Husbandry

Most people are much more concerned about the potential for wildlife attacks than for dog bites. From Kansas to California, folks worry about mountain lions while the number of attacks in North America only amount to about five per year, with perhaps one fatality. In contrast, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates [...]

Skin problems on pets can be frustrating to diagnose and even more troublesome to treat.
The most common reason for an itchy dog or cat is fleas.
Flea allergies are much more common than food allergies, according to Dr. Domenico Santoro of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Even an indoor dog or cat can [...]

Sit!
Sit!
A few year ago, trainers may have forced a dog to learn the command “sit” by placing his hand on the animal’s rump. Today’s methods are quite different, according to Dr. Pamela Reid.
“We no longer use physical manipulation because we have realized that reward-based training is much more successful.”
As example, Dr. Reid points out that [...]

Dogs and cats have similar needs to children when traveling in a car, but there are a few differences to keep in mind.
Although you will not be pulled over by a police officer if you don’t, “it might be a good idea to invest in a pet-friendly seat-belt,” advises Dr. Melissa Riensche, a small animal [...]

Confused about your dog’s vaccinations? You are not alone. Many pet owners are uncertain about what vaccines are necessary, advisable or discretionary.
Dr. Arnon Gal of the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, Illinois explains that vaccines fall into three categories: core, non-core, and those that are not recommended due to lack of efficacy [...]

Please, Don’t Go!
That’s what dogs with separation anxiety are saying when they notice their owners grabbing car keys and heading for the door. This behavior disorder, which is often confused with other behavior problems linked with too little exercise or under socialization, is one of the biggest problems behaviorists see today.
“The most obvious feature [...]

Dog owners are bombarded by countless brands — Purina, Hills, Eukanuba, Iams, and the list continues. How do owners decide between lamb and rice, prime cuts in gravy, or all natural? What about a $7 generic feed, or a premium brand for $20?
All complete foods marketed for dogs must meet the minimal AAFCO [...]

Dogs have ways of communicating or “talking” when they meet. They stand tall with their tails up and try to stare each other down. They are deciding who is top dog, or leader. If one rolls over, it is saying to the other “You’re top dog.”
Dogs by Gail Gibbons

Federal health experts recently declared the United States to be rid of one strain of the deadly rabies virus: dog-specific rabies. This strain is responsible for dog-to-dog transmission of the disease.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it has been over two years since a confirmed case of canine-rabies was seen in the country. [...]

In preparation for autumn and winter weather, many of the things we use to winterize homes, gardens and vehicles are potentially toxic to pets.
Cool autumn breezes may lead rodents and other pests to seek refuge in heated homes, but the pesticides and rodenticides used to rid homes of these unwanted pests could potentially be [...]