Summer’s almost here! It’s time to sweat (or hide in the air conditioning). But your dog can’t sweat, and your cat only sweats between his toes. So how do you tell if your pet is starting to get overheated? It’s not quite the same with them as it is for us, but there are signs that, once you know them, will seem obvious. 

While most pet owners agree it is better to have loved and lost a furry friend than never to have loved at all, coping with the impending death of a beloved pet is never easy. Fortunately, this process does not have to be navigated alone.

Working together with your veterinarian, you can make the most of your pet’s final days and guide him/her through the end of life peacefully.

Quality of life

One of the most important things to consider during the gradual decline of a pet’s health is his/her quality of life.

Congratulations on the adoption of your new pet!  We are thrilled that you decided to adopt a pet from the shelter and save a life! 

When a dog or cat is adopted from the shelter, he/she is most likely current on vaccines, has been spayed or neutered and has been microchipped.  The shelters work hard to make adopting a pet as easy as possible.  However, it is still very important to follow up with your veterinarian soon after adoption. 

Have you taken a look inside your pet’s mouth lately? If not, you could be missing some serious clues into Fluffy or Fido’s well-being.

Periodontal disease affects nearly 85 percent of all cats and dogs over three years of age. In addition to association with liver, kidney and heart disorders, this disease is a frequent source of pain and often leads to poor general health. 

Why does my cat wake me up at 4 a.m. for breakfast?

Just like humans, pets can experience adverse reactions to medications, vaccines and even seemingly benign topical substances, such as shampoo or ear cleaner. Do you know what to do if your pet has one?

Know the signs.

Symptoms of a drug reaction are often wide-ranging, as they depend on both the type of medication and the individual pet. Responses may vary from mild lethargy or nausea to life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Common signs of a medication reaction include:

• Redness

• Swelling

• Itching

Drowning in dog hair? Coughing up cat fur? You’re not alone! Pet grooming is important, especially now that spring is coming, and our furry friends leave more and more bits of themselves everywhere they go. It’s up to us as responsible pet owners to keep them clean, well-groomed and free of troublesome mats and tangles. Of course, that can be easier said than done – especially if you have a fluffy cat or dog (or one who particularly adores mud puddles).