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• Why Dogs Turn Around Before Lying Down

  Turning around before bedtime has its origin mostly in evolutionary history where dog ancestors were practicing these habits for health or protection. These innate habits remain in their genetic code to this day, but if your dog is seeming to be doing it excessively, it could be a sign of underlying medical problems, such as arthritis or neurological disorders. Contact your veterinarian if your dog appears to have difficulty settling down.

• Why Preventive Healthcare is Important for Cats

  Regular preventive health care for your cat can increase the length and quality of her life. Healthcare guidelines are established and kept up to date using the most recent evidence-based recommendations including the recommendation that all cats receive a complete veterinary examination at least once a year or more frequently, depending on their individual needs and health concerns.

• Why Preventive Healthcare is Important for Dogs

  Regular preventive health care for your dog can increase the length and quality of her life. Health care guidelines are established and kept up to date using the most recent evidence-based recommendations including the recommendation that all dogs receive a complete veterinary examination at least once a year or more frequently, depending on their individual needs and health concerns.

• Why Punishment Should be Avoided

  Punishment is not recommended as a training or behavior management tool for pets. It can cause fear, frustration, and even aggression. Using punishment can seriously damage a pet’s relationship with people. Training should focus on teaching desirable behaviors rather than on simply stopping undesirable ones. When pets exhibit undesirable behaviors, it is important to determine and address the underlying reason for the behavior.

• Wire Fox Terrier

  The Wire Fox Terrier could be the canine incarnation of an anti-depressant. This merry little chap lives to play and likes nothing better than to make some mischief. And while he is on the smallish side, he has got the courage and tenacity of dogs twice his size.

• Wirehaired Pointing Griffon

  Wirehaired Pointing Griffons demonstrate love and loyalty to family, making the breed a good companion for active owners. Although calm in the house when given plenty of exercise, the breed has a sense of humor and might drag underwear through the house just as the minister comes calling.

• Xanthine Bladder Stones in Cats

  Xanthine bladder stones are an uncommon type of urinary stone that can occur in both dogs and cats. Xanthine is produced when purines (a component of animal proteins) are broken down within the body. Most cats can further break down xanthine into other substances that are easily excreted, but some cats are deficient in an enzyme that is required for this breakdown to occur. These cats develop elevated levels of xanthine in the urine, resulting in xanthine stones forming within the urinary tract. Xanthine urinary tract stones are typically removed surgically. Affected cats require long-term care to prevent recurrence.

• Xanthine Bladder Stones in Dogs

  Xanthine bladder stones are an uncommon type of urinary stone that can occur in both dogs and cats. Xanthine is produced when purines (a component of animal proteins) are broken down within the body. Most dogs can further break down xanthine into other substances that are easily excreted, but some dogs are deficient in an enzyme that is required for this breakdown to occur. These dogs develop elevated levels of xanthine in the urine, resulting in xanthine stones forming within the urinary tract. They can also form secondary to administration of a medication called Allopurinol. Xanthine urinary tract stones are typically removed surgically. Affected dogs require long-term care with specialized diets to prevent recurrence.

• Xoloitzcuintli

  As a hairless type, these dogs are good for some allergy sufferers – but meet the dog and find out for sure before you commit. They bond so strongly that they can't be rehomed easily, so you need to be in it for the long-haul.

• Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs

  Xylitol is a naturally occurring substance that is widely used as a sugar substitute. Chemically, it is a sugar alcohol, and found naturally in berries, plums, corn, oats, mushrooms, lettuce, trees, and some other fruits. Xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, or even death in dogs.