Why treating pets like children can be such a hot-button issue[1] Google “furkids” and you will find hits on everything from dogsitters to tailored clothing: the population of pet guardians that relate to their bundles of fur much like offspring is steadily growing. Some pet parents see their dog as a child-substitute—a replacement for the unconditional love and nurturing that comes with a parent-child relationship. Others view caring for their dog as a bona fide parenting role, regardless of their … Continue reading →

Pets Are Getting Fatter; Owners Find It Tricky to Count Kitty Calories, Cut Kibble[1]   For 12-year-old Buffy of Calabash, N.C., the trouble began with too much steak (and chicken and ice cream) at dinnertime. In nearby Ocean Isle Beach, six-year-old Hershey harbors a fondness for beef and cheese snacks. And 14-year-old Fridge of Longwood, Fla., gets cranky if his bowl isn't full. Buffy, Hershey and Fridge are pets battling excess weight and obesity. As more Americans confront their own … Continue reading →

Try these tips[1] I am sure we all remember a pet we grew up with. For me, it was my dog, a miniature schnauzer named Sparky. Like his owners, Sparky loved to go places, and a jingle of the keys would make him snap to attention and head for the door, tail wagging. Yet life in the car wasn’t ideal. For starters, my parents bought full-size station wagons, which meant Sparky spent his time in the back. That might sound … Continue reading →

Stiff joints? Failing eyesight? Flaky skin? Foods for improving canine health conditions. The best thing we can do for our dogs is to provide them with healthy nutrition. There are many foods that fulfill basic nutritional needs, but what about foods that actually improve health? Specific foods can have a positive impact on many health conditions. You can feed these foods in addition to your dog’s regular food, or, if you are feeding homemade food, you can incorporate these foods … Continue reading →