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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

Bringing home a new puppy: The AKC offers tips on adding a new canine member to the family
Bringing home a new puppy is a life-changing decision. Even for experienced pet owners, raising a new puppy is a challenge. Being a responsible dog owner is about finding the balance between providing a safe environment and not overprotecting your pup.
The American Kennel Club offers these tips for raising a happy and well-adjusted dog.
...Read more

2 house cats infected with bird flu in New York City, health officials say
NEW YORK — Two cats in different households in New York City were infected with bird flu, the city’s health department announced.
Officials did not disclose the cats’ conditions and are still investigating how they contracted the virus, but urged pet owners not to let their felines roam outdoors or feed them raw food or raw milk — ...Read more

Cougar cubs spotted in Michigan wild for first time in more than 100 years
A Michigan resident in the western part of the Upper Peninsula recently discovered something not seen in Michigan for more than a century — cougar cubs in the wild.
State biologists on Wednesday confirmed the sighting of two spotted cubs, believed to be 7 to 9 weeks old. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources said a resident, who wished...Read more

10 common cat behaviors and what they mean
Cats are known for their unique and sometimes perplexing behaviors, which can leave owners wondering about their meaning. Understanding these actions can help strengthen the bond between humans and their feline companions and ensure their needs are met effectively.
Kneading is a common behavior in which cats push their paws alternately against ...Read more

The AKC offers tips on dealing with excitement urination in your pup
If your pup tends to urinate when you enter the room or gets overly excited when someone new arrives, you are not alone! Excitement urination is a common issue among puppies that occurs when situations are socially stimulating or even during active play.
The American Kennel Club offers the following tips if this happens to your canine ...Read more

Your questions about cats and bird flu risk, answered
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Bird flu isn’t just affecting chickens and cows; it’s hitting pet cats.
An estimated 11.6 million households in California own 23.3 million cats. A growing number of these and an unknowable population of free-roaming “community cats” have been contracting avian flu, or H5N1.
According to the U.S. Department of ...Read more
Internist Suggests Pet Scan After PSA Level Raises Slightly
DEAR DR. ROACH: I am 90 years old. About 20 years ago, I had prostate cancer and went through 43 weeks of radiation. My PSA level in the past year has risen slightly from .03 ng/mL to .09 ng/mL. My internist has suggested that I get a PET scan. Do you think this is necessary? -- H.L.
ANSWER: When the PSA level rises after radiation treatment ...Read more

Shopping for a condo? Emotional support pets differ from service animals under the law
Q: My daughter lives in a large apartment building in a western suburb of Chicago. She is allowed to have her emotional support animal as long as she has documentation from her doctor.
Now she is shopping around for a condominium. There is a unit that she really likes; however, the owner told her that no pets are allowed. We told her it is an ...Read more

Human, bird or dog waste? Scientists parsing poop to aid DC's forgotten river
WASHINGTON -- On a bright October day, high schoolers from Francis L. Cardozo Education Campus piled into a boat on the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C. Most had never been on the water before.
Their guide, Trey Sherard of the Anacostia Riverkeeper, started the tour with a well-rehearsed safety talk. The nonprofit advocates for the ...Read more

How microchips help keep your pet safe
The closure of national pet microchip company Save This Life has left many pet owners worried and scrambling. Since collars can be removed and collar tags can fall off, microchips are a crucial part of reuniting a lost or stolen pet with their owner. In fact, pets with microchips are three times more likely to be reunited with their families. ...Read more

Just having a pet doesn’t help mental health – but pet-owners with secure relationships with their pets are less depressed
For many people, pets provide unconditional love, companionship and a sense of security. But not all human-pet relationships are beneficial, and some may contribute to stress and anxiety rather than relief.
Psychologists have been studying attachment theory for decades. This framework explains how people form emotional bonds, seek ...Read more

What to Do if You Find a Stray Cat and How to Introduce It to Your Household
Finding a stray cat can be both a heartwarming and challenging experience. Whether the cat is lost, abandoned or feral, taking the right steps ensures its safety while preventing potential issues for your household and other pets.
The first step is to determine whether the cat is truly a stray or belongs to someone. A well-fed, friendly cat may...Read more

AKC tips for introducing your dog to your new baby
The time spent preparing to welcome a baby home is all-consuming. Even though it’s a busy time, it’s important to remember that your dog will also need time to adjust to this big change, especially if this is your first child.
Your dog is used to being the center of attention, and it can be difficult for your canine to give up that spot....Read more

Prevent food guarding: The AKC shares tips to avoid defensive behavior
The urge for dogs to guard their food is natural. If you notice your dog is defensive of their toys or bed, it is important to take action to keep it from progressing.
To prevent your dog from food guarding, the American Kennel Club suggests the following tips:
Give your dog space during mealtime. Refrain from interacting with your pup ...Read more

House cats with bird flu could pose a risk to public health
More than 80 domestic cats, among many other types of mammals, have been confirmed to have had bird flu since 2022 — generally barn cats that lived on dairy farms, as well as feral cats and pets that spend time outdoors and likely caught it by hunting diseased rodents or wild birds.
Now, a small but growing number of house cats have gotten ...Read more

The AKC offers tips on how to keep your dog safe around Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is coming up and many homes will be filled with chocolates and flowers. Most dog owners are aware of the danger of giving chocolate to dogs, but accidents do happen and every year thousands of dogs are still seen at veterinary emergency rooms for chocolate ingestion.
Here are some tips to identify, prevent and treat ...Read more

Fair-weather pets: These states have seen the biggest change in cats surrendered to shelters
The year has started fairly positively for the shelters and rescue facilities caring for homeless kitties. In most parts of the country, shelters recorded notably lower rates of cat surrenders in 2024 than in 2023 and 2022, with around 340,000 cats surrendered to shelters by December of last year, according to Shelter Animals Count's intake ...Read more

Tips to keep your dog from accidentally starting a fire
During the winter months, everyone is trying to keep the heat in and the cold out. The use of heating devices and candles, while effective, can be a serious fire hazard. Especially with a four-legged friend running around.
The American Kennel Club offers these tips to help prevent home fires and keep your pets safe:
Install smoke detectors...Read more
Detroit council approves ban on selling dogs, cats at pet shops in city
DETROIT — Detroit is banning the sale of dogs and cats at retail pet stores in the city, under a new ordinance the city council approved Tuesday.
In a unanimous vote, the council approved the measure, which still allows breeders to still sell dogs and cats directly to the public. Pet stores also could work with animal adoption groups to sell ...Read more
Popular Stories
- Cougar cubs spotted in Michigan wild for first time in more than 100 years
- 2 house cats infected with bird flu in New York City, health officials say
- Bringing home a new puppy: The AKC offers tips on adding a new canine member to the family
- Dog bites: How to prevent or treat them
- 10 common cat behaviors and what they mean