Day: September 7, 2011

When a family member is lost, you exert all efforts to find them and bring them home safely. And the same holds true when the family member has fur and walks on four legs.

With warm weather here, pets as well as people are spending more time outdoors. But is your pet protected from one of the most common – and deadly – diseases?

Obesity rates are dramatically higher than a decade ago. Twelve states now have obesity rates of 30 percent or higher, according to a recent report by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. With obesity a serious health threat, many families are on the lookout for ways to increase their physical activity levels. For families who own a dog, one helpful answer may be as close as their favorite furry friend. Walking and exercising with the family dog is an easy way to get moving, spend quality time together and get to know your neighbors.

During the long, cold winter months, dogs are unable to enjoy the outdoor activities that put into use their natural senses to play, run and fetch. To protect themselves and their dogs from the frigid air, many dog owners avoid the outdoors – only bringing their pets outside for a brief walk, or to load them in and out of the car for appointments. Unfortunately this inactive way of living becomes the “norm” for dogs, and inhibits their intuitions as adventurous beings outdoors.

Though they may be hard to spot, don’t let fleas and ticks elude you this season. Spring is the unofficial start of flea and tick season – and the ideal time to begin preventatively treating your pet so it doesn’t get an infestation. Not only are fleas and ticks an annoyance for dogs, cats and pet owners alike, but they can also cause health issues. And according to Dr. Nancy Hinkle, Ph.D ., professor of entomology at the University of Georgia, this flea and tick season is shaping up to be an intense one. Research shows that mild spring weather has allowed fleas and ticks to get an early start, meaning there will be higher pest populations this summer.

Being a veterinarian is a tough job. After all, veterinarians have to treat patients who can’t explain where it hurts or follow health instructions more complex than “sit” or “stay.” That’s why communication between pet owners and veterinarians is so important.

People are social and we all highly value our interactions with friends and family. While you might not think the same of cats, people who have more than one can attest that having multiple cats can make everyone in the household – two-legged and four-legged – a little happier.

The connection between pets and owners is hard to quantify, but for many pet owners it comes down to wanting their dog to live as good a life as they, themselves, are living. To help you make sure you’re giving your dog the very best in life, think of it as sharing a lifestyle – what’s good for you is also good for your dog. If you’re a couch potato, it’s likely that your dog will be as well. If you stay healthy and active, then your dog will have reason be healthy and active along with you. After all, they were born to play.

How Americans view the family pet has evolved over the years. Today, people are not content to merely be pet owners; instead they consider themselves to be “pet parents.” The joy and unconditional love that pets bring have catapulted them into the realm of true family member and people are willing to do whatever it takes to provide their pets with the best.

Of course you love your pets, but let’s face it: Whether you’re hosting guests or trying to sell your home, the last thing you want visitors to remember is an odor. Luckily, there are a number of ways to eliminate odors and let your home’s personality shine.

Allergies no longer have to prevent pet ownership. By taking a few simple precautionary steps, it is possible to comfortably live with both pets and allergies. Here are a few helpful tips.