At the first clap of thunder, your dog beloved dog is suddenly missing in action, and you're likely to find him in the far corner of the darkest closet or under the bed. Even if your pooch could be one of the so-called “meanest breeds”, he may sit trembling on your lap or at your feet when the thunder rolls. This is not uncommon in pets. A phobia is a persistent excessive and irrational fear response. Fears and phobias can...

(Photodisc) Heat stroke is a dangerous condition that takes the lives of many animals every year. While working up a good sweat in the hot summer months may be a great way for you to exercise, it can lead to heat stroke in your dog and kill him in a matter of minutes. Your dog's normal body temperature is 100.5 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. If it rises to 105 or 106 degrees, the dog is at risk for developing heat...

"She is sure is packing on the pounds!" "Yeah, she always gains weight over the holidays." If you overheard this conversation, you might think the people talking were being rude. But what if you found out they were referring to a family pet? Keep Those Winter Pounds off your Pet People aren't the only ones susceptible to gaining weight over the holidays. Extra treats, table scraps, and a lack of exercise due to winter weather can all attribute to your...

Get Outside and Play With Your Pet (iWitness contributor DonL) Believe it or not, our pets aren't that much different from us. When it is cold and wet outside, they would much rather stay indoors. But when that springtime warmth comes with plenty of sunshine, you'd better believe that they want to get outside and play! We browsed through our Pets section of iWitness and found some of our favorite pictures of cats and dogs enjoying an array of outdoor...

It's the holiday season, and it seems that just about everyone is getting in the spirit - including pets! Our iWitness Weather users love their pets, and it shows. Over the years they have submitted pictures of their cats, dogs, and a few other animals, wearing holiday garments, enjoying presents and the festive decor. This slideshow showcases some of our favorite pictures that help us further enjoy the season. Have some cute pictures of your pet? Click here to upload...

In the summer, many children love to spend time in the sandbox. It can be an enjoyable playtime experience for them, and can be an hours long diversion that many parents welcome. Likewise, many adults enjoy the peace and tranquility of gardening. You and your children can easily make a whole day outdoors enjoying these activities. If your household includes a cat that also enjoys time outside as well, a sandbox or garden is often considered an attractive outdoor litter...

(patty_c/iStockPhoto) Healthy and eco-friendly Your favorite Fido no longer has to settle for treats loaded with animal byproducts, preservatives -- and certainly not salmonella and melamine. A new crop of eco-friendly dog treats not only boasts healthy, organic ingredients, but they're also something your dog will enjoy! Here's our guide to the best canine confections. (barkwheats.com) Barkwheats dog biscuits Barkwheats makes wholesome dog biscuits with ingredients like parsley, sea vegetables, chamomile, eggs and honey that help treat some common dog...

(Photodisc) Vomiting is one of the most common symptoms dogs have. It can be a minor problem or a very significant major problem. As a pet owner, you may not know what to do when this happens, so this article will focus on what you can do at home for your pet, and help you decide when and if veterinary care is needed. Here are some common questions pet owners ask about vomiting. What is vomiting? Vomiting is the act...

(Photodisc) With spring's arrival, it is inevitable that you are going to be spending more time outside with your dog. Now is the time to prepare him for the outdoors so the both of you can enjoy the spring and summer seasons. By taking note of the following information, you can prevent or catch problems before they become serious issues. Taking care of your dog is an all year round, life long responsibility. Seeing as such, you should keep a...

(Thinkstock) What is flea dirt? Many pet owners never see the actual fleas but they do find evidence of them in their left over feces. It is commonly referred to as "flea dirt". Flea dirt is the bowel movement of the flea, and since fleas bite your dog and eat the blood, the bowel movement primarily contains digested blood. Flea dirt is not really "dirt" at all. It appears as small black flecks close to your pet’s skin, or sometimes...

. All cats and dogs are susceptible to flea infestations, except for some that live in high elevations or in extremely dry environments. You can help your pet win the war on fleas by knowing your flea season, which is largely influenced by temperature and humidity. The following graph factors past weather data to illustrate when fleas are most likely to be active in your area. Flea-Fighting Tips Central US To battle flea infestation requires patience and perseverance, so put...

10. Dachshund The American Kennel Club announced their list of the most popular dog breeds in 2012 on Jan. 30, 2013. The Dachshund came in tenth place in popularity. For a rundown of the top ten dog breeds - read on. 9. Rottweiler The American Kennel Club announced their list on Jan. 30, 2013, of the most popular dog breeds in 2012 and the Rottweiler comes in ninth in popularity. 8. Poodle The American Kennel Club announced their list on...