Break out your grills, lawns chairs and festive food, because it’s that time of year again—Independence Day is just around the corner! The Fourth of July is always a great day to celebrate our nation with friends, family and furry ones alike. Like many of us, you may anticipate catching […]
by Dr. Jack Stephens Cats are one of the most fascinating creatures on earth. They manage to simultaneously be one of the most efficient predators in the world, while also being our domesticated buddies that have evolved to enjoy human companionship. Cats haven’t changed much since befriending humans, however, there […]
Last month in New York City, a 12-year-old Yorkshire Terrier died after being accidentally locked in a car for hours. It was still morning—and not even summer—but the dog suffered from extreme heat-related injuries and, after being freed by NYPD officers, needed to be humanely euthanized by a veterinarian. These […]
Studies have shown that pets can provide stress relief to humans and according to a recent survey, that proves to be true amid the coronavirus pandemic. With many people in Georgia and around the country working remotely from home, they’ve been spending more time with their pets. “The human-animal bond […]
By Jennifer Graham@grahamtoday Mar 15, 2020, 10:00pm MDT Everybody who works from home has a horror story. For Robert Kelly, it was his children barging into a live television broadcast, a video that made him famous in 2017 as the “BBC Dad.” Work at home long enough and you’ll have […]
“Try starting now to get your pet ready and ease them back to your previously ‘normal’ routine,” By Kelli Bender April 28, 2020 03:02 PM Most dogs, and probably plenty of cats, are loving the extra time they are getting with their humans during the various stay at home orders […]
We’ve all heard the wedding tradition for a happy marriage: something old, something new, something borrowed, something furry. That’s right, furry. A wedding is an important event for family and friends to celebrate, including four-legged family. Weddings are stressful, but with a little bit of planning including your best four-legged […]
Aaron Lockwood February 19, 2020 Learn how to fix these common cat behavior problems. Its been written by author Ilona Andrews that, “Cats randomly refuse to follow orders to prove they can.” While it might be true that training a cat is more difficult than training a dog, it takes […]
NO EVIDENCE DOGS GET COVID-19 These FAQs were last updated on March 12, 2020. Can dogs get the new coronavirus (COVID-19)? At this time, experts believe it is very unlikely. The World Health Organization currently advises that there is no evidence to suggest that dogs or cats can be infected […]
As the saying goes, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but when it comes to pet photography, there are some tricks you can learn to improve your cat photo shoots or dog photography. Whether you want a selfie to post on social media, a family photo or a […]
Its been written by author Ilona Andrews that, “Cats randomly refuse to follow orders to prove they can.” While it might be true that training a cat is more difficult than training a dog, it takes the same principles: patience, consistency, and praise. We’ll begin this article by providing tips […]
Reviewed and updated for accuracy on December 3, 2019 by Dr. Hanie Elfenbein, DVM, PhD You may already know that not taking care of your dog’s teeth can lead to periodontal disease, a condition that results in bleeding gums, bad breath, and ultimately tooth loss. But did you know that […]
Thinking of adding a pet to your family? Here are ten reasons to adopt your new best friend. 1. Because you’ll save a life. Each year, it’s estimated that more than one million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States, simply because too many pets come into […]
Of all the repulsive habits our canine companions have — drinking from the toilet, rolling in swamp muck, licking their butts — nothing tops the disgusting practice of eating poop. Their motivation may not be to gross us humans out, but it certainly does. So much so, in fact, that […]
Posted on December 19, 2019 under Cat Articles Cats are one of the most fascinating creatures on earth. They manage to simultaneously be one of the most efficient predators in the world, while also being our domesticated buddies that have evolved to enjoy human companionship. Cats haven’t changed much since […]
While Yuletide treats, gifts and holiday bouquets are probably making their way out of your home, the season isn’t over just yet. There’s still one more holiday we are counting down the days to, so before you break out the noisemakers and champagne, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) […]
Many dogs suffer from arthritis as they age. This painful condition, which occurs in dogs and people, results when cartilage, the cushioning between the bones, begins to thin and wear away. As a result, the ends of the bones start to rub against each other. Trauma, disease, or normal wear […]
