ArcaMax

Enrichment isn’t just for zoo animals—our cats and dogs benefit from it too. Providing mental stimulation helps prevent boredom, reduces anxiety and can even curb unwanted behaviors. But pet owners don’t need to spend a fortune on store-bought gadgets. Many of the best enrichment toys can be made at home with common household items, a ...Read more

Anyone who has ever watched their cat tear through the hallway like a racecar or seen their dog suddenly bolt around the yard in manic circles has witnessed the phenomenon known as “the zoomies.” These sudden bursts of frenetic energy are entertaining, puzzling and sometimes concerning. But according to veterinarians and animal behaviorists,...Read more

For pet owners, choosing between wet and dry food can feel like picking sides in an age-old debate. While both forms of pet nutrition offer benefits and drawbacks, the best choice often depends on the pet’s age, health status, lifestyle and—perhaps most importantly—their personal preferences.

Nutrition and moisture content One of ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

We got Kasey when he was two, many years ago, from my daughter who passed away. He’s now a healthy 14-year-old tuxedo. Kasey is afraid of me and avoids all men. He connects with my wife on a limited basis, sometimes sitting near her or briefly on her lap, but only in the evening, near her lounge chair, and only if I’m not in the...Read more

Dear Cathy,

My daughter's dog is a 12-year-old Border Collie/Aussie mix. He's the best dog, except when it comes to thunderstorms, or even gentle rain. When she's home, he will stand shaking with his head down. With thunder, he'll find someplace to hide, but if she's not home, he becomes destructive, even to the point of clawing the hose from ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

My six-year-old Aussie Doodle gets so excited she urinates when a female guest visits and shows her some attention. When she is ignored, she jumps on that person. How can I stop this behavior?

— Elaine, Westbury, New York

Dear Elaine,

The first behavior – urinating when a guest pays attention to your dog – is known as ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

Our adorable and lovable great-grandson Labradoodle, Franklin, has a rather unusual behavior. This past weekend, our daughter and son-in-law brought Franklin along for a fundraising walk around our local fairgrounds.

At one point, he suddenly flopped down on the pavement – head and paws down. At first, I thought he was just tired...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I have a friend with a two-year-old miniature schnauzer he’s had since puppyhood. He installed a camera in his room to check on the dog while he’s away, but no matter how briefly he leaves – even just to run to the store – the dog starts crying and won’t stop until he returns.

As a result, he takes the dog everywhere, ...Read more