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If your cat has hyperthyroidism, the cause may be flame retardants in the environment. Feline hyperthyroidism, first diagnosed in 1979, is the most common endocrine disease in older cats. In the 40 years since that first case was diagnosed, the prevalence of the disease has risen dramatically. Scientists suspected a link to household flame retardants, […]

When you think something’s wrong with your dog or cat, the first thing you do is Google the symptoms. Are we right? We bet we are. Studies show that 3 out of 4 people go to the internet before calling their veterinarians or taking their pets to the clinic. We understand. If you’re worried about […]

If your dog’s itching is driving both of you crazy, here’s some information that can help! If you’ve ever had poison oak or ivy, you know how infuriating, stressful, and even painful itching can be. Your dog’s itch isn’t because of those plants, however. The top tip I have, based on my 40 years as […]

Do dogs’ personalities vary depending on their coat color? That’s what a reader asked, and here’s what science tells us about the answer. Q: I’ve heard that Labs have different personalities depending on their color. Is that true? A: That’s a persistent myth about many breeds, including Labrador retrievers. For instance, chocolate Labs are thought […]

No, you can’t get herpes from your cat. But feline herpesvirus is common in cats, usually causing mild symptoms but sometimes much more serious. Here’s what I told a reader. Q: My cat has been diagnosed with feline herpesvirus. What is it, and can she transmit it to me? A: First, the short answer, to […]