Owning a cat or dog is a big responsibility that goes above and beyond feeding, bathing and walks. Make sure you take the time to research different veterinary options in your area so you can make an ...

I can’t imagine many people going into a marriage thinking it will end. At the beginning it’s nothing but hope, excitement and love. But life has a way of not always working out as we planned and ...

With all the hustle and bustle during the end of the year holidays, it’s easy to forget about the impact to your pet’s safety and well-being.  Planning ahead and using these Do’s and Don’ts t...

While no one can guarantee that a missing animal will be reunited with their family, I have been fortunate to be part of many amazing stories about four-legged friends which I assisted. These include ...

There are a lot of options available for finding a reliable ID for your pet. Consider all of them and implement at least one of them. Also, keep your information up to date and check them frequently t...

If we learn to pay attention to the signs, our dogs are pretty good about telling us how they’re feeling and what they want. Whining at the door when they haven’t relieved themselves for a while? ...

Owning a cat or dog is a big responsibility that goes above and beyond feeding, bathing and walks. Make sure you take the time to research different veterinary options in your area so you can make an ...

The odds are that eventually your dog will need some form of medication. And while there is a financial cost involved and it requires a little extra work on our part, you should be thankful that you c...

When your pet is part of your family, finding excellent veterinary care is a priority. Unfortunately, all practices are not equal when it comes to the level of care that they provide. Knowing which qu...

Even though your pet has a healthy coat of hair, they can still get the chills, which also means that they can get sick. To help you prevent your dog from getting sick, and keep warm and safe during t...

Feeding your dog scraps is all well and good, but there are some things you need to be sure you don’t feed your dog so that they don’t get sick. By following this advice above, you can be sure tha...

As you can see, there are many reasons that people may be forced to rehome their dog, but there are also options available, including potential resources to help you keep your dog as well. It is encou...

Your pet depends on you. To help your dog lose weight, you have to feed it normally. Your pet is fat because of your habit of overfeeding. Your habit of overfeeding can be changed with self-hypnosis. ...

Although food allergy represents only a small percentage of allergies that we see in our four legged friends, there are still many pets afflicted with this type of allergy every year. We have come a l...

Most pet owners are surprised when vets diagnose allergies in their pet but, in fact, allergies are one of the most common problems in veterinary practice. Dogs that suffer from allergies may never be...

Whether you’re moving across town or across country it’s always an adjustment for everyone, including the four-legged family members. It’s a stressful time for your pet, so you need to be prepar...

As is the case with any pet, it’s up to the owner to not only establish the diet but to administer it. And because all cats are different it will take some trial and error to develop a plan that wor...

Your cat’s health is your responsibility, and you should be an active participant in keeping it healthy and happy. To do this, take the time to find the right veterinarian that is knowledgeable, per...

Caring for and raising a kitten may seem intimidating, but with the right socialization techniques it doesn’t have to be that way. Just remember to properly socialize your kitten at the right time, ...

The food you choose for your cat directly affects his total health and wellbeing. There’s a diverse spectrum of cat food choices on the market today, ranging from more processed kibble and canned fo...

Your elderly cat is an important part of your life and a valuable member of your family. As such, awareness of their special needs will allow you to provide the best care for them for as long as reaso...

With a little patience, these methods will work well for many dogs, and will also help you to form a close bond with your dog. However, some dogs are a little more difficult and may be a little harder...

For thousands of dog owners, excessive barking can not only be an annoying and stressful problem, but it also often leads many people to isolate and punish their dogs.  By taking the time to understa...

You may have spent a great deal of time researching breeds as well as finding the “right” dog for you and your family. The same attention to detail is important in choosing a dog trainer. Dogs are...

By all means walk your dog! They need the exercise, the fresh air and a chance to explore.  Just be prepared and stay vigilant, keeping your pal’s safety and well being in mind....

Keep in mind that dogs weren’t born knowing how to walk on a leash, just as we weren’t born knowing how to use one. Similar to operating any tool, it takes practice to gain skills and become comfo...

The state of dog ownership has changed dramatically in the last 60 years. From the dog living outside and eating our scraps to now being valued by their owners as children, dogs have shifted their pos...

Home protection dogs are an excellent source of security. Having a properly trained protection dog elevates the feeling of your personal security. There are many statistics out there proving protectio...

Puppy socialization before your puppy is 16 weeks old is the learning foundation which will help him adjust to new encounters confidently throughout his entire life. The breeder or rescue group that y...

Remember that in order to prevent bladder infections in cats and dogs, these carnivorous animals need a meat-based diet to maintain acidic urine. Consider another prevention method in the form of supp...

Loss of vision can be alarming and life changing. However, early diagnosis and intervention can reverse some conditions, while alternative modalities can improve quality of life in others. Consistency...

Just like children, dogs can be very sensitive to allergens. It is essential to your dogs overall health and well-being that you address allergies before they are allowed to get out of hand. Allergic ...

Infection with parvovirus is a very scary illness. 50% of unvaccinated puppies will die regardless of infection. Odds are worse for Pit Bull Terriers and Rottweilers. The sooner you act the better you...

Cancer is a very scary diagnosis. To give your dog the best help possible, do what you can to decrease inflammation before the diagnosis, know what your dog is susceptible to and search all avenues if...

No one wants to deal with fleas. Yuck! Horrible little blood suckers. Opportunists. They are well adapted to our world. Keeping them out of our homes makes life more comfortable - for ourselves and ou...

Usually, kennel cough is a self-limiting, viral infection, just like the human cold. And, just like our cold, there is no medication to make it go away faster. But, if left untreated, and the immune s...

Any change in urination pattern in an otherwise housebroken dog is the signal that something isn’t right and should be investigated right away. The sooner you get an answer, the sooner you and your ...

