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 […]
Dr. Chris Roth, DVM It’s turkey time, and you know that means plenty of food for the whole family! But, unfortunately, many thanksgiving treats can be toxic to pets. Thankfully, there are many holiday foods you can safely share with your pets this Thanksgiving, but remember, too much of a […]
Dr. Jack Stephens Neither rain nor sleet nor blizzard should prevent your dog from engaging in daily play and exercise. When the weather is anything but fetching, play indoors. The beauty of regular playtime with your canine pal is that it can occur anytime, anywhere. And you both reap many benefits. […]
Your Dog Can Help Your AnxietySome dogs have been especially trained to help.Posted Oct 07, 2019 What Is Anxiety?Find a therapist to overcome anxietyAs any dog owner will tell you, your dog can cheer you up and comfort you when you’re down. In fact, the very first time we hear […]
By Ellen Furlong ∙ Oct 31, 2020 I have discovered one positive amid the pandemic: I love working with two dogs at my feet. As someone who studies dog cognition, I often wonder: What is Charlie learning when he stops to sniff the crisp fall air? What is Cleo thinking […]
by Linda Carroll | NBC NEWS All dog lovers know that their pets in older age aren’t the same as they were as puppies, but owners often can’t pinpoint the exact personality changes brought on by the passage of time. A study published Wednesday in Scientific Reports attempts to map […]
October 13, 2020Halloween is right around the corner and with pets playing such a significant role in our lives, you know they are going to be part of the festivities. So if you’re looking forward to enjoying a safe and fun Halloween, this article will provide you with pet costume […]
Helsinki Airport welcomed 10 dogs this week as part of a pilot program.ByMina Kaji andAmanda Maile A new program will attempt to help sniff out fliers who could be infected with COVID-19 at the Helsinki Airport. They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but trainers in Finland […]
By Jeanie Lerche Davis A pet is certainly a great friend. After a difficult day, pet owners quite literally feel the love. In fact, for nearly 25 years, research has shown that living with pets provides certain health benefits. Pets help lower blood pressure and lessen anxiety. They boost our immunity. […]
By Arden Moore, a certified dog and cat behaviorist with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Arden is an author, radio host and writer for Pets Best, a pet insurance agency for dogs and cats. Neither rain nor sleet nor blizzard should prevent your dog from engaging in daily […]
By LisaBeth Weber The phrase “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is often not about a dog. But in the literal sense, asking whether old habits can be replaced with new behavior is a good question. Molly Sumner Sumridge, certified dog behavior consultant and owner of Kindred Companions […]
by Jane Matheys I have always been fascinated by cats, including cat health, behavior, their agility and athleticism, and of course their amazing ability to usually land on their feet. Whether they’re overshooting windowsills on a quest for birds or miscalculating fences as they run from barking dogs, they appear […]
Authored by Doug Kenney, DVM May 30, 2014 The most common question pet owners ask about pet insurance is: “Is pet insurance worth it?” It’s a valid question and one worth exploring. I think that people often have the wrong attitude about pet insurance. For example, it’s not uncommon for […]
by Dr. Chris Roth, DVM Beware of these common garden dangers that are toxic to pets.When winter has finally passed and spring is on its way, millions of Americans begin heading to nurseries and home improvement stores to gather supplies to beautify their yards. Gardening is a fun and healthy […]
Authored by Jason Nicholas Dogs, just like humans, can suffer from motion sickness during car rides or other types of travel. A dog can get carsick even during short trips in the car. A queasy dog makes car rides an unpleasant experience for everyone, but luckily there are things you […]
Getting outside (safely) for fresh air and exercise is important, now more than ever, and your pup deserves the same. There are several pet-friendly hiking trails right here in Atlanta to enjoy the great outdoors together. • Sweetwater Creek State Park: This hike has four trails varying in difficulty and […]
By Mark Asher Bringing a new cat or kitten into your home can add a lot of love and laughter to your life. In addition, by adopting a cat you’ll be saving a pet from possibly being euthanized. There are important caveats to consider, however, before you take the leap. […]
By Peter Laskey Whether you have an indoor or outdoor dog, you can be sure he or she wants to eat what’s on your table. Although I support dogs eating dog food, sometimes some human food is allowed. However, if you don’t want to hurt your four-legged house friend, you […]