Recent Kinship articles by Dr. Alycia Washington, DVM, MS

Because you’re gonna want to clear that up right away.

If you notice some of these issues, it’s probably time to talk to your vet.

It could be caused by a totally harmless reason, so don’t panic.

Yes, it is possible.

And the signs to look for.

And how to help them.

Yes, this is a thing. But don’t worry—here’s how to make them go away.

And how to help them if they do.

The evidence is unmistakably gross when your cat gets an infection. But the (very) good news is that the treatment is pretty effective.

Here are some signs to look for.

That doesn’t seem like a good time...

And how to treat it.

Know what to look for.

You thought it was a hairball, but nothing’s coming up…

Ew. But also: What’s going on?

That's right—your cat can get acne. Here’s how to spot it and treat it.

An unsettling puzzle to solve.

And what to do about it.

And when should you offer them another option?

They look so miserable...

Not a fun topic, but we have to talk about it.

And at what age is it safe?

All you need to know about snake plants — plus, other plants that are toxic (and safe).

They act like a Sour Patch Kid sometimes, after all.

That’s an interesting move...

That can’t be good...

Learn what’s best for your pup.

Why you need to keep your weed far away from your pup.

In fact, it chills them out.

An expert explains why kitties are so particular about where they pop a squat.

Yes, eggs are a nutritious treat for dogs.

Our experts reveal why this might be happening.

Learn what is best for your pet.

They tell you that every time of day is eating time, but you know better.

Symptoms to look out for.

Shudder. It happens to all of us.

From toxins to allergies, let’s get down to business and problem-solve this.

It’s a poopy problem to have.

It’s not fun for anyone.

Next question: Will they let you anywhere near their eyes to wipe off that gunk?

They would prefer no bath at all, but we’re not asking them.

Some helpful guidelines to follow.

Guidelines from keeping them full — but not too full.

How to spot-clean them instead.

Learn what’s safe to do when they have tummy troubles.

Why they shouldn’t make a DIY chew toy out of the stuff in your yard.

Learn why vets recommend spaying as early as possible.

They want to munch on that crudité platter.

And if so, what kind?

And how to help them heal.

There are a few factors to consider.

That is not a treat, pal.

They’re pretty to look at, but can your cat be an admirer?

Squirmy puppy, shampoo, water—quite the adventure.

When to see a vet and when you shouldn’t panic.

Learn what nutrients are a must for your new little one.

And how to know if they have one.

They’re bright and pretty—just like your pup. But are they safe?

Learn how to spot the early signs to how to treat them.

Here’s how to deal with cat constipation.

What you need to know.

It’s like What to Expect When You’re Expecting, except add “four little paws to run around your house” to the title.

Get those little chompers ready for the kitten tooth fairy.

They can’t be saying no that much.

And what to look for week by week.

It’s not always as simple as removing the stinger. Find out everything you need to know.

It seriously sounds like another human being is in the room.

If you ask them, they would say they should be eating always. But here’s the truth.

You shouldn’t make them cross their legs for long!

A question you may be asking after you observe any number of their behaviors...

How does that taste, bud?

What to expect from birth to 16 months.

Whether you should save them for the tooth fairy is another issue entirely.

It’s not a pretty sight, but it’s important to know what’s going on.

Dogs rule, cats drool. Like, that’s normal, right?

Well, for one thing, you should know about “garbage gut.”

What to do to help them cool down and feel better.

Time to go to the doggie dermatologist!

Well, it’s not a fun thing to deal with, for starters.

Here are the signs to look out for.

Ever heard of “walking dandruff?” Yep, that’s what we said.

The answer isn’t cute, but here’s how to help your kitty.

The short answer: Yes. Here’s how you deal with it.

Don’t freak out—here’s what to do.

Here are some options your vet can help you consider.

Cats love the crunch of a houseplant. These will do them no harm.

It sounds like a daunting task, but here are some helpful steps to take.

Brb, running out to buy air plants and succulents.

Here’s why it’s best to stay on top of things, even when the temps are low.

Newborn kittens give you lots to worry about. Know the signs of this particular condition.

And when will it stop?

Yep, all those warnings your mom gave you as a kid apply to your dog, too. Learn how to keep your pup safe in the cold.

Spoiler: These at-home remedies are probably already in your pantry.

Communication is key, and pheromones are your cat’s version of DMs.

It’s not a pretty problem to have, but it’s important to know how to treat this condition.

This can happen over time or very suddenly. Either way, it’s important to learn more about this symptom.

The delicious fruit is safe in moderation.

The reason for your midnight jump-scare? Turns out it’s just your dog’s spooky eyes.

Find out how to safely get your pup their greens.

Is your pup a seafood fan? Find out everything you need to know about feeding them shrimp.

Your dog sees you as their best friend, so keep those eyes healthy.

Seriously, everything on this list is super treatable.

A veterinarian breaks down how it keeps your pet healthy and curbs kitten overpopulation.

Those soulful eyes mean everything to you—learn all about them.

Learn what you should do if your “spider babies” and cat baby interact.

Some preventatives have been linked to neurological issues, like stumbling, seizures, and twitching in dogs and cats. Here’s what you need to know.

Dogs need more sleep than humans. Here’s how much is healthy.

When they’re “ghost-walking” outside of Halloween, they could have trance-like syndrome, or TLS.

Yep, you can share watermelon with your pup — but there are a few safety tips to keep in mind.

Just get a new dog? Might be time to find a new home for your snake plant.

Just get a new dog? Might be time to find a new home for your snake plant.

The research is confusing—here are some guidelines.

Don’t be scared. Follow these steps.

Yeah, it’s super gross — but your pup will thank you.

How to spot and how to treat them.

There are safer alternatives, and you should always, always check with a vet before giving your pup anything.

Everything you need to know about the anti-seizure medication.

Scoop cat poop early and often—and keep it away from your garden.

They are the absolute light of your life. Here’s how you can help them live as close to forever as possible.

If you see a string sticking out from, uh, behind, never, ever, ever pull on it.

Nasal discharge doesn’t sound cute, but you need to know what to look out for.

No, not like that. They’re literally drinking a lot of water. Here’s when you should be worried.

Here are six good reasons to haul tail to the emergency room.

It’s not always an emergency — but it could be.

Here’s what you can scratch off your “Worry About This” list.

The gnarly scoop on canine transmissible venereal tumors.

With great cuteness comes great responsibility. A vet breaks down everything you need to know when you bring home a new kitten.

Yikes! A new strain of tick-borne disease Rickettsia could infect pets and their people.

From taking them to the vet more often to giving them a hand with grooming, older kitties need a little extra TLC.

What to do when your pup can’t poop.