April 6, 2026

4 Top Heartworm Myths Debunked

The risk of heartworm infection can be right next door– at any time. Sadly, we encounter several common myths about this deadly parasitic infection that can put pets at risk. Here are the facts we want everyone to know

• MYTH: Indoor pets don’t need prevention. TRUTH: Mosquitoes get indoors, slipping through screens and doors. One bite is all it takes, and indoor pets are still vulnerable.
• MYTH: Only dogs get heartworm. TRUTH: Cats are also susceptible. While they are atypical hosts, they can suffer severe respiratory issues from immature worms, and there is no approved treatment for cats.
• MYTH: You don’t need to worry about heartworms in the winter. TRUTH: Mosquitoes can emerge during winter warm-ups, and skipping doses can allow larvae to mature, making them more dangerous to treat.
• MYTH: I’ll know if my pet has heartworms. TRUTH: Symptoms often don’t appear until the disease is advanced, causing permanent damage to the heart and lungs.

Heartworm “season” is year-round. To protect your pet (and others), give heartworm prevention year-round. This includes spring, summer, fall and winter. If you are in need of heartworm prevention, contact us.

March 12, 2026

Poisons in Plain Sight for Dogs and Cats

Common household items such as plants, foods and chemicals can harm your pet if ingested. Please pay close attention to these top 10 toxins for dogs and cats.

Top 10 Toxins for Dogs

1. Chocolate
2. Mouse and rat poisons
3. Vitamins
4. Human and veterinary pain relievers
5. Heart medication, i.e., beta blockers
6. Cold and allergy medications, i.e., Pseudoephedrine and Phenylephrine
7. Anti-depressants
8. Xylitol
9. Acetaminophen, i.e, Tylenol
10. Caffeine pills

Top 10 Toxins for Cats

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

Do you have questions about common household items that might be toxic to your pets? Contact us.

February 9, 2026

Dental Care for Cats & Dogs

During Pet Health Dental Month, we like to highlight how important dental care is for your pet’s overall health. Good dental health helps your pet feel better, eat better and behave better. Dental disease can cause bacterial problems throughout the body’s systems, along with the problems that come with infected gums or diseased teeth.

Know the Signs of Dental Disease

Most pet dental disease occurs below the gum line, where you can’t see it. Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked at least once a year by your veterinarian. But, if you see any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian:

• Red, swollen gums
• Increased drooling
• Dropping food from the mouth
• Whining while eating
• Loss of appetite
• Unexpected weight loss
• Loose or discolored teeth
• Bleeding from mouth
• Unwillingness to play with toys

Top Pet Dental Care Steps

Pet dental health is critical for overall health. Here are the top things you can do to improve and preserve your pet’s teeth and gums:

• Toothbrushing with a soft brush and water or pet-formulated paste
• Regular veterinary examinations, at least annually
• Professional dental cleaning if recommended by your veterinarian
• Look for signs of oral disease

Has it been awhile since your pet’s last dental cleaning? Contact us to see if it might be time.

January 27, 2026

Our Cats Are Living Longer, Healthier Lives

For National Cat Health Month, we’re looking at longevity for our feline friends. Over the decades, pet cats in the US have been living longer on average:

• 1980s: 7 years
• 1995: 9.4 years
• 2014: 13 years
• Today: 17 years

That’s a huge improvement! Let’s explore why.

Why Are Cats Living Longer?

There isn’t one single reason that our beloved pet cats are enjoying fuller lives. It’s a combination of factors, including:

• Improved veterinary care: Preventive care diagnoses common conditions that can improve with treatment, giving cats more years of health and happiness. Advances in veterinary medicine also give veterinarians more options for improving cat health, like the arthritis injection Solensia.
• More indoor cats: Outdoor cats face many environmental dangers that indoor cats are safe from. Keeping a cat indoors increases life expectancy.
• Better nutrition: Cat food through the decades has improved in nutritional content, and so has understanding of cats as obligate carnivores.
• Neutering and spaying: When done at the right stage of life, altered cats live longer, on average.

What Can I Do to Help My Cat Live Longer?

To help your cat live their best life, you’ll want to address all the factors that go into longevity. Based on pet trends, it’s likely that your cat is already spayed/neutered and lives indoors. Any well-known pet food brand will provide the nutrition your pet needs (unless your pet has specific health conditions identified by your veterinarian).

The number one step you can take to improve your cat’s health? Get regular preventive care, usually through an annual check-up. Your veterinarian will test and treat common issues that may start without symptoms. Plus, preventive vaccines keep your cat from risk of rabies, Feline Upper Respiratory Diseases and Feline Leukemia.

Is your cat ready for their check-up? Contact us.

