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Meera Pal

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About

Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer with a background in journalism and books. She covers pets, real estate, tech, and everything in between. You can follow her on Twitter @Meerakat

  • The Worst Cities To Drive In, Ranked

    With more Americans back to work full-time at the office, the roads are increasingly busy. Travel on the nation’s highways and streets climbed by 2.1% in 2023 to 3.3 trillion miles, setting a new annual record, according to the Department...
    The Worst Cities To Drive In, Ranked

  • The Most And Least Competitive Rental Markets In America

    While owning a home is still largely a part of the American dream, rising home prices and steep mortgage rates make that dream unattainable for many. February 2024 data from Realtor.com found that renting a starter home in the 50...
    The Most And Least Competitive Rental Markets In America

  • Best Cities For Pet Owners 2024

    For pet parents, a pet is much more than just a furry companion who lives rent-free in their home. In fact, nearly all pet owners (97%) consider their pet to be a part of their family, according to a recent...
    Best Cities For Pet Owners 2024

  • The Most Expensive States For Car Ownership 2024

    There’s freedom in getting behind the wheel of your own car. But sometimes the costs associated with owning a car can feel more like financial detention. Beyond the initial purchase price, car owners must deal with a host of expenses,...
    The Most Expensive States For Car Ownership 2024

  • The Most Expensive States To Acquire A Dog

    The dream of owning a dog doesn’t always match the reality of acquiring a new puppy. In addition to the preparation of adding a dog to your life, there are also the costs of getting your new best friend, all...
    The Most Expensive States To Acquire A Dog

  • 20 Black Cat Breeds

    It’s probably one of the oldest superstitions that if a black cat crosses your path, you will be struck with bad luck. But most cat lovers will tell you that if a black cat crosses your path, you should immediately...
    20 Black Cat Breeds

  • How To Make My Dog A Service Dog

    All dogs are good dogs, but some dogs are extra special—like service dogs. Service dogs give new meaning to the title “man’s best friend” by playing a crucial role in their owners’ lives. From assisting owners in daily activities to...
    How To Make My Dog A Service Dog

  • Pyometra In Dogs: Symptoms And Treatments

    Aside from your puppy’s vaccination schedule, deciding whether to spay or neuter your dog is one of the most important decisions you will make that will affect the lifelong health of your furry companion. Not only can the decision to...
    Pyometra In Dogs: Symptoms And Treatments

  • Lymphoma In Dogs: What Owners Need To Know

    Canine lymphomas are unfortunately among the most common cancers diagnosed in dogs, comprising 7% to 14% of all canine cancers. Canine lymphomas are similar to non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas which occur in humans, according to the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine....
    Lymphoma In Dogs: What Owners Need To Know

  • Can Dogs Eat Cucumber? Yes, And They’re Good For Dogs Too

    If you’re looking for a healthy, low-calorie treat for your dog, it’s not a bad idea to turn to the grocery store. There are a variety of fruits and vegetables that are safe and even beneficial to feed your dog....
    Can Dogs Eat Cucumber? Yes, And They’re Good For Dogs Too

  • Hip Dysplasia In Dogs: Symptoms And Treatments

    A dog’s hips carry the load of a lifetime of running, playing and jumping. And unfortunately, faulty hip joints are a common condition for many dogs. While genetics are an underlying cause of abnormal hip joint development in large dog...
    Hip Dysplasia In Dogs: Symptoms And Treatments

  • Top 20 Medium-Sized Dog Breeds

    If the pomeranian is too small, and the mastiff is too big, don’t worry. The perfect dog is waiting for you in the medium-size dog breed category. “Medium size dogs are great because they can fulfill the needs of many...
    Top 20 Medium-Sized Dog Breeds

  • Panacur For Dogs: Safe Dosages And Uses

    No pet owner wants to hear that their dog has worms, but unfortunately intestinal parasites are common in dogs. The good news is worms are treatable, and there is medication to help your dog feel better. Panacur is used most...
    Panacur For Dogs: Safe Dosages And Uses

  • Understanding American Pit Bull Terrier Temperament

    American pit bull terriers, also referred to as “pit bulls,” are perhaps one of the most controversial and misunderstood dog breeds, carrying a stigma of violence and aggression. They are one of the most common breeds targeted by what the...
    Understanding American Pit Bull Terrier Temperament

  • Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?

    A diet filled with fruits and vegetables can help to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, and even lower the risk of eye and digestive problems. With that many benefits, some pet owners may be...
    Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?

