Scratch happy: Alternatives to declawing

Cats enjoy a good scratch, so help them get one

By Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori

We don’t like declawing, and we don’t recommend it as a first reaction to any behavior problems in cats.

That said, we understand how in some cases it’s a cat’s last chance to stay in a good home rather than face uncertain prospects at a shelter. And we know, too, that a well-done veterinary declawing with full pai… [ read more » ]

Halloween a fright for veterinarians

By Dr. Marty Becker and Mikkel Becker Shannon

Halloween is to veterinarians what April 15 is to accountants, reports Pet Connection contributing editor Christie Keith in her twice-monthly pet-care column fo… [ read more » ]

Rabbits need help with pain control, too

By Dr. Marty Becker

In the last decade, the veterinary profession has made huge strides in advancing the proper care of pet rabbits.

Rabbit medicine and surgery are taught in … [ read more » ]

What reptiles eat

By Gina Spadafori

If you’re not comfortable feeding live prey to pets, you’re probably not meant to keep lizards. Most of these pets like their food live, and their owners accomm… [ read more » ]

Keep toxic plants away from all pets

By Gina Spadafori

Q: Our cats like to shred houseplants, so obviously we want to make sure we have safe plants around. Can you offer any suggestions? — D.P., via e-mail

*A… [ read more » ]

Sharp puppy teeth go at 4 months

By Dr. Marty Becker

If you have a puppy in your home now, you will be delighted to know that those sharp little baby teeth will start being replaced by adult teeth by the age of 4 … [ read more » ]

All information copyright 2009 by Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori. This information is provided for the personal use of Pet Connection readers and may not be reproduced in any way or in any media without expressed, written permission of Dr. Marty Becker, Gina Spadafori, Honest Dog L.L.C. and the Universal Press Syndicate.

Contact us for information on using any material from this Web site. All advice offered is general, and the Pet Connection is not responsible for any problems arising from the use or misuse of the information. Since each animal and each situation is unique, we recommend that you contact your own veterinarian for help with any health or behavior problems in your pet.

PetConnection.com is the online home of "Good Morning America" resident veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker, award-winning pet-care writer Gina Spadafori and a team of pet-care experts. Welcome!

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Scratch happy: Alternatives to declawing

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