Pop quiz time – you are walking with your dog in the woods and come upon a snake.

Would you be able to tell a venomous snake from one of the harmless varieties?  Would you know what to do if it was a venomous snake and your pet was bitten?  Here are some answers we hope will help!

While our cats are generally living longer, a feline is still considered a senior at age 11 (about 60 in human years) and geriatric at 15 (76 years for a human). So although your kitty may be young at heart, it is important to remember that senior and geriatric cats are more at risk for arthritis, especially in the hips and spine.

No pet lover wants to see their precious kitty suffering with fleas and ticks. Yet, as every pet lover knows, these nasty parasites are a fact of life when you have furry companions -- this is especially true in the summer months as that’s when they thrive.

All pets are at risk when it comes to fleas and ticks. Even indoor cats. Sometimes cat lovers think they're indoor cats can’t attract fleas or ticks but that’s not true. You can bring ticks in on your clothes and if you have a visiting pet, they could bring fleas with them.

You don’t want that!

The gastrointestinal system is very important in overall health. It is not only necessary for the nourishment of the body, but is also critical for keeping the body hydrated, presenting antigens to the rest of the body, maintaining balance in intestinal bacteria and elimination of the unusable substances ingested.

The over-the-counter (OTC) supplement market has boomed in recent years as consumers seek alternatives to traditional health care for both humans and animals. But how do we know that dietary supplements and herbal formulas bought over the counter are effective or safe?

Often, the manufacturer of these products is not overseen unless adverse results are reported. Studies show, however, that most consumers do not report such events. Even if they did, it may take years before the FDA received enough complaints to warrant an investigation of the product.

Urinating or defecating outside the litter box, known as inappropriate elimination, is the most common behavioral complaint of cat owners.

Understanding the underlying causes of this condition—and how to treat them appropriately—can help ease the frustration and rebuild the bond between cat lovers and their feline friends.

What causes inappropriate elimination?

Inappropriate elimination can be caused by medical or behavioral issues.

Sometimes it seem as if there’s a battery of vaccinations, especially if your cat is young and you may wonder if they’re all necessary.

Truth is, veterinarians generally divide cat vaccinations into “core” and “noncore” vaccines and the “core” ones are certainly needed as part of your cat’s health protocol. For example, the rabies vaccine is legally required around the country. Which is a good thing because you wouldn’t want your kitty facing a rabid creature -- at all, but certainly not without protection.

Properly administered anesthesia will keep your kitty comfortable and pain free during his or her medical procedure. Whether it’s surgery like spaying/neutering or routine dental work, cat anesthesia is a routine part of the veterinarian office.

And while there are risks associated with any medical procedure, the incidence rate when it comes to anesthesia is quite low. Of course, we never want there to be any complications which is why we follow prescribed protocol about when and how to use anesthesia.