January 12, 2026

Winter is Revving Up in January. Stay Cozy with These Tips

Overall, December temperatures were fairly mild for the season. As we move into January and February, we’re sure to see some arctic weather in the forecast. Winter can be a challenging time for pets, so watch for these cold weather hazards.

Be Prepared for Cold

• Have an emergency kit that includes your pet’s needs in case of severe weather or prolonged power outage
• If your dog has a short coat, consider a sweater or dog coat for outdoor excursions
• Consider booties for your dog’s feet. Not only does it protect them from the cold, but from de-icing chemicals, as well
• Ensure all outdoor pets have insulated shelter and unfrozen drinking water

Know Your Pet’s Limits

• Know your pet’s tolerance for the cold and adjust accordingly. Keep in mind that very young pet and older pets are more sensitive to cold
• Shorten walks in really cold weather

Avoid Injury and Poisoning

• Check under your care, bang the hood and hong the horn before starting the engine. Cats and other small animals are attracted to the warmth of a parked engine
• Use pet-safe de-icing products
• Clean up any antifreeze spills quickly. Animals are attracted to this sweet, toxic liquid
• Stay away from frozen ponds, lakes and streams. Animals might break through the ice out of your reach, creating a very dangerous situation. If your pet does escape onto the ice, do not follow– you weigh more than your pet
• Check your dog’s paws frequently for signs of irritation or injury
• Wipe down or wash your pet’s feet, legs and belly to remove packed snow, ice, salt and de-icing chemicals after walks

Have questions about keeping your cat or dog safe this winter? Contact us.

December 8, 2025

Quick Tips for a Hap-Hap-Happy Holiday

Holidays are a delightful change of pace, with their own special decorations and foods. As you’re changing up your family’s routines, keep these simple tips in mind to make your home a safe environment for your pets.

Holiday No-No Foods

These foods are toxic for our cats and dogs. Don’t feed any of these items to your pets, and remind your guests to ask before feeding your pets anything.

• Chocolate
• Alcohol
• Bones
• Onions/garlic
• Grapes/raisins
• Candy (some kinds are toxic, but all candy is unhealthy for your pet)

Poisonous Plants

Real plants are beautiful, but many of them are also toxic if ingested. Here are four common Christmas plants that you should substitute with artificial alternatives:

• Poinsettias
• Holly
• Mistletoe
• Lilies

Decoration Safety

Who doesn’t love a festive Christmas tree? Well, sometimes your cat or dog might love it too much. Keep these decoration safety tips in mind:

• Do not use salt dough ornaments
• If enjoying a real tree, cover the tree stand to prevent pets from drinking the water
• Regularly sweep up pine needles, which can cause GI upset if ingested
• Avoid using tinsel. It can get caught in your pet’s intestines, which is a dangerous emergency
• Place ornaments on higher branches, out of your pet’s reach

Another health tip for the holidays is keeping your pet up-to-date on their check-ups. If it’s been awhile since your cat or dog has been in for a wellness visit, contact us.

November 10, 2025

Adopt a Senior Pet Month & Senior Pet Health Month Meet in November

Why would you adopt a senior pet?

Senior pets often have more established temperaments, are already house-trained, mellowed energy, and have endless love and loyalty.

Considerations When Adopting a Senior Pet

• Increased veterinary care
• Diet and nutrition changes
• Maintaining mobility
• Possible medications for chronic conditions
• Mental health monitoring
• Increased risk of age-related diseases

Let’s Also Remember National Pet Diabetes Month

Diabetes is a common endocrine disorder in pets, affecting an estimated 1 in 200 cats and 1 in 300 dogs.

Early detection and proper management can significantly improve the quality of life for pets with diabetes.

Common Symptoms of Diabetes in Pets

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Excessive appetite
• Weight loss
• Lethargy or weakness
• Poor coat quality

November 3, 2025

What to Know About Your Pet’s Health as They Age

National Senior Pet month is a good time to think about preparing for your pet’s golden years. Just like with humans, aging pets are slowing down– but they also may have more wisdom and become more laid-back!

There’s so much to love about senior pets. Take a look at our “Top 10 Reasons We Love Senior Pets.” We also need to show these furry friends a bit more love and care.

When is My Pet Considered Senior?

“Seniority” differs between species, size and breed. Let’s explore AVMA’s guidelines on pet aging for cats and dogs.

When Does My Cat Become a Senior?

Definitions of aging for domestic cats is fairly simple. Most cats are considered to be senior at 10+ years. Here’s a chart showing all life stages for cats.

When Does My Dog Become a Senior?

To know when your dog is considered a senior, we take into account their size and weight. Smaller dogs typically become senior later than larger dogs. Here are general guidelines.

For more specific information about a given dog breed, visit the AKC’s helpful article, “How long do dogs live?”

