Did you know that Feb. 15 is National Gumdrop Day? While you may be wondering what gumdrops and toxicology have in common, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxicologists warn that gumdrops are not as innocent as they may look. With the ingestion of gumdrops (or any candy high in sugar) […]
By Kate Barrington Does my butt look big in this collar? Here are a few tips to deal with a fat dog.Dogs are known for being voracious eaters – no matter how well you feed them, they always seem to be hungry. This being the case, it is easy to […]
Follow these tips to keep animals safe and comfortable In many areas, winter is a season of bitter cold and numbing wetness. Make sure your four-footed family members stay safe and warm by following these simple guidelines. 1. Keep pets shelteredKeep your pets inside with you and your family. Under […]
by Dr. Fiona Lee, DVM As the year comes to an end, there are certainly going to be celebrations in hopes for a better new year. While your dog may have liked having you home more frequently due to quarantine and social distancing restrictions, it seems like most people are […]
By Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Lynn Buzhardt, DVM Why do dogs turn around before lying down?image 12Dogs, unlike humans, do not just plop down in bed when they are tired. They spend lots of time preparing their bed before snuggling in for the night. Sleepy dogs turn around in circles […]
Aggression is the most common and most serious behavior problem in dogs. It’s also the number-one reason why pet parents seek professional help from behaviorists, trainers and veterinarians. What Is Aggression? The term “aggression” refers to a wide variety of behaviors that occur for a multitude of reasons in various […]
It’s Not All Fun and Games – Potentially Dangerous Dog Toys Many commonly used dog toys can be dangerous if not properly maintained or play is not supervised. Toys can be homemade, purchased or “found.” Make sure you inspect the toy because some toys sold in pet shops and supermarkets […]
By Dr. Jack Stephens With winter well underway, you’ve probably spent time and energy to winterize your house and your car. But have you thought about winterizing for your pet? Severely cold weather brings threats to pet health and safety, and many of these might shock or surprise you. Here […]
By Dr. Jack Stephens 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 […]
Anyone who has ever had to pull their dog out of the bag of dog food knows that some dogs don’t know when to stop eating. Other dogs may not eat much in one sitting, but they’ll return to the bowl multiple times a day, grazing anytime they remember the […]
By Mary Kearl Key PointsThanksgiving tends to coincide with an uptick in vet visits, due to dogs being fed unsafe human foods.Turkey meat, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin are all safe, healthy foods to share with your dog.Bones, sweets, alcohol, and fatty foods are all things that should be avoided by […]
By Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS Dogs do this because those rear ends are itchy. Here’s everything you ever wanted to know about why dogs scoot their butts on the floor. Why do dogs scoot their butts across the floor? That infamous “butt crawl” could very well be caused by […]
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 TreatsThe candy bowl is for trick-or-treaters, not […]
With Halloween less than a week away, many pet owners have already purchased their animal’s costume. While these outfits can be fun and festive, the wrong outfit can pose dangers to your animal. Although costumes are a fun way to interact with your pet, Dr. Mark Stickney, Clinical Associate Professor […]
With white-coated breeds such as Bichons Frises, many at some point in their life will develop those very distracting, red-brownish tear stains underneath their eyes, around their muzzles, and in between their toes. The cause can be related to health issues, shape of the eye, blocked tear-ducts, puppy teething, ear […]
Posts by: Dr. Alison Birken, DVM Ready or not, fall is approaching. The white pants are put away, the trips to the beach come to a halt, the kids are back in school, and cinnamon spice candles and fall decorations cover the house! Personally, I just love this time of […]
By Melissa Cronin Puppy mills, or large commercial facilities that breed dogs to sell to pet stores, show little regard for the well-being of the animals they’re breeding. Not only are the puppies born into overcrowded and unsanitary conditions — the breeding dogs are also often kept in separate, confined […]
