The Real Health Benefits of Having a Pet
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The Real Health Benefits of Having a Pet

Owning a pet is often seen as a source of joy, comfort, and companionship—but did you know that having a pet can also improve your overall health? Science increasingly supports what pet owners have long suspected: pets contribute to both mental and physical well-being. Whether it’s a dog wagging its tail at the door, a cat purring on your lap, or even a bird chirping in the background, pets offer a range of health benefits that go far beyond simple affection.

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The Healing Power of Pets: How They Boost Our Well-being
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The Healing Power of Pets: How They Boost Our Well-being

A new handbook from Zoetis, a global leader in animal health, outlines practical ways to enhance pet companionship, from pet-friendly workplaces to supportive care homes for seniors. These initiatives aim to make the bond between humans and animals more accessible to everyone.

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The Hidden Dangers of Feeding Table Food to Pets (And What to Do Instead)
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The Hidden Dangers of Feeding Table Food to Pets (And What to Do Instead)

It’s hard to resist those big, pleading eyes staring up at you from under the dinner table. Whether it’s a dog hoping for a bite of steak or a cat eyeing your chicken, many pet owners have shared a scrap or two without thinking twice. But while it might seem like a harmless treat—or a way to show a little extra love—feeding pets table food can actually do more harm than good.

Here’s why it’s a habit worth breaking.

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5 Plants You Didn’t Know Were Deadly to Pets: Experts explains all!
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5 Plants You Didn’t Know Were Deadly to Pets: Experts explains all!

When it comes to keeping our pets safe, many of us think about securing cabinets, hiding electrical cords, and choosing non-toxic cleaning products. But one often overlooked danger lurks in plain sight: common household and garden plants. To shed light on this important topic, I sat down with Dr. Jill Lopez, a Connecticut veterinarian and owner of Pet Candy Veterinary Services, to discuss five plants that many pet owners don’t realize are deadly to their furry friends.

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Immune system markers could unleash personalized veterinary care for dogs
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Immune system markers could unleash personalized veterinary care for dogs

New research, published in ImmunoHorizons, paves the way for more personalized veterinary care for dogs that could help dog owners make informed decisions that keep their pets healthier longer. The researchers identified patterns in markers of the immune system that are specific to both individual dogs and breeds of dog. Together these patterns could help develop simple blood tests to inform treatment and diagnostic decisions.

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A new network could help predict health problems in your pup
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A new network could help predict health problems in your pup

A network analysis of more than 26,000 dogs and their health conditions helps reveal which diseases tend to go together, providing data that veterinarians and researchers can use to help treat the problems that dog man’s best friend face, according to a study published in the open-access journal PLOS Computational Biology by Antoinette Fang from the Fred Hutchingson Cancer Center in Seattle, Washington, USA, and colleagues.

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Are dogs harder to train after the pandemic?
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Are dogs harder to train after the pandemic?

Dogs reportedly became harder to train as the pandemic progressed, though this seemed to improve by the time it was ending, according to a study publishing September 10, 2025, in the open-access journal PLOS One by Courtney Sexton of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, U.S., Yuhuan Li of the University of Washington, U.S., and colleagues.

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Benchmark study tracks trends in dog behavior
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Benchmark study tracks trends in dog behavior

A new Virginia Tech study published in PLOS One establishes a crucial baseline for understanding dog behavior on a large scale. 

The research, led by Courtney Sexton, a postdoctoral associate in the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, and her colleague Yuhuan Li from the University of Washington, utilized four years of owner-reported data from over 47,000 dogs in the Dog Aging Project, a large-scale initiative involving over 40 institutions. 

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Vegan dog food provides similar nutrients to meat-based diets, new study finds
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Vegan dog food provides similar nutrients to meat-based diets, new study finds

A new study, led by experts at the University of Nottingham, has found that vegan diets for dogs sold in the UK provide similar nutrition to meat-based diets.

The study, led by Rebecca Brociek from the School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, and published in PLOS One, highlights the importance of a balanced and nutritional diet for our canine companions.

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How to Care for an Aging Cat: A Guide to Keeping Your Senior Feline Happy and Healthy
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How to Care for an Aging Cat: A Guide to Keeping Your Senior Feline Happy and Healthy

As your beloved cat enters their golden years, their needs change—and so should your approach to their care. Aging cats, typically those over 7-10 years old, require extra attention to ensure they live comfortably and healthily. From regular vet visits to spotting silent signs of arthritis, here’s everything you need to know about caring for your senior feline friend.

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Pet Allergies 101: What Every Pet Parent Should Know
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Pet Allergies 101: What Every Pet Parent Should Know

Is your pet constantly scratching, licking, or dealing with skin issues that just won’t go away? You might be dealing with pet allergies—and no, you're not the only one!

Just like people, our pets can have allergic reactions to things in their food, environment, or even fleas. The good news? With a little knowledge and some help from your vet, you can manage your pet’s allergies and help them feel so much better.

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Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? Unraveling the Mystery Behind This Common Behavior
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Why Do Dogs Eat Grass? Unraveling the Mystery Behind This Common Behavior

If you’ve ever caught your dog munching on grass during a walk or in your backyard, you’re not alone. This behavior is surprisingly common among dogs, but it often leaves pet owners scratching their heads. Is it normal? Is it harmful? And most importantly, why do they do it? Let’s dive into the reasons behind this curious habit and what it means for your furry friend.

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FDA Notifies Pet Owners That Tests Show H5N1 Contamination in Certain Lots of RAWR Raw Cat Food Chicken Eats
Jill Lopez Jill Lopez

FDA Notifies Pet Owners That Tests Show H5N1 Contamination in Certain Lots of RAWR Raw Cat Food Chicken Eats

The FDA has confirmed H5N1 avian influenza (bird flu) in two lots of RAWR Raw Cat Food Chicken Eats after a San Francisco cat tested positive and was euthanized. Nearly 70 cats in the U.S. have been infected with H5N1 in 2025, many linked to raw pet food or raw milk. The affected lots (CCS 25 077 and CCS 250 093) were distributed nationwide in frozen 2.5-lb bags. While no human cases have been connected to handling raw pet food, veterinarians are urged to caution clients about the risks of raw diets and monitor cats for respiratory or neurologic illness.

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How to Make Pet Safe Treats at Home
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How to Make Pet Safe Treats at Home

Our furry companions bring endless joy to our lives, and what better way to show them love than with homemade dog treats? Making pet-friendly dog treats at home ensures your pup gets nutritious, safe, and delicious snacks—without the preservatives and questionable ingredients often found in store-bought options.

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