In recent years, grain free pet foods have become extremely popular. This trend was most likely developed in more of a consumer response to human nutrition trends, rather than responding to the nutritional needs of our pets in general.

When it comes to choosing the best food for your pet, the most important aspect is providing a complete and balanced nutritional diet, based on the specific needs of the pet.

No one wants to experience cat emergencies at any time, and especially not during the holidays. However, they do happen, and with a little pre-planning, you can keep your kitties safe.

We all love to indulge around the holidays, especially when it comes to food. Unfortunately, tossing your pet table scraps as a “treat” can cause unnecessary upset to their digestive system. Read our recommendations before including fido or fluffy at the dinner table this year. Your pet’s tummy will thank you!

Some years ago, veterinarians recommended cat flea and tick prevention primarily during the summer months unless you lived in a warm climate. The idea was that the sustained cold killed the fleas and ticks.

These days, however, with shifting weather patterns, those fleas & ticks may not die out completely. Besides, if there are any flea pupae (the lifecycle that occurs prior to hatching), already in your home, it probably doesn’t get cold enough to kill them.

You and your pet both know the rule: No table food! On occasion, however, your vet may actually recommend human fare for your furry friend. What’s the deal?

Vegetables are an excellent source of antioxidants—dietary substances that can repair and prevent damage to the body’s cells—for both humans and animals. While antioxidants in tablet form only contain a handful of different antioxidants, vegetables can contain hundreds, many of which work together for an even more powerful effect.

Have an older pet at home? 

Just like humans, pets can develop a number of new health issues as they enter their senior years. Often attributed to simply “slowing down,” it is not uncommon for many of these age-related problems to go untreated or even unnoticed. However, many of these changes can be effectively managed with proper veterinary care.

Common age-related medical issues in pets include:

Rodenticide, commonly used to kill rats, mice, moles and gophers, comes in many forms and can cause a variety of serious problems in our pets.

Rodenticide containing cholecalciferol (Vitamin D) causes high calcium levels in the blood and can damage the kidneys, central nervous system, heart and intestines. Poisons that contain bromethalin are neurotoxic, causing paralysis and possibly coma, and brodifacoum, warfarin and other anticoagulant rodenticides cause an inability to clot the blood and often lead to internal bleeding.

Most cats love laser pointers. You can press the button and let the red laser land in a pinpoint on the floor, or the wall...just out of reach of your cat, and watch him pounce. It’s entertaining to watch and it’s entertaining for your cat. They’re not so good, however, for your dog. But first, let’s look at how they benefit your kitty.