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Plants can add a relaxing touch of nature to your home, but if you have pets, you need to be cautious about which houseplants you choose. Fortunately, there are many pet-friendly houseplants that can be beautiful additions to an urban jungle without posing severe risks to your pets. How Houseplants Can Hurt Pets There are several ways plants can hurt pets, depending on the plant and the type of interaction the pet has with it. The most common effect is that some houseplants can be toxic to pets, and that toxicity could lead to seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, allergic reactions, or...

When temperatures drop, we layer up in warm clothes, turn up the furnace, enjoy hot drinks, and take other steps to stay warm and safe. But what about our pets? Practicing good cold weather safety for pets is essential to keep all our furry, scaled, and feathered family members safe and comfortable in winter. How Animals Adapt to Cold Animals have many natural adaptations to cold weather. Our furry friends may grow a thicker winter coat, while many animals will gain weight in autumn to store an insulating layer of fat just under their skin. Some animals slow their metabolism...

The Halloween-Thanksgiving-Christmas holiday trifecta is traditionally characterized by festive and sometimes flamboyant displays of decorations. While many of these decorations are considered benign to the health and safety of you and your family, you may want to consider how they affect your pets. Dogs are the most likely culprits of gobbling up a poisonous holiday plant, so its important to take certain precautions when decorating your home for the holidays. First, beware of the poinsettia. This vibrant green and red plant indigenous to Latin America is a timeless decoration in the holiday season that garnered attention in the past for...

The holiday season is a stressful, hectic time, but it can also be a downright dangerous season for pets. Being aware of the hidden dangers that lurk in everything from holiday food and decorations to family visits is essential for all pet owners to safeguard their furred, feathered and scaled family members. Top 10 Holiday Dangers to Pets – And How to Keep Safe Many holiday things we enjoy – special foods and feasts, enchanting decorations, twinkling lights, gifts, visits from family and friends – can actually be dangerous to pets. Fortunately, avoiding these dangers is easy once we understand...

It is not unusual for cats to have sensitive skin, and there are a number of conditions that could cause skin reactions. Adjusting the cat’s diet, however, can help alleviate discomfort and lessen the need for medications or stronger measures to keep your feline friend happy and healthy. Signs and Causes of Skin Sensitivity There are many symptoms that could indicate a cat has skin sensitivity. While different cats will have different levels of sensitivity and may manifest symptoms in different ways, typical skin irritations show as: Dry, flaky, or scaly skin patches Unusual redness or hot skin Bumps or...