
Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM
Dr. Chyrle Bonk has been a mixed animal veterinarian since 2010. When she's not practicing or writing about veterinary medicine, you may find her exploring the outdoors with her family or tending to her cows, horses, chickens, or cats and dogs.
Recent Kinship articles by Dr. Chyrle Bonk, DVM
Can Dogs Eat Garlic?
Like vampires, they should stay far away from garlic. Here’s why.
Can Dogs Eat Edamame?
Yummy treat or secret toxin?
How to Safely Remove Matted Cat Hair
With a little patience and technique, you can fix this potentially painful issue.
Why Is My Cat Throwing Up Undigested Food?
And how you can prevent it.
Is a Grain-Free Diet Good For Dogs? Find Out the Scoop
We detail everything you need to know.
Can Your Dog Eat Baby Food? Find Out if It Will Make Them Sick or Not
Everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Why Is My Cat Vomiting Yellow Liquid? Find Out
Everything you need to know to keep your cat safe and healthy.
Bordetella Vaccine for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Everything you need to know to make the right decision.
What to Know About Tapeworms in Cats
The evidence is unmistakably gross when your cat gets an infection. But the (very) good news is that the treatment is pretty effective.
6 Easy Ways to Add Fiber to Your Cat’s Diet
Do cats need fiber? Of course, they do. Here’s how to make sure your kitty is getting enough.
Home Remedies For Dog Scooting
A vet on what to do when “anal sacs go bad.”
Is Wet Or Dry Food Better for Your Cat?
We go over the pros and cons of both.
Can Cats Eat Spicy Food? Find Out If Spicy Foods Are Healthy or Not
We detail the latest research.
13 Common Dog Skin Conditions
Our experts explain signs, symptoms, and treatments.
Are Cats Nocturnal?
Does your cat keep you up at night? This one’s for you.
Heartworm in Cats: Do They Get The Disease and What to Know
Dogs are the natural target for these worms, but that doesn’t mean your cat isn’t at risk.
How Many Nipples Does a Dog Have?
You know you’ve wondered, if only to yourself...
Can Your Dog Eat Bacon? Find Out if This Snack Is Healthy
They may love the smell of this treat, but they shouldn’t be eating it all the time. Here’s why.
The Best Fish Oil Products for Dogs (And Why They Need Them)
Our experts explain why you should get fish oil for your dog and how to give it to them.
Can Dogs Have Marshmallows? Learn if They Are Toxic
They seem harmless... until they’re not.
7 Reasons Why Your Dog Is Throwing Up White Foam
A little mysterious and a whole lot unsettling.
Why Is My Cat Coughing?
You thought it was a hairball, but nothing’s coming up…
A Pet Parent’s Complete Guide to Cat Hairballs
How to help your kitty when they hawk one up.
Why Is Your Dog’s Stomach Gurgling?
This can be normal, but there are some reasons it isn’t.
Expert-Backed Reasons Why Puppies Sleep So Much
Learn how much snooze time is normal.
Here’s How Often Experts Say You Should Bathe Your Puppy
Pro tip: It’s probably less often than you’d think.
Gassy Kitty? Here’s Why Your Cat Keeps Farting
Things are getting pretty stinky. What should you do?
6 Reasons Why Your Cat’s Back Is Twitching and When to Be Concerned
Most of the time, it’s completely normal.
Can Dogs Eat Pickles?
Why plain cucumbers are safer.
Protect Your Cat by Keeping These Toxic Succulents Out of Your Home
Learn about non-toxic options that won’t harm your kitty.
Human Foods Toxic to Dogs—From A to Z
Even if they ain’t too proud to beg, you shouldn’t let your pup in on these snacks.
Oatmeal Could Be Good for Your Dog? Our Experts Explain Why
Why this snack could make a good addition to your dog’s diet.
Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Does your dog freak out when you head for the door? Here’s some advice.
10 Reasons Why Your Dog Throws Up in the Morning
Some are more concerning than others.
