Caring for our fingernails and toenails is often an afterthought, says professional nail technician Titilayo Bankole. Many of us don't think of maintaining our nails the way we do our teeth and hair. But they deserve more attention (and not just in the form of fun nail art), she says. Our nails are essential to our daily lives. "If you lose a nail, try picking up a coin off the floor. Try buttoning your shirt. It's almost impossible to do,"
Dear Eric: I recently pet-sat for somewhat new friends. I had been invited on a weekend trip with them but had a work commitment that meant I couldn't go. I offered to pet-sit for them, which is something I've done for other friends from time to time. During the weekend there was an incident which wasn't really anyone's fault that resulted in some minor property damage. I let them know via text what happened and explained the situation and offered to cover any damages.
The PFAS concentrations detected in pet food in this study are a significant source of daily exposure for companion animals. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a class of synthetic chemicals often used in plastics, cleaning products and non-stick coatings. They can take over 1,000 years to break down and have been detected in nearly all environments including remote Arctic areas, deep oceans, drinking water and human blood.
Dog ownership has increased dramatically in many western countries. For example, in the UK there has been an increase from around 8.3 million in 2011 to 13.5 million in 2025. That means that approximately 29% of UK adults own a dog! At least partially this increasing trend of owning a dog is linked to millennials being more likely to have children later in life.
Remember that moment at the dog park when you see two golden retrievers, with one bouncing around with bright eyes and a glossy coat, and the other just going through the motions with a dull expression despite being perfectly groomed? Both dogs are clearly loved and cared for, but something deeper separates them: It's the difference between a dog that's genuinely flourishing and one that's simply being maintained.
Controlling cats, even under the best circumstances, isn't easy, and trying to stop the actions of a wandering cat that treats the neighborhood as its personal territory isn't the best of circumstances. But there are things you can try, and I'm confident one of them will have some success. Whenever an animal is getting into some place they're not wanted, the first suggestion is to put a physical barrier in place.
Picture this: Your new puppy is pressed against the corner of the room, trembling slightly as you call their name. Their tail, which should be wagging with excitement, is tucked firmly between their legs. You've done everything the books told you, bought all the right toys, followed the feeding schedule perfectly, yet somehow your furry friend seems more nervous with each passing day.
It comes in over a dozen colors with adorable kitty designs, but this feeding mat is as practical as it is stylish. Made from soft diatomaceous earth, it quickly absorbs water spills, which evaporate in record time to keep your floor dry, clean, and safe. It also wipes free of food and has a thick rubber backing to prevent slipping and scratches.
Your cat's been grooming themselves for hours again. They've taken to hiding under the bed more often. Maybe they've even stopped using the litter box properly. If you're like most cat owners, you probably chalk these behaviors up to typical feline quirkiness. "That's just cats being cats," we tell ourselves. But what if these seemingly normal behaviors are actually your cat crying out for help?
But if we're not prepared, panic and confusion can hinder our ability to act appropriately when they need us most. The best way to increase your chances of responding quickly and calmly is to familiarize yourself with basic pet first aid techniques. Though never a substitute for veterinary treatment, properly applied first aid can minimize a pet's trauma and even save their life until you are able to transport them to a veterinarian,