Category: Pet Health & Care

Guinea pigs, sometimes called cavies, are hardy, funny, easy-to-maintain pets that are growing in popularity. Affectionate and good with children, guinea pigs don’t require a lot of special care. Still, with any pet, it’s important to know how to keep them healthy and happy. Read on to learn about how to take care of your… Read More

When you adopt a new kitten, you may be overwhelmed with cuteness. You will likely find yourself spending a lot of time just playing with her for those first few days. All too often we get wrapped up in showering a new kitten with affection and forgetting the basics about what you’ll actually need for… Read More

There are several ways your cat can get worms: fleas, hunting, exposure to infected cats or infected feces; worms can even be passed on through their mother’s milk. While it is possible to minimize the risks, you may find it virtually impossible to eliminate the risk of parasitic worms entirely. Because of this, you need… Read More

If you’re a cat owner, you know all too well the bother of your cat’s hairballs. Not only is the coughing and gagging a frequent cause of worry for you, but it also has to be annoying for your poor cat, too. It will often lead to vomit, also, which makes it more than just annoying… Read More

You love your cat and probably hate to think of her bored. What would your cat do if forced to entertain herself? A bored cat is much more prone to destruction, and your house will thank you for finding alternative outlets for your cat’s energy. If you’re drawing a blank on how to entertain her,… Read More

If your vet has mentioned to you that your pup has a few pounds to lose, you may be surprised. After all, your dog does not need to bend to unrealistic social standards, does he? He’s adorable the way he is! Except adorable doesn’t equal healthy and if your vet thought it worth mentioning, you… Read More

It’s important to note there are several different reasons for a dog shedding. The most common, and unavoidable one, is the change in season. Your dog gets a thicker coat in the colder months to protect him from the elements, and he sheds that excess in the spring to prepare for warmer temperatures. Other reasons… Read More

It can be so hard to see your loved ones in discomfort, even if that loved one is your family dog. The stress of it can even make you second guess what you probably already know you should do. That can certainly be the case for when your pooch has a flea infestation. To take… Read More

If you’ve gone into any pet store, you’ve seen the brightly colored betta fish swimming around all alone in their little bowls. The reason they are alone is that their other name is the Siamese Fighting Fish; these aquatic pets don’t get along well with others, so they are happy to live their lives in… Read More

When petting your cat, the last thing you want is to find a tick attached to her. If you’re already seeing ticks latched onto her, you will probably need to get her looked at by the vet. Ticks can carry several life-threatening diseases that can be transmitted to your cat (and you). So the safest… Read More

Getting a new puppy can be a really exciting time for your family. However, you may find yourself getting so wrapped up in picking out what breed of dog and where you’re going to get him that you may let slip what you actually need for when he comes home. We’ve compiled a brief list… Read More

Fleas can be a really serious problem for your cat. If you don’t notice your cat has fleas right away, you may begin to notice an issue with her skin. Fleas will often cause flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) in cats, and if your cat isn’t prone to scratching, that may be the first indicator you… Read More

Just like getting any pet, buying a hamster comes with a lot of new responsibilities. The first step is always to make sure you’re up to the task, and that is followed shortly by the list of supplies and equipment you’ll need. It’s funny to imagine such a little thing needing so much, and in… Read More

You may love your fluffy kitty, no matter her size, but if your cat starts struggling with obesity, it may be time to put your fat cat on a diet. Talk to your vet before you take any drastic measures, but once you do, you may find getting your cat to diet is even harder… Read More

Sometimes it seems like there are a million things your dog can get into that can hurt him. Your backyard carries all kinds of risks, and ticks are a big one. Keeping ticks off your dog and out of your home is something you will need to keep up with. It isn’t a war you… Read More

Cleaning your aquarium is a big part of your responsibility as a fish owner. Keeping the water at the proper temperature and the tank properly cleaned is key to healthy, happy fish. There are plenty of differences in saltwater and freshwater fish, but in terms of cleaning their habitat, there are a few basics you’ll… Read More

