It’s time to get prepared: Winter is in full swing, and it brings the dangers of severe cold weather, snow, ice and even power outages. It’s a good idea to prepare a disaster/emergency kit and include your pet in those preparations. Be sure to have enough non-perishable food, water and any prescription medications for you and your pets (as well as heartworm and flea/tick preventives) on hand to get through at least five days. Just like us, our pets like a nice comfy place to sleep and may … [Read more...] about Baby, It’s Cold Outside!
Dogs
Having a Pet Will Do Your Heart and Mind Good
We live in a time where we are living stressful lives. Between our jobs or perhaps being out of work, our families, struggling with finances, health issues, the never-ending bad news on TV and all the time spent on our computers and social media, it’s important we take time for ourselves! We need to turn off everything, decompress and, for a lot of us, that involves spending time with our furbabies – instant relaxation for us and for them! For most of us, but especially for our elderly and … [Read more...] about Having a Pet Will Do Your Heart and Mind Good
Scientists Believe Dogs are Using Magnetic Field to Navigate
We’ve all heard the stories about pets finding their way home across a great distance. They may have become lost during a move, left behind to live with friends or become separated during a trip. While dogs have a remarkable sense of smell, it could be something more. A recent study suggests dogs are able to use Earth’s magnetic field to orient themselves. The ability, known as magnetoreception, allows other creatures, such as whales, dolphins, sea turtles and birds, to use this sixth sense … [Read more...] about Scientists Believe Dogs are Using Magnetic Field to Navigate
Pets are Eating Better as Humans Become More Health Conscious
When we eat healthier, pets eat healthier, say those in the pet care industry. Purina Chief Growth Officer Andrea Faccio says that as people have redefined wellness for themselves, they are also doing so for their pets. “We don’t see this as a trend so much as an evolution that can ultimately benefit pets and the bond they share with their owners.” Thus, she says, more than ever, pet parents are doing their research to help create the best lives for their pets. “This translates to an … [Read more...] about Pets are Eating Better as Humans Become More Health Conscious
Keeping Pets Safe in the Home and Garden
Our homes, gardens and yards are full of items that can be potentially hazardous to our furry family members and, as they are part of our family, it is our responsibility to help keep them safe. Little things laying around like coins, batteries, jewelry, paper clips, rubber bands, buttons, string and more, seem harmless to us but they could become a choking hazard to your pets. Plastic grocery bags can easily become a hazard to curious cats who love to climb in them and play. I can’t tell you … [Read more...] about Keeping Pets Safe in the Home and Garden
Valley Fever Vaccine Expected to be Coming Soon
Coughing, fever, weight loss, lack of appetite – these worrisome symptoms are all cause for alarm when exhibited by loved ones, including family pets. If you recognize these clinical signs of illness in your dog or cat, it could be an indicator of Valley Fever, a serious though relatively rare medical condition prevalent in the Western and Southwestern portions of the United States. Valley Fever is a systemic fungal disease caused by inhaling Coccidioides spores. The Coccidioides fungus is found … [Read more...] about Valley Fever Vaccine Expected to be Coming Soon
Dogs May Suffer as Owners Return to Busy Lives
The more than 15 months of the COVID-19 saga have brought many changes for pets, some favorable and others sad, such as becoming homeless when a family had to move because of an eviction after jobs and income were lost. Jennifer Brehler, executive director of the Humane Society of Sedona, said one of the bright spots early on was a “significant increase” in the number of people stepping up to both foster and adopt shelter animals and “coming forward to help homeless animals in general and to … [Read more...] about Dogs May Suffer as Owners Return to Busy Lives
How to Help Pets Burn Energy in Summer
One challenge we all experience during the summer is how to burn enough energy as the temperature rises. Walks are more spread out and many canines become destructive, as they’re bored and have pent up energy. Here are some ideas on ways to challenge our furry friends mentally and physically when it’s too hot to be outside. One question I often ask clients is how they feed their dog. This is a great opportunity to burn energy, for there are many tools that provide enrichment during mealtime. … [Read more...] about How to Help Pets Burn Energy in Summer
Rough Year for Pets, Too
It’s tricky enough to match up homeless pets with new owners, but the upheavals of 12 months of pandemic conditions have added to the challenges of animal adoption. In some cases, it also has added new difficulties to the world of pet ownership. Sudden changes for families facing unemployment and a loss of income because of the sweeping effects of COVID-19 have caused some to have to leave their homes because of evictions and foreclosures. The unexpected and unwelcome chaos has left … [Read more...] about Rough Year for Pets, Too
Destination: Forever Home
A puppy had been badly burned and needed immediate medical care, according to the urgent online post. It was Saturday morning, March 6. Recently-retired American Airlines Boeing 787 Captain David Weeks was at home in Flagstaff, enjoying the sound of the breeze through the pines on this unusually warm winter day when he read the message on the Pilots N’ Paws discussion board. The pup, six or seven months old, had been stabilized at a small remote clinic, but required an emergency flight to … [Read more...] about Destination: Forever Home
