Pets deserve good veterinary care. Regularly scheduled wellness visits will keep them as healthy as possible, and when an illness or injury does arise, seeing a veterinarian is the best way to help your pet feel better fast. If you already have a relationship with a great vet, congrats! But changing vets or finding a veterinarian for a new pet can be difficult. Let’s look at what you can do to find a vet who will be a good fit for both you and your pet. Start Your Search Early The best time to find a veterinarian for a new pet is before that pet even arrives in your home. New pets should be ex ..read more

Introduction to Portuguese Water Dogs As their name suggests, Portuguese water dogs are known for being an athletic and adventurous type of dog breed. These are Working Group dogs that are moderate in size and have a curly coat. Portuguese water dogs are also loyal and affectionate, which makes them excellent dogs to bring into your household as a beloved companion. Naturally, Portuguese water dogs love water and have webbed feet that help them swim. They are also sometimes referred to as “Velcro dogs” because they become so attached to their family members. If you are curious to learn more ab ..read more

Diagnosis: Bee sting, poison ingestion, hemorrhagic gastritis Cost: $4,793| Healthy Paws reimbursed: $4,118 Coverage options:  90 percent reimbursement | $200 deductible Bella is a 3-1/2-year-old Havanese cutie pie who is everything to her pet parent Debbie, especially since her husband passed away nearly a year ago.   “She has one of the sweetest personalities I have ever seen. She ‘smiles’ just about all the time. I am her person. She literally follows me everywhere I go,” Debbie said. Bella loves to watch out the window, and when she sees something interesting, she will run ..read more

Adopting a pet is a life-changing decision, and gathering as much information as possible about the dog or cat before making the commitment is important. Here are some essential questions to ask before adopting a pet. 1. What is the pet’s background, and how did it end up at the shelter? Knowing the pet’s background is crucial when adopting a pet. Find out where the pet came from and how it was treated in the past. This can help you understand the animal’s personality and behaviors (such as being very shy if they weren’t properly socialized as a puppy/kitten) and can help you prepare for any f ..read more

Introduction to Belgian Malinoises As part of the herding group of dogs, the Belgian Malinois is an excellent worker that is smart and confident. It is a versatile dog breed that is easy to bond with and has an elegant appearance. But despite the dog’s hardworking nature, these are people-loving dogs that need a good amount of attention and exercise. They can excel at police and military work, but can also be just as happy with active families who are prepared to provide them with lots of physical and mental activity in exchange for lifelong loyalty. Here is an overview of the Belgian Malinois ..read more

As pet parents, we try to give our pets the best possible lives, including researching the healthiest foods, providing the ideal amount of exercise, and making sure they get their daily pets and scritches. It’s important to understand what potential threats could harm a pet, including potential toxins they may come in contact with. Poisoning is one of the most common reasons for vet visits – pet parents spend upwards of $8 million on poison treatments every year. From A to Z, here are 30 common pet poisons you should be aware of. 1. Acetaminophen. Brand name Tylenol, it’s also found in DayQuil ..read more

You’re ready to add a new pet to the family, which means you are likely busy researching what supplies you’ll need, the best size and breed for your family, and all the other logistics that accompany life with a pet. Adopting a dog or cat can bring much love, joy, and companionship into your life. Becoming a pet parent has been shown to positively impact human health, including reducing stress, improving heart health, and boosting mood. One study found that dog parents walked an average of an hour more per week than others, improving their cardiovascular health. For seniors, a pet gives them a ..read more

It’s probably no surprise that there are numerous parasites cats may encounter during their lives. One that many pet parents may be unfamiliar with causes an infection called toxoplasmosis. It is important that anyone with a cat understands how this parasite is transmitted and how to reduce the risk of infection especially because toxoplasmosis can be passed from cats to humans. What is Toxoplasmosis in Cats? Toxoplasmosis is an infection caused by a parasite called Toxoplasma gondii. Cats may develop toxoplasmosis after ingesting infected rodents or birds or contaminated soil. Once ingested ..read more

Introduction to Cane Corsos The cane corso is a dog breed that has a majestic appearance and that is a smart and affectionate dog to have in your life. Cane corsos are also described as confident, protective, and noble. Their name roughly translates to “bodyguard dog” in Latin, and you can see why when you encounter the size and expression of these alert and muscular dogs. However, these are also versatile dogs that can make good household pets because of their loyalty to family members and eager-to-please personalities. If you have been curious about the cane corso breed, here is what you nee ..read more

The quick answer: Yes, dogs can safely eat ginger. Ginger is a healthy and flavorful root that not only has a unique, strong taste, but also provides a number of health benefits to both dogs and people.  Benefits of ginger Ginger is full of antioxidants and has been found to be effective when it comes to nausea and an upset stomach. Offer your dog a bit of ginger when she is feeling ill, or about 30 minutes before a car ride if she is prone to motion sickness.  This root is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can help relieve a dog’s joint pain and arthritis.  It is suggested tha ..read more