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 […]
Walking and hiking with your pet can be a great form of exercise and socialization for you and your dog. Many people decide to get a dog so they will have a walking or hiking buddy; it can be a great incentive for getting out and enjoying some fresh air. It can also be a great socialization tool for both you and your dog. Your dog gets used to meeting new people and other dogs and you will most likely make some new acquaintances yourself. Dogs are great icebreakers! Often people are more likely to approach someone who has a […]
More and more communities are providing dog parks, where dog owners can take their pets to run off-leash. There are more than 600 designated off-leash areas in the US. Most provide fenced areas, but some are open and designated as off-leash areas. Most coastal cities and recreational areas have at least one dog beach. A typical dog park has a double-gated entrance and exit to prevent dogs that are already in the park from escaping when a new dog is entering the park. There may be separate areas for large and small dogs. There should be water available, plenty of […]
By some estimates, there are about 165 million dogs and cats in American households today compared to about 61 million dogs and cats 30 years ago. Coupled with this fact is the reality that the entire American family, children and adults, now have more demands on their time than ever before. This leaves less time to walk the family dog. This is where a relatively new industry, “professional dog walking” has developed to fill this demand. This article discusses key points about professional dog walkers and offers information on what to look for when choosing a professional dog walker. One […]
Basic obedience training is a very important part of being a responsible pet owner. Every year, many pets end up in shelters because their owners didn’t take the time to teach them basic obedience and house manners. By spending a few minutes a day, you can turn your dog into a well-behaved companion. This article will give some simple tips on teaching your pet the most important obedience commands and basic house manners. First, I’d like to clear up a misconception many people have about crate training. Contrary to what some people believe, training a dog to use a crate […]
