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Declawing Can Result in Long-Term Problems for Cats

As a licensed veterinary technician, I have seen the side effects of declawing cats—and they’re not pretty. Declawing, or onychectomy, is a severe surgical procedure in which the last bone of each toe...

Differentiating Between Pet Parents and Pet Owners

PetMD Editorial

Are you a pet owner, or do you see yourself as a pet parent? For me, I emotionally see myself as a “mom” to my fur babies. I have two dogs, a cat, and three birds, and they are my world. My life revolves...

Cats in Carriers: What's Going Through Your Cat's Head?

Ken Lambrecht, DVM

Traveling with your cat at some point is inevitable. Whether it is a trip to the vet, a move, or even a vacation, all of these will require safely transporting your cat in some sort of cat carrier. It...

Pet Visits in Hospitals: What Are the Risks?

Hanie Elfenbein, DVM

Recently I read a story about a young woman who snuck a dog into the hospital to visit her sick grandmother. My first thought was, "that is so sweet!" But my second thought was, “I hope this doesn’t become...

How to Tell If Dogs Are Feline Friendly

PetMD Editorial

“Dogs and cats, living together...mass hysteria!” (Dr. Peter Venkman, Ghostbusters, 1984). This quote always comes to mind when I see pictures of dogs and cats happily co-existing, snuggled up together,...

Why Losing a Dog Can Be Harder Than Losing a Relative

PetMD Editorial

I was 20 years old when I got my first dog. Of course, there were family dogs growing up, but this was my dog. I was living on my own for the first time, and he was mine to care for, love, and teach. It...

Is It Normal to Talk to Pets?

Hanie Elfenbein, DVM

I talk to my dog. I also talk to all the other dogs at the dog park. I may not be a “normal” person in all respects, but I don’t think this is one of my questionable character traits. I think it’s totally...