March 25, 2025

35,000+ Ohio Dogs Tested Positive for this Tick-Borne Disease in 2024

Last year saw 35,425 confirmed cases of Lyme disease in Ohio dogs, which represents 5.36% of total dogs tested. Our state has a higher-than-average risk of Lyme disease in dogs compared to the rest of the US.

This data is shared by the Companion Animal Parasite Council, which tracks parasite prevalence, along with making recommendations to prevent and treat parasite infections that affect pets and/or humans. Let’s take a look at Lyme disease data over time.

Lyme Disease is a Growing Concern for Ohio Dogs

Ohio residents need to be aware of the risk to their dogs. Data show both:

• Absolute numbers of Lyme disease cases are growing in Ohio dogs
• Percentage of positive tests are also increasing

In four years, reported Lyme disease cases have almost doubled in Ohio dogs. But there’s good news: this parasite infection is preventable.

About Lyme Disease in Dogs

As we shared in 2023’s article, “Prevention of Lyme Disease in Dogs Month,”

“Lyme disease is a bacterial disease spread by certain tick bites. It’s zoonotic, meaning it affects both people and animals, especially dogs. Fortunately for cats, they don’t seem to be affected.”

Although it’s the most common vector-borne disease in the US, it’s not terribly hard to prevent infection in your dog.

Preventing Lyme Disease in Dogs

There are three steps to keeping your dog safe from tick-borne diseases:

1. Most importantly, keep your dog on flea and tick preventive medicines year-round. Ohio DNR reports that blacklegged ticks are active year-round in Ohio, so there’s no true “safe” season.
2. Regularly check your dog for ticks, especially if you’re been in a forest, field or other “wild” area. Top places to check are in and around the ears, around the eyelids, under the collar, in the “arm pits” of the legs, around the tail and between the toes.
3. Create a tick-free zone in your backyard. Here are our five tips.

We truly hate to see a dog that has contracted Lyme disease. Symptoms take two to five months to develop, and by that time the bacteria has spread. Eventually, without treatment, kidney disease and failure develop. Let’s work together to reduce the risk for our Ohio dogs.

March 5, 2025

March is Poison Prevention Month

Let’s work together to promote safe and healthy environments for our pets! Many top toxins and poisons overlap for dogs and cats, but there are some differences. Here are the top 10 for each.

Top 10 Toxins and Poisons for Dogs

These are the most common toxins that affects dogs. Please keep these items where your dog cannot get to them.

1. Chocolate
2. Mouse and rat poisons
3. Vitamins and minerals
4. Human and veterinary pain relievers
5. Heart medications, e.g., beta blockers
6. Cold and allergy medications
7. Antidepressants
8. Xylitol
9. Acetaminophen
10. Caffeine pills

Top 10 Toxins and Poisons for Cats

Cats are most commonly-affected by these 10 toxins. Use this knowledge to keep your cats safe and healthy.

1. Topical, spot-on insecticides
2. Household cleaners
3. Antidepressants
4. Lilies
5. Insoluble oxalate plants, e.g., philodendron
6. Human and veterinary pain relievers
7. Acetaminophen, e.g., Tylenol
8. Glow sticks
9. ADD/ADHD medications/amphetamines
10. Mouse and rat poisons

Top 8 Toxic Plants

Many common plants are toxic to pets, especially cats. It’s safest to keep these top plants out of your home:

• Azalea
• Calla lily
• Daylily
• Easter lily
• Hyacinth
• Hydrangea
• Morning glory
• Elephant’s ear

Recently, we shared 2024’s Top 20 Pet Poisons, which is another helpful resource. You may also want to refer to our Top 30 Toxic Plants for Cats & Dogs.

February 26, 2025

Top Questions for In-Home Pet Care

Pet Sitters International is an educational organization for professional pet sitters, and they created Professional Pet Sitters Week the first week of March. In-home pet care is growing in popularity, so we wanted to highlight this option. Pet sitters come to your home to care for your pet, including walks and playtime.