There’s nothing like the crisp, cool air and luscious foliage to get you excited for the changing seasons. Your pet, too, is probably welcoming a break from summer’s hot, sticky weather. But fall is also a time of lurking dangers for our furry friends. From household poisons to cold weather […]
By Greer Grenley Depression is a widespread issue in the U.S. affecting about 40 million adults. Fortunately, there are many ways to feel better. Talking to a licensed psychiatrist can make a huge difference and there are so many effective medications out there. Exercise and healthy eating can help too, […]
By Arden Moore Okay, time for a little canine potty talk disclosure. I can predict with 100-percent accuracy when Chipper, my Husky-Golden Retriever mix, is about to poop. Seconds before, she circles a few times clockwise and may do a couple short hops before getting into the perfect position to […]
At some point, you’ve probably caught your cat kneading—rhythmically pushing their paws in and out against a soft object, which could be a blanket or even your lap. It’s also referred to as “making biscuits” because the action is like kneading dough. While not all cats knead, it’s a common […]
by Sandra C. Mitchell, DVMWhy do cats purr? Do they only purr when you pet them? Many people think of purring as the sign of a happy, contented cat. But did you know that cats also purr when they’re in pain or frightened? Here’s what we know about cat purring—how […]
Summertime will soon give way to fall, and your dog may need some help adjusting to the new schedule. Try the following tips to ensure your dog has the best experience possible once your family’s fall routine goes into full effect. 1. Practice your new routine before school starts. With your […]
The French poet Anatole France wrote, “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” Pets play a significant role in our lives and in many ways, they are part of our families. Not surprisingly, losing a pet is like losing a family member, and the […]
by Mary Simpson You’re never fully dressed without some dog hair clinging to your clothes! If you don’t mind the fuzz, here are the dog breeds that shed the most.While my gal-pals are non-shedding Schnoodles that require regular grooming by a seasoned pro, I’m always surprised to find those non-Poodle […]
Leaving pets locked in cars is never safe. But when the weather gets warmer, it can be deadly. High temperatures can cause irreparable organ damage and even death. Protecting animals from an unnecessary death is a problem we can all agree to prevent. How to help a pet left in […]
With white-coated breeds such as Bichons Frises, many at some point in their life will develop those very distracting, ugly, red-brownish tear stains underneath their eyes, around their muzzles, and in between their toes. The cause can be related to health issues, shape of the eye, blocked tear-ducts, puppy teething, […]
Tips for keeping your dogs, cats and other pets safe and happy during summer celebrations 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, many pets become so frightened by the noise […]
Author: Marissa Busch After I give my dog Mary Berry a bath and towel dry her, she sprints away as soon as I set her on the ground. She then starts playing “chase” with herself, zooming back and forth around the house. She’ll often head to the couch and rub […]
by Mark Asher Doting pet owners who want to ensure their pets’ health and happiness do many of the same things: purchase a pet insurance policy, buy their pups lots of toys and treats, and shell out money for doggy daycare. A doggy daycare enables your pet to be in […]
By Harriet Meyers Key PointsHeatstroke can saddle your dog with serious health problems.The most common cause of heatstroke is confining a dog to an enclosed car.Use cool, but not ice-cold, water to reduce your dog’s body temperature. Dogs are notoriously bad at dissipating body heat. Watch for early signs of […]
Reviewed and updated on June 1, 2020 by Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM Whether we’re hitting the beach, taking the field at a ball game, or simply heading out for a walk, we know that during the summer months, wearing sunscreen is key to our health and safety. But what about […]
Some days it seems like you step outside into a thick cloud of pollen, ragweed, or even worse, mold. Hello, seasonal allergies! Thankfully humans have remedies that let us enjoy the warm summer weather without itchy eyes and inflamed sinuses. But what about your pet? If you notice your pet […]
by Jordan Upmalis There are lots of objectives when it comes to training your dog, but beyond the obvious skill and relationship building aspects to training, another advantage is that it challenges your dog and ultimately makes them smarter. And who says it can’t be fun? Beyond basic obedience training, […]
