The Unterrified Democrat

Pet coverage from around the web

Here’s why enjoying screen-free play is good for you ... and your cat

(BPT) - Getting tired of scrolling on your phone? While it may seem like a stress-reliever, constantly being glued to screens can actually increase stress.A recent University of Texas study found …

Dog breeds gaining popularity

Stacker pulled data from the American Kennel Club to compare dog popularity rankings from 2004 and 2024; the 2024 popularity rankings were released on March 20, 2025.

9 lives and more? 60 years of groundbreaking medical advancements have improved cat health and longevity.

Meowtel explored advancements in feline medicine, nutrition, and care that are helping the more than 350 million domestic cats worldwide live longer.

Hot New Pet Products for Your Furry Best Friend

(NewsUSA) - If you’re a pet parent who considers your furry companion a true family member, you’re not alone. Pet ownership is bigger—and more indulgent—than ever. The pet industry surpassed …

Least popular dog breeds in America

How many lovable dogs have you never heard of? Stacker highlights the 50 least popular dog breeds in America, using 2024 data from the American Kennel Club.

Can animals make art?

A male satin bowerbird stands before his creation.

Without being able to get into the heads of animals, it’s hard to say for sure. But instances of pig painters, whale crooners and bird sculptors certainly make it seem plausible.

What You Need to Know About Avian Influenza

(BPT) - America's poultry is at an unprecedented risk from avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu. Specifically, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) poses the highest risk, which is a …

Just having a pet doesn’t help mental health – but pet-owners with secure relationships with their pets are less depressed

How emotionally close you are to your pet is not necessarily a good measure of how your relationship affects your well-being.

Do you have a secure or anxious attachment with your pet?

How one US organization reunites military personnel with the animals they rescued overseas

Ollie profiled the work of U.S. nonprofit Paws of War, which reunites military personnel with the animals they bonded with while serving overseas.

5 Unique Nutritional Needs of Tiny but Mighty Pups

(BPT) - National Small Dog Day is fast approaching, a day dedicated to the small dogs of the pack. These pups may come in a small package (generally weighing 20 pounds or less), but they have big …

How to Protect Your Pet's Dental Health

(Family Features) Like humans, pets' oral hygiene plays an important role in their overall health and quality of life. Protecting your pet's oral health begins by talking with your veterinarian.

When dogs bark, are they using words to communicate?

Does your dog bark a lot? Or is he one of those quiet pooches who barks only when things get really exciting? Most dogs bark at least a little. Dog barks are not words. Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you …

Little seed, big problem – keep an eye out for foxtail seed pods that can harm your pet this summer

Across much of the United States, spring is in full force. With warmer weather, people are taking their furry family members out on longer walks and spending more time outside. Alongside blooming flowers and trees, your pet might run into a small, unassuming grass seed pod known as a foxtail. …

Could sharing a bedroom with your pets be keeping you from getting a good night’s sleep?

Sleeping with your dog in the same room could be negatively affecting your sleep quality, according to my team’s recently published research in Scientific Reports. …

Training an animal? An ethicist explains how and why your dog − but not your frog − can be punished

People talk to their pets every day: offering praise when they’re good, reassurance when they’re confused and affection when they’re cuddling. We also speak to animals when they misbehave. “Why did you do that?” someone might ask their dog. …

Dog care below freezing − how to keep your pet warm and safe from cold weather, road salt and more this winter

In much of the country, when winter rolls around, previously hospitable conditions can quickly turn chilly and dangerous for people and pups alike. …

Cats first finagled their way into human hearts and homes thousands of years ago – here's how

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to go on safari in southern Africa. One of the greatest thrills was going out at night looking for …

Mutton, an Indigenous woolly dog, died in 1859 − new analysis confirms precolonial lineage of this extinct breed, once kept for their wool

Indigenous Coast Salish women wove woolly dogs' fur into blankets. Artist's reconstruction by Karen Carr Dogs have been in the Americas for more than 10,000 years. They were already domesticated when …