Best holiday gifts for pets

By MeganM | December 10, 2021

A dog, under the watchful eye of its veterinarian, interacts with a wooden puzzle toy on the floor, using its nose and paw to move yellow sliders and uncover hidden treats. The toy features green pegs and a red knob, set against a plain cream-colored wall and floor.

The whole family should enjoy celebrating the holiday season, including your furry, feathered, or scaled friends. However, as you browse pet stores or search online, you might wonder what to give your pets this year to help them ring in the season. Below, you’ll find a handful of creative holiday gift ideas to keep your pet healthy and happy. Holiday Gift Ideas for Pets 1. Puzzle FeedersKeeping food out in bowls throughout the day may cause dogs and cats to overeat and become overweig […]

Back-to-school is around the corner. Are you ready?

By MeganM | August 7, 2021

A black and white French Bulldog rests its head on the floor, gazing out a sunlit window. Sunlight streams in, creating a warm and peaceful atmosphere, as if waiting for its next visit to the veterinarian.

Photo credit Alan Levine Back-to-school is around the corner. Backpacks, pencils, notebooks – check. Bus schedule – check. Dog training in place – what??Summer is winding down and routines are going to change for many of us. Start now to give your pets a smooth transition – and hopefully avoid unpleasant chewed-up surprises and trips to the emergency vet.Here’s your back-to-school list for your dog:Start the routine early – with shorter away timesGet your pet used to eati […]

Are cicadas dangerous for pets?

By MeganM | May 1, 2021

A black and orange cicada with red eyes rests on a brown branch, surrounded by vibrant green foliage that could intrigue any nature-loving vet. The insect's transparent wings are visible, showcasing intricate vein patterns.

photo credit Renee Grayson The 17 year cicadas are emerging in Cincinnati any day now – so what do pet owners need to know? Brood X last emerged in 2004, and is due to emerge in the coming weeks after heavy rain once the soil temperature warms up. There can be over a million adult cicadas per acre in certain areas. The adults will emerge from the ground with one goal: to reproduce. They will shed their skin, leaving them hanging b […]

What to feed your pet rabbit

By MeganM | April 8, 2021

A black and white rabbit sits beside a bowl filled with brown pellets, set against a white background. With its ear perked up, it appears to be sniffing the contents, as if a veterinarian has prescribed this special meal just for it.

photo credit erin www.flickr.com Did spring bring a brand-new bunny? Or are you a long-time rabbit owner looking to optimize your rabbit’s diet? Here’s what you need to know to keep your friend healthy through food. Hay, hay, and more hay.I can’t say it enough – your rabbit needs mountains of hay. Hay contains all the nutrients your rabbit needs to thrive. Rabbit teeth grow continuously, and hay is one of the best ways to gr […]

3 steps to treat allergies in pets

By MeganM | March 11, 2021

The brown dog sits on the sunny pavement, licking its paw contentedly, as if just returned from the vet. The background features blurred greenery.

Spring brings warm weather, flowers, and allergies, and it’s not just us humans who can be affected. Dogs and cats can have allergies to pollen, grasses, trees, food ingredients, and even to pet dander. So what can we do to help? Allergy Symptoms:licking pawsscratching at armpitsscooting rear on the grounditchy facered itchy earsfrequent ear infectionshair losswatery eyesredness around the eyessneezing with clear spraycoughing (usually dry, not producti […]

Can pets catch Covid?

By MeganM | February 16, 2021

A fluffy brown tabby cat is peacefully sleeping in a woven basket with a gray lining, positioned near a window in the vet's cozy office. Sunlight gently illuminates the scene, highlighting the cat's relaxed expression.

Photo credit: Big Ben in Japan www.flickr.com We’re almost a year into a global pandemic and starting to find out a few answers about this ever-changing virus. Here’s what pet owners should know about Covid-19.1. Yes. Dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, and hamsters can catch Covid-19. Several research studies of pets in homes where a family member has had Covid-19 have confirmed that pets can catch Covid-19 from their humans. Most […]

How much should I feed my dog?

By MeganM | January 13, 2021

A small dog with brown and white fur eagerly looks up at a bowl of kibble being held above its head, sitting on a light-colored wooden floor. Its bright eyes seem to be asking, "Did the vet say it's okay for another treat?

We love our dogs and want to do what’s best for them. But when those big brown eyes come begging, can we splurge for them? Here’s a rough guide to how much to feed your dog, and how to tell if your dog is underweight, overweight, or just right. First, make sure to start with the right food.Every bag or can of food has an AAFCO statement in tiny print under the ingredient list that says who the food is designed to feed and how the recipe was analyzed. Start here.1: How old is your pup […]

Are poinsettias really poisonous to pets?

By MeganM | December 1, 2020

A curious cat with green eyes looks up, sitting next to a vibrant red poinsettia and a string of silver beads, as if pondering its next visit to the vet.

Poinsettias are widely believed to be poisonous to cats and dogs, but thankfully for all of us holiday decorators their toxicity is actually quite mild. Poinsettia sap can irritate the tissues of the mouth and stomach, but they will not cause any organ damage. What will you see:If your pet chews on the poinsettia, they may experience drooling, mild ulcers in the mouth, or an upset stomach with some mild vomiting.What to do:If […]