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 […]
Dealing with Older Dog Health Problems By Lorie Huston, DVM Senior dogs have different care requirements than those of a younger dog. This fact probably doesn’t come as a surprise to anyone. But how do you know when your dog is considered to be a senior? It really depends on […]
Arthritis will afflict most dogs as they age, especially now that dogs are living longer than ever. However, the subtle signs of joint pain can be tricky for dog owners to detect, and it doesn’t help that and dogs tend to hide their soreness and discomfort too. In many cases, […]
Some pets love the hustle and bustle of Halloween, while others will find this spooky holiday a bit stressful. We recognize that animals are individuals, so while you while enjoy the festivities, consider it from your pet’s perspective: “A dog’s natural instinct is to protect their home or to alert […]
With acorns and oak leaves covering the ground this time of year, many people do not think much of letting their dogs pick up a leaf or acorn, but the fact is that acorns and oak leaves are both toxic to dogs. Are Acorns And Oak Leaves Safe For Dogs? […]
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 […]
It is so important to make sure your dog gets as much as exercise as possible to keep them healthy and happy. Most people already take their dog for regular walks but there are other types of dog exercise other than walking. So why not mix things up a bit? […]
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 […]
Surprisingly, Two Dogs Aren’t Twice the Work! From the time I was five until forty years old, I had one dog at a time. Things changed when my beloved Golden Retriever, B.J., was dying of kidney failure. I had just met, Glenn, the man with whom I was destined to […]
Published by Jean Marie Bauhaus Overheating in dogs is not something to take lightly. As the weather heats up, it’s important to remain aware of how the heat affects your pup. Heat exhaustion in dogs can lead to serious and potentially fatal conditions such as heat stroke and cardiac arrest. […]
by Mary Jo DiLonardo A dog may growl when he’s playing tug-of-war, but it doesn’t mean the same thing as when he’s guarding a food bowl. My dog is a talker. When he’s with another dog, he constantly barks and growls as he races around the yard, so incredibly excited […]
Daredevil Evel Knievel famously said, “I love the feeling of the fresh air on my face and the wind blowing through my hair.” Dogs agree. While few dogs will attempt to jump the Snake River Canyon on a rocket propelled motorcycle like Knievel did in 1974, most dogs would jump […]
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 […]
Pups communicate for many reasons, but sometimes you just need them to shush. Mary Jo DiLonardo Barking is a dog’s way of communicating everything from danger to boredom. It’s a lose-lose situation no matter which side of the fence you’re on. Whether it’s your dog that’s barking or your neighbor’s […]
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 […]
Fears, Phobias, and Anxieties in Dogs Fear is the instinctual feeling of apprehension resulting from a situation, person, or object presenting an external threat — whether real or perceived. The response of the autonomic nervous system prepares the body for the freeze, fight, or flight syndrome. It is considered to […]
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 […]
Written by John Walton Grooming is a natural part of a dog’s daily routine, from licking himself clean to shaking off the blades of grass after a good roll on the lawn. But it’s no longer grooming when the behavior becomes incessant. If you notice your dog constantly licking his […]
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 […]
New study reveals the risks, but these tips will keep you on track. Mary Jo DiLonardo Having a dog can motivate seniors to go for a walk, which is smart for overall health — but there’s a risk of serious injury, too. Dogs are awesome. There’s so much scientific evidence […]
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 […]
Annie Phenix, CPDT-KA There is no need or valid reason to shock, poke, hang, hit, or throw chains at your dog, or to spray water in his face or hurl him to the ground on his back (called an alpha roll). None. Please read that sentence again. If someone in […]
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 DR. MARTY BECKER DVM As soon as you get your new puppy, love on him and let him hear the sound of your voice. You want to know the first two thoughts of a new puppy owner? I got a new puppy! Now what do I do? Congratulations! You’ve […]
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, […]
Cold rains and frigid winds, along with winter’s snow and ice can wreak havoc on your dog’s skin and coat when you take him for his daily walks. It’s the most difficult time of year for maintaining your best friend’s grooming routine. What’s the best way to protect your dog’s […]
Extreme low temperatures can cause a dog’s body temperature to fall, leading to hypothermia. A dog’s normal body temperature is between 101°F and 102.5°F, so anything below 100°F is considered hypothermia in dogs. If sustained, hypothermia in dogs may lead to several complications and can even become fatal. To prevent […]
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 […]
Dr. Sophia Yin gives some sage advice on breaking up a tussle between dogs. For more from Dr. Yin, find her on Facebook or at drsophiayin.com! If you have a dog and he goes to the dog park, lives with doggie housemates, or otherwise socializes with other dogs, chances are […]
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, […]
Do you feel guilty that your pet doesn’t get enough time with you? It’s a trap that happens to most of us, but one that can be easily remedied. Here are some guidelines for enriching your pet’s life and health through exercise. Why Exercising Your Dog Makes Sense Big or […]
The word “compulsive” describes the repetitive, irresistible urge to perform a behavior. A dog who displays compulsive behavior repeatedly performs one or more behaviors over and over, to the extent that it interferes with his normal life. The behavior he’s doing doesn’t seem to have any purpose, but he’s compelled […]
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 […]
I’m on the front line, fighting that most foul habit: coprophagia. Here are a few of my strategies to stop it. Helen Ubinas | Aug 2nd 2012 My rescue Goldens and I are locked in a battle of wills that can only be described as the Poop Wars. On one […]
Warm weather is a natural draw for getting out and enjoying the bounties of summer before the next cold arrives in the fall. And naturally, our dogs want to get out and enjoy the warm weather, too. But a day out in the sun is only fun when everyone is […]
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 […]