  • Understanding German Shepherds’ Temperament

    There is a reason German shepherds are commonly seen serving the public as K-9 officers or dedicated members of search-and-rescue teams. The stories of their resolute bravery are well-known, from their military service to their rescue efforts at the World...
    Understanding German Shepherds’ Temperament

  • Heart Murmur In Dogs: Symptoms And Treatments

    Simply having a dog in your life can provide numerous physical health benefits, including a lower heart rate, lower blood pressure and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Since they’re looking out for us, it’s our job to ensure they...
    Heart Murmur In Dogs: Symptoms And Treatments

  • Mast Cell Tumors In Dogs: Symptoms And Treatments

    Hearing the word tumor come from a veterinarian isn’t a good feeling for any pet owner. But given that mast cell tumors are the most common malignant tumor seen in dogs, it’s best to be educated and understand what you’re...
    Mast Cell Tumors In Dogs: Symptoms And Treatments

  • Kidney Disease In Dogs: Symptoms And Treatments

    Kidneys play a critical role in the healthy function of a dog’s body. Not only are the kidneys responsible for filtering waste products from the blood, they help maintain proper hydration and electrolyte levels, as well as help with red...
    Kidney Disease In Dogs: Symptoms And Treatments

  • Can Dogs Eat Strawberries? What You Should Know Before Giving Your Dog This Sweet Treat

    Fresh fruits make an excellent healthy treat option for dogs, especially those who may be struggling with their weight. Among the many fruits you can feed your dog, strawberries are one of the best options. Not only are they delicious,...
    Can Dogs Eat Strawberries? What You Should Know Before Giving Your Dog This Sweet Treat

  • Can Dogs Eat Bananas? What You Should Know About This Healthy Treat

    Bananas are known to be rich in potassium, as well as vitamins B and C, magnesium and fiber. And, it turns out, they happen to be a healthy snack for your dog. Here’s a look at how to safely feed...
    Can Dogs Eat Bananas? What You Should Know About This Healthy Treat

  • Glucosamine For Dogs: Safe Dosages And Uses

    As dogs are living longer in the U.S. thanks to better access to veterinary care, improved diets, and their overall heightened status in the house, it’s only a matter of time that with aging come the associated achy joints and...
    Glucosamine For Dogs: Safe Dosages And Uses

  • 20 Of The Most Popular Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

    Are all allergy-suffers condemned to a life devoid of a furry companion? Not necessarily. While the concept of a truly hypoallergenic dog is a misconception, there are dogs that are less likely to cause allergies for would-be dog lovers prone...
    20 Of The Most Popular Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

  • Fluoxetine (Prozac) For Dogs: Safe Dosages And Uses

    Leaving an anxious dog behind can be a terrible feeling for a pet owner, especially when their house is full of chewed up shoes and destroyed pillows upon return. Pet anxiety isn’t all that uncommon. In a 2020 study, researchers...
    Fluoxetine (Prozac) For Dogs: Safe Dosages And Uses

  • Tramadol For Dogs: Safe Dosages And Uses

    If your dog has had surgery or suffered with severe pain, it’s likely their veterinarian has prescribed tramadol. Tramadol is a synthetic opioid commonly used to treat pain in dogs. Opioids work in the brain to produce a variety of...
    Tramadol For Dogs: Safe Dosages And Uses

  • Human Years To Dog Years Calculator

    Most dog owners hope that their pet will be the one to defy the odds and live forever. Sadly, our furry companions are not immortal. And it turns out we’ve all been calculating our beloved pets’ actual ages incorrectly for...
    Human Years To Dog Years Calculator

  • Human Years To Cat Years Calculator

    Cats are among the most nimble, intelligent and independent little creatures that deign to be called “pets.” Cats are relatively low maintenance compared to dogs, but like any pet you bring home, they do require consistent care and comfort. And...
    Human Years To Cat Years Calculator

  • Benadryl For Dogs: Safe Dosages And Uses

    If you’ve ever had allergies or an allergic reaction, you’ve likely turned to Benadryl for relief. Benadryl is an antihistamine that alleviates allergy symptoms including sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and itchy nose or throat in people. And while it...
    Benadryl For Dogs: Safe Dosages And Uses

  • Addison’s Disease In Dogs: Symptoms And Treatments

    Often referred to as “the great pretender,” Addison’s disease has the ability to mimic other common diseases in dogs, which typically presents a challenge when it comes time to diagnose the disease that affects a dog’s adrenal glands. Also referred...
    Addison’s Disease In Dogs: Symptoms And Treatments

  • Clavamox For Dogs: Safe Dosages And Uses

    If your dog has been dealing with a bacterial infection, your veterinarian may prescribe them Clavamox to help fight off the bacteria. Clavamox has been proven to safely and effectively treat infections in dogs. And for most pet owners, they’ll...
    Clavamox For Dogs: Safe Dosages And Uses

About

Meera Pal is a Northern California-based writer with a background in journalism and books. She covers pets, real estate, tech, and everything in between. You can follow her on Twitter @Meerakat