Can Dogs Have Persimmons? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Disclaimer: As with any new foods and treats, it’s always advisable to consult with your veterinarian before giving persimmons to your dog. Whether a particular food is suitable for your dog will depend on many factors including their age, activity level, health status and whether they are on a special diet. Click to Skip Ahead Persimmons make a versatile addition to the kitchen and infuse foods with a...
How Jelly Became a Velcro Dog in Her Old Age
Hi, I’m Allison! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my three mixed-breed dogs from Thailand, Jelly, Lorraina, and Manic. Are Velcro dogs born with the uncontrollable desire to be with their owners every waking moment, or is it something they grow into? I thought a Velcro dog was something they inherently are based on their breed. Chihuahuas and Golden Retrievers come to mind when I think about a Velcro dog breed. But do dogs grow into being Velcro dogs? I guess some do. Jelly turned into a Velcro dog after our...
Lumps and Bumps in Dogs and Cats: What They Mean and What to Do
You find a strange lump on your beloved fur baby during a cuddle session. Yikes – what do you do?! First: DO NOT PANIC! Second: Read on for some of the kinds of lumps and bumps in companion animals, when to worry (spoiler alert: you don’t – let your vet do the worrying for you), and what to do about them. Lumps and bumps in dogs and cats are not uncommon, and there are multiple kinds of them – many of which are benign. So: Understanding the common kinds of lumps and bumps, knowing when to seek veterinary care, and...
Emaciated Kitten Dumped At Overcrowded Shelter Transforms Into Affectionate Cat, Thanks to Your Support
It is National Feed A Rescue Pet Week! The Animal Rescue Site along with our partner, Greater Good Charities, dedicates a week to raise as much funds as possible – with your support – to feed hungry dogs and cats in shelters around the country. Shelters are overcrowded and in desperate need of food donations. Adoptions are down and intakes are up. There are so many mouths to feed. Mary Katherine is just one of countless pets you helped save. Photo: Watonga Community Cat Foundation The malnourished kitten was dumped along with her...
Can Dogs Have Cumin? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead When you think about giving your dog a bite of your food as a treat, you probably don’t think about what spices the food contains. You should, though, as some spices are toxic to our canine companions, so even a small amount found on a piece of meat could prove deadly for your pet. Cumin is one of the more popular spices around and is used in a plethora of dishes, so you may wonder if dogs...
Can Dogs Eat Capers? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead You love your dog, so you want to give them treats every now and again, and sometimes those treats are your own food. A lot of the time, depending on the food, this is (mostly) fine for your pet. But if you don’t do your research before giving people food to your dog, you could wind up giving them food that makes them ill or is even deadly. If you’re a fan of Mediterranean cuisine and...
Unplanned Bodega Visit Leads Woman to Rescue Seriously Ill Kitten
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! There’s an X-Files episode where actor Peter Boyle plays a psychic and gives a monologue about all the strange cosmic choreography that has to happen for people to be in certain places at certain points in time and for lives to be saved or lost. I often think of that episode when I think of finding little Peaches. PHOTO: PIXABAY / NATALIA LOZANO In October, my boy kitty vomited...
‘Vagabond’ Cat Makes Friends with Animals and People Throughout His Neighborhood
This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog! We were headed out to meet a friend for dinner when a neighbor and her daughter came down the street walking their dog. She asked, “Do you know this black cat who follows us all the time? We’ve been calling him Shadow.” I bent down and put my hand out to the small kitty, and he came to me. PHOTO: JUDITH LINDEN I patted him and said, “Are you looking for a home? You...
4 Pet Safe Insecticides to Use at Home: Safety & Facts
Click to Skip Ahead Striking a balance between effectiveness and safety is rarely easy in pest control. Unsurprisingly, the aggressive chemicals that efficiently kill pests can often have toxic effects on the user and their family, including their vulnerable pets. Even with proper use, the risk that comes with many pesticides is almost impossible to avoid. Does that mean you have to accept pests when you have pets? Not at all! If you’re looking for practical pest control without the poisoning threat, we’ll show you the best...
Can Dogs Get Cold Sores? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Many people have experienced a cold sore or fever blister sometime during their life. For humans, it’s often a painful condition that may come on suddenly. It may also accompany a cold or fever, usually occurring around the mouth. Cold sores result from a viral infection, most often herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). However, it’s a different story with dogs. First, canines...
