Some years ago, veterinarians recommended cat flea and tick prevention primarily during the summer months unless you lived in a warm climate. The idea was that the sustained cold killed the fleas and ticks.

These days, however, with shifting weather patterns, those fleas & ticks may not die out completely. Besides, if there are any flea pupae (the lifecycle that occurs prior to hatching), already in your home, it probably doesn’t get cold enough to kill them.

You and your pet both know the rule: No table food! On occasion, however, your vet may actually recommend human fare for your furry friend. What’s the deal?

Vegetables are an excellent source of antioxidants—dietary substances that can repair and prevent damage to the body’s cells—for both humans and animals. While antioxidants in tablet form only contain a handful of different antioxidants, vegetables can contain hundreds, many of which work together for an even more powerful effect.

Have an older pet at home? 

Just like humans, pets can develop a number of new health issues as they enter their senior years. Often attributed to simply “slowing down,” it is not uncommon for many of these age-related problems to go untreated or even unnoticed. However, many of these changes can be effectively managed with proper veterinary care.

Common age-related medical issues in pets include:

Rodenticide, commonly used to kill rats, mice, moles and gophers, comes in many forms and can cause a variety of serious problems in our pets.

Rodenticide containing cholecalciferol (Vitamin D) causes high calcium levels in the blood and can damage the kidneys, central nervous system, heart and intestines. Poisons that contain bromethalin are neurotoxic, causing paralysis and possibly coma, and brodifacoum, warfarin and other anticoagulant rodenticides cause an inability to clot the blood and often lead to internal bleeding.

Halloween is supposed to be spooky, but it can be an especially stressful night for the furry little monsters in your house. Follow these tips to keep the holiday fun—not frightening—for your family pets.

Stranger danger!

Visitors (in costume, no less!) are often scary and stressful for pets.

Most cats love laser pointers. You can press the button and let the red laser land in a pinpoint on the floor, or the wall...just out of reach of your cat, and watch him pounce. It’s entertaining to watch and it’s entertaining for your cat. They’re not so good, however, for your dog. But first, let’s look at how they benefit your kitty. 

Pop quiz time – you are walking with your dog in the woods and come upon a snake.

Would you be able to tell a venomous snake from one of the harmless varieties?  Would you know what to do if it was a venomous snake and your pet was bitten?  Here are some answers we hope will help!

While our cats are generally living longer, a feline is still considered a senior at age 11 (about 60 in human years) and geriatric at 15 (76 years for a human). So although your kitty may be young at heart, it is important to remember that senior and geriatric cats are more at risk for arthritis, especially in the hips and spine.