It’s human instinct to protect our most valued possessions. We lock our homes when we’re away, set our car alarms at the shopping mall, keep our wallets secure and our kids glued to our sides. As veterinarians, we know that dogs are among an owner’s most valued possessions (nay, family members!), and they’re fiercely protective of them when it comes to the neighbor’s aggressive dog or lurking predatory animals. However, dog owners often fail to realize that their fellow humans are also a threat.

Billions of cicadas have spent the last 17 years underground! In fact, the last time they emerged was 2004, when Facebook was founded, and your high schooler was just a baby.

As you fire up the woodstove, gas up the generators, load up on flashlights and firewood, and other winter storm preparation, remember that your pet needs special preventive care and prep, too. Follow these six tips to keep your pet safe and warm in the face of an upcoming storm. 

Although there is much ado about our kids going back to school soon, let us not forget that summer is in full swing. Whether you’re hitting the beach, exploring the trails, or just relaxing in your own backyard, enjoying the outdoors with our pets is the perfect way to live life to the fullest.

As veterinarians, it's heartbreaking that every summer we see several cases of heatstroke. These are dogs that are members of the family. They are loved and cared for by well-intentioned owners that dote on them. They just thought that their dog loves to ride in the car and that they would be fine in the car with the windows cracked while they ran into the dry cleaners. Or they perhaps didn't realize that they were putting their beloved pet in danger by taking them for a run or a walk on a summer day. Don't let this happen to you!

New pet adopters and experienced dog owners alike may wonder, "What is the parvovirus (parvo)? How does my dog get parvo? Can parvo spread to humans and other animals?"

Rabies. The word conjures an image of an angry animal frothing at the mouth and running wild ready to sink its teeth into anything that moves. While that’s unpleasant to consider, what’s worse is that such a bite is often fatal.

Effective vaccines can give you peace of mind when it comes to the good health of your pets. And in fact, many states and municipalities require proof of immunization for dogs and cats. Can you imagine encountering a rabid dog on your daily walk with Fido?