Spring pet care tips
Our dogs love spring and summer, but they always seem a little disappointed when they realize they’re not going to be getting as many rides in the car. Because in the winter there’s not much risk to letting a well-mannered dog wait in the car during a quick pop inside the bank, drugstore or any number of local businesses that make up an errand run. But when the days get warmer, it’s no longer acceptable to leave a dog in the car, even for a few minutes, even with the windows down. That’s because the heat can build up quickly, even on a day that’s just pleasantly warm, putting any pet in the car at grave risk for heatstroke.
Updated: May. 27, 2009 3:52 PM | Full story
Stripes are tops when it comes to feline patterns
If told to imagine a “typical” cat, you’re doing well if you think “tiger-striped.” That’s because the tabby pattern, with its familiar stripes, is the most common in all of catdom. It’s so dominant that even some apparently solid-colored cats can be discovered, on close inspection, to have faint stripes, especially on their heads, legs and tails.
Updated: May. 1, 2009 1:18 PM | Full story
Reptiles not for preschool kids
Question: My son is dying to have a snake or lizard. He just turned 9, and I have no doubt he’ll be able to care for a pet. I won’t have a snake in my house, but I could see a lizard. My concern is with our pre-school daughter. I know there have been concerns with turtles in the past. Can we have a lizard safely? — W.D., via e-mail
Updated: Mar. 27, 2009 5:37 PM | Full story
House rules for small dogs
Q: We’re happy with our little dog. She’s a Maltese mix, according to the shelter, and she needed a new home after her first owner died. She’s such a good little dog, but she’s not housebroken. We don’t think she ever was, because she comes inside after we take her outside and does her business on the carpet. She has plenty of chances while outside, but I don’t think she gets it. Maybe it’s the new home, or maybe her old owner just couldn’t cope.
We want to make this work, so we obviously need to fix this. She’s little bitty thing, but even a little mess can be annoying every day. — W.D., via e-mai
Updated: Mar. 27, 2009 5:39 PM | Full story
