scratching.

Watch videos from Paw Nation Allergy season has arrived -- for both humans and their pets. If you think your pet may be showing signs of allergic reactions, such as excessive scratching at his skin, your vet can help diagnose the underlying problem. Fortunately, owners of pets who suffer from skin allergies and sensitivities can also help to curb constant scratching with anti-itch shampoos, sprays, and wipes. Our friends at Zootoo rounded up some of their favorite products to soothe your pet's allergy symptoms and help bring him relief all season long. Sentry For an effective grooming product that is specifically formulated to soothe itching skin, try SentryHC Dermasphere Anti-Itch ...

Flickr/jess2284 Declawing cats has gotten a bad rap, with a number of communities considering banning the procedure. But what about laser declawing? This method of removing cat's claws is touted by some as more humane than traditional declawing surgeries. So is it? Not so much, said Louise Murray, the director of medicine at the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. "The difference is that instead of using a metal surgical blade, [the vet] uses a laser to cut the tissue. It's like using a lightsaber instead of a sword," Murray told Paw Nation. But whether it's done by laser or by scalpel, declawing is a painful procedure that ...

"Can somebody get me some Claritin, please?" Photo: TheGiantVermin/Flickr Red eyes, itchy skin -- 'tis the season for allergies, for people as well as pets. Seasonal allergies typically affect pets between July and October, peaking in August and September, reports the Janesvile (Wisconsin) Gazette. About 2 to 3 percent of cats and 5 to 10 percent of dogs suffer from seasonal symptoms. Any breed (or mutt) can have allergies, but Labrador retrievers, cocker spaniels and poodles are particularly vulnerable. Dogs and cats are bugged by the same common allergens that make us humans reach for the medicine cabinet: pollen, ragweed, house mites, feathers, grasses, and mold are common culprits, ...

"This is all mine to scratch as much as I want!" Photo: Mel B./Flickr Scratching Scratching is important, biologically, for your cat. So you can't really punish her for clawing the furniture, unless you have provided her with an alternative like a scratching post. If your cat has already scratched something, cover the item with plastic and she will likely turn to the post instead. When you catch your cat scratching furniture, try squirting her with water from a squirt bottle and use a firm "no." When she scratches her scratching post, reward her with praise. Spraying Both males and females spray urine to mark their territory, although the behavior is much more common in males. One way to ...