Exotic Pets You Can Own Without a License: State-by-State Laws
Every state has laws that determine what kind of animals can be kept as pets. These laws can change at any time and over the years, many states have added to their list of prohibited animals. Game and fish commissions, departments of fish and wildlife or conservation, and other state divisions dictate these rules that are found in state statutes and regulations. These documents can be difficult for some to discover and decipher because they are written in complicated legal language.
Tea Tree Oil for Fleas: Evaluating Safety and Effectiveness
Tea tree oil should never be given orally to pets as it is toxic if swallowed.
Deworming Your Dog: How Often Is Necessary for Optimal Health?
Puppies should be dewormed regularly for the first few months of life, typically during scheduled vaccination visits.
Hole-in-the-Head Disease in Saltwater Fish
Hole-in-the-head disease (HITH) causes erosive pits in fish and is primarily an aesthetic issue but can lead to secondary infections.
Tapeworms in Dogs
Tapeworms in dogs are rarely serious but can cause irritation, malnutrition, and weight loss if untreated.
Tapeworms in Cats
Tapeworms are a common parasite in cats that live in the intestines. They can be excreted in the feces and passed along to other animals. Some owners may notice tapeworm symptoms in their cat such as vomiting, diarrhea, a bloated belly, changes in appetite, or segments of the worms in the stool, but many cats can have tapeworms and not show any signs. For this reason, regular prevention and screening is important to keep your cat free from tapeworms and other intestinal parasites.
Ear Mites in Puppies and Dogs
Ear mites are highly contagious parasites that cause itching, inflammation, and discomfort in pets, requiring prompt treatment.
Velvet: Aquarium Fish Disease Identification and Cure
Velvet disease is a serious condition caused by dinoflagellate parasites, requiring immediate attention to prevent fish mortality.
Anchor Worms in Freshwater Fish: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Anchor worms are crustacean copepod parasites common in freshwater fish such as koi and goldfish, and they are visible to the naked eye.
How to Give Fish a Freshwater Dip or Bath
A quick freshwater dip is an effective first step to treat saltwater fish for parasites before quarantine.
Why Are My Dog’s Eyes Red?
Bloodshot eyes in humans are a sure sign that something isn’t quite right with our eyes, whether it’s an infection or injury, and the same goes for our dogs. While the problem with your dog's eyes could be a variety of things, it’s important to contact your vet as soon as possible when you notice something amiss, or else you could risk damage to your dog’s vision.
Guide to Dog Dental Care
Did you know that February is the official Pet Dental Health Month? We've put together this guide to help you understand the importance of caring for your dog's teeth as well as highlighting the key signs of dog gum disease and what you can do to prevent it.
How to Save Money on Your Pet's Food
We all want the best for our pets, but with the cost of living rising, it’s becoming tricky to provide the very best without breaking the bank. That’s why we’ve put together our top tips for savings on your pet’s food, so you can get more for your money without compromising your pet’s health.
Essential Oils That Are Toxic to Pets
Just because something is natural doesn’t necessarily make it safe. Essential oils have been used for decades for their lovely smells and are often found in various products and practices, including homeware products, beauty products, aromatherapy, and more. But did you know some of these oils also pose a deadly threat to our four-legged friends?
How to Give a Dog Tablets
An inevitability of pet ownership is at some point having to administer them medication, whether it’s a routine worming treatment, antibiotics to fend off an infection, or treatment for an ongoing condition. And while we know that the medicine is for their good, this isn’t something your dog can understand.
How to Care For Your Cat’s Teeth
Your cat's teeth are integral to their lives and not just for eating but for self-grooming and even playtime, which is why it's so important for you as their owner to understand how best to look after them.
Halloween Pet Safety Tips: Your Guide to a Pet-Safe Halloween
Spooky season is upon us, and while we enjoy the frights of Halloween, the same can’t be said for our pets. Many aspects of Halloween can be stressful for pets, such as multiple visitors coming to the house, loud noises, music, and even costumes.
How Dangerous is Chocolate to Dogs?
Easter has become a celebration that demands chocolate in all its delicious forms. However, with cases of chocolate poisoning in dogs having risen to 123% this time of year, all owners need to understand why chocolate is bad for dogs and what to do if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate.
Purebred Dog Health Issues
There are a number of reasons why you might have a specific dog breed in mind, including dog allergies, the home you have to offer, or the work you may require the dog to do. However, it’s important to do your research beforehand, as some dog breeds can be prone to a number of health issues that can take a toll both emotionally and financially.
The Complete Guide to Mixed Feeding Pet Food
There are benefits and drawbacks of both wet and dry foods, but what about a mix of the two?
Are Dog Vaccinations Really Necessary?
Routine healthcare for a dog is one of the key responsibilities you take on as an owner when bringing home a new puppy. This includes their routine vaccinations which are essential for preventing your dog contracting harmful (or even fatal) diseases while they’re out in the world.
