A study of obese dogs with osteoarthritis and lameness proved how little effort it can take to vastly improve the quality of life of overfed, disabled pets.

Cats require specialized care, which is a fact even many cat lovers don't realize. Here are 10 of the most common mistakes I see cat owners make.

If your pet ingests rodent bait containing warfarin, there will be no symptoms to alert you right away. Your dog or cat won't throw up or seem sick, and in fact, a lot of pet owners don't even know their animal has ingested bait.

Your pet should appear normal to you by the time you pick her up after a procedure. You might notice she's a bit sleepy and less active for 12 to 24 hours after you get her home. But if she seems really sluggish, groggy, or out of it, call your vet or an emergency animal clinic right away.

The behavior of the companion animals we share our lives with is at times fascinating, frequently entertaining, and sometimes downright puzzling. Here are a few examples of how the furry love of your life shows affection.

We all know that techniques such as yoga and meditation can offer major health benefits by reducing stress. They're great. But did you know that the companionship of a dog can provide similar stress relief and other health benefits?

It's helpful to provide your cat with something to climb on, like a multi-level cat tree or tower. At least you'll know he's been stretching, clawing and working his climbing muscles whenever you see him gazing down at you from atop his tree.

When deciding on veterinary care for your precious pet, in addition to finding out about fees, I recommend you also look at the DVM's practice philosophy. Ideally, your vet's approach to keeping your pet healthy will mirror your own.

Mast cell tumors occur in both dogs and cats. Although some are benign, most of these tumors are malignant.

With time, patience, and the right tools and resources, every dog will eventually settle in. And there are few things as gratifying as knowing you are providing a bright future to a dog with a dark past.

It's important to understand your pet isn't intentionally leaking urine. She has no control over what's happening. This is not a behavioral problem, it's a medical problem -- so trying to correct or punish your pet is a bad idea on multiple levels.

"Brachy" is a Greek word meaning short, and "cephalic" means head. These animals are short-headed, short-muzzled breeds. Due to this altered facial construction, all these pets have what is called brachycephalic respiratory syndrome to varying degrees.

There are two concerns for a dog that has eaten bread dough. One, there's a large mass of dough in the stomach that is continuing to rise. Two, the warm environment of the stomach promotes ongoing fermentation of the alcohol in the dough, which can result in ethanol toxicosis.

It may be hard to swallow the fact that the fuzzy creature in your lap or at your feet has similar wiring to his wild cousins, but it's a fact I wish more pet owners would embrace.

I met Zena in November 2007. Her owner was desperate to find holistic options to help regulate her pet's blood sugar levels.

According to a recent study, dogs in pain are on edge and can react aggressively if they are touched. Otherwise loving dogs can become violent from pain, and dogs that already have aggressive tendencies get even more aggressive.

The study authored by Dr. Cole Johnson is the first of its kind. The researchers set out to see whether so-called "hypoallergenic" pups were shedding less Canis familiaris 1 around their homes.

Tracheal collapse is most common in small breed dogs like the Chihuahua, Lhasa apso, Maltese, Pomeranian, Pug, Shih Tzu, Toy poodle and the Yorkie.

Just as your kids are prepared with backpacks filled with new supplies and clean books, your animal needs some preparation for the coming months.