Lyme disease in dogs often causes several symptoms, including depression, fever, decreased appetite, weight loss and joint stiffness. Look for chronic stiffness as an indication of a dog that has Lyme disease with help from aveterinarian in this free video on dog health. Expert: James Talbott Bio: Dr. James R. Talbott is a staff veterinarian at Belle Forest Animal Hospital and Kennel in Nashville, Tenn. Filmmaker: Dimitri LaBarge

There area many common sense rules to follow when caring for your cat. These rules are simple and will ensure your cat will be healthy and happy.

1. When your cat arrives at home:

Bringing your new cat home cat be frightening for it. Be prepared by having a food and water spot already set up. Also have a litter box setup in a quite spot away from the food. Your new cat should be transported in a cat carrier. When you bring the cat inside set the carrier down and open the door. Let the cat come out and explore on its own. Confining the cat to a quiet room for a day or two will make the experience less overwhelming.

2. Going Outside:

Before letting your cat outside for the first time be sure it is comfortable with you and its indoor surroundings. There are many dangers outside so let your cat have an escape route in case it needs it. My cat uses a cat door and it has save him a few times.

Judge the risk to letting your cat outdoors. If you live close to lots of traffic having an outdoor cat may not be a good idea.

There are two meanings when you speak of pet kennels. One is that a kennel breeds a certain type of pet, like a dog breeder who breeds Jack Russell Terriers. The other is that of a boarding kennel. Some kennels do both. This article discusses boarding kennels here.

If you ever need to be away from home and cannot take your pet with you, you may have to leave your pet in the hands of a boarding kennel. They are essentially a hotel for pets. It can be tricky to find a good kennel, though. You need to check out the kennel thoroughly before entrusting your pet to their care.

Here are a few things to take into consideration before leaving your pet in a kennel:

Be aware that your pet will be very insecure out of it home environment and you will need to be certain that the kennel staff will be sympathetic to your pet’s anxiety.

Choose a kennel that has your pet’s best interest in mind—one designed for the health, safety and comfort of your pet.

Make sure the kennel facilities are clean and sanitary. Kennels should be cleaned and sterilized before any new pet uses it, as well as cleaned on a daily basis.

Training a cat to use a human toilet is a process that can take months. Toilet train a cat with tips from a cat behaviorist in this free video on pets and cat care. Expert: Diana Korten Contact: www.thecatbehaviorist.com/ Bio: Diana Korten is certified in Pet First Aid by the American Red Cross, and is a member of The National Association of Pet Sitting Professionals and The Cat Writer’s Association. Filmmaker: Dimitri LaBarge

Shih Tzu puppies will always teethe, so it’s important to reinforce positive behavior when they are chewing on something that they are allowed to chew on. Discover ways to stop a Shih Tzu puppy from biting something that they shouldn’t bite with help from a veterinarian in thisfree video on dog training. Expert: James Talbott Bio: Dr. James R. Talbott is a staff veterinarian at Belle Forest Animal Hospital and Kennel in Nashville, Tenn. Filmmaker: Dimitri LaBarge

Cat flea and tick topical treatments should be applied to the skin between the cats shoulder blades. Learn more about applying flea and tick treatments on cats with tips from a veterinarian in this free cat healthvideo. Expert: Tracy Carreiro Bio: Tracy Carreiro is member of The Faxon Animal Rescue League. The League was founded in 1913 to help overworked and abused draft horses. Filmmaker: Christian Munoz-Donoso

You needn’t be too concerned with exact amounts when giving your pet fresh or dried herbs, according to Randy Kidd, PhD, DVM, and author of Dr. Kidd’s Guide to Herbal Dog Care (Storey Books, 2000) and Dr. Kidd’s Guide to Herbal Cat Care (Storey Books, 2000).

Absorption is limited with whole herbs compared with extracts. Plus, pets normally won’t chow down on herbs like they do on kibble. Kidd recommends giving pets anywhere from a pinch to a teaspoon of fresh or dried herbs daily, depending on their size. To increase an herb’s effectiveness, Kidd also advises taking breaks�for example, he suggests adding an herb to a pet’s diet for three weeks and then skipping it for three days.

Echinacea – (Echinacea angustifolia, E. purpurea) – small animals: 1 pinch large animals: 1 teaspoon

* Echinacea balances the immune system.
* Sprinkle the fresh or dried herb over food.

Eyebright – (Euphrasia spp) – 1 capsule 2x/day orally

* When taken orally, eyebright works as an astringent and anti-inflammatory.
* Use an herbal tincture or decoction as an eyewash for irritation and infection.

Licorice root – (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – small animals: 1 pinch large animals: 1 teaspoon

Feliway www.feliway.com can help your cat’s behaviour problems. Feliway can be used to calm stressed and angry cats, while they cope with challenges in life affecting their health.

Cat acne is treated with topical medications prescribed by a veterinarian. Treat feline acne with tips from aveterinarian in this free video on pet care. Expert: Dr. James Talbott Bio: Dr. James R. Talbott is a staff veterinarian at Belle Forest Animal Hospital and Kennel in Nashville, Tenn. Filmmaker: Dimitri LaBarge

Tapeworms are common parasites in cats, but over-the-counter medications are often ineffective in treating tapeworms, so it’s advisable to visit a veterinarian to obtain a prescription. Learn about the pill medications and topical medications that can be used to treat cat tapeworm with help from aveterinarian in this free video on cat health. Expert: Carrie Burhenn Contact: www.felinemedicalclinic.com Bio: Dr. Carrie Burhenn is a full-time veterinarian who received her degree in veterinary medicine from Oregon State University in 1990. Filmmaker: Lisa Fenderson