Spitters, Scratchers & Snappers

Question: I have an 8-year-old, longhaired, neutered cat named India, who has always groomed himself with care. Why would he stop cleaning himself around his behind and back legs? Answer: There are several possible reasons: Cats with bad teeth or gums can have oral pain; if he is overweight, he might lose his ability to reach around sufficiently; also there […]

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What is the normal lifespan of a Rottweiler?

In general, longevity within a species follows a pattern.  Smaller animals of the same species usually live longer than larger animals of the same species. Smaller breeds of horses tend to outlive larger ones. Dwarf mice live longer than standard mice. The canine species mirrors the rest of the animal kingdom with smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and Toy Poodles usually living […]

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Caring for a Newborn Puppy

Question: How do I know if a newborn puppy is healthy, and what should I do if the puppy feels cold? Answer: Healthy puppies should be plump and firm with pink mucous membranes. The heart rate is usually more than 200 beats per minute until 2 weeks of age. Respiration rate ranges from 15 to 35 times per minute. And the rectal temperature […]

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