Pets have always had a place in our hearts and space in our homes. This has been especially prevalent during the global pandemic, where loneliness and mental health have been severe issues for many of us. The pet industry is booming at the moment – in fact, last year alone, the United States pet industry… Read More
Category: Health & Care
People take probiotics for their intestinal health, but dogs can benefit from them, too. When taken in the right amounts, these helpful bacteria can keep your dog’s intestinal microbiome healthy. The question is—can dogs take human probiotics? The short answer is yes. However, there are distinct advantages to giving your dog species-specific probiotics instead of… Read More
Dogs can have an upset stomach and start vomiting or having diarrhea for what seems like no reason. Maybe the dog got into the neighbor’s garbage or started a new dog food that doesn’t agree with his stomach. The most common cause of canine stomach upset is gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining and… Read More
When the days get longer, it may seem like your dog’s shedding goes into overdrive. That’s not too far from the truth. Dog’s have a normal hair cycle that includes periods of higher hair growth and shedding than at other times. If you’re a pet parent to cold weather or water breeds like Malamutes and… Read More
Dry, flaky, itchy skin does more than irritate your dog. It could lead to an infection or indicate a more serious medical condition. Part of putting a stop to the itching is identifying the cause of the dry skin. From there, you can work through potential solutions that will (most likely) include consulting a veterinarian…. Read More
Getting a sick cat to eat can be extremely challenging. Cats can be very finicky eaters, and they can be even more finicky when they are sick. As a veterinarian, I often have to entice sick cats to eat again. This article will cover a few tips and tricks that I have learned during my… Read More
If your cat has been sneezing, scratching, or coughing, this may be a sign that they have allergies. While it can be tempting to reach into the medicine cabinet to relieve their symptoms, it is always a good idea to speak with your veterinarian before giving your cat any human medications. In this article, I… Read More
When you have a new kitten in your home, it can be an exciting time, but you might not be sure how to take care of a kitten. Kittens are naturally curious and playful little beings. However, learning how to care for them can be stressful for first-time owners. Before adopting a kitten, it helps… Read More
Cats can be a wonderful addition to your home. They are playful and active, yet they enjoy a good cuddle on the sofa from time to time. Best of all, no two cats are alike. Each seems to have its own unique personality and traits. There are plenty of rescues and shelters that offer up… Read More
Dogs have physical, mental, and emotional needs that, when consistently met, result in a furry, four-footed companion who happily lives life alongside you. Those needs include the obvious like food and shelter and somethings that could be forgotten, like regular grooming and time spent with his favorite people. A little rundown on the basics with… Read More
As dogs age, they become prone to various diseases and conditions. One of the most common conditions that aging dogs experience is arthritis. This leads to decreased mobility, less activity, stiff and sore joints, and a general decrease in the activities that the dog normally enjoyed with enthusiasm. Arthritis in dogs is a general term… Read More
A dog’s hair coat is one of the first things that another person may notice about a dog. If your canine companion has a healthy, shiny coat, you’ve probably received lots of compliments from strangers or from the staff at your vet’s office. But what happens when your dog starts to lose hair in some… Read More
Moving house is no one’s idea of fun. From packing to organizing movers, there’s certainly a lot to think about. And if you’re a dog owner? You’ll have even more to consider to ensure a successful move for both you and your dog. So how can you help your dog move houses without a hitch?… Read More
If you are a first time dog owner, there is a lot to learn. Getting a dog is a very exciting time, but it can also be very overwhelming at first. As a veterinarian, I often get questions from new pet owners about how to best care for a new dog. These are the 12… Read More
You want your new puppy to grow into a healthy, well mannered, and loveable constant companion, but it’s not something that just happens without effort. Raising a puppy is hard work, takes time and patience, and is also well worth the effort you put in. If you’re not sure where to start or are having… Read More
Providing appropriate exercise for your dog is a crucial component of being a responsible pet owner. However, it can be confusing to know if your dog is getting enough exercise, and what exactly constitutes a healthy amount of exercise for dogs. Many dog owners assume that a short daily walk is adequate to keep their… Read More
Until we figure out how to keep our beloved pups from aging, it’s something that we’ll have to deal with as a dog parent. Fortunately, thanks to advancements in nutrition and medicine, our canine companions are living longer than ever before. How we care for them as they get older will determine how healthy, comfortable,… Read More
