You may think your cat is alone in his frenzied behavior following a trip to the litter box, but the truth is, many cats bolt after using the bathroom. Scientists have actually studied the phenomenon and, while no one is exactly sure what causes Kitty’s bizarre behavior, they agree that it is a normal, healthy part of feline life.   Compared to their canine counterparts, cats have incredibly tidy bathroom habits. The vast majority bury their waste, which likely stems back to their days as wild cats. Though they are hunters themselves, cats also serve as prey for larger animals. The sight and smell of droppings can clue predators in that a potential meal is nearby, so it makes sense for Kitty to bury his droppings. According to this theory, running from his waste is simply another measure your cat takes to avoid becoming a predator’s next meal. The theory helps explain why dominant pets don’t always bury their bunk, too: Cats communicate by scent and top felines will leave their droppings as a way to mark territory. Rather than fleeing from his enemies, a confident cat may be ready to fight for his terrain.   Of course, not all experts agree with this evolutionary explanation. Though it sounds plausible, there is little research into whether cats actually run from their waste in the wild. Other theories attempting to explains cats’ strange bathroom behavior suggest that it simply boils down to feeling good. Researchers site evidence of this “poo-phoria” in the vagus nerve, which connects the brainstem to the colon and creates a pleasurable sensation associated with defecating. Other theories say that the frenzied sprint following a trip to the bathroom may be your cats’ ways of seeking attention and approval for his accomplishment as a grown-up pet taking care of himself.   There are, of course, medical issues that can cause your cat to run from his litterbox. Pets experiencing diarrhea or other digestive problems may want to distance themselves from the problem. Fleeing the litter box can also be a sign your cat is suffering from a urinary tract infection, kidney stones, inflammation of the colon or rectum, or even a food allergy. If you suspect your pet’s bathroom behavior is due to a medical issue, take him to the veterinarian. Fortunately, whether it boils down to instinct or “poo-phoria,” experts agree that in most cases running from the litter box is normal feline behavior.

Dogs have an exceptional sense of smell, but when it comes to their eyesight, they don’t see 20/20. In fact, our canine companions operate at around 20/75 vision, and that number tends to decline with age. No matter how old your dog is, however, vision problems can come into play and affect his quality of life.   Dogs are adept at adjusting to changes and poor eyesight will only become apparent when your pet starts making big mistakes. Even dogs with just 20 percent of their original eyesight can continue functioning as normal, thanks to their other senses and ability to memorize the floorplan of your house. Here are a few signs your dog’s vision may be declining:   When you throw a treat to your pet, he does not see it. He is reluctant to go up or down stairs, jump off the bed or go outside at night. When you move furniture, your pet bumps into it, and he hesitates in unfamiliar places. Your dog only registers food as edible when he’s close enough to smell it. There is a fuzziness in or on your dog’s eyes.   The best way to determine whether Fido’s vision is deteriorating is to establish a baseline for what his normal eyesight is. This can be difficult, as canine vision is different from our own, but with a few unofficial tests, you can determine what’s natural so you can track any changes. One technique is to simply observe your dog when a familiar friend is approaching him from a distance. Note how close the friend is when he reacts, and this is the distance at which he can see. Or, have someone hold your pet while you walk slowly toward him with his favorite toy and note at which distance he reacts to seeing it. These rough measurements will give you a baseline for a simple, at-home test to check whether you pet’s vision is declining in the future.   If you notice that your dog’s eyes are failing, discuss treatment options with your veterinarian. Loss of eyesight can be caused by aging, infections or hereditary factors, but diabetes and other conditions can also impact vison and there may be supplements, dietary changes and medications to help your pet. You can make life easier for a dog with bad eyes by providing him with a safe home environment. Clear walkways and leave furniture in place—or, if you must rearrange a room, do so gradually to help your dog adjust. This way, even older pets or those struggling to see can enjoy a high quality of life.

