Exotic Pets You Can Own Without a License: State-by-State Laws
Every state has laws that determine what kind of animals can be kept as pets. These laws can change at any time and over the years, many states have added to their list of prohibited animals. Game and fish commissions, departments of fish and wildlife or conservation, and other state divisions dictate these rules that are found in state statutes and regulations. These documents can be difficult for some to discover and decipher because they are written in complicated legal language.
Tea Tree Oil for Fleas: Evaluating Safety and Effectiveness
Tea tree oil should never be given orally to pets as it is toxic if swallowed.
Deworming Your Dog: How Often Is Necessary for Optimal Health?
Puppies should be dewormed regularly for the first few months of life, typically during scheduled vaccination visits.
Hole-in-the-Head Disease in Saltwater Fish
Hole-in-the-head disease (HITH) causes erosive pits in fish and is primarily an aesthetic issue but can lead to secondary infections.
Tapeworms in Dogs
Tapeworms in dogs are rarely serious but can cause irritation, malnutrition, and weight loss if untreated.
Tapeworms in Cats
Tapeworms are a common parasite in cats that live in the intestines. They can be excreted in the feces and passed along to other animals. Some owners may notice tapeworm symptoms in their cat such as vomiting, diarrhea, a bloated belly, changes in appetite, or segments of the worms in the stool, but many cats can have tapeworms and not show any signs. For this reason, regular prevention and screening is important to keep your cat free from tapeworms and other intestinal parasites.
Ear Mites in Puppies and Dogs
Ear mites are highly contagious parasites that cause itching, inflammation, and discomfort in pets, requiring prompt treatment.
Velvet: Aquarium Fish Disease Identification and Cure
Velvet disease is a serious condition caused by dinoflagellate parasites, requiring immediate attention to prevent fish mortality.
Anchor Worms in Freshwater Fish: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Anchor worms are crustacean copepod parasites common in freshwater fish such as koi and goldfish, and they are visible to the naked eye.
How to Give Fish a Freshwater Dip or Bath
A quick freshwater dip is an effective first step to treat saltwater fish for parasites before quarantine.
The Complete Guide to Dog Treats
We all deserve a little treat now and again, whether it’s a tasty chocolate dessert after a meal or maybe an extra scoop of ice cream in the park. The same goes for your dog. However, with so many options available and disputing arguments on what dog treats dogs should eat or how many they should have, it's difficult to know where to start.
How to Change Your Dog's Food
It is a common misconception that changing your dog’s food is as simple as swapping one brand for another, but a rushed transition can lead to several issues with your dog's health and well-being. This is why it’s essential for you to know the correct way to change your dog’s food so you can avoid unfortunate stomach upsets and keep your dog happy and healthy!
Autumn Pet Safety Tips: Keeping Pets Safe in Autumn
The days are getting shorter, the kids are back at school, and there’s an unmistakable chill in the morning air. This can only mean one thing. Autumn is almost here. As we prepare to manage the change in seasons, we also need to consider how this might affect our pets.
Dog Theft: What You Need To Know
A dog is a source of joy in your life. They are wonderful companions, adorable to be around and even helpful to many people around the UK. But sadly, there is always the risk that your dog may be stolen. You’ve likely heard about dognapping online and on the news, and while dog theft isn’t anything new it is certainly something worth thinking about.
Cattery Checklist: What to Take to a Cattery
As much as we wish our feline friends could join us on all our adventures, there are times where we must leave them behind. It could be a holiday, a family visit, or even a business trip, whatever the reason, a cattery is a place you can lodge your cat for the time you’re away much like leaving a dog in kennels.
Can You Take Your Dog Abroad?
Holidays abroad are great fun for all the family, so it’s only natural that people would want their furry friend to join in on the journey. However, there is a common misconception that to take a pet abroad, you’ll need to pay for a number of nasty health treatments and leave your pet in quarantine once they arrive. This is not the case.
Signs of Anxiety in Domestic Pets
Changes in routine can be a stressful situation for everyone, including our pets, which can result in anxiety and overall discomfort. There are a number of things that can trigger stress or anxiety in your pet, including holiday events, unfamiliar people, new pets in your household, loud noises, and even travelling in the car.
How to Care for Your Cat’s Ears
As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to maintain and keep track of your pet’s health, both inside and out, but even with regular health checks, some things can easily be missed, especially when there are no obvious signs of a problem. When it comes to cats, one of the most common missed issues is with their ears, partly because they’re not a fan of sitting still long enough for you to properly check, and also because they are very good at hiding when something is wrong.
Why Does My Dog...
Having a dog is great, but as with all pet ownership, it comes with a learning curve. You can read as many dog books as you like, spend hours researching online, but inevitably, your dog is going to do something that raises some questions. And since all dogs are different, it's only natural to wonder if other dogs do the same things, so you know whether or not to be concerned.
Can Dogs Get Hayfever?
Spring can be one of the most beautiful times of the year as the days get longer and nature slowly comes back to life after the cold winter months. However, what is a wonderful time for some of us can be a nightmare for others. As pollen counts rise, so does the risk of dog hay fever appearing.
How Knowledgeable are UK Pet Owners on Dog Gut Health?
