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Your pet is a member of the family.  They’re our best friends, roommates, dinner dates and often our favorite companions for adventures.  But, unlike other members of your family, your pet can’t tell you when something’s wrong or that they’re unwell.  So, how do you know when it’s time to seek medical attention?  Is your pet really sick, or are they just being moody?  Are they limping due to a sprain, or is there an underlying infection?  Are these possible symptoms something I should monitor, or does my pet need immediate emergency care?

When assessing your pet’s health and/or illness, a good rule of thumb is to always watch for any dramatic behavioral shifts.  Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following signs, especially if they last more than one or two days: 

Have you ever wondered why your dog just starts howling?  Even if you don’t own a dog, you’ve seen, or rather heard, a dog howling inside of a home, behind a gate, in the park, outside of your building or any number of other encounters at all hours of the day and night.  So, what’s going on?  What is it that they’re trying to communicate?  Are they simply establishing dominance, plotting an attack, or perhaps singing?

There are many reasons why dogs howl, and it all goes back to their wolf ancestry and their very genetic code.  So, whether howling is an act of naïve expression of a shared ancestry or a lingering remnant of pack life, one thing is for sure.  It all seems to be some form of communication.  Here are a few things they may be trying to say: 

Nothing turns those sweet snuggle moments with your dog sour faster than the smell of their bad breath.  Bad dog breath isn’t just gross; it could actually be an indication of health problems.

Bad breath can be a sign of any number of things going on with your pet, from bad oral hygiene habits that have resulted in periodontal disease, to bad dietary habits, to diabetes, kidney disease and more.  So, it’s important to do some research, and get to the bottom of your pet’s foul breath before you just throw a breath refresher in their mouths.

Of course, today’s post is all about finding natural treats to combat bad doggy breath (once you’ve identified the source of the problem, that is) so that you can keep on snuggling and sharing the love with your favorite K9 companion.  And, these homemade doggy muffin treats are great for treating bad breath.  It’s a specifically formulated recipe that’s designed to naturally freshen breath through holistic digestive aids and natural deodorizers.  Here’s how you make them: 

An often-overlooked factor when it comes to your pet’s well-being and your own, is that of pets and fire safety.  And, we’re not just talking about emergency considerations in the event of a fire; we’re actually talking about how to keep your pet from starting a fire, which should be of real concern to all pet parents.

We all know that pets are very curious creatures.  And, when we’re not around to monitor their every action, they can get bored and get into all sorts of trouble, both intentional and accidental.  But, stringing toilet paper down the hall or digging through the trash is nothing compared to the serious damage that they could potentially get into with hot stoves, fireplaces, space heaters, candles and any other potential fire hazard.

It’s estimated that nearly 1,000 house fires are accidentally started each year by animals, including homeowners’ pets.  And, when you look at the often inquisitive and determined behaviors of pets, it’s not surprising that they could accidentally start a fire.  Just think about it.  Have you ever left food on the stove and turned around to see your pet jumping up on it for a bite?  See, it can happen just like that!

That’s why we’re sharing these tips for keeping pets and your home safe from accidental fires: 

We all love those Fourth of July picnics, BBQs, fireworks and other fun traditions.  But, all of these festivities don’t pose the same fun for our pets as they do us.  In fact, they can be quite frightening and even dangerous for our pets.  All of those loud noises from the fireworks and crowds can startle pets and cause them to run away.  Even those delicious human foods that we all look forward to around the holidays can be dangerous to pets when left in the open.  And, don’t forget about all of the potentially dangerous debris that can end up lying around on the ground where your pets play and eat.

So, whether or not you’re planning any Fourth of July celebrations, be sure to take the necessary precautions to keep your pet safe.  Here are some tips to help you plan and protect your pet from potential hazards as you celebrate America’s birthday:

Ticks – No one likes them, especially not your pets!  But, it’s that time of year again when we really have to start watching out for these clingy little critters.  Now that the temperatures have risen, our pets are spending more time outdoors playing, relaxing in the sunshine, or going on long walks.  Sure, all of that fresh air and exercise is great for your pet (and you), but you do have to be aware of those outdoor risks, like ticks, that can bite your pet and make them sick.

Ticks are cunning, and they manage to hide in the hardest of places to find.  That’s why you should check your pet after every single outing.  Whether you go for a walk, a hike, head to the beach, or just chill in the backyard, make it a habit to check all over their bodies each time they come back indoors.  The good news is that if you take a few precautions before you and your pet head outside, you can help keep these nasty pests away.  Here’s the best way to look for and combat ticks:

Now that hurricane season is officially upon us, it’s once again time to ask – are you prepared?  Most families have some sort of general emergency plan in place should a hurricane evacuation be ordered, but for those toting pets, it’s important to have a plan that includes them as well.  Our pets are family members too, so keep them in mind during your discussions and preparations to keep everyone together and out of harm’s way.

When making emergency plans for any kind of natural disaster, like a hurricane, there’s much to care for and consider.  And, your pet should be a part of that plan from the start, not left as an afterthought.   Care for pets in general can require quite a bit more attention and thought, as they simply can’t do it for themselves.  So, be sure to think ahead towards all of those possible obstacles you and your pet might face during a hurricane evacuation (e.g. Will your pet be allowed to stay at your safe destination?  Will you have access to all of their medications?).  Having a solid, pre-prepped plan of action just might save your pet’s life!

Summer is an exciting time that we all look forward to when we can have some fun in the sun with our pets. But, it’s also a time when there are many pet dangers that you must be aware of as well.  If you’re planning to spend any time outdoors with your furry best friends or plan to let them frolic around in the sun on their own, then there are a few things that you need to keep in mind to ensure that they stay comfortable and safe in the hot summer sun.  So, help your pet beat the heat this summer with these must-know safety tips:

Dog owners often appreciate those loving, slobbery kisses that greet them every time they come home.  But, have you ever wondered the real reason behind those licks?

Dogs use their senses a bit differently than humans.  Although smell is their main good sense, licking also serves all sorts of purposes in a dog’s world ranging from love, to submission, and may even be due to a possible medical condition.  So, let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons why your favorite K9 companion may be licking:

So, you’ve adopted a new furry friend – congratulations!  Welcoming a pet into your home is such a beautiful way to share your love.  But, are you all set to bring them home?

A lot of prep goes into making a home happy and safe for a new pet.  So, make sure that you’re fully prepared.  Here’s your shopping check list for bringing home your newly adopted pet: