You hear a gulping sound. You witness your pet hunched over. Then, out comes a mess out of the mouth. Question: did your dog or cat just vomit? Or was it regurgitation? Yes, this topic is far from appetizing but it’s time to learn the difference so that you can best help your pet. As…
Adopting a kitten or cat from an animal shelter or local rescue group can be fun and exciting but temper your enthusiasm with a dose of safety. In our pet first aid/CPR classes I team with the help of Pet Safety Cat Casey, I alert my students that cats are not small dogs. Cats are…
Canine ears can be floppy, folded, erect and everything in between. We know that our dogs depend on their keen sense of hearing to track their surroundings. They depend on us to make sure their ears stay healthy. That’s why it is important to conduct a weekly sniff test inside your dog’s ears, using your…
People regard chocolate as a sweet treat. But it can be dangerous and even deadly if eaten by dogs. Identifying Risk Factors The size of the dog plus the type of chocolate play factors in health risks. Theobromine is a chemical found in cocoa beans that acts as a stimulant when consumed. In people, theobromine…
What may be safe for dogs can be downright dangerous to cats. Case in point: hydrogen peroxide.Yes, hydrogen peroxide can be safely given to a dog suspected of ingesting a toxin to induce vomiting under certain circumstances. Play it safe by contacting a veterinarian by phone or online who can guide you on the correct…
Our dogs display lots of behaviors – some we applaud and some we abhor. Fitting in that latter category is a dog scooting his rear end on the living room rug and sometimes, in front of horrified houseguests. Don’t blame the dog for misbehaving or attention seeking. That scooting is triggered by a health or…
I live in Texas with a reputation for being scorching hot, but even the Lone Star State does experience freezing temperatures and yes, ice and snow. I also live with Kona, Emma and Nova. My dogs all sport shorthaired coats, and they definitely benefit from wearing cozy coats when temperatures dip below freezing during outdoor…
By Arden Moore Some cats vomit. Some cats regurgitate. Some do both. Both result in smelly messes. Yuck to both! Cats can be masters at hiding pain or ailments, so it is important to pay attention to these food-related actions. It is also important to know when to have your cat examined by your veterinarian….
By Arden Moore When it comes to keeping pets safe, you need more than just your eyes and hands—you also need your ears. Each year, more than 200,000 dogs and cats die from choking (American Veterinary Medical Association). Tragically, many of these emergencies are preventable. As a master-certified pet first aid and CPR instructor, and…
By Arden Moore Summer is here in full force—and so is the heat. While many of us love soaking up the sun with our dogs, it’s important to know that hot weather can pose serious risks for our canine companions. Heat stroke in dogs can happen in minutes, and without proper prevention, it can be…
Most dogs love leashed walks, especially when they get the chance to sniff out new trails and explore new environments. My own dogs, Kona and Emma, are no exception. But before you head out to a new park or nature area, it’s critical to check whether the environment is safe—especially when it comes to toxic…
I have to admit – I never thought about it for my pets. My mother certainly scared me as a child; I knew NEVER to place a plastic bag over my head but a dog is even far more likely than a toddler to bury their snuffle into a plastic bag, especially one containing food….