Pet Sitting Might Be a Great Option for Your Pet

If you travel or work long hours away from home, you may board your pet or ask friends/family to take them in. These options are usually just fine, but engaging a trusted pet sitter could be a great experience for your pet. Pet Sitters International (PSI) shares these benefits:

• Pets are happier and experience less stress at home.

• Diet and exercise routines are uninterrupted.

• Travel trauma for both owner and pet is eliminated.

• Pet’s exposure to illness is minimized.

• Untrained or unwilling friends/family/neighbors need not be called.

• In-home professional pet care provides added peace of mind.

You may be interested in finding pet sitters in our area, so we suggest checking out PSI’s Pet Sitter Locator. We found five pet sitters in the Cincinnati area. Choosing a certified pet sitter can add confidence to the decision to allow someone into your home to care for your pet.

How Can You Tell a Pet Sitter is Professional?

When interviewing a pet sitter, ask these questions to make sure you’re hiring a professional:

• Do you have a business license? This means they have registered their business with the Ohio Secretary of State, instead of running a casual side gig.
• What business insurance do you carry?
• What pet care training, education and certification have you achieved?
• How long have you been a professional pet sitter?
• What kinds of pets do you sit for?
• Can you provide references?

How Much Does a Professional Pet Sitter Cost?

PSI offers national average for pet sitting services. Here’s the chart.

Is Professional Pet Sitting the Career for You?

PSI’s goal is to help professional pet sitters provide excellent pet care and build a successful business. The organization offers a free guide titled, “How to Start a Pet-Sitting Business.” Here are our favorite tips from the guide, to help determine if professional pet sitting might be the right career for you:

• Evaluate your experience with animals and pet care. Have you cared for your own pets– for how long, and what species/breeds? Have you volunteered with animal organizations, like shelters?
• Know the education and training that you will need. Pet first aid, animal behavior and pet health education are all important.
• What experience do you have in any service industry? A large part of pet sitting is interacting with pet owners with friendliness and professionalism.
• Would you like to specialize or generalize? For instance, there’s the most opportunity for a pet sitter who can care for cats and dogs. However, if you have much experience with an exotic pet, that could be a good niche.
• It’s likely important that a background check shows a clear criminal history.

Pet sitting can be both a great career and great for pet owners. We hope you’ve enjoyed learning about this pet care option!

February 19, 2025

National Pet Dental Month & Heart Month

Dental health is an essential part of a pet’s well-being. By taking proactive measures to care for their pet’s teeth, owners can help prevent dental problems and ensure their furry companions live long, healthy lives.

Heart Health

It is important that every dog and cat owner is empowered to recognize signs of heart disease in their companion animals. Regular veterinary check-ups are a key component in keeping your pet’s heart healthy.

6 Signs of Heart Disease in Pets

• Difficulty breathing
• Pale gums
• Weight loss
• Swollen abdomen
• Excessive tiredness or fainting
• Dry cough

January 29, 2025

6 Million Cats Are Diagnosed with Cancer Each Year

No one wants to imagine their precious kitty being diagnosed with cancer, but it’s important to know the signs, just in case. February is National Cat Health Month, so we’re highlighting this one aspect of cat health now. PetCure Oncology reports that over six million cats are diagnosed every year. They also share these facts:

• Some cancers are more likely in cats aged two to six
• Cats with FeLV are at higher risk of cancer
• Purebred cats may suffer from cancer at higher rates

10 Early Signs of Cancer in Cats

The Pet Cancer Foundation provides a helpful guide to learn the symptoms of cancer in cats. Take a look at the signs, although you’ll probably notice that many of these symptoms are common to several different illnesses.

Cancer in Cats: Behavior Symptoms

• Hiding more than usual and for longer than expected
• Pain and discomfort that results in irritability, wincing or lashing out when touched
• Unexpected or unexplained weight loss or weight gain
• Urinating more or less often than usual
• Constipation or diarrhea

Cancer in Cats: Coat and Face Symptoms

• Nose: Changes to the color or texture of your cats nose, or nosebleeds
• Mouth: If you notice a strange odor, sores or wounds in the mouth. Also, if you cat is scratching their mouth
• Skin: Be aware of any lumps, bumps, rashes or lesions

Cancer in Cats: Illness Symptoms

• Unexpected discharge from any body orifice, such as eyes, nose, ears, etc.
• Seizures, which can present as champing, chewing, shaking or foaming at the mouth

As always, if you notice any these symptoms– or if your cat’s behavior changes unexpectedly, reach out to your veterinarian. Because cats are so skilled at hiding illnesses, it’s especially important to take them in for wellness visits.

