Healthy Pets. Happy Parents.

The holidays are a special time for everyone, including your pet. Whether you have a playful pup, a curious cat, or a smaller pet, such as a hamster, you can include them in the holiday celebrations with pet safe holiday gifts.

As the holidays approach, many of us are getting ready to celebrate and share gifts and treats with friends and family, including our pets. However, many holiday foods we enjoy aren’t safe for our four-legged friends. That doesn’t mean they have to miss out on festive treats—here are some healthy, easy-to-make, pet-safe holiday treats that will help your pet feel included in the holiday fun without risking their health.

The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and making memories. If you’re planning to travel with your four-legged friend, that can add a whole new layer to the holiday fun—and chaos. Whether you’re planning a road trip or hopping on a plane, many special considerations are required to ensure you and your pet enjoy a safe, comfortable travel experience. Here’s your ultimate guide for stress-free holiday travel with your pet.

The holiday season can be a little overwhelming for your pet. The extra noise, unfamiliar faces, excitement, and changes to their routine can easily cause your furry friend to feel stressed or unsafe. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday party or welcoming houseguests, ensure you plan ahead so your pets stay calm and comfortable. In this blog, we’ll share pet holiday party tips that will protect your four-legged friend from the hustle and bustle and ensure they feel secure and loved this festive season.

The holiday season is a time for family, fun, and festive traditions, but also a time when pets can face hidden dangers. With the tempting treats, festive decorations, and extra hustle and bustle, pets can easily get into trouble, and no one wants to spend the holiday at the veterinary hospital. A few simple precautions can ensure your pet stays safe and happy while you celebrate the season.

Diabetes is common in cats and dogs, especially as they age. While the condition can be managed, early detection and treatment are essential to prevent complications and improve your pet’s quality of life. Knowing about the common signs of diabetes in pets can help you know when your furry friend needs veterinary care.

Parasite prevention is one of the most essential—yet often overlooked—steps to keeping your pet safe. While many pet owners assume parasites are a problem only in warm months, fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites can threaten your four-legged friend all year long. Consistent prevention not only protects your pet’s health, but also helps ensure a safer, happier home for your entire family.

Cats are notorious for their aloof, standoffish behavior. Unfortunately, this common personality trait can cause tension in multicat households, leading to stress and behavioral problems.

Cancer is an unfortunate but common issue for dogs and cats, especially older pets. Early detection can make a significant difference in treatment success and your pet’s quality of life. Recognizing early signs of cancer in pets can help you seek veterinary care promptly, giving your furry friend the best chance for a positive outcome.

As a pet parent, thinking about your pet facing a health challenge, such as cancer, is distressing. Unfortunately, cancer is a common diagnosis in pets, particularly as they age. However, understanding the different types of cancer that can affect your four-legged family members can empower you to recognize warning signs and seek timely veterinary care. This blog provides an overview of the most prevalent types of cancer in pets.

Veterinarians play a crucial role in ensuring animal health and well-being, but did you know that many veterinarians go beyond general practice to specialize in specific areas of medicine? Similar to human doctors, veterinarians can pursue additional training in various fields to provide advanced care for animals. These specializations allow veterinarians to focus on particular species, medical conditions, or treatment types, ensuring animals receive the highest level of care. Let’s explore several veterinary specialties.

Pancreatitis is a serious and painful condition that affects dogs and cats. The pancreas plays a critical role in digestion by producing enzymes that help break down foods, including fats. When a pet develops pancreatitis, these enzymes become activated while still inside the pancreas, which causes inflammation that damages the pancreas and surrounding tissues

Thanksgiving is a time for indulging in the delicious foods filling the table, but while you enjoy the feast, keep in mind that many holiday favorites can harm your four-legged friend. Sharing a “treat” with your pet may be tempting, but some foods that are safe for humans can pose serious health risks to dogs and cats. This blog explores Thanksgiving foods pets should avoid and provides tips to keep your four-legged friend safe on Turkey Day.

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family gatherings, and celebrations, but while you’re busy preparing for the holiday, you can easily overlook the potential dangers for your pet. Many issues, such as increased foot traffic, holiday decorations, and cute pet costumes, can pose serious threats to your four-legged friend’s health and well-being. Follow our Thanksgiving safety tips to keep your pet safe and healthy during the holiday season.

Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for the people and the blessings in your life, including showing appreciation for your four-legged friend. Your pet brings you endless joy, companionship, and unconditional love, and it’s only fitting that you take time to show them how much they mean. Here are six thoughtful ways you can express thankfulness for your pet.

