Back-to-school season or going back to work after COVID-19 restrictions may be stressful for pets. They are used to a lot of extra attention and probably more exercise, so they may act out when they return to their old, less active, less social routines. If you can, try to ease your pet back into being … Read moreBack to Work or School?

Exotic pets–from parakeets to hedgehogs–can make wonderful companions! Unfortunately, many are purchased on a whim. Take your time when choosing an exotic pet—for their sake and yours. Most exotic pets are highly intelligent creatures that require a great deal of attention and care. They can thrive in the right home, providing a novel and fun … Read moreExotic Pets and You – A Match?

There are many reasons cats bite or nip, and it’s important to be aware of what your cat is trying to communicate. At an instinctual level, cats know if they want to eat, they need to catch and “kill” something when they are hungry. It sounds like your cat is good at communicating what he … Read moreWhat can I do with my cat who nips me to tell me he’s hungry?

A few initial thoughts: like in people, maintenance of a healthy dog’s weight is a matter of calories in equaling calories out. As puppies mature into adult dogs, their calorie needs decrease. It might be time to revisit the quantity and quality of your dog’s food and perhaps give her a bit less at each … Read moreMy dog gained 10 pounds even though she exercises; should I put her on a diet?

Scooting — when a dog drags its anus along the ground — is almost always a sign something is irritating your dog. What’s behind that irritation can range from infection to worms to inflammation. While scooting is most commonly caused by anal glands that need to be expressed, three of the most common clinical signs … Read moreMy dog bites her front paws and is scooting on her butt; should I contact her vet about these allergy symptoms?

Thanks for your questions! Before teaching your dog an activity like paddle boarding, you should find out just how strong a swimmer he is. It’s important to build on skills he already has. If your dog is used to being in the water, slowly introduce him to deeper water for short periods of time. We … Read moreAdventure Training for Dogs: How can I train my dog to go paddle boarding with me? Should I purchase a life jacket for him?

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, created to remind people how important it is to keep their vaccinations up to date. But that advice isn’t just for humans—it’s vital for pets as well.  Are your pet’s vaccinations up to date? Vaccinating your pet is a relatively inexpensive but important way to keep them healthy. Immunization … Read moreImmunization helps protect pets against deadly diseases; are your pet’s vaccinations up to date?

Pronounced jee-ARE-dee-ya, it’s not a worm, bacteria, or virus—just a simple, one-celled parasite that can make your pet (and you) feel terrible. It’s also pretty common. While infected pets may not show symptoms right away, giardia can cause persistent diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, gas, and vomiting—and can sometimes be difficult to clear. How does your pet get … Read moreGiardia Is No Joke! How can my pet get giardia?

Summer means getting outdoors, getting on the road, and getting your barbeque on—but it can also be hazardous for your pet. Here are some tips to make sure you and your furry friend have the best summer ever: Heat kills! Never leave your pet in a car, even for a quick trip. On a sunny … Read moreSummertime is Here: What can I do to make sure my pet has fun and stays safe?

DR. B: While you may already be perfectly aware of your own allergies, make sure you consider your pet’s reactions to the environment as well. Grass, dust, and other environmental allergens are significantly more present this time of year, and our pets can be allergic to them, too. Symptoms of allergies in pets are similar … Read moreAllergy Season: My pet is itching for relief; is there anything I can do to help?