Heather's ID tag is unreadable, even though it's less than a year old. I blame the fact that she's always in water -- she's a retriever, so she can't help herself -- for the metal's corrosion. I think... more
While you can't completely turn a "skitty kitty" into a lazy lap-cat, you can do a lot to tame a feisty feline -- if you're patient and educate yourself in the basics of cat body language before you s... more
If you're looking for suggestions on silly holiday gifts for your pet, you're barking up the wrong tree. Every year I get dozens of calls and e-mails from retailers and manufacturers who want me to wr... more
The truth about cats and dogs is that while a few of them will fight like ... well, you know, most of them can learn to live together peacefully, even happily, in the same household.... more
Emergency veterinary clinic are often pretty exciting places, even over the holidays. While staying busy makes the time go by more quickly, I'd bet that the staff of most emergency clinics would rathe... more
If you want to save money on pet care, you need to work on preventing illness instead having it treated after health problems have advanced. By practicing preventive care, you will save money, and you... more
Iguanas are relatively inexpensive pets to acquire, which makes them popular for children. But caring for them properly is neither cheap nor easy, and there the problems start.... more
Children love pets, and parents love their children. So it's no surprise that many parents give in to their kids' desires (or in some cases, demands) for a pet of their very own.... more
Just as vacations with children are different from adults-only trips, vacationing with your dog works out better if you plan the journey with an eye to finding places where your pets are truly welcome... more
We spend millions of dollars every year to fill feline litter boxes. We fill them with products made from all sorts of absorbent materials along with additives to help with cleanup and smells.... more
The people who lived in my home before I did were more into children than pets, and for months after I moved in, I got lots of catalogs for kid stuff. Most of them were for toys, clothes or furniture,... more
As the days grow shorter and the nights grow colder, you may observe something that seems odd for a body preparing for winter: Your dog is shedding more than usual.... more
Late last year, in the midst of a relationship that was starting to feel like something permanent, I made a rather bold decision: I bought a new bed.... more
Most sunny weekends I can be sure that at some point I'll hear a gentle knock on my front door. I know who it is, so I quickly put the three big dogs out the back door so as not to scare my little vis... more
In 40-plus years of sharing my life with pets, I've been bitten twice, both times by my own dogs. In each case the perpetrator was attempting to settle a dispute with another canine family member when... more
Gravity being what it is, even a creature made for flying spends a lot of time on his feet. This is why it's a shame that too many bird lovers give perches too little thought, forcing their pets to sp... more
Summer is when families prefer to move, hustling to clear out of the old place and settle into a new one before the school year begins. As summer passes its midway point, the heat turns up on those wh... more
I'm often asked how I've come to know so much about pets. After all, I'm not a veterinarian, nor do I have a degree in biology or animal behavior. But I do have a degree that has taught me how to ask ... more
On my recent vacation I left my own pets at home and spent a week on the other side of the country, nearly biting my tongue clean through while trying to keep from lecturing a friend there on how to b... more
In the summer, I get a lot of questions about puppies from people who realize that this season is a great time for adding to the family. Long days, no school, warm weather -- what could be better?... more
Some of the most interesting people I've met in my years spent writing about pets are those who have turned their passion for animals into their life's work.... more
One thing everyone agrees on when it comes to animal rescue groups and how they operate: Everyone wants what's best for the animals who need new homes.... more
When shopping for a new one, ask yourself if a more economical model will meet your needs. And before you buy, be sure to check how often the brands you're considering are likely to break down.... more
As much as I hate foxtails, I have to admit that their design is nothing short of amazing. And besides, admiring them is much better than swearing when I'm gripping a comb and easing dozens of them ou... more
After I wrote about pet-rescue groups, I got quite a few e-mails of support, most from people who are themselves rescue volunteers and were happy to see their efforts acknowledged and publicized. But ... more