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My Pet World: When a meow lingers — Do our pets stay with us in spirit?
Dear Cathy,
My wife has always been an animal lover, so in the 50-plus years of our marriage, we've had many pets that she and our kids loved. The last pet was a cat named Kasey, who lived for 18 years. We had to put him down about two years ago.
Since he passed, something strange has been happening. Over the past few years, we’ve both heard...Read more

More than extra pounds: How obesity shapes a dog’s health at the cellular level
The bond between a dog and its owner can be so strong that a loving owner might do things that aren’t healthy for their dog out of a desire to please their pup. For instance: A common way we get overweight dogs is from overfeeding them, whether through putting too much in their bowls or handing out too many treats, because that bond is even ...Read more

How to be walked by your dog
I may be barking up the wrong tree, but as a human who has been owned by several canines, I am in a good position — standing, running or being yanked in several directions at once — to pass along my expert tips on walking a dog.
Tip No. 1: You do not walk a dog. The dog walks you.
I have been reintroduced to this pet project since Opal, a ...Read more

Dog data may help track dangerous disease for humans
SAN JOSE, Calif. — For man’s best friend, pet owners often go to great lengths – whether that’s doggy day care and specialty pup chow, or late nights at the vet running tests that drain bank accounts.
Now, a new study by researchers from UC Davis and UC Berkeley has found a way our canine companions can help us, offering a unique ...Read more

Dog data may help track dangerous disease for humans
SAN JOSE, Calif. — For man’s best friend, pet owners often go to great lengths – whether that’s doggy day care and specialty pup chow, or late nights at the vet running tests that drain bank accounts.
Now, a new study by researchers from UC Davis and UC Berkeley has found a way our canine companions can help us, offering a unique ...Read more

Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne to open animal rescue centre after Black Sabbath reunion gig
Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon are planning to open an animal rescue centre after Black Sabbath's reunion gig.
The veteran rocker has admitted he will be retiring from performing after the 'Back To The Beginning' gig in his home town of Birmingham, England in July because he wants to spend more time with his family while Sharon is hoping to ...Read more
Ask the Vet: Contagious, Deadly Parvovirus Persists in Environment
Q: Our pit bull puppy died of parvovirus. How can we prevent parvovirus in our next puppy?
A: Instead of choosing a puppy, I recommend you adopt an adult dog whose parvovirus vaccination is up to date. Vaccination is very effective at preventing parvovirus infection, nicknamed "parvo," and all dogs deserve protection from this common, life-...Read more

My Pet World: When a dog's gaze feels intense
Dear Cathy,
We adopted a two-year-old boxer/hound mix. I've had dogs before but not like this one. She stares at me for long periods. I have never seen anything like it. She has a nice-sized yard to run in, and we take her for a 40-minute walk (daily), weather permitting. Is there a reason for this behavior?
— Emilio Ridge, New York
Dear ...Read more

My Pet World: Is it safe to paint with birds in the house?
Dear Cathy,
I have three budgies: two in one cage; one in another. I want to paint my room with Emulsion on the walls and the doors sanded down and painted. Would my birds be safe in a spare bedroom, if so for how long.
— Sheila, Redruth, Cornwall, England
Dear Sheila,
It’s great that you’re considering your parakeets' safety before ...Read more

My Pet World: From overenthusiastic to polite — Helping your dog master greetings
Dear Cathy,
Our Harry is a four-year-old Labradoodle. He is smart, loving, and generally well-behaved as in following basic commands like sit, stay, down, and heel. My husband has even taught him to "speak." We adore our Harry, but there is one problem that has always bothered us.
He is too friendly and demanding of attention from people who ...Read more

How to tell when your cat is happy, and when they're not
A happy cat may not always purr like a motor or dance around your feet, but there are subtle signs that point to feline contentment—and others that suggest something might be wrong.
When a cat is relaxed and comfortable in its environment, its body language reflects it. A gently swishing tail, slow blinks, and a soft, upright posture are ...Read more

My Pet World: Helping your energetic dog stay calm on walks
Dear Cathy,
I adopted a now 50-pound, one-year-old mixed breed rescue six months ago. She’s a sweet cuddler with lots of energy. She has plenty of toys, full backyard access, frequent play time with my other dog, and two 40-minute walks a day.
Overall, she’s well-behaved and growing out of puppy behaviors – except for one. I call them �...Read more

The purr-fect feline trait
A cat’s purr is one of the most familiar and comforting sounds in the animal world, a soft, rhythmic vibration that often signals contentment. But the true nature of the purr remains something of a mystery to scientists, even as it continues to charm cat owners around the globe.
Cats begin purring as early as a few days old, thought to be a ...Read more

Taming the terror or how to deal with a destructive indoor cat
Indoor cats can be affectionate companions, but without enough stimulation and structure, they can also become surprisingly destructive. From shredded furniture to overturned water glasses and relentless nighttime zoomies, even the most charming feline can develop habits that frustrate their owners. The key to reducing this behavior lies in ...Read more

Why dogs get jealous
A jealous dog can be both endearing and frustrating. While their clingy behavior might seem cute at first, it can quickly escalate into disruptive habits that affect the harmony of your home. Dogs, like people, are emotional creatures, and jealousy is often a sign of insecurity or confusion about changes in their environment.
The most common ...Read more

My Pet World: Potty troubles — puppy accidents and litter box blues
Dear Cathy,
Our almost five-month old Dalmatian has accidents in the house yet always goes outside to defecate. He is walked every half hour, but will urinate immediately after coming inside, in his pen, and when he’s being held.
While outside, he will urinate while walking back inside. He has completed vet prescribed antibiotics with no ...Read more

Adopting an elderly dog can lead to a rich connection
Adopting an elderly dog can be a deeply rewarding experience, but it also comes with unique challenges that require patience, compassion, and understanding. Unlike puppies or younger dogs, senior dogs often come with a full history—some of it unknown. They may arrive with health concerns, emotional scars, or habits formed over a lifetime. ...Read more

Dealing with your house cat's claws
Taking care of a house cat’s claws is an important part of keeping both your pet and your home comfortable and safe. Although indoor cats don’t need their claws for hunting like their wild relatives, they still rely on them for balance, stretching, climbing, and playing. Claws are also a natural way for cats to express their instincts and ...Read more

The Bernese Mountain Dog; a majestic and gentle giant
The Bernese Mountain Dog is a majestic and gentle giant, known for its tricolor coat—jet black, rust, and white—and its calm, affectionate nature. Hailing from the Swiss Alps, this breed was developed to be a versatile working dog for farmers in the region of Bern. Historically, they pulled carts loaded with dairy, guarded homesteads, and ...Read more

Pit Bulls have a bad reputation, one which they don't deserve
Pit Bulls have long been the subject of controversy, often portrayed as dangerous and aggressive dogs unfit for family life. However, this reputation is largely a myth, shaped by misinformation, media sensationalism, and a misunderstanding of the breed’s true nature. In reality, Pit Bulls can be loyal, affectionate, and well-behaved companions...Read more
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