Winter holidays are especially exciting, with all the sparkly lights, delicate ornaments and brightly colored garlands—and don’t get us started on the candies and treats! All of these things are great fun for us, but they’re also intriguing to our pets. Putting up a Christmas tree is one of the […]
WHAT FOODS ARE TOXIC TO DOGS AND CATS? Thanksgiving is almost here and that means an abundance of delicious food. However, many popular human dishes aren’t healthy for pets to consume. It’s important to remember which foods are bad for dogs and cats. Especially, during holiday meals when dogs and […]
Personally, I love autumn. The days are usually crisp and clear with plenty of sunshine, while the nights are cooler. The gorgeous colours of leaves as they change colour create some magnificent scenery, but amongst all this beauty there are some things that may pose a risk to your pet. […]
Studies have shown that about 45% of all dog owners sleep together with their pets. However, the question of whether it is fine to sleep with our canine companions is a continuous debate. Many wealthy, powerful and famous personalities and historical figures have even extended privileges to furry friends. Perhaps […]
While cats and dogs often remain puppies at heart, age can take a toll on your senior cat or dog. In addition to losing a bit of the spring in its step, senior pets, just like humans, are at higher risk for disease and will most likely experience a normal […]
By Patricia Khuly, DVM This time of the year — the summertime — sends shivers down canine spines. Not only do they have to suffer the wrath of Thor in the form of lightning bolts and booming thunder, they also have to endure the sometimes juvenile, dubiously patriotic displays of […]
They say dogs are man’s best friend. For some of us, that quote is very literal and very true. Therefore, when the time comes for us to leave town for a while on vacation, a business trip, relocation or for some other reason, leaving our ‘best friend’ behind can be […]
As we humans escape into our homes that are air conditioned or cooled with fans we wonder why our dogs might be acting sluggish or begging to get back inside. Have you ever noticed dogs who refuse to walk at an event and just plops himself down? Paws scorching on […]
By Mary Jo DiLonardo Summer can mean lots of fun outside with your dog. But when the temps soar, take steps to protect your pet. Whether you take him for a walk down the street, a ride in the car, or just out in the yard to play, the heat […]
Posted on March 4, 2019 under Pet Health & Safety It’s always important to bring your pets to the veterinarian annually to be examined, and even more important for senior pets. But when should you consider making that appointment a little earlier? Being able to recognize the clinical signs of […]
Many plants that are poisonous to dogs are very common in backyards. These toxic time-bombs range from being only mildly toxic (for example, causing vomiting) to being responsible for serious canine health problems. If you wish to err on the safe side, thoroughly research all the vegetation and berries that […]
By Marianne Lipanovich, Houzz. Dogs and outdoor spaces go together naturally. But with their penchant for digging holes, carving runway paths worthy of an international airport and eating plants, some dogs can wreak havoc on landscape design. Knowing what some of the most common problems are and how to overcome […]
Find a way that is meaningful to you to honor your pet, like placing pictures throughout your home or planting a memorial garden. Nothing can prepare you for losing a beloved family member. When that family member is your pet, though, there is a unique set of emotions you must […]
For some of us, spring represents a time of rebirth: winter thaws, budding blossoms, cute ducklings and chicks. But for those of us with seasonal allergies, spring is less benevolent and more horror movie: runny noses, itchy throats, constant sneezes. If you think humans are alone in suffering when spring […]
BY KRITESHANAND PUBLISHED ON 06/06/2015 It is a well-established fact that dogs are intelligent creatures. They are also more aware about their surroundings as compared to humans, and can easily pick up what is going through the minds of their owners. According to some people, dogs can even sense some […]
When Janet Sinclair made the cross-country move from California to Massachusetts in July 2013, she arranged for what she thought would be the safest travel plan for her six-year-old Bengal cat, Alika, and five-year-old greyhound, Sedona. United’s PetSafe program promised a climate-controlled and pressurized cargo environment, specially trained staff, and […]