National Veterinary Technician Week is an annual celebration in October dedicated to recognizing one of the veterinary profession’s heroes—veterinary technicians. These skilled professionals do more than most people realize to keep pets healthy and veterinary hospitals running. As a pet owner, you’ve likely experienced the compassion and care vet techs provide each time you walk through the door.

Who can resist a pet dressed in an adorable—or terrifying—Halloween costume? Although dressing up may seem fun, not all pets are comfortable wearing clothing. Plus, some pet costumes are potential pet hazards.

Halloween is all about treats, but sharing your haul with pets can be dangerous. Some human candy ingredients are toxic to pets, while others can lead to stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea. However, that doesn’t mean your pet has to miss out on the fun. With creativity and preparation, you can provide your furry pal with delicious, pet-safe treats. Here is our guide to pet-safe goodies, including those to avoid, safe alternatives, and some do-it-yourself options.

Pet owners love to share treats with their furry pals, and pets love to eat. However, pets metabolize some substances differently from humans, making certain foods dangerous. Chocolate commonly causes pet poisoning, especially around holidays like Halloween, when candy is plentiful. Understanding chocolate toxicity and its impact can help keep your pet safe from this delicious but dangerous food.

Halloween is fun for kids and adults, but can be stressful and potentially dangerous for pets. Toxic foods, loud noises, escape potential, and restrictive costumes can contribute to a less-than-ideal evening for your furry pal. Let’s discuss some potential hazards and steps you can take to provide a pet-safe, fun Halloween evening.

Senior pets face various age-related health challenges that range from mild nuisances to life-threatening diseases. Understanding the most common health conditions can help you recognize their early warning signs and ensure your pet receives timely, appropriate care. Here are the most common health issues in senior pets and how to recognize them.

As your pet ages, their veterinary care needs change. Senior pets are more likely to experience health issues that require early detection, regular monitoring, and ongoing management or treatment. Ensure your older pet stays healthy and comfortable, year after year, with comprehensive and consistent veterinary care. Here’s a closer look at veterinary care recommendations for aging pets

Quality of life is an assessment of comfort and well-being and is especially important for senior pets. Regularly assessing your senior pet’s quality of life can help with difficult end-of-life decisions and ensure your pet receives appropriate support throughout the aging process.

As pets grow older, their needs change—and so should their care. Senior pets require modifications to their home life and veterinary care to ensure they age gracefully, healthily, and with the most comfort. As a devoted pet owner, you’ll need to adjust your pet’s care routine—and potentially your lifestyle—to accommodate their evolving needs. We outline changes that will help maintain your pet’s quality of life throughout their later years.

Like people, dogs and cats go through different life stages, from adolescence to adulthood to senior status. Knowing that your pet has reached the milestone of their senior years is crucial for maintaining their health and well-being. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) created useful guidelines so pet owners can identify when their dog or cat enters their senior years. Let’s explore how to recognize this special life stage, why it matters, and how to adapt your pet’s care to their evolving needs.

Pain is the body’s way of signaling that something is wrong. Pain in pets, as in humans, is a protective response, intended to guard the body from further harm or injury. However, many painful conditions don’t go away on their own and require veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Recognizing your pet’s signs of pain and understanding common causes can help ensure your beloved companion receives expert care and timely relief.

Cats are naturally curious and playful, and enrichment toys are essential for their mental and physical well-being. While store-bought toys are great, DIY enrichment toys are an affordable and creative way to keep your cat engaged. We explain why cats need enrichment and steps for easy-to-make DIY toys that will stimulate your feline friend’s instincts.

September is Happy Cat Month, a purr-fect time to focus on your indoor feline friend’s well-being. While indoor cats may not roam outdoors, that doesn’t mean they can’t lead fulfilling, enriched lives. In fact, with a little creativity and effort, you can ensure your indoor cat lives their best life, full of joy, stimulation, and love. Here’s how to enhance your cat’s environment and daily routine in celebration of Happy Cat Month.

Every year on September 28, the world observes World Rabies Day. The global initiative raises awareness about rabies prevention and celebrates progress in defeating this deadly disease. Rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. While significant strides have been made to control rabies, the disease is still a threat to pets and people worldwide.

