A reader from Michigan recently asked whether he should adopt the runt of the litter of pups for a family pet. We put the question to some of our subscribers and got a wide range of answers, some based on science and others based on personal experience:
“My family got their first pet when I was probably six years old. I remember going to see the puppies a few weeks before they were weaned and falling in love with the smallest pup in the group.
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Just like dogs and humans, felines can contract the cat flu and end up with common symptoms. Most cats who get feline influenza will end up with a sore throat, sniffles and watery eyes. They many also develop mild lethargy and aching muscles. In severe cases of cat flu, pets can run a high fever and become dehydrated or severely lethargic.
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While your dog can’t catch the flu from you or other people, he can catch it from other dogs. This year, cases of canine flu are on the rise. It’s very contagious, so if your dog is being boarded, visits dog parks or even has regular play dates with other dogs, he is likely to be exposed to the canine flu virus.
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There are multiple websites that offer detailed information on the ingredients and quality of various dog food brands. Most of them are helpful, but there are a few that are actually sponsored by or done by a particular brand. These are the ones to avoid because they will skew in favor of the company doing the testing. Instead, look for the best dog foods reviews by looking for reviews done by an independent testing agency that doesn’t have any stake in the sale or promotion of any dog food brands.
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Most people make the decision to adopt a pet because they love animals and they want one. For these people, it’s simple. But if you want to have a pet and your partner is hesitant, or if you’re not sure whether timing is right, there are at least seven great reasons to have a pet:
Pets are good for your health.
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“Does my cat need a rabies vaccine before going to Europe? I’ll be traveling overseas with my cat later this year. Will he need special vaccines? And how can I find out what’s needed?” asks Tim J., from Illinois. We asked Sue Smith from PetTravel.com:
“Nearly all countries worldwide will require that both dogs and cats be vaccinated for rabies at least 30 days before entering the country, so you’ll need to plan several weeks in advance to ensure that you cat’s rabies vaccine records will be accepted when you arrive at your destination.
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My dog prefers the cat’s food and always eats it instead of his own dog food. I’ve tried several different kinds of dog food, but he ignores it and eats the cat food every time. Is it okay to just feed him cat food, since he obviously prefers it?
— Ashley, New Jersey
Dr. Kevin Winkler answers this week’s question from a pet owner:
“As parents we encourage our children to try new foods.
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Responsible dog owners train their dogs properly to prevent dog bites, but you can’t always depend on the responsible behavior of a dog owner when you’re approached by or are approaching a dog. Even dogs you are familiar with can unexpectedly bite if they are startled, don’t feel well or aren’t in the mood to interact. To protect yourself from dog bites, it’s imperative to know how to interact with dogs properly and when to back away.
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If you ask dog owners how to prevent dog bites, many will say that their dog doesn’t bite, so it’s not an issue for them. Every responsible dog owner understands that they are responsible for the behavior of their dog, including whether it bites someone. Yet these same pet owners often dismiss concerns about potential dog bites by saying, “Oh, my dog would never do that.
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