It's no secret that Americans love their pets. When it comes to U.S. pet ownership, 39 percent of households own at least one dog, and 33 percent own at least one cat, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Furry family members bring joy and excitement to a household, and providing the best care possible helps ensure pets have a long, healthy life. Unfortunately, with so much information available, it's easy to become confused about what's really best for them. Here's what you really need to know.
Scratching the right itch: Does your pet have seasonal allergies?
Humans may sneeze and sniffle when trees and flowers start to bud in the spring, but many pet owners wouldn't know if their pet was suffering from treatable allergy symptoms, which are likely to occur at the same time of year.
Lives. Homes. Furniture. Even beds. People share a lot when a dog or cat is part of the family. Unfortunately, one trait that far too many owners and pets have in common is excess weight. The silver lining is that while many pets and their owners are tipping the scales, losing weight is something they can do together, as people and pets make great weight loss partners for reasons both scientific and psychological.
Whether traveling for business or fun, it's not always practical to take along a four-legged family member. Arranging care of a beloved pet for an extended absence can be daunting. Knowing what to look for in a kennel, and what to look out for, can help you choose wisely.
Are you killing your pet with kindness? We're not talking about the compassion that motivates us to vaccinate our pets, or keep them warm in cold weather. Kindness that can be harmful to pets comes in the form of an overabundance of food and treats. The all-too-common result is a pet that becomes overweight or even obese. If your pet needs to lose a pound or two, here are some helpful tips.
Pet owners have many responsibilities, and keeping your pet healthy with veterinary care is a significant one. To help make sure your pet receives high quality medical care, several veterinarians offer advice on how to find the right vet for your pet.
Birdfeeder basics: Bring on backyard birds with the right feeders
When you dine, do you prefer clean and attractive tableware? Does ambiance enhance your enjoyment of your food? Birds feel the same way about their dining habits - the type and cleanliness of your bird feeders directly affects the number and species of birds that will visit your backyard this season. Here is some guidance for choosing the right feeder styles to attract the maximum number of feathered friends to your yard.
Dogged by pricey pet care? Cost-cutting tips for pet owners
These days, everyone is searching for ways to save money and stretch budgets. Consumer experts advise people to sniff out deeper discounts, saving opportunities and additional ways to cut costs. For pet owners, it can feel challenging to cut costs without compromising on care.
Tips to protect your pet - and your home - from fleas and ticks
Fleas and ticks are on every pet owner's radar when warm weather flourishes. This is the season when both pets and people are itching to get outside, but without proper protection, four-legged friends can end up itching even more. However, if fleas and ticks take hold, and an infestation starts, this seasonal concern can turn into a year-round headache. That's why many veterinarians advocate parasite prevention all year long.
Housetraining your puppy: Tips for keeping your dog behaved and your home clean
Few things are as exciting as bringing home a new puppy. Whether chihuahua or Great Dane, a pup's playful antics delight people of all ages. Having a dog can bring many years of companionship and precious memories, but before you ask, "How much is that doggie in the window?" consider a few expert tips for positive housetraining.
