Natalie Punt, DVM

How to

Determine the Sex of a Cat

Male and female cats and kittens look and act similarly, so it can be difficult to tell what sex they are just by watching their behavior. If you know what to look for, however, there are several key differences that wil...

How to

Identify Different Dog Worms

There are many different types of worms that can infect dogs. Those of most concern are roundworms, tapeworms, heartworms, hook, and whipworms. Whilst each type of worm has a slightly different life cycle, the dog's symp...

How to

Calm a Cat in Heat

An un-spayed female cat will go into heat, meaning she's ready to mate, every three to four weeks. Usually, this involves howls, screeches, writhing, and attempts to attract or run away with male cats. Dealing with a res...

Signs of Rabies in Cats: How to Know If Your Cat Is Infected

Plus, learn how rabies spreads to cats and is diagnosed and treatedFor many cat owners, “rabies” is a very scary word. But what exactly is this virus, and how can you tell if your cat is infected? In this article, we...

Cat Sleeping Positions: 22 Common Poses Explained

Figure out how your furry friend feels based on how they sleep Your cat may communicate with you in a number of ways—through purring, rubbing against you, and crawling into your lap…but the way your cat sleeps around...

How to Help a Dog with an Itchy Anus

Home remedies for a dog that scoots or licks excessively Dogs often lick, scoot, or scratch their behinds, and it’s sometimes just a sign that something’s stuck back there. Other times, though, it may be caused by mo...

13 Signs a Mama Cat Isn’t Done Giving Birth (& How to Help Her)

Plus, advice from a vet on what you should doSo, your cat is in labor! Home births are common and typically go off without a hitch, but how can you tell when your cat is finished delivering her newborns? Cats usually hav...

What Pet Should I Get Quiz

Whether your pet is furry, fishy, or feathered, one thing is for sure: pets are the best. Yet, when choosing your new animal sidekick, there are so many factors to consider. How can you be sure you are choosing the perfe...

A Complete Guide on Treating Cat Acne

Have you noticed small black spots around your cat’s chin? If so, your furry friend may be dealing with a bit of feline acne. While most minor cases are nothing to worry about, more severe cases may irritate your cat o...

How to

Treat an Abscess on a Cat

An abscess may form on a cat after it has been bitten by another cat or animal. The bacteria that gets into a wound from a bite is what causes the abscess. If you think that your cat may have an abscess, take your cat to...

How to

Determine the Sex of a Kitten

Unsure if you have a male or female kitten on your hands? The visible differences between male and female genitalia can be more subtle in kittens than in adults. But when you know what to look for, sexing a kitten doesn'...

How to Tell If a Cat Is Spayed at Home

Plus, what it looks like when an unspayed female cat is in heatSpaying, or fixing, your female cat is important for their health and well-being. Not only does this surgery prevent them from reproducing with male cats who...

How to Determine Whether a Puppy Is Male or Female

A guide to safely inspecting, identifying, and handling newborn puppiesDiscovering the sex of your puppy is fairly straightforward, especially once you know what anatomical landmarks to look for! In this article, we’ll...

How Long Does it Take for Dogs to Get Unstuck After Mating?

Everything you need to know about copulatory ties in dog breeding Did your dog just get stuck to another dog after doing the deed? Don’t panic! This is actually a normal part of the mating process and there’s nothing...

How to

Care for a Dying Guinea Pig

Unfortunately, many small pets (especially rodents) do not live long, so we must be prepared to eventually say goodbye. Guinea pigs generally live for 5 to 8 years, assuming they do not experience any serious injuries or...

Fatty Tumors (Lipomas) in Dogs: Causes and Natural Remedies

If you've recently noticed a squishy lump under your dog's skin, don't panic! It's probably a benign fatty tumor called a lipoma. Lipomas are very common and they usually don't pose any health risks, but you may want to ...

How to

Get Mousetrap Glue Off a Cat

Oh, no! Your cat found a mousetrap and now glue is stuck to its fur. If your cat is still stuck to the mousetrap, you will need to cut the hair that is stuck to the trap to free your cat. Massage cooking oil into your ca...

How to Tell If a Guppy Is Male or Female

Learn how size, shape, & fins differ between males & females Guppies are popular pets that make attractive additions to your home aquarium. If you’re curious whether your guppies are male or female, it’s easy to dete...

How to

Treat Excessive Gas in Dogs

If your dog has become notorious for clearing a room with its gas, it may be time to take it to the vet. Occasional gas is normal in any dog, but if your dog experiences flatulence several times a day for an extended per...

How to Take Care of Your Cat After They Get Spayed or Neutered

Everything you need to know about aftercare and recoverySpay and neuter surgeries are routine operations, but they’re still surgeries. If you're worried about how to care for your cat after it’s been spayed (female c...