That doggie stare: Is it true love?

When dogs stare at each other it's usually with aggressive intent, but a dog's willingness to gaze at people and receive their gaze in return signals social attachment or, dare we say it, friendship or love.

The willingness to make eye contact, so important between humans, may have developed during domestication, according to a report in Science, and gave dogs an edge in developing a social partnership with people.

Does your pet like to lick your skin? His habit can be deadly if you are using creams or lotions containing flurbiprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned last month that two cats developed kidney failure and three cats died in homes where owners were using the prescription topical pain medications. Ingesting even small amounts of the medication by licking skin can be toxic to cats and dogs. Ask your doctor if you can cover the treated area, and avoid letting your pet lick you or any clothing or other item that may have come in contact with the medication.

Take your pet to the veterinarian immediately if you think he has been exposed to it.