Short answers to the questions readers send most often. Each one links to the guide where the topic is covered properly.
About the site
Who writes Pet & Pet?
Hugo Mellado researches, writes and edits everything here. He is not a veterinarian, which is exactly why every guide points to a clinic for anything clinical and why the sources behind each claim matter. The process is described on our editorial policy page.
Is this veterinary advice?
No. It is education. We explain what is normal, what is not and what to do next, but a diagnosis requires an examination. Our disclaimer sets this out in full.
Can you tell me what is wrong with my pet?
We cannot, and we will not try. Symptoms overlap enormously between minor and serious conditions, and dosing depends on weight, age and existing illnesses. If something is wrong, call your veterinarian; if it is an emergency, go now.
Which animals do you cover?
Nine: dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, reptiles and fish. Every guide follows the same five sections.
How is the site funded?
Display advertising. Advertisers never see articles before publication and have no say in what we write. Details in the privacy policy.
Nutrition
How do I know a pet food is complete?
Look for a statement of nutritional adequacy on the label naming the life stage it is formulated for. In the United States that wording follows AAFCO profiles. A food without such a statement is a treat or a topper, not a diet.
How much should I feed?
Start with the manufacturer’s guideline, then adjust every few weeks based on body condition rather than on the number. You should be able to feel ribs under a thin layer of fat and see a waist from above. Free-feeding is the most common cause of obesity in cats and small mammals.
Which everyday foods are dangerous?
Across species: chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, xylitol, onion and garlic, grapes and raisins, macadamia nuts, avocado for birds, and true lilies for cats. Each guide has a species-specific list, and the resources page links to the poison control services.
Behaviour
My cat has stopped using the litter box. Why?
Usually one of three things: pain, a medical problem such as a urinary issue, or a setup the cat objects to. Check for straining or blood first — in a male cat, straining with nothing produced is an emergency. Then review the basics: one box per cat plus one, unscented fine litter, scooped daily, away from noise and food.
My dog destroys things when left alone. Is that spite?
No. It is usually under-exercise, under-stimulation or genuine distress at being alone. Add purposeful activity — twenty minutes of sniffing work beats an hour of walking on pavement — and see what remains. If the destruction is paired with drooling, pacing or howling from the moment you leave, ask your vet about separation anxiety.
Why does my hamster chew the bars all night?
Almost always an enclosure that is too small or too shallow. Hamsters dig extensive tunnels in the wild; give a large unbroken floor area and six to ten inches of bedding and the behaviour usually disappears.
Health
How often should a healthy pet see a vet?
Once a year for most adult animals, and twice a year for seniors, when small changes are worth catching early. Rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, birds and reptiles need a clinic that treats exotic species — find one before you need one.
What counts as an emergency?
Difficulty breathing, collapse, seizures, heavy bleeding, a swollen tight abdomen with unproductive retching, inability to urinate, and any suspected poisoning. For small mammals, refusing food or producing no droppings for a few hours is also urgent.
Do indoor pets need parasite prevention?
Often yes. Fleas arrive on clothing and on other pets, mosquitoes get indoors, and heartworm risk depends on where you live. Ask your veterinarian what your region and your animal actually need.
Practical
Can I republish your articles?
You may quote a short extract with credit and a link. Reproducing or translating whole articles needs written permission — see the terms and then write to us.
I found a mistake. What now?
Please tell us at contacto@ppetandpet.com. We correct errors openly and say what changed. Reader corrections are one of the most useful things we receive.
Do you list events?
Yes — verified adoption drives, expos, low-cost clinics and recalls, on the events and news page.