ArcaMax

What's in a name? Ask any expecting parent, and they'll surely answer, "A lot." Choosing what to name a child is no small matter. In fact, recent data collected by BabyCenter found that half of new parents disagreed about what to name their babies, and nearly 1 in 10 new moms felt regret over the name they settled on. There are simply so many ...Read more

As we transition from winter to spring, being cooped inside with your dog can get repetitive. There are many indoor activities you and your dog can do together to keep your pup physically exercised and mentally stimulated.

The American Kennel Club offers the following tips for staying engaged while you wait for the weather to warm up.

--...Read more

Adopting an elderly dog can be a deeply rewarding experience, but it also comes with unique challenges that require patience, compassion, and understanding. Unlike puppies or younger dogs, senior dogs often come with a full history—some of it unknown. They may arrive with health concerns, emotional scars, or habits formed over a lifetime. ...Read more

Taking care of a house cat’s claws is an important part of keeping both your pet and your home comfortable and safe. Although indoor cats don’t need their claws for hunting like their wild relatives, they still rely on them for balance, stretching, climbing, and playing. Claws are also a natural way for cats to express their instincts and ...Read more

The Bernese Mountain Dog is a majestic and gentle giant, known for its tricolor coat—jet black, rust, and white—and its calm, affectionate nature. Hailing from the Swiss Alps, this breed was developed to be a versatile working dog for farmers in the region of Bern. Historically, they pulled carts loaded with dairy, guarded homesteads, and ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I am on oxygen 24/7 and have two cats who have fun chewing holes in my tubing. I have used so much duct tape to patch it; it's crazy. Do you have any suggestions?

— Holly, Omaha, Nebraska

Dear Holly,

To discourage them from chewing, use a pet-safe deterrent spray like Bitter Apple (available at pet stores or online) to make the...Read more

A good veterinarian will become your partner in helping your pet enjoy a healthy life, so choosing the right one is an important consideration.

When choosing your family's veterinarian, use the same care and criteria that you would in selecting your own physician or dentist.

Consider your priorities. Think about what is important to you ...Read more

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend have adopted a puppy.

The celebrity couple have revealed via Instagram that they've adopted a puppy called Dudley from Wags and Walks, a pet adoption service in Los Angeles.

The couple wrote: "In honor of National Puppy Day, meet Dudley - the newest member of our fam!! [dog paw emoji]

"When we first met Dudley, ...Read more

Pit Bulls have long been the subject of controversy, often portrayed as dangerous and aggressive dogs unfit for family life. However, this reputation is largely a myth, shaped by misinformation, media sensationalism, and a misunderstanding of the breed’s true nature. In reality, Pit Bulls can be loyal, affectionate, and well-behaved companions...Read more

Dear Cathy,

My wife and I are both retired and are able to begin traveling – something we were never able to do very much due to our work schedules. We are also the proud parents of a five-year-old Golden Retriever named Murphy. He is the love of our lives.

We do not like to be away from him even for one overnight. When we are away, we do ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I recently adopted a five-month-old Pomeranian. He’s fully trained to use a wee-wee pad, making him the perfect apartment dog. However, I can’t get him to go outside for a walk or play.

I’ve tried different approaches and rewards, but he refuses. When I pick him up, he trembles uncontrollably and digs his nails into me. He ...Read more

Cats are known for their unique and sometimes perplexing behaviors, which can leave owners wondering about their meaning. Understanding these actions can help strengthen the bond between humans and their feline companions and ensure their needs are met effectively.

Kneading is a common behavior in which cats push their paws alternately against ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

We recently adopted a seven-year-old Shih Tzu/Poodle mix from a shelter. He is great with people, but not good with other dogs. He gets aggressive around other dogs, and we know he would get in a fight, as his reaction shows it.

Is there any type of training we can do to stop his aggressiveness towards other dogs? He is a sweet and...Read more

Dogs are natural diggers. Whether they are trying to bury a bone, hunt for small critters or simply create a cool spot to lie down, the urge to dig is deeply ingrained in many breeds. While some owners may find this behavior amusing or tolerable in specific areas, excessive digging can become a serious problem, leading to destroyed lawns, torn-...Read more

For many people, pets provide unconditional love, companionship and a sense of security. But not all human-pet relationships are beneficial, and some may contribute to stress and anxiety rather than relief.

Psychologists have been studying attachment theory for decades. This framework explains how people form emotional bonds, seek ...Read more

Dear Cathy,

I have two cats – a 14-year-old male cat and a two-year-old female. Both are fixed. Things were fine for the first year, but for the past year, there has been a "dust-up" every six to eight weeks, and they hiss, snarl, and fight very aggressively.

We separate them for a minimum of two days and then reintroduce them to each other ...Read more

Finding a stray cat can be both a heartwarming and challenging experience. Whether the cat is lost, abandoned or feral, taking the right steps ensures its safety while preventing potential issues for your household and other pets.

The first step is to determine whether the cat is truly a stray or belongs to someone. A well-fed, friendly cat may...Read more

The Chihuahua is one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, yet it carries itself with the confidence and charisma of a much larger dog. Known for their larger-than-life personalities and strong bond with their owners, Chihuahuas have become a beloved breed for many pet enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the ...Read more

Separation anxiety is a common behavioral condition in dogs that can lead to significant stress for both pets and their owners. It occurs when a dog becomes overly attached to their human companion and experiences extreme distress when left alone. This article will explore the causes, symptoms, and practical treatment strategies for managing ...Read more