Pets can’t tell us when they’re in pain, but they do show signs that can help us detect their discomfort. Recognizing your pet’s pain is critical to ensuring they receive timely and necessary veterinary care. In honor of Animal Pain Awareness Month, here are some common—sometimes unexpected—ways that pets display pain and tips on when to contact your AAHA-accredited veterinarian.

Protecting and maintaining your pet’s health is an ongoing effort, requiring regular investments of time, energy, attention, and routine veterinary wellness care. Your care of their health impacts their whole life.

As a devoted pet owner, it’s essential to stay attuned to your dog or cat’s well-being. Sometimes, seemingly minor changes in their behavior, daily routine, or appearance can signal something more serious. Understanding what signs to watch for and knowing when to act can positively impact your pet’s health. Here are 10 common pet health signs that should never be ignored.

You love your pet and keep a close eye on their health and well-being. But sometimes, it can be tricky to tell if they’re in trouble. Knowing pet emergency signs can help you act quickly and ensure your pet receives the care they need without delay. Here are 10 signs that can indicate a pet emergency.

Cats are complex and sometimes confusing creatures, but their mystery is part of their appeal. Getting to know your cat on a deeper level can help demystify their behavior and provide them with the best possible care. Here are some fascinating and fun feline facts to give you a glimpse into your cat’s not-so-hidden world.

Dogs are endlessly fascinating creatures who share our homes, our lives, and sometimes our beds. Getting to know your dog on a deeper level can further strengthen your already special bond and provide insights on how to better care for them. Here are some interesting and lesser-known facts about our beloved canine companions.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection commonly referred to as “lepto.” It affects a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, livestock, and wildlife, and can also affect people. Infection can result in serious health concerns, such as kidney and liver failure, that can become lifelong problems. Learn everything you need to know about leptospirosis in pets to protect your four-legged friend from this disease.

All pet owners want their dogs to be happy, healthy, and full of energy. However, like people, dogs can struggle with weight issues. Obesity in dogs can lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease, and joint damage. Fortunately, you can help your dog lose weight with the right approach. Here are some practical and proven tips to help your furry friend reach a healthy weight.

Many cats struggle with weight issues. In fact, 61% of the nation’s cats are overweight or obese. If you’ve noticed your cat is carrying a few extra pounds, it’s time to consider a weight loss plan. Helping your cat lose weight safely and effectively requires a combination of proper diet, exercise, and regular veterinary care.

Choosing the right food for your pet is one of your most important decisions as a pet owner. Proper nutrition is essential for your pet’s health, longevity, and overall well-being. But, so many options are available that choosing the right food can be overwhelming. This guide will help you understand your pet’s nutritional needs and how to select the best food.

Feeding your pet the right amount is important for their health, happiness, and longevity. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, while underfeeding can cause malnutrition. Here are five key ways to determine how much to feed your pet.

Cats have a unique way of communicating with their world, and purring is one of their most fascinating behaviors. For cat owners, this soft, rhythmic sound is a common, often comforting presence. But why do cats purr? Does purring merely signal contentment, or serve other purposes? We explore the various reasons why cats purr and what this behavior can tell you about your feline friend.

Sharing your life with a dog is a remarkable journey filled with love, companionship, and countless memories. Each of your dog’s life stages brings unique experiences and challenges. Understanding these stages enables you to provide your dog with the best care possible and helps ensure they lead a happy, healthy life. From puppyhood to the golden years, let’s explore each wonderful life stage.

Cats are fascinating creatures who captivate us with their playful antics and affectionate purrs. From their energetic kitten phase to the serene senior years, each stage comes with unique joys and challenges. Let’s journey through your cat’s life stages and learn how to nurture them every step of the way.

Separation anxiety, a behavioral condition that occurs when pets become distressed and anxious during their owner’s absence, can be stressful for pets and owners alike. Understanding the root causes and separation anxiety signs, as well as implementing effective strategies, can significantly improve your pet’s quality of life and strengthen your bond.

As summer draws to a close and kids head back to school, many families shift their daily routines. This transition can be particularly challenging for our furry friends who have grown accustomed to the kids being around all day. Pets thrive on routine and can feel anxious when their environment changes suddenly. Here are five fun and informative tips to help your pet ease into the new routine smoothly.

When extreme weather strikes, finding shelter from the storm for your four-legged friend can be challenging. Storms can be particularly stressful and dangerous for pets—and their owners—but preparation can keep your entire family safe and sound during frightening weather. Follow our guide full of essential storm safety tips.

