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A man and his dog find stash of rare books on the sidewalk; 8 months later, library solves the mystery
CHICAGO -- On an evening walk in Chicago's North Center neighborhood back in early March, Sparky — Robert Miller’s golden brown mutt that weighs 35 pounds and has hunting dog in its DNA — seemingly caught a scent.
“She’s a creature of habit,” said Miller, a retired 75-year-old who has lived in the neighborhood for about a dozen ...Read more
Ask The Vet: Wash Hands After Removing Tick From Pet
Q: What's the best way to remove a tick embedded in my dog Floyd's skin? I tried covering the tick with alcohol, nail polish and petroleum jelly, but nothing loosened its grip. I've heard that touching a lit match to the tick works, but I'm afraid I'll burn Floyd. What do you recommend?
A: None of these techniques is effective. They just ...Read more
My Pet World Advisory
EDITORS: The My Pet World column for the week of Nov. 24, 2024 is moving early for the Thanksgiving holiday. It has been posted today.
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©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
My Pet World: What’s causing 'Harmony’s' odor? And how do I add a new dog to my aging pack?
Dear Cathy,
About six months after adopting our cat, Harmony, she started leaving a strong odor behind on anything she laid on. While we haven’t confirmed she’s urinating on surfaces, there’s definitely a smell that isn’t normal. Our current vet shaved her bottom, and we limited her food consumption to help her lose weight.
The vet ...Read more
Thanksgiving safety for your dog
Thanksgiving is fast approaching, which means there is plenty to be done, planning each dish and table setting. With so much going on, it’s important to keep in mind that there will be a lot of food around and you might not be able to give your dog your full, undivided attention.
This gives your pup plenty of opportunities to sneak some ...Read more
A Missouri deer hunter just killed a mountain lion. How common are these big cats?
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A Missouri deer hunter reportedly killed a mountain lion Monday, Nov. 18, according to a social media post from the Missouri Department of Conservation.
“We are aware of an incident that occurred this past weekend in Iron County where a deer hunter killed a mountain lion,” the department wrote on Facebook on Monday. “...Read more
Ask The Vet: Praise Cat While Trimming Claws
Q: I recently adopted a cat named Max, and I need to learn about trimming his claws. What's the procedure, and how often should it be done?
A: Start by choosing whatever equipment is most comfortable for you. I use human toenail trimmers, but many people prefer cat claw trimmers from the pet supply store.
If you are right-handed, hold Max ...Read more
My Pet World: Crate training dogs and outdoor enclosures for community cats
Dear Cathy,
I have a 10-month-old chihuahua/mini pin that I have been crate training since we rescued him at four months. I gave up on keeping him in the crate overnight. He was crying after a few hours. When I put him in the crate to leave, he seems to cry the whole time I'm gone and moves the crate across the room. (I have a camera to check ...Read more
Research aims to improve quality of life for dogs with epilepsy
Just like people, dogs can suffer from epilepsy.
This seizure disorder is characterized by uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain resulting in abnormal movements, altered behavior, and/or loss of consciousness. Seizures can have many causes, such as trauma, infection, metabolic disturbances, brain tumors and more. When no specific ...Read more
A dog's congressional life: Babydog to Dakota, Deco to Splash and more
WASHINGTON — Sen.-elect Jim Justice already knew that his canine companion, Babydog, would not be allowed on the Senate floor, but much of the rest of the Capitol building is dog-friendly — and has been for years.
“Senator-Elect Bernie Moreno jokingly asked about dogs and mentioned Babydog in jest. I told them they do not have to worry ...Read more
Ask the Vet: Center for Pet Safety Tests and Certifies Pet Travel Equipment
Q: My seatbelt will help protect me if I'm involved in a car accident, and I want the same for my dog, Gucci, who often rides with me. What's the best way to keep him safe?
A: You are wise to restrain Gucci in the car. Not only could he be injured in a crash, but an accident could hurl him against you, preventing you from controlling your car. ...Read more
Dogs competed in a 'smile-off' contest at the National Dog Show preview. Everybody won
PHILADELPHIA — Two dog breeds renowned for their uncanny smiles — the Lancashire heeler and the Samoyed — were pitted head-to-head in a “smile-off” contest at the National Dog Show press preview Tuesday, shepherding in howls of laughter from the crowd and confused head tilts from the contestants.
These noble descendants of wolves, ...Read more
My Pet World: Ding! A dog runs out of the room every time owner gets a text
Dear Cathy,
I have a seven-year-old Pomeranian rescue. I adopted her when she was about two. Six months ago, she started running out of the room whenever I got a text. After two weeks, I changed the text notification sound, and she was OK for about a week, but then she started running out of the room again. My vet checked her out and said dogs ...Read more
Winter is coming: Tips to prepare for the cold and keep your dog safe
As the winter season is creeping up on us, chances are your dog can feel the change in weather too! As responsible pet owners, it is important to take extra good care of our canine companions during the winter months.
The American Kennel Club recommends the following tips for a safe winter season.
Be mindful of window drafts. Small dogs ...Read more
Ask the Vet: Overweight Cats Risk Serious Disease
Q: My cat Fred's fat underbelly swings when he walks. I think it's cute, but his veterinarian says he needs to lose weight. What's wrong with a cat being overweight?
A: Fred has lots of company: The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention reports that 60% of U.S. cats are overweight or obese.
That statistic isn't surprising, since most domestic...Read more
My Pet World: Kennel anxiety in dogs, feeding tips for birds, and litter box blues in cats
Dear Cathy,
Our four-year-old Havapoo has been kenneled for most nights since a pup. She was great until about a year ago when she suddenly resisted getting into the kennel. It got better for a while, then worse again. Once in, she claws at the kennel door and whines. We tried a different kennel, but it did not help.
She has developed a fear ...Read more
The American Kennel Club shares clues to know when your dog needs a visit to the dentist
Caring for your dog’s teeth is an important part of keeping them healthy. Brushing your dog’s teeth should be a regular activity to keep their mouth and teeth in good condition. However, sometimes the dental care required goes beyond your own capabilities.
To help you keep your dog and their smile healthy, the American Kennel Club ...Read more
Use Hand Signals to Train Deaf Dog
Q: We're enchanted by Eva, a sweet, young Dalmatian available for adoption through the nearby Dalmatian rescue. Our only concern is that she is deaf. If we adopt her, how will we train her?
A: Deafness is inherited in some breeds, including Dalmatians, especially those that are mostly white and have blue eyes. Fortunately, with kind, ...Read more
My Pet World: From barking frenzies to litter box blues — Tackling common behavior issues in dogs and cats
Dear Cathy,
My son has a Pomeranian who barks at people walking down the street. He barks if I bang into something in the house, even if I’m right next to him. He is a good watchdog because he knows when someone is outside, but it gets to be too much. The dog goes into a barking frenzy at times and doesn’t stop. What’s his problem?
— ...Read more
Ask the Vet: While Pregnant, Keep Cat, but Avoid Toxoplasmosis
Q: I am planning to become pregnant, and a friend says I should give away my cat, Myrtle, because she can transmit a disease that could harm my unborn child. Is this true?
A: Rest assured that you may keep Myrtle. It sounds like your friend is referring to toxoplasmosis, nicknamed "toxo," a disease caused by a one-celled protozoal parasite ...Read more