Knowing whether pet insurance will pay off for you and your pet will depend on your pet’s specific health care needs. Before buying a plan, consider its costs and weigh against potential benefits. Recent monthly averages in the US for pet insurance was $30 – $65 dollars per month. Talking […]
by Mark Asher Adopting a dog that’s a good fit for you and your lifestyle takes patience, thoughtfulness, and planning. But before that, you need to make sure you have the time to commit to a dog. Being a dog owner might look fun and easy but adding a new […]
By Cathy Madson Sometimes your dog just needs a break! Your dog might be naturally shy or nervous around different kinds of people, be fearful of loud noises or events, or dealing with anxiety. Creating a place your dog can escape to for some alone time reduces that anxiety and […]
by Rivan V. Stinson Adoption rates have risen across the country as more people search for companionship while they work from home and endure various stages of quarantines and lockdowns. Some shelters, such as Riverside County Animal Shelter, in Riverside, Calif., have reported that they are empty due to high […]
Dr. Chris Roth, DVM Many people suffer from allergies and specific reactions to cat allergens occur in about 10% of the population worldwide. So, what can be done about this problem? Several types of treatment are available for people who suffer from cat allergies however, many who suffer wonder if […]
By: Paula Fitzsimmons Weep no more over doggy tear stains! You know, those reddish-brown pools of color that form around a pooch’s eyes? Tear stains on dogs are most noticeable on white pups, but all breeds can get them. And while they can be a sign of a serious medical […]
by Erin Bessey Why Doggy Day Care Is A Good IdeaIt seems like a great solution to many trainers to recommend doggy day care to the average client. Many dogs lack stimulation, sufficient outlets for their energy, or opportunities to socialize with other dogs. Here are five reasons why you […]
by Anna Burke Not everyone enjoys cleaning up copious amounts of dog hair. If you are looking for a small dog with equally small amounts of shedding hair, you are in luck. From small dogs that don’t shed at all, to dogs who shed minimally, here are the dog breeds […]
by Mark Asher What’s not to love about a puppy or a kitten? They’re cute, endlessly playful, and impossible not to instantly become smitten with. But puppies and kittens are not the right fit for every pet owner who chooses to get one. An irresistible puppy today can become an […]
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention’s (APOP) 2018 Pet Obesity Survey, 55.8% of dogs are classified as overweight or obese. That means that most pets these days are overweight, even if many of their owners don’t realize it. But dog owners should be paying more attention to their […]
by Dr. Joyce A. Login Obesity is a growing problem for cats and dogs. A recent study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that 55.8% of dogs and 59.5% of cats in the US are overweight[1]. That’s over half of the dogs and cats in the United States! […]
By Jessika Zachary Have you ever taken your dog out for a potty break and turned your back, only to discover them chomping on a large mouthful of grass? While you might panic and think about the vomit you’ll be cleaning off the carpet later on, this behavior is not […]
How to help your dog when it is too cold for dogs, keep dog paws protected and stay away from winter time poisons.by Melissa L. Kauffman Winter weather came rather quickly this year, especially in some parts of the country. Temperatures plummeted into the 30s (degrees Fahrenheit) in the South. […]
by Dr. Chris Roth, DVMMany pet owners struggle with figuring out how to help their obese dogs lose weight. Animals often have food cravings that can be hard to say no to, especially since you want to keep your dog happy. Over time, however, obesity in dogs can increase their […]
The holiday season is upon us, and many pet parents plan to include their furry companions in the festivities. As you gear up for the holidays, it is important to try to keep your pet’s eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. Also, please be […]
by Mark Asher Winter storms and frigid temperatures can be a challenge and a hazard to our four-legged family members. Both our feline friends and our canine buddies need to venture outside for play or potty breaks regardless of how cold the temperature gets, which means they may be at […]