As a pet owner, watching your furry friend cower in fear during a storm can be heart-wrenching. Storm phobia, a condition where pets exhibit extreme fear and anxiety during thunderstorms, is common in many animals, including pets and livestock. Our guide explains the causes, signs, and management strategies for storm phobias in pets to help you provide the best care and comfort for your four-legged friend.

Summer is a fantastic season to enjoy outdoor activities with your furry friend. However, the heat can pose serious risks to your pet’s paws. Before hitting the pavement, know how to protect your four-legged pal from scorching surfaces. We cover critical summer safety tips to keep your pet’s paws safe and comfortable.

Summer is a delightful time of year for pets and their families. However, the warm weather that brings ample opportunities for exploration and play also poses risks and challenges, particularly for outdoor pets. While cats are typically less likely than dogs to suffer from heatstroke, barn cats and other outdoor cats are susceptible to many summertime dangers. Keep your feline friend safe and healthy during the summer with the following prevention tips.

Barbecue season is a time for delicious food, outdoor fun, and quality time with friends and family. As you fire up the grill, your pet will likely hover nearby, eager to join the festivities and maybe snag a tasty treat. However,  while you may be tempted to share, some barbecue foods can be harmful or toxic to pets. Here’s a list of 10 barbecue foods you should not share with your pet to ensure they stay healthy and happy.

As the summer sun blazes and temperatures soar, many of us eagerly dive into refreshing pools, lakes, and rivers. But, while you may find relief in the cool water, remember that your furry friend needs help staying safe around aquatic environments. Ensuring your pet’s safety around water involves more than keeping an eye on them—you need to understand their abilities, provide the right gear, and know the risks associated with different water settings.

As the temperatures rise, so do the risks for your furry friend. Heatstroke is a serious and potentially fatal condition that every pet owner should know how to identify, treat, and prevent. By staying informed, you can help ensure your pet stays safe and healthy during the sizzling summer months.

As a pet owner, you’re likely familiar with the standard heat safety tips:

• Keep your pet hydrated
• Never leave your pet in a parked car
• Avoid walking your pet on hot pavement

As the summer days get longer and the weather gets warmer, many pet owners find fun and adventure outdoors with their furry companions. However, the summer season also holds a host of potential dangers for pets. Be aware of these hazards and take the necessary precautions to help ensure that your pet stays safe and healthy all summer long.

Reports of dogs suffering from toxic exposure after unwittingly playing in or consuming water from algae-infested ponds and lakes are increasing, so pet owners should understand the dangers of blue-green algae. The algae often looks harmless, but it can be lethal to pets only minutes to hours after exposure, so learning how to identify this danger is crucial.

Finding a lost pet can be a heart-wrenching experience, both for the pet and for the person who discovers them. Stray pets are often scared, hungry, and disoriented, and they may even need medical attention. If you come across a lost pet, knowing how to ensure their safety and increase the chances of a happy reunion with their owner can be helpful. Follow our step-by-step guide to aid a lost pet in finding their family.

Microchips are often a confusing topic for pet owners, as many misconceptions about these devices can lead people astray as they consider a microchip for their pet. Whether you’re wondering how a microchip can help reunite you with your missing pet, or if your private information is truly safe, we’ve got the answers to all your questions about microchips in pets.

As July Fourth approaches, many Americans eagerly anticipate the celebratory fireworks that light up the night sky. However, for many pet owners, this celebration can also cause significant stress and concern. The earsplitting, unexpected noises from fireworks can trigger noise aversion, a severe reaction in pets. Discover what noise aversion is, why pets experience this condition, and how you can help your furry friend cope during the fireworks festivities.

As Independence Day approaches, many of us eagerly anticipate festive celebrations such as barbecues, pool parties, and outdoor activities. While fireworks are a well-known concern for pet owners, you also should learn to recognize other potential hazards that can affect your furry friend during the July Fourth festivities. Follow these tips to ensure your pet stays safe and healthy throughout the holiday.

A large part of ensuring your pet leads a healthy and happy life is preventive care. From avoiding household hazards to warding off infectious diseases, preventive care is crucial for protecting your furry friend’s health. Another key preventive care aspect is a microchip. This identification (ID) device provides invaluable benefits designed to keep your four-legged friend by your side. Consider the perks of having your pet microchipped.

