In small amounts, cooked unseasoned cashews are safe for dogs. Dogs shouldn’t be given raw cashews in their shells, as, in this form, cashews contain a toxin known as urushiol. Likewise, seasoned cashews should be avoided, as the seasonings may not be safe for dogs or may lead to digestive distress.

Probiotics can offer real benefits for pets, but not all products on the market are created equal. In some regions, labeling laws allow items to be marketed as probiotics even if they don’t meet proper standards. Unfortunately, these can definitely be ineffective (or even harmful) for your pet. If you're considering a probiotic, it's best to consult a veterinary nutritionist to ensure you choose a safe and effective option that meets your pet’s needs.

It’s only natural to want to ease your dog’s discomfort when they seem unwell or in pain. However, medications made for humans aren’t always safe for our pets, even in small amounts. Dogs process drugs differently, and many common human pain relievers can actually be very harmful to them. If you're worried that your dog is in pain, your veterinarian is the best person to guide you safely forward.

Laundry items such as socks and other undergarments are among the most common foreign bodies retrieved from dogs in surgeries involving a foreign body. Unfortunately, the texture and size of almost any sock makes them nearly impossible for a dog to pass on their own. The issue is made worse by a sock’s design; within your dog’s body the opening on the sock may become lodged with other substances your dog has ingested, drastically increasing the odds of an obstruction. It’s dangerous to assume your dog will pass a sock on their own; the sooner you seek veterinary care, the better your dog’s odds of making a prompt recovery.

Although watermelon rind isn’t toxic for dogs, it can lead to other issues and therefore it shouldn’t be offered to your dog. If your dog eats a small amount of the rind, it’ll likely pass through. However, excess amounts of the rind can lead to choking, digestive issues, or even a digestive blockage. These risks, coupled with the fact that the rind doesn’t contain meaningful nutrition for a dog, means that it’s best to avoid offering it to your dog.

If your dog hasn’t had a muddy adventure, a pet-safe wipe is usually the gentlest way to clean their paws. Be sure to check between their toes, as little surprises (like ticks) can hide there. For especially messy pups, a soothing bath with a gentle, dog-safe shampoo may be the better option. Whatever method you choose, keeping their paws clean helps protect their health and comfort; paws are very important to your dog’s daily routine!

The Bull Arab isn’t recognized by major kennel clubs, so if you're hoping for a show or pedigree dog, this may not be the right fit. If you live in or plan to move to Queensland, be aware that local regulations may restrict large breeds like the Bull Arab in rental properties. This breed benefits from dedicated training and strong leadership, as it has been involved in some incidents involving bites or aggression. For this reason, it's important to take extra care around children or vulnerable individuals to ensure safe, positive interactions.

It is indeed true that senior dogs (of any breed) may pant more often than their younger counterparts. However, there’s a catch. Because excessive panting can be an early warning sign of an underlying issue, you shouldn’t attribute your Golden’s panting to just age. Veterinary input is definitely necessary to rule out any underlying health issues to ensure that your pet is healthy!

If your dog licks a small amount of table salt off the ground, they’ll likely be okay, but it’s best not to make a habit of it. Too much salt can be harmful, and how much is safe depends on many factors (including your dog’s size, health, and hydration). If you’re unsure how much they’ve ingested, it’s always wise to check with a vet for peace of mind. Also, be aware that non-food salts (like those from Himalayan salt lamps or de-icing products) are very toxic for dogs, and any ingestion of these salts should be treated as an emergency.

Though not strictly necessary in a technical sense, paw balm is highly recommended, especially if your dog doesn’t appreciate or seem comfortable with dog-shoes. The benefits of a paw-balm (made specifically for dogs of course) are extensive. In addition, paw-balm might be deemed mandatory for your dog (by your veterinarian) depending on their breed or their paw health.

Don’t let the size of the string fool you, your cat definitely needs prompt veterinary care. In fact, objects like string, rope, or fishing lines, termed as linear foreign bodies, are the most common type of foreign bodies retrieved from cats. Keep in mind that if you open your cat’s mouth and can see the string, you should not attempt to remove it yourself. Attempting to do so may cause extreme injury to your cat’s esophagus (the passageway from their mouth to their stomach).

As strange as it may seem, this kind of reaction is more common than you’d think. While humans rely heavily on sight, cats (and dogs too!) experience the world primarily through scent. If your boyfriend has picked up unfamiliar smells (especially those of other animals, including other cats) your cat might not immediately recognize him. This can understandably spook some felines, but with a little patience and reassurance, cats can learn to adjust and calm down.

If your dog ate a cooked chicken bone, be on the lookout for signs that warrant veterinary intervention. If you observe your dog gagging, coughing, drooling, or breathing with extreme force or difficulty, promptly seek emergency veterinary care. In addition, be on the lookout for vomiting, a loss of appetite, or lethargy, or difficulty during your dog’s toilet time. You should also observe your dog’s poop over the next few days and keep an eye out for any blood in their poop; any of these signs require veterinary intervention.