You dog’s kidneys regulate his blood pressure, sugar levels and volume along with the water composition of his body, his red blood cell count and certain hormones. With so many vital roles to play, his kidneys are crucial to his health. It may come as a surprise, then, that the signs of chronic kidney failure often develop so slowly that they’re overlooked until it’s too late to cure the disease.   There are two types of kidney failure in dogs: chronic and acute. While acute kidney failure develops suddenly due to an event, such as ingesting antifreeze, or an underlying condition, like a bacterial infection, chronic kidney failure happens gradually. While renal failure has often progressed so far by the time symptoms show that a full recovery isn’t possible, there are ways to manage symptoms and slow progression of the disease.   Symptoms of chronic kidney failure include vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, depression, weight lost or loss of appetite, extreme thirst, increased urination or urine that is overly concentrated or diluted. In extreme cases, blindness, seizures, comas and blood in the urine indicate renal failure. While canines of any age can suffer from kidney disease, it is most common in older dogs. Some breeds, such as German Shepherds and English Cocker Spaniels, are more susceptible to kidney disease, too. Causes of kidney failure include blockages of the urinary tract, certain prescription drugs, lymphoma and diabetes. Unfortunately, symptoms of chronic renal failure often develop so slowly that by the time they’re evident, it’s too late to effectively treat the disease. It’s still important to take your dog to the veterinarian, however, for bloodwork and diagnosis. If your pet is diagnosed with chronic kidney failure, there are effective ways to manage his symptoms and slow progression of the disease.   Because chronic renal failure is progressive, diagnosed dogs need to be monitored with frequent veterinary check-ups. This helps keep your pet up-to-speed on his medications and diet, which may need to change with the disease. Fluid therapy is the foundation for treating kidney disease as dehydration is a major concern for dogs with the condition. Special diets low in protein, phosphorus, calcium and sodium and high in potassium can help slow the progression of the disease, and supplements can also improve your dog’s nutritional uptake while limiting some of the secondary symptoms of kidney disease, such gastric ulcers. Make sure your pet has constant access to fresh water and monitor his uptake: If he starts drinking less water, you may need to use IV fluids to keep him hydrated. With proper treatment, some dogs diagnosed with chronic kidney failure experience several weeks to years of stability.

Hair loss is a common problem in dogs and can affect your pet’s skin, as well as his endocrine, lymphatic and immune systems. When dealing with alopecia—the technical term for balding—in pets, the most important step is identifying the underlying problem. Then, you can treat it.   One of the most common causes of canine hair loss is allergies. Dogs can be allergic to all sorts of substances, from pollen and mold to parasites such as fleas and mites. Your pet may also suffer from a food allergy or nutritional deficiency, which can stress his body and lead to balding. Mange, which is caused by the demodex mite, is a common culprit behind alopecia and can be treated with your veterinarian’s guidance. Because many dogs experience hair loss due to a flea allergy, veterinarians recommend giving Fido a regular flea preventative to keep parasites at bay. Scratching, itching and biting are common symptoms of canine allergies and your veterinarian can run tests to determine which specific allergens are bugging your pet.   While common infections and infestations often cause hair loss, balding can also be a symptom of disease in dogs. Cushing's disease occurs when a dog’s body tissues are exposed to high levels of the stress hormone cortisol over a prolonged period of time. Symptoms include hair loss as well as darkened skin and a pot-bellied appearance. Usually a disease found in older dogs, Cushing’s can also effect younger pups that are given too many corticosteroid drugs used to relieve pain and inflammation. Other hormonal disorders that can cause hair loss include Addison’s disease, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hyperestrogenism in females and hypoandrogenism.   Dogs also experience hair loss as a reaction to certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs or vaccines, and anxious pets are prone to losing their hair as a result of chronic stress. Fungal infections such as ringworm can lead to alopecia that occurs in circular or irregular patches, which also causes infected sores around the rings. Like humans, dogs can get bed sores that cause them to lose their hair, too. These localized injuries often emerge on pets’ elbows, hips and other bony parts, so be sure to provide your pet with plenty of thick, well-padded sleeping surfaces and wrap sores to help them heal.   Although hair loss can be a cause for concern, some dogs are simply predisposed to balding. If you’re worried about your pet’s alopecia, visit your veterinarian to discover the underlying cause. While hair loss cannot always be prevented, providing your pet with a clean, low-stress environment and high-quality kibble can help him maintain a healthy coat.

