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Prevent food guarding: The AKC shares tips to avoid defensive behavior

Pets / Cats & Dogs News /

The urge for dogs to guard their food is natural. If you notice your dog is defensive of their toys or bed, it is important to take action to keep it from progressing.

To prevent your dog from food guarding, the American Kennel Club suggests the following tips:

Give your dog space during mealtime. Refrain from interacting with your pup ...Read more

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House cats with bird flu could pose a risk to public health

Pets / Cats & Dogs News /

More than 80 domestic cats, among many other types of mammals, have been confirmed to have had bird flu since 2022 — generally barn cats that lived on dairy farms, as well as feral cats and pets that spend time outdoors and likely caught it by hunting diseased rodents or wild birds.

Now, a small but growing number of house cats have gotten ...Read more

The AKC offers tips on how to keep your dog safe around Valentine’s Day

Pets / Cats & Dogs News /

Valentine’s Day is coming up and many homes will be filled with chocolates and flowers. Most dog owners are aware of the danger of giving chocolate to dogs, but accidents do happen and every year thousands of dogs are still seen at veterinary emergency rooms for chocolate ingestion.

Here are some tips to identify, prevent and treat ...Read more

Fair-weather pets: These states have seen the biggest change in cats surrendered to shelters

Pets / Cats & Dogs News /

The year has started fairly positively for the shelters and rescue facilities caring for homeless kitties. In most parts of the country, shelters recorded notably lower rates of cat surrenders in 2024 than in 2023 and 2022, with around 340,000 cats surrendered to shelters by December of last year, according to Shelter Animals Count's intake ...Read more

Tips to keep your dog from accidentally starting a fire

Pets / Cats & Dogs News /

During the winter months, everyone is trying to keep the heat in and the cold out. The use of heating devices and candles, while effective, can be a serious fire hazard. Especially with a four-legged friend running around.

The American Kennel Club offers these tips to help prevent home fires and keep your pets safe:

Install smoke detectors...Read more

Detroit council approves ban on selling dogs, cats at pet shops in city

Pets / Cats & Dogs News /

DETROIT — Detroit is banning the sale of dogs and cats at retail pet stores in the city, under a new ordinance the city council approved Tuesday.

In a unanimous vote, the council approved the measure, which still allows breeders to still sell dogs and cats directly to the public. Pet stores also could work with animal adoption groups to sell ...Read more

Audrey Richardson/Chicago Tribune/TNS

Does your feline think she's a tiger? 'Cats: Predators to Pets' exhibit shows she has a point

Pets / Cats & Dogs News /

CHICAGO -- The Field Museum’s lakefront building isn’t original to the “White City” constructed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, but its collection began as a permanent home for many of the items exhibited at that famous fair. One of these 19th century specimens, a taxidermy tiger, is now prominently displayed in an array of ...Read more

The Chihuahua: A Small Dog with a Big Personality

Pets / Cats & Dogs News /

The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, yet it carries itself with the confidence and charisma of a much larger dog. Known for their larger-than-life personalities and strong bond with their owners, Chihuahuas have become a beloved breed for many pet enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the ...Read more

The AKC offers socialization tips for your puppy

Pets / Cats & Dogs News /

Socializing your pup is an important part of being a responsible dog owner. Making sure your dog is comfortable and well-behaved around others is critical and should start early on in their training. It is key to start exposing your puppy to new people, places and situations as soon as you can for them to feel happy and confident throughout ...Read more

Understanding Separation Anxiety in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Pets / Cats & Dogs News /

Separation anxiety is a common behavioral condition in dogs that can lead to significant stress for both pets and their owners. It occurs when a dog becomes overly attached to their human companion and experiences extreme distress when left alone. This article will explore the causes, symptoms, and practical treatment strategies for managing ...Read more

Paris Hilton's foster dog is 'sliving her best life'

Pets / Cats & Dogs News /

Paris Hilton's foster dog is "sliving her best life" after she rescued the pooch amid the Los Angeles wildfires.

