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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 was like having a child. He relied on me for his basic life needs, like feeding, walking, and love. I relied on him for emotional support, entertainment, and love. Though unlike a child who would...

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 normal to talk to animals—and not just to ask if they want to play fetch. From the time I was a little kid, I talked to my dog. I could tell him anything, and he wouldn’t judge me or...

Mindy A. Cohan, VMD

Pet parents commonly pose the question as to whether they should allow their cats to venture outside of the house. As a veterinarian and advocate for animal welfare, I explain that the decision is ultimately theirs, but to bear in mind that their cat is likely to use up her “nine lives” more quickly while outdoors. As with any controversial topic, there are both pros and cons to providing...

Jennifer Coates, DVM

Stereotypes about cats and their personalities abound—calicos are feisty, orange tabbies are laid back. The Cat Fanciers’ Association has even put together a Breed Personality Chart. The problem with stereotypes is that when looking at an individual, they tend to be wrong as often as they are right. Enter science. Research into cat personality types seems to be the topic du jour. The Daily...

PetMD Editorial

So your beloved pet needs to spend the night at the animal hospital. Who will it be harder on? You or your pet? Depending on the type of hospital you are admitting your fur baby to, she may have a variety of experiences. But all are safe, comfortable, and trustworthy. A veterinary facility will never put your pet in harm's way, and will always do its best to keep every patient as...

PetMD Editorial

What makes a dog nervous? Some dogs are very anxious and nervous to begin with, while others are nervous due to their owners being stressed and anxious themselves. The environment that a dog is raised in can have a tremendous impact on their behavior and how they handle stressful situations. Dogs don’t understand why their owners are stressed, sad, or angry, but they will react in many...

PetMD Editorial

By definition, a “cat lady” is a single woman who owns many pet cats. They may have problems relating to other human beings, and may substitute cats for personal relationships with other people. You may view them as an older hermit of a woman, living a life of solitude with her many feline friends. There's even a cat lady action figure! But these women, regardless of whether or not the...