Ear infections are one of the most common health problems dogs face. Here's what you should know:

What is an ear infection?

Infection of the outer ear, or otitis externa, indicates chronic inflammation of the external ear canal. This type of infection is often caused by bacteria or yeast. Infection of the middle or inner ear can also occur.

Every child at some point begs their parents for a puppy. As a parent, we can’t help but think of all of the added chores and financial obligations that come with owning a pet. But did you know it can actually benefit the health and development of your kids? Here are a few very important reasons why you should consider owning a dog.

April is National Heartworm Awareness Month! Are your pets protected? Here’s what you need to know.

Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitos.

Heartworms are long, spaghetti-like parasites that live in the heart or pulmonary arteries. These worms cause disease by clogging the heart and major blood vessels, resulting in reduced blood supply to other organs, such as the liver, kidney and lungs.

Are you prepared for a pet emergency? Just like humans, animals can experience several kinds of medical crises, like allergic reactions, bites, wounds, heat stroke and poisoning. The most important thing you can do in these types of situations is seek immediate veterinary care.

First aid measures should never replace professional medical attention; however, keeping emergency supplies in your home or car may help your pet in a critical situation before you can get to a vet.

When preparing a first aid kit for your pet, consider including these items:

Taking your dog or cat to their vet appointment can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what to expect. Here are some helpful questions we suggest you ask at your next appointment:

Spring has sprung, and with the change of season comes new activities, and new chances for your pet to get into some things that could potentially make them ill. To help protect your pet, we've listed the Top 5 Spring Time Hazards you should be aware of.

#1 Easter

Chocolate: It probably comes as no surprise to you that chocolate is a big no-no. A potentially lethal dose of chocolate for a 16lb. animal is only 2oz. of baker’s chocolate. 

Summer’s almost here! It’s time to sweat (or hide in the air conditioning). But your dog can’t sweat, and your cat only sweats between his toes. So how do you tell if your pet is starting to get overheated? It’s not quite the same with them as it is for us, but there are signs that, once you know them, will seem obvious. 

We know that pets are more than just companion animals—they are family. We let them sleep in our beds, share our meals from time to time, and lick our faces clean. But love isn’t the only thing going on between people and pets. Humans can contract many illnesses—called zoonotic diseases—from animals, even our furry family members. Thankfully, simple precautions like education, good hygiene, and appropriate veterinary care can greatly reduce your risk.