Ahhh, Spring. With the scent of flowers lingering in the air, the temperatures beginning to rise, and wildlife beginning to emerge from their winter dens, this season is full of promise. But you know what else spring is full of? Fleas and ticks. Just like everything else, fleas and ticks thrive in the warmer weather. The ideal temperature for these pesky parasites is about 70-85 degrees, although they can survive in cooler climates. For most states, flea and tick season runs from about May through September, so it’s best to get a handle on how to prepare now.

Many clients come to our veterinary clinics, heads held low, as they are embarrassed about their dog's dental care. Look, we're veterinarians—not robots! We understand that taking care of your dog's dental care isn't always a priority, and life happens. However, we're also here to tell you that waiting because you're embarrassed can only cause more harm. It's best to get your dog's dental care under control sooner rather than later to avoid a painful mouth and possibly big vet bills down the line if the dental disease gets too far advanced.

As you fire up the woodstove, gas up the generators, load up on flashlights and firewood, and other winter storm preparation, remember that your pet needs special preventive care and prep, too. Follow these six tips to keep your pet safe and warm in the face of an upcoming storm. 

From their goofy grins to their silly head tilts when we talk to them, dogs are, quite frankly, the best. As veterinarians, we know that dogs hold a special place in our clients' hearts, which is why canine cancer is certainly a topic we hope to avoid having to discuss.

Acupuncture is a type of medicine that has been around for thousands of years. In human and veterinary medicine, it is used as an alternative method for treating chronic pain. This traditional Chinese medicine refers to the insertion of a tiny needle or thin piece of metal into pre-established points in the body. From a western viewpoint, acupuncture points correlate with areas where we have a bundle of vessels and nerves. The insertion of the needle often causes an increase in blood flow and the release of some anti-inflammatory mediators.

“That’s a face only a mother could love.” Perhaps this has been said about your dog, and it’s true—even if your dog’s got an underbite and googly eyes, they are likely perfect to you. You love them unconditionally and think they’re perfect...that is, perhaps, until you take them for a walk. This trouble with dog-walking is an all-too-common scenario that we veterinarians hear about, and in honor of this being National Train Your Dog Month, we’d love to help you nip this bad behavior in the bud.

What are a puppy's nutritional requirements?

Puppies should be fed a balanced diet formulated for growth. Look for high-quality puppy food from a brand you trust. There is a great deal of conflicting information regarding proper diet and nutrition in dogs.  We recommend carefully evaluating pet foods to determine whether the manufacturer meets these requirements as a minimum:

There’s nothing that warms the heart more than seeing the videos that pop up after the holidays of a pajama-clad kiddo popping the top off a box to reveal a puppy or a kitty. Chances are, that child has been bugging his or her parents to get a pet for eons so the payoff is usually a lot of happy tears. And while this can tale can have a happy ending, as veterinarians, we see the alternatives far too often.