With more than a million cases of COVID-19 diagnosed worldwide, and the number rising, most people are still grappling with the changes and restrictions of life during a global pandemic. News that dogs, cats, and ferrets may be susceptible to the virus only increases the fear, anxiety, and stress pet parents are feeling. What are the facts as we know them today?

Midnight, Lightning and Nebula are all extremely different cats but have one thing in common — they love watching over their neighborhood. Whether it’s from their mom’s bedroom window or out in the yard, the three sisters love keeping an eye on things, and lately, all of their neighbors love watching them, too.

In February, Rodrigo Coelho and his wife drove to the pharmacy to pick up some medicine, but they left with much more than they bargained for.

“I had just come out of a pharmacy and I was in the parking lot,” Coelho told The Dodo. “My wife opened the door to enter [the car] and this dog came along as if he knew us.”

All dog owners have felt frustrated when their pets stop and smell during walks, but research is pointing to the benefits of this activity.

Many pet parents have experienced frustration when their curious companions stop to sniff every five steps during walks. However, research is showing that allowing dogs to exercise their noses may be just as important as the physical activity gained from walking.

Just like humans, cats sometimes pass gas. While this is normal in many cases, excessive gas can be a symptom something’s wrong, from diet to disease.

Cats have digestive tracts that are similar to humans’, so it is no surprise that felines sometimes pass gas. In fact, it’s perfectly normal that, as food passes through your pet’s digestive tract, excess gas is created and eventually released from his body. However, if you think your cat’s flatulence exceeds what is normal, it could be an indication that something is wrong with your pet. In addition to being a healthy byproduct of certain foods, gas can result when you pet is dealing with disease or parasites in his body. By being aware of your pet’s gastrointestinal functions, then, you can become a better parent to your pet.