Did you bring home a new pet for the holidays? Welcoming a furry member to the family is an exciting time, and it can be easy to forget a few simple but important steps to ensure life with your new dog or cat begins on the right paw.

Get a head start on a happy, healthy life together with these tips.

The holiday season is a time of giving and joy for many families. However, for pets, there are some dangers that come along with the holiday festivities. During this season, it is important to keep in mind some of the hazards for pets while still enjoying the holidays together.

Pets are attracted to bright lights much in the same way kids are. Low-hanging ornaments, tinsel, and twinkling Christmas lights all pose a threat to pets. Here are some things to remember regarding decorations this holiday season.

Baby, it’s getting cold outside! As you fire up the furnace and dig the sweaters out of the back of the closet, remember that your pet needs special care during the winter months, too. Follow these five tips to keep your pet safe and warm all season long.

Did someone say, “W-A-L-K”? Whether you’re exploring a new trail or hitting your tried-and-true neighborhood loop, taking regular walks with your dog can have many positive effects on her health—and yours.

Here are the top six reasons you should add a stroll with your best friend to your daily routine:

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.

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.

What’s that SMELL? Many pet owners are stumped the first time they notice the pungent, fishy odor coming from their pet. While dogs have the most problems with their anal glands, even cats can have issues.

If you’re like a lot of dog owners, you’re used to a certain set of vaccines. When they’re due, they’re due, and you (along with your veterinary team) consider them part of a standard preventive care routine.