Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD
Veterinarian
wikiHow's Editorial Process wikiHow partners with over 1000+ experts from a wide range of fields to ensure our content is accurate and based on well-established research and testimony. Content Managers conduct interviews and work closely with each expert to review information, answer reader questions, and add credible advice. Learn more about our editorial process and why millions of readers trust wikiHow.
Co-authored Articles (77)
How Do I Know When My Dog Is Dying?
Know when it’s time to euthanize your dog and give them the dignified departure they deserve How do you tell the difference between normal old age, temporary illness, and the final days of a dog’s life? We're here to...
How to
Know if Your Cat Is Dying
A cat nearing the end of his or her life may exhibit certain behaviors that will let you know it's almost time. The cat may refuse to eat or drink, have a lower energy level and experience weight loss. Many cats instinct...
How to
Recognize and Treat Ringworm in Cats
Ringworm is an infectious skin condition that can affect cats and may be passed on to people. However, the name "ringworm" is misleading because this is a fungal infection, and not caused by a worm. Ringworm is actually ...
How to
Treat a Poisoned Cat
Based on data from the Pet Poison Helpline, nearly 10% of their calls from pet owners were for possible cat poisonings. Due to a cat’s curious nature and obsession with cleaning, cats can sometimes land themselves into...
How to
Treat Mother Dogs with Sore or Infected Nipples
When a mother dog is nursing a lot of puppies there is a chance that her nipples will get sore or infected. This can be detrimental to the mother but it can also impact the health of her puppies. If she does not allow th...
How to
Diagnose Kidney Failure in Cats
In cats over the age of 7 years with kidney disease, having the disease is part of the natural aging process. In animals less than 4 years of age, kidney problems are more likely to be the result of a genetic predisposit...
How to
Stop Your Cat from Attacking Your Dog
Cats and dogs both make great pets and can become the best of friends when they share a home; however, sometimes tension can develop between the two. If your cat keeps attacking your dog, it can cause stress for the whol...
How to
Identify a Maine Coon
There are several ways you can identify a Maine Coon. One way is by looking at its physical features like its large size, shaggy fur, tapered tail and ears, and large eyes. Since Maine Coons are outgoing and friendly, ...
How to
Spot Signs of Illness in a Cockatiel
In the wild, birds like cockatiels don’t show signs of illness for fear of attracting predators. At home, however, such shyness often means that sick birds don’t get treatment. To make sure your cockatiel is healthy,...
How to
Create an Indoor Box Turtle Habitat
Box turtles are best kept outdoors where they have a lot of roaming area. However, that doesn't mean that you can’t provide your box turtle with a great home if you live somewhere that can’t have an outdoor enclosure...
Why Older Dogs Excessively Lick Things (And What to Do About It)
If your older dog excessively licks you or random items in your home, you may be scratching your head trying to figure out what’s going on. Licking can become more excessive and noticeable as dogs get older, and the ex...
How to Take a Dog's Temperature
Check your canine companion for a fever at home If your pup is feeling under the weather, it's a good idea to make sure it doesn't have a fever. The best way to check your dog's temperature is with a thermometer. A recta...
How to
Stop Your Cockatiel from Biting
Cockatiels are a popular and relatively docile breed of bird. Cockatiels generally form an emotional attachment to their owners and have an even temperament. However, it’s not uncommon for cockatiels to sometimes bite ...
How to
Tell when a Parakeet Is Sick
If you're new to owning a parakeet, you might not know what signs there are when the bird is not feeling well. Since birds can deteriorate rapidly if not tended to when sick, it's important to know the indications of a s...
How to
Identify a Ragdoll Cat
Ragdoll cats are beautiful animals who make great companions. Their soft coat and bright blue eyes add to their striking features, while their docile personality makes them a great addition to any family, even one with y...
How to
Identify a Siberian Cat
Siberian cats are elegant, long-haired Russian cats. To determine if your cat is a Siberian or simply to learn more about the characteristics of Siberian cats, you can examine their physical appearance and observe their ...
How to
Identify a Siamese Cat
Siamese cats are one of the more popular domesticated cat breeds, along with being one of the most recognizable and widely known cats in the world. These cats are known to be intelligent and curious, and are vocal pets w...
How to
Treat Conjunctivitis in Cockatiels
Conjunctivitis occurs when your bird has swollen, irritated membranes around the eye. Your cockatiel's conjunctiva is the tissue between its eye and eyelid, which you can see if you gently lift up the eyelid. In a health...
How to
Help a Cat That Swallowed String
If you see your cat swallow a string, it's best to just start by taking the cat to the vet. Strings can become tangled in the cat's intestines, causing problems, such as lacerations, gastrointestinal obstructions and eve...
How to
Kill Fleas on Dogs
Quick treatments, preventative care, and natural solutions that will keep your pup free of fleasFlea season can be a nightmare for you and your dog if you don't know how to kill fleas. Some areas also stay warm througho...