Playing games with your dog isn’t just a great excuse to spend quality time together. Play is very beneficial for your dog in a number of ways, from contributing to their physical health, to addressing their social needs, to reducing the incidence of problem behaviors. Play has also been found to help establish emotional bonds between… Read More
Do you dread bathing your dog? You’re certainly not alone. It’s a task that many dog owners, as well as their dogs, would rather avoid. However, baths can help maintain your dog’s health, so it is important to bathe them when they’re due for a good cleaning. One of the reasons doggie bathtimes can feel… Read More
Whether your pup is a mile-a-minute, hyperactive Energizer battery on four legs or they just can’t handle those car rides or unexpected visitors, getting them to calm down is an invaluable skill. Keeping or getting your dog calm has many benefits, such as preventing possible accidents, fear-related behaviors, and reducing blood pressure. When a dog… Read More
Whether you’re planning on adopting a new kitten or have enjoyed years with a feline senior citizen (or something in between) it’s natural to wonder how long you can expect your cat to live. If you’re asking yourself how long do cats live? Well, of course, cats’ lifespans vary greatly, so there it’s one magic… Read More
Many pet owners in the Empire State see their pets as members of the family. If you feel the same, you might sleep better at night knowing that your dog or cat is covered by pet insurance to help you through accidents or illnesses. There are many options for pet insurance in New York state… Read More
Veterinary care can be pricey all over the USA, but if you live in the Bay State, you know that many things tend to be even more expensive. A visit to your trusted veterinarian is no exception! Pet insurance can help you keep your pets healthy by making it easier to pay your vet bills…. Read More
With all of the information floating around out there about CBD and dogs, it’s easy to get confused or to know what is correct or inaccurate. After all, you don’t want to give anything to your canine companion that could possibly do harm in anyway. So, rather than cover what CBD is, let’s instead focus… Read More
I’m a relative newcomer to the world of veterinary hemp or CBD products. We weren’t versed on it in veterinary school and I work in a clinic that leans more towards the traditional side. However, I also happen to have an “old lady” dog and a one-year old that wants nothing more than to frenzy… Read More
Does anybody enjoy dealing with their cat’s litter box? Probably not, but the right litter can make a big difference. Fresh Step Febreze Freshness Gain Scented Clumping Clay Cat Litter is a new option that might make litter box duty (doodie?) a little more pleasant. Dr. Coates’ Score for Fresh Step Cat Litter Litter Box… Read More
There’s nothing that summons a crummy day quite like a 3 am ‘I’ve made a mess on the floor’ whine from your diarrheal dog. Not only do you have a mess to clean up, but you also have the worry that something isn’t right with your canine companion. For long term or severe diarrhea, nothing… Read More
In recent years, CBD has become popular as a natural supplement that can be used to treat and manage a wide range of health issues in humans. Many pet parents are also discovering that it can help improve the lives of their companion animals. CBD oil is made by extracting CBD (cannabidiol) from the cannabis… Read More
CBD (cannabidiol) is a liquid extract derived from the cannabis plant. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), leading to a wide range of beneficial effects. Although more research is needed into the effects of CBD on animals, anecdotal evidence suggests that it helps ease anxiety, pain, and inflammation in pets. It is also… Read More
If you’re the pet parent of a dog that suffers from arthritis, you’ll know that it can be difficult to manage their pain and discomfort. CBD oil is a natural remedy that’s made by extracting CBD (cannabidiol) from the cannabis plant. It’s trusted by thousands of pet parents around the world for the treatment and… Read More
Joint pain can seriously infringe on your dog’s quality of life so, naturally, you want to do everything you can to reduce it. If you’ve tried anti-inflammatories and basic painkillers with little improvement, and don’t yet want to commit to strong opioid painkillers, it’s worth trying CBD dog treats for joint pain. The active ingredient,… Read More
Cats can be sensitive animals and even a small change in your daily routine can cause anxiety in some felines. Other cats are more resilient, but large upheavals such as a house move or a new baby can throw them into a tailspin. CBD oil is extracted from cannabis or hemp plants, offering calming benefits… Read More
The hemp plant has some excellent medicinal and wellness properties that can benefit dogs, but for the uninitiated, it’s tough to know where to start. Is hemp oil the same as CBD oil? And what about cannabis? Is that the same thing as hemp? We’ll answer all these questions and more as we investigate hemp… Read More
