Dog & Cat Articles with Advice from Our Experts

Some cats sleep in the litter box when they're kittens, but if you find your kitty sleeping in the litter box when she's older, something may be amiss and need attention.

Cats are wonderful companion animals and can be a lower maintenance pet for owners who aren't home all day or who can't commit to the daily exercise many dogs require. However, to best care for your feline friend, it's important to understand normal cat behaviour and eating habits.

Everyone loves puppies. The soft coat, big eyes, little squeaks and that special puppy smell seem perfectly designed to make you want to scoop up and cuddle puppies forever. Because most people get puppies when they are 8 to 10 weeks old and ready to leave their mother, you may be surprised to find out that puppies are actually very helpless when they're first born. They're born without a sense of hearing and with their eyes closed, and these senses continue to develop after the puppy is born. So, when do puppies open their eyes? We've got the answers right here.

While many people choose to spay their cats to help decrease the chances of a pregnancy and extra kittens running around the house, if your cat isn't spayed, she will eventually go into heat. If you have an adopted cat and you're not sure how old she is, you may not know if she's already had her first heat or when to expect the next one. While a cat's heat cycle can be a little confusing, once you learn to tell when your cat is going into heat, you can better anticipate when the next one will come.

Most people want their dogs to bark. It's an extra level of protection when a stranger shows up at the door, and it's nice to know that an animal is outside if you live in a rural area. But if your dog doesn't stop barking when you say to, it can be a frustrating experience for you both. Your dog is just doing what's natural and normal, but that doesn't mean you have to live with it. Learn how to stop excessive barking and teach your dog to speak and be quiet on command with these training tips.

Chocolate is an extremely popular dessert, but if you're thinking about sharing your treats with your pet, this one may be better left to humans only. Whether you already knew that chocolate was bad for dogs or had heard the news but didn't understand why — and maybe thought just a little bit was OK — this guide answers the question "Can dogs eat chocolate?" It also explains the science behind the answer and provides alternative options when you want to let your dog indulge.

Just as you clip your own nails on a regular basis, your dog's nails need to be trimmed as well. Long nails can create health problems and just be uncomfortable for your dog. In the wild, your dog's nails would naturally wear down and stay short, but this doesn't happen in comfortable domestic life. It's normal to be nervous when you first learn how to cut dogs' nails, but with these best practices, you can make the process easier and more enjoyable for both you and your dog.

Whether your dog's ears are floppy or stand at attention, learning how to clean a dog's ears is an important part of keeping your pet healthy and happy. Most dogs need at least occasional ear cleanings, and those that are prone to infections or buildup might need a freshening up more often. Luckily, cleaning your dog's ears doesn't have to mean a trip to the groomer or vet. Learn how to safely and easily clean your dog's ears at home with this guide.

Cats drinking milk is typically the stuff of storybooks and movies — a child rescues a cat, and the first thing they do is feed it a shallow saucer of creamy milk. While events like this are adorable, you might wonder if cats really can drink milk.

If you've ever asked the question, "Why do dogs eat grass?" you may have heard answers that cover everything from boredom and hunger to being sick. However, eating grass is actually a normal behaviour for dogs, and most dogs will eat grass at some point in their lives. Here's an overview of why your dog may be eating grass and what you need to do about it.

For many owners, it can seem like their dogs are bottomless pits — always hungry and always ready for more — but some dogs just don't have much of an appetite, particularly when it comes to dry food.

Just like it's important that you brush and floss daily and see a dentist on a regular basis, your cat's dental health needs attention too. Whether you have a new kitten and you want to make sure their oral care gets off on the right paw or you're dealing with an older cat with suspected dental issues, here's everything you need to know when it comes to how to take care of your cat's teeth.