News

November is National Pet Diabetes Month. Diabetes is a condition that affects both cats and dogs, as well as humans. When it comes to our furry friends, it can be difficult for them to communicate when something is amiss. It is up to us as pet parents to look for signs something might be wrong, and get our pets the treatments they need. (more…)

It’s all too common that we stress over our weight — tracking our calories, measuring out food, and taking all sorts of steps to achieve that perfect beach body.  You only need to look at all the fad diets that have come and gone to realize that our weight is a major facet of our identity. Indeed, maintaining a healthy weight and fighting obesity is one of the biggest recommendations doctors give to improve a person’s overall quality of life—but what about the furry members of our family? Recent studies have identified 58% of cats and 53% of dogs as overweight. (more…)

The CATalyst Council has declared September to be Happy Healthy Cat Month, dedicated to finding ways to keep kitty companions happy, healthy and purring all year long. Cat parents may be as varied as the cats they take care of, but one thing that unites them all is the desire for their cats to live long, fulfilling lives. Today we’ve got some tips for you to incorporate into your routine to ensure that your kitty is healthy, well-adjusted, and content. (more…)

As the weather continues to warm up it can be tempting to get out and give your pets some well-deserved exercise. Being cooped up in the house for weeks at a time can make any pet (and owner) antsy to see the world again. While we humans are exceptionally well-adapted to being out in the heat for hours at a time thanks to our ability to sweat, our pets aren’t so fortunate. While we may be fine soaking up the rays, our pets could be suffering in silence by our sides. It’s our responsibility as pet owners to keep our pets safe from heat exhaustion or heatstroke—today we’ll be talking about how to do just that. (more…)

When you leave the house to take a break from the stresses of modern life, the hardest decision you should be making is where to spend your time. Going on vacation shouldn’t be a stressful affair—but pet owners may not have the luxury of being able to take their furry family with them. Naturally, we want our pets to be as comfortable and happy as possible, and making sure that someone can take care of our pets can be the worst part of going away. There is a plethora of options: you can bring your pet to a boarding kennel, find a trusted friend or family member, or even check your pet in to a veterinary hospital. Those are all fine options, but each one comes with its own caveats. (more…)

Spring means green grass and trees, bright sunshine, and warmer temperatures — but as the weather warms up, fleas and ticks will also start to come back in large numbers. This is a problem if you take your pets out to stretch their legs, or if your pets are outdoor pets in the first place. These parasites aren’t just a nuisance, they can also carry diseases that can be debilitating for your cat or your dog. This article will take a look at what you can do to be ready for these pests and to take better care of your pets. (more…)

After a long and cold Winter season here in Michigan, it’s finally time to prepare for Spring — and time to think about how we can prepare ourselves and our pets. While you may be busy deep cleaning your home or just taking in the warmer days, you owe it to your furry family members to spend some time preparing for their needs as well. (more…)

This February isn’t just the time for Valentines Day, it’s also American Heart Month — a month when we should all be mindful of things that keep the old ticker healthy. But it’s not just us who should be trying to live healthier lives, our pets deserve some love too. Dogs and cats are equally at risk of developing heart-related illnesses and disorders, and the main defense we have against these conditions is awareness.

Like people, dogs can develop heart disease, either as a congenital condition or developing as they age.  Clinical signs can vary, but the most common symptoms include exercise intolerance, coughing or fainting episodes. Diagnostics such as x-ray and heart ultrasound (echo) can help diagnose heart disease so that appropriate treatments can be implemented.  Always report any changes in your dog’s breathing or the development of a new, persistent cough to your veterinarian. (more…)

As we come up on a new year and a new decade, many people are already planning on their New Year’s resolutions—we all appreciate the chance for a new beginning and a fresh start. But as we make our New Year’s resolutions, let us not forget our pets. They, too, can benefit from new activities and goals. For many pet owners, pets are just as important as family—so this is a great opportunity to improve their lives even further. Read on for our ideas for great New Year’s resolutions that you can set for both you and your furry friends. (more…)

With the advent of the holiday season, Michigan pet owners will face another cold season—and it’s time to get prepared for it. Especially vulnerable are outdoor pets, as they have scant protection from the lower temperatures and the wind and snow.

While our pets may have some natural protection from the elements with their furry coats, they aren’t actually any more resistant to cold weather than their owners. The cold weather has an effect on every animal, but smaller animals with a lower body mass and thinner coats will be affected to a greater degree. Very young or very old animals are at similar risk, as their systems are less well equipped to deal with the temperature difference. (more…)