When you think of a firehouse, chances are, an image of a Dalmatian comes to mind. Why are Dalmatians associated with firehouses anyway?

The association goes back more than a century when fire engines were pulled by horses. Dogs can keep up with a horse’s pace and they’re very good at defending the horses and keeping other animals from spooking them. They would alert people to get out of the way and keep the horses calm when faced with the fire. Dalmatians were used with other coaches during that time period as well. The more Dalmatians you had running next to your horses, the higher your social standing.

Of course, horses no longer pull fire engines. Today, Dalmatians are mainly used and companions for the firefighters and symbols of the fire station.

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If your cat isn’t using his litter box, it can cause a lot of stress for your whole family. The trick is making sure that your cat wants to use his box. Here are a few signs that your litter box isn’t up to your cat’s standards.

If the box is getting a bit filthy, some cats will continue going potty inside the box, but they won’t cover their waste. If the box is getting smelly, it’s a sign that it’s time to scoop!

For some cats, entering a dirty box just isn’t going to happen, but the habit of using the litter box is so strong that they go to the bathroom just outside the box instead.

Of course, the most obvious sign that there’s something wrong is when your cat goes potty somewhere else in your home.

To make sure the behavior doesn’t have a medical cause, ... Read more »

Rabbits make fun pets, not to mention, they’re so cute! However, life can get busy and the newness of a furry friend can wear off, causing you to leave him in his cage more often. Exactly how often should you handle your rabbit?

Rabbits can be a bit skittish, and they don’t naturally like being handled by people. In order for your rabbit to feel comfortable with your touch, you need to make sure that you handle him regularly. Plan to bring him out of the cage at least once a day.

If you are very busy and handling your rabbit every day isn’t an option, at least make sure that your bunny is located in a common area. That way, he gets regular exposure to your voice and the comings and goings of your family.

For more advice on caring for a rabbit, click here, or call your veterinary clini ... Read more »