Human beings have been wearing jewelry for over 100,000 years – much longer than we've kept domestic cats and dogs (70,000 years and 14,000 years respectively). We wear jewelry for all kinds of functions, from displaying social status to religious commitment to pure aesthetic value, and we put them on our pets for some of the same reasons. From the Roman Lucius Lucinius Crassus' moray eels with necklaces to Paris Hilton's chihuahuas with diamond-encrusted collars, we've been dressing up our pets for generations.   One function of jewelry is for identification. If someone is wearing a wedding ring, it's safe to assume they are married. If a dog is wearing a collar, it probably isn't a stray – if it has a name tag on the collar, it almost certainly isn't! A dog tag is the ultimate in functional pet jewelry, and it can be as pretty or as plain as you like. A wide range of materials and designs are widely available from stainless steel to gold to suit your tastes and your pooch's personality. It's just like a pendant with a name on!   Cat collars, like dog collars and tags, let others know that your cat has a home to return to and where their owners can be found if they get lost. Fewer than 2% of missing cats are returned to their owners and a collar and tag can go a long way in making sure they find their way home. Like tags, collars can be fun and unique as well as practical, just like jewelry. From luxury leather to dazzling bling, there's a collar out there for your cat that is every bit as fabulous as a human necklace. As long as it fits well enough that your cat can't slip it off or get something stuck in it, or has a snap-off mechanism if your cat is an avid climber and you're worried about it getting caught in a tree, your cat can be both spectacular and safe.   So why do some people like to dress their pets in jewelry? Because it looks cute! There are all kinds of cute pieces of jewelry just for pets that can be attached to your pet's collar and clothing. Extra charms can be added to the same clip on your pet's collar, just like a human charm bracelet. Sliding letters slipped on your pet's collar spelling their name can be one step further to a perfectly personalized pet accessory – though this should be in addition to a standard tag with your contact details, just in case they get lost. If your pet wears clothing, they can flaunt pet brooches. Add a sliding bow or flower onto a collar to add some color and style to your pet's daily look.   Pet jewelry can be fun and fabulous, but practicality has to come first. However, that doesn't mean practical can't also be eye-catching and stylish, as long as it is also comfortable for your pet to wear. If they seem to be experiencing discomfort – scratching at their collar, trying to remove it, or otherwise showing signs of uneasiness – swap the collar out for something simpler, and consider saving the showpieces for special occasions.

Most cats only see a cat carrier when it’s time to go somewhere new: the veterinarian’s office, a new home or a boarding facility for the weekend. This causes many felines to fear their carriers, which they associate with unwanted change and fervently resist. Fortunately, helping your cat form positive associations with his carrier isn’t hard and can help reduce stress when it’s time for your next trip.   It can be difficult to teach an old cat new tricks and this is especially true when it comes to his cat carrier. One of the best ways to help your cat make peace with the carrier, then, is to introduce him to it at a young age. Even adult cats, however, can come to terms with their crates. Instead of busting out the carrier only for visits to the vet, help your cat overcome his fears by keeping it out and open at all times. This allows Kitty to explore at his own speed, coming and going from the carrier as he pleases. Add some comfortable bedding, cat toys and a few treats to make the space as inviting as possible. With some time, this helps most felines overcome their fear of the carrier and see it as a safe retreat.   Once your cat has had at least a few weeks to explore the carrier at his own pace, try feeding him inside it. This reinforces positive associations with the carrier, especially when he receives meals there every day. If your cat won’t immediately take his food inside the carrier, try placing his food dish a few feet away from the entrance and inching it closer every day. Some cats are clever and will avoid the carrier when you’re around so they won’t be locked in, so try walking away when you feed Kitty if he’s reluctant to enter.   Once you succeed in getting your pet take his meals inside his carrier, you can begin using verbal cues to further his training. Cats are not responsive to commands like dogs, but will react for food, so use a treat to entice your pet to enter his carrier while saying the “in” command. Over time, he’ll likely learn that a tasty treat follows when he enters his cat carrier. Once this is an established routine, you can start closing the carrier door before offering your cat his treat. Only reward him if he remains calm in the carrier, however— otherwise, let Kitty loose and try again another time.   Finally, you can gradually get your pet used to being lifted and moved inside his carrier, even taking him outside for practice runs before using the carrier for a real-deal visit to the vet. With some time and patience, you should be able to get Kitty inside his carrier without anxiety or fear, even if he never learns to love the space.

