Owning a dog can be both a joy and a challenge at times. In particular, if your dog has several different health conditions, such as arthritis, allergies, and chronic skin rashes and infections all at the same time, you may find yourself wondering what you can and should do to treat all of those conditions at the same time. While the simultaneous treatment of multiple health conditions is possible in dogs, you also need to be cautious about your dog's overall comfort and well-being.

Most people understand that cats are independent and curious and sometimes act in seemingly strange ways. These strange behaviors may not always be an act of defiance, but they may be a sign of a medical problem. Urinary tract infections are a common illness that may cause some fairly telltale behaviors and symptoms. Keep reading to learn what they are and why they happen so you can make an appointment with your veterinarian.

If you have minimal experience in raising pet birds, you may be unaware of the diseases and medical conditions they are susceptible to. Three serious medical conditions you should be aware of include psittacosis, psittacine beak and feather disease, and fatty liver disease. All of these conditions may affect any species of parrot or companion bird, and if left untreated, may be life threatening. Here's what you need to know:

If you've recently acquired a feathered friend, you need to be aware of certain health and behavioral problems that plaque companion birds. Many species, ranging from the tiny parrotlet to the majestic macaw, may be subjected to conditions and behaviors that could be cause for concern. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid potential problems, and your avian veterinarian can advise you on how to do so. Meanwhile, be aware of the following potential threats to your bird's well-being.

If you have recently adopted a new puppy, then you will need to have your dog vaccinated. There are a number of vaccines that are considered essential, and these include distemper, rabies, parvovirus, and hepatitis. These vaccines will be provided to your canine on a vaccination schedule that begins when your puppy is six to eight weeks old. There are some suggested or optional vaccines outside of the core or essential ones.

If your beloved pet is dealing with old age or an illness, you're in quite a predicament emotionally. You'll have to play the role of medical observer and care attendant as you deal with your breaking heart. The following questions and answers should help you through this tender process. How Old Is Your Pet? Although age may be an obvious factor in determining if your pet is nearing the end, it's not always completely cut and dry.

If you're adopting a Chihuahua soon, there are things you should know beforehand in order to keep the dog safe. Chihuahua, or Chi, are some of the smallest toy dog breeds today. It's important to keep your adopted Chi safe from birds of prey and extreme weather changes if you decide to take your dog for walks or allow it to play outside. Here are things to keep in mind when adopting and caring for a Chihuahua.

Bringing a dog into your home is exciting, but many people are not ready for the physical, emotional, and financial responsibilities that are necessary to care for this new family member. From feeding and grooming to training and vaccinating, it is easy to see the challenges of keeping your dog healthy and happy. Even with proper care, your dog may develop painful conditions that limit their mobility as they age. Since 20 percent of middle-aged dogs and 90 percent of senior dogs develop osteoarthritis, understanding this joint disorder is key to maintaining your own dog's health and wellness.

Keeping farm animals such as sheep, cattle, poultry and goats safe from predators can take more time than a busy farmer has to spare. Even worse is if the farm family is often away from the farm during the day while working or attending school. Coyotes, foxes and other predators can take advantage of times when the farm is unprotected to kill young or otherwise vulnerable farm animals. Once they succeed in taking an easy meal, they will return often.