Training a new puppy can be an incredibly difficult process. Between house training and behavior training, a new puppy is a lot like a full-time job. When you combine that job with your actual job, you may find yourself in dire need of some short cuts. Not to mention how much more difficult the process can… Read More

Your pooch loves to be pet and showered with attention. But you won’t want to give him that attention if he smells like something rotten or feels like something slimy. And more than just your own preferences, if you want your dog to feel comfortable and his skin and coat healthy, it’s recommended you wash… Read More

Having a cat live inside with you means a few big responsibilities. Probably the first priority is making sure they know how to use their facilities, and that means litter training them. Using a litter box is actually instinctual for most cats – a place where they can use the bathroom and easily bury it… Read More

Controlling flea infestations is often an ongoing struggle for pet owners. Fleas are typically found in wooded, shady areas. If you live in that type of environment, fleas are a problem you’re likely to encounter. For a lot of families, the best part of cold weather is the natural decrease in the outdoor flea population…. Read More

Unless you live in a temperate climate, the chances are your pet will be living at least part-time inside with you. And that means you’re going to want to make sure a new puppy doesn’t mess all over your house. House training your puppy may be more or less difficult depending on breed and on… Read More

Sometimes crates are necessary for dogs – especially if your pup is untrustworthy when you’re not paying direct attention to him. You should use the crate for times when you can’t watch your dog but also work on his behavior so that you will eventually minimize his stay in the crate. After you make the… Read More

No matter how much you love your cat and want them to feel at home with you, you still don’t want them to destroy your furniture. Marking their territory has to be in a way that doesn’t keep you from enjoying your home, too. But that may not be an easy sell for your little… Read More

In honor of Pet First Aid Awareness Month, we’re sharing essential pet first aid information from pet care expert Dr. Debbie Mandell. She discusses some vital questions pet owners have about pet first aid, talks about the new Red Cross Cat and Dog First Aid online course, and shares some ways that can help you become… Read More

Hamsters are one of the most popular small pets because of their cute appearance, petite size, and docile nature. With several varieties to choose from such as the long-haired Teddy Bear or the very small Dwarf, it is easy to find an affordable pet at a nearby pet store or hamster breeder. Because of their… Read More

Are you considering getting a bunny as a pet? Bunnies make popular pets because they’re quiet, they don’t take up much space, and they bond with their owners. Rabbits can be trained and they’re fairly low-maintenance, as far as pets go: You won’t have to walk your bunny and they do just as well in… Read More

Native to Australia, bearded dragons were first introduced to the United States in the mid-1990s, and their popularity as pets has increased dramatically in the past two decades. Largely considered the most docile creatures among the lizard world, beardies (as they’re affectionately known to those who love them) are a lot like dogs, but with… Read More

If you’ve done your homework, you know how much it costs each year to have a pet. And if you’re a homeowner, and you’ve also done your homework, you know how much your home is worth. But how are the two related? You’d be surprised to find out that owning a pet can drastically diminish… Read More

Boxers are known od trer being curious, playful, and more energetic than most breeds. Being a large and imposing dog, once grown, makes them wonderful for family protection – but they may also exhibit potentially problematic behavior without proper training. Be sure to start training your boxer puppy early on to ensure he/she grows up… Read More

Pets are great company to have around. They help us to get more exercise and they greet us at the door when we come home from a long day. Having a pet while renting, however, can sometimes get a bit tricky. Many building complexes have rules, and so it’s important to be sure that your… Read More

You brought a new German Shepherd puppy into your home, and the bond is created from the moment you look into those big beautiful brown eyes.  Puppies are adorable, gentle and loyal, but they do require a great deal of guidance and structure within the family unit. Training your German Shepherd puppy takes time, patience… Read More

Beagles. Adorable, low-maintenance and good-natured—beagles are small-ish dogs with a sense of humor. They’re great with kids, can live in an apartment, and you don’t need to groom them. It’s easy to see why beagles are an in-demand breed. But, it’s not all cuddles and rainbows. Beagles, especially beagle puppies have a reputation for being… Read More