When we shuffle around in flip flops or shoes with bouncing laces, our feet look can look an awful lot like prey to cats. The same goes when our toes are under a blanket, wrapped in socks or even when we go barefoot. While you can’t stop your cats’ predator instincts, you can redirect them, providing Kitty with acceptable ways to expel energy without assaulting your toes.   Sneak attacks on feet come when cats aren’t quite clear about where their toys end and humans begin. This all comes down to socialization, which helps explain why kittens are especially pernicious when it comes to pouncing on feet. Often, young felines have not learned to rope in their energy or differentiate between “play thing” and “person.” While rough play is important to kittens developing physical coordination and problem-solving skills, humans can misinterpret their stalking, chasing, pouncing, swatting and biting for aggression.   Knowing what’s okay to play-attack and what isn’t comes down to Kitty’s socialization, making it important to draw clear boundaries for your pet from a young age. If your pet pounces on your feet under the covers, offer him a toy instead. If he attacks you on the stairs, try to carry a few toys to drop and redirect his attention. When he plays with the toys instead of your toes, offer your cat praise. While punishing a feline doesn’t work, time-outs do: Any time your pet plays too rough, end the game by leaving the room. Don’t pick him up, as this can encourage more playful biting or scratching.   In addition to setting boundaries, helping your cat act out his predator instincts in positive ways can tire him out and reduce his desire to stalk your feet. Playing with your cat using a fishing pole or other toy not only helps him expel excess energy, but builds a bond between you and your pet. Offer your cat a variety of toys and frequently give him new objects to explore, such as paper bags or cardboard boxes. You can even build an outdoor enclosure for your cat or consider buying a second cat for a playmate to help keep your pet stimulated both mentally and physically. Just remember to never let your pet bat at your feet, hands or other body parts during playtime, as this sends mixed messages.   Of course, there are occasions in which a cat’s rough play is actually aggression. It can be hard to differentiate between the two, but watching your cat’s body language can help you decipher whether he’s being social or picking a fight. Cats playing tend to be quiet and engage in behaviors such as a sideways hop. During aggressive encounters, however, cats tend to growl and hiss. Nervous, anxious or fearful cats are more prone to aggression and a trained animal behaviorist can help address these problems.

Just like people, dogs can suffer from anxiety disorders. Whether he’s afraid of social situations, suffers from separation anxiety or is simply a nervous pet, there are several techniques to help calm Fido’s fears:   1- Crates are considered controversial by some, but with proper training, they can be one of the best ways to calm an anxious pet. The key to crate training is to ensure it’s done right. This includes picking an appropriately sized crate, equipping it with blankets and other objects to make it as welcoming as possible, and slowly familiarizing your pet with the crate using treats and positive reinforcement. All of this helps your dog see the crate as his “den,” which provides him with a sanctuary during times of high stress. Crate training can be especially helpful for dogs with separation anxiety that might otherwise wreak havoc on your home and ingest dangerous items when left alone for long periods of time.   2- Exercise can help anxious dogs, too. Although it is not a cure for anxiety, physical activity can reduce stress, improve your dog’s mood and focus his mind on positive activities. Running and playing are great ways to get your dog active.   3-Physical contact can help comfort an anxious companion. Just like people, our pets are social creatures and they feel reassured when they spend time close to those they love. Staying near your dog during a thunderstorm or visit to the vet can help reduce stress. However, be sure you don’t make a fuss over your pet when he’s stressed, which can legitimize his fear.   4-Maintain a calm demeanor to help an anxious pet. Dogs are experts at sensing what’s going on around them and if you’re tense or upset, your pet can easily pick up on this. When his leader is anxious, a dog also becomes anxious, so be sure to keep a steady voice and composure around your pet. By taking the lead and showing your dog he has nothing to be afraid of, you can help ease his anxiety in stressful situations.   5- Take a break if your dog gets overly anxious or wound up. A time-out can help your pet unwind, though it should never be used as a punishment. Instead, take your dog to a quiet place or his crate. You can also distract him with a treat during this time.   6- Treats and chews may seem like unlike stress-relievers, but long-lasting chews such as rawhide bones can also help put a nervous dog’s mind at ease. They help keep Fido occupied while you’re away from home and provide much-needed distraction during stressful events, such as thunderstorms or visits from new guests.   While the above techniques can help mildly to moderately nervous dogs, pets with severe anxiety may require diagnosis and treatment from your veterinarian. Medication can help manage many pets’ anxiety and a trained professional can recommend a combination of behavior therapies to help put your pet’s mind at ease.

