Natalie Punt, DVM

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...

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

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

Treat a Dog Who Ate Chocolate

Chocolate is toxic to dogs, as it contains a chemical called theobromine, which can cause elevated heart rates, increased blood pressure, and even seizures. Dogs who have eaten chocolate must be treated immediately, as t...

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...

How to Cook and Feed Chicken and Rice to a Dog

Learn to boil and portion a mild meal for a sick pup Homemade chicken and rice is a simple meal often recommended by veterinarians to help dogs recover from diarrhea or vomiting. It contains essential vitamins, fats, min...

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

Determine the Sex of Puppies

Discovering the sex of your puppy is fairly straightforward when you know a few anatomical landmarks. Make sure to handle your puppy gently and carefully. If you can, try to wait until the puppy is 3-4 weeks old before t...

A Complete Guide to Stopping a Cat’s Diarrhea

Vet-approved home treatment tips for your cat’s diarrheaUh oh… do your cat’s bowel movements seem to be a little more loose and watery than usual? While bouts of feline diarrhea are never fun to deal with, they als...

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 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

Deal With a Female Cat in Heat

An unspayed female cat comes into heat every three to four weeks, and she's not usually quiet about it! This period, when she's most receptive to getting pregnant, can last for up to seven days. This means you might have...

How to

Know if Your Hamster Is Dying

Paying close attention to your hamster’s health is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. Hamsters live for two to three years. Sometimes, when your hamster is old, there will be nothing you can do to save...

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 Cut a Cat’s Nails: Vet-Approved Tips

Instructions on clipping your cat’s claws quickly and safelyAre your furry friend’s nails looking a little long or ragged? Trimming your cat’s nails is a great way to prevent them from splitting or breaking. But if...

How to Determine the Age of Your Cat

Learn how a cat's teeth, eyes, and more are clues to their ageIt can be tough to tell how old a cat is unless you were there when it was born. Luckily, you can make an educated guess by examining their physical character...

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

Help a Cat Cough Up a Hairball

Hairballs are a relatively common problem in cats, though typically your cat should only bring up 1 a week or so. If your cat seems to be having trouble with a hairball, you can try a home remedy, such as a hairball past...

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...

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...