The last Friday of May is dedicated to National Heat Awareness Day, which spotlights heat-induced medical emergencies in humans and pets. Recognized on May 26 this year, we’re taking this opportunity to educate pet owners about the risks and signs associated with excessive heat, and preventative measures to ensure every pet can avoid potentially fatal heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heatstroke. As we transition from cool months to hot summer days, it’s critical to know the warning signs to avoid an unnecessary trip to the emergency veterinarian.

As veterinarians, one of the most common concerns we hear from animal owners is how to protect their furry friends from fleas and ticks. These parasites not only cause discomfort and itching, but they can also transmit diseases and infest your home. Without proper treatment, they can make your four-legged family members (and other members of your family) downright miserable.

There's a lot of talk about the luck of cats, especially black cats. Some people believe they're lucky, while others think they bring bad luck to humans. There are also plenty of myths about cats’ own luckiness, like whether they always land on their feet when they fall.

The United States is home to myriad cat breeds, each with its own special set of characteristics. While some people may prefer a certain type of cat based on appearance, others may base their decision on personality or health concerns. Regardless of your preferences, there are certain breeds that stand out among the rest. Here are the top cat breeds in the United States, according to The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA).

Every pet owner wants to bring along their four-legged family member when they set out for a fun adventure, including camping. However, camping excursions must be carefully planned, from understanding campground rules to ensuring your pet is safe in an unfamiliar outdoor environment. June is National Camping Month—the perfect time to safely explore how to take your pet along for a multi-day camping trip.

National Heat Awareness Day is recognized every year on the last Friday of May and was initially added to the calendar to encourage employers to be aware of heat-related dangers in the workplace, especially for manual labor and outdoor-focused careers. Falling on May 27 this year, National Heat Awareness Day also reminds pet owners of the risks of hot summer days for their furry family members. We’re offering hot weather safety tips to ensure your pets remain healthy through the “dog days” of summer in honor of this important day.

Dogs and cats are curious by nature, often investigating every corner of the yard, sniffing everything along their path, licking things of interest, and playing with fellow neighborhood pets. These natural tendencies mean they innocently expose themselves to potentially harmful elements, including parasites.

National Pet Poison Prevention Week takes place this year from March 21st through March 27th. Aimed at educating pet parents about some of the most common things that are poisonous to pets, this week is a fantastic opportunity to brush up on your knowledge and keep your furry family member safe.