We all like to think of our homes as being safe havens for our pets.  We are offering them protection from the dangers of the outside world, right?  What some people are not aware of however, are the dangers that lurk INSIDE our homes.  Unfortunately, there are several products that we may use on a daily basis that are very dangerous, and sometimes even fatal, to our animals. 

For some pet owners, going out of town (even if it’s just for a short period of time) can be rather stressful.  Not only must you make your own travel plans, but you must make sure you have appropriate accommodations for your furry pal(s) also. 

In recognition of February being “Pet Dental Health Month”, let’s talk about your pet’s pearly whites!  Some people are unaware that their pets can actually have some of the same dental problems that they may experience.  These problems include, but are not limited to:  broken teeth and roots, periodontal disease, cysts or tumors in the mouth, abscesses or infected teeth, misalignment of the bite, broken jaw, etc. 

If you are a pet owner, one of the first things you should have or should be considering is the spaying or neutering of your pet.  The decision to spay or neuter your pet will have a huge effect on their overall long-term health and welfare. 

January is here…the start of a new year and new beginnings!  It also happens to be “National Train Your Dog Month”!  Whether you got a new puppy for the Christmas or you have an older dog that needs a little training, this is a great time to start. 

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us!  Christmas trees are being decorated, lights are being hung, and goodies are being baked!  Oh, it’s just wonderful, isn’t it?  There’s just one teensy little problem…

In recognition of December being National Cat Lover’s Month, let’s talk about one of the most controversial pet topics out there, and something that has recently been banned in the province of BC:  declawing cats.  To some, the act of declawing a cat is the most horrendous form of torture possible, but in some cases, there may be a medical reason why claws need to be removed.  So…keeping the well-being of our feline friends a priority, let’s discuss the facts of this subject.

Diabetes occurs when the body cannot use glucose, the main source of energy for a body’s cells.  When there is not enough glucose transported into the cells, there is not enough energy for the cells to function normally; in turn, the tissues become starved for that energy.  A dog or cat will not be able to live long if this goes untreated. 

The word “cancer” is probably one of the most feared words in our world today; and unfortunately that doesn’t stop with humans – it affects our pets as well.  According to the National Canine Cancer Foundation, it is a diagnosis one out of every three dogs will receive in their lifetime.

Our pets tend to be creatures of habit, meaning they are most comfortable when they’re in their normal routine.  When that routine is interrupted, they can be easily agitated or become scared and anxious.  Halloween is no exception to this, especially for a dog that does not understand what is going on.  The costumes, noise, lights, and activity may scare them.  Whether you’re taking your dog trick-or-treating with you or staying home to hand out candy, take a moment to make sure your furry pal is safe and secure.

Most dogs love the outdoors.  There are so many sights, smells, and places to pee that it may seem like they go a little crazy every time that front door opens!  However, an over-excited dog can be really difficult to walk.  It may seem more like they’re walking you than you’re walking them. 

The International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management has designated the month of September as Animal Pain Awareness Month.  In recognition of that we’d like to share some tidbits on how to tell if your pet is in pain. 

If you have a household with both a dog and a cat, then you have probably fought the never-ending battle of trying to keep the cat out of the dog food or the even more likely scenario of trying to keep the dog out of the cat food! 

Obesity in cats is a frequent diagnosis in the veterinary world and can lead to many more serious health issues.

There is a very common misconception that long haired dogs should be shaved in the summer.  It does seem like that would be the right thing to do, but in fact, it is not!

While walking or running is great exercise, there are several options that can foster fun and also build the bond between you and your dog!

That cute little squashed nose can cause some serious health issues...

Here are a few kitten care tips to prepare yourself, and your home, for raising a new kitten

If you have ever had a cat, then you have most likely witnessed the somewhat disturbing event of “hacking up a hairball”.

The question that veterinarians throughout British Columbia have been hearing more and more often is “can my dog get lyme disease?”