Dog & Cat Articles with Advice from Our Experts

It's quite common for dogs to develop hernias, and in puppies, it’s even more likely. A hernia occurs when contents from the dog’s abdomen push through a hole or tear in the fatty tissue or muscle wall in the region. Nine out of 10 cases of hernia in dogs are caused by genetic predisposition, with many puppies born with the condition. Still, being struck by a car or some other trauma can also cause your dog to develop a hernia.

Why do dogs have whiskers? Whiskers are to dogs what fingertips are to humans — they provide dogs with the sensory means to navigate their surroundings. Whiskers grow strategically on your dog’s face, framing their muzzle, snout, chin, and eyes. These specially tuned hairs help guide your dog through their day by providing the dog with sensory input, just as you use your fingertips, or an insect uses its antenna. Whiskers help with navigation, vision support and overall safety for your dog.

Why do cats fight? You’re not the first distressed pet parent to ask this question, and you certainly won’t be the last. Cats, it seems, are somewhat predisposed to fighting with both their feline housemates and neighbourhood cats that cross their paths. Luckily, you can prevent some catfights with a little effort and knowledge about the innate feline instincts that drive this type of unwanted and stressful behaviour.

Discover the answer to the common question 'do cats always land on their feet?' Learn the science behind your favourite feline companion's ability to flip.

Cats can spend up to half their waking hours grooming their coats. On occasion, though, you may notice your cat spending far more time than normal taking care of themselves. If your cat is over-grooming, there's a good chance they're reacting negatively in some way to their living environment.

Any dog owner knows pups do a lot of adorable things, from the way they bring us little gifts to the way they explode in joy when they know it's feeding time. One of their cutest — and least comprehensible — quirks is the way they tilt their heads when you talk to them. If you've ever wondered what this endearing behaviour means, dig into this guide for some theories on why dogs tilt their heads like this.

If you've noticed your normally cheerful pup obsessively scratching one part of their body or immediately continuing to scratch themselves after being stopped, it might be an indication of a dog yeast infection. This unpleasant skin condition is fairly common in dogs, but fortunately, it's not that difficult to get under control. Read on for an overview of dog yeast infection symptoms and treatments.

If you're like most dog owners, your dog is usually pretty cheerful about life in general. You can see it when they excitedly greet you at the front door when you get home from work or bound around when they know it's time for a walk. Sometimes, though, you might notice your normally upbeat pup seems a little downcast. Let's take a look at how to tell if a dog is depressed.

When you watch your cats going about their day-to-day lives, it's easy to see signs of their obvious intelligence. They're quite good at aggressively reminding you when it's time for them to eat, and they're also quite good at giving you a wide berth when they see you pull out the cat carrier. It often seems we're more predictable to cats than they are to us. While scientists have studied cat behaviour for centuries, these often-inscrutable animals aren't very amenable to being studied, so it can be hard to tell exactly how smart cats are.

You probably already know that eating is one of a cat's favourite things to do. Occasionally, though, you'll find your cat needs a change in its diet. In this guide, we'll examine the reasons you might consider changing your cat's diet and how to switch cat food without disturbing your kitty's delicate system.

Cats are pretty resilient creatures, but sometimes our furry friends can come down with mysterious symptoms that mimic those of human allergies. Unfortunately, it can be pretty hard to pin down what's causing them — and it's certainly no fun watching your kitties when they're in obvious discomfort.

Water is an important substance, and every living thing depends on it — including your cat. But it's also possible for too much water to make your cat sick. If you think your cat is drinking more than usual or may be drinking too much water, it's important to get them checked out by a veterinarian to rule out any illnesses or other issues.