Cathy M Rosenthal

1 day ago | arcamax.com | Cathy M Rosenthal

Dear Cathy,I have three budgies: two in one cage; one in another. I want to paint my room with Emulsion on the walls and the doors sanded down and painted. Would my birds be safe in a spare bedroom, if so for how long. — Sheila, Redruth, Cornwall, EnglandDear Sheila,It’s great that you’re considering your parakeets' safety before painting. Birds have extremely sensitive respiratory systems, so taking precautions when using paint and sanding in your home is essential.

1 week ago | arcamax.com | Cathy M Rosenthal

Dear Cathy,Our Harry is a four-year-old Labradoodle. He is smart, loving, and generally well-behaved as in following basic commands like sit, stay, down, and heel. My husband has even taught him to "speak." We adore our Harry, but there is one problem that has always bothered us. He is too friendly and demanding of attention from people who visit our home. When we have someone visit, or when we encounter another person walking, Harry is persistent in begging for attention.

2 weeks ago | arcamax.com | Cathy M Rosenthal

Dear Cathy,I adopted a now 50-pound, one-year-old mixed breed rescue six months ago. She’s a sweet cuddler with lots of energy. She has plenty of toys, full backyard access, frequent play time with my other dog, and two 40-minute walks a day. Overall, she’s well-behaved and growing out of puppy behaviors – except for one. I call them “puppy fits” – sudden outbursts that happen only on walks a few times a week. Sometimes, they’re triggered by another dog, but not always.

3 weeks ago | arcamax.com | Cathy M Rosenthal

Dear Cathy,Our almost five-month old Dalmatian has accidents in the house yet always goes outside to defecate. He is walked every half hour, but will urinate immediately after coming inside, in his pen, and when he’s being held. While outside, he will urinate while walking back inside. He has completed vet prescribed antibiotics with no effect. We have a 13-month-old American Bully who is fully trained.

4 weeks ago | arcamax.com | Cathy M Rosenthal

Dear Cathy,I am on oxygen 24/7 and have two cats who have fun chewing holes in my tubing. I have used so much duct tape to patch it; it's crazy. Do you have any suggestions? — Holly, Omaha, NebraskaDear Holly,To discourage them from chewing, use a pet-safe deterrent spray like Bitter Apple (available at pet stores or online) to make the tubing "taste" less appealing. Be sure to test the Bitter Apple spray on a small section of tubing first.