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7 Common Signs of Arthritis in Dogs

Osteoarthritis is a common ailment found in older dogs, as well as some larger breeds that are genetically prone to it. Similarly to humans, arthritis in dogs causes changes in the affected joints that can be incredibly painful for your pet. Arthritis can occur in any joint, but is most commonly found in the shoulders, hips, elbows, and knees. It can be caused by ongoing wear and tear, but can also be caused by an injury to the area, genetics, and disease. If you notice any of the following 7 signs and suspect that your dog may suffer from arthritis,…

6 Tips for Introducing Your Pet to Your New Baby

For many, their pet is their first “child.” You take good care of them, bring them to doctor appointments, make sure they eat balanced meals, and worry about them when they are not feeling well. Your furry companion is an important part of your family. When adding a baby to the family, despite a pet owner’s best efforts, the dynamics between humans and their pets will change. It can be a confusing time for the family pet, who was once the center of your world, to suddenly receive less attention. As new parents, you may worry about how your pet…

If your cat suddenly starts sneezing and coughing more than normal, you may start to wonder if something is wrong. After all, cats are notoriously good at hiding illness until it has become severe. At what point should you start to worry? Much like humans, the occasional cough or sneeze is completely harmless. It’s likely something small like dust up the nose, fur in the throat, or some other foreign matter. If, however, the symptoms are more frequent and last a while, there may be cause for concern. So, how do you know when it is time to call the…

We never recommend feeding human food or table scraps to your pets. Their store-bought diet has been specifically formulated for pets’ nutritional needs, which may be quite different from humans’ needs. In addition to promoting annoying habits, the feeding of more than tiny amounts of table scraps and other foods can seriously compromise their nutritional health. But… Who can resist those big puppy eyes begging for a bit of your meal? You love to spoil your pet, but you want to make sure you won’t hurt them. If you are thinking about feeding your dog table scraps, it is important…

7 Tips For Socializing Your Pet

Congratulations on your new pet! You’ve done all the research on toys and food and housebreaking, you’ve found your vet, and now you want to show off the newest member of your family in public. Socializing a young pup is the best way to raise a friendly, confident dog that behaves well with different people and places. Here are some tips on how to properly socialize your pet. Window of Opportunity While dogs of all ages are learning all the time, there is a proven learning “sweet spot” for dogs that falls between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks….

Pet Insurance: Is It Worth the Cost?

You love your four-legged friend just as much as you love the two-legged humans in your family. They’re friendly, loyal, and always willing to just sit and let you binge-watch Netflix. But, just like your human family members, pet family can suddenly get ill or injured, leading to high vet bills. To help defray the cost of these unexpected – and some anticipated – expenses, more pet owners are turning to pet insurance. What Is Pet Insurance? Pet insurance operates in a similar manner to health insurance for humans: You pay a monthly premium, and then certain emergency and routine…

How Often Should I Groom My Pet?

Getting your pet groomed professionally is a great way to keep them clean, great-smelling, and healthier for longer. One of the big questions after you begin grooming your pet is how often you need to continue getting them groomed. The answer to that isn’t as simple as a specific number. Instead, it depends on several factors. Your Pet’s Coat Your pet’s individual coat characteristics are going to largely determine how often they need to be groomed. Shorter-haired pets will be less prone to collecting dirt and getting matted, so they won’t need to be groomed as often. With a short-haired…

How Do I Litter-Train My Kitten?

Whether your adult cat has just had kittens or you have adopted or rescued a new furry friend, you are likely eager to litter-train. No one likes to find animal waste throughout their home! Fortunately, kittens are fairly easy to litter train. They instinctively want to cover their waste, they just need a space to do so. Here are some tips for successful litter-training: Choosing the Right Litter Box & Placement Litter boxes should start shallow for small kittens and without a cover so it is easy to access. You can find a shallow plastic bin to use; or, if…

5 Ways to Prepare Your Dog or Cat for Boarding

Summer is a time for family vacations and beach trips. But often, these fun adventures mean your pet is left behind at home. Finding quality care for your dog or cat while you’re away can be a challenge, but you’ve done your research and think you’ve found the perfect place to board your pet. Boarding can be stressful on even the most calm, go-with-the-flow pets, and you need to take some steps to make sure your animal is ready for the change. Here are 5 ways to prepare your dog or cat for boarding: Consider a Trial Run If your…

What Happens at an Annual Animal Wellness Exam?

You may think that you only need to bring your pet to the vet for shots or when they are ill, but an annual wellness exam is key to keeping your cat or dog healthy, happy, and thriving! An annual wellness exam promotes overall health and well-being, and helps you to catch potential illnesses before they become chronic problems, or worse. How Often Should I Schedule a Wellness Exam? You’ve probably heard that one human year is equivalent to seven dog years. While the calculation is a little more complicated than that, the fact remains – pets age at a…