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Ticks can be bothersome, even dangerous, pests, but you can easily remove them if your pet does pick one up. Removing ticks safely and easily can help keep your pet comfortable and healthy, even if ticks are a nuisance. About Ticks Ticks are eight-legged parasites that bite through the skin and feed on the blood of their host. As a tick feeds, its body will swell dramatically, and one tick may stay on a host 5-14 days until it is fully engorged. Once finished feeding, the tick will naturally drop off. Several species of ticks are common in North America,...

Some cats can easily be finicky eaters, while others happily dine, munch, and snack on any available treat. But if your cat’s appetite never seems satisfied, it is important to discover the cause of your pet’s hunger to be sure its nutritional needs are met and there are no underlying health problems. Is My Cat Really Hungry? A meowing cat in the kitchen is not necessary an automatic sign of a hungry pet. A cat that is truly hungry may have a certain type of insistent meow, or may hang around pawing at its food bowl or where its food...

Healthy teeth and gums are essential for all pets, from chewing and eating to grooming, defense and clean breath. With just a few steps, pet owners can keep their pet's mouth healthy and avoid a range of unpleasant and dangerous health issues that result from poor dental care. Know the Signs The first step to proper pet dental care is recognizing problems so any issues can be addressed immediately. Watch your pet for these signs that indicate their teeth or gums are in trouble… Strong, offensive smells on the breath Swollen or discolored gums (pink is normal) Excessive drooling Pawing...

Plants can add a relaxing touch of nature to your home, but if you have pets, you need to be cautious about which houseplants you choose. Fortunately, there are many pet-friendly houseplants that can be beautiful additions to an urban jungle without posing severe risks to your pets. How Houseplants Can Hurt Pets There are several ways plants can hurt pets, depending on the plant and the type of interaction the pet has with it. The most common effect is that some houseplants can be toxic to pets, and that toxicity could lead to seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, allergic reactions, or...

When temperatures drop, we layer up in warm clothes, turn up the furnace, enjoy hot drinks, and take other steps to stay warm and safe. But what about our pets? Practicing good cold weather safety for pets is essential to keep all our furry, scaled, and feathered family members safe and comfortable in winter. How Animals Adapt to Cold Animals have many natural adaptations to cold weather. Our furry friends may grow a thicker winter coat, while many animals will gain weight in autumn to store an insulating layer of fat just under their skin. Some animals slow their metabolism...