Many of the same problems that affect people as they age, such as arthritis and diabetes, can also affect your pet. Making a few changes to the way you care for your furry friend will help you ensure that your pet stays healthy and happy as the years go by. Look for Common Signs of Illness Changes in your pet’s…
Raw diets offer an alternative to commercially prepared pet food and can be a good choice for some pets. Serving raw foods offer a variety of benefits, although the diet isn’t appropriate for every cat or dog. Why Offer Raw Food? Commercially available pet food often contains preservatives or chemicals that prevent the food from spoiling and enhance taste. Many…
Packing on the pounds is just as dangerous for your pet as it is for you. Being overweight or obese can lead to many of the same health problems whether you are a human, dog or cat. Luckily, with your help, your furry friend can easily lose that excess weight and enjoy a healthier, happier life with your help. How…
Are you interested in adopting a pet from a rescue group but aren’t sure if it’s the best option for you? We answer a few common questions about rescue groups and explain how adoptions work. What Is the Difference Between Shelters, Humane Societies, and Rescue Groups? Shelters are usually run by cities or municipalities, while humane societies are managed by…
For years, pet owners have disagreed about whether purebred or mixed breed dogs are healthier. Until recently, there was no scientific data to back up their opinions, but UC Davis researchers recently helped answer the question with a landmark health study. The Arguments Pet owners who thought that mixed breed dogs were healthier argued that inbreeding in purebred dogs increased…
Lengthy bouts of vomiting and diarrhea can be a sign that your pet has gastroenteritis, a common condition that occurs when the lining of the stomach and intestines becomes irritated. Since frequent diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, a visit to the veterinarian is a good idea if you notice any of the signs of gastroenteritis. What Causes Gastroenteritis?…
Has your pet suddenly started losing hair? Mange may be to blame. The common skin condition affects dogs, cats and rabbits, causing a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. Tiny Mites Cause Big Problems Mange is caused by a mite infestation. The microscopic parasites either burrow under your pet’s skin or inhabit hair follicles or oil glands in the skin. Mange can…
Each year, nearly 8 million animals end up in local shelters. Of those 8 million pets, data shows that less than 20 percent of lost dogs and less than 2 percent of missing cats are ever returned to their original owners. Thankfully, there are some useful tools available to help pet owners who have lost their pets find them again…