If your pooch pooh-poohs the idea of a costume, try Halloween accessories
Accessories — angel wings, witch hats, decorative collars — are the answer for the pet who wiggles away from dressing up on Halloween.
Doesn’t your dog deserve a homemade Halloween costume?
Whether you are planning for a parade, party, photo session, contest or trick-or-treating, a homemade costume for your pet can make it more fun for both of you.
Shelters: Black cats have trouble finding homes
Tales of black cats being unlucky date back to the Middle Ages, but Dr. Shaun Fauley, veterinarian and owner of Care Animal Clinic in Naperville, said there is no basis for the negative reputation.
Commands, skills trainers say every dog needs to know
Your mutt isn’t destined to be a movie star, therapy dog, bomb-sniffing expert, AKC champion or working K9? He or she can still be a well-behaved pet. Three veteran trainers were asked to share the first five or six things they think every dog should know. You’ll never guess what the first thing on the list is; it’s so basic it’s a wonder they even need to mention it.
A tough pill to swallow for pets
Giving pills to your pet may be more traumatic for you than the animal, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many ways to get the job done.
More distractions than ever for guide dogs to deal with
Guide dogs and their handlers have always undergone intense training on dealing with distractions from squirrels to skateboarders. But today’s guide dogs have a whole new generation of things to worry about.
Barkapalooza helps homeless pets
The 18th annual Barkapalooza will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 25.
The event, which raises funds for the West Suburban Humane Society, is a day of fun, food and music. It kicks off with a blessing for the pets. There will …
Tips to make your cat stop spraying
Cats that spray are most likely communicating distress rather than misbehaving, so piling on more anxiety through punishment is counterproductive, veterinarians said.
Thunderstorm phobia shakes dogs
When storms strike, dogs with the thunderstorm phobia tremble and try to crawl into a tight space, pace or pant, or even jump through a window or doors to get close to their owners. Here’s what to do to help.
You can ease pet’s arthritis pain
While arthritis in dogs and cats is not curable, it is treatable, and pet owners should experiment with medicines, therapies and lifestyle changes until they find an approach that eases the pain and inflammation, said Dr. Wendy Baltzer, a veterinarian, surgeon and director of the Small Animal Rehabilitation Center at Oregon State University.
A broken bone for pet means a trip to the vet
Broken bones for dogs and cats may not be life threatening, but a trip to the vet can guard against more serious injury. Even for the most mild-mannered of pets, a car crash, fight or fall can be traumatizing and require extra care in handling, said Dr. Ann Hohenhaus.
Protecting pets and people from salmonella infections
Do you feed your cats and dogs in the kitchen? Do you wash their food bowls and water bowls in the kitchen sink? I do both of those things, and now a report in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) warns that …
Home remedies can help kitty with hairball trouble
Hairballs are normal in cats, but they’re a nuisance for cat owners to deal with. There are a few things you can do, though, to reduce hairballs and other feline dietary upsets.
Not so easy keeping carnival goldfish alive
Your child has just won a goldfish at a carnival. Congratulations! How long it lives depends on how they are cared for, with optimal conditions including a tank with a cover, the right type of water, a filtration system and sunlight.
How to safely turn dog into a paddling pooch
When you think of four-legged swimmers, Labrador retrievers might come to mind. But any dog can take to the water if enticed properly. “I don’t think that every dog has an inherent skill. They might all have an idea what to do but some dogs …
