Pets | ArcaMax Publishing

Even responsible dog owners sometimes forget that not everyone is cool with pets peeing and pooping in their yard, writes Cathy M. Rosenthal. (Dreamstime/TNS)

My Pet World: When your neighbor’s dog thinks your yard is a rest stop

Pets / My Pet World / Dec 10, 2025

Dear Cathy,

I am beginning to believe that most dog owners either do not have the time or the inclination to train their dog. I used to help with a guide dog organization. The dogs were trained to poop with a certain command. And, in many instances to do their business in the same spot to make it easier for the person with sight problems to ...Read more

Ask The Vet: Senior Cats Don't Require Senior Cat Food

Pets / Ask The Vet / Dec 04, 2025

Q: I am very careful to buy only senior cat food for Joon, my healthy 10-year-old cat. Sometimes it's hard to find. Is it necessary for her to eat senior food?

A: No, it's not necessary for Joon to eat senior cat food.

On pet food labels, the word "senior" is a marketing term, not a regulatory or clinical designation. The Association of ...Read more

Dogs were our first doorbells – the original home security system, writes Cathy M. Rosenthal. (Dreamstime/TNS)

My Pet World: How to teach dogs when to stop barking

Pets / My Pet World / Dec 03, 2025

I read your column and always learn something, so thank you for that. I volunteer at a local rescue and often bring your column in to share with others.

I have a 10-year-old terrier mix and two-year-old chihuahua, who I adopted a year ago. That was the best thing I ever did for my older dog who had always been an only dog. They're inseparable ...Read more

Ask The Vet: Small Dogs Live Longer Than Large Dogs

Pets / Ask The Vet / Nov 27, 2025

Q: Among the dogs I've had over the years, my small dogs lived longer than my large dogs. Is this generally true? If so, why?

A: Yes, it's true, though no one is completely sure why.

When you think about the many species of mammals, you realize that large mammals live longer than small mammals. For example, elephants live much longer than mice...Read more

Pets thrive on predictability, so during the holidays try to feed and give them playtime around the same times as usual, writes Cathy M. Rosenthal. (Lindamcnally/Dreamstime/Tribune Content Agency)

My Pet World: A seasonal thank you to our pets

Pets / My Pet World / Nov 26, 2025

This year, as you count your blessings, why not take a moment to include the dogs, cats, birds and other pets who share your life?

They remind us every day of what gratitude truly looks like – unconditional love, quiet companionship, and joy in simply being by our side.

But while the holidays bring joy to us, they can also bring hazards for ...Read more

Separation anxiety is common in rescue dogs who have experienced change or loss, writes Cathy M. Rosenthal. (Maryna Kushnarova/Dreamstime/TNS)

My Pet World: How to comfort anxious dogs and restless cats

Pets / My Pet World / Nov 19, 2025

Dear Cathy,

My 3-year-old rescue beagle, Millie, howls every time I leave the house, even if it’s just to take out the trash. My neighbors say she cries the entire time I’m gone from the house. I’ve tried leaving the TV or radio on, but nothing seems to help. How can I get her to feel calmer when I’m not home?

— Janet, Patchogue, New...Read more

Extra weight can put stress on a dog's joints, strain the heart, and shorten the pet's life, writes Cathy M. Rosenthal. (Dreamstime/TNS)

My Pet World: The 'hangry' pug — Helping your dog lose weight without feeling cruel

Pets / My Pet World / Nov 12, 2025

Dear Cathy,

My vet says my pug, Toby, needs to lose five pounds, but he acts like he’s starving all the time. I’ve already cut back on his treats and reduced his food portions, but he just stares at me and follows me all through the house with those sad eyes until I cave. How can I help him slim down without feeling like I’m being cruel? ...Read more

Puppies learn bite inhibition best from one another through play, writes Cathy M. Rosenthal.(Dreamstime/TNS)

My Pet World: Teaching with kindness — How to redirect two common pet behaviors

Pets / My Pet World / Nov 05, 2025

Dear Cathy,

I need help. I have a four-month-old male Cocker Spaniel who insists on biting and nipping. I’ve tried everything and have been telling him “no biting,” and “leave it.” He went to puppy school where the instructor said to give him toys and hard chews. I’ve been doing that since he came home. He’s sociable with both ...Read more

Older dogs often develop new behaviors, and sometimes barking at night can be a clue that something else is going on, writes Cathy M. Rosenthal. (Dreamstime/TNS)

My Pet World: Helping a deaf, older dog find peace at night

Pets / My Pet World / Oct 29, 2025

Dear Cathy,

My husband and I have a deaf 15-year-old male black Lab named Okie. He has a lot of anxiety, which we attribute to his deafness. He likes to be in the same room with one or both of us so he can see us. When we’re doing chores in the house or yard, he invariably comes to look for us.

Recently, he has started barking in the middle ...Read more

Fel d 1 is a protein found in cats’ saliva and skin oils – not their fur – and is responsible for about 60 to 90 percent of all cat allergies in humans, writes Cathy M. Rosenthal. (Dreamstime/TNS)

My Pet World: Want a cat, but you're allergic? Here is everything you need to know

Pets / My Pet World / Oct 22, 2025

Dear Cathy,

Are there any cats that are considered hypoallergenic? I have mild dander allergies to dogs and cats. My husband and I would like to get a pet but not a dog right now.

— Robin, Bel Air, Maryland

Dear Robin,

Many people with mild allergies wonder the same thing: Is there such a thing as a hypoallergenic cat?

The short answer is...Read more