Fear Free Happy Homes
Reading Time: 5 minutes This is Sophie. She’s a very good girl, but has been itching constantly. While her family, the Fosters, have enjoyed extra time at home together recently, Sophie’s scratching, chewing, and biting her skin is driving everyone crazy! And she’s not alone. Allergic skin disease is one of the most common reasons that pets need veterinary […]
Reading Time: 3 minutes When I mentioned to a friend that I was thinking of taking my Labrador Retriever to the groomer, she suggested I shouldn’t do it, out of concern that the COVID-19 virus could pass through her fur if the groomer was infected, or get on the leash, or pass from the groomer to me when I […]
Reading Time: 3 minutes Many of us are spending a lot of time at home right now. Even a brief walk around the neighborhood feels like a special experience, and we may see things we never noticed before. With this perspective, we no longer take for granted the views from our windows. Assuming we could take this perspective and […]
Reading Time: 3 minutes After my husband and I adopted a little stray Poodle named Peach, we took her to the veterinarian for a checkup. We were shocked when we learned she was overweight at 10.2 pounds. “She’s been hiking with us. Maybe muscle weighs more than fat?” I ventured. Our veterinarian patiently but firmly said, “No, she needs […]
Reading Time: 4 minutes While the world practices social distancing and self-quarantine, pet owners are spending more time with their pets. The extra cuddle time with animal family members can be beneficial for humans’ physical and emotional health1,2. Spending so much time together also gives pet parents an opportunity to notice when something might be wrong with their dog […]
Reading Time: 3 minutes Lots of people are crazy about ferrets. “I think most veterinarians that work on ferrets will tell you they’re pretty darned adorable,” says Valarie V. Tynes, DVM, DACVB. But people who love them want you to know about the challenges of living with them. “The first thing I always ask people is, ‘Why do you […]
Reading Time: 5 minutes Having us shelter in place at our homes is a dream come true for dogs. What happens, though, when people head back to the office? This is a unique experience so there’s no data to suggest how pets will respond, but I suggest we’ll see a significant uptick in separation distress among the following populations […]
Reading Time: 3 minutes Medicinal hemp products have not been subject to rigorous FDA oversight, but many pet product companies tout multiple health benefits for pets. In addition to potential health claims, the anxiety-reducing potential makes it an attractive “natural” option for pet parents with fearful pets. Rob Silver, DVM, a holistic veterinarian and founder of http://nurseyourpet.com, and veterinary pain […]
Reading Time: 3 minutes With more than a million cases of COVID-19 diagnosed worldwide, and the number rising, most people are still grappling with the changes and restrictions of life during a global pandemic. News that dogs, cats, and ferrets may be susceptible to the virus only increases the fear, anxiety, and stress pet parents are feeling. What are […]
Reading Time: 3 minutes We know that senior people partnered with pets benefit from the companionship and numerous health benefits. Walking the dog and playing with the cat offer exercise opportunities and lower blood pressure, for example. I like to call it the “Pet Effect.” Sadly, many seniors have difficulty feeding themselves, let alone their animal companions. Even if […]