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Tips for owning a dog in the big city

Kodiak, a Leonberger breed, swims some laps at Water4Dogs, an animal rehabilitation center in NYC. (Photo by Mohit SantRam)

If you live in New York City and want man's best friend by your side, consider these factors, from type of breed to various types of activities and resources, to keep and maintain a happy and healthy dog,

Protect your city dog from these health problems

Pan Bing (in wheelchair) encounters Bagel the beagle at The Wagging Tail doggie day care. (Photo by Mohit SantRam)

A city dog’s lifestyle differs from his country cousins’, so owners in urban environments like New York City should watch for health problems like obesity, allergies, flu, kennel cough, Giardia, Leptospirosis and Lyme disease.

Diagnosing and treating eczema and psoriasis

Psoriasis can be an embarrassing but highly manageable skin condition. (Photo by Katie Jacewicz)

Two common skin conditions, eczema and psoriasis, can cause significant anxiety about your appearance and stress over recurrence. Once diagnosed, they're both treatable and manageable.

How much does it cost to build a deck?

Getting permits, picking the right contractor and selecting the best deck material for your needs are all important choices to make when building a new deck. (Photo courtesy of Red Deer Construction/DECKo)

Adding a new deck to your home can increase its curb appeal, function, and resale value. With a host of deck types, materials and construction methods available, what can you expect to pay for a typical job?

Choosing the best type of bathtub

A simple bathtub is a rare sight these days as most homes have shower-tub enclosures.

If it's time to replace or upgrade your old tub, you have a wide variety of choices in bathtub types. Which one you choose depends on your needs, budget and time line. Learn about some of the most popular.

Why is my Mac running so slowly?

Does your Mac run more slowly than it should? Check out these step-by-step optimization instructions from a highly rated Boston-area IT support provider.

The case for a same-floor laundry room

With any laundry room, you'll need to ensure that it's designed to handle any washer leaks. (Photo courtesy of Angie’s List member David P. of Lake Oswego, Ore.)

Tired of carrying laundry up and down flights of stairs? It might be time to consider a laundry room on the same floor as your bedrooms. Here's what you can expect if you decide to make the switch.

What is a fair price for R-22?

By 2015, there will be a 90 percent reduction in the production of R-22. By 2020, it will no longer be produced at all. Because production is limited, costs to charge existing units that are leaking R-22 refrigerant have gone up and are only expected to rise. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member John R. of Lake Mary, Fla.)

Dear Angie: My air conditioning contractor just charged me $100 per pound for R-22 refrigerant. This is a lot more than I paid four years ago. Is this a fair price these days?

How to choose a drain cleaning service

The price you get over the phone isn’t necessarily the price you will pay, Parker says. (Photo courtesy of CK Mechanical Heating & Plumbing)

A stopped drain in your home can be cause for a panic, but don't forget to make the right hiring choice, a highly rated Mills, Wyom., plumbing company explains.

How to plant a tree

'"Right Tree, Right Place’ should take into account the mature size of the tree, not the size you want it to be, as well as ensuring the soil, water, sunlight and climate factors are all favorable for the tree species you are planting,” says Wes Kocher of the ISA. (All photos by Mike LaFollette)

Planting a tree is an easy job, but it takes more skill than you might think. The following tree-planting tips can help ensure you plant a tree that thrives.

When to skip the doctor for a retail health clinic

Those needing medical attention for minor illnesses can turn to the convenience of local minute clinics.(Photo by Geraldine Pritchard)

Medical procedures are best left to the professionals, but you can go to your local retail health clinic to take some simple procedures like flu shots, physicals, blood tests, screenings and vaccinations.

Do you have gingivitis?

Regular teeth cleanings can help prevent gingivitis. (Photo courtesy of Angie’s List member Janessa A. of Bellevue, Neb.)

Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) is a common dental complaint. Understanding the causes of this condition can help in its prevention and treatment and limit the amount of time spent in the dentist's chair.

How much does it cost to hire a tree service?

Removing a tree is the most expensive service, and typically includes cutting it down section by section, then hauling away the pieces. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member Kathleen L. of Keizer, Ore.)

Dealing with an overgrown or dying tree in your yard can be a hassle. Professional services offer an easy way to deal with tree issues, but at a cost. Here's what to expect when you hire a pro.

The real cost of a new roof

Get at least three bids before hiring a roofing contractor. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member Robert H. of Tallahassee, Fla.)

Installing a new roof is no small task, and hiring the right professional makes all the difference. Knowing what to expect in terms of cost, time and guarantees can help make sure you get your money's worth.

How much does it cost to hire a house cleaner?

While there's no "standard" set of cleaning services, most house cleaners will include basic tasks such as vacuuming, dusting, toilet and shower cleaning, general kitchen cleaning and tidying up. (Photo by Elizabeth McQuern)

Hiring a professional house cleaner can make your life easier and help keep your home spotless. But don't overpay for this service. Here are a few simple ways to make sure you're getting the right price.

How much does it cost to lay down sod?

Laying down new sod can add significant curb appeal. But what are the real costs to take on this type of landscaping project, either on your own or with the help of a professional?

3 common tree diseases

Contact a tree service or arborist if you notice signs of tree disease. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member Ronald S. of Detroit)

Trees add both beauty and value to your property, but like all good things, they also have a downside. Diseases and other conditions can quickly turn a living, vibrant tree into a pile of dead wood.

The benefits of building a raised garden bed

The contained soil makes it easier to work in the garden, as the layout provides predetermined walking areas so you don't have to worry about accidentally stepping on your flowers or crops. Raised beds also make working in the garden easier on your back. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member Cara W. of Portland, Ore.)

These days, more and more home gardeners are adding raised beds to their landscaping. While these beds take some work to create, they offer many benefits over planting directly into the ground, and can be strikingly beautiful when crafted and positioned correctly.

How much should carpet cleaning cost?

Carpet cleaning costs depend on the way a company determines rates, the type of cleaning requested and the number of add-ons purchased by a homeowner. (Photo courtesy of Angie's List member Peter V. of Chicago)

Keeping your carpet in top shape - or dealing with tough stains - means occasionally hiring a professional to come in and perform a thorough clean. But how much should a typical cleaning cost?

Angie's List Experts Spring 2013 Article Contest Winners

Grand Prize Winner: It's not an Estimate, it's an Interview

Results from the 2013 Angie's List Experts Spring Article Contest including names of winning article contributors and links to their articles.

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