While veterinarians play a key role in keeping pets healthy, they can’t do it alone (just ask them!).

Veterinary technicians are the lifeblood of any animal hospital—and that’s why the third week of October, known as National Veterinary Technician Week, is dedicated to celebrating them and everything they do for pets and the people who love them.

Here are just a few reasons we owe technicians a debt of gratitude:

From vampurrs to dogosaurs, there are few things as irresistible as a pet dressed up for Halloween. Make sure your pet’s costume is as safe as it is spooky with these tips.

Does your cat have a big heart? No, we’re not talking about her loving personality. An enlarged heart could point to a cardiac condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy—and it can mean big problems for your feline friend’s health.

Most people think cats can take care of themselves—and they’d actually prefer it that way—but even the most fastidious feline groomers could use a helping hand.

Did you know that cats, even those who stay indoors, can suffer from allergies? Signs of allergies in cats can be similar to common signs in dogs, including itchy, inflamed skin. You may recognize signs that are a lot like your own, too, such as sneezing or nasal discharge.

It’s a fact: pets are expensive. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), it is estimated that pet owners will spend $72 billion on their pets in 2018. That number includes expenses such as food, medication, supplies, and veterinary care—and if your pet is insured, you could get a significant portion of those out-of-pocket costs covered.

If the thought of your pet sitting calmly while several tiny needles are inserted into various points on his body makes you scoff, think again. Veterinary acupuncture is an increasingly common treatment for a variety of canine and feline ailments, from chronic pain and inflammation to metabolic conditions like kidney disease.

Ticks are the vampire of the pet world. They latch onto your dog or cat, attach themselves and suck their blood until they’re engorged with your pet’s blood. Then they fall off and rest until they’ve digested their meal.

What happens next is they may quietly die, or they may feel ready for another feeding. It depends on the life cycle of the tick, the type of tick, and other such factors.