Protecting Your Pets from Common Poisons

Most people think of bleach or rat poison when they think of household toxins. If that’s you, you’re right. Yet, there are many other less obvious items that could pose a hazard.

Take sugar-free gum for instance. Did you know that it contains xylitol, which can cause liver failure in your dog? The popular sugar substitute is also in certain brands of toothpaste and sweetener packets for coffee and tea. Yet, it can be deadly to your dog.

What’s that Spot? Or, a Look at Lick Granulomas

That sound can even wake you in the middle of the night -- there is just something about a dog licking his paw or leg that immediately grabs your attention. You know something is wrong, but what is it? You don’t necessarily see any obvious signs of a problem...until you find a raw, pink area of skin. It can seem like this “boo-boo” crops up all of the sudden, and while the actual sore or wound could be caused by any number of issues, one common issue is a lick granuloma.

Common foods to keep away from pets

Sometimes the foods we have around our homes pose a dangerous threat to our beloved pets.

Here is a partial list of common household foods and plants that you should keep away from your cats and dogs.

Can Wildlife Make Your Pet Sick?

If your pet spends time in the great outdoors, you may not give much thought to who he shares that space with—but you should. From deer and coyotes to foxes, skunks, bats, and raccoons, wild animals can pose a serious threat as they carry a variety of diseases that can be transmitted to pets and people.

Recognizing Signs of Pain in Your Pet

Pain is a clinically significant symptom that can adversely affect an animal’s quality of life—and the first step in treating it is recognizing and acknowledging it.

Our pets share the same anatomical and biochemical pain pathways that we do; therefore, we can expect their level of discomfort with certain conditions to be similar to ours. Unfortunately, they cannot tell us with words how they feel or where they hurt, but they can give us clues about their level of discomfort.

5 Valentine’s Day Date Ideas for You and Your Pet

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and who better to spend it with than your pet? Whether it’s a hitting the road for a day hike or staying in and snuggling on the couch, spending some one-on-one time with your pet provides numerous benefits for both of you, including reduced stress and anxiety and increased opportunities for exercise and socialization.

What Are Worms, Anyway?

If you’re a pet owner, you know that deworming is an important step in your dog or cat's preventive care protocol. But what exactly are you preventing?

Typically referred to simply as “worms,” there are four main types of intestinal parasites that are common in pets—and they’re not just creepy, they’re harmful. Here’s what to watch out for.

Loving Your Pet: Dos and Don’ts

It’s February, and that means love is in the air—but are you loving your pet the right way? Here are five dos and don’ts to help you show your furry valentine some love this month and all year long.

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