Pets

To a human it's unimaginable - sniffing another's derriere. But to our canine companions, it's totally normal. But why? Why?

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

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

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

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

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

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

By Melanie Radzicki McManus

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

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes. And a few breeds stand out for being, well, exceptionally huge. But what is the biggest dog breed in the world?

By Sharise Cunningham

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

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

By Meg Sparwath

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

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

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

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 & Talon Homer

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

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

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 & Mitch Ryan

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 & Talon Homer

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

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

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

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

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

There are two types of huskies and they both look an awful lot like malamutes, so it's no wonder people can't tell them apart.

By Tara Yarlagadda

The most remarkable feature of a Munchkin cat is its short legs, though most litters have both normal-legged kittens and short-legged kittens.

By Laurie L. Dove