January 20, 2025

Keep You and Your Dog Fit (and Safe) on Winter Walks

In keeping with many New Year’s Resolutions to get healthier, January is National Walk Your Dog Month. It may seem like the worst time to get out into the great outdoors with your pet, but following these 8 steps will keep you both safe and warm.

1. Make sure you, the human, are properly outfitted for the cold. Gloves are especially important when holding a leash!
2. Put a jacket on your dog. This step is especially important for puppies, senior dogs, small breeds and short-haired dogs.
3. Protect paws from ice and de-icing chemicals with dog booties or pet-safe gels like Musher’s Secret.
4. Use a secure, front-clip harness to prevent your dog from pulling. This is safer for everyone in slippery conditions.
5. Walk your dog with a fixed leash, not a retractible one. Consider a jogger’s leash, which stays hooked to you, if you fall and lose your grip.
6. Make sure your dog’s clothing stays dry. Or cut your walk short if it becomes damp or wet.
7. Avoid hazards like frozen ponds. Dogs can fall through thin ice into freezing water. They may suffer hypothermia or even drown.
8. When you get back, wash your dog’s paws. This keeps them from licking toxic chemicals like ice melts and salts off of their paws.

Have fun exploring the winter scenery with your dog! But remember, if the weather is particularly nasty, wait until another day. Cuddling by the fire with your dog doesn’t burn calories, but it is good for the soul.

For more tips, check out our article, “Keep Your Pet Safe this Winter.”

January 13, 2025

During January’s Cold, Spend Some Quality Time with Your Dog!

January is National Train Your Dog Month, and we can’t think of a better way to spend these cold winter days than indoors helping your dog become more social, well-adjusted and welcome anywhere they go.

And you know how they say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? That’s not true! Obedience training is great for any age. In fact, most animal shelters are able to ready adult dogs for forever families through training.

Local Classes for National Train Your Dog Month

The best way to train your dog is with expert help. A professional dog trainer has experience with hundreds (thousands?) of dogs and will help personalize a program for you and your pup.

To get you started on your research, here are some places to check out. While these organizations have been recommended to us and/or have positive reviews, please use your own judgement about if a given trainer will be a good fit for your family.

• Petco offers AKC Canine Good Citizen training classes.
• Bulletproof Dog Training enjoys a 4.9-star rating on Google, with almost 500 reviews.
• Dog Obedience Guy has a 5.0-star Google rating, with over 100 reviewers.
• My Dog, My Best Buddy workshops help kids and dogs understand each other.
• Animal Adoption Foundation offers a list of Training Resources.

At-Home Resources for National Train Your Dog Month

If you’re just getting started and want to try some training at home, check out these resources.

• The AKC suggests a dog training app like Zigzag. After you take a quick survey, the app suggests a program, along with a subscription plan.
• AKC also provides training guidelines with its AKC STAR Puppy and AKC Canine Good Citizen programs. These programs are open to purebred and mixed breed dogs.
• Animal Friends Humane Society partners with GoodPup, a virtual training app.
• Here’s a selection of dog training YouTube channels to check out.
• This little book helps you understand “dog psychology” and is well worth a read – SuperPuppy: How to Raise the Best Dog You’ll Ever Have!

Enjoy checking out these resources and helping your dog be their best selves!

December 20, 2024

From Foods to Decorations to Guests, Follow These Tips this Season

Christmas, New Years and all the winter holidays can pose some challenges for keeping your pet safe. Keep these simple tips in mind for happy holidays.

Holiday No-No Foods

These foods are dangerous for pets and need to be kept away from them.

