Blog Posts by vetstreet.com

One of the highlights for Vetstreet.com this year has been covering all the new babies who entered the world in 2012. We just can't get enough of their tiny features, gorgeous eyes and adorable spots and stripes. Without further ado here are our picks.

By Amy Sinatra Ayres | vetstreet.com

A very friendly beaver welcomes a visitor to his home at the Oregon Zoo with a two-armed wave.

Watch the cute video below.

By Mikkel Becker

Stay!I love it when people ask me about the most important commands a dog should know. Although there are many behaviors that promote safety, there are three basic commands that are especially critical: "down stay," "drop it" and "come." Not only should every dog be familiar with these behaviors, but dogs should be trained to perform them anywhere, anytime.

A dog who immediately drops his body into a down, regardless of distance from his owner, will be better able to avoid danger. I work as an evaluator for the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation, which teaches search-and-rescue dogs to respond to this command even if they are running at top speed toward a victim or are on top of a pile of rubble. A search dog needs to respond to this command promptly and stay in place until the potential hazard passes or the handler can safely reach the dog.

See Also: 5 Dog Breeds Sadly Losing Popularity

Pet dogs see similar safety benefits from this training.

From sour-faced kitties to dogs who backflipped their way to Vegas, amazing pets dominated our TV screens, bookshelves and Internet memes. We caught up with the year's most buzzed-about pets to get the inside scoop on how they're wrapping up the year - and what 2013 may have in store for them.

More on Vetstreet:

* Britney Spears, Jimmy Fallon & Taylor Swift's Pets Among the 10 Top Celeb Pets of 2012

* Top 10 Kitten Names of the Year

* Why Does My Dog... Roll Over On Her Back When Scared?

* Do Any Dogs Need Sweaters or Coats? Only 3 Types Do

Whether they were rescued, found themselves in the lap of luxury or walked the bride down the aisle in a headline-grabbing wedding, all of these star-studded pets were winners this year. Check out our gallery to see why these celebrity pets made news in 2012.

See More on vetstreet.com:
* Top 10 Puppy Names and Top 10 Kitten Names of the Year
* Photos: Comfort Dogs Bring Comfort to a Grieving Connecticut Town
* 5 Once-Popular Dog Breeds Sadly Losing Popularity

Although our feline friends have plenty of fur to keep them warm in the winter, it's hard to resist dressing them up in cozy sweaters, especially around the holidays. Here are seven cats who would probably rather get a lion cut, visit the vet or have their claws clipped than squeeze into a humiliating and itchy wool sweater.

See More on vetstreet.com:
* Top 10 Kitten Names of the Year
* 7 Foods to NEVER Feed Your Cat
* Cat Oversees School Crosswalk

By Caroline Golon

Bringing Bugsy home was worth the risk of a big fight.When Ronni and Bruce Keller's 15-year-old dog, Jaden, passed away, they were devastated. So was their other dog, Harris. After weeks of seeing Harris become more and more depressed, Ronni decided to get another dog to keep him company, much to her husband's chagrin.

Ronni says of Bruce, "He was either going to kill me or divorce me."

The Kellers, who live in Las Vegas, hadn't expected Harris to be so blue when Jaden died. "We tried everything. New toys, extra fun exercise, begging … pleading," Ronni says. But nothing seemed to make a difference in Harris' mood.

See Also: Would You Date a Man Who Didn't Like Pets?

After two months of watching Harris mope around the house, Ronni finally broke down and went looking for a new dog, unbeknownst to Bruce. She found a Lhasa Apso who was in desperate need of a family and brought him home … while her husband was at work.

While Harris was

By Susan Wagner
Feeling a little overwhelmed by well-meant holiday cheer? It might be time to bust out the ugly Christmas sweaters - for you and Fido. This year, deck the halls with just a little bit of irony with one of these fun and festive (and not-so-serious) dog sweaters.

See More on vetstreet.com:

* 5 Once-Popular Dog Breeds That Are Sadly Losing Popularity
* Why Does My Dog... Stare at Me?
* 14 Dog Breeds You've Never Heard of (But Soon Will)