Q: Ava, my 2-year-old dog, was chewing an elk antler when she started licking her lips and grinding her teeth. Later, she rejected a small, soft treat, which she’s never done before. Is it possible she broke a tooth on the antler? Are antlers OK for dogs? A: Dogs should never chew hard objects such…

Q: A houseguest watched me refill my dog’s food and water bowls without washing them, my usual procedure unless there’s obvious grime on them. She pointed out the slime covering the inside of the water bowl and told me it’s dangerous because the slime harbors bacteria that can cause illness. Is she right? Should I…

Q: I notice that many cats have white bellies and some also have white paws, even when the rest of the coat is another color. Are white bellies as prevalent among cats as they seem? If so, why? A: White bellies are indeed common among cats, dogs and other species. Each of my tuxedo cats…