The 43-year-old socialite opened up her home to Chihuahua mix Zuzu, who was being cared for at the Pasadena Humane Society after her owners lost their homes in the devastating blazes and she fitted in so well to their household, she'...Read more

Hart Van Denburg/CPR News/KFF Health News/TNS

Dogs paired with providers at hospitals help ease staff and patient stress

Pets / Cats & Dogs News /

DENVER — Outside HCA HealthONE Rose medical center, the snow is flying. Inside, on the third floor, there’s a flurry of activity within the labor and delivery unit.

“There’s a lot of action up here. It can be very stressful at times,” said Kristina Fraser, an OB-GYN in blue scrubs.

Nurses wheel a very pregnant mom past.

“We’re ...Read more

Saving Beloved Pets Caught in Los Angeles Wildfires

Pets / Cats & Dogs News /

I knew it was a big ask when I reached out to Los Angeles area veterinarian Dr. Annie Harvilicz to see if she could talk to me. She's known by most as "Dr. Annie," and when a friend shared her social media posts showing her efforts to save animals caught in the raging fires, I knew people outside of greater Los Angeles had to know about her work...Read more

Tips on how to have a pet-friendly party

Pets / Cats & Dogs News /

Dog owners need to make sure their pups are cared for during get-togethers with friends and family.

Here are some tips from the American Kennel Club to make sure your dog and your guests have an enjoyable and safe party experience.

Let your guests know. When setting up your celebration, make sure you remind all your guests that your dog ...Read more

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A wave of cat deaths from bird flu prompts new rules on pet food production

Pets / Cats & Dogs News /

LOS ANGELES — As experts continue monitoring and surveying the environment and the nation's food supply for H5N1 bird flu, a rash of dead cats has many officials on edge.

From pet cats in Los Angeles County and Oregon to captive wild cats in Washington and Colorado, dozens of felines have died as a result of consuming H5N1-infected raw pet ...Read more

Vaccine hesitancy among pet owners is growing – a public health expert explains why that matters

Pets / Cats & Dogs News /

When most people think about vaccines, they typically think about humans: Experts warn that when large numbers of people are unvaccinated, it can lead to severe consequences, including disease outbreaks and higher rates of illness and death, particularly among the most vulnerable. The economic costs to society can also be substantial.

...Read more

New year’s resolutions for you and your pup

Pets / Cats & Dogs News /

The start of every year brings a list of resolutions to live better and healthier lives. Here are eight achievable new year resolutions for you and your dogs.

Go on regular walks with your dog. Fitness is important for both dogs and people! Obesity is the number one preventable health issue in dogs today. The exercise recommended most to ...Read more

Amanda McCoy/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/TNS

What does racial bias have to do with pet adoptions?

Pets / Cats & Dogs News /

It’s been said that it’s easier to buy a firearm than to adopt a rescue animal in this country.

Once your internet search has steered you to a pup who pinches your heart, congratulations! You’ve found The One. Now get ready to be questioned.

The vetting may include lengthy application forms, in-home visits and intense competition from ...Read more

RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post/TNS

Kitty hot-stone massages and canine acupuncture: Specialty vet teaches old dogs new tricks

Pets / Cats & Dogs News /

BOULDER, Colo. — Ruffian the champion show cat reclined on a fur pillow wearing tiny protective goggles to shield his eyes from the laser therapy being used to treat his inflamed joints.

Veterinary physiotherapist Kerry Kilgannon hovered a laser wand over Ruffian’s hips one December morning while using a dangling cat treat to bribe the ...Read more

Road trips with your pup

Pets / Cats & Dogs News /

Sometimes, hitting the road means traveling with your pets.

The American Kennel Club suggests the following tips ensuring the journey goes smoothly.

Carry the correct paperwork. Especially for long trips, it’s important to keep certain documents on hand, including a recent photo of your dog and a copy of their health records that lists ...Read more