What to Do if Your Dog’s Eye Is Swollen
What you don’t do is ignore it. Here’s what it can mean and how to help your dog heal.
Do Flea Collars Actually Work? Determine If You Should Get One for Your Dog
Everything you need to know about flea collars to make the best decision for your dog.
Pica in Dogs: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Why, oh why, is your dog eating everything they shouldn’t?
Can Dogs Eat Cranberries? Learn if They Are Toxic or Not
Read this before sharing your snack with your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Raisins? Learn if Raisins Are Toxic to Them
It’s best to think twice about bringing this snack near your dog.
How to Know if Your Dog Has Imprinted on You
If they’re following you around like your shadow, there’s a reason for that.
Are Snake Plants Toxic to Cats?
All you need to know about snake plants — plus, other plants that are toxic (and safe).
What Can Dogs Drink Besides Water?
Good ol’ H2O should still be their top choice, but find out which alternatives are safe.
Kitten Vaccine Schedule Guide: Keep Your Kitten Healthy
Want your kitty to live their best, healthiest life? Get them vaccinated.
Guide to Swollen Lymph Nodes in Dogs
Here’s how to figure out if they’re swollen, and what to do if they are enlarged.
Why Do Cats Sleep So Much?
A very sleepy kitty isn’t usually a problem, but watch out for these signs of medical distress.
Why Is My Dog Constantly Scratching, Itching, and Biting Themself?
Here are the most common causes and what you can do about it.
Here’s How Much Water Your Dog Should Drink in a Day, According to Experts
A veterinarian weighs in with some definitive answers.
Are Pothos Toxic to Dogs? What to Do If Your Dog Eats the Plant
Pothos is toxic to dogs but rarely fatal.
Become a Dog Whisperer by Understanding What Dog-Ear Positions Mean
Welcome to next-level pet parenting.
Why Does Your Dog Snort Like a Pig? Find Out What This Means
Here are the most common reasons this occurs and how to deal with it.
Why Do Dogs Lick Their Paws?
Their toes might smell like Fritos, but there’s no way they taste that good.
Why Does Your Cat Pee on Your Bed?
It’s a clear sign something isn’t right.
Cat Congestion 101: What to Do if Your Cat Sounds Congested
If your cat sounds congested, they probably are. Here’s how you can help them.
How Cold Can Your Cat Handle? Learn How to Keep Them Warm and Safe
Just because you can withstand the temps doesn’t mean they can.
Can Your Cat Eat Honey? The Benefits and Drawbacks of Honey for Cats
What’s good for the pet parent isn’t always good for their kitty.
Complete List of Human Foods Your Puppy Can Eat (and What They Can’t)
Because wanting to eat everything and being able to eat everything are two very different things.
6 Reasons Why Your Dog Might Still Stink Even After a Bath—and How to Fix That
If a bath won’t freshen them up, what will?
Why Does Your Kitten Keep Sneezing? Find Out Why and What You Can Do
Because it’s cute when they sneeze… until it’s concerning.
Why Does My Cat’s Pee Smell So Bad? Cat-Urine Odor Explained
Cat pee already has an unpleasant odor. But if it gets worse, you’re going to need to do something about it.
Kitten Deworming Guide: When, How, and Why You Should Deworm
Gross, but necessary: Our expert explains all things deworming.
Why is My Dog Coughing and Gagging?
Let’s figure out this unsettling mystery.
Top 6 Most Common Reasons Why Your Cat Is Eating Litter
It’s not only gross — it’s probably a sign that something is not quite right in your kitty's kingdom.
Here’s When Your Puppy Can Be Around Other Dogs
Balancing puppy socialization and safety is tricky.
Just Play or Something More? This Is Why Your Dog Is Humping Your Cat
What exactly is going on?
Kitten Diarrhea: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Gross? Yes. Important to discuss? Also, yes.
Why Is My Dog Coughing? 11 Reasons Why and What to Do
From toxins to allergies, let’s get down to business and problem-solve this.