Dear Sam: My friend and I moved in together recently, and we each brought a dog with us. I’ve got a German Shepherd named Mac, and her Golden Retriever is Diz. Both are about 2 years old, and they get along fine. However, in the evenings they roughhouse in the living room. We want them to j…
Dear Sam: What is the value of training dogs using a clicker? I have tried using a clicker to train my dog Atlas, but he didn’t listen very well. When should I click at him — when he’s misbehaving? Or when he’s doing something right? And how can he tell? — John H.
Dear Sam: I was scrolling through my social media account and an ad popped up showing a really cute puppy for sale. What are people’s experiences buying pets online? — Curtis
Dear Sam: I am wondering how I can get an emotional support animal (ESA). I noticed a woman in the local pharmacy today whose dog wore a harness with “ESA” printed on it. Is there an organization that supplies these animals to people who need them? — Curious
The studies are clear: Owning a pet is good for us.
Dear Sam: This week, many Americans are celebrating their newest gift to the family: a cute puppy or kitten, duck or chicken, or pocket pets like hamsters and Guinea pigs. It’s also a time to form new resolutions in anticipation of the New Year.
Dear Sam: My friend found an orange cat matching the description on a paper flyer posted on a nearby telephone pole. However, the email address listed on the flyer keeps coming back as “invalid,” so she has no way to contact the owner. What else can she do to return the cat to its rightful …
Dear Sam: My dog is being prepared for corrective eye surgery, and has to be given special drops. However, Maisie won’t hold still for me at all, and I can’t get the drops in. What can I do? — Lauren
Paws Portraits is back! Support the mission of Paws and Stripes through one of their most popular campaigns. Paws Portraits is a community engagement fundraiser with a mix of artistic flair, all while supporting their veteran programs. Submit a photo of your pet (all pets welcome) and a volu…
Dear Sam: I read in a guide about cutting dogs’ toenails that styptic will stop bleeding if you cut their paws. What is that, and where do I get it? — Perry
Dear Sam: I’m getting a new kitten from my neighbor. His name is Striper, and he’s 10 weeks old. But I’m worried that he won’t know how to use the litter box. Once he moves in, how can I train him to use the litter box? — Kaley
Dear Sam: Yesterday, our beloved corgi mix, Shemp, was laid to rest. I feel so guilty. He passed from heatstroke after being out in the backyard for just one hour. I never realized that just the heat outdoors could be deadly to dogs. I always was conscientious about dangerous situations; I …
Dear Sam: Please remind your readers that the noise and flash of fireworks can traumatize pets! Last year, my son and his partner took their dog “Bliss” to a Fourth of July festival. Someone set off a string of firecrackers a few feet from the booth they were visiting. Bliss bolted and pull…
Dear Sam: I read a recent column about using caution in the purchase of specific breeds of dogs or adopting from a shelter. Please advise your readers that there is a third option. Almost every breed is assisted by a rescue group, usually handled by breeders. Locating such a group for a spec…
Dear Sam: My dog “Jesse” was bitten on the face by another dog, injuring his snout and nose so badly that it required several stitches. I can’t get Jesse to stop licking and pawing at the wound, and now he’s tearing out the stitches. The wound looks infected. What should I do? — Kamo M.
While most Americans may say they’re environmentally conscious and care about recycling, their daily habits haven’t caught up with their good intentions. In fact, the EPA reports that the recycling rate is currently only at about 32%. Part of this is due to confusion about what and how to re…
Dear Sam: As an attorney who helps clients prepare wills, I’d like to urge your readers to review their end-of-life plans and make sure that their pets are provided for. It’s so important to designate a new caregiver for their pets so that they are quickly re-homed to a person who will love …
Q: My 1-year-old puppy, Corky, is an energetic mutt who loves to be outside. I started hiking last year, before I adopted Corky, and I plan to do lots more hiking trips when the weather gets warmer. I want to bring Corky along, but I’ve read mixed advice about dogs on trails and at campsites…
Q: My 9-year-old Shih Tzu “Mitzi” developed a hip problem due to an injury she suffered when much younger (she was a rescue). It’s become almost impossible for her to walk, and her veterinarian recommended she start using a “wheelie” harness to get around. The problem: Mitzi will not use the…
Q: I’d like to upgrade my Lab’s collar and leash, because he’s pretty powerful and tugs against his collar all the time until he starts to choke. What do you recommend? — Sara B.
Q: My hound dog “Charlie” licks his front paws nonstop, and sometimes his back paws, every time he lies down. He’ll lick the top of his paws and in between the pads. The skin on top of his paws is starting to get raw. I’ve checked his paws and can’t see any cuts or ticks. Why is he doing thi…
Q: I don’t get it. My bulldog “Chester” was out in the yard with me on a cool morning while I raked the first leaves of fall. When he came in, he had four ticks around his neck! They were hungry, too. I pulled the ticks off, but every time he goes outside now, he has one or more ticks burrow…
Q: My two cats, Mitsy and Bitsy, got along well for nearly five years. Bitsy is 11 years old, about six years older than Mitsy. In the past couple of months, they squall and squabble with each other every time they’re in the same room. What is going on, and how do I stop it? — Cara C.
Q: I use dog treats to train my 18-month-old puppy, “Jif.” At the dog park, an owner said that using treats is bad and that Jif will eventually get fat. That’s hard to believe, as he is really energetic. He only responds when he knows there is a treat after each command. What do you say? — Lee
Q: I’ve been working for months to purchase a purebred dog located in Ukraine. Today, the transaction was put on hold by the breeder, who said that dog imports are being banned by the U.S. What is going on? — Nadiya
Q: What is with the constant setting off of loud fireworks almost every night for the past year? My two dogs are so stressed out that they are sleeping with me at night. — Larry H.
