Pet Safety
The Goody Bag: What to Know About Pets and Parties
A charmingly social pet can add a great deal of fun to any festive party. They’re cute, enthusiastic, and excellent subjects of conversation – if they’re well-behaved, that is. Not every pet is cut out for company, and not every person is tolerant of a four-legged party guest. Add to that a variety of things…
Read MoreProtecting Your Dog from Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is an extremely contagious and dangerous viral illness in dogs that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous system. Distemper affects dogs, pet ferrets, and wildlife, such as raccoons, foxes, coyotes, wolves, and more. At-Risk Dogs Puppies under 4 months old and dogs who have not been vaccinated are at risk for contracting canine…
Read MoreMine, Mine, Mine! Possessive Aggression in Dogs
You know that all-too-familiar feeling of not wanting to share your slice of cheesecake, lend your favorite sweater to a friend, or give up your go-to spot on the couch. Our animal friends experience this type of instinct as well, although they often handle it less gracefully than we do. Possessive aggression in dogs, also…
Read MoreI Found an Abandoned Animal…Now What?
Most people will find an abandoned animal at some point in their lives. The odds increase when you spend a lot of time outside, either on the trail or strolling the neighborhoods (perhaps with your own pet). While our hearts are often in the right place, encountering an abandoned animal can be dangerous for everyone…
Read MoreVet Approved People Food for Pets
You have probably run across those long lists of foods deemed not safe to give your pets. If you are like the vast majority of the animal-loving population, though, you probably can’t resist sliding a little food from the table to your favorite furry friends. So what foods are okay, and which are an absolute…
Read MoreWhen Good Livers Go Bad: Pet Liver Problems
As far as internal organs go, the liver is generally underrated. It is not an organ that we tend to talk about very much, but is extremely important to your pet’s overall health. The liver helps to detoxify the body, stores vitamins and minerals, regulate blood sugar, ensures proper blood clotting, and produces several very…
Read MoreHypothyroidism in Dogs
Hypothyroidism is a condition that causes low thyroid function, most commonly among dogs (although cats can also be affected). Most notably synonymous with weight gain, hypothyroidism in dogs can also produce behavioral changes, which are often observed before any physical symptoms can be detected. Hypothyroidism in dogs is primarily diagnosed among medium to large breeds,…
Read MoreDog Fights and Other Forms of Canine Aggression
Dog fights can be terrifying – especially when one of the pugilists is your beloved canine companion. However, aggression in dogs is common and can lead to bites and other injuries, including attacks on humans. Dog fights can occur for many different reasons. By understanding the underlying causes, you can address the issue and keep…
Read MoreChow Hounds and Curious Kitties: GI Obstructions in Pets
Just like babies, our pets tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially puppies. No wonder one of the most useful commands to teach your dog is “drop it!” However, besides ruining an expensive pair of Jimmy Choo’s, gastrointestinal (GI) obstructions in pets can also lead to an emergency situation. Why Do They Do…
Read MoreSummertime Paw Care and Safety
Despite how much we rely on them, feet are often taken for granted. The same can be true of your pet’s paws – they’re sensitive and subject to a lot of rough surfaces and rowdy activity. When most owners consider sun and heat safety, it often centers on dehydration, sunburn, and heatstroke. While these conditions…
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