Humans are no strangers to blackheads and zits. Acne plagues our skin for a number of reasons, and it can be difficult (and sometimes painful!) to get rid of. But did you know that pets can suffer some of the same skin afflictions?

From Pugs and French Bulldogs, to Dachshunds and Boston Terriers, to Papillons and Shih Tzus, small dogs come in a range of shapes and personalities. Although these small breeds differ in many ways, from their activity levels to their fur patterns, they also have many things in common. Unfortunately, a number of these are health problems.

Feline hyperthyroidism—an abundance of thyroid hormone in a cat’s body—is a relatively common condition that causes behavioral and health changes in our furry friends. One of the ways pet parents spot this condition in their cats is by noticing their kitty’s ravenous appetite and persistent begging. But aside from being an indicator of illness, food can also be part of your hyperthyroid cat’s treatment plan.

As dogs age, they tend to slow down both physically and mentally. One solution many pet parents think of for keeping their beloved senior pet healthy and active is to adopt a new puppy. The thought behind this is that the puppy with keep the senior pet on their toes and encourage them to play.

Arthritis is an unfortunate reality for many pets. Once they hit a certain age, pets are more likely to stiffen up and slow down as their joints become inflamed and painful. While there are a number of pet arthritis treatments that relieve swelling and pain through medication, there are even more non-traditional methods that can round out your pet’s management plan.

Kittens are a lot like babies—fragile little things that need protection and care to grow big and strong. Because of their underdeveloped immune systems and lack of vaccinations, kittens are more susceptible to illnesses that might not affect adult cats as often. Additionally, these illnesses might have much more drastic consequences for your kitty if they’re not addressed.

While on a walk or hike, dogs have a knack for finding any amount of water and splashing around. You might not want to ruin their fun, but standing water can actually be home to microorganisms that threaten your pup’s health. One of the risks is a nasty disease called leptospirosis.

Before they were domesticated, cats roamed the wild on their own, hunting their food and defending themselves against predators. Although many stray cats still do this, cats are largely domestic animals now, content with living in luxury indoors. But if your cat expresses interest in heading out into the great unknown, is it okay to let them tap into their instincts and explore outside?

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and love is in the air! On this special day, you’ll want to show your loved one just how much they mean to you—and that includes your furry friends. Most Valentine’s Day traditions for humans aren’t safe for pets, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have an extra-special holiday with the dog or cat who has your heart.