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Heartworms: A Hidden Danger to Your Dog

June 12, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Child with dog

Protect your dogs from heartworm diesease this summer.

The warm weather is finally here and with it comes a hidden danger for your dogs - heartworms. All dog owners should be concerned about heartworms. They are found in every state in the country and pose a serious health risk to your dog. Both the heartworms and the treatment can be fatal, so it is imperative that owners educate themselves regarding this nasty parasite. Heartworms are transmitted to your dog through mosquito bites, and live in the heart of your dog. There are several things ... Continue Reading

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Your Beloved Pet is Hurting: 7 Qualities to Consider

May 21, 2013 By Leave a Comment
older cat

If you’re considering euthanasia, the HHHHHMM scale can help with the final decision.

Pets offer a lifetime of love and companionship, but they also age faster than we do. Perhaps  your beloved pet has slowed down and gotten gray around the muzzle. You realize sadly that the end is near, your buddy’s journey will soon be over.  But if it comes down to choosing euthanasia  are you prepared to do so?  How do you make a good decision with such a bad ending? How can you be sure that it’s “time”? There are a few things to remember if facing that difficult choice. ... Continue Reading

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The Senior Years: For Your Feline Friends Too

April 17, 2013 By Leave a Comment
older cat

Cats experience growing older too. Here are some common ailments and ways to help your senior feline friends.

One undeniable truth is that we all get a bit older each day. The same is true of our pets. Sadly, their life expectancy isn't nearly as long as ours and we lose them to the inevitable. Cats seemingly never age - they always appear athletic, always seem able to leap onto the counter - but don't let appearances fool you. Cats do indeed get older, and as they enter their senior years they suffer various declines including: Arthritis: Senior cats, like humans frequently suffer from the pain and ... Continue Reading

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Pet Owner or Animal Hoarder? Numbers Don’t Define

April 3, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Cheerful kids and their domestic animals at home.

Looking at the difference between a pet owner and a pet hoarder.

You know you've seen them ... shirts, mugs, bumper stickers ... all with a cute picture and the term Crazy Cat Lady (or Crazy Dog Lady). Cute indeed, and many of us are indeed “crazy” about our pets.  We may even have more than one, or more that one type. The big question is this – what is the exact number of pets that switches you from an avid pet lover into the dark realm of pet hoarder?  And is there a difference? Pet Owner vs Animal Hoarder There is indeed a difference. Pet ... Continue Reading

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Get Brushing: Pets Need Dental Care Too

January 23, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Cheerful kids and their domestic animals at home.

Avoid pet periodontal disease with these steps and warning signs.

Dogs and cats rarely get cavities, because they don't eat a diet high in sugar, however; they do suffer from periodontal disease. 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have periodontal disease according to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS). Periodontal disease begins with gingivitis. Gingivitis starts when saliva and bacteria mix and form plaque, which sticks to the teeth and hardens, resulting in calculus and tartar. It is very noticeable at this stage - swelling, inflammation and ... Continue Reading

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Puppy For a Present? Things to Consider Before Buying a Pet for the Holidays

December 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment
kitten gift holiday

Buying a pet for a present isn’t always a good idea. Here are some alternatives and things to consider.

"How much is that doggie in the window"... these oldie-but-goodie song lyrics conjures up the image of cute puppies in a pet store being purchased as a gift for a loved one. Great song, but the reality of buying a pet as a holiday gift is a bad idea. If you are planning on buying a new puppy or kitten for a loved one or friend, please reconsider.  There are several reasons not to give a pet as a gift. Time to Get Personal Many times when asked how someone chose their pet, the response ... Continue Reading

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Pancreatitis, A Common Holiday Danger for Pets

November 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment
feed dog

Learn the symptoms of pet pancreatitis, and how to prevent it this holiday season.

Thanksgiving is traditionally a holiday of giving - giving thanks for all we have, giving turkey, gravy, pies and other goodies to family and friends. With the abundance of food, it's natural to want to show our love towards our cats and dogs by sharing some of the bounty. What better way to indulge our beloved pets than by sharing our food? Most "people" food is not harmful to our four-legged friends, but moderation is the key! Small amounts of turkey, gravy, sweet potatoes and green beans ... Continue Reading

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Halloween Safety for Your Pet

October 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment
pets halloween

Take precautions to keep your pets healthy and safe this Halloween.

Oh Halloween, the little goblins, the witches, the princesses and pirates. Halloween is fun! That's very true, for humans. It is not so true for our pets. Halloween can be a dangerous time of year for pets, so we, as responsible owners must take precautions to ensure their safety. No Sweets Care should be taken to keep candy out of the reach of pets. It can make them sick, and in some circumstances can even kill them. Chocolate contains Theobromine which can kill dogs, especially smaller ... Continue Reading

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Health Cautions in the Brachycephalic Dog

September 12, 2012 By Leave a Comment
puppy

If you own a brachy or are planning on getting one in the future, you should be aware of potential health risks.

Brachycephalic. Big word, but what does it mean, and how does it pertain to dogs? Brachycephalic comes from the Greek words "Brachy" (which means short) and "cephalic" (which means head). Brachycephalic dogs are ones with a flatter face, or more accurately, they are dogs with a normal lower jaw and a compressed upper jaw. Most people are familiar with breeds like the Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Shih tsu, Pekingese, Boxer Pug. They are characterized by their smooshed face. These breeds have ... Continue Reading

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Declawing Your Cat – The Realities and Alternatives

August 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment
girl cat kitten

Let’s take a peek into the realities and alternatives behind declawing.

Many people get a kitten and while having it spayed/neutered, decide to declaw to avoid problems such things as shredding furniture and curtains. The kitten undergoes a surgery, and problem solved.  Or is it?  Let's take a peek into the truth behind declawing. Realities of Declawing Declawing your cat is a major surgery and is extremely painful. Declawing isn't just removing the nail - it is an amputation of the tips of the cat's foot. The procedure is like having each of your fingers ... Continue Reading

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