For dog owners, ensuring good gut health is often a key priority, and many of us are aware of the risks associated with dogs eating something they shouldn’t. A balanced gut microbiome ensures proper nutrient absorption and excretion of waste products, which is extremely important for a pup’s overall health. Dog owner concerns around gut health continue to grow, and online searches for terms such as “dog gut health” and “best food for dog health” have increased substantially in the past year.
Your Dog Won’t Eat? Here’s What To Do
Anyone who owns a dog or who has been around one for longer than ten minutes knows that most of the time, they’ll eat anything! So, it’s understandable why your dog suddenly going off their food would be worrying.
The Complete Dog Bed Buyer's Guide
Dogs spend up to 16 hours a day asleep, and puppies even more so. With that in mind, it’s no wonder choosing the best dog bed is such a challenge. With different designs, materials, and benefits available, it’s easy to get lost looking for the perfect snooze spot.
What to Have in a Pet First Aid Kit
While we despair at the thought of anything happening to our beloved furry friends, the reality is that accidents happen, sometimes when you least expect. This is why we've put together this quick guide to pet first aid kits so you can be preapred in the event of an accident.
Top 5 Picks in Pet Care Technology
New technological breakthroughs happen all the time, and the rollout of new technology and gadgets is never far behind! From AI to trackers, we’re going to explore the very best in new pet care technology and also take a look at what pet owners across the UK are still waiting for.
Dog Food by Age: The Best Dog Food by Life Stage
When it comes to choosing dog food, there are so many options on the market that it’s easy to get confused about what is best for your dog.
How Do Flea Treatments Work?
Treating your pet for fleas is one of the crucial aspects of any pet's at-home healthcare routine. But how do you know if you're choosing the right one?
Healthy Vs Unhealthy Gums in Pets
Maintaining your pet’s oral health goes beyond just their teeth, and the colour of your pet’s gums could be an indicator of something being wrong.
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Tick Removal Guide for Cats and Dogs
One of the most important responsibilities you have as a pet owner is to maintain your pet’s health, including keeping them fed and parasite free. There are a number of internal and external parasites that your pet can pick up, and you need to know how to prevent, treat, and in some cases, remove these parasites from your pet.
How to Keep Cats Cool in Hot Weather
Summer is here, and you’re undoubtedly getting ready for well-lit nights spent in the garden or sunny Sundays with the family. But with that sunshine comes rising temperatures that even we struggle to deal with as the UK enters some of its longest heatwaves to date. And if you’re struggling to stay cool, how do you think your cat is doing?
Can Cats Get Arthritis?
Arthritis is a common disease in many pets that affects their joints, making them uncomfortable or even painful to move. In many cases, arthritis occurs naturally as your cat ages and their bodies begin to slow down. This may be surprising as cats can be particularly limber pets, but studies have shown approximately 90% of cats over the age of 12 will show signs of arthritis. It is simply their natural instinct to hide pain from others, including their owners.
Pheromones for Cats Explained
Cats are creatures of habit, and when something disrupts their routine, it can quickly cause them to feel stressed or anxious. This, in turn, can lead to a number of worrying behavioural changes, including not eating, hiding, or being destructive in the home.
Can Kittens Eat Adult Cat Food?
In simple terms, yes, kittens can eat adult cat food. However, that doesn’t mean they should. A growing kitten requires a much more nutrient-rich diet than adult cats to support their rapid growth, ensure optimal development of organs, bones and muscles, and to build up their immune systems.
Dehydration in Dogs
Any living thing can suffer from dehydration, and if left untreated, it can lead to a number of health problems, including heatstroke, seizures, and even brain damage.
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Lara Hew 27 articlesLara is a photography major at UArts in Philly! In her free time, she likes to walk dogs and, of course, take photos. She also loves reading and movies, hiking, kayaking, and just anything that involves being outdoors. She has grown up with animals since she was little and currently has two dogs and a cat of her own.
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Peyton Shine 26 articlesPeyton originally from Michigan, but have lived in Philadelphia for 10 years. She grew up surrounded by animals, both at home and on her grandparent's farm. She now has one dog, a golden retriever-boxer mix named Cooper.
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Tiffany Salmon 47 articlesI focus on empowering my team through collaboration, transparency, and a shared sense of purpose. I believe in leading by example, maintaining a mindset of continuous learning, and encouraging others to think creatively and take calculated risks.
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Dana Minacapelli 47 articlesDana started her journey in the veterinary field in 2004 at an animal shelter in Corpus Christi, Texas. She immediately fell in love with the profession and nurtured her passion for helping animals that were in desperate need of a second chance. Here, she began implementing improved policies that mitigated disease control, managed a low cost spay/neuter program for the community, and made recommendations to the Board of Directors on best practices for the clinic as well as the shelter as a whole.
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Lizzie Youens 50 articlesLizzie has over ten years of experience as a veterinary surgeon with particular interests in animal behaviour, dermatology, and geriatrics.
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Hannah Clark 25 articlesHannah has worked at Pet Drugs Online for over three years, researching, writing, and publishing all of our blog content. She currently lives in Cardiff with her 5-year-old cat, Margot, and 2-year-old Cavapoo, Merida.