Can Dogs Eat Jelly Beans? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead If you have kids, I’m sure you’ve encountered your fair share of jelly beans. Maybe you’ve even eaten a handful or two (or more) in your lifetime. These colorful, small candies are practically a right of passage for childhood. But are they okay for you to share with your dog? What happens if your dog gets into your child’s jelly bean stash (or your stash—we won’t...
Sharks Face Extinction as Overfishing Pushes Them to the Brink
Sharks, often misunderstood and maligned, are now facing their most formidable threat yet: extinction. A staggering one-third of shark and ray species are teetering on the brink of oblivion due to rampant overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change. Photo: PexelsOne-third of shark species are nearing extinction. The Grim Reality An eight-year study has revealed a dramatic rise in the number of shark and ray species at risk of extinction. Researchers have found that 32.6% of these species are now threatened, up from 24% in 2014, The Guardian...
People & Pets Need Our Help As Hurricane Beryl Leaves Path of Destruction Across Caribbean and Houston
Hurricane Beryl hit the Caribbean as a Category 4 hurricane and weakened to a Category 1 before making landfall in Texas. The powerful storm has claimed the lives of at least seven people and numerous animals. The high winds – over 100 mph – combined with torrential downpours and massive flooding have destroyed homes, knocked down trees and power lines, and wreaked havoc on vital food sources. Millions are still without power in scorching temperatures. Photo: Pixabay People and pets need our help now. Hurricane Beryl destroyed...
Plasma for Dogs and Cats: The #1 Ingredient to Look For!
Plasma may not be a pet food ingredient you’re familiar with, but it could be in your dog’s or cat’s food right now—and for good reason! Let’s learn more about plasma for dogs and cats and why it’s a great addition to their food, treats, and supplements. It seems that every time you turn around these days, someone is trying out a new ingredient in pet foods and acting like it’s the best thing since belly rubs. But one ingredient that...
Heartless Shopper Harasses Woman With Service Dog During Medical Episode at JCPenney
Katie, a TikTok user and service dog owner, recently experienced a disturbing incident at a JCPenney store. Her experience has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with service animals. Katie suffers from Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition that requires the assistance of her service dog, Bailey, especially during medical episodes. Photo: PexelsA woman with a service dog experienced a medical episode at JCPenney. The Incident at JCPenney Katie was sitting on the floor of JCPenney with Bailey when...
We’re Renovating a Domestic Violence Shelter to Make it Pet-Friendly, And You Can Help
When trying to leave their abusers, many victims of domestic violence think twice due to fears over their pets’ safety. In fact, research has shown that about half will put off leaving if they can’t take their pets with them. This is a problem, as only about 17% of domestic violence shelters across the country accept pets. That’s why we’ve joined a collaborative effort to make more shelters pet-friendly, and the latest project is currently underway. CURRENT ROOM AT SPAN. PHOTO: GREATER GOOD CHARITIES This month,...
A Kitten Plagued with Scar Tissue Has Been Healing Thanks to You, But He Needs a Little More Help
Benjamin Buttons and his littermates found themselves without their mother all too soon. This has led to serious health issues for the tabby kitten, but you’ve been helping to address them. Benjamin and his siblings were taken in by The Cat House on the Kings in the Fresno, California, area earlier this year. The rescue says the kittens – who weighed right around a pound – still had their comfort practice of nursing, but no mother to nurse from, so they pivoted to nursing on Benjamin’s penis. While this may elicit a...
Can Dogs Eat Wasabi? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Wasabi is known for its strong, spicy flavor and is enjoyed for its powerful kick. Typically served as a paste, wasabi comes from the underground stem of the wasabi plant (Eutrema japonicum), which is often referred to as Japanese horseradish for its similar taste profile. Many Japanese restaurants and takeaways in the West use horseradish paste and green food coloring to replicate genuine wasabi....
Can Dogs Have Vanilla? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Vanilla is a common additive that is used to flavor sweet treats like cake, biscuits, and ice cream. Although some people keep and use the pods in their culinary efforts, most homes have vanilla extract, which is made by combining mashed vanilla pods with alcohol. Essences and concentrates have high concentrations of alcohol, which means they are not safe for dogs to consume. Even a relatively...
Can Dogs Have Scallops? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ
VET APPROVED The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Learn more » Click to Skip Ahead Learning that 95% of people consider their pets family members is not all that surprising these days. We open our homes to our dogs, share our vacations with them, and even let them sleep in our beds. We even slip them table scraps, and sometimes, these treats extend to extra special items like scallops. Scallops are delicious, whether searing them in butter or pulling out all the stops with Julia...












