Care & Healthy Living

Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP

When your senior cat was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD), you may have felt worried, confused, and overwhelmed. Getting a diagnosis of CKD is never easy. Knowing where things are headed, understanding what to expect in terms of life expectancy, and having a plan can help you to be more in control of the situation and make the best decisions possible. The most important thing you...

Stephanie Howe, DVM

As pet parents, we all know that our pets can sense things. They may know when we are happy or sense when we are sad, and they may even come to us to provide much-needed comfort. Cats are perceptive and seem to understand many unspoken things.  But how well do they understand death—whether it’s a family member or themselves that are near passing? Can a Cat Sense Death?Cats do seem to be...

Leslie Gillette, DVM

The following content may contain Chewy links. PetMD is operated by Chewy.  Coping with the loss of a pet can be devastating. In addition to grieving the loss, you’re also faced with the decision of what to do with your pet’s remains. Home burial and pet burial services used to be the most common options for pet owners. But in recent years, pet aftercare has evolved to include alternative...

Wailani Sung, MS, PhD, DVM, DACVB

A recent study found that about 30% of dogs may exhibit some form of anxiety, and in another survey, two-thirds of cat owners reported their cats had anxiety or fear. Anxiety is the emotional response a person or animal exhibits in anticipation of encountering an unpleasant experience. You may think hosting a social gathering or party is fun, but for your pets, it can be highly stressful and...

T. J. Dunn, DVM

From the moment you welcome a new pet into your family, a strong bond starts to take root.  And as they get to be senior age, all pet parents wonder, "Will I be able to put my pet down when the time comes?” We fear losing our pets because they mean so much to us. Nevertheless, that time eventually arrives. When it does, many pet parents have questions about the process for pet euthanasia and...

Leslie Gillette, DVM

The following content may contain Chewy links. PetMD is operated by Chewy.   As pet parents, we will all experience the heartbreak of losing a beloved companion. After such a loss, people often work through personal grief by taking comfort in memories, photos, and physical reminders of the pet that we so dearly loved. While we understand that death is an inevitable part of life, do pets also...