Changes in the color, consistency, size or frequency of our dogs making number two is a signal for changes on the inside. Knowing when and what the changes mean helps make a proper diagnosis. ...

Acupuncture has been around for over 5000 years and Chinese herbalism for even longer than that. Acupuncture is a very effective treatment for arthritis that is safe when performed by a properly train...

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are great modalities for getting real, long-lasting relief from atopic dermatitis because they not only treat the symptoms, but treat the underlying cause. And this is gr...

Once you’ve found out your precious cat has hyperthyroidism, look to the root cause; look to treat the underlying disease process so the treatment will go better. Finding the underlying cause is the...

One of our favorite things to do is feed our four-legged friends. When our friends don’t eat, we wonder - for good reason. As the list of reasons not to eat is long and potentially scary, call your ...

Many chronic diseases veterinarians see in adult and mature cats can be prevented by addressing weight management, diet and activity early in life. By keeping feline obesity under control, your four-l...

Feline diabetes is a dynamic condition that must be treated promptly and monitored frequently if you want your cat to be as healthy and happy as possible. Even with this knowledge, know that if you ar...

Many of us either have owned or know people who have dogs who “don’t like other dogs.”  The primary cause of this aversion to those of their own kind is lack of proper exposure and socializatio...

The great Will Rogers once said, “The best doctor in the world is a veterinarian. They can't ask patients what is the matter – they’ve got to just know.” And good veterinarians learn to “kno...

There will be a lot to adjust to, for both you and your new pup, during those first few weeks and months of puppy ownership. Exercise, both physical and mental, on a daily basis will help your pup gro...

Budgeting for a new best friend can give you a realistic picture of how prepared your family is to take on a new financial responsibility, and will help avoid costly surprises in the future. Take the ...

Every dog owner believes that he or she is the best provider for their pet. In keeping with that philosophy, you should expect someone who will offer similar standards of high care while you are apart...

Fostering animals is a necessary and rewarding experience that helps save thousands of animals from unnecessary euthanization. Fostering animals is a relatively unrecognized act that changes lives and...

The Classical System of horse training and riding is based on over three thousand years of knowledge of the horse, its physiology and its psychology. It consists of a progressional approach with an em...

Buying the right horse can be a long and difficult process. Following these simple steps can help you in finding the horse that is right for you. Buying a horse can be a big investment, and owning one...

IHSA is a great way for those entering college to continue riding even when they don’t own their own horse. With classes ranging from beginner walk/trot to open jumping and reining, IHSA was truly m...

Dressage is a dance. There is a leader and there is a follower. There cannot be two leaders and there cannot be two followers. The leader must know the dance and ask the follower to come along and tru...

Training a valuable jumper prospect is an intricate endeavor, requiring much knowledge, riding skill, feel, and patience. Done correctly, not swiftly, will give you a happy jumper who will do his best...

Combined Training, originally a Military Cavalry test, was a man’s domain in world competition until the mid-1900s. Since then it has been open to men and women competing side by side and has become...

Taking on the task of rehabilitating a spoiled horse should not be done lightly. Unless you have the time, patience, skill and knowledge, and can afford the necessary expense, leave the job to someone...

A rider must develop a “feel” for what is happening beneath him. He must know exactly when his horse has arrived at the state of unconstraint and is ready to learn and perform and when he has left...

Saddle fitting is an art. If your saddle doesn’t fit your horse correctly neither you or your horse will be happy when you ride. It is probably one of the most important things a rider needs to be a...

When it's time to decide if your cat is ready to go to heaven, make the decision with love. Remember the time you spent together, experience the joy. Honor your bond, honor the relationship you had. S...

There are many upsides to ferret ownership, as ferrets provide companionship and entertainment for their owners. If you are considering caring for a ferret (preferably two), consider adoption first, a...

In summary, the most important things are for you to know what to look for in terms of Quality of Life for your pet and signs of pain and illness. This will be a key to your dog’s comfort and happin...

Euthanasia is an uncomfortable subject. But, as loving dog parents, when our baby’s quality of life is no longer good, love suggests we let them go with ease. Including friends and family in the eve...

For most of us, our pets become members of our family. They deserve to be treated with the same attention and concern we would offer any of our loved ones, especially as they age. Most dogs don’t co...

All in all, taking in a stray dog is a good deed, but it also comes with some expectations of responsibility and accountability. One needs to be patient, understand the constraints of their local anim...

In summary, look for a breeder who:-Insists you visit where the puppies were born and raised. If they will sell to you sight unseen, walk away.-Raises puppies in a home, not a kennel:Puppies who spend...

Choosing a puppy is a big decision with lots of options. Whether your family lives on a farm in Virginia or a New York City apartment, there’s a perfect puppy breed for you. Once you have done your ...

To get involved in an animal rescue near you:Find a rescue organization or shelter near you:Petfinder.com is a national listing of animal organizations, many with foster homes. Some exist only as fost...

Professional pet sitters can be a godsend to your pets and your life. Not only can they help you when you are out of town, but also when you work long hours, or want to go out after work without runni...

Doing some advance research into the organization and people who will look after your beloved dog will help you feel more comfortable leaving him during your travels. Ask as many questions about a fac...

Whether you're gone for the day or several days, pets need attention and social interaction. Find a pet daycare service that will focus on the mental, social and emotional health of your pet. Find a d...

Bringing a new cat into your life and home can be a challenge and above all, fun. The whole process is a learning experience, even if you have had other cats. It’s best to prepare early for your new...

Congratulations on your decision to adopt a kitten (or two). Life is about to become a lot more interesting! Raising a kitten into adulthood is a very rewarding experience. The bond you will form with...

As pet owners we can all list the great things our animal friends provide us with. Fun, companionship and loyalty are just a few. But there is another benefit to having a pet and that is the responsib...