Dog & Cat Articles with Advice from Our Experts

Whether you have a dog, cat or both, our experts are here with all the information and tips you need. We use our Purina expertise to cover topics like dog and cat health, nutrition, behavior, training and more.

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New Kitten Checklist: What Does a Kitten Need?

What does a kitten need in a new home? Beds, toys, litter boxes, grooming tools, food & other supplies are needed when bringing a kitten home. Read about the checklist of items your new kitten needs here.

Articles

Cat Over-Grooming
Cat Over-Grooming
Cats can spend up to half their waking hours grooming their coats. On occasion, though, you may notice your cat spending far more time than normal taking care of themselves. If your cat is over-grooming, there's a good chance they're reacting negatively in some way to their living environment.
Why Do Dogs Tilt Their Heads?
Why Do Dogs Tilt Their Heads?
Any dog owner knows pups do a lot of adorable things, from the way they bring us little gifts to the way they explode in joy when they know it's feeding time. One of their cutest — and least comprehensible — quirks is the way they tilt their heads when you talk to them. If you've ever wondered what this endearing behaviour means, dig into this guide for some theories on why dogs tilt their heads like this.
Dog Yeast Infections
Dog Yeast Infections
If you've noticed your normally cheerful pup obsessively scratching one part of their body or immediately continuing to scratch themselves after being stopped, it might be an indication of a dog yeast infection. This unpleasant skin condition is fairly common in dogs, but fortunately, it's not that difficult to get under control. Read on for an overview of dog yeast infection symptoms and treatments.
How to Tell if Your Dog Is Depressed
How to Tell if Your Dog Is Depressed
If you're like most dog owners, your dog is usually pretty cheerful about life in general. You can see it when they excitedly greet you at the front door when you get home from work or bound around when they know it's time for a walk. Sometimes, though, you might notice your normally upbeat pup seems a little downcast. Let's take a look at how to tell if a dog is depressed.
How Smart Are Cats?
How Smart Are Cats?
When you watch your cats going about their day-to-day lives, it's easy to see signs of their obvious intelligence. They're quite good at aggressively reminding you when it's time for them to eat, and they're also quite good at giving you a wide berth when they see you pull out the cat carrier. It often seems we're more predictable to cats than they are to us. While scientists have studied cat behaviour for centuries, these often-inscrutable animals aren't very amenable to being studied, so it can be hard to tell exactly how smart cats are.
How to Switch Your Cat's Food
How to Switch Your Cat's Food
You probably already know that eating is one of a cat's favourite things to do. Occasionally, though, you'll find your cat needs a change in its diet. In this guide, we'll examine the reasons you might consider changing your cat's diet and how to switch cat food without disturbing your kitty's delicate system.
Does My Cat Have Allergies?
Does My Cat Have Allergies?
Cats are pretty resilient creatures, but sometimes our furry friends can come down with mysterious symptoms that mimic those of human allergies. Unfortunately, it can be pretty hard to pin down what's causing them — and it's certainly no fun watching your kitties when they're in obvious discomfort.
Feline Acne: What Is Cat Acne and What Can You Do About It?
Feline Acne: What Is Cat Acne and What Can You Do About It?
You've probably experienced your share of acne at one time or another, but did you know that your cat can have breakouts too? Acne is really just an infection of the skin, usually at the hair follicle. Any animal can experience it. If you've noticed that your cat has pimples along their chin or other areas of the skin, they may have feline acne.
How to Teach a Dog to Swim
How to Teach a Dog to Swim
Swimming can be an enjoyable activity for dogs, but it's not one that always comes naturally. Learn how to properly introduce your puppy to the water and how to teach your dog to swim with these tips and tricks.
How to Feed a Large Breed Dog
How to Feed a Large Breed Dog
Choosing the best food for and determining how to feed a large breed dog can be difficult. Your large breed dog may have a mammoth appetite, but is bigger always better when it comes to meals for your canine?
Why Is My Cat Drinking a Lot of Water?
Why Is My Cat Drinking a Lot of Water?
Water is an important substance, and every living thing depends on it — including your cat. But it's also possible for too much water to make your cat sick. If you think your cat is drinking more than usual or may be drinking too much water, it's important to get them checked out by a veterinarian to rule out any illnesses or other issues.
Dog Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome
Dog Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome
Cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a type of disorder sometimes seen in senior dogs. A decline in the ability of the dog’s brain to function is a hallmark of CDS.

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