I was doing some research for a couple of summer health tip posts and I came across something about dog parks that I hadn't thought about before. Dog parks can be hazardous to you dog's health unless you take the right precautions.

We love the dog park. It's a great place to socialize your dog and meet people that share your love of critters.
 
For single dudes with dogs it's a great place to show how sensitive you are and meet a nice woman. We take Miles at least once a week and he can tell when we are getting close. He loves the place.
 
What I didn't know was that many of my Veterinary colleagues are anti dog park. They have their reasons, many of which are quite logical. Your dog can pick up a dangerous virus like Parvo or Distemper and parasite eggs love the warm moist soil conditions found at many dog parks that try to keep the grass in place. Fleas and mange mites can transfer too, in the tussle for a tennis ball or frisbee.

Continue Reading "Dog Parks can be Dangerous Places" »

I read an interesting article the other day in the Washington Post. It was about grieving for a deceased pet and made comparisons about the grief associated with the loss of a human family member.

The subject hit home with me and reminded me of a conversation I'd had recently with the wife of a goof friend that had died in a tragic accident.

When I spoke with her after the incident one of her comments struck me. "First my dog and now my husband, how am I going to survive this" she asked?

She knows I'm a vet, which is probably why she mentioned this to me.  I counseled her long distance during the illness and subsequent death of her dog. She clearly hadn't gotten over it yet.

The fact is, grief over a lost pet is very similar to that of a lost loved one of the human variety.

In some cases it can be worse.

Continue Reading "Mourning the Loss of a Pet is Just Like Any Other Family Member" »

With the spring showers, pet owners often bring their pets inside to avoid the mess muddy paws can leave behind. Unfortunately, having pets inside can pose several hazards for our animals, many of which pet owners are unaware of. Many household chemicals, like rodenticides, insecticides and household cleaners, are more obvious due to the danger they pose to humans as well. Because March is National Poison Prevention month, here is a list of some of the most common household hazards.

Continue Reading "National Poison Prevention Month - Household Hazards" »

When February rolls around, almost everyone starts to think about boxes of chocolate and candle lit dinners in honor of Valentine’s Day, but, did you know this month is also Responsible Pet Owners Month? So, while you are enjoying your candy or admiring your bouquet of roses, don’t forget that this holiday poses threats to your pet. Celebrate Responsible Pet Owners Month by keeping them safe and showing them some love, too.

Continue Reading "For Puppy Love and Kitten Kisses" »

The holidays create a dramatic shift in the environment and schedule of pets, which can impact their behavior, activity and safety. The new smells, objects, sounds, frequent visitors and house guests all contribute to making your pets’ surroundings unfamiliar.

This time of year is a time for friends, family and, of course, our furry companions. It is a time of relaxation and enjoying time with those we care about. There is no doubt our four-legged family members enjoy the holidays as much as we do, still, there are a few things to keep in mind as the holidays approach.

Continue Reading "Help Your Pet Avoid the "Jingle Blues"" »

The holidays are full of surprises. There is none more stressful than the impromptu vacation, especially when you have a pet in the family. Before frantically calling every kennel in town, check with the hotel (if you’re staying in one) to see if they allow pets and what the pet policy is. If taking a four-legged companion isn’t an option, there are certain considerations to make before boarding your pet.

Continue Reading "Boarding Bylines" »

Whether you are going over the river or through the woods, there are certain precautions to take if you are traveling with a four-legged Santa’s little helper. Travel can be very stressful on your pet (and you), but planning ahead and making the appropriate arrangements for the trip can make everyone merry and bright.

Before any plans are made for your pet, make sure it is healthy enough to travel in the first place. If the pet is very old or very young and not yet trained, or if it has been sick or to the veterinarian several times recently, it is best to leave your pet in familiar surroundings rather than moving them to unfamiliar turf.

Continue Reading "Go Merrily All the Way" »

Yesterday was "Take a Hike" day. Bet you didn't know that there was a National take a hike holiday. In my research I discovered that there was a "Tell your boss to take a hike day" too that grew out of "Take a Hike" day. Something for everyone to celebrate.

Hiking is really fun, but hiking with your best canine friend can be even more fun. As you know, we hike almost every day with our buddy Miles. He loves to go up on Boston Hill and on the rare day when we don't go Miles is just not the same. I think he gets depressed.

If you'd like to start a healthy activity with your dog there are a few general precautions you should take first. And if your new to hiking in general pay a visit to the American Hiking Society web site.

Continue Reading "Getting Ready to Hike With Your Dog" »

Many parents are wrapping up their hunt for haunted house decorations and trying to cover whatever last minute details they can to make this Halloween as frightfully festive as possible. In the frenzy of final preparations, safety can become an afterthought – especially for pets. Here are a few examples of some of the hidden Halloween pet hazards to look out for:

Continue Reading "Have a Happy and Safe Howl-o-ween" »

One of our PurinaCare policy holders, Beth Herman, wrote a great blog for the Farmer's Almanac on traveling with dogs in the summer. I thought it was so great, I wanted to share it with you.

In her post below, Beth discusses the tricks and tools of the trade for traveling the open road with your canine co-piolot.

Continue Reading "On the Road with Rover" »