There are many veterinary issues that we can easily relate to human ones. For example, just as discussing weight problems with people is uncomfortable, we veterinarians often dread having to bring up pet obesity with our clients. The truth is, though, it’s time to get uncomfortable in order to nip this growing epidemic in the bud and keep our pets as healthy as possible.

As veterinarians, what we’d love to talk about all day is puppy breath, good nutrition, and pet toys we recommend. Unfortunately, we have to also talk about the tough stuff to keep our pet and human clients safe, and one of those topics is heartworm disease. April is Heartworm Awareness Month.

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.

By Kimberly R. Kahn, DVM

Congratulations on your new puppy! We want to help you and your puppy develop a healthy relationship from your first days together. 

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.

We’ve all experienced cabin fever and the stir-craziness that comes with the winter months, and, unfortunately, this happens to our pets too. And while it can be tempting for the whole family to melt into the couch for months of Netflix-watching, this inactivity can lead to obesity in your dogs. In turn, obesity can lead to other harmful conditions such as diabetes and/or arthritis.

CBD (cannabidiol) has been around for thousands of years, but suddenly the term is ubiquitous. It seems like it might be worth trying for your achy pup or anxious kitty, right? Like most things, it's a bit more complex than that, so let’s delve into some factors to consider before choosing a CBD product, or really, any medication for your pet.

With Halloween mere days away, kids are already formulating their trick or treat routes. This includes strategizing based on the knowledge from former years on the houses that give out the full candy bars, as everyone knows those are prime targets for those of us that love chocolate. In other words, all of us. Do you know who else seems to be immune to the irresistible draw of chocolate? Doggos. And, as just about everyone knows, dogs and chocolate are a bad combination. But just how dangerous is chocolate for dogs and pets in general? We explore that below.