Wintertime brings with it plenty of cold, damp, dreary weather. You’ll probably help your pet feel more comfortable by keeping the house warm, offering a fuzzy blanket, and maybe even dressing your companion up in a comfy sweater or jacket, especially when heading outdoors. But there’s one other change you might consider making this winter: adjusting your pet’s portion size. Read on to find out whether or not you should adjust your pet’s diet as … Read More
Do you enjoy skiing? Is your canine buddy super active and athletic? If so, you may be able to take him out on the trail with you. No, we’re not suggesting strapping skis on Fido. Instead, you may want to train him in skiijouring. A local vet offers some tips on this below. Basics Skijoring originated in Scandinavia. The word itself actually translates into ‘ski driving’ in Norwegian. Though it’s now mostly practiced as a … Read More
As the holidays approach, many people are busy picking out gifts for their loved ones. Of course, many people also have their young ones at home this year. Our canine patients are thrilled about this. Why not have the kids make something for Fido? A local vet offers some suggestions in this article. Treats If there’s one thing that is appropriate for dogs of all shapes, sizes, and colors, it’s snacks. Have the kids do … Read More
There’s a new holiday on the calendar that has the puparazzi jumping for joy. Joining the ranks of such adorable celebrations as Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day and If Pets Had Thumbs Day, we have Wolfenoot, a celebration of wolves, dogs, and anyone who has been kind to them. A local vet offers an introduction to this new doggy holiday in this article. History Wolfenoot hasn’t been around very long, but it’s already made quite … Read More
Oct. 28th is Plush Animal Lovers’ Day! Does your canine buddy absolutely love his plush toys? Fido is pretty adorable when he’s running after his favorite plaything! However, there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to giving your dog squeaky toys. A local veterinarian offers some tips on choosing your pup’s toys below. Discarding Old Toys Generally speaking, squeaky toys are not the most long-lasting dog toys. In fact, some pooches … Read More
Do you have both a cat and a dog? In some cases, Fluffy and Fido bond very closely, and become BFFs. In other cases, they may fight like, well, cats and dogs. A local vet offers some tips on helping your furry pals make peace. Keep Fido Active Dogs tend to be much calmer and better behaved when they are getting enough exercise and playtime. Take time to walk and play with Fido every day. … Read More
Have you ever heard your dog howl? It’s something that many of our canine friends do, especially certain breeds like Beagles, Bloodhounds, Coonhounds, Foxhounds, Alaskan Malamutes, Dachshunds, and Huskies. But what’s behind this unique behavior? Read on to learn more about your dog’s howling and whether or not it’s a cause for concern. When Howling is Normal Your dog’s ancient ancestor, the wild wolf, used howling as a way of communicating with other pack members … Read More
One of the best parts of dog ownership is seeing your canine friend stare up at you lovingly, waiting patiently for a belly rub or a treat. Have you ever wondered exactly how they see you? Your dog’s eyesight is different than your own—better in some ways and worse in others. But do dogs see entirely in black and white, or do they perceive color in some way? Are Dogs Color Blind? One of the … Read More
Do you like making things? Are you an animal lover? If the answer to both of those questions is yes, then put a pawprint on your calendar for July 21st. It’s National Craft for Your Local Shelters Day! This is a great way to do something to help the sweet dogs and cats that are languishing in shelters, desperately hoping someone will adopt them. It can also be a great rainy-day project for kids! Read … Read More
The human body cools itself down during hot weather or vigorous exercise using one method: sweating. As the sweat on your skin evaporates, it cools you down. But your dog, of course, is covered in fur. So how do our canine companions’ bodies cool themselves in the summer months? Panting Panting is your dog’s primary way of cooling off. When your pup pants, moisture starts to evaporate from their tongue, as well as from the … Read More