Last year, when the pandemic suddenly shut down our everyday lives and for many of us, pushed them into tiny, isolated spaces, we had to adapt.
Q: My next-door neighbor warned me that there is a coyote in the area and not to let my cat outside. I’ve read that coyotes are very shy and won’t bother dogs, and they aren’t fast enough to catch a cat. Should I just ignore the warning? — Pet Dad
Q: I have two guinea pigs. Yesterday, I took them outside to get some sun. When I came back outside about 15 minutes later, they were both lying in their cage, completely stiff, as if they had been dead for hours. I thought they were dead. I brought them inside and was getting everything rea…
Q: I witnessed an incident on my morning run that illustrated the reason why dogs need to be on a leash at all times in residential areas. A runner ahead of me on the side of the road approached a dog owner and his Collie ambling along the sidewalk. The owner had unfastened the dog’s leash s…
Q: For some reason this winter, my new house has been invaded by spiders. They are building webs in every corner of the house, and every day I’m knocking down another web with my broom. I’m worried about my cat, “Jameson,” being bitten by a spider. What do I do if this happens? — Janine S.
I have two wonderful dogs — they are my buddies. I have tried several ways of keeping them from ruining my landscape. My final solution is the much maligned “Doggie Door/Dog Run” combination. They are house dogs, but also have access through a dog door to go out and bark at “dog friends” and…
Q: I have a wiry little terrier named “Chip” who is well-behaved inside. However, when it’s time for his daily walk, he begins barking nonstop by the door. When I take him outside on the leash, he keeps barking, and pulls hard on the leash. So much so that he almost hurts himself when the co…
Q: My new cat, “Corky,” is absolutely shredding the fabric legs of my sofa! I buy plenty of toys for him, so why is he so attracted to my expensive furniture? — Leo
Q: I was furloughed from my job in April and have been getting by on savings and an unemployment check. With no new job yet, I need to drastically cut back expenses to get through this winter. My cat “Silk” is 9 years old and eats a special diet of prescription canned food plus fresh pet foo…
Q: My two cats, “Sandy” and “Frankie,” are indoor cats who never go out and never even try to escape. I last took them to the vet about three years ago. A friend said I’m supposed to take them every year and get their rabies shot, but I don’t see the point. If they never get out, how could t…
Q: Every time I put on a medical face mask, my dog “Artie” starts barking like mad. When I speak to him, he will stop barking, but he looks restless and whines. He doesn’t bark at strangers that we pass on our walks — just me and my husband. What is going on? -- Sarah S.
According to a recent study by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute and Purina Pro Plan, three in four cat owners say their relationship with their cat is a core part of their health and well-being. However, 26% of households with cat allergen sensitivities also stated that cat allergens…
Q: This weekend while hiking with my daughter on a public trail, a big dog ran straight up to us and started barking fiercely. We were frightened and didn’t know what to do, so we stood still until the dog ran off. What should we have done?
Q: I spend quite a bit of money each year on my two Corgis: veterinary care, grooming, toys and a pet sitter. They’re also registered as therapy pets — so they earn their keep! With all that I spend, why can’t I write off pet care on my taxes?
Q: I’ve been working from home for the past two weeks, and my dog and cat, “Mutt” and “Shelley,” won’t leave me alone! I tried putting them into the bedroom during conference calls, but they yowl and meow nonstop. What can I do?
Bringing home a new pet can be exciting and heartwarming. Before you get caught up in the excitement of adopting a pet, however, it’s important to do a bit of homework.
If you own a pet, you’re in good company. In fact, 67 percent of U.S. households own a pet, according to the 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey by the American Pet Products Association. Pets provide unconditional love and countless memories, and in return they look to their humans to care …
Dogs are the best. The best welcome home greeters. The best snuggle buddies. And, the best road trip companions. But, just like humans, dogs have “ruff” days and health problems from aging and their active lives. They don’t always know how to tell us where they hurt or why they are acting di…
Dental care for dogs is important, but it’s an aspect of care that is frequently overlooked by dog owners. One of the few outward signs of dental problems lurking just below the surface is bad breath.
Q: My two cats do not like my new puppy at all. Every time “Sparks” tries to approach one of them, they hiss and swipe at his nose. I’m afraid this is traumatic for him. How can I get them to get along?
Q: My sweet dog “Bertie” has advanced cancer and is suffering greatly, and so I will soon have to make the sad decision to put him to sleep. After talking with his veterinarian, I was left wondering: Why does an examination need to be performed by the vet before an animal is euthanized?
Consider this your fall reminder to schedule a visit from a chimney sweep, if you haven’t already. As temperatures drop, you’ll be tempted to light up the fireplace, and you’ll want it checked for any animal intrusion, creosote buildup or mortar that needs repairing.
If yours is among the nearly seven in 10 U.S. households with pets, you may be glad to learn of a good way to keep them healthy. Hemp seed, krill and salmon oil are some of nature’s best sources of natural essential fatty acids: omega-3 and omega-6 (EPA and DHA).
Whether you’re hoping to make your dog an Instagram sensation or you just want a nice portrait for the mantle, you’ve likely discovered pets, in general, can be elusive around cameras.
Man’s best friend provides more than mere companionship. Dogs encourage humans to exercise daily — come rain or shine.
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