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Guest Post by Dr. Lauren Cassady, DVM   Have you ever gotten a jolt of ‘cat-tricity’? In winter especially, cat fur builds up a static charge, made all the worse when you shuffle across a carpet to pet your little one. Suddenly, several causes have just combined to give both of you a shock you won’t soon forget. Winter air is often dry, and indoor heating makes the home even more dry.  Anything below 40% relative humidity sets the stage for an electrostatic charge of energy that leaps onto another conductive object in its proximity. Cats conduct a good, solid charge. On cold, dry day ..read more

By Lauren Cassady, DVM   Your senior dog may not be so frisky anymore, but she still needs a little exercise to keep her joints flexible and muscles toned. Taking her to the park or a dog park will also renew her sense of adventure, and help to sharpen cognitive skills. However, there are some things to take into account because your dog is older now. Does she limp, favor one side, have difficulty with steps, breathe hard on inclines, or cough? If you notice anything out of the ordinary, it’s best to get her checked by your vet before doing anything strenuous. Make sure she’s up to date o ..read more

By Lauren Cassady, DVM   When our dogs lose another pet, a friend, or family member, whether it’s from parting ways or going over the rainbow bridge, the effect can be profound. They grieve, because they form such strong bonds. They will feel our grief or sadness, too, and will worry about us. Their family is their ‘pack’ and now the hierarchy has been disturbed, so they may not know what to do. Notice whether your dog is sleeping more, not hungry, or not interested in playing. Your dog may whimper or howl, and may want to stay even closer to you to feel comforted, or may chew on things t ..read more

By Lauren Cassady, DVM   If your dog’s stocking hangs from the mantel, you might find her staring at it for hours, waiting for the goodies inside. Instead, why not play some games to make the holidays special even for your pet? This will strengthen the bond between both of you, activate your dog’s senses, and build lots of happy memories. Playing a game of hide and seek encourages your dog to use her mind and natural hunting skills, and to get some exercise as we stay in more during cold winter months. If it’s just the two of you, place your pet in an enclosed room, hide the treat, and th ..read more

By Lauren Cassady, DVM   One way to keep your cat from fixating on the fact that there is a tree in the house this Christmas is to play games with him. Cats are natural hunters, so what better game than to play hide and seek with special treats from his stocking? The simplest game is to hide a treat under a blanket while he watches. Then stand back as he pounces and tries to figure out how to retrieve it. This is a great way to exercise even an older cat’s mind and reflexes, or to teach a kitten some hunting skills. Use a little lap blanket for a kitten. For more active cats, hide special ..read more

Whether it happens suddenly, or after a lasting illness, the loss of a pet is a devastating event. During this traumatic and confusing time, it can be difficult to decide how to handle your pet’s passing. At Paws, Whiskers & Wags, your pet crematory, we encourage pet parents to plan ahead for their pet’s aftercare. We offer a variety of pet cremation and memorial options designed to suit you and your pet’s particular needs. Why Plan Ahead? Our pets are often our best friends, our companions, and our family members. Planning ahead for a pet’s aftercare arrangements prevents pet owners from ..read more

How Do You Remember a Dead Pet? When you lose a beloved pet, it can feel like the loss of a close family member. After all, that furry companion likely provided you with comfort, friendship and emotional support. For many pet owners, deciding how to remember, honor or memorialize a dead pet can help ease the grief that accompanies this loss. Here are a few unique and touching ideas to consider for a pet memorial. 1. Create a memorial for your loved one. Take a few minutes to remember and write down the memories you cherish of your pet. Find your favorite photo of your loved one and submit an o ..read more