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 11, 2025

Warmer Days Are on the Way! Get Out-and-About with Your Dog

If you and your pets are experiencing some cabin fever, we can’t blame you. It’s been a long winter, and we’re all ready to spend some time outdoors. Check out our suggestions for pet-friendly outings, including:

• Parks
• Restaurants
• Shopping

Pet-Friendly Parks in the Cincinnati Area

We are blessed to enjoy both Cincinnati Parks and Great Parks of Hamilton County. While there are dozens of options in our area, we’re highlighting these three:

• Smale Riverfront Park: Enjoy walks along the Ohio riverfront in downtown Cincinnati. All you need is a leash to explore the labyrinth, fresh spring gardens, porch swings and great views.
• Otto Armleder Dog Park: Get off-leash at the dog park! 10 acres of freedom, divided by dog size, so everyone feels safe. Amenities include benches, trash cans and water spouts.
• Ault Park: Another beautiful Cincinnati park that includes wooded hiking trails, expansive gardens, a panoramic river overlook and playground. Leash up and enjoy the splendors of nature.

Pet-Friendly Hang-Outs in the Cincinnati Area

Ready for some fun? Bring your pup along to these Cincinnati-area hang-outs:

• Aces Pickleball + Kitchen: This destination has it all! Pickleball (of course), an off-leash dog park, and charming outdoor seating areas, plus a full restaurant and bar.
• Pins Mechanical Co.: A dog-friendly bar with bowling and pinball– what’s not to love? The bar doesn’t serve food, but sometimes there are food trucks (and you’re welcome to brown-bag it).
• 13 Below Brewery: Dogs are welcome both indoors and on the outdoor patio. The brewery sports a food truck, as well. And there’s a park next door to take a walk.

Pet-Friendly Shopping in the Cincinnati Area

Chores are more fun with a friend. Your leashed dog is welcome at these two shops:

• Findlay Market: Get your groceries and lunch in style at Cincinnati’s famous public market. Pets are welcome in all outdoor areas and outdoor tables.
• The Home Depot: Well-behaved dogs are welcome in The Home Depot. Get your DIY on with your dog.

Enjoy these ideas for getting out into the world with your dog! Have a super spring!

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

February 5, 2025

Why We Love Pets: 10 Reasons

Our cats and dogs are so lovable! For National Love Your Pet Day on February 20, let us count the ways.

1. Pets enrich our lives and are a delight to take care of
2. They accept us for who we are
3. They’re always available to share time together
4. Usually, they have a forgive-and-forget attitude, especially if offered a treat
5. So, so, so cute!
6. Their antics are more entertaining than TikTok
7. Sharing a nap together
8. They give us something to talk about when we need to make human conversation
9. But pets don’t require small talk, and that’s a relief
10. However, if you enjoy talking to yourself, you can always say you’re talking to your pet

More Inspiration for National Love Your Pet Day

We love celebrating pets! Here are three more articles with ideas and inspiration. Tell you pet we love them!

• Why We Love Senior Pets
• 31 Ideas to Celebrate National Pet Month
• 10 Ways to Show Your Pet the Love

There are a million reasons we love pets, and a million more to love our own special cat or dog! The best way to show your pet love is to ensure their best health. Learn more about Wellness Care to help your pet live their happiest, healthiest life.

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!

January 8, 2025

We wish a Happy 2025 to all of our patients, clients and team members! Let’s take a little time to reflect on the past year and some of our favorite photos.

Eclipse Day!

Who could forget the 2024 eclipse? We made sure to share safety tips for pets.

Sharing Our Pets for National Pet Day

Look at these sweeties!

Celebrating Veterinary Receptionist Week

Our amazing Veterinary Receptionists are the first voice you hear when you call and the first face you see when you walk in. They are critically important to patient care!

Recognizing National Mutt Day

We celebrated with Riggins.

Kitten Well Visits

We just love those kitty cuddles.

National Black Dog Day

Jedd came to see us on National Black Dog day!

Santa Visits Companion Care Animal Hospital

Thank you for sharing a wonderful year with us, and we look forward to seeing you and your pets in 2025!

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