According to a 2012 survey by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), 55 percent of U.S. dogs and cats are now overweight.

Many people think fat cats and pudgy pups are cute, but consider this:

Overweight pets don’t feel good. Overweight pets often appear tired or lazy, lack energy and playfulness, are reluctant to jump or run, have difficulty grooming, lag behind on walks and pant heavily. In addition, the extra weight puts stress on their joints, hearts, lungs, liver, kidneys are more.

No pet lover wants to see their precious kitty suffering with fleas and ticks. Yet, as every pet lover knows, these nasty parasites are a fact of life when you have furry companions -- this is especially true in the summer months as that’s when they thrive.

All pets are at risk when it comes to fleas and ticks. Even indoor cats. Sometimes cat lovers think they're indoor cats can’t attract fleas or ticks but that’s not true. You can bring ticks in on your clothes and if you have a visiting pet, they could bring fleas with them.

You don’t want that!

The gastrointestinal system is very important in overall health. It is not only necessary for the nourishment of the body, but is also critical for keeping the body hydrated, presenting antigens to the rest of the body, maintaining balance in intestinal bacteria and elimination of the unusable substances ingested.

Because of the success of preventative measures in our corner of the globe, many people generally do not give a deadly illness like rabies much thought.

The over-the-counter (OTC) supplement market has boomed in recent years as consumers seek alternatives to traditional health care for both humans and animals. But how do we know that dietary supplements and herbal formulas bought over the counter are effective or safe?

Often, the manufacturer of these products is not overseen unless adverse results are reported. Studies show, however, that most consumers do not report such events. Even if they did, it may take years before the FDA received enough complaints to warrant an investigation of the product.

Urinating or defecating outside the litter box, known as inappropriate elimination, is the most common behavioral complaint of cat owners.

Understanding the underlying causes of this condition—and how to treat them appropriately—can help ease the frustration and rebuild the bond between cat lovers and their feline friends.

What causes inappropriate elimination?

Inappropriate elimination can be caused by medical or behavioral issues.

On average, pets age seven times faster than people. This means that most dogs and cats reach adulthood by age two and middle age by four. By age seven, most dogs—particularly larger breeds—are entering their senior years!

Because dogs and cats age so rapidly, health problems tend to progress faster in pets as well.

September is National Preparedness Month. Are you and your pets ready in case of an emergency?

To us, animals are important members of every household. As you prepare your family for the unexpected, don’t forget to include them—simple steps like creating a plan, assembling an emergency kit and staying informed can greatly help your furry friends if disaster strikes.