It’s every pet owner’s worst nightmare.  You let your furry companion out of your sight for a few minutes and now your pet is nowhere to be found.  Despite our best efforts to keep our pets safe, this scenario could happen. The American Humane Association estimates over 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen in the U.S. every year. That’s a lot of missing pets. Approximately one-third of dogs and cats will become lost at some point during their lifetimes.  Yet, studies indicate that only about 22 percent of lost dogs that entered animal shelters were reunited with their fam ..read more

Adding a dog to your family is an exciting prospect, but it can be overwhelming, especially if you’ve never had a dog before.  Since it’s so easy to get attached to adorable, fluffy pups at first sight, it’s wise to go into your dog search knowing what qualities you’re looking for in potential dog breeds.  Spend some time considering what size, energy level, and temperament would fit best with your family. Remember, some dog breeds require more outdoor time, exercise and attention than others. To help you narrow it down further, we’ve put together this list of dog breeds that are typ ..read more

No pet parent likes to see their dog in pain, but it is important to know the source of your dog’s pain before treating it with any sort of dog pain medicine.1 While there are some excellent options for managing your dog’s pain, many human medications are toxic to dogs and can cause more harm than good.   The Quick Hits  Remember that every dog’s medical history is different, and even “safe” medicines might not be the right choice for your dog. As a result, it’s important to consult a vet before giving your pet any type of medication.  Over-the-counter Non ..read more

Is your cat sneezing a lot? As cute as that little “achoo” might be, it’s important to make sure there aren’t any underlying health issues causing these problems.   Here are some reasons why your cat might be sneezing or coughing, and what you can do about it.   Why Is My Cat Sneezing?  Your cat could be sneezing for several different reasons. For example, one reason your cat might be sneezing is because he or she has some dust up their nose. Another reason could be a response to certain cleaning products or air fresheners.1  There are also a few di ..read more

Does your cat ever lick you? Licking is a natural behavior for cats, but to us humans, it can come across as a little odd. If your cat is licking you excessively, there could be a few reasons why. Let’s take a look.  Why Do Cats Lick?  There are a few reasons why cats lick. First and foremost, cats lick themselves and each other as a method of grooming.  Cat also use licking as a sign of affection. When cats lick themselves, it releases endorphins1 — the hormones that increase feelings of pleasure.  A cat licking its paw may be grooming itself- or it could po ..read more

Hot spots often appear spontaneously, but they quickly become a painful nuisance to your pet.  Whether you call them summer sores, lick granulomas, acute moist or acral lick dermatitis, a hot spot by any name is unpleasant and often difficult to heal. Typically, they start as a small irritation, but from there your dog could develop OCLD (Obsessive Compulsive Lick Disorder) and they can become inflamed and infected.  Rarer in cats, veterinarians often cannot prescribe a specific cure because hot spots go down to the base layer of the skin, where microscope pockets of bacteria and any ..read more

Dog eye injuries are common among pets, especially dogs who are often active outdoors. If your dog has an eye infection, cherry eye, or injury, the severity could range from a simple case that will heal on its own, to a serious problem that might need surgery.   It’s important to familiarize yourself with dog eye injury symptoms and treatment options so you’ll know what you need to do if your dog has a hurt eye.   Dog Eye Injury Symptoms  If your dog has injured its eye, you may notice him or her displaying symptoms of eye injury ..read more

The holidays can be a time for family, friends, and of course, celebration.  However, it can also be a time when your vet is out of the office.  Here’s what to do in a medical emergency if your vet is OOO this holiday season. 1. Watch your Pet Closely If you think your pet may have ingested something they shouldn’t have, or maybe got into some mischief, it’s important to keep a close eye on them.  Observe your pet for signs of sickness, fatigue or poisoning. 2. Call your Vet’s Office Even if your vet is out of the office, it can be helpful to call the office anyway.  Antic ..read more

As the weather gets colder, it can become more important to prioritize safety for our pets. Freezing temperatures, inches of snow and slippery ice can all cause problems for our four-legged family members.  Here are some winter pet safety tips you can consider following this winter:   How Can I Make Sure my Pet Stays Warm?  Bringing your pet indoors and making sure they have a warm, cozy place to sleep is a good first step. Providing your pet with plenty of pillows and blankets will allow them to keep the ..read more

Bladder stones are mineral compounds that build up in your dog’s bladder or urethra. They may look like rocks or crystals, and can come as large as a piece of gravel. Fortunately, bladder stones in dogs are highly treatable, but they can be extremely painful for your dog, and when left untreated, they might create a blockage in your dog’s urethra.  This could be life-threatening. In this article, we’ll cover the causes of bladder stones, the symptoms to look out for, and what you can do to protect your dog from this condition. Let’s dig in.  What Causes Bladder Stones? There are two ..read more