Happy Pets Start With Smart Pet Parents

Several everyday foods can seriously harm pets. The big ones are chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, leeks and chives, xylitol (a sweetener in sugar-free gum, some peanut butters and baked goods), alcohol, caffeine, macadamia nuts and raw yeast dough. Cats are especially sensitive to onions and garlic, and lilies are deadly to them. Cooked bones can splinter. If your pet eats something risky, call your vet or a pet poison helpline right away — don't wait for symptoms.

Young pets have tiny stomachs and big energy needs. Puppies usually eat three to four small meals a day until about 4–6 months old, then two meals a day. Kittens do best with four to five small meals until around 6 months, then two or three. Choose a complete food labelled for growth or "all life stages", measure every portion, and adjust to keep a healthy body shape. Your vet can fine-tune amounts at each check-up.

Great apartment and beginner-friendly breeds are adaptable, trainable and moderate in energy. Popular picks include the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, Miniature Poodle, French Bulldog, Havanese and retired Greyhounds. Energy level and barking matter more than size. Whatever you choose, plan for daily walks, brain games and early training — and consider adopting an adult dog whose personality is already known. Try our breed quiz to find your match.

Consistency is the shortcut. Take your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after every meal, nap and play session, and at least every two hours. Use the same spot and a cue word, then reward with a treat and praise within two seconds of finishing. Supervise indoors, use a crate for short rests, and clean accidents with an enzyme cleaner. Never punish mistakes. Most puppies improve within two to four weeks; ask your vet if accidents suddenly increase.

Budget roughly $1,000–$3,000 a year for a dog and $700–$1,800 for a cat, depending on size, food, location and health. That typically covers food, routine vet visits, vaccinations, flea, tick and worm prevention, litter or poop bags, toys, grooming and insurance. The first year costs more because of adoption fees, spay or neuter, microchipping and supplies. Keep an emergency fund or pet insurance — surprise vet bills catch many new owners off guard.