You don’t have to be a Scout to know that being prepared for an emergency is a smart idea. After all, you probably have bandages, topical ointments, and other items for human first aid needs. Why not prepare something similar for your pets?

Some emergencies are obvious, such as if your dog or cat has stopped breathing or is bleeding profusely. In those cases, of course, you’ll call the emergency vet.

As a pet lover, you know your pet makes you happy. But you may be surprised to hear that science agrees that those warm feelings can lift your mood and even lower your blood pressure!

In fact, the positives are such that pets are now invited into all sorts of therapy settings, such as hospitals, to soothe and calm the patients. There’s even a name for it: “pet therapy.”

Is your home hazard-free? For pets, it may not be as safe as you think. National Poison Prevention Week is the perfect time for pet owners to educate themselves about these potential dangers, including common household products and plants.

Dogs and cats are curious, checking out their environments with direct contact and taste. This is why you should be diligent in preventing poisoning in your best pet pals. Here’s what to watch out for, plus further information about treatment for pet poisoning:

Over the past several years, veterinary professionals have paid a great deal of attention to pet vaccination protocols. With new vaccines and other developments, many veterinarians have updated their protocols as well. For example, some vaccines are now given every three years rather than annually. Of course, the vaccines given also depend on a particular pet’s risk and exposure.

We continually assess the need for the vaccines we recommend and tailor a vaccin e protocol around each pet’s individual lifestyle.

If you have looked into having your dog or cat’s teeth cleaned, you probably have stumbled upon anesthesia-free pet dental cleanings. This simply means that your pet will not go under general anesthesia in order to have their teeth cleaned. At first glance, it seems less risky and less expensive, so why not?

Heartworm infection is a serious and potentially fatal disease in both dogs and cats. Fortunately, however, this disease is 100 percent preventable!

Are you seeing lumps, bumps or growths on your pet? No matter what you call them, masses of all kinds, from harmless skin growths to malignant tumors, are actually fairly common in our furry friends.

How Does Your Veterinarian Examine Lumps and Bumps?

While most masses are benign, we recommend examinations and fine needle aspirates for all new growths. This simple procedure allows the veterinarian to determine the nature of the growth by collecting a sample of cells and viewing them under a microscope.