We all love our pets, and there is no doubt there. We love them, groom them, take them for walks, we even buy them toys – that usually get torn apart, and we buy them again! Another thing that we also give to our dogs is treats. Of course, our pups think that treats are… Read More
If you’re like most cat parents, you’ll find it hard to resist giving your cat a tasty treat every so often (or even on the regular). Whether you use treats to reward good behavior or simply just because, there’s no doubt that cat treats are handy to have on hand. The thing is, many cat… Read More
CBD oil has fast gained a reputation for helping to relieve a number of common ailments many of us deal with on a daily basis. There’s even growing traction about using CBD oil for dogs as a means of supporting their general health and wellbeing. What’s not so talked about is using CBD oil for… Read More
You’ve probably heard of CBD, or Cannabidiol, but what can it do for dogs and how much should you give them? CBD is an active ingredient from the marijuana plant, which seems to have medical benefits and is non-psychoactive, so won’t leave your dog feeling stoned. One concern some pet parents have is over the… Read More
You love your dog and can’t stand to see her suffering from anxiety, so what now? Prescription medications, such as Prozac, are available for dogs, but can leave them lethargic and cause a range of side effects that can occasionally be worse than the anxiety itself. CBD oil is an all-natural derivative of cannabis that… Read More
Kitties are experts at hiding any discomfort they may have, so it can be difficult for cat owners to know if their feline friend has a health issue until it has progressed to a serious situation. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could tell at a glance whether your cat might be starting to get… Read More
Now more than ever, we’re spending more time indoors and so are our dogs. Keeping your dog fit is not only important for their health but it could save you needing to claim on your pet insurance. So how can you keep your dog entertained while they’re indoors? We look at the best ways to… Read More
Cats have all the fun! If you’ve ever had a cat that goes bonkers for catnip, then you might be wondering about catnip for dogs too. But can dogs have catnip? Will it even have the same effect? The good news is that catnip is safe for dogs. It’s non-toxic and is safe to consume, but… Read More
Feeding wild birds in your garden is an extremely satisfying endeavor but often you don’t get a close look at your feathered friends. With window bird feeders, you simply attach them to a window in your home, giving you a VIP seat to watch the birds that eat from them. Some nervous birds may be… Read More
Like humans, cats can put on a few extra pounds, especially as they get older and their metabolism slows down. And undoubtedly, weight loss is one of the most difficult challenges for humans and pets alike. Helping your cat lose unecessary weight will not only ensure they’re in optimal health, it may even add extra… Read More
If you’re a cat parent, you’ll know that our feline friends just love to jump on and off objects. Over time, all this activity can put strain on their joints and contribute to the development of painful joint disorders. Like many animals, cats also become susceptible to arthritis and other joint disorders as a natural… Read More
As a dog lover who cares about the latest breakthroughs in pet health, you may have heard about hemp oil for dogs and want to learn more about this natural product. Although many potential health benefits of hemp oil for dogs have been speculated by research on lab animals and indeed even humans, few have… Read More
Sometimes a pet gets through the barriers you use to protect them. Whether they slip out of a cracked door or hop over the dog fence in your yard, finding out that they’re gone can be devastating. So what do you do if your furry friend runs away? Use your resources to find them again!… Read More
If you have a pet, you know how expensive veterinary care can be, and if you’re a first time pet owner, you should know that veterinary costs can add up quickly. In an effort to offset the costs of keeping their pets in excellent health, many pet owners choose to purchase pet insurance for their… Read More
Diapers have long been associated with two-legged little humans. However, if you have the pleasure of living with dogs, you might be wondering if your dog needs one. Dog diapers can be used for a variety of reasons, and are often sought after for urinary incontinence, female dogs in heat, or even after a spay… Read More
Pet insurance has become an increasingly popular option among pet owners, and for good reason: Veterinary bills can be expensive, and no pet parent wants to make an agonizing decision based on whether they can afford Care. Pets Best Pet Insurance is one company that you might consider using for your pet insurance needs. They… Read More
Are you the proud owner of a cat or dog? If so, you have probably considered getting them pet insurance. Petplan is a pet insurance company that provides comprehensive coverage to kittens, cats, puppies, and dogs. Their coverage is flexible and it covers some services that not all pet insurance companies do. Read on to learn… Read More
