National Love Your Pet Day: When and How to Celebrate
Anyone out there who has a furry pal at home knows that pretty much every day is “love your pet” day. However, you might not realize that there is a special day dedicated to the endearing companions that make our lives better without even trying. You probably already do your best to show your pets… Read more »
Why You and Your Cat Deserve a Cat Friendly Practice®
Cats need regular check-ups to help ensure longer, happier, and healthier lives. During routine check-ups your veterinarian can often detect conditions or diseases that may affect your cat’s health before they become painful or more difficult to treat. The American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) established the Cat Friendly Practice® (CFP) Program to reduce the… Read more »
Common Pet Parasites: A Pet Owner’s Glossary
It is very common for your pet to become infected with either an external or internal parasite at in its lifetime. Parasites can affect your dog or cat in a variety of ways, ranging from simple irritation to causing life-threatening conditions if left untreated. Some pet parasites can even infect and transmit diseases to you… Read more »
Feline & Canine Body Condition Score Chart (5-Point System)
Each point on the 5-point scale represents an increase or decrease depending on direction of 20 to 30 percent in body fat above or below ideal (i.e. 1=very thin and 5=obese). The BCS chart is a helpful tool for pet owners to increase awareness that their pet may be seriously underweight or overweight. Many serious… Read more »
Getting Your Cat to the Veterinarian: Reducing the Stress
Providing good health care, especially preventive health care, can allow your cats to have longer, more comfortable lives. However, this cannot happen unless they see the veterinarian for needed care. Many cats dislike going to the veterinarian, and that starts with the difficulty of getting the cat into the carrier. If we can make this… Read more »
Degenerative Joint Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
We all wish our dogs could stay puppies forever, with their fluff of wild fur and their boundless energy. Many dogs remain active and playful for years, providing the loving personality and companionship we crave and becoming beloved members of our families. Over time, however, our pets can suffer from any number of ailments, just… Read more »
Nursing Care for Your Cat: Practical Tips for Pet Owners
When in the unfamiliar and often scary place known as “the veterinary practice” your cat needs your confidence and reassurance, especially if it is sick. Your behavior greatly influences your cat’s sense of security and its behavior at the practice. Your nursing skills at home also play a major role in the success of the… Read more »
National Pet Travel Safety Day: What Is It & What Can You Do?
January first not only marks the beginning of a new year, but also the start of many a resolution to improve in the coming months, to do better this year than last. It is fitting, then, that National Pet Travel Safety Day falls on January second. If you have yet to hear of this holiday,… Read more »
Vaccinations for Your Cat: Pet Owner Guide
WHY DOES MY CAT NEED TO BE VACCINATED? Vaccines help to protect against specific infectious diseases caused by some viruses and bacteria. They stimulate the body’s immune system to destroy the organism and ‘remember’ it so that it can fight against infection again if necessary in the future.Without vaccination, many cats become seriously ill or… Read more »
Why Won’t My Dog Eat or Drink? Causes and Solutions
As a responsible pet parent, you want to do everything in your power to make sure your furry best friend remains healthy and happy. You spend time choosing healthy food options, finding safe toys, and scheduling regular visits with the vet for checkup, vaccinations, and so on. You might even go to the trouble of… Read more »