• Chocolate
• Alcohol
• Bones
• Onions
• Garlic
• Grapes/raisins
• Candy
• Cooked bones

Poisonous Plants

Festive Christmas plants can also be dangerous for curious pets. Consider artificial replacements for:

• Poinsettias
• Holly
• Mistletoe
• Lilies

Decoration Safety

Everyone loves beautiful holiday decorations! Follow these guidelines for decor that both people and animals can enjoy.

• Put out candles if you are leaving the room
• Tape down any electrical cords
• Avoid tinsel
• Cover the water pan under the Christmas tree

Managing Your Pet Around Guests

Help help your pets successfully interact with guests takes a little planning. Here are some ideas.

• Make sure their ID tags are up-to-date
• Hold onto your pet as people enter the house
• Introduce your guests to your pet
• Teach kids the proper way to treat a pet
• Make sure nobody feeds them from the table
• Give your pets a safe place to get away and have quiet time

Cold Weather Safety

• For outdoor pets, make sure to offer fresh (unfrozen) water, warm bedding and wind-free shelter
• Keep your pet away from antifreeze and other cold-weather chemicals like de-icers
• Remember that elderly and infant pets are the most vulnerable to cold

November 20, 2024

An Alarming Increase in Incidents Involving Antidepressants

In the last year, chocolate, grapes and raisins have claimed the top spots in Pet Poison Helpline’s call volume. These toxins account for over 25% of all calls. So, especially as we enter the season of holidays, it’s important to keep these foods out of reach of your pet.

Next on the list are common toxins ibuprofen (Advil) and bromethalin (rat poison). Calls for these toxins are over 7% of the total.

Climbing the list in this deadly popularity contest are antidepressant and antianxiety medications. These only account for 3.5% of total call volume to Pet Poison Helpline over the last year, but the increase is alarming. Over the last five years, pet poisoning calls for these medications have increased 80%. So, if you or someone in your household has a prescription for antidepressants and/or antianxiety meds, please keep them safely locked away from pets (and children).

Pet Poison Helpline’s Top 20 Toxins List

Here’s the full list of top 20 pet toxins from the last 12 months, tracked by Pet Poison Helpline

Small percentages still show many call cases received, since Pet Poison Helpline serves thousands of callers each year. So, don’t let up with your vigilance in keeping coffee beans, coffee grounds, thyroid hormone medication or beta-blockers safely away from your pets. Just because a toxin is less common doesn’t meant it can’t affect your pet.

Top Clinical Signs of Toxicity in Pets

Helpfully, there’s also a list of the top 20 clinical signs to look out for with toxicity. Check them out. This knowledge might just save an animal’s life one day.

Animal Poison Control Options

If your pet has ingested a suspected toxin, and you can’t get in touch with your veterinarian, these animal poison control lines are good resources:

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control – (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline – (855) 764-7661

November 7, 2024

November is Senior Pet Health Month, Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month & National Pet Diabetes Month

In November, we count our blessings. Which is why we published our list of 10 Reasons to Love Senior Pets. We also know that senior pets benefit from a little more attention to their daily health.

“Age is not a barrier to a happy, healthy pet.”

Basic Considerations When Caring for Senior Pets

As your pet ages, you’ll want to learn more how to care for them in various ways, such as:

• Increased veterinary care
• Diet and nutrition
• Parasite control
• Vaccinations
• Maintaining mobility
• Mental health
• Environment
• Reproductive diseases

Your veterinarian can guide you on the steps to help your senior pet live their happiest, healthiest life. We recommend making an appointment to talk in person and make a plan.

National Pet Diabetes Month

It is estimated that one in 300 dogs and one in 230 cats in the US have diabetes. As your pet ages, you especially want to learn more about this disease. Here are the symptoms of diabetes in pets:

• Increased thirst and urination
• Weight loss
• Cloudy eyes
• Altered appetite
• Lethargy or weakness
• Poor coat
• Vomiting

Previously, we shared more about “Living with Diabetes: Your Pet.” The good news? With proper attention and veterinary care, diabetic pets can enjoy quality lives.

So, if you’re considering adopting a pet, we encourage you to meet a few senior pets. And if you already have a senior pet, give them a hug from us!