How to Care for Dogs Paw Pads
Your dog’s paw pads are an essential part of their foot's structure and help with your dog’s movement, stability and shock absorption. They are also one of two places where a dog can sweat. With so much relying on your dog’s paws, it’s important to for you as an owner to know how to keep them nice and healthy.
How to Get Rid of Fleas in Your House
Did you know that only 5% of the population of a flea infestation are adult fleas? The immature stages of a flea, including eggs and larvae, make up the rest, allowing these pesky little parasites to invade your home and increasing your pet’s chances of re-infestation.
How to Care For Your Dogs Ears
Your dog’s ears should be clean, odour-free, and pale pink in colour with a minimal amount of wax. This will help prevent ear mites or any infection caused by the buildup of wax and debris. Good canine ear health starts with clean ears, so read on to learn all about dog ear health and tips on keeping your pooch in top condition.
How to Give a Cat a Tablet
No matter how well you care for your cat, there will inevitably come a time in their life when you’ll need to give them a tablet. This could be to treat an existing condition or even just to give them a routine deworming tablet for cats.
Winter Safety for Pets: How to Care for Pets in Winter
First published 6th November 2024. Last updated 18th December 2025.
Bringing Home a New Cat
Whether you’ve decided to rescue, have gone through a breeder, or have found yourself opening your home to a cat for any other reason, there are a lot of things you need to consider when welcoming a new cat into your home. In this article, we’ll take you through the key things you need to remember when the time comes to bring your new bundle of fluff into your family so they can settle in properly and feel at ease in their new home.
Horse Skin Conditions
A big part of horse ownership is caring for their health, both inside and out. This means ensuring their akin and coat are in optimum condition year around, especially when things get wet and muddy.
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Spring Safety Tips for Pets
We all love it when winter finally gives way to spring, and we can spend more time outside exploring with our pets. But springtime isn’t all flowers and sunshine. Several dangers crop up this time of year that can pose a real threat to your pet if not correctly handled, so make sure you're prepared for spring with our guide to spring dangers.
Summer Safety Tips for Pets
The sun is out, temperatures are rising, and the English summer is well on its way. While we’re all excited for the adventures we can go on with furry friends, it’s important to know that when the seasons change, so do potential dangers to pets.
Allergies in Cats
Anyone with allergies would agree that they’re no picnic. Unlike illnesses, in which the body's immune response is responsible for fending off, an allergy occurs when a cat’s immune system reacts (or overreacts) to a particular substance. Any substance that causes an allergic reaction in cats is called an antigen or an allergen.
Best Dental Products for Dogs
Vets claim that over 80% of dogs will have some form of active dental disease, making dental disease (also called periodontal disease) one of the most prominent conditions in dogs.
Is it Cruel to Keep a Cat Indoors?
One of the choices a new cat owner needs to make is whether or not they’re going to allow their cat to free roam outside of the home. While many people think this is a simple decision, there are actually a few reasons why an owner might keep their cat indoors.
Can I Give Human Painkillers To Pets?
You should never give human painkillers to pets. They are specifically designed and formulated for human use. Using human medicine on an animal can have extreme – and even fatal – side effects.
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Lara Hew 27 articlesLara is a photography major at UArts in Philly! In her free time, she likes to walk dogs and, of course, take photos. She also loves reading and movies, hiking, kayaking, and just anything that involves being outdoors. She has grown up with animals since she was little and currently has two dogs and a cat of her own.
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Peyton Shine 26 articlesPeyton originally from Michigan, but have lived in Philadelphia for 10 years. She grew up surrounded by animals, both at home and on her grandparent's farm. She now has one dog, a golden retriever-boxer mix named Cooper.
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Tiffany Salmon 47 articlesI focus on empowering my team through collaboration, transparency, and a shared sense of purpose. I believe in leading by example, maintaining a mindset of continuous learning, and encouraging others to think creatively and take calculated risks.
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Dana Minacapelli 47 articlesDana started her journey in the veterinary field in 2004 at an animal shelter in Corpus Christi, Texas. She immediately fell in love with the profession and nurtured her passion for helping animals that were in desperate need of a second chance. Here, she began implementing improved policies that mitigated disease control, managed a low cost spay/neuter program for the community, and made recommendations to the Board of Directors on best practices for the clinic as well as the shelter as a whole.
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Lizzie Youens 50 articlesLizzie has over ten years of experience as a veterinary surgeon with particular interests in animal behaviour, dermatology, and geriatrics.
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Hannah Clark 25 articlesHannah has worked at Pet Drugs Online for over three years, researching, writing, and publishing all of our blog content. She currently lives in Cardiff with her 5-year-old cat, Margot, and 2-year-old Cavapoo, Merida.