De-clawing Your Cat – Necessary Evil or Just Evil
First, let me clarify that de-clawing is a bit of a misnomer; while it sounds as simple as a pedicure, it is considerably more than just clipping and filing nails. De-clawing is a surgical procedure, wherein the entire first joint of each of a cat’s “toes” […]

Parasites and Pets
A parasite commonly refers to an organism that lives on or inside another organism.1 More importantly, a parasitic relationship is one in which one member of the association benefits while the other is harmed.2 Making the short list of parasites common to pets are fleas, ticks, mites and worms. This particular post will […]

The Senior Citizen Pet
Old Age in Dogs – Part II
We’ve already discussed the fact that large dogs age earlier and faster than smaller breeds but, as with us mere humans, there are many lifestyle factors that can affect the aging process as well. As we get older, many of us become less active and […]

The Senior Citizen Pet
Old Age in Dogs – Part I
Just like people, dogs are living longer today than in years past. The average lifespan of a dog has climbed from 7 years in the ‘30’s to more than 12 years today. With good care and a little luck, it isn’t unheard of for a dog […]

How do I know which shot to give my dog or puppy?
What do all those letters mean? (DA2PPv, L4 and so on)
What is Lepto and when is it dangerous to vaccinate for it?
What is the difference between a 5 way and a 7 way shot?
What age can I vaccinate for Rabies and how often?
Do any […]

by Renee Jones, CPDT
As the seasons start to change from fall to winter people adjust their routines and plan for colder weather. It’s important to take a few minutes to prepare the four legged members of our family for colder weather, too.
Make certain to provide proper shelter. If you can’t keep your dog indoors […]

Doggie Dental Care
by Renee Jones, CPDT
Although dogs rarely get cavities, they are prone to gum disease & excess tartar build-up on the teeth. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), an astounding 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three. Animals can suffer the same […]

Obesity in Dogs
It is estimated that 40% of pets in America are overweight. Further, approximately 25% of dogs in the United States are obese. It is very important that we take responsibility for our pets. If a pet is overweight, it is almost certainly the owner’s fault. There are certain medical conditions that can cause […]

Crate Training
Why Crate Training?
A dog is a very social pack animal by nature. Your family becomes his/her pack with the primary caregiver as the leader. Your dog is going to claim a territory and create a den of its own. Crate training offers your dog the security and comfort of the den, while giving […]

Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Anxiety disorders come in all shapes and sizes and have many causes. Loud noises, such as thunder or fireworks can cause anxiety, as can crowds, travel or a change of residence. The most common is separation anxiety. It is important to remember that dogs are basically pack animals and have a […]