Pets in the news

STEVE DALE: MY PET WORLD

Chubby kitty needs a diet plan

Q: We adopted a kitten from a shelter, and at only 7 months she already weighs 14 pounds. How can we help Sparky lose weight?

STEVE DALE: MY PET WORLD

Family dog returned after 2 years, thanks to a microchip

If you want to be proactive about saving your pet's life, regular veterinary visits, pet insurance and keeping a cat indoors only are certainly high on the list. But the most powerful tool of all could be about the size of a grain of rice: a microchip.

STEVE DALE: MY PET WORLD

Dog's bad reaction to rabies vaccine worries owner

Q: I've stepped outside the law because Washington State recently passed a rabies vaccine law that doesn't allow for exceptions. My dog had a life-threatening reaction to his first rabies vaccine, and is definitely not going to get another one. Do I have any recourse?

STEVE DALE: MY PET WORLD

Pet food recalls back in the news

Two unrelated issues have consumers concerned about pet foods.

STEVE DALE: MY PET WORLD

Sorry, but dog and cat lovers far outnumber those who prefer life in the no-pets lane

I look forward to reader comments, questions and concerns. Here's a selection I received recently:

STEVE DALE: MY PET WORLD

Pit bull ban sends beloved service dog packing

A Vietnam War veteran who moved to Aurelia, Iowa, to help care for his ailing 87-year-old mother-in-law has been ordered by the city council to get rid of his service dog, which happens to be a pit bull.

STEVE DALE: MY PET WORLD

Training class could help curb adolescent dog's feisty behavior

Q: My 8-year-old Golden Doodle has gotten bigger than my 5-year-old Shiba Inu. He doesn't bite the Shiba, but kind of nibbles at her, and even tries to haul her around by her collar. Sometimes he even does this at night, so I crate him. Is there anything I can do curb this behavior?

STEVE DALE: MY PET WORLD

Animal behaviorists share their expertise

Need help with a dog who barks incessantly when you're not home, a cat who targets the wall instead of the litter box, a parrot who screams obscenities, or a horse who's pretty much eating up his stable? A behavior consultant from the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants may be able to help.