Next time you're relaxing on the sofa with your dog or cat, spend a few minutes petting or massaging them - they won't even know they are getting a check-up! Feel their entire body for lumps that shouldn't be there. Look under their arms, neck, legs - everywhere your pet will let you look. Because of their fur, you will be able to find a bump by feel long before you can see them.

We know that cats use the pounce to catch prey, although cats are quite speedy, the prey they chase is also quick. Their hunts are far more successful if they wait and watch until the prey comes close, then crouch down, wiggle, and pounce. All cats from house cats to tigers do the pre-wiggle before the pounce. But why?

Winter's chill is back! It's easy to know when our human children need a jacket, but what about our pets? Is dressing your dog in a sweater a fashion statement or a necessity? After all, they are born wearing fur coats! Even in warm climates, some pets will benefit from a sweater or coat, especially a dog that goes outside often.

There is a very clear connection between our pet's good health and their teeth. Just like us, our pets need their teeth professionally cleaned now and then. However, in between cleanings there are a number of things you can do to help keep their choppers pearly white and their breath sweet.

There is a very clear connection between our pet's good health and their teeth. Just like us, our pets need their teeth professionally cleaned now and then. However, in between cleanings there are a number of things you can do to help keep their choppers pearly white and their breath sweet.

There is a very clear connection between our pet's good health and their teeth. Just like us, our pets need their teeth professionally cleaned now and then. However, in between cleanings there are a number of things you can do to help keep their choppers pearly white and their breath sweet.

There is a very clear connection between our pet's good health and their teeth. Just like us, our pets need their teeth professionally cleaned now and then. However, in between cleanings there are a number of things you can do to help keep their choppers pearly white and their breath sweet.

We all know that cats are different from dogs - you know when a dog likes you (think wagging, slobber, wet kisses) - but how do you know if your cat really loves you? Cats show their love in any number of ways, you just need to know what to look for. Your cat is probably telling you every day how much they love you.

Enjoy the cooler weather. Play in the yard or take a long walk. Even better, take Fido and your family on an evening stroll to look at holiday decorations.

That title is an oxymoron, isn't it? Barkers are not very anonymous! First, let's state the obvious, most dogs bark - it's a normal canine activity. Certainly, some breeds are more vocal than others. If your dog barks for a loooooong time or woofs at everything - you've got a barkaholic.

If you've been groomed by a cat then you know their tongue is rough and scratchy - like sandpaper! It's not wet like a dog's tongue (that's why cats are not sloppy smoochers). And if you examine it closely you'll recognize that it's weird! You'll see that it's full of tiny barbs that face backward. Those are called papillae and they do a lot for a feline's daily life.

Americans love their pets, so much so, that we spend more than $70 billion on them each year. Most of us will do anything we can to make sure they stay healthy and happy, yet more than 100 million pets in the USA are overweight, and we all know that extra weight leads to health problems.

We all train new canine additions to our homes; potty training, the household rules, leash walking, and usually a trick or two. But why would we start a training program for our older dog that already knows the rules of the road?

Like most other animals, cats can have dry skin. Although dry skin doesn't seem like a critical cat concern, the state of their skin is a good indicator of your cat's overall health. So if your kitty has flakey skin, is scratching frequently, has hair loss, or is excessively grooming - it's time to look into the state of their skin.

You thought your new dog was going to be just like your last one... well adjusted, friendly, and full of fun. Instead, you got a pooch that is afraid of a long list of things. Your dog may have been abused, or had a terrifying experience, or may be naturally fearful. It doesn't matter why your dog is nervous, living with a fearful dog is a rollercoaster ride - a lot of ups and downs.

Let's be clear; mounting is a common behavior among dogs. Puppies, older dogs, and even female dogs do humpie. It's also the behavior that dog owners find very embarrassing.

Here is a collection of "facts" about our beloved felines. How many do you know?

Let's start here: any dog can bite. Even the most friendly and easygoing dog will bite if provoked. Believe it or not, the vast majority of dog bites are from a familiar dog - often the family pet.

Do you have a Heinz 57 dog? If so, you've probably wondered which breeds are mixed into your pup? Discovering your best friend's background is fun, easy, and less expensive than you might think.

With shelf after shelf of cat litter at the local pet supply store trying to narrow the choice down to one is a dizzying task! How on earth do you choose? Which works best? Does one control odor better than others?