Assuming your dog didn’t also eat the packaging of the gum, immediately read the label on the packaging. Many gums contain xylitol, a sweetener which is toxic for dogs. If you see this ingredient in the gum, your dog needs prompt emergency veterinary intervention. If the gum does not contain xylitol, you should still call, contact, or visit your veterinarian and follow their instructions. They may advise you to monitor your dog for a while, to bring your dog in, or to keep an eye out for certain signs.

If your dog seems obsessed with licking his bum, he could possibly be experiencing something abnormal. For instance, anal gland issues, parasites (both internal and external), bacterial infections, allergies, skin contact with an irritant, or an abnormal growth around his bum might be the culprit. You can temporarily discourage the licking by applying an e-collar (also referred to as a ‘doughnut collar’, ‘Elizabethan collar’, or the ‘cone of shame’), but this isn’t a fix—your dog should definitely be examined by your veterinarian.

You’re absolutely right to trust your instincts; please head to the emergency vet as soon as possible. It’s also very important not to try inducing vomiting at home, as this can cause more harm than good. That decision is best made by a veterinarian based on your dog’s specific situation. In addition, if you're visiting a clinic that isn’t your usual one, bringing along any medical records (like vaccination or deworming history) can be really helpful to the professionals who attend to your dog.

While an occasional morning bile vomit can happen in dogs (especially after fasting for a medical procedure), it shouldn’t be a daily occurrence. Frequent vomiting like this is a sign that something isn’t right and should be checked by a veterinarian. Unfortunately, many different issues can cause bile vomiting, including gastrointestinal problems, allergies, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), or even toxin exposure. A proper diagnosis by a veterinarian will help ensure your dog gets the care they need to feel better soon.

If your dog’s pupils are always dilated—no matter the time of day or lighting—it’s completely understandable to feel concerned, and veterinary input is definitely warranted. Just like ours, their pupils should adjust to light, dilating in the dark and constricting in brightness. It’s also imperative to seek prompt veterinary care if you notice their pupils are uneven, seem to quiver, or stay dilated alongside signs like bumping into things or walking in an unusual way. These changes could point to something serious, and getting help early can make a big difference.

There’s no single flea treatment that works best for every cat, as the right choice depends on factors like their age, health, and any sensitivities they may have. That’s why it’s important to involve your veterinarian in selecting the safest and most effective option.Always avoid using dog flea products on cats or relying on home remedies, as these can be extremely harmful for your feline. Cats are especially sensitive to topical treatments, so extra care goes a long way in ensuring their health.

Ingestion of a small amount of ocean water usually leads to mild episodes of diarrhea and isn’t considered an immediate medical emergency for dogs. However, drinking large quantities of ocean water is potentially very dangerous for dogs, as it throws their electrolyte balance into disarray. If you ever suspect that your dog has ingested too much ocean water, seek prompt veterinary care. You should also seek prompt veterinary care if your dog shows signs of muscular twitches, weakness, lethargy, vomiting and prolonged diarrhea episodes (more than 2 days) after a visit to the beach.

Immediately stop your dog from eating anything else and promptly seek emergency veterinary care for your pet. It’s completely understandable to panic when this happens. Try your level best to be vigilant; shattered glass in the vicinity may injure you as well. For this reason, it’s best to wear thick boots and to perhaps wrap your dog up in a towel (this protects your hands and helps you cradle your dog if they can be picked up).

The core vaccines: distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis, rabies, adenovirus and parainfluenza are recommended for all dogs to help protect against serious illness. Your veterinarian may also suggest additional “non-core” vaccines: Lyme disease, Bordetella, canine influenza, and/or the rattlesnake toxoid, based on your dog’s lifestyle and risk. While the term “non-core” might sound optional, the decision to incorporate these vaccines is one made by your veterinarian depending on your pet’s circumstances. As such, you should follow your veterinarian’s lead when it comes to figuring out a vaccination plan for your puppy.

On average, kittens open their eyes when they are around 10 days old, though it can be as early as 7 days and as late as 14 days. If your kittens are over 2 weeks old and haven’t opened their eyes, they require veterinary care.

It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by the conflicting advice online about when to desex your dog. That’s because research has shown the ideal timing can vary greatly depending on your dog’s breed or mix; there truly isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” answer. What matters most is recognizing your dog’s individual needs. Partnering with your veterinarian is the best way to choose the right time for their long-term health and well-being!

Some swallowing and lip-licking is completely normal in dogs; they often do this to moisten their mouths after panting or to clean off bits of food. However, if your dog is swallowing very frequently or in a way that seems unusual, it’s important to trust your instincts. This could point to issues like nausea, dehydration, gastrointestinal upset, toxin ingestion, or even something lodged in their mouth or throat. When in doubt, it's always safest to reach out to your vet for guidance and care.