How Will My Senior Pet’s Behavior Change?

Our pets are individuals, so their aging experience will be all there own. Here are some behavior changes you may see as your cat or dog ages:

• Needing less exercise in shorter intervals
• More appreciation for quiet, quality time with you
• Sleeping more
• Difficulty jumping or climbing stairs like they used to
• Possibly getting colder more easily
• Less “mischievous” behavior, like chewing unwanted items
• Less sensitive hearing
• Less acute vision
• Less ability to smell
• Possibly needing more frequent potty breaks

How Do I Care for My Senior Pet?

On average, senior pets have more health care needs than younger pets. Here’s what we recommend for giving your pet their happiest life:

• Schedule Preventive Care appointments with your veterinarian twice each year. See this resource for more information: “Preventive Care is the Most Important Step for Your Pet’s Health.”
• Preventive care includes standard blood work that can catch health issues earlier.
• Switch to senior pet food for tailored nutrition for your cat or dog.
• Provide easy-to-find fresh water at all times.
• If your dog is larger, use an elevated feeding station.
• Brush teeth daily.  Dental health is critical for overall health.
• Help your pet stay comfortable with easily-accessible beds where they spend their time.
• Know the signs of pain to see if your pet would benefit from pain relief.
• Continue to shower your pet with love, and spend time making them feel special!

Do you have questions about your pet’s aging process? Contact us. Also, check out our Senior Pet Resources for more tips and education.

October 13, 2025

Welcome to Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month

We celebrate Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog month each October. We do it for the dogs and also for the humans! There are many reasons to adopt a pup from a shelter, and here are our favorite:

1. You are saving a life
2. You’re helping break the cycle of pet overpopulation
3. Shelter pets may already be vaccinated, spay/neutered and microchipped
4. You can meet all breeds and ages to find the best fit for your family
5. Adopting is more affordable than shopping
6. You are taking a stand against puppy mills

How to Get Started with Dog Adoption

Check out the websites for these local no-kill shelters for what you need to know before adopting, along with browsing available pets.

• Animal Friends Humane Society
• Animal Adoption Foundation

October is also National Pet Wellness Month

Prevention is the easiest way to help pets live longer and healthier lives. It is a time to focus on promoting pet health and happiness through actions like scheduling veterinary check-ups, reviewing diets, ensuring proper exercise, starting dental care, and making a safe home environment.

Have questions about adopting, or caring for your new adopted dog? Reach out to us.

October 2, 2025

Start Today to Improve Your Cat or Dog’s Healthy Outlook

Regular preventive care visits for your pet is essential for their wellness and overall health. Here are the top three reasons:

1. Preventive care catches health issues earlier and helps prevent them from becoming more problematic.
2. Preventive care gives your pet the vaccines and medicines they need to prevent serious health conditions.
3. Preventive care gives you the space to ask questions about your pet’s health, development and behavior and prevents unnecessary worry or anxiety.

Your pet needs different preventive care at different stages. Let’s explore wellness for puppies/kittens, adults and seniors.

A Healthy Start to a Long Life: Preventive Care for Puppies & Kittens

Give your kitten or puppy their best start in life with early wellness care. Young pets benefit from:

• Prevention of diseases like parvovirus or distemper for dogs
• Testing for infectious diseases like FeLV and FIV for cats
• Parasite testing and/or prevention, from heartworms to roundworms
• Starting the vaccine schedule, like rabies, which is required by law
• Microchipping to help find your pet if they become lost
• Guidance on nutrition, training, socialization and exercise for puppies and kittens
• Instruction on brushing your pet’s teeth
• Acclimating your puppy or kitten to the veterinarian’s office

Protection & Prevention for Active Years: Preventive Care for Adult Pets

Your adult dog or cat also needs preventive care. These are some of the important things we cover during each visit:

• Physical examination of your pet’s body
• Simple blood tests that can catch common diseases before they show symptoms
• Examination for and treatment of parasites, such as fleas, ticks, mites or internal parasites
• Examination of dental health, which affects overall health
• Continuation of needed vaccines, based on the latest guidelines, your pet’s lifestyle, and changing technologies
• Conversation around any concerns you have regarding nutrition, behavior changes and more
• Noting any changes from previous exams and documenting the state of your pet’s health for future exams

Promoting Health & Comfort in Later Years: Preventive Care for Senior Pets

As your pet ages into their senior years, it’s likely they will develop one or more common health conditions. Preventive care helps manage these years for maximum quality of life. Here’s what to expect:

• Visits may become more frequent
• Pain management might be of higher concern
• Preventing disease and preserving dental health are more important than ever
• Recommendations for changes to pet food and home environment

Has it been awhile since your pet has come in for a wellness visit? Now would be a great time to make an appointment for their continued health and happiness. Contact us today.