ArcaMax

Dalmatians are among the most recognizable dogs in the world, thanks to their spotted coats, athletic build and long association with firehouses, carriages and popular culture. But behind the striking appearance is a breed with specific needs, a strong personality and a history that helps explain why these dogs are not the right fit for every ...Read more

Q: I am about to adopt a cat, my first. I want to understand what my new cat is trying to tell me through meowing and body language. Please educate me.

A: Congratulations on adopting your new family member and learning how to communicate with your kitty. Feline vocalizations, body language, scent communication, visual signals and tactile ...Read more

As the Fourth of July approaches, many pet owners are already bracing for what can be one of the most stressful nights of the year for animals.

While fireworks may be festive for people, for many pets they can sound frightening and unpredictable, triggering panic, trembling, pacing, hiding, barking, destructive behavior, or even attempts to ...Read more

Chewing is one of the most normal things a dog can do. It is also one of the most expensive, frustrating and occasionally dangerous habits a household can face.

A dog that chews is not necessarily being stubborn, spiteful or “bad.” Dogs use their mouths to explore the world, relieve stress, soothe sore gums, burn energy and entertain ...Read more

Keeping a bored cat entertained starts with understanding what boredom looks like in the first place. Cats may seem independent, but they are intelligent, curious hunters with strong instincts to chase, climb, scratch, hide and explore. When those instincts are not given a healthy outlet, a cat may turn restless, destructive or withdrawn.

A ...Read more

Cats can be mysterious about almost everything, including water. Some cats drink neatly from a bowl. Some dab at the surface with a paw. Some ignore the expensive fountain you bought and then sprint to the bathroom sink the second they hear running water.

But hydration is not a small matter. Cats need water for digestion, temperature regulation...Read more

Dachshunds may be best known for their long bodies, short legs and endless parade of nicknames, but there is far more to this breed than the punchline of “wiener dog.” Beneath the comic silhouette is a bold, clever and surprisingly rugged hound with a working-dog history, a fierce sense of loyalty and a personality much larger than its frame...Read more

Every dog owner with a yard has seen it happen. The dog trots outside with innocent intentions, sniffs the grass, circles once or twice, then suddenly begins excavating as if entrusted with urgent geological work.

Dirt flies. Paws blur. A neat patch of lawn becomes a crater. The dog looks delighted. The human looks betrayed.

Digging is one of ...Read more

Q: My dog's annual physical is coming up soon, and my veterinarian is sure to recommend the flu shot, which I've declined in the past. I'm rethinking that after a friend's dog came down with the disease. Please tell me about dog flu.

A: Dog flu, formally known as canine influenza, was first recognized in the U.S. in 2004. It is caused by two ...Read more

Dear Cathy, I just read your article in the Chicago Tribune, and I hope that you can help me. My male cat is two years old, and I have had him since he was six weeks old. I am a longtime volunteer at an animal shelter and have owned cats all my life, so I have a good understanding of cats, up until this guy.

I know my cat Dudley loves me. He ...Read more

Keeping our pets entertained is essential for their physical and mental well-being. However, buying new toys can quickly add up and strain our budgets. Instead of splurging on expensive toys, why not get creative and repurpose old household items into DIY pet toys? Not only will you save money, but you'll also have fun making unique toys that...Read more

Our furry companions bring so much joy and love into our lives, and as pet owners, it's our responsibility to ensure their well-being. Just like we take care of our own skin, our pets' paws also need protection, especially during extreme weather conditions or when walking on hot surfaces. One effective way to safeguard their sensitive paw ...Read more

Five months ago, we adopted a two-year-old dog. My husband feeds her and walks her about three to four times a day. I accompany them on these walks once a day. We both play with her and love her.

Recently, she attacked our son’s dog for using her water bowl. He is a 16-year-old lab and did not have the energy to respond to her attack.

She ...Read more

Dear Cathy; Our rescue Jack Russell pup “found us” through a humane shelter on the same day I tested positive for COVID two years ago. We had a few hard weeks, but Barkley fit right in with our other dog and has been the typical fun, high-energy guy we thought we were bringing home.

But a few months later, we began to get concerned. At what...Read more

The Irish wolfhound is one of those dogs people tend to remember after meeting one. Tall, shaggy and dignified, the breed has a way of filling a room without seeming to demand it. It is often described as a gentle giant, which is true enough, though that phrase can make the dog sound simpler than it is.

Irish wolfhounds are affectionate, ...Read more

By all appearances, the house cat should not be one of humanity’s most emotionally effective animals. Cats can be aloof, stubborn and deeply unimpressed by the routines of human life. Yet millions of people describe the sound of a cat purring as one of the most comforting noises they know — a kind of living white noise that signals warmth, ...Read more

Walking a dog in a city can feel like a balancing act between navigation, training, exercise and diplomacy. Sidewalk crowds, traffic noise, bicycles, delivery carts and other dogs all compete for a pet’s attention, while owners juggle leashes, schedules and unpredictable weather. Yet urban dog owners say city walks can become one of the most ...Read more

Bulldogs are among the most recognizable dog breeds in the world — wrinkled faces, stocky bodies and personalities that often swing between stubborn determination and couch-bound comedy. Their popularity has remained strong for decades thanks to their affectionate nature and distinctive appearance. But veterinarians, rescue groups and longtime...Read more

Dear Cathy, Five years ago, we adopted a four-year-old Dachshund mix who was so afraid of everything we renamed her Skitter. She came from a hoarding situation.

What puzzles us most is that she is a “marker.” She has a set area around our house where we walk her – a few houses one way and a few the other – and that is her boundary. She ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I recently adopted a four-year-old Boston terrier named Marcie from a breeder. I chose an adult dog to avoid house training and was told she was already trained.

Since coming home, she has had very inconsistent bathroom habits. At first, she rarely went outside, even with frequent leash walks. We’ve since added a small, fenced ...Read more