Cannabinoids are becoming quite popular for pets who suffer from arthritis or joint pain since they can help relieve pain and inflammation. It’s important for pet owners to know how use cannabinoids properly. We’re sharing this informative guide from our friends at ElleVet Sciences. ElleVet has partnered with one of the top veterinary schools in the country… Read More

Congratulations on your new Husky puppy! The Siberian Husky is known as an intelligent, headstrong dog. This means that to succeed in training your new puppy, you’re going to need to be diligent and consistent. You will need to establish yourself as the leader; if your Husky puppy does not respect you, it’s not going… Read More

French Bulldogs are popular pets for a wide variety of reasons: They’re friendly and affectionate, they’re bright and playful, and they do well in all kinds of living situations. From small city apartments to larger homes with outdoor space, the Frenchie will be perfectly happy and doesn’t just do well with other pets and children—it… Read More

You may have heard that Rottweilers are working dogs, and you’ve heard right. According to the American Kennel Club,  Rottweilers are naturally protective and a very trainable breed that loves to be given a job to do. They make great guard, police, herding, and service dogs. But not everyone realizes that Rottweilers can also be… Read More

Shih Tzus are a popular breed, known for their small size and playful personality. But as puppies, Shih Tzus can be challenging to train. As adorable as this breed is, though, it’s important to start training as early as possible. Not only will this give you a break from weeks of cleaning up household accidents… Read More

As a new pet owner, you’re super excited about the joys of owning a Doberman puppy. There’s nothing cuter than a little dog with puppy breath and a huge sense of curiosity. But, puppies can be frustrating and tiring to deal with. They like to chew things, make messes in the house, and wake you… Read More

Dogs have a well-earned reputation as “man’s best friend,” but let’s face it: they can also be a pain in the butt! All canines require a lot of work, but an untrained dog can make your life more stressful and difficult. Responsible and rewarding dog ownership will require at least some level of training. If… Read More

Bringing your kitten home for the first time is an experience like no other. You quickly become accustomed to being greeted by its sweet purrs, and that special way it always knows when to snuggle up to you. What you’re not so used to are all the challenges. From toileting problems to disobeying your orders,… Read More

We’re thrilled to announce that our committee has selected a recipient for the 2017-2018 EFA Veterinary Scholarship Award for the amount of $500. We received many highly qualified applicants and impressive essays, but our committee has recognized one applicant who stood out due to her passion for animal advocacy, community service, and ability to overcome… Read More

Pet ownership offers a multitude of benefits for physical and emotional health. After a long and difficult day, nothing can compare to the unconditional love you receive from a sweet pet. In fact, research has shown that pets can decrease both blood pressure and anxiety, and perhaps even boost immunity. Plus, they can help you find… Read More

In some ways, homeowners have it easy — they’re free to remodel, repaint, and bring in pets as they wish (and as their lifestyle allows). But as a renter, there’s more to consider before adopting a pet from the shelter, starting with the limited availability of pet-friendly apartments all the way to what happens when… Read More

Everything you need to know about pet health insurance, including different plans and policies, coverage, cost and more Pet insurance has grown in popularity in recent years, as veterinary bills, like medical bills for humans, grow increasingly costly. But what is pet insurance exactly, and is it something you should consider for your pet? What… Read More

Pet Life Today, in conjunction with RKT Publishing, LLC, is excited to announce the 2017-2018 Empathy for Animals (EFA) Scholarship Award for Veterinary Students. This is a new scholarship that will be awarded annually to undergraduate students enrolled in veterinary or animal science studies in the amount of $500. According to Ken Lyons, a Pet… Read More

Spending on pet healthcare in the U.S. continues to skyrocket. It is estimated that the total American pet industry expenditure will reach $69.36 billion, up from $66.75 billion in 2016. Supplies, over the counter medicine, and vet care accounted for just over $30 billion of the 2016 figure. Part of the reason behind the increased… Read More