KTVQ

The process of making high-quality commercial dog food involves scientists, nutritionists, veterinarians and even dog-food tasters in a production more befitting the Food Network than Animal Planet. “They’ve got as many Ph.D.s and doctorates on staff as any of the pharmaceutical companies,” says Dr. Katy J. Nelson, an emergency veterinarian... more »

Cat owner Amy Morgan says that her cat, Ruki, often hangs out on her laptop. “I think he figures I spend so much time staring at it that if he sits there he’ll get more attention.” Lonely Ruki’s plan is a clever one, and it illustrates ways in which a... more »

When Lena Harris got pregnant with her second child, her German shepherd, Guinness, started acting overly attentive and clingy, as if he’d sniffed out the forthcoming addition to the pack. “As I got further in the pregnancy, he became more hyper about herding me,” recalls Harris. “He followed me into... more »

One of the best home security systems requires no monthly contracts or electrical wiring and may go unnoticed by crooks. Thanks to innovative new research, cat fur is helping to identify and convict miscreants, from robbers to murderers. As a result, your purring lap kitty could one day save your... more »

Your cat’s immune system works to combat dirt and germs, which can easily end up on its fur, and quickly soon after, licked right off. Now, cat food contains ingredients called prebiotics that can strengthen that defense. Prebiotics are nondigestible food ingredients that stimulate the growth and activity of digestive... more »

Murphy, a chocolate Lab and pit bull mix who was rescued from an animal shelter, is now one of the country’s top doggy dock divers. Dock diving continues to grow in popularity as a sport for dogs. Competitions are held year-round, but summer is one of the best times of... more »

For many cat owners, taking kitty to the veterinarian is so fraught with struggle and discomfort that they avoid visits altogether. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, cats outnumber dogs as pets in this country, but dog owners take their pets to the veterinarian twice as often as cat... more »

Dr. Katy Nelson, a Virginia-based emergency veterinarian, has rarely seen an adverse reaction to flea and tick repellents in her career. “Maybe I’ve seen three or four dogs have reactions -- allergic, itchy or swollen faces. You give medication or a bath and they’re fine,” she says. Nevertheless, the Environmental... more »

Erin Carter, a 43-year-old homemaker, never ran into problems when she used flea control and prevention products. It was when she forgot to apply them that the trouble began. “My tabby, Sparkle, had fleas on her skin, which ended up all over my home,” she said. “We had to bomb... more »

June 25 is Take Your Dog to Work Day, designed to raise awareness about dog adoption. After all, your co-workers will surely want dogs of their own after meeting your pal. Preparing Your Dog If your company welcomes dogs on June 25, do some homework before you pack your briefcase... more »