Dogs are territorial by nature and nothing says, “I’m here,” like marking a tree, fire hydrant or fence post with their unique scents. For male dogs, and even some females, urinating is an easy way to spread this scent. The smell communicates all sorts of information to canine passersby, from the gender of the dog that marked to whether that dog was stressed, healthy or in heat. This is not surprising given canines’ powerful noses, but still doesn’t answer the question: Why do some dogs lift their legs to pee?   Several theories attempt to explain why Fido raises his leg while he marks. One posits that a dog lifts his leg because this allows him to spread his urine higher, where other dogs are more likely to smell it and where the breeze can more easily spread the scent. Marking higher may also preserve a dog’s scent for longer since other dogs are less likely to reach the same level and “overmark” your pet’s handiwork. This explains why some small dogs become acrobatic experts, balancing on their front feet to mark as high as their larger peers. Likewise, researchers have found that dogs lower on the pecking order tend to sniff, but not pee over, another dog’s mark. Other theories posit that lifting his leg is simply a practical behavior your pet uses to help him avoid a messy encounter.   Though many male dogs lift their legs while marking, there’s no need to worry if your pet doesn’t. Most males pick up the behavior between six months and one year old through watching older dogs, but some never develop the habit. This is especially true for puppies that were not raised with older males around or dogs that have been neutered. Likewise, while many female dogs squat to do their business, some urinate with a raised leg, too. Every canine has his or her own preference and your pet’s unique habits should be no cause for concern. If, however, your dog suddenly changes his leg-lifting behavior, this could be a sign something’s wrong. Sudden changes in behavior can indicate an underlying medical condition, such as arthritis or urinary incontinence, is causing your pet discomfort. If you notice a shift in Fido’s favored peeing position, take him to the vet for blood work to identify the problem, if one exists.

It can seem like a nuisance, but to our canine companions, licking you is most often a sign of affection. While it is a healthy behavior, licking can also indicate something’s wrong with your pet, making it important to pay attention when Fido’s lavishing you with a few too many kisses.   Licking comes naturally to our canine companions. A mother dog licks her pups during grooming, making this a form of affectionate interaction from the start of your pet’s life. Puppies will lick their mothers to draw their attention, too, and your dog may likewise lick you to get your attention and say “hello.” This sort of affectionate licking not only releases endorphins that make your dog feel good, but can help calm and comfort him. The behavior also can be used to indicate social rank, however. Dogs are pack animals by nature and lower-ranking individuals sometimes lick their superiors as an appeasing gesture, often in hopes of being offered communal prey. Your domesticated pet may lick you as an appeasing gesture, too, since you are his superior in the “pack.” Dogs will also use their tongues to tell you the water bowl is empty, they need to go outside, or to communicate some other message. Licking can help heal wounds, too, as canine saliva carries enzymes that help kill bacteria and a good licking can help clean out dirt from an injury. Finally, some dogs simply like the taste of salty skin or are sampling the food particles leftover after cooking.   Because licking is often an attention-grabbing behavior, your pet may learn to incorporate it more and more into his daily routine. While his kisses are generally a sign of affection, you pet can become annoying if he’s offering too many. To discourage slobbery behavior, simply ignore your pet or move to another room when he starts to lick you. If he begins licking while you’re petting him, stop immediately and walk away. With some time, your pet should learn that licking does not get him the attention he wants and will curb the behavior.   Though licking is a healthy habit, there are cases where it becomes a compulsive behavior indicating something is wrong. Obsessive licking can be a sign your dog is suffering from anxiety, boredom, pain or even skin allergies. If your he begins compulsively kissing, ensure your pet is getting plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. If the behavior continues, take him to the vet to rule out allergies or any other physical ailments. If anxiety is the source of his licking behavior, a canine behaviorist or certified dog trainer can help alter your dog’s actions to help him live a happier life.