory issue mimicking hairball attempts. Bloated or painful abdomen: A swollen, distended, or tender belly is a critical sign of a severe blockage or other abdominal problem. Diarrhea: While less commonly associated directly with hairballs, persistent diarrhea can also signal overall gut upset that might be contributing to or exacerbated by hairball issues. The Danger of Intestinal Blockages The most significant risk associated with hairballs is the potential for an intestinal blockage, also known as an obstruction. This occurs when a hairball becomes too large or dense to pass safely through the narrow space of your cat’s intestines, getting stuck and completely blocking the digestive tract. This isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s a genuine medical emergency that can quickly become life-threatening. An intestinal blockage prevents food and waste from moving through, leading to severe pain, dehydration, tissue damage, and potentially rupture of the intestine. If left untreated, it can be fatal. This medical emergency almost always requires immediate vet intervention, which often includes surgery to remove the obstruction. This is why it is so critical that cat parents learn to recognize the signs of trouble and seek veterinary care without delay if they suspect something may be wrong.

Signs of Illness in Pet Rats

Pet rats are super cute, loads of fun, and very smart, but like all pets, you need to be aware of the health problems they might develop, especially as they get older. Plus, many diseases are spread between rats or caused by improper housing conditions, so being aware of the potential infections they can develop will be useful in helping to keep them healthy.

Pyrenees Becomes Super-Hero After Finding Toddler Missing in Desert

Portly Pyrenees ranch-hand find missing toddler while doing the rounds... and brings him home.

Best Dog Breeds for Those With Anxiety

Time and time again, research has shown that pets can be good for your mental health. Pet parents turn to their animals when stressed, and value their animals as much as family. Pets can improve your well-being, and dogs can tell when you’re stressed. So, it should come as no surprise that dogs can provide benefits to those who experience anxiety. 

China's Puppy Mountain Pix Go Viral

Resting pooch by Yangtze River draws pet loving tourists.