With the rising costs of veterinary bills and new treatments available, may pet owners are considering health insurance for their pets. Treatment options such as radiation therapy that were once only available to humans are becoming commonplace at veterinary hospitals. MRIs and other diagnostic tools now detect health problems that in the past would have gone undiagnosed and untreated. A kidney transplant for a cat with renal failure can cost $8,000 to $10,000, and $600 a year for medications to suppress their immune system. A pacemaker for and an elderly dog with a failing heart can cost $... [continue reading]

If you and your pooch are fortunate enough to live in San Diego County, you have every reason to take advantage of Dog Beaches. There are several off-leash beaches, the most well-known in Ocean Beach. Take Highway 8 as far west as it goes then head beachward on Voltaire Street– Dog Beach is located at the far west end of the San Diego Rover floodway. There’s a convenient parking lot and dispensers for litter-bags. The fines are high for allowing you dog to make a mess that you don’t pick up– it’s even worse to step in something someone else’s dog has left be... [continue reading]

As of April 5th, 2007 some ninety brands of cat and dog food have been recalled due to impurities that have family pets sick and dying. All the more reason to prepare your own treats with wholesome ingredients from your own kitchen. This recipe makes snacks suitable for dogs and cats – just make the size appropriate for your pet. To make these you’ll need: 2 1/2 Cups whole wheat flour 1/2 Cup powdered milk 1 Teaspoon garlic powder 1 Egg, beaten Meat drippings for flavoring and moisture In a large mixing bowl combine flour, powdered milk and garlic powder. Add egg and mix dough th... [continue reading]

In the spring and summer months, our canine companions enjoy being outside as much as we do. Dogs have a natural instinct to hunt and explore when outdoors. When they are confined and bored, without exciting places to investigate, they will chew on almost anything and engage in other undesirable behaviors such as excessive barking. Other outdoor hazards can cause illness or unintentional injury to your beloved pet. When gardening and planning your landscape, take steps to ensure that your dog can have a safe and enjoyable time outdoors. The natural beauty of a tall grass meadow can give your d... [continue reading]

Ah, the late spring and early summer! What a great time to be outdoors, work in your yard, or take the pooch for a long drive or hike! But this time of year also brings severe weather to many parts of the country. Here are some tips to keep your pets safe this time of year. Depending on where you live, the late spring and early summer can mean breathtaking days, followed by hail, thunderstorms, lightning, and rain. These epic storms pose threats to homes and cars, and also your pets. The most important safety rule for pets is IDENTIFICATION! Always make sure that your pet is wearing... [continue reading]

Christmas is the time of year that many of us become stressed with the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Generally, we’re out of the house more often than not, whether it is a trip to the store for holiday shopping or out visiting family and friends. The one thing you want to do is make sure your pet is healthy and happy during the holidays. With our lives so busy, some of us may forget about our canine and feline friends at home. Here are some tips on keeping your pet safe during the holiday season. First of all, many like to decorate their homes with plants and seasonal items during... [continue reading]

Why Dogs Dig Dogs dig for many different reasons. Northern breeds like huskies and malamutes dig holes in summer to have a cool place it lie. In winter, they dig a hole to have shelter from the ice and wind and to provide warmth. In fact, any dog breed will dig a hole to cool themselves on a hot summer day. Other breeds, such as terriers dig to find prey. Dogs have a keen sense of hearing and smell. They can hear things under the earth’s surface and are able to sniff out odors from underground. Dogs dig to unearth creatures that live underground such as mice, moles and voles. Bitches that ar... [continue reading]

One of the toughest tricks to teach your dog, is having it come when you call. Sure, a dog will come if you call it’s name- but will it stay in an obedient fashion? Chances are, probably not unless you have trained it to. Untrained dogs lie on deaf ears, they couldn’t care less if you are sitting there telling them to ‘sit’, ‘stay’, or ‘roll over’. But the trained dog, the obedient one, before any other tricks are learned – should know the most important one. And that one would be, drumroll please, coming when you call. So here is a step-by... [continue reading]

Affluent pet owners finally have something spectacular and out of the ordinary to offer their pets. In particular, dog owners can now purchase a deluxe mansion for their beloved dog instead of the typical doghouse. Pampered pets are nothing new. It’s simply the level to which pet owners can now go that is. Birthdays and holidays have always been celebrated for many a dog or cat, but how many can actually say that they have received a mansion of their own for their birthday? As time goes by and as more companies sprout up, more and more dogs will own a mansion of their own. Today’s do... [continue reading]

Whether it’s for a parade, a pet show, or even Halloween, you should always consider safety first when dressing your dog. Make sure your dog is always supervised while wearing the costume to prevent accidental ingestion or strangulation. Never leave your dog crated in a costume or other clothing. You may understand what clothes are all about, but it’s not likely that your dog does. They put up with costumes for you, not by their own nature. Small pieces, such as booties, sequins, and tail bands, can become irritating and invite being chewed. Young dogs or aggressive chewers may tea... [continue reading]