One in six Americans move each year. Whether you are moving across town or across the country, moving with pets requires additional preplanning and prep work before you move. There is a lot to think about when it comes to moving with a pet in order to get your pet safely to his or her new home without too much trauma for the pet or cost to you, the pet owner. The time and cost spent will largely depend on where you are moving and what type of pets you own, as some states have different laws regarding pet ownership. […]
In the US, professional breeders breed Greyhounds for racing. In the past, greyhounds were often euthanized and disposed of once their racing careers were over. For a greyhound who was not a good racer, this could mean a very short life. Today, more greyhounds are being put up for adoption at the end of their racing career, thanks to the number of rescues dedicated to the breed. If you are considering adopting a retired greyhound, you should know some things beforehand. Retired greyhounds make excellent pets. Bred for racing and their temperament, greyhounds are gentle, laid-back dogs. A retired greyhound […]
Everyone is familiar with the popular stereotype of an elderly “cat lady” who has far too many pets. However, many don’t realize that animal hoarding is a serious psychological condition with no known treatment or cure, which affects thousands of families and millions of animals nationwide, every year. Little is known or understood about the dynamics of animal hoarding or the motivations behind it. What is animal hoarding? Animal hoarding is defined as “the over accumulation of and often obsession with domestic pets.” Common traits of animal hoarding include, taking in pets that one is physically or monetarily unable to care […]
Smells associated with owning an animal are expected, particularly when so many of our favored companions live indoors with us. This article will tackle those common smells associated with having pets and ways to alleviate them. Depending on the type of pet, smells may accumulate for different reasons in different places. Every dog owner knows the smell of wet dog and even the most fastidious cat can occasionally have a stinky cat box. Ferrets are famous for their natural musky scent. Regular baths are a requirement for many pets, especially dogs and some cats. Factors such as type of pet, […]
Many pet owners struggle with the thought of leaving their pets in a boarding facility when vacation time rolls around. If you fall into this category, consider having a pet sitter come to your home. This is a great solution for you and your pet, but there are some things to know and consider before having a pet sitter come into your home. There are many benefits of having a professional pet sitter come to your home. You don’t have the inconvenience or stress of having to transport your pet to and from the boarding facility. Your pet gets to […]
We love our pets and we want the best for them. We take them to the vet, we watch what they eat, and we exercise them, but what about vitamins and supplements? The short answer to whether we should provide our pets with additional supplements is, “that depends.” According to the FDA (http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/Products/AnimalFoodFeeds/PetFood/UCM2006475), most pets receive an appropriate amount of vitamins and supplements in commercially produced pet food that is species specific. However, many pets can benefit from additional vitamins and supplements, particularly if they are senior animals, have a chronic disease, are health compromised, are a working animal (rescue, […]
Given the rising costs of veterinary care, more owners are purchasing health insurance policies for their pets than ever before. Buying health insurance for your pet is a lot like buying health insurance for yourself; there are many companies offering different plans. There are many things to consider when purchasing an insurance policy for your pet. First, what exactly does the plan cover? Some plans will only cover expenses incurred in case of an accident, but most will cover illness as well as accidents. A few will also cover well-pet care such as exams, vaccines, and spaying and neutering. Be […]
Owning a pet with a chronic illness can present some unique challenges. A chronic illness can last anywhere from three months to the lifetime of the pet. This article will give a basic overview of the most common types of chronic illnesses and their treatment. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Urinary tract infections are common in both cats and dogs. They are caused by a build-up of bacteria in the urethra and bladder. Physical symptoms include blood in the urine, trouble urinating, urine with a very strong smell and incontinence. We often don’t notice what our pet’s urine looks or smells […]
Every year, many dogs and cats become infected with heartworm. More dogs than cats are infected. It is found most commonly in outdoor pets, but indoor pets can also be infected. Heartworm is most prevalent in the mid-western, eastern, and southern parts of the United States, but there have been cases reported in all 50 states. Heartworm is a very dangerous condition with very few, if any, symptoms. By the time the pet begins exhibiting any signs of infection, it is often too late. Fortunately, heartworm is a very preventable condition. What is heartworm? Heartworm is a parasitic worm that […]
Several common diseases and illnesses can affect our pets. Some diseases such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, bordatella (kennel cough) and heartworm are easily preventable by keeping your pet current on its vaccines. This article will focus on diseases that are not preventable by vaccination and are, for the most part, very treatable. Ear infections Your pet may develop an ear infection for several reasons. Puppies and kittens may get ear mites from their parents. They usually aren’t visible until three or four months of age. Then you may notice something that looks like coffee grounds in the ears. Ear mites […]
