Thinking Outside the (Litter) Box
While cats are the most popular pet in the United States, their biggest behavioral problem, house soiling, is very unpopular with their owners. Studies report that house soiling is the leading cause of relinquishment of cats to shelters. Understanding the underlying motivation for house soiling is critical in creating a targeted treatment plan and helping [...]
Kiss a Frog? Veterinarians Warn Against It
In the movies, kissing a frog can result in a prince. But, as the disclaimer often says, "Do not try this at home." Frogs, like all amphibians, can be a source of Salmonella infections in people. The same is true for reptiles, like turtles or snakes. Instead of a prince, improper handling of amphibians and [...]
Ain’t Too Proud to Beg
Food and family are two very important components of all of our lives, and that certainly goes for our pets as well. It’s no wonder that they’re so eager to join us when we gather around the table for dinner. And it’s hard to say no to those wide eyes or persistent paws encouraging us [...]
Claw and Order
Destructive behavior, such as scratching furniture, is one of the leading reasons people give up on pet cats. Declawing is one method of addressing the problem, but what if you don’t want to declaw your cat, or live in an area that doesn’t allow the procedure? Dr. Bonnie Beaver, a veterinary behaviorist and past president [...]
Behavioral Enrichment for Pet Birds
Pet birds are extraordinary and marvelous creatures that enrich the lives of their owners. However, without the proper environmental conditions, birds can experience an increase in aggression, social avoidance, and self-inflicted injuries. It’s important for owners to create a nurturing and supportive atmosphere that will allow pet birds to express their natural behaviors in a [...]
National Pet Dental Health Month 2010
February marks the 16th anniversary of National Pet Dental Health Month. Far from just a cosmetic issue, bad breath and yellow teeth can be a sign of serious disease in our pets, which may affect their kidneys, livers, and hearts. Oral disease is the most frequently diagnosed health problem for pets, and 80 percent of [...]
Selecting a Pet Rabbit
Clean, affectionate, and sociable, rabbits can make excellent house pets, but selecting a rabbit takes a lot of time and consideration. Some important things to think about include the rabbit’s breed, your lifestyle and what owning a rabbit will cost. Potential owners must also educate themselves about the care, housing, feeding, and socialization needs of [...]
Selecting a Pet Reptile
When selecting a pet for your family, reptiles are often overlooked, but they are fascinating creatures and include some of the most ancient species on Earth. Pet reptiles are also a great alternative to cats and dogs because they require less daily care and exercise. Before choosing a reptile, people must take many things into [...]
Nothing to Sneeze At
Upper respiratory infections in cats are similar to colds in humans, and while they are often nothing to worry about, they can have serious consequences, particularly in shelters, where they are among the top reasons why shelter cats are put down. In this podcast, Dr. Kate Hurley, director of the Koret Shelter Medicine Program at [...]
Cat Fight!
A recent survey found that 80 percent of household cats hiss at each other, and even more will swat their paws. These complaints of feline aggression, and others, are on the rise and may be a result of the "potato-chip" syndrome – cat owners that just can’t stop at one. Cats are social animals, but [...]