Dear Dr. Abbie:  My vet tells me I should get a microchip for my pet. Isn’t that “marking the beast?” – Satan-o-phobe Dear Satan-o-phobe:  If you truly love your animal, a microchip is the best way to get your pet back if he becomes lost. ... Continue

Dear Dr. Abbie: For the last two weeks, I have heard someone’s cat yowling out beyond my back fence. I don’t know whose cat it is. I keep mine indoors. Is there a cat deterrent I can use? – Hissing mad and losing sleep Dear... Continue

Dear Dr. Abbie:  We just went to a cabin in Tahoe for a nice little vacation and got eaten alive by fleas! We got our money back, but now we are afraid our dog will infest our house. Help! – Creeped out Dear Creeped out:  Parasites... Continue

Dear Dr. Abbie: I read your column about dental cleanings, and I know my Bichon, Shitake, needs his teeth cleaned, but I don’t like the idea of anesthesia. Why do vets have to put dogs under anesthesia to clean their teeth? – Sign me, Mushroom... Continue

Dear Dr. Abbie: We just got a new puppy a few weeks ago. When we got him his shots, the vet said we needed to start brushing his teeth. We never did this with our old dog. How do you brush a dog’s teeth? –... Continue

Dear Dr. Abbie:  My husband took your advice and avoided the chocolate this Valentine’s. He gave me sugar free gum. How romantic! My dentist says Xylitol is good for my teeth. My dog’s breath smells like low tide. Will this gum help her? – Signed,... Continue

Dear Dr. Abbie: Is chocolate really that poisonous for dogs? – Wondering Dear Wondering: For me, chocolate is a food group, necessary to a healthy diet. But, here’s how toxic chocolate is for canines: The USDA conducted experiments with the active ingredient in chocolate, theobromine,... Continue

Dear Doc Abbie: We just got a new puppy. He has stolen our hearts! We have rediscovered the moon! We are so excited to get to see it several times a night! Actually, my question is not about potty training because that part is going... Continue