health
Playing is fun, but a pet owner's primary responsibility is to monitor their pet's health and look out for medical problems.
Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
On a sunny afternoon during the summer, there could hardly be anything better than consuming a slice of refreshing watermelon. But with your dog looking up to you eagerly, the following question tends to arise: Can your dog eat watermelon?
By iftikhar Ahmad28 days ago in Petlife
In Memory: Aspen's Great Expectations of LoupGarou
This story has been an entire year in the making. Pip passed away precisely one year ago today, December 17, 2024. I've tried writing it several times, but I've never been able to get past the first paragraph. Losing Pip has been an experience wrapped up in loss, in guilt, in the pain of promises unable to be kept. Every time I post about him, I cry over the knowledge that I will never have another picture of Pip, that the loving little dog that I knew so well had his life end tragically, so needlessly, that I have a hard time celebrating the lives of the puppies that he left behind. He had so much potential, so much promise. I had told myself that the spring of 2025 would be the time for working on agility, on weight pull, on all of the fun things that he loved to do. For Pip, spring of 2025 never arrived.
By Kimberly J Egan29 days ago in Petlife
For No Reason
I wrote this as a teenager and forgot it existed until I found it again in old files. I’m putting it here because the core point is still true, and still denied. It’s told in the voice of a dog, but it’s not a breed or pet-specific statement. It’s a sequence statement. Same logic applies to any animal living under chronic neglect or abuse.
By Dr. Mozelle Martin | Ink Profiler30 days ago in Petlife
The passing of pets
We've all heard that expression, "you don't need to be blood to be family," but does that also apply to pets in September? I lost the dog that I had had for about 15 years. I'm not much of a dog person. I'm more of a cat person. My dog Rosie was a corgi mix, and to be 100% honest, in the beginning, I really did welcome the dog. Sadly, I thought my dog was kind of ugly, and I rejected her, but the dog did something I couldn't believe she did. She saved my life. I won't get into detail, but let's say I was actually gonna hurt myself, and my dog saved me. She even got the cat to help. Stop me from hurting myself. That is why I love my animal so much, so when they passed away, it was a heartbreaking day that still is to this day. Nothing can fill that void. Yes, I currently have two other cats. They're amazing animals, but not as amazing as the two that recently passed. Amber was born a stray. She was a runt, but she was a fighter, even as we all know runts usually don't survive because the mother refuses to feed them. The original owner that, at a young age, Amber began eating dry food to survive. She was a fighter.
By stephanie borgesabout a month ago in Petlife
Pet Insurance and Wellness Plan Cover different expenses
Pet insurance or a Wellness Plan? I found out today that Pet Insurance and Wellness Plans are not the same. My cat Maxine died last week, but we have to continue paying her Wellness Plan premiums for six more months because we are under contract. I had thought we could cancel it now that she has departed this life, but there would be a $500.00 penalty.
By Cheryl E Prestonabout a month ago in Petlife
Introducing: LoupGarou Cleopatra Addams!
Honorable Precedents! LoupGarou Cleopatra Addams, aka "Cleo," has been a dream five long years in the making. Her first name, "Cleopatra," comes from a dog once owned by Dan's daughter, many years ago. While I don't know the breed of the original Cleopatra canine, Dan's daughter said that her face was marked very similarly to the puppy I was unromantically calling "Blue Tux Girl." Given that I don't like giving human names to dogs, especially those of historical figures, I took it one step farther: she is named for Morticia Addams' plant, Cleopatra, giving Cleo her surname. My thanks to Dan's daughter for helping me name this lovely puppy!
By Kimberly J Eganabout a month ago in Petlife
How Long Is an ESA Letter Good For?
An Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter is an essential document that proves your need for an animal to help manage mental or emotional disabilities. Whether you’re using it for housing or personal support, knowing how long an ESA letter is good for helps you avoid complications with landlords, travel, or legal protections.
By Emma Johnson2 months ago in Petlife
Can a Bearded Dragon Be an Emotional Support Animal
Many people are familiar with dogs and cats serving as Emotional Support Animals, but an increasing number of individuals are turning to more unique companions. One of the most surprising yet popular choices is the bearded dragon. These calm and gentle reptiles have become well loved pets, and many owners wonder if they can also serve an emotional purpose. The good news is that a bearded dragon can legally and effectively function as an Emotional Support Animal, as long as certain conditions are met.
By Emma Johnson2 months ago in Petlife
Nine Lives Are a Myth:
The saying that cats have nine lives was never meant as comfort. It was a myth born from observation—how they fall, land, hide, and survive when they shouldn’t. But survival is not the same as life, and the average feral or stray cat doesn’t make it past 4 years. Their bodies endure what their environment demands: hunger, infection, fear, and the steady corrosion of stress. The myth of resilience has become a moral anesthetic. It keeps us from seeing the suffering we created.
By Dr. Mozelle Martin | Ink Profiler2 months ago in Petlife
Are Your CBD Treats Lab-Tested? A Guide to Reading a Certificate of Analysis (CoA). AI-Generated.
A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is a third‑party lab report that verifies what’s actually in your CBD treats for dogs—how much CBD is present, how much THC (if any), and whether contaminants like pesticides or heavy metals are below safety limits. Without a current, batch‑matched CoA, you’re guessing about potency and purity, which can lead to under‑dosing, over‑dosing, or exposing your dog to unsafe compounds.
By CBD Dog Health2 months ago in Petlife
What’s Really in That Treat? 3 Red Flags on a CBD Dog Treat Label. AI-Generated.
Dog CBD Treats can be a smart, low‑friction way to support daily calm and comfort. But labels aren’t always clear, and clever marketing can hide weak potency, filler ingredients, or poor testing standards. Learning how to read a label protects your dog, your wallet, and your results. Below are three big red flags—plus what to look for instead—so you can choose treats that actually deliver what they promise.
By CBD Dog Health2 months ago in Petlife
7 Essential Post-Surgery Care Tips for Your Dog or Cat’s Best Recovery. AI-Generated.
Bringing home your dog or cat after surgery can be both a relief and a responsibility. While the major procedure may be done, the recovery period is just as important. Proper post-operative care helps prevent complications, reduces pain, and supports your pet’s return to full vitality. In this article, we’ll explore seven essential care tips that go beyond the usual advice—giving you truly actionable guidance to support your furry friend’s smooth healing journey.
By Cota Veterinary3 months ago in Petlife
