Use clicker-training to teach tricks to pocket-size pets
Monday, Jan 27th, 2014 | By Dr. Marty Becker
Can your ferret play basketball? Your rabbit race through weave poles? Your pot-bellied pig complete an obedience routine? Well, why not? These animals, as well as guinea pigs, rats, mice, gerbils and more, can all learn to amaze your friends and family by performing tricks and other behaviors on cue. Think it can’t be done? […]
Read more »Top tips for hitting the road with your pets
Thursday, Jan 16th, 2014 | By Dr. Marty Becker
My wife, Teresa, and I love to travel. Our pets have the best of TLC when we’re gone, but we prefer to bring them with us when we can. (Well, the dogs — the barn cats and horses aren’t really ideal travel companions!) This week in our nationally syndicated feature, Pet Connection, my writing partner, […]
Read more »Why you should have your kitty open her mouth and say ‘ahhhhh’!
Saturday, Jan 11th, 2014 | By Dr. Marty Becker
A couple of years ago, I had a pet owner bring in an adult cat because it was meowing differently. That’s not much to go on, but I did a complete physical exam and found nothing. Subsequent blood work also came back normal. Then I recommended sedation, so that we could get radiographs. Again, we […]
Read more »One pet food recall every 11 days in 2013
Tuesday, Jan 7th, 2014 | By Dr. Marty Becker
Nothing is certain in life except death and taxes and, increasingly, pet food and treat recalls. There were 33 in 2013. On average, that’s one every 11 days. And between 2008 and 2012, the Food and Drug Administration received more than 2,500 complaints from consumers regarding pet food and livestock feed. The complaints ranged from […]
Read more »Resolve to make a new start with your pets
Wednesday, Jan 1st, 2014 | By Dr. Marty Becker
Got your New Year’s resolutions ready yet? Yeah, we don’t either. A good place to start, though, is with your pet. Helping your cat or dog change his life for the better has benefits for both of you. A healthier, happier pet not only puts less pressure on your wallet, but also brings more smiles […]
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