The Ratter turned Companion – bold, courageous, active, and alert lapdog History and Origin of the Yorkshire Terrier Originally bred to catch rats in clothing mills in nineteenth century Yorkshire, Yorkies are a big dog in a diminutive package. Like many of the terrier family, they were owned by the working class and kept as…
There are a few considerations to take into account when you are selecting a cat dish for both water and food. The first thought to have is regarding the size. If you have more than one cat, you need to think about whether you are going to have one large bowl for sharing or one…
When it comes to choosing the best kibble for dogs, there is no one “best” food. Dogs are different and some dogs will thrive better on some foods than others. Your neighbor’s dog might do well on food with a high protein content or grain-free food while your dog needs something different, for example. Toy…
Alopecia is the scientific term describing a lack of hair where it should normally be found. Alopecia can affect large areas of skin or be restricted to a single, small patch. Hair loss may be complete, resulting in a bald spot or partial, leaving behind an abnormally thin coat. Alopecia is caused by either increased…
People are often confused when it comes to the term “hypoallergenic dogs.” Technically, from a scientific standpoint, there is no such thing. Studies have been conducted and all dogs, no matter the breed, have the same traits that can trigger allergies in people. However, and this is important if you are allergic to dogs, some…
Ugh. That undeniable smell of cat pee. There is nothing quite like the smell of cat urine in the carpet, is there? For some reason, cat urine is worse than all the others. The older it is, the worse the smell is, too. When a urine stain is allowed to dry on carpet, the chemicals…
All dogs, whether large or small, are pregnant for about 63 days from the date of conception. However, conception does not necessarily occur at the time of mating. Female dogs have a heat or estrous cycle twice a year. In the wild, wolves usually have only one cycle per year but domestication over thousands of…
If you are a long-time cat owner, you know that one of the most grating sounds is that of your cat scratching your furniture. It is similar to nails on a chalkboard, only the board is your brand-new sofa! There are a couple of solutions to this problem. You can put aluminum foil on the…
What many people label as separation anxiety in a dog is actually just plain old-fashioned boredom and an opportunity for the dog to have some fun destroying the couch. General destruction on its own is not separation anxiety. True separation anxiety behaviors are demonstrated at other times as well – a need to be right…
Arthritis in dogs is fairly common in dogs as they get older but it can also develop in younger dogs who have hip or elbow dysplasia or other bone and joint problems. It can occur in any breed or mix and affects both male and female dogs, spayed/neutered or intact. The symptoms of arthritis in…
Cancer is very common in pets just like it is in people. In fact, it is the leading cause of death in older dogs. Owners need to be alert to signs of this dreaded disease to increase the chances of an early diagnosis and successful treatment. What is Cancer? Cancer, or neoplasia, is the abnormal…
President Harry Truman once famously said, “If you want a friend in Washington, get a dog.” Quite a few presidents over the centuries have followed that advice. The latest dog in the White House is Bo, a Portuguese Water Dog. Bo came to the White House through the Obamas’ friendship with Senator Ted Kennedy who…