Function, Comfort, And Safety: The Benefits Of A Pet Harness

Dog on the railway platformWhen you envision a pet harness, images of sled dogs or assistance animals may come to mind, and your personal experience with either could be nil.

The battle between a leash and a pet harness is not a new one, but many new harnesses now available for your active pet effectively remove strain or choking, and support the smaller necks of some breeds and those with respiratory issues. In short, a good pet harness provides more control during walks – and might just become your second best friend if your pet is prone to pulling or yanking on the leash. Continue…

Slowin’ Down: Understanding and Coping With Pet Arthritis

Sad DogWe know the story well: one day, your pet is performing all of his or her usual tricks, and the next, it seems your pet is struggling to get up, jump, or move around.

In some cases, the changes can be so gradual an owner may not realize that Fluffy or Fido is coping with pet arthritis until it becomes painfully obvious. A major component of senior pet care is understanding and supporting your pet’s condition, and that’s where we come in. Quality care and guidance can go a long way to making him or her as comfortable as possible. Continue…

Holidays and the Increased Risk for Pancreatitis in Pets

Clairmont_iStock_000016347139_Large (1)Bowls of gravy, golden turkey legs, and buttered rolls from the oven – all these rich foods signal the arrival of Thanksgiving and other winter holidays. Unfortunately, the amount of feasting that occurs during this time of year also results in an increased number of cases of pancreatitis in pets.

Pet owners aren’t the only ones who suffer a little GI discomfort after overindulging. Think those leftovers aren’t so bad for Fido? Think again. Table scraps can create more problems than simply a bellyache when it comes to our pets. Continue…

Aging Gracefully: Understanding Senior Pet Care

 

Rescuing dogLoving any senior pet is a worthwhile endeavor, but if you’ve raised your pet from puppy or kitten hood, escorting him or her through the golden years may be a sweeter and greater accomplishment, even still.

With the right combination of nutrition, healthy lifestyle, disease prevention, and veterinary care, your pet could possibly sail through the senior years and live well past the typical age for his or her breed. You may be wondering what tenets of senior pet care are most important, and that’s where we come in! Continue…

Routine Pet Vaccinations: Our Weapon of Choice

Dog VaccinationVaccination is frequently at the forefront of controversy in this country. At times, this controversy has spilled over into the veterinary world as well. While no medical procedure, including vaccination, is completely without risk, pet vaccinations remain a powerful means of preventing disease for animals.

Pet Vaccines Keep Pets Healthy

Vaccines are a way to help an individual’s body Continue…

Preventative Cat Care for Purrfect Pet Owners

Clairmont_iStock_000015323829_LargeCats may have nine lives, but even these resilient creatures can succumb to disease and accidents. Luckily, with the ever-improving advances in veterinary medicine, we are learning more and more about how to prevent problems before they ever begin.

Preventative care for cats is an important part of pet ownership, especially when it comes to helping our fantastic feline friends living longer, healthier lives. Continue…

Fleas and Ticks: Prevent, Prevent, Prevent

feral dog scratchingWhile the phrase “flea-bitten hound” may make you grin, fleas crawling all over a hapless dog or cat is no laughing matter. Fleas carry serious diseases and can make life miserable for animals and humans alike.

Leaping Beasties

Meet Ctenocephalides felix, also known as the “cat flea”. The cat flea is a parasite that, despite its name, preys on virtually every mammal in North America. In addition to siphoning blood from their host, flea bites cause virulent itching, flea-allergy dermatitis, and if not controlled, a severe infestation can lead to anemia and even death. Continue…

Clean As A Hound’s Tooth: Why Pet Dental Care Matters

Yorkshire Terrier Day at the Groomer-SpaMany pet owners are aware of the importance of taking control of their pet’s dental care and few are surprised by the positive effects on Fluffy or Fido’s overall wellness when a dental care routine is underway.

However, just because you know that caring for your pet’s oral health is important, doesn’t mean that it’s not challenging to get into the full swing of pet dental care – that’s why we are here to support your endeavor.

Let’s review why dental care matters to your pet, and how you can influence his or her whole body health at home. Continue…

Walking Your Dog: Reasons to Get Moving!

Family Walking Dog Through Winter WoodlandMany dog owners may chuckle to learn that there is actually a National Walk Your Dog Month (we mean, aren’t they all); but seeing as January has this special designation, we’d like to take the opportunity to focus on what makes dog walking fun for everyone.

We all know our pets could probably use more exercise, yet for some reason many of us seem to let this simple task fall to the wayside. Walking your dog has so many benefits besides just exercise; bonding, stress relief, training opportunities, social opportunities, longevity, mental stimulation, and of course, releasing that pent up energy that can lead to misbehavior! With so much at play, don’t let this opportunity pass you and your pet by… Continue…