Think your cat’s meows, chirps, yowls, and purrs are just random gibberish? Think again. She’s actually communicating to you information about her world and about how she feels toward you. The good news is that if you listen closely, you just might begin to understand what the sounds your cat […]
Find out which Valentine’s Day treats could be dangerous to you pet! Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to show your loved ones how much you care. As pet parents, it’s in our instincts to shower our furry friends with love and affection too. However, as you indulge in the Valentine’s […]
Posts by: Dr. Ernie Ward, DVM Each New Year we’re inundated with lists of things to do, buy, and become. We read these lists, make promises to ourselves, and then promptly forget it ever happened by February. This year I’m taking the opposite approach: Here are the things you definitely […]
By Paula Fitzsimmons You already know that not taking care of your dog’s teeth can lead to periodontal disease, a condition that results in bleeding gums, bad breath, and ultimately tooth loss. “Periodontal disease starts under the gum line with a substance called plaque, which is made up of bacteria,” […]
It began subtly. You noticed some gray fur on the snout of your black lab. Your once spry playmate stopped jumping after his tennis ball. And your formerly vigorous walks with him turned into leisurely strolls. Then your vet said a word you hadn’t heard before: “senior.” Pet care changes […]
By Sherry Woodard, Best Friends animal behavior consultant Some dogs do fine living with cats; others simply cannot live safely with felines. Sometimes, a dog can live with certain cats (depending on their age, temperament and activity level), but not others. Even if your dog has successfully lived with cats […]
5 Tips to Protect Your Dog This Holiday Season Posts by: Dr. Mike Paul, DVM Well, here we are again. While it seems we were just preparing for summer vacation, it’s the holiday season already. The holidays bring much with them, including celebrations, decorations and unfortunately, potential hazards for our […]
by Aly J. Yale Updated on 12.05.18 Overcrowding is a serious problem in America’s animal shelters. According to the ASPCA, an estimated 1.5 million animals are euthanized every year due to overcrowding — and that’s only dogs and cats. If you’re considering bringing home a pet in the new year, […]
Thanksgiving is a time for friends, family and holiday feasts—but also a time for possible distress for our animal companions. Pets won’t be so thankful if they munch on undercooked turkey or a pet-unfriendly floral arrangement, or if they stumble upon an unattended alcoholic drink. Check out the following tips […]
Halloween can be the spookiest night of the year, but keeping your pets safe doesn’t have to be tricky. The ASPCA recommends taking these simple, common sense precautions to keep your pet happy and healthy all the way to November 1. Stash the Treats The candy bowl is for trick-or-treaters, […]
For some pet parents, a trip is no fun if the four-legged members of the family can’t come along. But traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and your pets. If you’re planning to take a trip with pets in tow, we have some tips to help ensure a […]
It’s not just the right thing to do; adoption is a reward. Pet lovers know: Adoption is the snuggliest option. Thinking of adding a pet to your family? Here are ten reasons to adopt your new best friend. 1. Because you’ll save a life. Each year, 2.7 million adoptable dogs […]
In September it’s not just our kids that have to adjust By Natasha Ashton, Petplan pet insurance co-founder and co-CEO When lazy summer days give way to structured schedules in September, one family member can have a particularly tough time weathering the transition: our pets! Many pet parents see a […]
Too much time in the sun poses similar health risks for our dogs and cats as it does for ourselves. Like humans, pets can experience sunburns — which not only can be painful, but also can increase risk for certain types of skin cancer. Topically applied sunscreen can protect your […]
Air travel is not just stressful for animals. It can be dangerous, no matter how smooth the landing, timely the departure or friendly the flight attendants. By Alastair Bland SMITHSONIAN.COM If you think flying is stressful, just imagine how the experience must impact an innocent, unknowing dog or cat when […]
Many people enjoy the booming sounds and flashing lights of fireworks, but they can be terrifying and overwhelming for pets, and possibly hazardous. On the Fourth of July, so many pets are frightened and try to escape the sights and sounds that animal shelters around the nation report a dramatic […]
WebMD veterinary expert answers commonly asked questions about joint problems in dogs. By Sandy Eckstein Dogs’ joints take a pounding, from running after tennis balls to jumping off the back deck. And for some dogs, that’s a problem. More use means more injuries and can lead to joint-related problems such […]