It is a common perception that cats are virtually no-maintenance compared to their other four-legged counterparts. This misconception couldn’t be further from the truth. It is easy to mistake feline independence for “low-maintenance.” Some people think you can throw a cat box in the laundry room and keep food and water down for them and call it a day. Easy peasy care - until it isn't.

Have you ever gone to the pet store and just looked at the rows and rows of food? Has a friend talked to you about how wonderful their pet's new food is because it cured all of their problems? We’re right there with you. The world of pet food will make your head spin! And when you add in all the good and bad stories you’ve heard from the internet, social media, or friends...where do we even start to choose the best food to feed our cats?

The image of fluffy, baby kittens will put a smile on most anyone’s face. Yet, their energy is almost as boundless as their cuteness. The adage of “curious cat” must have come from kittens as they’re excited to explore every nook and cranny in an effort to discover their new world. Seemingly unafraid of heights or dark corners, kittens rarely take “no” for an answer.

Thanksgiving has a way of leaving the entire family feeling stuffed and sluggish, but if your dog or cat is also experiencing these signs (or others, such as vomiting or diarrhea) this holiday season, don’t ignore it.

When your pet suddenly loses his appetite, it can be concerning—particularly if you’ve got a regular chowhound on your hands.

If your dog or cat struggles with gastrointestinal (GI) health, probiotics may be just what the vet ordered.

Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be introduced into the body to help with digestion and offer protection from harmful bacteria. Just as live cultures in yogurt can help keep a human gut healthy, probiotics can also help maintain the natural balance of organisms (known as microflora) in a pet’s digestive tract.

Did you know? According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, more than half of the pets in the United States are overweight or obese.

Overweight pets are at risk for a variety of health problems, including skin infections, high blood pressure, heart disease, immune suppression, diabetes, orthopedic and arthritic disorders, and even some forms of cancer, as well as increased surgical and anesthetic risk.

Most personal New Year’s resolutions are centered on health and relationships. You may promise yourself that you'll work out regularly, eat healthier or call your family more often. But what if you broadened your resolutions to include your pets? What would that look like? Could you find resolutions that would truly benefit both you AND your pets?

These resolutions are integrative in nature as they address various aspects of the pet’s well-being, such as diet, exercise and social and emotional needs.