So you’re off to visit Grandma and Grandpa for Christmas, but you don’t want to leave your four-legged buddy at home. If your relatives are amenable to having your pet visit with you, make sure that he’s welcome back next year, too. Here’s how. Preparation To get ready to travel anywhere, you prepare for your …
Why We Love Our Pets So Much – American Culture and Its Pets
Have you ever heard the term “anthrozoology”? In 1990, biologist John Bradshaw, an honorary research fellow at the University of Bristol in England, coined the term to define a field of study that deals with how humans think about their animals. Since that time, researchers have spent a lot of time exploring “human-animal interactions” or …
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How to Rid Your Dog of Itchy Flea Bites and Bloodsucking Ticks
While their methods of consumption differ, fleas and ticks are bloodthirsty creatures. At best, fleas can give your dog a gnarly itch, at worst they can cause a bad case of anemia. Ticks aren’t able to reproduce as quickly or jump from host to host like their agile flea counterparts. However, they can carry and …
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Pet Sitters vs Kennels – Which is Best for Your Pet?
Entrusting a stranger to look after your beloved pet is a difficult decision for any owner to make. Who’s more qualified, the kennel facility, or the pet sitters you find through apps such as Rover and Wag? How can you be certain that your furbaby ends up in good hands? What to Look for In a Kennel While the rates for pet hotels tend to be higher than those of a sitter, the best facilities […]
Retractable Leashes for Dogs: This is What You Need to Know
While most puppies can learn simple commands as early as 7 weeks, most experts agree that you start formally training your dog around 6 months of age. Training your dog includes everything from house training to socializing and walking on a leash. When you start leash training, you’ll have a choice between a retractable or fixed leash. Retractable leashes have a bad reputation but incidents with this type of leash are largely the result of […]
Why It’s Important to Socialize Your Puppy
The world is filled with sights, sounds, smells, and myriad other environmental factors that can be overwhelming for puppies. It’s important to socialize your dog early so that she feels comfortable outside of the safety of your home when she meets other people and animals. Without proper socialization, your best buddy could become anxious, depressed, or even aggressive. When should socialization start? The ideal socialization age for puppies is between three and twelve weeks old, […]
Does heartworm prevention and flea prevention need to be given year-round?
One of the most frequently asked questions that many veterinarians get is whether heartworm and flea prevention should be used year-round. The resounding answer is, “Yes.” Regular flea and heartworm prevention are essential for keeping your dog healthy and happy. Read on to learn more. Fleas Pose a Year-Round Threat Contrary to popular belief, fleas aren’t a seasonal pest. While freezing temperatures can kill fleas, it often isn’t enough to eliminate the problem altogether. These […]
Pros and Cons of Sleeping With your Do
We all dream of it – cuddling up with your pooch in bed on a cool night, reading by your nightlight and snuggling down for the evening. So, is it good or bad to co-sleeping with your dog? We weigh in on the pros and cons of sleeping with Fido in your bed. First, let’s start with the pros of sleeping with your dog He’s soft and snuggly, and you just adore that light snoring […]
Tips to Keep Your Dog’s Ears Clean
Keeping your dog’s ears clean is important for maintaining their overall health. While some dogs’ ears are naturally clean and require little maintenance, others need extra care. Dogs with long or really furry ears, like cocker spaniels, that accumulate dirt and debris more easily are often more prone to ear infections and other problems. The physical makeup of your dog’s ears isn’t the only factor that increases their risk for ear conditions. Yeast and bacteria […]
The Facts About Dogs and Their Paws
Are you concerned that your dog is licking or chewing her paws a little too much? Although licking is associated with normal grooming behavior for dogs, when it becomes excessive and includes constant chewing, this could indicate an underlying problem. One of these conditions could be the culprit behind your dog’s incessant grooming. Allergy: Whether it’s the result of seasonal allergies or a flea infestation, dogs lick their paws to relieve the itch. Keep in […]
