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.
Why is Your Cat Hiding
Cats are elusive and peculiar pets at the best of times, especially those who spend most of their time outside. However, one thing many new cat owners can become confused by is a cat's habit of finding the smallest possible space to squeeze into and hiding there.
Do Cats Drink Water?
Water is one of the foundations of life, and very few living things can survive for long without it, including cats. This can make it concerning if it looks like your cat isn’t drinking, but it’s important to remember that cats do drink water and should always have access to fresh, clean water at all times.
How to Save Money on Pet Care
Having a pet is a gift, but it’s also a responsibility, one that comes with some financial considerations. When you take on a pet, you are responsible for their diet, enrichment, and health, all of which can become costly if you don’t shop smart.
Can Dogs Catch a Cold?
We all feel a little under the weather sometimes, and it's no different for our pets. Whether they're affected by environmental factors or contract an illness from being around other dogs, there are many illnesses that your dog can face during their lifetime.
How to Treat Roundworms in Dogs & Cats
Parasites are never good for pets. If not treated, they can cause discomfort or even health complications. Here, we explain roundworms, what to do if you think your pet has them, and what the best roundworm treatment is for your pet.
How to Find a Reputable Dog Breeder
There’s something wildly fulfilling about raising a little puppy into a full-grown healthy dog, which is one of the reasons why owners across the board would rather welcome a new puppy into their home rather than a grown dog.
The Complete Guide to Getting Rid of Fleas
Finding out your pet has a flea problem can be a real nuisance, but if left for too long, one flea can quickly become an infestation.
What is FIV in Cats?
There is a lot of confusion around FIV in cats, with many owners believing it to be the feline equivalent of AIDs in humans. This, however, is a myth. In this blog, we’re going to explain what FIV is, how you can spot it, and what you can do to care for cats positive for FIV.
How to Save Money on Your Pet's Food
We all want the best for our pets, but with the cost of living rising, it’s becoming tricky to provide the very best without breaking the bank. That’s why we’ve put together our top tips for savings on your pet’s food, so you can get more for your money without compromising your pet’s health.
How Dangerous is Chocolate to Dogs?
Easter has become a celebration that demands chocolate in all its delicious forms. However, with cases of chocolate poisoning in dogs having risen to 123% this time of year, all owners need to understand why chocolate is bad for dogs and what to do if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate.
Summer Safety Tips for Pets
The sun is out, temperatures are rising, and the English summer is well on its way. While we’re all excited for the adventures we can go on with furry friends, it’s important to know that when the seasons change, so do potential dangers to pets.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Signs You Should Change Your Dog's Food
Have you been questioning if your dog’s current food is right for them? Or have you noticed some issues with your dog’s digestion that’s making you wonder if they’re getting all the nutrients they need? Maybe you’re just looking to find a new healthy dog food without breaking the bank.
Understanding Arthritis in Dogs
Many dogs will develop some kind of condition in their lifetime, typically as they get older, but some can affect dogs of any age. According to a study, 1 in 5 dogs will develop arthritis in their lifetime, and canine arthritis is the most common cause of chronic pain in dogs.
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Is Grass Seed Dangerous for Dogs?
Autumn is one of the best times of year to sow your grass seed as the soil is moist and warm, but did you know that grass seed can pose a danger to pets? In this blog, we’re going to talk you through some of the dangers of grass seed for dogs and cats.
Tips for Taking Your Dog to Work
More and more offices and workspaces are becoming pet-friendly, and a recorded 79% of people want to discuss pet-friendly options while looking for jobs, so it makes sense that more and more companies are finding ways to make it work. There is even a day dedicated to taking your dogs to work, which occurs around June 23rd each year, depending on whether the day falls during the working week.
What is the Best Flea Treatment for Dogs
Finding the best flea treatment for your dog will depend on whether you're treating and infestation or treating preventatively, how long you want the protection to last, and how well your dog tolerates medication being administered.
What is the Best Flea Treatment for Cats?
Since many cat owners choose to let their cats free-roam around their local area, they run a much higher risk of picking up pesky parasites like fleas from their environment. This means it’s important for you as their owner to ensure they have the best possible protection against fleas, ticks, lice and other parasites they might pick up while they’re out of the home.
Fireworks Anxiety in Pets & What You Can Do to Help
There’s no arguing that fireworks are stunning, but those colourful sparks that fill us with joy can be incredibly distressing for our pets and local wildlife. The RSPCA even calls them "a terrifying ordeal" for animals.
Do I Need Pet Insurance?
Our pet’s health is always at the forefront of our minds, and the thought that something might go wrong with our furry friends is enough to keep anyone up at night. Luckily for us, there are plenty of options for pet insurance available on the market so we can find the best policy to ensure our pets are covered whatever happens.
Lizzie has over ten years of experience as a veterinary surgeon with particular interests in animal behaviour, dermatology, and geriatrics.
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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 articles
Lizzie 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.