Pets

Pets make wonderful companions. Learn how to take care of pets, read about common pet behavior issues and injuries and pick up general pet care tips.

Topics to Explore

How to Set Up a Snake Tank

When Car Sharing and Pets Converge

5 Small Family Dogs

How many words do dogs understand?

Learn More

Hermit Crabs: Tiny Crustaceans Living in Nature's Mobile Homes

Hermit crabs are easy to care for as pets if you provide them with all the essentials they need. And that includes shells for their growing bodies.

By Mark Mancini Pets / Other Pets

Can Dogs Get Poison Ivy?

Some of us get it, some of us don't – the scourge of so many nature lovers everywhere – but did you know that our four-legged friends are also susceptible to the three-leaved menace?

By Patty Rasmussen May 20, 2020 Dogs / Dog Care

Why Do Dogs Have Anal Glands?

All dogs have anal glands that serve multiple functions. The problem is they can also get blocked or infected, and even leak, which is really disgusting if you're a human.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler May 18, 2020 Dogs / Dog Care

Xoloitzcuintli: The Mexican Hairless Dog, Ancient Guide to the Underworld

The xoloitzcuintli is one of the most ancient of dog breeds and even was considered as a symbolic guide to the underworld by the ancient Aztec and Mayan civilizations.

By Wendy Bowman May 18, 2020 Dogs / Family Dogs

5 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About Betta Fish

Colorful, flashy betta fish are common as pets. But many owners are unaware of how to properly care for them.

By Melanie Radzicki McManus Apr 16, 2020 Pets / Aquarium Fish

Can I Feed My Dog Cat Food in a Pinch?

If you run out of your dog's food, can you just feed him your cat's food? And what about your cat? Is it OK to give him dog food?

By Meg Sparwath Apr 16, 2020 Dogs / Family Dogs

What's the Biggest Dog in the World?

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. But a few breeds stand out for being, well, exceptionally large. Which hold the records for being the biggest?

By Patty Rasmussen Apr 2, 2020 Dogs / Family Dogs

The Lowdown on the Lion-like Leonberger

At between 120 and 170 pounds, you might expect the massive Leonberger to be aggressive and hard to handle — turns out, they're intelligent, gentle and sensitive family dogs.

By Wendy Bowman Mar 3, 2020 Dogs / Family Dogs

How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?

All dogs need baths. But how often? And can you bathe them too much?

By Meg Sparwath Feb 24, 2020 Dogs / Dog Care

Why Do Cats Need to Knead?

This quirky, but endearing, behavior — also known as 'making biscuits' — is common in all domestic cats. But what is your cat saying when she's mixing dough on your belly?

By Kristen Hall-Geisler Jan 31, 2020 Cats / Family Cats

Ragdoll Cats Are the Floppiest, Friendliest Felines Around

The ragdoll habit of turning floppy in their owners' arms is one of the breed's most endearing trademarks. And those eyes ...

By Mark Mancini Jan 30, 2020 Cats / Family Cats

How to Give Your Dog CPR

It's one of your worst nightmares. Your dog isn't breathing and you can't find his pulse. Do you know what to do to save his life?

By Wendy Bowman Dogs / Dog Care

What's the Best Way to Leash Your Dog?

Retractable leashes, martingale collars, slip leads, harnesses, choke chains – this dog walking business is way more complicated than you thought. So, with all the options out there, what is the best way to leash your dog?

By Patty Rasmussen Jan 23, 2020 Dogs / Dog Care

Bengal Cats Are Mini Leopard Hybrid Housecats

A hybrid cross between a small Asian leopard cat and a domestic cat, the Bengal cat will keep you busy with its intelligence and active personality. It may even shower with you.

By Mark Mancini Jan 7, 2020 Cats / Family Cats

Why Dogs Love Belly Rubs, Cats Not So Much

The way to a dog's heart is definitely through a belly rub, but just touching a cat's belly will probably get you a back-leg rabbit kick and a painful vise of teeth and claws.

By Laurie L. Dove Dec 31, 2019 Dogs / Family Dogs

How Did the Goldfish Become Everyone's First Pet?

Goldfish may seem like an easy starter pet, but they do require some basic care so they don't end up in the toilet a few weeks later! We talk with an expert about the three steps every goldfish owner should take.

By Alia Hoyt Dec 11, 2019 Pets / Aquarium Fish

Exotic or Exploited? The Controversial Savannah Cat

What do you get when you mix a domestic cat with a wild African serval cat? You get a Savannah cat, which turns out to be a very beautiful but very controversial kitty.

By Mark Mancini Dec 6, 2019 Cats / Family Cats

The Battle of the Big Cats: Maine Coon vs. Norwegian Forest

The Maine Coon and the Norwegian Forest are both plus-size breeds of cat, but what are the differences between these feline behemoths?

By Mark Mancini Nov 12, 2019 Cats / Family Cats

Do Dogs Have Belly Buttons?

The belly button is pretty obvious on a human. But what about a dog? Do they have one and if so, where in the world is it?

By Meg Sparwath Nov 7, 2019 Dogs / Family Dogs

Can You Be Allergic to a Hypoallergenic Dog?

Any dog lover with allergies knows that the two just don't mix. So which dog breeds are best if you're allergic and still want a four-legged friend?

By Stephanie Vermillion Nov 5, 2019 Dogs / Family Dogs

8 Facts About Persian Cats, Kings of the Lap-Nappers

Persians are famous for their long hair and snub noses. But this is no aloof kitty – they're so friendly, breeders refer to them as "dog cats."

By Dave Roos Nov 5, 2019 Cats / Family Cats

12 Regal Facts About Siamese Cats

Affectionate and haughty at the same time, the Siamese cat exudes an air of mystery. But it still loves to follow you around.

By Mark Mancini Oct 31, 2019 Cats / Family Cats

The British Shorthair Is a Round-faced 'Teddy Bear Cat'

According to some sources, Lewis Carroll based the smiling Cheshire Cat from his 1865 novel "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" on the British Shorthair.

By Mark Mancini Oct 29, 2019 Cats / Family Cats