Summer has officially arrived! Protect your pets this season with our second installment of safety tips for the beach and pool.

Watch for signs of heat stroke.

Pets can easily overheat in the summer months, even while swimming. Remember to have fresh water available for your dog at all times and offer it frequently. Because swimming usually takes place during the hottest part of the day (between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.), it is important to give your dog regular breaks.

Disaster can strike at any time! As a pet owner, having a plan ahead of time will help things run as smoothly as possible in the event of an emergency. The most important thing you can do is put together Disaster Preparedness Kits for your pets. It should contain bowls, toys, leashes, and bedding, as well as a week’s supply of food and water. It should also have first aid supplies and any medication that your pets may need. Pictures of your pets and written care instructions ensure that they will be properly cared for even if you are indisposed.

Do you think you know everything there is to know about canines? Think again! Check out these 23 interesting facts you may have never heard:

1. Dogs have a sense of time. It's been proven that they know the difference between an hour and five. If conditioned to, they can predict future events, such as regular walk time.
   
   
    

Did you know you can get clues about how your pet is feeling just by looking at his/her tongue or feeling his/her pulse?

In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), it is important to look for patterns in order to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. These patterns include the behavior of the pet and the types of conditions the pet is repeatedly experiencing. Regular examinations are the best way to determine any patterns your pet may be exhibiting.

A vital part of any integrative exam is the palpation of the pet’s pulse and the careful observation of the tongue.

Plants add a certain element to the feel of our homes; however, those with pets need to be selective about the greenery they choose to have around.

According to the ASPCA Poison Control, there are literally thousands of plants that could harm your pet if they ingest it. They all have varying degrees of effect on your dog or cat. Some mild, some severe, and some even potentially fatal. We've narrowed down the list to nine of some of the most common household plants.

All dogs usually grow thicker coats during the colder months of winter, including our short-haired pups like Chihuahuas, Boxers and even Dobermans! While pet owners may not notice the difference during winter months, they may start to notice now that spring has sprung. This is due to increased shedding or as groomers call it, “blowing their coat.” Below are some tell tale signs it may be time to see your groomer.

Does your fido or fluffy have bad breath? That offensive odor could signify serious health risks for you beloved pet. To help keep you aware of potential health issues, we've compiled a list of dental and oral complications to look out for.

Here are the top 10 things you need to know:

1. Periodontal disease is the #1 diagnosed problem in dogs and cats. By age 3, 85% of dogs & cats are affected with some level of dental disease.
    

Obesity is an accumulation of excessive energy stored by adipose (fatty) tissue sufficient enough to contribute to disease. It is the most common form of malnutrition in our companion animals and it is growing in frequency due to an increasingly sedentary lifestyle coupled with highly-palatable, energy-dense food sources.

Obesity can significantly increase the risk of various diseases and can negatively impact both the quality of life as well as the life span of our pets.

Conditions associated with obesity include: