Many people believe that our pets should only eat the treats that are specially packaged for them. Like buying a sweet treat for a child, they are ok and not a big deal if they are eaten in moderation since many mass market prepackaged snacks are usually devoid of any nutritional value. While it is important to maintain a diet of healthy dog food, just as we encourage our loved ones to eat their vegetables rather than empty calorie treats, we can foster a love of fruits and vegetables in our pets. When those loving eyes gaze up at you...

Breakups can be tough, and the custody of a shared dog or cat can become a central issue when a couple separates or divorces, leading to anguish, arguments, and in some cases, a courtroom. In the eyes of the law, custody of your pet is not technically what a pet-owner should be expecting when they enter a courtroom. In all 50 states, animals are considered property, and many judges will not grant custody of a pet but rather award him as property. But animals fall into a separate category than replaceable or exchangeable property like cars or homes. Dogs and...

  The Chihuahua is among one of the most misunderstood types of dog in existence. Tiny in stature, and gigantic in personality, they are complicated little creatures. The Chihuahua's history is puzzling Folklore and archeologic facts show that the breed originated in Mexico, most likely from the Techichi, a companion dog loved by the Toltecs. There are not many written or pictorial records from before the 9th century of the Tochichi, but dog pots from Colima, Mexico, buried in tombs dating back to around 300 BC are thought to depict the Chihuahua relative.  It is most likely that earlier ancestors similar to the Chihuahua...

For some pet owners, a trip is not a true family vacation unless the furry members of the family come along. However, traveling can be a stressful endeavor, both for you and your pets. If you’re planning to take a trip with your favorite pets here are a few tips to help, ensure that your next vacation is a safe and comfortable journey for everyone. An important step to take before your trip, in fact a step everyone should take regardless of the destination, is to make sure your pet is microchipped for identification and wears a collar and tag...

As dog lovers, we know the basics of keeping our dogs safe in summer: bring lots of water with on walks, watch for the signs of overheating, and never leave a dog in the car — even on days that don't seem that warm. However, it might come as a surprise that the pavement beneath your dog's paws could be sizzling hot. And hot pavement can have gruesome and painful consequences. Pavement, asphalt, wood, sand and the surfaces of cars or trucks become very hot during the summer. These materials absorb the heat from the sun and stay hot for hours...

No one should ever expect a dog not to bark, but while some dogs cannot bark, others seem to bark excessively. If this is a problem in your home, the first step to solving the problem is to figure out why he is barking. Not all dogs are apt to offer their opinions. While historically dogs have been prized for their ability to bark and warn away other animals and intruders, some breeds are on the quiet side. A Basenji for example, will serenade you with noises that include hums, yodels and howls. Beagles do not bark, but they have...