According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 4.5 million dog bites occur in the U.S every single year. The majority of dog bite victims are children. In addition, children are most often bitten during everyday interaction with dogs that they know. As responsible pet owners, and to those who are parents to small children, it is important to take every preventative measure possible to avoid anyone from being harmed.

At most veterinary hospitals, puppy visits generally end around 4 months of age, and for many dogs this means that we will not be examining them or reviewing their health care needs until they are 12-16 months old. Dogs that come from shelters or rescue groups often have been surgically altered before they are adopted.

Happy and well-adjusted puppies are friendly and playful. However, puppies who haven't been well-socialized may become fearful and exhibit aggressiveness as a form of self-defense. If you've ever met a dog who's scared of the everyone and everything, you know that is not a pleasant experience for anyone, and in fact, behavior problems are one of the biggest reasons dogs are relinquished to shelters.

Sometimes, your veterinarian needs to see the internal workings of your dog to make an adequate prognosis on his health. Veterinary diagnostic imaging helps us do that.  You’re probably familiar with X-rays (radiographs), ultrasounds, MRIs and CT scans. Each of these tools offers ways we can see inside your dog for a full picture of your dog’s health.

While traveling with your dog can be fun, let’s face it, it’s not always feasible. Erratic schedules and allergic family members can add stress for everyone, not to mention the difficulty of flights or long road trips.

That’s where dog boarding is helpful.

As the winter holidays are in full swing, we spend more and more time in the kitchen, whipping up goodies made with seasonal produce such as pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and cranberries. So why not let your pup in on the fun of enjoying some seasonal treats? We compiled 5 easy, yummy, and healthy dog treat recipes you’ll want to try out with your best furry friend!

**Pro Tip: Make a big batch and put the extra in the freezer. Pull out about a week's worth at a time and always have healthy, preservative-free dog treats on hand!

Do you know the truth behind these pet poison myths?

Myth #1: It is safe to use human toothpaste on my dog’s teeth.

True or false? FALSE.

Many human toothpastes contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that causes a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. Xylitol is also commonly found in sugar-free gum and candy, as well as certain medications and nasal sprays.

In recent years, grain free pet foods have become extremely popular. This trend was most likely developed in more of a consumer response to human nutrition trends, rather than responding to the nutritional needs of our pets in general.

When it comes to choosing the best food for your pet, the most important aspect is providing a complete and balanced nutritional diet, based on the specific needs of the pet.