Welcoming a new kitten into your home is a delightful experience, but one that comes with the responsibility of keeping them in the best health. Understanding your cat’s health care needs during their first year is crucial for building a solid foundation for a lifetime of health and happiness. We explain the essential components of your kitten’s care, including first wellness visits, vaccinations, parasite prevention, spaying and neutering, and ongoing care.

Traveling with pets can be an enriching experience as you create lasting memories together. However, it also comes with its challenges—particularly to ensure your pet’s safety and well-being. Whether you’re embarking on a road trip, flying off to a new destination, or simply visiting friends and family, careful planning and preparation are essential. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about pet-safe travel, from pre-trip preparations to in-transit care.

As temperatures rise and the sun shines bright, pet owners face the challenge of keeping their four-legged friends entertained and cool during the scorching summer months. The warm weather brings opportunities for outdoor adventures, but also poses risks of heatstroke and dehydration for your fur-coat-wearing pet. Read on for some engaging summer boredom busters to keep your pet happy, healthy, and cool.

Summer vacations, whether you visit an exciting new location or an old family favorite, are the highlights of the season. While leaving your four-legged family member behind while you jet off on an adventure can cause stress and anxiety, you can relax, knowing your pet is in good hands, by implementing the following pet boarding tips.

Welcoming a new cat into your home is exciting and rewarding, but the experience also comes with the responsibility of providing the best care possible. As a new cat owner, you want to ensure that your feline friend is happy, healthy, and thriving. Here are five tips to help set your cat up for success.

Dogs explore their environment with their mouths, and chewing is a natural instinctive behavior that they need for good mental and emotional health. Unfortunately, chewing can be destructive, which can be problematic for dog owners. One of the best ways to thwart this behavior is to provide appropriate chew toys.

However, not all chew toys are created equal, and some aren’t safe for your canine friend. Let’s look closely at why dogs chew and what they should and shouldn’t chew.

By: Elizabeth Kowalski, CVT, FFCP

As urban and suburban sprawl brings us closer to wildlife, close encounters are becoming more common. The likelihood of a threatening confrontation depends greatly on where you live, with greater potential for harm in areas populated by bears, big cats, venomous snakes, or wolves, but any wild animal can potentially carry or transmit a harmful disease. However, this is a two-way street, with wildlife also at risk for harm from careless or malicious human actions.

By: Elizabeth Kowalski, CVT, FFCP 

With pet ownership comes the responsibility to keep your furry pal safe from harm—including everyday household dangers. You can accomplish this goal, and protect your valuables from mischievous teeth and claws at the same time, by preparing your home before you welcome your new dog or cat.

Use our essential tips to pet-proof your space and ensure your pet has a healthy environment to thrive and grow.

Did you brush your teeth this morning? Most people brush their teeth daily and see their dentist twice a year. But, you may be surprised to know that your pet needs the same level of dental care. Dental disease can cause serious problems for your pet, including devastating systemic issues. Fortunately, the appropriate dental care can protect your pet against this serious disease.

By: Jenny Alonge, DVM, FFCP

As a conscientious and loving pet parent, you pamper your furry pal and ensure they have all they need for a long, happy, and healthy life. But, do you prioritize your pet’s dental care? You should! Oral issues can significantly impact your pet’s quality of life and lead to severe pain, difficulty eating, and systemic illness.

A Financial Safety Net Option for Your Furry Friend

Pet insurance helps ensure that you are able to say “Yes” to veterinary care without the stress and anxiety that can come with vet bills

Whether you’re a first-time or seasoned pet owner, being financially prepared to manage the cost of pet care is an important part of keeping your pet healthy.

Adopting a new kitten requires planning and thinking ahead to what kind of lifestyle your cat will lead later on. Use the American Animal Hospital Association’s Hospital Locator to find a local vet who is accredited by AAHA.

By Jenny Alonge, DVM, FFCP

Does it take an act of Congress to get your cat in their carrier when it’s time to go to the veterinarian? Does your canine friend quake with fear when they face a veterinary visit? Veterinary telehealth may help relieve your furry friend’s stress and anxiety, as well as provide several other benefits. However, you should first learn the ins and outs of veterinary telehealth, so you know what to expect.

Moving to a new home probably is one of life’s most stressful events, but few owners stop to consider how a move affects their pets. Like people, pets are creatures of habit—the busyness of packing up, movers coming and going, and relocating to a new home definitely can cause anxiety.

Vaccinations are part of a preventive health plan for all kittens and cats. However, which vaccines your pet needs vary based on her life stage, home environment, and how (and with whom) she spends her time.

Cats are mysterious creatures and understanding their behaviors can be a challenge. But, if your feline friend’s behaviors are frustrating, irksome, or downright dangerous, knowing the reason behind the action is key to effective management. Preserve the bond you share with your cat by learning to identify and manage common feline behavior problems.

The joys of a relaxing massage are no longer just for people. Pets also are reaping the benefits, as veterinary hospitals realize that the positive outcomes from a massage can go beyond calming and stress reduction to relieving pain and promoting optimal body function.

Visiting the veterinarian regularly is an important part of maintaining your pet’s health. Although your pet may look healthy, diseases often cause no obvious signs in their early stages. Wellness exams and screening tests allow your veterinary team to detect diseases before they progress and begin treatments that will extend your pet’s healthy years by your side.

After a long, cold winter, you’re likely ready to head outdoors for some fun in the sun. But, your adventure may be cut short if your pet develops heatstroke. Know common signs of heatstroke and take preventive measures to keep your pet cool through the dog days of summer.

Kidney failure is a leading cause of death in pet cats, with at least 30% of cats developing this devastating health condition as they age. Many treatment options exist, but they only manage clinical signs and slow disease progression, and are not a cure. For some cats, however, an alternative treatment may be available—a kidney transplant that provides your cat with a healthy kidney to reverse organ failure.

Cat owners are likely familiar with their feline friend’s kneading behavior, or what many cat owners affectionately refer to as “making biscuits.” Similar to the way a baker pushes and pulls dough before baking, a kneading cat massages or repeatedly pushes their toes into a soft or cushioned surface, such as a plush blanket, fellow pet, or warm human lap.

Pets can encounter many health challenges throughout their lives, from injuries and surgeries to age-related conditions, that impact their mobility and overall well-being. But all is not lost—the world of veterinary physical rehabilitation offers tailored solutions that will help your pet regain their strength, mobility, and quality of life.

A furry little pet who loves to snuggle in your shirt pocket can be a great family addition. But, although pocket pets, which include rodents such as rats, mice, gerbils, and hamsters, as well as slightly larger guinea pigs, chinchillas, hedgehogs, and sugar gliders, may require less time and effort than a dog who expects daily walks, you should do your homework first. Many species have unique dietary and housing requirements, and some can outlive traditional pets, so you must be prepared to properly care for your tiny pet.

You can walk your leash-reactive dog safely around your neighborhood, but she will need dedicated training and management. Many canines are sweet and happy pets at home, but when they step into unfamiliar territory with strange people and dogs, they bark, growl, snap, or quiver in fear, making a simple walk around the block into a scary, stressful situation. Learning your dog’s behavior triggers and her reactivity threshold can be challenging and time-consuming, but you can overcome her leash reactions with patience, training, and dedication.

We really do love our pets—enough that we will pick up their feces and even examine it for signs our furry companion is not feeling well. What seems like an insignificant pile of waste can tell you a lot about your pet’s overall health. And, if things don’t look quite right, your veterinarian can perform a more in-depth evaluation to determine the cause.

Obesity is a growing trend that—unfortunately—is sweeping through many species, cats and dogs included. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention surveys, the number of overweight pets has been growing as steadily as the number on the scale over the past decade. The most recent survey from 2022 classifies 59% of dogs and 61% of cats as overweight or obese, with one-third of pet owners believing their hefty pets are at an ideal weight.

With such a high prevalence of pet obesity—and the large number of pet owners not recognizing the problem—knowing how to evaluate your pet’s weight is important. Learn how you can tell if your four-legged friend is more fat than fur, and how you can help your pet maintain an ideal weight to add years to their life.

Embarking on a trip to the veterinarian can be a daunting experience for both pets and their owners alike. From the anxiety of the unknown to the discomfort of unfamiliar surroundings, the stress associated with veterinary visits is a common concern for many pet owners. However, ensuring your furry companion’s well-being doesn’t have to come at the expense of their peace of mind.

Veterinary technicians are educated professionals who help veterinarians care for pets by providing nursing support, acting as patient advocates, performing diagnostic procedures, and assisting in anesthesia and surgery. While they may have the opportunity to cuddle the occasional puppy or kitten, a vet tech’s job is much more than playing with cute dogs and cats.

When you understand your dog’s life stage, you and your veterinary team become partners in providing your dog with an individualized healthcare approach to every veterinary visit, resulting in the lifetime of optimal care your dog needs and deserves!